All-Time Greatest Music

1950 and 1960s MUSIC GROUPS

This post completes the artists and groups that have last names ending in R. These eight groups of artists continue to build upon the fact that the 1950s and 1960s was the all-time greatest era for music. Included here are: Smokey Robinson. Tommy Roe, The Rolling Stones, The Ronettes, Jimmy and David Ruffin, Rush, Bobby Rydell, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.

Robinson, Smokey (& The Miracles). 1955-

From Detroit Michigan. He grew up in a poor neighborhood on the northside. Name at birth: William Robinson Jr. His uncle Claude gave him the nickname “Smokey Joe” when he was a child. Smokey lived on the same block as Aretha Franklin (who he knew since he was five). He was a singer, songwriter and record producer and executive. He has been the leader of both the original band called The Five Chimes which later became the Matadors, and then the Miracles. The Chimes were a doo-wop group that Smokey formed when he was in high school.

In August of 1957 he met songwriter Barry Gordy. Smokey had brought along a notebook with about 100 songs he had written in high school. Gordy was impressed with his vocals, but even more impressed with his ambitious songwriting. With Gordy’s help the Miracles released their first single: “Got a Job” (https://youtu.be/VJ7GltNmDbg) (RQ 6). Then, in late 1960, they released their first hit single: “Shop Around (https://youtu.be/AQGXa3FiXKM) (RQ 7).

Between 1960-1970 the Miracles produced 26 Top40 songs including these that charted No1:

“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” (https://youtu.be/AdDnqSFYXFs) (RQ 7)

“I Second That Emotion” (https://youtu.be/mv9cWgkpIZ4) (RQ 8)

“Mickey’s Monkey” (https://youtu.be/jpLVyZVRw3w) (RQ 5)

“Baby Baby Don’t Cry” (https://youtu.be/_45gwZ7vXAg) (RQ 6)

“Tears of a Clown” (https://youtu.be/0fD-CstUnfw) (RQ 9)

In addition to these five hits, they had another six notable recordings:

“Ooh Baby Baby” (https://youtu.be/uThnUmWRCCs) (RQ 9)

“Going to a Go Go” (https://youtu.be/sWt4Hz1KGcQ) (RQ 5)

“The Tracks of my Tears” (https://youtu.be/BCwkZrj2VT4) (RQ 9)

“The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” (https://youtu.be/Xu8WOh58EvI) (RQ 6)

“More Love” (https://youtu.be/7iZhlRXZTs8) (RQ 8)

“I’m The One You Need” (https://youtu.be/-zsC5Kr1onc) (RQ 5)

In addition to producing records, Smokey wrote songs for:

Mary Wells (9) including:

“The One Who Really Loves You” charted No8

“You Beat Me to the Punch” charted No9

“Two Lovers” (https://youtu.be/NmICa5hzIG0) (RQ 6). Charted No7

“Operator” uncharted for Mary. Brenda Holloway’s version charted No78.

The Temptations (12) including:

“I Want a Love that I Can See” uncharted

“The Way You Do the Things You Do” (https://youtu.be/cDakhsaPTE0) (RQ 8). Charted No11

“I’ll Be in Trouble” charted No33

“My Girl” (https://youtu.be/swSytFVMHuU) (RQ 10). Charted No1

Brenda Holloway (2):

“When I’m Gone” (https://youtu.be/5KhcqxIUi6M) (RQ 7). Charted No25

“Operator” (https://youtu.be/3LirUvntBrg). (RQ 7). Charted No78

The Marvelettes (8): including;

“As Long as I Know He’s Mine” uncharted

“You’re My Remedy” uncharted

“Don’t Mess With Bill” (https://youtu.be/OVsW_6AomOQ) (RQ 6). Charted No7

“You’re the One” uncharted

Note: the Marvelettes “Please Mr. Postman” (https://youtu.be/425GpjTSlS4) (RQ 10). Was charted No1 but was not written by Smokey Robinson.

Marvin Gaye (5) including:

“Lucky, Lucky Me” charted No67

“I’ll Be Doggone” charted No8. (https://youtu.be/qzEwSJGzXVs) (RQ 7)

The Contours (2):

“That Day When She Needed Me” (https://youtu.be/eMUlrjHj5cs) (RQ 8)

“First I Look at Your Purse”

The Supremes (7) including:

“Floy Joy” charted No15 (https://youtu.be/DmAaz2e1G5U) (RQ 5)

“Sunshine“ charted No37

He also wrote one song each for: Debbie Dean, Chuck Jackson, Bobby Taylor, The Jackson 5, The Four Tops, Bobby Darin, Carolyn Crawford, Gene Chandler, Kim Weston, and Singing Sammy Ward.

In 1972, be became a full time vice president for Motown Records until 1990. While his singing career was winding down, between 1974-81 he had a No1 hit called: “Crusin” (https://youtu.be/WlzY6cWpoMQ) (RQ 8). A Top40 hit called “Let Me Be the Clock,” another No1 hit: “Being With You” (https://youtu.be/0P2a6aLDkkM) (RQ 10). In 1983, he recorded another four hits: “Tell Me Tomorrow”, “Touch the Sky”, “Essar” and “Ebony Eyes.”

After experiencing a period of personal and professional issues, in 1987 he made a comeback with the singles: “Just to See Her” (https://youtu.be/g5bvjUrVObk) (RQ 9) and “One Heartbreak” (https://youtu.be/A39xfn3K_Ps) (RQ 8). They were Top10 hits and he won his first Grammy Award as well as they sold more than 900,000 copies. In 1988, Robinson himself was inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF (but not his band members, by which Smokey was offended). It was not until 2012 that the committee reversed their decision and included the whole band.

Roe, Tommy. 1959-2018

Was an American rock-pop singer and songwriter. He was widely perceived as one of the archetypal bubblegum artists of the late 1960s. He is best remembered for these two hit singles: “Sheila” in 1962 and “Dizzy” in 1969. “Sheila” (https://youtu.be/oDWM3bLEB3M) (RQ 7) was a No1 hit but the Recording Industry of America didn’t present him with the gold record until 1969. “Dizzy” (https://youtu.be/arpidGq8SlA) (RQ 10) also became a No1 hit and sold more than two million copies.

ABC/Paramount asked him to go on tour to promote his successful recordings. But Roe was hesitant because he was afraid of losing his soldering job he had with General Electric. Not until ABC advanced him $5,000 would he agree to go on tour. During the tour, the UK magazine NME reported that Roe (and Chris Montez) were being upstaged by the Beatles. Even so, Roe produced two more Top10 hits: “Everybody” (https://youtu.be/WkOyTewypAo) (RQ 7) and “The Folk Singer” (https://youtu.be/lBKWNaKLpgQ) (RQ 8).

Later on Roe toured the U.S. with his friend Roy Orbison. After about a year, Roe moved to England where he lived for several years. In 1964, Roe recorded a new song called “Diane From Manchester Square” that failed to chart. However, in 1966, he recorded two more Top10 singles: “Sweet Pea” (https://youtu.be/JCKXxJRgVgc) (RQ 7) and “Hooray for Hazel” (https://youtu.be/DHxm99JgTLg) (RQ 7). His last single to make the Top10 chart was: “Jam Up and Jelly Tight” (https://youtu.be/WmwcaP2wwEg) (RQ 9).

Rolling Stones. 1962-

An English rock band formed in London in 1962. The original band members were: Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Brian Jones (keyboard, guitar), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass), Charlie Watts (drums) and Ian Stewart (piano).

The Rolling Stones (RS) were at the forefront of the “British Invasion” of music from the UK taking over the U.S. marketplace (in 1964). They were symbolic of the youthful and rebellious counterculture in the U.S. in the 1960s. Their most important records initially were:

”I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” (https://youtu.be/nrIPxlFzDi0) (RQ 10)

“Paint It Black” (https://youtu.be/nVrdXUHvsF0) (RQ 10)

“Aftermath” “Mother’s Little Helper” (https://youtu.be/QAszapI0unE) (RQ 6)

By the mid-sixties, they focused on their blusey roots with these songs:

“Sympathy for the Devil” (https://youtu.be/GgnClrx8N2k) (RQ 9)

“Let It Bleed” (https://youtu.be/4EaYdwLDCew) (RQ 10+)

“Sticky Fingers” (https://youtu.be/M9hcAA93N8c) (RQ 10)

“Rocks Off” (https://youtu.be/w5HP2Xcy_eQ) (RQ 8)

At their concerts they were beginning to be introduced as “the greatest rock and roll band in the world.” From 1978-81 they recorded two commercially successful albums: “Some Girls” (https://youtu.be/aJDwQjZrYW8) (RQ 10) and “Start Me Up” (https://youtu.be/SGyOaCXr8Lw) (RQ 8).

The rest of the 1980s (until 1989) proved to be an unproductive time as group in-fighting disrupted their work. In 1989, their fortunes changed when they released “Sad Sad Sad” (https://youtu.be/ARFqK4kKg5s) (RQ 6). After this hit, the group didn’t produce new material in the 90s. Despite this, the group were hugely popular on the live concert tours. By 2007, the group had four of the five largest grossing concert tours all time: “Voodoo Lounge (1994-5), Bridges to Babylon (1997-8), Licks (2002-03) and A Bigger Bang (2005-07).

The Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF in 1989 and the UK HOF in 2004. They have released 30 studio albums and 23 live albums (and numerous compilations). In total, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, they have sold 68M certified units (42 were gold second only to the Beatles 43). They still continue to release albums, for example in 2016, they released “Blue and Lonesome” (https://youtu.be/iDCKiJkHAQ4) (RQ 5) which charted No1 in the UK and No4 in the U.S. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues album.

How the Rondels got their start…So it’s a Friday night in early 1957 and I’m excited to be at what I believe is my first high school dance “Record Hop.” A Disc Jockey playing the hit 45’s of the day The sound was loud and bouncing off the wood in the Weymouth High School gymnasium in Weymouth, Massachusetts. A new sound of guitars, drums, pumping bass and vocals bred energy for all the teenagers anxious to dance, a sound created by “Rock and Roll” The DJ replayed “Party Doll“ by Buddy Knox five times in three hours. He also played “Poor Butterfly” by Charlie Gracie, ”Roll Over Beethoven” by Chuck Berry, “Eddie My Love“ by The Teen Queens and “I’m Sticking With You“ by Jimmy Bowen. I had heard all these songs on Boston radio but this environment added another dimension of excitement. One that left me longing to create that environment and be a bigger part of it. It was an experience that lead to experimenting with the formation of bands. Teens from the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts; Weymouth, Quincy and Braintree called themselves as they evolved: The Rhythm Rockers, The Rainbows, and The Reveleers. Ultimately four teens from those bands, came together to form The Rondels. Lennie Petze, Jimmy Petze, Ray Pizzi and Lenny Collins started writing and recording as The Rondels in 1959. As luck would have it, a demo we recorded of an old standard song titled “Greensleeves” would find it’s way to the ears of a producer in New York city named “Bugs” Bower. Bugs was currently having huge success with an artist named Brian Hyland. Brian’s record of ‘Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” was a top five record at the time and destined to get to the number one position on all the music charts. After hearing our demo, Bugs asked the band to come to New York to record “Greensleeves” with him as the producer. That is how it all started for The Rondels. One of their better recordings was “Back Beat No.1” (https://youtu.be/2ui48a_z6Wo) (RQ 9).

