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Davy Jones of the Monkees dies at 66. Music Notes.
The Monkees rivaled and mimiced the Beatles from 1966 to 1970. In 1964, Davy Jones (pre-Monkee) appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on the same night that the Beatles first appeared. Jones was the only British citizen in the Monkees. (American-born: Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork)
Note: Rock superstar David Bowie’s real name was also David Jones and changed it to Bowie with the release of his first single “Space Oddity” in 1969, well after Davy Jones and the Monkees were stars. They rivaled the Beatles’ chart success, although not their creativity. Their Saturday morning show was a Marx Brothers/Three Stooges style. A kind of “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” for kids that featured soon-to-be hits. Great opening TV theme, too. They were a little too old to be considered a “boy band”. Marketing rock bands was new in 1966 and the Monkees enbraced it… here had millions of devoted record-buying fans, lunch boxes etc…
Their sold-out reunion tours confirmed their post-Billboard chart popularity.
The Monkees were created by Don Kirshner, a producer with songwriting and chart connections. Neil Diamond (wrote ” I’m A Believer” ) and connections with the Brill Building team kept fresh hit singles coming for the “pre-fab four”. After the Monkees broke up, he developed “The Archies” (“Sugar Sugar”, #1, 1969) for the same teen audience. An animated gang who got into hi-jinks and sang songs, just like the Monkees. Then in 1972, he produced a late night classic, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert. This lip sync show in the pre-MTV era was the only was that fans got to see these singers/bands without going to a concert.
Michael Nesmith : wrote “Different Drum” for Linda Ronstadt, he also had a solo hit (#21) “Joanne”(1970).
Pop music kings in great era of pop music. The heart-throb (like McCartney) of the group, Jones appeared many shows including The Brady Bunch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm39e0w8fzw&feature=player_embedded#!
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 5:28 pm. Add a comment
Written by Ed Mullen (Feb14, 2011) www.DJMrEdHQ.com
- Whitney Houston MusicNotes -
Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012, age 48)
Born in Newark, New Jersey. Third of three children.
Attended the New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey.
1977: Whitney Houston, age 14, sang back-up on Michael Zager Band’s single “Life’s a Party”. The Michael Zager Band’s big hit was “Let’s All Chant”, a 1978 disco classic. Zager was a profific producer.
Magazine model: 1981, November issue. Cover of Seventeen magazine was an 18-year old Whitney Houston. One of the first African-American models to appear on a major magazine’s cover.
Family: Cissy Houston and Luther Vandross sing on J.Geils
1977 album “ Monkey Island” featuring the song, “Surrender”.
Note: Versitile R&B session singer Luther Vandross sings back-up on
J.Geils’ “Flamethrower”, David Bowie’s “Young American”,
Change “The Glow Of Love”, Bionic Boogie’s “Hot Butterfly”
Family: Cissy Houston toured with Elvis Presley
as a member of the Sweet Inspirations.
Family: Cissy Houston, Whitney’s mother. “Think It Over” 1978.
Disco classic. Great non-stop beat, nimble string section.
Soulful lyrics delivered by her powerful voice.
Video title:
Cissy Houston – “Think It Over” 1978 .
Note: Groovy disco dancing and fashions.
Note: Roller-skating disco couple at :28
Family: Whitney’s self-proclaimed “god-mother” is family friend,
Aretha Franklin.
Aretha moved to Arista records for her comeback albums:
1982 :Jump To It, 1983: Get It Right, 1985 :Freeway of Love.
Her first chart hits since 1974. Collaborating with Luther Vandross,
Marcus Miller (Luther’s producer/bassist), Cissy Houston.
Family: Whitney’s teenage nickname was “ Nippy”
Family: Cousin to Dionne Warwick, her career rebounded since signing with Arista ( Clive Davis, Arista Records label head)
TV: The Merv Griffen Show, 1983 June 23.
Clive Davis introduces Houston in her first TV performance. (More than a year before 1st album is released in 1985!) Davis boasts that “for the next generation, here was a singer who combined the soul and guts of Aretha Franklin with both the sultry elegance of lyrical phrasing and the beauty of Lena Horne.” Her selections were “ Home” from “The Wiz”, “Since You’ve Been Gone”, “Aint No Way” and “You Send Me” with her mother, Cissy.
Billboard charts: Seven #1 Hit Records In A Row!
Whitney is the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits.
They are
“Saving All My Love For You,” “
How Will I Know,” “
Greatest Love Of All,”
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),”
“Didn’t We Almost Have It All,”
“So Emotional,” and
“Where Do Broken Hearts Go”
Whitney Houston has seven, but should have 8 consecutive Number One records because,the streak begins with her second single ever released, but her first single, ” You Give Good Love” hit #3 (Pop), stayed 21 weeks on the (Pop) Billboard chart, while recently topping the Billboard R+B charts.
TV: 1985. Whitney performs “ You Give Good Love” on
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on April 5th, in her 1985 nationally-televised debut album release.
WHITNEY
(1985 debut) 25 million sold. In the top 30 of the best-selling cd/albums worldwide. The album cover basically had three columns, left and right were a light orange with the middle column a picture of the beautiful singer. (the color made it easy for a DJ to find, while reaching into a record crate of albums)
Billboard: Top 50 R&B / Hip Hop Artists (1985-2010) Whitney Houston #3. Career achievements include five #1 albums and eight #1 singles on the Billboard R&B chart.
So many accolades, so much chart success and classic songs but only 7 solo albums released in her career (and one of them was a holiday album. First album released in 1985.
