NOVEMBER 16, 2017

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1913 - "Smiling" Jack Smith, singer, television game show host ("You Asked For It"), and Capitol Records artist (From 1946-1949 as a solo artist and with backing from The Clark Sisters and The Crew Chiefs, also in duets with Margaret Whiting), is born Jack Ward Smith in Fort Ward, on Bainbridge Island (near Seattle), Washington. Smith also released a series of children's records on Capitol's Toyland label. Smith got the nickname "Smiling" Jack Smith while working as a solo performer on CBS-Radio's show "The Prudential Hour" when its host, Deems Taylor, called him "The Man With the Smile in His Voice." The nickname also helped Smith from being confused with another singer of the time named "Whispering" Jack Smith who, co-incidentally, was born on the same day in 1918.
1916 - "Daws" Butler, radio actor, cartoon and commercial voice actor (Beany & Cecil, various MGM, Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera shows, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Cap'n Crunch), and Capitol Records artist on various children's records and with fellow Capitol Records artist Stan Freberg (co-writing most of their material), is born Charles Dawson Butler in Toledo, Ohio

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1943 - During a split session held this day in Radio Recorders' studios at 932 North Western Avenue in Hollywood, California, first The Capitol Jazzmen (Billy May on trumpet, Jack Teagarden on trombone and vocals, Jimmie Noone on clarinet, Dave Matthews on tenor saxophone, Joe Sullivan on piano, Dave Barbour on guitar, Artie Shapiro on bass, and Zutty Singleton on drums) record two takes of the tracks "Clambake In B Flat" and "Casanova's Lament" (with vocal by Teagarden), as well as the tracks "Solitude Swaggie", "Solitude" and "I'm Sorry I Made You Cry" (also with vocal by Teagarden) then Jack Teagarden's Chicagoans (same lineup as the Capitol Jazzmen) record thet tracks "Mighty Lak' A Rose" (without the trumpet, clarinet, and tenor saxophone), "Stars Fell On Alabama" (with vocals by Teagarden), and two takes of "'Deed I Do". Both parts of the session were produced by Dave Dexter, Jr. It is also Jimmie Noone's last session before his death on April 15, 1944. Capitol Records will issue the first, fourth, sixth, and seventh of The Capitol Jazzmen's track on the compilation album "New American Jazz" (CD-3) which includes a booklet, whose size and content, are uncannily close to what the best CD booklets contain in contemporary re-issues. Unfortunately, this landmark album has yet to be issued on CD by Capitol or any of its related labels (hint, hint!!!!). Capitol Records will issue the first, second and fourth of Jack Teagarden's Chicagoans tracks on the compilation album "History Of Jazz, Volume 2 - The Golden Era" (CE-17), another great series of four albums that included wonderful booklets of information and have woefully still not been issued on CD. Mosaic Records will issue all the tracks from this split session in the CD box set "Classic Capitol Jazz Sessions" (MD12-170)
1944 - Piano soloist Joe Sullivan (who also wrote "Clambake in B Flat") records the tracks "The Moon Is Low", "Reflections", "It's The Talk Of The Town", and "My Silent Love" at Radio Recorders's studios in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on the 2 disc EP "Classics In Jazz - Joe Sullivan" (EAP-1-636 and EAP-2-636).
1944 - King Guion (on tenor saxophone, with unlisted artists) records the (as of 2005) unissued tracks "Miss Kris" and "Just You, Just Me" in Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records.
1945 - During a split session held this day in Los Angeles, California first Jo Stafford (on vocals) with Paul Weston and His Orchestra (listed as probably Bruce Hudson, Charles Griffard, Ray Woods, and Mannie Klein on trumpet; Allan Thompson, Bill Schaefer, and Carl Loeffler on trombone; Fred Stulce, Hap Lawson, Matty Matlock, Art Quenzer, and Len Hartman on saxophone; Charles LaVere on piano; George Van Eps on guitar; Jack Ryan pm bass; Nick Fatool on drums; and six unlisted violin players) records the tracks "Sometimes I'm Happy" and "Walkin' My Baby Back Home", then Johnny Mercer (on vocals), with Paul Weston and His Orchestra (same as the above lineup) records "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)" and "Sweet Lorraine". Capitol Records will issue Stafford's tracks on the album "Jo Stafford With Paul Weston And His Orchestra" (BD-23) and Mosaic Records will issue Mercer's tracks on the 3 CD set "Mosaic Select: Johnny Mercer" (MS-028).
70 Years Ago Today In 1947 - The Philharmonica Trio (Joseph Pittello, William Charles Pittello, and Harry Henry Halicki on harmonica, with rhythm accompaniment by unlisted musicians) record the titles "Lady Of Spain" and "Charmaine" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on the group's EP "Harmonica Holiday" (EBF-229).
