November 8, 1939 - THE musical partnership of Harry James and young bobby-sox star, Frank Sinatra, ended today with the recording of two songs: Every Day of My Life and Ciribiribin. Band leader James had hired Sinatra on a one year contract of $75 a week, and it was the Harry James band with which Sinatra released his first commercial record From the Bottom of My Heart in July, 1939. Fewer than 8,000 copies were sold initially, but then millions were sold when re-released by Columbia at the height of Sinatra's popularity a few years later. This was one of 10 songs recorded with James, before Sinatra moved on to Tommy Dorsey, but he always acknowledged that Harry James was responsible for his initial career success. And here he is from almost 30 years ago - he can tell you himself.
1963 - FIVE decades before the wonderful voice and talent of Britain's Adele there was 24-year-old Dusty Springfield, and this was the day she set out on her first UK solo tour, sharing the bill with Brit beat sensations The Searchers, Freddie & The Dreamers and Brian Poole & The Tremeloes. Ms. Springfield was flying high on music charts, and one of her hits was this song, written by either Arthur Alexander or Steve Alaimo, depending on whose versions of events you believe. Dusty's version remains by far the best, and she'll always be one of the best female singers of music's past century-modern era. She's certainly one of my faves. Her sensational, raspy voice and phrasing, her subtle wiggly-dance, her come-on half-smile, her cool.
1964 - JUDY Garland must have been such a trip, and watching this seldom-viewed video of she and her daughter, Liza Minnelli, just enforces that. It was 47 years ago today that Judy introduced Liza - at the height of Beatlemania - at this performance in London London Palladium. Stunningly spirit-lifting.
1967 - MADE up of West Indians, White British, and a Sri Lankan, the Foundations were UK pro-active between 1967 and 1970, and best known for their two biggest hits, Baby Now That I've Found You and Build Me Up Buttercup. The group was the first multi-racial group to have a #1 hit in the UK in the 1960s. Motown sound-influenced, they were probably the forerunner to the group, Hot Chocolate. This was a worldwide hit, and #1 in London 44 years ago today.
1997 - JOHNNY Paycheck, the bona fide country music legend, officially joined the Grand Ole Opry cast today, the 98th to do so. Paycheck first came to prominence with his hit song, Take This Job And Shove It, written by country singer David Allan Coe. The Johnny Paycheck version hit #1 on the country charts for two weeks, spending 18 weeks on the charts.
2001 - WINNERS at the MTV Europe Awards exactly one decade ago tonight, included Robbie Williams, who won best male and best song for Rock DJ; Craig David won Best R&B act and Best UK & Ireland act; Dido won Best new act, and Anastacia won Best pop act. Gorillaz won best song for Clint Eastwood, and Eminem won the best hip hop award. Performing live at that year's awards was Ms. Kylie Minogue, so we start with her song, then Gorillaz, then Eminem.
1963 - FIVE decades before the wonderful voice and talent of Britain's Adele there was 24-year-old Dusty Springfield, and this was the day she set out on her first UK solo tour, sharing the bill with Brit beat sensations The Searchers, Freddie & The Dreamers and Brian Poole & The Tremeloes. Ms. Springfield was flying high on music charts, and one of her hits was this song, written by either Arthur Alexander or Steve Alaimo, depending on whose versions of events you believe. Dusty's version remains by far the best, and she'll always be one of the best female singers of music's past century-modern era. She's certainly one of my faves. Her sensational, raspy voice and phrasing, her subtle wiggly-dance, her come-on half-smile, her cool.
1964 - JUDY Garland must have been such a trip, and watching this seldom-viewed video of she and her daughter, Liza Minnelli, just enforces that. It was 47 years ago today that Judy introduced Liza - at the height of Beatlemania - at this performance in London London Palladium. Stunningly spirit-lifting.
1967 - MADE up of West Indians, White British, and a Sri Lankan, the Foundations were UK pro-active between 1967 and 1970, and best known for their two biggest hits, Baby Now That I've Found You and Build Me Up Buttercup. The group was the first multi-racial group to have a #1 hit in the UK in the 1960s. Motown sound-influenced, they were probably the forerunner to the group, Hot Chocolate. This was a worldwide hit, and #1 in London 44 years ago today.
1997 - JOHNNY Paycheck, the bona fide country music legend, officially joined the Grand Ole Opry cast today, the 98th to do so. Paycheck first came to prominence with his hit song, Take This Job And Shove It, written by country singer David Allan Coe. The Johnny Paycheck version hit #1 on the country charts for two weeks, spending 18 weeks on the charts.
2001 - WINNERS at the MTV Europe Awards exactly one decade ago tonight, included Robbie Williams, who won best male and best song for Rock DJ; Craig David won Best R&B act and Best UK & Ireland act; Dido won Best new act, and Anastacia won Best pop act. Gorillaz won best song for Clint Eastwood, and Eminem won the best hip hop award. Performing live at that year's awards was Ms. Kylie Minogue, so we start with her song, then Gorillaz, then Eminem.