Ronettes, The. 1957-68

They were a trio of girls from Spanish Harlem, NYC. The group members were: Veronica Bennett (lead singer), older sister Estelle, and their cousin Nedra Tally. They were considered one one of the popular groups in the 1960s. They were the only girl group to tour with the Beatles in 1967. After this tour, while in Germany, the group agreed to breakup.

Their most famous songs were:

“Be My Baby” (https://youtu.be/jSPpbOGnFgk) (RQ 10)

Baby I Love You“ (https://youtu.be/zgOONhI3FnM) (RQ 8)

“The Best Part of Breaking Up” (https://youtu.be/DsMw8EwjQwE) (RQ 5)

“Walking In the Rain” (https://youtu.be/PbSQf9RkVSU) (RQ 6)

All charted on Billboards Top100. “Walking in the Rain” (https://youtu.be/tBBys5TLxCI) won a Grammy Award in 1965. “Be My Baby” was inducted into the Grammy HOF in 1999. The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF in 2007.

Jimmy Lee Ruffin (May 7, 1936 – November 17, 2014) was an American soul singer, and elder brother of David Ruffin of the Temptations. He had several hit records between the 1960s and 1980s, the most successful being the Top 10 hits “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,” “Hold On (To My Love),” “My Whole World Ended” (https://youtu.be/OyMaAGVb2Jw) (RQ 8) and “When My Love Hand Comes Down” (https://youtu.be/DeCBP4eu3iM) ( RQ 9).

Rush was a Canadian hard rock band formed in Toronto in 1968, consisting of Geddy Lee (bass, vocals, keyboards, composer), Alex Lifeson (guitars, composer), and Neil Peart (drums, percussion, lyricist). After its formation in 1968, the band went through several configurations before arriving at its classic power trio lineup with the addition of Peart in 1974, who replaced original drummer John Rutsey right after the release of their self-titled debut album, which contained their first radio hit, “Working Man” (https://youtu.be/iIGKlicb8n0) (RQ 8). This lineup had remained intact for the duration of the band’s career.

Bobby Rydell (born Robert Louis Ridarelli; April 26, 1942) is an American singer, mainly of rock and roll music. In the early 1960s, he was considered a teen idol.

Rydell was born to an Italian family, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Jennie (Sapienza) and Adrio “Al” Ridarelli. In 1950, he won a talent show on the television series Paul Whiteman’s TV Teen Club and gained a spot on the cast, where he remained for several years. He changed his name to Bobby Rydell and played in several bands in the Philadelphia area. After three unsuccessful singles for small companies, he signed a recording contract with Cameo Records. After a couple of flops, “Kissin’ Time” reached the charts in 1959. In May 1960, Rydell toured Australia with The Everly Brothers, Billy “Crash” Craddock, Marv Johnson, The Champs, and The Crickets, recording an Australian version of “Kissin’ Time” for the event.

His second success, “We Got Love”, was his first million-album seller, gaining gold discstatus. “Wild One”, backed with “Little Bitty Girl”, was his second million-selling single; his successes continued with “Swingin’ School” backed with “Ding-A-Ling”, and the million-album selling Volare (https://youtu.be/7seu5KXBUuc) (RQ 10) later that year. He performed at the Copacabana in New York City in 1961, where he was the youngest performer to headline at the nightclub. In February 1961 he appeared at the Festival du Rock, at the Palais des Sports de Paris in Paris, France.

Ryder, Mitch (& The Detroit Wheels) 1964-67

They were an American rock band formed in Detroit in 1964. The Detroit Wheels served as Backup band to Mitch Ryder. The group got together starting out with a young white singer by the name of William Levise Jr. They were playing at a black soul club callef the Village. Initially, Levise took a stage name of Billy Lee and he started a band called The Riveras.

Then the band moved to NYC and, with a help of a phonebook, they renamed themselves Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.

Their first big hit was in 1965 called: “Jenny Take a Ride” (https://youtu.be/9cFWclF7p8A) (RQ 8). It sold more than one million copies and received a gold disc from RIAA. It charted No1 on R&B and No10 on the national charts. Immediately afterward, the group recorded three more top twenty hits: “Little Latin Lupe Lou” (https://youtu.be/KEGS-pAEvCA) (RQ 10), “Devil with the Blue Dress On” (https://youtu.be/xXy7qYAKrfc) (RQ 7) and Good Golly Miss Molly” (https://youtu.be/nZ9QlVBSX5g) (RQ 4). In 1967, Ryder produced another hit: “Sock It To Me Baby” (https://youtu.be/lX_2mqFeGRk) (RQ 7). This was banned by some radio stations as it was considered to be too sexually suggestive. Its last recording before Ryder left to develop his solo career was: “Too Many Fish in the Sea” (https://youtu.be/8fPTBMWVy3Y) (RQ 6). After Ryder left, the group dissolved.

1950 and 1960s MUSIC GROUPS: THE RAMRODS, PAUL REVERE & JOHNNY RIVERS

As it turns out, the artists with last names beginning with R had been extremely productive. I have included three more in this tenth post: The Ramrods, Paul Revere and the Raiders and Johnny Rivers.

The Ramrods were an American instrumental pop group in the late 1950s and 1960s, who had a hit in 1961 with their version of the song “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” (https://youtu.be/Tmqpy6zk7mA) (RQ 9). The group was formed in Connecticut in 1956 by Claire Lane (born Claire Litke) and her brother Rich Litke. Claire played drums, sang, and arranged the songs; Rich played saxophone. They added Vinny Lee on lead guitar, and Gene Morro on second guitar. At the end of 1960, they recorded their instrumental arrangement of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky”, a song written by Stan Jones which had been a big hit in 1949 for Vaughn Monroe. The Ramrods’ version contained eerie and evocative overdubbed shouts, whistles and cattle calls, and was placed with Amy Records, a subsidiary of Bell Records in New York City. The record was made a “Pick of the Week” by Cash Boxmagazine, and rose to # 30 on the Billboardpop chart in early 1961. Released on the London label, it also reached # 8 on the UK singles chart.

Revere, Paul (& The Raiders). 1958-

This group experienced mainstream success in the second half of the 1960s. Their origin is Boise, Idaho. They relocated to Portland in 1962 after Paul returned from serving in the armed services (as a conscientious objector where he worked as a cook in a mental institution). In 1961, their first recording was an instrumental called “Like Long Hair” (https://youtu.be/hzcz7XNg0c4) (RQ 6). Their greatest songs were:

“Hungry” (https://youtu.be/OuBGWUSJGp4) (RQ 10)

“Him or Me” (https://youtu.be/DRu5TDiHmEU) (RQ 6)

“What’s It Going to Be?” (https://youtu.be/jBVDBuz4rZw) (RQ 9)

“Indian Reservation” (https://youtu.be/dVxYL2sI1oM) (RQ 8). This was their platinum classified hit that reached No1 on the charts.

The year before, Paul Revere Dick (organist) formed this group including Mark Lindsay (singer), Michael Smith (drummer), Drake Kevin (Guitar) and Mike Holliday (bass). In 1965, this group began to gel and decided to move to LA. This was when they started producing their hits including their first one: “Just Like Me” (https://youtu.be/gqNMzJlhrpM) (RQ 9). This was of the first rock records that featured a double racked guitar solo.

The group appeared regularly on tv on the program “Where the Action Is” hosted by Dick Clark. Through an endorsement deal with VOX Amplifier Co, their entire group was plugged into Vox Super Beatle amplifiers (for the first time). Their newer hits included:

“Kicks” (https://youtu.be/lLomSaLLSzg) (RQ 10)

“The Great Airplane Strike” (https://youtu.be/lrm5X-mZTiM) (RQ 7)

“Good Thing” (https://youtu.be/MSinkN_WTkk). (RQ 8)

“Kicks” became their best known song which projected an anti-drug message. Its writers, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil actually originally earmarked the Animals to record the song. In mid-1967, with three gold albums to their credit, they were Columbia Record’s top selling rock group. Last year (in 2019), the group’s music was used in the film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” The music included their hits:

”Hungry” (see above)

“Good Thing” (see above)

“Mr. Son, Mr. Moon” (https://youtu.be/2dtNbaVPLSY) (RQ 6)

“Theme From Its Happening” (https://youtu.be/McKnH85fdRk) (RQ 5)

Overall the group produced 15 studio albums, 2 live albums, 15 compilation albums and 39 singles.

Rivers, Johnny. 1942-

His family moved from New York to Baton Rouge, Louisana. His given name was: John Henry Ramistella. In 1958, he met Alan Freed where he recommended that he change his name to Johnny Rivers after the Mississippi River.

He was a rock and roll singer, songwriter, guitarist and record producer. His repertoire included pop, folk, blues and old-time rock and roll. Between 1964-68, he recorded seven popular and charted songs:

“Memphis” (https://youtu.be/IAc0FKyBgks) (RQ 9)

“Mountain of Love” (https://youtu.be/V8nolWWMpO4) (RQ 10)

“The Seventh Son” (https://youtu.be/tZoY102X9cM) (RQ 7)

“Secret Agent Man” (https://youtu.be/6iaR3WO71j4) (RQ 8)

“Poor Side of Town” (https://youtu.be/NUrf0CgTuVU) (RQ 10)

“Baby I Need Your Lovin” (https://youtu.be/gpKhBknigGo) (RQ 10)

“Summer Rain” (https://youtu.be/Xa9vWVEYojg) (RQ 10+)

In 1958, Rivers met James Burton, a guitarist in a band led by Ricky Nelson. Rivers ended up writing “I’ll Make Believe” (https://youtu.be/M_NFMqsROpE) (RQ 7) which Nelson recorded. His big break came in 1963 where he filled in for a jazz combo at Gazzarri’s in Hollywood. His instant popularity began drawing large crowds.

In 1964, even though the Beatles were beginning to dominate the rock scene in the U.S., record producer Lou Adler decided to issue Johnny Rivers Live at Whiskey A Go Go (reached No12 on the charts) because of his popularity. Rivers most requested song of this time was: “Memphis” which reached No2 on the charts. Before releasing Memphis, Rivers had Elvis do a test recording but refused him. This cause a permanent friendship rift between Elvis and Rivers.

During 1964-5, Rivers produced four more hits:

“Mountain of Love” (https://youtu.be/F5R-_ZUf0wY) (RQ 10)

“Midnight Special” (https://youtu.be/5TXfcsFhc7A) (RQ 8)

“Seventh Son” (https://youtu.be/tZoY102X9cM) (RQ 8)

“Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” (https://youtu.be/KpE8IiE437M) (RQ 6)

Also in 1963, he developed “Secret Agent Man” (https://youtu.be/7hPm4eiiD08) (RQ 8) for a British tv series called Danger Man. An American show called “Secret Agent” was also aired beginning in the spring of 1965 which also used his song for the theme of the show. The song reached No3 on the charts, and sold more than one million copies.

