MAY 3
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1994 - Garth Brooks' daughter, August Anna, is born
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1936 - Future Capitol Records artist Joe DiMaggio plays his first major league baseball game in Yankee Stadium against the St. Louis Browns
1965 - The Beatles spent the day filming for the movie "HELP!" on Salisbury Plain with the assistance of the British Army's Third Tank Division.
1969 - Margaret Young, popular comedienne and singer in the 1920s, Capitol recording artist in 1949, and aunt of Capitol artist Margaret Whiting, dies in Inglewood, California at age 69. She was born Margaret Youngblood. There's some biographical info and a link to a sound file of Ms. Young singing on Mike Scaife's UK Website "The Great Song Stylists".
1976 - Carmen McRae begins recording tracks for her United Artists' album "Can't Hide Love". The album is produced by Dale Oehler, with executive producer George Butler, and is recorded live at A&M Recording Studios, LA, CA. Recording and mixing engineer was Hank Cicalo, assisted by Milt Calice. Carmen McRae suppled the vocals and the concertmasters were Gerry Vinci and David Frisina. Musicians included Buddy Childers, Bobby Shew, Al Aarons, Snooky Young, Oscar Brashear, Blue Mitchell (trumpets), Lew McCreary, George Bohannon, Kenny Shroyer, Maurice Spears, Grover Mitchell, Ernie Tack (trombones), Bill Perkins, Lanny Morgan, Harry Klee, Abe Most, Bill Green, Jerome Richardson, Ernie Watts, Don Menza, Pete Christlieb, Jack Nimitz (reeds), Artie Kane, Marshall Otwell (pianos), Joe Sample, Dave Grusin, Ian Underwood (keyboards), Larry Carlton, Dennis Budimir (guitars), Joe Mondragon, Chuck Berghofer, Wilton Felder (bass), Harvey Mason (drums), Victor Feldman, Larry Bunker (percussion).
1977 - After a long day in the studio recording, Helmut Köllen, bassist, acoustic guitarist, vocalist and writer for the Capitol band Triumvirat, is accidentally killed by carbon monoxide poising while sitting in his car listening to a cassette tape of the day's tracks in his garage. He was 27. A solo album named by his friends after one of his favorite Beatles' songs, "You Won't See Me", is released posthumously later that year by Harvest/EMI in Germany. Russ Schenewerk has written a great biographical article about Triumvirat and Köllen.
1988 - Poison's album "Open Up And Say...Ahh!" is released on Enigma Records, and distributed by Capitol Records. The album was produced by Tom Werman after Kiss' Paul Stanley had to bow out after scheduling conflicts. The album was recorded and mixed at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles and contains the #1 hit "Every Rose Has It's Thorn".
ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1933 - James Brown, "The Godfather of Soul" is born in Barnwell, South Carolina
1960 - "The Fantasticks", by composer Harvey Schmidt and writer-lyricist Tom Jones, opened off-off-Broadway at the Sullivan Street Playhouse and would run continuously for the next 40 years, becoming the world's longest running musical. It's hit song, "Try To Remember", is introduced by Jerry Orbach, later better remembered for his stint on TV's "Law & Order" and for voice
1972- Bruce Springsteen records 12 songs at an acoustic solo demo session for CBS talent scout John Hammond in New York City which eventually led to his signing to the label
1998 - Gene Raymond, handsome blond actor and husband of Jeanette MacDonald, whose films of the '30s and '40s include "Flying Down to Rio," the first film to team Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, dies at age 89
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
MAY 2
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1903 - Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby is born in Tacoma, Washington
1950 - Lou Gramm (Louis Grammatico), singer and drummer with Capitol recording act Black Sheep, is born in Rochester, New York
1954 - Prescott Niles, bass player in The Knack, The Game, and The Front, is born in New York City
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1946 - Andy Russell's single "Laughing On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)" is released
1947 - The Pied Pipers' single "Mam'selle" is released
1953 - Frank Sinatra records the tracks "Anytime, Anywhere", "My One And Only Love", "From Here To Eternity", and "I Can Read Between The Lines" at Capitol's Melrose Studios. All the tracks were arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle. The session was produced by Voyle Gilmore and musicians included Arthur “Skeets” Herfurt, Ted Nash, James Williamson (reeds); Clyde Hurley, Emanuel Klein (trumpets); Milton Bernhart, James Priddy (trombones); John Cace, Vincent De Rosa (french horn); Victor Bay, Walter Edelstien, Henry Hill, Alex Murray, Mischa Russell, Gerald Vinci (Violins); Alfred Barr, Paul Robyn (violas); Eleanor Slatkin (cello); Bill Miller (piano); Phil Stephens (bass); Alton Hendrickson (guitar); Alvin Stoller (drums); Kathryn Julve (harp).
1955 - Herbert John "Jackie" Gleason records "That Certain Party".
1964 - "Love Me Do" single on Tollie enters the Top 40
1964 - The Beatles' "Second Album" hits the #1 spot on the U.S. LP charts two weeks after its release, making it the first album ever to reach #1 that quickly.
1964 - Billy J. Kramer's single "Little Children" is released
1967 - Capitol pulls the plug on Brian Wilson's "Smile" album. 38 years later, after a series of concert performances by Brian Wilson, the album and a documentary film will finally be released.
1973 - June Hutton, who replaced Jo Stafford in The Pied Pipers in June 1944 and was the wife of arranger Axel Stordahl, dies at age 53. She is interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California next to her husband.
1981 - Sheena Easton's single "Morning Train" tops the charts
1988 - Jim Fifield is appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of EMI Music Worldwide, based in New York. He is becomes President and Chief Executive Officer the following year.
ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1895 - Lyricist, writer, composer, producer and partner of Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Milton Hart is born in New York City
1932 - NBC introduces a new entertainer to their network's radio audience, Jack Benny
1938 - Ella Fitzgerald & the Chick Webb Orchestra record "A Tisket A Tasket" in New York City. Written by Van Alexander & Ella Fitzgerald, the track features Ella Fitzgerald (vocal), Mario Bauza, Bobby Stark, Taft Jordan (trumpets), Sandy Williams, Nat
Story, George Matthews, (trombones), Garvin Bushell, Louis Jordan, Wayman Carver, Teddy McRae (reeds), Tommy Fulford (piano), Bobby Johnson (guitar), Beverley Peer (bass), and Chick Webb (drums).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1903 - Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby is born in Tacoma, Washington
1950 - Lou Gramm (Louis Grammatico), singer and drummer with Capitol recording act Black Sheep, is born in Rochester, New York
1954 - Prescott Niles, bass player in The Knack, The Game, and The Front, is born in New York City
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1946 - Andy Russell's single "Laughing On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)" is released
1947 - The Pied Pipers' single "Mam'selle" is released
1953 - Frank Sinatra records the tracks "Anytime, Anywhere", "My One And Only Love", "From Here To Eternity", and "I Can Read Between The Lines" at Capitol's Melrose Studios. All the tracks were arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle. The session was produced by Voyle Gilmore and musicians included Arthur “Skeets” Herfurt, Ted Nash, James Williamson (reeds); Clyde Hurley, Emanuel Klein (trumpets); Milton Bernhart, James Priddy (trombones); John Cace, Vincent De Rosa (french horn); Victor Bay, Walter Edelstien, Henry Hill, Alex Murray, Mischa Russell, Gerald Vinci (Violins); Alfred Barr, Paul Robyn (violas); Eleanor Slatkin (cello); Bill Miller (piano); Phil Stephens (bass); Alton Hendrickson (guitar); Alvin Stoller (drums); Kathryn Julve (harp).
