This Date in Rock Music History: February 1

1956 - The Rock and Roll Ice Revue opened at the Roxy Theater in New York City. 

1960:  Bill Black's Combo held on to #1 on the R&B chart for the fourth straight week with "Smokie - Part 2".
1960:  Johnny Preston's "Running Bear" captured the #1 spot overall for the third week.
1962:  The Beatles did a show at the Thistle Cafe in West Kirby, England, the first gig booked by manager Brian Epstein for which he took a commission (10%).

Glen Campbell and Carly Simon

As new artists emerge, some of the stars of years past drop out of The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era*.  That is the case as this year, Glen Campbell and Carly Simon are just outside the elite list.

Campbell scored 38 hits in his career, including this first big hit in 1968:

Simon has been ranked in The Top 100 Artists* since the mid-70's, and has achieved 23 career hits, including her classic from 1973:

This Date in Rock Music History: January 31

1956:  Elvis Presley signed a contract with the William Morris Agency to represent him in arrangements with movie companies.

1957:  "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley & the Comets, which was a hit in Great Britain before it was re-released in the Untied States, went over a million in sales in the U.K., the first million-seller in Great Britain alone.
1961:  Bobby Darin hosted Bobby Darin and Friends on NBC, becoming the youngest person to headline a TV special.
1963:  The Beach Boys recorded "Surfin' U.S.A." and "Shut Down" at Western Recorders Studio in Hollywood, California.
1964:  Sales of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles had already topped 1.5 million in England alone while "She Loves You" was at 1.3 million.








1966:  The Outsiders released the single "Time Won't Let Me".















1967:  John Lennon bought an 1843 circus poster reading "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite" at an antique shop in Sevenoaks, Kent, England.  He later wrote a song about the title.

1969:  Bobby Darin walked off The Jackie Gleason Show after he was told he could not sing "Long Line Rider".

1970:  A new British blues band debuted on the chart on this date with a song that included 20 seconds of vocals.  The song was "Oh Well".  After making numerous lineup changes, they found the right combination and took the world by storm beginning in 1975 with the song "Over My Head".  The group is of course Fleetwood Mac.
1970:  Members of the Grateful Dead were arrested in New Orleans, Louisiana, for possession of LSD and barbiturates.





1970:  Creedence Clearwater Revival filmed a television special at their concert in Oakland, California.  The show was filmed by ABC-TV, and combined with documentary footage filmed in 1970 and was to be the pilot episode for the show In Concert.  However, the show did not air as planned, and In Concert did not premiere until over two years later, so CCR's concert was not broadcast by ABC.  The CCR episode, however, was broadcast in several European countries, and was first shown in the U.S. by WNEW in New York.
1970:  Slim Harpo ("Baby Scratch My Back" from 1966) died of a heart attack after a suspected drug overdose while recording in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  (Note:  some websites claim Harpo died in London, but John Broven, in the book 'South to Louisiana:  Music of the Cajun Bayous', says that Harpo was scheduled to go to Europe, but died in Baton Rouge.)
1970:  Led Zeppelin II battled Abbey Road by the Beatles for a third week at #1 on the Album chart.  
1970:  The Jackson 5's first single release, "I Want You Back", remained at #1 on the R&B chart for a fourth week.
1970:  The hottest mover was Brook Benton's "Rainy Night In Georgia", up from #63 to #34.

1970:  The Jackson 5 finally toppled B.J. Thomas's song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" after four weeks at #1 with "I Want You Back".  "Venus" by the Shocking Blue was a strong second while B.J. was third.  Led Zeppelin had their biggest career hit although Billboard didn't really know how to measure the popularity of their songs, forgetting to factor in album sales into their list of the most popular songs (just one of several factors Inside The Rock Era includes that most of our competition).  The rest of the Top 10:  "Without Love (There Is Nothing)" from Tom Jones, Elvis Presley's double-sided "Don't Cry Daddy"/"Ruberneckin'", Dionne Warwick moved to #7 with "I'll Never Fall In Love Again", Sly & the Family Stone advanced from 15 to 8 with "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"/"Everybody Is A Star", Diana Ross & the Supremes with their former #1 "Someday We'll Be Together" and another former chart-topper ("Leaving On A Jet Plane") was #10 for Peter, Paul & Mary.
1971:  Members of the Jackson 5 received the keys to their hometown of Gary, Indiana, as it was declared "Jackson Five Day" in Gary.