………………………………………………………………………
(DVD) THE 1987 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS with “That’s what Friends Are For”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xNKW6Vk5Xg
Video title:
Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder
“That’s What Friends Are For “
………………………………………………………………………..
(DVD) THE 1987 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS (first year)
Luther and Dionne, hosts.
Dionne Warwick introducing Whitney.
YouTube: Whitney Houston ” You Give Good Love”
………………………………………………………………………..
Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time:
Whitney Houston (debut) #253
Rolling Stone: Best Album of the 1986:
Whitney Houston (debut)
1986 Grammy Controversy. Whitney should have been nominated for “Best New Artist” on her debut album, but her duets with veteran singers like Teddy Pendergrass and Jermaine Jackson disqualified her. Even the powerful Clive Davis, Arista Records boss, complained, but it did not sway the committee from their decision. The 1986 Best New Artist Award went to Sade.
TV: 1986. Sacre Blu! The popular French talk show host, (admitted he was drunk) Serve Gainsbourg embarrasses himself by making an “indecent proposal” to Houston, on the air, after she performed “Saving All My Love For You”.
Award: 1986. At her first Grammy Award ceremony in 1986 (Feb 25), Whitney received three nominations. Presenting her first Grammy win was Dionne Warwick and Julian Lennon. (Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female)
Family: After meeting Bobby Brown (New Edition) at the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards, they dated for three years and marrying in July 18, 1992. They have one daughter Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown, born on March 4, 1993. After a year of separation, they divorced in 2007.
Doctor Houston! : Whitney recieves a Honorary Docorate in Humanities
from Louisiana’s Grambling State University in 1988.
Family: In 1996, Cissy received a Grammy for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album “Face To Face”. Look for her version of “How Sweet It Is”. In 1998, she won that award again “He Leadth Me”.
“I Will Always Love You” written by Dolly Parton. Released on her “Jolene” album in 1974. The song reaches “Number One” on the Billboard Hot Country Charts. With Whitney’s version, Dolly Parton becomes the first artist to earn a ‘Number One’ record twice, with the same song …. as a singer and then the composer.
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney became the hit single that remained Billboard’s Number One for the longest duration, 14 weeks.
Billboards Greatest Songs of All-Time: # 68 .“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
“The Bodyguard” (1992) soundtrack has sold over 44 million copies worldwide. The biggest selling soundtrack in history.
Dolly Parton - I will always love you
Dolly’s version appears in the movie, “The Best Little Whore House in Texas (1982) starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton. Its Broadway run was from 1978-79.
Grammy Awards 1994: Whitney Houston opens the
1994 Grammy Awards with a stunning version of “ I Will Always Love You”
1991, Super Bowl 25, Whitney Houston sings the National Anthem
2009, Super Bowl 43, Jennifer Hudson sings the National Anthem
“The Bodyguard” (1992) soundtrack. 44 million sold. It is the 4th of best selling cd/albums worldwide.
David Foster: Many albums and singles by mega-producer David Foster (Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Chicago, Streisand, Michael Buble… etc.)
Some Whitney Houston / David Foster projects:
1992 The Bodyguard sntrk,
1996 The Preacher’s Wife,
1998 My Love Is You Love,
2009 I Look To You.
Awards 1993: Whitney set a record as a 11-time Billboard Music Award winner in 1993 .
30 career Billboard Music Awards
Awards: 22 American Music Awards. Tops in career American Music Awards, female, solo.
In 1994, tied Michael Jackson for most AMA’s in one year, eight.
Awards 1994: World Music Awards, Whitney becomes a 5-time winner,
the most WMA’s in one year (1994).
1995 “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” debuted at Number One
(third time in history a song debuted on top).
After just one week at Number One that song remained at
Number Two for 11 weeks, which is the longest duration
at Number Two in history.
Awards 2001: Whitney is honored with the inaugual BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.
1996. Houston records the Four Tops classic, “ I Believe In You And Me”
(“The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack) Grammy-nominated.
Awards: 1996. The Guinness Book Of World Records
lists Whitney as music’s “most awarded female artist of all time”
with an amazing tally of 411 awards (as of 2006).
“A tally that is certainly topped by her two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 16 Billboard Music Awards, and 23 American Music Awards, as well as MTV VMAs in the U.S. and Europe, NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, “Soul Train” Music Awards, and so on. She received the Nickelodeon “Kids Choice” award (she was inducted into the “Kids Choice” Hall Of Fame in 1996), the Dove (Gospel Music Association) Award, and Blockbuster Entertainment Award. Whitney was inducted into the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Walk Of Fame in 1996; and received “Soul Train”‘s prestigious Quincy Jones Career Achievement Award in 1998.” (from www.whitneyhouston.com)
DJ: Disc Jockeys around the world enjoyed her remixes of her hits. Some of mine are “ So Emotional”, “It’s Not Right, But It’s OK” and “I’m You’re Baby Tonight”. .. www.DJMrEdHQ.com
1997. School named for Houston. June 12, 1997.
Whitney Houston and Clive Davis attend the ceremony re-naming the
Franklin School in East Orange New Jersey which is now
the Whitney Houston Academy Of Creative and Performing Arts.
1999. VH-1 Divas Live ’99 featuring Headliners:
Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Cher, Brandy & Faith Hill.
Houston sings 5 songs including “ I’m Every Woman” with Chaka Khan.
Movies featuring…. Whitney Houston, the actress.
1992 – The Bodyguard
1995 – Waiting To Exhale
1996 – The Preacher’s Wife
1997 – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
2012 – Sparkle (?) -soon to be released-
Note: originally “The Bodyguard” was pitched to Diana Ross and Steve McQueen in 1976.
