JANUARY 5, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1966- Kate Schellenbach, drummer with the Capitol Records group Luscious Jackson, is born in New York City, New York

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1935 - Erna Sack (on vocals), with The Chorus and Orchestra Of The German Opera House Of Berlin (lineups unlisted) conducted by Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt, records "Parla-Waltz" in Berlin, Germany. Capitol Records will purchase the master and issue the track on Sack's album "The European Nightingale" (ECL-2500).
1944 - Billy Butterfield (on trumpet and His Orchestra (Chris Griffin and Andy Ferretti also on trumpet; Will Bradley and Ward Silloway on trombone; Matty Matlock on clarinet and alto saxophone; Bill Stegmeyer on alto saxophone; Eddie Miller and Arthur Rollini on tenor saxophone; Ernie Caceres on baritone saxophone; Johnny Guarnieri on piano; Carl Kress on guitar; Bob Haggart on bass; and Nick Fatool on drums) record the (as of 2005) unissued tracks "If I Could Be With You" (vocals by Liza Morrow) and "Bidin' My Time" (vocals by Liza Morrow) and the tracks "Somebody Loves Me" (vocals by Tommy Talyor) and "Maybe" (vocals by Tommy Taylor) in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue the last two tracks on Buttefield's album "Gershwin Presented By Billy Butterfield, His Trumpet And His Orchestra" (BD-10).
1949 - Jo Stafford and Gordon MacRae's Capitol Records single "My Darling, My Darling" is #2 on the U.S. Pop Singles chart.
1949 - During a split session held this day in Los Angeles, California Clark Dennis (on vocals), with Paul Weston and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) records the tracks "Molly O'Reilly" and "The Rose Of Tralee" and then Jo Stafford, with Paul Weston and His Orchestra (lineup still unlisted) records the track "I Wonder As I Wander". Capitol Records will issue both of Dennis' tracks together as a single (Capitol 15374) and Stafford's track as a single (Capitol 57-90037 as part of the labels Holiday Series) with "Gesu Bambino" on the flip side.
1950 - Nat "King" Cole (on vocals and piano) and Nellie Lutcher (on vocals), with Ernie Royal on trumpet, Charlie Barnet on alto saxophone, Irving Ashby on guitar, Joe Comfort on bass, and Earl Hyde (aka Lee Young) on drums, record the tracks "For You My Love" and "Can I Come In For A Second" at Capitol Records' Melrose Avenue studios in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 847).
1950 - Buddy Cole records five unlisted tracks for The Capitol Records Transcription Service in Los Angeles, California. If anyone knows what was recorded, please leave a comment.
1951 - Mel Tormé (on vocals), with Pete Rugolo and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted), records the tracks "Around the World", "The Side Walk Shufflers", "A Lonesome Cup Of Coffee" and "Sailin' Away On The Henry Clay" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks together as a single (Capitol 1383), the second track on the CD "Mel Torme - Biography/A Musical Anthology" (4-94749-2), and the last track as a single (Capitol 1402) with "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me" on the flip side.
1953 - During a split session held at Capitol Records' Melrose Avenue studios in Hollywood, California first Van Alexander conducts the orchestra (lineup unlisted) as they record instrumental tracks for "Never Smile At A Crocodile" and "Following The Leader" and then Stan Freberg (on vocals), with Van Alexander conducting the orchestra (lineup still unlisted) using music by Dave Cavanaugh, records the tracks "Dinky Pinky, Part 1" and "Dinky Pinky, Part 2". After Jerry Lewis records vocal overdubs on January 28, 1953 Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks together on Lewis' eponymous children's album "Jerry Lewis" (CASF-3163) and the last two tracks on Freberg's children's album "Dinky Pinky" (CASF-3162).
1953 - Gordon MacRae (on vocals), with Frank DeVol and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted but including brass, reeds, piano, guitar, bass, drums and strings players), records the tracks "Congratulations To Someone", "How Do You Speak To An Angel", "High On A Windy Hill", and "I Don't Want To Walk Without You" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks together as a single (Capitol 2352), the third track as a single (Capitol 2672) with "Soothe My Lonely Heart" on the flip side, and the last track as a single (Capitol 2603) with "I Still Dream Of You" on the flip side.
1953 - A rehearsal by The Roger Wagner Chorale, with The Concert Arts Players (with Wagner conducting both unlisted lineups of musicians) of Villa-Lobos' "Nonetto For Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassooon, Harp, Celesta, Percussion, And Mixed Chorus" is recorded (but as of 2005 unissued) in Los Angeles, California. The group will start recording the piece in earnest on January 6, 1953.
1954 - During a split session held this day in Los Angeles, California first Margaret Whiting (on vocals), with Nelson Riddle conducting his own arrangements to the orchestra (lineup unlisted), records the tracks "It's Nice To Have You Home" and "I Speak To The Stars" and then Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra (lineup still unlisted) records an (as of 2005) unissued take of the track "The Argentine Fire Brigade". Capitol Records will issue both of Whiting's tracks together as a single (Capitol 2717).
1954 - Billy Strange (on vocals, with unlisted musicians) records the track "Am I Seeing Things", the (as of 2005) unissued track "If That's The Fashion", the tracks "The Devil In Me" and "I'll Never Change My Mind About You", and the (as of 2005) unissued track "Just To Have A Good Time" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first and third tracks together as a single (Capitol 2797) and the fourth track as a single (Capitol 3021) with "Let Me In There, Baby" on the flip side.
1956 - Tennessee Ernie Ford (on vocals, with Charlie Parlato on trumpet; Red Mandel on piccolo and clarinet; Darol Rice on bass clarinet; Jack Fascinato on piano; Bobby Gibbons on guitar; Rolly Bundock on bass; and Roy Harte on drums), using arrangements by Jack Fascinato, records the tracks "Rovin' Gambler", "The Last Letter", and "Who Will Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot?" at Capitol Records' Melrose Avenue studio in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Ford's album "This Lusty Land" (T 700).
55 Years Ago Today In 1957 - Sonny James' Capitol Records single "Young Love" debuts on Billboard's Pop Singles chart.
1958 - Nathan Milstein (on violin, with Arthur Balsam on piano) records portions of Beethoven's "Sonata N° 9 In A Major, Opus 47 For Violin And Piano ('Kreutzer')" at Capitol Records' Studio A in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue the complete piece on Milstein's album "BEETHOVEN - Kreutzer Sonata/Sonata In G Major" (PAO-8430).
1959 - Tommy Sands (on vocals), with The Sharks (Scotty Turner on lead guitar; Eddie Edwards on rhythm guitar; Leon Bagwell on bass; and Hal Blaine on drums), records the tracks "Is It Ever Gonna Happen", "I Ain't Gettin' Rid Of You", and the (as of 2005) unissued track "Lost Island" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks together as a single (Capitol F4160).
1959 - Gordon MacRae (on vocals), with Van Alexander and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted), records the tracks "It Might As Well Be Spring", "Summer In Your Eyes", "When It's Springtime In The Rockies", and "June In January" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on MacRae's album "The Seasons of Love" (T 1146).
1959 - Capitol Records releases The Kingston Trio's second album "The Kingston Trio From The Hungry i"
1959 - Ella Fitzgerald begins to records tracks for her Verve album "The Gerswhin Songbook" at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California.
1960 - Dinah Shore (on vocals), with The Red Norvo Quintet (Dick Cathcart on trumpet; Jerry Dodgion on flute and alto saxophone; Red Norvo on vibraphone; Bill Miller on piano and celeste; Jimmy Wyble on guitar; John Mosher on bass; and John Markham on drums), records the track "It's Funny To Everyone But Me", a new (but as of 2005 unissued) take of the track "Prelude To A Kiss", and the track "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first and last track on Shore and Norvo's album "Dinah Sings The Blues With Red" (T 1354).
1961 - Clu Gulagher records the tracks "Billy's Love Song" and "Chiquita Mia" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 4524).
1961 - Stan Freberg (on vocals), with Billy May conducting his own arrangement to the orchestra (lineup unlisted) and The Jud Conlon Singers (lineup also unlisted), records the track "The Battle Of Yorktown/Finale" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the track on Freberg's album "Stan Freberg Presents The United States Of America" (W 1573).
1961 - The Goodtime Washboard Three (Peter Arnott, John Bratton, Wayne Pope on vocals, bass vocals, washboard and vocals, and banjo - but who performed on what instrument or did vocals is not listed) record the (as of 2005) unissued tracks "Magnolia", "Rufus,Rastus Johnson Brown", "O By Jingo", "Coney Island", "Peoria", "Red Riding Hood", "Fox", "Robinson Crusoe", "John B. Sails", "Hello My Baby And Goodbye My Coney Island", "Alabamy Bound", "Lindberg", and "Red Riding Hood" for Capitol Records.
