June 19, 2013
Singer Ann Wilson of Heart is 63.
Drummer Simon Wright of AC/DC and Dio is 50.
On this day in 1965, The Kinks and Moody Blues played their first American gigs at New York's Academy of Music. Bad news for both bands: they hadn't paid off the New York City Musicians Union and their revoked work visas were right around the corner.
On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones' tender "Wild Horses" entered the singles charts on its way to #28 just as Rod Stewart's classic "Every Picture Tells A Story" album was about to spend four weeks at #1.
On this day in 1976, Blue Oyster Cult's outstanding "Agents Of Fortune" album entered the charts on its way to #29 as "Don't Fear The Reaper" was about to become their biggest hit ever at #12.
On this day in 1982, Fleetwood Mac's song "Hold Me" entered the charts on its way to #4.
On this day in 1997, Bobby Helms, best known for "Jingle Bell Rock," died from emphysema and asthma at the age of 63.
This Sunday night at 8pm on 100.3 The Sound of Los Angeles, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of — and conversation with — Eric Clapton. Check out the promo!
Beatles Demo/Big Bucks
Even 50 years after they first hit, The Beatles' are still such a big deal that a rare 45 demo of their first single, "Love Me Do," just sold on eBay for over $10,000. The single was one of only 250 made for radio airplay in 1962 that predated the Parlophone record company's involvement. In fact, when the song was released, The Beatles were so unknown that the writing credits read McArtney instead of Lennon-McCartney.
Jimi Poster Scores
A psychedelic Jimi Hendrix concert poster from 1968 has sold on eBay for $4000. The iconic image was created by hand by artist John Van Hamersveld to promote the L.A. concert starring Jimi, the Soft Machine, Electric Flag and Blue Cheer. The pop art icon poster was sold complete with pin and staple holes.
More Auction Action
Let's talk about mega memorabilia auctions. The July 3rd Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia sale in London will include animation drawings from Pink Floyd's "The Wall" movie, a letter from Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Who bassist John Entwistle's handwritten sleeve notes, a scarf worn on stage by Jimi Hendrix, Cream tour paperwork, an Afghan coat owned by Marc Bolan of T.Rex and a copy of David Bowie's handwritten lyrics for "The Jean Genie." Additionally, a cardinal red Vox 12-string electric guitar used by Bowie as his Ziggy Stardust character is expected to sell for $15,000. Led Zeppelin mastermind Jimmy Page's personally owned and played Martin 'Birthday Special 2007' acoustic guitar may sell for even more. Whew!
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "The purpose of criticism is to correct, improve and change. It is not to humiliate, demean, or punish."
It was Zig Ziglar who said: "You can disagree without being disagreeable."
Midweek Morning Factoids
It was the custom among men in ancient Rome, when swearing to tell the truth, to place one's right hand on one's testicles. The English word "testimony" is related to this custom.
To double the firepower, British infantry once fired volleys from two ranks with the rear rank standing behind the front rank kneeling. Rear rankers about to fire warned front rankers to keep heads down by calling out, "Beware before!" Then, "'Ware before!" Then just, "'Fore!" And now you know why golfers yell "Fore!"
