Wednesday, May 31, 2006

MAY 31

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1951 - Recording under the name The Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, Ferguson directs, and plays trumpet with, members of the Stan Kenton Orchestra (Alfred "Chico" Alvarez, John Howell, Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Salko also on trumpet; Milt Bernhart, Harry Betts, Bob Fitzpatrick, Dick Kenney on trombone; Paul Weigand on bass trombone; Art Pepper, Bud Shank on alto saxophone; Bart Caldarell, Jimmy Giuffre on tenor saxophone; Bob Gioga on baritone saxophone; Ralph Blaze on guitar;, Stan Kenton on piano; Don Bagley on bass; and Shelly Manne on drums), as they record the tracks "What’s New" (arranged by Shorty Rogers), and "The Hot Canary" (arranged by Pete Rugolo) at Capitol Record's Melrose studio in Hollywood, California. The tracks will be released as a single on Capitol. At the same session Art Pepper, on alto saxophone, will be featured on the track "Jump For Joe" that will be released as the flip side of Stan Kenton and His Orchestra's single "Laura".
1956 - The Four Freshman (Bob Flanigan on vocals, trombone and bass; Don Barbour on vocals and guitar; Ross Barbour on vocals and drum; Ken Albers on volcals, trumpet, mellophone, and bass), with arranger Dick Reynolds conducting Buddy Childers, Pete Candoli, Uan Rasey, Ray Triscari on trumpets; Geoff Carslon on piano; Al Hendrickson, Jack Marshall on guitar; Don Simpson on bass; Frank Carlson on drums, record the tracks "Goodbye" "Give Me The Simple Life" for the album "The Four Freshman and Five Trumpets" and, with the addition of Ralph Hansell on tympani, record "Theme From The Proud Ones" which will be released as a Nelson Riddle single, with "The Love Of Genevieve" on the flip side, at The Capitol Records Studios in Hollywood, California
1976 - The Beatles' single "Got To Get You Into My Life" with "Helter Skelter" on the flip side is released with a picture sleeve in the U.S.
1978 - Paul McCartney and Wings finish sessions for their album "London Town" in Record Plant's mobile studio aboard the yacht "Fair Carol" in waters off the Virgin Islands

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1790 - George Washington signs into law the 1790 copyright act, the United States' first copyright law, which gave protection for 14 years, with the right of renewal for another 14 years, to "the author and authors of any map, chart, book or books already printed within these United States, being a citizen or citizens thereof....shall have the sole right and liberty of printing, reprinting, publishing and vending such map, chart, book or books....". There's a reproduction of the law, as it appeared in the July 17, 1790 edition of the Columbian Centinel on earlyamerica.com.
1930 - Actor, singer and Jazz pianist Clint Eastwood is born Clinton Eastwood, Jr. in San Francisco, California
1967 - Pianist and composer ("Lush Life", "Take The 'A' Train") Billy Strayhorn dies of cancer of the esophagus at the age of 51 at the Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City, New York
1994 - Capitol's sister label, Blue Note Records, who controls the acquired Roulette Records catalog, issues an expanded version of Count Basie's album "The Atomic Mr. Bassie" with 5 extra tracks, and remastered back to it's intended monophonic sound, under the title "The Complete Atomic Basie"
1996 - Dr. Timothy Francis Leary, who participated in the live recording of John Lennon's "Give Peace A Chance", dies in Beverly Hills, California at age 75 of prostate cancer

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

MAY 30

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1908 - Mel Blanc cartoon voice artist, radio and television performer, and Capitol Records artist, is born Melvin Jerome Blank in San Francisco, California
1909 - Benny Goodman, clarinetist, singer, composer, bandleader, and Capitol Records artist from January 1947 to 1964, is born Benjamin David Goodman in the Maxwell Street ghetto of Chicago, Illinois
1969 - Dancehall DJ, and Capitol Records artist (1995), Spragga Benz is born Carlton Grant in Kingston, Jamaica

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1941 - Stan Kenton and his Orchestra make their debut at the Rendezvous Ballroom on Balboa Island, California1966 - The Beatles' single "Paperback Writer", with "Rain on the flip side, is released in the U.S.
1969 - The Beatles' single "The Ballad of John and Yoko", with "Old Brown Shoe" on the flip side, is released in the U.K.
1995 - Capitol Records, as part of its "Spotlight On Great Ladies Of Song" series releases separate compilations of greatest hit featuring Nancy Wilson and June Christy

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1954 - Bing Crosby's last original show for CBS Radio is broadcast with Bing's sons Gary and Lindsay as guests
1989 - The 33 foot high "Goddess of Democracy" statue is unveiled in Tiananmen Square, China by student demonstrators

Monday, May 29, 2006

MAY 29

A MEMORIAL DAY EXTRA - ARTISTS WHO HAVE RECORDED AT CAPITOL RECORDS STUDIOS
This isn't a complete list and any corrections and additions would be appreciated.

Capitol Records Recording Studios Locations:
C. P. MacGregor's studios were at 729 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Radio Recorders studios were originally located at 932 N. Western Avenue, Los Angeles. By 1949 they had taken over and moved to the former RCA Victor Studios at 7000 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood, CA and later had an annex around the corner at 1032 Sycamore St. Hollywood, CA. In July 1960 Radio Recorders merged with Universal Recorders. They continued to operate at the facility until it was sold off and closed in 1977 by parent company EMC Corporation. Since 1986 it has been the home of Paul Schwartz's Studio 56 which recently changed the studios' name back to Radio Recorders.
The first studios that Capitol owned were at 5515 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA in what used to be the KHJ radio station studios. The building is currently home of KCAL TV Channel 9.
Capitol's NYC studio was at 151 West 46th Street in Manhattan, NY
Capitol Tower studios are at 1750 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA
Capitol Studios Paris are at 49 Boulevard Biron and 93400 Saint Ouen, Paris, France

A
Paula Abdul: Tracks for the LP "Head Over Heels" recorded 1995
Julian "Cannonball" Adderley: "Cannoball Adderley's Fiddler On The Roof" recorded October 1964 with some tracks recorded at Capitol Studios NYC in September 1964; "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy: Live At 'The Club'" recorded July 1966 in front of a "invitation only" audience In a club set up by producer David Axelrod in the Capitol Studios; Recorded tracks in Studio A on October 20, 1966
Yasuko Agawa: "Tea For Two" LP recorded 1997
The Andrew Sisters: Record various singles from 1956 to 1958
Michael Andrew: "Michael Andrew Pays Tribute To Frank Sinatra" LP recorded 2002
Ray Anthony: "Jam Session At The Tower" recorded 1956 and supposedly the Tower's first big band recording session
Louis Armstrong: LPs "I've Got The World On A String" and "Louis Under The Stars" recorded August 14, 1957
Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald: "Ella And Louis" recorded August, 1956; "Porgy & Bess" recorded August 1957
Fred Astaire with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra: "Easy To Dance With" LP recorded March 30, 1956
Hoyt Axton: Recorded tracks in 1971 that were included on LP "American Originals"

B
Burt Bacharach: "Grace Of My Heart" LP recorded 1996
Badfinger: Recorded tracks for LP "Airwaves" October-December 1978
The Band: Recorded tracks for the LP "Music From Big Pink" February 1968; Recorded tracks for LP "Moondog Matinee" March - June 1973
Bandidos de Amor: "Paulie" Original Movie Soundtrack 1998
Barbarellas Dreamland: Tracks "I'm Bored", "The Most Beautiful Thing", "Could We" recorded 2001
Bobby Bare: Records tracks in Capitol Studios 1956-1957 with Buddy Stoops (G), Buck Owens (RG), Speedy West (SG), Jimmy Bryant (F), Pee Wee Adams (D) and The Little Bears (Jan & Jeannie Black) (V)
Barefoot Servants: "Barefoot Servants" LP recorded 1994 and also recorded at Devonshire Studios, Hollywood, CA
Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra: "Lonely Street" recorded September 24, November 8, 1956, December 15, 1956
The Beach Boys: "Surfin' USA" LP recorded 1962 and also recored at Western Studios, Hollywood, CA; Tracks for "The Beach Boys' Christmas Album" recorded June 18, 24 & 30, 1964 and more tracks later recorded at Western Recorders Hollywood; The track "Never Learn Not To Love" based on the song "Cease To Exist" is recorded in September 11, 1968
George Benson: "In Flight" LP recorded August thru November 1976; Recorded the LP "Breezin'" from January 6-8, 1976
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Recorded LP "This Beautiful Life" in Studio B & C in 1999
Clint Black: "D'lectrified" LP recorded 1999
Mary Black: Records the single "One And Only" for the LP "Shine" October-November 1996; "Shine" LP recorded 1997
Blind Boys of Alabama: "Spirit Of The Century" LP recorded 2001
Boston: Recorded tracks for the album "Boston" in 1975 and 1976 and also recorded tracks at The Record Plant in Los Angeles
Liona Boyd: "Whispers Of Love" LP recorded 2000
Buddy Bregman's Orchestra: "Swinging Kicks" recorded December 18 & 20, 1956
DeeDee Bridgewater: "Dear Ella" LP recorded January & February 1997
Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner: "2000 And One Years" recorded May 26, 1961
Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown: "BWB Groovin'" LP recorded January 2002 and also at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, CA
Les Brown: "Digital Swing" recorded in Studio A November 21 and December 8, 1986
Ray Brown Big Band: "Bass Hit!" LP recorded November 21 & 23, 1956
Bunny Brunel, Mike Stern, Billy Childs, Vinnie Colaiuta, Chic Corea: "Dedication" LP recorded September 14, 15, 16 and October 16 1962
Jimmy Bryant and Speedy West: Last Capitol recording session together October 9, 1956

C
CalArts Jazz Program: 15 annual albums by student band from 1989 to 2004
Caldera: LP "Time And Chance" recorded 1978
Bobby Caldwell: "Come Rain Or Come Shine" LP recorded in Studio A in 1999
J. J. Cale: "Carry On" from the LP "Shades" recorded 1980; "Closer To You" LP recorded 1994
Kamokila Campbell and Jack De Mello: "Legends Of Hawaii" LP recorded September 1957
Richard Carpenter: "Pianist*Arranger*Composer*Conductor" LP recorded 1998; recorded piano for the track "All Those Years Ago" January 2002 for Petula Clark's LP "The Ultimate Collection"
Benny Carter: In late summer of 1958 records LP "Aspects"
David Cassidy: Recorded the LP "A Touch Of Blue" live in 2001
Keith Chagall: String quartet for the track "To Be Here" from the "Soundlight" album recorded 2004
Carol Channing, Don Heckman, Leo Lionni: Audio book "Frederick and 10 Other Stories" recorded 1976
Serge Chaloff: "Blue Serge" LP recorded March 14, 16, 1956
June Christy: "Something Cool" LP stereo re-recording in April 26, 1960; Tracks used in "Big Band Specials" CD recorded November 5, 1959, October 25 & November 19, 1962
June Christy and Bob Cooper: Record LP "Do-Re-Mi" February 6 & 15, 1961
Patty Clark: "I Love You" LP recorded 2002
Rosemary Clooney: "Dedicated To Nelson" LP recorded September 27-30, 1995; "White Christmas" LP recorded April 1-4, 1996; "Mothers & Daughters" LP recorded October 21-24, 1996
Joe Cocker: "Heart And Soul" LP recorded late 2003 thru early 2004.
Nat "King" Cole: "After Midnight" recorded between August 15 & September 24, 1956; The track "The Late, Late, Show" recorded July 1958; Cole re-records his most popular tracks early 1961 for the 3 disc LP "The Nat "King" Cole Story"
Nat "King" Cole and George Shearing: Record "Nat "King" Cole Sings/George Shearing Play" LP December 19-22 1961
Tom Collier: "Fifty Years Behind Bars" LP recorded 2004
Cold Creek Manor: Original soundtrack by Mike Figis recorded 2003
Harry Connick, Jr.: "When My Heart Finds Christmas" LP recorded July 1993; "To See You" LP recorded August 4-10, 1997; "Come By Me" LP recorded July 17, 18, 20-27 1998; "Only You" LP recorded May 13 thru 22 2003; "Harry For The Holiday" LP recorded between May 13 & 22, 2003
Sam Cooke: Records track "Win Your Love For Me" June 22, 1958; records track "Just For You" July 24, 1959
Courtship: Record tracks in 1969
Bing Crosby with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra: "Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings" LP recorded June 11 1956
Crosby, Stills, Nash: Track "(Got To Keep) Open" recorded April 18, 1990 in Studio A
Cuatro Caminos: Tracks for LP "Cafe Tacuba" recorded 2003
Dick Curless: "All Of Me Belongs To You" recorded 1966 and produced by Buck Owens
Dick Curless and Kay Adams: recorded LP "A Devil Like Me Needs An Angel Like You" July 1, 1966 and produced by Buck Owens

