June 1 -10, 2010
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
June 1, 2010
Guitarist Ronnie Wood (most notably of The Rolling Stones, Faces and Jeff Beck Group) is 63.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones arrived at JFK Airport in New York for their first American tour. Their first U.S. gig was a high school dance near Boston. [Trivia note: The Stones' arrived on British Airways flight 505, which later inspired their 1966 song "505."]
On this day in 1967, The Beatles released one of the most ground-breaking and influential albums in the history of Rock & Roll — "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The next day it was unleashed in America.
On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young began a six-night stand at the Fillmore East in New York, yielding performances that later appeared on the live "Four Way Street" album.
On this day in 1972, The Eagles self-titled debut album was released.
On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones did their first gig with Ronnie Wood as an official member.
Aerosmith In Your Backyard
Oh, you knew the recently rejuvenated Aerosmith would be touring the States sooner rather than later. But did you know they'd be hitting the Southland on July 29th? Yes my brothers and sisters: Aerosmith will rock the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on July 29th — stay tuned for more details!
Bret's Flirtation
Continuing his flirtation with death, Bret Michaels returned to the stage for his first concert following the brain hemorrhage and stroke which sidelined him last month. Word is the Poison frontman kicked some serious butt during Friday night's sold-out show in Biloxi, with most reviewers struck by how much energy he had on stage. Of course VH1 was on hand to film the performance for Michaels' upcoming reality show, "Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It." You may recall that Bret also won this season's "Celebrity Apprentice" a couple weeks back, appearing on the live finale against doctors' orders. And he also performed on the finale of this year's "American Idol," again without his doctor's permission. But VH1 was there, and so it goes.
KISS Mini Golf
You have to wonder what took them so long to do this. KISS has teamed up with Monster Mini-Golf to create a new, indoor, glow-in-the-dark KISS-themed mini-golf course in Las Vegas. Think about it — mini-golf with black lights, glowing balls, special effects and KISS. Now, how long before they write a song about glowing balls?
Money Forces Jovi To Quit
Leave it to Jon Bon Jovi to come up with a new way to quit smoking. Jon says, "[I quit because of] the cold hard truth. I tried to get life insurance and the price with smoking was so ridiculous it was enough to piss you off and just throw them in the garbage... so I swore off them before the tour and I'm happy to say that I haven't picked them up again." Let's hope that the rigors of Bon Jovi's ongoing The Circle world tour don't drive Jon back to his nasty habit!
Dio Service
Over 1,200 friends, family and fans of Ronnie James Dio gathered to remember and celebrate the man Sunday afternoon inside Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Hall Of Liberty. Hundreds more gathered in the heat outside the auditorium to watch the proceedings on giant TV screens. Dio — whose career included work with Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Heaven & Hell — lost his battle with stomach cancer last Sunday. The emotional memorial, which lasted more than three hours, was comprised of both spoken and musical tributes. Rest in peace, music man.
It was William Shakespeare who said [in "As You Like It"]:
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts..."
June 2, 2010
Drummer Charlie Watts, the heart & backbeat of The Rolling Stones, is 69.
On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney & Wings' "My Love" hit #1 as "Daniel" by Elton John peaked at #2.
On this day in 1984, Van Halen's "I'll Wait" peaked at #13.
On this day in 1993, U2 briefly became the richest group in rock when they inked a 10-year, six-album, $60 million deal with Island/PLG. The deal included a 25% royalty rate, which would certainly buy a lot of Guinness Stout or Bushmill's whiskey.
On this day in 2008, Bo Diddley, the musical pioneer whose songs melded Rhythm & Blues with Rock & Roll through a distinctive thumping beat, died of heart failure in his Florida home at the age of 79.
White House Honors To Macca
Tonight Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Faith Hill, The White Stripes' Jack White, The Jonas Brothers and Jerry Seinfeld will be among the stars honoring Paul McCartney as the latest recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The former Beatle is being recognized for both his humanitarian efforts and his extraordinary body of work. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host the concert in the East Room of the White House. The PBS version of the event, "Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House," will debut on July 28th.
