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