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

Today in Music History 06/22

TiMH June 22

In 1936, singer/songwriter/actor Kris Kristofferson is born.

In 1948, guitarist/producer Todd Rundgren is born.

In 1953, singer/songwriter Cyndi Lauper is born.

In 1956, Simple Minds bassist, Derek Forbes is born.

In 1957, INXS bassist Gary Beers is born.

In 1968, The Jeff Beck group featuring Rod Stewart made their US debut at the Fillmore East, New York.

In 1974, Gordon Lightfoot started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with “Sundown.”

When you know it, and you doubt it, you kill it.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 06/19

TiMH June 19

In 1950, Heart lead vocalist Ann Wilson is born.

In 1963, AC/DC and Dio drummer Simon Wright is born.

In 1963, singer/dancer/”talent” judge Paula Abdul is born.

In 1970, Korn guitarist Brian (Head) Welch is born.

In 1971, Carole King started a five week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with “It’s Too Late / I Feel The Earth Move.” Both songs were from the album Tapestry, which also topped the US charts on this day.

In 1976, Blue Oyster Cult’s Agents of Fortune album entered the charts as “Don’t Fear the Reaper” was on its way to becoming their biggest hit.

In 1987, Guns N’ Roses made their UK live debut at a sold out Marquee Club in London.

How you say goodbye is how you live your life.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 06/14

TiMH June 14

In 1945, The Zombies and Argent keyboardist Rod Argent is born.

In 1963, Queensryche guitarist Chris DeGarmo is born.

In 1965, Paul McCartney recorded “Yesterday” in London.

In 1975, America went to No.1 on the US singles chart with “Sister Golden Hair,” the group’s second US No.1.

In 1980, Billy Joel started a six-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with Glass Houses, his second US No.1 album.

People usually don’t pay attention until they have to.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 06/11

TiMH June 11

In 1949, ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is born.

In 1952, 38 Special vocalist Donnie Van Zandt is born.

In 1966, The Rolling Stones’ song “Paint It Black” hit #1.

In 1969, David Bowie released the single “Space Oddity” to coincide with the recent moon landing.

In 1977, “Telephone Line” by E.L.O. entered the charts.

In 1983, Bryan Adams released the song “Cuts Like A Knife.”

Consensus doesn’t sell. Controversy equals commerce.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 06/03

TiMH June 3

In 1946, Led Zeppelin bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones is born.

In 1946, Mott the Hoople vocalist Ian Hunter is born.

In 1952, Lynyrd Skynrd keyboardist Billy Powell is born.

In 1954, singer/songwriter Dan Hill is born.

In 1964, Slayer guitarist Kerry King is born.

In 1967, The Doors released the song “Light My Fire.”

In 1970, Ray Davies of The Kinks flew back to London from New York to rerecord two words in the song “Lola.” He changed “Coca-Cola” to “cherry cola” to qualify for airplay on the noncommercial BBC radio.

It takes a certain amount of self-control to remain simple.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 05/31

TiMH May 31

In 1948, legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham is born.

In 1969, The Rolling Stones recorded “Honky Tonk Women.”

In 1969, The Plastic Ono Band recorded “Give Peace A Chance” during a ‘bed-in’ at the Hotel La Reine in Montreal, Canada.

In 1975, the Eagles released the “One Of These Nights” single.

In 1982, R.E.M. signed a five-album deal with I.R.S. Records, an independent label based in California.

Volume and intensity do not necessarily equal value and intelligence.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 05/30

TiMH May 30

In 1964, Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello is born.

In 1964, The Beatles’ single “Love Me Do” hit #1 in the United States.

In 1968, The Beatles began recording sessions for the White album.

In 1975, Paul McCartney & Wings release the Venus and Mars album.

In 1992, The Black Crowes’ second album, The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion, went to No.1 on the US album chart.

People often ask the question “Why?” when fearing they know the answer already, but want a different one.

Today in Music History 05/23

TiMH May 23

In 1934, inventor of the synthesiser Robert Moog is born. 

In 1970, Paul McCartney’s debut solo album, McCartney, started a three-week run at No.1 on the US album chart.

In 1974, singer/songwriter Jewel Kilcher is born.

In 1979, due to a record company dispute, Tom Petty was forced to file for bankruptcy.

In 1979, The Who’s documentary “The Kids Are Alright” debuted in theaters.

It’s our convictions, not our circumstances that most affect our outcomes.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 05/21

TiMH May 21

In 1948, pop singer Leo Sayer is born.

In 1955, longtime Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch is born.

In 1971, the UK rock group Free announced that they were breaking up.

In 1977, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours was the #1 album in the U.S.

In 1983, David Bowie went to No.1 on the US singles chart with “Let’s Dance”, his second US No.1.

Greatness is reserved for those who pursue it.

©2008 Tom Leu

Today in Music History 05/19

TiMH May 19

In 1945, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend is born.

In 1949, ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill is born.

In 1954, longtime AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd is born.

In 1969, The Who released the classic Tommy album.

In 1979, Supertramp went to No.1 on the US album chart with Breakfast In America, the groups only US No.1.  

Authentic leaders are readily willing to recognize and embrace other leaders.

©2008 Tom Leu