70 Years Ago Today In 1947 - On his 34th birthday, Jack Smith and The Clark Sisters (lineup unlisted, on vocals), with Earl Sheldon and His Orchestra (lineup also unlisted) record the titles "Teresa", "Someday Soon", "Shauny O'Shea", and "Hannah In Havanah" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "Teresa" and "Shauny O'Shea" together as a single (Capitol 484), have yet to issue "Someday Soon" and will issue "Hannah In Havanah" as a single (Capitol 15293) with "Senorita, I Offer You The Moon" on the flipside.
1948 - George Tzipine and His Orchestra (with Tzipine conducting unlisted musicians) record the tracks "We Were Dancing", "Someday I'll Find You", "Zigeuner", and "Mad About The Boy" in Paris, France. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Tzipine's album "Conducting Songs Of Noel Coward" (CC-146).
1948 - Studs Henderson (aka Sylverster "Duke" ["Studs"] Henderson on vocals) and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) record the tracks "Low Down Dog", "Bewildered", "So Long, Goodbye", "Proposition Baby", and "K.C. Boogie" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks together as a single (Capitol 15332), has as (of 2005) yet to issue "So Long, Goodbye", the fourth track as a single (Capitol 15376) with "Studs Boogie" on the flip side, and the last track as a single (Capitol 978) with "I'm Not Fooling" on the flip side.
1948 - Juanita Jackson (on vocals, with unlisted pianist) records the tracks "Lord Jesus" and "I'll Search Heaven For You" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 57-70005). It's listed that some Capitol Records files give the date for this session as March 4, 1949. If anyone knows for sure, please leave a comment.
1949 - Peggy Lee, Mel Torme (on vocals), and The Mellomen (unlisted lineup of vocalists), with Lou Busch and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted), record the tracks "Bless You (For The Good That's In You)" and "The Old Master Painter" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 57-791).
1949 - The Capitol Symphonic Band (with Louis Castellucci conducting unlisted musicians) records the tracks "Funiculi, Funicula", "Pavanne", "The Syncopated Clock" and "Sleigh Ride" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on the band's album "Symphonic Band Music" (CD-9011).
1950 - Jimmy Wakely (on vocals), with Les Baxter and His Orchestra and Chorus (lineups for both unlisted) records the tracks "My Heart Cries For You" and "Music By The Angels" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 1328).
1950 - Frank DeVol records four tracks (titles unlisted) for The Capitol Records Transcription Service in Los Angeles, California. If anyone knows the titles of the tracks recorded at this session or if any of the tracks have been issued, please leave a comment.
1951 - Claude Gordon and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) record the tracks "Jealous", "Blue Orchids", "Love Sends A Little Gift Of Roses", "A Sunday Kind Of Love", and "My Man" in Los Angeles, California for The Capitol Records Transcription Service which will issue the first two tracks on the transcription disc B-521 and the last three tracks on the transcripiton disc B-522.
1953 - Jackie Gleason and His Orchestra (conducted by Ray Bloch and featuring Bobby Hackett on trumpet with other unlisted musicians) record the tracks "Louise", "Charmaine", "I Remember You", and "It Could Happen To You" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks on Gleason's album "Music To Remember Her" (W-570) and the last two tracks on Gleason's album "Music,Martinis And Memories" (W-509).
1953 - The Smith Brothers (Audrey L. Smith and John O. Smith) re-record the tracks "I Walk With The King" (with Bill Lowery on additional vocals), "I'm Saved" and "I Believe There's A Heaven" (both with additional vocals by The Gospel Singers [lineup unlisted]), and the (as of 2005) unissued track "A Daughter Of Divorce" in (listed as possibly) Atlanta, Georgia. Capitol Records will issue the first and third tracks together as a single (Capitol 2697) and the second track as a single (Capitol 2881) with "God's Rocket Ship" on the flip side.
1953 - Don Wilson (on narration vocals) and Serge Glykson (on vocals) record overdubs using a script written by Ted Pierce and Warren Foster on top of instrumental tracks recorded by The Continental Symphony Orchestra, with George Tzipine conducting, in Paris, France for the tracks "El Torito (Little Bull) - Music From Bizet's 'Carmen': Part 1" and "El Torito (Little Bull) - Music From Bizet's 'Carmen': Part 2" at Capitol Records Melrose Avenue studios, in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks on Wilson's children's album "El Torito (The Little Bull)/Music From Bizet's 'Carmen'" (CAS-3194) that's part of the labels "Classics For Children" series.