1972:  A new trio released their first single on this date, and they would become one of the Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era*.  America released "A Horse With No Name".
1972:  Aretha Franklin sang a moving version of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" at the funeral for Mahalia Jackson at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.  Over 6,000 people packed the Theatre to pay respects, including Chicago Major Richard J. Daley, Coretta Scott King, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald. 
1973:  Charlie Freeman, guitarist who played for Rita Coolidge and Delaney & Bonnie, died at age 31 after a lifetime of drug use and alcohol abuse.

1976:  "Mamma Mia" by ABBA knocked Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" from the #1 position in the U.K. after nine weeks. Ironically, the members of Queen were subconsciously aware of the takeover when they put these words into "Bohemian Rhapsody"--"Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia let me go."

















1977:  The Climax Blues Band released the single "Couldn't Get It Right".

1976:  The Best of Roy Orbison ruled the U.K. Album chart.
1976:  John Denver & Olivia Newton-John's duet "Fly Away" resumed the #1 position on the Adult chart.
1976:  "Sing A Song" by Earth Wind & Fire returned to #1 on the R&B chart.

                             Barry Manilow's "New York City Rhythm"...

1976:  Earth, Wind & Fire prevailed for a third week at #1 on the Album chart with Gratitude.  Bob Dylan moved from 23-2 with Desire, leaping over Paul Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years.  Chicago IX - Chicago's Greatest Hits was fourth with Helen Reddy's Greatest Hits fifth.  It must have been a time for collections, because History, America's Greatest Hits, was seventh.  In between, Trying To Get the Feeling by Barry Manilow.  The rest of the Top 10:  Family Reunion by the O'Jays, Alive!  from Kiss and The Hissing of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell.






1976:  The Ohio Players definitely rode "Love Rollercoaster" to the peak, skipping over Barry Manilow's "I Write The Songs".  Donna Summer was third with "Love To Love You Baby" while Hot Chocolate was up to #4 with the great song "You Sexy Thing".  The O'Jays remained the same with "I Love Music" while the former #1 "Convoy" by C.W. McCall moved back up to #6.  The rest of the Top 10:  "Sing A Song" from Earth, Wind & Fire, Paul Anka achieved his 46th career hit with "Times Of Your Life", David Ruffin was at 9 with "Walk Away From Love" and Paul Simon moved in with "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover".
1978:  Greg Herbert, a latter member of Blood, Sweat & Tears, died from drugs at age 30 in Amsterdam while the group was on a European tour.
1979:  The Clash began their first tour of the United States, with Bo Diddley opening, at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  (Note:  some websites state that the concert was at the Pacific National Exhibition Stadium in Vancouver, but it was at the Commodore Ballroom, according to the official website for the Clash.)
1981:  "Fantastic Voyage" by Lakeside took over from Kool & the Gang's "Celebration" as the #1 R&B song.
1981:  Eddie Rabbitt remained king of the Adult Contemporary chart for the third week with "I Love A Rainy Night".

1981:  A hot new Canadian act first debuted on the chart with a single that had released several weeks before--"Turn Me Loose".  It was the great group Loverboy.







1981:  Former Randy Meisner was hot with his solo hit "Hearts On Fire", which moved from 65 to 50.
1981:  Neil Diamond's "Hello Again" was the highest-debuting song at #32.

1981:  Blondie moved into the top spot with "The Tide Is High", edging out John Lennon's "(Just Like) Starting Over".  Kool & the Gang had their sights set on the prize with "Celebration", which stormed from 12 to 3.  Eddie Rabbitt moved up with "I Love A Rainy Night" and newcomers Air Supply were at #5 with "Every Woman In The World".  The rest of the Top 10:  Rod Stewart's "Passion", Neil Diamond's smash "Love On The Rocks", Dolly Parton moved from 18-9 with "9 to 5", Diana Ross remained ninth with "It's My Turn" and Barry Manilow scored his 18th career hit and 11th Top 10 song with "I Made It Through The Rain".
1984:  The Soundtrack to "Footloose", one of The Top 100 Soundtracks of the Rock Era*, was released.
1985:  Barbara Cowsill of the Cowsills ("The Rain, The Park & Other Things") died of emphysema at age 56 in Scottsdale, Arizona.  (Note:  some websites state that Barbara died of cancer, but according to the book 'Rock Obituaries - Knocking On Heaven's Door' by Nick Talevski and 'People' magazine, Barbara died of emphysema.)
1986:  Little Richard co-starred in the movie Down and Out in Beverly Hills, which opened in theaters.

          The incredible song "Homeless" from 'Graceland'...

