31 – ROCK AND POP OF THE SEVENTIES

THE BEATLES - SOLO

JOHN LENNON

• John Winston Lennon (Oct. 9, 1940 - Dec. 8, 1980)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist/poet/artist/actor born in Liverpool, England.
• From the late 1950's until Nov. 15, 1970, Lennon was rhythm guitarist/singer/songwriter of The Beatles (see The British Invasion).
• With Paul McCartney, he composed some of the most recorded songs in music history.
• Aug. 23, 1962-Oct. 8, 1968 - Married to Cynthia Powell, (Sept. 19, 1934 – ) with whom he had one son, Julian Lennon (John Charles Julian Lennon) (April 8, 1963 – ).
• March 23, 1964 - His first book, "In His Own Write" was published.
• June 24, 1965 - His second book, "A Spaniard In The Works" was released.
• Nov. 9, 1966 - Met Japanese artist Yoko Ono (Cox) (Feb. 18, 1933 – ), later marrying her on March 20, 1969 at the British Consulate building in Gibraltar. They had a son, Sean Ono Lennon (Oct. 9, 1975 – ).
• Oct. 8, 1967 - Made his solo film debut in "How I Won The War."
• 1968 - Released the "Two Virgins" album with Ono, the cover featuring full frontal nudity.
• May 26, 1969 - John and Yoko staged a protest for peace Bed-In in Montreal, Canada.
• 1969 - With Ono, formed The Plastic Ono Band. Lennon was technically the first Beatle to release solo product while with the group.
• Jan., 1971 - His "John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band" album, featuring the classic songs, "Mother" and "Working Class Hero" went to #6.
• Late, 1971 - Took up residency in New York City.
• Oct., 1971 - His "Imagine" album went to #1.
• 1972-1976 - Fought deportation until he was finally granted a permanent visa.
• Sept., 1973 - Left Ono for a well publicized fling with Chinese born personal assistant May Pang.
• Nov., 1974 - Reconciled with Ono after an Elton John concert at New York's Madison Square Garden where Lennon was a special guest.
• 1974-Summer, 1980 - Lennon became a recluse of sorts, playing the role of house husband and devoted father at The Dakota Apartment Building in New York City.
• Almost all of his solo work included input from Ono.
• Nov., 1980 - Lennon was approaching his artistic peak with the release of his "Double Fantasy" album.
• Dec. 8, 1980 - Lennon was shot to death at 10:50 p.m. outside his residence at The Dakota by disturbed fan Mark David Chapman.
• June 22, 1981 - Chapman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced on Aug. 24 to a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life at Attica maximum security prison.
• Jan. 18, 1988 - As one of The Beatles, he was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 1991 - Received The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Jan. 19, 1994 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Both Julian and Sean Lennon became recording artists.
• Hits include "Give Peace A Chance"(July, 1969)#14, "Instant Karma"(Feb., 1970)#3, "Power To The People"(April, 1971)#11, "Imagine"(Oct., 1971)#3, "Mind Games"(Nov., 1973)#18, "Whatever Gets You Through The Night"(Sept., 1974)#1, "#9 Dream"(Dec., 1974)#9, "(Just Like) Starting Over"(Nov., 1980)#1-5 wks., "Woman"(Jan., 1981)#2, "Watching The Wheels"(March, 1981)#10 and "Nobody Told Me"(Jan., 1984)#5.

PAUL McCARTNEY

• James Paul McCartney (June 18, 1942 – )
• Singer/songwriter/bassist/pianist born in Liverpool, England.
• From the late 1950's until Nov.15, 1970, McCartney was bassist/ singer/songwriter with The Beatles (see The British Invasion).
• With John Lennon, he composed some of the most recorded songs in music history.
• March 12, 1969 - Married photographer Linda Louise Eastman (Sept. 24, 1941 - April 17, 1998).
• May, 1970 - His debut album, "McCartney" hit #1 and featured the hit song, "Maybe I'm Amazed."
• McCartney's music was the most melodic and the most pop oriented of all post Beatles output.
• Aug., 1971 - Formed his own backup band called Wings, consisting of Linda McCartney (keys/vocals), Denny Laine (Brian Arthur Hines) (Oct. 29, 1944 – ) (guitar), Denny Seiwell (drums) and Henry McCullough (guitar).
• 1973 - McCullough and Seiwell left.
• 1975 - Guitarists Joe English and Jimmy McCulloch (1953 - Sept. 27, 1979) (ex- Stone The Crows) joined, both leaving in 1977.
• Oct. 24, 1979 - Presented with a medallion made of rhodium by The Arts Minister Of The British Government when he was named the best selling songwriter and recording artist in history. Between 1962 and 1978, he had been involved in 43 songs that had each sold 1 million copies.
• Jan. 16, 1980 - McCartney spent 10 days in a Japanese prison after 1/2 pound of marijuana was found in his suitcase at Tokyo Airport. He was then deported back to Britain.
• April, 1981 - Wings disbanded.
• Jan. 18, 1988 - As one of The Beatles, he was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Jan. 21, 1990 - McCartney was awarded The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• 1990 - During his "Get Back" tour, his appearance at the Maracana Stadium in Rio drew the largest attendance to date (184,368) for a single billed artist.
• June, 1991 - Debuted "Liverpool Oratorio," his first at a full length classical work.
• March 11, 1997 - Became Sir Paul McCartney after being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
• April 17, 1998 - Linda McCartney died of breast and liver cancer.
• March 15, 1999 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Dec., 1999 - Performed at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England.
• Dec., 2000 - McCartney was listed as the world's richest pop star with over $711 million.
• May, 2001 - Released "Wingspan," a video documentary and 2 CD set chronicling the history of Wings.
• Oct. 20, 2001 - Organized The Concert For New York City charity event in support of American firefighters who worked at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001 World Trade Centre disaster. It was here that he debuted his anthemic "Freedom" from the "Driving Rain" album.
• Hits include "Another Day"(March, 1971)#5, "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey"(Aug., 1971)#1, "Hi Hi Hi"(Dec., 1972)#10, "My Love" (April, 1973)#1-4 wks., "Live And Let Die"(July, 1973)#2, "Helen Wheels"(Nov., 1973)#10, "Jet"(Feb., 1974)#7, "Band On The Run" (April, 1974)#1, "Junior's Farm"(Nov., 1974)#3, "Listen To What The Man Said"(May, 1975)#1, "Silly Love Songs"(April, 1976)#1-5 wks., "Let 'Em In"(July, 1976)#3, "With A Little Luck"(March, 1978)#1-2 wks., "Goodnight Tonight"(March, 1979)#5, "Coming Up" (April, 1980)#1-3 wks., "Ebony And Ivory"(April, 1982)#1-7 wks. (with Stevie Wonder), "Take It Away"(July, 1982)#10, "The Girl Is Mine"(Nov., 1982)#2 (with Michael Jackson), "Say, Say, Say"(Oct., 1983)#1-6 wks. (with Michael Jackson), "No More Lonely Nights" (Oct., 1984)#6, "Spies Like Us"(Nov., 1985)#17, "Try Not To Cry" (1999), "No Other Baby"(2000) and "Freedom" (2001).

GEORGE HARRISON

• (Feb. 24, 1943 - Nov. 29, 2001)
• Guitarist/singer/songwriter born in Liverpool, England.
• Birth date is often mistakenly listed as Feb. 25, 1943.
• 1957-Nov. 15, 1970 - Harrison was lead guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Beatles (see The British Invasion).
• He generally sang most of the songs he wrote, seldom collaborating. Not as schooled vocally as McCartney or Lennon yet he possessed a likeable unassuming style.
• His music often exhibited his intense passion for Indian music which was sparked by his interest in the Hare Krishnas. Harrison was responsible for the introduction of the sitar in Western music.
• Jan. 21, 1966 - Married model/actress Patti Boyd (1945 – ) who had appeared in the film, "A Hard Days Night."
• Nov., 1968 - Released the soundtrack album, "Wonderwall Music," the first long player released on Apple.
• Dec., 1970 - Released the triple box set album, "All Things Must Pass" which reached #1 in Jan., 1971.
• Aug., 1971 - Organized The Concert For Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
• 1974 - Released the "Darkhorse" album, also the name of his own label.
• Produced albums by Billy Preston, Badfinger, Ravi Shankar and Splinter.
• Sept., 1976 - Found guilty of plagiarism concerning the similarities between his "My Sweet Lord" and The Chiffons' "He's So Fine."
• Aug., 1979 - Published his autobiography, "I Me Mine."
• During the 1980's, formed his own film production company Handmade Films.
• Jan., 1985 - Appeared with Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Billy Connolly in the film, "Water."
• 1988 - Began working as a regular member of the supergroup The Travelling Wilburys with Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne.
• Jan. 18, 1988 - As a Beatle, he was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 1997 - Had a piece of cancerous lung removed.
• 1998 - Underwent successful radiation treatment for throat cancer.
• Dec. 30, 1999 - Suffered a collapsed lung after he was stabbed several times by an intruder in his home in London, England.
• May 3, 2001 - Underwent surgery at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to remove a cancerous growth from one of his lungs.
• Nov. 29, 2001 - Died in Los Angeles, California.
• Hits include "My Sweet Lord"(Nov., 1970)#1-4 wks., "What Is Life" (Feb., 1971)#10, "Give Me Love"(May, 1973)#1, "All Those Years Ago"(May, 1981)#2, "Got My Mind Set On You"(Oct., 1987)#1, #2 UK and "When We Was Fab"(Feb., 1988)#23.

RINGO STARR

• Richard Starkey (July 7, 1940 – )
• Drummer/vocalist/actor born in the Dingle area of Liverpool, England.
• During the early 1960's, he was the drummer for Rory Storm & The Hurricanes.
• Aug., 1962-Nov. 15, 1970 - Starr was the drummer/vocalist with The Beatles (see The British Invasion).
• His name was derived from his passion for rings.
• Feb. 11, 1965-July, 1975 - Married Maureen Cox in London, England. Their sons are Zak Starkey (Sept. 14, 1965 – ) and Jason Starkey (Aug. 19, 1967 – ).
• Starr showed a marked promise for comedy and acting, appearing in several films including "Candy"(1967), "The Magic Christian" (1969), "That'll Be The Day"(1974) and "Caveman"(1981).
• April, 1970 - His first solo album, "Sentimental Journey" was released.
• April 27, 1981 - Married actress Barbara Bach in Durango, Mexico.
• Jan. 18, 1988 - As a Beatle, he was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• After conquering severe alcohol and drug related problems, Starr was on the comeback trail in the 1990's.
• Hits include "It Don't Come Easy"(May, 1971)#4, "Back Off Boogaloo"(April, 1972)#9, "Photograph"(Oct., 1973)#1, "You're Sixteen"(Dec., 1973)#1, "Oh, My My"(March, 1974)#5, "Only You" (Nov., 1974)#6, "No No Song"(Feb., 1975)#3 and "A Dose Of Rock 'N' Roll"(Oct., 1976)#26.

ALSO SEE

• The British Invasion, The Summers Of Love

POP/ROCK

During the 1970's, there was a return of sorts to the innocence of the pure pop eras of the 1950's and early 1960's. It seems that whenever music trends go to extremes, simple accessible pop eventually if not briefly, makes a comeback. Pop is definitely where the money is. Its target audience makes up for a much larger percentage of the record buying public than any other genre. The major difference between 1970's pop and earlier styles was the fact that for the first time it was directed at a more mature audience. The older generations were furiously scanning the radio dial for anything other than hard rock. The baby boomers had aged and were more apt to appreciate a more soothing selection of music styles.

The mainstream charts presented a complete new crop of M.O.R. (middle of the road) artists whose main output was slick, well produced pieces of candy coated fluff reminiscent of The Sing Era.

The writing was top calibre, both lyrically and melodically strong. Many ex-Brill Building styled composers like Neil Sedaka managed comebacks as artists as well as writers. The Bacharach & David catalogue was in great demand and the middle aged housewife found a new hero in Barry Manilow, a young singer/songwriter whose flaccid crooning style gave Tom Jones and Neil Diamond a run for their money on the charts. ABBA, The Bee Gees, Carpenters and Tony Orlando & Dawn seemed to have a choke hold on the top ten.

It was inevitable that the trend would run its course. The baby boomers had finally lost control of the charts by the end of the 1970's when a new generation of music fans were once again searching for something different to call their own. The public is a fickle lot to be sure but sooner or later, be prepared for the return of another wave of pure pop.

THE MAJOR POP ARTISTS OF THE 1970'S

CHER

• Cherilyn Sarkisian La Pierre (May 20, 1946 – )
• Singer/actress born in El Centro, California.
• 1963 - Worked as a session vocalist for producer Phil Spector. During a session for The Ronettes, she met singer/songwriter Sonny Bono (Salvatore Bono) (Feb. 15, 1935 - Jan. 5, 1998).
• 1963-1974 - Married to Bono.
• 1963 - They recorded together as Caesar & Cleo.
• 1964 - Recorded solo as Bonnie Jo Mason (having a minor 1964 hit with "I Love You Ringo") and as Cherilyn.
• 1964-1974 - She and Bono enjoyed an extremely successful career as Sonny & Cher (see American Rock And Pop Of The Sixties - Folk Rock). They were the darlings of the 1960's and TV superstars of the 1970's.
• July, 1965 - Her solo career took off when her recording of Bob Dylan's "All I Really Want To Do" went to #15.
• 1969 - Began her solo acting career in the film, "Chastity" which she later named her daughter.
• 1971-1974 - Sonny & Cher hosted their own TV variety series.
• June 30, 1975 - Married rock star Gregg Allman for 9 days. They had a son Elijah Blue.
• Aug., 1980 - Fronted the rock group Black Rose which featured her then boyfriend, guitarist Les Dydek.
• Film appearances include "Silkwood"(1983), "Mask"(1985), "The Witches Of Eastwick"(1987) and "Mermaids"(1990).
• 1987 - Won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in "Moonstruck."
• Strikingly beautiful, always outspoken and outrageous, Cher is noted for her powerful dramatic voice and incredible wardrobe.
• 1999 - Her electronic dance recording of "Believe" became the biggest single in British recording history.
• 2003 - Announced that her current tour would be her last.
• Hits include "Bang Bang"(March, 1966)#2, "You Better Sit Down Kids"(Oct., 1967)#9, "Gypsies Tramps And Thieves"(Sept., 1971)#1- 2 wks., "Half Breed"(Aug., 1973)#1-2 wks., "Dark Lady"(Jan., 1974)#1, "Take Me Home"(Feb., 1979)#8, "I Found Someone"(Nov., 1987)#10, "If I Could Turn Back Time"(July, 1989)#3, "Just Like Jesse James"(Oct., 1989)#8, "Believe"(Nov., 1998), "The Music's No Good Without You"(Nov., 2001) and "(This Is) A Song For The Lonely."

CARPENTERS

• Karen Carpenter (March 2, 1950 - Feb. 4, 1983)
• Singer/drummer born in New Haven, Connecticut.
• Richard Carpenter (Oct. 15, 1945 – )
• Singer/songwriter/pianist/arranger born in New Haven, Connecticut.
• Brother and sister duo famous for their exceptional close harmony.
• 1963 - Moved to Downey, California.
• 1965 - Began performing professionally in a trio with bassist Wes Jacobs.
• 1967 - Formed the group Spectrum.
• With 2 musicians from Spectrum, they formed their own group, simply called Carpenters. Head of A&M Records Herb Alpert signed them immediately.
• Feb., 1970 - Their moody rendition of Lennon/McCartney's "Ticket To Ride" went to #54.
• Burt Bacharach was so impressed with their style that he suggested they record "Close To You"(June, 1970)#1-4 wks. The Burt Bacharach/Hal David composition, written in 1963 had already been recorded by Richard Chamberlain, Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield. It won a gold disc from the R.I.A.A.
• 1970 - Carpenters won Best New Artist Grammy.
• Karen Carpenter possessed one of the richest, most melodic voices in modern pop history.
• 1975 - Karen Carpenter's weight dropped to an alarming 90 pounds.
• Feb. 4, 1983 - Karen Carpenter died of complications due to anorexia nervosa.
• Richard carried on mostly as a writer and arranger.
• 1989 - "Lovelines," an album of unreleased Carpenters tracks was released.
• 1994 - A Carpenters tribute album titled "If I Were A Carpenter" was released by contemporary artists.
• Hits include "We've Only Just Begun"(Oct., 1970)#2, "For All We Know"(Feb., 1971)#3, "Rainy Days And Mondays"(May, 1971)#2, "Superstar"(Sept., 1971)#2, "Hurting Each Other"(Jan., 1972)#2, "Goodbye To Love"(July, 1972)#7, "Sing"(March, 1973)#3, "Yesterday Once More"(June, 1973)#2, "Top Of The World"(Oct., 1973)#1-2 wks., "Please Mr. Postman"(Dec., 1974)#1, "Only Yesterday"(April, 1975)#4 and "There's A Kind Of Hush"(March, 1976)#12.

EDISON LIGHTHOUSE

• Nov., 1969 - British studio project put together originally as Greenfield Hammer by songwriter/producer Tony McCauley.
• After leaving Pye Records for Bell Records, McCauley renamed them Edison Lighthouse.
• Lead vocalist Tony Burrows (April 14, 1942 – ), who had previously sang with The Ivy League and The Flower Pot Men also became featured vocalist with The Brotherhood Of Man, The Pipkins, First Class and White Plains. His total output consisted of over 8 million in record sales.
• Biggest charted hit was the million selling "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)"(Jan., 1970)#1 UK, (Feb., 1970)#5.

BREAD

• David Gates (Dec. 11, 1940 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• During the late 1950's, recorded with Leon Russell for Lee Hazlewood's East West label.
• 1963 - Wrote "Popsicles And Icicles" for The Murmaids.
• 1969 - Pop/rock group Bread was formed in Los Angeles, California.
• Originally called Pleasure Faire.
• Consisting of Gates, drummer James Gordon, guitarist/songwriter James Griffin and guitarist Rob Royer.
• 1969 - Griffin, Royer and Fred Karlin wrote the beautiful "For All We Know," a hit for Carpenters in 1971. Griffin had used the pseudonym Arthur James.
• After Bread's debut album, Gordon was replaced by Mike Botts.
• 1971 - Royer was replaced by Larry Knechtel.
• 1973 - Disbanded, reuniting briefly in 1976.
• 1973 - Gates went solo.
• Gates' soothing clear high tenor had made him the focal point of the group yet his solo output was commercially disappointing. Solo hits include "Clouds"(July, 1973)#47 and "Goodbye Girl" (Dec., 1977)#15.
• Hits include "Make It With You"(June, 1970)#1, "It Don't Matter To Me"(Sept., 1970)#10, "If"(March, 1971)#4, "Baby I'm-A Want You"(Oct., 1971)#3, "Everything I Own"(Jan., 1972)#5 and "Lost Without Your Love"(Nov., 1976#9.