D
Tony Danza: LP "The House I Live In" recorded 2002
James Darren: LP "James Darren / Album No. 1" recorded 1959 in Studio A; "Because Of You" LP recorded 2001 also in Studio A 42 years later
Nick DeCaro: "Bolero California" LP recorded October-November 1990
Dee Dee Bridgewater: Recorded the track "(I'd Like To Get You On A) Slow Boat To China" January 29, 1997
Placido Domingo: Tracks for the LP "100 Anos De Mariachi" recorded 1999 and also at Cello Studios, Hollywood, CA
Buddy DeFranco Sextet: "The Buddy DeFranco Wailers" LP recorded May 21 1956
Buddy DeFranco with Russ Garcia Orchestra: "Broadway Showcase" LP recorded August 27 & 28, 1956
Martin Denny: "Exotica Volume II" LP recorded June 14, 18, 19 1957
Nicky DePaola: "Uptown Mood" LP recorded 2004
Deserters: "Siberian Nightlife" LP recorded 1982.
Cast of ABC series "Dinosaurs": "Big Songs" 1992, also used Superscore Studios in Hollywood, Mastered at Capitol Studios.
Disney College Band Program: Records tracks in 1999
Peggy Dunquensnel: "Where Is Love?" LP recorded 1999
Don, Dick 'n Jimmy with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra: "Songs For The Heart" recorded April 16 1956 and July 31, 1956

E
Billy Eckstine: Tracks "Stella By Starlight" and "That Ole Devil Called Love" recorded August 8 & 9, 1957
Harry Edison Sextet: "Sweets" LP recorded September 4, 1956
Harry Edison (tp) Stan Getz (ts) Gerry Mulligan (bars) Oscar Peterson (p) Herb Ellis (g) Ray Brown (b) Louis Bellson (d): Record tracks for LP "Jazz Giants '58" on August 1, 1957
Dave Edmunds: Some tracks for the LP "Closer To The Flame" recorded 1989
Gary Eister: Records LP "Pavane" in Studio A on January 27, 2000
Roy Eldridge with Russell Garcia and Strings: "That Warm Feeling" LP recorded October 10 & 11, 1957
Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Heb Ellis, Ray Brown, Stan Levey: "Ballad Medley" for the album "Tour de Force" recorded October 16, 1956
Kurt Elling: "Flirting With Twilight" LP recorded January 29-31 & February 1, 2001
Herb Ellis: "Nothing But The Blues" LP recorded October 11, 1957
Russ Emanuel: "Her Knight" original movie soundtrack recorded August 14, 2003
Bill Evans: "You Must Believe In Spring" LP recorded August 23-25, 1977
Everclear: "Songs From An American Movie, Vol. 1: Learning How To Smile" LP recorded 2000

F
The Fab Four (The Beatles Tribute Band): Record tracks "Please Please Me" and "Kansas City" in 2000 for the CBS special "The Linda McCartney Story"
The Percy Faith Orchestra: "Songs From Award Winning Movies" 1996; "Latin Rhythms"
Guthrie Thomas: "Lies and Alibis" 1976. Also recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles.
Michael Feinstein: "Over There" LP recorded in Studio A in December 1987 and January and November 1988
Jane Fielding and Kenny Drew: "Embers Glow" LP recorded February and March 1956
Clare Fisher: "Time Piece" track from the album "After The Rain" recorded 1998
Ella Fitzgerald: "The Cole Porter Songbook: Volume 2" recorded March 27, 1956 with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra; "Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Rodgers And Hart Song Book Volume 1 & 2" recorded with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra on August 21, 28, 29 & 30, 1956 and with Paul Smith, Barney Kessel, Joe Mondragon & Alvin Stoller on August 29, 1956, and with small group on August 31, 1956; "Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Duke Ellington Song Book Vol. 1 & 2" recorded September 4, 1956; Tracks for "Get Happy!" LP recorded July 24, 1957 and January 7, 1959 - the rest of the tracks recorded at Radio Recorders; "Oh, Lady Be Good!: Best Of The Gershwin Songbook" recorded between January 5, 1959 and July 16, 1959; "Sings The Harold Arlen Songbook" August 1960 also recorded at Radio Recorders January 1961; "Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas" recorded July 17 & 18, 1967; "30 By Ella" with Benny Carter's Magnificent Seven was recorded May 28 & 29 and June 3, 1968
Flamin' Groovies: An alternate version of "Shake Some Action" track recorded July 1973
The Four Freshmen: "Theme From The Proud Ones" by Nelson Riddle recorded May 31, 1956; "The Four Freshman And Five Trumpets" recorded May 31, July 5 & 6 1956; "The Four Freshmen And Five Saxes" recorded January 15, March 11 & 12, May 23, 24 & 27, 1957; "Voices In Latin" recorded July 12, 16, 17 1957; "Voices In Love" recorded July 14, 15, 16 1958; "Love Lost" recorded January 26, 27, 28, 29, 1959; "The Four Freshmen And Five Guitars" recorded June 15, 16, 17 1959; "Voices And Brass" recorded September 9, 10, 11 1959; "First Affair" recorded January 26, 27, 28, February 1 1960; "The Freshman Year" recorded July 19, 20, 21, 25 1960.
Stan Freberg: Records various tracks from 1957 to 1967

G
Judy Garland: "Judy" LP recorded March 1956; "Alone" LP recorded February & March 1957; "Judy In Love" LP recorded May & June 1958; "The Letter" LP recorded December 1958 & January 1959: "Judy / That's Entertainment" LP recorded June 1960; "The Garland Touch" LP recorded October 1961: "I Could Go On Singing" original soundtrack LP recorded November 1962;
Gay Men's Chorus Of Los Angeles: "Diversity" 1992
Gentle Giant: Make a live studio recording on February 1974 meant for broadcast in March on KMET Radio in Los Angeles; Recording session February 13, 1975
Bobbie Gentry: Records single "Ode To Billie Joe" July 10, 1967 in Studio C; Starts recording rest of her debut LP "Ode To Billie Joe" on July 27, 1967
Stan Getz: "Award Winner" recorded August 2 1957; "Jumpin' At The Woodside" from the LP "Eloquence" recorded August 1 1957; "Stan Getz Plays Blues" LP recorded May 1, August 1 & 3 and October 11, 1957
Stan Getz and The Oscar Peterson Trio: "Stan Getz And The Oscar Peterson Trio" recorded October 10, 1957
Vince Gill: Records LP "Breath Of Heaven" in Studios A & B in 1998
Jimmie Giuffre 3: "The Jimmy Giurffre 3" LP recorded December 3, 4, & 24, 1956
T. Goode with Voyce McGinley on drums: Record "Tender Steel" LP in 2001
Goo Goo Dolls: "Gutterflower" LP recorded 2002
Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra: Record various tracks from 1957-1964
Dean Grinsfeld: "P. S. Your Cat Is Dead" original soundtrack recorded 2002

H
Sammy Hagar: Recorded live tracks for "Rock Around The World" radio show between December 2-18, 1978
Merle Haggard: Records tracks for LP "Same Train A Different Time" recorded 1966 - 1969; Recorded LP "A Tribute To The Best Damn Fiddle Player In The World (Or, My Salute To Bob Wills) April 6-8, 1970
Peter Hanley with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra: The tracks "A Heart That Loves You", "I Want To See You When You Weep", "I Love You Samantha", "Dedicated To You" recorded June 15, 1956
Walt Harper: "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You" LP recorded in 1998
Coleman Hawkins: "The Genius Of Coleman Hawkins" LP recored October 16, 1957
Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster: "Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster" LP recorded October 16, 1957
Hearts & Flowers: "Now Is The Time For Hearts And Flowers" LP produced by Nick Venay in mid 1967.
Charlton Heston: Records "The Old Man And The Sea - Ernest Hemingway" book on tape in 1992
John Hiatt: "Straight To The Heart Of Love" from "The Country Bears" soundtrack 2002
Peter Hofmann: Recorded the LP "Love Me Tender" in 1991
Billie Holiday: "All Or Nothing At All" recorded August 14 & 18 1956 and January 3, 7 & 8 1957; "Body and Soul" and "Songs For Distingue Lovers" recorded between January 3 & 9 1957
The Hollywood String Quartet: Record "Brahms Piano Quartet no 2 in A op 26" in Studio A in June 1956
Bill Holman Big Band: "Bill Holman's Great Big Band" LP recorded June 29, 30 & July 1, 1960

I
Julio Iglesias: Recorded "NonStop" LP in 1987.
The Ink Spots: "Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots" recorded September 24 & 25, 1956
Ron Isley and Burt Bacharach: "Here I Am" recorded 2003 and also recorded at Record One, Sherman Oaks, CA

J
Michael Jackson: Recorded 4 tracks at end of 2003 beginning of 2004
Wanda Jackson: "I Gotta Know" session June 8 , 1956; "Baby Loves Him" session September 29, 1956; "Day Dreamin'" LP recorded April 1958; "Rockin' With Wanda!" LP recorded 1956-1958
Illinois Jacquet Sextet: "Swing's The Thing" LP recorded October 16, 1956
Mick Jagger: Recorded tracks for LP "Wandering Spirit" March, May, Mid-June, Early August, & Late September 1992
Harry James: LPs "Wild About Harry", "The New James" and "Harry's Choice" recorded between May 2, 1957 and July 1, 1958.
Al Jarreau: Records tracks for LP "Accentuate The Positive" in 2004
Quincy Jones and Various Artists: The LP "Q's Jook Joint" recorded November 1994
Laurence Juber: "Seventh Heaven" TV series underscores recorded 2004

K
Kawai America Corporation: Used Studio B to record drum sounds for their XD5 drum machine
Ray Kelley: "Windy City" LP recorded 1996
Stan Kenton: Records "Opus In Pastels" July 14 & 15, 1958; Records 8 tracks with new 4 man mellophonium section on September 19-21, 1960; LP "A Merry Christmas" recorded between October 14, 1960 & April 11, 1963; "The Romantic Approach" LP recorded 1961; Records LP "Stan Kenton Conducts The Los Angeles Neophonic Orchestra" on September 27-29, 1965
The Kingston Trio: Recorded various tracks from 1958 to 1961 with producer Voyle Gilmore; "The Last Month Of The Year" LP recorded June 16 thru 23 1960
The Knights: Record the track "Hot Rod High" with lead vocal by Chuck Girard on July 23, 1964
Dave Koz: "A Smooth Jazz Christmas" LP recorded 2001
Diana Krall: Tracks for "The Look Of Love" LP recorded June 3 & 4, 2001; "The Girl In The Other Room" LP recorded 2003
Gene Krupa: The tracks "Apple Cider" and "You'd Better Stop" recorded April 20 1956