Ringo TV
The second season of American Public Television's "Live From The Artists Den" will kick off next month with an intimate performance by Ringo Starr at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. The former Beatle will be backed by Ben Harper and his excellent little band.
BCC
The yet to be seen (or heard) supergroup with former Deep Purple singer Glenn Hughes, guitar god Joe Bonamassa, Led Zeppelin drummer Jason Bonham and keyboardist Derek Sherinian has taken the name Black Country Communion — but you can call them BCC. The guys were forced to add the word Communion to their original choice of a name after another group called Black Country objected. But it's working out well: BCC have already launched a website as well as pages on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter to keep fans up to date on their forthcoming album and tour. Check 'em out at BCCommunion.com.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."
It was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said: "It takes less time to do a thing right than explain why you did it wrong."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Live as though it were your last day on earth. Some day you will be right."
Computer Bugs
In 1945, when an early computer at Harvard malfunctioned, early software engineer Grace Hopper found a moth in one of the circuits and removed it, thereby restoring the machine to working order. Ever since, when something goes wrong with a computer, it is said to have a bug in it. Note: At the time of her death in 1992, Ms. Hopper held the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy. (http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/hopper.html)
June 3, 2010
Singer Ian Hunter of Mott The Hoople is 64.
Byrds drummer Michael Clarke would have been 63.
Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell would have been 58.
On this day in 1964, when Ringo Starr collapsed with tonsillitis on the eve of a world tour, Beatles' manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin picked session man Jimmy Nicol to become The Fab Four's temporary drummer. Ten days later, Jimmy returned to obscurity.
On this day in 1967, The Doors released the song "Light My Fire."
On this day in 1970, Ray Davies of The Kinks flew back to London from New York to rerecord two words in the song "Lola." He changed "Coca-Cola" to "cherry cola" to qualify for airplay on the noncommercial BBC radio.
On this day in 1972, "Old Man" by Neil Young peaked at #31 on the charts.
On this day in 1979, The Knack released their debut album, "Get The Knack," one year to the day after playing their first gig. It was certified a million-seller 13 days later.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pink Floyd as well as conversation with Roger Waters and David Gilmour. Stream on!
Unc On The Big Screen
Don't miss Uncle Joe's name check 1:30 into the hilarious raunchy comedy "Get Him To The Greek" (and don't miss the closing credits)! Who else would be on their radio in the most pivotal scene?
Limey In The White House
It was the guest of honor who kicked off a night of tributes to Sir Paul McCartney when he received the "Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song" last night in the East Room of the White House with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in attendance. Upon being introduced, Sir Paulie immediately kick started the event by launching into a live rendition of "Got To Get You Into My Life." Elvis Costello, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Emmylou Harris and Faith Hill were among the stars paying tribute to Macca. The ceremony was taped for an episode of the PBS series "In Performance at the White House," which will debut on July 28th.
Frampton TV
Peter Frampton will be back in late night tonight to promote his new album, "Thank You Mr. Churchill." You can see Peter, as well as "Get Him To The Greek" actor Jonah Hill on TBS' "Lopez Tonight," hosted by George Lopez.
More For Les
The special guest list is growing! Jeff Beck will be joined by Steve Miller, Warren Haynes and Nils Lofgren — among others — at next Wednesday's celebration of the late Les Paul's 95th birthday. Stephen Colbert and John McEnroe will also be on hand for the performance at New York's tiny Iridium Jazz Club, Les' favorite haunt and the site of his weekly jam.