TONY ORLANDO & DAWN

• Tony Orlando (Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis) (April 3, 1944 – )
• Singer/actor born in New York City.
• Telma Hopkins (Oct. 28, 1948 – )
• Singer/actress born in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Joyce Vincent (Wilson) (Dec. 14, 1946 – )
• Singer born in Detroit, Michigan.
• Orlando began as a singer in the doo-wop group The Five Gents, later being signed as a staff writer/demo singer by Don Kirshner.
• 1961-1963 - Orlando recorded solo, becoming a minor teen idol. His biggest hits were "Halfway To Paradise"(May, 1961)#39 and "Bless You"(Aug., 1961)#15.
• Recommended solo classic single, "Chills"(Sept., 1962)#109.
• During the late 1960's, ran the April-Blackwood catalogue at Columbia.
• Hopkins and Vincent had been respected session vocalists with Motown.
• July, 1970 - The recording of "Candida" (billed as Dawn) went to #3.
• 1971 - Hopkins and Vincent joined permanently.
• 1974-1976 - They hosted their own weekly TV variety series.
• 1978 - Disbanded, with Orlando briefly leaving showbusiness after becoming a born-again Christian.
• Hopkins worked solidly on 3 major TV sitcoms, "Bosom Buddies," "Gimme A Break" and "Family Ties."
• 1980 - Orlando replaced Jim Dale in the Broadway musical, "Barnum."
• Hits include "Knock Three Times"(Nov. ,1970)#1-3 wks., "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree"(Feb., 1973)#1-4 wks., "Say, Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose"(July, 1973)#3, "Steppin' Out"(Aug., 1974)#7 and "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)" (March, 1975)#1-3 wks.

THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY

• Shirley Jones (March 31, 1934 – )
• Singing star of numerous film musicals, born in Smithton, Pennsylvania (see The Musical - Stage And Film).
• David Cassidy (April 12, 1950 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actor born in New York City. Son of actor Jack Cassidy.
• Jones became his stepmother in 1956.
• 1970-1974 - Cast from the TV sitcom, "The Partridge Family," concerning a singing mother (Jones) and her children who form a pop group. Cassidy played the part of the eldest son Keith.
• The premise of the show was based somewhat on The Cowsills.
• The material was geared to the young teen market but the quality and performances were top notch.
• The series was a springboard for Cassidy's solo recording career in 1971.
• Hits include "I Think I Love You"(Oct., 1970)#1-3 wks., "Doesn't Somebody Want To Be Wanted"(Feb., 1971)#6, "I'll Meet You Halfway"(May, 1971)#9, "I Woke Up In Love This Morning"(Aug., 1971)#13 and "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do"(July, 1972)#28.

DAVID CASSIDY

• (April 12, 1950 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actor born in New York City.
• Son of actor Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward.
• 1956 - Singer/actress Shirley Jones became his stepmother.
• Half brother of teen idol Shaun Cassidy (Sept. 27, 1959 – ).
• 1966 - Age 16, went to Los Angeles, California, joining The L.A. Theatre Group.
• 1970-1974 - Played the part of Keith (lead singer) on TV's "The Partridge Family" (see The Partridge Family). Stepmother Jones played the part of his mother.
• 1971 - Began recording solo, becoming a teen idol.
• Married briefly to actress Kay Lenz.
• Appeared in several stage productions including "Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat"(1983).
• Hits include "Cherish"(Nov., 1971)#9, "How Can I Be Sure"(May, 1972)#25 and ""Lyin' To Myself"(Sept., 1990)#27.

SHAUN CASSIDY

• (Sept. 27, 1959 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actor born in Los Angeles, California.
• Son of actor Jack Cassidy and singer/actor Shirley Jones.
• Half brother of David Cassidy.
• 1972 - Age 13, began writing songs.
• 1975 - Mike Curb signed him to Curb Records.
• 1976 - His debut disc, "Morning Girl" was a hit in Holland.
• 1977-1978 - Starred in TV's "The Hardy Boys."
• Appeared in the TV soap opera, "General Hospital."
• Hits include "Da Doo Ron Ron"(May, 1977)#1, "That's Rock 'N' Roll"(July, 1977)#3 and "Hey Deanie"(Nov., 1977)#7.

THE OSMONDS

• 1959 - Family vocal group from Ogden, Utah.
• Consisting originally of 4 brothers Alan (June 22, 1949 – ), Wayne (Aug. 28, 1951 – ), Merrill (April 30, 1953 – ) and Jay Osmond (March 2, 1955 – ).
• 1962-1967 - Became a regular fixture on Andy Williams' weekly TV show.
• 1967-1969 - Regulars on Jerry Lewis's TV shows.
• 1963 - Younger brother Donny (Donald Clark Osmond) (Dec. 9, 1957 – ) joined.
• Between 1971 and 1978, they sold over 25 million records.
• In the 1970's, Donny went solo, often teaming with sister Marie (Olive Marie Osmond) (Oct. 13, 1959 – ). Together, they hosted a weekly TV variety show between 1976 and 1978. Marie later became a successful country recording artist.
• Little Jimmy Osmond (April 16, 1963 – ), the youngest family member had a solo hit with "Long Haired Lover From Liverpool"(April, 1972)#38.
• During the 1980's, the 4 oldest brothers started a new career as country artists. By the 1990's, they owned a theater in Branson, Missouri.
• 1987 - Alan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
• Hits include "One Bad Apple"(Jan., 1971)#1-5 wks., "Yo-Yo"(Sept., 1971)#3, "Down By The Lazy River"(Jan., 1972)#4, "Crazy Horses" (Oct., 1972)#14 and "Love Me For A Reason"(Aug., 1974)#10.

DONNY OSMOND

• Donald Clark Osmond (Dec. 9, 1957 – )
• Singer/pianist/actor born in Ogden, Utah.
• 1963 - Joined his brothers' vocal group The Osmonds.
• March, 1971 - His solo recording of "Sweet And Innocent" went to #7.
• 1976-1978 - He and his sister Marie hosted their own weekly TV variety show. Their theme song was "I'm A Little Bit Country, I'm A Little Bit Rock And Roll."
• 1977-1988 - Inactive on the charts.
• 1989 - Enjoyed a well deserved comeback as a singer/songwriter.
• 1992 - Starred in the stage revival of "Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat."
• 1997 - He and sister Marie began hosting a daily TV talk show.
• 1998 - Provided a voice in the cartoon film, "Mulan."
• Hits include "Go Away Little Girl"(Aug., 1971)#1-3 wks., "Hey Girl"(Nov., 1971)#9, "Puppy Love"(Feb., 1972)#3, "The Twelfth Of Never"(March, 1973)#8, "Soldier Of Love"(March, 1989)#2 and "My Love Is A Fire"(Oct., 1990)#21.

MARIE OSMOND

• Olive Marie Osmond (Oct. 13, 1959 – )
• Singer/actress born in Ogden, Utah.
• 1973 - Age 14, she began performing with her brothers The Osmonds.
• 1976-1978 - Marie and her brother Donny had their own weekly TV variety show. Their theme song was "I'm A Little Bit Country, I'm A Little Bit Rock And Roll."
• During the 1980's, began a successful career as a country artist.
• 1985-1986 - Co-hosted the TV series, "Ripley's Believe It Or Not."
• Appeared in several made for TV movies.
• Appeared on Broadway in "The Sound Of Music."
• 1997 - She and brother Donny began hosting a daily TV talk show.
• Hits include "Paper Roses"(Sept., 1973)#1-2 wks. C&W, #5, "This Is The Way That I Feel"(April, 1977)#39, "There's No Stopping Your Heart"(Nov., 1985)#1 C&W and "You're Still New To Me"(Aug., 1986)#1 C&W (with Paul Davis).

DONNY & MARIE

• Donny and Marie Osmond.
• Hits together include "I'm Leaving It (All) Up To You"(July, 1974)#4, "Morning Side Of The Mountain"(Nov., 1974)#8 and "Deep Purple"(Dec., 1975)#14.

HELEN REDDY

• (Oct. 25, 1942 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Melbourne, Australia.
• 1946 - Age 4, began her showbusiness career.
• During the early 1960's, had her own TV series in Australia.
• 1966 - Won a songwriting contest, the prize being a trip to New York City.
• Moved to New York City permanently seeking a record deal.
• 1968 - Married William Morris Talent Agency's Jeff Wald and recorded a flop single called "Go."
• 1968 - Moved to Los Angeles, California.
• 1971 - Sang "I Don't Know How To Love Him" from "Jesus Christ Superstar" on The Flip Wilson TV show.
• June, 1972 - Her recording of "I Am Woman" went to #1, later becoming an anthem for the women's movement.
• 1972, 1973 and 1974 - Won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocalist.
• 1975 - Hosted the TV series, "The Midnight Special."
• 1975 - Appeared in the films, "Airport '75" and "Pete's Dragon."
• By the late 1970's, her hit recording career was on the wane.
• 1982 - Divorced manager Wald.
• Hits include "I Don't Know How To Love Him"(Feb., 1971)#13, "Delta Dawn"(June, 1973)#1, "Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)" (Nov., 1973)#3, "You And Me Against The World"(June, 1974)#9, "Angie Baby"(Oct., 1974)#1 and "Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady" (Aug., 1975)#8.

BETTE MIDLER

• See Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

• (Sept. 26, 1948 – )
• Singer/actress born in Cambridge, England.
• 1953 - Moved to Melbourne, Australia.
• 1964 - Age 16, won a talent contest trip to England where she began recording with Pat O'Carroll as Pat And Olivia.
• 1966 - Recorded Jackie DeShannon's "Till You Say You'll Be Mine."
• June 19, 1971 - Don Kirshner assembled the group Toomorrow featuring Newton-John. The group flopped.
• Became a regular on Cliff Richard's British TV program.
• 1972 - Voted Best British Girl Singer by Record Mirror.
• Nov., 1973 - Her recording of "Let Me Be There" went to #6.
• 1974 - Caused a furore with traditionalists when she won The Country Music Association Award as Female Vocalist Of The Year.
• Film appearances include "Grease"(1978), "Xanadu"(1980) and "Two Of A Kind"(1983).
• Jan., 1979 - Awarded the O.B.E.
• 1985 - Married actor Matt Lattanzi.
• A versatile singer, equally successful recording country, pop, dance hits and new wave.
• 1992 - Diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Hits include "If Not For You"(May, 1971)#25, "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)"(April, 1974)#5, "I Honestly Love You"(Aug., 1974)#1-2 wks., "Have You Never Been Mellow"(Jan., 1975)#1, "Please Mr. Please"(June, 1975)#3, "You're The One That I Want"(April, 1978) #1 (with John Travolta), "A Little More Love"(Nov., 1978)#3, "Magic"(May, 1980)#1, "Xanadu"(Aug., 1980)#8 (with The Electric Light Orchestra), "Suddenly"(Oct., 1980)#20 (with Cliff Richard), "Physical"(Oct., 1981)#1-10 wks., "Make A Move On Me"(Feb., 1982) #5, "Heart Attack"(Sept., 1982)#3, "Twist Of Fate"(Nov., 1983)#5 and "Soul Kiss"(Oct., 1985)#20.

ABBA

• Benny Andersson (Dec. 16, 1946 – )
• Singer/songwriter/keyboardist born in Stockholm, Sweden.
• Bjorn Ulvaeus (April 25, 1945 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Agnetha Faltskog (April 5, 1950 – )
• Singer born in Jonkoping, Sweden.
• Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Nov. 15, 1945 – )
• Singer born in Bjorkasen, Norway.
• 1969 - Ulvaeus and Andersson formed a songwriting partnership.
• 1970 - The group was formed as The Festfolk Quartet, with Benny and Bjorn writing most of the material.
• 1971-Dec. 24, 1978 - Bjorn and Agnetha were married.
• 1971 - Their single, "She's My Kind Of Girl" sold over 250,000 copies in Japan.
• 1972 - The group was renamed ABBA, an acronym made up of their first initials.
• 1973 - Their first European hit, "Ring Ring" featured lyrics by Neil Sedaka.
• April 6, 1974 - They won the Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo"(April, 1974)#1 UK, (June, 1974)#6 US.
• By 1976, they had amassed sales of over 30 million singles and 12 million albums.
• 1978-Feb. 14, 1981 - Benny and Anni-Frid were married.
• 1978 - Released "Abba; The Movie," a documentary about their 1977 Australian tour.
• Sept. 14, 1979 - Performed for the first time in North America at a venue in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• 1979 - Their "Voulez Vous" album sold over a million copies within a month of its release.
• 1979 - Recognized as the biggest selling group in recording history to date.
• Basically a non touring unit, their recordings were unsurpassed for production, material and quality. Their major flaw was their corny creampuff image and somewhat embarrassing performing style.
• Late, 1982 - Disbanded.
• Nov., 1982 - Anni-Frid (aka: Frida) had a #13 hit with the Phil Collins produced "I Know There's Something Going On."
• 1985 - Bjorn and Benny collaborated with Tim Rice on the rock opera, "Chess," which featured the hit, "One Night In Bangkok" (Murray Head) (Feb., 1985)#14.
• 1999 - Their songs were featured in the stage musical, "Mama Mia."
• Hits include "SOS"(Aug., 1975)#15, "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do"(Feb., 1976)#15, Fernando"(Sept., 1976#13, "Dancing Queen" (Dec., 1976)#1, "Knowing Me Knowing You"(May, 1977)#14, "The Name Of The Game"(Dec., 1977)#12, "Take A Chance On Me"(April, 1978) #3, "The Winner Takes It All"(Nov., 1980)#8 and "When All Is Said And Done"(Nov., 1980)#27.

BARRY MANILOW

• See The Singer/Songwriter

CAPTAIN & TENNILLE

• Daryl "The Captain" Dragon (Aug. 27, 1942 – )
• Keyboardist born in Los Angeles, California.
• Son of classical conductor Carmen Dragon.
• Nicknamed "The Captain" by Mike Love while he played with The Beach Boys (1967-1972).
• Toni Tennille (May 8, 1943 – )
• Singer/songwriter/keyboardist born in Montgomery, Alabama.
• 1972 - The two met playing backup on a Beach Boys tour, later marrying.
• April, 1975 - Their recording of Neil Sedaka's "Love Will Keep Us Together" went to #1-4 wks. It triggered a renewed interest in Sedaka, giving him a much deserved comeback. In fact, at the end of the recording, Tennille can be heard singing "Sedaka is back."
• 1976-1977 - Hosted their own weekly ABC TV variety series.
• 1984 - Tennille released a classy solo album called "More Than You Know," featuring stunning renditions of classic torch songs.
• Hits include "The Way That I Want To Touch You"(Sept., 1975)#4, "Lonely Night (Angel Face)"(Jan., 1976)#3, "Shop Around"(May, 1976)#4, "Muskrat Love"(Sept., 1976)#4, "Come In From The Rain" (June, 1977)#61, "You Never Done It Like That"(Aug., 1978)#10 and "Do That To Me One More Time"(Oct., 1979)#1.

THE BAY CITY ROLLERS

• 1967 - Pop/rock quintet formed in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Definitive lineup consisted of Les McKeown (Nov. 12, 1955 – ) (vocals), Stuart "Woody" Wood (Feb. 25, 1957 – ) (guitar), Eric Faulkner (Oct. 21, 1955 – ) (guitar), Derek Longmuir (March 19, 1955 – ) (drums) and Alan Longmuir (June 20, 1953 – ) (bass).
• Originally called The Saxons.
• Sept., 1971 - Their recording of "Keep On Dancing" went to #9 UK. - Alan Longmuir was later replaced by Ian Mitchell (Aug. 22, 1958 – ).
• Managed by Tam Paton, the group rose to stardom with the teen set, fueled by their catchy pop songs and colourful tartan stage gear featuring calf-length pants.
• Most of their material was written by Bill Martin and Phil Coulter.
• 1979 - Disbanded.
• Dec. 31, 1999 - Four group members reunited to play at the Hogmanay millennium celebration in Edinburgh.
• March 4, 2000 - Derek Longmuir was arrested and pleaded guilty to the possession of child pornography.
• Hits include "Saturday Night"(Oct., 1975)#1, "Money Honey"(Feb., 1976)#9, "I Only Want To Be With You"(Sept., 1976)#12 and "You Made Me Believe In Magic"(June, 1977)#10.

DEBBY BOONE

• Deborah Anne Boone (Sept. 22, 1956 – )
• Singer/actress born in Hackensack, New Jersey.
• Third daughter of singer Pat Boone and granddaughter of country music legend Red Foley.
• 1969 - Began singing professionally with her family in the gospel-based Pat Boone Family.
• 1977 - Went solo, that year winning 3 Grammy Awards for her recording of "You Light Up My Life"(Sept., 1977)#1-10 wks. It was the biggest selling single of the year.
• 1982 - Married Gabriel Ferrer, son of singer Rosemary Clooney and actor Jose Ferrer.
• 1982 - Toured in the musical, "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers."
• Author of the autobiography, "Debby Boone .... So Far."
• As her commercial popularity waned, she resumed her career as a Christian recording artist.

ALSO SEE

• American Rock And Pop Of The Sixties,.The Singer/Songwriter,.Eighties Revue,.The Nineties And Beyond

REGGAE

The origins of reggae go back to Africa. However, immediate sources can be traced to the influence of American R&B on the Jamaican music scene. The Caribbean being so close to the American South, the availability of black radio stations made a substantial impact on traditional island music. Migrant West Indian farm workers brought back American records. One basic style much admired and heavily imitated in the Indies was New Orleans style boogie. The prominent off-beat evolved and over a period of time was accentuated and exaggerated. The tempo was eventually slowed down a great deal and combos were often augmented with brass.

In West Kingston, Jamaica, travelling disc jockeys like Duke Reid and Coxsone Dodd began cutting their own recordings. The colourful new sound, originally labelled ska swept the Caribbean through the talents of artists such as Prince Buster and Owen Grey. In Britain, ska remained relatively underground in London's West Indian communities until the mods (see The British Invasion) picked up on the style. And after Millie Small's rollicking "My Boy Lollipop" (March, 1964)#2 UK became a hit worldwide, ska or bluebeat was taken much more seriously. One of the first companies to promote it heavily was Chris Blackwell's newly formed Island Records. Blackwell had arrived in London from Jamaica in 1962. There, he opened up an official ska export market with Lee Gopthal, later forming a distribution company called Beat & Commercial. In 1967, Island formed a partnership with Blackwell launching a series of labels with Jamaican producers.

By 1966, the music had become much more relaxed and predominantly electric. The off-beat was even more pronounced and rhythmically complex. Brass was abandoned for the most part and the main emphasis was created by the interaction between the rhythm and bass guitars. Lyric content became more topical, raising attention to social conditions. Sometimes it featured revolutionary elements. A new movement called Rastafarianism had taken root in Jamaica, its religious aspect involving the revering of the late Haille Selassie of Ethiopia as godhead. The movement also advocated the return of Western hemisphere blacks back to Africa. "Rude Boys" (outlaws of the Jamaican shanty towns) moved into the studios, creating rougher, heavier sounds later labelled rock steady.

The first internationally prominent reggae recording was Desmond Dekker's "The Israelites"(March, 1969)#1 UK, (May, 1969)#9. It served as a harbinger for several other pioneer reggae recordings including The Melodians' "Rivers Of Babylon"(1970). However, reggae defiantly hit its commercial peak with the emergence of the charismatic Bob Marley. In the West Indian community, Marley achieved hero status and to this day, he remains the greatest force in the history of reggae music.