2002, Interview with Diane Sawyer. (“crack is wack”)
Awards 2003: In 2003, VH-1′s produces a list of
The 50 Greatest Women of the Video Era.
Their rankings were:
Madonna #1, Janet Jackson #2 and Whitney Houston #3.
2004, “Being Bobby Brown” reality show. One season only. [ OMG !]
In 2007, USA Today ranked the 25 Most Memorable Music Moments list and Whitney Houston was #11.
Among the list was #1 Napster, #2 Live Aid, #3 Michael Jackson, #9 iPods and iTunes and #13 the creation of the CD .
2008 Billboard: Top 100 Artists of All-Time (1958-2008)
Whitney Houston, #9.
2009, Interview with Oprah Winphrey .
Awards: Whitney Houston is the only artist with AT LEAST ONE:
Grammy, American Music Award, Emmy, Mtv Video Music Award, Mtv Movie Award,
People’s Choice Award and a Billboard Music Award.
Awards: On WhitneyHouston.com (section: biography),
there are paragraphs of her charitable endeavors and foundations,
like the Whitney Houston Foundation For Children Inc.
Whitney Houston is 14th best selling artist of all time. All cd/sales worldwide.
2011, February. Whitney Houston was in Roxbury, Massachusetts at the Twelfth Bapist Church. She was attending Bobby Brown’s mother’s funeral (Carole Brown). She, spontaneously, performed “Precious Lord Take My Hand”. (WBZ TV report)
2012. Grammy Awards. LL Cool J, host calls for an opening prayer.
Near midnight, Jennifer Hudson (“Dreamgirls”, 2008 Grammy award winner, 2004 American Idol-seventh place) mesmerizes audiences around the world with her mentor’s hit record, “ I Will Always Love You” Jennifer Hudson (Feb12 2012) Grammy Awards.
2012. The night before the 2012 Grammy Awards broadcast, expected to attend the event, greeted by Clive Davis, enjoying festivities with friends and her 18-year old daughter… Whitney Houston is found dead in her hotel room, age 48.
2012. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie orders all flags in his state to be flown at half-staff on the day of Houston’s funeral in honor of the New Jersey native’s career.
Feb2011 NY Times obituary. Summary.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/arts/music/whitney-houston-dies.html?pagewanted=all&src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB
Ed Mullen sources below.
- www.NYTimes.com, www.whitneyhouston.com , www.whitney-fan.com , wiki-pedia=whitney houston, WBZ-TV news clip, liner notes from her CDs.
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 2:12 am. 1 comment
Don Cornelius (1936-2012, age 75), Soul Train host 1973 1991. Cause of death : suicide.
35 Years of new weekly programming.
New singing groups lip-sync-ed their hit records to the dancing studio audience.
He was…Part “Soul Man” , part “Trouble Man” and part “Say It Loud, I’m Black and Proud”.
“The Line” was the best part.
The program ended by Cornelius or the later hosts “wishing you….Love, Peace and Soul.
Classic Soul Train theme : TSOP(The Sound Of Philedelphia) by MFSB
From my MusicNotes: Dick Clark. “The most popular feature in the show was the Soul Train “Line”, where two rows/lines of dancers separated by the “briefly” featured dancer, who would put on an dancin’ exhibition … for a few seconds. Then, the “line” moved up and the next dancer, in that line, did their moves.
The Diamonds had a 1957 hit record called, “The Stroll” which pre-dates “the line”. The difference is “The Stroll” was set up the same way but had repeating dance steps, a routine, where the Soul Train line encouraged free-style moves.”
Dancers on Soul Train (2 Soul Train dancers eventually form the group: Shalamar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6jBoVGRKQ4&feature=related
Jackson Five on Soul Train (Dancing Machine)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqdKvlLD_H0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Don Cornelius getting “the Line” started. Go to 1:50.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ5iuWotw3M&feature=fvst
Soul Train “One Nation Under A Groove”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4supWXaFgbc&feature=related
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 10:12 am. Add a comment
Etta James : Born in Los Angeles CA. [b.Jan.1938 d.Jan.2011] age 73
“At Last” by Etta James :
-Peak Top 40 Billboard Chart Position: # 47 in 1961
-Peak Billboard R+B Position: # 2 in 1961
-Etta James. 4-time Grammy winner.
-Inducted into 3 Halls Of Fame; Blues (Foundation), Grammy & Rock ‘n’ Roll.
-“CADILLAC RECORDS” (2008), the Etta James bio-pic, starring Beyonce Knowles.
-The hit song “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida brilliantly uses the beginning of Etta James’ “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” (1962). “Sometimes, I get a good feeling… that i never never never….
Her gospel “call and response” introduction is a R&B classic.
Flo Rida’s real name is Tramar Dillard from Florida (see his stage name spells…)
Here is the original record. This soul singer’s style pre-dates Aretha Franklin’s style, it is before Tina Turner, too. It is before Motown (1964 “My Guy, Mary Wells) and Stax Records (1960 “Gee Whiz” by Carla Thomas was more of a doo-wop style, than gritty R+B style, like this Etta James record)
“SOMETHING’S GOT A HOLD ON ME” by Etta James YouTube video slideshow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmexOmLyuVU&feature=fvsr
‘GOOD FEELING” by Flo Rida. Official video YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OnnDqH6Wj8
See more Etta James and “At Last”(1961) info in categories column to the left.
Posted 1 year, 6 months ago at 5:55 pm. Add a comment
R.E.M. breaks up. One of my favorites. Electric then acoustic and back. A rock band during one song and folk-rockers the next. A critics, ‘Rolling Stone’, college, MTv, and record store favorite. Crazy lyrics or serious? At R.E.M.’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame induction, Eddie Vedder says back-up singing of Mike Mills was their secret weapon. Try “Mummur”, “Automatic”, “OutOfTime” and “In Time+Epony”. (1981-2011 R.E.M.)