1954 - Seventeen year old Jerry Reed performs at a gala country show in Atlanta, Georgia honoring Capitol Records artist Faron Young, who had just been discharged from the army. Capitol Records' country music chief Ken Nelson was there to celebrate the occasion, and Bill Lowery, who helmed a popular live country music show Saturday mornings over WGST radio, encourages Nelson to consider signing the young singer to Capitol Records. After some initial reluctance, with Nelson feeling that Reed was too young to be recording, Lowery's persistence paid off with Reed being signed to a three-year contract. Reed's first Capitol session will be held in Nashville's Castle Studios on October 17, 1955.
1954 - During a split held this day in Los Angeles, California first Gisele MacKenzie (on vocals using a script by Robert Willheim) records "Children's Songs From France: Part 1" and "Children's Songs From France: Part 2" (which include the songs "Savez-Vous Planter Les Choux?", "Ah! Vous Dirai-Je Maman!", "Au Clair De La Lune", "Fais Dodo", "Colas Mon P'Tit Frère", "Frère Jacques", and "Sur Le Pont D'Avignon"), then Dave Cavanaugh directs the orchestra (lineup unlisted) as they record his music for Mel Blanc's tracks "Woody Woodpecker's Fairy Godmother: Part 1" and "Woody Woodpecker's Fairy Godmother: Part 2" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue MacKenzie's track on the children's album "Children's Songs From France" (CAS-3224) and, after Blanc records vocal overdubs on December 14, 1954, will issue Blanc's track on the children's album "Woody Woodpecker's Fairy Godmother" (CAS-3218).
1954 - Mickey Katz (on vocals, with unlisted musicians) records the tracks "Yiddishe Mambo (My Yiddishe Mama)", "Kala Kala Polee Kala" and "Bazeball" in Los Angles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first and third tracks together as a single (Capitol 3005) and has (as of 2005) yet to issue the second and last tracks.
1954 - The Five Keys (Rudy West on lead vocals, Ripley Ingram on tenor vocals, Maryland Pierce and Ramon Loper on baritone vocals, Bernie West on bass vocals), with Howard Biggs and his Orchestra (lineup unlisted) records the tracks "Cause You're My Lover", "Don't You Know I Love You", So Glad" (unissued as of 2005), "Close Your Eyes", and "Doggone It, You Did It" at Capitol Studios in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue the first track as a single (Capitol 3267) with "Gee Whittakers!" on the flip side, the second track as a single (Capitol 3185) with "I Wish I'd Never Learned To Read" on the flip side, and the last two tracks together as a single (Capitol 3032).
1954 - The Benny Goodman Trio (Goodman on clarinet, Mel Powell on piano, and Bobby Donaldson on drums) record the tracks "Rose Room" and "What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry" and The Benny Goodman Quintet (Goodman on clarinet, Ruby Braff on trumpet, Mel Powell on piano, George Duvivier on bass and Bobby Donaldson on drums) records the tracks "Rock Rimmon" and "You’re A Sweetheart" at The Riverside Plaza Hotel in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue the first track on the CD "Benny Goodman - The Complete Capitol Trios" (5-21225-2) and the last three tracks on Goodman's album "B.G. In Hi-Fi" (W 565).
1955 - Tennessee Ernie Ford's Capitol Records single "Sixteen Tons", with "You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry" on the flipside, becomes the fastest-selling record in history to that date, jumping to #1 on The Billboard magazine's Best Sellers In Stores and Most Played By Jockeys singles charts in just 3 weeks, where it will stay for eight weeks.
1955 - Joe Bushkin (on piano), with Abe "Glenn" Osser conducting the orchestra (lineup unlisted) records the tracks "September Song", "Stormy Weather", "Manhattan", and "Above All, You" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Bushkin's album "Midnight Rhapsody" (T 711).
1956 - The Hollywood String Quartet (lineup unlisted) records the (as of 2005) unissued version of Schubert's "Quartet N°14 In D Minor ("Death Of The Maiden"), Fourth Movement" for Capitol Records in Los Angeles, California.
60 Years Ago Today In 1957 - It's a Tuesday night, and at 7:30 PM, Ella Fitzgerald is tonight's guest on NBC-TV's "The Nat King Cole Show". Also, Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "With You On My Mind" is #37 on Cash Box magazine's Best Selling Singles chart, #47 on The Billboard magazine's Best Sellers In Stores chart and #59 on The Billboard's Top 100 Sides chart. Cole's single "Send For Me" is also #60 on The Billboard magazine's Top 100 Sides chart. Cole's EP "Around The World" is #5 on The Billboard magazine's Best Selling Pop EPs chart and his album "Love Is The Thing" is #6 on The Billboard magazine's Best Selling Pop EPs chart, #7 on the magazine's Most Played By Jockeys chart, and #24 on its Best Selling Pop LPs chart.
