Sam Phillips: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

His life and career thru links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/sam-phillips/bio/


Sun Records Official Site: http://www.sunrecords.com/

The First Rock Record recorded at Sun Records: Ike Turner and Jackie Brenston:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbfnh1oVTk0

He discovered Elvis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWgprZu4Hk4

Sun was “an early home” to:

Jerry Lee Lewis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xraIf_cYRQE

Johnny Cash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEV58ztuihs

Roy Orbison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMdWzIITwoM

Carl Perkins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79CJON8fv6c

Sam Phillips died in 2003:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyOmzxPxND4

Robert Johnson: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

His career in links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/robert-johnson/bio/

Sweet Home Chicago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8hqGu-leFc

Ramblin’ On My Mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUyKnEiv70Y

Terraplane Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dloPrGI0EuY

Cross Road Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd60nI4sa9A

Hellhound on My Tail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqgcM_CmhdA

Travelin’ Riverside Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecwW2fX1Yew

Love in Vain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPdfPxAF8BM

Johnson’s deal with the Devil:

http://www.thedevilsmeeting.com/folklore/robert-johnsons-deal-devil.html

Robert Johnson died at age 27:

http://dead.atyourage.com/age/27/100

Influence: Robert Johnson is the Father of British Rock.

Led Zeppelin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSht5j3Cnh0

Eric Clapton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-twOjwBORwg

The Rolling Stones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV6hqtD4rwc

The official song of Chicago performed by The Blues Brothers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tlou_2lMLAc

The Everly Brothers: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

The Everly Brothers' career through links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-everly-brothers/bio/

Their first single was rejected by 30 acts:

Bye Bye Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBylPQvzyas&feature=fvst

First #1:

Wake Up Little Susie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kooAgqCHGvU

Also in the fifties:

All I Have To Do Is Dream: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul6X5Mg4xuk&feature=related

Bird Dog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SkvaALFQOs

The Sixties:

Cathy’s Clown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVHP7jR8_8o

When Will I Be Loved: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h--3ugScE1Q

The Everly Brothers were left behind when the music scene changed in the early to mid-1960s.

Acts influenced by the Everly Brothers:

The Beatles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGC_uaUav7w

The Beach Boys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WP2exZurfc

Simon and Garfunkel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdKjEHfHINQ

Sam Cooke: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Sam Cooke: His life in links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/sam-cooke/bio/

1957:

You Send Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqzv1ZS6uZs

Summertime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWFJLUBwpSY

I’ll Come Running Back to You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqQ92JLKRSg

1960s:

Chain Gang: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRyDlVOE86U

Twistin’ the Night Away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSoPeZMHMf4

Another Saturday Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i98_Lqcryp8

1963: Cooke’s 18 month old son wandered off from his mother and drowned in a pool. The singer fell into a deep depression.

1964: He died at the Hacienda Hotel in Los Angeles when a hotel manager shot and killed Cooke. She claimed self defense and the singer was found by police without a shirt or pants on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMKnQWEvwlc
The Death of Sam Cooke:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly5X_ujTlyM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ0FDIL5gX0&feature=related

Released shortly after his death, “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. The song is especially powerful considering how Cooke died.

A Change Is Gonna Come: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQU4torUz-Q

After his death, Motown honored Cooke with a Supremes album of cover songs:

Ain’t That Good News: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYnkshAo0eE

Ray Charles: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Ray Charles life and career in links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/ray-charles/bio/

Official Site: http://raycharles.com/

First time on the charts 1949:

Confession Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBeWcoN5D9s

He changed the words of Gospel songs and added R&B to became a star:

I Got A Woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsC4cH-v3ns

Charles wrote this in the middle of a concert:

What’d I Say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAjeSS3kktA

First #1:

Georgia On My Mind: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thls_tMuFkc

Other #1‘s:

Hit the Road Jack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Tiz6INF7I

I Can’t Stop Loving You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSvKWA7v6TM

Released in 1963, he was convicted of heroin possession in 1966:

Busted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLWoiC-3b60

In the Heat of the Night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOOrtKIYyS0

1970s:

Booty Butt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUwlCVd3YTI

America the Beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg

1980s:

The Blues Brothers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN5V-6yCbpg

He died in 2004. The biopic Ray starring Jamie Foxx is released the same year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2a1nzAciMc

Ready by Rhianna ft Britney Spears and Lady Gaga

#1 this week...dethroning Katy Perry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEKMT9SDEYU

John Hammond: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Hammond was a music scout that discovered or advanced the careers of many important acts of the 20th century.


Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/john-hammond/bio/

Important acts Hammond signed or helped:

Benny Goodman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2S1I_ien6A

Billie Holiday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWtUzdI5hlE

Count Basie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYLbrZAko7E

Big Joe Turner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Feq_Nt3nM

Pete Seeger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iAIM02kv0g

Aretha Franklin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi6dqhi8Ptw

Bob Dylan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk3mAX5xdxo

Bruce Springsteen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=129kuDCQtHs

Leonard Cohen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrLk4vdY28Q

His last major signing:

Stevie Ray Vaughan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO23B5C_Mcw

Jimmy Yancey: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Jimmy Yancey's life and career. He was a pioneer in boogie woogie by night and Chicago White Sox groundskeeper by day.

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/jimmy-yancey/bio/

Yancey pioneered boogie woogie piano which heavily influenced early rock including Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Midnight Stomp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T93LAl9Q7FE

How Long Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdcSAMVPELA&feature=related

He served as a groundskeeper for the White Sox for 25 years:

White Sox Stomp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUz54Y1XFNA&feature=related

Jimmy Yancey died in 1951.

Jimmie Rodgers: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Jimmie Rodgers: His career in links:

“The Father of Country Music”

If you like yodeling...

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/jimmie-rodgers/bio/

Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEIBmGZxAhg

In the Jailhouse Now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJpdPA38AsM

Mississippi Delta Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD_8T30kFhw

His last recording:

Years Ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5apwCpkBSsc

He died at age 35 from a lung hemorrhage in 1933.

Jerry Lee Lewis: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Jerry Lee Lewis' life and career through links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/jerry-lee-lewis/bio/

Official Site: http://www.jerryleelewis.com/

Million Dollar Quartet (with Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFpxQOd5tHA

His two signature hits:

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yRdDnrB5kM

Great Balls of Fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IjgZGhHrYY&feature=related

Other hits of the 50s:

Breathless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvAgbyI8ris

High School Confidential: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykTFBFkbk84

Marries his 13 year old second cousin which cripples his career: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5sV8UEIH9g

With his rock career dead because of scandal, Lewis goes country in the 60s:

Another Place, Another Time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEXEhUO7npo

1972: Triumphant Return to rock:

Chantily Lace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLpHocRHwYk

1976: Arrested at Graceland with a pistol demanding to see Elvis:

http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/jerry_lee_lewis_arested_at_the_gates_of_gaceland.shtml

1989 Biopic: Great Balls of Fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCehyiNYzAs

In the current century:

Mean Old Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vsM-XbXyhs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3z1q-BCmBY

Rock Hall Concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvg9jxNHd68&feature=related

James Brown: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

James Brown's career through links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/james-brown/bio/

James Brown and The Famous Flames’ first hit in 1956:

Please, Please, Please: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQdMZ1qrn6k

Think (1960): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msp7KbIjFmw

As James Brown:

Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag (1965): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtqDB2spyG0

His signature hit:

I Got You (I Feel Good): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly9NyHC1yV8

It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af-3Q0L5cMw

Cold Sweat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni5ELUVM2eI

As the sixties radicalized:

Say It Loud- I’m Black and I’m Proud: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VRSAVDlpDI

In the aftermath of the King Assassination:

The Day James Brown saved Boston: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5fBEVEQCzc

And then came the 70s:

Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fl3Gia-aHc

1980:

Blues Brothers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1KZKZs-2YM

He continued to record and score hits. However, his next big hit came in 1985 for Rocky IV:

Living in America: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHqUipinDyw

He’s also remembered for a wild car chase in 1988: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o81YpeGLUas

Influence:

Eddie Murphy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLY7Ry17C9A

When Hip Hop took off, artists often sampled James Brown:

Welcome to the Terrordome by Public Enemy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmmS5Odu6Ag

Freedom of Speech by Ice T: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T6eJEJZHzo

Undercover Brother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvk045AMRY0

He worked until his death…which became an event in itself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASt8flSah0s

Fats Domino: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

His career through links:

Fats Domino Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/fats-domino/


Official Site: http://www.fatsdominomusic.com/

Fats gained national attention in 1949 with…

The Fat Man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIz1cPfTRW4

He continued to score R&B hits until 1955 when he hit the big time. His success coincided with Rock n Roll's rise to prominence.

Ain’t That a Shame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoopwXoG79M

My Blue Heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdSU-LxwfgE

Blueberry Hill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQQCPrwKzdo

Blue Monday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En-PZIvzO64

I’m Walkin‘: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivU15WbNq1M

I Want To Walk You Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjDHnT8ymV8

Walking to New Orleans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDGWhqmF9RI

In 1968, he made his last appearance on the charts with a Beatles cover:

Lady Madonna:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1OdbPpvFYg

He continued to record regularly until the early 80s. Today, Fats continues to perform and occasionally records.