The commercial impact of reggae proper was relatively short lived, yet it began filtering into several other popular music styles, especially late 1970's and early 1980's new wave music, becoming a base for bands such as The Police and Madness. It was also a contributing factor of sorts in the development of a Louisiana hybrid music style called zydeco.

A decade before black Americans developed rap, Jamaican D.J.'s chanted over pre-recorded instrumental tracks. The voice-over style was called "toasting."

THE MAJOR REGGAE ARTISTS

BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS

• Nesta Robert Marley (Feb. 6, 1945 - May 11, 1981)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Rhoden Hall, Jamaica.
• Nicknamed "The Poor Man's Pope."
• Son of a Jamaican mother and a British Army Captain.
• 1957 - Moved with his mother to the Trenchtown ghetto in Kingston, Jamaica.
• 1960 - Formed a group with Peter Tosh (Winston Hubert McIntosh) (Oct. 9, 1944 - Sept. 11, 1987) (keys), Bunny Wailer (Neville O'Riley Livingston) (April 10, 1947 – ) (percussion) and Junior Braithwaite.
• 1962 - Cut his first record, "Judge Not."
• 1964 - Had a regional hit with "One Cup Of Coffee."
• 1964 - Formed The Wailing Rudeboys with Tosh and Wailer. Signed by Coxsone Dodd, they cut more than 20 singles over 3 years.
• 1964 - Had a #1 hit with "Simmer Down," backed by The Skatalites. - 1966 - The group became The Wailers.
• Feb. 10, 1966 - Bob married Rita Marley (Alpharita Conctantia Anderson).
• 1967 - Split from Dodd, forming their own Wailing Soul label.
• 1968 - Drummer Carlton "Carlie" Barrett (Dec. 17, 1950 – ) and his brother, bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett (Nov. 22, 1946 – ) joined.
• In the late 1960's, Marley began a successful association with American singer Johnny Nash, providing him with two hit songs in "Stir It Up" and "Guava Jelly." The group appeared on Nash's 1972 album, "I Can See Clearly Now."
• 1972 - Marley & The Wailers were signed to Chris Blackwell's Island Records.
• 1973 - Their first Island album, "Catch A Fire" was released.
• 1973 - Marley wrote "I Shot The Sheriff" which became a #1 hit for Eric Clapton in July, 1974.
• 1974 - Historic concert at London's Lyceum.
• 1974 - Tosh went solo.
• Marley's reputation in the islands escalated from cult figure and reggae master to hero and idol.
• July, 1976 - His only charted American recording, "Roots, Rock And Reggae" went to #51.
• May 11, 1981 - Marley died of brain cancer in Miami, Florida.
• Since his death, he has come to be regarded almost as a messiah.
• Dec. 29, 1982 - Jamaica issued a postage stamp in his honour.
• May 19, 1984 - His "Legend" album topped the UK albums chart.
• Ziggy Marley is his son.
• Hits include "Mr. Brown"(1970), "I Shot The Sheriff"(1973), "Natty Dread"(1975), "No Woman No Cry"(Sept., 1975)#22 UK, "Exodus"(June, 1977)#14 UK, "Is This Love"(Feb., 1978)#9 UK, "Could You Be Loved"(June, 1980)#5 UK and "Buffalo Soldier"(May, 1983)#4 UK.

JOHNNY NASH

• (Aug. 19, 1940 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Houston, Texas.
• 1956-1963 - Appeared as a regular on Arthur Godfrey's radio and TV programs.
• Film appearances include "Take A Giant Step"(1959) and "Key Witness"(1960).
• Dec., 1957 - His recording of "A Very Special Love" went to #23.
• Dec., 1958 - His recording of "The Teen Commandments" with Paul Anka and George Hamilton IV went to #29.
• 1965 - Formed the JoDa label.
• In the late 1960's, he began recording in Jamaica, forming a partnership with Bob Marley. He became one of the earliest commercial reggae oriented artists, helping to promote it to the masses.
• Hits include "Hold Me Tight"(Sept., 1968)#5, "I Can See Clearly Now"(Sept., 1972)#1-4 wks. and "Stir It Up"(Feb., 1973)#12.

DESMOND DEKKER

• Desmond Dacres (July 16, 1941 – )
• Singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist/drummer born in Kingston, Jamaica.
• 1962 - Began singing professionally, becoming famous for his strong falsetto voice.
• Starred in his own TV show, "Action" in Jamaica.
• Formed Desmond Dekker & The Aces with Barry Howard and Sammy Jones, releasing their debut disc, "Honour Your Mother And Father"(1963).
• March, 1969 - Desmond Dekker & The Aces' recording of "Israelites" went to #1 UK, (May, 1969)#9 US. It became the first reggae song to be a hit in the US.
• Hits include "007 (Shanty Town)"(July, 1967)#14 UK, "It Miek" (June, 1969)#7 UK, "You Can Get It If You Really Want"(Aug., 1970)#2 UK and "Sing A Little Song"(Sept., 1975)#16 UK.
• Other recordings include "Generosity"(1964), "Get Up Adinah" (1964), "King Of The Ska"(1965), "Jezebel"(1966) and "Rock Steady"(1966).

JIMMY CLIFF

• James Chambers (April 1, 1948 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actor born in St. Catherine, Jamaica.
• Second only to Bob Marley, Cliff is the most successful Jamaican recording artist.
• 1962 - Began performing with the local band Shakedown Sound.
• 1962 - Began recording in Jamaica. Hits include "Dearest Beverly," "Hurricane Hattie" and "Miss Jamaica."
• 1964 - Toured the U.S. with Byron Lee's Dragonaires.
• 1965 - Moved to Britain.
• Jan., 1966 - Released his debut single, "Call On Me."
• July, 1967 - Released his debut album, "Hard Road To Travel" available only in Britain.
• Oct., 1969 - His recording of "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" went to #6 UK, (Dec., 1969)#25 US.
• Writing credits include "You Can Get It If You Really Want" (Desmond Dekker) and "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" (The Pioneers).
• Determined to be an actor, he later appeared in several films. His biggest success came with "The Harder They Come"(1973), a movie depicting the violent crime and drug abuse among Jamaica's Rude Boys. Other film appearances include "Bongo Man" and "Club Paradise"(1986).
• 1973 - Converted to Islam after meeting Black Muslims in Chicago.
• During the 1980's, toured in Africa with his band Oneness.
• 1986 - Starred in the film, "Club Paradise."
• Hits include "007"(1966), "Come Into My Life"(March, 1970)#89, "Wild World"(Aug., 1970)#8 UK, "Many Rivers To Cross"(1972) and "I Can See Clearly Now"(Jan., 1994)#18.

TOOTS & THE MAYTALS

• Toots Hibbert (Frederick Hibbert) (1946 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Maypen, Jamaica.
• Son of the leader of the Pukkamina cult in Jamaica. The sect was said to have influenced reggae.
• 1961 - Age 15, moved to Kingston, Jamaica.
• 1962 - With backing singers Jerry Matthias (Nathaniel Matthias) (1945 – ) and Raleigh Gordon (Ralphus Gordon) (1945 – ) recorded "Hallelujah" as The Vikings.
• 1964 - The trio became The Maytals and recorded "Ska War" for Prince Buster and had a top Jamaican hit with "It's You."
• 1968 - Recorded the classic "Do The Reggay," the first song to refer to the new music genre.
• 1973 - Their recordings of "Pressure Drop" and "Sweet And Dandy" were included in the Jimmy Cliff film, "The Harder They Come."
• 1975 - Signed to Chris Blackwell's Island Records.
• Hibbert is considered by many to be reggae's greatest singer.
• Album releases include "Funky Kingston"(1973), "Reggae Got Soul" (1976) and "Pass The Pipe"(1979).
• Hits include "Pressure Drop"(1969), "Monkey Man"(1970) and "54 46 (Was My Number)"(1972).

PETER TOSH

• Winston Hubert McIntosh (Oct. 9, 1944 - Sept. 11, 1987)
• Singer/keyboardist born in Church Lincoln, Jamaica.
• 1964-1974 - Keyboardist with Bob Marley's Wailers.
• Also recorded as Peter Touch. Hits include "Selassie Serenade" (1969) and "The Return Of Al Capone"(1969).
• 1974 - Recorded on his own Intel-Diplo H.I.M. label.
• 1976 - Released his "Legalize It" album.
• Toured with The Rolling Stones with his Word, Sound & Power Band.
• Sept. 11, 1987 - Shot to death by 3 gunmen during a robbery at his home in Kingston, Jamaica.
• Albums include "Equal Rights"(1977), "Bush Doctor"(1978), "Mystic Man"(1979), "Mama Africa"(1983) and "No Nuclear War"(1987).
• Hits include "(You Got To Walk And) Don't Look Back"(Oct., 1978) #43 UK, (Nov., 1978)#81 US and "Johnny B. Goode"(April, 1983)#48 UK.

THIRD WORLD

• Reggae fusion band from Jamaica featuring singer William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke.
• Hits include "Now That We Found Love"(Sept., 1978)#10 UK, (Feb., 1979)#47 US and "Dancing On The Floor (Hooked On Love)"(Jan., 1981)#10 UK.

EDDY GRANT

• Edmond Montague Grant (March 5, 1948 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist/trumpeter/producer born in Plaisance, Guyana.
• 1960 - Moved to London, England.
• 1965 - In London, formed The Equals, an interracial pop band consisting of Grant (lead guitar), Dervin Gordon (lead vocals), Lincoln Gordon (rhythm guitar), Pat Lloyd (bass) and John Hall (drums). Their hits included Grant's "Baby Come Back"(Sept., 1968)#32 and "Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys"(Jan., 1971)#9 UK.
• Grant became famous for his white dyed hair and colourful getups.
• 1972 - After a heart attack, Grant left the band to go solo as a singer and producer.
• 1973 - Founded his own Ice label.
• July, 1979 - Released his "Walking On Sunshine" album featuring the #11 UK hit, "Living On The Front Line."
• 1981 - Moved to Barbados, setting up his Blue Wave studio.
• Grant was responsible for developing a more electric rock style of reggae.
• 1988 - Had a top ten British hit with "Gimme Hope Jo'Anna."
• Hits include "Electric Avenue"(April, 1983)#2, "I Don't Wanna Dance"(Aug., 1983)#53 and "Romancing The Stone"(May, 1984)#26.

UB40

• 1977 - Interracial reggae octet formed in Birmingham, England.
• Consisting of singer Ali Campbell (Alastair Campbell) (Feb. 2, 1959 – ), guitarist Robin Campbell (Dec. 25, 1954 – ), drummer James Brown (Nov. 21, 1957 – ), saxophonist Brian Travers (Feb. 7, 1959 – ), Norman Hassan (Jan. 26, 1958 – ), bassist Earl Falconer (Jan. 23, 1959 – ) and Michael Virtue (Jan. 19, 1957 – ).
• The group's name was taken from a British unemployment benefit form.
• The Campbell brothers were the sons of folk singers Lorna & Ian Campbell.
• Later joined by reggae toaster Astro (Terence Wilson) (June 24, 1957 – ).
• It has been said that UB40 invented British reggae.
• 1979-1980 - Toured with The Pretenders.
• 1980 - Formed their own label, Dep International.
• 1980 - Released the "Signing Off" album.
• Dec., 1983 - Their recording of Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers To Cross" hit #10 UK.
• Jan., 1984 - Their biggest hit, "Red Red Wine" went to #34 and later went to #1 in Aug., 1988.
• 1986 - Toured Russia.
• Hits include "Please Don't Make Me Cry"(1983), "I Got You Babe" (July, 1985)#28 (with Chrissie Hynde), "The Way You Do The Things You Do"(Sept., 1990)#6, "Here I Am (Come And Take Me)"(1991) and "Can't Help Falling In Love"(1993).

ZIGGY MARLEY & THE MELODY MAKERS

• Family reggae group from Kingston, Jamaica.
• Consisting of singer/songwriter Ziggy Marley (David Marley) (1968 – ), Stephen, Cedella and Sharon Marley, the children of Bob Marley.
• May, 1988 - Their only charted hit, "Tomorrow People" went to #39.

OTHER CLASSIC REGGAE RECORDINGS

• Theo Beckford - "Easy Snappin'"(1968)
• Ken Boothe - "Artibella"(1970)
• Junior Byles - "A Place Called Africa"(1971)
• Johnny Clarke - "None Shall Escape The Judgement"(1974)
• Cryastalites - "Undertaker's Burial"(1970)
• Drumbago & The Dynamites - "Dulcemania"(1968)
• The Ethiopians - "Everything Crash"(1968)
• Hary J. All-Stars - "Liquidator"(1969)
• John Holt - "Ali Baba"(1969)
• Gregory Isaacs - "Don't Let Me Suffer"(1969)
• Niney - "Blood And Fire"(1970)
• Slim Smith - "Everybody Needs Love"(1968)
• The Untouchables - "Tighten Up"(1968)
• Joe White - "I'm So Proud"(1968)
• Delroy Wilson - "Better Must Come"(1971)

ARTISTS INFLUENCED BY REGGAE

• Blondie
• Eric Clapton
• Culture Club
• Terence Trent D'Arby
• The English Beat
• Madness
• The Police
• Shaggy
• Paul Simon
• Timex Social Club

ZYDECO

Zydeco (sometimes known as zodico) evolved from the unique blending of traditional Creole and Cajun folk music of Southwestern Louisiana at the end of World War Two. It was originally an acoustic music form called LaLa. The principle instruments involved were the accordion (both button and piano style), fiddles, triangle and washboard (or rub-board as it was termed). Later, guitars and saxophones were added. It is basically a repetitive up-tempo music consisting of reggae, folk, soul, country and boogie elements. The genre is performed by "jump bands" fronted by vocalists who sing in French patois. The definitive style evolved at house dances and social gatherings. Now, zydeco has become so popular that several major festivals are held annually. As a music form, it is extremely accessible and entirely enjoyable. The term zydeco and the original style was pioneered by a relatively unsung hero called Clifton Chenier.

INFLUENTIAL ZYDECO ARTISTS

CLIFTON CHENIER

• (June 25, 1925 - Dec. 12, 1987)
• Singer/songwriter/accordionist/harmonica player born in Opelousas, Louisiana.
• 1947-1954 - Formed The Hot Sizzling Band, working the cajun areas around Port Arthur, Texas.
• 1955 - Played at dance parties from the South to the West Coast.
• 1957 - Began recording on the Checker label.
• In the early 1960's, worked in bars throughout Texas, Louisiana and Florida.
• 1964 - Connected with Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records in Houston, Texas who released 12 Chenier albums over 20 years. The first single was "Ay Ai Ai."
• Perfected what later would be termed zydeco (he called it zodico).
• 1969 - Played The Newport Folk Festival where he introduced zydeco to mainstream audiences.
• In the early 1970's, he took his music to Canada.
• Formed The Red Hot Louisiana Band.
• 1984 - His recording of "I'm Free" won a Grammy Award.
• His brother Cleveland Chenier was the rub-board musician in his band and his uncle Morris Chenier was a popular blues/zydeco artist. Later, his son C. J. Chenier also recorded on Arhoolie.
• Nicknamed the "Undisputed Master Of American-French Blues" and "The King Of Zydeco."
• His most famous songs include "Ay-Tete-Fee"(1954), "Ain't Gonna Worry," "Bogalusa Boogie," "Louisiana Blues," "Bayou Drive" and "Brown Skin Woman."

DOUG KERSHAW

• Douglas James Kershaw (Jan. 24, 1936 – )
• Fiddler/singer born in Tiel Ridge, Louisiana.
• Son of Cajun singer/guitarist/fiddler Mama Rita.
• Raised on an island in The Gulf Of Mexico.
• 1944 - Began appearing professionally with his mother.
• 1948 - Formed The Continental Playboys with his brothers Russell Lee "Rusty" Kershaw (Feb. 2, 1938 – ) and Nelson "Pee Wee" Kershaw.
• 1953 - Recorded with brother Rusty as the duo Rusty And Doug. Their hits include "So Lovely Baby"(Aug., 1955)#14 C&W, "Louisiana Man"(Feb., 1961)#10 C&W and "Diggy Diggy Lo"(Aug., 1961)#14 C&W.
• 1964 - Went solo, later recording as a session player for artists like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, J. D. Souther and Glenn Frey.
• 1969 - Released his "The Cajun Way" album.
• Film appearances include "Zachariah"(1971), "Medicine Ball Caravan"(1971) and "Days Of Heaven"(1978).
• Although technically not a zydeco artist, he incorporated and expanded on the basic principles of the genre. He was the major cajun performer to break through into the mainstream.
• Hits include "Diggy Diggy Lo"(Oct., 1969)#70 C&W and "Mama's Got The Know How"(Feb., 1974)#77 C&W.

BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO

• Stanley Dural Jr. (Nov. 14, 1947 – )
• Accordionist/singer born in Lafayette, Louisiana.
• His backup band was The Ils Sont Partis Band.
• Recorded on the Rounder and Island labels.
• Recommended track - "My L'il Girl" from the album, "On A Night Like This"(1987).

ROCKIN' SIDNEY

• Sidney Simien (April 9, 1938 - Feb. 25, 1998)
• Creole zydeco artist born in LeBeau, Louisiana.
• His band was called The Dukes.
• His most famous hit was "My Toot Toot"(1984).
• Feb. 25, 1998 - Died of lung cancer in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

SOUTHERN AND COUNTRY ROCK

Rock's country affiliations go back to the 1950's with the beginnings of rockabilly. And by the 1970's, several home grown rock styles fusing the rural sounds of hillbilly, blues and folk with rock had began to break out of the limited market designation and go mainstream.

Basically, most of these styles owe much to The Byrds and an unsung innovator called Gram Parsons. Long before southern or country rock had been defined and especially before it became fashionable or successful, Parsons was blazing new trails by combining two music forms which had previously influenced each other without acknowledgement. His legacy can be detected in everything from The Flying Burrito Brothers to The Kentucky Headhunters, Emmylou Harris to Lacy J. Dalton and Don Henley to Garth Brooks. His contributions are staggering when one considers he never had a hit record. He died in 1973 just as his efforts were starting to bear fruit.

The 1970's saw a renewed interest in root music. The blues had made a substantial bid for a commercial comeback and country was evolving and accumulating an immense following. The many new country rock styles could be divided into several classifications including a bayou style often termed swamp rock, the bar band sounds of the good ole boys and rednecks, soft core country rock and mainstream commercial southern rock. There of course were numerous other styles which defied designation and some which managed to ignore musical boundaries, crossing over into unknown territory.

Characteristics common to many of these styles include country flavoured vocal harmonies, the sounds of bottleneck slide guitar or pedal steel guitar and laid back attitudes. There is a distinct emphasis on lyrics and melody. Songs deal with heartache, take a proud rebel stance or adopt a unique humourous outlook on life, all essentially southern in emotion and scope. Vocal characteristics can range from dramatic whiskey voiced blues styles to the high pitched close harmony associated with bluegrass and traditional country. In presentation, there is generally a lack of flash with the emphasis placed on the music rather than the show. Almost all of the artists involved got their start playing the small town bar circuits.

One of the most influential new labels was Capricorn Records in Macon, Georgia. It was founded by Phil Walden (ex-manager of Otis Redding) and became a major force in the patronization of southern rock. Its biggest acts included The Allman Brothers, Bonnie Bramlett and Wet Willie. Unfortunately, on Jan. 27, 1981, the company was forced to file for bankruptcy.

