January 4, 1950: RCA Victor announced that it would begin manufacturing long-playing records, which came to be known as albums or LPs.
I still have several hundred classic rock albums, which my kids used to refer to as “those big huge black CDs.” In case you’re wondering, I don’t have any 8-track tapes left. However, in a nod to technology, I did get an iPod last year.
As Dylan said, “The Times They Are A-Changin’.”
January 3, 1945: Stephen Stills was born.
With or without his buddies, Stephen Stills is a true classic as both a songwriter and guitarist.
One of the best albums released last year was Stills’ Just Roll Tape. It’s full of stuff he laid down alone with his guitar right after a Judy Collins recording session in 1968. Since that was before the first CSN album, there are fantastic early incarnations of “Change Partners,” “Suite Judy Blue Eyes,” “Helplessly Hoping” and “Wooden Ships.” The quality of the recording is not particularly good (ok, some of it actually sucks), but that doesn’t take away from the beauty of the work.
My all-time favorite Stills lyric comes from the song “Treetop Flyer” which is, coincidentally, on Just Roll Tape. “I don’t do business that don’t make me smile.” That’s pretty much the mantra for my business.
Imagine my delight yesterday in opening my email to find that the Dead has announced dates and venues for their spring tour.
I’ve got a feeling 2009 is gonna be a fantabulous year!
Crash: the sound of your New Year’s resolutions shattering on January 2nd.
Christmas: the holiday most responsible for draining bank accounts.
Christmas morning: a time when kids both young and old sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of their socks.
December 18, 1943: Keith Richards was born.
Who out there would have been willing to bet Keef would live to see his 65th birthday? I think the Vegas oddsmakers called it a million to one longshot.
I’m certainly glad he’s still kicking. The Glimmer Twins did some of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen, and they are still electric onstage together.
Here’s a flashback moment. Do you remember your first Stones concert?
The lineup for the 40th New Orleans Jazz Festival just came out and, as usual, it’s a stellar list of superstars.
Weekend one (April 24-26) highlights include Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor, Joe Cocker, Earth Wind & Fire, Wilco, Johnny Winter, Pete Seeger, Hugh Masekela, Allen Toussaint, Robert Cray, Booker T. Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Etta James, Mavis Staples and a whole lot more.
Weekend two (April 30-May 3) features Aretha Franklin, Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Buddy Guy, Los Lobos, Toots & the Maytals, John Mayall, Solomon Burke, Jakob Dylan and the Neville Brothers…among many, many others.
Sounds like one helluva party’s gonna erupt in New Orleans this spring!
Since it was 42 years ago yesterday that the song was released, here’s a video of Jimi doing “Hey Joe,” followed by a spectacular instrumental version of Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.”
December 16, 1950: Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top was born.
A legendary guitar player, Billy wrote and played some of the most memorable guitar riffs of all time (think “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man.”)
An he has the best beard in Rock & Roll.
