Tag Archives: Music History

Joe Strummer Of The Clash Died On This Day

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Former guitarist and singer Joe Strummer died on this day in 2002. He was co-founder and lyricist for The Clash.  Joe and The Clash were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Rolling Stone magazine awarded The Clash’s London Calling album of the 80’s.

 

Strummer had hit a violent member of the audience at a performance in Hamburg, Germany with his guitar. This action facilitated reflection, “I nearly murdered somebody, and it made me realise that you can’t face violence with violence. It doesn’t work.”

 

The Clash were given the title of  “The Only Band That Matters “, which was conceived as a promotional slogan by their recording label CBS Records. They were one of the original punk bands and were widely acclaimed for their highly charged, politicized lyrics and experimental instrumentation. They were one of those bands that constantly pushed the boundaries of music for themselves and their audiences.

 

Some of their hits in The USA include “Should I Stay or Should I Go”, “Rock The Casbah”, “London Calling” and “Train In Vain”. Many artists attribute their desire to be musicians to Joe Strummer and the Clash. Their influence reaches far beyond the Punk scene and maybe even beyond Rock itself.

 

Joe, you are missed but not forgotten.

Joe Strummer & The Clash London Calling

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Engineer With Pink Floyd and The Beatles Born Today: Alan Parsons

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Alan Parsons, studio audio engineer, musician, and record producer was involved with the production of The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be, and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon.  He was born today, December 20th 1948. As a music listener and professional DJ in the industry, the idea of working on two of Rock’s greatest achievements is quite a resume to attach to your name.  It is interesting that his participation in these monumental projects still has not brought him the public recognition that one wold assume would come with such great accomplishments.

 

Alan Parsons was only nineteen when he was hired to work at Abbey Road Studios. Soon after that, The Beatles were in the studio recording the album Abbey Road.

 

“But working with The Beatles was an amazing experience. And working with producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick gave me a great deal to learn from, and that experience too was amazing. The album Abbey Road was actually recorded very quickly, it was done in about eight weeks which for The Beatles was pretty fast. But I enjoyed every second of it. And I was getting paid to work with the greatest pop band of all time!” Alan Parsons Interview with Joe Matera from Ultimate-Guitar.

 

Alan was a main ingredient in the most successful Rock album in the history of Billboard’s Top 200 album charts.  He engineered its highly technical production with only sixteen tracks in analog.  They did not have digital technology yet.

 

He has been nominated for ten Grammys, which seven were for his critically acclaimed Alan Parsons Project work. Additionally one more for his solo work as Alan Parsons.

Alan Parsons Pink Floyd Dark Side of The Moon

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Max Yasgur, Farm Owner Of Woodstock Festival Born Today

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Today, December 15, 1919, Max Yasgur was born, the owner of the dairy farm in Bethel, New York, where the Woodstock Festival was held in 1969. Max yasgur was a man who fought through significant local resistance to ‘all the long-haired hippies and anti-war young people playing loud music’ coming to the area to make sure the event took place. There were protest signs around town. This was one of the protest signs, “Stop Max’s Hippie Music Festival. No 150,000 hippies here. Buy no milk.”

 

Max Yasgur was initially offered $50,000 to lease the land for the festival. It was a rainy year and he needed the money. He also believed in the right to self-expression even. This was true even if he did not agree with the actions and attitudes of the festival attendees.

 

There is a legend that the locals were selling water to folks at the festival. Max Yasgur apparently was angered by this and slammed his hand on his kitchen table. He yelled “Water is free”. His son, Steve Yasgur, remembers exactly what his father said.  “He told us to take every empty milk bottle from the plant, fill them with water and give them to the kids, and give away all the milk and milk products we had at the dairy.”

 

Woodstock is one of The USA’s largest and most historical musical events. It set the tone for social, racial, religious and artistic shifts that we are still experiencing ripples today.

