Here’s the This Day In Music for the day. Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving.

Kev

Musicians Birthdays: Amy Grant (singer/songwriter, born in 1960).

– In 1968: The Beatles double White album was released in the US. Featuring ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’, ‘Dear Prudence’, ‘Helter Skelter’, ‘Blackbird’ ‘Back In The USSR’ and George Harrisons ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’. The album spent 101 weeks on the US chart peaking at No.1.

– In 1969: John Lennon returned his MBE to The Queen on the grounds of the UK’s involvement in the Nigeria Biafra war, America in Vietnam, and against his latest single ‘Cold Turkey’ slipping down the charts.

– IN 1974: UK singer, songwriter Nick Drake died in his sleep aged 26 of an overdose of tryptasol an anti-depressant drug. Drake signed to Island Records when he was twenty years old, recorded the classic 1972 album Pink Moon. In 2000, Volkswagen featured the title track from Pink Moon in a television advertisement, and within a month Drake had sold more records than he had in the previous thirty years.

– In 1976: The Band made their final performance; ‘The Last Waltz’ the show also featured Joni Mitchell, Dr John, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton and others. Martin Scorsese filmed the event.

– In 1989: Milli Vanilli started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Blame It On The Rain’, their third US No.1 of the year, a No.53 hit in the UK.

– In 1992: The film ‘The Bodyguard’, opened nation-wide featuring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

– In 1995: Radiohead singer Thom Yorke blacked out halfway through a show in Munich, Germany, suffering from exhaustion.

– In 1995: Whitney Houston went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Exhale (Shoop Shoop)’, written by Babyface and taken from the film ‘Waiting To Exhale’, it gave Whitney her 11th US No.1.

– In 2000: A burglar broke into Alice Cooper’s home and made off with over $6000 worth of clothes, shoes and cameras belonging to the singers daughter. The good’s were all lifted from Cooper’s house in Paradise Valley, along with four of the star’s gold discs.

– In 2003: Michael Jackson launched a website to defend himself following allegations of sexual abuse of a 12-year old boy. The singer posted a message saying the charges were based on ‘a big lie’ and he wanted to end ‘this horrible time’ by proving they were false in court.

– In 2003: Glen Campbell was arrested in Phoenix Arizona with a blood alcohol level of .20 after his BMW struck a Toyota Camry. He was charged with ‘extreme’ drunk driving, hit and run, and assaulting a police officer. A police officer reported that while in custody, Campbell hummed his hit ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ repeatedly.

– In 2005: Madonna achieved her sixth number one on the US album charts with ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor’ her third consecutive US album chart topper. The album went to No.1 in 40 countries setting a new record. The Beatles previously held this record when The Beatles 1 went to No.1 in 36 countries in 2000.

– In 2007: Kevin Dubrow, the frontman with metal band Quiet Riot, was found dead in his Las Vegas home at the age of 52. Their 1983 release Metal Health was the first metal album to top the US charts. The band’s biggest hit was ‘Cum on Feel the Noize’, a cover of the Slade song which they are said to have grudgingly recorded in just one take.

– In 2010: A restaurant fell victim to a prankster who had them make 178 pizzas by claiming they were for singer Bob Dylan and his crew. An imposter wearing a fake pass for a Dylan concert called in an Antonio’s restaurant and placed the huge order worth more than $3,900. He told the owner the pizzas were for Dylan and his crew who had appeared in concert in Amherst, Massachusetts. Staff at Antonios worked until 5.30am to make the pizzas – but were left stunned when no one returned to collect the order.

One thing that local & unsigned musicians love to do online is slam the national music industry. They talk a lot of negative shit about today’s bands & artists. When I look at all this, I kind of scratch my head and say to myself, “Why”?

I can think of one word that can describe all this perfectly, and yes, you can guess it. That one word, is “jealousy”. It has, “jealousy” written all over their faces when non-famous musicians bash the national music industry. They just don’t want to admit that they want the fame and the rock star lifestyle. They all want to get signed to major record labels, release albums nationally and go on world tours.

If that’s what they all want, then they must work harder and go after it. Fame for musicians around here can be possible, they need to stop dreaming and make it happen.