Henley Beats Thieving Pol
Don Henley has silenced California senatorial hopeful Chuck DeVore, who used Henley's "Boys of Summer" and "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" as the basis for parody tracks he uploaded to YouTube last year. On Tuesday, California Judge James Selna issued a 32-page ruling that said DeVore's YouTube projects were a violation of copyright laws. While the candidate claimed the tracks were parodies, the judge ruled that since they weren't satirizing the song itself of the singer, they were not parodies and thus, were illegal. Don wasn't the first to sue a pol for stealing. Jackson Browne won a legal victory over John McCain for use of an unauthorized song last year, and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is currently suing Florida Governor Charlie Crist for using his song "Road To Nowhere" in his campaign. And the beat goes on.
It was Mae West who said: "I used to be Snow White... but I drifted."
It was Art Buchwald who said: "I always wanted to get into politics, but I was never light enough to make the team."
It was Jay Leno who said: "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime. Teach a man to create an artificial shortage of fish and he will eat steak."
June 4, 2010
On this day in 1969, The Beatles released the song "The Ballad of John and Yoko."
On this day in 1977, Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit" was released as "Mainstreet" by Bob Seger peaked at #24 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks released "Stand Back" while "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and David Bowie's "China Girl" entered the charts.
On this day in 1986, the first date of the "Conspiracy of Hope" concert tour took place at San Francisco's Cow Palace. The ground breaking tour, which played the Forum here in the Southland, included Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel, Sting and U2 on the bill.
Unc On The Big Screen
Don't miss Uncle Joe's name check 1:30 into the hilarious raunchy comedy "Get Him To The Greek" (and don't miss the closing credits)! Who else would be on their radio in the most pivotal scene?
Stealing From Rush
They just don't care — copyright laws and common decency mean nothing to the latest batch of Republican candidates. Rush is the latest band to take issue with the unauthorized use of their songs in a campaign. Kentucky's Republican Senatorial candidate Rand Paul (the same weasel who doesn't believe in the Civil Rights Act of 1964) has been playing "The Spirit Of Radio" and "Tom Sawyer" at appearances and in Web ads. While you can't fault his taste in music (or is it his fascination with author Ayn Rand?), the band has asked him to stop using their songs. The trio's attorney explains, "This is not a political issue — this is a copyright issue. We would do this no matter who it is." Well said... now, let's all crank up "Red Barchetta!"
A Really Early Plant Preview
Although the album won't be released until September 13th, occasional Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant has unveiled his latest solo album, "Band Of Joy," this past Tuesday in London. Of course Band Of Joy is a reference to the blues band that Robert fronted in his pre-Zeppelin days, but the new album — for which Plant recorded 24 songs in 15 days — doesn't reunite him with any of the original Band Of Joy bandmates. As for the tour, that will start Stateside in July — at least a full two months before the album is released. Strange timing indeed.
Good Live Stuff
If it's true that a good live recording captures the soul of a band better than their studio recordings, prepare to do some soul searching! The first 11 volumes of Legacy Recordings "Setlist" series will be out on July 13th. Featuring remastered tracks from each artist's archive of live album recordings, each "Setlist" CD also has computer accessible liner notes essays, discographical info, photos and bonus features. The first round of releases will include Judas Priest, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Jefferson Airplane, Kansas, Ted Nugent, Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult.
Ganging Up On Sir Paulie
Welcome to Mexico City gabachos! As Paul McCartney was leaving his huge Mexico City gig last week, a gang surrounded his tour bus, climbed on the roof and jumped up and down. Macca and his crew at first thought the crowd was made up of fans, but when they realized it wasn't, they called the police immediately. The gang dispersed when they heard the sirens and, while Sir Paulie was unhurt, he was a little shaken up.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "I am not young enough to know everything."
It was Johnny Carson who said: "If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."
June 5, 2010
Badfinger bassist Mike Evans would have been 63.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones released the song "Satisfaction" in the U.S. just three weeks after recording it in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It went on to become the biggest song of the Sixties.
On this day in 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy was shot and killed in Los Angeles. David Crosby writes "Long Time Gone" which is immediately recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash. The next day, The Rolling Stones included the lyric "...who killed the Kennedys..." as they recorded "Sympathy for the Devil."