In 2005, he was rescued by the Coast Guard in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXPAXDQHaiw

Influence:

Paul McCartney wrote Lady Madonna in an attempt to copy Domino’s style:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPwLnGQzKEg

Paul McCartney: Ain’t That a Shame: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEN2UqXofz4

Led Zeppelin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J54NapjjbZY&feature=related

Happy Days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o20YZ9B5BaQ

Tom Petty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrfDDogsyYg

Look At Me Now by Chris Brown (ft. Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes)

Zac Brown still #1 on the country charts. Foo Fighters still #1 on the rock charts. Katy Perry still #1 on the pop charts.

Chris Brown is #1 on the R&B charts

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gyLR4NfMiI

Chuck Berry: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Chuck Berry's life in links:

Rock Hall site: http://rockhall.com/inductees/chuck-berry/

Official Web Site: http://www.chuckberry.com/

"Maybellene" launched the rock era when Alan Freed played it over and over and over...

Maybellene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RAfxiyMKAk

Roll Over Beethoven (with the duck walk): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsp4VCbVvn4

Berry mixed Rhythm and Blues with Country Music. His songs told stories. Songs like "School Days" connected with teens:

School Days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHG5-GxI_Es

Rock and Roll Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH8IrcvdiD8

Sweet Little Sixteen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d5qUWR4LTM

The Beach Boys ripped off "Sweet Little Sixteen":
 
Beach Boys (Surfin USA): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF4uldy2QTA

His greatest song:

Johnny B Goode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ofD9t_sULM

His career was put on hold when he was busted for violating the Mann Act:

From Cadillac Records: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt31tLq0KgQ

When he returned after serving his prison sentence, the music world changed. But he did have a few hits:

You Never Can Tell (1964): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuM2FTq5f1o

He scored his last major hit in 1972:

My Ding-a-Ling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaEC-lWSlmI

Great movie about Chuck Berry from 1987:

Hail! Hail! Rock n Roll: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClgtoM2RwQY

Chuck Berry's Influence:

The Beatles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4-16zxVMw0

Keith Richards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEA6gzAAPfc

John Lennon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45V1Q_C2Wpc

Back to the Future: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Cr7kxjSBs

Pulp Fiction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik-RsDGPI5Y

and finally...Chuck Berry 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvYkpTDjJN0

Buddy Holly: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Buddy Holly's career in links:

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/buddy-holly/

Official Site: http://www.buddyholly.com/

Another Site: http://www.buddyhollyonline.com/main.html

Influenced by The Searchers staring John Wayne:
That’ll Be The Day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO_wJEGmfQE

The skiffle sound was very influential.:

Peggy Sue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQiIMuOKIzY

Oh Boy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLq-vYjdQVs

Holly was not only a great songwriter and performer, but also a pioneer in the studio.


Maybe Baby:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEHNFxXkILM

It’s So Easy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2rU3W45wks

Radio News Flash: February 3, 1959: Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Richie Valens die in a plane crash:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UWoDl0PBP8

Influence:

Buddy Holly's sound dramatically impacted the British Invasion especially the Liverpool acts.
Rolling Stones “Not Fade Away”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt_zum97kjE

The Beatles “Words of Love”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx9ExvtLZ7M

John Mellencamp: “Rave On”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYvoS7LNgaM

The Buddy Holly Story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBCTJPNC2kk

Weezer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kemivUKb4f4

Alan Freed: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Disc jockey Alan Freed coined the term "rock n roll" and later got caught up in the payola scandal. Freed required artists to attribute songwriting credits to him in order to play their records. He died pennyless.

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/alan-freed/

Official Site: http://www.alanfreed.com/

On Air Audio: http://www.alanfreed.com/wp/on-the-air-audio/

Payola: http://www.loti.com/fifties_music/the_payola_scandal.htm

Payola 2: http://www.history-of-rock.com/payola.htm

Freed played "Maybellene" over and over again which created the buzz which began the rock era. "Maybellene" is an example of payola.

Maybellene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RAfxiyMKAk

Elvis Presley: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

Elvis: A Life through links!

Official Site: http://www.elvis.com/

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/elvis-presley/

Some consider "That's All Right" as the first rock song.  

That’s All Right: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1s-E1WWipc

Elvis' first million seller:

Heartbreak Hotel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efL17ekQZ5k

Love Me Tender: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZBUb0ElnNY

Hound Dog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJsQSb9RFo0

Jailhouse Rock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRu3tw9fYxE

TV variety shows vied for Elvis to perform. He drew large audiences and was drawn into the prime time variety show wars of the fifties.