I appreciate today’s music and the national industry ’cause we wouldn’t be playing instruments and doing what we do, if it weren’t for famous bands. There are still today’s artists that inspires me as a musician.

We all may have freedom of speech and we have our own opinions when it comes to music, but if you’re a musician you must appreciate all music. If you want to become a successful musician, you can’t be a negative nancy when it comes to famous artists. I’m not forcing you to like all music, we all have a right to dislike some ’cause there artists that I don’t like myself, but you should at least respect their talent.

I’m real tired of the way people respond to certain music artists like Metallica for example. I may not like pop, R&B or rap, but I respect what they do.

Musicians needs to be careful of what they post on the internet. Simply because record labels will not want to sign them if they’re doing nothing but talking shit about bands online. Record labels look for professionalism as well.

Just some things to think about. I like to treat most music in a positive direction as you can probably tell.

Kev

Here’s the “This Day In Music” for the day. Happy Thanksgiving to all readers and enjoy!

Kev

– In 1966: The Beatles got together for the first time since their return from the summer tour of the United States, ready to record a new album. The first song selected for recording was John’s ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, which would end up, not on the album, but on The Beatles’ next single. This day’s session was devoted entirely to ‘Strawberry Fields Forever.’

– In 1968: Diana Ross and The Supremes were at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Love Child’, a No.15 hit in the UK.

– In 1973: Ringo Starr went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Photograph’. His first of two US chart toppers as a solo artist.

– In 1979: Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘No More Tears, (Enough Is Enough). A No.3 hit in the UK.

– In 1984: Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee married his girlfriend, nude model Candice, (Elaine Margaret Starchuk). The marriage lasted for three months.

– In 1991: Eric Carr (Paul Charles Caravello) drummer with Kiss died aged 41, of complications from cancer in a New York hospital. Carr replaced Peter Criss in 1980 and remained a band member until he became ill in 1991. For his Kiss stage persona, Carr was known as “The Fox.”

– In 1991: Freddie Mercury died of complications from aids at his home in London’s Holland park aged 45, just one day after he publicly admitted he was HIV positive. Mercury was openly bisexual and enjoyed a colourful rock star lifestyle. During his career with Queen he scored over 40 Top 40 UK singles including the worldwide No.1 ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

– In 1993: American blues guitarist and singer Albert Collins died of lung cancer aged 61. Known as “The master of the telecaster”, he shared a Grammy for the 1985 album Showdown! which he recorded with Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland.

– In 2002: Jay-Z was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘The Blueprint 2’, the rapper’s first US No.1 album.

– In 2007: Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea lost his multi-million pound house in a wildfire that swept through Malibu, 53 other properties were destroyed by the blaze. Flea told the Los Angeles Times the $4.8m (£2.3m) property was “burnt to a crisp”.

In 2008: Snaresbrook Crown Court heard how Boy George chained a male escort to his bedroom wall and beat him with a metal chain after accusing him of hacking into his laptop. The singer had made contact with Mr Carlsen, 29, on the social networking website Gaydar. Mr Carlsen told the court that he was dragged along the floor towards the bed and a handcuff was put on his right hand. The manacle was attached to a hook drilled into the wall by the bed. The police later photographed welts on Mr Carlsen’s arm where the handcuffs had been. The fire brigade had to be called to cut the cuffs off.

– In 2008: English drummer Michael Lee died from a seizure aged 39. Worked with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Little Angels, The Cult, Ian Gillan, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Quireboys and Thin Lizzy.

Here’s the “This Day In Music” for the Day. Enjoy!

Kev

Musician Birthdays: Alan Paul (singer for Manhattan Transfer, singer/guitarist for Woodie Alan band, writer for “Guitar World” and “Slam” magazine, also author of “Big In Chna” novel. Born in 1949), Bruce Hornsby (singer/songwriter, pianist. Born in 1954). Miley Cyrus (singer/songwriter/actress, daughter of country icon, Billy Ray Cyrus, and also star of “Hannah Montana”. Born in 1992.)

– In 1899: The world’s first jukebox was installed at San Francisco’s’ Palais Royal Hotel.

