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

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

Today in Music History 06/30

TiMH June 30

In 1943, The Supremes vocalist Florence Ballard is born.

In 1944, Little River Band lead singer Glenn Shorrock is born.

In 1951, Sweet guitarist Andy Scott is born.

In 1968, Pantera lead singer Philip Anselmo is born.

In 1973, George Harrison knocked Paul McCartney from the top of the US singles chart with “Give Me Love, Give Me Peace On Earth.” His second US No.1 hit.

In 1984, Huey Lewis and the News went to No.1 on the US album chart with Sports.

In 1995, Garth Brooks was given a star on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame. The Country singer buried the master tapes of his Hits album under the star.

Good intentions are sometimes only sentiments of pending procrastination.

©2008 Tom Leu