Billy Joel Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1999 part 1

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/billy-joel/

Billy Joel was born in the Bronx in 1949. His father was a concert pianist. Joel did not graduate high school because he was helping his family make ends meet. He finally decided if he was not going to Columbia University, he would go to Columbia Records.

He began making music in 1965 and released records with his band. Joel finally recorded solo and hit it big in the early 70s.

Piano Man (1973):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxEPV4kolz0

The Entertainer (1975):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozDSk9XUkrc

Just The Way You Are (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPiK_yGG8ag

Movin’ Out (1977):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UBpt1dya60

Only the Good Die Young (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhjNm20XbXw

My Life (1978):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3JFEfdK_Ls

Big Shot (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEea624OBzM

 Honesty (1979):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R3GtAnO66o

Charles Brown: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1999

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

Brown’s slow-paced style helped influence the development of blues in the 1940s and 50s.

Driftin’ Blues:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9E4LQovoUQ

Merry Christmas Baby:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RJJwk-Opw4

Black Night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pOFLzPnZag

Trouble Blues:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGtu2gMRIPU

He died in 1999.

Curtis Mayfield: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1999

Rock Hall bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/curtis-mayfield/bio/

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

Mayfield pioneered funk and socially conscious music for the black community.

His career started in 1956 when he joined The Roosters. The band became The Impressions in 1958.

Mayfield went solo in 1970.

(Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2cTc7DofrA

Freddie’s Dead (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9nwcpGZE6A

His signature song…

Superfly (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cmo6MRYf5g

We Got To Have Peace (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QglEbgON9o

Kung Fu (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOgdRVm-zzw

Only You Babe (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc4fgeORsD4

She Don’t Let Nobody (But Me) (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42CRTZ_GHV8

Toot An’ Toot An’ Toot (1982):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mUevmOb1dk

He was paralyzed in 1990 when lighting equipment fell on him.

No One Knows About A Good Thing (1997):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox7zvqQ5-go

Curtis Mayfield died in 1999 a few months after being elected to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Del Shannon: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1999

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/del-shannon/bio/

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

Shannon was drafted in 1954. When he returned from the army, he worked part time in a band. In 1958, he assumed control of the band and Del Shannon took off.

Runaway (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S13mP_pfEc

Hats off to Larry (1961): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk_FR3341bA

The Swiss Maid (1962): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn27xBY8X68

Little Town Flirt (1962): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9kt5LxwxXg

He fought with his label and switched in 1963.

Handy Man (1964): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gIocqHTnWs

Do You Wanna Dance? (1964): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V7m9peH8QA

Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun) (1964): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnSpWU8utw4

Shannon moved to Liberty Records in 1966. His success waned, so Shannon moved to producing in 1969.

Alcoholism and changing music scene slowed his career in the 70s.

Sea of Love (1981): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3O6I6CL3lA

He was in line to replace Roy Orbison in the Travelin’ Wilburys.

Depression led to suicide in 1990.

Dusty Springfield: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1999

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/dusty-springfield/bio/

Dusty began singing at home, joined The Lana Sisters in 1958, and formed The  Springfields with her brother in 1960. She went solo in 1963.

I Only Want To Be With You (1963): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5LS---oX7Y

Wishin’ and Hopin’ (1964): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycbgHM1mI0k

I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself (1964): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA48IL6bQQU

You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me (1966): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9NY3P1QwWw

Goin’ Back (1966):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvWiiUgT8Nk

I’ll Try Anything (1967): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubdAfuBIvLU

Son of a Preacher Man (1968): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp4339EbVn8

By this point, she was the biggest female act on Earth.

She struggled to reach the charts after 1970.

What Have I Done to Deserve This? w/Pet Shop Boys (1987): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn9E5i7l-Eg

Wherever Would I Be w/Daryl Hall (1995): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ivXQtAjHJs

She died in 1999.

George Martin: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1999

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/george-martin/bio/

After graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Martin worked at the BBC. During the fifties, he produced comedy and novelty records.

Martin began working with the Beatles in the early 60s and achieved his greatest fame and success.

A Day in the Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Q9D4dcYng

He worked with several other artists such as Jeff Beck, America, Cheap Trick, and Kenny Rogers.

