A definite classic, China Grove by The Doobie Brothers, recorded live in 1974. This band was always hit or miss for me. I loved lots of their stuff (Black Water) and some, not so much (Listen to the Music). No matter though, this particular song is part of the soundtrack of my life as it is for many others.
Jerry Lieber, who, along with Mike Stoller virtually created the R&B pop standard, died on August 22, 2011. He was 78. Some may not know the name, but you would certainly know the songs. Stand By Me. Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock. Yakety Yak. On Broadway. Kansas City. There Goes My Baby. All in all, Lieber and Stoller wrote 24 songs that hit the US charts for “The Coasters” alone. Among his accomplishments are induction to the “Songwriters Hall of Fame” and the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” among many others. Many people, including Phil Spector apprenticed or collaborated with him.
Prior to Lieber and Stoller, R&B was primarily a straight forward in style. They surrounded it with a “big” sound and pop lyrics, allowing the sound to crossover into mainstream radio. This was evident in not only the Coasters and Ben E King, but also for white artists such as Elvis Presley. They were instrumental in moving R&B out of the black clubs into the traditional pop music mould.
A chapter in rock and roll history is now closed. His contributions were large and still impact today’s music. A true giant of the industry.
The Who and the Smothers Brothers, an interesting combination. The video is from a 1965 appearance on the Smothers Brothers, and was, unfortunately, lip-synced. The banter with Tommy Smothers and the performance are not, which makes for an interesting performance. Pretend they are live and enjoy The Who playing “My Generation“. An interesting side note for you. On the album “My Generation”, Jimmy Page plays lead guitar on “Bald Headed Woman” and rhythm guitar on “I Can’t Explain“.
The 80’s, time of hair bands, and one of the more successful bands was Warrant. Singer, front man, Jani Lane passed away on August 11. He was 47. Cause of death is unknown at this time. He was an on and off again member of Warrant, leaving the band for good in 2004. He was most recently appearing as lead singer for Greta White while Jack Russell was recovering from surgery. The video is a live version of “Cherry Pie“, one their bigger hits.
A tough week for music lovers. Dan Peek, member of America during the glory years in the 70’s passed away on July 24th. He wrote, sang lead and backup vocals and guitar with the band. America was one of those bands that you either liked or disliked passionately. Having said that, one cannot deny that they are part of any 70’s soundtrack. Their hits are iconic and will still be played for a very long time. Songs such as “Ventura Highway“, “Horse With No Name“, “Tin Man” and “Sister Golden Hair” are unforgettable.
Dan Peek left the band in 1977 and went on to a productive career as a Christian singer/songwriter. He chose this route as a foil to his years of recreational drug use. In contrast to Amy Winehouse, he was one of the lucky ones, escaping the rocker lifestyle as he did.