The following artist categorizations are definitely not binding since almost all of the acts profiled cross musical boundaries.

SWAMP ROCK

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL

• John Fogerty (May 28, 1945 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/harmonica player born in Berkeley, California.
• Tom Fogerty (Nov. 9, 1941 - Sept. 6, 1990)
• Rhythm guitarist born in Berleley, California.
• Stu Cook (April 25, 1945 – )
• Bassist from Berkeley, California.
• Doug "Cosmo" Clifford (April 24, 1945 – ) Drummer born in Palo Alto, California.
• 1959 - As schoolboys in suburban El Cerrito, California, the 2 Fogerty brothers formed a band called Tom Fogerty & The Blue Velvets.
• 1964 - Calling themselves The Golliwogs, they auditioned for Fantasy Records.
• 1965 - Their debut single "Where You Been" failed to chart.
• 1965-1967 - Tom Fogerty served in the army.
• July, 1967 - Changed their name to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Creedence came from Tom's friend Creedence Nuball, Clearwater came from a beer commercial and Revival was a statement of intent.
• June, 1968 - During the San Francisco beat boom, their debut album, "Creedence Clearwater Revival" hit #52.
• Became the premiere singles band of the late 1960's and early 1970's with their unique brand of bayou rock. It was a bare bones guitar sound dominated by John Fogerty's distinctive hard edge vocals.
• By 1969, they were earning $30,000 nightly.
• Jan., 1969 - Their recording of "Proud Mary" went to #2.
• Aug. 1, 1969 - Played at The Atlantic City Pop Festival.
• Aug. 15, 1969 - Played at The Woodstock Pop Festival.
• By 1970, in terms of sales, they were clearly established as the most successful American rock band ever.
• Oct., 1972 - Disbanded with John Fogerty forming The Blue Ridge Rangers, later going solo.
• Oct., 1975 - Fogerty released his debut album, "John Fogerty."
• Sept. 6, 1990 - Tom Fogerty died in Scottsdale, Arizona of respiratory failure.
• Jan. 12, 1993 - Creedence Clearwater Revival are inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Suzie Q."(Sept., 1968)#11, "Bad Moon Rising"(May, 1969)#2, "Green River"(Aug., 1969)#2, "Down On The Corner"(Nov., 1969)#3, "Travelin' Band"(Feb., 1970)#2, "Who'll Stop The Rain" (Feb., 1970)#2, "Up Around The Bend"(May, 1970)#4, "Run Through The Jungle"(May, 1970)#4, "Lookin' Out My Back Door"(Aug., 1970) #2, "Have You Ever Seen The Rain"(Feb., 1971)#8 and "Sweet Hitch- hiker"(July, 1971)#6.
• Fogerty's solo hits include "Jambalaya"(Dec., 1972)#16 (with The Blue Ridge Rangers), "Rockin' All Over The World"(Sept., 1975)#27 and "The Old Man Down The Road"(Dec., 1984)#10.
• Recommended Fogerty album - "Blue Moon Swamp"(1977).

TONY JOE WHITE

• (July 23, 1943 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Oak Grove, Louisiana.
• Bayou style rock singer with a deep resonant voice and a good ole boy attitude.
• As a teenager, formed his first band, Tony Joe & The Mojos.
• In the late 1960's, moved to Texas, developing his talents as a singer/songwriter.
• 1968 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• July, 1969 - His recording of "Polk Salad Annie" went to #8.
• Composed the Brook Benton hit, "Rainy Night In Georgia"(Jan., 1970)#4.
• Other songwriting credits include "Soul Francisco" and "Groupy Girl."
• Developed a stylized guitar sound which he termed "whomper stomper."
• Hits include "Roosevelt And Ira Lee"(Oct., 1969)#44, "It Must Be Love"(July, 1976)#108 and “I Get Off On It"(June, 1980)#79.

DR. JOHN

• Malcolm John "Mac" Rebennack (Nov. 21, 1940 – )
• Pioneer swamp rock pianist/guitarist/songwriter/producer born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• As a baby, appeared on the Ivory Soap box.
• Learned guitar from Walter "Papoose" Nelson of Dave Bartholemew's band.
• 1956 - Became the premier white artist on the New Orleans scene, backing such luminaries as Professor Longhair, Frankie Ford and Leonard James.
• Writing credits include "What's Going On" (Art Neville) and "Lady Luck"(1960) (Lloyd Price).
• 1963 - Worked as a session player in Los Angeles, California.
• Created a voodoo priest persona for his stage character, Dr. John The Night Tripper.
• 1968 - His debut album, "Gris Gris" was released featuring the much recorded "Walk On Gilded Splinters," followed by "Babylon" (1969). Both albums featured strong New Orleans Creole influences combined with R&B and psychedelia.
• 1971 - Played organ on Aretha Franklin's "Spanish Harlem."
• 1986 - Co-wrote and produced Jimmy Witherspoon's album, "Midnight Lady Called The Blues."
• 1999 - Released the Duke Ellington tribute album, "Duke Elegant."
• Albums include "Sun, Moon And Herbs"(1971), "Gumbo"(1972) and "In The Right Place"(1973).
• Hits include "Iko Iko"(April, 1972)#71, "Right Place Wrong Time" (April, 1973)#9, "Such A Night"(Sept., 1973)#42 and "(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away"(May, 1974)#92.

THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS

• R&B styled group from Austin, Texas.
• Consisting of lead vocalist Kim Wilson (Jan. 6, 1951 – ), guitarist Jimmie Vaughan (March 20, 1951 – ), Fran Christina (drums) and Preston Hubbard (bass).
• Vaughan is the brother of noted guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan (Oct. 3, 1954 - Aug. 27, 1990).
• 1989 - Vaughan appeared in the film, "Great Balls Of Fire."
• June, 1990 - Disbanded.
• Hits include "Tuff Enuff"(April, 1986)#10, "Wrap It Up"(Aug., 1986)#50 and "Powerful Stuff"(Aug., 1988)#65.

OMAR & THE HOWLERS

• Album releases include "Hard Times In The Land Of Plenty"(1987) and "Wall Of Fire"(1988).

CRUZADOS

• 1987 - Recommended track - "Bed Of Lies" from the album, "After Dark."

STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN

• (Oct. 3, 1954 - Aug. 27, 1990)
• Guitarist born in Dallas, Texas.
• Brother of The Fabulous Thunderbirds' guitarist Jimmie Vaughan (March 20, 1951 – ). They often recorded as The Vaughan Brothers.
• 1968 - Began playing guitar.
• 1977 - Formed Triple Threat with singer Lou Ann Barton.
• 1981 - Formed his own band Double Trouble with bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton.
• July, 1983 - Released their debut album, "Texas Flood."
• One of the more outstanding blues guitarists of his time.
• Aug. 27, 1990 - Died in a helicopter crash.
• Hits include "Pride And Joy"(July, 1983) and "Pipeline"(July, 1987) (with Dick Dale).
• The Vaughan Brothers hits include "Tick Tock"(Oct., 1990)#65 and "Good Texan"(Dec., 1990).

SOFT CORE COUNTRY ROCK

POCO

• Aug., 1968 - Country rock band formed in Los Angeles, California by Richie Furay and Jim Messina. Both had been members of The Buffalo Springfield.
• Originally called Pogo.
• Consisting of Richie Furay (May 9, 1944 – ) (rhythm guitar), Jim Messina (Dec. 5, 1947 – ) (lead guitar), Rusty Young (Feb. 23, 1946 – ) (pedal steel guitar), George Grantham (Nov. 20, 1947 – ) (drums/vocals) and Randy Meisner (March 8, 1946 – ) (bass).
• Jan., 1969 - Signed to Epic Records, changing the name to Poco after Pogo comic strip creator Watt Kelly threatened legal action.
• April, 1969 - Meisner left, later joining Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band, subsequently joining The Eagles. He was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit (Oct. 30, 1947 – ).
• Sept., 1969 - Released the debut album, "Pickin' Up The Pieces."
• Oct., 1970 - Messina left to form Loggins And Messina. He was replaced by Paul Cotton (Feb. 26, 1943 – ).
• Sept., 1973 - Furay left to join The Souther Hillman Furay Band.
• Sept., 1977 - Schmit joined The Eagles.
• Various other personnel changes until disbanding in 1984.
• 1989 - Young, Furay, Grantham and Meisner reunited briefly.
• Hits include "You Better Think Twice"(Oct., 1970)#72, "Crazy Love"(Jan., 1979)#17, "Heart Of The Night"(May, 1979)#20 and "Call It Love"(Aug., 1989)#18.

THE FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS

• Fall, 1968 - Gram Parsons (Ingram Cecil Connor) (vocals/guitar/ piano) (Nov. 5, 1946 - Sept. 18, 1973), Chris Hillman (Dec. 2, 1942 – ) (guitar/vocals) (Dec. 4, 1942 – ), Chris Etheridge (bass) and "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow (1934 – ) (pedal steel guitar) formed the core of the group with the addition of various session drummers.
• This union would further Parsons' dream of introducing country audiences to rock and vice versa. He had already recorded the "Safe At Home" album with his International Submarine Band in 1967. Many critics consider that album to be the first bona fide example of country rock.
• 1969 - Permanent drummer Michael Clarke (June 3, 1944 – ) (ex The Byrds) was added.
• 1969 - Etheridge left, replaced by Bernie Leadon (July 19, 1947 – ) (guitar) with Hillman moving to bass.
• April, 1970 - Parsons left, replaced by Rick Roberts.
• Oct., 1971 - Disbanded.
• Sept. 18, 1973 - Parsons died mysteriously in the desert of a drug overdose.
• Two other configurations of the band appeared in 1974 and 1975.
• Recommended album - "The Gilded Palace Of Sin"(March, 1969).

GRAM PARSONS

• Ingram Cecil Connor (Nov. 5, 1946 - Sept. 18, 1973)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist born in Waycross, Georgia.
• Probably the most important figure in the evolution of country rock.
• 1959 - Age 13, after his father C&W singer/songwriter Coon Dog Connor committed suicide, he took the last name of his mother's second husband.
• Formed The Shilos with Jim Stafford and Kent LaVoie (aka: Lobo).
• 1968 - For 5 months, he was a member of The Byrds, recording the classic "Sweethearts Of The Rodeo" album featuring his self-penned "Hickory Wind."
• Fall, 1968 - Parsons and ex-Byrd Chris Hillman formed the pioneer country rock group, The Flying Burrito Brothers.
• April, 1970 - Went solo.
• Parsons influenced countless artists including The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Kris Kristofferson, Lacy J. Dalton, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris and The Eagles. Unfortunately, he never enjoyed his much deserved popularity or a charted hit.
• Sept. 18, 1973 - The facts surrounding his untimely death remain a mystery. He died of a suspected drug overdose in the desert and his body disappeared.
• He can be heard on The Byrds' "Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" album (1968) and several Flying Burrito Brothers albums including the classic "The Gilded Palace Of Sin"(March, 1969) and "Burrito Deluxe"(1970).
• Aug., 1997 - A CD titled "Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels - Live 1973" was released featuring a cover of Roy Orbison's "Love Hurts."

LITTLE FEAT

• Lowell George (April 13, 1945 - June 29, 1979)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist.
• Worked in The Mothers Of Invention.
• 1969 - Rock sextet formed in Los Angeles, California.
• Consisting of George, bassist Ken Gradney, drummer Richie Hayward, singer Bill Payne (March 12, 1949 – ), guitarist Paul Barrere (July 3, 1948 – ) and conga player Sam Clayton.
• The group featured a strong funky rural style and harmony vocals.
• Dec., 1969 - Their debut album, "Little Feat" featured the classic George song, "Willin'" (later covered by Linda Ronstadt). Another version of the song appeared on their 1972 album, "Sailin' Shoes."
• Critics loved them but the recordings did not sell as expected.
• 1973 - Disbanded, reuniting in late, 1974.
• Late, 1975 - Their "The Last Record Album" album was hailed as one of the year's finest yet once again, sales were weak.
• June 29, 1979 - George died of drug related heart failure.

OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS

• 1972 - Country rock sextet formed in Springfield, Missouri.
• Consisting of Steve Cash (vocals), John Dillon (guitar/piano/ mandolin/vocals), Randle Chowning (guitar/mandolin/vocals), Michael "Supe" Grande (bass/vocals) and Buddy Brayfield (piano).
• 1973 - Released the critically acclaimed debut album, "Ozark Mountain Daredevils."
• Hits include "If You Wanna Get To Heaven"(April, 1974)#25, "Jackie Blue"(Feb., 1975)#3 "If I Only Knew"(Jan., 1976)#65 and "Take You Tonight"(May, 1980)#67.

THE SOUTHER HILLMAN FURAY BAND

• Sept., 1973 - Country rock supergroup formed.
• Consisting of John David "J. D." Souther (guitar/vocals), Chris Hillman (Dec. 4, 1942 – ) (bass), Richie Furay (May 9, 1944 – ) (guitar/vocals), Paul Harris (keys), Al Perkins (steel guitar) and Jim Gordon (drums).
• Disbanded after 2 albums. The chemistry was all wrong and egos clashed with members working on solo projects.
• Aug., 1974 - Their only charted hit, "Fallin' In Love" went to #27.
• Album releases include "The Souther Hillman Furay Band"(1974) and "Trouble In Paradise"(1975).
• 1983 - Richie Furay became the pastor of Calvary Chapel Boulder, a small non-denominational Christian church.
• J. D. Souther solo hits include "You're Only Lonely"(Sept., 1979) #7, "White Rhythm And Blues"(Feb., 1980)#105 and "Her Town Too" (March, 1981)#11 (with James Taylor).

THE AMAZING RHYTHM ACES

• Country rock quintet from Memphis, Tennessee.
• Consisting of Russell Smith (lead vocals/guitar), Barry "Byrd" Burton (guitar/dobro), Billy Earhart III (keys), Jeff Davis (bass) and Butch McDade (drums).
• June, 1975 - Their charming "Third Rate Romance" went to #14.
• 1980 - Disbanded.
• Hits include "Amazing Grace (Used To Be Her Favourite Song)" (Dec., 1975)#72 and "The End Is Not In Sight (The Cowboy Song)" (Sept., 1976)#42.

COMMERCIAL SOUTHERN ROCK

DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS

• Delaney Bramlett (July 1, 1939 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Acton, Illinois.
• Bonnie Lynn Bramlett (Nov. 8, 1944 – )
• Singer born in Pontotoc County, Mississippi.
• Delaney had been one of The Shindogs on the Jack Goode TV show, "Shindig."
• Bonnie had briefly been the first white Ikette with The Ike And Tina Turner Revue and had worked as a session vocalist.
• 1967 - The two were married.
• 1969 - Formed Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, a casual collection of top notch musicians. Artists sitting in regularly included Eric Clapton, Rita Coolidge, Leon Russell, Dave Mason and Duane Allman.
• Their sound was southern blue-eyed soul.
• 1970 - The core of the band eventually became the basis for Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour.
• 1972 - Divorced with each going solo.
• In the 1990's, Bonnie (aka: Bonnie Sheridan) was recording again and appearing regularly on TV's "Roseanne."
• Hits include "Soul Shake"(Aug., 1970)#43, "Never Ending Song Of Love"(May, 1971)#13 and "Only You Know And I Know"(Sept., 1971) #20.
• Recommended Bonnie Bramlett solo album - "Lady's Choice"(1976).

BOZ SCAGGS

• William Royce Scaggs (June 8, 1944 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Ohio.
• Raised in Oklahoma and Texas.
• 1959 - Joined Steve Miller's band The Marksmen in Dallas, Texas.
• 1961 - Worked again with Miller in The Ardells, the band later changing its name to The Fabulous Night Train.
• 1963 - Joined an R&B band called The Wigs.
• 1964 - Toured Europe as a folk singer.
• 1966 - Recorded the album, "Boz" in Sweden, later rejoining Miller in 1968.
• 1969 - Went solo, originally adopting a country R&B style. Released the "Boz Scaggs" album the same year featuring Duane Allman. The standout track was "Loan Me A Dime."
• Scaggs built a strong cult following with his funky southern style rock.
• 1976 - Released the classic album, "Silk Degrees."
• Sept., 1977 - Rita Coolidge had a #7 hit with Scaggs' "We're All Alone."
• 1983-1987 - Retired to run a restaurant in San Francisco.
• 1988 - Made a brief comeback, recording the "Other Roads" album.
• Hits include "We Were Always Sweethearts"(April, 1971)#61, "Lowdown"(July, 1976)#3, "Lido Shuffle"(March, 1977)#11, "Breakdown Dead Ahead"(March, 1980)#15, "JoJo"(June, 1980)#17, "Look What You've Done To Me"(Aug., 1980)#14, "Miss Sun"(Nov., 1980)#14 and "Heart Of Mine"(April, 1988)#35.

THE EAGLES

• Glenn Frey (Nov. 6, 1948 – )
• Guitarist/pianist/singer/songwriter born in Detroit, Michigan.
• Randy Meisner (March 8, 1946 – )
• Bassist/singer born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
• Don Henley (July 22, 1947 – )
• Drummer/singer/songwriter born in Gilmer, Texas.
• Bernie Leadon (July 19, 1947 – )
• Guitarist/singer born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
• Meisner had been in Poco and Leadon had been with The Flying Burrito Brothers.
• Evolved from Linda Ronstadt's backup band.
• 1971 - Formed as The Eagles in Los Angeles, California.
• 1972 - Their debut album, "Eagles" was recorded at London's Olympic Studios.
• June, 1972 - Their recording of Jackson Browne's "Take It Easy" went to #12.
• Frey and Henley wrote most of the material.
• 1975 - Don Felder (Sept. 21, 1947 – ) (slide guitar/ vocals) from Topanga, California joined.
• 1975 - 850,000 fans paid over $5 million for 59 concerts in the U.S. alone.
• Late, 1975 - Leadon was replaced by guitarist/vocalist Joe Walsh (Joseph Fidler Walsh) (Nov. 20, 1947 – ) (ex- James Gang) born in Wichita, Kansas.
• May 1, 1976 - Walsh debuted live with the band at Hughes Stadium, Sacremento.
• 1977 - Meisner replaced by Timothy B. Schmit (Oct. 30, 1947 – ) (ex-Poco).
• 1979 - Their recording of "Heartache Tonight"(Oct., 1979)#1 won a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance By A Group.
• 1981 - Disbanded with each member going solo.
• Dec., 1993 - Appeared on Travis Tritt's video of their song, "Take It Easy."
• 1994 - Reunited.
• 1997 - Their "Best Of The Eagles" album tied with Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album for top international sales position, selling over 24 million copies.
• Jan. 12, 1998 - The Eagles were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Witchy Woman"(Sept., 1972)#9, "Peaceful Easy Feeling"(Dec., 1972)#22, "Best Of My Love"(Dec., 1974)#1, "One Of These Nights"(June, 1975)#1, "Lyin' Eyes"(Sept., 1975)#4, "Take It To The Limit"(Jan., 1976)#4, "New Kid In Town"(Dec., 1976)#1, "Hotel California"(March, 1977)#1, "Life In The Fast Lane"(May, 1977)#11, "The Long Run"(Dec., 1979)#8 and "I Can't Tell You Why" (March, 1980)#8.