1987:  The landmark album Graceland by Paul Simon took over at #1 in the U.K.

    
          The Bangles became the top self-contained female group of the Rock Era...

1987:  Over across the pond, the #1 album was Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi for a fourth week.  The Bangles were up to #2 after 53 weeks with Different Light.  
1987:  A brand new #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart--"At This Moment" from Billy Vera & the Beaters.

           One of the best videos of the Rock Era no doubt helped Genesis...

1987:  Billy Vera & the Beaters remained #1 for a second week with the great song "At This Moment".  "Open Your Heart" by Madonna was second, getting the best of Robbie Nevil's "C'est La Vie".  Genesis had a bonafide smash with "Land Of Confusion".  The rest of the Top 10:  Cyndi Lauper with "Change Of Heart", Janet Jackson's former #5 "Control", Glass Tiger remained seventh with "Someday", Gregory Abbott tumbled with "Shake You Down", Bon Jovi was impressive with a 15-9 leap for "Livin' On A Prayer" and Samantha Fox was all about "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)".
1988:  The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at The Mean Fiddler in London.

1988:  Herb Alpert performed the national anthem of the United States at Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California.  Chubby Checker performed at halftime.
1993:  Michael Jackson and 3,500 local children performed at halftime of Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.  Garth Brooks sang the U.S. national anthem.
1998:  Yanni broke the gross revenue record for the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. with proceeds of $860,300.  Janet Jackson broke that record on July 9, 1998 with $875,000.
1998:  18-year-old Usher rose to #1 in the U.K. with "You Make Me Wanna'".




1998:  Some pretty solid albums in the Top 10.  The Soundtrack to "Titanic" was #1 again with Celine Dion's Let's Talk About Love second.  Listeners just wanted to get "My Heart Will Go On" (which was on both albums) any way they could.  The self-titled debut by the Backstreet Boys was fourth with My Way from Usher fifth.  Other albums of note:  The Spice Girls were up from 13 to 6 with the "Spiceworld" Soundtrack, Chumbawamba with Tubthumper, Matchbox 20 placed the great album Yourself or Someone Like You at #8 and Garth Brooks' Sevens was #9.
1999:  Cher sang the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXXIII at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida.
2001:  KISS announced that Peter Criss was leaving the group and would be replaced by Eric Singer for the remainder of the farewell tour.  Criss performed with the group for the final time on October 7, 2000.

2007:  Thirty-six years after his death, Jim Morrison's poetry was used to help fight global warming.  The previously unreleased "Woman In The Window", written and recorded by Morrison shortly before his death in 1971, was set to music and used to promote the Global Cool campaign.

2010:  Beyonce won six Grammy Awards, a record for females, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  The star won Song of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, Best Contemporary R&B Album and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.










2010:  Taylor Swift captured four Grammys, including Album of the Year for Fearless.
2012:  Michael Andre Lewis (Mandre), keyboardist who played for the Who, Diana Ross, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Sly & the Family Stone and Frank Zappa, died in Shreveport, Louisiana at the age of 63.

Born This Day:

1928:  Chuck Willis ("C.C. Rider" from 1957) was born in Atlanta, Georgia; died during surgery in Chicago, Illinois of peritonitis while at the peak of his career on April 10, 1958. 
1930:  Al De Lory, pianist who co-wrote "Mr. Custer" for Larry Verne, and arranged and produced "Gentle On My Mind" and "Wichita Lineman" as producer for Glen Campbell for over 25 years, was born in Los Angeles; died February 5, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 82.  De Lory also worked with the Beach Boys, Doobie Brothers, Tina Turner and the Crystals and produced the Turtles.
1946:  Terry Kath, founding member and guitarist of Chicago, was born in Chicago, Illinois; died January 23, 1978 in Woodland Hills, California when he pointed a pistol at himself at a party, told friends the gun wasn't loaded and pulled the trigger. 