1955 - Herbert John "Jackie" Gleason records "That Certain Party".
1964 - "Love Me Do" single on Tollie enters the Top 40
1964 - The Beatles' "Second Album" hits the #1 spot on the U.S. LP charts two weeks after its release, making it the first album ever to reach #1 that quickly.
1964 - Billy J. Kramer's single "Little Children" is released
1967 - Capitol pulls the plug on Brian Wilson's "Smile" album. 38 years later, after a series of concert performances by Brian Wilson, the album and a documentary film will finally be released.
1973 - June Hutton, who replaced Jo Stafford in The Pied Pipers in June 1944 and was the wife of arranger Axel Stordahl, dies at age 53. She is interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California next to her husband.1981 - Sheena Easton's single "Morning Train" tops the charts
1988 - Jim Fifield is appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of EMI Music Worldwide, based in New York. He is becomes President and Chief Executive Officer the following year.
ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1895 - Lyricist, writer, composer, producer and partner of Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Milton Hart is born in New York City
1932 - NBC introduces a new entertainer to their network's radio audience, Jack Benny
1938 - Ella Fitzgerald & the Chick Webb Orchestra record "A Tisket A Tasket" in New York City. Written by Van Alexander & Ella Fitzgerald, the track features Ella Fitzgerald (vocal), Mario Bauza, Bobby Stark, Taft Jordan (trumpets), Sandy Williams, Nat
Story, George Matthews, (trombones), Garvin Bushell, Louis Jordan, Wayman Carver, Teddy McRae (reeds), Tommy Fulford (piano), Bobby Johnson (guitar), Beverley Peer (bass), and Chick Webb (drums).
Monday, May 01, 2006
MAY 1
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1929 - James Loden aka Sonny James, "The Southern Gentleman" and Capitol Recording artist, was born in Hackleburg, Alabama
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1948 - Capitol holds the #1 and #2 spots on Billboard's Singles Chart with Peggy Lee's "Mañana" at # 1 for the 9th straight week and Nat "King" Cole's first solo recording, "Nature Boy", at # 2 (it would hit #1 the following week and stay for 7 weeks)
1951 - Blue Note artist Bud Powell (piano) led a recording session joined by Curly Russell (bass) and Max Roach (drums). These sessions produced three versions of Powell's "Un Poco Loco", a pair of takes on "A Night in Tunisia", and unaccompanied piano work on "Over the Rainbow" and "It Could Happen to You"
1957 - Sinatra records the tracks "Maybe You'll Be There" and "Where Are You?"
1958 - The Kingston Trio make their TV debut on the Playhouse 90 episode "Rumors Of Evening" when they play WW2 pilots as well as sing.
1966 - The Beatles last scheduled UK concert is held at the New Musical Express Poll Winner's Show at Empire Pool, Wembley. The Beatles played a fifteen-minute set performing the songs, "I Feel Fine," "Nowhere Man," "Day Tripper," "If I Needed Someone," and "I'm Down."
1969 - Peggy Lee's "Natural Woman" album is released
1999 - Matador Records ends it distribution relationship with Capitol Records and goes independent
2001 - After a transition period, Andy Slater starts full time as president of Capitol Records
ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1868 - Tom Dula, the basis for the Kingston Trio's first million selling single "Tom Dooley", is hung in Statesville, North Carolina
1963 - The Rollin' Stones sign Andrew Loog Oldham as manager
1965 - Lindley Armstrong "Spike" Jones dies at age 54
1967 - Elvis Presley marries Priscilla Beaulieu at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas by District Court Judge David Zenoff
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1929 - James Loden aka Sonny James, "The Southern Gentleman" and Capitol Recording artist, was born in Hackleburg, Alabama
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1948 - Capitol holds the #1 and #2 spots on Billboard's Singles Chart with Peggy Lee's "Mañana" at # 1 for the 9th straight week and Nat "King" Cole's first solo recording, "Nature Boy", at # 2 (it would hit #1 the following week and stay for 7 weeks)
1951 - Blue Note artist Bud Powell (piano) led a recording session joined by Curly Russell (bass) and Max Roach (drums). These sessions produced three versions of Powell's "Un Poco Loco", a pair of takes on "A Night in Tunisia", and unaccompanied piano work on "Over the Rainbow" and "It Could Happen to You"
1957 - Sinatra records the tracks "Maybe You'll Be There" and "Where Are You?"
1958 - The Kingston Trio make their TV debut on the Playhouse 90 episode "Rumors Of Evening" when they play WW2 pilots as well as sing.
1966 - The Beatles last scheduled UK concert is held at the New Musical Express Poll Winner's Show at Empire Pool, Wembley. The Beatles played a fifteen-minute set performing the songs, "I Feel Fine," "Nowhere Man," "Day Tripper," "If I Needed Someone," and "I'm Down."
1969 - Peggy Lee's "Natural Woman" album is released
1999 - Matador Records ends it distribution relationship with Capitol Records and goes independent
2001 - After a transition period, Andy Slater starts full time as president of Capitol Records
ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1868 - Tom Dula, the basis for the Kingston Trio's first million selling single "Tom Dooley", is hung in Statesville, North Carolina
1963 - The Rollin' Stones sign Andrew Loog Oldham as manager
1965 - Lindley Armstrong "Spike" Jones dies at age 54
1967 - Elvis Presley marries Priscilla Beaulieu at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas by District Court Judge David Zenoff
Sunday, April 30, 2006
APRIL 30
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1933 - Singer, songwriter, Farm Aid founder, Willaim Hugh "Willie" Nelson is born in Abbott, Texas
1934 - Jerry Lordon, composer of "Apache", the first big hit for the UK's The Shadows, was born in London
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1928 - Ten year old Stubenville, Ohio native Dino Crocetti (Dean Martin) had his first Holy Communion and took the name Paul as his confirmation name
1947 - Mel Blanc is in the studio to record the track "Porky Pig In Africa" for the album "Bugs Bunny Stories For Children". The track is produced by Alan Livingston with music by Billy May and story by Tedd Pierce and Warren Foster.
