Remembering Jon Lord
Deep Purple (Photo credit: daniconil)
July 16, saw the passing of rock keyboard innovator, Jon Lord. He was 71. Best known as one of the founding members of 70′s icons, Deep Purple, he also played with Whitesnake. He played on the classic song by The Kinks, “You Really Got Me“. He was on albums by David Gilmour and George Harrison. He virtually created the riffs used to this day by keyboardists in all types of popular music.
In my life, Deep Purple was one of the bands that formed my musical tastes. Machine Head is still an album that makes me perk up and listen. I will never forget Smoke On The Water or Highway Star, which are very much a part of the soundtrack of my life. The band in heaven just got a bit better.
Highway Star
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Smoke On The Water
Remembering Bob Babbitt
Motown 4 album set (Photo credit: vintage_breda)
You like the Motown sound? Bob Babbitt, bass player extraordinaire, was likely responsible for that. He passed away on July 16, leaving behind a huge legacy and body of work. He played bass for Motown’s studio band, The Funk Brothers from 1966 to 1972. This would make a lot of people very familiar with his work, without realizing it. He was the bass player on such hits as Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours“, Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks of My Tears” and Freda Payne‘s “Band of Gold”. He also played with such greats as Phil Collins and Jimi Hendrix. Very diverse portfolio. Here are a few tracks.
Signed Sealed Delivered
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Uptight (with Phil Collins)
Canada’s Best Music – 5 Songs At A Time – Part 28
Heavy on the classic stuff again. Canada did have a thriving cottage industry in music during the 70′s and 80′s. There is also another trivia answer in here somewhere.
1. Five Man Electrical Band
“I’m a Stranger Here”
Five Man Electrical Band (Photo credit: tab2space)
Another song from the group that brought us “Signs”.
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2. Idle Eyes
“Tokyo Rose”
Another 80′s group that enjoyed moderate success in Canada, especially with this tune. They won a Juno for most promising new group in 1985.
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3. Indio
“Big Hard Sun”
![[there’s a big] a big hard sun](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2809990274_177c9415a8_m.jpg "[there’s a big] a big hard sun")
[there’s a big] a big hard sun (Photo credit: [noone])
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4. Crash Vegas
Pocahontas
Red Earth (Crash Vegas album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Kind of a depressing song from a very good band. This song was released in 1994.
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5. Ron Hynes
“Sonny’s Dream“
Ron Hynes at the Rose (Photo credit: Kent Barrett)
Canadian folk singer Ron Hynes hit gold in 1976 with the Sonny’s Dream. The song has become a standard and has been recorded by a multitude of artists around the world, The version here is a live duet with Alan Doyle of the group Great Big Sea.
Song Of The Day – Donald Byrd – Falling Like Dominoes
Cover of Places & Spaces
I heard this song in a tapas bar in Barcelona and it blew us away. The song is off a Donald Byrd album, “Places and Spaces” and was released in 1975. Donald was born in 1932 and has recorded since the 1950′s. An accomplished trumpet player, he has over 46 albums to his credit and many more as a sideman to such artists as Kenny Clarke, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. We need more players like this to be in the forefront of music. Makes a lot of today’s talent look imbecilic, doesn’t it.
Falling Like Dominoes
Remembering Faruq Z. Bey
Alto saxophone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
June 1 saw the passing of American jazz saxophonist, Faruq Z. Bey . He was best known for his time with Griot Galaxy, a free jazz band from the 1970′s and 80′s. In the mid 80′s, he was forced to leave the band after a bike accident that left him in a coma for some time. He returned to playing in the mid 90′s. I have posted a couple of videos here in tribute to this outstanding musician. The first is with his band “The Northwood Improvisers”. The second is with the Griot Galaxy. Love Jazz.
Mystery of Love
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Androgyny
Remembering Doc Watson
English: From Flickr: Doc Watson, 86 years old, plays to the crowd at another fantastic Sugar Grove Music Fest. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
May 29 was a very sad day for me. Doc Watson passed away. What a player!! Nothing to say, just listen.
Deep River Blues
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Windy and Warm
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Sitting On Top Of The World
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What a talent, and a connection to the old blues and folk singers of the 20′s, 30′s and beyond. Greatly missed.