1961 - Guy Lombardo (conducting his own arrangements) and His Royal Canadians (lineup unlisted) record the tracks "I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate", "Wang Wang Blues", "Wabash Blues", That's A Plenty", and "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Lombardo's album "Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians Go Dixie" (T 1648).
1961 - The Jonah Jones Quartet (Jonah Jones on trumpet, Teddy Brannon on piano, John Brown on bass, and George Foster on drums) record the tracks "Tall Hope", "'Til Tomorrow" and the (as of 2005) unissued track "They're Gonna Talk" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks on Jones' album "Broadway Swings Again" (T 1641).
50 Years Ago Today In 1962 - Jo Stafford and Gordon MacRae (on vocals), with Paul Weston conducting the orchestra (lineup unlisted), record the tracks "A Perfect Day", "The Old Rugged Cross", "Rock Of Ages", and "In The Garden" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on the duo's album "Whispering Hope" (T 1696).
1963 - Peggy Lee (on vocals), with Dick Hazard conducting his own arrangements to the Orchestra (Mannie Klein on trumpet; Dave Wells on trombone; Paul Horn on reeds; Mike Melvoin on piano; John Pisano and Al Hendrickson on guitar; Max Bennett on bass; Stan Levey on drums and Francisco Aguabella on percussion), records the tracks "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and "Mack The Knife" in Los Angeles, California between 3:30pm and 6:30pm. Capitol Records will issue both tracks on Lee's album "I'm A Woman" (T 1857).
1963 - The Lettermen (vocalists Jim Pike, Tony Butala, and Bob Engemann, with unlisted musicians) record the tracks "No Other Love" and "Heartache, Oh Heartache" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 4914).
1963 - The Beach Boys (Mike Love on saxophone and lead vocals; Brian Wilson on piano and vocals; Carl Wilson on lead guitar and vocals; David Marks on guitar and vocals; and Dennis Wilson on drums and vocals) record the tracks "Shut Down" and "Surfin' U.S.A." in Los Angeles, California. After Capitol Records purchases the masters on January 31, 1963 it will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol F4932).
1965 - The Beatles' Capitol Records single "I Feel Fine", with "She's A Woman" on the flip side, hold down the #1 and #2 spots on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart
1965 - Daws Butler (on vocals) and Dave Barry (on narration vocals) record the tracks "A Dog's Best Friend" and "H-H-Him" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 5361).
1966 - The Lettermen (vocalists Jim Pike, Tony Butala, and Bob Engemann, with unlisted musicians) record the tracks "You'll Be Needing Me", "Run To My Lovin' Arms" and "Since I'm Alone" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks together as a single (Capitol 5583) and the first and last track on the group's album "A New Song For Young Love" (T 2496).
45 Years Ago Today In 1967 - The Beach Boys (lineup unlisted) record an (as of 2005) unissued take of the track "Heroes And Villans" in Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records.
45 Years Ago Today In 1967 - Buck Owens (on vocals) and His Buckaroos (lineup unlisted), with Don Rich on fiddle and vocals and Wayne Wilson (on vocals), record the tracks "The Neosho Waltz" and "Steel Guitar Polka" and then, with Owens on vocals, Don Rich on guitar, and Tom Brumley on steel guitar, the tracks "A Happy Son Of A Gun", "Seven Come Eleven" and "Out Of My Mind" (with Don Rich on vocals) at Buck Owens Studio in Bakersfield, California. Capitol Records will purchase the masters and issue all the tracks on the album "America's Most Wanted Band" (T 2722).
45 Years Ago Today In 1967 - Buddy Alan records the tracks "Sam's Place", a (as of 2005) unissued take of "When I Turn 21" and the track "Falling For You" in Bakersfield, California. Capitol Records will purchase the masters but there is no issuing information for the other two tracks. If anyone knows if the tracks have ever been issued, please leave a comment.