1953 - With Voyle Gilmore producing, Nelson Riddle conducts his first session with Frank Sinatra (it's Sinatra's second session for Capitol Records). Recorded that day in Capitol's Melrose Studios (the former KHJ radio studios) are the first arrangements credited to Riddle for Sinatra: "I've Got The World On A String", "Don't Worry 'Bout Me", and "I Love You". Riddle "ghost" arranges for Billy May who is credited on the songs "South Of The Border" and "From Here To Eternity". May is on tour with his own band at the same time as this session. Not bad for a single day's work
1966 - Capitol country artist Ray Pillow, best known at the time for his duets with Jean Shepard, is made a member of The Grand Ol' Opry after being introduced by Ernest Tubb.
1966 - The Beach Boys' "Caroline, No" single peaks at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was recorded Jan. 31, 1966 at Western Recorders, Hollywood, CA. and released March 7, 1966 as Capitol single 5610 with Brian Wilson on lead vocals.
1969 - Paul McCartney and John Lennon record overdubs and sound effects for the song "You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)"
1973 - “Give Me Love” by George Harrison hits #1 in the U.S.A.
1973 - Frank Sinatra comes out of retirement to record tracks for his "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back" album
1977 - Glen Campbell's single "Southern Nights" hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart
1977 - Klaatu's self-titled debut album peaks at #32 on the Billboard album charts and will stay there for 3 weeks
1978 - Dick Curless is inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame
1985 - Comedian and Capitol recording artist Mickey Katz dies
2000 - Capitol artist and swing trumpeter Jonah Jones dies at age 91
ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1927 - Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford become the first to put their hand and footprints in cement outside Sid Graumann's Chinese Theatre at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California
1983 - Blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) dies in his sleep at age 68 at his home in Westmont, Illinois
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1933 - Singer, songwriter, Farm Aid founder, Willaim Hugh "Willie" Nelson is born in Abbott, Texas
1934 - Jerry Lordon, composer of "Apache", the first big hit for the UK's The Shadows, was born in London
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY
1928 - Ten year old Stubenville, Ohio native Dino Crocetti (Dean Martin) had his first Holy Communion and took the name Paul as his confirmation name
1947 - Mel Blanc is in the studio to record the track "Porky Pig In Africa" for the album "Bugs Bunny Stories For Children". The track is produced by Alan Livingston with music by Billy May and story by Tedd Pierce and Warren Foster.
1953 - With Voyle Gilmore producing, Nelson Riddle conducts his first session with Frank Sinatra (it's Sinatra's second session for Capitol Records). Recorded that day in Capitol's Melrose Studios (the former KHJ radio studios) are the first arrangements credited to Riddle for Sinatra: "I've Got The World On A String", "Don't Worry 'Bout Me", and "I Love You". Riddle "ghost" arranges for Billy May who is credited on the songs "South Of The Border" and "From Here To Eternity". May is on tour with his own band at the same time as this session. Not bad for a single day's work
1966 - Capitol country artist Ray Pillow, best known at the time for his duets with Jean Shepard, is made a member of The Grand Ol' Opry after being introduced by Ernest Tubb.
1966 - The Beach Boys' "Caroline, No" single peaks at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was recorded Jan. 31, 1966 at Western Recorders, Hollywood, CA. and released March 7, 1966 as Capitol single 5610 with Brian Wilson on lead vocals.
1969 - Paul McCartney and John Lennon record overdubs and sound effects for the song "You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)"
1973 - “Give Me Love” by George Harrison hits #1 in the U.S.A.
1973 - Frank Sinatra comes out of retirement to record tracks for his "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back" album
1977 - Glen Campbell's single "Southern Nights" hits #1 on Billboard's singles chart
1977 - Klaatu's self-titled debut album peaks at #32 on the Billboard album charts and will stay there for 3 weeks
1978 - Dick Curless is inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame
1985 - Comedian and Capitol recording artist Mickey Katz dies
2000 - Capitol artist and swing trumpeter Jonah Jones dies at age 91
ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1927 - Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford become the first to put their hand and footprints in cement outside Sid Graumann's Chinese Theatre at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California
1983 - Blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) dies in his sleep at age 68 at his home in Westmont, Illinois
Saturday, April 29, 2006
APRIL 29
KEELY SMITH AND TRIO LIVE IN HOLLYWOOD!
They were at the Catalina Bar and Grill. Showtimes were at 8:30 and 10:30 PM. For more info, check out the Catalina's website. They also played the previous night. Any first hand accounts would be much appreciated!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1899 - Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington is born in Washington, D.C. Ellington would record "Satin Doll" for Capitol.
1931 - Lonnie Donegan was born Anthony James Donegan in Glasgow, Scotland. Bruce Eder has written a great biography for the Memorable Music Hall of Fame on the man who invented Skiffle and influenced a generation of future British rock and blues musicians.
1933 - Rod McKuen, singer, poet, actor, writer and composer of the song "Two-Ten, Six-Eighteen" recorded by Captiol recording artists The Kingston Trio, was born in Oakland, CA
1934 - Blues guitarist Otis Rush is born in Philadelphia, Mississippi and, in 1970, would sign with Capitol
ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1944 - The King Cole Trio's "Straighten Up and Fly Right" hit's #1 on the "black" charts for the first of ten weeks, and would later cross over to the country and pop charts. The track came from the Trio's first session for Capitol.
1944 - "I Love You" sung by Jo Stafford, with Paul Weston and his orchestra, is #10 on the Billboard chart
1946 - Les Baxter signs with Capitol
1953 - Nelson Riddle signs a contract to conduct his first Sinatra session at Capitol to be held the next day on April 30.
1953 - The Gerry Mulligan Quartet begin a two day recording session for Pacific Jazz that will produce "Darn That Dream", "I May Be Wrong", "I'm Beginning To See The Light", "The Nearness Of You" and "Tea For Two". The quartet includes Mulligan (sax), Chet Baker (trumpet), Larry Bunker (drums), and Carson Smith (bass).
1957 - Frank Sinatra records the tracks "Lonely Town" and "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home" with arranger Gordon Jenkins
1963 - Buck Owen's album "On The Bandstand" is released by Capitol Records. The album was produced by Ken Nelson during sessions that occured between May and September 1961 in the Capitol Studios in Hollywood and featured Owen's on guitar and vocals, Don Rich (fiddle/guitar/vocal), Jay McDonalds (steel guitar), Kenny Pierce (electric bass/vocal) and Ken Presley (drums).
1974 - Wings' album "Band On The Run" enters the U.S. Top 100
KEELY SMITH AND TRIO LIVE IN HOLLYWOOD!
They were at the Catalina Bar and Grill. Showtimes were at 8:30 and 10:30 PM. For more info, check out the Catalina's website. They also played the previous night. Any first hand accounts would be much appreciated!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1899 - Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington is born in Washington, D.C. Ellington would record "Satin Doll" for Capitol.
1931 - Lonnie Donegan was born Anthony James Donegan in Glasgow, Scotland. Bruce Eder has written a great biography for the Memorable Music Hall of Fame on the man who invented Skiffle and influenced a generation of future British rock and blues musicians.