Remembering Toni Arden
Big band singer Toni Arden passed away on May 29. She was 88. Toni’s real name was Antoinette Ardizzone. She started recording in the 1940′s with a lot of bands, including Frankie Laine. Her only major hit was Padre in 1958, which was also her only million seller. The song I have chosen is a good showpiece for her voice and is typical of the early 50′s. Good song. Hope you enjoy.
Are You Satisfied
Song Of The Day – Sarah Vaughan – “Lover Man”
English: Sarah Vaughan, possibly Cafe Society, NYC, ca. August 1946. Photography by William P. Gottlieb. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is a great day to be swept away by a singer with exceptional talent. The late great Sarah Vaughan was such a singer. This track was taped in 1958 and is Sarah’s version of “Lover Man”. A standard jazz song that has also been recorded by such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James. Norah Jones, Billie Holiday and, strangely enough, Michael Jackson. The song was written for Billie Holiday in 1941 by Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez and James Sherman. The original by Billie was inducted to Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989.
Lover Man
Music Trivia Question for the Day – September 15, 2012
The first album to feature the group’s name change from “The Miracles” to “Smokey Robinson & The Miracles” was 1965′s Top 10 album Going To A Go-Go.Clockwise from top left: Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, Ron White, Smokey Robinson.(not shown: Claudette Robinson, Marv Tarplin) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The previous question was:
Q: What was Motown‘s first million selling hit?
The answer is:
“Shop Around” by The Miracles. The song was recorded and released in 1960. This was before they were known as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. The artist on this classic was credited as The Miracles (featuring Bill “Smokey” Robinson”.
Shop Around
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We had no winner on this one, so Rebecca’s stupendous award has, once again, been forced to wait on it’s introduction to the world.
Today’s question will leave Motown and move on to Blackburn, Lancashire.
Q: In the song “A Day In The Life” by the Beatles, there is a line referring to a particular place. What is Blackburn, Lancashire and why does it have 4,000 holes in it?
Song of The Day – Marvin Gaye – “Heavy Love Affair”
Marvin Gaye in 1973 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Heavy Love Affair
Music Trivia Question for the Day – September 12, 2012
Motown 4 album set (Photo credit: vintage_breda)
The previous question was:
Q: What was Motown’s first hit?
The answer is
Money – Barrett Strong
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Recorded in 1959, Money reached number 2 on the charts. Beatle fans will instantly recognize this song as they did a cover version in 1962 with Peter Best on drums.
Money – The Beatles
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Interestingly, Berry Gordy, Motown’s driving force and owner, wrote this song, which helped turned Motown into the hit factory it was known for in the 1960′s and beyond.
No one guessed the answer, so I am unable to bestow my newly minted award on anyone. Thanks to Rebecca for designing the award.
Today’s question, and we will continue in Motown mode is:
Q: What was Motown’s first million selling hit?
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- Song of The Day – The Meters – “Come Together” (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
- Music Trivia Question for the Day (therealcanadianmusicblog.wordpress.com)
Song of The Day – The Meters – “Come Together”
- The Meters (album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
My trivia question on George Harrison’s cover version of “Got My Mind Set On You” set me to thinking. Hmmm, George, Beatles, great songs, covers. Made me want to hear a Beatles song, but not by the Beatles, and not a cover that was well-known. I settled on one of my favourite songs by them, “Come Together” and remembered this version done by The Meters. These guys were a New Orleans funk band that were together in the 60′s and 70′s. They did not have much mainstream success but were held in high regard by many in the know. They backed up a lot of people, names like Dr. John and Robert Palmer. This cover has a great edge to it, as edgy as the original I would venture. As a special add-on, Ii have also included an all time funk classic. Enjoy.
Come Together
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Cissy Strut
Music Trivia Question for the Day
I am trying to create an official award logo for this series. I am having a blast finding these, then finding the videos to go with the answers. Having said that, I don’t want to wear out the fun so will be changing up a bit on the presentation. How?? I have no flipping idea. I’m sure I’ll have an epiphany at some point.
Anyway on to the answers and a new question.
The previous question was:
Who did the original version of Soft Cell‘s classic “Tainted Love“. Yes. it is a cover. For bonus points, who wrote it.
First the cover version. I kind of shudder when I hear this song as all I can think of is hair, lots of hair, and really goofy pants.