In the 90s, he worked on The Beatles Anthology. However, he left the two new songs to Jeff Lynne to produce. By this point, hearing loss made work on the new tracks problematic for Martin.

Martin also produced two James Bond theme songs:

Goldfinger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MagCoUYvIXE

Live and Let Die: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7aGAIWe3uE

Bob Willis and the Playboys: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1999

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/bob-wills-and-his-texas-playboys/bio/

Bob Willis founded Country Swing music.

He was in several bands before forming the Playboys in 1934.

Steel Guitar Rag (1936): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxzxH6wIPCY

New San Antonio Rose (1940): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw2k8VfX83o

Smoke on the Water (1945): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmzN5-7699Q

Stars and Stripes on Iwo Jima (1945): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvveaI4RG1Q

New Spanish Two Step (1946): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiXoOFKk4kg

Willis influenced Merle Haggard and Buck Owens among others.

He died in 1975.

Ida Red ( 1951 and 1976):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvw4_YOWNXM

The Staples Singers: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1999

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-staple-singers/bio/

The act started in 1948 and signed a contract in 1952. Originally, they were a gospel/folk band, but grew mainstream by the late 60s as they moved toward a pop sound.

For What It’s Worth (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n9Rgkpz7yE

They signed with Stax in 1968 and did not hit it big until 1971.

Respect Yourself (1971):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oab4ZCfTbOI

I’ll Take You There (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY3vgBzgYn4

If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me) (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXQeZCGwZTY&feature=fvst

Stax went bankrupt and the band moved to Curtom Records.

Let’s Do It Again (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etITOxv9x4w

I Honestly Love You (1978):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etITOxv9x4w

In 1994, “Respect Yourself” appeared in Spike Lee’s Crooklyn. A few years earlier, Bruce Willis scored a hit with the tune.

Songs of 2012 part III

The final installment...

The best Bond theme in a couple decades...

Skyfall-Adele

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

Song of the year....

These Days-Foo Fighters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNLhxlEU52c

Charlie Brown-Coldplay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTFBJgnNgU4

 

The last 2 are just super catchy....

Little Talks- Of Monsters and Men

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghb6eDopW8I

 Drive By- Train

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxqnFJ3lp5k

 

Songs of 2012 part 2

Continuing the look back at 2012...Big year for the Foos and Black Keys, Soundgarden returned, and Shawn Colvin has a song that is all over Austin radio...

Walk- Foo Fighters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PkcfQtibmU

Lonely Boy-Black Keys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_426RiwST8

Live to Rise- Soundgarden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3ZNtOcY_1A

Little Black Submarines-Black Keys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k8es2BNloE

All Fall Down Shawn Colvin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHGZF8alJ9E

Songs of 2012 part I

This is the first installment of the songs of 2012...the best, or at least, most memorable...

Carly Rae Jepsen: Terrible terrible song, but it had Obama singing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWNaR-rxAic


Fun: The first rock song in a decade to hit #1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv6dMFF_yts

Gotye: Just a weird song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY

Maroon 5:

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

 

Phil Collins: Take Me Home (1986)

Phil Collins based "Take Me Home" on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The song is about someone in a mental hospital and not about someone returning home. Peter Gabriel provides backup vocals on the track, which peaked at #7 in 1986.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRY1NG1P_kw

The Replacements: Left of the Dial (1985)

"Left of the Dial" refers to the position of most alternative radio stations. Underground rock that led to Nirvana began in earnest in punk's aftermath. By the late 80s, it was about to explode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J004aQUKbO4

The Beatles: Tell Me Why (1964)

Paul believed "Tell Me Why" was based on John's experiences with his wife Cynthia. It might be based on Lennon's philadering and Cynthia's response.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmtaw0fr0xI

Elvis Presley: Viva Las Vegas (1964)

"Viva Las Vegas" was recorded by Elvis for the film of the same name. Since 1964, it has become one of Elvis' most recognizable songs. In the seventies, Elvis moved to Vegas to perform. As a result, the song and artist became inseparable. It has since been covered by a number of acts ranging from ZZ Top to Bruce Springsteen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFw5a5Bp_Pw

 

The Beatles: Nowhere Man (1965)

John Lennon wrote this song about himself. He was unsure where he was heading in life and had just stayed up all night. Paul McCartney confirmed Lennon's statements saying "I think at that point, he was a bit...wondering where he was going, and to be truthful so was I. I was starting to worry about him."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfWEPu0w-7w

1947 in music

The music industry continued on in 1947 much in the way it did in 1946. Jazz was changing in Charlie Parker’s wake.  George Jones began his career and Patti Page signed a record deal.  Overall, 1947 was a rather drab year in music.