-Incredible version of “One” Live with U2 (Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton), see YouTube.
-Their national debut on “David Letterman” 1983, “Radio Free Europe”, see YouTube.
-Unforgettable MTv Video – “Losing My Religion”
Posted 1 year, 9 months ago at 4:28 pm. Add a comment
The “Monster Mash” (1962) was performed by Boris Pickett and his Crypt Kicker Five. Bobby Pickett was born in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Hit the Top 100 with the same record, in 1962 (#1 Billboard) , 1970 and 1973 (#10).
In 1963, “Monster’s Holiday” was his Christmas-themed follow-up record. In 1985, he released the trendy, “Monster’s Rap”
www.DJMrEdHQ.com
Posted 2 years, 7 months ago at 6:34 pm. Add a comment
See my brief bio of Carole King (search box: Carole King) June 2010. See her connection with James Taylor, Joni Mitchell,”Gilmore Girls”, and Neil Sedaka. Grammy Awards, music-related Halls Of Fame and YouTube performances. Which Carole King song did the Beatles record?
Start saying, I didn’t know she wrote that song, too. There is decade of classics before her masterpiece, “Tapestry”.
I welcome your comments after you read it. I welcome your comments after you see the concert this weekend.
Posted 3 years ago at 11:51 am. Add a comment
Carole King and her husband Gerry Goffin were a hit-writing machine, well before the classic 1971 Tapestry was released. James Taylor is touring with Carole King In 2010 in The Troubadour Tour. Back in 1970, they collaborated as Taylor’s career started and King’s career was about to shift from songwriter to singer/songwriter. The Los Angeles club, called the Troubadour, has ignited many careers. Rookie performer Elton John got a big boost from his exciting 1970 stage shows there. The Troubadour has been a career launching pad for a long list of now-classic bands, including Guns and Roses, the Eagles and even Cheech and Chong. King and Taylor’s two 1970 shows, in retrospect, was a meeting of the male and female royalty of the (solo) singer songwiter.
James Taylor needs no introduction. His legendary status on disc or in concert is well known. But, it is time to re-introduce you to Carole King. Taylor sang, with Joni Mitchell, on “Tapestry” as the humorously titled, the Taylor-Mitchell Boy-Girl Choir. Joni Mitchell, by the way, is one singer/songwriter who does have the status to be mentioned with these artists. Mitchell also sang back-up on Taylor’s version of “You’ve Got A Friend”. As the composer of “You’ve Got A Friend”, Carole King won song-writing Grammys. As the performer, Taylor won Grammys. James, Joni and Carole have an intertwined history. It was Carole King who was the veteran rock and roller and guiding light for these future stars.
Major Hits by Goffin and King on the Billboard U.S. Hot 100.
1960
“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” : Shirelles, #1-1960
BTW, DJ Mr. Ed loves this video.
Carole King (in 1971), The Four Seasons, Roberta Flack, Amy Winehouse, Melanie, Jackie DeShannon, Len Barry, Bunny Sigler, Cissy Houston, The Platters, Neil Diamond (in 1993), Linda Ronstadt, Angus Tung (in Mandarin), Shirley Kwan and Alan Tam (in Cantonese), Dave Mason and Debbie Gibson (both under the title “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”), The Rocky Fellers, Lorrie Morgan.
1961
“Take Good Care of My Baby” : Bobby Vee, #1-1961
Dion and the Belmonts (later in 1961), Bobby Vinton (in 1968), Smokie (in 1981), Bobby Vee, Stephen Collins,Dick Brave. (See The Beatles 1962 with Pete Best, not Ringo demo for Decca Records. Remember they broke big in 1964.)
“Some Kind of Wonderful”, The Drifters, #32-1961
Marvin Gaye (in 1968), Carole King (in 1971); not the same song as the Grand Funk Railroad hit
“Halfway to Paradise”, Tony Orlando, #39-1961
Billy Fury (1962), Bobby Vinton(1968), Tina Charles(1977)
“Every Breath I Take”, Gene Pitney, #42-1961
no relation to The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”
“Walkin’ with My Angel”, Bobby Vee, #53-1961
Herman’s Hermits
1962
“Chains”, The Cookies, #17-1962
The Beatles (in 1963), Carole King (in 1980)
“Keep Your Hands Off My Baby”, Little Eva,# 12-1962
The Beatles (in 1964, unreleased until 1994)
“The Loco-Motion”, Little Eva, #1-1962
The Chiffons (in 1963), Emerson Lake & Powell (instrumental), Grand Funk Railroad (in 1974, #1), Carole King(in 1980), Kylie Minogue (in 1988, #3), Tina Turner, Dwight Yoakam
“He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)”, The Crystals, 1962
-The Motels (in 1982), Hole (in 1994), Grizzly Bear (in 2007)
“Go Away Little Girl”, Steve Lawrence, #1-1962
Mark Wynter, The Tams, Donny Osmond (in 1971, #1), The Happenings (in 1966, #12)
“Point Of No Return”, Gene McDaniels, #21-1962
“Crying in the Rain”, The Everly Brothers, #6-1962
A-ha (in 1990, #1 in Norway), Dave Edmunds
1963
“Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby)”, The Cookies, #7-1963
“I Can’t Stay Mad At You”, Skeeter Davis, #7-1963
“Hey Girl”, Freddie Scott, #10-1963