On this day in 1976, "Fool To Cry" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #10, "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #11 and "Crazy On You" by Heart peaked at #35 on the charts. Whew!
On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Living On The Edge" peaked at #18 on the singles chart.
On this day in 2002, Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone (born Douglas Colvin) died of an accidental drug overdose in Los Angeles at the age of 49.
June 6, 2010
Guitar god Steve Vai is 50.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles entered London's Abbey Road Studios to audition for producer George Martin. He signed the group the following month, and the world was changed forever.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" hit #1 on the U.S. singles charts.
On this day 1968, The Rolling Stones reworked the lyrics to "Sympathy for the Devil" to reflect the recent assassination of Robert Kennedy.
On this day in 1969, Rod Stewart signed a contract as a solo artist with Mercury Records while he was still the lead singer for The Jeff Beck Group.
On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released "Teach Your Children" as "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival peaked at #4 on the charts.
On this day in 1972, David Bowie released his classic "The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars" album.
On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones released their "Made In The Shade" greatest hits compilation.
On this day in 1976, Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak" album was released.
On this day in 1982, over 85,000 packed the Rose Bowl for the Peace Sunday concert that featured, among others, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne and Stevie Wonder. Do you know someone born in April 1983? It took forever to get out of the parking lot that night!
On this day in 1987, Genesis became the first group in the history of rock to spend a full year on America's Top 100 singles chart with tracks from just one album. "Invisible Touch" was the album, and the streak began when the album's title song entered the charts on this day in 1986.
On this day in 1987, "Wanted Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released their classic "In Step" album.
On this day in 2002, following an eight-year battle with AIDS, Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby died at the age of 42.
On this day in 2006, keyboardist Billy Preston — who played with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Al Green, Sly & The Family Stone, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and Elton John — died at the age of 59 of kidney failure in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over his career, Billy also recorded and toured extensively with The Rolling Stones, and wrote the Joe Cocker classic "You Are So Beautiful." He was indeed a musician's musician.
June 7, 2010
Tom Jones and Prince — one turns 70 and the other 52, you figure it out.
Jane's Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro is 43.
On this day in 1969, The Who's "Tommy" album entered the U.S. charts. On this day one year later, they performed "Tommy" in its entirety (for the last time until 1989) at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. No significant damage to the Opera House was reported, but there were more than a few dazed individuals in the audience!
On this day in 1969, Blind Faith debuted with a free concert for over 120,000 fans in London's Hyde Park. The "supergroup," which featured Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, split up a few months later after one album and one tour.
On this day in 1975, Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" album debuted on the U.S. chart at #1 — the first time an album entered the chart at the top spot.
On this day in 1994, Boston released their third album, "Walk On."
Sampling Bruce's Video
"London Calling: Live In Hyde Park," the new concert DVD from Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, is available for pre-order, and — for a limited time — you can get a free sample! The DVD features Bruce's June 2009 performance at London's Hard Rock Calling Festival, and Springsteen.net is currently streaming the band performing "Glory Days."
More Rush
Rush are scheduled to receive their star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on Friday June 25th. On the next day, VH1 and VH1 Classic will unveil the feature-length documentary "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage" for cable TV audiences. (KLOS has also arranged special screenings of the film — winner of the "Audience Award" at this year's Tribeca Film Festival — for this Thursday.) The band will kick off its "Time Machine Tour" with a June 29th gig in Albuquerque and a pair of Southland dates in mid-August. After the tour, the boys will finish their "Clockwork Angels" album, with a release targeted for early 2011. Rock on!
Winwood's Collection
Tomorrow Steve Winwood is rolling out his career-spanning "Revolutions" compilation as both a four-volume box set and a 17-track single CD. The collection will feature material from Winwood's mid-Sixties Spencer Davis Band days, along with tracks from Traffic and Blind Faith as well as from his lengthy solo career.