RITA COOLIDGE

• (May 1, 1944 – )
• Singer born in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Daughter of a Baptist preacher and a Cherokee Indian mother.
• Her sister Priscilla married Booker T. Jones.
• Beautiful soulful vocalist, she began as a backup singer for Delaney And Bonnie (1969), Joe Cocker, Leon Russell and Eric Clapton.
• Became famous for her live performances of the classic song, "Superstar."
• Leon Russell dedicated his song, "Delta Lady" to Coolidge.
• 1971 - Signed with A&M, recording 11 albums in 15 years.
• 1973 - Appeared in the Sam Peckinpah film, "Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid."
• 1973-1980 - Married to Kris Kristofferson.
• Hits include "Fever"(Dec., 1972)#76, "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher"(May, 1977)#2, "We're All Alone"(Sept., 1977) #7, "The Way You Do The Things You Do"(Jan., 1978)#20, "You" (July, 1978)#25, "Somethin' 'Bout You Baby I Like"(May, 1980)#42 (with Glenn Campbell) and "All Time High"(July, 1983)#36.

STEELY DAN

• Donald Fagen (Jan. 10, 1948 – )
• Keyboardist/songwriter born in Passaic, New Jersey.
• Walter Becker (Feb. 20, 1950 – )
• Bassist/songwriter born in Queens, New York.
• Fagen and Becker composed the soundtrack for the Richard Pryor film, "You Gotta Walk It Like You Talk It."
• 1971 - Fagen and Becker signed on as songwriters for ABC-Dunhill.
• 1972 - Formed the pop/jazz/country rock unit Steely Dan in Los Angeles, California.
• Consisting of Fagen, Becker, guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Dec. 13, 1948 – ), singer David Palmer, drummer Jim Hodder and Denny Dias.
• The group was basically a studio project.
• Apparently named after a steam powered dildo in the William Burroughs novel, "The Naked Lunch."
• Palmer left after the first album, leaving Becker and Fagen as lead singers. Baxter joined The Doobie Brothers.
• June 2, 1981 - Disbanded because the two main writers, Fagen and Becker did not want to tour.
• Fagen and Becker continued with various individual solo projects.
• Hits include "Do It Again"(Nov., 1972)#6, "Reeling In The Years" (March, 1973)#11, "Rikki Don't Lose That Number"(May, 1974)#4, "Peg"(Nov., 1977)#11 and "Hey Nineteen"(Nov., 1980)#10.

BOB SEGER

• (May 6, 1945 – )
• Rock singer/songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist born in Dearborn, Michigan.
• Began as keyboardist for Doug Brown & The Omen in Detroit.
• 1964 - Began his recording career. Local hits included "East Side Story"(1964), "Persecution Smith"(1966) and "Heavy Music"(1966).
• 1966 - Released "Ballad Of The Yellow Berets," a spoof of Sgt. Barry Sadler's "Ballad Of The Green Berets." Seger's version dealt with the plight of a draft dodger.
• Dec., 1968 - With The Bob Seger System, had a #17 hit with "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man"(Dec., 1968)#17.
• 1969-1970 - Left music to attend college.
• During the early 1970's, performed as a solo artist and worked with Teagarden & Van Winkle.
• 1976 - Formed The Silver Bullet Band featuring guitarist Drew Abbott.
• Seger is known as one of the leading exponents of Midwest rock and roll, yet his sound has a definite southern flavour.
• Hits include "Night Moves"(Dec., 1976)#4, "Still The Same"(May, 1978)#4, "Hollywood Nights"(Aug., 1978)#12, "We've Got Tonite" (Oct., 1978)#13, "Old Time Rock & Roll"(April, 1979)#28, (Sept., 1983)#48, "Fire Lake"(Feb., 1980)#6, "Against The Wind"(May, 1980)#5, "Tryin' To Live My Life Without You"(Sept., 1981)#5, "Shame On The Moon"(Dec., 1982)#2 and "Like A Rock"(May, 1986) #12.

WET WILLIE

• Southern rock/boogie septet from Mobile, Alabama.
• Led by brothers Jimmy (vocals/sax) and Jack Hall (bass).
• Consisting of the Hall brothers, Rick Hirsch (guitar), John Anthony (keyboards) and Lewis Ross (drums).
• Originally called Fox.
• 1971 - Signed to Allman Brothers manager Phil Walden's newly formed Capricorn Records.
• Early, 1973 - Backing vocalists Ella Avery and Donna Hall (The Williettes) were added.
• Hits include "Keep On Smilin'"(May, 1974)#10, "Country Side Of Life"(Oct., 1974)#66, "Street Corner Serenade"(Dec., 1977)#30 and "Weekend"(May, 1979)#29.

REDNECKS AND GOOD OLE BOYS

RONNIE HAWKINS

• See Rock And Roll

BOBBIE GENTRY

• See The Singer/Songwriter

J. J. CALE

• Jean Jacques Cale (Dec. 5, 1938 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
• Began gigging with Leon Russell in Tulsa, Oklahoma, later travelling with him to Los Angeles, California in 1964.
• Fronted a band called The Valentines, later attempting a career in Nashville as a country singer.
• 1967 - His debut album, "A Trip Down Sunset Strip" was released under the name Leather Coated Mind (now a collector's item).
• Wrote "After Midnight"(1965) and "Cocaine," both recorded by Eric Clapton.
• 1972 - His first solo album, "Naturally" finally proved to be the definitive Cale sound, sparse and easy going Southern rock.
• Hits include "Crazy Mama"(Jan., 1972)#22 and "After Midnight" (May, 1972)#42.

LEON RUSSELL

• Hank Wilson (April 2, 1941 – )
• Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/arranger/producer born in Lawton, Oklahoma.
• 1944-1954 - Studied classical piano, later taking up the trumpet.
• Briefly worked under the name Russell Bridges.
• Raised in Tulsa where he often played with J. J. Cale.
• 1956-1957 - Toured as a guitarist with Ronnie Hawkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.
• 1959 - Early recordings include "Swanee River" and "All Right."
• Worked as a session musician on Phil Spector's "wall of sound" recordings.
• He was a pianist in the "Shindig" TV series house band, later touring with Delaney And Bonnie.
• 1966 - Began working solo.
• Wrote "Delta Lady" about singer Rita Coolidge.
• Other song credits include "A Song For You," "Superstar" and "This Masquerade."
• 1970 - Formed Shelter Records with producer Denny Cordell.
• 1970 - Formed Mad Dogs And Englishmen as a backing unit for Joe Cocker.
• 1971 - Produced Bob Dylan's "Watching The River Flow."
• 1972-1973 - He was at his peak of popularity.
• 1973 - Released the country flavoured "Hank Wilson's Back" album.
• A musician's musician, he possessed one of Southern rock's most distinctive soulful voices.
• 1976 - Formed the Paradise label.
• Married session singer Mary McCreary.
• 1998 - Released the country album, "Legend In My Time: Hank Wilson Vol III."
• Hits include "Tight Rope"(Aug., 1972)#11 and "Lady Blue"(Aug., 1975)#14.

THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND

• Gregg Allman (Gregory Lenoir Allman) (Dec. 8, 1947 – )
• Keyboardist/singer born in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Raised in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• Duane Allman (Howard Duane Allman) (Nov. 20, 1946 - Oct. 29, 1971)
• Guitarist born in Nashville, Tennessee.
• The Allman brothers duo began as The Allman Joys, later becoming The Hour Glass.
• They worked as session musicians at Muscle Shoals for artists such as Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett.
• 1969 - Gregg and Duane formed The Allman Brothers Band.
• Consisting of Gregg (keys/vocals), Duane (guitar), Dickey Betts (Richard Betts) (Dec. 12, 1942 – ) (guitar), Berry Oakley (Raymond Berry Oakley) (April 4, 1948 - Nov. 11, 1972) (bass) and drummers Butch Trucks (Claude Hudson Trucks) and "Jaimo" Johnny Johanson (John Lee Johnson) (July 8, 1944 – ).
• The sound of the group was a slow, drawling country blues featuring dual drummers and dual lead guitarists.
• 1971 - Duane worked on Eric Clapton's "Derek And The Dominoes" album.
• Oct. 29, 1971 - Duane died in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia.
• Nov. 11, 1972 - Oakley died in a motorcycle accident. Replaced by Lamar Williams ( - Jan. 25, 1983).
• 1972 - Pianist Chuck Leavell joined.
• June 30, 1975 - Gregg was married to Cher for 9 days. His drug problems were the major downfall of the marriage. They had a son Elijah Blue (1975 – ).
• May 28, 1976 - Disbanded.
• Gregg formed The Gregg Allman Band.
• 1978-1981 - Gregg reformed The New Allman Brothers Band.
• 1987 - Gregg released the solo album, "I'm No Angel."
• Jan. 12, 1995 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Revival (Love Is Everywhere)"(Jan., 1971)#92, "Ramblin' Man"(Aug., 1973)#2, Jessica"(Jan., 1974)#65, "Crazy Love"(March, 1979)#29 and "Straight From The Heart"(Aug., 1981) #39.
• Gregg Allman solo hits include "Midnight Rider"(Dec., 1973)#19 and "I'm No Angel"(April, 1987)#49.
• Recommended Duane Allman album - "Duane Allman: An Anthology" (1972).

ZZ TOP

• See Heavy Metal

BLACK OAK ARKANSAS

• Southern rock sextet formed in Black Oak, Arkansas.
• Consisting of charismatic frontman Jim "Dandy" Magrum (March 30, 1948 – ), Stan "Goober" Knight (Feb. 12, 1949 – ) (guitar/vocals), Tommy Aldridge (drums), Ricky Lee Reynolds (Oct. 29, 1948 – ) (guitar/vocals), Pat Daugherty (Nov. 11, 1947 – ) (bass/vocals) and Jimmy Henderson (May 20, 1954 – ) (guitar).
• Early, 1969 - Originally called Knowbody Else, they recorded one album for Stax.
• 1969 - Arrived in Los Angeles and were signed to Atlantic.
• Magrum was famous for his colourful spandex tights, growling vocals and lecherous persona.
• They were often augmented by dynamic female vocalist Ruby Starr.
• 1974 - "High On The Hog" became their first gold album.
• Disbanded in the late 1970's, each buying up a parcel of Arkansas land.
• 1984 - Magrum released his heavy metal solo disc, "Ready As Hell."
• Hits include "Jim Dandy"(Dec., 1973)#25 (with Ruby Starr) and "Strong Enough To Be Gentle"(Jan., 1976)#89.

RUBY STARR

• Singer/songwriter.
• Famous for her incredibly powerful pipes.
• 1973 - Featured backup vocalist with Black Oak Arkansas.
• 1975 - Went solo, forming her own backup band Grey Ghost.
• With her Daisy Mae looks, she became known as "The Little Annie Fannie Of Rock."
• Hits include the incendiary "Burnin' Whiskey" from the album, "Ruby Starr And Grey Ghost"(1975).
• Solo albums include "Scene Stealer"(1976) and "Smokey Places" (1977).

ALABAMA

• See Country And Western

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

• 1965 - Southern rebel rock sextet formed in Jacksonville, Florida.
• Consisting of singer Ronnie Van Zant (Jan. 15, 1949 - Oct. 20, 1977), guitarists Gary Rossington (Dec. 4, 1951 – ) and Allen Collins (July 19, 1952 - Jan. 23, 1990), drummer Bob Burns, bassist Leon Wilkeson (April 2, 1952 - July 27, 2001) and keyboardist Billy Powell (June 3, 1952 – ).
• The group named themselves after a gym teacher Leonard Skinner who detested longhairs.
• Discovered by Al Kooper in Atlanta, the bar band featured gutbucket vocals and 3 guitars.
• Famous for displaying the Confederate flag.
• July, 1974 - Their classic recording of "Sweet Home Alabama" went to #8. The song was a defiant reaction to Neil Young's "Southern Man."
• 1976 - Third guitarist Steve Gaines ( – Oct. 20, 1977) joined.
• Oct. 20, 1977 - Their Corvair 240 aircraft crashed into a swamp in Gillsburg, Mississippi on the way to a concert at Louisiana University. Four band members were severely injured and Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines and manager Dean Kilpatrick died.
• 1980 - Gary Rossington and Allen Collins formed The Rossington Collins Band.
• 1987 - A new Lynyrd Skynyrd featuring Rossington and Van Zant's brothers Johnnie and Donnie was formed for a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute tour.
• Jan. 23, 1990 - Collins, paralyzed in a car crash since 1986, died of pneumonia.
• Hits include "Free Bird"(Nov., 1974)#19, "Saturday Night Special"(June, 1975)#27 and "What's Your Name"(Dec., 1977)#13.

LACY J. DALTON

• See Country And Western

THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND

• 1971 - Southern rock sextet formed in South Carolina.
• Consisting of lead singer Doug Gray, brothers Toy (lead guitar) and Tommy Caldwell ( – April 28, 1980) (bass), George McCorckle (rhythm guitar), Jerry Eubanks (sax & flute) and Paul Riddle (drums).
• 1973 - Their debut album, "The Marshall Tucker Band" was released.
• April 28, 1980 - Tommy Caldwell died, replaced by Franklin Wilkie.
• Hits include "This Ole Cowboy"(April, 1975)#78, "Fire On The Mountain"(Oct., 1975)#38, "Heard It In A Love Song"(March, 1977) #14 and "Last Of The Singing Cowboys"(June, 1979)#42.

GEORGIA SATELLITES

• 1980 - Rock quartet formed in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Consisting of dual guitarist/vocalists Rick Richards and Dan Baird, drummer Mauro Magellan and bassist Rich Price.
• One of the rockin'est bands of their type.
• Hits include "Keep Your Hands To Yourself"(Nov., 1986)#2, "Battleship Chains"(March, 1987)#86 and "Hippy Hippy Shake"(Oct., 1988)#45.

STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES

• Steve Earle (Jan. 17, 1955 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Fort Monroe, Virginia.
• Brother of singer Stacey
• Raised in San Antonio, Texas.
• 1971 - Age 16, left home, travelling to Houston, Texas singing in various cover bands including the glam rock band, Bees Make Honey.
• 1974 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1975 - Appeared in the film, "Nashville."
• 1980-1981 - Resided in Mexico.
• Moved back to Nashville, working as a session singer.
• 1983 - First charted on the C&W charts with "Nothin' But You" (Oct., 1983)#70.
• 1988 - Released the "Copperhead Road" album.
• 1990 - Released "The Hard Way" album.
• Disappeared for over 4 years mostly doing drugs.
• 1994 - Spent 60 days in The Blackwood Detention Center in Nashville, Tennessee for possession of heroin.
• 1995 - Released the acoustic "Train A' Comin'" album.
• 1996 - Released the "I Feel Alright" album and took part in the new "Outlaws" album with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser.
• Other albums include "Ain't Ever Satisfied"(1996), "The Mountain" (1999) and "Transcendental Blues"(June, 2000).
• Hits include "Guitar Town"(June, 1986)#7 C&W, "Goodbye's All We've Got Left"(Feb., 1987)#8 C&W and "Copperhead Road" (Nov., 1988).

KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS

• See Country And Western

DAVID WILCOX

• (April 26, 1957 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• He was a member of Ian And Sylvia's Great Speckled Bird.
• Began solo as a folk artist, later turning to a bluesy southern R&B style.
• During the 1980's, he cultivated a strong cult following in Canada.
• Aug., 1997 - Released his adventurous "Turning Point" album.
• Recommended album - "The Best Of David Wilcox"(1985) featuring the hits, "Riverboat Fantasy" and "Bad Reputation."

ALSO SEE

• The Blues, Country And Western, American Rock And Pop Of The Sixties - Folk Rock, Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - White Blues

WHITE BLUES

During the late 1960's, the blues enjoyed a brief commercial resurgence due in part to its promotion by a great number of British musicians who revered American bluesmen, especially the artists on the Chess label. Through all of the attention, many blues greats enjoyed a rekindling of their slumping careers, but the new generation of blues performers was predominantly white. Heavily influenced by the big sound of post World War Two Chicago style blues, whites had discovered root music. The new generation of blacks considered the blues old hat, preferring soul and funk, while white musicians and audiences saw the blues as a fresh, exciting, emotional music. It was also much more accessible when fused with rock and its high volume.

The blues proper had rarely been a money making music form. An acquired taste for whites, outside of the classic blues heyday of the 1920's, it had never really dominated the commercial charts. However, the new blues artists took a more contemporary approach, utilizing bigger and better equipment and recording technology, recycling the blues without losing its intrinsic value and depth. Modern blues became more refined, structured and above all, more rock oriented with a decisive emphasis on the beat.

During the British blues boom of 1965-1968, guitar virtuosos such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Alvin Lee had elevated and redefined the art of blues guitaristry, taking it into commercial arenas. Producer/impresario Mike Vernon had founded a new label called Blue Horizon in order to promote much of the new British blues talent.

In the United States, crusaders like Paul Butterfield had honed their craft in Chicago dives, listening to and eventually playing with the masters. As the new wave of blues performers developed their art, the blues evolved, becoming more streamlined and controlled. A whole new spectrum of sounds and styles emerged, each artist taking the essence of the blues and stamping it with their own distinct manner and personality.

THE MAJOR WHITE BLUES ARTISTS

JOHN PAUL HAMMOND

• (Nov. 13, 1942 – )
• Singer/guitarist/harmonica player born in New York City.
• Son of noted talent scout/producer John Hammond (see Swing).
• 1963 - Began recording for Vanguard Records.
• 1965 - Recorded an album with The Band.
• 1970 - Composed and performed the soundtrack for the film, "Little Big Man."
• Album releases include "Big City Blues"(1964), "Triumvirate" (1973) and "Best Of (Southern Fried)"(1974).

CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE

• Charles Douglas Musselwhite (Jan. 31, 1944 – )
• Guitarist/harmonica player born in Koskiusko, Mississippi.
• 1947 - Moved to Memphis, Tennessee.
• 1962 - Moved to Chicago where he began sitting in with many major blues artists such as Robert Nighthawk and Homesick James.
• 1964 - Worked regularly with Johnny Young.
• Mid 1960's - Worked with The Mike Bloomfield-Barry Goldberg Blues Band.
• 1968 - Formed his own band.
• Mid 1970's - Inactive due to ill health.
• Along with Paul Butterfield, he is considered one of the finest blues harmonica players in the business.
• Album releases include "Stand Back"(1966), "Charlie Musselwhite" (1968) and "Harmonica According To Charlie"(1978).

