The #62 Guitarist of the Rock Era: Nuno Bettencourt

The #62 Guitarist* received great exposure in the 1990's when his group generated attention. He has consistently made himself better.  Nuno Bettencourt is next:

#62:  Nuno Bettencourt, Extreme

28 years as an active guitarist

(Solos from Extreme DVD)

Nuno Duarte Gil Mendes Bettencourt was born September 20, 1966 in Praia da Vitoria, Terceira, Azores, Portugal.  He is best known for his work with Extreme but has participated in many different styles of music.

Bettencourt and his family moved to Hudson, Massachusetts when he was four.  His first instrument was the drums and he played them until brother Luis began to teach him how to play guitar.  Nuno has said that he skipped many school days to practice upwards of seven hours a day.  Nuno cites Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page and Al DiMeola as key influences with Brian May giving him his sense of melody in his solos.  As Bettencourt began to develop as a guitarist and songwriter, he studied the music of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Prince and Paco de Lucia.

Bettencourt joined his first group called Sinful but didn't fare well. So in 1985, he joined the Boston group Extreme and shortly afterwards, the group signed a recording contract with A&M Records. In 1989, the group released its self-titled debut. The following year, Extreme hit it big with their album Pornograffiti, which included the monster hit "More Than Words". The album also featured Bettencourt's great solo on "Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee", an interpretation of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee". 

Extreme followed that album with III Sides to Every Story, for which Nuno composed and arranged the brass and string sections and the full orchestra. In 1993, Bettencourt co-wrote and produced "Where Are You Going" for use in the SuperMarioBros. movie. He also played for Robert Palmer on the album Honey. In 1995, Extreme released the album Waiting for the Punchline but when Bettencourt wanted to pursue a solo career, the group broke up.

Nuno's first solo release in 1997 was the culmination of a five-year effort. Entitled Schizophonic, it was critically well-received but did not sell. In 1997, Nuno formed the band Mourning Widows which released an album in Japan. The follow-up, Furnished Souls for Rent, developed a strong following in Japan and Bettencourt's home region of New England.

In 2002, Bettencourt formed Population 1 and released a self-titled album in Japan and Korea. The album featured Nuno performing all instruments on most tracks. He assembled a group of musicians to back him in live performances. Population 1 released Sessions from Room Four in 2004. Due to legal issues, the band was renamed Near Death Experience and then DramaGods. 

DramaGods released an album available as an import through Japan in December, 2005.  DramaGods toured in Japan and appeared at the Udo Music Festival in July, 2006 shortly after a three-date reunion with Extreme in New England.

Bettencourt briefly played in the Satellite Party with vocalist Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction but left in July, 2007 after disagreements about the group's live show. Prior to his departure, Nuno helped produce the group's debut album Ultra Payloaded and performed with the group along with Pearl Jam and Incubus in Nijmegen, The Netherlands and in a few other shows.

Bettencourt has teamed with former Journey lead singer Steve Perry, has written for the group Tantric, wrote and played for wife Suze DeMarchi's group Baby Animals and has worked with BB Mak and Toni Braxton. Nuno also played guitar for Rihanna on several television shows and was her lead guitarist for the Last Girl on Earth and Loud tours.

In 2007, Extreme reformed and released the album Saudades de Rock and went on a subsequent tour. 

Bettencourt's guitar-playing features arpeggios that are articulated via string-skipping tapping. He has an innate sense of rhythm, often playing loosely and executing fast triplet picking licks and blurring bar lines that give his playing a unique sound.

In 1990, Washburn Guitars released the N4 Nuno Bettencourt Signature Series. The guitar features a small reverse headstock super-strat with the unique Stephen's Extended Cutaway neck joint for easy access to the higher frets. Bill Lawrence and Seymour Duncan pickups and a Floyd Rose tremolo are included. Bettencourt has also endorsed several acoustic Washburn's. 

Bettencourt has the speed of a shredder but because of his attention to Queen's Brian May, also has a sense of melody.  That combination has propelled him to The #62 spot in The Top 100 Guitarists of the Rock Era*.

Great First Singles: "A Horse With No Name" by America

Being a rock star or having a hit single is much tougher than it sounds on the radio.  You have to begin playing an instrument at a very early age, practice extremely hard, have a mentor or someone that truly believes in you, and have songwriting talent.  For just being good on the guitar, piano or drums isn't good enough--songwriting is the key to transporting you from being a good musician to getting people to listen to you.

There are at least 100 new songs each week that are competing for radio airplay, and those are just the top ones that are released to radio stations.  Many times an artist will release several songs with no luck.  Once in a while, an artist breaks through into the public consciousness with their first single release.  

This is the case with this group, which hit #1 with their first single.  It went on to become one of The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era*.

"A Horse With No Name"

America

This Date in Rock Music History: March 10

1956:  The incredible Platters spent an 11th week at #1 on the R&B chart with their classic "The Great Pretender".
1958:  Most would not know this artist until a year later, but on this date, Brook Benton first appeared on the chart with his debut single "A Million Years from Nowhere".

1961:  Songwriter Jeff Barry signed a contract with Trinity Music.  With wife Ellie Greenwich, Barry became one of The Top Songwriters of the Rock Era*, with songs like "Be My Baby" for the Ronettes, "Chapel of Love" by the Dixie Cups and "River Deep, Mountain High".

1962:  Shelley Fabares moved from #81 to 50 on this date with "Johnny Angel".

1962:  Bruce Channel had himself a #1 song with "Hey!  Baby".

1964: Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel recorded the acoustic "The Sounds of Silence". Later, the record company would add electric guitar, bass and drums, without the knowledge of either performer, and release the song as a single.
1967:  Sonny & Cher appeared on the television show Man From U.N.C.L.E. on NBC.
1971:  Allen Klein, manager of the Beatles, was barred from involvement in the group's affairs as the group resolved their remaining issues.
1973:  "Love Train" by the O'Jays was the #1 R&B hit for the fourth week.

Dr. Hook's newest landed them on the cover of one of the most inaccurate magazines in history.

1973:  Roberta Flack was untouchable at this point as "Killing Me Softly with His Song" remained at #1 for a third week.  "Dueling Banjos" by Eric Weissberg & Stevie Mandell would have to settle for second-best while Edward Bear's "Last Song" remained in the #3 position.  The Spinners grabbed #4 with "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" while the O'Jays struck gold with "Love Train".  The rest of the Top 10:  "Also Sprach Zarathustra" from Deodado, one of The Top 100 Instrumentals of the Rock Era*, Elton John's former #1 "Crocodile Rock" was now at 7, Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show had their second Top 10 with "The Cover of the Rolling Stone", John Denver was at #9 with "Rocky Mountain High" although it remains as one of the most underrated songs of the Rock Era and Jermaine Jackson finished the list with "Daddy's Home".
1974:  David Bowie performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a concert that was later released as David Live.