 

For those who do not know, here is a list of performers at the legendary festival concluding with Jimi Hendrix famed version of “The Star Spangled Banner” on electric guitar:

Richie Havens

Country Joe McDonald

John B. Sebastian

Incredible String Band

Sweetwater

Bert Sommer

Tim Hardin

Ravi Shankar

Melanie

Arlo Guthrie

Joan Baez

Quill

Keef Hartly

Santana

Canned Heat

Mountain

Janis Joplin

Sly & The Family Stone

Grateful Dead

Creedence Clearwater Revival

The Who

Jefferson Airplane

Joe Cocker

Country Joe & The Fish

Ten Years After

The Band

Blood Sweet And Tears

Johnny Winter

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Paul Butterfield Blues Band

Sha-Na-Na

Jimi Hendrix

 

3 Days of Peace & Music

Max Yasgur Woodstock Festival with Jimi Hendrix

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

50 Years Ago Today The Beatles Signed With Brian Epstein

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On December 13, 1961 The Beatles signed with Manager Brian Epstein who later Paul McCartney said, “If anyone was the Fifth Beatle, it was Brian.” Brian Epstein paid for them to record a demo in Decca Studios since nobody thought The Beatles were talented enough to record.  George Martin was impressed with Epstein’s enthusiasm and gave them a listen. He offered them a contract with EMI’s small label Parlophone. That is where The Beatles journey began.

The Beatles – Brian Epstein Tribute – You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away

I wonder if The Beatles would have ever made it at all if not for the coaxing and complete faith that Epstein had that someday they would be an international hit. Hard to imagine growing-up without The Beatles and having them be ‘with me’ throughout my life. Imagine no “Let It Be”.

The Beatles Let It Be

Thanks Brian for your belief in these guys fifty years ago today!

The Beatles Icon

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Motown Fifty-One Years Later and Still Rockin’: A DJ’s Musical Journey

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As a professional full-time DJ, I rarely perform at a NJ or NY wedding or event these days that does not at some point include music from Motown Records. For me this is not a problem since I have loved The Motown Sound since I listened on my little red Panasonic battery-operated portable radio as a kid.  It did not matter to me if it was The Supremes, The Jackson 5 or Stevie Wonder; I was always a Motown fan and still am today as a professional full-time DJ.

 

What does surprise me as a professional DJ, is who listens to Motown today. It would not catch me off-guard if it were just the folks who listen to modern R&B and Soul or even Hip Hop. That makes sense to me as a professional DJ. I could even make the connection if it was individuals who enjoy Classic Rock since they both kind of ‘grew-up’ together. What makes me stare with astonishment is when a punk-rocker or staunch Country fan requests Motown.

 

I wonder what music from our current generation will be the stuff that in twenty years is played to give ‘the old people’ something to dance and relate to at parties and weddings for professional DJs? Will it be Usher and Beyonce? Or Train and Maroon 5? What about Pitbull and Enrique Igleisius? Who are the stars of today that will be the dance classics of future professional DJs?

 

Until then we have Motown. It is fun, soulful, danceable and a bridge from the past to the present and maybe even the future.  This Saturday’s wedding will again have Motown as a primary genre to mix in with the other genres they appreciate like Punk, Rock, Oldies and Classic Soul.   I feel fortunate as a professional DJ  that I am hired by such interesting and creative couples for weddings and planners for parties. I know it is easier to just play the top hits all the time without any imagination or creativity but I get psyched at the alternative and unique choices that people choose for their weddings and special events and am grateful I can participate and contribute, especially when I can cue-up some Motown classics like “Superstition”,  “Let’s Get It On” or  “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher”.

 

Which are your Motown favorites?

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

This Weeks Billboard Top 200 Albums Featuring Pink Floyd? A Curious DJ

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As a professional full-time DJ, I like to scan the Billboard Charts weekly to keep up on what is new, fading and different trends. Today I was viewing the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts and saw something that had me tilting my head in confusion; Pink Floyd has FOUR albums in the current Top 200! What?

 

The professional DJ wonders, “Can that really be true?”

 

It turns out it is true. For reasons I do not understand, Pink Floyd albums are still selling at a very high rate. Not that I think their albums are not worthy of sales, but all the albums that are on the charts are over twenty-five years old! The highest is Dark Side Of The Moon, which remained on the charts for 741 weeks from 1973-1988 consecutively; the longest in history, but that was almost thirty years ago. I actually had both an 8-track and vinyl version of the album but again, that was twenty-eight years ago.