ALEXIS KORNER

• (April 19, 1928 - Jan. 1, 1984)
• Guitarist/pianist/singer/bandleader/broadcaster/writer born in Paris, France.
• Nicknamed "The Father Of British Blues."
• 1933 - Age 5, began studying piano and theory.
• 1939 - Settled in London, England where he opened a club at The Roundhouse in Brewer Street.
• During the 1950's, he played piano and guitar regularly in Chris Barber's Jazz Band.
• 1954 - Recorded with The Colyer Skiffle Group.
• 1957 - Began his long association with harmonica player Cyril Davies ( – Jan. 7, 1964), opening at London's Blues And Barrelhouse Club.
• 1961 - Formed Blues Inc. with Davies, becoming one of the first white electric blues bands. They encountered strong opposition since at the time, the London club circuit was dominated by traditional jazz.
• March 17, 1962 - Korner and Davies opened their own venue, The Ealing Rhythm And Blues Club with Blues Inc. serving as the house band.
• Late, 1962 - Davies left Blues Inc. and founded Cyril Davies All- Stars featuring singer Long John Baldry.
• Over a period of time, numerous notable musicians worked with Korner including Long John Baldry, Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Graham Bond, Brian Jones, Jack Bruce, Paul Jones and Ginger Baker.
• Famous for his bear growl voice, Korner became known as "The Godfather Of British Blues."
• Jan. 7, 1964 - Davies died of leukemia.
• During the mid 1960's, he withdrew from music to work on a children's TV show.
• 1967 - Returned with a new band.
• 1969 - Formed New Church featuring his vocalist daughter Sappho Korner and Danish singer Peter Thorup.
• 1970 - Formed the studio big band CCS (Collective Consciousness Society), having several commercial hits including "Whole Lotta Love"(Oct., 1970)#13 UK and "Tap Turns On The Water"(Sept., 1971) #5 UK.
• 1972 - Formed the group Snape for an American tour.
• 1981 - Recorded with the blues/boogie group Rocket 88.
• Jan. 1, 1984 - He was preparing a documentary on the history of rock for the BBC when he died of cancer in London, England.
• Album releases include "Blues Inc."(1965), "Alexis"(1971) and "50th Birthday Party Jam"(1978).

JOHN MAYALL

• (Nov. 29, 1933 – )
• Singer/guitarist/keyboardist/harmonica player born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England.
• Often dubbed "The Daddy Of British Blues."
• The son of a jazz guitarist.
• Mid 1950's - Formed The Powerhouse Four which became The Blues Syndicate in 1961.
• 1964 - Formed the first version of his Bluesbreakers featuring John McVie (bass), Martin Hart (drums) and Bernie Watson (guitar).
• May, 1964 - Released their debut disc, "Crawling Up A Hill."
• 1965 - Guitarist Eric Clapton joined the band.
• 1967 - His classic "A Hard Road" album was released featuring guitarist Peter Green. Recommended track - "Another Kinda Love."
• 1969 - Mayall defied convention by going acoustic.
• Oct., 1969 - His only charted American hit, "Don't Waste Time" went to #81.
• During the 1970's, based himself in California, deciding to stay permanently.
• 1975 - For the first time featured a female vocalist - Dee McKinnie.
• 1982 - With McVie and Mick Taylor, had a brief Bluesbreakers reunion tour.
• Unfortunately, Mayall like Baldry and Korner is revered more for his influence on the musicians he groomed for stardom rather than for his own considerable talents.
• Album releases include "Bare Wires"(1968), "Laurel Canyon" (1969), "Back To The Roots"(1971), "Notice To Appear"(1975), "Last Of The British Blues"(1978) and "Wake Up Call"(1993).

LONG JOHN BALDRY

• John Baldry (Jan 12, 1941 – )
• Singer from London, England.
• Nicknamed "Long John" because of his 6 ft. 7 in. frame.
• Noted for his deep, resonant earthy voice.
• The early 1960's - Began singing with Alexis Korner's Blues Inc., later becoming second vocalist in harmonica player Cyril Davies' All Stars.
• 1964 - After Davies' death, Baldry assumed leadership of the group, renaming them The Hoochie Coochie Men.
• Mid 1964 - Formed the R&B unit Steampacket with Rod Stewart, Brian Auger and Julie Driscoll.
• 1966 - Teamed up with Bluesology featuring keyboardist Reginald Dwight (Elton John).
• Nov., 1967 - Baldry enjoyed his first solo commercial hit with "Let The Heartaches Begin"(Jan., 1968)#1 UK, #88 US.
• Became famous for his theme song, "Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie On The King Of Rock And Roll"(1971). The song can be heard on Baldry's classic "It Ain't Easy" album which also features a spectacular version of "Black Girl," a duet with Maggie Bell.
• 1976 - Based himself in Canada.
• A major influence in blues and rock circles, the highly respected vocalist never really achieved the commercial success he so richly deserves.
• Album releases include "It Ain't Easy"(1971), "Everything Stops For Tea"(1972) and "Good To Be Alive"(1975).

PAUL BUTTERFIELD

• (Dec. 17, 1942 - May 4, 1987)
• Singer/harmonica player born in Chicago, Illinois.
• The son of a Chicago lawyer.
• Learned his craft by playing with blues legends Little Walter, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy in Chicago's South side clubs.
• 1963 - Formed The Paul Butterfield Blues Band featuring guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop.
• July 25, 1965 - The Paul Butterfield Blues Band backed Bob Dylan at The Newport Folk Festival, becoming the first ever electric act to perform there.
• 1967 - His infatuation with soul music prompted the addition of a brass section.
• 1972 - Disbanded.
• He was never quite able to top the impact of his early electric blues albums.
• 1973 - Formed the group Better Days featuring New Orleans singer Ronnie Barron.
• 1976 - Released the solo album, "Put It In Your Ear."
• 1986 - Released "The Legendary Paul Butterfield Rides Again" album.
• May 4, 1987 - Died of a drug overdose.
• Album releases include "The Paul Butterfield Blues Band"(1965) featuring "Born In Chicago," and "East-West"(1966) featuring "Walkin' Blues" and "Get Out Of My Life Woman."

THE BLUES PROJECT

• 1965 - Legendary blues/rock quintet formed in New York City.
• Consisting of guitarist Steve Katz (May 9, 1945 – ), keyboardist/guitarist/songwriter Al Kooper (Feb. 5, 1944 – ), guitarist Danny Kalb, drummer Roy Blumenfeld and bassist/ flautist Andy Kulberg.
• 1966 - Took up residency at Cafe Au Go Go in Greenwich Village.
• Summer, 1966 - Played 3 huge open air concerts in Central Park in New York City.
• April, 1967 - Their only charted hit, "No Time Like The Right Time" went to #96.
• 1968 - Kooper and Katz left to form Blood Sweat & Tears and the band disintegrated.
• 1971 - The band re-united minus Kooper and Katz.
• Several configurations and reunions followed.
• Album releases include "Live At Cafe Au Go Go"(1966) and "Projections"(1967).

JANIS JOPLIN

• See The Summers Of Love

BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS

• See The Summers Of Love

MIKE BLOOMFIELD

• (July 28, 1943 - Feb. 15, 1981)
• Guitarist/pianist/harmonica player born in Chicago, Illinois.
• By the age of 13, he had become an accomplished guitarist.
• In the early 1960's, he worked with Big Joe Williams.
• 1964-1965 - Recorded with Bob Dylan.
• 1965-1966 - Played guitar with The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
• July 25, 1965 - Played with The Paul Butterfield Blues Band when they accompanied Bob Dylan at The Newport Folk Festival.
• 1966 - Formed The Electric Flag with singer/songwriter Nick Gravenites, keyboardist Barry Goldberg, bassist Harvey Brooks and drummer Buddy Miles, having a minor hit with "The Trip," the theme from the daring Peter Fonda film, "The Trip"(1967).
• 1968 - With keyboardist/guitarist Al Kooper, he recorded the successful "Super Session" album.
• 1969 - Recorded with Muddy Waters.
• 1974 - Briefly reformed The Electric Flag.
• 1975 - Recorded with the group KGB featuring bassist Ric Grech.
• Thanksgiving, 1976 - Appeared as a guest artist at the last concert performance of The Band, later dubbed "The Last Waltz."
• Feb. 15, 1981 - Bloomfield was found dead in his car.
• His life and times were depicted in the Ed Ward biography, "Michael Bloomfield: The Rise And Fall Of An American Guitar Hero."
• Album releases include "Live At Bill Graham's Fillmore West" (1969) and "If You Love Those Blues"(1977).

JOE COCKER

• John Robert Cocker (May 20, 1944 – )
• Blues/rock singer/drummer born in Sheffield, England.
• Originally worked as a gas-fitter.
• 1959 - Age 15, joined a skiffle band called The Cavaliers as the drummer. Two years later, he was the lead singer and the group became Vance Arnold & The Avengers.
• 1964 - His first solo disc for Decca was unsuccessful.
• Mid 1960's - Formed The Grease Band featuring keyboardist Chris Stainton and guitarist Henry McCullough.
• Vocally, Cocker owed much to Ray Charles and visually, he resembled a contortionist.
• 1968 - Had a minor British hit with "Marjorine."
• Oct., 1968 - His version of Lennon & McCartney's "With A Little Help From My Friends" went to #1 UK, (Nov., 1968)#68 US.
• Aug., 1969 - Played The Woodstock Pop Festival.
• 1970 - Presided over a 43 piece revue called Mad Dogs And Englishmen featuring star performers such as Leon Russell and Rita Coolidge.
• 1972 - Re-teamed with Stainton and a 12 piece band for a tour, returning later to England due to drug related problems.
• Aug., 1982 - Teamed with Jennifer Warnes on the theme song from the movie, "An Officer And A Gentleman," "Up Where We Belong" which remained at #1 for 3 weeks.
• 1983 - Released the "Sheffield Steel" album.
• Aug., 1994 - Played at the Woodstock 25th anniversary concert.
• Hits include "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window"(Dec., 1969)#30, "The Letter"(April, 1970)#7, "Cry Me A River"(Oct., 1970)#11, "You Are So Beautiful"(Jan., 1975)#5, "Edge Of A Dream" (Oct., 1984)#69 and "When The Night Comes"(Oct., 1989)#11.

JOHNNY WINTER

• John Dawson Winter III (Feb. 23, 1944 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Leland, Mississippi.
• He and younger brother Edgar (see Heavy Metal) are both albino.
• Raised in Beaumont, Texas, the brothers played in Johnny & The Jammers, Gene Terry & The Downbeats and Black Plague.
• 1962 - Travelled to Chicago, playing with Mike Bloomfield.
• Toured with Muddy Waters and at one time, he was a member of Roy Head And The Traits.
• 1968 - Formed a trio with bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Red Turner.
• 1968 - Signed a management deal with rock impresario Steve Paul, who owned the famous The Scene nightclub in New York City.
• Immediately hailed as a superb blues guitarist, Winter found it almost impossible to live up to his press.
• 1971-1973 - Semi-retirement due to drug problems.
• 1976 - United with his brother for the "Together" album.
• His career has been sporadic.
• Hits include "Johnny B. Goode"(Jan., 1970)#92 and "Jumpin' Jack Flash"(May, 1971)#89.
• Album releases include "Johnny Winter"(1969), the outstanding "Still Alive And Well"(1973) and "Guitar Slinger"(1984).

TEN YEARS AFTER

• Alvin Lee (Graham Barnes) (Dec. 19, 1944 – )
• Guitarist/singer born in Nottingham, England.
• 1961 - With drummer Dave Quichmire and bassist Leo Lyons (Nov. 30, 1943 – ), Lee formed The Jaybirds.
• 1965 - Quichmire was replaced by Ric Lee (Oct. 20, 1945 – ) (ex-Mansfields) from Staffordshire, England.
• 1965 - The group moved to London.
• 1965 - Manager Chris Wright signed the band and changed their name to Ten Years After in 1967.
• Consisting of Lee, Lyons, Lee and keyboardist Chick Churchill (Jan. 2, 1946 – ).
• They relied heavily on a boogie base and the lightning-quick guitaristry of charismatic Lee.
• Feb., 1969 - Released their debut album, "Stonehenge."
• Aug., 1969 - Turned in an impressive set at the Woodstock Pop Festival. Lee's 10 minute performance of "Goin' Home" was one of the highlights of the weekend.
• March 22, 1974 - Played their final UK concert in London.
• 1975 - Reunited for a farewell tour.
• 1978 - Lee formed Ten Years Later with new members Tom Compton (drums) and Mick Hawksworth (bass).
• Lee later pursued a solo career, teaming occasionally with American singer Mylon LeFevre.
• 1988 - The original group reunited for the album, "About Time."
• Hits include "Love Like A Man"(May, 1970)#98, "I'd Love To Change The World"(Sept., 1971)#40 "Baby Won't You Let Me Rock 'N Roll You"(Jan., 1972)#61 and "Choo Choo Mama"(Dec., 1972)#89.

MAGGIE BELL

• (Jan. 12, 1945 – ) Whiskey voiced blues/rock singer born in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Inspired by her aunt, Doris Droy (sometimes called "Suicide Sal"), who was "The Queen Of The Scottish Music Halls."
• 1960 - After quitting school, performed with several bands including The Kinning Park Ramblers and The Meccaband, singing mostly American R&B.
• Later, joined guitarist Les Harvey (1945 - May 3, 1972) (brother of Alex Harvey) in a band called Power.
• 1969 - The group was renamed Stone The Crows by Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant. It also featured guitarist Jimmy McCulloch (1953 - Sept. 27, 1979) later of Wings.
• 1970 - Their first two albums, "Stone The Crows" and "Ode To John Law" were released.
• 1971 - Released the classic "Teenage Licks" album.
• May 3, 1972 - The group disbanded after Harvey was electrocuted onstage before an audience of 12,000 students at The Top Rank Ballroom in Swansea, Wales when he touched a live microphone.
• 1974 - Went solo, releasing her "Queen Of The Night" album on Atlantic featuring the intense "Souvenirs" and the title track.
• 1975 - Her impressive "Suicide Sal" album on Swan Song featured Jimmy Page.
• Although her work was critically acclaimed, international success escaped her and she retired.
• 1981 - Reappeared with a hard rock band called Midnight Flyer.
• Hits include "After Midnight"(May, 1974)#97, "Hold Me"(Dec., 1981)#11 UK (with B. A. Robertson) and "Goosebumps"(Nov. ,1982).
• Bell can also be heard on Long John Baldry's classic "It Ain't Easy" album (1971). Especially impressive is their duet on "Black Girl."

ERIC CLAPTON

• See Arena Rock

ROD STEWART

• See Arena Rock

ELVIN BISHOP

• (Oct. 10, 1942 – )
• Guitarist born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• 1960 - Met Paul Butterfield at The University Of Chicago and together, they played clubs around Chicago.
• 1965-1968 - Guitarist with The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
• He did not achieve solo commercial success until 1973 when he signed to Capricorn Records.
• Hits include "Fooled Around And Fell In Love"(March, 1976)#3 (vocals by Mickey Thomas) and "Struttin' My Stuff"(July, 1976) #68.

BONNIE RAITT

• (Nov. 8, 1949 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Burbank, California.
• Daughter of singer/actor John Raitt.
• 1967 - Attended Radcliffe College in Boston, becoming a part of the local folk and blues music scene.
• 1971 - Debuted with an acoustic blues album titled "Bonnie Raitt." The record featured an impressive array of guest artists including Junior Wells. One of the standout tracks was Raitt's treatment of Sippie Wallace's "Mighty Tight Woman."
• 1972 - Released the classic "Give It Up" album featuring a moving rendition of Eric Kaz's "Love Has No Pride."
• A founding member of Musicians United For Safe Energy, she appeared at the Madison Square Garden concert in 1979 in support of the cause.
• Her reputation built gradually throughout the 1970's and 1980's until in 1989, she received 4 Grammys for her "Nick Of Time" album.
• 1989 - Appeared on the John Lee Hooker album, "The Healer."
• Raitt had persevered, overcoming alcohol problems to become one of the great success stories of all time.
• Raitt is one of the finest bottleneck guitarists in the business.
• Aug., 1991 - Her "Luck Of The Draw" album went to #2.
• Hits include "Runaway"(May, 1977)#57, "Have A Heart"(March, 1990) #49, "Thing Called Love"(1990), "Something To Talk About"(Oct., 1991)#5, "I Can't Make You Love Me"(Feb., 1992)#18 and "Love Sneakin' Up On You"(May, 1994)#19.
• Album releases include "Sweet Forgiveness"(1977), "Nick Of Time" (1989), "The Bonnie Raitt Collection"(1990) and "Luck Of The Draw"(1991).

THE BLUES BAND

• Feb., 1979 - Electric blues quartet formed in England comprised of ex-members of Manfred Mann and McGuinness Flint.
• Featured vocalist Paul Jones (Paul Pond) (Feb. 24, 1942 – ) (ex-Manfred Mann).
• Dec., 1982 - Disbanded.
• Album releases include "The Official Blues Band Bootleg Album" (1979) and "Ready"(1980).

ALSO SEE

• The Blues, R&B, The British Invasion, The Summers Of Love, Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - Arena Rock, Eighties Revue

ARENA ROCK

By the 1970's, rock had moved into large scale venues. This section deals with artists, mostly mainstream rock, who dominated the stadiums, arenas and festivals.

THE GUESS WHO

• Burton Cummings (Dec. 31, 1947 – )
• Singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
• Randy Bachman (Sept. 27, 1943 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
• Canadian rock unit fuelled by the well-crafted songs written by Cummings.
• 1964 - Originally formed as Chad Allen & The Expressions.
• April, 1965 - Their recording of "Shaking All Over" went to #22.
• 1966 - Vocalist Chad Allen (1945 – ) was replaced by Cummings.
• Definitive lineup consisted of Cummings, Bachman, Gary Peterson (May 26, 1945 – ) (drums) and Jim Kale (Aug. 11, 1943 – ) (bass).
• April, 1969 - Their recording of "These Eyes" went to #6.
• May 16, 1970 - Bachman quit to form Brave Belt.
• 1972 - Bachman formed Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
• Aug., 1973 - The band featured the exquisite guitaristry of Dominic Troiano (1945 – ).
• Sept. 7, 1975 - After a 75 date concert tour of North America, they played their last gig together in Montreal, Quebec.
• 1975 - Cummings went solo.
• The group reunited several times.
• May 31, 2000 - Began a 24 date cross Canada reunion tour including a 7 song acoustic set.
• Hits include "Laughing"(July, 1969)#10, "No Time"(Jan., 1970)#5, "American Woman"(March, 1970)#1-3 wks., "No Sugar Tonight"(March, 1970)#1-3 wks., "Share The Land"(Nov., 1970)#10 and "Clap For The Wolfman"(Aug., 1974)#6.
• Cummings solo hits include "Stand Tall"(Oct., 1976)#10, "I'm Scared"(Feb., 1977)#61, "My Own Way To Rock"(Sept., 1977)#74, "Break It To Them Gently"(July, 1978)#85 and "You Saved My Soul" (Sept., 1981)#37.

BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE

• Randy Bachman (Sept. 27, 1943 – )
• Guitarist/singer born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
• 1964-May 16, 1970 - Guitarist for The Guess Who.
• 1970-1972 - Lead guitarist of the Canadian based group Brave Belt.
• 1972 - Formed Bachman-Turner Overdrive in Vancouver, British Columbia from the remains of Brave Belt.
• Consisting of Bachman, Robbie Bachman (Feb. 18, 1953 – ) (drums), Fred Turner (Oct. 16, 1943 – ) (bass/vocals) and Blair Thornton (July 23, 1950 – ) (guitar).
• They described themselves as "a heavy duty rock band."
• Managed by Bruce Allen.
• 1978 - Bachman went solo.
• 1999 - Bachman's son Tal Bachman began a successful solo career.
• Hits include "Blue Collar"(Dec., 1973)#68, "Let It Ride"(Feb., 1974)#23, "Takin' Care Of Business"(May, 1974)#12, "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet"(Sept., 1974)#1, "Roll On Down The Highway" (Jan., 1975)#14, "Hey You"(May, 1975)#21 and "Heartaches"(Feb., 1979)#60.

