1956: "Heartbreak hotel" by Elvis was # 1 this week

  

Elvis recorded this song in January 1956 and it became his first # 1 and gold record.   "Heartbreak hotel" is one of the greatest rock songs of all time.  

It launched Elvis and everything that followed, from more gold records to movies.   I learned later that Chet Atkins played guitar and Floyd Cramer the piano in this recording.

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

We remember Sonny James (1928-2016)

Sonny James was born in Alabama on this day in 1928 and died in 2016.  He was 87.    

Sonny performed at an early age with his parents.   He began to write songs during his military service in the Korean War.

You can catch his music in this collection!  His songs were heard on country radio from coast to coast.

P.S.  Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

Growing up with CCR on the radio!

Back in March 1969, The Beatles were still enjoying the success of the "White Album".

The Rolling Stones had released "Beggar's Banquet", one of their best LPs.   

Later in the summer of 1969, they'd release "Honky Tonk Women", one of their best songs ever.

The Bee Gees were about to release "Odessa", a great album that included "First of May" and the lovely title song.

Add Creedence Clearwater Revival to the radio playlist. Everybody called them CCR because their name was too long!

CCR was "John Fogerty--lead guitar and vocals
(brother) Tom Fogerty--guitar
Stu Cook--bass, and
Doug Clifford--drums".

The band's songs were written by band leader John Fogerty.

Their sound was their sound. You could always tell that it was John Fogerty's vocals and CCR's sound.

In the spring and early summer of 1969, CCR started a long streak of hit songs.    It culminated with "Cosmo's Factory", one of my favorite rock LP's.

"Proud Mary" was a song about going up and down on The Mississippi River. I always think of this song when I cross the river.

It was also the song that put CCR on the top of the charts. It was a very long "stay" because CCR became a very popular band.

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

First of May (remembering The Bee Gees)

It was originally released in the spring of 1969. The Bee Gees sold millions of records but "First of May" is still one of my favorites. 

First of May---Bee Gees

"When I was small, and christmas trees were tall,

We used to love while others used to play.

Dont ask me why, but time has passed us by,

Some one else moved in from far away.(chorus)

Now we are tall, and christmas trees are small,

And you dont ask the time of day.

But you and i, our love will never die,

But guess well cry come first of may.

The apple tree that grew for you and me,

I watched the apples falling one by one.

And I recall the moment of them all,

The day I kissed your cheek and you were mine.....

When I was small, and christmas trees were tall,

Do do do do do do do do do...

Dont ask me why, but time has passed us by,

Some one else moved in from far away."

Have a happy First of May!

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

"Lamplight", great song by The Bee Gees!

It was part of the "Odessa" LP released in the spring of 1969 and also the B side of "First of May".

"Lamplight" was one of my favorite songs from the Brothers Gibb.

The "A" side of this great single was "First of May", another wonderful 
song!   It was also included in the movie "Melody".

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.