 

Also charting this week in order of appearance on the charts are The Wall, Wish You Were Here and Animals. It is peculiar to see Pink Floyd albums surrounded by Maroon 5, LMFAO, Blake Shelton and Taylor swift, again, not judging any of the artists, just peculiar. It certainly demonstrates how different the American music industry is today. Any genre from Pop, Dance, R&B, Rap, Hip Hop, Rock, Country even Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra can produce a strong-selling album and professional DJs will play them at Weddings and events.   The Singles Chart has always allowed for diversity since it is just a song and not an entire album. By the way, Adele currently has two albums in the top ten, 21 and 19, with “Someone Like You” #1 on The Top 100 Singles, her second #1 following the success of “Rolling in The Deep”.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Saturday Night Live Started Today 1975! A DJ Looks Back

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“On this day 36 years ago, SNL broadcast its first episode ever!! In hindsight it’s easy to see that that first show, which was hosted by George Carlin, with music by Janis Ian and Billy Preston, a performance by Andy Kaufman and a cast that included Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner, was the start of something special.” From The Saturday Night Live Website

 

It is amazing to think that there was a time before SNL. I remember in high school when at parties we would all gather around the TV to watch the latest episode. They were all new back then, so there were no repeats.

 

I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the great musicians that have performed on SNL. Of course there are so many this will only be a very small sample.

 

Here is the full list on Rate Your Music from A-Z.

 

 

Adele, Aerosmith, Akon, Adam Ant and Marc Anthony are some listed under “A”.

 

Terrence Trent Darby, Death Cab For Cutie, Miles Davis, Dixie Chicks and Bob Dylan under ”D”.

 

Janet Jackson, Joe Jackson, Mick Jagger, Jamiroquai, Jan’s Addiction and Jewel under “J”.

 

Billy Idol, India.Arie, Chris Isaak and Janis Ian (who performed on the first show!)  from “I”.

 

Sade, Scissor Sisters, Gil Scot-Heron,  Seal, Tupac Shakur and Taylor Swift from the letter “S”.

 

Faith No More, Bryan Ferry, Aretha Franklin and Nelly Furtado from the “F” list.

 

U2, UB40, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Usher from the land of “U”.

 

Willie Nelson, Nirvana, No Doubt and Gary Numan from the “N” category.

 

 

This is just a small sample that is not totally random (if you can figure out my rhyme and reason).

 

Thirty-six years of artists risking embarrassment and screw-ups performing live into tvland on a major network. When this ‘experiment’ first started, it was considered very cutting-edge, controversial and completely alternative, especially from NBC. I still remember the controversy stirred by Sinead O’Connor on SL, which was originally titled NBC’s Saturday Night.  So many years and performers. A professional full-time DJ pays homage to a group of very talented writers, actors and musicians.

 

 

What was your favorite SNL musical performance?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Jerry Lieber – His Hits And Legacy: The DJ Remembers

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Jerry Lieber Died on August 22nd. For those who are not aware of his accomplishments; him and his writing partner Mike Stoller were the driving force in shaping Pop Music early in the Golden Age of Rock and Roll.

Here are some of the hits they wrote:

  • “There Goes My Baby” (with Ben E. King (as Benjamin Nelson), Lover Patterson, and George Treadwell)
  • “Hound Dog”
  • “Kansas City”
  • “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”
  • “Yakety Yak”
  • “Poison Ivy”
  • “Charlie Brown”
  • “Ruby Baby”
  • “Stand By Me” (with Ben E. King)
  • “Jailhouse Rock”
  • “Love Potion No. 9”
  • “Searchin'”
  • “Young Blood” (with Doc Pomus)
  • “Is That All There Is?”
  • “I’m A Woman”
  • “Lucky Lips”
  • “On Broadway” (with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil)
  • “Spanish Harlem” (Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector)

A virtual history of Rock and Roll. Lieber and Stoller are to early R&R as Holland-Dozier-Holland were to MoTown and the future of R&B and Soul. Both are staples of the professional DJ.