1951:  Harry Wayne Casey, founder, songwriter, lead singer and keyboardist of K.C. and the Sunshine Band, and also a producer, was born in Opa-Locka, Florida.  (Note:  the 'Rolling Stone' wannabe 'Allmusic.com' (why anyone would also want to be consistently wrong as 'Rolling Stone' is a question for the ages) and other websites insist that Casey was born in Hialeah, Florida, but according to the respected sources, such as the newspaper 'The New York Times', 'Turner Classic Movies' and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame, Casey was born in Opa-Locka, and worked at a record store in Hialeah.)
1951:  Phil Manzanera, lead guitarist of Roxy Music and also a producer, was born in London.
1954:  Adrian Vandenburg, guitarist of Whitesnake ("Here I Go Again" from 1987), was born in The Hague, the Netherlands.  (Note:  several places are cited as birthplaces by various websites, including Den Haag, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands and Enschede, Overijssel, the Netherlands.  According to our best research, the most credible source is Peavey Guitars, which made a line of guitars named after Vandenburg.  According to the Peavey Vandenberg Guitars website, Vandenburg was born in The Hague.)   
1956:  Johnny Rotten (real name John Lydon), lead singer of the Sex Pistols, was born in London.  (Note:  'Allmusic.com' and other websites claim he was born in Finsbury Park, London, and other websites say he was born in Holloway, London, but according to Lydon's official website, he was born in London, and grew up in Finsbury Park.  This was confirmed by the newspaper 'The Guardian'.)
1965:  Jimmy Ryser, guitarist for John Mellencamp, was born in Cleveland, Ohio.

1966:  Al Doughty (real name Alan Jaworski), bassist of Jesus Jones ("Right Here, Right Now"), was born in Plymouth, England.

1967:  Jason Cooper, drummer of the Cure, was born in London.
1967:  Chad Channing, original drummer for Nirvana, was born in Santa Rosa, California.

1981:  Justin Timberlake, lead singer of *NSync and solo star, was born in Memphis, Tennessee.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 30

1956:  Elvis Presley recorded "Blue Suede Shoes" at the RCA studios in New York City for what would be his first album.
1958:  Buddy Holly, Paul Anka, Jerry Lee Lewis & others performed at Sydney Stadium in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on the first of a six-day tour down under.
1959:  Elvis Presley was in the U.S. Army by now, but his songs continued to do well.  The double-sided "One Night"/"I Got Stung" reached #1 in the U.K., his third #1 song.

Geoff Nicholls Has Died

Geoff Nicholls, longtime member of Black Sabbath who played guitar, bass and keyboards for the group, died yesterday of lung cancer.  He was 68.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 29

1955:  The Penguins had the first #1 R&B song of the year, "Earth Angel", and it remained in that spot for the third straight week.

R.E.M., Destiny's Child and Roy Orbison

We're just a little over one week away from the fanfare of The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era*, which is, like The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era*, one of our signature music specials.

The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era* gets underway a week from Monday, February 6.  It's easy to remember because it starts the day after the Super Bowl.

We'll keep pointing this out during the special, but keep in mind that the artists in several parts of The Top 100* and just outside are very close to each other.  The difference between making the elite list and being on the outside looking in is about 2-3 big hits, or another 5 million albums sold or just a little more airplay.  I call this the error rate.

In the range from #95 to about #120, that little extra success is the difference, so for the artists in that range, the error rate is + or - 12.5.  The error rate represents the difference in how one weighs the factors that go into the rankings.  If you think hit songs are the most important thing, one artist might do better than they would have done in these rankings.  If you believe that album sales are about the only thing that matters, another artist might be placed above.

Again, we'll point that out throughout the special.  We factored in album sales, hit songs, other solid Top Tracks* on each album, concert sales, radio airplay and awards won.  We believe that by factoring in all of those categories, it fairly ranks each artist, whether they had "hit songs" or not.

In these last few weeks, we've been revealing some of the great artists just outside of The Top 100*.  R.E.M. certainly have had an amazing career--they are just shy of making the list.  As we get closer to next Monday, the artists are even closer to making the elite list.

Destiny's Child may have launched the solo career of Beyoncé, but they were big stars in their own right.  They too are just outside of The Top 100*.

Roy Orbison was one of the stars early in the Rock Era and his solo work is also highly commendable.

Don't miss a day of The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era*, one of the cream of the crop of music specials, brought to you exclusively by Inside The Rock Era beginning February 6!

This Date in Rock Music History: January 28

1956:  Elvis Presley appeared on national television for the first time on The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show on CBS, performing "Shake, Rattle And Roll," "Flip, Flop And Fly" and "I Got A Woman".  Comedian and Stage Show producer Jackie Gleason said afterward, "He can't last. I tell you flatly, he can't last."

Johnny Cash, James Brown and Sheryl Crow

Although Johnny Cash, James Brown and Sheryl Crow have never been ranked in The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era*, we want to recognize them for their great work.  All three are close to making the elite list--another three or four big hits would have done it.

The music spectacular kicks off Monday, February 6, the day after the Super Bowl, exclusively on Inside The Rock Era!

