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Events 1st May

1308 – King Albert was murdered by his nephew John, because he refused his share of the Habsburg lands. I must keep an eye on my nephews

1486 – Christopher Columbus convinced Queen Isabella to fund an expedition to the West Indies. He wanted to spice up his life

1707 – England, Wales and Scotland were united to form Great Britain. Been in love ever since

1751 – America’s first cricket tournament was held in New York City. Funny how it’s not caught on

1805 – The state of Virginia passed a law requiring all freed slaves to leave the state, or risk either imprisonment or deportation. Probably better off being slaves

1877 – U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes withdrew all Federal troops from the South, ending Reconstruction.

1883 – William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) had his first Wild West Show. Half man half beast

1889 – Asa Candler published a full-page advertisement in The Atlanta Journal, proclaiming his wholesale and retail drug business as “sole proprietors of Coca-Cola … Delicious. Refreshing. Exhilarating. Invigorating.” Mr. Candler did not actually achieve sole ownership until 1891 at a cost of $2,300. I thought it was first sold as a medicine

1898 – The U.S. Navy under Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay in the Philippines. I live in Spain so NO COMMENT

1905 – In New York, radium was tested as a cure for cancer.

1927 – Adolf Hitler held his first Nazi meeting in Berlin. I hate what he did and stood for but he was an inspirational speaker.

1931 – The Empire State Building in New York was dedicated and opened. It was 102 stories tall and was the tallest building in the world at the time. Amazing. How do these buildings stay standing?

1937 – U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt signed an act of neutrality, keeping the United States out of World War II. Would it last?

1944 – The Messerschmitt Me 262, the first combat jet, made its first flight. A fantastic machine

1945 – Martin Bormann, private secretary to Adolf Hitler, escaped from the Fuehrerbunker as the Red Army advanced on Berlin. Can’t say I blame him

1945 – Admiral Karl Doenitz succeeded Hitler as leader of the Third Reich. This was one day after Hitler committed suicide.Was he as bad?

1948 – The People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was proclaimed.

1960 – Francis Gary Powers’ U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. Powers was taken prisoner.I wonder what went through his mind?

1961 – Fidel Castro announced there would be no more elections in Cuba.The dictator had spoken

1986 – The Tass News Agency reported the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. We still need to learn from this event

1992 – On the third day of the Los Angeles riots resulting from the Rodney King beating trial. King appeared in public to appeal for calm, he asked, “Can we all get along?” Good man

1999 – On Mount Everest, a group of U.S. mountain climbers discovered the body of George Mallory. Mallory had died in June of 1924 while trying to become the first person to reach the summit of Everest. At the time of the discovery it was unclear whether or not Mallory had actually reached the summit. I don’t remember reading this?

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The Day’s Music Events  1st May

1955, on tour with Hank Snow’s All Star Jamboree, Elvis Presley played three shows at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sun Records had just released Elvis’ fourth single, ‘Baby, Let’s Play House.’The king was on the way

1955, Leonard Chess signs Chuck Berry to a recording contract after he came highly recommended by Muddy Waters.Was he duck walking?

1962, The Beatles started a month long residency at The Star Club, Hamburg, Germany.This would stand them in good stead

1965, Herman’s Hermits started a three week run at No.1 in the US singles chart with ‘Mrs Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter’.Peter Noone was always going to USA

1966, The Beatles played a 15-minute live set on stage for the last time in the UK when they appeared at the NME Poll Winners concert at Wembley Empire Pool. Also on the bill, The Spencer Davis Group, The Fortunes, Herman’s Hermits, Roy Orbison, Cliff Richard, The Rolling Stones, The Seekers, The Small Faces, Dusty Springfield, The Walker Brothers, The Who and The Yardbirds.What a fabulous line-up
1967, 32 year old Elvis Presley married 21 year old Priscilla Beaulieu, a girl he first met in 1959 when she was just 14 years old. When Elvis got out of the army in 1960, Beaulieu moved into the singer’s Graceland mansion with her family’s blessing. The wedding ceremony took place at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas and although the marriage license was only $15, the wedding cake cost $3,500. The couple divorced after five years of marriage on October 9, 1973. Priscilla is a huge part of the early Elvis story
1967, The F.B.I. arrested The Beach Boys’ Carl Wilson on charges of avoiding the military draft and refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance. He was later released and joined the rest of the band in Ireland for a British tour.Who instigated these proceedings?

1971, Dave and Ansil Collins were at No.1 in the UK singles chart with ‘Double Barrel’. It featured renowned drummer Sly Dunbar who was only 14 when the song was recorded. Wasn’t one of them the magnificent?

1973, In the US, Washington DC, proclaimed a ‘Marvin Gaye Day’.I heard that through the grapevine

1974, The Carpenters performed at the White House, at the request of President Nixon. Theirs was a nearly royal command performance

1976, The Bellamy Brothers went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Let Your Love Flow’, the duo’s only US No.1, a No.7 hit in the UK. Good song

1977, The ‘White Riot Tour’ kicked of at the Roxy in London with The Clash, The Jam and The Buzzcocks. Was it a riot?

1979, Elton John became the first pop star to perform in Israel. In three weeks time he also became the first Western solo pop performer to tour Russia. Great CV

1980, the South African government banned Pink Floyd’s single ‘Another Brick In The Wall’ after black children adopted the song as their anthem in protest against inferior education. This really didn’t make any sense

1982, Barry Manilow scored his first UK No.1 album when ‘Barry Live In Britain’ went to the top of the charts.Great artiste

1984, Fleetwood Mac drummer and founder member Mick Fleetwood filed for bankruptcy. What had he done with all his money?

1986, American songwriter and producer Hugo Peretti died aged 70. Wrote and produced many classic hits including, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, ‘Twistin’ The Night Away’, ‘Shout’, ‘The Hustle’ and ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New.’ Wonderful talent

1987, Tom Jones appeared on UK TV Channel 4 Show ‘The Last Resort’ with Jonathan Ross. Jones performed a version of the Prince song ‘Kiss’.Tom Jones is wonderful

1993, Cliff Richard went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘The Album’ his seventh UK No.1 album. Sir Cliff is wonderful

1993, George Michael, Queen and Lisa Stansfield went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘The Five Live EP’ which was recorded at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert held in April 1992, at Wembley Stadium, London. I don’t remember this

1997, Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt had a quadruple heart by-pass operation after visiting his Harley Street doctor and complaining of chest pains. I’m glad he’s still around

1999, the Paintings of Paul McCartney exhibit opened at the Lyz Art Forum, Siegen, Germany. The exhibit featured 70 paintings by the former Beatle, including a piece called ‘Bowie Spewing’ McCartney’s representation of a young David Bowie.What a man

2003, American soul singer Barry White suffered a stroke while being treated for kidney failure. The singer died two months later on July 4th 2003. Sad loss
2005, Coldplay became the first British band to have a new entry in the US Top 10 singles chart since The Beatles. Coldplay’s latest single ‘Speed Of Sound’ entered the chart at number eight, only the second time a UK band has achieved the feat. The Beatles managed it with ‘Hey Jude’ in 1968. I hadn’t realised this
2005, Tony Christie made chart history by hanging on to the UK number one spot for the seventh week in a row with ‘(Is This The Way To) Amarillo.’ The last single to spend that long at number one was ‘Believe’ by Cher from October to December 1998. It’s a great song but I think peter Kay was the pull
2005, Bruce Springsteen went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Devils & Dust’ the American singer songwriters sixth UK No.1. Great achievement
2005, Matchbox 20 singer Rob Thomas went to No.1 on the US album chart with his first solo album ‘Something To Be.’ This marked the first time a male artist from a rock group had debuted at number one with his first solo album since the Billboard Top 200 was introduced 50 years ago. I must try and listen to him

2009, A Queen fan won a private two-hour guitar lesson with Brian May after bidding more than £7,500 at a charity auction in London. The auction was held in support of the Action for Brazil’s Children Trust, of which May is a patron.You can get lessons free on the internet

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Birthday Boys and Girls

1930, Blues artist, Little Walter. First harmonica player to amplify his harmonica giving it a distorted echoing sound. He died on February 15th 1968.

1939, Judy Collins, US singer, (1968 US No. 8 & 1970 UK No.14 single ‘Both Sides Now’). 1944, Born on this day, Rita Coolidge, US singer, songwriter, backing singer with Joe Cocker, Delaney and Bonnie, solo, (1977 UK No.6 & US No.7 single ‘We’re All Alone’). Married Kris Kristofferson.

1954,  Ray Parker Jr. (1984 US No.1 & UK No.2 single ‘Ghostbusters’).

1957, Rick Driscoll, Kenny, (1975 UK No.3 single ‘The Bump’).

1957, Steve Farris, Mr Mister, (1985 US No.1 & 1986 UK No.4 single ‘Broken Wings’). 1959, Phil Smith, sax, Haircut 100, (1982 UK No.3 & US No.37 single ‘Love Plus One’)

1962,  Owen Paul, UK singer, (1986 UK No. 3 single ‘My Favourite Waste Of Time’).
1967,  Tim McGraw, US country singer, 1994 US No.1 album ‘Not A Moment Too Soon’.

Jewel in Costa Blanca Crown

Events 30th April

0030 – Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. This is where it gets confusing

1250 – King Louis IX of France was ransomed for one million dollars.Was he worth it?

1527 – Henry VIII and King Francis of France signed the treaty of Westminster.An entente cordial!

1563 – All Jews were expelled from France by order of Charles VI.Bad news

1725 – Spain withdrew from Quadruple Alliance.Saved a bit of money

1789 – George Washington took office as first elected U.S. president.

1803 – The U.S. purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. Probably money for France’s was chest

1849 – The republican patriot and guerrilla leader Giuseppe Garabaldi repulsed a French attack on Rome. He was eating biscuits at the time

1900 – Hawaii was organized as an official U.S. territory. The symbol was a surfboard and pair of long shorts

1940 – Belle Martell was licensed in California by state boxing officials. She was the first American woman, prizefight referee. Enlightened times

1943 – The British submarine HMS Seraph dropped ‘the man who never was,’ a dead man the British planted with false invasion plans, into the Mediterranean off the coast of Spain. I saw this film at the pictures and it made quite an impression on me

1945 – Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide. They had been married for one day. One week later Germany surrendered unconditionally.Good riddance

1980 – Terrorists seized the Iranian Embassy in London. I remember seeing this in TV

1984 – U.S. President Reagan signed cultural and scientific agreements with China. He also signed a tax accord that would make it easier for American companies to operate in China.Wise decision

1991 – An estimated 125,000 people were killed in a cyclone that hit Bangladesh.

1993 – Monica Seles was stabbed in the back during a tennis match in Hamburg, Germany. The man called himself a fan of second- ranked Steffi Graf. He was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and received a suspended sentence. Why on earth would he stab her if he was one of her fans?

1998 – NATO was expanded to include Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The three nations were formally admitted the following April at NATO’s 50th anniversary summit. Is it getting too big?

1998 – United and Delta airlines announced their alliance that would give them control of ¹/₃ of all U.S. passenger seats. Does that include the planes?

1998 – In the U.S., Federal regulators fined a contractor $2.25 million for improper handling of oxygen canisters on ValuJet that crashed in the Florida Everglades in 1996.Dreadful

2002 – Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was overwhelmingly approved for another five years as president. A popular man…

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The Day’s Music Events 30th April

1956, Ronnie Hilton was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with the Rodgers & Hammerstein song ‘No Other Love’, (his only chart topper). Hilton scored a total of 18 UK Top 40 hits during his career.Great career and hardly ever in the news during my DJ years!

1960, The Everly Brothers started a seven week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Cathy’s Clown’, giving Warner Bros a No.1 with their first release.This was a fabulous song and I loved the production

1965, Manchester group Herman’s Hermits began their first US tour supported by The Zombies. Two great groups

1965, this was the first night of a twice-nightly UK package tour with The Yardbirds, The Kinks and Goldie & The Gingerbreads, at The Adelphi Cinema, Slough, England. Great show
1965, Bob Dylan played the first night of an 8-date UK tour at Sheffield City Hall.Very popular at the time

1966, The Young Rascals went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Good Lovin’. The song had been a hit for The Olympics the year before.This was a great track and I remember getting a promo copy on Atlantic

1967, Jimi Hendrix, The Walker Brothers, Engelbert Humperdink and Cat Stevens all appeared at the Granada Theatre, Tooting, London.Great show
1968, BBC TV launched The Cilla Black Show making Cilla the first British female performer to have her own TV show. The theme song, ‘Step Inside Love’, was written by Paul McCartney.She earned her stripes

1970, Twiggs Lyndon, the road manager for the Allman Brothers Band, was arrested for murder after he stabbed a club manager during an argument over a contract. At the ensuing trial, Lyndon’s lawyers argued that he had been temporarily insane at the time of the incident and that touring with the Allman Brothers would drive anyone insane. Lyndon was acquitted.I can’t see a judge acquiting him on the stated premise

1976, The Who’s drummer Keith Moon paid nine cab drivers to block-off both ends of a New York street so he could throw the contents of his hotel room out of the window. He was always up for something like that
1977, Glen Campbell went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Southern Nights’, his second US No.1.Good song

1977, Led Zeppelin broke a new world attendance record at a concert when they played to 76,229 people at a gig at the Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan. The Who held the previous record at the same venue with 75,962 people. Just imagine that……
1978, An Anti Nazi League Benefit concert at London’s Victoria Park featuring The Clash, Steel Pulse, X Ray Spex and the Tom Robinson Band.Sounds electric

1980, The film ‘McVicar’ with The Who’s Roger Daltrey in the title role premiered in London. I saw it-good film and Daltrey was excellent

1983, American Blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep at his home in Westmont, Illinois, aged 68. Major influence of many acts, Cream, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones named themselves after Waters’ 1950 song ‘Rollin’ Stone.’ Best know songs include ‘I Just Want To Make Love To You’, ‘I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man’, ‘Got My Mojo Working.’This is my kind of music

1983, Michael Jackson started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Beat It’, his fifth solo US No.1, a No.3 UK hit.Great track

1988, Erasure went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their third album ‘The Innocents’.

1988, S’Express were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Theme From S’Express’. One of the landmarks of early acid house and late 1980s sampling culture, the British track sampled Rose Royce, TZ’s ‘I Got the Hots for You’ and the count-in ‘Uno, dos, uno, dos, tres, quatro’ is from Debbie Harry’s 1985 single ‘Feel the Spin’. I like it

1990, Prince played a concert at Rupert’s Night-club, Minneapolis. The $100 a head ticket proceeds all went to the family of his former bodyguard Charles ‘Big Chick.’ Huntsberry who had died from a heart attack.A lot of showbiz stars have really big hearts
1999, Nazareth drummer Darrell Sweet died aged 52, after suffering a fatal heart attack before a show in New Albany, Indiana. Nazareth had the 1973 UK No.9 single ‘Broken Down Angel’ 1976 US No. 8 single ‘Love Hurts’. I didn’t know his name but I liked the music

1999, the three former members of Spandau Ballet lost a court case against band songwriter Gary Kemp. They had claimed they were owed £1 million in lost royalties. The Judge said he had become a fan of the bands during the case. Nice story
2001, a light aircraft carrying Sting went off the runway as it landed in Florence. None of the four aboard, Sting a friend and two pilots were hurt. Brake failure was suspected as the cause of the accident.It’s stories like this that make flying less attractive

2004, new child abuse charges were made against Michael Jackson including a count of conspiracy, covering allegations of child abduction, extortion and false imprisonment. A new court date of May 28th 2004 was set.His was a troubled life
2005, American guitarist Norma-Jean Wofford died. Known as ‘The Duchess’, she worked with Bo Diddley as a Bo-ette from 1962 to 1966. (Diddley was one of the first artists to have female musicians in his group).It always looks nice to have a female in the band

2008, a giant inflatable pig which floated away during a Roger Waters concert was recovered in tatters in California. Two families from La Quinta who found what was left of the inflatable, decided to share four life tickets to the Coachella festival that were offered as part of the reward.Sir Berks told me all about this when he was on my show

2008, Gail Renard, who was given the hand written lyrics to ‘Give Peace A Chance’ by John Lennon in 1969, announced plans to sell the lyric sheet at a Christie’s auction. At the time, Lennon told Renard to hang on to the piece of paper, saying “It will be worth something someday.” The piece of music history was expected to fetch around $400,000, but when it was actually sold in July of this year, it went for $790,000 (£400,000).What an investment


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Birthday Boys and Girls

1933, Willie Nelson, US country singer, actor, (1982 US No.5 single ‘Always On My Mind’, 1984 UK No.17 single ‘To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before’). Wrote country classic ‘Crazy’ hit for Patsy Cline.