In 1966, Johnny started to record ballads. There were two major hits:

“Poor Side of Town” (https://youtu.be/NUrf0CgTuVU) (RQ 10)

“By the Time I Get to Phoenix” (https://youtu.be/qJp-5aDZ0V0) (RQ 9)

Also he wrote “Up, Up and Away” (https://youtu.be/HfxqQmWtGNM) (RQ 9) which the Fifth Dimension recorded. In 1967, he wrote: “Baby I Need Your Lovin” (https://youtu.be/joqjBAJx4ZA) (RQ 10) which was recorded by the Four Topps and the “Tracks of My Tears” (https://youtu.be/BCwkZrj2VT4) (RQ 8) that was recorded by the Miracles. His last hurrah was in 1977 where he produced two more hits:

“Slow Dancing, Swaying to the Music” (https://youtu.be/tmiNLVTDFDI). (RQ 9)

“Curious Mind” – Um Um Um Um Um Um (https://youtu.be/wspt8vHPwEI) (RQ 6)

Johnny’s career totals were 9 Top10 hits and 17 in the top 40. He sold well over 30M records.

1950 and 1960s MUSIC ARTISTS: LOU RAWLS & OTIS REDDING

My goal was to complete the artists and groups that their names ended with an R. I was able to complete two of eight. I managed to get through Lou Rawls and Otis Redding. For me, the Otis research was sad and depressing. He is a personal favorite of mine, yet died so young (26)…

Rawls, Lou. 1933-2006

Lou was born in Chicago and was raised by his grandmother in the Ida B. Wells projects on the south side. He sang in local groups as he grew up and where he met both Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield. He and Cooke sang together in gospel groups. In 1951, he replaced Cooke in the Highway QC’s when moved to LA. In 1955 Rawls enlisted in the Army (The 82nd Airborne Division). After his tour in the service both Rawls and Cooke toured with the Travelers.

In 1958, Rawls was in a serious car crash where he was pronounced dead at the scene. However, he was taken to a hospital and was found to be alive but spent five days in a coma there. He spent over a year recuperating and considered this to be a life-changing event.

In 1959, he performed at the Hollywood Bowl where Dick Clark was master of ceremonies. During this time period he cut four singles:

“Love, Love, Love” (https://youtu.be/6LK6vvqF-kM) (RQ 7)

“Walkin” (https://youtu.be/dNfWwEIszZg) (RQ 6)

“My Little Black Book” (https://youtu.be/iXTNU5-mooI) (RQ 8)

“80 Ways” (https://youtu.be/adhNID7mWdE) (RQ 7)

In 1962, he sang backing vocals in the songs: “Bring It On Home To Me (was charted) and That’s Where Its At.” Also in ‘62, three albums were completed:

“See See Rider” (https://youtu.be/vb6C9G1TjqM) (RQ 8)

“Black & Blue” (https://youtu.be/pcp3dsXse2I). (RQ 9)

“Tobacco Road” (https://youtu.be/UyfJKg7Dddo) (RQ 9)

These albums charted and propelled his career. In 1966, his album “Live!” (https://youtu.be/PFcmcH1DN2k) (RQ 8) was certified gold, but he did not have a star-making hit until his album “Soulin” was made. The album included: “Love is a Hurtin’ Thing” (https://youtu.be/BTvrd8038mY) (RQ 5) which was his first No1 R&B hit. In 1967, his record “Dead End Street” (https://youtu.be/N7540y6PTV8) (RQ 6) won a Grammy Award.

In 1969 Lou was a co-host (with Gail Martin, Dean’s daughter) for the summer tv series “Dean Martin Show.” In 1971, he recorded “Natural Man” (https://youtu.be/wuMEAgd5T0s). Then, in 1974, he did a cover version for “She’s Gone.” Finally two years later (1976) he recorded his first million dollar single: “You’re The One” (https://youtu.be/o9l4T4kfzcY) (RQ 10). He went back to back with another million dollar recording “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” (https://youtu.be/BUh3Hj2-cCo) (RQ 10+). Another Love reached No2 on the charts. Immediately next he recorded his next hit: “Lady Love” (https://youtu.be/RzlNHnnEAA4) (RQ 10).

In the 80s Lou spent time raising money for the United Negro College. He did 27 shows at this and raised more than 200M dollars doing so! He also did make some appearances on tv for Sesame Street and the Muppet Show. Last, he appeared in four movies: “The Big Valley, Leaving Las Vegas, Blues Brothers 2000 and Baywatch Nights.” Over time Lou won two more Grammy Awards in addition to the one for Dead End Street: “A Natural Man” and Unmistakably Lou (nominated for a fourth: “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.”

Redding, Otis. 1941-67

Born in Dawson, Georgia. Was considered to be one of the greatest singers in the history of American pop music. He quit school at 15 to support his family. He worked talent shows at the historic Douglass Theater in Macon with Little Richard’s backing band the Upsetters. In 1958, he joined Johnny Jenkin’s band the Upsetters. It was in 1962 that he cut his first single: “These Arms of Mine” (https://youtu.be/aUaO50nWnvg) (RQ 7).

He released his first album: “Pain in My Heart” (https://youtu.be/158fwCG27zE) (RQ 7). in 1964. Initially his music was appealing only to primarily African-Americans. He was killed (only 26 years old) flying in his Beechcraft 18 on his way home from a gig in Cleveland (there were severe weather alert warnings), along with six other Bar-Kay band members: Jimmy King (guitarist), Phalon Jones (saxophonist), Ronnie Caldwell (organist), Carl Cunningham (drummer), Matthew Kelly (valet) and the pilot Richard Fraser. The plane crashed into Lake Monona only four miles from their destination at Truax field in Madison, WI. There was one lone survivor, Ben Cauley, another band member. The cause of this accident was never determined.

The true irony around this event was that three days before he had just completed re-recording his classic hit: “Sittin at the Dock of the Bay” (https://youtu.be/rTVjnBo96Ug) (RQ 8). This recording reached at No1 rating and sold more than four million copies. It also won a Grammy Award. Atlantic Records owned the rights to all of Redding’s unreleased recordings. There was sufficient material for three studio albums. Five successful singles emerged from these recordings:

“Amen” (https://youtu.be/sJUWn-26jkw) (RQ 7)

“Hard to Handle” (https://youtu.be/1ZxN9iQM7OY) (RQ 9)

“I’ve Got Dreams to Remember” (https://youtu.be/i2RGu1v5388) (RQ 6)

“Love Man” (https://youtu.be/P3ZdheRKzMk) (RQ 5)

“Look at that Girl” (https://youtu.be/w2-MAznk1Yc) (RQ 6)

In 2013 he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music HOF. After his death France’s Academie du Jazz named an award after him: “Prix Otis Redding” given annually to the best record release in R&B.

1950 and 1960s MUSIC GROUPS (O’s and P’s)

This post may include the biggest contributor to the greatest of all time music era (1950-1969): Elvis Presley! In addition (with the group and artists names ending with O or P), four more dynamic people and two groups are included here: Roy Orbison, Johnny Otis, Peaches and Cream, Wilson Pickett and Gene Pitney, Playmates and The Poni-Tails…

Orbison, Roy. 1952-1988

An American singer (born in Vernon, TX) and songwriter best known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. Some critics described him as bring operatic nicknamed him “the Caruso of rock.” Most male rock singers in the 1950-60s projected a defiant masculinity, he conveyed vulnerability. He performed standing still, wearing dark clothing matching his dyed black hair along with his dark sunglasses.

Between 1960-66, 22 of his singles made the Billboard Top40 charts. Five reached the Top10:

“Only the Lonely” – 1960 (https://youtu.be/D6Aw3ZnqQrY) (RQ 10)

“Running Scared” – 1960 (https://youtu.be/DAYyMIZNxfM) (RQ 8)

“Crying” – 1961 (https://youtu.be/tNdBLBleO90). (RQ 10)

“In Dreams” – 1963 (https://youtu.be/MVRunwyoTMA) (RQ 9)

“Oh Pretty Woman” – 1964 (https://youtu.be/3KFvoDDs0XM) (RQ 10)

Soon after this amazing run, he experienced a number of personal tragedies while his sales declined. These included a divorce over his wife’s Claudette’s infidelities, but they ended up going through a reconciliation. Claudette and Roy shared a love for motorcycles, however this led to tragedy. On June 6, 1966, in Gallatin, TN, a pickup pulled out in front of her and she hit it and she died instantly.

Then, on September 14, 1968, his home burnt down where his two eldest sons died. Johnny Cash bought the property, tore it down, and planted an orchard on it.

After a period of almost twenty years he experienced a resurgence of popularity. In 1988, he co-founded a rock supergroup called Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. Roy died of a heart attack in December of ‘88. One month later his song “You Got It” (https://youtu.be/lvR1YgT7QYs) (RQ 9) was released (Lynne and Petty assisted in writing it). It was his first solo Top10 hit in nearly twenty-five years.

While grieving, he through himself into work collaborating with Bill Dee from MGM to develop music for the movie “Fastest Guitar Alive.” He was to have starred in the movie as well. Roy’s music was recognized by inductions into Rock and Roll HOF, Songwriters HOF, Pop Music HOF and the Memphis Music HOF. Also, he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award. Over his career, he produced 23 studio albums, 4 live albums, 24 compilation albums and 92 singles.

Johnny Otis (born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes; December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012) was an American singer, musician, composer, arranger, bandleader, talent scout, disc jockey, record producer, television show host, artist, author, journalist, minister, and impresario. He was a seminal influence on American R&B and rock and roll. In 1958 he recorded “Willie and the Hand Jive” (https://youtu.be/QvOuTInrue0) (RQ 8). He discovered numerous artists early in their careers who went on to become highly successful in their own right, including Little Esther Phillips, Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Johnny Ace, Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, Hank Ballard, and The Robins (who eventually changed their name to The Coasters), among many others. Otis has been called the “Godfather of Rhythm and Blues”.

Peaches & Herb is an American vocal duo. Herb Fame (born October 1, 1942) has remained a constant as “Herb” since the duo was created in 1966; seven different women have filled the role of “Peaches”, most notably Francine “Peaches” Hurd Barker (April 28, 1947 – August 13, 2005), the original “Peaches” who lent her nickname to the duo, and Linda Greene, the third “Peaches”, who appeared on the duo’s biggest hits “Shake Your Groove Thing” (1978) and “Reunited” (1979). In 1967, “For Your Love” (https://youtu.be/X_uEsJhPAZ8) (RQ 9) reached No13 on the Billboard chart.

Pickett, Wilson 1941-2006

An American soul singer and songwriter. He recorded over 50 songs that reached the U.S. R&B charts. His top hits were:

“In the Midnight Hour” – 1965 (https://youtu.be/FGVGFfj7POA) (RQ 9)

“Land of 1,000 Dances” (https://youtu.be/jbRiM26hyms) (RQ 9)

“Mustang Sally” (https://youtu.be/16u6w0cjjrU). (RQ 10)

“634-5785” (https://youtu.be/TSGuaVAufV0). (RQ 6)

“Funky Broadway” (https://youtu.be/HcTWxJAGQVQ) (RQ 3)

“In the Midnight Hour” reached a No1 rating, sold more than a million copies and was awarded a gold disc. It was also nominated for his first Grammy.

While in the recording process, studio musician Steve Cropper made an observation…Wilson began a new way of dancing while performing. Wilson explained this was how kids were dancing, putting the accent on two. We had been one-beat-accenters with an afterbeat. He said, it was like an afterbeat, like boom-dah. But, then the thing went um-chaw, just the reverse as far as the accent goes.

He recorded 24 albums, 10 compilations and 59 singles. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF in 1991.

Pitney, Gene. 1940-2006

Born in Hartford, CT. His overall success included having charted 14 Top40 hits in the U.S. In the UK, he had 22 Top40 hits including 11 singles in the Top10.