It was Dave Barry who said: "There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
It was Hunter S. Thompson who said: "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."
It was Muhammad Ali who said: "Don't count the days, make the days count."
Lack of Sleep/Gain of Stupidity
According to research, cutting back on sleep impairs your mental skills as much as completely skipping sleep for a few days. Researchers measured response times and memorization skills in subjects who had slept either 4, 6 or 8 hours per day for two weeks against those of a group who stayed awake for three days. Participants who slept for 8 hours performed normally, while those sleeping 6 hours or less scored just as poorly by the end of the week as the group who hadn't slept at all. Wonder how many radio executives are using that as an excuse?
June 8, 2010
Crooner Boz Scaggs is 66.
On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones released the single "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
On this day in 1969, Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones left/was kicked out of the group. He was soon replaced by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers alumni Mick Taylor.
On this day in 1974, Paul McCartney & Wings' "Band On The Run" hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1974, Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman left the band (for the first time) to pursue a solo career.
On this day in 1985, Dire Straits' blockbuster "Brothers In Arms" album entered the charts on its way to nine weeks at #1.
Ozzy Body For Science
Ever a role model for the youth of the world, Ozzy Osbourne plans to donate his body to a museum in London. "By all accounts I'm a medical miracle," Osbourne said. "When I die, I should donate my body to the Natural History Museum. It's all very well going on a bender for a couple of days — but mine went on for 40 years... At one point I was knocking back four bottles of cognac a day, blacking out, coming to again and carrying on. While filming the TV show 'The Osbournes,' I was also shoving 42 types of prescription medication down my neck, morning, noon and night — and that was before all the dope I was smoking in my 'safe' room, away from the cameras." "Scream," the 10th studio album from the now fit-as-a-fiddle Prince of Darkness is due out on June 22nd.
Gayest Man In The World Plays Limbaugh's Wedding
Never one to turn down a million dollar paycheck, Sir Elton John sang at Rush Limbaugh's fourth wedding last Saturday night. Despite the right wing talk show host being a screaming opponent of gay marriage, he was thrilled to have Elton — one of the world's most openly gay men — perform. You have to wonder if that pissed off right-winger guitar-slinger Ted Nugent.
Where's Bowie?
Long absent from the music scene, David Bowie said "I'm not thinking of touring... I'm comfortable" in a recent profile of his supermodel wife Iman. Following the release of two strong back-to-back albums (2002's "Heathen" and 2003's "Reality"), David launched a very successful world tour which was cut short when he suffered a heart attack in Summer 2004. Since then, he's been on an unannounced hiatus, has only rarely appeared on stage and hasn't released a new song in nearly seven years. There's a lot to be said for being comfortable.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "It's like deja-vu, all over again."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "It's always the secure who are humble."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Moving fast is not the same as going somewhere."
June 9, 2010
Les Paul, guitar god and major inventor, would have been 95.
Former Deep Purple/Whitesnake keyboardist Jon Lord is 69.
Jimi Hendrix's drummer, Mitch Mitchell, would have been 63.
Bassist Trevor Bolder, of David Bowie's Spiders From Mars, is 60.
Gregg Bissonette, drummer for everyone from Santana to Joe Satriani to Don Henley and David Lee Roth, is 51.
On this day in 1973, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #42 on the charts.
On this day in 1977, George and Patti Harrison (the inspiration for the song "Layla") were granted a divorce. Soon after, she married George's best friend, Eric Clapton.
On this day in 1979, "Renegade" by Styx topped out at #16 on the charts.
On this day in 1984, "Oh Sherrie" by Steve Perry of Journey peaked at #3 on the charts.
On this day in 1987, over 20 guitar legends packed New York's Hard Rock Cafe to celebrate the 72nd birthday of guitar pioneer Les Paul. Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Rick Derringer were among the attendees who jammed on stage. Regrettably, a recording of the event was never released.