Tainted Love – Soft Cell
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And now the winner. Rebecca2000 guessed correctly that it was Gloria Jones. She receives 17 bajillion points cause she is new to the blog and I kind of like her. I will be emailing you the prize catalogue from which you can choose to spend your points. You need only pay shipping and handling.
English: This is Gloria Jones performing with T.Rex in March 1976 in Glasgow! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
No one guessed that it was written by Ed Cobb so no bonus points awarded.
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Gloria Jones – The Original
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And now a new question for you to ponder. This question is very subjective, and there might be more than one right answer. Who is (or might be) the most disgusting act in music today. This one is for no points and no prizes, just curious to see if you find anything more ridiculous than the one I have chosen.
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Peter Jones
WikiProject Crowded House (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Peter Jones, drummer with Crowded House from 1994 to 1996, passed away on May 18. He was 49. He also played with Harem Scarem, Tinpan Orange and Deadstar.
In My Command – Crowded House
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He was with Harem Scarem from 1985 to 1989. Here is a song from them.
Miracle Mile
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He joined Deathstar after his stint with Crowded House.
Don’t It Get You Down
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Music Trivia Question for the Day
Stuart Sutcliffe and Harrison (right) in Hamburg (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
First things first. I completely forgot to congratulate Zapple100 for answering the previous question on who originally performed Respect. Congrats to the Zap for guessing correctly.
Second on the agenda, the last question..
Everyone knows the George Harrison song “Got My Mind Set On You“. Who originally recorded it. For bonus points, who wrote it.
George Harrison, everyone’s favourite Beatle recorded this song in 1987 and was one of his 3 number one songs in the USA. That would be a trivia question on its own. Wait, what’s that sound. You mean he’s not the favourite Beatle. Well, he is mine, no idea why, just seemed more down to earth than the others. At any rate, here’s his version.
Got My Mind Set On You
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The answer is James Ray, the bonus answer Rudy Clark. The closest answer came from John The Aussie, sort of. He asked the question while speaking to 100 miners and someone out there said James Raymond. Close enough John, you take the title away from North America to the land of Oz, Australia. Please congratulate John for being the current and reigning Lord of Music Trivia.
James Ray Original
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And the new brain teaser is..
Q: Who did the original version of Soft Cell’s classic “Tainted Love”. Yes. it is a cover. For bonus points, who wrote it.
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Chuck Brown
- wind me up chuck (Photo credit: firmleague)
On May 16, the Father of Go-Go, Chuck Brown passed away at the age of 75. The Father of Go-Go. Why? The man was a DC legend, defining and perfecting his take on the genre. He died as the acknowledged leader in this form of music. Another great player who helped shape our musical world in a fairly anonymous way.
If you are a Washington Nationals fan, you will recognize this one. Bustin’ Loose is played when the Nats hit a home run.
Bustin’ Loose
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Cover of The Other Side
Chuck’s legacy includes stints with Jerry Butler, and with the Soul Searchers. He also recorded an album “The Other Side“, with one of my favourites, Eva Cassidy in 1992. This record is a keeper. Eva could sing the phone book. Here is a tune off it.
Need Your Love So Bad
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His other notable contribution to the world of entertainment was performing the theme song to the “Sinbad’ TV show.
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Music Trivia Question for the Day
Cover of Otis Blue: Sings Soul
My last question from what seems like weeks ago (and was):
Q: Who wrote and recorded the first version of “Respect“?
We all know the very famous version by Aretha Franklin (shown here is a live version from 1968 in Stockholm, Sweden)
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The answer though is, Otis Redding. He wrote and recorded this in 1965. You can find it on his album “Otis Blue“. The song was not released as a single. When Otis heard Aretha’s version, his comment was “That little girl stole my song”.
Here is Otis singing his song.
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Now for a new trivia question to ponder until I pop in again with a new one.
Q: Everyone knows the George Harrison song “Got My Mind Set On You”. Who originally recorded it. For bonus points, who wrote it.
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Let’s Explore The Blues – Georgia Tom
Precious Lord: New Recordings of the Great Songs of Thomas A. Dorsey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Georgia Tom, (Thomas Dorsey) is considered by many to be the father of black gospel music. He was born in Villa Rica, Georgia in 1899, living to the ripe old age of 93, passing away in 1993. His early career was spent with such famous blues men as Tampa Red. Later in his career, he turned to gospel, writing many current standards. These include “Peace In The Valley” (recorded by Mahalia Jackson) and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand“. His songs have been recorded by a veritable who’s who of the music world. think, Elvis Presley, think Aretha Franklin, even Roy Rogers. Now to some music.