As a writer, he wrote: “Rubber Ball” (https://youtu.be/z5jrqe8ryJ8) (RQ 7) recorded by Bobby Vee, “He’s a Rebel” (https://youtu.be/aF7V2dSvxpo) (RQ 8) recorded by The Crystals and “Hello Mary Lou” (https://youtu.be/zLkCWT2neuI) (RQ 10) recorded by Ricky Nelson.

In 1961, he recorded his first Top40 song: “Love My Life Away” (https://youtu.be/sD52iAFILOc) (RQ 8). His second single was the title song from the Kirk Douglass movie “Town Without Pity” (https://youtu.be/CkcvQQTe9Mw) (RQ 10). It won a Golden Globe award and was nominated for a best song Academy Award but lost to Moon River – Audrey Hepburn (1https://youtu.be/73CSB08Y3is) (RQ 8).

In 1962 he had three big hits:

“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (https://youtu.be/MYpslYIh2fY) (RQ 10).

“Only Love Can Break a Heart” (https://youtu.be/5J_QoDrNhNo) (RQ 9)

“Half Heaven, Half Heartache.” (https://youtu.be/MMzzQQRFsQI) (RQ 6)

In 1964, his popularity was rising in the UK. There he wrote: “24 Hours from Tulsa” (https://youtu.be/jIjUaxP7PPE) (RQ 8). It reached the Top20 in the UK and in the U.S. Also in 1964 he wrote two songs for the Rolling Stones: “Little by Little” (https://youtu.be/_Fm2PIbgcTA) (RQ 7) and “That Girl Belongs to Yesterday” (https://youtu.be/0tU7ZW-2Deg) (RQ 6).

In 1965, he recorded two albums with country singer George Jones. Then In 1966, he produced two more big songs: “It Hurts to be In Love” (https://youtu.be/a9e65N4LPZ4) (RQ 10) and “I’m Gonna Be Strong” (https://youtu.be/ldcZkWLOTCI) (RQ 10).

In 1968 he produced his last top hit single: “She’s a Heartbreaker” (https://youtu.be/AULvmliobq4) (RQ 7). In 2002, he was elected into the Rock and Roll H0F.

The Playmates included Donald Claps (a.k.a. Donny Conn) drummer and lyricist, Carl Cicchetti (a.k.a. Chic Hetti) pianist music composer and Morey Cohen (a.k.a. Morey Carr) lead vocalist were an instrumental and vocal trio, all from Waterbury, Connecticut, United States and, in the early 1950s, at the University of Connecticut. After graduation in 1952, they began touring small lounges and night clubs in the United States and Canada, originally as “the Nitwits”, later as the Playmates. Signed to Roulette Records in 1958 as the label’s first vocal group, and anticipating a Calypso craze, the group recorded an album called Playmates Visit the West Indies. They then released two notable Top 40 singles — “Jo-Ann” and “Don’t Go Home” — before having a number 4 hit (July 9, 1958) with the tempo-changing novelty song “Beep, Beep” (https://youtu.be/5DPBfbSgqbY) (RQ 9), which became a regular feature for Dr. Demento.

Presley, Elvis. 1935-77

Was an American singer and actor regarded to be one of the greatest cultural icons of the 20th century. Known as the “King of Rock and Roll.” He was born in Tupelo, TN. He was a pioneer of rockabilly, which is a uptempo, backbeat fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1956, he recorded his first hit: “Heartbreak Hotel” (https://youtu.be/e9BLw4W5KU8) (RQ 10). It reached No1 on the charts in the U.S. His energized and sexually provocative performance style made him tremendously popular.

In 1956, he made his debut in the movie “ Love Me Tender” (https://youtu.be/2lD711_Xh8s) (RQ 8). Then in 1958, he was drafted into the military which temporarily slowed down his career.

In 1968, after about seven year break from live performances, he did a tv special simply called “Elvis.” This led to an extensive Las Vegas concert series and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Elvis gave the first broadcast around the world called: “Aloha From Hawaii.”

In 1977, after years of prescription drug abuse that severely compromised his health, he died suddenly in 1977 at the age of 42 at his estate called Graceland. He is considered to be the greatest solo music artist of all time. He won three Grammys including their Lifetime Achievement Award. He recorded somewhere between 665-711 songs. Records conflict as to the exact number. He recorded 24 studio albums, 16 soundtrack albums, 117 singles (including 31 No1s).

Some of hits were:

“Hound Dog” (https://youtu.be/lzQ8GDBA8Is) (RQ 9)

“Don’t Be Cruel” (https://youtu.be/ViMF510wqWA) (RQ 10)

“Love Me Tender” Done later on in his career. (https://youtu.be/BeTurYZuY4A) (RQ 6)

“Too Much” (https://youtu.be/GPc8XNtlDk4) (RQ 8)

“All Shook Up” (https://youtu.be/23zLefwiii4) (RQ 10)

“Teddy Bear” (https://youtu.be/89MihWd6zKk) (RQ 9)

“Jailhouse Rock” (https://youtu.be/gj0Rz-uP4Mk) (RQ 10)

“Don’t” (https://youtu.be/T_IEho5uedM) (RQ 8)

“Hard-Headed Woman” (https://youtu.be/cN6DXflD7fU) (RQ 8)

“A Big Hunk O’ Love” (https://youtu.be/1HEyCAe4_Lw) (RQ 9)

He sold more than a billion records worldwide. Sony said that his income from his album sales alone exceeded 146.5 million dollars.

The Poni-Tails were active between 1956-1960. They formed in Lyndhurst, Ohio which is a suburb of Cleveland. The group members were: Toni Cistone, Karen Topinka and Patti McCabe. They began singing together while attending Brush High School. They recorded seven singles, but their hit was “Born Too Late” (https://youtu.be/_1tgiHLE-w4) (RQ 10). It is regularly heard on the radio today.

Lloyd Price (March 9, 1933 – May 3, 2021) was an American R&B vocalist, known as “Mr. Personality”, after his 1959 million-selling hit, “Personality” (https://youtu.be/D8Rhg35qE5w) (RQ 10). His first recording, “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (https://youtu.be/O1OX0kA0zA0) (RQ 10) was a hit for Specialty Records in 1952. He continued to release records, but none were as popular until several years later, when he refined the New Orleans beat and achieved a series of national hits. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

1950 and 1960s MUSIC GROUPS (L, M & N’s)

This post is related to the artists and musical groups from the 1950s and 1960s that have the letters “L, M & N” as the first letter of their last name. These nine artists/groups make up continuing examples of why this time period is the greatest all time era for music: Jimmy Liggins, Manfred Mann, The Marvelettes, Mamas & the Papas, Johnny Mercer, The Monkeys, Moody Blues, Van Morrison and Willie Nelson.

Jimmy Liggins (born James L. Elliott; October 14, 1918 – July 21, 1983) was an American R&B guitarist and bandleader. His brother was the more commercially successful R&B/blues pianist, Joe Liggins.

The son of Harriett and Elijah Elliott, he was born in Newby, Oklahoma, United States, and adopted his stepfather’s surname, Liggins, as a child. He moved with his family to San Diego, California in 1932, and graduated from Hoover High School. He fought under the name of Kid Zulu as a professional boxer until age 18, when he began as a driver for his brother Joe’s band, the Honeydrippers.

Liggins started his own recording career as a singer, guitarist, and leader of the Drops of Joy, on Art Rupe’s Specialty label in 1947. One of his early releases, “Cadillac Boogie” was a direct forerunner of “Rocket 88”, itself often called the first rock and roll record. Recordings such as “Tear Drop Blues” (1948) and, later, “I Ain’t Drunk” (1954), featuring leading saxophone players such as Maxwell Davis, made him one of the most successful bandleaders in the jump blues period of the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1954 he released “Boogie Woogie King.” (https://youtu.be/dgfQjII4Tso) (RQ 10).

Liggins left Specialty in 1954, recording “I Ain’t Drunk” (1954), later covered by Albert Collins, at Aladdin, before fading from the scene. He began his own management and record company Duplex Records in 1958. His wild stage presence and manic delivery influenced Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and Elvis Presley.

Mann, Manfred. 1962-69

Formed in London in 1962 by Mann. They had two different lead singers: Paul Jones from 1962-66 and Mike d’Abo from 1966-69. The other band members were: Dave Berry, Klaus Voorman and Mike Hugg. Their most successful recordings were:

“Do Wah Ditty Ditty” (https://youtu.be/43vOAw2sAFU) (RQ 10)

“Pretty Flamingo” (https://youtu.be/sTxzmLyVFYY) (RQ 8)

“Mighty Quinn” (https://youtu.be/K13hH0pJx5s). (RQ 8) Topped the UK singles chart.

They were asked to come up with a theme song for tv show called Ready, Steady Go. They came up with: “5-4-3-2-1” (https://youtu.be/1PM5McR-STA) (RQ 5). The song made it to No5 in the UK. Then they produced two more records: a girl group cover “Sha La La” (https://youtu.be/Xz2CXDFmz5w) (RQ 7) and “Come Tomorrow” (https://youtu.be/tBQ_nJGXaB0) (RQ 9). They turned to jazz and R&B themes on their albums. They utilized a couple of Bob Dylan’s songs: “The One in the Middle” (https://youtu.be/iw2YBdAQCHg) (RQ 6) and “With God on Our Side” (https://youtu.be/c53RqNwogQI) (RQ 6). One of their last hits was: “If You Gotta Go, Go Now” (https://youtu.be/DyAWVICAwqg) (RQ 4). Frustrated with the limitations and image of being seen as a hit singles band (their last two albums failed to chart), the group split in 1969.

Marvelettes, The 1960-70

The group got its start in Inkster, MI in 1960. The band members were schoolmates: Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart and Wanda Young. Their first single: “Please Mr. Postman” (https://youtu.be/425GpjTSlS4) (RQ 10) turning made No1 was the first successful recording by an all female group on Motown. In 1966, they had another hit single: “Don’t Mess Around with Bill” (https://youtu.be/OVsW_6AomOQ) (RQ 7). Both Postman and Mess Around were million dollar selling records. They were having an intense rivalry with the Supremes. Then, they started having turnover problems with Cowart, Tillman and Horton leaving between 1963-67. They also struggled with health problems and substance abuse. Even so, they were inducted into the Vocal and Rhythm and Blues HOF.

Momas & Papas 1965-68

Out of the LA area, they were an American folk rock vocal group and were a part of the counterculture of the 1960s. The members were: John Phillips (songwriter and leader), Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot and Michelle Philips (born Holly Gilliam). The group released five studio albums, and seventeen singles over four years (six of which made Billboard’s Top10). They sold close to 40M records worldwide. They had several key singles that charted including:

“Go Where You Want to Go” (https://youtu.be/wSL1yWOhHoQ) (RQ 10).

“California Dreamin.” (https://youtu.be/22OcnjgKhJI) (RQ 9)

In 1966, they recorded “Monday, Monday” (https://youtu.be/h81Ojd3d2rY) (RQ 10) which was rated No1 and also won a Grammy Award.

At this point in time Michelle had an affair with Gene Clark, a member of the Bryds. Ultimately this led to having her expelled from the group on June 28, 1966. This was the beginning of the group disbanding.