Beatles/Kobe/Nike
Have you caught that cool cover of The Beatles' "All Together Now" — classic sing-a-long if ever there was one — in the Kobe Bryant/Nike commercial airing during the Lakers run for the NBA Championship? Andre 3000 of the GRAMMY-winning hip-hop duo OutKast (the same dude who covered Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" for a Super Bowl ad) is the man responsible for this version of the song. The Paul McCartney tune was originally recorded (with John Lennon on ukulele) in 1967, and released on the 1969 "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack. A much stranger version of it had appeared on the 1995 Muppet album, "Kermit Unplugged," which Chris Carter may or may not feature on this Sunday morning's "Breakfast With The Beatles" on KLOS.
Lanois Is Down
We all know about U2 frontman Bono spending this Summer recovering from back surgery instead of touring the States. Now we hear that the band's longtime producer, Daniel Lanois, is hospitalized in intensive care following a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles this past Saturday. He's expected to be released from intensive care "soon," and they say his recovery should also take about two months. Get well soon!
Keef's Whining
Of course Keith Richards wants to start work on a new Rolling Stones album! But the guitarist is grousing that singer Mick Jagger is holding things up. As Keef says, "I'm trying to find out when it will happen myself... I sent a note to (Stones drummer) Charlie Watts saying, 'Should I put an ad in a music magazine — guitar player for hire?' I've got to do something." And he adds, "It doesn't matter which band, you have got to have the frontman wanting to do it. You can't shove the lead singer into it. I learned that many years ago. I usually wait for Mick to call me. When he does, it's because he's got an itch and wants to go to work." The Stones are currently riding a wave of success from the re-release of their 1972 classic, "Exile On Main Street." Their last new studio release was 2005's "A Bigger Bang." And you can quote me as saying they'll be touring later this year or early next.
It was Ivy Baker Priest who said: "I'm often wrong but never in doubt."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age 18."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "You may delay, but time will not."
June 10, 2010
Blues legend Howlin' Wolf would have been 101.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones met two of their idols during a recording session when bluesmen Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters stopped by Chicago's Chess Studios.
On this day in 1969, guitarist Brian Jones (a psychedelicized victim of the Sixties) was fired from The Rolling Stones, the band he helped form seven years earlier. Of course, on this day in 1969 Brian Jones didn't really know what day it was or where he was. A couple of weeks later he was dead.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded "Give Peace A Chance" during their bed-in for peace in the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal (it was room #1742).
On this day in 1978, Eddie Money's "Baby Hold On" peaked at #11 on the charts as "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan topped out at #19.
On this day in 2004, legendary singer Ray Charles died at his Beverly Hills home from complications due to liver disease. The Albany, Georgia native lost his sight by age 7, but went on to become an accomplished musician, winning 13 GRAMMY awards over the course of his long career. Charles influenced countless artists and was one of the first inductees to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was only 73.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of John Mellencamp and conversation with John and drummer Kenny Aronoff. Stream on!
Sleepy Time Sab
Just what us insomniacs need! Black Sabbath are the latest band to have their songs turned into "soothing rock song instrumentals" for an album from the award-winning label Rockabye Baby. The album, which hits stores on July 13th, will include such sleepy time faves as "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", "Heaven & Hell" and "Planet Caravan". If you prefer your lullaby's in a more uplifting key, Rockabye Baby's acclaimed catalog also features albums from Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Guns 'N Roses and more. You can check them out at http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com.
Elvis Spudley
This may not be a half-baked idea. Word is that the Elvis Presley estate has signed a deal with Hasbro Inc. and PPW Toys to release an Elvis version of Mr. Potato Head in time for Elvis Tribute Week in August. The first edition Spud King will come in a jumpsuit; the second (to be released in time for the holidays) in black leather.
It was W. C. Fields who said: "I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally."
It was Mark Twain who said: "Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18."
It was Goodman Ace who said: "Politics makes estranged bedfellows."