Donny Osmond (in 1972, #9), George Benson (“Livin’ Inside Your Love” in 1977), Carole King (in 1980), Billy Joel(Greatest Hits Volume III in 1997), Bob James & David Sanborn, Bobby Vee (as part of a medley with The Temptations’ hit My Girl in 1968, #35)
“One Fine Day”, The Chiffons, #5-1963
Rita Coolidge (in 1979, #66), Carole King (in 1980, #12), Aaron Neville (in 1993), Natalie Merchant (in 1996)
“Up on the Roof”, The Drifters, #5-1963
Kenny Lynch (1964),King (in 1970), Laura Nyro (in 1970), James Taylor (in 1979, #28), Neil Diamond (in 1993),Billy Joe Royal, Peter Cincotti
1964
“I Can’t Hear You No More”, Betty Everett, #66-1964
Dusty Springfield (in 1965), King (in 1970), Helen Reddy (in 1976, #29)
“I’m into Something Good”, “Earl-Jean” McCrea, #38-1964
Herman’s Hermits (later in 1964, #13)
“Oh No, Not My Baby”, Maxine Brown, #24-1964
Manfred Mann (in 1965), Dusty Springfield (in 1965), Aretha Franklin (in 1970), Rod Stewart (in 1973, #59), The Partridge Family (Bulletin Board in 1973), King (in 1980 and 2001), Cher (in 1992), Linda Ronstadt (in 1994)
1965
“Don’t Forget About Me”, Barbara Lewis, 1965
-Dusty Springfield
1966
“Don’t Bring Me Down”, The Animals, #12-1966
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (in 1986)
“Goin’ Back”, Dusty Springfield, 1966
The Byrds (in 1968, #86), King (in 1980), Larry Lurex (1973) Nils Lofgren,Elkie Brooks Johnny Logan, Diana Ross, Glen Shorrock & Renee Geyer (Aust. 1983)
“I Can’t Make It Alone”, P.J. Proby, 1966
-Dusty Springfield, Maria McKee (in 1993)
1967
“Pleasant Valley Sunday”, The Monkees, 1967
-The Weisstronauts (in 2008)
“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, Aretha Franklin, #8-1967
King (in 1971), Laura Nyro (in 1971), Rod Stewart (in 1974), Mary J. Blige (in 1995), Celine Dion (in 1995)
1968
“Porpoise Song”, The Monkees, #62-1968
“Wasn’t Born to Follow”, The Byrds, 1968
-King (in 1980)
1970
“Hi-De-Ho (That Old Sweet Roll)”, Blood, Sweat & Tears, #14-1970
Dusty Springfield (non-LP B-Side in 1969), King (in 1980)
This chart is from www.top40-charts.info
TAPESTRY Original 1971 vinyl release
1.”I Feel the Earth Move” – 2:58
2.”So Far Away” – 3:55
3.”It’s Too Late” (lyrics by Toni Stern) – 3:53
4.”Home Again” – 2:29
5.”Beautiful” – 3:08
6.”Way Over Yonder” – 4:44
7.”You’ve Got a Friend” – 5:09
8.”Where You Lead” (lyrics by Toni Stern) – 3:20
9.”Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” (Gerry Goffin, King) – 4:12
10.”Smackwater Jack” (Goffin, King) – 3:41
11.”Tapestry” – 3:13
12.”(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (Goffin, King, Jerry Wexler) – 3:49
-Introduction written by DJ Mr Ed Mullen (www.DJMrEdHQ.com)
-Chart by www.top40-charts.info
-Listing of songs on “Tapestry” www.Amazon.com
-”The Ode Collection”, 2-CD covers many of Carole King’s early songs, including “Tapestry” hits.
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Post-Tapestry Highlights and Notes:
After “Tapestry” some singles of note.
“Sweet Seasons” #9-1972.
“Jazzman” #2-1974.
“Nightingale” #9-1975.
“Hard Rock Cafe” #30-1977.
“One Fine Day” #12-1980.
“It’s Going to Take Some Time This Time” #12-1972
(recorded by the Carpenters)
“I Will Follow Where You Lead”, theme from Gilmore Girls. Performed by Carole King and her daughter Louise Goffin. (Original version, on “Tapestry”) The “Gilmore Girls” soundtrack is available with samples on Amazon.com. King has guest appearances on the show, too.
“Oh! Carol” . Listen to “Oh Carol” by Neil Sedaka. It was Sedaka’s first Top 10 hit in the U.S. It has that early rock, Latin cha-cha beat. It was released in 1959. Now, listen to “Little Darlin” by the Diamonds released two years earlier in 1957. Both have that Latin beat with a special monologue during the break. Anyway, Sedaka was singing about Carole King. Both were songwriters in the legendary Brill Building in New York City. The building and its commemorative plaque are still there in Times Square.
These crossroads had some interesting travelers. King went to Madison High School in Brooklyn, then attended Queens College. King, Gerry Goffin (King’s soon to be husband) and Paul Simon also attended Queens College. Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand sang in the same choir at Erasamus Hall (NY) Hign School. Neil Diamond , class of 1958 and Neil Sedaka class of 1956 attended Abraham Lincoln High School in New York.
She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Song for
“Now and Forever,” from ”A League Of Their Own” (1992).
King won four Grammy Awards for Tapestry, the sales of which have been estimated at over 15 million copies worldwide.
1971 Grammy Award for Song of the Year : YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND
1971 Grammy Award for Record of the Year : IT’S TOO LATE
1971 Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (Tapestry)
1971 Grammy Award for Album of the Year (Tapestry)
The following is a quote from a press release about her 24th solo album called, “Love Makes The World” (2001).
