Tom Leu "seeing things" … perspectives on music, marketing, & motivation

Today in Music History 5/10

TiMH May 10

In 1946, solo artists Dave Mason and Donovan, and songwriter Graham Gouldman of 10cc are born.

In 1957, Sex Pistol’s bassist Sid Vicious (John Ritchie) is born.

In 1960, U2 lead singer Bono (Paul Hewson) is born.

In 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded their first attempt on Keith Richards’ song “Satisfaction” at Chess Studios in Chicago. Two days later, they got it right in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood.

In 1969, Led Zeppelin made their first appearance on the UK album chart when the band’s debut album charted at No.6, going on to spend 71 weeks there. Led Zeppelin is now considered one of the most important debuts in rock, creating an entirely new interpretation of the rock and roll genre because of the groundbreaking music and recording techniques. The album was reportedly recorded in just 36 hours.

In 1974, Eric Clapton recorded his cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.”

In 1974, The Who sold out Madison Square Gardens in New York City for four nights selling 80,000 tickets.

In 1978, with Keith Richards clean for the first time in years, The Rolling Stones released the biggest hit of the Summer of ‘78 with “Miss You.”

In 1985, all girl group The Go-Go’s announced that they were breaking up.

In 1986, The Pet Shop Boys went to No.1 on the US singles chart with “West End Girls.”

In 1986, Tommy Lee from Motley Crue married actress Heather Locklear.

We’ll never get comfortable doing new things until we get used to doing things when we’re uncomfortable. Growth often hurts and does not come with a safety net. Trust the process.

©2009 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 04/19

TiMH April 19

In 1965, The Beatle’s single “Ticket to Ride” was released on Capitol records in the US. The single’s label stated that the song was from the upcoming movie Eight Arms to Hold You (the original name for the movie Help!).

In 1974, guitarist Ron Wood played his first live show with The Rolling Stones.

In 1975, Elton John fired his longtime bassist, Dee Murray, and drummer, Nigel Olsson, the day before his album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy was released.

In 1980, Van Halen’s third album, Women & Children First, blasted onto the charts. 

In 1980, Brian Johnson replaced the late Bon Scott as AC/DC’s lead singer. Within two weeks, the band was recording their classic Back In Black album.

In 1980, Blondie went to No.1 on the US singles chart with “Call Me,” featured in the Richard Gere movie American Gigolo.

Also in 1980, the Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why” peaked at #8 on the singles chart.

Isolation screams distrust.

©2009 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 04/03

TiMH April 03

In 1946, long time Elton John bassist Dee Murray is born. 

In 1951, Grand Funk Railroad bassist Mel Schacher is born. 

In 1960, at RCA studios in Nashville, Elvis Presley recorded “It’s Now Or Never,” ”Fever” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”

In 1968, former Skid Row lead singer Sebastian Bach is born.

In 1971, The Temptations scored their second US No.1 with “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).”

In 1976, David Bowie’s “Golden Years” peaked at #10 on the charts.

In 1982, “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner peaked at #26 on the charts.

In 1991, Paul McCartney did an acoustic performance for “MTV Unplugged,” and then became the first artist to release an “Unplugged” performance as an album.

Though difficult, change is so valuable because without it, we’d never know what we needed to change from. And that unknowingness is arguably worse than any change we’d ever have to endure.

©2009 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 03/27

TiMH March 27

In 1950, Genesis keyboardist and co-founding member Tony Banks is born.

In 1959, INXS keyboardist Andrew Farriss is born.

In 1965, Staind bassist Johnny April is born.

In 1972, Elvis Presley recorded what would be his last major hit, “Burning Love,” which peaked at #2 on the US charts.

In 1981, the AC/DC album Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap was finally released in the United States. The album peaked at #4 and went on to sell 2 million copies by the year’s end.

In 1984, Metallica played their first UK gig debuting at the Marquee, London.

In 1986, Sammy Hagar played his first gig as the new lead singer of Van Halen.

In 1987, U2 performed from the roof of a store in downtown LA to make the video for “Where The Streets Have No Name,” attracting thousands of spectators and bringing traffic to a standstill, eventually requiring the police to stop the shoot.

Your life and your lifestyle are not the same thing. The quality of your life is directly proportional to quality of your lifestyle choices.

©2009 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 03/17

TiMH March 17

In 1941, Jefferson Airplane/Starship founding member and guitarist Paul Kantner is born.

In 1957, Elvis Presley bought the Graceland mansion for $102,500. The original building had at one time been used by the Graceland Christian Church.

In 1966, guitarist, vocalist, and founder of the Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan is born.

In 1973, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon album entered the American charts.

In 1973, Dr Hook’s single “On The Cover Of Rolling Stone” peaked at No.6 on the US chart. The single was banned in the UK by the BBC due to the reference of the magazine.

In 1978, U2 won $850 and a chance to audition for CBS Ireland in a talent contest held in Dublin.

In 1979, Bad Company released the song “Rock & Roll Fantasy” and Styx released “Renegade.”

Being what you want to be, initiates the doing what you have to do, which produces the having what you want to have.

©2009 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 09/16

TiMH September 16

In 1925, blues guitar legend B.B. King is born.

In 1942, the Hollies bassist Bernie Calvert is born.

In 1948, Small Faces and the Who drummer Kenney Jones is born.

In 1963, singer/songwriter/producer Richard Marx is born.

In 1977, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album began its 19th week on the charts at #1.

Also in 1977, Marc Bolan, the man who was T. Rex, died in a car crash at the age of 28.

In 1978, Boston went to No.1 on the US album chart with Don’t Look Back.

Also in 1978, Styx released “Blue Collar Man” as “Just What I Needed” by The Cars peaked at #27 on the charts.

The ABC’s of Success: Aspire to Inspire. Build Bridges. Create a Legacy.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 07/26

TiMH July 26

In 1943, Rolling Stones lead vocalist Mick Jagger is born.

In 1949, Queen drummer Roger Taylor is born.

In 1961, Extreme lead vocalist Gary Cherone is born.

In 1975, The Eagles started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with One Of These Nights.

In 1986, the film soundtrack to Top Gun went to No.1 on the US album chart. 

People don’t give much attention to those things that don’t get their attention in the first place.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 07/17

TiMH July 17

In 1949, Black Sabbath bassist Terry (Geezer) Butler is born.

In 1952, Doobie Brothers drummer Chet McCracKen is born.

In 1967, The Beatles single “All You Need Is Love”/”Baby You’re A Rich Man” was released in the U.S. becoming The Beatles’ 14th U.S. No.1 single. 

In 1971, The Who released “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”

In 1976, Heart’s “Magic Man” entered the U.S. singles chart.

It isn’t possible to truly value the quality of one’s own work until its value isn’t wholly based on the approval of others.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 07/07

TiMH July 7

In 1940, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr is born.

In 1969, George Harrison recorded his new song “Here Comes the Sun” with just two other Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Star at Abbey Road in London.

In 1977 (7/7/77), Styx released their seventh album, The Grand Illusion. It proved to be their big breakthrough, selling four million copies.

In 1984, Bruce Springsteen went to No.1 on the US album chart with Born In The USA. The album went on to spend a total of 139 weeks on the US chart.

In 1989, it was announced that for the first time compact discs were out selling vinyl albums.

Cordial disdain is the coward’s confrontation and another form of hatred.

©2008 Tom Leu