Saturday, November 12, 2016

This Date in Rock Music History: November 13

1961:  "Please Mr. Postman" delivered a #1 R&B song for the Marvelettes.
1961:  "Big Bad John" by Jimmy Dean was #1 for a second week.  The only new Top 10 song was a big one--"Please Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes.
1964:  The first official biography of the Rolling Stones, Our Own Story, was published.


New Featured Unknown/Underrated Song: Kenny Loggins with "This Is It"

Originally an introvert, this artist from Santa Barbara, California emerged not only as one of the great recording artists of the '70s and '80s but an outstanding live performer as well:



"This Is It"
Kenny Loggins


Written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald

There've been times in my life
I've been wonderin' why
Still, somehow I believed we'd always survive
Now, I'm not so sure
You're waiting here
One good reason to try
But, what more can I say
What's left to provide

(You think that maybe it's over)
(Only if you want it to be)
Are you gonna wait for a sign, your miracle
Stand up and fight

(This is it)
Make no mistake where you are
(This is it)
You back's to the corner
(This is it)
Don't be a fool anymore
(This is it)

The waiting is over, no, don't you run
No way to hide
No time for wonderin' why
It's here, the moment is now, about to decide
Let 'em believe
Leave 'em behind
But keep me near in your heart
Know whatever you do
I'm here by your side

(You say that maybe it's over)
(Not if you don't want it to be)
For once in your life
Here's your miracle
Stand up and fight

(This is it)
Make no mistake where you are
(This is it)
You're goin' no further
(This is it)
Until it's over and done

(No one can tell you what you know)
Whoa-oh-ho, whoa-aaah
(Who makes the choice of how it goes)
It's not up to me this time
(You know)
Comes a day in every life

(This is it)
Make no mistake where you are
(This is it)
You're goin' no further
(This is it)
Until it's over and done
(This is it)
One way or another
(This is it)
(No one can tell what the future holds)
(This is it)
Your back's to the corner
(This is it)
(You make the choice of how it goes)
(This is it)
The waiting is over
(This is it)
(No one can tell what the future holds)
(This is it)
You're goin' no further
(This is it)

Friday, November 11, 2016

This Date in Rock Music History: November 12

1955:  Fats Domino had the top R&B song for a third week with "All By Myself".  
1966:  Lou Rawls reached the pinnacle of the R&B chart with "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing".
1966:  The self-titled debut album The Monkees reached #1.


The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era

We've been feverishly working on the preparation and production of what will be another of Inside The Rock Era's signature music specials, The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era*.

We'll do our usual features of The Top 10 Songs of 2016* and additions to Rock and Roll Heaven* in 2016, of which there are many, followed by The Top 100 Artists* shortly after the New Year.  

The special will premiere at a date to be named soon.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

This Date in Rock Music History: November 11

1957:  Elvis Presley performed at the Schofield Barracks in Hawai'i, his final concert of the 50's.
1961:  Joan Baez performed a sold-out show at the Town Hall in New York City.


Wednesday, November 9, 2016

This Date in Rock Music History: November 10

1958:  Sam Cooke and Lou Rawls were injured in a car accident that claimed the life of the driver near Marion, Arkansas.
1958:  Frank Sinatra began filming the movie A Hole in the Head.
1958:  "Topsy II" by Cozy Cole spent a third week at #1 on the R&B chart.


Tuesday, November 8, 2016

This Date in Rock Music History: November 9

1955:  The Everly Brothers recorded their first songs at the Old Tulane Hotel Studio in Nashville, Tennessee.  The duo recorded four tracks in 22 minutes.
1956:  Buddy Holly set out on his first tour.
1959:  RCA offered Sam Cooke $100,000 to leave Keen Records.


Monday, November 7, 2016

This Date in Rock Music History: November 8

Lots of drummers born on this date, and other important music news--here we go!

1953:  Buddy Holly began his radio show (called The Buddy and Jack Show, with Jack Neal, on KDAV in Lubbock, Texas.


Sunday, November 6, 2016

This Date in Rock Music History: November 7

1951:  Frank Sinatra married actress Ava Gardner.
1953:  Pat Boone married Shirley Foley.
1959:  Smokey Robinson and Claudette Rogers of the Miracles were married.
1960:  Elvis Presley began filming the movie Wild in the Country.
1960:  Hank Ballard and the Midnighters were at #1 for a third week on the R&B chart with Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go".