Fans Against Fake Bands » Music from the 60′s

Blood, Sweat & Tears

videeoo — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:07:53 +0000

Rating 3 Stars We give them an extra star because they raise a lot of money for charity Blood, Sweat & Tears has been through numerous line-up changes, see below Blood, Sweat & Tears continues its heavy touring schedule throughout the world with its current line-up of members, some of whom have been with the band previously during the past two decades. The band has gone through to many member line-up changes to cover in this brief article. Under the direction of Larry Dorr and founding member Bobby Colomby, the band has enjoyed something of a resurgence. Blood, Sweat & Tears donates money through its “Elsie Monica Colomby” music scholarship fund to deserving schools and students who need help in prolonging their musical education, such as the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The year 2007 witnessed the band’s first world tour in a decade. Since late 2005, the band often does shows backing up former Three Dog Night singer Chuck Negron, where the group will play its own set and then another set that includes Chuck’s Three Dog Night hits. 2008 brings with it the anticipated return of founding member Steve Katz. The year is also the 40th touring anniversary, and surprise alumni are expected to be joining the band throughout the year. All of the band’s albums, with the exception of Brand New Day, are currently available on compact disc. BS&T’s first four albums were reissued by Sony Records in remastered editions (typically with bonus material), except for its third album, which has been reissued by Mobile Fidelity. The later Columbia albums have been reissued by Wounded Bird Records, and Rhino Records has reissued Nuclear Blues. Brand New Day was issued on CD in Russia in 2002, although the disc may not have received authorization from copyright holders. Current Line-up

Steve Katz :guitar,harmonica, vocals Rob Paparozzi : vocals, harmonica Dave Gellis : guitar Glenn McClelland : keyboards Gary Foote : bass