Near You by Francis Craig

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

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah by James Baskett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bWyhj7siEY

Ballerina by Vaughn Monroe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKALVe6P7oE

Always by Frank Sinatra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLh-m1Z_feY

April Showers by Al Jolson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMCU7OF3sVM
 

Huey Lewis and the News: Heart of Rock n Roll (1984)

Nothing screams 1984 like Huey Lewis and the News. The band was omnipresent from the mid-to-late 80s racking up a string of hits. MTV played the video constantly and it became a summer anthem. 25 years later, Blender panned the song as the sixth worst ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7JVlpm0eRs

Frank Sinatra: My Way (1969)

There are few songs that match their artist more than "My Way" and Frank Sinatra. The tune is about an aging man reflecting back on his life and realizing he might not have made all the right choices, but the choices were his. Paul Anka adapted a 1967 French pop song and gave it to Sinatra. It hit #27 on the charts in 1969. In the U.K., it set a record by appearing in the Top 40 for 75 weeks. It did not leave the British charts until September 1971. The 75 weeks is a record that still stands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egY8rUpxqcE

The Go-Gos: Our Lips Are Sealed (1981)

The Go-Gos emerged from the New York punk scene. When the public tired of the movement, the record industry repackaged artists like the Go-Gos into New Wave.  Despite the wholesome good girls image, the band could party like any other rock band. "Our Lips Are Sealed" was written by Jane Wiedlin  and The Specials' Terry Hall, who were in a relationship. However, Hall also had a girlfriend in England that he considered marrying making Wiedlin the "other woman."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3kQlzOi27M

Billy Joel: It's Still Rock n Roll to Me (1980)

Billy Joel responded to music critics and record execs begging him to change with the times. He wrote "It's Still Rock n Roll to Me" as his own cynical critique of the business. They wanted him to change and he basically said he will remain popular based on his merits as opposed to copying New Wave, Punk, or Funk. The song does incorporate the New Wave sound as a contrast to its message. It reached #1 in 1980.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eAQa4MOGkE

John Williams: The Asteroid Field (1980)

This track is from The Empire Strikes Back and IMO one of Williams best. It provides the ominous Imperial March in a background of falling rocks. At points, it is reminiscent of Krypton's explosion in the original Superman.

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

The Eagles: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1998

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

In 1971, Linda Ronstadt hired session musicians Don Henley and Glen Frey. The Eagles performed as her backing band and then struck out on their own.

Take It Easy (1971):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zuhxfrXocw

Witchy Woman (1971):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d8hZtvRPno

The band’s second album, Desperado, linked the rock star life to the old west outlaw.

Tequila Sunrise (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws-YqUcD0LY

The band moved tried to move away from country music to a harder rock sound.

Already Gone (1974):

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

Best of My Love (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaO-kgG7eCQ

One of These Nights (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ozGsAtY28

Lyin’ Eyes (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S67CTVVv3KQ

Take It To The Limit (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwASii2f5c8

Founding member Bernie Leadon left The Eagles after the One of These Nights album. He did not like the group’s musical direction.

Joe Walsh joined & the band released the seminal Hotel California.

New Kid in Town (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCIaw9qUZYg

Hotel California (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYf4kqnAWos

The band contrasted their own roots with the rock n roll lifestyle:

Life in the Fast Lane (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx6qPIC6izM

Heartache Tonight (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqhwwkT8fWQ

The Long Run (1979):

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

On  July 31, 1980, the band experienced the Long Night at Wrong Beach, a play on Long Beach, where they were playing. Frey and Henley threatened each other throughout the entire show.  They released a live album to fulfill their recording contract and broke apart.

Band members released successful solo careers.

In 1994, they reunited.

Get Over It (1994):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H-Y7MAASkg

In 2001, Don Felder sued for breach of contract. Frey and Henley countersued. It was settled out of court in 2007.

How Long (2007):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHBqpyUmCP4