1949 - This is the day when one of the entertainment industry's most cross-talented entertainers, Harry Belafonte, began his recording career with debut sessions for Capitol Records. Debut songs included They Didn't Believe Me and Close Your Eyes, but today on *MUSICBACKTRACK* we are highlighting the following little numbers, probably his two best-known songs. The American singer, actor, and social activist was once dubbed the King of Calypso, a title he denied, even though he helped to globally popularise the Caribbean musical style of calypso during the fifties. But Belafonte was much more than a pop singer. Decades before the Bonos and the Geldofs, he was an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes, and an extremely strong and visible vocal critic of the policies of the George W. Bush regime. He was also one of many entertainers recruited by Frank Sinatra to perform at the inaugural gala of President John F. Kennedy way back in 1961. That same year he released his second Calypso album, Jump Up Calypso, which went on to become another million-seller. And let's not forget his 1962 album, Midnight Special, featuring the first–ever record appearance by a then-young harmonica player named Bob Dylan. Belafonte also helped organise the Grammy Award winning song, We Are the World, back in 1985, and took part in the concert later in the year. So..here's Harry with the Muppets - funny. Following that, the absolute original Jamaican Farewell, one of the biggest hits of the day.
1954 - Yesterday we showcased Elvis Presley's first real record when he was just 18 years old, an acetate he paid for himself. For details, scroll down, or go to our archive search engine. Almost a year after that, head of the newly-formed Sun Records, Sam Phillips, contacted Presley and invited him back to record a bunch of songs, amongst which was Elvis's first ever commercial single release, That's All Right, written and originally performed by blues singer Arthur Crudup as That's All Right, Mama. The song was released today in 1954, Elvis just 19 years old.
1966 - Exactly 45 years ago to the day, 50-year-old legend Frank Sinatra, married the smart, beautiful 20-year-old actress Mia Farrow, and the gasps could be heard around the world about the age difference. And still are. So what? Women are so, so much more advanced than men, and this was probably a good match. I'm all for it. She was perfect for him, and, at the time, he would've been perfect for her. Good on them both. Following is an amusing excerpt from a TV show in USA, whereby panel members had to guess the identity of the the special guest,. Won't say anymore. Check it out.
1969 - It's July 29, it's 42 years ago, and the Rolling Stones released one of their great rock'n'roll songs, the swaggering Honky Tonk Women…we're now backstage at Madison Square Gardens, the Rolling Stones about to go on stage…a button falls off Jagger's trousers…"you don't want me trousers to fall down, now do ya?"
1969 - One of the great British groups during the sixties was the Spencer Davis Group led by a very young Stevie Winwood. He was a brilliant vocalist with a guttural-sounding voice. During my time as co-singer with the Valentines, we performed a cover version of this song, Bon Scott's voice having a not dis-similar guttural sound…me providing the harmonies on the song. This was the day, though, that Spencer Davis Group broke up.
1980 - Anyone who has not seen David Bowie act in live theatre is in for an amazing treat with these short, filmed stabs from his 1980 theatrical stage debut, taking the role of John Merrick in Elephant Man, which debuted tonight on Broadway. This is an interview with Bowie, conducted by London lyricist Tim Rise, and featuring excerpts from the play, in which Bowie is overwhelmingly awesome.
