Rhapsody in Bohemian
On this date in 1975, one of the unlikeliest of hit songs was released. It was a song without a chorus. It had an entire operatic section, a genre of music as far removed from pop or rock audiences as one could find. The title of the song didn’t appear in any of the lyrics. […]
DYLAN
Today in history marked the birth of a career at the forefront of creating the musical tapestry which is the soundtrack to our lives. On October 26, 1961, Bob Dylan signed his recording contract with Columbia Records, a relationship that would span five decades and produce numerous anthems for the Baby Boomer generation (not to […]
Ted Templeman
One of the greatest producers of music to ever grace our planet turns 80 today. Ted Templeman is a name that, if you don’t know it, you should. Every classic Doobie Brothers song, China Grove, Long Train Runnin’, Listen to the Music, Rockin’ down the Highway, Jesus Is Just Alright, Without You, Takin’ It to […]
SAMMY!
Sammy Hagar turns 77 today. Some people seem to be perpetually young and Sammy is one of them. Know why? Because he is truly appreciative of everything that has happened in his life. And what a life it’s been. Why is Sammy more appreciative than other rock singers? His family worked in the lettuce fields […]
Train Kept A-Rollin’ All Night Long!
All right, raise your hand if you recognize the name “Tiny Bradshaw.” Thought so. Myron Carlton “Tiny” Bradshaw co-wrote The Train Kept A-Rollin’ and recorded it on this date in 1951 in my hometown of Cincinnati. I would argue that this song was responsible for more great rock bands than any other in history with […]
Elton’s Peak: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
More than any other non-classical piece of work, it has everything the cinema can offer: the big dramatic opening with Funeral and Love Lies Bleeding; the passionate highs of Saturday Night and Alice; the inevitable downfall and tragedy of Danny Bailey and the title song; the longing for love of Candle in the Wind and I’ve Seen That Movie; the comedy of Social Disease; and, of course, the big, happy ending of Harmony.
Stevie, Lindsey, and Keb’
Three of my favorite guitarists have November 3rd birthdays. Let’s start with the one who, sadly, is no longer with us, the inimitable Stevie Ray Vaughan. Stevie almost single-handedly made the blues popular again in the 1980s. He was the only guitarist I’ve ever heard who played as if his life depended on it. And, […]
THE BEATLES
The greatest cultural influence in my lifetime was The Beatles. Nothing else comes close. But…I was too young to appreciate them when they were together (although one of my earliest memories was hearing Eleanor Rigby on the way to YMCA Camp in the summer of ‘66, at 6 years old, and thinking, “This is really […]
The Key of Life
I know we are a rock crowd. But growing up, Motown music had a huge effect on our musical tastes. And everyone from The Beatles and Stones to CCR and Doobie Brothers covered Motown songs. On this date in 1976, the stunningly superb Songs In the Key of Life was released. Thriller had the otherworldly […]
Hard Drivin’ Man
If there ever exists a College of Musical Knowledge, this album is required listening.