This Date in Rock Music History: January 27

1956:  One of the most historic days of the Rock Era--Elvis Presley released the single "Heartbreak Hotel".  RCA had just purchased Elvis's contract from Sun Records for $35,000.  It seems the investment paid off.

1958:  Little Richard entered Oakwood Theological College in Huntsville, Alabama, where he was ordained as a Seventh Day Adventist Minister.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 26

1956:  Buddy Holly recorded at Decca Records for the first time, using the name Buddy and the Two Tones, laying down "Blue Days, Black Nights", "Don't Come Back Knockin'", "Love Me" and "Midnight Shift" at Owen Bradley's Barn Studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

1957:  "Blue Monday" by Fats Domino was #1 on the R&B chart.
1960:  Frankie Avalon appeared on The Arthur Murray Party on NBC-TV as a dancer.

1961:  Elvis Presley had his sixth #1 song in the U.K. with "Are You Lonesome Tonight".

1963:  The hard-working Beatles performed two concerts, one at the El Rio Club and Dance Hall in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England with Wayne Fontana and the Jets opening.  The group then drove 20 miles to King's Hall, Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire for a night concert.
1963:  The Rooftop Singers moved to #1 on the Easy Listening chart with "Walk Right In".

Butch Trucks Has Died

Butch Trucks, drummer for the Allman Brothers Band and the uncle of guitarist Derek Trucks, who joined the group in 1999, died yesterday in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Trucks, a co-founder of the group, was 69.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 25

1958:  "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley became the first single to debut on the U.K. chart at #1.

1960:  Sam Cooke recorded "Chain Gang" at the RCA Recording Studios in New York City.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 24

1958:  The Quarrymen performed at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England, the group's first and last performance there until they changed their name to the Beatles.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 23

1957:  The movie Don't Knock the Rock, starring Bill Haley & the Comets and Little Richard, premiered in Australia.  Haley & his group, who were touring in Australia, attended the opening.  The movie had premiered in New York City on December 12.

1961:  All signs were that Connie Francis had a big hit.  "Where the Boys Are" moved from 90 to 42.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 22

1959:  Buddy Holly left for Milwaukee to begin the Winter Dance Party tour.  (Note:  numerous websites say that Holly made 14 final recordings today, which cannot be true since he left early for Milwaukee, as noted above.  Holly made his last recordings ( "That's What They Say", "What To Do", "Peggy Sue Got Married," "That Makes It Tough", "Crying, Waiting Hoping" (often shown incorrectly as just "Crying"), "Learning The Game", "Wait 'Til The Sun Shines Nellie", "Drown In My Own Tears", "Maria Elena" (which is mostly Buddy's wife Maria talking and the noise of the apartment), "Dearest", "Love Is Strange", "Smoky Joe's Café"  "Buddy's Guitar", and "Slippin' And Slidin'") from December to early January alone with an acoustic guitar and an Ampex reel to reel tape recorder in his apartment in New York City.  The first two were recorded December 3, "Peggy Sue Got Married" was recorded December 5, "That Makes It Tough" was recorded December 8, "Crying, Waiting, Hoping" was recorded December 14, and "Learning The Game" was recorded on December 17.  The last eight songs were recorded sometime between January  1 and January 19, but there is no exact record, and they definitely were not recorded on December 22.  The songs were later released posthumously with dubs added and are referred to as "The Apartment Tapes".)
1960:  Sam Cooke signed with RCA Records.  (Note:  there is no definitive source that indicates the exact date Cooke signed the contract.  Although some websites say it occurred on January 21, most center on January 22, which was Cooke's 29th birthday.)

This Date in Rock Music History: January 21

1956:  It was week number three at #1 on the R&B chart for "The Great Pretender" from the Platters.  And it wasn't even close to done.

Featured Unknown/Underrated Song: "Insensitive" by Jann Arden

This 1996 song from Jann Arden was included in the movie Bed Of Roses.  It peaked at #12, but has the quality of a Top 10 song:

"Insensitive"

Jann Arden

How do you cool your lips, after a summer's kiss?
How do you rid the sweat, after the body bliss?
How do you turn your eyes, from the romantic glare?
How do you block the sound of a voice
You'd know anywhere?

Oh, I really should've known
By the time you drove me home
By the vagueness in your eyes, your casual goodbyes
By the chill in your embrace
The expression on your face that told me
Maybe you might have some advice to give
On how to be insensitive
Insensitive
Insensitive

How do you numb your skin, after the warmest touch?
How do you slow your blood, after the body rush?
How do you free your soul, after you've found a friend?
How do you teach your heart it's a crime to fall in love again?