– In 1962: The Beatles traveled to St. James’ Church Hall, London, for a ten-minute audition with BBC Television. The audition came about when Beatles fan, David Smith of Preston, Lancashire wrote to the BBC asking for The Beatles to be featured on BBC television. Assuming that Smith was The Beatles’ manager, the BBC wrote back to him, offering The Beatles an audition. Smith brought his letter to NEMS Enterprises, and Clive Epstein (Brian’s brother) arranged for audition to take place. Four days later, Brian Epstein received a polite “thumbs-down” letter from the BBC.

– In 1965: Marc Bolan appeared live on the UK TV show Five O’Clock Funfair, performing ‘The Wizard’.

– In 1974: Elton John started an 11-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with his ‘Greatest Hits’, album. It also enjoyed a 10 week run as the US No.1

– In 1974: The Rolling Stones scored their fifth US No.1 album with ‘It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll’.

– In 1975: Queen started a nine-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ The promotional video that accompanied the song is generally acknowledged as being the first pop video and only cost £5,000 to produce. When the band wanted to release the single various record executives suggested to them that, at 5 minutes and 55 seconds, it was too long and would never be a hit.

– In 1976: Ten hours after his last arrest, Jerry Lee Lewis was nicked again after brandishing a Derringer pistol outside Elvis Presley’s Graceland’s home in Memphis, demanding to see the ‘King’. When police arrived they found Lewis sat in his car with the loaded Derringer pistol resting on his knee.

– In 1979: Keith Richard’s girlfriend Anita Pallenburg was cleared by a court of shooting a man found dead at her home.

– In 1979: Marianne Faithfull was arrested at Oslo Airport, Norway, for possession of marijuana.

– In 1989: During a 104-date world tour, Paul McCartney played the first of five nights at the Los Angeles Forum, California, his first appearances in North America in thirteen years.

– In 1991: Genesis scored their 5th UK No.1 album with ‘We Can’t Dance’, featuring the singles ‘Jesus He Knows Me’ and ‘I Can’t Dance’.

– In 1991: Michael Jackson had his fourth UK No.1 single with ‘Black or White’ which featured Slash on guitar. Also a No.1 hit in the US.

– In 2000: The son of George Harrison was involved in a car crash. Dhani Harrison crashed his Audi S3 in Oxfordshire but escaped any serious injury.

– In 2002: Otis Redding’s widow and his former manager filed a lawsuit against the author of a biography written in 2001 about the R&B legend, claiming the book is filled with lies. The lawsuit, filed in Atlanta’s Fulton County, sought $15 million in damages and claimed that the book detailed rumors about the singer’s drug use, extramarital affairs and divorce, causing “harm to the plaintiffs.” It also cites rumors that Otis’ manager plotted with the Mafia to kill Otis by causing the plane to crash in order to claim $1 million in life insurance.

– In 2003: Michael Jackson’s Number Ones album went to number one in the UK. In the US it entered the chart at number 13 and quickly dropped out of the Top 50.

– In 2005: US singer songwriter Chris Whitley died of lung cancer aged 45. Whitley earned critical success with his 1991 album ‘Living with the Law’ and toured with Bob Dylan and Tom Petty.

– In 2007: Bono and The Edge from U2 made a surprise appearance at a charity gig, playing four songs before 250 people. The London gig at the Union Chapel was held as part of the Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions.

Here’s the “This Day In Music” for the day. Enjoy.

Kev

Musician Birthdays: Dr. John (US singer/songwriter, pianist. Born in 1940), Bjork (Icelandic singer/songwriter. Born in 1965.)

– In 1954: American singer and actress Rosemary Clooney was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘This Ole House.’ This song was also a No.1 for Shakin’ Stevens in 1981. Her nephew, George Clooney was a pallbearer at her funeral in 2002.

– In 1969: The Doors played the first of two nights at the Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden, New York City

– In 1970: The Partridge Family started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘I Think I Love You’. The song was featured in the first episode of the Partridge Family TV series, made by the same company that made The Monkees.

– In 1974: Wilson Pickett was arrested in New York City for possession of a dangerous weapon after he pulled a gun during an argument.