1979: James Brown played at the Grand Ole Opry.
1979:  Spirits Having Flown by the Bee Gees was #1 on the album chart once again.  Rod Stewart's Blondes Have More Fun came in second.

1979:  Poco took over at #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart with one of The Top 100 AC Songs of the 1970's--"Crazy Love".

1979:  After 13 weeks of release, Gloria Gaynor made the climb to the top with "I Will Survive".  Dire Straits had their 
first Top 10 with "Sultans of Swing", which edged in at #10.
1981:  Jimmy Page, lead guitarist of Led Zeppelin, made his first performance since the group called it quits, joining Jeff Beck onstage in London for three encores.

1984:  Ian Gillan left Black Sabbath.

1984:  Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac fame had a solo #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart with "Got a Hold On Me".

             Annie and Dave were back in the Top 10.

1984:  "Jump" by Van Halen held on to #1 for a third week with Cyndi Lauper moving up to challenge with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun".  Nena's "99 Luftballons" lost altitude while Michael Jackson peaked at #4 with "Thriller" and another song MJ helped on--"Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell, moved to #5.  The rest of the Top 10:  the posthumous release from John Lennon--"Nobody Told Me", Huey Lewis & the News were up strong with "I Want a New Drug", the Eurythmics were back in the Top 10 for the second time with "Here Comes the Rain Again", Kenny Loggins moved from 16 to 9 with "Footloose" and former #1 "Karma Chameleon" turned and headed down.

1984:  Thriller by Michael Jackson broke the Rock Era record of 31 weeks at #1 on the album chart, previously held by the stellar Rumours from Fleetwood Mac.  And Michael wasn't done yet.
1988: Andy Gibb died from myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), following a long battle with cocaine addiction, which of course weakens the heart.
1990:  "Escapade" by Janet Jackson took over at #1 on the R&B chart.
        
           "What It Takes" from Aerosmith...

1990:  Forever Your Girl by Paula Abdul remained the #1 album for the sixth week with Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 once again unable to top it.  ...But Seriously from Phil Collins was third while the B-52's were up to #4 with Cosmic Thing.  The rest of the Top 10:  Girl You Know It's True not by Milli Vanilli, Billy Joel was at 6 with his latest--Storm Front, Tom Petty was still strong after 44 weeks with Full Moon Fever, Aerosmith's Pump was #8, the excellent Soul Provider from Michael Bolton and Linda Ronstadt scored another Top 10 album with Cry Like a Rainstorm - Howl Like the Wind.

1990:  Taylor Dayne scored her sixth straight Top 10 Out of the Gate* with "Love Will Lead You Back".

1992: Prince received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Soul Train Awards.

1997:  LaVern Baker ("I Cried A Tear" from 1958) died from coronary complications at age 57.

2003:  Johnny Cash was admitted to a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee for pneumonia.
2003:  The Police, AC/DC and two other acts, the Righteous Brothers and Elvis Costello, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  The Police reunited onstage and performed "Roxanne" and "Message in a Bottle".

2004:  George Michael announced he was retiring from the music business following his album Patience.  He would only release songs on the Internet to raise money for charity.  Now there's a guy who managed his money.
2005:  In today's edition of Dangerous Inmates Run Rap Music, Young Jeezy was arrested in South Beach, Florida for carrying a concealed firearm without a permit.
2008:  The state of Washington celebrated the induction of the Ventures into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by declaring today "Ventures Day".


Born This Day:

1940:  Dean Torrence of Jan & Dean was born in Los Angeles, California.

1947:  Tom Scholz, co-founder, songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist of Boston, was born in Toledo, Ohio.
1952:  Beverly Bremers ("Don't Say You Don't Remember" from 1971) was born in Chicago, Illinois.

1963:  Jeff Ament, bassist of Pearl Jam, was born in Havre, Montana.

1964:  Neneh Cherry was born in Stockholm, Sweden.

1966:  Edie Brickell of Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians ("What I Am") and wife of Paul Simon, was born in Oak Cliff, Texas.

1966:  Dave Krusen, original drummer of Pearl Jam, was born in Tacoma, Washington.

1971:  Timothy Z. Mosley (Timbaland) who has produced for the Pussycat Dolls, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Nelly Furtado, Missy Elliott and others, was born in Norfolk, Virginia.

1973:  John Charles LeCompt, guitarist of Evanescence, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas.

1977:  Robin Thicke was born in Los Angeles.

1983:  Carrie Underwood was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

The #63 Guitarist of the Rock Era: Dave Murray

One of three guitarists in the British band Iron Maiden, the #63 Guitarist is technically sound, melodic and fast:

#63:  Dave Murray, Iron Maiden

38 years as an active guitarist

(Some of his best solos)

David Michael Murray was born December 23, 1956. He became interested in rock music at the age of 15 when he heard "Voodoo Chile" by Jimi Hendrix on the radio.  Hendrix made such an impression on Dave that he would adapt Hendrix's legato style of playing.  The key to this is playing all of the notes even and in a constant stream, with no notes jumping out in volume.  Dave began hanging around record stores and buying several Hendrix and blues albums and decided to get a guitar. Murray was a fixture at lead guitarist for Iron Maiden. 

At the age of 16, Murray formed the band Stone Free, which also included lead singer Adrian Smith. Murray was briefly with the groups Electric Gas and the Secret before auditioning for Iron Maiden in 1976. He won the job, but was fired following an argument with then-vocalist Dennis Wilcock. Thus, Murray teamed again with Adrian Smith in Smith's group Urchin until he was asked to rejoin Iron Maiden after Wilcock left.

Dave has great speed and likes to focus on the higher notes of the guitar in his solos.  As mentioned earlier, he plays legatos ("legato" means "smoothly"), tremeloes, hammer-ons and pull-offs.  He is smooth, melodic and technically brilliant and frequently uses the neck pickup.  This gives him control and the freedom to express himself through his music 

Murray has used Fender Stratocaster guitars almost exclusively and has always used and endorsed Marshall amplifiers.  He used a black Stratocaster from 1976-1990 that was previously owned by Paul Kossoff, the late guitarist of Free.  The neck is from a 1957 Stratocaster while the body is from a '63.  Fender used the guitar to manufacture an Artist Signature model in 2009 and Murray now keeps the original at home.  Dave's guitar of choice these days is a Fender Californian Series Stratocaster with three Seymour Duncan Hot Rails pickups and a Floyd Rose tremolo system.  Occasionally, Murray will use Dean, Gibon, Ibanez, ESP and Jackson guitars.  He prefers Gibson Hummingbird acoustics.

