Monthly Archives: October 2023

Originally billed as “Little Miss Sharecropper” in the 40’s, it was Lavern Baker’s smash hits such as ”Jim Dandy” and “I Cried a Tear” that made her a major rhythm and blues star in the 50’s. Her first 45, “Soul … Continue reading →

The Monkees might have had quite a different sound if two who tried out to be in the group and part of their very successful TV show had actually been chosen. Instead of Davy Jones and the others selected, the … Continue reading →

Janis Martin was billed as the “Female Elvis Presley.” Along with Wanda Jackson, she stood out in the male-dominated Rock N Roll world of the 1950’s. Her early releases such as “Drugstore Rock N Roll” and “My Boy Elvis” (now … Continue reading →

Country superstar Eddie Arnold created what became known as the “Nashville Sound,” a mix of Country and Pop. Even though his manager, Col. Tom Parker, left him for a new kid by the name of Elvis Presley, Eddie went on … Continue reading →

Chicago’s debut album was “The Chicago Transit Authority” when they were known by that name. Prior to that, they called themselves the Missing Links and before that, the Big Thing. Blending Jazz and Soul with a brass section, they signed … Continue reading →

Hank Ballard & the Midnighters had some of Rock N Roll’s earliest records to be banned on radio, such as “Work With Me Annie” and “Annie Had a Baby (Can’t Work No More).” Each can now sell for $75.00. Hank … Continue reading →

On March 3,1956 Elvis makes his first appearance on the Billboard chart with a song that many at RCA lament will “bomb.” But the song goes on to hold the #1 spot on the Pop chart for 8 weeks and … Continue reading →

Wanda Jackson is the Queen of Rockabilly who’s 1960 classic, “Let’s Have a Party,” is a perfect example of her unique, raspy voice. Her debut album, “Wanda Jackson,” released on Capitol Records from 1958, is worth up to $450.00 today. … Continue reading →

Best known as a song writer with wife Cynthia Weil, Barry Mann’s novelty hit, “Who Put the Bomp (in the bomp de bomp de bomp),” could be about himself or any of the other tune-smiths at the famous Brill Building … Continue reading →

Waylon Jennings was part of Buddy Holly’s band during the tour when Holly lost his life in that legendary plane crash on February 3, 1959, which also took the lives of Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Waylon left Rock … Continue reading →