1933 - Rod McKuen, singer, poet, actor, writer and composer of the song "Two-Ten, Six-Eighteen" recorded by Captiol recording artists The Kingston Trio, was born in Oakland, CA
1934 - Blues guitarist Otis Rush is born in Philadelphia, Mississippi and, in 1970, would sign with Capitol
ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1944 - The King Cole Trio's "Straighten Up and Fly Right" hit's #1 on the "black" charts for the first of ten weeks, and would later cross over to the country and pop charts. The track came from the Trio's first session for Capitol.
1944 - "I Love You" sung by Jo Stafford, with Paul Weston and his orchestra, is #10 on the Billboard chart
1946 - Les Baxter signs with Capitol
1953 - Nelson Riddle signs a contract to conduct his first Sinatra session at Capitol to be held the next day on April 30.
1953 - The Gerry Mulligan Quartet begin a two day recording session for Pacific Jazz that will produce "Darn That Dream", "I May Be Wrong", "I'm Beginning To See The Light", "The Nearness Of You" and "Tea For Two". The quartet includes Mulligan (sax), Chet Baker (trumpet), Larry Bunker (drums), and Carson Smith (bass).
1957 - Frank Sinatra records the tracks "Lonely Town" and "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home" with arranger Gordon Jenkins
1963 - Buck Owen's album "On The Bandstand" is released by Capitol Records. The album was produced by Ken Nelson during sessions that occured between May and September 1961 in the Capitol Studios in Hollywood and featured Owen's on guitar and vocals, Don Rich (fiddle/guitar/vocal), Jay McDonalds (steel guitar), Kenny Pierce (electric bass/vocal) and Ken Presley (drums).
1974 - Wings' album "Band On The Run" enters the U.S. Top 100
Friday, April 28, 2006
APRIL 28
"LET'S HAVE A PARTY!" - WANDA JACKSON LIVE!
Jackson, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll and a Capitol Records artist from 1956 to 1973, was on stage at 7:00 pm in the Jensen Concert Hall at the Stephens Performing Arts Center at the Idaho State University in Pocatello. Any first hand accounts would be appreciated!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1926 - Hey you "School House Rock!" fans, 80 years ago this day, vocalist/pianist/songwriter, Blossom Dearie was born in East Durham, NY. She recorded one album for Capitol in 1964, "May I Come In?", which is currently available on Blue Note records.
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1949 - Smiley Burnette signs with Capitol
1957 - Gene Vincent receives a gold record from Capitol during a show in Chicago for sales of over 2 million of "Be-Bop-A-Lula". The single would go on to sell over 9 million copies.
1958 - Gil Evans signs with Capitol
1965 - The Beatles receive the Grammy for "Best Vocal Performance by a Group" for "A Hard Day's Night
1973 - Pink Floyd's album "Dark Side Of The Moon" hits #1. It'll be #1 for only 1 week, but it will stay on Billboards Top 200 album chart for 741 weeks.
1985 - Sleepy Willis, who worked with Dick Curless on the Capitol album "The Soul of Dick Curless" and later would be Curless' lead guitarist, agent and manager, was inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame
"LET'S HAVE A PARTY!" - WANDA JACKSON LIVE!
Jackson, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll and a Capitol Records artist from 1956 to 1973, was on stage at 7:00 pm in the Jensen Concert Hall at the Stephens Performing Arts Center at the Idaho State University in Pocatello. Any first hand accounts would be appreciated!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1926 - Hey you "School House Rock!" fans, 80 years ago this day, vocalist/pianist/songwriter, Blossom Dearie was born in East Durham, NY. She recorded one album for Capitol in 1964, "May I Come In?", which is currently available on Blue Note records.
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1949 - Smiley Burnette signs with Capitol
1957 - Gene Vincent receives a gold record from Capitol during a show in Chicago for sales of over 2 million of "Be-Bop-A-Lula". The single would go on to sell over 9 million copies.
1958 - Gil Evans signs with Capitol
1965 - The Beatles receive the Grammy for "Best Vocal Performance by a Group" for "A Hard Day's Night
1973 - Pink Floyd's album "Dark Side Of The Moon" hits #1. It'll be #1 for only 1 week, but it will stay on Billboards Top 200 album chart for 741 weeks.
1985 - Sleepy Willis, who worked with Dick Curless on the Capitol album "The Soul of Dick Curless" and later would be Curless' lead guitarist, agent and manager, was inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame
Thursday, April 27, 2006
APRIL 27
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
1909 - Jimmie Skinner, country and hillbilly original, was born on a farm near Berea, Kentucky. He recorded 15 released singles for Capitol between 1950 and 1953, but no album was ever put together and the singles are a rare find. A great biography can be found on Paul Vidal's site and at the Hillbilly Music site.
1959 - EMI America artist Sheena Easton is born in Bellshill, Scotland
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1953 - Gerry Mulligan, with his baritone saxophone, records "My Old Flame" for Pacific Jazz. Also contributing were Chet Baker on trumpet, Larry Bunker on drums, and Carson Smith on bass. The track was produced by Richard Bock at Radio Recorders, Los Angeles.
1959 - Bobby Hackett, with his coronet, records the tracks "Orchids From Hawaii", "Ku Nei", "Soft Sands" and "Aloha Oe" for his Capitol album "Hawaii Swings" in NYC. Also in on the session were Stan Brauner (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor sax), Dave McKenna (piano), Bill Kahakalau (steel guitar), Billy Bauer or Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar, ukulele), Bob Carter (bass), Dick Scott (drums), and Johnny Cresci (bongo). The sessions may have been produced by Andy Wiswell. The complete Bobby Hackett solo sessions are available on Mosaic Records.
1961 - Blue Note artist Lou Donaldson, with his alto saxophone, record the tracks "Glory of Love", "Gravy Train", "Polka Dots And Moonbeams", "Candy", "South Of The Border", "Twist Time", and "Avalon" for his album "Gravy Train", released in mono in June 1961 and stereo in July, 1962. Also performing are Herman Foster (piano), Ben Tucker (bass), Dave Bailey (drums), and Alec Dorsey (conga drums). The sessions are produced by Alfred Lion.
1964 - The Beatles' single "Love Me Do" backed with "P.S. I Love You" is released on Tollie Records.
1966 - Recording begins on The Beatles' "I'm Only Sleeping" track for the "Revolver" album
1973 - The last episode of Bobby Darin's NBC "The Bobby Darin Show", a "concert" show, with Peggy Lee.
1988 - Great White’s "Once Bitten" is certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A.
1992 - Capitol Records releases it's limited edition promotional 50th Anniversary box set. It contains 8 cds and a hard cover book covering the highights of the previous 50 years.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
1909 - Jimmie Skinner, country and hillbilly original, was born on a farm near Berea, Kentucky. He recorded 15 released singles for Capitol between 1950 and 1953, but no album was ever put together and the singles are a rare find. A great biography can be found on Paul Vidal's site and at the Hillbilly Music site.
1959 - EMI America artist Sheena Easton is born in Bellshill, Scotland
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1953 - Gerry Mulligan, with his baritone saxophone, records "My Old Flame" for Pacific Jazz. Also contributing were Chet Baker on trumpet, Larry Bunker on drums, and Carson Smith on bass. The track was produced by Richard Bock at Radio Recorders, Los Angeles.