L
L.A.4: Record "Just Friends" LP in 2002
Verne Langdon: LP "Candlelight" recorded 2001 using Nat "King" Cole's Steinway
Latin Playboys: "Down Where The Drunkards Roll" from the LP "Beat The Retreat: Songs By Richard Thompson" recorded 1994
Steve Lawrence: "Steve Lawrence Sings Sinatra" LP recorded February 11 & 12, 2002
Peggy Lee: Frank Sinatra conducts and produces sessions for LP "The Man I Love" on April 2, 4, 8, 1957; December 5 & 20, 1957 and January 3, 1958 records tracks for the LP "Jump For Joy"; Records the track "Fever" on May 15, 1958 and the track "All Aglow Again" (B-Side of "Fever") on May 25, 1958; "If You Go" LP recorded April 1961; "Blues Cross Country" recorded April and May 1961 with arranger Quincy Jones; "Sugar 'n' Spice" LP recorded between March 28 & April 4, 1962; "Mink Jazz" LP recorded March 1962 & February 1963; Peggy Lee: Recorded the track "Is That All There Is?" on January 29,1969 with arranger and conductor Randy Newmann
Ranee Lee: "You Must Believe In Swing" LP recorded 1996
The Letterman: First recording session in 1961
Los Lobos: Tracks for the LP "How Will The Wolf Survive" recorded 1984 also recorded at Reggie Fisher Recording Studio - Studio City, CA; Producer's Workshop - Hollywood, CA; Warner Bros. Recording Studio (Amigo) - North Hollywood, CA. "Bertha" from the LP "Deadicated" recorded 1991; "Hollywood House Party" LP recorded 1992 with guests Dave Alvin, John Hiatt, Rickie Lee Jones, Leo Kottke & Syd Straw

M
Barry Manilow: "Manilow Sings Sinatra" recorded 1998 with additional recording at Sublime Music, West Hollywood, CA; Barry Manilow: Recorded tracks for "Singin' With The Big Bands" in 1994 and also at Ocean Way Studios in Hollywood, CA and Westlake Studios and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, CA
Herbie Mann: "The Magic Flute of Herbie Mann" & "Big Band Mann" LPs recorded August 9, 1957
Charles Manson: Records tracks produced by The Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson in 1968
Bob Marley and The Wailers: Rehearses for his "Burnin' Tour" and session is videotaped and recorded on October 24, 1973
Peter Marshall: "Boy Singer" LP recorded 2000
Jim Martinez: "Jazz Praise III: Music For Your Soul" LP recorded 2003
Al Martino: The track "Painted, Tainted Rose" recorded June 1963; the track "I Love You More And More Everyday" recorded December 15, 1963; the track "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte" recorded November 1964
James Mason: Records "H. G. Wells: The Time Machine" book on tape in 1981
Johnny Mathis and Betty Buckley: Recorded "Children Will Listen" track for LP "Mathis On Broadway" 2000.
Billy May: The LP "Billy May Today!" recorded June 1, 6 & 7, 1966
Bobbie McFarrin: Recorded the track "Turtle Shoes" in March 1986 for LP "Spontaneous Inventions"
McGuinn, Clark & Hillman: Recorded LP "McGuinn, Clark & Hillman" late 1978
Carmen McRae: Recorded LP "Carmen" December 1971
Justin Melland: Conducts his score for the movie "Living Life" in January 2004
Bette Midler: Some tracks for "For The Boys" original soundtrack recorded 1991, also recorded at Oceanway Recording, Studio 55, and Conway Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA
Bette Midler, Peter Riegert, Cythia Gibb: "Gypsy" original soundtrack recorded 1993
Rex Middleton's Hi Fi's with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra: "Rex Middleton's Hi Fi's" recoreded July 30, 1956
Darius Milhaud with The Concert Arts Orchestra: Records LP "Darium Milhaud Conducting his Suite Provencale" in Studio A September 11, 12 & 13, 1956
Steve Miller Blues Band: First session for Capitol in October 1967; Steve Miller Band: Recorded the LP "The Joker in Studio B over 19 days in March 1973
Tommy Morgan: Harmonica parts for "The Mexican" movie soundtrack recorded 2001
Alanis Morissette: Recorded tracks for "Modern Rock Live" on November 12, 1995
Morrisey: "Morrisey Live At KROQ" radio sessions recorded June 3, 1991
The Mothers Of Invention: Orchestral segments for LP "We're Only In It For The Money" recorded February 1967
Gerry Mulligan: "Gerry's Time" recorded August 1, 1957
Gerry Mulligan, Paul Desmond: Tracks "Body And Soul", "Blues In Time", "Wintersong" for the LP "Blues In Time" recorded August 2, 1957; "Quartet Music" LP recorded August 2, 1957 and produced by Norman Granz
Charlie Musselwhite: Records LP "Sanctuary" in 2003

N
Sam Neely: Records LP "Long Road To Texas" aka "Loving You Just Crossed My Mind" in 1972
New York Jazz Assembly: "Return To Paradise" LP recorded 1998

O
Sinead O'Conner: Records vocals for the track "Tears From The Moon" for Rhys Fulber's "Conjure One" LP in 2002
Anita O'Day: "The Getaway And The Chase", "Your Picture's Hanging Crooked On The Wall", We Laughed At Love", "I'm Not Lonely" recorded February 23 1956; "Don't Be That Way", "Let's Face The Music And Dance", "I Used To Be Color Blind", "Pick Yourself Up" recorded December 18 and with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra December 19 & 20 1956; "There's A Lull In My Life", "Man With A Horn", "Ivy", "Stars Fell On Alabama" recorded December 19 1956; "Let's Begin", "Sweet Georgia Brown", "I Never Had A Chance", "Stompin' At The Savoy", "I Won't Dance" recorded December 20 1956; All tracks for "Anita O'Day Swings Cole Porter With Billy May" recorded April 2 & 9, 1959
Kid Ory: Tracks for the LPs "Song Of The Wanderer" and "Dance With Kid Ory Or Just Listen" recorded August 25 & 26, 1957
Johnny Otis: Records "The Johnny Otis Show" LP in 1958
Buck Owens: Tracks for the LP "Act Naturally" recorded 1989

P
Patrick Park: Recorded tracks for LP "Loneliness Knows My Name" in 2002
The Lee Pickens Group: Record LP "The Lee Pickens Group" 1972
Tim Piper: Records Lennon singing vocals for "In His Life: The John Lennon Story" soundtrack for NBC movie in 2000
Jane Powell with Buddy Bregman's Orchestra: The tracks "Mind If I Fall In Love With You", "True Love", "What Gives? What Goes?", "Till The Next Time" recorded June 1 1956; "Can't We Be Friends?" LP recorded July 15, 18 & 19, 1956
Lisa Marie Presley: Tracks for LP "To Whom It May Concern" recorded 2003 also recorded at Animas Studios, Hollywood, CA; Royaltone Studios, N. Hollywood, CA; Extacy Studios, Los Angeles, CA

Q
Quicksilver Messenger Service: "Quicksilver Messenger Service" LP sessions start at beginning of December 1967 and may have been the first 8 track recording session; Recorded tracks for the LP "What About Me" in 1970

R
Bonnie Raitt: Recorded tracks for the LP "Nick Of Time" in 1989 and also at Ocean Way Studios, Records tracks for LP "Luck Of The Draw" in 1991 and also at Ocean Way Studios, Hollywood Sound, and The Record Plant
Kenny Rankin: Records "Professional Dreamer" LP in 1995
Lou Rawls: LP "For You My Love" recorded November 26 & 27, 1968
Susan Raye: Recorded "One Night Stand" LP 1969-1970 with producer Ken Nelson
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "The Uplift Mofo Party Plan" LP recorded 1987
Gary Revel: "Hollywood Star" LP recorded in mid 1980s
David Reynolds: Records "Almost Salinas" Original Film Score in Studio A in 2002
Roger Reynolds: "From Behind the Unreasoning Mask" LP recorded 1975
Buddy Rich and His Orchestra: "This One's For Basie" recorded August 18 & 25, 1956
Stan Ridgway: Recorded tracks for the LP "Mosquitos" and also recorded at Impala Studios in N. Hollywood, CA and Knobworld in Echo Park, CA
LeAnn Rimes with members of the Brian Setzer Orchestra: Record LP "What A Wonderful World" in 2004
Lyle Ritz: "How About Uke?" LP recorded September 18 & 28 and October 1, 1957
Max Roach Quintet: "Jazz In 3/4 Time" LP recorded March 18, 20 & 21, 1957
Howard Roberts Quintet and Nonet: "Velvet Groove" LP recorded October 22 & November 9, 1956
Jimmy Rowles (and Friends): LP "Kinda Groovy" recorded in Studio A on October 23, 24 and 26 1962 and produced by Dave Cavanaugh
Gonzalo Rubalcaba: Tracks for LP "Imagine: Gonzalo Rubalcaba In The U.S.A." recorded June 23, 1994

S
Gabor Szabo: Recorded tracks for LP "High Contrast" February 1971 after recording other tracks at The Record Plant in December 1970
The Conrad Salinger Orchestra Conducted by Buddy Bregman: "A Lovely Afternoon" recorded March 20 & 21, 1957 in Studio A
Pancho Sanchez: "Latin Spirits" recorded April 30 to May 8 2001
Carl Sanders: "Be Bop Big Band" LP recorded December 1999
Arturo Sandoval: "Trumpet Evolution" LP recorded in Studio A on November 20 & 21 2002 also recorded at the Todd-AO Sound Stage in Los Angeles Diane Schuur: Recorded LP "Timeless" 1986
Masanori Sasaji & L. A. Allstars: "Afro Blue" LP recorded in front of a live audience in a combined Studio A & B on September 25 & 26 2002
Screaming Trees: Tracks for the LP "Dust" recorded 1996
Bud Shank and Bob Cooper: LPs "Blowin' Country" & "Flute & Oboe" recorded during 2 sessions on November 29, 1956 and one session on February 18, 1958; LPs "The Swings To TV" and "Jazz Swings Broadway" recorded January 21 & February 18, 1958
Frank Sinatra: LP "Tone Poems Of Color" is the first session to use the Capitol Studios on February 22, 1956; LP "Come Fly With Me" recorded early October 1957; "Frank Sinatra Sings For Only The Lonely" LP recorded May 29, June 24 & 25, 1958; The track "Fly Me To The Moon" for the LP "It Might As Well Be Spring" recorded with Count Basie & His Orchestra June 9, 1964
Keely Smith: Records "Kelly Swings Basie-Style With Strings" LP in July 2002
Stuff Smith: "Have Violn, Will Swing" LP recorded January 21 and February 5 1957
Stuff Smith Trio: Tracks for unreleased "Stuff Smith Trio" LP recorded October 25 and November 19, 1956
James Gabriel Stipech: Strings for "All That I Am" LP recorded at Capitol Records Studios in 1983, rest of album recorded at Martinsound Studios in Alhambra, CA and Whitney Recording Studios in Glendale, CA
Steely Dan: Recorded tracks for the single "FM" for the original soundtrack of the film "FM" in 1978
The Stray Cats: Record LP "Rock Therapy" in 1986
Supersax: Recorded tracks for the LP "Supersax Plays Bird" on February 1 & 10 , 1973; Records tracks for the LP "Supersax Plays Bird Volume 2 Salt Peanuts" in 1973; Records tracks for the LP "Supersax Plays Bird With Strings" in 1974;
The Syrups: Recorded tracks with producer Geoff Emerick November 2002

T
The Art Tatum - The Ben Webster Quartet: "The Art Tatem-Ben Webster Quartet" LP recorded September 11, 1956.
The Bill Thompson Singers: "The Thompson Touch" recorded September 5, 1956
Trimvirat: Recorded lead vocals for LP "A La Carte" between May 5 & September 5, 1978 in Studio A & B

U
University of Northern Iowa Jazz Band: Recording session January 8, 2002
USC's Thornton Jazz Orchestra with Kurt Elling and with Jamey Tate on drums: record tracks in 2002.
USC Trojan Marching Band: Recorded specially written marches for soundtrack of ABC TV Movie "When Billie Beat Bobby" April 16, 2001
Gary Usher: "Add Some Music To Your Day" LP recorded January 1970

V
Sarah Vaughan with Hal Mooney's Orchestra: Tracks for the LP "Sara Vaughan Sings Broadway: Great Songs From Hit Shows" recorded November 2, 1956
Gene Vincent: Recorded tracks for LP "Gene Vincent Rocks And The Blue Caps Roll" June 19 & 20 and December 6, 9, 10, 15, 1957; March 25 - 29, 1958 records tracks for "Hot Rod Gang" EP and "Gene Vincent Record Date" with Eddie Cochran on some backing vocals and helping with producing; Recorded tracks for "Crazy Times" LP August 3-6, 1959; Last Capitol Studios recording session October 18, 1961 for the single tracks "Baby Don't Believe Him" and "Lucky Star"