1968 - Wynn Stewart (on vocals and guitar, with Robert Jim Pierce on piano; Tommy Collins and Clarence White on guitar; Ralph Eugene Mooney on steel guitar; Bobby Austin on bass; and Helen "Peaches" Price-Johnson on drums) records the tracks "Your Stepping Stone, "Man, Man, Mr. Sandman", "An Arm's Length From You", and "Why Didn't I Write That Song" at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California. After Stewart records vocal and guitar overdubs on February 7 and 10, 1968 in Nashville, Tennessee Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Stewart's album "Something Pretty" (ST 2921).
1968 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California The Stone Poneys (Kenny Edwards and Bob Kimmel on guitar and Linda Ronstadt on vocals) record fragments for the track "Golden Song Trilogy" (aka "Golden Song", "Merry-Go-Round" and "Love Is A Child") at the first session and the (as of 2005) unissued track "Tell Me" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue the final version of "Golden Song Trilogy" on the Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Poney's album "Linda Ronstadt, Stone Poneys & Friends, Volume III" (ST 2863).
1968 - According to producer Ken Nelson's files The Buckaroos (lineup unlisted), with Doyle Holly (on vocals), record the tracks "Down On The Bayou" (with Don Rich on fiddle), "Pretty Girl (Pretty Girl Hoedown)" (with Don Rich on fiddle), "Sad Is The Lonely" (with Don Rich on electric guitar), and "Rattle Traps" (with unlisted drums and guitar players) in Bakersfield, California although Capitol's master file gives the date of the session as January 3, 1968). Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on the album "A Night On The Town" (ST 2902) as by Buck Owens and The Buckaroos.
1970 - Linda Ronstadt (on vocals, with [listed as probably] Elliot Mazer on keyboards and possibly synthesizer, Adam Mitchell on guitar, Norbert Putnam on bass, and Kenneth Buttrey on drums), records an (as of 2005) unissued take of the track "Are My Thoughts With You?" and the track "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" in Los Angeles, California. After overdubs are recorded on January 6, 7, and 14, 1970 Capitol Records will issue the last track as a single (Capitol 2767) "Lovesick Blues" on the flip side and on Ronstadt's album "Silk Purse" (ST-407).
1970 - Duane Dee records the track "Ramblin' Man", the (as of 2005) unissued track "Missing You", and the track "Listen, They're Playing My Song" in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue the first and last track together as a single (Capitol 2760).
1971 - During two sessions held this day in Nashville, Tennessee Billie Jo Spears (on vocals, with unlisted musicians) records the tracks "It Could'a Been Me", "Break Away", and the (as of 2005) unissued track "One More Time" at the first session and the tracks "What A Love I Have In You", "Souvenirs And California Mem'ries" and the (as of 2005) unissued track "Dallas" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks together as a single (Capitol 3055). and the fourth and fifth tracks together as a single (Capitol 3258).
40 Years Ago Today In 1972 - Quicksilver Messenger Service (lineup unlisted) record the unissued and destroyed track "Jesus On My Mind" in Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records.
1973 - Helen Reddy's Capitol Records single "Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)", with "The Old Fashioned Way" on the flip side, hits #1 on Cashbox Magazine's top singles chart.
1973 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, overdubs are recorded for Tennessee Ernie Ford's tracks "Thanks For The Mem'ries", "Farther Down The River (Where The Fishin's Good)", and "Baby" at the first session and then Tennessee Ernie Ford (on vocals), with an orchestra of unlisted musicians using arrangements by Larry Muhoberac, records the tracks "Colorodo Country Morning", "Daddy Usta Say", and "Printer's Alley Stars" at the second session. After further overdubs are recorded January 15, March 2 and 13, 1973 Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Ford's album "Country Morning" (ST-11205).
1976 - Overdubs are recorded for The Lettermen's tracks "For The Good Times", "I Can't Help It", "Today I Started Loving You Again", "Leavin' With The First Light", "Before The Next Teardrop Falls", "Storms Of Troubled Times", "The Way You Look Tonight", and the (as of 2005) unissued track "Medley: Gone For Good/Missouri Melodies" in Los Angeles, California. After additional overdubs are recorded on January 6, 8, 9, and 13, 1976 Capitol Records will issue the rest of the tracks except "The Way You Look Tonight" on the group's album "Kind Of Country" (SW-11508) and will issue "The Way You Look Tonight" as a single (Capitol 4226) with "Storms Of Troubled Times" on the flip side.
1976 - Overdubs are recorded for Glen Campbell's track "Lay Me Down (Roll Me Out To Sea)" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the final version of the track on Campbell's album "Bloodline" (SW-11516).