John Herndon Mercer (November 18, 1909 – June 25, 1976) was an American lyricist, songwriter, and singer. He was also a record label executive who co-founded Capitol Records with music industry businessmen Buddy DeSylva and Glenn E. Wallichs. He is best known as a Tin Pan Alley lyricist, but he also composed music. He was also a popular singer who recorded his own songs as well as songs written by others from the mid-1930s through the mid-1950s. Mercer’s songs were among the most successful hits of the time, including:

“Moon River” (https://youtu.be/PB2x7WYzBrg) (RQ 10).

“Days of Wine and Roses” (https://youtu.be/e4wNfMWf3Ok) (RQ 10).

“Autumn Leaves” (https://youtu.be/i6e1-2yxQPs) (RQ 10).

“Hooray for Hollywood” (https://youtu.be/gMJ3XQ3iUSc) (RQ 10). By Rosemary Clooney.

He wrote the lyrics to more than 1,500 songs, including compositions for movies and Broadway shows. He received nineteen Oscar nominations, and won four Best Original Song Oscars.

Monkeys, The (1966-71)

The group was conceived by tv producers Rob Rafelson and Bert Schneider in 1965. The American actors and singers were: Mickey Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones. The group was recruited to do the situation comedy tv series called “The Monkeys.” The program aired from 1966-68. When the show was cancelled in 1968, the group continued to record music until 1971. Due to the success of the show, they were regarded as one of the most successful bands of the 1960s. They had four top hits:

“Last Train to Clarksville” (https://youtu.be/ZcXpKiY2MXE) (RQ 10)

“Pleasant Valley Sunday” (https://youtu.be/sUzs5dlLrm0) (RQ 8)

“Daydream Believer” (https://youtu.be/xvqeSJlgaNk) (RQ 10)

“I’m a Believer.” (https://youtu.be/wB9YIsKIEbA) (RQ 10)

They sold more than 75M records worldwide (newspapers and magazines reported that they outsold the Beatles and Rolling Stones combined in 1967!). Were inducted into the U. S. Pop Music HOF in 2014.

Moody Blues. 1964-

Group was formed in Birmingham, England in 1964. The group played rhythm and blues and the band members were: Mike Pinder (keyboard), Ray Thomas (multi-instruments), Justin Hayward (lead guitar), Graham Edge (drummer) and John Lodge (bass). They, to date, have been snubbed by the Hall of Fame.

Their second album: “Days of Future Passed” “The Day Begins” (https://youtu.be/4N8klQ3WW0U) (RQ 7) established them in art and progressive rock. In 1978, Pinder left and Swiss keyboarder Patrick Moraz replaced him. The “organ-type” of music was the group’s trademark. The group produced five top singles:

“Go Now” (https://youtu.be/SN2fOgfFnDo). (RQ 9)

“Nights in White Satin” (https://youtu.be/9muzyOd4Lh8) (RQ 10)

“Tuesday Afternoon” (https://youtu.be/GEMuAnFH_lM) (RQ 10)

“Question” (https://youtu.be/NP9iOqdxS8c). (RQ 7)

“Your Wildest Dreams” (https://youtu.be/kmmPFrkuPq0) (RQ 8)

The group sold more than 70M records worldwide. They were inducted in the Rock and Roll HOF in 2018.

Morrison, Van (& Them) 1958-

Morrison is from northern Ireland. He grew up playing a variety of instruments (guitar, harmonica, keyboard and saxophone). He played regularly in Irish show bands. He rose to prominence in the mid 60s as the lead singer for the group called “ Them .” He recorded the classic rock song “Gloria” (https://youtu.be/VlWiQ69DGE0) (RQ 10) as well as “Brown-Eyed Girl” (https://youtu.be/UfmkgQRmmeE) (RQ 10) in 1967.

His albums:

“Astral Weeks” (https://youtu.be/vDgyJbc66tI). (RQ 8)

“Moondance” (https://youtu.be/6lFxGBB4UGU). (RQ 10)

“Too Late to Stop Now” “Ain’t Nothin You Can Do” (https://youtu.be/Vtn4ufLtCvE) (RQ 7)

The albums established him as a major artist. He has received two Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Rock & Roll and Songwriters HOFs and in 2017 was recognized with a American Lifetime Achievement Award.

WILLIE NELSON (1933 – Present)

Willie’s career started to mushroom in 1960. He began writing music for other singers which became very successful. In addition to “Crazy” (https://youtu.be/MbnrdCS57d0) (RQ 10) years for Patsy Cline, he also wrote “Funny How Time Slips Away” (https://youtu.be/JTzQhr6AQdM) (RQ 10) for Billy Walker and “Pretty Paper” (https://youtu.be/Knj9jg6TuDY) (RQ 7) for Roy Orbison.

In 1961, he wrote his first charted single at No10: “Touch Me” (https://youtu.be/EWelKor5ZUM) (RQ 9). By 1965, while in Nashville, he joined the Grand Ole Opry. In 1966 and 1967, his singles “One in a Row” (https://youtu.be/tfvoqJMVgjc) (RQ 6) and “The Party’s Over” (https://youtu.be/QoQZ0qmf-mk) (RQ 9) reached the Top25.

In 1972, primarily due to unsuccessful album sales, he prematurely retired from music. He resurrected his career in Austin, TX where he landed the first country artist contract for Atlantic Records. In 1973, he recorded “Shotgun Willie” (https://youtu.be/eK-7k8MHvnE) (RQ7) which failed to sell. Then in 1974 he wrote the hit “Bloody Mary Morning” (https://youtu.be/Qn8A72wnOZM) (RQ 6).

After moving over to Columbia Records in 1975, he recorded the massively popular “Red Headed Stranger” (https://youtu.be/wuyzrqEA2DQ) (RQ 8). Then, with Waylon Jennings, using only a guitar and piano for accompaniment, they recorded another hit: “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” (https://youtu.be/JA644rSZX1A) (RQ 10). This became Willier’s first No1 hit.

In the later 1970s, Nelson produced four more single hits:

“Good Hearted Woman” (https://youtu.be/5tcBXUWlxEQ) (RQ 8)

“Remember Me” (https://youtu.be/P4mpTG1-dBc) (RQ 10)

“If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time” (https://youtu.be/NVphs8eP6c4) (RQ 8)

“Uncloudy Day” (https://youtu.be/w1-DHepnVLs) (RQ 8)

In the early 1980s, Willie produced three more hits records:

“Midnight Rider” (https://youtu.be/pP8xC73_LY8) (RQ 9)

“On the Road Again” (https://youtu.be/dBN86y30Ufc) (RQ 10)

“To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” Duet with Julio Iglesias (https://youtu.be/_YoQbKWTNLo). (RQ 10)

These were followed up by: “Always On My Mind” (https://youtu.be/R7f189Z0v0Y). (RQ 10). The song won three Grammys.

The 1990s were overshadowed by the negative effects of the IRS claiming Nelson owed $32 million in back taxes (which was negotiated down by his attorney to $6 million).

1950 and 1960s MUSIC GROUPS (not known for million dollar songs) The photo above is Aaron Neville from Closer Weekly.

This post will include artists, from the 1950s and 1960s, that will have limited coverage in this blog as most of these artists did not have a track record of selling millions of records…

Rather than simply listing these artists, I looked each up and noted the number of charted recordings and whether they earned any No1 ratings. As it turns out, this group produced a total of 15 No1s. Two of the artists had three No1s (Aaron Neville and The Impressions). Here is a summary of their No1 recordings:

Jerry Butler Jr. (born December 8, 1939) is an American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician, and retired politician (in Cook County, Illinois). He is also noted as being the original lead singer of the R&B vocal group The Impressions. Their famous recording was “For Your Precious Love” (https://youtu.be/SrZ7NfwNBEk) (RQ 10). He is also a 1991 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. After leaving The Impressions, Jerry had over 55 Billboard Pop and R&B Chart hits as a solo artist, including some 15 Top 40 Pop hits in the Hot 100, and 15 R&B Top 10’s.

Here are 80 artists and bands that had charted songs in the 1950s and 1960s:

“Everybody Plays a Fool” – Aaron Neville (https://youtu.be/bKAJs8waYd4) (RQ 9)

“Hello Stranger” – Barbara Lewis (https://youtu.be/m3Y1O9eVKRs) (RQ 8)

“It’s Alright” – The Impressions (https://youtu.be/Y1LLwC7N1h8) (RQ 9)

“Our Day Will Come” – Ruby and the Romantics (https://youtu.be/nyxQKMIsGyk) (RQ 10)

“Um-Um-Um-Um-Um-Um” – Major Lance (https://youtu.be/g02WmLzozs8) (RQ 8)

“Wild Thing” – The Troggs (https://youtu.be/4qHX493bB3U). (RQ 8)

“96 Tears” – ? & The Mysterions (https://youtu.be/XeolH-kzx4c). (RQ 9)

Overall, within this group of artists, there was one from the 1930s, one from the 40s, twenty-seven from the 50s, thirty-nine from the 60s, one from the 70s, one from the 80s and one from the 2000s. This further supports the fact that the 50-60s was the greatest era of all time music! Here is the updated list with the associated dates of active recording and the number of records produced:

Thomas, Rufus. 1936-1998: 13 charted songs including No1: “Do the Push and Pull” (https://youtu.be/m6zvPHRZP8c) (RQ 8) and No2 “The Breakdown”

Walter, Junior (All Stars). 1945-1995: 13 songs charted including No1: “”Shotgun” (https://youtu.be/FI7CtxlisCk) (RQ 8)

Curtis, King. 1950-1971 Charted 8 songs, one at No9. YouTube mix: (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=RDEMD7tNBQ1bva_uMDsDxc5_FA&feature=share&playnext=1) “Chief Called” (RQ 7)

Dorsey, Lee. 1950-1986: 9 charted songs, including No9 “Working into n a Coal Mine” (https://youtu.be/3Dy2tuF915E) (RQ 7)

John, Dr. 1950-2019: 7 charted songs including No1: “What a Wonderful World” “Ske-Dat-De-Dat” (https://youtu.be/yZIXAXTV-6w) (RQ8)

Ballard, Hank (Midnighters). 1951-2003: 89 singles including “The Twist” (https://youtu.be/2qoY93CkwlA) (RQ 7)

Starr, Edwin. 1951-2003: 18 charted songs including No6: “Funky Music” (https://youtu.be/VS3W6rEtVVo) (RQ 8)

Mimms, Garnet (Enchanters). 1953-1975: 4 charted songs. “For Your Precious Love” (https://youtu.be/ISDWz_bCXsQ) (RQ 10)

Chambers Brothers. 1954 – Charted one song “Funky” No40. (https://youtu.be/lZhd5QWP_Ao) (RQ 7)

Mack, Lonnie. 1954-2004: 4 charted instrumental songs, including No5: “Memphis” (https://youtu.be/N2RjDrplMKA) (RQ 9)

Stewart, Billy. 1955-1970: 11 charted songs including No10 “Summertime” (https://youtu.be/CDLDl0_pt_k) (RQ 9)

Tex, Joe. 1955-1982: 35 charted songs including 4 No1s:

“I Want To” (https://youtu.be/iNbcRQNHH6M) (RQ 7)

” I Gotcha” (https://youtu.be/qDEZQxg2TSM) (RQ 3)

“Hold What You’ve Got” (https://youtu.be/_GFq-FT1rZM) (RQ 7)

“A Sweet Woman Like You” (https://youtu.be/_yx6aaLArZw) (RQ 5)

Dells, The. 1955-1992: 44 songs, 10 Top10s. “Stay in My Corner” (https://youtu.be/iX3cOtmyyOc). (RQ 6)