His amplifier system consists of two Marshall 1960B Straight Cabinets, four 300-Watt Cabinets loaded with 12 12" Celestion G12T 75 Watt Speakers, three Marshall JCM 2000 DSL  tube heads and a Marshall 9200 Rack Power Amp.

Murray uses a Peterson VSam Virtual Strobe Tuner, a Shure U4D UHF Wireless Unit, a Dunlop CryBaby Wah, a Mike Hill Custom Uni-Vibe/Tube Screamer a Rocktron All-Access Foot Controller, a TC Electronics GForce Effect Unit, a Fulltone Dega'Vibe and a Fulltone Clyde Standard Wah Pedal.


Dave has had a great opportunity to showcase his talent in Iron Maiden.  He ranks #63 for the Rock Era*...

This Date in Rock Music History: March 9

1959: "It's Just a Matter of Time" by Brook Benton climbed to #1 on the R&B chart.
1960: Since Elvis Presley had returned from service in the United States Army, the movie Jailhouse Rock was re-released. 

1959: "Venus" by Frankie Avalon made a nice 7-1 leap to land at #1.
1963: The Beatles opened for Tommy Roe and Chris Montez at the East Ham Granada in London. By the end of the tour, it would be the Beatles that were the featured attraction.
1963: "Rhythm of the Rain" by the Cascades continued to be the song to beat on the Easy Listening chart.
1964: The Beatles concluded the filming of train scenes (they traveled a total of 2,500 miles in six days) for the upcoming movie A Hard Day's Night.

1964: The Beatles released the single "Twist and Shout".
1966: The Beach Boys recorded "God Only Knows".
1968: Bob Dylan had the top album in the U.K. with John Wesley Harding.
1968: "Love Is Blue" by Paul Mauriat was the #1 song on the Adult chart for the fourth consecutive week.
1968: A fifth week at #1 was awarded to Paul Mauriat's "Love Is Blue", one of The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era* and The #1 Instrumental of the Rock Era*.
1970: The Jackson 5 released the single "ABC".

1970: The Beatles released the single "Let It Be".
1970: The Guess Who released the double-sided hit "American Woman"/"No Sugar Tonight".

1970: After changing their name from Earth, Black Sabbath made their live debut at the Roundhouse in London.
1972: Barbra Streisand, Carole King and James Taylor performed at a benefit concert for Democratic presidential contender George McGovern.

Elton John's classic "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding"...

1974: Bob Dylan put together a fourth week at #1 on the album chart with Planet Waves. Court and Spark was second for Joni Mitchell while Carly Simon's Hotcakes moved to #3. John Denver's Greatest Hits was next while one of The Top Album Artists of the Rock Era*--Barbra Streisand moved from 16-5 with her latest The Way We Were. The rest of the Top 10: Yes with Tales From Topographic Oceans, the late Jim Croce was next with You Don't Mess Around with Jim after 55 weeks of release, Wings had #8--Band on the Run, Mike Oldfield found the Top 10 with Tubular Bells and Elton John was at #10 with Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
1974: "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks took over at #1 on the Adult chart.


1974: Two new songs graced the Top 10: the husband and wife team of Carly Simon & James Taylor with "Mockingbird" and John Denver's new one--Sunshine On My Shoulders".
1975: Elvis Presley began what would prove to be his final recording session at RCA studios in Hollywood, California.
1976: Keith Moon, drummer of the Who, collapsed onstage at the beginning of a concert in the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
1977: The Jacksons' television show aired for the final time on CBS.
1979: The Heroes of Rock & Roll, featuring clips of Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Buddy Holly, among others, was shown on ABC-TV.
1981: J.D. Souther & James Taylor released the single "Her Town Too".
1981: Robert Plant and his new band the Honeydrippers gave a concert for invited guests at Keele University in England.
1985: Dead or Alive owned the #1 song in the U.K. with "You Spin Me 'Round (Like A Record)".
1985: "Missing You", Diana Ross's tribute to the late Marvin Gaye, was #1 on the R&B chart for a third week.

1985: REO Speedwagon earned a second career #1 with "Can't Fight This Feeling", bumping off Wham's "Careless Whisper", which had been there for three weeks. Glenn Frey was up to #3 with "The Heat Is On", swapping spots with "California Girls" by David Lee Roth. Madonna moved from 18-5 with "Material Girl' in just its fifth week while the other new Top 10 songs were Julian Lennon's "Too Late for Goodbyes" and "Misled" by Kool & the Gang.
1985: For the fifth week, "Careless Whisper" by Wham! topped the Adult Contemporary chart.
1987: John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Carole King & Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil and Sam Cooke were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

1987: U2 released the album The Joshua Tree.

1991: The Clash rose to #1 in the U.K. with their song that they first released in 1982--"Should I Stay or Should I Go". The song picked up new popularity due to a television advertisement.
1991: Whitney Houston continued to own the #1 song on the R&B chart with "All the Man That I Need".

1991: Whitney Houston topped the AC chart for a fourth week with "All the Man That I Need".
1991: Mariah Carey made it three straight #1's to begin her career with "Someday".
1993: Michael Jackson was named Humanitarian of the Year at the Soul Train Music Awards.
1996: A historic day in the Rock Era, as "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men broke the record for weeks at #1 with 15. That broke the tie with "I'll Make Love to You" by Boyz II Men and "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston.

1997: The self-titled Spice Girls album returned to #1 in the U.K.
1999: Mike Anthony, guitarist who worked with the 5th Dimension and Harry Nilsson, died of a heart attack at age 68.
2000: In today's episode of Dangerous Inmates Run Rap Music, Da Brat was arrested for aggravated battery for pistol-whipping a woman at a club.
2000: Ivo Robic ("Morgen" from 1959) died at age 77.
2001: Drug charges were dropped against Leif Garrett in Los Angeles County Superior Court when Garrett proved he had successfully completed a rehabilitation program. Good for Leif and we wish him well.
2002: Stevie Wonder and Donny Osmond were among the performers at the opening ceremonies of the Paralympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
2004: The Miami Herald in Florida reported that the New York City Police Department was advising other cities on how to spy on rap stars and their ilk. The story recounted that the NYPD kept a file on Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Eminem and monitored their gang affiliations. That's the way to stop crime, and as Inside the Rock Era has chronicled, rap stars are nearly all criminals.
2004: But they're not the only criminals. Jack White of the White Stripes plead guilty to assault and battery.
2005: Danny Joe Brown, original lead singer of Molly Hatchet ("Flirtin' with Disaster") died from renal failure due to diabetes at age 53.
2007: Brad Delp, lead singer of Boston, committed suicide in Atkinson, New Hampshire.
2010: In today's second edition of Dangerous Inmates Run Rap Music, Lil' Wayne was sentenced to a year in prison after being arrested for gun possession.
2010: Lloyd Price Day was declared in New Orleans and in the state of Louisiana.