“In 1987, Carole King was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In 1988, Goffin and King were awarded the National Academy of Songwriter’s Lifetime Achievement Award and
in 1990, as songwriters, the duo was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2002, she received the prestigious Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In February of 2004, Goffin and King will receive the Trustee Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).”
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Carol Klein was born Feb 9th, 1942 (Yea! Aquarius, like me)
Information collected from parts of each singers websites and song, chart and pop culture information websites.
Compiled and written by Ed Mullen (2010).
Posted 3 years, 4 months ago at 1:11 pm. Add a comment
Where is Rhythm and Blues now? Great R+B men are getting to be extremely rare. One of the great male R+B voices. Gone TP’10. Teddy Pendergrass, the former lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Blues Notes, is gone. Originally, the band’s drummer, Teddy made great dance records for Philadelphia International’s producers, Gamble and Huff. Still touring after his 1982 paralysis from his car accident, Pendergrass was the sexy lead singer that re-invented the way the R+B crooner connected with his audience. He was Luther before Luther. Living in Philadelphia since he was a school boy, his appearance at Philadelphia-half of the Live-Aid concerts ranks with one of that day’s emotional high points.
Farewell Michael Jackson’09. Barry White’03, Luther Vandross’05, James Brown’06 and Ray Charles’04. Temptations’ lead singers Eddie Kendricks’92 and David Ruffin’91, gone too. Curtis Mayfield’99 and Marvin Gaye’84 RIP. Levi Stubbs (4 Tops)’08 , Lou Rawls’06 and Wilson Pickett’06.
Although Eddie Levert of the O’Jays still sings at 67, his son Gerald Levert’06 has passed. The Spinners’ Phillippe Wynne’84 traded lead vocal duties with Bobby Smith who still performs at age 73.
Remembering Otis Redding’67 (Promoter Bill Graham said he was the most exciting performer of all his 1960′s concert attractions.) Chef from South Park? No. Shaft? damn right. Peace, Issac Hayes’08.
What about Prince? He is a unique rockin’ R+B artist. Although his voice is his alone, and it is soulful… OK, he still stands on the top-shelf. What about Earth Wind and Fire? Phillip Bailey and Maurice White are still very active in concert appearances. They are definately top-shelf. Those hit-making years of Kool and the Gang were led by James ‘JT’ Taylor, who is still active but has split with “the Gang” . Reverend Al Green still touring, amen. Soulful Bill Withers once played Carnegie Hall in 1972. He doesn’t tour but, DJ’s still love to sample his beats. The Gap Band’s Charlie Wilson sneaks into the charts with Snoop Dogg now and then, but no “Burn Rubber”, no “Early In The Morning” and no all-aboard the “Party Train”.
Lionel Richie is still active and make lots of room for him, on the R+B top-shelf, for his Grammys with the Commodores and solo career. The great Smokey Robinson who is a premier songwriter, Miracles’ front man, solo artist is still active. Recently, spotted on “American Idol”, Smokey also performed at the 2009 Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame 25th Anniversary concerts. Speaking of soul men, Sam Moore, of Sam & Dave fame, rocked Madison Square, backed by Springsteen and his crew. However, his counterpart, Dave Prater passed away in 1988.
But, one of the last giants, who also performed at the under-rated Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame concerts, is still touring, still recording and still at his keyboard. Still sharp, vocals still intact, the Stevie Wonder stands alone.
Teddy Pendergrass, R&B Soul Singer, Dies at 59. www.nytimes.com. Read more about Teddy Pendergrass’ career in the NY TIMES. An extensive obituary by Jon Pareles was published January 14, 2010.
Mr. Pendergrass was the Philadelphia soul singer whose husky, potent baritone was a definition of R&B seduction in the 1970s.
Posted 3 years, 5 months ago at 5:55 pm. 1 comment
“Hallelujah” is a rare song. There is no doubt that one listen will change you. Maybe you will hear it in a movie or TV show. Maybe driving in your car alone. You may think that you have heard it before, even though you haven’t. This mix of religious chanting and sensual imagery may be found in many Prince songs, like “Controversy”, which features “The Lord’s Prayer” recited over the funky beats. However, this song has circumnavigated the Billboard charts and pop radio to find you, just as you were looking for it.
The original “ Hallelujah ” is performed by its composer, the legendary Canadian songwriter, Leonard Cohen.
The classic version is performed by the late Jeff Buckley.
Think of how many road-tested artists have launched their careers with just one monumental hit song on their debut album. For example, Elton John: “Your Song” or Billy Joel: “Piano Man”. Both stars released a few albums between the massive debut and the hit records that made them legends. Was this a major performer on the verge of stardom? Gone too soon at age 30.
The song’s first line let’s you know that this is an extraordinary performance. “I hear there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord”.
You Tube Video – Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley .
LastFM – Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Better audio than YouTube, listen as you read the song’s story, you will see a black box in the upper right corner of LastFM.com)
1966.
Jeff Buckley is born in Anaheim, California.
(b. November 17, 1966 – d. May 29, 1997, age, 30.)
1975.
Jeff Buckley met his father only once at age 8, according to Rolling Stone Encyclopedia Of Rock and Roll. Musician TIM BUCKLEY (Jeff’s father), died of a drug overdose at age 28 in 1975. His 9 studio albums and 7 live albums define his folk & jazz direction on vinyl.
Although, the name on his birth certificate was Jeff Buckley, he was named Scott (Scotty) Moorhead by his mother and his step-father Ron Moorhead. The California native also had a half-brother, Corey.
1984.
Leonard Cohen, composer of “Hallelujah”. “Various Positions”, CD released.
