Jimi Hendrix: Purple Haze (1967)

Psychedelic rock with obvious drug references combined with one of the all-time greatest riffs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjwWjx7Cw8I

Soundgarden: Burden in My Hand (1996)

The protagonist murders his girlfriend and leaves her in the desert. The man regretted his action and admitted to having anger issues.  The band called it "Hey Joe" for the 90s. At the time, I thought the song could have been partially inspired by the O.J. Simpson case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmIqIVxUuKs

Pearl Jam: Yellow Ledbetter (1992)

The title comes from an old friend of Eddie Vedder's. Other than that, if there is a song with lyrics more indecipherable, I have not heard it. This is one of those songs that takes me to a time and place. I remember some people thinking it was an old Hendrix song, but Pearl Jam wrote it before releasing Ten. It did not make their debut album, but emerged as a b-side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs8y3kneqrs

1959 in Music

People believed rock n roll died in 1959. Indeed, the year marked the end of the first generation of rockers. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash. Holly's death dealt a significant blow to the genre. By this point, Jerry Lee Lewis fell due to personal scandal, Little Richard quit performing in favor of the ministry, and Elvis Presley was drafted. Despite this, rock's so-called last gasp produced iconic works such as "La Bamba", "What I'd Say", and "There Goes My Baby." Rock n Roll gives way to the Dance Craze, teen idols, and Folk revival. Meanwhile, The Supremes form and Jimi Hendrix buys his first guitar. The year's biggest star was Bobby Darin.

#1 song of 1959:
Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qrjtr_uFac

Iconic songs of 1959:

Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEIDep_UMmk

El Paso by Marty Robbins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UVVS5-9HvA

I Only Have Eyes for You by The Flamingos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63nlhoda2MY

La Bamba by Ritchie Valens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Coy8Hoa1DNw

Sea of Love by Phil Phillips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EroRtEUmZcU

A Teenager in Love by Dion and the Belmonts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pwgswchPDo

There Goes by Baby by The Drifters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noFS4_oEakI

What I'd Say by Ray Charles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIqWwiC1BFI



Other hits:

The Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL7XS_8qgXM

Stagger Lee by Lloyd Price: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCPutYaGFlE

Lonesome Town by Ricky Nelson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN7mjvok6MI

Love Potion Number Nine by The Clovers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt7htnE1s4o

Dream Lover by Bobby Darin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzkECdHu1dQ

Poison Ivy by The Coasters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRfRITVdz4k

Personality by Lloyd Price: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thwJBqzNB7g

The future appeared in 1959 with...


Teen Idol Frankie Avalon:
Venus by Frankie Avalon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fakpqLDEQAo



Kicking off the folk revival:

M.T.A. by The Kingston Trio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Jw_v3F_Q0



Chubby Checker's remake kicks off the Dance Craze:

The Twist by Hank Ballard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUZqK65OAHE



and later becomes a key component of a Clint Eastwood film:

Misty by Johnny Mathis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JwhJMFDybQ









　


　

　

　
　


　 

The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1992

Official Site:

http://www.jimihendrix.com/us/home

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-jimi-hendrix-experience/bio/

Hendrix got his first guitar at age 15 and played it for hours. After a stint in the army, he tried to make it in show business.
In the early days, Hendrix worked with The Isley Brothers, Little Richard, and toured with the Monkeys. He formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1966.

Hey Joe (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE3FAY-NOiU

At the Monterey Pop Festival, Hendrix and The Who entered into a competition to see who could top the other.
Monterey (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_742k-ExYwA

Purple Haze (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W55Smyyzs58

The Wind Cries Mary (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwNQoazwf2Y

Foxy Lady (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC4WXown03c

All Along the Watchtower (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6Z7LR8Z9_o

The Experience disbanded in 1969.

Stone Free (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50nmzOqHinw

Fire (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKDQ-l22ayU

At Woodstock (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyGGG1I-rf8

At the Isle of Wight (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI5IthRfnik

Voodoo Child (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h2ywNdG45I

Jimi Hendrix died in 1970 from an overdose. Since his death, his estate has been quite prodigious with Hendrix recordings. He produced just three studio albums before his death. After his passing, there has been a multitude of recordings.

