Jan Hammer (born on April 17, 1948 in Prague) was a Czech composer, pianist and keyboardist known for his notable work on Miami Vice theme in 1988. He started to play at four and later had formal lessons at six. Though he also wanted to be a doctor like her father, Hammer … Read more
Introduction Vangelis is a Greek pianist, composer and arranger who received an Oscar for his score in the blockbuster movie Chariots of Fire during the 80 music era. The score’s unorthodox orchestration is one of the most memorable moments in the 80s oldies music scene. His talent encompasses many genres that include … Read more
Introduction The Surfaris were an American surf rock group originating from Glendora, California. They are best known for their Top 10 pop single and now-classic rock and roll track “Wipe Out” during the early 60s music era where surf music reigned supreme, so to speak. Although they are labeled by mainstream music … Read more
Introduction “Adrian Kimberly” is actually the alias of Don Everly, of the famous vocal duo the Everly Brothers. In the early 60s music era he and his brother Phil established a short-lived label Calliope Records, with the main endeavor of showcasing their own solo projects independently from the Everly Brothers’. For Don … Read more
Introduction to Archie Bleyer Successful American bandleader, song arranger and record company executive Archie Bleyer (June 12, 1909- March 20, 1989, Queens, New York) started to play when he was a child. During college days, he switched his electrical engineering course to music. He started writing ‘hot’ novelty songs in the early … Read more
Introduction to Percy Faith Percy Faith (born 1908 – died 1976) attempted to mollify the loud brass-dominated sound which was the standard of the big bands during his time. The late Canada-born composer/bandleader sought refinement by adding a lush string section to mellow the sound, therefore pioneering and popularizing the “easy listening” … Read more
Introduction to Ferko String Band The Ferko String band has become a Philadelphia legend, formed in the 1920s by Joseph A. Ferko (1895-1964). When he was younger, Ferko worked at local a pharmacy owned by a doctor named Dr. John Fralinger. When the new craze called the Mummers Parade was starting in … Read more
Introduction to Dick Jacobs and his Orchestra Dick Jacobs was a New York-born musician, orchestra leader, conductor and arranger. He graduated from New York University and afterwards worked for a music publishing firm. After serving in the US Army in WWII, he spent several years with “big band” leader Tommy Dorsey, along … Read more
Introduction to Davie Allan Davie Allan learned to play guitar in high school where he met schoolmate Mike Curb in choir. During the early 60s music era he and Curb formed an instrumental surf combo. After a couple of unsuccessful singles Curb went on to songwriting and producing while Allen formed his … Read more
Introduction to Cannonball Adderley Cannonball Adderley was born Julian Edwin Adderley on September 15, 1928 in Tampa, Florida. He died of a stroke on August 8, 1975 and was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame that same year. He played the alto saxophone and was the leader of his … Read more
Introduction to Charles Randolph Grean Charles Randolph Grean (born in 1913 – died in 2003) was an American composer and producer who had a single hit along with his group The Charles Randolph Grean Sounde, “Quentin’s Theme” in 1969 (which reached the Top 10 pop). Musically gifted, Grean’s first musical gig came … Read more
Introduction to Love Unliimted Orchestra Singer Barry White and the all-girl trio Love Unlimited’s own backing band, The Love Unlimited Orchestra, also made a name for themselves particularly in the early 70s by recording and releasing their own singles. The 40-piece orchestra (all string-laden) are probably best known by their number one … Read more