Tokens, The. 1955-2000: 15 charted songs including No1: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (https://youtu.be/FGl5ReYunoY). (RQ 10)

K-Doe, Ernie. 1955-2001: 4 charted songs including No1: “Mother in Law” (https://youtu.be/6EN5eJf5h_k) (RQ 9)

Burke, Soloman. 1955-2010: 10 charted, No10 “The Price” (https://youtu.be/0zqeOsKBibc) (RQ 6)

Dale, Dick. 1955-2019 With Stevie Ray Vaughn. Charted one song (“Pipeline”) at No3 (https://youtu.be/56SAxtf-RTg) (RQ 10)

Floyd, Eddie. 1956 – Charted 18 songs including No1 “Knock on Wood” (https://youtu.be/Kceiks__PsE) (RQ 10)

Scott, Freddie. 1956-2003: 3 charted songs. “Hey Girl”. (https://youtu.be/c3mvJE-SUnc) (RQ 9)

Bell, William. 1957- 5 charted including: “Trying to Love Two” No1 (https://youtu.be/OsaXenjCY5A) (RQ 8)

Everett, Betty. 1957-2000 Charted 10 songs including No5 “Let It Be Me” (https://youtu.be/Hx9N7WIAhDc) (RQ 9)

Jackson, Chuck. 1957-2010: 65 singles. YouTube mix. “Any Day Now” (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=RDEMPFQI_cVXYOzeqwWFYCGTpQ&feature=share&playnext=1) (RQ 10)

Butler, Jerry. 1958-1985: 38 charted including No7 “He Will Break Your Heart” (https://youtu.be/cAohwPAFTLk) (RQ 8)

Impressions, The. (Curtis Mayfield, lead singer), 1958-1987: 77 charted songs including: No1s:

“Its Alright” (https://youtu.be/Y1LLwC7N1h8) (RQ 10)

“Keep on Pushing” (https://youtu.be/HU-mEsCk3D8) (RQ 8)

“We’re a Winner” (https://youtu.be/uLMRzDFMvEo). (RQ 8)

Contours, The. 1959- Charted 8 songs with “Do You Love Me” No1 (https://youtu.be/3EoI-6lQFIE) (RQ 8)

Kingsmen, The. 1959 – 5 charted songs. “Louie Louie” (https://youtu.be/1RZJ4ESU52U) (RQ 9)

Thomas, Irma. 1959 – 3 Charted songs. “Anyone Know What Love Is?” (https://youtu.be/G_K9xsSdgMs) (RQ 8)

Conley, Arthur. 1959-1988 Charted 7 songs with “Sweet Soul Music” No2 (https://youtu.be/sp3JOzcpBds) (RQ 7)

Lance, Major. 1959-1994: 25 charted songs including No1: “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um” (https://youtu.be/g02WmLzozs8) (RQ 8)

Neville, Aaron. 1960- 13 charted songs including 3 No1s:

“Everybody Plays the Fool” (https://youtu.be/bKAJs8waYd4) (RQ 10)

“Don’t Know Much” With Linda Ronstadt (https://youtu.be/WmuJ0us63GQ) (RQ10+)

“All My Life” With Linda Ronstadt. (https://youtu.be/sBX97E_QmsI). (RQ 9)

“Greatest Hits” “Don’t Take Away My Heaven” (https://youtu.be/JQy0fzRmjAk) (RQ 8)

Orions, The. 1960- 8 albums. YouTube mix: (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=RDEME1NerWjmedPVCUA688JA5Q&feature=share&playnext=1)8. “Wa Wa Tootsie” (RQ8)

Tams, The. 1960- 11 Charted sings including No1 (in the UK): “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me” (https://youtu.be/ZLubTUsfZD8) (RQ 6)

Tomas, Carla. 1960- 20 charted songs. “The Greatest Hits” (https://youtu.be/VE7FS6xfjbw) (RQ 8)

Dee, Joey. (Starlifters) 1960-1970 Charted 21, with “Peppermint Twist” No1 (https://youtu.be/W8wEORnZxdg) (RQ 9)

Alexander, Arthur. 1960-1993: 20 albums. YouTube mix: “In the Middle of It All” (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=RDEMR_8gsttaVJfy-hAP9JKvHg&feature=share&playnext=1) (RQ 8)

Bell, Archie (and the Drells). 1961- 5 charted including: No1 “Tighten Up” (https://youtu.be/Wro3bqi4Eb8) (RQ 8)

Covay, Don. 1961-1980 Charted 3 songs. “Mercy Mercy” (https://youtu.be/pWioaVN9olY) (RQ 6)

Carter, Clarence. 1962-3 Charted songs, “Slip Away” No6 (https://youtu.be/tj8eAHn_2YM) (RQ 8)

Lynn, Barbara. 1962-9 charted songs. Left handed lead guitar! “You’ll Lose a Good Thing.” (https://youtu.be/LoaLCc2jR_g) (RQ 8)

Mysterions, ? And The. 1962-5 songs including No1: “96 Tears” (https://youtu.be/R7uC5m-IRns) (RQ 8)

Hughes, Jimmy. 1962-1970: 7 singles including “Steal Away” (https://youtu.be/kBozxCs3yFk). (RQ 7)

Chandler, Gene. 1962-1985: 40 charted songs including No1: “Duke of Earl” (https://youtu.be/h6Uht69h8Is) (RQ 10)

Tate, Howard. 1962-2011: 6 charted songs. @ Ain’t Nobody Home.” (https://youtu.be/sYWJczQ-5QU) (RQ 7)

Surfaris, The. 1962-2017: 5 hits including No2: “Wipe Out” (https://youtu.be/-YusHyd-duQ). (RQ 8)

Love, Darlene. 1963 “The Boy I’m Going to Marry.” (https://youtu.be/xpe8u-FDXVU) (RQ 9)

Ruby (& The Romantics). 1963-1969: 16 charted songs including No1: “Our Day Will Come” (https://youtu.be/NfnEoou-FKU) (RQ 9)

Lewis, Barbara. 1963-1970: 9 charted songs including No1: “Hello Stranger” (https://youtu.be/J5BRuWS9iAk) (RQ 10)

Dekker, Desmond (& The Aces). 1963-2006 Charted two songs. “Israelites”. (https://youtu.be/HA1ZRIQuHy4) (RQ 9)

Mitchell, Willie. 1963-2008: 9 charted songs
Troggs, The 1964- 37 singles including No1: “Wild Thing” (https://youtu.be/gSWInYFVksg). (RQ 7)

Sir Douglass Quintet. 1964-1973: 4 charted songs. “Mendocino” (https://youtu.be/ya_mImHmRZw) (RQ 9)

Love. 1965- 8 singles. “My Little Red Book.” (https://youtu.be/ftO9ClIhFAo) (RQ 6)

Meters, The. 1965- 12 charted songs. “Sissy Strut” (https://youtu.be/MXI5Nuz6OHg) (RQ 7)

Quicksilver Messenger Service. 1965- 6 live albums. “Fresh Air” (https://youtu.be/RNE0CKK71TI) (RQ 6)

Country Joe & The Fish. 1965-1970 Charted 4 songs. “Live at Monterrey” (https://youtu.be/YDhLYJMPlYg) (RQ 6)

Dyke (Blazers). 1965-1971: 4 charted songs. “Funky Bway” (https://youtu.be/3C5Kl58eMTA). (RC 8)

Purify, James & Bobby. 1965-1980: 17 charted songs including No5: “I’m Your Puppet” (https://youtu.be/liKhLNY5GYI) (RQ 8)

Mayall, John (Blues Breakers). 1965-2019: 36 albums including No3: “Bare Wires” (https://youtu.be/6LYNg7ZJSic) (RQ 6)

Count Five, The. 1966- Charted 1 song. “Psychotic Reaction.” (https://youtu.be/fBTT3VPriV8) (RQ 8)

Carr, James. 1966-1980: 3 Charted songs. “Forgetting You”. (https://youtu.be/GgQysv3P1-w) (RQ 8)

Blue Cheer. 1966-2009: 2 charted including No14: “Summertime Blues” (https://youtu.be/YXcYZsqkZ-g). (RQ 8)

Velvet Underground. 1966-2009: 19 charted singles. “Pale Blue Eyes.” (https://youtu.be/KisHhIRihMY) (RQ 8)

Procol, Harum. 1967- 3 charted songs including No5: “A Whiter Shade of Pale” (https://youtu.be/vIWCSrG1d-Y) (RQ 9)

Electric Flag, The. 1967-1974: Mike Bloomfield, my son’s favorite- lead guitarist (7 albums). “Over Lovin You” (https://youtu.be/KRWgtYtrrj8). (RQ 8)

Captain Beefhart. 1967-1982; 5 Charted albums (highest No11). “Trout Mask Replica” (https://youtu.be/aF0g-2SeoMM) (RQ 5)

Traffic. 1967-2005: 11 albums. “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” (https://youtu.be/sS_eHdqcrM8) (RQ 9)

Band, The. 1968-1999: 14 albums (three with Bob Dylan). “Greatest Hits” “The Weight” (https://youtu.be/FFqb1I-hiHE) (RQ 10)

Womack, Bobby (Valentines). 1969-1973: 14 singles charted. “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” (https://youtu.be/IKH52rUZj9E) (RQ 10)

Stooges, The. 2007-2013: 3 charted songs. “Search and Destroy.” (https://youtu.be/CqIgJWZKlJo) (RQ 6)

1950 and 1960s MUSIC GROUPS (K’s)

This post represents my ongoing summary of musical artists (with last names starting with the letter K) of the 1950s and 1960s that are a part of the best all time era of music history. The five artists represented here are: The Kalin Twins, Andy Kim, Ben E. King, The Kinks and Gladys Knight and the Pips…

The Kalin Twins (born February 16, 1934) were a pop music recording and songwriting duo, comprising twin brothers Harold Kalin and Herbert Kalin (died August 24, 2005 and July 21, 2006, respectively). The Kalin Twins, who were known affectionately as “Hal and Herbie”, are best known for their 1958 hit “When” (https://youtu.be/Ywnm0iQTMKY) (RQ 10).

Andrew Youakim (born 5 December 1946), known professionally as Andy Kim, is a Canadian pop rock singer and songwriter. He grew up in Montreal, Quebec. He is known for hits that he released in the late 1960s and 1970s: the international hit “Baby, I Love You” (https://youtu.be/kdrpRKiVwi8) (RQ 9) in 1969, and “Rock Me Gently”, which topped the US singles chart in 1974. He co-wrote “Sugar, Sugar” in 1968 and sang on the recording as part of the Archies; it was #1 for four weeks and was “Record of the Year” for 1969.

King, Ben E. 1938-2015

Was born with the name Benjamin Earl Nelson. He was an American soul and R&B singer. His best known single was: “Stand By Me” (https://youtu.be/hwZNL7QVJjE) (RQ 10) in 1961 (it was redone in 1986). The song made the top 10 in the U. S. He also was the lead singer for the Drifters which recorded “Save the Last Dance for Me” (https://youtu.be/n-XQ26KePUQ) (RQ 10). In 1960, he left the Drifters to go solo. His first hit was: “Spanish Harlem” (https://youtu.be/OGd6CdtOqEE) (RQ 9).

As a result of the popularity of these songs he earned a Grammy HOF award. In the summer of 1963, he had ten other well known songs in addition to: “I Who Have Nothing” (https://youtu.be/vOUyAwLz7Wg) (RQ 9) which reached the Top 10 charts.