Born This Day:
1925: Billy Ford of Billy & Lillie ("La Dee Dah" from 1958) was born in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
1932: Keely Smith, who had four hits with husband Louis Prima, including their version of "That Old Black Magic" in 1958, was born in Norfolk, Virginia.
1933: Lloyd Price was born in Kenner, Louisiana.
1940: John Cale, singer-songwriter of Velvet Underground and later a producer who has worked with Patti Smith and Squeeze, among others, was born in Garnet, Wales.
1942: Mark Lindsay, lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders and a solo star, was born in Eugene, Oregon, but of course launched his career from Boise, Idaho.
1944: Trevor Burton, founding member and guitarist of the Move, was born in Birmingham, England.
1945: Robin Trower, original guitarist of Procol Harum, was born in London.

1948: Jeffrey Osborne, lead singer of L.T.D. and a solo star, was born in Providence, Rhode Island.

1948: Chris Thompson, guitarist and vocalist of Manfred Mann and a solo artist, was born in Ashford, Kent, England.
1948: Jimmie Fadden of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1951: Frank Rodriguez of ? and the Mysterians
1958: Martin Fry of ABC was born in Manchester, England.
1968: Robert Sledge, bassist of Ben Folds Five
1980: Chingy (real name Howard Bailey, Jr.) was born in St. Louis, Missouri.
1987: Bow Wow (real name is Shad Moss) was born in Columbus, Ohio, the home of Ohio State University. Why doesn't that surprise me?

The #64 Guitarist of the Rock Era: Allen Holdsworth

The #64 Guitarist is not only an innovator in his technique but also in helping to design the tools of his trade:

#64:  Allen Holdsworth
44 years as an active guitarist

 
Holdsworth was born in Bradford, England.  Holdsworth is highly-regarded by fans and contemporaries as one of the great innovators of the 20th century.  He continues to push the envelope, exploring the electric guitar's range of tonal and textural possibilities.  Holdsworth produces his own recordings and has had complete creative license since the mid-80's.  He has uniquely appealed to both jazz and rock audiences.  Besides his great ability in pressing the limits of his instrument, Alan has also devoted time to developing guitar technology.  He has helped design new baritone variations of the guitar, his own custom six-string designs, the invention of electronic components for the studio and developing guitar-based synthesizer controllers.

Holdsworth learned aspects of musical theory by his father, himself an accomplished amateur musician.  The sounds of Django Reinhardt, Jimmy Rainey, Charlie Christian, Joe Pass , Eric Clapton, and John Coltrane were among this English musician's early inspirations when he began to work professionally as a musician in his early twenties. Allen began working on the dance-club circuit in England, meeting fellow musicians and honing his sound.  Ray Warleigh, one of England's best jazz tenor saxophonists, recognized Holdsworth's tremendous potential and brought him along to play in jazz sets in the early 1970's, including sessions with Ray at Ronnie Scotts' club in London.

Allen gained exposure when he joined drummer John Hiseman's much-celebrated "progressive" rock band Tempest.  The group didn't last long but by now most musicians knew of Allen.  By 1975, he had developed a reputation as one of England's best guitarists in the group Soft Machine.  The album Bundles is especially worth checking out.  While in Soft Machine, the late jazz drummer Tony Williams discovered Allen and recruited him to play on one of the great fusion releases of the mid-70's, Believe It. 


For the next three years, Holdsworth played on many of the great jazz-fusion and instrumental rock recordings by Jean Luc Ponty (Enigmatic Ocean), Gong (Gazeuse!) and drummer Bill Bruford (Feels Good To Me and One of A Kind).  Late in the decade, Bruford, founding member of Yes who was then with King Crimson, recruited Holdsworth to participate in a new project featuring the rhythm section of King Crimson and the young violinist/keyboardist Eddie Jobson.  The resulting album called U.K. was considered the last great milestone of 70's progressive rock.  Holdsworth created unconventional chords, searing guitar solos and passionate melodic riffs.  Guitar World in 1996 praised Holdsworth's contribution to U.K. as the factor in naming it one of the Top 10 rock guitar albums of all-time.

As great an experience as that was, in 1978, Holdsworth reluctantly parted company with Bruford's band, seeking to rediscover the energy and dynamics that had been a part of his extended ensemble improvisations work with Tony Williams.  Allen formed his own trio with drummer Gary Husband and bassist Paul Carmichael in the IOU band.  Friend Eddie Van Halen was key to getting IOU a recording contract with Van Halen's label, Warner Brothers.  Executive producer Ted Templeman helped the group release Road Games in 1984, which was nominated for a Grammy Award.  The album featured vocals from Jack Bruce, formerly with Cream.  


However, a dispute over creative control led to the group leaving Warner Brothers and signing with Enigma Records in 1985.  Respected Los Angeles session bassist Jimmy Johnson joined the group after Carmichael and Jeff Berlin had contributed briefly.  The group then released the highly successful Metal Fatigue.  Holdsworth continued his core band with Johnson and Wackerman and the 1986 album Atavachron featured appearances by keyboardists Alan Pasqua and Billy Childs and great contributions from drummers Tony Williams and Husband.  Husband went on to success with Level 42 and he asked Holdsworth to play on the group's 1993 album Guaranteed.


The IOU album Sand in 1988 marked the beginning of Holdsworth's exploration of the Synthaxe, a guitar-like synth-controller.  Holdsworth won the Guitar Player Magazine poll as Best Guitar Synthesist for several years afterward.  In 1990, Holdsworth did an album called Secrets with Vinnie Collaiuta, who later joined Sting's band and had previously worked with Frank Zappa.  The album featured Allen's rich harmonic playing in a style that continued to push the boundaries of rock, fusion and jazz.