W
Chad Wackerman: Recorded the track "You Came Along" for the LP "Forty Reasons" in June 1991; Records the track "Empty Suitcase" for the LP "The View" in June 1993
The Wailers with Gene Krupa Big Band: Record the tracks "That's Your Mistake" and "G and J Blues" April 20, 1956
The West Coast Blues Company (Paul Cummins on sax): 1968
Joe Williams with Count Basie And His Orchestra: Record the LP "The Greatest" aka "Count Basie Plays - Joe Williams Sings Standards" April 28 & May 1, 1956
Robbie Williams: Records "Swing When Your Winning" LP in 2001 which Includes the track "Beyond The Sea" used during the closing credits of "Finding Nemo"
Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman: "Something Stupid" from the album "Swing While You're Winning" recorded 2001 in Studio B
Tony Williams: "Civilization" LP recorded November 24-26, 1986
Brian Wilson: "Brian Wilson Christmas Interview" recorded in October 1964
Gerald Wilson Orchestra: "On Stage" LP recorded January 13, 1965

X

Y
Dwight Yoakum: LP "This Time" recorded 1992LP

Z
Frank Zappa: Records orchestra tracks for LP "Lumpy Gravy" March 14-16, 1967

Interesting Links:
http://www.recordproduction.com/capitol_studios.htm
http://www.studioexpresso.com/Spotlight%20Archive/Spotlight%20Capitol.htm
http://www.royerlabs.com/arturo_sandoval.html
MAY 29

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1903 - Comedian, star of stage and screen and Capitol Records recording artist Bob Hope is born Leslie Towns Hope in Eltham, England, a suburb of London

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1945 - Carl Kress records the tracks "The Goose From Gander (Squeeze Box Swing)" and "Jazz In G" as guitar solos at the WMCA studios in New York City, New York
1945 - Cootie Williams and His Orchestra (Cootie Williams, E. V. Perry, George Treadwell, Billy Ford, Clarence "Gene" Redd (trumpets), Ed Burke, Dan Logan, Bob Horton (trombones), Rupert Cole (alto saxophone), Eddie Vinson (alto saxophone and vocal), Sam Taylor, Lee Pope (tenor saxophone), George Favors (baritone saxophone), Arnold Jarvis (piano), Carl Pruitt (bass), and Sylvester Payne (drums), record the tracks "Mood For Coot", "Juice Head Baby" with vocal by Eddie Vinson, "Salt Lake City Bounce" and "Jitterbug Serenade" with unknown vocalist, possibly Cootie Williams
1947 - The Hollywood Hucksters (Benny Goodman on clarinet; Red Norvo on xylophone; Benny Carter on alto saxophone; Charlie Shavers on trumpet; Dave Cavanaugh on tenor saxophone; Joe Koch on baritone saxophone; Jimmy Rowles on piano; Irving Ashby on guitar; Red Callendar on bass; and Lee Young on drums), with producer Dave Dexter, Jr., record the tracks "I Apologize", "Them There Eyes" and, with vocals by Stan Kenton and Benny Goodman, "Happy Blues"
1958 - Frank Sinatra, during a session produced by Dave Cavanaugh, records the tracks "Monique", "Ebb Tide", "Angel Eyes", "Spring Is Here", "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry", "Only The Lonely", "Lush Life" and "Willow Weep For Me" at a full day and night session with Felix Slatkin conducting the Nelson Riddle Orchestra that included the musicians Pete Candoli on trumpet; Milton Bernhart, Tommy Pederson, Kenneth Shroyer on trombones; John Cave, James Decker, Vincent DeRosa on french horns; Mahlon Clark, Mitchell Lurie on clarinet; Don Christlieb, Jack Marsh on Bassoon; Arnold Koblentz, Warren Webb on oboe; Charles Buttler, Chuck Gentry on bass clarinet; Arthur Gleghorn, Harry Klee on flute; Victor Arno, Israel Baker, Victor Bay, Alex Beller, Arnold Belnick, David Frisina, James Getzoff, Henry Hill, Daniel Karpilkowsky, Erno Neufeld, Paul Shure, Marshall Sosson on violin; Alvin Dinkin, Stanley Harris, Paul Robyn, David Sterkin on viola; James Arkatov, Armand Karproff, Kurt Reher, Eleanor Slatkin on cello; Bill Miller, Harry Sukman on piano; Joe Comfort, Mike Rubin on bass; Al Viola on guitar; Frank Flynn, Bill Richmond on percussion; Dominic Frontiere on accordian; and Kathryn Julye on harp
1989 - Johh Cipollina, guitarist with the Capitol Records band Quicksilver Messenger Service, dies of congenital emphysema at age 45 in San Francisco, California. There's a great biographical article by William Ruhlmann that was in the November 3, 1989 issue of Goldmine magazine.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1917 - Future president John Fitzgerald Kennedy is born in Brookline, Massachusetts. Capitol Records would release a tribute soundtrack album "Years Of Lightning, Days Of Drums" in 1966.
1989 - Danielle Riley Keough, daughter of Capitol Records artist Lisa Marie Presley, is born

Sunday, May 28, 2006

MAY 28

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1910 - Blues guitarist and Capitol Records artist T-Bone Walker is born Aaron Thibeaux Walker in Linden, Texas and would later become a major influence on many Blues guitarists including a very young Steve Miller when Walker visited Miller's father's home recording studio for impromptu sessions
1912 - Dave Barbour, guitarist, composer, arranger, band leader and husband of Peggy Lee, is born David Michael Barbour in Flushing, NY
1944 - Singer (as a solo artist, in a duo with Judy Clay, and with the bands Resolution and Billy And The Beaters), songwriter, actor, voice over artist, music historian, 45 rpm collector, and producer of Capitol Records' "From The Vaults" series, Billy Vera is born William Patrick McCord in Riverside, California and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the north east corner of Vine and Yucca, right outside The Capitol Tower's Gogerty Building extension. Billy corrected my earlier post saying "The note writer on my first Atlantic LP wrote that my real name is William McCord, Jr., and the mistake has been continued ever since. Actually, my father and I have different middle names, which means I'm not a 'Jr. ... My full name is William Patrick McCord, born in Riverside, CA, not San Diego, as that same LP said.
My mom was one of the Ray Charles Singers on the Perry Como Show during the 50s and sang on a number of his hits. My dad was an announcer on NBC in New York for almost 30 years, so there's a show biz background."
1968 - Capitol Records artist Kylie Minogue is born in Melbourne, Australia

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1946 - On her husband's, (Dave Barbour) 34th birthday, vocalist Peggy Lee records "Can't Help Lovin' That Man", "Mean To Me", "I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)", and "Summertime" for Capitol Records transcription service with The Four Of A Kind (Dave Barbour on guitar, Philip Stephens on bass, Buddy Cole on piano, celeste and organ, and Tom Romersa on drums) at Radio Recorders studios at 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, California
1955 - Frank Sinatra's Capitol Records album "In The Wee Small Hours" enters the top 20 of Billboard's album chart beginning a top 20 album career that would last, in the U.S., for next 39 years and 7 months until his album "Duets" exited the top 20 on December 31, 1994
1966 - The Beach Boys' album "Pet Sounds" enters Billboard's Top Album Charts where it will spend the next 39 weeks
2004 - Vance "Pinto" Colvig is inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame as the original Bozo

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1943 - Tony Mansfield, songwriter and member of the bands Billy J. Kramer And The Dakotas as well as New Musik, is born

Saturday, May 27, 2006

MAY 27

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1911 - Vincent Price, actor and Capitol Records recording artist (his "Witchraft and Magic: An Adventure In Demonology" album had a gatefold cover and accompanying booklet, and I have a copy of an 8 mm promo film made for it by Capitol), is born Vincent Leonard Price Jr. in St. Louis, Missouri
1939 - Don Williams, Capitol Records country artist (1986-1989), is born Donald Ray Williams in Floydada, Texa
1943 - Capitol Records singer Cilla Black, is born Priscilla Maria Veronica White in Liverpool, England
1958 - Neil Finn, singer and songwriter with the Capitol Records band Crowded House, as well as the band Split Enz, is born Neil Mullane Finn in Awamutu, New Zealand

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1957 - Nat "King" Cole's album "Love Is The Thing", arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins, hits #1 on Billboard's U.S. album chart where it will stay for 8 weeks
1963 - The Beatles' single "From Me To You", with "Thank You Girl" is released in the U.S. on Vee Jay Records
1993 - Patti Ouderkirk takes Crowded House band member Tim Finn's photo at a shoot at Capitol Records' New York City office

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1932 - Singer, songwriter, and blues musician Junior Walker is born Herman Parker, Jr. in Clarksdale, Mississippi. His song "Mystery Train" would be covered by The Band on their sixth Capitol Records album "Moondog Matinee".

Friday, May 26, 2006

MAY 26

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1920 - Vocalist and songwriter Peggy Lee is born Norma Delores Egstrom in Jamestown, North Dakota
1926 - Capitol artist (1948) and jazz trumpeter Miles Davis is born Miles Dewey Davis, Jr. in Alton, Illinois
1942 - Levon Helm, drummer, mandolinist and singer for Captiol Records recording artists The Band, as well as Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks, The Canadian Squires, and The Hawks, is born Mark Levon Helm in Marvell, Arkansas

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1953 - Skeets McDonald and Helen O'Connell, with producer Ken Nelson, record the tracks "Hi Diddle Dee (My Way)" and "Worried Mind" at Capitol Records' Melrose studio in Hollywood, California. The tracks will be released as the A & B sides of the same single and issued on 78 and 45 rpm formats.
1966 - The Beatles' begin recording the track "Yellow Submarine" at Abbey Road Studios and would finish the track at another session on June 1, 1966
1968 - An early version of The Beach Boys' track "Do It Again" is recorded and, with new vocals and a guitar track, will be the basis for the version released later in 1968 as part of their "Wild Honey" album. The single will go to #1 in the U.K.
1969 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono's second album, "Unfinished Music No. 2 - Life with the Lions" is released in the U.S.
1970 - The Beatles' last album "Let It Be" is certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.
1982 - Bobby Darin's star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame is unveiled

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1886 - Singer and actor on Broadway, as well as star of the first popular talking film "The Jazz Singer", and first popular music superstar of the 20th century, Al Jolson, is born Asa Yoelson in Seredzius, Lithuania. For just about everything you might want to know about Jolson, check out Dr. Marc I Leavy's massive tribute website.
1948 - Stevie Nicks, songwriter, solo artist, and vocalist with the bands Fritz, Buckingham Nicks, and Fleetwood Mac, is born Stephanie Lynn Nicks in Phoenix, Arizona
1964 - Virgin Records artist Lenny Kravitz is born Leonard Albert Kravitz in New York City, New York

Thursday, May 25, 2006

MAY 25

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1947 - Capitol artist (1975-1976, 1978, 1981) Jessi Colter is born Mirriam Johnson in Phoenix Arizona. She would first marry Duane Eddy (1961-1968) with whom she had daughter Jennifer Eddy and then Waylon Jennings (1969) with whom she had sons Buddy and Scooter Jennings.
1953 - Rich "Dude" Alves, guitarist for the Capitol Records recording act (1990-1991) Pirates of the Mississipi, is born in Pleasanton, California
1955 - Wardell Gray, tenor saxophonist with Benny Goodman's band when Goodman recorded for Capitol Records (1948-1949) and then with Count Basie's band 1950-1955, is found dead in the desert outside Las Vegas with a broken neck. The Jazzitude website has a great article by Marshall Bowden about the life and mysterious death of Gray.

HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY
1976 - Sweet's Capitol Records album "Desolation Alley" is certified gold by the R.I.A.A.

ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1945 - Guitarist Carl Kress, along with guitarist Tony Mattola and a clarinetist, bass player, and drummer, record the tracks "Swan Of Tonnelle Avenue", "Sarong", "Blond On The Loose", and "Walking Behind Miss Lucy" at WMCA studios in New York City
1948 - Margaret Whiting records the vocals for the track "A Tree In The Meadow" in Los Angeles over an instrumental track recorded by Frank DeVol in London, getting around the second Petrillo recording ban. The track would be released as part of a single with "I'm Sorry, But I'm Glad" on the flip side on June 21, 1948 and eventually hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart on August 21, 1948.
1963 - The Beach Boys' first top 10 single "Surfin' USA", with "Shutdown" on the flip side, hits #3 on Billboard's singles chart
1963 - Kyu Sakamoto's Capitol Records single "Sukiyaki", with "Anoko No Namaewa Nantenkana" on the flip side, is #2 on KFWB's Fabulous Forty survey and would reach #1 on June 15, 1963 on Billboard's singles chart where it would stay for 3 weeks.
1967 - John Lennon's Rolls Royce gets a psychedelic paint job from Dutch team of gypsy artists, The Fool who were commissioned by J. P. Fallon Ltd. John Whelan has a pretty comprehensive article about the vehicle, and the paint job, on the Ottawa Beatles Site.
1973 - Virgin Records releases its first album, Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells"
2005 - Domenic Troiano, singer, songwriter, guitarist and solo artist with Capitol Records (1977-1979) and members of the bands Mandala, Bush, James Gang, The Guess Who, and Black Market, dies of cancer at age 59 at his home in Toronto, Canada

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

MAY 24

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1955 - Capitol Records recording artist Roseanne Cash is born in Memphis, Tennessee

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1969 - The Beatles' single "Get Back", with "Don't Let Me Down" on the flip side, hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart where it will stay for 5 weeks
1974 - Capitol Records artist (1953-1955), composer, pianist and orchestra leader Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington dies of cancer at age 75 in New York City and is interred in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York
1991 - Howard Eugene "Gene" Clark, songwriter, guitarist and vocalist as as solo artist and with the bands McGuinn, Clark & Hillman, Dillard and Clark, The Byrds, and The New Christy Minstrals, dies at age 46 from complications of a bleeding ulcer in Sherman Oaks, California and is buried in his home town of Tipton, Missouri
2005 - Swedish band Shout Out Louds' debut full length album "Howl Howl Gaff Gaff" is released
2005 - Mike Krinik joins Capitol Records Nashville as regional director promotion, West Coast. Based in San Diego, Krinik works as a liaison between the label and country radio stations.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1941 - Bob Dylan is born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota
1946 - Priscilla Beaulieu Presley, actress, mother of Capitol Records artist Lisa Marie Presley, grandmother of Danielle Riley Keough and Benjamin Storm Keough, and first wife of Elvis Presley, is born Priscilla Ann Wagner in Brooklyn, New York
1968 - The Rolling Stones' single "Jumping Jack Flash", with "Child Of The Moon" on the flip side, is released on London Records
2005 - Vivian Dorraine Libreto Cash Distin, mother of Roseanne, Kathleen, Cindy and Tara Cash, and first wife of Johnny Cash, dies in Ventura, California of complications after lung cancer surgery at age 71.
2005 - "Brian Wilson Presents Smile" is released as a 2 disc DVD

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

MAY 23

THE COMPLETE BUGALOOS IS RELEASED ON DVD!

The Bugaloos with their Barris Custom buggy at the back entrance of The Capitol Tower. Photo courtesy of Bill Ung

Rhino Video has released a 3 DVD set with all 17 original episodes of the series, as well as some great extras. In 1970 Capitol Records released The Bugaloos only album and sponsored a promotional tour of in-store and personal appearances to support it. Here's hoping that Capitol will re-release the album as a tie-in. Bill Ung has a wondeful and massive tribute website to The Bugaloos and I've contributed some photos from the personal appearances in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Dallas, Texas, to it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1959 - Bill Vorn of the band Rational Youth is born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
1967 - Phil Selway, drummer for the band Radiohead, is born Philip James Selway in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1947 - Wingy Manone And His Orchestra record the track "Box Car Blues" with Manone sharing vocals with Johnny Mercer
1964 – The Beach Boys' single “I Get Around”, with “Don’t Worry Baby” on the flip side, is released on Capitol Records
1965 - The Beach Boys' single "Help Me Rhonda", with "Do You Wanna Dance?" on the flip side, hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart
1967 - Pink Floyd records Sid Barrett's "See Emily Play" at Sound Techniques studios
1970 - Paul McCartney's album "McCartney" reaches #1 on Billboard's album chart
1983 - Pink Floyd's album "The Final Cut" is certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.
1994 - The Beastie Boys' album "Ill Communication" is released and would become their second #1 album and second to be certified triple platinum

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1944 - Tiki Fulwood, drummer for the bands Parliament and Funkadelic, is born Ramon Fulwood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1961 - Ricky Nelson's Imperial Records single "Travelin' Man", with "Hello Mary Lou" on the flip side, hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart. Dave Crimmen has a great site with photos and details on Rick Nelson's discography.
1968 - John Lennon and George Harrison open Apple Tailoring (Civil And Theatrical) at 161 King's Road, London, England
1969 - Composer ("I Can't Give You Anything But Love", "On The Sunny Side Of The Street", "I'm In The Mood For Love", etc.) and pianist James "Jimmy" McHugh dies in Beverly Hills, California at age 74
1971 - The Rolling Stones' single "Brown Sugar", with a cover of Chuck Berry's "Let It Rock" on the flip side, hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart

Monday, May 22, 2006

MAY 22

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Buddy Alan, singer, songwriter, guitarist, Capitol Records artist (1968-1976), son of Buck and Bonnie Owens and step-son of Merle Haggard, is born Alvis Alan Owens in Mesa, Arizona

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1965 - The Beatles' single "Ticket to Ride", with "Yes, It Is" on the flip side, hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart
1972 - The Raspberries' second single from their self-titled debut album, "Go All The Way" with "With You In My Life" on the flip side, is released and will eventually peak at #5 on Billboard's singles chart
1976 - Paul McCartney & Wings' single "Silly Love Songs", with "Cook Of The House" on the flip side, hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart
1977 - Hampton Hawes, pianist and member of many jazz bands including Stan Kenton's All Stars, Shorty Rogers and his Giants, Teddy Edwards' Septet, The Bud Shank - Bill Perkins Quintet, as well as leader of his own trio, quartet, quintet, septet, and nonet, Hampton Hawes dies of a stroke at age 48 in Los Angeles, California. The Jazz Discography Project has a great discography of Hawes' work.
1977 - In Reading, Pennsylvania for a scheduled performance with his orchestra, the 65 year-old bandleader, Stan Kenton, is found at 8 p.m., unconscious, lying on the floor of the Abraham Lincoln Motor Inn. He underwent neurosurgery for a skull fracture with a blood clot on the brain.
1983 - Duran Duran's album "Rio" peaks at #2 in the U.K.
2001 - Capitol Records releases The Beach Boys' 2 CD, 58 track, album "Hawthorne, CA — Birthplace of a Musical Legacy"

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1942 - Calvin "Thang" Simon, vocalist for the bands The Parliments, Parliament and Funkadelic, and a member of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, is born in Beckley, West Virginia
1950 - Lyricist Bernie Taupin is born in Lincolnshire, England

Sunday, May 21, 2006

MAY 21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1912 - Dario Soria, co-founder of Cetra-Soria records, co-founding manager (along with his wife, producer Dorle Jarmel Soria) of Angel Records, is born in Rome, Italy. The Sorias ran Angel from 1953, when they sold their Cetra-Soria classical label (the largest catalog of recorded opera in the world) to EMI, until 1957 when Angel was folded into Capitol Records for distribution.
1916 - Dennis Day, tenor, radio, television and motion picture actor, and Capitol Records artist, is born Owen Patrick McNulty in Bronx, NY
1931 - Sleepy Willis, guitarist with Capitol Records artist Dick Curless and later his manager, is born Tasio Golios in Newport, Rhode Island

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1942 - From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with Johnny Mercer producing, Freddie Slack & His Orchestra (Slack on piano; George Wendt, Bob Goodrich, and John Kec on trumpets; Bruce Squires and Bill Anthens on trombones; Willie Martinez on clarinet and alto saxophone; Al Harding, John Hamilton, and Walter Clark on reeds; Jack Marshall on guitar; Jim Lynch on bass; and John Cyr on drums} record "Baby Doll", "Cow Cow Boogie" with vocals by 17 year old Ella Mae Morse and, as backing for vocalist Johnny Mercer, "The Air Minded Executive" in a split session with David Street at C. P. MacGregors Studios at 729 S. Western Avenue in Los Angeles, California
1944 - In Los Angeles, Benny Carter and His Orchestra record the tracks "I Can't Escape From You", "I'm Lost", "I Can't Get Started" and "I Surrender Dear" for Capitol
1964 - "Four By the Beatles", an EP of 4 songs by The Beatles ("All My Loving", "This Boy", "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Please Mister Postman") is released in America only
1964 - The Beatles' "Sie Liebt Dich" (a version of their song "She Loves You" sung in German) with "I'll Get You" on the flip side is released on Swan Records
1969 - The Beatles announce that accountant Allen Klein will now handle their financial affairs.
1969 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “bed-in” begins at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Canada.
1971 - Paul McCartney releases the album “Ram"
1988 - Sammy Davis, Sr., dancer, singer and father of Capitol Records artist Sammy Davis, Jr., dies of natural causes at age 87 in Beverly Hills, California
2004 - Rick Henderson, alto saxophonist in Duke Ellington's Orchestra on Ellington's "Ellington 55" album on Capitol Records, dies at his home in Washington, D.C. at age 76

Saturday, May 20, 2006

MAY 20

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1851 - Emile Berliner, inventor and developer of the disc gramophone, is born in Hanover Germany. His Berliner Gramophone Company would
1944 - Joe Cocker is born

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1944 - Stan Kenton and His Orchestra are at C. P. MacGregor Studios on Western Avenue in Los Angeles to record the tracks "How Many Hearts Have You Broken" and "She's Funny That Way" with vocals by Gene Howard, and "I'm Going Mad For A Pad" as well as two versions (one without and one with piano accompaniment) of "And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine" with vocals by Anita O'Day
1947 - Carl Kress is at WMCA studios in New York City to records the tracks "The Goose From Gander" and "Swan Of Tonnelle Avenue" with Kress and Tony Mottola on guitar, Paul Ricci on clarinet, Bob Haggart on bass and Terry Snyder on drums. The tracks will be released as part of Kress' self titled Capitol Records album in the label's "Classics In Jazz" series.
1956 - Comedian and Capitol Records recording artist Harry Stewart, aka Yogi Yorgesson, Hari Kari and Klaus Hammerschmidt, is killed, at age 47, when his car goes off the rode near Tonopah, Nevada
1957 - Frank Sinatra records the tracks "Witchcraft", "Something Wonderful Happens In Summer", "Tell Her You Love Her" and "You're Cheating Yourself (If You're Cheating On Me)" at the Capitol Tower Studios with an arrangements and orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle and produced by Voyle Gilmore
1978 - Paul McCartney & Wings' single "With A Little Luck" hits US #1
1997 - The Foo Fighters' self-titled debut album is released on Capitol Records
1998 - Frank Sinatra is interred at B-8, #151 with the inscription "The Best Is Yet To Come" at Cathedral City's "Desert Memorial Park" in Palm Springs, California
2005 - A lage brick monument is dedicated at the site of Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson's childhood home on 119th Street in Hawthorne, California, which had been demolished 20 years earlier to make way for a freeway. The site is also named an official California State Historical Landmark.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1985 - Forty Hard Rock music artists (including Jimmy Bain, Vivian Campbell and Ronnie James Dio [all three from Dio], Don Dokken [Dokken], Geoff Tate [Queensrÿche], Yngwie Malmsteen, Rob Halford [Judas Priest], Ted Nugent, Vince Neil [Mötley Crüe], Dave Meniketti [Y & T], Dave Murray and Adrian Smith [Iron Maiden]) gather at A&M Records Studios to participate in the making of a record called "Stars", part of project known as Hear 'N Aid to raise money for famine relief efforts in Africa and around the world.
1989 - Comedienne and actress Gilda Radner dies of ovarian cancer at age 42 in Los Angeles, California. After her death her husband, Gene Wilder, and her cancer therapist, Joanna Bull, start Gilda's Club, now a worldwide support group helping those living with cancer.