Between 1966-75, he had three more hits:

“What is Soul?” (https://youtu.be/KQJs7rNoBn8) (RQ 6)

“Tears Tears Tears” (https://youtu.be/jxsx7UQu3rY) (RQ 7)

“Supernatural Thing” – Top 10 Pop Smash Hit and No 1 R&B. (https://youtu.be/wTNHb8jk1W0) (RQ 8)

Overall, King achieved five number one hits, 12 top 10 hits and 26 top 40 hits. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF.

Kinks, The. 1964-

Formed in Muswell Hill (north London) in 1964 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies (along with Pete Quaife and Mick Avory). Band emerged at the height of the British rhythm and blues and Merseybeat and were briefly part of the British Invasion until 1965. Then, they were banned from touring in the U.S. due to constant fighting between the brothers. They gained the reputation for reflecting upon English culture and fueled by Ray’s wittily observational writing style. Their third single “You Really Got Me” (https://youtu.be/fTTsY-oz6Go) (RQ 9) gained the Top 10 charts in the U.S. Through 1966-71, they produced six albums including “Lola Vs Powerman” (https://youtu.be/YV6WiJRAaiY) (RQ 9). Then, between 1977-83, they recorded four more albums which included “Give the People What They Want” (https://youtu.be/t9s02Rg4BKw) (RQ 6). It sold more than 500,000 copies. ASCAP, the performing-rights group, presented the group with an award for one of the most played songs in 1983 for “Come Dancing” (https://youtu.be/xRUE0aAI5o8) (RQ 9).

Ray Davies (lead vocals, rhythm guitar and keyboard) and Dave Davies (lead guitar and vocals) remained members throughout their thirty-two year run. They had five Top10 singles in the U.S. including “Sunny Afternoon” (https://youtu.be/pzSWNEBdsVg) (RQ 10). They produced a total of twenty four studio albums and four live albums. They have sold more than 50M records worldwide. In 1990, the were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF. Pete Townsend, of the Who, credited Ray Davies with inventing “a new kind of poetry and a new type of language for pop writing that influenced him for a very, very, very long time.”

Knight, Gladys (& The Pips) 1952-61

Started out in 1952 in Atlanta, besides Gladys, the original members were brother Bubba, sister Brenda, and cousins Eleanor and William Guest. Their first hit single was “Every Beat of My Heart” (https://youtu.be/GXoHK1GKRuo) (RQ 8).

Then, beginning in 1967, they introduced a total of five hit singles:

“I Heard It Through the Grapevine (https://youtu.be/BQRcUxNJEbs) (RQ 10)

“Nitty Gritty” (https://youtu.be/p3hnadwsxOk) (RQ 7)

“Friendship Train” (https://youtu.be/tn9p_mTHEEM) (RQ 8)

“If I Were Your Woman” (https://youtu.be/qfORYJt3OJU) (RQ 10)

“Neither One of Us Wants To Say Goodbye” (https://youtu.be/n_Lh4MFiw08). (RQ 8)

In 1973, they recorded three more giant hits:

“Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” (https://youtu.be/o7h3pcFIDE0) (RQ 10)

“I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” (https://youtu.be/0kPFrQPdKPM) (RQ 9)

“Midnight Train to Georgia” (https://youtu.be/A0F9lh8TiSM) (RQ 10)

In the early 1980s, they produced two more hits: “Save the Overtime” (https://youtu.be/Y36aBTuRr1o) (RQ 9) and the Grammy winner “Love Overboard” (https://youtu.be/wVZEibXOtko) (RQ 8).

On 1989, the group disbanded and Gladys went on with her solo career. Between 1991 and 2001, they were inducted into the Rock an Roll HOF as well as the Vocal Group HOF.

1950 and 1960s MUSIC GROUPS (I & J’s)

This post includes information about nine artists and groups from the 1950s and 1960s: Janis Ian, Ink Spots, Iron Butterfly, Isley Brothers, Jackson (Michael) Five, Stonewall Jackson, Elmore James, Tommy James & The Shondells, George Jones and Janis Joplin (Big Brother & The Holding Company (artists with names ending with I or J)…

Janis Ian (born Janis Eddy Fink; April 7, 1951) is an American singer-songwriter who was most commercially successful in the 1960s and 1970s. Her signature songs are the 1967 hit “Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking)” (https://youtu.be/ABUmZvzGHVc) (RQ 10) and the 1975 Top Ten single “At Seventeen” (https://youtu.be/CZQyoiXzUrY) (RQ 10+) from her LP Between the Lines, which in September 1975 reached no. 1 on the Billboard album chart. Born in Farmingdale, New Jersey, Ian entered the American folk music scene while still a teenager in the mid-1960s. Most active musically in that decade and the 1970s, she has continued recording into the 21st century. She has won two Grammy Awards, the first in 1975 for “At Seventeen” and the second in 2013 for Best Spoken Word Album, for her autobiography, Society’s Child, with a total of ten nominations in eight different categories.

The Ink Spots were an American vocal jazz group who gained international fame between 1934-1954. Their unique musical style presaged the rhythm and blues and rock and roll musical genres, and the subgenre doo-wop. The Ink Spots were widely accepted in both the white and black communities, largely due to the ballad style introduced to the group by lead singer Bill Kenny. 1989, the Ink Spots 1939 recording of “If I Didn’t Care” (https://youtu.be/UC_VzbtRGr0) (RQ 8) was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as “early influences” by Bobby McFerrin. Another recording of theirs, which is a personal favorite of mine, is “I’ve Got a World on a String” (https://youtu.be/M7_y0hdlpuw) (RQ 10).

Iron Butterfly. 1966-1971

From San Diego, CA, formed in 1966. The group members were: Doug Ingle (organ, lead singer), Ron Bushy (drums), Lee Dorman (bass, vocals), Eric Braun (lead guitar and vocals). Darryl DeLoach joined them soon after where he played the tambourine. The group regularly rehearsed in his garage in SanFrancisco. Their most famous recording in 1968 was: “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” (https://youtu.be/UIVe-rZBcm4) (RQ 10). The song reached the Top 30 Billboard and lasted over a year. Over time it sold over 30M copies. This song and album was the first ever group to receive an in-house platinum album award from Atlantic Records. In 1969, they got stuck at LaGuardia airport and failed to meet their commitment to perform at Woodstock. This angered the show’s production coordinator John Morris. Tho they missed Woodstock they managed to hit most of the other popular festivals in the late sixties.

In 1969, their album recording “Ball” (https://youtu.be/jwjsmmM450o) (RQ 5) reached No3 on the charts and ended up going gold. Late in December the group started to break up as Brann left because the group refused to move toward a harder rock sound. Then in 1971, Ingle left because the group decided to continue with a guitar-oriented blues and soul direction. Without having an organist, they recorded “Silly Sally” (https://youtu.be/kURH5Dm8Wks) (RQ 8) which failed to hit the charts. Their last show was at Central Oregon Community College on May 23, 1971. The primary reason for their final breakup was due to the fact that the Internal Revenue Service was investigating them for unpaid back taxes.

Isley Brothers. 1954-present

Group members: Ernie, O’Kelly, Ronald, Rudolph and Marvin. From Cincinnati. Moved to NYC in the late 1950s. The group’s initial successes were minimal until 1959 with their fourth single: “Shout” (https://youtu.be/rWRsJ-mDU5o) (RQ 9). Then, they had three top hot singles in a row:

“Twist and Shout” (https://youtu.be/cTaqn8_gMR0). (RQ 8)

“This Old Heart of Mine” (https://youtu.be/U_9M6kRfJes) (RQ 8)

“It’s Your Thing” (https://youtu.be/Tqc_EhmL8-E) (RQ 10)

“Your Thing” won a Grammy Award. They then added three new members: their younger brothers Ernie (lead guitar) and Marvin (bass). Also, Chris Jasper (keyboard and synthesizer). By 1973, they turned their original trio into a full band. For the next decade they produced several top-selling albums including: “The Heat is On” (https://youtu.be/myw0-iVHYv4) (RQ 7) and “Between the Sheets” (https://youtu.be/-7KuJZanjCY) ( RQ 8). The band finally splintered in 1983.

Jackson Five (including Michael) 1965-

Brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine formed the group on 1965 in Gary, Indiana. Younger brothers Marlon and Michael joined soon after. Their first debut produced four consecutive No1 songs on Billboard:

“I Want You Back” (https://youtu.be/DGDyAb6pePo) (RQ 10)

“ABC” (https://youtu.be/ho7796-au8U) (RQ 6)

“The Love You Save” (https://youtu.be/C6pLV9xZczM) (RQ 7)

“I’ll Be There” (https://youtu.be/W-apaIOOoAo) (RQ 9)

Between 1976-81 they produced two successful albums: “Destiny and Triumph” and three singles:

“Enjoy Yourself” (https://youtu.be/7IsjqR1IlvE) (RQ 8)

“Shake Your Body” (https://youtu.be/vAZA6oNEWZg) (RQ 6)

“Can You Feel It” (https://youtu.be/jZpoDbFHwE4) (RQ 7)

The Jackson 5 sold more than 100M records worldwide. Of course, Michael (1958-2009), went on to enjoy a fantastic career on his own! He became known as the “King of Pop.” Most people would agree that he was one of the most significant cultural figures and musical entertainers in history. His music videos:

“Beat It” (https://youtu.be/oRdxUFDoQe0) (RQ 10)

“Billy Jean” (https://youtu.be/Zi_XLOBDo_Y) (RQ 10)

“Thriller” (https://youtu.be/sOnqjkJTMaA) (RQ 10)

Gave him credit by breaking racial barriers and transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool. The album won eight Grammy Awards. Between 1987-97 he produced another nine successful videos. This, and he also produced five hit singles:

“Man In The Mirror” (https://youtu.be/PivWY9wn5ps). (RQ 10)

“Black or White” (https://youtu.be/pTFE8cirkdQ) (RQ 8)

“Heal the World” (https://youtu.be/BWf-eARnf6U) (RQ 10)

“Earth Song” (https://youtu.be/XAi3VTSdTxU) (RQ 10)

“They Don’t Care About Us” (https://youtu.be/PoEa9bzeTu0) (RQ 10)

Michael became a person of controversy near the end of his life including making physical changes to his body and having relationships with young boys. In 2009, he died as the result of an overdose of sedatives administered by his personal physician, Conrad Murray.

Stonewall Jackson (Late 1950s – Early 1960s)

Stonewall Jackson (born November 6, 1932) is an American country music singer, guitarist and musician who achieved his greatest fame during country’s “golden” honky tonk era in the 1950s and early 1960s.

After hearing Jackson’s demo tape, Wesley Rose, president of Acuff-Rose Music, arranged for Jackson to audition for the Grand Ole Opry. Jackson became the first artist to join the Grand Ole Opry before obtaining a recording contract. He toured with Ernest Tubb, who became his mentor. Jackson signed with Columbia Records in 1958.

His breakthrough came in the country Top 40 in late 1958, with a song written by a young George Jones, “Life to Go”. It peaked at No. 2 in early 1959 and his follow-up record, “Waterloo”, was No. 1 for five weeks and crossed over into the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it reached No. 4. The track also reached No. 24 in the UK Singles Chart in July 1959. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. The song was a haunting and catchy tune that states “Everybody has to meet his Waterloo”, meaning their fate. The song cites Adam, Napoleon and Tom Dooley as examples.