FLEETWOOD MAC

• Original lineup consisted of Peter Green (Peter Greenbaum) (Oct. 29, 1946 – ) (guitar/vocals), Mick Fleetwood (June 24, 1942 – ) (drums), Danny Kirwen (May 13, 1950 – ) (guitar/vocals), Jeremy Spencer (July 4, 1948 – ) (vocals/piano/slide guitar) and John McVie (Nov. 26, 1945 – ) (bass).
• Definitive lineup consisted of Mick Fleetwood (drums), John McVie (bass), Christine McVie (Christine Perfect) (July 12, 1943 – ) (vocals/keys), Stevie Nicks (Stephanie Nicks) (May 26, 1948 – ) (vocals) and Lindsey Buckingham (Oct. 3, 1947 – ) (vocals/guitar).
• 1967 - Formed in Britain, making their initial impact as a blues band at The British National Jazz & Blues Festival.
• 1968 - Peter Green's reputation as a blues guitarist brought the group to prominence.
• Dec., 1968 - Their instrumental recording of "Albatross" went to #1 UK.
• May, 1970 - Green retired from the music business. On Jan. 26, 1977, he was committed to a mental hospital after attacking his accountant with an air rifle.
• 1971 - John's wife Christine joined. Under her maiden name Christine Perfect, she had been the lead singer of the British blues band Chicken Shack. In May, 1969, they had enjoyed a #14 UK hit with "I'd Rather Go Blind."
• Feb., 1971 - Spencer disappeared. It was later found that he had joined The Children Of God in Los Angeles, California.
• 1971-1974 - Bob Welch (July 31, 1946 – ) joined as lead guitarist.
• Jan., 1975 - The husband and wife team of Nicks and Buckingham from California joined.
• At this point, the group boasted the formidable vocal combination of its definitive lineup. Nicks' unique raw throaty style, the high strident sound of Buckingham and McVie's velvet soul vocals gave the band an amazing variety of sounds.
• 1975 - The "Fleetwood Mac" album was released and by July, 1977, it had sold 4 million copies.
• Feb., 1977 - Their classic "Rumours" album was released, dominating the charts remaining at #1 for 35 weeks. By the end of 1977, it had sold over 10 million copies.
• Both married couples divorced yet continued working together in the group. Much of the group's material was incredibly personal, often dealing with the relationships within the band.
• All members enjoyed solo careers or worked on projects outside the confines of the group (see Eighties Revue - Stevie Nicks).
• 1990 - Both female members departed and the group disbanded.
• Aug., 1997 - The definitive lineup reunited for a tour and the album, "Dance."
• Jan., 1998 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Over My Head"(Nov., 1975)#20, "Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win)"(March, 1976)#11, "Say You Love Me"(July, 1976)#11, "Go Your Own Way"(Jan., 1977)#10, "Dreams"(April, 1977)#1, "Don't Stop"(July, 1977)#3, "You Make Loving Fun"(Oct., 1977)#9, "Tusk" (Oct., 1979)#8, "Sara"(Dec., 1979)#7, "Hold Me"(June, 1982)#4, "Gypsy"(Sept., 1982)#12, "Big Love"(March, 1987)#5 and "Little Lies"(Aug., 1987)#4.

CHICAGO

• 1967 - Jazz/rock outfit formed in Chicago, Illinois.
• Began as The Missing Links, later The Big Thing, then The Chicago Transit Authority.
• Late 1960's - Moved to Los Angeles, California to work with producer James William Guercio.
• Definitive lineup consisted of singer/bassist Peter Cetera (Sept. 13, 1944 – ), guitarist/singer Terry Kath (Jan. 31, 1946 - Jan. 23, 1978), keyboardist Robert Lamm (Oct. 13, 1944 – ), trumpeter Lee Loughnane (Oct. 21, 1946 – ), horn-player Walter Parazaider (March 14, 1945 – ), trombonist James Pankow (Aug. 20, 1947 – ) and saxophonist Walter Perry (1945 – ).
• The 7 piece (originally 8) ensemble complete with brass section, saw Cetera later emerge as the focal point of the group.
• The group began as a jazz/rock outfit, becoming more commercial over a period of time.
• Feb., 1975 - Their recording of "Harry Truman" from the "Chicago VIII" album became an extremely popular track yet only rose to #13.
• Jan. 23, 1978 - Kath died after accidentally shooting himself in the head. He was replaced by Donny Dacus.
• 1985 - Cetera left to go solo (see Eighties Revue).
• Summer, 1997 - Released the compilation hit album, "Heart Of Chicago" featuring the new track, "Here In My Heart."
• Hits include "Make Me Smile"(April, 1970)#9, "25 Or 6 To 4" (July, 1970)#4, "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is"(Nov., 1970)#7, "Beginnings"(June, 1971)#7, "Colour My World"(June, 1971)#7, "Saturday In The Park"(Aug., 1972)#3, "Feelin' Stronger Every Day"(June, 1973)#10, "Just You 'N' Me"(Sept., 1973)#4, "(I've Been) Searchin' So Long"(March, 1974)#9, "Call On Me" (June, 1974)#6, "Old Days"(April, 1975)#5, "If You Leave Me Now" (Aug., 1976)#1-2 wks., "Baby What A Big Surprise"(Sept., 1977)#4, "Hard To Say I'm Sorry"(June, 1982)#1-2 wks., "You're The Inspiration"(Nov., 1984)#3 and "Look Away"(Sept., 1988)#1-2 wks.

GRAND FUNK

• Mark Farner (Sept. 29, 1948 – )
• Guitarist/singer born in Flint, Michigan.
• Mel Schacher (April 3, 1951 – )
• Bassist born in Owosso, Michigan.
• Don Brewer (Sept. 3, 1948 – )
• Drummer born in Flint, Michigan.
• Farner and Brewer began as members of a popular local group Terry Knight & The Pack.
• 1968 - Commercial metal band Grand Funk Railroad was formed in Flint, Michigan.
• 1968-1972 - Terry Knight (April 9, 1943 – ) was the group's producer.
• July, 1969 - Appeared at the first Atlanta International Pop Festival.
• Summer, 1970 - Sixty foot portraits of the trio dominated Times Square (the largest billboard in the world - 2 full city blocks).
• 1971 - Shortened their name to Grand Funk.
• Early, 1971 - Total record sales were over 5 million.
• 1972 - Keyboardist Craig Frost (April 20, 1948 – ) joined.
• Panned constantly by critics, their records sold in the millions.
• Farner was the epitome of rock posturing, flexing his muscles and tossing his waist length blond hair.
• 1976 - Disbanded, reforming briefly in 1981.
• Hits include "Closer To Home"(Aug., 1970)#22, "We're An American Band"(July, 1973)#1, "The Loco-Motion"(March, 1974)#1-2 wks., "Some Kind Of Wonderful"(Dec., 1974)#3 and "Bad Time"(April, 1975)#4.

ROD STEWART

• Roderick David Stewart (Jan. 10, 1945 – )
• Singer/songwriter/harmonica player born in the Highgate section of North London, England.
• His parents and brothers were born in Scotland.
• Vocally, he stated that his greatest influences were Al Jolson and Sam Cooke.
• In the early 1960's, he bummed around Europe with English folksinger Wizz Jones who taught him to play the banjo.
• Returning to England, he played harmonica with Jimmy Powell And The Five Dimensions in Birmingham.
• 1964 - He recorded one single for Decca, "Good Morning Little School Girl."
• 1964 - Joined Long John Baldry's Hoochie Coochie Men as a second singer.
• Mid 1964 - Became a member of Steampacket with Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger.
• In the early days, he was often dubbed "Rod The Mod," famous for his cocks-comb hairstyle.
• 1966 - Joined Shotgun Express with Berryl Marsden (vocals), Peter Green (guitar) and Mick Fleetwood (drums).
• 1967-1969 - Achieved international attention as lead vocalist with The Jeff Beck Group.
• During this time, he recorded "In A Broken Dream" with the studio group Python Lee Jackson, which did not chart until May, 1972 #56 US, (Sept., 1972)#3 UK.
• 1969 - Embarked on a solo career as well as fronting Faces after Steve Marriott joined Humble Pie.
• 1971 - His "Every Picture Tells A Story" album, featuring the massive hit, "Maggie May"(Aug., 1971)#1-5 wks. became million seller.
• Dec., 1975 - Quit Faces.
• Famous for his raspy soulful voice.
• 1989 - Awarded The Grammy Living Legend Award.
• 2002 - Released the "It Had To Be You: The Great American Songbook" album featuring classic songs from the 1930's and 1940's.
• Hits include "Tonight's The Night"(Oct., 1976)#1-8 wks., "You're In My Heart"(Oct., 1977)#4, "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy"(Dec., 1978)#1- 4 wks., "Passion"(Nov., 1980)#5, "Young Turks"(Oct., 1981)#5, "Infatuation"(May, 1984)#6, "Some Guys Have All The Luck"(Aug., 1984)#10, "My Heart Can't Tell You No"(Dec., 1988)#4, "Downtown Train"(Nov., 1989)#3, "The Motown Song"(1991), "Broken Arrow" (1992), "Have I Told You Lately"(1993) and "All For Love"(1994) (with Bryan Adams and Sting).

AMERICA

• 1969 - Soft rock trio formed in London, England.
• Consisting of Americans Gerry Beckley (Sept. 12, 1952 – ) and Dan Peek (1950 – ), and Dewey Bunnell (Jan. 19, 1951 – ) from Yorkshire, England.
• All sang and played guitar.
• They met at a U.S. airforce base school in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England. Their fathers were American officers stationed there.
• Feb., 1972 - Moved to the U.S.
• Their vocal style bore an uncanny resemblance to Neil Young.
• 1972 - They won The Best New Artist Grammy Award.
• George Martin produced their albums, "Holiday"(1974) and "Hearts" (1975).
• 1976 - Reduced to a duo when Peek left to become a Christian artist. His "All Things Are Possible" went to #78 in Sept., 1979. - Hits include "A Horse With No Name"(Feb., 1972)#1-3 wks., "I Need You"(May, 1972)#9, "Ventura Highway"(Oct., 1972)#8, "Tin Man" (Aug., 1974)#4, "Lonely People"(Dec., 1974)#5, "Sister Golden Hair"(April, 1975)#1 and "You Can Do Magic"(July, 1982)#8.

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

• Fall, 1970 - Rock/R&B group formed in San Jose, California.
• There were 14 members since the group's inception.
• Original lineup consisted of Patrick Simmons (Oct. 19, 1948 – ) (guitar/vocals), Tom Johnston (Aug. 15, 1948 – ) (lead vocals/guitar/keys), Dave Shogren (bass) and John Hartman (March 18, 1950 – ) (drums).
• Shogren was later replaced by Tiran Porter.
• 1972 - Percussionist Mike Hossack (Sept. 18, 1950 – ) joined, later replaced by Keith Knudson (Oct. 18, 1952 – ).
• 1972-1975 - The majority of the hits were written by Johnston.
• 1974 - Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Dec. 13, 1948 – ) (ex-Ultimate Spinach & Steely Dan) joined.
• April, 1975 - With the addition of singer/keyboardist Michael McDonald (Dec. 2, 1952 – ), the original commercial southern rock style of the band changed drastically to a jazzy R&B oriented sound. At the same time, Johnston left.
• 1976-1983 - The majority of the new hits were written by McDonald.
• Mid 1979 - Chet McKracken (July 17, 1952 – ) (second drummer) and Cornelius Bumpus (Jan. 13, 1952 – ) (reeds & organ) joined. Baxter left replaced by John McFee (Sept. 19, 1950 – ).
• 1983 - Disbanded, reforming briefly without McDonald in 1988.
• During their career enjoyed 16 top 40 singles including 2 #1 hits, 7 certified platinum albums, 11 gold albums and 2 Grammys.
• McDonald enjoyed a noteworthy solo career beginning in 1982.
• Hits include "Listen To The Music"(Sept., 1972)#11, "Long Train Runnin'"(April, 1973)#8, "China Grove"(Aug., 1973)#15, "Black Water"(Dec., 1974)#1, "Takin' It To The Streets"(April, 1976)#13, "What A Fool Believes"(Jan., 1979)#1, "Minute By Minute"(May, 1979)#14, "Real Love"(Sept., 1980)#5 and "The Doctor"(May, 1989) #9.
• McDonald solo hits include "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)"(Aug., 1982)#4, "Yah Mo B There"(Dec., 1983)#19 (with James Ingram), "On My Own"(March, 1986)#1-3 wks. (with Patti LaBelle) and "Sweet Freedom"(June, 1986)#7.

ERIC CLAPTON

• Eric Jones Clapton (March 30, 1945 – )
• Guitarist/singer/songwriter born in Ripley, Surrey, England.
• Probaby the most influential guitarist of his time.
• 1963 - Performed with The Roosters.
• 1963-1965 - Guitarist with The Yardbirds.
• 1965-1966 - Guitarist with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
• 1966-1968 - Formed the supergroup Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist/singer Jack Bruce (see The Summers Of Love).
• During the late 1960's, one particularly common graffiti slogan claimed "Clapton Is God."
• 1969 - Formed Blind Faith with Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker and Rick Grech. They released one album and disbanded within 5 months of formation.
• 1970 - Toured with Delaney And Bonnie & Friends.
• 1970 - Formed Derek & The Dominoes, releasing the classic "Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs" album.
• 1971-1972 - Went into seclusion.
• Jan. 13, 1973 - Staged a comeback concert at London's Rainbow Theatre after drug dependency and emotional problems.
• 1973-1974 - Therapy for heroin addiction.
• Aug., 1974 - Released the acclaimed "461 Ocean Boulevard" album.
• After keeping a considerably low profile because of the overblown promo, he was affectionately nicknamed "Old Slowhand." Famous for his elegant fluid guitaristry, Clapton has influenced almost anyone who ever picked up the instrument.
• 1991 - Clapton's son Conor met a tragic death when he fell out of a window. The pain of his loss can be heard in the bittersweet "Tears In Heaven" from the "Clapton Unplugged" album.
• Feb. 26, 1997 - His "Change The World" won a Grammy Award for Record Of The Year.
• June, 2000 - Released the "Riding With The King" album with B. B. King.
• June, 2001 - Undertook what he stated would be his last tour.
• Oct. 20, 2001 - Appeared at The Concert For New York City with Buddy Guy playing "Hoochie Coochie Man."
• Hits include "After Midnight"(Oct., 1970)#18, "Layla"(May, 1972) #10, "I Shot The Sheriff"(July, 1974)#1, "Lay Down Sally"(Jan., 1978)#3, "Promises"(Oct., 1978)#9, "Cocaine"(June, 1980)#30, "I Can't Stand It"(Feb., 1981)#10, "I've Got A Rock N' Roll Heart" (Jan., 1983)#18, "Forever Man"(March, 1985)#26, "Bad Love"(March, 1990)#88, "Tears In Heaven"(1992) and "Change The World"(Oct., 1996).

JEFFERSON STARSHIP/STARSHIP

• 1974 - 8 piece rock group formed in San Francisco, California.
• Evolved from the remains of the legendary Jefferson Airplane (see The Summers Of Love).
• Definitive lineup consisted of Grace Slick (Grace Wing) (Oct. 30, 1939 – ) (vocals), Marty Balin (Martyn Jerel Buchwald) (Jan. 30, 1942 – ) (vocals), Paul Kantner (Paul Lorin Kantner) (March 17, 1941 – ) (guitar/vocals), Papa John Creach (May 28, 1917 - 1994) (violin), David Frieberg (Aug. 24, 1938 – ) (bass/keys/vocals), Craig Chaquico (Sept. 26, 1954 – ) (lead guitar), Pete Sears (bass) and John Barbata (April 1, 1945 – ) (drums).
• The idea for Jefferson Starship came from Kantner's critically acclaimed "Blows Against The Empire" album (1970).
• Jefferson Starship was much more commercial than Jefferson Airplane.
• Aug., 1975 - Their highly sensual recording of "Miracles" went to #3.
• June, 1978-Jan., 1981 - Slick left due to alcohol related problems.
• 1979 - Mickey Thomas replaced Balin who went solo. With the addition of Thomas, the group became more commercial.
• 1979 - Aynsley Dunbar (1946 – ) replaced Barbata.
• 1984 - Kantner left and a heated dispute ensued over the rights to the group's name.
• Late, 1984 - A new streamlined version of the band, simply called Starship, featured both Slick and Thomas on vocals. With this configuration, they hit their commercial peak.
• 1990 - Starship disbanded.
• 1990 - The original members of Jefferson Airplane reunited for one album and a tour.
• 1996 - Slick began work on her autobiography, "Somebody To Love?" released in 1999.
• Jefferson Starship hits include "Count On Me"(March, 1978)#8, "Runaway"(May, 1978)#12 and "Jane"(Nov., 1979)#14.
• Starship hits include "We Built This City"(Sept., 1985)#1-2 wks., "Sara"(Dec., 1985)#1, "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now"(Jan., 1987) #1-2 wks. and "It's Not Over (Til It's Over)"(June, 1987)#9.
• Slick solo albums include "Manhole"(1973), "Dreams"(1980), "Welcome To The Wrecking Ball"(1981), "Software"(1984) and "The Best Of Grace Slick"(2000).
• Balin solo hits include "Hearts"(May, 1981)#5 and "Atlanta Lady (Something About Your Love)"(Sept., 1981)#27.

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA

• 1971 - Orchestrated rock outfit formed in Birmingham, England by former members of The Move - Roy Wood (Nov. 8, 1948 – ) (guitar), Jeff Lynne (Dec. 12, 1947 – ) (guitar/vocals) and Bev Bevan (Nov. 25, 1945 – ) (drums).
• Consisting of Wood, Lynne, Bevan, violinist Mik Kaminski (Sept. 2, 1951 – ), keyboardist Richard Tandy (March 26, 1948 – ) and cellist Melvyn Gale (Jan. 15, 1952 – ).
• The number of members fluctuated from 8 in 1971 to 3 in 1986.
• ELO was basically a pop/rock singles band with a big sound, blending vocal harmonies and rock with classical elements.
• 1973 - After the release of ELO II, Wood left to form Wizzard.
• 1976 - Kaminski and Gale left.
• 1986 - ELO was defunct.
• 1988 - Lynne joined the supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys.
• 1991 - Bevan and Kaminski with other players formed ELO Part II for 1 album.
• Hits include "10538 Overture"(July, 1972)#9 UK, "Roll Over Beethoven"(Jan., 1973)#6 UK, "Can't Get It Out Of My Head"(Dec., 1974)#9, "Evil Woman"(Nov., 1975)#10, (Jan., 1976)#10 UK, "Telephone Line"(June, 1977)#7, (May, 1977)#8 UK, "Shine A Little Love"(May, 1979)#6 UK, #8, "Don't Bring Me Down"(Aug., 1979)#4, (Sept., 1979)#3 UK, "Xanadu"(June, 1980)#1 UK, (Aug., 1980)#8 (with Olivia Newton-John) and "Hold On Tight"(July, 1981)#10, (Aug., 1981)#4 UK.