Oh, you probably won't remember me
It's probably ancient history
I'm one of the chosen few
Who went ahead and fell for you
I'm out of vogue, I'm out of touch
I fell too fast, I feel too much
I thought that you might have some advice to give
On how to be insensitive

Oh, I really should've known
By the time you drove me home
By the vagueness in your eyes, your casual goodbyes
By the chill in your embrace
The expression on your face that told me
Maybe you might have some advice to give
On how to be insensitive

This Date in Rock Music History: January 20

1953:  Elvis Presley registered for the Selective Service System in the United States.  (Note:  numerous websites incorrectly report that Elvis received orders to report to military duty on January 20, 1958.  The only event that the date of January 20 refers to is the date Elvis registered for the draft, shortly after his 18th birthday.  On December 20, 1957, Elvis received his official draft notice.  He was able to get a deferment, then officially was inducted on March 24, 1958.  Some websites claim he received his draft notice on December 8, but it was the 20th, according to 'History.com' and the books 'Icons of Rock:  An Encyclopedia of the Legends Who Changed Music Forever' by  Scott Schinder and Andy Schwartz and Elvis for Kids:  A Biography of Elvis Presley Just for Kids!' by Sam Rogers.

Howard Kaufman Has Died

Howard Kaufman, business partner of Irving Azoff in Front Line Management and leader of H.K. Management who guided the careers of the Eagles, Chicago Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Steely Dan, Stevie Nicks, Lenny Kravitz and Warren Buffet, among others, died today at the age of 79.

Kenny Loggins, the Dave Matthews Band and Tracy Chapman

Three amazing artists just outside of The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era*.

Kenny Loggins (above) has been ranked in the elite group since the 1980's but has just recently fallen out.  Tracy Chapman made her strong run in the '80s while the Dave Matthews Band began in the '90s.

The tremendous talent evidenced by those three artists tells us that making it into The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era* is extremely tough.  The musical spectacular begins Monday, February 6, the day after the Super Bowl, on Inside The Rock Era!

This Date in Rock Music History: January 19

1957:  Democratic U.S. presidents all have their own superstars to invite to play at their inaugurations.  Pat Boone was the big star to sing at the presidential inauguration of Republican U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

1957:  "Since I Met You Baby" by Ivory Joe Hunter remained #1 for a third week on the R&B chart.

Mike Kellie Has Passed Away

Mike Kellie, member of Spooky Tooth who did session work for the Who in the movie Tommy, George Harrison, Joe Cocker, Peter Frampton, Gary Wright, Traffic and Jerry Lee Lewis, died today at the age of 69.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 18

1956:  Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & the Comets became the first rock and roll album to enter the chart.  Nowadays some people think that rock and roll is something different than it really is.

Amy Grant, Gladys Knight & the Pips and the Association

The Association (pictured above) has been in The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era* for most of the years since the 1960's, but they, Gladys Knight & the Pips and Amy Grant find themselves on the outside looking in in 2017.

With those three out, you know the bar is set pretty high.  The Top 100 Artists of the Rock Era* begins Monday, February 6, the day after the Super Bowl, on Inside The Rock Era!

This Date in Rock Music History: January 17

1963:  The Beatles played their usual lunchtime show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England and then performed at the Majestic Ballroom in Birkenhead.  It was time to look for bigger venues, though, as every ticket had been sold in advance at the Majestic and hundreds of fans were turned away.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 16

1956:  Tennessee Ernie Ford had the #1 song in the U.K. with "Sixteen Tons".

1957:  Little Richard recorded "Lucille".

This Date in Rock Music History: January 15

1955:  The Penguins had the first new #1 R&B song of the Rock Era--"Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)".
1957:  Elvis Presley recorded "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear".  (Note:  some websites report that Elvis record this classic song on January 24--this is categorically wrong.  The sessions for the 'Loving You' soundtrack album were recorded between January 15 and January 18.  According to the official Graceland website, Presley recorded "Teddy Bear" on January 15.)
1958:  Elvis Presley recorded "Hard Headed Woman".
1958:  The Everly Brothers made their debut on British television with the rebroadcast of the U.S. show The Perry Como Show. 
1961:  The Supremes signed a recording contract with Motown Records.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 14

1955:  Alan Freed's New York Rock & Roll Ball, featuring the Drifters, Fats Domino, Big Joe Turner and the Moonglows, kicked off at Saint Nicholas Arena in Harlem.