Andrea Valentini : drums Teddy Mulet : trumpet

Steve Jankowski : trumpet

Jens Wendelboe : trombone

Tom Timko : sax

Former Band Members Al Kooper : keyboards, vocals (1967-1968) Randy Brecker : trumpet, flugelhorn (1967-1968) Jerry Weiss : trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals (1967-1968) Fred Lipsius : alto sax, keyboards (1967-1972) Dick Halligan : keyboards, trombone, horns, flute, backing vocals (1967-1972) Steve Katz : guitar, harmonica, lute, mandolin, vocals (1967-1973, 2008-) Jim Fielder : bass, guitar, backing vocals (1967-1974) Bobby Colomby : drums, percussion, backing vocals (1967-1977) David Clayton-Thomas : vocals, guitar (1968-1972, 1974-1981, 1984-2004) Lew Soloff : trumpet, flugelhorn (1968-1974) Chuck Winfield : trumpet, flugelhorn, backing vocals (1968-1973) Jerry Hyman : trombones, recorder (1968-1970) Dave Bargeron : trombone, tuba, horns, bass, backing vocals (1970-1978) Bobby Doyle : vocals, piano (1972) Joe Henderson : tenor sax (1972) Lou Marini Jr. : tenor & soprano sax, flute (1972-1974) Larry Willis : keyboards (1972-1978) Georg Wadenius : guitar, vocals (1972-1975) Jerry Fisher : vocals (1972-1974) Tom Malone : trombone, trumpet, flugelhorn, alto sax, bass (1973-1974) Jerry LaCroix : vocals, alto sax, flute, harmonica (1974) Ron McClure : bass (1974-1975, 1976) Tony Klatka : trumpet, horns (1974-1978) Bill Tillman : alto sax, flute, clarinet, backing vocals (1974-1977) Luther Kent : vocals (1974-1976) Joe Giorgianni : trumpet, flugelhorn (1974-1975) Jaco Pastorius : bass (1975-1976) Steve Khan : guitar (1975) Mike Stern : guitar (1975-1977) Keith Jones : bass (1976) Danny Trifan : bass (1976-1977) Forrest Buchtell : trumpet (1975-1977) Don Alias : percussion (1975-1976) Roy McCurdy : drums (1976-1977) Jeff Richman : guitar (1976 fill in for Stern) Randy Bernsen : guitar (1977) Barry Finnerty : guitar (1977-1978) Neil Stubenhaus : bass (1977-1978) Gregory Herbert : saxophone (1977-1978) Michael Lawrence ; trumpet (1977) Chris Albert : trumpet (1977-1978) Bobby Economou : drums (1977-1978, 1979-1981, 1994-1995) Kenny Marco : guitar (1979) David Piltch : bass (1979-1980) Joe Sealy : keyboards (1979) Bruce Cassidy : trumpet, flugelhorn (1979-1980) Earl Seymour : sax, flute (1979-1981) Steve Kennedy : sax, flute (1979) Sally Chappis : drums (1979) Harvey Kogan : sax, flute (1979) Jack Scarangella : drums (1979) Vernon Dorge : sax, flute (1979-1981) Robert Piltch : guitar (1979-1980) Richard Martinez : keyboards (1979-1980) Wayne Pedzwater : bass (1980-1981) Peter Harris : guitar (1980-1981) Lou Pomanti : keyboards (1980-1981) Mic Gillette : trumpet (1980-1981) James Kidwell : guitar (1984-1985) Jeff Andrews : bass (1984-1985) Taras Kovayl : keyboards (1984-1985) Tim Ouimette : trumpet, horns (1984-1985) Mario Cruz : sax, flute (1984-1985) Ricky Sebastian : drums (1984-1985) Steve Guttman : trumpet (1985-2004) Dave Gellis : guitar (1985-1990, 1996, 1998 fill in, 2005) Ray Peterson : bass (1985-1986) Scott Kreitzer : sax, flute (1985-1986) Teddy Mulet : trombone (1985-1986), trumpet (2005- ) Barry Danielian : trumpet (1985-1986) Richard Sussman : keyboards (1985-1987) Randy Andos : trombone (1986) Tom Timko : sax, flute (1986-1987, 1995, 1998-2001, 2005-2008) Tom DeFaria : drums (1985-1986) John Conte : bass (1986-1987) Steve Conte : guitar (1986 fill in) Jeff Gellis : bass (1987-1990) Dave Panichi : trombone (1987-1988, 1997-1998) Glenn McClelland : keyboards (1987-1993, 1998, 2005- ) David Riekenberg : sax, flute (1987- 1990, 1995-1998) Jerry Sokolov : trumpet (1987-1994) Graham Hawthorne : drums (1987-1988, 1989-1991) Van Romaine : drums (1988-1989) Neil Capolongo : drums (1991-1993) Peter Abbott : drums (fill in early 90s) Charley Gordon : trombone (1987-1994, 2001) Wayne Schuster : sax, flute (1990-1991) Larry DeBari : guitar, vocals (1990-1997) Gary Foote : bass (1990-1994, 1996-2004, 2005- ) Chuck Fisher : sax, flute (1991) Jack Bashcow : sax, flute (1992) Tim Ries : sax, flute (1992-1993, 1993-1995) Charlie Cole : sax, flute (1993) Matt King keyboards (1994-1998) Mike Mancini : keyboards (fill in 80s/90s) Franck Amsallem keyboards (fill in mid 90s) Henry Hey : keyboards (fill in mid 90s) Ted Kooshian keyboards (fill in mid 90s) Cliff Korman keyboards (fill in mid 90s) Mike DuClos bass : (1994-1996) Jonathan Peretz : drums (1995-1997) Craig Johnson : trumpet (1994-1998) Matt Milmerstadt drums : (1995 , 1998) Tom Guarna : guitar (1997-1998) Jon Owens : trumpet (1998-2000) Chuck Pillow : sax, flute (fill in 1998) Brian Delaney : drums (1998, 2001) Dave Stahl : trumpet (fill in 1995-1998) Winston Byrd : trumpet (fill in 1998) Dave Pietro : sax, flute (fill in 1998) Dale Kirkland : trombone (1995-1996, 1998, 1999-2001, 2002-2006 Pat Hallaran : trombone (1998-1999) James Fox : guitar (1998-2000) Dan Zank : keyboards (1998-2000) Zach Danziger : drums (1998-2001) Joe Mosello : trumpet (2000-2002) Phil Magallanes : keyboards (2000-2001) Andrea Valentini : drums (2001- ) Darcy Hepner : sax, flute (1999 fill in, 2001-2004) John Samorian : keyboards (2001-2003) Nick Marchione : trumpet (2002-2004) Eric Cortright : keyboards (2003-2004) Leo Huppert: bass (2004) Steve Jankowski: trumpet (2005- ) Rob Paparozzi: vocals, harmonica (2005- ) Scottie Wallace: vocals (alternating with Rob P. 2005-2006) Thomas Conner : vocals (fill in 2006 & 2007) Jens Wendelboe: trombone (2006- ) Chris Tedesco : trumpet (fill in for Mulet 2006-2007) Brian Steel : trumpet (fill in for Mulet 2008) Bill Churchville : sax (fill in for Timko 2008) Source and more information: Wikipedia

