Monthly Archives: April 2025

In 1964, record producer Phil Spector recorded Cher under the name Bonnie Jo Mason with “Ringo, I Love You.” The 45 was released to capitalize on the new-found popularity of the Beatles. The single was issued on Annette Records, a … Continue reading →

Out of Toronto Canada came Rush, one of Rock and Roll’s most successful groups with 24 gold records and sales that places them just behind the Beatles and the Rolling Stones for most consecutive gold records by a Rock band. … Continue reading →

The legend of Johnny Ace is the first Rock and Roll mystery. Many say he shot himself back stage at a concert in Houston while playing Russian Roulette on Christmas Eve 1954. Others say it was an accident. And there … Continue reading →

The term genius is sometimes used when it doesn’t apply but not in the case of Ray Charles. Born Ray Charles Robinson, he dropped his last name so not to be confused with boxing champ, Sugar Ray Robinson. At home … Continue reading →

“John Lennon Sings Great Rock & Roll Hits” was a disaster from the start. The recording session was rushed. The quality was bad. Record producer Phil Spector was not at his best. The album, released on Adam VIII Ltd Records, … Continue reading →

He was born Eugene Dixon but recorded under the name Gene Chandler. Record producer Carl Davis gave Dixon the new name because movie star Jeff Chandler was Davis’ favorite actor. However, after Gene’s #1 hit in 1962, most people know … Continue reading →

Fleetwood Mac’s founder was blues guitarist Peter Green. B.B. King once said about Green, “He has the sweetest tone I ever heard; he was the only one who gave me the cold sweats.” Green was inducted into the Rock and … Continue reading →

One of the biggest instrumental hits of all time came in 1958 with “Tequila” by the Champs who took their name from Gene Autry’s horse, Champion. The band consisted of studio musicians. Their album, “Go Champs Go,” released on Challenge … Continue reading →

Sting parted with the Police in 1984 after the band’s fifth and most successful album, “Synchronicity.” There are a lot of cases where the color of the record label or the color of the vinyl can make a difference in … Continue reading →

At the age of 13, Thelonious Monk had won so many amateur award contests at the famed Apollo Theater that he was asked to stop entering the competitions. One of the architects of what is known as Be-Bop, Monk is … Continue reading →