            Little Richard from the Alan Freed movie 'Don't Rock the Boat'...

1956:  Listeners became aware of a new talent who debuted on the chart on this date with his first single--"Tutti Frutti".  And Little Richard's career was born.
1960:  Elvis Presley was promoted to Sergeant in the United States Army.

This Date in Rock Music History: January 13

1962:  Bob Dylan performed at the San Remo Coffee House in Schenectady, New York.

1962:  Cliff Richard topped the U.K. Album chart with The Young Ones.
1962:  "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley moved to #1 on the Easy Listening chart.

1962:  "The Twist", which had reached #1 in 1960 for Chubby Checker, had found new popularity and on this date, became the only song in the history of the Rock Era to hit #1...twice.  Chubby toppled the classic "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by the Tokens.
1963:  The Beatles recorded an appearance in Birmingham, England at the Alpha Television Studios, performing "Please Please Me" for Thank Your Lucky Stars to be broadcast on ABC (Associated British Corporation) January 19.
1963:  Bob Dylan performed in the BBC radio play The Madhouse of Castle Street.  (Note:  many websites, including 'Billboard', incorrectly list the date of the show as January 12.  The play was broadcast as part of BBC's "Sunday Night Play"--in 1963, Sunday fell on January 13, not January 12.)

1967:  Jimi Hendrix performed at the Bag O'Nails club in London.  Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr both went to see the show.

1968:  Smokey Robinson & the Miracles reached #1 on the R&B chart with "I Second That Emotion".








                 'Inside the Rock Era' shakes your memory with the Lemon Pipers...

1968:  The Beatles remained at the top spot with "Hello Goodbye", #1 for a third week.  In just four years, the group had spent 40 weeks at #1 with 15 #1 songs.  John Fred & His Playboy Band made their move with "Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)".  The Monkees' former #1 smash "Daydream Believer" was third, followed by Twin Falls, Idaho's Gary Puckett & the Union Gap with "Woman, Woman" and Gladys Knight & the Pips with "I Heard It Through The Grapevine".  The rest of the Top 10:  Aretha Franklin's "Chain Of Fools", the American Breed moved to #7 with "Bend Me, Shape Me", Smokey Robinson & the Miracles slid to #8 with "I Second That Emotion", the Lemon Pipers had the #9 song with "Green Tambourine" and Joe Tex was at #10 "Skinny Legs And All".
1969:  Elvis Presley returned to the Memphis, Tennessee American Sound Studios and recorded "Suspicious Minds".
1973:  Eric Clapton performed at Rainbow Theatre in London in a show organized by friend Pete Townshend to help Clapton shake alcoholism and heroin.  The live album Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert was later released.
1973:  Carly Simon had the new #1 album with No Secrets as the long-running #1 Seventh Sojourn by the Moody Blues was now second.  Stanley, Idaho's Carole King dropped to 3 with Rhymes & Reasons while One Man Dog by James Taylor came in fourth.
1973:  Carole King rose to #1 on the Adult chart with "Been To Canaan".


1973:  Elton John had his fourth Top 10 song with "Crocodile Rock", which moved from 13-9.
1978:  The Police began recording their debut album Outlandos d'Amour at Surrey Sound Studios in London.
1979:  The Y.M.C.A. filed a lawsuit against the Village People for their song of the same name and the implications that men go to the recreational facilities so they can play with all the young men.
1979:  Donny Hathaway died at the age of 33 after falling 15 floors from his hotel room at the Essex in New York City.  His death was ruled a suicide.






1979:  Earth, Wind & Fire had the #1 R&B song--"September".  
1979:  Al Stewart wrapped up 10 weeks at #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart with "Time Passages".









1979:  The Bee Gees ruled again with "Too Much Heaven", but former #1 "Le Freak" by Chic was making another bid for the top.  Billy Joel sat at #3 with "My Life" while Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond's former #1 "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" was fourth.  Toto's first hit "Hold The Line" moved nicely up to #5. 
1980:  The Beach Boys, Jefferson Starship and Grateful Dead played a benefit concert for the people of Kampuchea.

1986:  Janet Jackson released the single "What Have You Done For Me Lately".
1986:  Heart went from 1980-1985 without a Top 10 but they released the single "These Dreams" in the hopes of scoring their third straight in one of the great comebacks of the Rock Era.  (Note:  some websites erroneously report the date of release as January 18.  The song first charted on January 18.  It is physically impossible for a song to be released to radio stations, added to playlists, reported to the trade papers, and printed by the trade papers for publication all in the same day.)
1990:  "Rhythm Nation" by Janet Jackson moved into the #1 position on the R&B chart.