Freddy Fender

videeoo — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:13:45 +0000

Solo Act – No rating Freddy Fender was one of the few Hispanic stars in country music, a singer and songwriter whose work was defined largely by its strong Latin sensibility. Born Baldemar Huerta to a family of migrant laborers in San Benito, TX, on June 4, 1937, Freddy Fender began playing guitar early in his childhood. After dropping out of school at the age of 16 to join the Marine Corps, he released his first Spanish-language recordings under his given name in 1958. While his initial sides were successful with listeners in Texas and Mexico, in 1959 he decided to adopt his stage name, along with a stronger rockabilly feel, in order to attract “gringo” audiences. The following year, he released the self-penned “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” his most successful single yet. But in May of 1960, Freddy Fender was convicted of marijuana possession, and was sentenced to five years in Louisiana’s notorious Angola State Prison (the same correctional facility which once held blues legend Leadbelly). After serving three years, he was paroled thanks to the efforts of Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis, on the condition that upon Freddy Fender’s release he stay away from the corruptive influences of the music scene. After his parole ended, Freddy Fender tried to re-ignite his career, but with the exception of a few scattered nightclub gigs in the New Orleans area, Freddy Fender found little success, and ultimately returned to San Benito. In Texas, Freddy Fender spent several years working as an auto mechanic, and even returned to school to pursue a degree in sociology. In 1974, Freddy Fender met Huey P. Meaux, the owner of the Houston-based Crazy Cajun label; after agreeing on a recording deal, it was Meaux who convinced Freddy Fender to steer in the direction of country & western while maintaining his music’s Hispanic roots. After Freddy Fender’s first Meaux-produced single, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” failed to attract the attention of a major label, it was released on Crazy Cajun; in the first weeks of 1975, the song hit the top of both the country and pop charts, and Fender became an overnight star. For the follow-up, he re-recorded his early single, “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” and notched his second straight number one country hit. Before the year ended, he had released yet another chart-topper in “Secret Love,” and also issued two LPs, Since I Met You Baby and a self-titled effort. Throughout the remainder of the ’70s, Freddy Fender’s success continued, most notably with the number two single “Living It Down” in 1976. That same year, he released two more albums, Your Cheatin’ Heart and Rock ‘N’ Country. In 1977, Freddy Fender also issued a holiday record, Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad. As the 1980s dawned, however, his popularity began slipping; after his final chart hit, 1983′s “Chokin’ Kind,” he focused on an acting career, highlighted by an appearance in the 1988 Robert Redford film The Milagro Beanfield War. Freddy Fender remained largely silent as a musician until 1990, when he formed the Tex-Mex supergroup Texas Tornados with Doug Sahm, Flaco Jimenez, and Augie Meyers. After three albums, the group disbanded, and Freddy Fender again resumed his solo career. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

