Monthly Archives: October 2023

One of the biggest teenage tragedy records of all time came in 1960 and falls into the gloomy “death rock” category where some unlucky teen bites the dust, as exemplified by “Teen Angel” by Mark Dinning and “Last Kiss” by … Continue reading →

The Isley Brothers first introduced “Shout” in 1959 and thanks to the toga party scene from the movie, “Animal House,” in 1978, the song (this time by Otis Day & the Nights) became a party classic. Put the record on … Continue reading →

“Hail Hail Rock N Roll.” Where would it be without Chuck Berry? It’s hard to think of one great rock-and-roller who hasn’t been influenced by the man who gave us “Johnny B Goode” and so many other classics. His first … Continue reading →

In 1989 R.E.M was called “America’s hippest band.” Led by Michael Stipe, this superstar group of the 80’s was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Their first single on Hibtone Records, “Radio Free Europe,” released … Continue reading →

The first of the manufactured teen idols of the 1950’s was a young man from Philadelphia whose good looks covered up his less than perfect voice. Fabian’s single, “Tiger,” was a top 3 hit. The 45 can now sell for … Continue reading →

On December 10, 1967 Otis Redding joined the much too long list of recording stars that lost their lives in a plane crash. His 1966 album, “Dictionary of Soul,” was his last before his death. It contained one of his … Continue reading →

It starts off like all Dragnet episodes, “This is the city, Los Angeles California.” Jack Webb will forever live as Sgt. Joe Friday seeking “just the facts.” And the fact is in 1953 RCA released an audio version of “Dragnet-The Christmas … Continue reading →

In 1964 a lot of people thought the Beau Brummels were part of the British Invasion but actually they were from San Francisco. Heavily influence by the Beatles, they had their first hit with “Laugh Laugh.” A copy on an … Continue reading →

Jan and Dean was one of the most successful duos in Rock N Roll history. Managed by the legendary Herb Alpert of Tijuana Brass fame, they had their first hit on the Dore record label.  “Baby Talk” is worth up … Continue reading →

It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t love the music of Sam Cooke. Between 1957 and 1964 he had 30 singles that made the Billboard Hot 100. Cooke was also a music publisher and record label owner, which was rare … Continue reading →