1943,  Bobby Vee, US singer, (1961 US No.1 single & UK No.3 single ‘Take Good Care Of My Baby’).

1951,  Des Tong, bass, Sad Cafe, (1979 UK No.3 single ‘Every Day Hurts’).
1953,  Merrill Osmond, The Osmonds, (1971 US No.1 single ‘One Bad Apple’, 1974 UKNo.1 single ‘Love Me For A Reason’ plus nine other US & UK top 40 singles).

1962,  Robert Reynolds, bass, The Mavericks, US country rock group, (1998 UK No.4 single ‘Dance The Night Away’).

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Events 29th April

1289 – Qala’un, the Sultan of Egypt, captured Tripoli. Looking for sultanas?

1429 – Joan of Arc lead Orleans, France, to victory over Britain. Arc is a place just outside Paris

1672 – King Louis XIV of France invaded the Netherlands. Not far to go

1813 – Rubber was patented by J.F. Hummel.Rubber what?

1852 – The first edition of Peter Roget’s Thesaurus was published.Is there another word for one of these?

1856 – A peace treaty was signed between England and Russia.Glasnost?

1913 – Gideon Sundback patented an all-purpose zipper. I hope nothing got caught in it

1916 – Irish nationalists surrendered to British authorities in Dublin.But didn’t they also fight with the British in the war?

1927 – Construction of the Spirit of St. Louis was completed for Lindbergh. He was a high flier

1945 – The Nazi death camp, Dachau, was liberated.Great

1952 – IBM President Thomas J. Watson, Jr., informed his company’s stockholders that IBM was building “the most advanced, most flexible high-speed computer in the world.” The computer was unveiled April 7, 1953, as the IBM 701 Electronic Data Processing Machine. Wow

1984 – In California, the Diablo Canyon nuclear reactor went online after a long delay due to protests. I’m anti nuclear

1988 – Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev promised more religious freedom. Good

1990 – The destruction of the Berlin Wall began.I watched this on TV

1992 – Rioting began after a jury decision to acquit four Los Angeles policemen in the Rodney King beating trial. 54 people were killed in 3 days.Terrible decision leading to horrible circumstances

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The Day’s Music Events 29th April

1963, Publicist Andrew Oldham and agent Eric Easton signed a management deal with The Rolling Stones after buying the rights to the bands first recordings for £90. They also persuade keyboard player Ian Stewart to drop out of the line up and become the bands road manager, (and still play piano at the back of the stage).How did they get him to do that?

1965, Jimmy Nicol, the drummer who stood in for Ringo Starr during a Beatles Australian tour in 1964, appeared in a London Court faced with bankruptcy with debts of £4,000.I hope the Beatles helped him out

1967, Jimi Hendrix, The Walker Brothers, Engelbert Humperdink and Cat Stevens played two shows at Bournemouth Winter Gardens, England. Great show

1969, working on tracks for the forthcoming Beatles Abbey Road album, Ringo Starr added his vocal to ‘Octopus’s Garden.’ He needn’t have bothered-only joking!

1976, After a gig in Memphis Bruce Springsteen took a cab to Elvis Presley’s Graceland home and proceeded to climb over the wall. A guard took him to be another crank fan and apprehended him. Great story

1978, P.J. Proby was sacked from his role in the London stage musical Elvis after repeatedly changing his lines from the script. Proby had been playing the oldest of three Presley’s in the play.P J  was a guest on my show on OCI. I also met him and found him very nice to be with

1981, Elton John paid £14,000 for 232 ‘Goon Show’ scripts broadcast during the 50′s at an auction held at Christies, London.Worth the money

1990, Floyd Butler of The Friends of Distinction, died of a heart attack at the age of 49. Had the US No.3 single ‘Grazing In The Grass’ in 1969.Good song and I got a promo copy on the first green and orange RCA label

1993, Guitarist, producer, Mick Ronson died of liver cancer aged 46. Ronson recorded and toured with David Bowie from 1970 to 1973. Released the 1974 solo album ‘Slaughter On Tenth Avenue’. Ronson co-produced Lou Reed’s album Transformer, also part of Hunter Ronson Band with Ian Hunter. And worked with Morrissey, Slaughter & The Dogs, The Wildhearts, The Rich Kids, Elton John, Johnny Cougar, T-Bone Burnett.Great loss
2001, Rod Stewart asked for a change in wedding vows bringing them up to-date and to be treated like a dog licence. Stewart said ‘a change is needed because they’ve been in existence for 600 years when people used to live until they were only 35′.Nice one Rod
2003, A $5 million lawsuit against former Creedence Clearwater Revival leader John Fogerty was dismissed after a personal-injury lawyer claimed that he suffered hearing loss in his left ear from attending a Fogerty concert. The Judge said the plaintiff assumed the risk of hearing damage when he attended the concert in 1997. Good judgement


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1899,  Duke Ellington, composer, bandleader, pianist, died 24th May 1974. Worked with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday.
1928, Carl Gardner, The Coasters, (1958 US No.1 single ‘Yakety Yak’, 1959 US No.2 and UK No.6 single ‘Charlie Brown’).

1931,  Lonnie Donegan, singer who launched the skiffle craze. He had a 1960 UK No.1 single with ‘My Old Man’s A Dustman’, plus over 30 other UK Top 40 singles. He died on November 3rd 2002.

1936,  April Stevens (born Carol LoTempio), US singer, Nino Tempo and April Stevens had the 1963 US No.1 ‘Deep Purple’, a No.17 hit in the UK.

1942, Klaus Voorman, bass, Manfred Mann, Plastic Ono Band. Voorman designed the cover for The Beatles album ‘Revolver.’
1945,Tammi Terrell, singer, who died of a brain tumour on March 16th 1970 after collapsing into Marvin Gaye’s arms on stage during a duet of ‘That’s All You Need To Get By’. Terrall had undergone eight brain operations in 18 months. She had had hits with Marvin Gaye, including the 1967 US No.5 ‘Your Precious Love’. 1947, Tommy James, The Shondells, (1966 US No.1 single ‘Hanky Panky’, 1968 UK No.1 single ‘Mony Mony’).

1949,  Francis Rossi, guitar, vocals, Status Quo, (1977 UK No.3 single ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’, plus 50 other UK Top75 singles since 1968).

1953, Bill Drummond, producer, A&R man, writer, musician. Joined Big In Japan in 1977 (with Holly Johnson, later of Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Ian Broudie later of Lightning Seeds). Co-founder of Merseysides Zoo Records. Formed KLF in the late 1980’s, who had a 1991 UK No.1 single ‘3 AM Eternal’. 1958,  Simon Edwards, Fairground Attraction, (1988 UK No.1 single ‘Perfect’). 1960, Born on this day, Phil King, bass, Lush, (1996 UK No.21 single ‘Single Girl’).

1968,  Carine Wilson, Wilson Phillips, daughter of Beach Boy Brian Wilson, (1990 US No.1 & UK No.6 single ‘Hold On’).
1973, Mike Hogan, bass, The Cranberries, (1994 UK No.14 single ‘Linger’).