In the early 1990's, Holdsworth appeared in a jazz supergroup and at festivals with other great jazz artists including Stanley Clark, Billy Cobham and Michael and Randy Brecker.  The albums Wardenclyffe Tower in 1992 and Hard Hat Area in 1994 expanded the boundaries of Holdsworth's solo work and more closely resembled the group's live sound.  


Holdsworth recorded some of his favorite, lesser-known jazz standards along with originals from pianist Gordon Beck on Allen's next album None Too Soon in 1996.  The album is different from most Holdsworth work and includes a riveting performance of Irving Berlin's "How Deep Is the Ocean" and a great twist on the Beatles song "Norwegian Wood".


The Sixteen Men of Tain, released in 2000, marked Allen's first work with bassist Dave Carpenter and drummer Gary Novak.  

Holdsworth has several electric guitar designs produced by Carvin.  Holdsworth was recently inducted into the Guitar Player Magazine Hall of Fame.

Never satisfied and always exploring new musical avenues, Allen Holdsworth has proven to be one of the great innovators of the guitar.  He ranks as The #64 Guitarist of the Rock Era*.

Hits List: Sly & the Family Stone

This R&B group enjoyed great success in the late 60's and early 1970's.  Here is the complete Hits List for Sly & the Family Stone:

1967:  "Underdog"
           "Dance to the Music" (#8, #9 R&B, #7 U.K.)
1968:  "Dance A La Musique"
           "Life" (#93, #37 U.K.)


1969:  "Everyday People" (#1, #1 R&B, #36 U.K.)
           "Sing a Simple Song" (#89, #28 R&B)
           "Stand!" (#22, #14 R&B"
           "I Want to Take You Higher" (#60, #24 R&B)
           "Hot Fun in the Summertime" (#2, #3 R&B)
           "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin") (#1, #1 R&B)
1970:  "I Want to Take You Higher" (#38)
1971:  "Family Affair" (#1, #1 R&B, #15 U.K.)

1972:  "Runnin' Away" (#23, #15 R&B, #17 U.K.
           "(You Caught Me) Smilin'" (#42, #21 R&B)
           "I Ain't Got Nobody"
1973:  "If You Want Me to Stay" (#12, #3 R&B)
           "Frisky" (#79, #28 R&B)
           "If It Were Left Up to Me" (#57 R&B)
1974:  "Time for Livin'" (#32, #10 R&B)
           "Loose Booty" (#84, #22 R&B)
1975:  "I Get High on You" (#52, #3 R&B)
           "Le Lo Li" (#75 R&B)
1976:  "Crossword Puzzle"
           "Blessing in Disguise"
           "Family Again" (#85 R&B)
1979:  "Remember Who You Are" (#38 R&B)
1980:  "Who's to Say"
1983:  "High Y'all"

This Date in Rock Music History: March 8

1961:  That hard-working group the Beatles did three shows today, their usual lunchtime performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England and concerts at the Aintree Institute and Hambleton Hall in Liverpool.

1962:  The Beatles made their debut on the BBC in Great Britain on Teenager's Turn, performing "Dream Baby", "Maybelline" and "Please Mr. Postman".

1964:  The Dave Clark 5 made their debut appearance on The Ed Sullvan Show.
1965:  The Kinks released the single "Tired of Waiting for You".
1966:  Bob Dylan recorded "Just Like A Woman" for his upcoming Blonde On Blonde album at Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.

1966:  Lulu and the Hollies opened a tour in Poland.

1968:  The Fillmore East opened at Second Avenue and Sixth Street in New York City.
1968:  The Elvis Presley movie Stay Away Joe opened in theaters.
1969:  The Small Faces broke up when lead singer Steve Marriott left the group.  Remaining members Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan and Kenny Jones recruited guitarist Ronnie Wood and lead singer Rod Stewart and formed the group The Faces.
1969:  James Brown had his 8th #1 on the R&B chart--"Give It Up or Turnit A Loose".  Yeah.

1969:  Glen Campbell moved from #87 to #47 with "Galveston".

1969:  Sly & the Family Stone held off all challengers for a fourth week at #1 with one of The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era*--"Everyday People".  CCR jumped to their favorite spot of #2 with "Proud Mary".  The Foundations were sturdy at #3 with "Build Me Up Buttercup" while Tommy Roe was a man on the move (10-4) with "Dizzy".  The rest of the Top 10:  Tommy James & the Shondells with their smash "Crimson and Clover", Jay & the Americans were at #6 with "This Magic Moment" Dionne Warwick reached the Top 10 for the sixth time with "This Girl's In Love with You", Smokey Robinson & the Miracles with "Baby, Baby Don't Cry", the Doors dropped with "Touch Me" and 1910 Fruitgum Company moved to #10 with "Indian Giver".

1970:  Diana Ross was in concert for the first time as a solo artist in Framingham, Massachusetts.
1971:  Three Dog Night released the single "Joy to the World".

1971:  Ocean released the single "Put Your Hand in the Hand".

1973:  Ron Mckernan, keyboardist of the Grateful Dead, died at age 27 from liver failure brought on by, you guessed it, alcohol poisoning.

1974:  John Denver recorded "Annie's Song" and "Thank God I'm A Country Boy".

1974:  Bad Company appeared live for the first time in Newcastle, England.
1975:  Carole King was a guest star on The Mary Tyler Moore show on CBS-TV.
1975:  B.T. Express had the top R&B song, one of The Top 100 Instrumentals of the Rock Era*--"Express".
1975:  "Have You Never Been Mellow" by Olivia Newton-John was the new #1 on the Adult chart.

                       The Doobie Brothers contributed this gem to a great time in music.

1975:  Olivia Newton-John had hit #1 one year before with "I Honestly Love You".  Now, she had her second as "Have You Never Been Mellow" rose to the top.  The Doobie Brothers were right behind with "Black Water" with Frankie Valli's solo hit "My Eyes Adored You" in third.  LaBelle was creating excitement with "Lady Marmalade" and America edged up with "Lonely People".  The rest of the Top 10:  Styx and their breakthrough hit "Lady", which rose from 10-6, the Eagles fell from #1 with "Best of My Love", Minnie Riperton jumped from 22 to 8 with "Lovin' You", the Average White Band with "Pick Up the Pieces" and ELO scored their first career Top 10 with "Can't Get It Out of My Head".

1976:  Silver Convention released the single "Get Up and Boogie".
1980:  Chuck Mangione returned to #1 for a third week on the Adult Contemporary chart with his theme to the Winter Olympics--"Give It All You Got".
1980:  You didn't have to be a genius to know where this song was going--"Call Me" by Blondie moved from 61 to 28 on this date.

  The Spinners with their remake of the Four Seasons' hit...