The Isley Brothers: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1992

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-isley-brothers/bio/

1954: Formed as a Gospel band

Twist and Shout (1962):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTaqn8_gMR0

The band hired Jimi Hendrix to play guitar. He left by 1966.

This Old Heart of Mine (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yiOqTG9Nno

It’s Your Thing (1969):

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

I Turned You On (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1loKmKz8EE

(Who’s) That Lady (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18C5bGDWmas

Summer Breeze (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T88fbHOmvRk

Fight the Power (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRkw9UnVhug

For the Love of You (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd2sOqbIcaM

The Pride (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF29wpFkl-I

It’s a Disco Night (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IY8DtmHok0

Don’t Say Goodnight (1980):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj8wufqK59Y

Group split in 1984, but reformed in 1991 From 1991 on, they found success working with R&B and rap artists such as R. Kelly, Puff Daddy, and Lil Kim.

If You Were There (1984): WHAM! Cover:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f8f2ndBXOU

Contagious (2001):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qnSz6Lh5pY&ob=av2n

Greatest Songs of the Sixties part I

Just my favorite songs...


House of the Rising Sun- The Animals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmdPQp6Jcdk

Get Back- The Beatles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6G7MkBMVxE

All Along the Watchtower- Jimi Hendrix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AuxJH2Mj30

Paint it Black- The Rolling Stones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9DDpmyPZZA

I am the Walrus- The Beatles

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

I’m Free- The Who

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5roebfnD-bc

Jimi Hendrix: Crosstown Traffic (1968)

Jimi can't get rid of this girl. She doesn't understand and getting through to her is liking driving through crosstown traffic. The song is filled with innuendo....if you pay attention. It is one of the few tunes to include a kazoo. Hendrix transforms a comb and cellophane into an instrument ala Snoopy. How many songs use a kazoo? Dave Mason from Traffic supplies backing vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUCNsZXCd58

Little Richard: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1986

His life and career in links.


Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/little-richard/bio/

Another Bio: http://www.history-of-rock.com/richard.htm

In 1955, Little Richard breaks out:

Tutti-Frutti: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFq5O2kabQo

Long Tall Sally: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsJVT8Jr_pM

Slippin’ and Slidin’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP3wdwRhpFs

Rip It Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REYiLcTrrG8

Ready Teddy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFd4p5Hx-Xo

He continues to roll into 1956:

The Girl Can’t Help It: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dioNDDIqNOY

Lucille: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3-OaNevkfg

Success continues into 1957 and 1958:

Jenny, Jenny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK9x0oQ-Nlg

Good Golly Miss Molly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqHQqb5ot74

1957: Quit to become a preacher. In 1959, he became a gospel singer, but returned to rock in 1962.

Crying in the Chapel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuDnoxtRv0o

His chart career sputtered, but he scored a minor hit in 1970:

Freedom Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1KmS5_nehQ

Today, he occasionally records, performs, and has appeared in commercials.

Influence:

James Brown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzlpTRNIAvc

Otis Redding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohkFgdCE2yQ&feature=artist

The Beatles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ibeqQA2_Yw&feature=related

Jimi Hendrix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHlRa-RPjWE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3WsFEr1LOA&feature=related

AC/DC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8THnH-FO3E

Freddie Mercury: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGc3rn8qaRA

John Fogerty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ke4AadQ4lE

Bob Seger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2aBOTNGWMY

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #11-20

11. My Generation: The Who- Hope I die before I get old. How this is not in the top 10 is beyond me, but it’s close!

12. A Change is Gonna Come: Sam Cooke- Cooke was shot and killed in a Los Angeles hotel. He was chasing a white woman that stole his clothes. This song was released two weeks later. It is about the day when black Americans would be equal. It became a civil rights anthem.