Friday, May 19, 2006

MAY 19

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1953 - Jean Shepard and Ferlin Husky record the duet "Dear John Letter" at Capitol Records' Melrose Avenue studios in Hollywood, California with producer Ken Nelson. The song would go on to be spend six weeks at #1 on the country charts.
1958 - Peggy Lee records the track "Fever" at the Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California. "Fever"'s original recording, by Little Willie John, was brought to Lee's attention by her bass player, Max Bennett. Lee wrote additional lyrics and a stripped down arrangement, possibly with Bennett, which featured her vocals, Joe Mondragon on string bass, Shelly Manne with fingers on snare drums with the snares turned off, and finger snapping that may have been provided by guitarist Howard Roberts. Since he was the documented session conductor, Jack Marshall initially got credit for the arrangement, even getting a Grammy nomination for best arrangement. The song would also get Lee a Grammy nomination for best female vocal. At the same session, which was produced by "Big Dave" Cavanaugh, Lee would also record the tracks "Things Are Swinging", "Lullaby In Rhythm", and "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me". This track would be released as a single with "You Don't Know" on the flip side and, during its 14 week run on Billboard's Hot 100 charts, would peak at #8 on August 25, 1958. The song would first appear on an album in 1960 as part of the compilation album "All Aglow Again". Gino Falzarano wrote a great article for "Fever"'s 30th anniversary that appeared in the July/August edition of Discoveries magazine, and was reproduced on peggylee.com. For more information about this and many other tracks, go to Iván Santiago and Steve Albin's amazing discography site created as a test for Brian, a discography database application.
1958 - With Nelson Riddle conducting his orchestra, Judy Garland records "Day In, Day Out" and re-records "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart", which she first sang in the 1938 film "Listen, Darling" and first recorded in 1939 for Decca Records. Produced by Voyle Gilmore, the songs would be among the first Judy would record, outside of a film soundstage, in stereo and will be part of her first stereo Capitol album "Judy In Love", released on November 3, 1958.
1969 - Coleman Hawkins, Capitol artist (1945), tenor saxophonist and leader of the first bebop recording session, dies of pneumonia in New York City at age 64 and is interred at the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx
1978 - Darlene Edwards aka Jo Stafford gives her last public performance at a 25th anniversary celebration of SHARE, an organization devoted to work with mentally handicapped children, sharing the spotlight with Jo's old bandmate, Frank Sinatra
1987 - The Beatles' album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is released worldwide on CD
1999 - Capitol releases the original soundtrack to the movie "Hope Floats"

Thursday, May 18, 2006

MAY 18

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1953 - Feliciano "Butch" Tavares, who with his brothers made up the Capitol Records group Tavares, is born in Massachusetts

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1968 - Glen Campbell's Capitol single "I Wanna Live", with "That's All That Matters" on the flip side, becomes his first #1 on the country charts
1970 - The U.S. version of The Beatles' soundtrack album "Let It Be" is released
1988 - Capitol Records artist and voice for many Warner Brothesr and Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters, Charles Dawson "Daws" Butler, dies of a heart attack at age 71 in Los Angeles, California

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1912 - Perry Como, singer and star on radio and television, is born Pierino Ronald Como in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
1975 - Leroy Anderson, conductor and composer of light instrumental music ("Sleigh Ride", "The Typewriter", "The Penny Whistle Song", etc.) dies in Woodbury, Connecticut
1981 - President Ronald Reagan announces his intention to nominate former VP of Capitol Records (1942-1951) and former president of Columbia Records (1951-1956), James B. Conkling, to be Associate Director of the International Communication Agency (Broadcasting).

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

MAY 17

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1932 - Blue Note artist (1959-1967) and alto saxophonist Jackie McLean is born John Lenwood McLean in New York City
1947 - Roy Rogers marries Dale Evans and both would become Capitol Records recording artists as a duo and as solo artists
1953 - The original Broadway cast album of Cole Porters "Can-Can" is recorded to be released on Capitol Records
1971 - Paul McCartney's second solo album "Ram" is released
1976 - Dr. Hook's single "Only Sixteen", with "Let Me Be Your Lover" on the flip side, is certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1846 - The saxophone is patented by Antoine Joseph Sax
1962 - Tracy Bryn, member of the band Voice Of The Beehive and daughter of Bruce Belland of the Capitol Records band The Four Preps, is born in Encino, California
1963 - Joan Baez and Bob Dylan perform at The Newport Jazz Festival
2002 - Sharon Sheely, songwriter ("Poor Little Fool", "Something Else, "Hurry Up", etc.) and fiancee of Eddie Cochran, dies of complications following a cerebral hemorrhage in Los Angeles at age 62. Sheely was also injured in the same London taxi cab crash that killed Cochran and injured Gene Vincent.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

MAY 16

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY
1966 - The Beach Boys' album "Pet Sounds" is released

HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY
1976 - Paul McCartney and Wings' single "Silly Love Songs", with "Cook Of The House" on the flip side, is #1 on Billboard's Singles Chart

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
1913 - Bandleader, clarinetist, and Capitol Records artist (1948 -1955) Woody Herman is born Woodrow Charles Herman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1949 - Bill "Sputnik" Spooner, guitarist for The Tubes and The Grateful Dead, is born William Spooner in Arizona

ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1946 - The King Cole Trio start a 13 week stint as a summer replacement for Bing Crosby's radio show "The Kraft Music Hall"
1964 - The Beatles' "P.S. I Love You", the flip side of the "Love Me Do" single released on Tollie Records in the U.S., enters Billboard's top 40 and the single "I Want To Hold Your Hand", with "This Boy" on the flip side, re-enters the chart for 1 week after leaving the chart on April 17 after a 20 week run.
1966 - The last session is held for The Beatles' track "Taxman"
1967 - Twiggy's first Capitol Records single "When I Think Of You", with "Over And Over" on the flip side, is released
1969 - Chuck Barris' Capitol Records single "Too Rich", with "I Know A Child" on the flip side, is released
1990 - One time Capitol artist Sammy Davis, Jr. dies of throat cancer at his home in Beverly Hills, California at age 64

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1929 - The first Academy Awards ceremony is held at a banquet in the Blossom Room at The Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard

Monday, May 15, 2006

MAY 15

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1956 - Paul Peek and Gene Vincent "discovery", Esquerita (Eskew Reeder, Jr.), starts a two day recording session in Nashville, Tennessee, his first as a Capitol Records artist. Backing him up at the session were Tony White on bass, Vincent Mosley on guitar, Ricardo Young on drums, and a backing-vocal group from Atlanta called The Gardenias. Seven tracks, including "Oh Baby" and "Rockin' The Joint", were recorded.
1966 - Capitol Records is a sponsor for "A Tribute To Judy Holliday", a banquet to benefit The American Medical Center in Denver
1976 - The single "Boogie Fever", with "Free Style" on the flip side, makes The Sylvers the first Capitol Records R&B group to hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Chart
1986 - EMI opens its first CD manufacturing plant, located in Swindon, England

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1856 - 150 years ago today, Wizard of Oz creator L. Frank Baum, was born Lyman Frank Baum in Chittenago, New York
1963 - Astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper orbits the Earth 22 times aboard Mercury 9 spacecraft "Faith 7"
1983 - David Bowie's EMI America Single "Let's Dance", with "Cat People (Putting Out The Fire)" on the flip side, hits #1
2003 - June Carter Cash dies from complications from heart valve surgery at Nashville Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee at age 73. She was buried in a light blue coffin at Hendersonville Memory Gardens in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

MAY 14

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1903 - Capitol Records country artist Jenks "Tex" Carman was born in Hardinsburg, Breckinridge County, Kentucky. There's a short posting with biographical information on Jerry Douglas' Bulletin Board.
1936 - Bobby Darin is born Walden Robert Cassotto in New York, NY
1962 - C.C. (Cecil Cornelius) DeVille (lead guitarist for Poison) is born Bruce Anthony Johannesson in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1951 - The Broadway musical "Flahooley" opens at the Broadhurst Theater in New York City, New York. Although the show would only run 33 days until June 16, 1951, with only 40 performances, Capitol Records released the original Broadway cast album which features future Capitol Records artist Yma Sumac and is also Barbara Cook's debut recording.
1966 - Capitol Records artist Mrs. Miller appears on "The Ed Sullivan Show"
1968 - John Lennon and Paul McCartney appear on "The Tonight Show", with guest host Joe Garagiola, to announce that their new company, Apple, wants to help young artists
1971 - Pink Floyd's album "Relics" is released in the U.K and will be released in the U.S. on July 15, 1971
1979 - The Motels begin recording sessions for their debut Capitol album with a cover of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" which didn't make it onto the album
1998 - Frank Sinatra dies of a heart attack at age 82 in Los Angeles, California

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1944 - Screen writer, director and producer George Lucas is born George Walton Lucas, Jr. in Modesto California
1966 - Bob Dylan and The Band record "Tell Me Momma" and "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" in Liverpool, England

Saturday, May 13, 2006

MAY 13

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1953 - Tom Cochrane, lead singer of the Canadian band Red Rider and solo artist on Capitol Records and EMI Records, is born in Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Canada

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1907 - Madame (later Dame) Nellie Melba lays the foundation stone for the Power House at the Hayes factory site of The Gramaphone and Typewriter Ltd., a company that would later become EMI.
1954 - Frank Sinatra records the tracks "Half As Lovely (Twice As Nice)" "It Worries Me", and "The Gal That Got Away" with Nelson Riddle providing the arrangements
1966 - Time Magazine runs an article about Capitol Records artist Mrs. Elva Miller and her upcoming appearance on the Ed Sullivan show (May 14, 1966)
1970 - The Beatles' film "Let It Be" is released
1988 - Chet Baker, trumpetist and whose face is part of the mural on the side of The Capitol Tower, dies in Amsterdam, Holland
1988 - Backstage at Pink Floyd's concert in Werchter was a life size bulb 'man' standing between two white pillars (a plastic fern plant on each). There were electric cables running up one leg, which was used only to brighten up the dressing-room areas.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1913 - Pianist, arranger and composer Gil Evans, is born Ian Ernest Gilmore Green (or Gilmore Ian Rodrigo Green) in Toronto, Canada. He would later take his stepfather's last name. Along with his own recordings and arranging for other bands, Evans would provide the arrangements for the Miles Davis Nonet for the tracks "Moondreams" and "Boplicity" used in the "Birth Of The Cool" sessions.
1943 - Motown singer Mary Wells is born Mary Esther Wells in Detroit, Michigan
1975 - Country swing legend Bob Willis dies of pneumonia in his Fort Worth, Texas home

Friday, May 12, 2006

MAY 12

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1950 - Capitol Records artist (1980 -1993) and guitarist Billy Squier is born in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, and recently was touring as part of Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1949 - On NBC's radio show, The Martin and Lewis Show, Dean and Jerry are at Capitol Records to record a new tune and get tips on how to sing folk songs from guest Burl Ives
1954 - 20th Century Fox releases the movie "Three Coins In A Fountain" with Frank Sinatra singing the title song over the opening credits
1960 – Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley sing each other's hits on Sinatra's "Timex Spectacular" television special. Elvis sings "Witchcraft," and Frank sings "Love Me Tender."
1963 - The Beatles lip sync "From Me To You" and "I Saw Her Standing There" at a taping for TV show "Thank Your Lucky Stars." that wil air May 18
1968 - John Lennon and Paul McCartney hold the first board meeting of Apple Corps in a Chinese junk sailing around New York's Statue of Liberty.
1979 - The Motels sign with Capitol Records
1986 - Glass Tiger's single "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)" with Bryan Adams lending vocals for the duet, with "Ancient Evenings" and "Large Hole" on the flip side, hits #1 on the Candian charts. The single was released on Capitol in Canada and Manhattan Records in the U.S where it would peak at #2 on the U.S. Billboard chart and go on to win the 1986 Juno Award in Canada for "Single Of The Year".
1997 - Paul McCartney's album "Flaming Pie" is released in the U.K. and will be released May 27 in the U.S.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1928 - Songwriter Burt Bacharach is born Burt Freeman Bacharach Kansas City, Missouri
1942 - Singer and leader of Kilburn and the High Roads and The Blockheads, Ian Dury, is born in Upminster Essex, England
1942 - Singer and musician Billy Swan is born in Cape Giradeau, Missouri and currently resides in Sherman Oaks, CA,
1948 - Singer, songwriter, musician and Virgin Records artist Steve Winwood, also a member of the bands Spenser Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith and Ginger Bakers' Army, is born Stephen Lawrence Winwood in Great Barr, Birmingham, England
1965 – The Rolling Stones begin the initial recordings of "Satisfaction" at Chess Studios in Chicago.
1971 - Tor Johnson, professional wrestler as well as an actor in many of Ed Wood's films dies at age 67 in San Fernando California of a heart attach and is buried in Eternal Valley Memorial Park, Newhall, California, USA, in the Whispering Pines section, #177 E.
1971 – Mick Jagger marries Bianca Perez Morena de Macias in St. Tropez, France with the rest of the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and others as guests.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