1980:   Queen lasted a third week at #1 with "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", holding off Teri DeSario and K.C.'s "Yes, I'm Ready".  Dan Fogelberg's "Longer" moved to third while Andy Gibb had his sixth consecutive Top 10 with "Desire", second only to Gary Lewis & the Playboys and Lovin' Spoonful (7 straight Top 10's) at that time in the Rock Era for most Top 10's Out of the Gate*.  The rest of the Top 10:  Pink Floyd moved from 10-6 with "Another Brick in the Wall", the Captain & Tennille with "Do That To Me One More Time", the Spinners' medley "Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl" edged up, Rupert Holmes moved from 16 to 9 with "Him" and Shalamar was good "The Second Time Around".

                       "In the Flesh" from 'The Wall".

1980:  Pink Floyd's The Wall was #1 on the album chart for the eighth week.  Damn the Torpedoes by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers was a solid #2 with Dan Fogelberg's excellent Phoenix album next.  Rush was making Permanent Waves at #4 while the new Michael Jackson album--Off the Wall was still strong after 28 weeks.  The rest of the Top 10:  Donna Summer's compilation (On the Radio-Greatest Hits-Volumes I & II), the Eagles won out in The Long Run, the Whispers with their self-titled debut, Kenny from Kenny Rogers and Chuck Mangione moved from 29 to 10 with Fun and Games.

1986:  Diana Ross had the #1 song in the U.K. with "Chain Reaction", a song written for them by the Bee Gees.
1986:  For the third week, Starship controlled the AC chart with "Sara".
1986:  "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston was the new #1 on the R&B chart.

                          "All At Once" from Whitney...

1986:  After 50 weeks, Whitney Houston's debut album incredibly returned to #1.  It had previously peaked at #2 on October 26.  Just a sign of things to come.  Promise by Sade was still second with former #1 Welcome to the Real World by Mr. Mister falling this week.  Barbra Streisand's highly successful The Broadway Album was behind that trio with the self-titled Heart leading that group's comeback.  The rest of the Top 10:  Scarecrow from John Cougar Mellencamp, Starship was back with Knee Deep in the Hoopla, Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits was #8 after 40 weeks, Ozzy Osbourne and The Ultimate Sin while Simple Minds was stuck at #10 with Once Upon a Time.
1997:  The Spice Girls told us what we really, really want--"Wannabe" at #1 for the third week.  

2003:  Mark Knopfler, lead singer and lead guitarist of Dire Straits, suffered a broken collar bone and six broken ribs when his motorcycle collided with a car in mid-morning traffic.

2004:  Bryan McFadden quit Westlife, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.

2008:  Bjork exposed China for what they are when the country set stricter rules on performance after the singer shouted "Tibet, Tibet" at a concert in Shanghai.

2009:  A blue plaque was unveiled at the Marquee Club in Soho, London to signify the club's historic importance.  The Marquee was not only a great concert spot, but also the site where the Who played 29 times.

2009:  U2's album No Line on the Horizon was #1 in the U.K.
2011:  Mike Starr, bassist and singer with Alice in Chains, died at the age of 44 from "an overdose of prescription drugs".

Born This Day:

1942:  Ralph Ellis of the Swinging Blue Jeans ("Hippy Hippy Shake" from 1964) was born in Liverpool, England.

1943:  Andrew Semple, guitarist and vocalist with the Fortunes ("Build Me Up Buttercup")

1945:  Mickey Dolenz, vocalist and drummer with the Monkees, was born in Los Angeles.

1946:  Randy Meisner, guitarist and vocalist with Poco and the Eagles and a solo artist, was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

1944:  Carole Bayer Sager, famous songwriter who penned songs for Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond ("Heartlight"), Celine Dion ("The Prayer"), Phil Collins, Dionne Warwick ("That's What Friends Are For"), Carly Simon ("Nobody Does It Better"), Melissa Manchester ("Don't Cry Out Loud" and "Midnight Blue"), Christopher Cross ("Arthur's Theme"), Leo Sayer ("When I Need You"), Gene Pitney, Dolly Parton, the Mindbenders ("A Groovy Kind of Love") and many others and the wife of fellow songwriter Burt Bacharach, was born in New York City.

1947:  Mike Allsup, guitarist of Three Dog Night, was born in Oakdale, California.

1948:  Little Peggy March (who had the #1 "I Will Follow Him" at age 14 in 1963, still the youngest female to ever have a #1 song), was born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

1948:  Mel Galley, guitarist of Whitesnake ("Here I Go Again" from 1987), was born in Cannock, Staffordshire, England; died from cancer July 1, 2008.

1954:  Cheryl Baker of Bucks Fizz was born in Bethnal Green, London.

1957:  Clive Burr, drummer of Iron Maiden, was born in East Ham, London.

1958:  Gary Numan ("Cars" from 1980) was born in Hammersmith, London.

1960:  Richard Darbyshire, lead singer of Living In A Box (the song "Living In A Box) was born in Stockport, Cheshire, England.

1964:  Peter Gill, drummer of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, was born in Liverpool, England.

1968:  Shawn Mullins ("Lullabye" from 1999) was born in Atlanta, Georgia.
1978:  Kameelah Williams, lead singer of 702

1979:  Tom Chaplin, lead vocalist and lead guitarist of Keane, was born in Battle, East Sussex, England.

In Concert: Simon & Garfunkel--"Bridge Over Troubled Water"

Another in our "In Concert" series, is the amazing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel, recorded live in Central Park...

The #65 Guitarist of the Rock Era: Timo Tolkki

This is the list built so far in The Top 100 Guitarists*:

100.   Mick Barr, Orthrelm

99.    Jerry Cantrell, Alice in Chains

98.    Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield Blues Band

97.    Danny Kirwan, Fleetwood Mac

96.    Daron Malakian, System of a Down
95.    Sam Totman, Dragonforce

94.    Kerry King, Slayer
93.    Robbie Krieger, Doors

92.    Ted Nugent

91.    Jason Becker, David Lee Roth

90.    John 5, David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson
89.    Jake E. Lee, Ratt, Ozzy Osbourne

88.    Michael Wilton, Queensryche
87.    James Munky Shaffer, Korn

86.     Uli Jon Roth, Scorpions
85.     Richie Sambora, Bon Jovi
84.     Rick Derringer, McCoys, Edgar Winter Group, solo
83.     Dave Mason, Traffic, solo