1985.
Jeff Buckley’s early career.
1985-1991, Los Angeles. Finding work, performing.
1991 New York City. Finding work, performing.
1992 Performing regularly at Manhattan’s East Village club called, Sin-e. Recording some performances. Sought after by record label executives.
1992 Jeff Buckley signs with Columbia Records
1991.
CD : “I’m Your Fan”, a Leonard Cohen tribute.
This album title is word play with one of Cohen’s songs called, “I’m Your Man”. Song # 18 on this recording is “Hallelujah” performed by John Cale. Cale was a founding member of the Velvet Underground. One of his bandmates was the legendary Lou Reed.
**(Not to be confused with J.J. Cale who wrote “After Midnight” and “Cocaine” that were made famous by Eric Clapton.)
All songs written by Leonard Cohen.
Song #9 and # 14 are co-written by Phil Spector.
“Who by Fire” – The House of Love
“Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” – Ian McCulloch
“I Can’t Forget” – Pixies
“Stories of the Street” – That Petrol Emotion
“Bird on the Wire” – The Lilac Time
“Suzanne” – Geoffrey Oryema
“So Long, Marianne” – James
“Avalanche IV” – Jean-Louis Murat
“Don’t Go Home With Your Hard-On”
David McComb&Adam Peters
“First We Take Manhattan” – R. E. M.
“Chelsea Hotel” – Lloyd Cole
“Tower of Song” – Robert Forster
“Take This Longing” – Peter Astor
“True Love Leaves No Traces” – Dead Famous People
“I’m Your Man” – Bill Pritchard
“A Singer Must Die” – Fatima Mansions
“Tower of Song” – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
“Hallelujah” -John Cale
1993.
Buckley records “Grace” LP sessions.
1993-94.
Buckley tours to support “Live at Sin-e” CD.
1994.
Jeff Buckley, “Grace” CD released. Includes “ Hallelujah”.
1994.
Buckley tours internationally. London, Paris, Australia, Japan etc.
1995.
“Tower Of Song”, a superstar tribute to Leonard Cohen.
Song # 4 , Bono (U2) singing his version of “Hallelujah”.
“Everybody Knows” – Don Henley
“Coming Back to You”- Trisha Yearwood
“Sisters of Mercy” – Sting with The Chieftains
“Hallelujah” – Bono
“Famous Blue Raincoat” – Tori Amos
“Ain’t No Cure for Love” – Aaron Neville
“I’m Your Man” – Elton John
“Bird on a Wire” – Willie Nelson
“Suzanne” – Peter Gabriel
“Light as the Breeze”- Billy Joel
“If It Be Your Will” – Jann Arden
“Story of Isaac” – Suzanne Vega
“Coming Back to You” – Martin Gore
U2 has not recorded “ Hallelujah” but, the 1988 B-side of “Desire” was ” Hallelujah (Here She Comes)” , a different song.
During the massive Pop Mart World Tour from 1997-98, U2 did include “ Hallelujah” (Cohen’s) on their set list. (see henrywagner.org, U2 set lists Pop Mart)
1995.
MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best New Artist in a Video for “Last Goodbye”.
1995.
“Live In Chicago” Jeff Buckley, (DVD) includes “Hallelujah”
1996.
-Tom Verlaine (Television, see 1977 LP, “Marquee Moon”) agrees to produce upcoming album. Verlaine had also worked with Patti Smith.
-Drummer Matt Johnson leaves the group and band goes on hiatus.
1996.
Various Positions: A Life of Leonard Cohen. Biography written by Ira B. Nadel (re-released 2007)
1997.
January 1997, Buckley holds New York City appearances.
Februay 1997, Buckley moves to Memphis, Tennessee to rehearse and record new material. He also performs for about 4 months in one local bar to work out his latest songs.
1997.
May 29, 1997. Jeff Buckley, 30, drowns.
Buckley’s band returns from NYC from a brief recording session. Buckley had remained in Memphis. Buckley and roadie Keith Foti decide to go night-swimming in one of the Mississippi’s tributaries called Wolf River, where they have gone swimming before. Even at 9:00 pm, it was a very hot summer’s night in Memphis. As Buckley jumped in the Wolf River Harbor, Foti briefly went back to the car. He returned to the river’s edge finding that Buckley had disappeared. After an immediate search, his body was not found.
June 4, 1997. Seven days later, Buckley’s body was discovered in the river. He drowned fully-clothed and with his boots still on. Drugs were not found in his system.
Much of this information about Jeff Buckley, including his death, comes from “Dream Brother” by David Browne (published 2001).
1998.
Released posthumously, Buckley’s second studio album called, “Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk”. It is a 2-CD, 20-song collection of recordings from 1996-97.
1998.
Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for Buckley’s “Everybody Here Wants You”.
2001.
“Dream Brother” (The Life and Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley) by David Browne. The definitive story of their lives. (see HarperCollins.com for some segments)
2005.
“The Independent” interview. Bob Dylan meets Cohen and they discuss the writing of “ Hallelujah”. Cohen is “embarrassed” that it took so long to write. Dylan performs “ Hallelujah” in a 1988 Montreal Forum concert. Cohen reveals that there were 80 verses and uses only 36 of them! Dry wit serves Cohen well. (The Independent, a British newspaper 12-8-05)
2006.
Willie Nelson records “ Hallelujah” on his Songbird CD. He includes a strange version of “Amazing Grace”, too.
2006.
K.D. Lang performs “Hallelujah” in several appearances including Cohen’s induction to the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Several emotional clips on You Tube. Both Lang and Cohen are Canadian.
2007.