1958 - Ferlin Husky (on vocals, with unlisted musicians) records the tracks "Draggin' The River" and "Sea Sand" at Bradly Film and Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. After overdubs are recorded for the first track on March 13, 1959 Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol F4186).
1958 - Vocalist Faron Young, with (listed as probably) Marvin Hughes on piano, Hank "Sugarfoot" Garland on electric guitar, Thomas "Grady" Martin and Loren Otis "Jack" Shook on guitars, Ben Keith Schauefele on steel guitar, Floyd "Lightnin'" Chance on bass, and Murrey M."Buddy" Harman Jr. on drums, records the tracks "Bimbo", "Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy", "I Don't Hurt Anymore", and "I'll Go On Alone" at Bradley Film and Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Young's album "Talk About Hits" (T 1245).
1959 - The mastering information for The Hawaii Calls Orchestra (unlisted lineup of musicians directed by Al Kealoha Perry and presented by Webley Edwards)'s the tracks "King's Serenade" (with Jules A See on steel guitar), "Hawaiian Wedding Song" (vocals by Nina Kealiiwahaman and Donald Paishon), "Songs Of The Islands", "Aloha Oe" (with Haunani Kahalewai and 24-voice chorus [lineup unlisted] on vocals), "Hawaiian War Chant" (Dan Kalehini and John Kamana on lead vocals), "The Hukilau Song" (with Dan Kalehini on vocals), "Mama's Muu-Muu" (with (James Kaopuiki, Ben Kalama, and Jules Ah See on vocals), "Blue Hawaii" (Haunani Kahalewai on vocals and Jules Ah See on steel guitar), "Lovely Hula Hands" (with Ben Kalama and Nina Kealiiwahamana on vocals), "Sweet Lailani" (with Nina Kealiiwahamana and chorus [lineup unlisted] on vocals), and "Beyond The Reef" (vocals by Ben Kalama) which were all recorded in Honolulu, Hawaii, are filed in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on the album "Webley Edwards presents Hawaii Calls" (T 1339).
1959 - Laurindo Almeida (on guitar) records De Falla's "Farruca (From 'Three-Cornered Hat')" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the track on Almeida's album "The Spanish Guitars Of Laurindo Almeida" (P-8521).
1960 - Overdubs are recorded in Los Angeles, California for The Little Angels tracks "Olympia" and "Says You" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the final version of both tracks together as a single (Capitol 4490) as by The Four Angels.
1961 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California Russ Morgan and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) record the tracks "Medley: Cheerful Little Earful/Liza/Just One Of Those Things", "Medley: Remember Me/Deep Night/You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby", "Medley: I Want To Be Happy/Dancing In The Dark/Night And Day", and "Medley: The Blue Room/Thou Swell/Sweet Georgia Brown (Beginning)" at the first session and "Medley: The Blue Room/Thou Swell/Sweet Georgia Brown (End)", "Medley: 'S Wonderful/Memories/Tea For Two", "Medley: The Man I Love/Ain't She Sweet/When My Dream Boat Comes Home", and "Medley: Somebody Loves Me/Sometimes I'm Happy/It Had To Be You" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Morgan's album "Medleys In The Morgan Manner" (T 1703).
1961 - Roy Clark (on vocals and guitar, with unlisted musicians) records the tracks "Pink Velvet Swing", "The Texas Twist", and "In The Mood" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Clark's album "The Lighting Fingers Of Roy Clark" (T 1780).
55 Years Ago Today In 1962 - Vocalists Gordon MacRae, Dorothy Kirsten, Earle Wilkie, Richard Robinson, and William Felber, with The Roger Wagner Chorale & Orchestra (lineups unlisted) conducted by Van Alexander, record the titles "'The Desert Song': Then You Will Know", "'The Desert Song' (Finale)" (vocals by all), "'The Student Prince': Finale", and "'The Student Prince': Arrival At Heidelberg/Heidelberg Fair" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "'The Desert Song': Then You Will Know" and "'The Desert Song' (Finale)" on the album "The Desert Song" (W 1842) and "'The Student Prince': Finale" and "'The Student Prince': Arrival At Heidelberg/Heidelberg Fair" on the album "The Student Prince" (W 1941).
55 Years Ago Today In 1962 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California vocalist Tennessee Ernie Ford, with unlisted musicians, records the titles "The Cradle Song", "Long, Long Ago", "Silver Threads Among The Gold", "In the Gloaming", and "When You And I Were Young Maggie" at the first session and "Smilin' Through", "Love's Old Sweet Song", and "Home Sweet Home" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Ford's album "Long, Long Ago" (T 1875).