                Bolton's remake of Laura Branigan's hit...

1990:  Phil Collins remained #1 well into the New Year with a fourth week at the top for "Another Day In Paradise".  "Rhythm Nation" by Janet Jackson continued to be just off the pace while Technotronic's "Pump Up The Jam" was third.  Michael Bolton moved up with "How Am I Supposed To Live Without You" and the former #1 "Don't Know Much" from Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville was fifth.  The rest of the Top 10:  "Everything" from Jody Watley, New Kids on the Block continued to be satisfied with #7 with "This One's For The Children", Cher held on to 8 with "Just Like Jesse James", Taylor Dayne fell to #9 with "Every Beat of My Heart" and Lou Gramm, lead singer of Foreigner, had a Top 10 solo hit with "Just Between You And Me".
1993:  The musical ABBA:  The True Story opened in Stockholm.
1996:  Daydream by Mariah Carey was the top album for a sixth week.



                 
                         Everything But the Girl..

1996:  Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men were a dominant #1 for a seventh week with "One Sweet Day".  Counting her solo #1 "Fantasy", Carey had been at #1 for 16 out of the last 17 weeks.  Everything But the Girl finally landed in the Top 10 after 23 weeks of release with "Missing".
2000:  In today's episode of Dangerous Inmates Run Rap Music, Puff Daddy was arrested and charged with weapon possession after he ran away from a nightclub shooting in December.







2000:  Christina Aguilera had the #1 song--"What A Girl Wants".
2003:  Pete Townshend, guitarist of the Who, was arrested on child porn offenses.

2004:  Daniel Bedingfield ("If You're Not The One") was released from the hospital in New Zealand where he was recovering from a neck injury suffered in a New Year's Eve car accident.

2004:  The National Football League denied a request from Bono's U2 to perform "An American Prayer" with Jennifer Lopez during the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show.  Bono had hoped to raise awareness of AIDS in Africa with the performance.  The NFL's answer:  "We don't believe it's appropriate to focus on a single issue."






2005:  Ricky Martin toured the island of Phuket off of Thailand that had been struck by a tsunami.  Martin was there to draw attention to child slave gangs preying on children left orphaned by the disaster.  Losers.
2005:  A report showed that more songs had been written about Elvis Presley (220), including Paul Simon's "Graceland" and "Calling Elvis" by Dire Straits, than about any other artist.
2006:  In today's version of Inmates Run Rap Music, Juvenile was the arrestee in Ocala, Florida for failing to pay child support.  Loser.
2009:  "Little" Jimmy Dickens ("May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" from 1965) had brain surgery to repair a subdural hematoma.

              Rest in Peace, Teddy.  You're 100 times the artist that any rapper is.

2010:  Teddy Pendergrass died in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania after a difficult recovery from colon cancer surgery at age 59.  Teddy had been a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down, since a car accident in Philadelphia in 1982. 

Born This Day:
1930:  Bobby Lester, lead singer of the Moonglows, was born in Louisville, Kentucky; died of lung cancer October 15, 1980 in his hometown.
1932:  Carl Dobkins, Jr. ("My Heart Is An Open Book" from 1959) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1942:  Jinx Dawson, lead singer of Coven, who recorded a version of "One Tin Soldier", was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.

1947:  Chris Thomas, producer of such great albums as Kick for INXS and the Pretenders' debut album, was born in Brentford, Middlesex, England.
1954:  Trevor Rabin of Yes was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
1955:  Fred White, drummer of Earth, Wind & Fire, was born in Chicago, Illinois.
1957:  Don Snow, keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist of Squeeze ("Tempted") was born in Nairobi, Kenya.
1961:  Suggs (real name Graham MacPherson), lead singer of Madness ("Our House"), was born in Hastings, England.
1970:  Zach de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine was born in Long Beach, California.

Tommy Allsup Has Died

Tommy Allsup (above, right, with Buddy Holly), who worked with Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and the Ventures died yesterday at the age of 85 in Springfield, Missouri after complications from hernia surgery.  Allsup was touring with Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson when he lost a coin toss with Valens for a seat on the plane that crashed on February 3, 1959, killing Holly, Valens and Richardson.

Allsup played guitar on Holly's "It's So Easy", "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers, "Dead Man's Curve" by Jan & Dean, and "Lucille" by the Everly Brothers, among others.