13. Yesterday: The Beatles- If there is a perfect song, this is it.

14. Blowin’ in the Wind: Bob Dylan- Dylan’s first important work.

15. London Calling: The Clash- The whole album was post industrial/post apocalyptic.

16. I Want to Hold Your Hand: The Beatles- and Beatlemania was born.

17. Purple Haze: Jimi Hendrix- Originally the lyrics read Purple Haze, Jesus Saves.

18. Maybellene: Chuck Berry- Alan Freed played this over and over and over. This signaled the beginning of the rock era.

19. Hound Dog: Elvis Presley- Elvis redid Big Mama’s Thornton’s song, and changed some of the lyrics, and a musical revolution took off.

20. Let it Be: The Beatles- John had problems with the religious reference, but Mother Mary was Paul’s mom and not Mary of Mary mother of Jesus fame.

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #31-50

31. Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin- Stairway begins in the middle ages and contains words inspired by a book about Celtic Britain and then transforms into a stadium rock epic as it continually builds to its crescendo 8 minutes later.

32. Sympathy for the Devil: The Rolling Stones- Anastasia did scream in vain…Mick was right!

33. River Deep-Mountain High: Ike and Tina Turner- Overrated if you ask me…

34. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling: The Righteous Brothers- You can tell this is a Phil Spector produced song about 1 note into it…

35. Light My Fire: The Doors- This made the Doors stars, but they had to cut the 7 minute song down to 3.

36. One: U2- U2 drops their 80s self righteousness for irony. Written as the band was falling apart…it helped bring them back together.

37. No Woman, No Cry: Bob Marley- Probably the greatest Reggae song of all time.

38. Gimme Shelter: The Rolling Stones- Rape, Murder…it’s just a shot away. Allegedly inspired by rioting in the U.S.

39. That’ll Be the Day: Buddy Holly- Inspired by a John Wayne phrase in The Searchers,

40. Dancing in the Street: Martha and the Vandellas- Wonder what Martha is doing now?

41. The Weight: The Band- Robbie Robertson wrote about the impossibility of sainthood.

42. Waterloo Sunset: The Kinks- Not about Napoleon; it’s about a guy that does not feel he needs friends.

43. Tutti-Frutti: Little Richard- Always thought this was about a sandwich or ice cream or something.

44. Georgia on my Mind: Ray Charles- A cab driver convinced Charles to record this.

45. Heartbreak Hotel: Elvis Presley- a song about suicide?

46. Heroes: David Bowie- Bowie opened the 911 tribute concert with this.

47. All Along the Watch Tower: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- and Hendrix made it howl…

48. Bridge Over Troubled Water: Simon and Garfunkel- Friendship done at an epic level.

49. Hotel California: The Eagles- The Eagles take on Los Angeles hedonism.

50. The Tracks of My Tears: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles- Pete Townsend was inspired to write “Substitute” after hearing this song.

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #101-115

101. You Can’t Always Get What You Want: Rolling Stones- But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.

102. Voodoo Child: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- Where have you gone Joel Zumaya?

103. Be Bop A Lu-La: Gene Vincent- The record company was looking for another Elvis and came up with Vincent. He lost his leg in a motorcycle accident and came up with this echo-y hit.

104. Hot Stuff: Donna Summer- When disco met rock.

105. Living for the City: Stevie Wonder- A depressing 7 minute manifesto on urban life.

106. The Boxer: Simon and Garfunkel- The character in the song can’t find a job, a home, or love. So, he hangs with the whores.

107. Mr. Tambourine Man: Bob Dylan- Later covered by the Byrds and William Shatner.

108. Not Fade Away: Buddy Holly- Huge influence on the British Invasion.

109. Little Red Corvette: Prince- What is he singing about here? Hmmmm…

110. Brown Eyed Girl: Van Morrison- One of the great fillers ever…Sha-la-la…

111. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (Too Stop): Otis Redding- Redding’s first hit.

112. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry: Hank Williams- Anyone sound sadder than Hank Sr.?

