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 this … Read more
From the 1960s and the 1970s, America experienced a range of upheavals — the counterculture movement, the Vietnam war, the Watergate scandal, the domestic economic crisis, and much more. As a result, many Americans were left frustrated. Their confidence in their fellow citizens and the government was severely undermined. By the end … 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