MAY 11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1904 - Surrealist artist Salvador Dali is born Salvador Felip Jacint Dalí Domènech in the town of Figueres, in Catalonia, Spain. Dali will paint the cover art for Jackie Gleason's Capitol album "Jackie Gleason Presents Lonesome Echo" and a photo of him shaking hands with Gleason is on the back cover.
1911 - Phil Silvers, actor, comedian and guest vocalist on Johnny Mercer's first big hit on Capitol Records "Strip Polka", is born Philip Silversmith in Brooklyn, New York. Mercer would later write the Broadway musical "Top Banana" for Silvers and Capitol would release it's soundtrack.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1950 - Mel Blanc records the tracks "I'm Glad That I'm Bugs Bunny" and "Daffy Duck's Rhapsody" for the Capitol Records children's EP "Bugs Bunny Sings". The sessions were produced by Alan Livingston who also wrote the songs with Warren Foster, Mike Maltese, and Billy May. May also arranged and conducted the session with additional uncredited vocals provided by June Foray and Tom Reddy
1953 - Bobby Hackett on coronet, during two session held on the same day in New York City, recorded tracks that would appear on his album "SOFT LIGHTS AND BOBBY HACKETT". With Lou Stein (piano), Billy Bauer (guitar), Arnold Fishkind (bass), Denzil Best (drums), and a string quintet (four violas and one cello) recorded "That Old Black Magic", "The Song Is You", "You Turned The Tables On Me" and "Someday You'll Be Sorry" during the first session and "Easy To Love", Soft Lights And Sweet Music", "I Cried For You (Now It's Your Turn To Cry Over Me)" and "Bobby's Blues" during the second session.
1959 - Judy Garland opened on Broadway at the Metropolitan Opera House for a series of 7 concerts, ending May 17, 1959.
1960 - Gene Vincent, at EMI's Abbey Road Studios, records "Pistol Packin' Mama" using an arrangement that he had worked on with Eddie Cochran, with whom he had planned to record the song before Cochran's death in a car crash in England. Backing was provided by The Beat Boys featuring Georgie Fame, who was also touring with Gene, on piano. "Pistol Packin' Mama" would be Vincent's biggest UK hit, peaking at No. 15. At the same session Gene also recorded the ballad, "Weeping Willow" with the Norrie Paramor Orchestra.
1964 - Capitol Records releases The Beach Boys' single "I Get Around", with "Don't Worry Baby" on the flip side
1964 - The Beatles mono EP "Four By The Beatles" is released in the U.S. with the tracks "Roll Over Beethoven" and "This Boy" on the A side and "All My Loving" and "Please Mr. Postman" on the B side
1965 - Masters for "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" and "Bad Boy", are sent by The Beatles, via air mail, to Capitol Records and the shooting of `Help!' resumes in Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire.
1968 - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Mal Evans, Derek Taylor and Neil Aspinal arrive in New York to promote Apple Corps.
1970 - The Beatles' single "Long And Winding Road", with "For You Blue" on the flip side, is released
1970 – The Chairmen of the Board's "Gimme Just a Little More Time" on Invictus Records, distributed by Capitol Records, is certified gold by the RIAA
1973 - Helen Reddy performs live at the Palldium, London, England from May 11-13. The performances are recorded and will be released by Capitol Records on the album "Live In London"
1979 - The Beatles' album "Hey Jude" is released in the U.K.
1988 - Capitol exec, Lynn Shults, goes to the Bluebird Cafe to hear Garth Brooks perform in front of a live audience. After the show Shultz does a handshake deal signing Brooks to Capitol Records
2001 - Paul McCartney's TV special "Wingspan" has it's world debut on ABC.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1812 - The Waltz is introduced into English ballrooms
1888 - Songwriter Irving Berlin is born in Israel Isidore Beilin somewhere in Russia/Beylorussia
1941 - Eric Burdon, lead singer of the Animals, is born Eric Victor Burdon in Walker-on-Tyne, Northumberland, England
1943 - Les Chadwick, bassist for the group Gerry and the Pacemakers, is born John Leslie Chadwick in Liverpool, England
1957 - The Everly Brothers, Phil and Don, make their first TV appearance when they perform on the world-famous "Grand Ole Opry" in Nashville, Tennessee. Phil would release solo recordings in 1982 and 1983 on Capitol Records in Europe.
1965 - The musical "Flora, the Red Menace", featuring a score by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb, opens on Broadway with 19 year old Lisa Minnelli in her first starring role, a role that will also make her the youngest woman ever to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical
1970 – The triple album soundtrack to "Woodstock" is released. It will be certified gold in just two weeks.
1979 - Country legend Lester Flatt, best remembered for his recordings with partner Earl Scruggs of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "The Theme To The Beverly Hillbillies", dies in Nashville, Tennessee at age 64
1981 - Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley dies at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida of cancer at age36
1981 - "All Those Years Ago", George Harrison's tribute single to John Lennon with help from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, is released in the U.S. with "Writings On The Wall" on the flip side

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

MAY 10

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1899 - EMI recording artist, movie and broadway dance legend Fred Astaire is born Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, Nebraska
1947 - Capitol solo artist (albums "Terms and Conditions" and "White Noise"), and former lead vocalist of the bands Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne, Jay Ferguson, is born in the San Fernando Valley in southern California
1967 - Capitol solo artist (albums "Brainstorm" and "What's The Flavor") Young MC, formerly with the Delicious Vinyl label, is born Marvin Young in London, England

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1960 - The Beatles get their first manager, Allan Williams, owner of the Jacaranda Club
1964 - The Beatles hold their first concert to raise money for the building of the Pilgrim Theatre, at the New Theatre, Bromley.
1964 - The Beatles performance at the New Musical Express 1963-64 Annual Poll Winner's Concert at Empire Pool, Wembley, England was aired in the UK on May 10 by ABC-TV on the special "Big Beat '64". They sang "She Loves You," "You Can't Do That," "Twist and Shout," "Long Tall Sally," and "Can't Buy Me Love." at a taping held on April 26, 1964
1965 - After spending the day shooting the Buckingham Palace scenes indoors at Cliveden House in Berkshire and in Bluebell Wood at Cliveden for the movie "Help", The Beatles return to Abbey Road Studios to record the tracks "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" and "Bad Boy" in sessions that go late into the night
1982 - Duran Duran's debut album "Rio" is released worldwide. In the U.S., the album is released on Harvest Records, a subsidiary of Capitol Records.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1909 - Maybelle Carter, member of the original Carter family singing group, is born
1963 - The Rolling Stones record the tracks "Come On" and "I Want To Be Loved" in Olympic Studios at their first recording session
1964 - Carol Haney, dancer and choreographer best remembered for her onscreen appearances in "Kiss Me Kate" and "The Pajama Game" dies
1974 - Led Zepplin's Swan Song Records is formed and is distributed by Atlantic Records (now part of the Warner Music Group)

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

MAY 9

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1961 - Jean Shepard records the tracks "How Long Does It Hurt (When A Heart Breaks)" and "I've Got To Talk To Mary" at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee
1962 - The Beatles sign a contract with Parlophone Records, a subsidiary of EMI Records, Ltd.
1966 - Paul McCartney records vocal, piano and bass guitar tracks for the ballad "For No One" for The Beatles' "Revolver" album with Ringo Starr on drums. Vocals will be overdubbed on May 16 and the French horn solo by Alan Civil of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be overdubbed on May 19. John and George did not participate.
1969 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Unfinished Music No. 2 - Life With The Lions" is released in the U.K. and will be released in the U.S. on May 26
1964 - Louis Armstrong's single "Hello Dolly" becomes #1 on Billboard's chart, knocking The Beatles out of the #1 spot for the first time in 14 weeks. Starting February 1, their singles "I Want To Hold Your Hand" held top for 7 weeks, "She Loves You" for 2 weeks and "I Want To Hold Your Hand" had held the top spot for 5 weeks.
1986 - The Smithereens sign with Capitol

THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1949 - Billy Joel is born William Martin Joel in Levitown (near Hicksville), Long Island, New York
1949 - Columbia Records releases the Original Broadway Cast album of "South Pacific" featuring Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza
1957 - Eight years later to the day Ezio Pinza, who had an earlier career as a reknowned bass opera singer, dies in Stamford, Connecticut nine days before his sixty-fifth birthday

Monday, May 08, 2006

MAY 8

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1905 - "Red" Nichols, Cornetist, and Capitol Records recording artist in the '50s and '60s, is born Ernest Loring Nichols in Ogden, Utah
1940 - Rick Nelson is born Eric Hilliard Nelson in Teaneck, New Jersey

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1947 - Jean Stewart signs with Capitol Records
1947 - Wingy Malone and His Orchestra record an early version of the track "Box Car Blues" in Los Angeles. Wingy plays trumpet and shares vocals with Capitol Records co-founder Johnny Mercer. Also in on the session Charlie Griffard, Zeke Zarchy, Ray Linn (trumpets), Bill Schaefer, Allan Thompson, Carl Loeffler (trombones), Heinie Beau (clarinet), Fred Stulce, Leonard Hartman (alto saxophone), Herbie Haymer, Ted Nash (tenor saxophone), Moe Weschsler (piano), George Van Eps (guitar), Jack Ryan (bass), and Nick Fatool (drums). Another version will be recorded on May 23, 1947 with the same lineup and that version will be the one released (Capitol 442).
1947 - At the same session with Wingy, Johnny Mercer, The Pied Pipers and the Paul Weston Orchestra wil record the tracks "Tallahassee" and "Cecilia".
1948 - Nat "King" Cole's single "Nature Boy" hits #1 on Billboard's chart for the first of an 8 week stay
1959 - Frank Sinatra records the tracks "High Hopes" and "Love Looks So Well On You". Both tracks were arranged by Nelson Riddle. "High Hopes" would later be adapted to become John F. Kennedy's campaign song with Sinatra supplying the vocals to new lyrics.
1961 - Jean Shepard records the track "Two Voices Two Shadows Two Faces" at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee
1967 - LaVern Andrews of The Andrews Sisters, Capitol artists from 1956 to 1959, dies at age 55 of cancer in Brentwood, California and is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California
1970 - The Beates' "Let It Be" soundtrack album is released
2001 - Paul McCartney's "Wingspan" album is released

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1943 - Toni Tennille, singer and wife of former keyboardist for The Beach Boys "Captain" Daryl Dragon who also was a Capitol artist with his band The Dragons, was born Cathryn Antoinette Tennille in Montgomery, Alabama
1963 - "Dr. No", the first James Bond film is released

Sunday, May 07, 2006

MAY 7

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1950 - Prarie Prince, former drummer for Capitol Records' artists The Tubes and now with The New Cars, is born in Charlotte, North Carolina