First up is a blues number sung by the man himself.
Maybe It’s The Blues
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This next one is a recording of Mahalia Jackson.
Peace In The Valley
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Here is Elvis singing Precious Lord
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As a final treat, we have Thomas Dorsey discussing gospel music and the story behind Precious Lord. Great stuff.
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Sweet Joe Russell
The Persuasions (Photo credit: cisc1970)
Sweet Joe Russell died on May 5. Best known as a singer for The Persuasions, Joe recorded 22 albums with the group. Strange as it sounds, frank Zappa discovered them and was responsible for their first recording. The group was a capella and recorded songs by such diverse people as Elvis Presley and The Grateful Dead. The clip here covers The Everly Brothers tune, “Dream” and an old gospel song “Somewhere To Lay My Head”. Love this era of music. Very diverse and very fresh, at the time.
The Persuasions
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Trivia Question of the Day
What was the first album released on CD?
The last Question answered
Q: Who was the first British musician to have a #1 single in the USA.
A: Mr Acker Bilt. He topped the charts in 1962 with “Stranger On The Shore”
Stranger On The Shore
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Song Of The Day – Sly and The Family Stone – “If You Want Me To Stay”
The Original Family Stone live, 2006. Jerry Martini, Rose Stone, and Cynthia Robinson (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Cleaning out my tags on Shazam and came across this one. Sly and The Family Stone is one great band with a super bass player.
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If You Want Me To Stay
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Trivia Question of the Day
Who was the first British musician to have a #1 single in the USA.
The last Question answered
Q. Who was the first African-American recording artist?
A: Willie “The Lion” Smith. He played piano on Mamie Smith’s “Crazy Blues” in 1920
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Adam Yauch
Adam Yauch, Bestie Boys at Brixton Academy – 05/09/07 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A bit late, but have to comment on a pioneer. Like them or not The Beastie Boys have had a huge impact on modern music. Adam Yauch was a huge talent and will be missed greatly.
Intergalactic
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Charles Pitts
Trivia at the end of the post.
Skip Pitts (Photo credit: Paul Lowry)
On May 1, music lost a true giant, Charles Pitts. He was 65 and suffered from cancer. Charles was a renowned soul and blues guitarist. His major accomplishments included playing with Al Green and Cyndi Lauper on their Grammy nominated albums, a session player at Stax Records, and his time with Isaac Hayes. He played with Hayes for 30 years and created the wah-wah at the beginning of the “Theme from Shaft“. Other credits include backing Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Gene Chandler and the Isley Brothers (he created the riff in It’s Your Thing). An outstanding career. His legacy will stay with us forever.
Theme From Shaft
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It’s Your Thing
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Trivia Question of the Day
What was the first “rock” double album?
The last Question answered
Q. What was the first double album?
A: Benny Goodman‘s “Live At Carnegie Hall” in 1938.
- English: Benny Goodman in concert 1971 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The winner (although admitting it was googled) is A Gripping Life. She has a terrific blog with a mix of movies and music and miscellany.
Sing Sing Sing
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Chris Ethridge
The Gilded Palace of Sin. Flying Burrito Brothers 1969 LP (Photo credit: sludgegulper)
Another part of music history has passed on. Chris Ethridge, bass player, passed away on April 23. He was 65. He was suffering with pancreatic cancer Check out this list of players and bands he worked with, but first, note that he was the bassist for The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman. These guys pretty much created the country-rock genre of music. Chris wrote several songs with the band.
The List
Judy Collins, Leon Russell, Johnny Winter, Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, Jackson Browne, Willie Nelson, Paul Kantner, The Doors and the list goes on.
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Lazy Day
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Remembering Rodgers Grant
Jazz Piano (Photo credit: Mike PD)
Jazz pianist Rodgers Grant died on April 12. He was a jazz pianist and composer, best known for his work with Mongo Santamaria in the 1960′s. His compositions have been recorded by Mongo Santamaria, Stan Getz, Hubert Laws and Georgie Fame. His song “Morning Star” was the title track of the Grammy nominated album of the same name by Hubert Laws. Rodgers was 76.
Morning Star is a very beautiful piece.
Morning Star
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A classic tune. This one will take us all back in time.