113. That’s All Right: Elvis Presley- Some consider this the first rock song.

114. Up On The Roof: The Drifters- Later covered by former lead singer Ben E. King.

115. You Send Me: Sam Cooke- This might be the best pop song ever.

Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 Songs #151-175

151. Eight Miles High: The Byrds- Can birds go eight miles high? Actually, this is a drug song

152. Earth Angel: The Penguins- Actually recorded in a garage; For me, defines the 50s.

153. Foxey Lady: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- I think of Wayne’s World whenever I hear this

154. A Hard Day’s Night: The Beatles- The title came from a Ringoism. A Ringoism is a malapropism.

155. Rave On: Buddy Holly- Under 2 minutes long, later covered by Mellencamp

156. Proud Mary: CCR- Rollin! Rollin! Rollin down the river…

157. The Sound of Silence: Simon and Garfunkel- Getting harder to rank some of these…

158. I Only Have Eyes for You: The Flamingos- Another defining song from the 50s.

159. Rock Around the Clock: Bill Haley and the Comets- Probably should be higher. First Rock song people rioted to.

160. Moment of Surrender: U2- Some of Bono’s greatest vocals

161. I’m Waiting for the Man: The Velvet Underground- Waiting for the drug dealer. Quite edgy even today.

162. Bring the Noise: Public Enemy- This is better with Anthrax

163. Folsom Prison Blues: Johnny Cash- Greatest line ever: I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.

164. I Can’t Stop Loving You: Ray Charles- Completely forgot about this song.

165. Nothing Compares 2 U: Sinead O’Connor- When she pitched this to record execs, they cried. She thought she was doomed, but they loved the song.

166. Bohemian Rhapsody: Queen- Oh mama mia let me go! Another one that reminds me of Wayne's World.

167. Fast Car: Tracy Chapman- Old school folk song hits it big in 1988.

168. Let’s Get it On: Marvin Gaye- I detect a theme with some of Gaye’s stuff…

169. Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone: The Temptations- The Temps go to funky town.

170. Losing My Religion: R.E.M.- A mandolin as a lead instrument? When folk goes pop. Right song at the right time.

171. Both Sides Now: Joni Mitchell- I have absolutely no feelings toward this song…that probably says all there is to say.

172. 99 Problems: Jay Z- Is anyone more overrated than this guy?

173. Dream On: Aerosmith- ESPN did a video showing clips of the 20th century to this song. It brought several grown men to tears.

174. Dancing Queen: Abba- Knew this would be here somewhere.

175. God Save the Queen: The Sex Pistols- Nihilism at its best. Banned in Britain for “bad taste.”

Rolling Stone Mag's Top 500 Songs #201-215

201. Hey Joe: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- Hendrix explains how to settle domestic disputes.

202. Flash Light: Parliament- Even if you have never heard this song, you’ve heard it. It’s been sampled multiple times.

203. Loser: Beck- This album cost $200 to make...this song sounds like it.

204. Bizarre Love Triangle: New Order- King of the Plastic Keyboard bands!

205. Come Together: The Beatles- Lennon wrote this for Timothy Leary.

206. Positively 4th Street: Bob Dylan- One music's great tirades. Dylan slams college frats and Greenwich Village.

207. Try a Little Tenderness: Otis Redding- The first of three Redding songs.

208. Lean on Me: Bill Withers- I hate this song

209. Reach Out, I’ll Be There: The Four Tops- Marking a change to a darker Motown

210. Bye Bye Love: The Everly Brothers- 30 artists turned this down before the Everly Brothers.

211. Gloria: Them- G-L-O-R-I-A

212. In My Room: The Beach Boys- The third of seven Beach Boys songs.

213. 96 Tears: ? And the Mysterians- the Detroit version: 96 beers…too many beer drops for one liver to pass on…when the sun comes up, we throw up…

214. Caroline, No: The Beach Boys- Brian Wilson at his finest and stoned.

215. 1999: Prince- The Taliban party like its 1099!

RS Magazine's Top 500 Songs #351-370

351. Runaround Sue: Dion- Dion combines doo-wop with rock and blues to sing about a girl named Sue…although Sue’s real name was apparently Roberta.