PETER FRAMPTON

• Peter Kenneth Frampton (April 22, 1950 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Beckenham, Kent, England.
• 1966 - Joined The Tru-Bears which later became The Herd. Hits include "From The Underworld"(Sept., 1967)#6 UK and "I Don't Want Our Loving To Die"(April, 1968)#5 UK.
• 1969 - Formed Humble Pie with ex-Small Faces singer Steve Marriott (see Heavy Metal).
• 1971 - Recorded a solo album titled "Winds Of Change" featuring Ringo Starr, Klaus Voorman and Billy Preston.
• 1972 - Formed Frampton's Camel with ex-Spooky Tooth keyboardist Mike Kellie, recording one album.
• 1974 - Went solo.
• 1976 - His "Frampton Comes Alive" album recorded in San Francisco was a multi-million seller. By 1978, total sales were over 12 million.
• 1978 - Starred as Billy Shears in the film, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
• June 29, 1978 - A near fatal car accident temporarily stalled his career.
• During the early 1980's, went into semi-retirement.
• 1987 - Played lead guitar for David Bowie.
• Hits include "Show Me The Way"(Feb., 1976)#6, "Baby I Love Your Way"(June, 1976)#12, "Do You Feel Like We Do"(Sept., 1976)#10, "I'm In You"(May, 1977)#2, "Signed Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours)" (Aug., 1977)#18 and "I Can't Stand It No More"(May, 1979)#14.

DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES

• Daryl Franklin Hohl (Oct. 11, 1948 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• John Oates (April 7, 1949 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer born in New York City.
• Blue eyed soul duo performing mostly self-penned material.
• 1967 - The two met while doing session work. Later, they both joined a band called Gulliver, recording one album.
• 1972 - Signed to Atlantic as Hall & Oates.
• By 1984, they had amassed 19 R.I.A.A. certified gold and platinum albums.
• By the late 1980's, they had surpassed The Everly Brothers as the #1 charting duo of the rock era.
• Hall later enjoyed a successful solo career while Oates involved himself with producing other acts such as Canada's Parachute Club.
• Nov., 1997 - Released their first joint album in 7 years, "Marigold Sky."
• Hits include "She's Gone"(Feb., 1974)#60 (re-released July, 1976) #7, "Sara Smile"(Jan., 1976)#4, "Rich Girl"(Jan., 1977)#1-2 wks., "Kiss On My List"(Jan., 1981)#1-3 wks., "You Make My Dreams"(May, 1981)#5, "Private Eyes"(Aug., 1981)#1-2 wks., "I Can't Go For That"(Nov., 1981)#1, "Maneater"(Oct., 1982)#1-4 wks., "One On One"(Jan., 1983)#7, "Family Man"(April, 1983)#6, "Say It Isn't So"(Oct., 1983)#2, "Adult Education"(Feb.,1984)#8, "Out Of Touch" (Sept., 1984)#1-2 wks., "Method Of Modern Love"(Dec., 1984)#5 and "Everything Your Heart Desires"(April, 1988)#3.
• Hall solo hits include "Dreamtime"(Aug., 1986)#5 and "Foolish Pride"(Oct., 1986)#33.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

• Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (Sept. 23, 1949 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Freehold, New Jersey.
• 1963 - Age 14, bought his first guitar.
• 1965 - Joined a band in high school called The Castiles.
• May 22, 1966 - A teenage Bruce Springsteen enjoyed his first commercial recording with "That's What You Get" by The Castiles.
• Aug. 24, 1967 - Joined the trio Earth.
• 1969 - Formed the band, Child, later renaming it Steel Mill.
• Worked as a solo artist in Greenwich Village and New Jersey clubs.
• Sept., 1971 - Assembled The Bruce Springsteen Band.
• 1972 - Signed by John Hammond to Columbia Records because of his edgy material.
• March 7, 1973 - Showcased at Max's Kansas City in New York City.
• 1973 - Formed The E. Street Band featuring saxophonist Clarence Clemons (Jan. 11, 1942 – ).
• May, 1974 - Critic Jon Landau witnessed two Springsteen shows in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His review in Rolling Stone Magazine stated, "I saw the future of rock and roll and its name is Bruce Springsteen."
• July, 1975 - Guitarist "Miami" Steve Van Zandt joined.
• Springsteen composed Manfred Mann's "Blinded By The Light"(Nov., 1976)#1 and The Pointer Sisters' "Fire"(Nov., 1978)#2.
• Nicknamed "The Boss."
• After the classic "Born To Run" album (1975), a court injunction prevented the release of any new product until 1978.
• 1977 - Springsteen collaborated with Patti Smith for her hit, "Because The Night."
• 1983 - Springsteen spent the year writing and recording over 100 songs for future projects.
• April, 1984 - Van Zant left to form Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul.
• 1985-1989 - Married to model/actress Julianne Phillips. She later divorced him because of his relationship with Patti Scialfa who joined his band in 1984.
• Sept. 30, 1987 - Participates in the Roy Orbison all-star concert film, "Black And White Night."
• 1989 - Split from The E. Street Band.
• By the end of the 1980's, he had achieved superstar status.
• April, 1994 - His Oscar nominated "Streets Of Philadelphia" hit #9.
• March 15, 1999 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 2002 - Released the Grammy Award-winning "The Rising" album.
• Hits include "Born To Run"(Sept., 1975)#23, "Hungry Heart"(Nov., 1980)#5, "Dancing In The Dark"(May, 1984)#2, "Cover Me"(Aug., 1984)#7, "Born In The U.S.A."(Nov., 1984)#9, "I'm On Fire"(Feb., 1985)#6, "Glory Days"(June, 1985)#5, "I'm Goin' Down"(Sept., 1985)#9, "My Hometown"(Dec.,1985)#6, "War"(Nov., 1986)#8, "Brilliant Disguise"(Oct., 1987)#5, "Tunnel Of Love"(Dec., 1987) #9, "One Step Up"(Feb., 1988)#13, "Human Touch"(1992), "Dead Man Walking"(Jan., 1996), "Secret Garden"(May, 1997)#19 and "The Rising"(2002).

HEART

• Ann Wilson (June 19, 1951 – )
• Powerhouse rock singer/songwriter born in San Diego, California.
• Nancy Wilson (March 16, 1954 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist born in San Diego, California.
• 1973 - The Wilson sisters formed the rock quintet in Seattle, Washington.
• Originally called The Army, later White Heart.
• 1974 - Shortened their name to Heart.
• Definitive lineup consisted of Ann and Nancy Wilson, Howard Leese (June 13, 1951 – ) (guitar), Mark Andes (bass) and Denny Carmassi (drums).
• The original lineup included guitarist Roger Fisher (Feb. 14, 1950 – ) and drummer Mike Derosier.
• 1975 - Moved to Vancouver, British Columbia to allow manager Mike Fisher (brother of Roger Fisher) to avoid the draft.
• 1976 - Released their debut album, "Dreamboat Annie" on the Mushroom label.
• Their original sound was an inspired combination Led Zeppelin and Jefferson Starship.
• 1976 - Returned to Seattle after amnesty was declared.
• 1985 - After signing with Capitol Records, the band adopted a slick commercial style which took them into the upper regions of the charts.
• Aug., 1995 - Released the unplugged "The Road Home" album.
• Hits include "Crazy On You"(April, 1976)#35, "Magic Man"(July, 1976)#9, "Barracuda"(May, 1977)#11, "Tell It Like It Is"(Nov., 1980)#8, "What About Love"(June, 1985)#10, "Never"(Sept., 1985) #4, "These Dreams"(Jan., 1986)#1, "Nothin' At All"(April, 1986) #10, "Alone"(May, 1987)#1-3 wks., "Who Will You Run To"(Aug., 1987)#7 and "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You"(March, 1990)#2.
• Ann Wilson solo hits include "Almost Paradise"(May, 1984)#7 (with Mike Reno) and "Surrender To Me"(Dec., 1988)#6.

BOSTON

• Tom Scholz (March 10, 1951 – )
• Guitarist/keyboardist/singer/engineer based in Boston.
• Scholz recorded the tapes for the debut album "Boston" including twin guitar leads and harmony vocals. In order to promote the project, he formed the group Boston.
• Consisting of Scholz, singer Brad Delp (June 12, 1951 – ), guitarist Barry Goudreau (Nov. 29, 1951 – ), bassist Fran Sheehan (March 29, 1949 – ) and drummer Sib Hashian (Aug. 17, 1949 – ).
• Sept., 1976 - Their recording of "More Than A Feeling" went to #5.
• The debut album went on to sell over six and a half million copies.
• 1980-1985 - Inactive due to a $20 million lawsuit.
• Scholz formed a research company to develop his Rockman miniature guitar amplifiers.
• 1986 - Delp and Scholz returned as Boston.
• Hits include "Long Time"(Jan., 1977)#22, "Don't Look Back"(Aug., 1978)#4, "Amanda"(Sept., 1986)#1-2 wks. and "We're Ready"(Dec., 1986)#9.

MEAT LOAF

• Marvin Lee Aday (Sept. 27, 1947 – )
• Singer/actor born in Dallas, Texas.
• During the 1960's, performed with Popcorn Blizzard.
• 1971 - Recorded for Rare Earth Records as Stoney and Meat Loaf.
• Played the part of Eddie in both the Los Angeles production and film version of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"(1975).
• 1976 - Sang lead vocals on Ted Nugent's 1976 album, "Free For All."
• 1978 - Skyrocketed to stardom with the release of his "Bat Out Of Hell" album. The epic album featured full scale production numbers courtesy of songwriter/producer Jim Steinman, who he had toured with in The National Lampoon Show. The album also featured singer Ellen Foley.
• Film appearances include "Americathon"(1979) and "Roadie"(1980).
• 1981 - His "Dead Ringer For Love," a duet with Cher became a British hit.
• 1993 - Returned with a vengeance with the "Bat Out Of Hell II" album.
• Hits include "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad"(March, 1978)#11, "Paradise By The Dashboard Light"(Aug., 1978)#39, "You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth"(Nov., 1978)#39, "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)"(1993) and "Rock And Roll Dreams Come True"(1994).

FOREIGNER

• 1976 - British/American rock sextet formed in New York City.
• Consisting of singer Lou Gramm (May 2, 1950 – ) (ex-Black Sheep), guitarist Mick Jones (Dec. 27, 1944 – ) (ex-Spooky Tooth), keyboardist/guitarist Ian McDonald (June 25, 1946 – ), bassist Ed Gagliardi (Feb. 13, 1952 – ), keyboardist Al Greenwood (Oct. 20, 1951 – ) and Dennis Elliott (Aug. 18, 1950 – ) (drums).
• Highly successful pop/rock group featuring strong vocals and well crafted melodies, most composed by Jones and Gramm.
• 1979 - Gagliardi replaced by Rick Wills (ex-Roxy Music).
• 1980 - McDonald and Greenwood left.
• Jan., 1987 - Gramm released his solo album, "Ready Or Not" featuring the hit single, "Midnight Blue"(Jan., 1987)#5.
• 1990 - Gramm departed after disputes with Jones.
• 1992 - Foreigner restored with both Gramm and Jones.
• Hits include "Feels Like The First Time"(March, 1977)#4, "Cold As Ice"(July, 1977)#6, "Hot Blooded"(July, 1978)#3, "Double Vision" (Sept., 1978)#2, "Urgent"(July, 1981)#4, "Waiting For A Girl Like You"(Oct., 1981)#2, "I Want To Know What Love Is"(Dec., 1984)#1-2 wks. (featuring The New Jersey Mass Choir), "Say You Will"(Dec., 1987)#6, "I Don't Want To Live Without You"(March, 1988)#5 and "Under The Gun"(1995).

EDDIE MONEY

• Edward Mahoney (March 2, 1949 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Brooklyn, New York.
• Likeable hard edge commercial rocker, formerly a policeman in New York City.
• Discovered and managed by Bill Graham.
• 1978 - His debut album, "Eddie Money" became million seller.
• Hits include "Baby Hold On"(Feb., 1978)#11, "Two Tickets To Paradise"(June, 1978)#22, "Think I'm In Love"(July, 1982)#16, "Take Me Home Tonight"(Aug., 1986)#4 (with Ronnie Spector), "Walk On Water"(Oct., 1988)#9 and "I'll Get By'(1992).

JOURNEY

• 1973 - Rock quintet formed in San Francisco, California.
• Originally a progressive rock outfit, the band enjoyed little commercial success until the addition of soulful vocalist Steve Perry (Jan. 22, 1953 – ) in 1978.
• Definitive lineup consisted of Perry (vocals), Ross Valory (May 7, 1950 – ) (bass), Gregg Rolie (1948 – ) (guitar/vocals), Aynsley Dunbar (1946 – ) (drums) and Neal Schon (Feb. 27, 1954 – ) (guitar).
• 1975 - Released their debut album, "Journey."
• 1979 - Dunbar left to join Jefferson Starship, replaced by Steve Smith (ex-Jean-Luc Ponty).
• 1982 - Perry began his solo career while still fronting the group (see Eighties Revue).
• 1986 - The band was reduced to the trio of Perry, Schon and Jonathan Cain (keys).
• 1989 - Disbanded with Cain and Schon joining Bad English.
• 1996 - Reunited for one album.
• Hits include "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'"(July, 1979)#16, "Who's Crying Now"(July, 1981)#4, "Don't Stop Believin'"(Oct., 1981)#9, "Open Arms"(Jan., 1982)#2, "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"(Feb., 1983)#8, "Only The Young"(Jan., 1985)#9 and "Be Good To Yourself" (April, 1986)#9.

CHEAP TRICK

• 1977 - Commercial hard rock quartet formed in Rockford, Illinois.
• Organized by former members of The Nazz, Rick Neilsen and Tom Peterssen (May 9, 1950 – ).
• Consisting of Neilsen (guitar), Peterssen (bass), Bun E. Carlos (Brad Carlson) (June 12, 1951 – ) (drums) and Robin Zander (Jan. 23, 1953 – ) (vocals).
• 1980 - Peterssen was replaced by Jon Brant.
• 1988 - Brant was replaced by Peterssen.
• Hits include "I Want You To Want Me"(April, 1979)#7, "Dream Police"(Oct., 1979)#26, "The Flame"(April, 1988)#1-2 wks., "Don't Be Cruel"(July, 1988)#4 and "Can't Stop Fallin' Into Love"(July, 1990)#12.

TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS

• Tom Petty (Oct. 20, 1953 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Gainesville, Florida.
• 1969 - Joined the Florida group Mudcrutch.
• 1975 - Formed The Heartbreakers in Los Angeles, California.
• Consisting of Petty, guitarist Mike Campbell, keyboardist Benmont Tench, bassist Ron Blair and drummer Stan Lynch.
• The group owed much of its sound to Bob Dylan and The Byrds. In fact, they even backed Dylan on tours.
• 1988 - Petty became a member of the part time super group The Traveling Wilburys.
• 1997 - Petty appeared in the film, "The Postman."
• Albums include "Damn The Torpedoes"(1979), "Pack Up The Plantation"(1985), "Full Moon Fever"(1989) and "Into The Great Wide Open"(1991).
• Hits include "Breakdown"(Nov., 1977)#40, "Don't Do Me Like That" (Nov., 1979)#10, "Refugee"(Jan., 1980)#15, "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around"(July, 1981)#3(with Stevie Nicks), "Don't Come Around Here No More"(March, 1985)#13, "I Won't Back Down"(April, 1989)#12, Runnin' Down A Dream"(July, 1989)#23, "Free Fallin'" (Nov., 1989)#7, "Mary Jane's Last Dance"(1994) and "Walls"(1996).

TOTO

• 1978 - Pop/rock sextet formed in Los Angeles, California.
• Consisting of prominent session musicians and featured singer Bobby Kimball (Robert Toteaux) (March 29, 1947 – ). Other members included drummer Jeff Porcaro (April 1, 1954 – ), Steve Porcaro (Sept. 2, 1957 – ), keyboardist David Paich (June 25, 1954 – ), bassist David Hungate and guitarist Steve Lukather (Oct. 4, 1957 – ).
• Paich is the son of film composer Marty Paich.
• 1984 - Kimball was replaced by Fergie Frederikson (May 15, 1951 – ) and bassist Mike Porcaro (May 29, 1954 – ) joined.
• 1984 - Provided the soundtrack for the film, "Dune."
• 1984 - They were commissioned to write theme music for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California.
• 1986 - Frederikson was replaced by Joseph Williams, son of conductor John Williams.
• Hits include "Hold The Line"(Oct., 1978)#5, "99"(Dec., 1979)#26, "Rosanna"(April, 1982)#2, "Africa"(Oct., 1982)#1, "I Won't Hold You Back"(March, 1983)#10, "I'll Be Over You"(Aug., 1986)#11 and "Pamela"(Feb., 1988)#22.

JOHN MELLENCAMP

• (Oct. 7, 1951 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer born in Seymour, Indiana.
• 1967 - Worked in the multi-racial R&B band Crepe Soul, then Snakepit Banana Barn.
• 1975 - Travelled to New York City and cut a 4 track demo featuring a version of Paul Revere's "Kicks."
• 1975 - Began his career as Little Johnny Cougar, a name given him by David Bowie's manager Tony Defries. Recorded the "Chestnut Street Incident" album.
• Oct., 1979 - As John Cougar, his recording of "I Need A Lover" went to #28.
• His original sound was bare bones rock and roll with distinct folkie overtones.
• 1983 - Became John Cougar Mellencamp, later dropping the Cougar.
• 1985 - Released the "Scarecrow" album which gave him his working class poet image.
• A disciple of Woody Guthrie, he began adopting a more rural musical approach, finally dissuading any similarities or comparisons to Bruce Springsteen.
• Aug. 14, 1988 - Became a grandfather at the age of 37.
• 1994 - Suffered a mild heart attack.
• Oct. 20, 2001 - Appeared at The Concert For New York City.
• Hits include "Hurt So Good"(April, 1982)#2, "Jack And Diane" (July, 1982)#1-4 wks., "Crumblin' Down"(Oct., 1983)#9, "Pink Houses"(Dec., 1983)#8, "Lonely Ol' Night"(Aug., 1985)#6, "Small Town"(Oct., 1985)#6, "R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A."(Feb., 1986)#2, "Paper In Fire"(Aug., 1987)#9, "Cherry Bomb"(Oct., 1987)#8, "Check It Out"(Feb., 1988)#14 and "Wild Night"(1994) (with Me'Shell NdegeOcello).

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER NOTABLE ARTISTS

• J. Geils Band - "Centerfold"(Nov., 1981)#1-6 wks.
• Kansas - "Dust In The Wind"(Jan., 1978)#6.
• Little River Band - "Reminiscing"(July, 1978)#3.
• Pablo Cruise" - "Love Will Find A Way"(June, 1978)#6.
• The Alan Parsons Project - "Eye In The Sky"(July, 1982)#3.
• Styx - "Babe"(Oct., 1979)#1-2 wks.

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 26: The Summers Of Love
• Chapter 29: Heavy Metal
• Chapter 31: Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - Progressive Rock
• Chapter 37: Eighties Revue
• Chapter 38: The Nineties And Beyond

BIBLIOGRAPHY