55 Years Ago Today In 1962 - A editing session is held in Los Angeles, California for Frank Fontaine (aka Crazy Guggenheim)'s title (recorded at a unlisted prior session) "The Sweepstakes Winner". Capitol Records will issue the title on the compilation album "Comedy Hits" (T 1854) and as a single (Capitol 4929) with Lou Holtz's "The Maharajah" on the flipside.
55 Years Ago Today In 1962 - Marlina Mars records the titles "Build The Valley Up", "The Correct Form", "Johnny's Heart", and "I Thought I Knew Me" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records has yet to issue "Build The Valley Up" and will issue "The Correct Form" and "Johnny's Heart" together as a single (Capitol 4922) and "I Thought I Knew Me" as a single (Capitol 4997) with "Just For The Book" on the flipside.
55 Years Ago Today In 1962 - Vocalists Charles Nelson Reilly and Robert Morse, with Elliot Lawrence directing the orchestra (lineup unlisted), record the titles "A Jolly Theatrical Season", "Anything You Can Do", "Just An Honest Mistake" and "The Little Tin Box" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the duo's album "A Jolly Theatrical Season" (T 1862).
1963 - Buck Owens' Capitol Records single "Love’s Gonna Live Here", with "Getting Used To Losing You" on the flip side, is #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart and will be #1 on the Country Singles chart for 16 weeks.
1963 - Frank Gazis records the tracks "September Song", "Tonight We Love", "Clair De Lune", "Lili Marlene", "Wunderbar", and "Two Guitars" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Gazis' eponymous album "Frank Gazis" (T 2206).
1963 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California Jerry Cole and His Spacemen (lineup unlisted) record the tracks "Midnight Surfer", "Tequila", and "One Color Blues" at the first session and "Wipe Out", "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow", "Point Manic", "Pipeline", Sukiyaki" and "Outer Limits". Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on the group's album "Outer Limits" (T 2044).
1963 - Wayne Newton (on vocals) records "Dream Baby" and "I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover" (with Jimmie Haskell conducting his own arrangements to an orchestra of unlisted musicians) in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both tracks together as a single (Capitol 5124).
1963 - During two sessions held this day in New York City, New York Billy Taylor (on piano), with Oliver Nelson's Orchestra (with Nelson conducting his own arrangements to: John Bello, Snooky Young, Joe Newman, and Thad Jones on trumpet; Wayne Andre, Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, and Tony Studd on trombone; Phil Woods, Jerome Richardson, Romeo Penque, Stan Webb, and Danny Bank on saxophones; Ben Tucker on bass; and Grady Tate on drums), records the tracks After Thoughts", "Stolen Moments", "Give Me The Simple Life", and "Something Always Happens" at the first session and "Soul Sister", "Freedom" and "I Wish I Knew" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Taylor's album "Right Here,Right Now!" (T 2039).
1963 - Chuck Berry (on vocals and guitar, with: James Robinson on tenor saxophones; unlisted musicians on saxophones; Johnny Johnson on piano; [listed as possibly] Bo Diddley on guitar and Willie Dixon on bass; and Odie Payne on drums) records the track "Nadine (Is That You?)" in Chicago, Illinois for Chess Records. Capitol Records will issue the track on the compilation album "Super Oldies" (T 2562).
1964 - Capitol Records releases The Beach Boys' album "The Beach Boys' Christmas Album" and their single "The Man With All The Toys" with "Blue Christmas" on the flip side
1964 - Donna Lynn (on vocals, with unlisted musicians) records the tracks "I'd Much Rather Be With The Girls", "True Blue", "I'm Sorry, More Than You Know", and "When Your Heart Rings, Answer" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue the first and third tracks together as a single (Capitol 5378) and the second and last tracks together as a single (Capitol 5456).
1964 - Judy Garland performs "Once In A Lifetime" as part of concert at the London Palladium. A recording of the performance will be released by Capitol on the CD "Judy Garland: The One And Only" in 1991.
1965 - During two sessions held this day in Nashville, Tennessee, Ferlin Husky (on vocals) and His Hush Puppies (lineup unlisted) record the tracks "Once", "There Goes My Everything", and "A Touch Of Yesterday" at the first session and "Oh, Me, Oh, My", "I Hear Little Rock Calling", and "The Blues Ain't Nothin' (But A Woman Lettin' A Good Man Down)" in Nashville Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Husky's album "I Could Sing All Night" (T 2548).