– In 1975: At the start of Elton John week in Los Angeles, the singer received a Star on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame.

– In 1980: Don Henley was arrested after a naked 16-year old girl was found at his home in Los Angeles suffering from a drug over-dose, he received a $2,000 fine with two years probation.

– In 1981: Olivia Newton John started a ten week run at No.1 in the US singles chart with ‘Physical’, the singers fourth US No.1 went on to sell over 2 million copies, a No.7 hit in the UK.

– In 1983: Michael Jackson’s 14-minute video for ‘Thriller’, was premiered in Los Angeles.

– In 1987: Billy Idol knocked Tiffany from the No.1 single position on the US singles chart with his version of Tommy James ‘ Mony Mony’. Tiffany had been at No.1 with another Tommy James song ‘ I Think We’re Alone Now.’

– In 1988: Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page set out on his first ever-solo tour at The Hummingbird, Birmingham, appearing with John Miles and the son of Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, Jason Bonham.

– In 1991: Aerosmith made a guest appearance in the Simpson’s TV animated comedy.

– In 1995: Legendary manager of Led Zeppelin Peter Grant died from a heart attack aged 60. Known as being one of the shrewdest and most ruthless managers in rock history, Grant secured 90% of concert gate money and intimidated record store owners who dealt in bootlegs. The former wrestler, also worked as a film extra and bodyguard. During the early 60’s Grant worked as a tour manager for Bo Diddley, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and The Animals.

– In 2003: An acoustic guitar on which the late Beatle George Harrison learned to play fetched £276,000 at a London auction. His father originally bought the Egmond guitar for Harrison for £3.50. Another item auctioned was a signed invitation to the post-premiere celebrations for The Beatles Hard Days Night film, which went for £17,250.

– In 2003: Record producer Phil Spector appeared before a California court and was formally charged with murder. B-movie actress Lana Clarkson had been found at his mansion in February of this year with a fatal gunshot wound to her face. Spector pleaded not guilty to her murder during a brief hearing in Alhambra, near Los Angeles and was released on $1m bail.

– In 2004: Eminem was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Encore’, his third US No.1 album. Girls Aloud started a two week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the Pretenders ‘I’ll Stand By You.’ This was 2004’s single for the Children In Need appeal with its proceeds going towards the charity.

– In 2007: The Red Hot Chili Peppers were suing a US network over the name of its TV show, Californication saying the title was “immediately associated in the mind of the consumer” with its 1999 album and single release. The band filed a lawsuit against Showtime Network – the makers of the TV show, which featured David Duchovny as a writer going through a mid-life crisis. “For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right,” said the band’s singer, Anthony Kiedis. He described Californication as “the signature CD, video and song of the band’s career”.

Here’s the This Day In Music for the day. Enjoy.

Kev

Musician Birthdays: Duane Allman (guitarist for the Allman Bros., born in 1946. Died in 1971)

– In 1955: The song that changed popular music history ‘Rock Around The Clock’ by Bill Haley & His Comets went to No.1 on the UK singles chart. The song was used under the opening credits of the film Blackboard Jungle. The song entered the charts a further six times until 1974.

– In 1961: Bob Dylan started recording his debut album over two days at Columbia Recording Studios in New York City

– In 1968: The Monkees film ‘Head’ opened in six US cities. Reviews were harsh and the picture was a box office disaster.

– In 1971: Isaac Hayes started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Theme From Shaft’, it made No.4 in the UK. Hayes won a Grammy award for Best Original Film Score with ‘Theme From Shaft’.

– In 1974: Drummer with The Who, Keith Moon collapsed during a concert after his drink was spiked with horse tranquilliser. 19 year-old Scott Halpin who was in the audience, volunteered to replace him on drums for the remaining three numbers.

– In 1975: The Who kicked off a month-long North American tour at The Summit in Houston. At a party afterwards drummer Keith Moon was arrested for disorderly conduct and spent the night in jail.

– In 1976: Paul Simon hosted NBC’s Saturday Night Live where he performed live with George Harrison on ‘Here Comes The Sun’ and ‘Homeward Bound’. Paul McCartney and John Lennon were both in New York City watching the show on TV.