1959 - Bobby Hackett, with his coronet, records the tracks "Orchids From Hawaii", "Ku Nei", "Soft Sands" and "Aloha Oe" for his Capitol album "Hawaii Swings" in NYC. Also in on the session were Stan Brauner (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor sax), Dave McKenna (piano), Bill Kahakalau (steel guitar), Billy Bauer or Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar, ukulele), Bob Carter (bass), Dick Scott (drums), and Johnny Cresci (bongo). The sessions may have been produced by Andy Wiswell. The complete Bobby Hackett solo sessions are available on Mosaic Records.
1961 - Blue Note artist Lou Donaldson, with his alto saxophone, record the tracks "Glory of Love", "Gravy Train", "Polka Dots And Moonbeams", "Candy", "South Of The Border", "Twist Time", and "Avalon" for his album "Gravy Train", released in mono in June 1961 and stereo in July, 1962. Also performing are Herman Foster (piano), Ben Tucker (bass), Dave Bailey (drums), and Alec Dorsey (conga drums). The sessions are produced by Alfred Lion.
1964 - The Beatles' single "Love Me Do" backed with "P.S. I Love You" is released on Tollie Records.
1966 - Recording begins on The Beatles' "I'm Only Sleeping" track for the "Revolver" album
1973 - The last episode of Bobby Darin's NBC "The Bobby Darin Show", a "concert" show, with Peggy Lee.
1988 - Great White’s "Once Bitten" is certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A.
1992 - Capitol Records releases it's limited edition promotional 50th Anniversary box set. It contains 8 cds and a hard cover book covering the highights of the previous 50 years.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
APRIL 26
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1938 - Duane Eddy, whose album "His Twangy Guitar, and The Rebels" was released by Capitol/EMI, was born in Corning, NY
1942 - Bobby Rydell, singer on Capitol Records after leaving Cameo Records until 1969 when he signed with Reprise, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His complete Capitol catalog is available on CD.
1960 - Roger Taylor, drummer and percussionist for Duran Duran was born in West Midlands, UK
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1962 - Judy Garland is recorded at a live performance at Manhattan Center. Selections from the concert would later be released on the albums "Judy Garland, Live" and "Judy Garland: The One and Only". There's a great first hand account of the performance on Steve Jarret's site.
1964 - The Rolling Stones' eponymous debut album is released
1965 - The Beach Boys single "Help Me Rhonda" is released
1984 - Jazz legend and Roulette Records artist Count Basie dies in Hollywood, Florida
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
1938 - Duane Eddy, whose album "His Twangy Guitar, and The Rebels" was released by Capitol/EMI, was born in Corning, NY
1942 - Bobby Rydell, singer on Capitol Records after leaving Cameo Records until 1969 when he signed with Reprise, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His complete Capitol catalog is available on CD.
1960 - Roger Taylor, drummer and percussionist for Duran Duran was born in West Midlands, UK
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1962 - Judy Garland is recorded at a live performance at Manhattan Center. Selections from the concert would later be released on the albums "Judy Garland, Live" and "Judy Garland: The One and Only". There's a great first hand account of the performance on Steve Jarret's site.
1964 - The Rolling Stones' eponymous debut album is released
1965 - The Beach Boys single "Help Me Rhonda" is released
1984 - Jazz legend and Roulette Records artist Count Basie dies in Hollywood, Florida
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
APRIL 25
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1917 - Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Virginia. Ella would be one of the first non-Capitol artists to record in Studio A in the Capitol Tower. On August 16, 1956 she, along with Louis Armstrong, would record tracks for their duet album on Verve and 5 days later she would record tracks for her "Sings The Rodgers & Hart Song Book", also on Verve.
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1947 - Pappy "Gube" Beaver signs with Capitol
1956 - Peggy Lee marries 3rd husband actor Dewey Martin
1961 - The Louvin Brothers sign with Capitol
1964 - According to the Ottawa Journal "Hit Parade", The Beatles hold the 1, 2 & 3 slots in Canada with, respectively, the singles "Twist and Shout", "Can't Buy Me Love" and "All My Loving"
1967 - The Beatles record the track "Magical Mystery Tour"
1968 - The Beatles' Apple Corps, Ltd. begins operations in its London offices
1973 - Dean Martin marries for the third time to Catherine Mae Hawn
1983 - With the addition of the track "Is There Something I Should Know?, as well as new photos, the self titled album "Duran Duran" is re-released in the U.S. and will peak at #10
1990 - Saxophonist, and Blue Note Records artist, Dexter Gordon dies at age 67
1992 - The 5 Keys are inducted into the United in Group Harmony Association Hall of Fame. The group does an impromptu performance which would be the last by its original members.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1917 - Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Virginia. Ella would be one of the first non-Capitol artists to record in Studio A in the Capitol Tower. On August 16, 1956 she, along with Louis Armstrong, would record tracks for their duet album on Verve and 5 days later she would record tracks for her "Sings The Rodgers & Hart Song Book", also on Verve.
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1947 - Pappy "Gube" Beaver signs with Capitol
1956 - Peggy Lee marries 3rd husband actor Dewey Martin
1961 - The Louvin Brothers sign with Capitol
1964 - According to the Ottawa Journal "Hit Parade", The Beatles hold the 1, 2 & 3 slots in Canada with, respectively, the singles "Twist and Shout", "Can't Buy Me Love" and "All My Loving"
1967 - The Beatles record the track "Magical Mystery Tour"
1968 - The Beatles' Apple Corps, Ltd. begins operations in its London offices
1973 - Dean Martin marries for the third time to Catherine Mae Hawn
1983 - With the addition of the track "Is There Something I Should Know?, as well as new photos, the self titled album "Duran Duran" is re-released in the U.S. and will peak at #10
1990 - Saxophonist, and Blue Note Records artist, Dexter Gordon dies at age 67
1992 - The 5 Keys are inducted into the United in Group Harmony Association Hall of Fame. The group does an impromptu performance which would be the last by its original members.
Monday, April 24, 2006
APRIL 24
39 YEARS AGO TODAY - THE PINK FLOYD'S FIRST SINGLE IS RELEASED IN AMERICA
Capitol Records subsidiary Tower Records (no relation to the chain of record stores) releases the first single in the U.S. by "The Pink Floyd" - "Arnold Layne" with "Candy And A Current Bun" on the flip side (Tower 333). The track is written by Syd Barrett and features "The Light Kings of England" - Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Syd Barrett and Rick Wright. For more information on Pink Floyd's discography on Tower Records, read this definitive article by Vernon Fitch.. For more on the discography, and life, of Syd Barret go to Stephen Scheider's tribute site.
ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1950 - Mel Blanc is back in the studio again to records tracks for the children's singles "Bugs Bunny Meets Hiawatha" and "Daffy Duck Meets Yosemite Sam" Both tracks are produced by Alan Livingston with story by Warren Foster and Michael Maltese and music by Billy May. On "Bugs Bunny Meets Hiawatha" additional uncredited vocals are provided by Arthur Q. Bryan. On "Daffy Duck Meets Yosemite Sam" Vance "Pinto" Colvig, also the voice of Bozo for Capitol and Goofy for Disney, provides additional uncredited vocals.
1974 - Grand Funk Railroad's cover single of "Locomotion" is certified gold by the R.I.A.A.
39 YEARS AGO TODAY - THE PINK FLOYD'S FIRST SINGLE IS RELEASED IN AMERICA
Capitol Records subsidiary Tower Records (no relation to the chain of record stores) releases the first single in the U.S. by "The Pink Floyd" - "Arnold Layne" with "Candy And A Current Bun" on the flip side (Tower 333). The track is written by Syd Barrett and features "The Light Kings of England" - Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Syd Barrett and Rick Wright. For more information on Pink Floyd's discography on Tower Records, read this definitive article by Vernon Fitch.. For more on the discography, and life, of Syd Barret go to Stephen Scheider's tribute site.
ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1950 - Mel Blanc is back in the studio again to records tracks for the children's singles "Bugs Bunny Meets Hiawatha" and "Daffy Duck Meets Yosemite Sam" Both tracks are produced by Alan Livingston with story by Warren Foster and Michael Maltese and music by Billy May. On "Bugs Bunny Meets Hiawatha" additional uncredited vocals are provided by Arthur Q. Bryan. On "Daffy Duck Meets Yosemite Sam" Vance "Pinto" Colvig, also the voice of Bozo for Capitol and Goofy for Disney, provides additional uncredited vocals.
1974 - Grand Funk Railroad's cover single of "Locomotion" is certified gold by the R.I.A.A.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
APRIL 23
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY!
Rock legend and Virgin Records America recording artist Roy Orbison was born 70 years ago today.
45 YEARS AGO TODAY
On April 23, 1961, Judy Garland's concert at Carnegie Hall was recorded. The album would go on to win 5 Grammys and be the #1 album for 13 weeks. It was remastered and re-released in 2001 for the 40th anniversary under the supervision of then VP of Catalog A&R Paul Atkinson.
ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
April 23, 1947, Mel Blanc has his first Capitol children's records session where he'll record "Bugs Bunny Meets Elmer Fudd" and "Daffy Duck Flies South" for the children's album "Bugs Bunny's Stories for Children" which was produced by Alan Livingston with stories by Tedd Pierce and Warren Foster, music by Billy May and with Arthur Q. Bryan supplying additional vocals.
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY!
Rock legend and Virgin Records America recording artist Roy Orbison was born 70 years ago today.
45 YEARS AGO TODAY
On April 23, 1961, Judy Garland's concert at Carnegie Hall was recorded. The album would go on to win 5 Grammys and be the #1 album for 13 weeks. It was remastered and re-released in 2001 for the 40th anniversary under the supervision of then VP of Catalog A&R Paul Atkinson.
ALSO ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
April 23, 1947, Mel Blanc has his first Capitol children's records session where he'll record "Bugs Bunny Meets Elmer Fudd" and "Daffy Duck Flies South" for the children's album "Bugs Bunny's Stories for Children" which was produced by Alan Livingston with stories by Tedd Pierce and Warren Foster, music by Billy May and with Arthur Q. Bryan supplying additional vocals.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
APRIL 22
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY!
1936 - Capitol Records Country and guitar legend Glen Campbell.
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1949 - Miles Davis and his trumpet record "Israel" in NYC. The track, first released as a single would become one of the eight tracks on the 10" album that was part of the "Classics of Jazz" series. In 1957 the track became part of Davis'"Birth Of The Cool" album. Also on the track are Kenny Clarke (Drums), J.J. Johnson (Trombone), Lee Konitz (Alto Saxophone), John Lewis (Piano), Gerry Mulligan (Baritone Saxophone), Bill Barber (Tuba), Nelson Boyd (Double Bass), and Sandy Siegelstein (French Horn). The track is arranged by Johnny Carisi and the session is proudced by Pete Rugolo.
1958 - Ethel Ennis records Harry Warren's "Serenade in Blue" for her Capitol album "Have You Forgotten" (Capitol T1078) with the orchestra conducted by Sid Feller. For more on Ethel Ennis go to this New York Times article.
1969 - John Lennon legally changed his middle name from Winston to Ono and later required that all of his gold awards bear the correct legal name, John Ono Lennon.
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY!
1936 - Capitol Records Country and guitar legend Glen Campbell.
ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL HISTORY
1949 - Miles Davis and his trumpet record "Israel" in NYC. The track, first released as a single would become one of the eight tracks on the 10" album that was part of the "Classics of Jazz" series. In 1957 the track became part of Davis'"Birth Of The Cool" album. Also on the track are Kenny Clarke (Drums), J.J. Johnson (Trombone), Lee Konitz (Alto Saxophone), John Lewis (Piano), Gerry Mulligan (Baritone Saxophone), Bill Barber (Tuba), Nelson Boyd (Double Bass), and Sandy Siegelstein (French Horn). The track is arranged by Johnny Carisi and the session is proudced by Pete Rugolo.
1958 - Ethel Ennis records Harry Warren's "Serenade in Blue" for her Capitol album "Have You Forgotten" (Capitol T1078) with the orchestra conducted by Sid Feller. For more on Ethel Ennis go to this New York Times article.
1969 - John Lennon legally changed his middle name from Winston to Ono and later required that all of his gold awards bear the correct legal name, John Ono Lennon.
Friday, April 21, 2006
APRIL 21
HAPPY 75TH ANNIVERSARY E.M.I.!
April 21, 1931: The Gramophone Company Ltd and The Columbia Gramophone Company Ltd merge and register a holding company - "Electric and Musical Industries Ltd". Alfred Clark (The Gramophone Company) becomes Chairman, and Louis Sterling (The Columbia Company) becomes Managing Director.
In 1955 E.M.I., under the helm of then managing director Joseph Lockwood (later chairman Sir Joseph Lockwood), bought controling interest in Capitol Records for $3 million dollars, and Glenn Wallichs joined the board of E.M.I.. Lockwood was criticized for paying so much but, within 4 years, Capitol would be worth an estimated $85 million.
The E.M.I. Group's website has a good history section.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IRA LOUVIN!
Ira Louvin of the Louvin Brothers was born April 21, 1924. Ira, recorded Gospel and Country hits with his brother Charlie, and as a solo artist, for Capitol. Ira would later be killed in an auto accident in Williamsburg, Missouri while on tour with his wife, Anne Young, on June 20, 1965.
Ira was inducted with his brother into the Alabama Hall of Fame in 1991 with a Lifework Award for Performaning Achievement. They have a great biography of the brothers on their website.