1966 - Merle Haggard (on vocals, with: Glen D. Hardin on piano; James E.Burton on electric guitar and Dobro resonator guitar; Billy Mize on open-string guitar and harmony vocals; Maurice A. "Shorty" Mullins on guitar; Ralph Mooney on steel guitar; Jerry Ward (aka Howard Lowe) on bass; James Beck Gordon on drums; and Bonnie Owens on harmony vocals) records the tracks "Drink Up And Be Somebody", "Gone Crazy", and "I Threw Away The Rose" at The Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood, California. After overdubs are recorded for all the tracks on December 16, 1966 Capitol Records will issue the first track on Merle Haggard And The Strangers' album "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive" (T 2702) and the second and last track on Merle Haggard And The Strangers' album "Branded Album" (T 2789).
1966 - Lou Rawls (on vocals, with Tommy Strode on piano, Cal Green and Dennis Budimir on guitar, Jimmy Bond on bass, and Earl Palmer on drums), using arrangements by H.B. Barnum, records the tracks "On Broadway", "Mean Black Snake", "Find Out What's Happening", "The Devil In Your Eyes", "Walking Proud", and "Something Stirring In My Soul" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Rawls album "Carryin' On" (T 2632).
1966 - Hearts And Flowers (vocalists and guitarists Larry Murray, David Dawson and Rick Cunha) records the tracks "Try For The Sun" and "Reason To Believe" in Los Angeles, California with producer Nik Venet. Capitol Records will issue both tracks on the group's album "Now Is The Time For Hearts And Flowers" (T 2762).
1966 - Jean Shepard (on vocals, with unlisted musicians) records the tracks "There Goes My Everything", "Coming Or Going", and the rejected track "The Trouble With Girls" in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue the first two tracks on Shepard's album "Your Forevers Don't Last Very Long" (T 2765).
1966 - Capitol Records purchases the masters for the tracks "Dr. Goldfoot And The Girl Bombs" (with unlisted vocalists), "Dr. Goldfoot's Igloo" (by The Mad Doctors), "Try My Word, Little Girl" (by The Sloopys), "The Mad, Mad Doctor" (by The Mad Doctors), "They Just Don't Make 'Em Like Her Anymore" (by Bobby Lyle), "(Ridin') Hidin' From Myself" (by Paul And The Pack), "The Golden Bomb" (by The Mad Doctors), "This I Say" (by The Candles), "The Golden Price" (by The Mad Doctors), and the instrumental version of "Dr. Goldfoot And The Girl Bombs" for the soundtrack to the motion picture "Dr. Goldfoot And The Girl Bombs" from Sidewalk Productions. Tower Records, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, will issue all the tracks on the original motion picture soundtrack for the film "Dr. Goldfoot And the Girl Bombs" (T 5052).
1966 - Dick Curless (on vocals, with: ) records the tracks "My Side Of The Night", "The Game Of Love And Poker", "Try And Leave Me", and "Standing On The Outside Looking In" at The Capitol Tower Studios in Los Angeles, California. Tower Records, a division of Capitol Records, will issue all the tracks on Curless' album "All Of Me Belongs To You/House Of Memories" (T 5066).
50 Years Ago Today In 1967 - Maffit & Davies (Michael Lang on piano, Clark Maffitt and Brian Davies on guitars, Jimmy Bond and Joe Osborne on basse, James Gordon on drums, and Milt Holland on tabla) record the titles "Tom Thumb's Blues" and "Just Like A Woman" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on the group's album "The Rise & Fall Of Honesty" (ST 2999).
50 Years Ago Today In 1967 - Vocalist Tex Ritter, with an orchestra and chorus (lineups unlisted) records the titles "Bump Tiddle Dee Bum Bum", "Jim, I Wore A Tie Today", and "In The Mist Moonlight" in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Ritter's album "Tex Ritter Sings The Songs Of Cindy Walker - Bump Tiddle Dee Bum Bum!" (T 2890).
1968 - Glen Campbell's Capitol Records album "Wichita Lineman" enters Billboard's album chart where it will hit #1 on December 21, 1968
1968 - Kansas (lineup unlisted) records the tracks "The Green Apple Quick Stuff Blues", "Speedo", "Get Outa My Life Woman", and "You're The Only One" in Los Angeles, California. There is no issuing information listed for any of the tracks, so if anyone knows who was in the group and if any of the tracks have ever been issued, please leave a comment.
1969 - The Fourth Way (lineup unlisted) records the tracks "Skiffling" and "Strange Love" at New Orleans House in Berkeley, California. Harvest Records, distributed by Capitol Records, will issue both tracks on the band's album "The Sun And Moon Have Gone Together" (SKAO-423). Capitol Records will issue "Skiffling" on the compilation cassette "Golden Sounds - Soul 'N Jazz" (M-460).
