Formed in 1986 in Long Island, New York, Public Enemy is a hip hop group that consists of Flavor Flav, DJ Lord, Keith Schocklee, and Chuck D. Keith. They are popularly known for their politically charged music, their active interest in the concerns of the African American community, and their criticism of … Read more
Introduction Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009) is one of the most famous superstars in the world. The “King of Pop” did not only shape the sound and the style of the 70s and 80s music, but also became an iconic figure for the popular culture of the 20th century. He … Read more
Let’s have a look back at The Ed Sullivan Show, one of the most highly-watched variety programs during the 50s and 60s. Some of the artists such as The Beatles and Elvis Presley provided breakthrough performances on that show, and immediately gained widespread national exposure after their appearances there. Here are some few facts … Read more
Introduction Herman’s Hermits are one of the popular acts to come out of the British Invasion and the of “beat music” scene of the 60s music era. In their peak years, they were led by Peter Noone (“Herman”). The Manchester combo scored several Top 20 and Top 10 hits in the UK … Read more
Introduction: Jimmy Dorsey (February 29, 1904 – June 12, 1957) was one of the highly-regarded musicians and big-band leaders during his time, from the 30s up to the 50s music era. Dorsey was proficient in playing the trumpet, clarinet and saxophone. He recorded several pop and jazz standards that have become oldies … Read more
Introduction: Tommy Dorsey was an American musician and bandleader and one of the prominent figures of the Big Band and Swing era. A jazz trombonist, trumpeter and composer, he was a younger brother of another famed Swing musician and bandleader Jimmy Dorsey. The brothers came even to a point of competing each … Read more
Introduction GQ was an American disco and R&B group who scored a handful of hits on the disco and R&B charts throughout the 70s music era, and they continued their hitmaking prowess in the 1980s. These hits include “I Do Love You,” “Disco Nights (Rock-Freak),” and “Sad Girl,” all disco and oldies … Read more
Introduction Con Funk Shun is a funk and R&B band formed during the late 1960s. From a backup band, Con Funk Shun eventually came out on their own with their string of R&B chart hits during the 70s music era. Among their biggest hits are “Ffun,” which is now an obscure oldies … 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 Celebration was a short-lived group formed by Beach Boys’ Mike Love during the 70s music era, as his side project. The band also consisted of members from the rock group King Harvest (known for their catchy hit “Dancing in the Moonlight”), among others. The group scored their only hit with “Almost … 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: Jimmy Elledge (1943-2012) was an American country singer and musician from the 60s music era. He is primarily known for his only hit and now oldies music classic “Funny How Time Slips Away,” which placed on the Billboard Top 40 chart during this decade, making him a one hit wonder. Brief … Read more
Introduction John Fred and his Playboy Band was a pop and blue-eyed soul group led by John Fred Gourrier (1941-2005). John Fred and His Playboy Band scored their only major hit single “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” in during the late 60s music era and now an oldies music classic. After his … Read more
Introduction Johnny Ferguson (born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1937) is an American country and pop singer-songwriter from the 60s music era. He started as a disc jockey on several of local stations in Nashville. He cut out demo recordings which were noticed by an MGM executive Arnold Maxin. Maxin invited Ferguson to … Read more
Introduction One of the numerous “one hit wonder” groups, The Joe Jeffrey Group fleetingly surfaced in the 60s music scene. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, this pop/soul-oriented band, led by founder and singer Joe Stafford, had a hit with the catchy oldies music classic “My Pledge Of Love,” released under Wand Records. Subsequent … Read more
Introduction Joe Jones was an American R&B singer-songwriter, who was responsible with forming the all-girl group The Dixie Cups. His only major hit was “You Talk Too Much” during the 60s music era. He figured in some legal issues as well, concerning claims that he took the credit for the songs he … Read more
Introduction Jimmy Jones (1937-2012) was an American singer-songwriter whose distinct vocal quality has been described as an effortlessly soulful falsetto. The Alabama native started his career in show business as a tap dancer, then in 1954 became part of a doo-woop group named the Berliners (later Sparks Of Rhythm). Jones began his … Read more
Jimi Hendrix, Les Paul, Eddie Van Halen, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Slash. These are just a few names that come to mind when we hear a great electric guitar solo or rhythm. These music greats helped usher the popularity and ubiquity of the electric guitar. But how did … Read more
Because all of the major turmoils from the 1960s and the 1970s — the counterculture movement, the Vietnam war, the Watergate scandal and the domestic economic crisis — many Americans were left frustrated. Their confidence towards their fellow citizens and the government were severely undermined. By the end of Jimmy Carter’s presidency, … Read more
Bill Medley (born William Thomas Medley on September 19, 1940 in Sta. Ana, California) is an American singer and songwriter who is also known also as one of the Righteous Brothers .” After gaining several hits with the duo, Medley had finally gained his own hit single (I’ve Had) The Time of … Read more
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
A-Ha, the synthpop group from Oslo, Norway, achieved brief popularity in the 80’s music era with “Take On Me” in 1985. The 3-piece band comprised of Magne Furuholmen, Pål Waaktaar and Morten Harket and founded in 1982. They reached the peak of popularity upon releasing the single “Take On Me,” the carrier … Read more
Introduction Ray Charles was an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter and pianist who became one of the pioneers and most important figures of soul during the 50s and 60s music era. He is called “The Genius” of soul music. He combined soul, R&B, gospel, pop and country to create enduring oldies classic … Read more
Introduction USA for Africa was the all-star one hit wonders famous for their charity single “We Are the World” during the mid-80s music era. Inspired by the similar charity music project Band Aid in the UK, the USA for Africa was formed with the intention of relieving famine in Africa. “We Are … Read more
Introduction The Velvet Underground is not some typical oldies music/classic rock group. They are one of the most influential rock groups in the 20th century. And like many other influential rock groups, The Velvet Underground enjoyed little commercial success during their existence in the 60s and 70s music era. But as years … Read more
Introduction U2 is an Irish rock band formed Dublin. Led by lead vocalist Bono, the band transformed themselves from a popular touring act to bonafide superstars when their album The Joshua Tree became an international success during the 80s music era. U2 is known for their willful integration of many genres … Read more
Introduction The late Otis Redding was one of the popular artists during the 60s music era. He is now one of oldies music’s legends, and his influence cannot be denied, even almost 50 years after his untimely death. He was a soul and R&B singer-songwriter who was known as “the voice of … Read more
Introduction Muddy Waters was an American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist primarily known for his classic blues standard “Hoochie Coochie Man.” It became a big R&B hit during the 50s music era and is now considered a very influential song. Although he was born and raised in Mississippi, he was otherwise dubbed as … Read more
Introduction Jerry Lee Lewis is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who was dubbed by his nickname “The Killer.” One of the pioneers of the 50s music and classic rock and roll scene, he shot to international fame with his first major hit “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” He scored other classic oldies … Read more
Introduction Bobby McFerrin is an American singer known for his late 80s music era hit, the very catchy “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” which became a Grammy Award winner. Although more known as a one-hit wonder, McFerrin is one of the original and distinctive singers in his time, is adept at several … Read more