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1946 - Peggy Lee records a transcription disc at Radio Recorders, 7000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, California in a session with arrangement by Heinrich "Heine" Beau that included The Four Of A Kind - Dave Barbour (guitar), Philip Stephens (bass), Buddy Cole (piano, celeste, organ), and Tom Romersa (drums). Tracks included "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me", "I've Had My Moments", "Them There Eyes", "Lonesome Road", "I've Had My Moments", "Them There Eyes", "You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me"
1958 - Bobby Hackett continues sessions for his album "At The Embers" by recording the tracks "Cheek To Cheek", "It's Been Su Long", "If I Had My Way", and "That Naughty Waltz"
1966 - The Beach Boys' single "Sloop John B." peaks at #3 on Billboard's single charts
1967 - Judy Garland's appearance on Jack Paar's NBC special, "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to Hollywood", is the last time she's on a primetime network television show
1998 - Eddie Rabbitt, Capitol artist from 1990 to 1992 during which time he recorded recorded the top 10 hit "Runnin' With The Wind", dies of lung cancer in Nashville, Tennessee.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1945 - V.E. Day is announced and there is a massive celebration in Times Square
1946 - Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering (later renamed Sony) is founded
1949 - "A - You're Adorable" by Perry Como becomes the first song available on RCA'S new 45rpm format to hit #1 on the Billboard charts
1953 - Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Carson Smith and Larry Bunker record "Love Me or Leave Me" and "Varsity Drag" for Gene Norman's GNP label.
1956 - The Rock 'n' Roll Trio, consisting of Johnny Burnette, Dorsey Burnette, and Paul Burlison, has its first recording session for Coral Records in New York City, producing the single "Tear It Up", that was later covered by John Lennon on his "Rock 'n' Roll" solo album. Capitol wanted to sign the trio but after the Burnettes and their manager, bandleader Henry Jerome, heard that Capitol might be also signing Gene Vincent, they decided to go with Coral. Capitol then signed Vincent who recorded "Be-Bop-A-Lula" three days before the Trio's session.
1962 - The Isley Brothers' single "Twist And Shout" is released. The track would later be covered by "The Beatles" with John Lennon doing lead vocals. The track was recorded at the end of a 11 hour recordng session of material for their first album "Please, Please Me" in Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios, with producer George Martin, on February 11, 1963. Though 2 takes were attempted, John's voice wasn't as strong on the second. He had been fighting a cold and sore throat all day and the first take left him hoarse and his throat painful for a while.
1966 - Rolling Stones' single "Paint It Black", with "Stupid Girl" on the flip side, is released on London Records

Saturday, May 06, 2006

MAY 6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1945 - Grammy award winning, and multi-platinum selling, Capitol artist Bob Seger is born Robert Clark Seger in Ann Arbor, Michigan

ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1919 - L. Frank Baum, writer of "The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz" and a series of sequel books, dies at age 63. He is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California. Capitol Records would record a 3 disc album at 78 rpm of "Dorothy And The Wizard Of Oz", featuring Rosemary Rice, in 1948.
1957 - Judy Garland's "Alone" album is released on Capitol. The sessions were produced by Voyle Gilmore with arrangements by Gordon Jenkins who also conducted the orchestra and chorus.
1958 - Bobby Hackett and his coronet, start sessions for the Capitol Records album "At The Embers" in New York City. Also featured are Pepe Moreale (piano), John Giuffrida (as John Giuff) (bass), Buzzy Drootin (drums). The tracks recorded were "C'est Magnifique", "Spring, Beautiful Spring", "All Of You", and "Rosalie".
1963 - The Beatle's single "From Me To You", backed with "Thank You Girl" on the flip side, was released on Vee-Jay Records
1964 - On Associated Rediffusion UK TV special "Around The Beatles", the band lip synched, in front of a live audience, to tracks pre-recorded on April 19, 1964. The performance included the tracks "Can't Buy Me Love"; "I Wanna Be Your Man"; "Long Tall Sally"; a medley that used "Love Me Do", "Please Please Me", "From Me To You", "She Loves You", and "I Want to Hold Your Hand"; "Roll Over Beethoven"; "Shout"; and "Twist and Shout". They also performed a comedy sketch based on "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
1988 - Pink Floyd's fans rip apart one of the band's flying pigs that descended on them at the first of two concerts at Sullivan Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts
1992 - Capitol artist and film legend Marlene Dietrich dies in Paris, France
1994 - Lisa Marie Presley divorces her first husband, Danny Keough

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1930 - The first "Looney Tunes" cartoon short "Sinkin' In The Bathtub", starring Bosko and his girlfriend Honey, is shown at The Warner Theatre in New York City
1937 - The Hindenburg explodes over Lakeland Naval Air Station in New Jersey and is captured on film by amateur George Willens, a Detroit printing company owner
1965 - Keith Richards, along with Mick Jagger, begin work on the track "Satisfaction" in their Clearwater, Florida hotel room after Richards, who had gotten a new Gibson fuzzbox, dreams the opening riff

Friday, May 05, 2006

MAY 5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1933 - Bobby Austin, Capitol solo artist, songwriter and bassist for Wynn Stewart, Buck Owens and Tommy Collins, is born in Wenatchee, Washington. The first song that Austin wrote, co-written with with Johnny Paycheck, was Tammy Wynette's first recording, "Apartment #9". The track would be named Song Of The Year by the Academy of Country Music. Jason Odd wrote a great biographical article for the Traditional Country Hall of Fame website.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1958 - The Kingston Trio's single "Scarlet Ribbons", with "Three Jolly Coachmen" on the flip side, is released on Capitol Records
1965 - Buck Owens & His Buckaroos finish recording sessions at The Capitol Towers Studios for their album "Instrumental Hits". The sessions were produced by Ken Nelson. Besides Owens on guitar and electric guitar, the sessions featured Don Rich (acoustic & electric guitars, fiddle), Tom Brumley (steel guitar), Doyle Holly (bass), Willie Cantu (drums), along with Jelly Sanders (guitar, fiddle), Ralph Mooney, Jimmy Seals, Red Simpson (guitar), Jay McDonald (pedal steel guitar), George French, Jr. (piano), Bobby Austin, Kenny Pierce, Bob Morris (electric bass), Wayne "Moose" Stone, Mel King, Ken Presley (drums).
1969 - The Beatles' single "Get Back", with "Don't Let Me Down" on the flip side, is released
1973 - Pink Floyd's single "Money", with "Any Colour You Like" on the flip side, is released on the Harvest Records label
1992 - Radiohead's first commercial EP, "Drill", is released and contains the tracks "Prove Yourself", "Stupid Car", "You", and "Thinking About You"
1998 - Capitol releases Garth Brooks first boxed set "Limited Series" (only 2 million sets released worldwide). The collection will include Brooks' first six multi-platinum studio releases as well as a new bonus track on each CD, for a total of 66 cuts and over three hours of music. The package also includes a new photo booklet commemorating Brooks' career to date. Also released is Brooks’ single "To Make You Feel My Love" featured on the soundtrack for the feature film "Hope Floats"
1998 - The Jesus Lizard's Capitol album "Blue" is released
1999 - Radiohead's "Meeting People Is Easy" is Capitol's first simultaneous DVD and Home Video release

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1891 - Carnegie Hall offically opens with a concert conducted by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
1942 - Country singing legend Tammy Wynette is born Virginia Wynette Pugh on her grandfather's farm in Itawamba county, near Tremont, Mississippi
1961 - Alan Shepard becomes the first American to go into space
1968 - Ed Sullivan presents a tribute on CBS-TV to Irving Berlin on his 80th birthday

Thursday, May 04, 2006

MAY 4

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL AT CAPITOL RECORDS IS 50 YEARS OLD TODAY!
1956 - Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps record the single "Be-Bop-A-Lula" at Owen Bradley's Studio in Nashville, Tennessee for Capitol Records. The session was produced by Ken Nelson and take #12 was used for the single. "Be Bop A Lula" was the second tune recorded that day, "Race with the Devil," was recorded first, and it later became Gene's second single. Capitol’s first rock ‘n’ roll record was rush-released and would be in stores within 2 weeks. “Be-Bop-A-Lula” would influence a generation of rockers around the world including John Lennon’s first band The Quarrymen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1928 - Musician (trumpet, trombone, other horns) and bandleader Maynard Ferguson is born in Montreal, Canada. He would go on to play in Stan Kenton’s band, win Down Beat magazine reader's poll for trumpet in 1950, '51 and '52, and later form his own big band, which in the 1970's turned in a jazz-rock direction.
1937 - Dick Dale (born Richard Monsour), “King of the Surf Guitar”, is born in Boston, Massachusetts. His first full-length album, “Surfer’s Choice”, was picked up by Capitol Records in 1962 and distributed nationally.
1942 - Nickolas Ashford, producer, songwriter, and singer in the Capitol Records duo Ashford & Simpson, is born in Fairfield, South Carolina
1952 - Jacob Miller of the Capitol recording group Inner Circle is born in Madeville, Jamaica

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1945 - Stan Kenton's recording of "Tampico", with June Christy on vocals, becomes his first million selling record.
1947 –Johnny Mercer sings, "Huggin' and Chalkin'" on the Armed Forces radio show “Command Performance”
1959 - Judy Garland's album "The Letter" is released
1959 - The first Grammy Awards were presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Capitol artists Louis Prima and Keely Smith win Best Group or Chorus Vocal Performance with the single "That Old Black Magic", The Kingston Trio win Best Country and Western Performace with the single "Tom Dooley", Billy May wins Best Orchestra Performance with the album "Billy May's Big Fat Brass", Mereith Wilson wins Best Original Cast Album - Broadway or Television with "The Music Man", Felix Slatkin conducting The Hollywood Bowl Symphony wins Best Classical Performance - Orchestra with "Gaite Parisienne", The Hollywood String Quartet wins Best Classical Performance - Chamber Music with "Beethoven: Quartet No. 13", Roger Wagner Chorale win Best Classical Performance - Operatic or Choral with "Virtuoso", Stan Freberg wins" Best Documentary or Spoken Word Recording with "The Best Of The Stan Freberg Show", David Seville wins Best Comedy Recording and Best Recording for Childern with "The Chipmunk Song" and Ted Keep wins Best Engineered Recording- Novelty with "The Chipmunk Song" and Frank Sinatra wins "Best Album Cover" with his art direction of his album "Only The Lonely"
1963 - The Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" debuts on the US album charts.
1964 – The Beatles single “Can’t Buy Me Love” is released
1964 - The Kingston Trio's last album for Capitol Records, "Back In Town", recorded during a stint at hungry i in San Francisco that started on March 23 1964, is released
1974 - Grand Funk Railroad's cover single of "Loco-motion" is #1 on the charts for the first of a two week stay
1977 - "The Beatles At The Hollywood Bowl" album is released
1979 – A congratulatory ad for “Phantasm” star Angus Scrim (The Tall Man) appears in the Hollywood Reporter. Angus Scrim is the screen name for Rory Guy, Grammy winning writer of liner notes for Angel and Capitol Records, whose office was on the 5th floor of The Capitol Tower. Ron Waite has a great article online about a visit to Rory/Angus in the Tower with a young fan of the movie.
1982 - Duran Duran's first single "Hungry Like A Wolf" is released in the U.K.
1982 – Duran Duran's second album, “Rio”, produced by Colin Thurston, was released worldwide
1992 - Dudu Zulu, a principal member of Johnny Clegg & Savuka, was shot and killed on May 4, 1992 in his native Zululand as he was en route to his home.
1998 - Robbie Williams first U.S. album "The Ego Has Landed", culled from his first 2 UK albums, is released.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1886 - Chichester Bell and Charles S. Tainter are granted a patent on the gramophone
1929 - Audrey Hepburn, Academy Award-winning actress, who introduced the Johnny Mercer/Henry Mancini song “Moon River” in the film “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”, is born Edda Kathleen van Heemstra in Brussells, Belgium
1945 - Miles Davis records for the first time in a session with a band led by Herbie Fields
1958 - Keith Haring, artist, is born in Reading, Pennsylvania
1970 – Students Allison Krause, Sandra Lee Scheuer, Jeffrey Glenn Miller and William K. Schroeder were shot down by National Guard members during an anti-Vietnam War demonstration on the Kent State University Campus in Ohio
2006 - I saw Kent McCord working on his website on a 12" iBook outside a coffee shop next to the Virgin MegaStore on Sunset and Crescent Heights.