1970 - Capitol Records releases Grand Funk Railroad's "Grand Funk Live Album". Thanks to Gary Eaton for the correct date and check out his blog on Grand Funk
1970 - Anne Murray's second Capitol Records single "Snowbird", which is the flipside of "Just Bidin' My Time", is certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. becoming the first Canadian recording artist to earn a U.S. Gold single.
1970 - Billy May and The Time-Life Orchestra (with May conducting his own arrangements to: Pete Candoli, John Best, Uan Rasey, and Shorty Sherock on trumpet; Joe Howard, Lew McCreary, and Dick Nash on trombone; Les Robinson, Abe Most, Justin Gordon, Don Raffell, and Chuck Gentry on saxophones; Ray Sherman on piano; Jack Marshall on guitar; Rolly Bundock on bass; and Nick Fatool on drums) record the tracks "The Dipsy Doodle" (vocals by Eileen Wilson), "Every Tub", "John's Idea", and "Music, Maestro, Please" (vocals by Eileen Wilson) at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California. Time-Life will issue all the tracks on the album "The Swing Era 1937-1938: Vintage Years of Humor" (STL 342).
1970 - Jackie Gleason (on vocals and speaking) and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) record the tracks "When Your Lover Has Gone" and "I'll Remember You" in Miami, Florida. Capitol Records will issue both tracks on Gleason's album "Words Of Love" (ST-693).
1970 - Jim and Jesee (Jim McReynolds and Jesse McReynolds on vocals, with unlisted musicians) record the tracks "Congratulations Anyway", "Waiting For A Message" (unissued as of 2005), "Just Wondering Why" and "I'll Always Be Waiting For You" in Nashville, Tennesee. Capitol Records will issue the first, third and last tracks together on the duo's album "Freight Train" (ST-770).
1970 - During two sessions held this day in Nashville, Tennessee, Billie Jo Spears (on vocals, with unlisted musicians) records the tracks "Snowbird", "For The Good Times", and "Heavenly Sunshine" at the first session and "Mansion On The Hill (unissued as of 2005), "I Love You Because" and "Apartment #9" in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue all the rest of the tracks on Spears' album "Just Singin'" (ST-688).
1971 - John Lennon and Plastic Ono Band's Apple Records single "Imagine", with "Its So Hard" on the flipside and distributed in the United States by Capitol Records", peaks at #3 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.
1971 - Quicksilver Messenger Service (lineup unlisted) records the track "Doing Time In The U.S.A." in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the track as a single (Capitol 3349) with "Changes" on the flipside.
1971 - Capitol Records registers the masters it purchased for Susan Raye's tracks "If I Could Love You More, Babe, I Would Try", "Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long", "He Was Love", "I'll Be Swingin' Too", "You'll Never Miss The Water (Till The Well Runs Dry)", "Don't Ever Tell Me Goodbye", "Falling For You", "Without You", and "Gonna Roll Out The Red Carpet" which were recorded at Buck Owens Studios in Bakersfield. Capitol Records will issue all the tracks on Raye's album "(I've Got A) Happy Heart" (ST-875).
1971 - Capitol Records registers the masters it purchased for the tracks "Pfft You Were Gone", "You're A Real Good Friend", "Tobacco, White Lightning & Women Blues N°2", "I Won't Go Hunting With You, Jake (But I'll Go Chasin' Wimmin)", "Cigareets, Whiskey & Wild, Wild Women", and "Beautiful Morning Glory" for Buck Owens and Buddy Alan's album "Too Old To Cut The Mustard" (ST-874) which were recorded on November 1, 1971 at Buck Owens Studios in Bakersfield, California.
45 Years Ago Today In 1972 - Overdubs are recorded for Nancy Wilson's titles "Morning In Your Eyes", "Don't Misunderstand", "Easy Evil", "I Was Telling Him About You" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the final versions of rest of the tracks on Wilson's album "I Know I Love Him" (ST-11131).
45 Years Ago Today In 1972 - Pianist Peter Duchin records the titles "Fa-La", "Superfly" and "Touch Me" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Duchin's album "Child Of Mine" (ST-11146).
1974 - John Lennon's Apple Records single "Whatever Gets You Through The Night" with "Beef Jerky" on the flipside and distributed by Capitol Records in the United States, hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart, Lennon's only solo single to do so.
1976 - Overdubs are recorded for Glen Campbell's track "For Cryin' Out Loud" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the final version of the track on Campbell's album "Southern Nights" (SO-11601).
1976 - Overdubs are recorded for James Talley's track "Bluesman" at Jack Clement Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue the final version of the track on Talley's album "Blackjack Choir" (ST-11605).