MEL BLANC ENTERS THE STUDIO
On April 21, 1949, Mel Blanc starts recording tracks for the Capitol Record Reader "Bugs Bunny In Storyland" and will finish the next day. The sessions are produced by Alan Livingston, with music by Billy May. The story is by Tedd Pierce and Warren Foster with illustrations for the attached booklet by Robert McKimson and Richard Thomas. Also on the record, but uncredited, were Arthur Q. Bryan (Elmer Fudd) and June Foray.
Jack Tatay maintains a great site about all the Capitol childrens records with Warner Brothers cartoon characters, with lots of images and sound clips.
HAPPY 75TH ANNIVERSARY E.M.I.!April 21, 1931: The Gramophone Company Ltd and The Columbia Gramophone Company Ltd merge and register a holding company - "Electric and Musical Industries Ltd". Alfred Clark (The Gramophone Company) becomes Chairman, and Louis Sterling (The Columbia Company) becomes Managing Director.
In 1955 E.M.I., under the helm of then managing director Joseph Lockwood (later chairman Sir Joseph Lockwood), bought controling interest in Capitol Records for $3 million dollars, and Glenn Wallichs joined the board of E.M.I.. Lockwood was criticized for paying so much but, within 4 years, Capitol would be worth an estimated $85 million.
The E.M.I. Group's website has a good history section.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IRA LOUVIN!
Ira Louvin of the Louvin Brothers was born April 21, 1924. Ira, recorded Gospel and Country hits with his brother Charlie, and as a solo artist, for Capitol. Ira would later be killed in an auto accident in Williamsburg, Missouri while on tour with his wife, Anne Young, on June 20, 1965.
Ira was inducted with his brother into the Alabama Hall of Fame in 1991 with a Lifework Award for Performaning Achievement. They have a great biography of the brothers on their website.
MEL BLANC ENTERS THE STUDIOOn April 21, 1949, Mel Blanc starts recording tracks for the Capitol Record Reader "Bugs Bunny In Storyland" and will finish the next day. The sessions are produced by Alan Livingston, with music by Billy May. The story is by Tedd Pierce and Warren Foster with illustrations for the attached booklet by Robert McKimson and Richard Thomas. Also on the record, but uncredited, were Arthur Q. Bryan (Elmer Fudd) and June Foray.
Jack Tatay maintains a great site about all the Capitol childrens records with Warner Brothers cartoon characters, with lots of images and sound clips.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
APRIL 20 - ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL'S HISTORY
1908 - Lionel Hampton, vibes player with Benny Goodman and as a solo artist, is born in Louisville, KY.
1922 - Frank "Hylo" Brown, Jr., vocalist for Bradley Kincaid and his own bluegrass band The Timberliners, is born. Getting his nickname "Hylo" from his wide vocal range, Brown woulld go to be lead singer for Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and was inducted into the Grand Ol' Opry, the Kentucky Hall of Fame and is the 52nd member of the SPBGMA's Preservation Hall of Greats.
1948 - Craig Frost, Grand Funk Railroad keyboardist, is born in Flint, Michigan.
1952 - Pee Wee Hunt's "Oh!" becomes a million seller.
1953 - Miles Davis recorded the alternate take of "Enigma" at WOR Studios in NYC. Besides Miles on trumpet, also at the session were Art Blakey (Drums), Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone), J.J. Johnson (trombone), Percy Heath (double bass), Gil Coggins (piano). The session was produced by Alfred Lion and Doug Hawkins was the recording engineer.
1960 - The Kingston Trio record "Bad Man's Blunder" which is the last single to feature the line up of Dave Guard, Nick Reynold and Bob Shane. This was the first time Dave Guard recorded playing the first 12 string guitar made by Gibson, which was custom built for him. It's also the day Guard's son Tommy was born.
1960 - Pianist Horace Parlan records 7 tracks, including the title song for his "Us Three" Blue Note album at Rudy Van Gelder's Englewood Cliffs, NJ studio along with George Tucker on bass and Al Harewood on drums.
1969 - The last original episode of The Beatles' King Features Syndicate cartoon show aired on ABC. Paul Frees voiced John and George and Lance Percival did Ringo and Paul.
1908 - Lionel Hampton, vibes player with Benny Goodman and as a solo artist, is born in Louisville, KY.
1922 - Frank "Hylo" Brown, Jr., vocalist for Bradley Kincaid and his own bluegrass band The Timberliners, is born. Getting his nickname "Hylo" from his wide vocal range, Brown woulld go to be lead singer for Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and was inducted into the Grand Ol' Opry, the Kentucky Hall of Fame and is the 52nd member of the SPBGMA's Preservation Hall of Greats.
1948 - Craig Frost, Grand Funk Railroad keyboardist, is born in Flint, Michigan.
1952 - Pee Wee Hunt's "Oh!" becomes a million seller.
1953 - Miles Davis recorded the alternate take of "Enigma" at WOR Studios in NYC. Besides Miles on trumpet, also at the session were Art Blakey (Drums), Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone), J.J. Johnson (trombone), Percy Heath (double bass), Gil Coggins (piano). The session was produced by Alfred Lion and Doug Hawkins was the recording engineer.
1960 - The Kingston Trio record "Bad Man's Blunder" which is the last single to feature the line up of Dave Guard, Nick Reynold and Bob Shane. This was the first time Dave Guard recorded playing the first 12 string guitar made by Gibson, which was custom built for him. It's also the day Guard's son Tommy was born.
1960 - Pianist Horace Parlan records 7 tracks, including the title song for his "Us Three" Blue Note album at Rudy Van Gelder's Englewood Cliffs, NJ studio along with George Tucker on bass and Al Harewood on drums.
1969 - The last original episode of The Beatles' King Features Syndicate cartoon show aired on ABC. Paul Frees voiced John and George and Lance Percival did Ringo and Paul.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
REMEMBERING ONE OF CAPITOL'S BEST, DAVE E. DEXTER, JR.
Dave Dexter, Johnny Mercer and Glenn Wallichs
On April 19, 1990 Dave E. Dexter, Jr., publicist, A&R man, and producer for Capitol Records for more than 30 years, died.
During his time at Capitol, "Dex" was reponsible for signing and producing many of Capitol's early jazz and r&b artists including Julia Lee, Nellie Lutcher and Kay Starr, got Peggy Lee to come out of eary retirement in 1944 to record tracks for his "New American Jazz" album, put together the 4 album "History of Jazz" series in 1945 and its update in the '60s, was editor and writer of Capitol's promotional magazine "Capitol News", signed Duke Ellington and produced the "Satin Doll" track, became head of International A&R putting together the 400 albums in the "Capitol of the World" series of national and ethnic music, and remixed the early albums of "The Beatles" released in the U.S. which have been recenly released on CD for the first time.
"Dex" is also the narrrator on the commemorative promo albums for Capitol's 10th and 25th anniversaries.
His autobiography "Playback" has some great stories about Capitol's early history. He also wrote the books "Jazz Cavalcade" and "The Jazz Story" which is still considered a definitive history of Jazz up until the time of its publication in 1964.
Club Kaycee has a great site about Dave that includes photos and audio interviews. His papers and records are a special collection at the Miller Nichols Library at the University of Missouri Kansas City.