1976 - Natalie Cole (on vocals), with Gene Barge directing the musicians (Tennyson Stephens and Marvin Yancey on keyboards; Cash McCall on guitar; Joseph Scott on bass; Quinton Joseph on drums, and unlisted musicians on brass), records the tracks "Keep Smiling", "Touch Me", Not Like Mine", "Sophisticated Lady (She's A Different Lady)" and "Heaven Is With Me" in Chicago, Illinois. After overdubs are recorded on January 15 and 16 and in March 1976 Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Cole's album "Natalie" (ST-11517).
35 Years Ago Today In 1977 - Tavares (lineup unlisted) records the track "Fool Of The Year" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the track as a single (Capitol 4398) with "Whodunit" on the flip side and on the group's album "Love Storm" (STAO-11628).
1978 - Mink DeVille records the track "I Broke That Promise" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the track on DeVille's album "Return To Magenta" (SW-11780).
1981 - René And Angela (aka René Moore and Angela Winbush) record the tracks "Wall To Wall" and "Come My Way" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks on the duo's album "Wall To Wall" (ST-12161).
1981 - Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section (lineup unlisted) record the (as of 2005) unissued track "Instrumental #8" in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for Capitol Records.
30 Years Ago Today In 1982 - Frankie Miller records the track "Zap Zap" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the track on Miller's album "Standing On The Edge" (ST-12206).
30 Years Ago Today In 1982 - Juice Newton's Capitol Records album "Juice" is certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A.
1989 - Poison's Capitol Records single "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" is still #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart and their album "Open Up And Say...Ahh!" is certified as being Multi-Platinum x 4 by the R.I.A.A.
20 Years Ago Today In 1992 - M.C. Hammer's Capitol records single "2 Legit 2 Quit" peaks at #5 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, and his Capitol Records single "Addams Grove" peaks at #7

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1945 - The Barney Bigard Sextet record the tracks "Sweet Marijuana Brown", "Blues For Art's Sake", "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man", and "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" for Black & White Records in Los Angeles, California. Black & White's catalog is currently owned by EMI Music, Capitol Records' parent company
1950 - Chris Stein, guitarist, songwriter, and member of the Chrysalis Records group Blondie, is born in Brooklyn, New York. Chrysalis' catalog is currently owned by Capitol Records' parent company EMI Music.
1959 - KTLA premieres the show "Bozo The Clown" starring Vance Colvig, Jr. as Bozo. Vance is the son of Bozo's original voice on Capitol Records, Vance "Pinto" Colvig. Capitol sold all rights to the Bozo character, except the Record Readers, to Larry Harmon in 1956 after Bozo's creator, Alan Livingston, had briefly left the company. Harmon created cartoons using his voice for Bozo and license them to local television stations and train the actore who would be Bozo in their market.
50 Years Ago Today In 1962 - Polydor Records releases Tony Sheridan and The Beat Brothers' (aka The Beatles) single (66 833) "My Bonnie", with "The Saints" on the flip side, in the UK. Both tracks were recorded on June 22, 1961 in Germany.
45 Years Ago Today In 1967 - During a 5 hour session that also includes recording vocal overdubs for the track "Penny Lane", The Beatles record the 13 minute 48 second experimental sound effects track "Carnival Of Light" for the 'underground' theatrical production "The Million Volt Light and Sound Rave" which was heard once in 1967 at the event but, as yet, has not had any release. Here's a great site for more information about the track.
1981 - John Lennon's Geffen/Lenono Music single "(Just Like) Starting Over" is still #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart
1986 - Kenny Rogers' RCA single "Morning Desire", with "Crazy" on the flip side, is #1 on Billboard's Country Singles chart. The track would later be included on Rogers' Capitol Records compilation album "Through The Years: A Retrospective".
1989 - Tanya Tucker (on vocals, with unlisted musicians) records the track "The Thunder Rolls" in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue the track on Tucker's 4 CD set "Tanya: The Collection" (C2-28822).
1989 - Ashford and Simpson record the instrumental track "Cookies And Cake" at an unlisted studio. Capitol Records will issue the track on the duo's single (Capitol 44404) with a version of "Cookies And Cake" on the flip side.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1914 - George Reeves, motion picture ("Gone With The Wind") and television ("Superman") actor, the story of whose death was turned into the movie "Hollywoodland", is born George Keefer Brewer in Woolstock, Iowa