1979 - McGuinn, Clark & Hillman (Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, with Gene Clark) record the track "Let's Sing The Same Song" in Los Angeles, California. There is no issuing information listed, so if anyone knows if the track was ever issued, please leave a comment.
1979 - Don Schlitz records the track "Face" (unissued as of 2005) for Capitol Records in Nashville, Tennessee.
35 Years Ago Today In 1982 - The Tubes (lineup unlisted) record the track "Theme Park" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records issues the track on the band's album "Outside/Inside" (ST-12260).
1984 - Paul Laurence (aka Paul Laurence Jones III on vocals with Mike Campbell on synthesizer and Lillo Thomas, Freddie Jackson, and Paul Laurence on background vocals), records the track "Strung Out" at an unlisted studio. Capitol Records will issue the track on Laurence's album "Haven't You Heard?" (ST-12407).
1987 - Tim Finn records the track "That Tunnel". There is no location or issuing information listed, so if anyone knows where the track was recorded or if the track has ever been issued, please leave a comment.
1988 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens' album "Hot Dog"
1993 - Frank Sinatra is presented Capitol Records' first "Tower Of Achievement" award by Charles Koppelman (then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, EMI Records Group, North America) and Gary Gersh (then President and Chief Executive Officer, Capitol Records) at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, New York. According to the press release, "The Tower of Achievement is an exclusive award given by Capitol Records to honor a label recording artist or group for their irreplaceable contribution to music. Artists become eligible for the award 15 years after their first Capitol Records release and when total worldwide album sales exceed the 10 million mark. The goal of The Tower of Achievement award is to honor Capitol artists whose musical achievements have left an indelible mark on American popular culture. The solid brass award with silver and gold accents was created by Michael Vanderbyl, a distinguished designer, who has served on international committees as well as chaired the 1992 National Endowment for the Arts Presidential Design Awards. Inspired by the sculptures by Brancusi, the Capitol Records landmark building is shown supported by an abstract silhouette of a heroic figure representing the artists integral role as the foundation of Capitol Records."
1995 - Les Baxter, arranger, band leader, and Capitol Records artist, gives his last public performance, which is held at the Century Club, in Century City, California. Baxter will die January 15, 1996 of a massive heart attack due to kidney failure at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, California at age 73.
2001 - Tommy Flanagan, pianist, dies of an arterial aneurysm at age 71 in New York City, New York. He worked both as a solo artist and as a session player for, and group member with many Capitol, Blue Note, United Artists and Roulette artists as shown in the article on the Jazz Discography Project's website.
150 Years Ago Today In 2007 - It was announced on Santa Monica NPR radio station KCRW's local morning news segment that The Capitol Tower has been given Historical Monument status by Los Angeles' City Council which will protect the exterior of the building from any significant changes and the words CAPITOL RECORDS from being removed from the top of the building. No word yet if this will do anything to help protect or restore the mural on the south side of the building.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1873 - W.C. Handy, "father of the blues", composer (his best known work being "St. Louis Blues"), coronet player, and band leader, is born William Christopher Handy in Florence, Alabama. Capitol Records artist Nat "King" Cole with play Handy in "St. Louis Blues", the motion picture loosely based on Handy's life.
1958 - The Sonny Clark Trio (Sonny Clark on piano, Jymie Merritt on bass, and Wesley Landers on drums), record the titles "Black Velvet", "I'm Just A Lucky So And So", "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You?", an alternate take of "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You", "The Breeze And I", and "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" in recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Hackensack, New Jersey with producer Alfred Lion. Blue Note Records will issue "Black Velvet" and "Gee Baby, Aint I Good To You" together as a single (45-1731), "I'm Just A Lucky So And So" and "Ain't No Use" together as a single (45-1730), and "The Breeze And I" and "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" together as a single (45-1729), and all the titles and all the takes on the CD "Sonny Clark - Standards" (8-21283-2).
1979 - Kenny Roger's Liberty Records single "You Decorated My Life" is at #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. Liberty Records, a Capitol Records subsidiary that revived the Liberty Records name, became Capitol Records Nashville after its offices were moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
30 Years Ago Today In 1987 - Billy Idol's Chrysalis single "Mony Mony 'Live'" hits #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Chart. Universal Music Group, Capitol Records parent company, currently owns Chrysalis' United States catalog.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1935 - The Rodgers and Hart musical, "Jumbo", opens in The Hippodrome, in New York City for a run of 233 performances. Here are some recordings of the original cast including Jimmy Durante and Donald Norvis.
"Memories Of Madison Square Garden"
"Laugh"
"Sing (Boom!)"