A COUPLE OF ANNIVERSARIES FOR FANS OF THE BEATLES
April 19, 1965 - "Ticket To Ride" is released as a single.
April 19, 1967 - The mono mix of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is completed.
April 19, 1973 - The albums "1962-1966" (the "Red Album") and "1967-1970" (the "Blue Album") are released.
A free exhibition of "Unseen Beatles" images from the 1963-1966 "16 Magazine" archives is being held at American Royal Arts Gallery at 808A E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL until April 30, 2006. The exhibit also showcases images from Capitol Records and noted Beatles photographers Robert Freeman, Dezo Hoffman and Leslie Bryce.
April 19, 1965 - "Ticket To Ride" is released as a single.
April 19, 1967 - The mono mix of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is completed.
April 19, 1973 - The albums "1962-1966" (the "Red Album") and "1967-1970" (the "Blue Album") are released.
A free exhibition of "Unseen Beatles" images from the 1963-1966 "16 Magazine" archives is being held at American Royal Arts Gallery at 808A E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL until April 30, 2006. The exhibit also showcases images from Capitol Records and noted Beatles photographers Robert Freeman, Dezo Hoffman and Leslie Bryce.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
CAPITOL RECORDS RECORDING DEPARTMENT TURNS 61
Capitol Records Recording Department was started on April 18, 1945 with Bill Miller as boss. Miller would, 21 years later, "prepare for release" The Beatles "Yesterday ...And Today" and "Revolver" albums. He was also an A&R and Producer. He was responsible for signing and producing Jackie Davis and producing sessions for June Christy, Benny Goodman, The Four Freshmen, Sebastian Temple, Warren Durrett and even co-produced Ted Cassidy's novelty record "The Lurch". The current manager is Paula Salvatore, who has guided the always busy Capitol Studios since 2001. Check out Capitol Studios' website for more information. There's also a great article about the Capitol Studios on the studio expresso website.
Capitol Records Recording Department was started on April 18, 1945 with Bill Miller as boss. Miller would, 21 years later, "prepare for release" The Beatles "Yesterday ...And Today" and "Revolver" albums. He was also an A&R and Producer. He was responsible for signing and producing Jackie Davis and producing sessions for June Christy, Benny Goodman, The Four Freshmen, Sebastian Temple, Warren Durrett and even co-produced Ted Cassidy's novelty record "The Lurch". The current manager is Paula Salvatore, who has guided the always busy Capitol Studios since 2001. Check out Capitol Studios' website for more information. There's also a great article about the Capitol Studios on the studio expresso website.
Monday, April 17, 2006
GREAT NEWS!
Vernise Elaine Pelzel emailed to identify her father, Vern Yocum, as the gentleman on the left in the foreground of the photo of the "Tone Poems of Color" session. To quote his biography on her website "Yocum is best known for the 17 year association with Nat King Cole and his thirty plus year collaboration with Frank Sinatra and Nelson Riddle. Yocum assisted trumpeter Cecil Reed in organizing The Musician's Guild in 1955, resulting in union reform." At the end of the biography Vernise has added a link to see the Vern Yocum Library Collection at the University of Arizona.
Vernise's site also has a biography of her uncle, Clark Yocum, who was a member of The Pied Pipers, Capitol Records' first star vocal group, best remembered for their cover of Johnny Mercer's "Dream" and for having the first album released by Capitol, "Songs by Johnny Mercer", released in 1944.
Vernise Elaine Pelzel emailed to identify her father, Vern Yocum, as the gentleman on the left in the foreground of the photo of the "Tone Poems of Color" session. To quote his biography on her website "Yocum is best known for the 17 year association with Nat King Cole and his thirty plus year collaboration with Frank Sinatra and Nelson Riddle. Yocum assisted trumpeter Cecil Reed in organizing The Musician's Guild in 1955, resulting in union reform." At the end of the biography Vernise has added a link to see the Vern Yocum Library Collection at the University of Arizona.
Vernise's site also has a biography of her uncle, Clark Yocum, who was a member of The Pied Pipers, Capitol Records' first star vocal group, best remembered for their cover of Johnny Mercer's "Dream" and for having the first album released by Capitol, "Songs by Johnny Mercer", released in 1944.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
55th ANNIVERSARY
Capitol Custom Division is formed on April 16, 1951.
This division of Capitol handled creating, producing, and distributing special promo records for outside companies and charities like Scripto, Uniroyal, Bacardi, 7-Up, Firestone, A&W Root Beer, Chevrolet, Dextol, March of Dimes, Renuzit, Salada Tea using tracks from Capitol's catalog as well as specially created material by Capitol artists. This type of product is currently handled by EMI-Capitol Special Markets.
Capitol Custom also produced demos and commercial records for independent artists like Cracker Jills, Help, Gert Benhana, Rafael Mendez, Harry Fields, The Legends, V. Attl, etc. as well as for church choirs and school bands.
Capitol Custom also handled creating promotional records for events like the 1962 Seattle World's Fair and even a single for John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign featuring Frank Sinatra singing a reworded version of his hit "High Hopes".
Probably the most desired record created by Capitol Custom is the 7" single created as a limited pressing released on June 5, 1964 to promote the Beatles for Hollywood radio station KFWB and Wallichs' Music City that had an interview on side 1 and "You Can't Do That" on the flip side. Copies of this disc have been valued for as much as $2250 with the original mailer.
Most of the physical production was done out of the Capitol pressing plant in Scranton, PA.
There were branches of Capitol Custom in Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
APRIL 15
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THESE PAST AND PRESENT CAPITOL ARTISTS
1933 - Roy Clark celebrates his 73rd birthday.
1968 - Radiohead's Ed O’Brien celebrates his 38th birthday.
ALSO BORN THIS DAY
1909 - Vern Yocum, music preparer and copyist for Frank Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole, Peggy Lee, Keely Smith, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Axel Stordahl, Gordon Jenkins, Billy May, Frank Duval and Nelson Riddle and many others. He also helped organize The Musician's Guild with trumpeter Cecil Reed in 1955.
REMEMBERING ROSE MADDOX
Country Music legend, and Capitol Records artist, Rose Maddox died on April 15, 1998 in Ashland, OR.
A touching remembrance and biography can be found at this Japanese web site.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THESE PAST AND PRESENT CAPITOL ARTISTS
1933 - Roy Clark celebrates his 73rd birthday.1968 - Radiohead's Ed O’Brien celebrates his 38th birthday.
ALSO BORN THIS DAY
1909 - Vern Yocum, music preparer and copyist for Frank Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole, Peggy Lee, Keely Smith, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Axel Stordahl, Gordon Jenkins, Billy May, Frank Duval and Nelson Riddle and many others. He also helped organize The Musician's Guild with trumpeter Cecil Reed in 1955.
REMEMBERING ROSE MADDOX
Country Music legend, and Capitol Records artist, Rose Maddox died on April 15, 1998 in Ashland, OR.A touching remembrance and biography can be found at this Japanese web site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)