82.     Warren DeMartini, Ratt, Whitesnake
81.     Synyster Gates, Avenged Sevenfold
80.     Jack White, the White Stripes
79.     Alex Lifeson, Rush
78.     Chuck Schuldiner, Death
77.     Neil Young, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, solo
76.     C.C. DeVille, Poison
75.     Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rossington-Collins Band
74.     Peter Frampton, Humble Pie, solo
73.     Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar
72.     Keith Richards, Rolling Stones 

71.     Michael Schenker, Scorpions, UFO, Michael Schenker Group 

70.     Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine 

69.     Neal Schon, Santana, Journey
68.     Vivian Campbell, Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Thin Lizzy

67.    Dave Mustaine, Metallica, Megadeth
66.    Danny Gatton


We've heard from 35 of the elite guitarists of the Rock Era.  #65 not only has great speed but a sense of melody, a dynamic combination:

#65:  Timo Tolkki, Stratovarius

31 years as an active guitarist

Timo Tolkki of Finland was the longest-standing member of Stratovarius before forming Revolution Renaissance in 2008.  Guitar World named Timo 27th of the Fastest Guitar Players in the World. 

But more importantly, Tolkki has a great knowledge of the guitar and he understands melody.  Many people can play fast, but it's another thing to be able to give some thought into the notes one is playing and make it something worth listening to.  Because you see, the more you do that, the more difficult it is to play fast.  If some of the fast shredders had to come up with melodic solos, they couldn't play near as fast as you hear them play random notes.  That really is the key, and the guitarists who can do it are the ones who get recognized and awarded.

Tolkki began playing guitar at age seven and he practiced relentlessly, often eight hours a day.  He played in the bands Antidote, Thunder and Road Block before joining Stratovarius in 1984.  In the early history of the group, Timo played all lead and rhythm guitars, and at times bass guitar, as well as handing the lead vocalist.  He later passed on the bassist role to Jari Kainulainen and the lead vocals to Timo Kotipelto beginning with the group's fourth album in 1995.

Tolkki released in first solo album, Classical Variations and Themes, in 1994, which focused on instrumentals.  A later solo album--Hymn to Life in 2002, dealt with emotional issues such as his relationship with God and his late father.


Tolkki also started his own recording studio, Goldenworks Mixing Suite. In 2005, Timo recorded a final album with Stratovarius before leaving the band in 2008. He decided to waive the legal rights to the group's name, allowing the band to continue. Timi then recorded a rock opera, Saana-Warrior of Light Pt. 1 which included several guest vocalists.

IN 2010, Tolkki formed Symfonia, a power metal group with Andre Matos, keyboardist Mikko Harkin, drummer Uli Kusch and former Stratovarius member Jari Kainulainen. The group played at the 2011 Finnish Metal Expo.  Tolkki has also traveled around the world offering the Masterclass Guitar Workshop:  Guitar & Music Beyond Infinity in which he talks about how music is connected to life and emotions. 

Tolkki began with a progressive, heavy sound but when Kotipelto took over as lead vocalist, Tolkki adopted neo-classical phrasing and shredding, featuring a faster and more melodic power metal tone.

Tolkki has always played ESP Guitars, primarily a customized M Series in solid black. He has also been seen playing an ESP EX series. Tolkki originally used Mesa/Boogie and Laney amplifiers, but witched to Marshall's in 2001 and since 2007, Timo has used an ENGL Powerball.

Tolkki has sold over 2.5 million records and his productions have sold over 5 million despite his music not being "mainstream".  His solos have been great to listen to, especially outside of Stratovarius.  Timo Tolkki ranks as The #65 Guitarist of the Rock Era*.

New Featured Unknown/Underrated Song--"Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits

We at Inside the Rock Era love songs like this one.  To the masses, they are the undiscovered gems of the Rock Era.  We feature them proudly in our category The Top Unknown/Underrated Songs of the Rock Era*, which you can find at any time by clicking on the Tab at the top of the web site.  

We will add to this list at the rate of at least one per week.  We don't just choose any song but rather try to select the "cream of the crop" of those songs that most people may not be familiar with.  Besides high quality, the only criterion is that the song did not make the Top 10 in the United States.  This song qualifies because although it was released as a single, it never even made the chart.  Really unbelievable.  The song was a Top 10 in both the U.K. and Ireland.   It is one of the lead tracks from the 1980 Dire Straits album Making Movies.

"Romeo and Juliet"

by Dire Straits

Words and Music by Mark Knopfler

A lovestruck romeo sings a streetsuss serenade
Laying everybody low with a lovesong that he made
Finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
Says something like you and me babe how about it?

Juliet says hey it's romeo you nearly gimme a heart attack
He's underneath the window she's singing hey la my boyfriend's back
You shoudn't come around here singing up at people like that
Anyway what you gonna do about it?

Juliet the dice were loaded from the start
And I bet and you exploded in my heart
And I forget I forget the movie song
When you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong juliet?

Come up on different streets they both were streets of shame
Both dirty both mean yes and the dream was just the same
And I dreamed your dream for you and now your dream is real
How can you look at me as I was just another one of your deals?

When you can fall for chains of silver you can fall for chains of gold
You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
You promised me everything you promised me thick and thin
Now you just say oh romeo yeah you know I used to have a scene with him

Juliet when we made love you used to cry
You said I love you like the stars above I'll love you till I die
There's a place for us you know the movie song
When you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong?

I can't do the talk like they talking on the tv
And I can't do a love song like the way its meant to be
I can't do everything but I'd do anything for you
I can't do anything except be in love with you

And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
All I do is keep the beat and bad company
All I do is kiss you through the bars of a rhyme
Julie I'd do the stars with you any time

Juliet when we made love you used to cry
You said I love you like the stars above I'll love you till I die
There's a place for us you know the movie song
When you gonna realize it was just that the time was wrong?

A lovestruck romeo sings a streetsuss serenade
Laying everybody low with a lovesong that he made
Finds a convenient streetlight steps out of the shade
Says something like you and me babe how about it?

This Date in Rock Music History: March 7

1956:  Kay Starr ("Rock & Roll Waltz") suffered a serious car accident after running a stop sign in Corona, California.  She was hospitalized with neck, arm and leg injuries.
1960:  Percy Faith remained perched at the top for a third week with the great instrumental "Theme from 'A Summer Place'".  

1964:  Al Hirt had the top Easy Listening song for the third week with "Java".