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

 

 

DJ Lists Most #1 Hits on The Billboard HOT 100 All-Time By Artist

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Time to look at Billboard’s 50th Anniversary List of Top #1 Hits by Artist
20 – The Beatles First No. 1: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1964)

18 – Mariah Carey First No. 1: “Vision of Love” (1990)

13 – Michael Jackson First No. 1: “Ben” (1972)

12 – Madonna First No. 1: “Like a Virgin” (1984)

12 – The Supremes First No. 1: “Where Did Our Love Go” (1964)

11 – Whitney Houston First No. 1: “Saving All My Love for You” (1985)

10 – Janet Jackson First No. 1: “When I Think of You” (1986)

10 – Stevie Wonder First No. 1: “Fingertips – Pt. 2” (1963)

9 – Bee Gees First No. 1: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” (1971)

9 – Elton John First No. 1: “Crocodile Rock” (1973)

9 – Paul McCartney & Wings First No. 1: “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1973)

8 – The Rolling Stones First No. 1: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)

8 – Usher First No. 1: “Nice and Slow” (1998)

I am not surprised The Beatles are on top, Michael Jackson #3 or Madonna  #4 but was not expecting Mariah Carey to be #2, 18 #1 hits is incredible! Really the rest of the list are all legends except Usher. Artists known throughout the world among many ages, genres and cultures.  If you integrate The Beatles, Paul McCartney & Wings, solo and other collaborations Paul’s collective accomplishments, he is totaling 33 #1 hits. I remember my father bringing home the ’45’ of “I Want To Hold Your Hand”.  The B side in The UK was “This Boy” but in The USA it was “I Saw Her Standing There”, the copy I quickly ruined through overplay and youthful exuberance..

 

Half the top 8 were Motown artists; Michael & Janet Jackson, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. It is interesting to view The Bee Gees as one recording artist since they experienced two completely separate ‘careers’ starting with the Folk Rock Hits beginning with “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” and reformed in the late 70’s with their Disco hits like “Night Fever” and Stayin’ Alive”.

 

It never would have occurred to me “Crocodile Rock” was Elton’s first #1 Billboard hit. I did some research and Honkey Chateau made it #1 in the album charts but no #1 single till “Crocodile Rock”.

 

Where is Elvis you ask? Good question! Elvis had 20 #1 hits but Billboard was celebrating their 50th Anniversary of The HOT 100, which was established in 1958, and he had 13 of those #1’s before The HOT 100 existed.

Which artists are you surprised are on the list and which did you think would be but aren’t?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Top Selling Albums of All Time: A Professional DJ Review

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A professional DH review of Top Selling Albums of All Time.

I thought it would be fun to take a look at which albums are the highest selling ever in The USA. I was surprised to find out it was The Eagles Greatest Hits. I thought it was Michael Jackson Thriller.

 

Of the albums that are NOT collections, greatest hits or live, M.J. is the highest with two rock classics being Led Zeppelin IV and Pink Floyd The Wall not far behind. The surprising thing about The Wall is that it is a double album, meaning that it sold over 23 million copies of a double album costing almost twice as much!

 

It is nice to see two Country titles right up there with the Pop and Rock top sellers by crossover stars Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. The top two soundtracks are The Bodyguard by Whitney Houston and Saturday Night Fever by The BeeGees.

 

Which albums surprised you?

29 Million Albums Sold

  • Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 – Eagles (Elektra)

27 Million Albums Sold

  • Thriller – Michael Jackson (Epic)

23 Million Albums Sold

  • Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin (Swan Song)
  • The Wall- Pink Floyd (Columbia)

21 Million Albums Sold

  • Back in Black – AC/DC (Elektra)
  • Greatest Hits Volumes I & II – Billy Joel (Columbia)

20 Million Albums Sold

  • Double Live – Garth Brooks (Capitol Nashville)
  • Come On Over – Shania Twain (Mercury Nashville)

19 Million Albums Sold

  • The Beatles – The Beatles (Capitol)
  • Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (Warner Bros.)

17 Million Albums Sold

  • Boston – Boston (Epic)
  • The Bodyguard (Soundtrack) – Whitney Houston (Arista)

16 Million Albums Sold

  • The Beatles 1967-1970 – The Beatles (Capitol)
  • No Fences – Garth Brooks (Capitol Nashville)
  • Hotel California – Eagles (Elektra)
  • Cracked Rear View – Hootie & the Blowfish (Atlantic)
  • Greatest Hits – Elton John (MCA)
  • Physical Graffiti – Led Zeppelin (Swan Song)
  • Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette (Maverick)

15 Million Albums Sold

  • The Beatles 1962-1966 – The Beatles (Capitol)
  • Saturday Night Fever (Soundtrack) – Bee Gees (Polydor/Atlas)
  • Appetite for Destruction – Guns ‘N Roses (Geffen)
  • Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (Capitol)
  • Supernatural – Santana (Arista)
  • Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (Columbia)

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