– In 1984: A large crowd of fans watched the unveiling of a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star for Michael Jackson in front of Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. Jackson became star number 1,793 on the famed walk.

– In 1991: A Los Angeles court gave Randy Jackson of The Jackson’s a 30-day jail sentence for violating a probation order.

– In 1998: A study comparing noise levels of rock music, found that older people rated rock music much higher on a loudness scale than younger people. The researchers carried out by Ohio University tested people age 18 to 21 and people ranging in age from 51 to 58. The study asked participants to rate the loudness of rock music played at nine intensities, ranging from 10 decibels to 90 decibels. Participants listened to ‘Heartbreaker’ by Led Zeppelin for 10 seconds at different intensities. At each intensity, the older subjects gave the music higher numerical ratings based on loudness than the younger subjects.

– In 2003: Michael Jackson flew to Santa Barbara to be arrested by police. He was seen in handcuffs being taken into the police station. The singer had his mug shot and fingerprints taken before being freed on $3m bail.

– In 2004: Oasis singer Liam Gallagher was fined £40,000 after a fight in a German hotel. Gallagher was arrested along with drummer Alan White and three other members of the band’s entourage after the brawl in Munich in December 2002. Gallagher lost two front teeth in the fight, which led to the band abandoning their German tour.

– In 2007: Velvet Revolver were forced to cancel a four-city Japanese after their requests for visas was rejected. Officials were said to have refused the band entry to Japan due to previous drug convictions.

– IN 2007: Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke admitted he was among the thousands of people who paid nothing to download the band’s latest album In Rainbows. Speaking to BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, Yorke said: “There wasn’t any point. I just move some money from one pocket to the other.” According to one survey, three in five people paid nothing at all for it. Yorke added that no one was allowed to have copies of the master recording in case it was leaked beforehand.

Here’s the this day in music for the day. Enjoy.

Kev

Musician Birthdays: Matt Sorum (drummer for the Cult, Guns N’ Roses, The Velvet Revolver. Born in 1960)

– In 1955: Carl Perkins recorded ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ at Sun Studios in Memphis. The rock ‘n’ roll classic became a US No.2 & UK No.10 hit for Perkins in 1956, and has been covered by many acts including Elvis Presley and John Lennon.

– In 1962: The Beatles, played gigs at three different venues. First they performed a lunchtime show at the Cavern Club, Liverpool, followed by an 85-mile drive to the Midlands, where they performed at Smethwick Baths Ballroom and then at the Adelphi Ballroom, West Bromwich in Staffordshire.

– In 1966: The Supremes started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘You Keep Me Hanging On’, the group’s 7th US No.1. It made No.8 in the UK.

– In 1979: Chuck Berry was released from prison after serving a four-month sentence for tax evasion.

– In 1983: Tom Evans from Badfinger committed suicide by hanging himself in his back garden from a willow tree. Family members said the singer, songwriter was never able to get over his former bandmate’s Pete Ham’s suicide. Evans co-wrote ‘Without You’ a hit for Harry Nilson and Mariah Carey.

– In 1988: Bon Jovi started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Bad Medicine’, the group’s third US No.1, a No.17 hit in the UK.

– In 1994: Crosby Stills & Nash member David Crosby had a successful liver transplant operation at Dumont-UCLA in Los Angeles. Crosby’s liver was deteriorated from extensive alcohol and drug abuse, as well as hepatitis-C.

– In 1994: Nirvana entered the US album chart at No.1 with ‘MTV Unplugged In New York.’

– IN 2000: The Beatles started an eleven-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘The Beatles 1’.

– In 2001: Mick Jagger released his new solo album ‘Goddess In The Doorway’. First day sales stood at 954 copies.

– In 2001: Scott Weiland lead singer with The Stone Temple Pilots was arrested after allegedly fighting with his wife at the Hard Rock hotel in Las Vegas. Weiland was booked on one count of domestic battery and was released 12 hours later. The band had performed at the club that night.

– In 2003: Police issued an arrest warrant for Michael Jackson following allegations of sexual abuse of a 12-year old boy. Jackson who was in Las Vegas filming a video, negotiated with police to arrange a time and place to hand himself in.