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Events 28th April

0357 – Constantius II visited Rome for the first time. He should visit more often it’s a nice place

1282 – Villagers in Palermo led a revolt against French rule in Sicily. The French had heard the visitors were revolting

 

1789 – A mutiny on the British ship Bounty took place when a rebel crew took the ship and set sail to Pitcairn Island. The mutineers left Captain W. Bligh and 18 sailors adrift. They said there was too much coconut in the chocolate

1910 – First night air flight was performed by Claude Grahame-White in England. I suppose someone had to do it but how brave was that?

1916 – The British declared martial law throughout Ireland. Had they asked the Irish for permission?

1919 – The League of Nations was founded. Good

1920 – Azerbaijan joined the USSR.

1932 – The yellow fever vaccine for humans was announced. Good

1937 – The first animated-cartoon electric sign was displayed on a building on Broadway in New York City. It was created by Douglas Leight. I bet they didn’t think he was dopey

1947 – Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl and five others set out in a balsa wood craft known as Kon Tiki to prove that Peruvian Indians could have settled in Polynesia. The trip began in Peru and took 101 days to complete the crossing of the Pacific Ocean. The boat didn’t really look too safe!

1952 – The U.S. occupation of Japan officially ended when a treaty with the U.S. and 47 other countries went into effect. Rationing in the UK finished in 54

1957 – Mike Wallace was seen on TV for the first time. He was the host of “Mike Wallace Interviews.” That seems logical

1967 – Muhammad Ali refused induction into the U.S. Army and was stripped of boxing title. He cited religious grounds for his refusal. This didn’t seem to affect his career too much

1969 – Charles de Gaulle resigned as president of France.

1985 – The largest sand castle in the world was completed near St. Petersburg, FL. It was four stories tall. Who made it?

1988 – In Maui, HI, one flight attendant was killed when the fuselage of a Boeing 737 ripped open in mid-flight. Dreadful luck

1997 – A worldwide treaty to ban chemical weapons took effect. Russia and other countries such as Iraq and North Korea did not sign. Good if they all keep their word

1999 – The U.S. House of Representatives rejected (on a tie vote of 213-213) a measure expressing support for NATO’s five-week-old air campaign in Yugoslavia. The House also voted to limit the president’s authority to use ground forces in Yugoslavia. This was very tight

2001 – A Russian rocket launched from Central Asia with the first space tourist aboard. The crew consisted of California businessman Dennis Tito and two cosmonauts. The destination was the international space station. What did he learn from the experience, I wonder?

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The Day’s Music Events 28th April

1958, Alan Feed’s Big Beat Show played 2 shows at the Central High School Auditorium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The tour featured Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Frankie Lymon, Buddy Holly, The Diamonds, Billy Ford, Danny & The Juniors,
The Chantels, Larry Williams, Screaming Jay Hawkins and The Pastels.I think I would have loved this show

1964, The Beatles recorded the TV special ‘Around The Beatles’ at Wembley studios England. As well as performing songs they played Act V Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ with John playing the female role of Thisbe, Paul as Pyramus, George as Moonshine and Ringo as Lion. Paul later named his cat Thisbe. It was so good nobody has mentioned it til this day

1968, The Broadway musical ‘Hair’ opened at the Baltimore Theatre in New York City. The show featured the songs ‘Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In’, ‘Good Morning Starshine’ and the title song. The production ran for 1,729 performances, finally closing on July 1st, 1972.I bought all the songs but didn’t see the show

1973, Pink Floyd’s album ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ went to No.1 on the US chart, it went on to enjoy a record breaking 741 weeks, selling over 20 million copies world-wide. Cashing in eh?

1973, The Faces scored their first UK No.1 album with ‘Ooh La La.’Good group

1978, Mike Oldfield played the first of two nights at London’s Wembley Arena, England. Very inventive

1979, Blondie scored their first US No.1 single with ‘Heart Of Glass’, also No.1 in the UK. We tend to think of Blondie as Debbie Harry
1979, The Very Best Of Leo Sayer started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart, giving Sayer his first and only No.1 LP.Good artist

1981, Former member of T Rex, Steve Currie was killed in a car crash returning to his home near Vale de Parra, Algarve, Portugal, he was 33 years old. Joined T. Rex (recently renamed from Tyrannosaurus Rex) as bass guitarist in late 1970, also worked as a session player, played on ‘Motorbikin’ by Chris Spedding.Very sad and good background information

1982, The California State Assembly consumer-protection-committee heard testimony from “experts” who claimed that when ‘Stairway To Heaven’ was played backward, contained the words: “I sing because I live with Satan. The Lord turns me off, there’s no escaping it. Here’s to my sweet Satan, whose power is Satan. He will give you 666. I live for Satan.”If the experts were right we would know more about this

1990, Guns N’ Roses leader Axl Rose married Erin Everly, daughter of The Everly Brothers Don at Cupid’s Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. They divorced in January 91 after a stormy nine months of marriage.They obviously knew each other well

1999, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I love this band

2000, A blaze swept through James Brown Enterprises, the office that co-ordinate the superstar’s tours. Nobody was injured, but memorabilia and live tapes were destroyed in the blaze. An employee was later arrested charged with arson.I feel bad

2000, Paul Atkinson was jailed for three years after being found guilty of stealing more than £25,000 from Rolling Stone Charlie Watts. Atkinson had been the manager of an Arabian stud farm owned by Watts.Trustworthy guy!

2002, UK boy band Blue went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘All Rise’. Little boy blue….
2003, Ozzy Osbourne’s son Jack went into rehab. The 17 year old was a patient at Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena, California. Worryingly bad for a lad of 17
2006, Abba star Bjorn Ulvaeus was accused of avoiding paying 87m Swedish kronor (£6.5m) in taxes on the band’s hit songs and musicals. The Swedish government was demanding he repaid the money. Abba sold over 370 million records and he also co-wrote the musical Mamma Mia.Will we ever know the real story?
2007, Sugababes singer Amelle Berrabah was arrested and spent the night in a police cell over allegations she assaulted an 18-year-old woman in a Guildford bar. Police confirmed a 23-year-old female was arrested following an “incident”.Popstars have a responsibility to behave

2009, A TV commercial for insurance featuring Iggy Pop was ruled as misleading by the Advertising Standards Authority. In the advert, the singer was seen exclaiming that he had an insurance policy with Swiftcover but the company did not cover musicians at the time of the ad being shown. Swiftcover had since started to offer policies to musicians, and stated that Mr Pop would continue to endorse the company.Popped up at the wrong time


Music Source 1 music source 2

Birthday Boys and Girls

1945,  John Wolters, drums, Dr Hook, (1972 UK No.2 and US No.5 single ‘Sylvia’s Mother’).

1955, Eddie Jobson, violin, Curved Air, (1971 UK No.4 single ‘Back Street Luv’), Roxy Music, (1975 UK No.2 single ‘Love Is The Drug’).

1968, Howard Donald, Take That, (1995 UK No.1 single ‘Back For Good’ and seven other UK No.1 singles, 1993 UK No.1 album ‘Everything Changes spent 78 weeks on the UK chart). Re-formed without Robbie Williams in 2006 for a sold-out European tour. Topped the UK singles and album charts simultaneously for the first time in their career when the single ‘Patience’ and album ‘Beautiful World’ both reached No.1 in Dec 2006.
1969, Mica Paris, singer, (1988 UK No. 7 single, ‘My One Temptation’).

Jewel in Costa Blanca Crown

Events 27th April

1296 – The Scots were defeated by Edward I at the Battle of Dunbar. Was this allied Dunbar?

1509 – Pope Julius II excommunicated the Italian state of Venice. Everyone?

1521 – Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed by natives in the Philippines.How sad

1865 – In the U.S. the Sultana exploded while carrying 2,300 Union POWs. Between 1,400 – 2,000 were killed.  This was terrible

1937 – German bombers devastated Guernica, Spain. This was an outrageous marriage of convenience between Franco and Hitler to allow the first aerial bombardment in history. I visited the town a few years ago and the town does not immediately reflect its history

1938 – Geraldine Apponyi married King Zog of Albania. She was the first American woman to become a queen.

1946 – The SS African Star was placed in service. It was the first commercial ship to be equipped with radar. How interesting

1950 – South Africa passed the Group Areas Act, which formally segregated races. How sad was this?

1960 – The submarine Tullibee was launched from Groton, CT. It was the first sub to be equipped with closed-circuit television.Interesting

1961 – The United Kingdom granted Sierra Leone independence.

1978 – Pro-Soviet Marxists seized control of Afghanistan. Nobody ever wins here

1982 – The trial of John W. Hinckley Jr. began in Washington. Hinckley was later acquitted by reason of insanity for the shooting of U.S. President Reagan and three others.This was rather subdued

1982 – China proposed a new constitution that would radically alter the structure of the national government.

1984 – In London, Libyan gunmen left the Libyan Embassy 11 days after killing a policewoman and wounding 10 others. This country always seems to attract trouble

1989 – Student protestors took over Tiananmen Square in Beijing….and we all saw the pictures

1992 – Russia and 12 other former Soviet republics won entry into the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Why?

2005 – The A380, the world’s largest jetliner, completed its maiden flight. The passenger capability was 840. My goodness. This is like transporting a village

2006 – In New York, NY, construction began on the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower on the site of former World Trade Center. I wish it well.

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The Day’s Music Events 27th April

1957, In a rare appearance outside the United States, Elvis Presley performed at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada where he wore his full gold lamé suit for the last time.I hope it buffed up well

1963, Little Peggy March started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘I Will Follow Him’. At 15 years, 1 month and 13 days old, Little Peggy March became the youngest female singer to have a US No.1 record. She missed doing her homework a few times to get the hit

1967, Sandie Shaw was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Puppet On A String’, her third UK No.1 and the Eurovision Song Contest winner of 1967. This song has stood the test of time

1971, The Grateful Dead appeared at the Fillmore East in New York City. The Beach Boys also appeared on stage with the Dead, who together performed a short set of Beach Boys songs.Do these sit comfortably together?

1975, Pink Floyd played the last of a four night run at Los Angeles’ Sports Arena. A total of 511 fans were arrested over the four nights for possession of marijuana. Surprised?
1976, Customs officers on a train at the Russian/Polish Border detained David Bowie, after Nazi books and mementoes were found in his luggage. Bowie claimed that the material was being used for research on a movie project about Nazi propaganda leader Joseph Paul Goebbels. How would you view this?

1981, Ringo Starr married actress and one time ‘Bond girl’ Barbara Bach. The pair met while filming the movie, Caveman, with Dennis Quaid and Shelley Long. In attendance at the wedding were George Harrison and Paul McCartney.She loves you?

1985, USA For Africa started a three-week run at No.1 on the US chart with ‘We Are The World’. The US artists’ answer to Band Aid had an all-star cast including Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Daryl Hall, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Paul Simon plus the composer’s of the track, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.Well done USA

1991, Christian singer Amy Grant started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Baby Baby’, a No.2 hit in the UK.Good song

1993, Prince issued a statement saying he was retiring from studio recordings to concentrate on film and other ventures.He is a very interesting artist

1996, Oasis played the first of two nights at Manchester’s Main Road Football Club as a ‘thank you’ to their fans, the 80,000 tickets sold out in hours.Nice, nice, nice
1997, Depeche Mode went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their album ‘Ultra’. Eightees revival …good business
2000, American singer Vicki Sue Robinson died. She had the 1976 disco hit ‘Turn The Beat Around’, sang back-up vocals on Irene Cara’s Top Ten hit single ‘Fame.’ Good song

2003, Madonna went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘American Life’, the singers eighth No.1 album. Also a US No.1 album. I didn’t really get into this album
2003, US TV’s Pop Idol winner Kelly Clarkson was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Thankful.’ Good singer.

2009, Aerosmith were to hold a free concert in Hawaii to placate angry fans who brought a legal case against them. Fans filed a class action case, which claimed the band had cancelled a sold-out show in Maui two years ago, leaving hundreds of fans out of pocket in favour of a bigger gig in Chicago. Lawyers for the would-be concert-goers said Aerosmith had now agreed to put on a new show, and would pay all expenses. ‘Everyone who bought a ticket to the original concert will receive a free ticket. Compensation was coming a little late, eh?

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Birthday Boys and Girls

1947, Ann Peebles, US soul singer, (1973 US No.33 & UK 41 single ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’). 1947,

1947, Peter Ham, vocals, guitar, The Iveys and then Badfinger, (1970 UK No.4 single ‘Come And Get It’). Ham committed suicide on 24th April 1975.
1948,  Kate Pierson, vocals, The B-52′s, (1990 UK No.2 & US No.3 single ‘Love Shack’).
1949, Clive Taylor, Amen Corner, (1969 UK No.1 single ‘If Paradise Is Half As Nice’, plus five other UK Top 40 hits).
1949, Herb Murrell, vocals, The Stylistics, (1974 US No.2 single ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’, 1975 UK No.1 single ‘Can’t Give You Anything But My Love’ plus 15 other UK Top 40 singles).

1951,  Paul Frehley, guitar, vocals, Kiss, (1974 US No.5 single ‘On And On’ 1976 US No 11 album ‘Rock and Roll Over’ spent 26 weeks on the chart. 1987 UK No.4 single ‘Crazy Crazy Nights’).
1959,  Sheena Easton, UK singer, (1980 UK No.3 & 1981 US No.1 single ‘Morning Train, Nine To Five’).

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The Day’s Music Events 26th April

1960, Anthony Newley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Do You Mind’, the UK singers second and final No.1. The song gave writer, Lionel Bart his second No.1. I liked his voice

1964, The Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Dave Clark Five headlined the NME poll winner’s concert at Wembley Empire Pool, London. Great groups

1966, Dusty Springfield was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’, the singers only UK No.1.She might only have had one number 1but she is still remembered with affection

1978, Ringo Starr’s TV special, Ringo, a musical version of The Prince and the Pauper aired on American television. Ringo played both characters, George Harrison provided the narration.We didn’t hear much about this in the UK

1980, Blondie were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Call Me’, the group’s fourth UK No.1, featured in the Richard Gere movie ‘American Gigolo’, the track was also a No.1 in the US.  Great memories
1980, The Beat released ‘Mirror In The Bathroom’ it was the first digitally recorded single in the UK.I liked the two tone stuff

1982, Out on a day’s shopping, Rod Stewart was robbed by a gunman of his $50,000 Porsche on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.It isn’t really the safest place on earth to pose is it?

1984, Mike McCartney unveiled the £40,000 statue of The Beatles by John Doubleday at the new £8 million Cavern Walks shopping centre in Liverpool, England. John’s first wife, Cynthia, was also in attendance.He was Mike McGear of the Scaffold and he has done a podcast with me …it’s on my site www.vincetracy.com

1986, Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Street Life-20 Greatest Hits.’I like his music

1990, New Kids On The Block’s Danny Wood injured his ankle while on stage in Manchester when he tripped over a toy animal thrown on stage by a fan; he was forced to fly back home to the US for treatment. How unforeseen!

1997, Ernest Stewart, keyboard player with KC and the Sunshine Band, died of an asthma attack. (1975 US No.1 single ‘That’s The Way, I Like It’,1983 UK No.1 single ‘Give It Up’). Some people do not take asthma as seriously as they should

2008, Amy Winehouse spent the night in custody after being arrested on suspicion of assault. Police said Winehouse had been “in no fit state” to be questioned when she arrived at the London station and she was kept in the cells. The 24-year-old was to be questioned about an incident said to have occurred 3 days earlier after a 38-year-old man claimed he was assaulted.She is a troubled soul but I like her music

2008, Leona Lewis was at No.1 on the US album chart with her debut album ‘Spirit.’ Great talent

Music Source 1 music source 2

Birthday Boys and Girls

1938,  Duane Eddy, guitarist, (1960 UK No.2 and US No.4 single ‘Because They’re Young’, plus over 15 other UK & US Top 40 singles).

1938,Maurice Williams, (1960 US No.1 & 1961 UK No.14 single with The Zodiacs, ‘Stay’). Also a hit for Jackson Browne and The Hollies.

1940, Giorgio Moroder, producer, (1979 US No.33 & UK No. 48 single, ‘Chase’ from the film Midnight Express. Produced Donna Summer’s world- wide 1976 hit ‘Love To Love You Baby’, 1984 UK No.3 single with Phil Oakey, ‘Together In Electric Dreams.’)

1942,Bobby Rydell, US singer, (1960 US No.2 & UK No.7 single ‘Wild One’, plus 17 other US Top 40 hits).

1945,  Tony Murray, The Troggs, (1966 US No.1 & UK No.2 single ‘Wild Thing’).

1952,  Neol Davies, Selecter, (1979 UK No.8 single ‘On My Radio’).

1960, Roger Taylor, drums, Duran Duran, (1983 UK No.1 single ‘Is There Something I Should Know’ plus 25 other UK Top 40 singles, 1984 US No.1 single ‘The Reflex’), Arcadia, (1985 UK No.7 single ‘Election Day’).

Jewel in Costa Blanca Crown

Events 25th April

1590 – The Sultan of Morocco launched his successful attack to capture Timbuktu.It took me a few years to know where Timbuktu was

1684 – A patent was granted for the thimble. Ouch! Great idea

1792 – The guillotine was first used to execute highwayman Nicolas J. Pelletier. Nasty contraption

1859 – Work began on the Suez Canal in Egypt. Great idea

1860 – The first Japanese diplomats to visit a foreign power reached Washington, DC. They remained in the U.S. capital for several weeks while discussing expansion of trade with the United States. Pity this didn’t get a better reception

1867 – Tokyo was opened for foreign trade.

1901 – New York became the first state to require license plates for cars. The fee was $1. I’ll bet it wasn’t very crowded on the roads

1945 – Delegates from about 50 countries met in San Francisco to organize the United Nations. Good idea

1953 – Dr. James D. Watson and Dr. Francis H.C. Crick suggested the double helix structure of DNA. Mind-boggling

1959 – St. Lawrence Seaway opened to shipping. The water way connects the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Good

1967 – Colorado Governor John Love signed the first law legalizing abortion in the U.S. The law was limited to therapeutic abortions when agreed to, unanimously, by a panel of three physicians. The door was now open

1971 – The country of Bangladesh was established.This always seems to have been a poor country

1976 – Portugal ratified a constitution. It was first revised on October 30, 1982. A fledgling democracy

1980 – In Iran, a commando mission to rescue hostages was aborted after mechanical problems disabled three of the eight helicopters involved. During the evacuation, a helicopter and a transport plan collided and exploded. Eight U.S. servicemen were killed. The mission was aimed at freeing American hostages that had been taken at the U.S. embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. The event took place April 24th Washington, DC, time. What an awful outcome to this mission

1982 – In accordance with Camp David agreements, Israel completed its Sinai withdrawal.

1983 – Soviet leader Yuri V. Andropov invited Samantha Smith to visit his country after receiving a letter in which the U.S. schoolgirl expressed fears about nuclear war.Good PR

1984 – In France, over one million people demonstrated to show they favored the decentralization of education. OK

1984 – David Anthony Kennedy, the son of Robert F. Kennedy, was found dead of a drug overdose in a hotel room.This family have suffered such awful tragedies

1990 – The U.S. Hubble Space Telescope was placed into Earth’s orbit. It was released by the space shuttle Discovery. Great stuff

1992 – Islamic forces in Afghanistan took control of most of the capital of Kabul following the collapse of the Communist government. Bad news

1996 – The main assembly of the Palestine Liberation Organization voted to revoke clauses in its charter that called for an armed struggle to destroy Israel.Good

2003 – Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader and ex-wife of former President Nelson Mandela, was sentenced to four years in prison for her conviction on fraud and theft charges. She was convicted of 43 counts of fraud and 25 of theft of money from a women’s political league.

.

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The Day’s Music Events 25th April

1954, Johnnie Ray was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Such A Night.’ The singers first of three UK No.1′s.I love the echo on his records

1960, Elvis Presley started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Stuck On You’ it made No.3 in the UK.Good song

1967, Just days after the completion of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles embark upon their next project, recording the theme to ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ at Abbey Road studios in London. Great concepts
1970, The Jackson Five started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘ABC’. It was the group’s second US No. 1, a No.8 hit in the UK.Not a favourite of mine

1974, Pamela Courson the long-term companion of the late Jim Morrison died of a drugs overdose. It was Courson who found the Doors singer dead on July 3, 1971 in the bathtub of their apartment in Paris, France.The finding of Morrison probably influenced her more than was thought

1979, The Police made their debut on BBC TV’s ‘Top Of The Pops’ performing ‘Roxanne’. Brilliant

1982, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Ebony And Ivory.’ This was McCartney’s 24th No.1 hit single as a songwriter. The title was inspired by McCartney hearing Spike Milligan say “black notes, white notes, and you need to play the two to make harmony folks!”. It was later named as the tenth worst song of all time by Blender magazine and in 2007 was named the worst duet in history by BBC 6 Music listeners. It was a strange kind of song
1987, Madonna went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘La Isla Bonita.’ The fifth and final single from her third studio album, True Blue, made her the only female artist to score four UK No.1 singles. The song had been offered to Michael Jackson for his Bad album.I didn’t really like this song

1988, Carolyn Franklin the Younger sister of Aretha Franklin, died of breast cancer at the age of 43. Released numerous albums throughout the 1970s, had the 1973 No.1 R&B hit’ Angel’. She appeared as one of Aretha’s background singers in the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers.How sad. I didn’t know her work

1990, The Fender Stratocaster that Jimi Hendrix played at the Woodstock festival was auctioned off for a record $295,000.Good investment
1992, Kris Kross started an eight week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Jump’, a No.2 hit in the UK. The duo of Chris Smith and Chris Kelly were 12 and 13 when they recorded the song.Well done, boys

1994, The Eagles played the first of two shows where they recorded their ‘Hell Freezes Over’ album. Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Don Felder and Timothy B. Schmit first got back together the previous December for the making of a Travis Tritt video of their song, ‘Take It Easy.’ The name of the album was taken from an earlier quote by Glen Frey, who responded to the question “When will the Eagles get back together?”I love their music

1997, U2′s ‘Pop Mart’ world tour kicked off at The Las Vegas San Boyd Stadium in front of 35,000 fans. The tour featured the largest video screen in the world and would visit 80 cities around the planet. I’ll bet this was impressive

2003, In this years Sunday Times Rich List, Paul McCartney was confirmed as the world’s richest musician with a fortune worth over £760m. Madonna was 4th in the list with £227m, Mick Jagger 6th with £175m and Elton John 7th with £170m. Ozzy Osbourne became the 24th richest musician after earning an estimated £42m from his MTV show ‘The Osbournes.’ And Simon Fuller was said to have earned over £50m from sales of the ‘Pop Idol’ TV show. It does seem to suggest that traditional teaching and learning mightn’t be the best investment

2007, Aides to George Bush were told they couldn’t book a luxury five star hotel suite because Mick Jagger had already booked it during The Rolling Stones current world tour. Jagger had splashed out £3,600 a night for the suite at the five-star Imperial Hotel in Vienna, Austria, in advance of the band appearing in Vienna. President Bush had sent US secret service agents to vet the hotel before finding it was booked. Sorry, George, the Stones have the money
2007, Simon Cowell and Clive Davis, chairman and CEO of J Records announced they would be working together on the latest X Factor winner Leona Lewis’ debut album.She is an amazing talent

2007, American singer Bobby “Boris” Pickett died of leukemia at the age of 69. Scored the Halloween anthem ‘The Monster Mash’ in 1962. The song had been banned by The BBC in the UK, deemed offensive and wasn’t a hit until 1973. It was a spoof on the dance crazes popular at the time, including the Twist and the Mashed Potato.BBC moguls have spoilt quite a few promising careers and this is a good example of this

2008, The Empire State Building in New York City was lit up in Mariah Carey’s motif colors, lavender, pink, and white, in celebration of her achievements in the world of music. Carey was the first person in history to be honored with this event.What an honour

2009, Rascal Flatts went to No.1 on the US album charts with ‘Unstoppable’, the American country pop acts sixth studio album.I like their music


Music Source 1 music source 2

Birthday Boys and Girls

1918,  Ella Fitzgerald, US jazz singer, died 15th June 1996, (1960 US No.27 & UK No.19 single ‘Mack The Knife’).

1923,  Albert King, US blues guitarist. Died 20th December 1992.

1933, Jerry Leiber, (& Stoller), songwriter and producer for Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly. The Monkees, Cliff Richard. Among their hit songs: Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, King Creole, Don’t, There Goes My Baby, Searchin’, Yakety Yak and Kansas City.

1943,  Tony Christie, UK singer, 1971 UK No.18 single (‘Is This The Way To) Amarillo’, re-released in aid of Comic Relief in 2005 becoming a UK No.1 with comedian Peter Kay. This broke the record set over 18 years previously by Jackie Wilson. His “Reet Petite” topped the chart in Dec 1986; 29 Years, 1 Month, and 11 Days after it first entered the chart. The new record set by Christie was 33 Years, 3 Months, and 27 Days

1945,  Bjorn Ulvaeus, guitar, vocals, Abba, (first UK hit was 1974 No.1 single ‘Waterloo’, followed by eight other UK No.1 singles and nine No.1 albums, 1977 US No.1 single ‘Dancing Queen’).
1945, Stu Cook, bass, Creedence Clearwater Revival, (1969 UK No.1 and US No.2 single ‘Bad Moon Rising’ plus 11 other US Top 40 singles, 1970 US & UK No.1 album ‘Cosmo’s Factory’).

1945,  Michael Kogel, Los Bravos, (1966 UK No.2 & US No.4 single ‘Black Is Black’). First Spanish rock band to have a UK & US hit single.

1950,  Steve Ferrone, drummer, Average White Band, (1975 US No.1 & UK No.6 single ‘Pick Up The Pieces’).

1958, Fish, (Derek Dick), Marillion and solo, vocals, (1985 UK No.2 single ‘Kayleigh’). Radio presenter.

1964, Andy Bell, Erasure, (1992 UK No.1 single ‘Abba- esque’ plus over 20 other UK Top 40 singles).

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The Day’s Music Events 24th April

1955, Perez Prado was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’. Known as the ‘King of the Mambo’ the instrumental was the theme from the film ‘Underwater’ where Jane Russell can be seen dancing to ‘Cherry Pink’.Well, we now know the King of Mambo

1959, Buddy Holly was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with the Paul Anka song ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.’ A No.1 hit six weeks after Holly’s death.I love this song

1961, Bob Dylan appeared on Harry Belafonte’s album ‘The Midnight Special’ playing harmonica on the track ‘Calypso King’; Dylan was paid a $50 session fee for this his first ever recording. First time I’d read this
1961, Del Shannon started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Runaway’, also a No.1 in the UK. Del was the first person to have a hit with a Beatles song in the US with his version of ‘From Me To You.’Great artist and a sad loss

1965, Beatles manager Brian Epstein won the ‘star prize’ of an album when he had his letter published in UK music weekly ‘Melody Maker’ informing it’s readers that Paul McCartney played lead guitar on ‘Ticket To Ride.’ I wonder what he did with it?
1965, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Game Of Love’, a No.2 hit in the UK. Wayne took his name from DJ Fontana the Elvis Presley drummer. Eric Stewart guitarist in the Mindbenders went on join Hotlegs and 10CC. I think he is still living here in Spain

1968, The Beatles new company Apple Records turned down the offer to sign new artist David Bowie. I bet somebody felt like the Decca man who turned down the Beatles
1968, Enjoying a wild birthday party Keith Moon drummer with The Who drove his Lincoln car into a Holiday Inn swimming pool.He never mastered the art of parking
1968, Louis Armstrong was at No.1 in the UK with the single ‘What A Wonderful World / Cabaret.’ At 69 years of age, it made Armstrong the oldest act ever to score a UK No.1. What a claim to fame for ‘Satchelmouth’

1975, Peter Ham, British singer, songwriter with Badfinger committed suicide by hanging himself in the garage of his Surrey home, aged 27. Ham co-wrote ‘Without You’, with band mate Tom Evans (who also later committed suicide). The song won an Ivor Novello award for Song Of The Year in 1973, and was a hit for Harry Nilson and Mariah Carey. Ham was a founder member of The Iveys, who became Badfinger, were signed to the Beatles’ Apple label, their first hit ‘Come And Get It’ was written by Paul McCartney. This is so sad and I covered almost every part of this story…. unknowingly

1976, ‘Wings At The Speed Of Sound’ went to No.1 on the US album chart. Paul McCartney’s fifth No.1 after The Beatles……… and still going strong
1976, Paul and Linda McCartney spent the evening with John Lennon at his New York Dakota apartment and watched Saturday Night Live on TV. Producer of the show Lorne Michaels made an offer on air asking The Beatles to turn up and play three songs live. Lennon and McCartney thought about taking a cab to the studio, but decided they were too tired. This was the last time Lennon and McCartney were together.It’s nice to think they were still friends

1979, Ray Charles’ ‘Georgia On My Mind’ was proclaimed the state song of Georgia. I should think so too although there was always sweet Georgia Brown

1982, Status Quo scored their fourth UK No.1 album with ’1982′.Kiss principle

1984, Jerry Lee Lewis married wife number six, 22- year old Kerrie McCarver. Glutton for punishment

1995, Oasis released ‘Some Might Say’ which went on to give the band their first UK No.1 single. The Gallaghers were coming
2003, The first official UK download chart was compiled after the big five record companies- EMI, Warners, Sony, BMG and Universal combined for a Digital Download day. Over 150,000 computer users had downloaded 1.1m tracks. The Net Parade Top 3: No.3, Tatu, ‘All The Things She Said’, No, 2, Coldplay, ‘Clocks’ and No.1 Christina Aguilera, ‘Beautiful.’ …but did this reflect overall taste?

2007, Sheryl Crow said a ban on using too much toilet paper should be introduced to help the environment. The singer suggested using “only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where two to three could be required”. Crowe made the comments on her website after touring the US on a biodiesel-powered bus to raise awareness about climate change. ……..do I detect fanaticism?
2007, The Arctic Monkeys sold 85,000 copies of their new album ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’ on its first day in UK shops, putting it on course to be the year’s fastest-selling new release. Hype or quality?

Music Source 1 music source 2

Birthday Boys and Girls

1942, Barbra Streisand, singer, actress, (1974 US No.1 & UK No.31 single ‘The Way We Were’, 1980 UK & US No.1 single ‘Woman In Love’ plus over 10 other UK Top 40 singles and 4 other US No.1′s).

1945, Doug Clifford, drums, Creedence Clearwater Revival, (1969 UK No.1 and US No.2 single ‘Bad Moon Rising’ plus 11 other US Top 40 singles, 1970 US & UK No.1 album ‘Cosmo’s Factory’).

1947,  Glenn Cornick, bass guitar, Jethro Tull, (1969 UK No.3 and US No.11 single ‘Living In The Past’).

1947,  Ann Kelly, The Hues Corporation, (1974, US No.1 & UK No.6 single ‘Rock The Boat’).

1948, Steve York, Manfred Mann, (1964 UK & US No.1 single ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’). 1951, Nigel Harrison, British bass player with Blondie from 1977-82. Also a member of Silverhead. .
1960, Paula Yates, presenter on UK music TV show The Tube, ex-wife of Sir Bob Geldof and girlfriend of INXS singer Michael Hutchence. She died on September 17th

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The Day’s Music Events 23rd April

1961, Elvis Presley had his seventh UK No.1 single with ‘Wooden Heart.’ One of the first songs I learned on my harmonica

1964, John Lennon’s book of verse and rhyme ‘In His Own Write’ was published in the UK. The best was yet to come
1967, At a ceremony held at the Playhouse Theatre in London, The Beatles were awarded three Ivor Novello awards for 1966: Best-selling British single ‘Yellow Submarine’, most-performed song ‘Michelle’, and next-most-performed song ‘Yesterday’. None of the Beatles attended and the winning songs were played by Joe Loss and his Orchestra. The lead vocal for ‘Michelle’ was sung by Ross MacManus, whose son would go on to become the professional musician Elvis Costello. What a great piece of trivia

1969, During a UK tour Stevie Wonder played two shows at the Coventry Theatre in the West Midlands. Also on the bill, The Foundations, The Flirtations and Emperor Rosko. I’ve worked with Rosko

1973, John Lennon was ordered to leave the US within 60 days by the immigration authorities; he began a long fight to win his ‘Green Card’ which he was given on 27th July 1976.

1991, Comedy duo Hale And Pace And The Stonkers were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with the charity record ‘The Stonk.’ Dreadful

1991, R.E.M. scored their first UK No.1 album with their seventh LP ‘Out Of Time’ featuring the singles ‘Losing My Religion’ and ‘Shiny Happy People.’ I must play their music more
1995, Alan Barton of UK pop band Black Lace died. Had the 1984 UK No.2 single ‘Agadoo.’ Black Lace represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979 in which they finished in 7th position. Agadoo earned them the dubious accolade of being voted as the worst song of all time by a panel of music writers for Q Magazine. My friend Dene Michael from the new Black Lace told me about this sad event
1997, U2 were at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Pop’ the bands fifth US No.1 album.

2005, (Is This The Way To) Amarillo by Tony Christie featuring Peter Kay was the No.1 UK single. I made a podcast with Tony Christie

2008, Neil Aspinall, who ran the Apple Corps music empire for the Beatles from 1970 – 2007 died at a hospital in New York from cancer aged 66. A school friend of Sir Paul McCartney and George Harrison, he was regarded by some of the band as the “fifth Beatle” becoming the Beatles’ road manager in 1961 before becoming their personal assistant. He led the legal battle with Apple computers over the use of the Apple name and a royalties dispute between the Beatles and record label EMI. Aspinall had also played background instruments on Beatles tracks including Magical Mystery Tour, Within You Without You and Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite.

Music Source 1 music source 2

Birthday Boys and Girls

1949, Ric Ocasek, The Cars, (1978 UK No.3 single ‘My Best Friend’s Girl.’ 1984 US No.3 & 1985 UK No.4 ‘Drive’ was used as part of the soundtrack for the ‘Live Aid’ concert.

1952,  Dave Bartram, Showaddywaddy, (1976 UK No.1 single ‘Under The Moon Of Love’ plus over 20 other UK Top 40 hits).

1953, Chaka Khan, (Yvette Marie Stevens), US singer, (1984 UK No.1 & US No.3 single ‘I Feel For You’), Rufus, (1974 US No.3 single ‘Tell Me Something Good’).

1966, Mark McLoughlin, (Marti Pellow), vocals, Wet Wet Wet, (1994 UK No. 1 single ‘Love Is All Around’ which spent 15 weeks at the top of the charts plus over 20 other UK Top 40 singles

The Day’s Music Events 22nd April

1957, Elvis Presley had his custom built ‘Music Gates’ installed at Gracelands. The gates were designed by Abe Saucer and custom built by John Dillars Jr, of Memphis Doors inc. If you’ve got it flaunt it

1964, The President of The National Federation Of Hairdressers offered a free haircut to the next No.1 group in the UK pop charts. He said ‘The Rolling Stones are the worst, one of them looks as if he’s got a feather duster on his head.‘ How times have changed
1965, The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Ticket To Ride.’ Taken from the film Help! it was the group’s seventh UK No.1.Great guitar rif

1966, ‘Wild Thing’ by The Troggs was released in the U.S. on both the Atco and Fontana labels. The song went on to reach No.1. Not that difficult a song but very effective
1969, On the roof of the Apple building in London, John Lennon changed his middle name from Winston to Ono.How boring was that!
1977, The Jam released their first single ‘In The City’, which peaked at No. 40 in the UK charts. They achieved 17 other Top 40 hits including four UK No.1s.Still remain quite well requested today

1978, Bob Marley and the Wailers performed at the ‘One Love Peace Concert’ in Jamaica. It was Marley’s first public appearance in Jamaica since being wounded in an assassination attempt a year and a half earlier.I think it was very brave of him to appear in  public
1978, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made their first ever appearance as The Blues Brothers when they appeared on US TV’s ‘Saturday Night Live’.It would be the first of many
1989, Madonna No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Like A Prayer’, the singers seventh US No.1, also a No.1 in the UK. Not a favourite of mine
1993, The Who’s ‘Tommy’ opened on Broadway at the St James Theatre. I bought the album when it first came out and loved it

2003, songwriter Felice Bryant died of cancer. Wrote many hits with her husband Boudleaux including; The Everly Brothers, ‘Bye Bye Love’, ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’, ‘Wake Up Little Susie’ and ‘Raining In My Heart’ a hit for Buddy Holly. Other acts to record their song include Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Tony Bennett, Simon & Garfunkel, Sarah Vaughan, Grateful Dead, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, Count Basie, Dean Martin, Ruth Brown, Cher, R.E.M. and Ray Charles. This lady was absolutely wonderful

2006, Rascal Flatts started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Me and My Gang’ the American country pop group’s fifth album.Good music

2008, it was revealed that 60’s singer Tommy Steele took Elvis Presley on a secret tour of London in 1958 after Presley struck up a friendship with Steele. When the rock legend flew into London for a day, Steele apparently took him round the city, showing him famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament. For more than 50 years, Presley fans had believed the only time Elvis ever set foot in the UK was during a stop-over at Prestwick Airport in Scotland in March 1960. This came as some sort of revelation

Music Source 1 music source 2

Birthday Boys and Girls

1936, Glen Campbell, country singer, songwriter, actor, TV presenter. Hits include ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix’, ‘Wichita Lineman’, and ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’, has released more than 70 albums selling over 45 million records. As a session musician in the 1960s he worked with Bobby Darin, Ricky Nelson, The Monkees, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, The Velvet Underground, Frankie Laine, The Association, Jan & Dean and The Mamas & the Papas. He was a touring member of The Beach Boys, filling in for an ailing Brian Wilson in 1964 and 1965. His guitar playing can be heard on ‘Strangers in the Night’ by Frank Sinatra, ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’‘ by The Righteous Brothers and ‘I’m a Believer’ by The Monkees.

1937, Jack Nitzsche, producer, songwriter. Produced The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and The Walker Brothers. Co-wrote, ‘Up Where We Belong’ with Buffy Sainte-Marie. Died of a heart attack on 25th August 2000.

1939,  Simon Napier- Bell, UK manager of Wham! T Rex and Japan.

1944,  Drummer Howard Wyeth, Worked with Bob Dylan, Don McLean, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell. He died of a heart attack 27th March 1996.

1950, Peter Frampton, guitar, vocals, The Herd, (1968 UK No.5 single ‘I Don’t Want Our Loving To Die’), Humble Pie, (1969 UK No.4 single ‘Natural Born Bugie’) & solo, (1976 UK No.10 single ‘Show Me The Way’).

1951,  Paul Carrack, keyboards, guitar, vocals, Ace, (1974 UK No.20 single ‘How Long’) Squeeze, (1981 UK No.41 single ‘Tempted’), Mike And The Mechanics, (1989 US No.1 & UK No.2