Monthly Archives: September 2023

Mary Aiese was lead singer of one of the sixties’ lesser-known girl-groups. She took her professional name, Reparata, from her confirmation name, which she chose because of a teacher at the Catholic school she attended. Other than opening for the … Continue reading →

In 1972 Elvis Presley would have his last top-10 hit with “Burning Love.” It was Chuck Berry’s novelty hit of “My Ding-A-Ling” that kept the king from hitting # 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the last time. If … Continue reading →

“Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” a title taken from “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Graham, was the debut album for Pink Floyd. Rolling Stone magazine includes it on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All … Continue reading →

The Olympics first found fame in 1958 with the top-10 hit, “(My Baby Loves The) Western Movies.” It was a Doo Wop novelty song based on the popular TV westerns of the day. Next up was their dance-craze hit, “(Baby) … Continue reading →

Joanie Sommers’ first hit came in 1960 with “One Boy” from the musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.” But her biggest hit ,“Johnny Get Angry,” hit #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. She later became a popular guest on TV … Continue reading →

R. Dean Taylor was a record producer at Motown in 1970 when he wrote and recorded a top-10 Billboard hit on Motown’s Rare Earth record label. “Indiana Wants Me” tells the story of a fugitive being urged to give himself … Continue reading →

What was the first Rock N Roll record? No one can say for sure but many believe it was “Rocket 88″ by Jackie Brenston (with 19-year-old Ike Turner on piano). It was recorded at Sun Records by the legendary Sam … Continue reading →

“The Velvet Underground & Nico” on Verve Records featured among others, Lou Reed, John Cale, & Nico. Born Christa Paffgen, Nico’s gloomy, monotone voice made the music unique. The single from the album was “All Tomorrow’s Parties.” Released in 1966, … Continue reading →

One-hit wonders, Question Mark & The Mysterians, might have had just one hit but it has become a Rock N Roll classic. With “96 Tears” they were the first Latino rock band to have a top 40 hit in the … Continue reading →

By 1966 Elvis movies were so formulated that Elvis wasn’t anxious to do them. An example would be “Spinout.” The single of “Spinout” barely cracked the top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The soundtrack album was released by RCA in … Continue reading →