Milton Berle Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcG0gnld6OI

Ed Sullivan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOvUdZgl7vo

Steve Allen Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPl_kZTsBqg

Not even the King could escape the draft.

Elvis in the army: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyS5wOcYua4

Elvis returned from the army...

All Shook Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaI3zwZYuGw

(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhdUucs8AlY

It’s Now or Never: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkMVscR5YOo

Are You Lonesome Tonight?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edRnjGPJGo0

Can’t Help Falling In Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V430M59Yn8

During the sixties, Elvis filmed several movies. Some were good while others....

Clambake!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk8vgSdLrwQ

Elvis won three Grammys...for his Gospel recordings.

How Great Thou Art: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf0vJiyeLIo

In 1968, the King left the movies and returned with a vengeance.

68 Comeback Special: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV1z4NPoIoI

Suspicious Minds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTYg2Q-vDJ0

Kentucky Rain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-v38lbPNZs

When the King met the President...

Nixon meets Elvis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcxa6jLBXyg

Another classic special: It remains one of the most watched broadcasts by an entertainer in history.

Aloha From Hawaii: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idh-tkctXo8

His final hit:

Hurt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oj8d9rp9to

Death: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0KtANYJNZo

Funeral: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfJ3MHg3O1k

A remixed posthumous smash:

A Little Less Conversation (remix): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0O0BkKdMx0

Colder Weather by The Zac Brown Band

#1 this week: Pop Charts is still Katy Perry's E.T.

#1 Country: Zac Brown Band!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oouFE51HcqM

801. Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode (1989)

Priscilla Presley's book Elvis and Me inspired "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode. In this context, Elvis is the center of worship for Priscilla in an extremely unhealthy way.  The song's video places the band in what appears to be a Mexican brothel.

On a side note, the eighties witnessed a rise in televangelists and some interpreted "Personal Jesus" as a critique of that phenomenon especially with they lyric "Reach out and touch faith."

Johnny Cash produced an interesting take on the song in 2002. For that recording, he was joined by The Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante and Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Depeche Mode:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1xrNaTO1bI

Johnny Cash:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQcNiD0Z3MU

802. This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie (1944)

Guthrie got sick of hearing Kate Smith's version of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" on the radio. He felt the song disingenuous and decided to write a song he felt better reflected America. Guthrie sometimes changed the verses based on his mood. Some of the lyrics were overtly leftist and he modified them as he felt appropriate. Over time, the song has lost its overt political connotations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxiMrvDbq3s

Kate Smith's "God Bless America":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCavKL2zdjM

803. The End of the Innocence by Don Henley (1989)

Don Henley laments the loss of youth and innocence. The song is a bittersweet and melancholy remembrance. At the same time, Henley takes shots at Ronald Reagan and the 80s arms buildup ("they're beating plowshares into swords, for the tired old man that we elected king"). There's also references to divorce and personal turmoil. Essentially, it is a baby boomer looking back to simpler times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLONgF8a_Ig

804. So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry) by R.E.M.(1984)

Michael Stipe refused to lip synch "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)" for the music video. While the rest of the band faked playing their instruments, Stipe needed to sing the song live along with the recording. He would not lip synch for a video until 1991's "Losing My Religion."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msWi0c4tHV8

805. You May Be Right by Billy Joel (1980)

Billy Joel hit #7 on the charts with "You May Be Right." The song opens with the sound of breaking glass which matched the album cover featuring Joel with a rock in his hand outside a glass house. This was meant as a message to his critics. People in glass houses...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S4NU-f6x6Q

806. Bleeding Me by Metallica (1997)

James Hetfield settled the speculation over the meaning of "Bleeding Me" in a Playboy interview. He claimed it was about bleeding out all the ugly and evil in his life. Prior to his stint in therapy, he planned his life around his hangovers. The song was never officially released as a single.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftV_XepIwpo

E.T. by Katy Perry ft. Kanye West

#1 this week...

People! Katy Perry can not sing!!! She has NO talent!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5Sd5c4o9UM

807. Walk This Way by Aerosmith (1975)

"Walk This Way" was a hit for Aerosmith in 1975 and then reinvigorated their career in 1986. The band fell on hard times due to excessive drug use. In fact, Run DMC never heard of Aerosmith before covering the song. Their version resurrected Aerosmith who went on to a enjoy a second run.

Aerosmith:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKttENbsoyk

Run DMC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk