1941 - Cab Calloway and his orchestra recorded the standard, St. James Infirmary, a well-worn traditional song. Many acts through the years have done versions of this traditional song, even as recently as the White Stripes, who have their own version out there. Cab's was one of the first and certainly one of the best versions, released exactly 70 years ago today, July 3. In this vid Cab Calloway sings the classic song in the guise of Koko the clown, In the Fleischer Brothers' Betty Boop short film Snow White. Koko the Clown sings St. James Infirmary Blues when he believes Betty Boop is dead. Cab Calloway's voice is unique and specially eerie for this song. Koko's dancing during the "St. James" number is rotoscoped from footage of Calloway dancing, and the artist then drawing on top of his movements.
1968 - London, mini-skirts, bobs, flares, Top of the Pops and The Equals were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with Baby Come Back, the group's only UK #1, and it reached top of the charts in many countries around the world.
1968 - This was the very day, at an impromptu gathering at Joni Mitchell’s house in Lookout Mountain, Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, that David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash played together for the very first time. History was made, and for more information and videos on CSN and Joni Mitchell, go to our archive search engine. A year later to the day, former Rolling Stone, Brian Jones, was found dead in his swimming pool at his Cotchford Farm home, Hartfield, England. He was found by his then-girlfriend, Anna Wohlin, and his deat took Jones into the notorious '27 club', members of which include Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Mama Cass and others - dead at 27yo. Jones was one of the founding members of The Rolling Stones and in the early 60’s used the name Elmo Lewis; without doubt he was the main man at the genesis of the Rolling Stones. The coroner's report stated "Death by misadventure", and noted his liver and heart were heavily enlarged by drug and alcohol abuse. OK, dear reader, murder rumours still abound - any murder theories out there? First up today, *MUSICBACKTRACK* video-profiles Brian Jones and how important he really was at the beginning of the Rolling Stones. Then let's look at what Keith Richards thought at the time, indeed, at Jones' funeral. Then we look at one of the many murder theories, and an interview regarding his death. Jagger's poetry tribute, release of the dead butterflies, and finally, a bit from the tribute concert held at Hyde Park in London, and finally, a BBC news report.
1971 - Notorious '27 club' member, singer for the Doors, poet and songwriter, Jim Morrison, died in Paris today, aged 27. He was found dead in a bathtub in Paris, France, the cause of death at the time given as a heart attack, though consistent rumours insist his was a death-by-heroin, or even murder. He co-wrote some of the group's biggest hits, including Light My Fire, Love Me Two Times, and Love Her Madly. On the 25th anniversary of his death an estimated 15,000 fans gathered at Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris to pay their respects. For more information, videos and stories of Jim Morrison, go to our archive search engine. This is a pristine and superb live performance on TV of the Doors singing Touch Me...with brass section, showing Morrison really did have a voice to die for. Following that, another song from the band, appropriately, The End.
1968 - London, mini-skirts, bobs, flares, Top of the Pops and The Equals were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with Baby Come Back, the group's only UK #1, and it reached top of the charts in many countries around the world.
1968 - This was the very day, at an impromptu gathering at Joni Mitchell’s house in Lookout Mountain, Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, that David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash played together for the very first time. History was made, and for more information and videos on CSN and Joni Mitchell, go to our archive search engine. A year later to the day, former Rolling Stone, Brian Jones, was found dead in his swimming pool at his Cotchford Farm home, Hartfield, England. He was found by his then-girlfriend, Anna Wohlin, and his deat took Jones into the notorious '27 club', members of which include Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Mama Cass and others - dead at 27yo. Jones was one of the founding members of The Rolling Stones and in the early 60’s used the name Elmo Lewis; without doubt he was the main man at the genesis of the Rolling Stones. The coroner's report stated "Death by misadventure", and noted his liver and heart were heavily enlarged by drug and alcohol abuse. OK, dear reader, murder rumours still abound - any murder theories out there? First up today, *MUSICBACKTRACK* video-profiles Brian Jones and how important he really was at the beginning of the Rolling Stones. Then let's look at what Keith Richards thought at the time, indeed, at Jones' funeral. Then we look at one of the many murder theories, and an interview regarding his death. Jagger's poetry tribute, release of the dead butterflies, and finally, a bit from the tribute concert held at Hyde Park in London, and finally, a BBC news report.
1971 - Notorious '27 club' member, singer for the Doors, poet and songwriter, Jim Morrison, died in Paris today, aged 27. He was found dead in a bathtub in Paris, France, the cause of death at the time given as a heart attack, though consistent rumours insist his was a death-by-heroin, or even murder. He co-wrote some of the group's biggest hits, including Light My Fire, Love Me Two Times, and Love Her Madly. On the 25th anniversary of his death an estimated 15,000 fans gathered at Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris to pay their respects. For more information, videos and stories of Jim Morrison, go to our archive search engine. This is a pristine and superb live performance on TV of the Doors singing Touch Me...with brass section, showing Morrison really did have a voice to die for. Following that, another song from the band, appropriately, The End.