1964:  Those lucky enough to be alive were seeing history unfold before their eyes.  The Beatles, who had launched their American careers on The Ed Sullivan Show just weeks before, now had the #1 song in the land for the sixth straight week with "I Want to Hold Your Hand".  And that was how it all began.  Reinforcements came in the form of "She Loves You" at #2 and "Please Please Me" at #4 and soon, it was a full-scale invasion.  
1964:  Meet the Beatles, the second U.S. album from the group, was #1 for a fourth week with their first one, Introducing...the Beatles in the #2 position.  Here was what the Rock Era sounded like prior to the Beatles:  Al Hirt with Honey in the Horn at #3, Peter, Paul & Mary with In the Wind, The Singing Nun were her self-titled debut, Nancy Wilson with Yesterday's Love Songs/Today's Blues moving from 13-6, the Soundtrack to "Charade" from Henry Mancini & His Orchestra, the Soundtrack to "Hello, Dolly!" moving from 25-8, The Wonderful World of Andy Williams and There!  I've Said It Again from Bobby Vinton.  Just in case you doubt that the Beatles changed music forever.

1966:  The Rascals released the single "Good Lovin'".



1967:  The Beatles recorded overdubs for "Lovely Rita" including harmony vocals and effects.

1967:  Sandra Dee received a divorce from Bobby Darin.

1970:  Sly & the Family Stone spent a fifth week atop the R&B chart with "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).

"The Only Living Boy in New York" on the incredible final album from Simon & Garfunkel

1970:  The great album Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel moved to #1 after just four weeks, toppling Led Zeppelin II.  Former #1 Abbey Road by the Beatles was still a strong third after 21 weeks.  Willy and the Poorboys, the great new one from Creedence Clearwater Revival was fourth with Chicago II edging up to #5.  The rest of the Top 10:  The debut from the Jackson 5 (Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5), Hello, I'm Johnny Cash, which moved from 13-7, Was Captured Live at the Forum by Three Dog Night, the self-titled Engelbert Humperdinck and Santana at #10 with their self-titled release.

        The Chairmen of the Board with their first single...

1970:  Simon & Garfunkel's new single "Bridge Over Troubled Water" had been out for five weeks and two of those were at 1.  The world's favorite #2 band--CCR was in their familiar position with their double-sided "Travelin' Band"/"Who'll Stop the Rain", Sly & the Family Stone's former #1 "Thank You" was now third but Brook Benton headed up strong (9-4) with "Rainy Night In Georgia".  The rest of the Top 10:  "Hey There Lonely Girl" from Eddie Holman, the Tee Set's one and only hit--"Ma Belle Amie", the Jaggerz headed into the Top 10 with "The Rapper" (the good kind--long before a group of misfits ruined the word...), Chairmen of the Board moved from 16 to 8 with "Give Me Just a Little More Time", B.J. Thomas was still in the Top 10 after 19 weeks with his #1 classic "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and the Hollies were making their own story as "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" jumped from 17 to 10.
1971:  Harold McNair, saxophone and flute player who worked with Quincy Jones, Donovan, Melanie and Ginger Baker's Air Force, died of lung cancer at age 39.
1973:  While new signee Bruce Springsteen was giving a performance to celebrate his contract with Columbia Records, A&R man John Hammond suffered a heart attack.  John just got a little excited when the dollar signs started floating around in his head.

1976:  A likeness of Elton John was unveiled at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in London.  Elton was the first rock star to be so honored since the Beatles.

1977:  Boz Scaggs released the single "Lido Shuffle".

 

 
     Benatar's remake of a Rascals song helped fuel sales.

1981:  REO Speedwagon was #1 on the album chart with Hi Infidelity for the third straight week.  Double Fantasy remained second from the late John Lennon, "The Jazz Singer" Soundtrack by Neil Diamond came in third, just ahead of Styx with Paradise Theater.  The rest of the Top 10: Zenyatta Mondatta, Crimes of Passion from Pat Benatar, Blondie's Autoamerican, Kenny Rogers' Greatest Hits at #8, AC/DC was still in the Top 10 after 29 weeks with Back In Black and Kool & the Gang entered the list with Celebrate!
1985:  "We Are the World" by USA for Africa premiered.

1987:  Bon Jovi controlled the chart for a fourth week with "Livin' On a Prayer".  Huey Lewis & the News had a solid #2 with "Jacob's Ladder" while the Jets were up to 3 with "You Got It All".  Bruce Hornsby & the Range moved from 12-9 with "Mandolin Rain" and Janet Jackson had her fifth career Top 10 with "Let's Wait Awhile".
1987:  The Jets had the #1 R&B song with "You Got It All".

1988:  Gloria Estefan released the single "Anything for You".
1988:  Gordon Huntley, pedal steel guitarist who was a member of Matthews Southern Comfort and also played for Elton John, Rod Stewart, Cliff Richard and others, died of cancer.

1992:  Michael Jackson moved to #1 on the R&B chart with "Remember the Time".

        
             Grant had hit the mainstream...

1992:  Three new songs moved into the Top 10 and upped the quality--"Save the Best for Last" from Vanessa Williams at #5, Eric Clapton's "Tears In Heaven" at #6 and Amy Grant edged in at #10 with "Good for Me".
1992:  "Missing You Now" by Michael Bolton and Kenny G. moved to #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
1994:  The United States Supreme Court ruled that parodies that make fun of an original work can be considered "fair use" that does not require permission from the copyright holder.

1998:  Madonna had her eighth #1 song in the U.K. with "Frozen".
2001:  Jerry Collins, formerly with the Trammps ("Disco Inferno") was convicted of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault of his wife.

2003:  Singer Adam Faith, who produced Roger Daltrey's first solo effort, died of a heart attack at the age of 62.

2004:  Britney Spears rose to #1 in the U.K. with "Toxic".

2009:  In today's edition of Inmates Run Rap Music, Coolio, whose real name is the rather plain Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was arrested for drug possession at Los Angeles International Airport.


Born This Day:
1942:  Hamilton Bohannon, drummer and bandleader for Motown Records, was born in Newman, Georgia.
1943: Chris White, songwriter and bassist of the Zombies and Argent ("Hold Your Head Up"), was born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England.

1946:  Peter Wolf, lead singer of the J. Geils Band ("Freeze-Frame") was born in The Bronx, New York.
1946:  Matthew Fisher, singer-songwriter and organist of Procol Harum ("A Whiter Shade of Pale"), was born in Addiscombe, Croydon, England.
1952: Ernie Isley of the Isley Brothers was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

1952: Jules Shear, who wrote "All Through the Night" for Cyndi Lauper and "If She Knew What She Wants" for the Bangles, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

1962: Taylor Dayne (real name Leslie Wonderman) was born in Baldwin, New York.

1967:  Randy Guss of Toad the Wet Sprocket