In the 1980s, the music scene witnessed the rise of an extravagant and flamboyant genre: glam metal, also known as hair metal. Characterized by its over-the-top fashion, heavy use of makeup, and theatrical performances, glam metal was a cultural phenomenon more than a musical style. Bands in this genre combined the hard-hitting … Read more
Memphis, Tennessee, often hailed as the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Home of the Blues, is a pivotal landmark on the map of America’s musical landscape. This vibrant city on the banks of the Mississippi River has played a significant role in shaping the course of popular music worldwide, with … Read more
Introduction The Hollywood Argyles were a short-lived studio group assembled by producer/musician/songwriters Kim Fowley and Gary Paxton. They achieved popularity with their 60s music era hit single and now oldies music classic “Alley Oop,” and the group went on to become a one hit wonder. A bit more on The Hollywood Argyles … Read more
Introduction Joe Barry was an American swamp pop singer hailing from Louisiana, known for his only big hit and now-oldies music classic “I’m a Fool to Care” (released on Jin Records) during the early 60s era. Although generally considered as a one-hit wonder, Barry also charted with another single “Teardrops in My … Read more
Introduction to Cate Brothers Oldies music fans will probably recognize the Cate Brothers. Consisting of twin brothers Earl and Ernest Cate (born on December 26, 1942), the Arkansas-based duo the Cate Brothers gained recognition for their one and only hit “Union Man” during the 70s music era. It entered the Top 40 … Read more
Introduction Brook Benton (1931-1988) was a prolific and successful R&B/pop/soul/rock and roll singer-songwriter who amassed several R&B as well as pop chart hits particularly from the late 50s to early 60s music era, although he also scored sizable hits up to the 1970s. He wrote or co-wrote many of his big hits … Read more
Introduction Bruce Channel is an American rock n roll/pop/country/rockabilly singer-songwriter known for his #1 pop hit “Hey! Baby” during the early 60s music era. He is considered as a a one-hit wonder; nevertheless, he had several other minor Hot 100 hits such as “Number One Man” and “Come on Baby.” He is … Read more
Introduction American rock n roll and R&B singer/songwriter Bobby Day was a former member of the L.A.-based Hollywood Flames (who was known for their hit single “Buzz, Buzz, Buzz” in 1957) and the Satellites, entering the 60s music era. The songs he wrote, such as “Over and Over” and “Little Bitty Pretty … Read more
Introduction Frankie Lymon was an American singer who fronted the Harlem, New York City group The Teenagers, one of the first few racially integrated acts, and also the first all-teenaged group. Lymon befriended Herman Santiago, lead singer of Coupe De Villes, and joined the latter’s group that became The Premieres. When the … Read more
Introduction to Dave Edmunds Dave Edmunds (born David William Edmunds in 1944) is a Welsh/British guitarist, singer and record producer. He began his music career playing with different bands, starting from the Edmund Bros with his older brother Geoff, and then The Raiders, and Love Sculpture. After Love Sculpture split, he formed … Read more
Introduction to Charlie Gracie Charlie Gracie (born Charles Anthony Graci in 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American rock and roll and R&B singer and guitarist, considered one of the earliest rock pioneers. Gracie’s earliest record was the popular song by Fats Waller, “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a … Read more
Introduction to The Cadillacs The Cadillacs were an American doo-wop/R&B/rock and roll group formed in Harlem, New York in 1953. They are considered as one of the pioneering doo-wop acts at that time, being the first black doo-wop a group to cross over the pop charts. They also imposed other “firsts” – … Read more