His next No. 1 hits came in 1964 with “Don’t Be Angry” (https://youtu.be/5YysB4lJvTA) (RQ 10) and “B.J. the D.J.” (Jackson’s foray into the teenage tragedy song trope, about an over-worked country music radio station disc jockey, who crashes his car in a rainstorm). In 1963, Jackson was the first artist to record a live album from the Grand Ole Opry with Old Showboat. Other song hits include “The Carpet on the Floor”, “Why I’m Walkin'”, “A Wound Time Can’t Erase” and “I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water”. Jackson also recorded a cover version of Lobo’s 1971 hit, “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo”, which became Jackson’s final top 10 hit. From 1958 to 1971, Jackson had 35 Top 40 country hits.

Elmore James (January 27, 1918 – May 24, 1963 was an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and bandleader. He was known as “King of the Slide Guitar” and was noted for his use of loud amplification and his stirring voice. For his contributions to music, James was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. James was born Elmore Brooks in Richland, Holmes County, Mississippi, the illegitimate son of 15-year-old Leola Brooks, a field hand. His father was probably Joe Willie “Frost” James, who moved in with Leola, and Elmore took his surname. He began making music at the age of 12, using a simple one-string instrument (diddley bow, or jitterbug) strung on a shack wall. As a teen he performed at dances under the names Cleanhead and Joe Willie James. He married Minnie Mae about 1942. James was influenced by Robert Johnson, Kokomo Arnold and Tampa Red. He recorded several of Tampa Red’s songs. He also inherited from Tampa Red’s band two musicians who joined his own backing band, the Broomdusters, “Little” Johnny Jones (piano) and Odie Payne (drums). There is a dispute about whether Johnson or James wrote James’s signature song, “Dust My Broom”. In the late 1930s, James worked alongside Sonny Boy Williamson II. During World War II, James joined the United States Navy, was promoted to coxswain and took part in the invasion of Guam. Upon his discharge, he returned to central Mississippi and settled in the town of Canton with his adopted brother Robert Holston. Working in Holston’s electrical shop, he devised his unique electric sound, using parts from the shop and an unusual placement of two DeArmond pickups. Around this time James learned that he had a serious heart condition. He began recording with Trumpet Records in nearby Jackson in January 1951, first as a sideman again for Sonny Boy Williamson II and for their mutual friend Willie Love and possibly others. He made his debut as a session leader in August with “Dust My Broom”, which was a surprise R&B hit in 1952. His backing musicians became known as the Broomdusters. James broke his contract with Trumpet Records to sign with the Bihari brothers through their scout Ike Turner, who played guitar and piano on a couple of his early Bihari recordings. His “I Believe” (https://youtu.be/eW48gdaT-hE) (RQ 7) was a hit a year later. During the 1950s he recorded for the Bihari brothers’ Flair Records, Meteor Records and Modern Records; he also recorded for Chess Records and Mel London’s Chief Records. He played lead guitar on Big Joe Turner’s 1954 top 10 R&B hit “TV Mama”.In 1959, he began recording for Bobby Robinson’s Fire Records, which released “The Sky Is Crying”, “My Bleeding Heart”, “Stranger Blues”, “Look on Yonder Wall”, “Done Somebody Wrong”, and “Shake Your Moneymaker”, among others.

James, Tommy (& The Shondells) 1964-

Formed in Niles, Michigan in 1964. Besides Tommy, the group consisted of: Larry Cloverdale (lead guitar), Larry Wright (bass), Craig Villeneuve (keyboard) and Jim Payne (drums). In 1964, they recorded their first hit: “Hanky Panky” (https://youtu.be/bsgKZb9jQ1s) (RQ 8). Snap Records failed to have a national distribution network so the band disbanded after the boys graduated from high school. In 1966, James went on his own to promote the song. Roulette Records picked up Tommy and the recording and it became a No1 hit by July. In 1967, they became known as a bubblegum singing group. But they did produce four charted singles:

“I Think We’re Alone Now” (https://youtu.be/IkMFLUXTEwM) (RQ 10)

“Mirage” (https://youtu.be/ZYhruUQpr7k). (RQ 9)

“Mony Mony” (https://youtu.be/X_OoEx9WOl8). (RQ 10)

“Do Something for Me” (https://youtu.be/76WDCm4O0MQ) (RQ 7)

1968, they produced five more charted singles:

“Crimson and Clover” (https://youtu.be/GpGEeneO-t0) (RQ 7)

“Sweet Cherry Wine” (https://youtu.be/rt1gvRKJCms) (RQ 9)

“Crystal Blue Persuasion” (https://youtu.be/oDN7nukZRnw) (RQ 8)

“Ball of Fire” (https://youtu.be/Mep1crQVMEM). (RQ 5)

“Sugar on Sunday” (https://youtu.be/XdPlq1uZP9Y) (RQ 7)

The group was invited to perform at Woodstock but they declined. In 1970, he was pronounced dead while performing, but recovered and spent another twelve years performing. In 2008 the Shondells were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll HOF.

George Glenn Jones (September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He achieved international fame for his long list of hit records, including his best-known song “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (https://youtu.be/es1uCh48TNY) (RQ 10) as well as his distinctive voice and phrasing. For example, “I Always Get Lucky with You.” (https://youtu.be/zIGtfGY9V-g) (RQ 9). For the last two decades of his life, Jones was frequently referred to as the greatest living country singer. Country music scholar Bill Malone writes, “For the two or three minutes consumed by a song, Jones immerses himself so completely in its lyrics, and in the mood it conveys, that the listener can scarcely avoid becoming similarly involved.” Waylon Jennings expressed a similar opinion in his song “It’s Alright”: “If we all could sound like we wanted to, we’d all sound like George Jones.” The shape of his nose and facial features earned Jones the nickname “The Possum”.

Joplin, Janis (Big Brother & The Holding Co). (Joplin’s life: 1943-1970)

Members included: Peter Albin, Sam Andrew, James Gurley and Davis Getz. Joplin joined the group in 1966. Andrew said it took Joplin about a year to learn how to play with an electric band. “Blind Man” (https://youtu.be/rsIV9tsPYkI) (RQ 8) was their first single. It was popular in SanFrancisco but not elsewhere. Their second single: “Down on Me” (https://youtu.be/s40vz3xeanY) (RQ 9) ended up being popular nationwide and reached the charts and stayed there for thirty weeks. Their third single was “Coo Coo” (https://youtu.be/YMcyTD1FmnM) (RQ 6). It was not successful.

In June of 1967, they played two songs: “Combination of the Two” and “Ball and Chain” at the Monterey Pop Festival. Michelle Phillips said that Joplin sounded like Bessie Smith and she was simply astounded. In February of 1968 they played at the Anderson Theatre in NYC. Albert Grossman became their manager and said her performance in NY was ranking in sex appeal to Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix and praised her “belting and groovy style.” Their “Cheap Trills” album (https://youtu.be/s8W4g2xILI8) (RQ 7) reached the top Billboard charts. It achieved certified gold and sold more than 1M copies. Her top singles were:

“Me and Bobby McGee” (https://youtu.be/sfjon-ZTqzU) (RQ 10)

“Piece of My Heart” (https://youtu.be/3SL0oRcD7t0) (RQ 10)

“Cry Baby” (https://youtu.be/VfGSd-tikH4). (RQ 8)

“Down on Me” (https://youtu.be/GSQCatgWaEEa) (RQ 9)

“Ball and Chain” (https://youtu.be/X1zFnyEe3nE) (RQ 5)

“Summertime” (https://youtu.be/guKoNCQFAFk) (RQ 8)

“Mercedes Benz” (https://youtu.be/4E2_zay3B6Q) (RQ 9)

In 1969, both Joplin and Andrew left Big Brother to form Country Joe and the Fish. In May of 1969, the band disbanded. She died of an accidental heroine overdose in 1970 at the age of 27. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF in 1995. She sold 25.5M albums.

1950 and 1960s MUSIC GROUPS (G’s)

This post highlights musical artists from the 1950s and 1960s that have last names beginning with G. The artists include: Marvin Gay, Lesley Gore and The Grateful Dead. These wonderfully talented musicians continue to support my belief that the 1950s & 1960s were the best music era of all time.

Gaye, Marvin. 1939-84

Known as “The Prince of Motown.” His famous hits were: “How Sweet It Is”(https://youtu.be/beW9AH1Goxg) (RQ 6) and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (https://youtu.be/hajBdDM2qdg) (RQ 9). His first record was “Stubborn Kind of Fellow” (https://youtu.be/nDWK5IANPWo) (RQ 6) in 1962.

In the mid-sixties he began doing duets with Kim Weston “It Takes Two” (https://youtu.be/cB5sCP6s120) (RQ 7) and Tammi Terrell “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (https://youtu.be/IC5PL0XImjw) (RQ 10).

In 1967, Tammi collapsed in Marvin’s arms during a concert and later was diagnosed with a brain tumor which required multiple surgeries. This caused Marvin to become disillusioned with the recording business. His final duet project was with Diana Ross “My Mistake” (https://youtu.be/6SNtIOfuszg) (RQ 7).

Gore, Lesley. 1946-2015

Her given name was Lesley Sue Goldstein. In 1963, at only 16, she recorded her first hit: “Its My Party” (https://youtu.be/mIsnIt1p978) (RQ 10). Soon afterward she produced five more hits:

“Judy’s Turn To Cry” (https://youtu.be/Yy7aPyNuPxA) (RQ 7)

“She’s A Fool” (https://youtu.be/BqENDPYWYKo) (RQ 8)

“You Don’t Own Me” (https://youtu.be/vNb-8gLcXLs) (RQ 9)

“Maybe I Know” (https://youtu.be/pkXExTweFV4) (RQ 8)

“California Nights” (https://youtu.be/fp69yVqqidQ) (RQ 8)

“It’s My Party” earned a No1 rating and was certified as a gold record. She then won a Grammy nomination for: ”Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” (https://youtu.be/XQmBXEZEYtg) (RQ 6). She had a shot to record “A Groovy Kind of Love” but Smash Records refused to let her record it with the word groovy was in its lyrics. The Mindbenders ended up recording it and it ended up being No2 on the Billboard charts. In 1967, she mixed acting with her singing. She picked up roles in Batman and Catwoman. Plus, “California Nights” ended up in the top 40 rankings. Later on in her career, she began composing music. In 1980 she wrote “Out Here on My Own” (https://youtu.be/DQkRp49b3wE) (RQ 8) for the film Fame. She won an Academy Award nomination. In 2005, she produced an album called “Ever Since” (https://youtu.be/uBBGF2GORNo) (RQ 7). The album received favorable reviews from the New York Times, Billboard Magazine and Rolling Stone.

Grateful Dead. 1965-

The group was formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The band was known for their eclectic style, blending rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, blues, gospel and psychedelic rock. The founding members were: Jerry Garcia (lead guitar), Bob Weir (rhythm guitar), Ron McKernan (keyboard, vocals), Phil Lesh (bass, vocals) and Bill Kruetzmann (drums). First hits: “American Beauty-album” (https://youtu.be/nxjvo4BRf-Y) (RQ 7) and “Workingman’s Dead” (https://youtu.be/yD1naKNQuF4) (RQ 8). The group produced a total of 22 albums between 1967-1999. In 1994 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF. Also, in 2007, they received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.