352. Jim Dandy: Lavern Baker- Speaking of cutting loose. Wow.

353. Piece of My Heart: Big Brother and Holding Company- Janis Joplin really cuts loose.

354. La Bamba: Ritchie Valens- Valens turned an old Mexican folk song into a major hit.

355. California Love: Dr. Dre and Tupac- A hip hop song with music? Oops. I think they sampled again.

356. Candle in the Wind: Elton John- Another song that never dies.

357. That Lady: The Isley Brothers- Reminds me of Ron Burgundy‘s pool party.

358. Spanish Harlem: Ben E. King- I am not sure how King is not in the rock hall.

359. The Loco-Motion: Little Eva- I hate this song.

360. The Great Pretender: The Platters- The Platters were the first R&B group to hit #1. It was back when R&B was R&B.

361. All Shook Up: Elvis Presley- Like this wasn’t going to be in the Top 500.

362. Tears in Heaven: Eric Clapton- This is one of the saddest songs ever written.

363. Watching the Detectives: Elvis Costello- Inspired by the Clash.

364. Bad Moon Rising: Creedence Clearwater Revival- One of the most misheard lyrics…there’s a bathroom on the right.

365. Sweet Dreams: The Eurythmics- A defining song for the 80s. Make your dreams come true, make money, etc etc.

366. Little Wing: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- A second Hendrix ballad…what gives?

367. Nowhere to Run: Martha and the Vandellas- Martha found this out first hand during the last election.

368. Got My Mojo Working: Muddy Waters- Nothing is better than a fully functional mojo.

369. Killing Me Softly With His Song: Roberta Flack- The Fugees brought this back in the 90s.

370. All You Need is Love: The Beatles- Probably the hokiest song ever written. It could only come from the flower power years. Guess what? Flower power didn't work.

RS Magazine's Top 500 Songs #371-390

371. Complete Control: The Clash- A jam and a tirade against sell-outs.

372. The Letter: The Box Tops- The late great Alex Chilton was 16 when he cut this. I have seen many interviews with Vietnam vets that loved this song.

373. Highway 61 Revisited: Bob Dylan- What was he on?

374. Unchained Melody: The Righteous Brothers- The song that won’t die. It came back like Jason or Freddy when I was in High School.

375. How Deep is Your Love: The Bee Gees- Reminds me of being 5 or 6.

376. White Room: Cream- Nothing like a drug trip, Eric Clapton, and a wah wah.

377. Personal Jesus: Depeche Mode- It sounds like a song about televangelism, but is actually about Elvis.

378. I’m a Man: Bo Diddley- This is the basis of rock n roll. It’s essence.

379. The Wind Cries Mary: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- A Hendrix ballad? The Lions version was “The Crowd Cries Barry!”

380. I Can’t Explain: The Who- Pete Townsend examines the teen inability to vocalize….with a big riff.

381. Marquee Moon: Television- Many groups were influenced by Television, even if they did not know it.

382. Wonderful World: Sam Cooke- Another song that could be sponsored by teacher’s unions…(don’t know much about history…)

383. Brown Eyed Handsome Man: Chuck Berry- This is subversive. Chuck Berry takes a shot at Jim Crow, but you have to know the story behind the song to know it.

384. Another Brick in the Wall Pt 2: Pink Floyd- Roger Waters did not like school. Nowadays, it makes a great theme song for various teacher’s unions.

385. Fake Plastic Trees: Radiohead- I am shocked they only have two songs in this.

386. Maps: Yeah Yeah Yeahs- an interesting song. Reminded me of late 80s/early 90s alt.

387. Hit the Road Jack: Ray Charles- Today’s version would be “Hit the road Bar-ack and don’t you come back no more no more no more.

388. Pride (In the Name of Love): U2- U2’s ode to Martin Luther King and their fervent wish for an Irish MLK. Back then, Bono had a mega-mullet.

389. Radio Free Europe: REM- An important song which eventually led to the early 90s short-lived revolution.

390. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Elton John- IMO This is probably John’s best work