1955 – Chrysler introduces the world’s first in-car sound systems – record players, complete with an assortment of classical vinyl, mounted under the dashboard. The unit measures about four inches high and less than a foot wide. The seven inch discs spin at 16 2/3 rpm and require almost three times the number of grooves per inch as an LP. The players are discontinued in 1961.
1942 – In response to what it sees as a threat from a new fad, phonograph records, the American Federation of Musicians goes on a recording strike (but not live gigs).
1954 – Elvis Presley signs a recording contract with Sun Records and quits his day job at The Crown Electric Company. Sam Phillips from Sun Records originally wanted to use the 19-year-old to make demos of songs meant for other artists, but soon realized that he could bridge the gap between white and black performances.
1962 : The Beatles record at Abbey Road for the first time, demoing three songs they wrote themselves: “Love Me Do,” “Ask Me Why,” and “P.S. I Love You.” The four musicians receive payments of $12.07 each for the session. This day in 1966, they record “Eleanor Rigby,” and they lay down “Don’t Pass My By” today in 1968.
Stevie Wonder took the wheel and joined Late, Late Show host James Corden for a memorable edition of “Carpool Karaoke” on Monday night. You must see the two of them sing “Superstition,” “Isn’t She Lovely” and “Sir Duke.” A dream come true for all “in the car singers” out there! 🙂 Continue reading →
Rod Stewart and The Faces will reunite for a charity concert in September. Continue reading →
We don’t have any doubt that the recently announced Fleetwood Mac show at Wells Fargo on April 6th doesn’t have the potential for a night of awesome classic rockness. But here’s one we’re cautiously optimistic about – Rod Stewart with Steve Winwood at the Wells Fargo Center on April 12th. Here’s why: very likely we’re going to get the shmaltzy, cheesier side of Rod The Mod. We’re less concerned about Steve Winwood; he’s yet to record any middle of the road collections of cover songs so we’ll probably get a solid set of the Winwood/Traffic classics. For Rod, the cut off point for us stops with 1978’s Blondes Have More Fun. If Rod comes with a healthy dose of Faces and early solo material we’re going to the show. We’ll be okay with “Do You Think I’m Sexy,” and “Tonight’s The Night.” But ultimately it’s all about the set list, right? One thing we can be sure of: regardless of the set list you’re going to get a great show as Rod is the consummate performer and we’re pretty sure he’ll rock just enough hits in the show to keep everyone happy. Go here to purchase tickets to the show. Below, relive the past.