Bon Jovi performs “ Hallelujah” live during “Stripped”. (see You Tube)
2007.
John Cale, on piano, singing with string quartet in live studio setting (see You Tube, March 14, 2007)
2008.
The Rock and Rock Hall Of Fame inducts Leonard Cohen.
Cohen’s career spanning video includes Bono’s lauding the song and songwriter. Cohen is inducted with affection and profound praise by Lou Reed. Damien Rice sings “ Hallelujah” during his induction. Cohen enchants the music industry’s elite by quoting verses from his song, “Tower Of Song”. (see You Tube, 10 min.)
2008.
Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs chart lists Jeff Buckley’s “ Hallelujah” as the Number One song on March 7. This chart is mainly the i-Tunes tabulation of instant computer downloads. This surge was due to the exposure from “American Idol”. The modern-day, amateur hour featured, unknown Jason Castro performing “Hallelujah”.
2008.
British version of “Idol” called, X Factor had a similar effect on the UK charts. Unknown Alexandia Burke recorded “ Hallelujah” and hit Number One in the 2008 (UK) Singles chart and Number One in the Christmas (UK) chart. By the way, Burke won the competition.
However, the devoted fans of Jeff Buckley were outraged that their anthem would be remember by an unknown pop singer. So, through several social networking internet sites, a grass-roots, non-industry campaign, led by Buckley fanatic, Lucy Powell, sent Buckley’s version up the charts to try to overtake the X Factor’s Burke’s version.
Due to this movement, Buckley’s “ Hallelujah” reached #2 without a new CD or a new film soundtrack release. A rare achievement.
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The 2008 Christmas (UK) chart was a Hallelujah Triple Play.
Burke’s version at # 1, Buckley’s version at #2 and Cohen’s version at # 36.
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2008.
Michael McDonald released “Soul Speak” CD, includes “Hallelujah”
2009.
The Canadian Tenors released self-titled CD, includes “Hallelujah”
2009.
The group, Paramore, records a song called “ Hallelujah”. Not Cohen’s song.
2009.
“My Sister’s Keeper” (starring Cameron Diaz). The soundtrack includes one Jeff Buckley song. His version of Elton John’s “We All Fall In Love Sometimes”. Originally included on his 1975 classic “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy”, Buckley gives this song a similar vibe as “ Hallelujah”.
2009.
“Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah”, a biography by Tom Footman
2010.
K.D. Lang belts out “Hallejulah” to open the Winter Olympics hosted by Canada. Her stunning performance enraptures the jam-packed arena and the world-wide TV audience. The hand-held lights and the a spectaular light show enhanced lang’s moment. Lang and Cohen are Canadian.
Go to NBC Olympics.com to see this performance.
2009.
See www.JeffBuckley.com . A very complete, up-to-date website that covers most aspects of his career and legacy.
2011.
Rufus Wainwright and partner and ‘deputy dad’ Jorn Weisbrodt. The child’s mother, Lorca Cohen, is daughter of Leonard Cohen.
“Gay singer has child with Leonard Cohen’s daughter, while partner is ‘deputy dad’ to baby with three parents” -The Guardian” Feb 21.2011. Story here: www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/feb/21/rufus-wainwright-cohen-viva-katherine
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There is a fan website called www.JeffBuckleyCommunity.com . This blog includes strange topics like Leonard Cohen “begging his peers to stop recording (so many) versions of his anthem, Hallelujah.” Interesting.
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Some Uses of “ Hallelujah ” in Films / TV
2001-Scrubs (TV soundtrack) (John Cale version)
2001-“Shrek” (Rufus Wainwright version)
2001-The West Wing
2002-Crossing Jordan
2003-Without A Trace
2004-“The Edukators” (Cannes Film Festival)
2005-“Lord Of War” (starring Nicolas Cage)
2006-Criminal Minds
2006-House (Rufus Wainwright version)
2006-Grey’s Anatomy
2006-The O.C.
2006-Cold Case
2007-”Feast of Love”
2007-CSI:NY
2008-One Tree Hill (Kate Voegele version)
2009-”Watchmen”
More ?
Media information (TV/Film) from www.imdb.com , search “Leonard Cohen” filmography.
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Recognition By The Media.
Rolling Stone magazine honors:
“Grace” was ranked #303 of the 500 Greatest Albums, in 2003.
Buckley’s cover of “Hallelujah” was ranked #259 of the 500 Greatest Songs, in 2004.
Buckley ranked #39 in its 2008 list: The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Australia: On the Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time, 2009. The Australian entertainment powerhouse includes radio, TV, internet and magazine. Buckley’s version of “Hallelujah” was voted in 3rd place.
Other Jeff Buckley songs were “Last Goodbye” was 7th, Lover, “You Should’ve Come Over” was 56th and “Grace” came in 69th. Over 13, 000 votes were tabulated for this poll.
Australia’s Q Magazine (est. 1986) specializing in music lists.
Greatest Rock Songs Of All-Time, # 86 (2006)
Best Rock CD, “In Our Lifetime”, 1986 to 2001, # 14 (2001)
Readers All-Time Top 100 CD’s, “Grace”, # 75 (1998)
Readers All-Time Top Albums, “Grace” # 25 (2003)
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Compiled by DJ Mr Ed Mullen.
Information from websites, JeffBuckley.com , JeffBuckleyCommunity.com, TunesOnTheTube.com, SkyNews.com, LastFM.com, the Internet Movie Data Base, You Tube, HarperCollins.com and songfacts.com . Also, Billboard magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, Amazon.com and wiki-pedia.
Please comment, see right column.
Posted 3 years, 7 months ago at 3:59 pm. Add a comment