Grand Funk Raiload

videeoo — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 13:10:41 +0000

Rating: 2 Stars Two of the three original members remain in this band, but Mark Farner, who wrote and was lead singer for most of the Grand Funk Railroad Hit songs and performed all the famous guitar leads and rhythms, is not in the currant lineup. It would be fine if this “COVER BAND” toured under another name and covered Grand Funk Songs, stating they are former members of Grand Funk. But it’s down right deceiving for the current lineup to call themselves Grand Funk! Mark Farner was convinced by the two other band members to sign his share of the band over in a business transaction, convinced it would help the legal issues of the band, only to be kicked out by the other two band members shortly after. Mark Farner has tried to reunite with the band, but the band continues to tour without him, so the remeining two continue to tour, and deceive Grand Funk Railroad fans. Article by TIME-LIFE Magazine – Grand Funk Railroad started rolling in late 1969 as one of the first bands designed to play stadiums and arenas. Their main attraction was guitarist Mark Farner’s crude, blues-rock attack. His style derived from the guitar heroes of the ’60s. Grand Funk came out of solidly working-class Flint, Michigan, to break ground for a new generation of rockers, and their initial success repelled the older, more bohemian crowd that had dominated recent rock history. They quickly became one of the most popular bands in the nation. Click Here for The History of Grand Funk

The Animals

videeoo — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:29:47 +0000

Rating 2 Stars The original Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Their influence can be heard in artists as varied as The Doors, The White Stripes, Joe Cocker, The Cult, Frijid Pink, The Chocolate Watchband, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Janis Joplin, David Johansen, and Fine Young Cannibals. In 2003, the band’s version of “House of the Rising Sun” ranked number 122 on Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. Their 1965 hit single “We Gotta Get out of This Place” was ranked number 233 on Rolling Stone’s The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list that was compiled in 2004. Both songs are included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. In 2008, an adjudicator determined that original Animals drummer John Steel owned “The Animals” name in England, by virtue of a trademark registration Steel had made in relation to the name. Eric Burdon had objected to the trademark registration, arguing that Burdon personally embodied any goodwill associated with “The Animals” name. Burdon’s argument was rejected, in part based on the fact that he had billed himself as “Eric Burdon and The Animals” as early as 1967, thus separating the goodwill associated with his own name from that of the band. The drummer, John Steel in the only remaining member of the original lineup touring today. Source and more information: Wikipedia The Animals (1962-1965) Eric Burdon – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Alan Price – keyboards Chas Chandler – bass John Steel – drums The Animals (1965) Eric Burdon – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Mick Gallagher – keyboards Chas Chandler – bass John Steel – drums The Animals (1965-1966) Eric Burdon – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Dave Rowberry – keyboards Chas Chandler – bass John Steel – drums The Animals (1966) Eric Burdon – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Dave Rowberry – keyboards Chas Chandler – bass Barry Jenkins – drums Eric Burdon and the Animals (December 1966-1968) Eric Burdon – vocals Vic Briggs – guitar, piano Danny McCulloch – bass John Weider – bass, guitar, violin Barry Jenkins – drums Eric Burdon and the Animals (1968) Eric Burdon – vocals Vic Briggs – guitar, piano Danny McCulloch – bass John Weider – bass, guitar, violin Zoot Money – keyboards Barry Jenkins – drums Eric Burdon and the Animals (April 1968- February 1969) Eric Burdon – vocals Andy Summers – guitar John Weider – guitar, bass Zoot Money – keyboards Barry Jenkins – drums Eric Burdon and the Animals (1969- February 1975) Spilt The Animals (Reunion :1975 -1976) Eric Burdon – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Alan Price – keyboards Chas Chandler – bass John Steel – drums The Animals (September 1983-April 1984) Eric Burdon – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Alan Price – keyboards, vocals Chas Chandler – bass, background vocals John Steel – drums Zoot Money – keyboards, background vocals Steve Grant– guitar, synthesizer, background vocals Steve Gregory – tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone Nippy Noya – percussion The Animals (1984-1992) Split Animals II (1992-1994) Robert Robinson – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar George Fearson - Steve Hutchinson – keyboards Josh Elliott - John Steel – drums Animals II (1994-1999) Robert Kane – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Steve Dawson – guitare Steve Hutchinson – keyboards Martin Bland – bass John Steel – drums The Animals (1999-2001) Tony Liddle – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Dave Rowberry – keyboards Jim Rodford – bass John Steel – drums The Animals (2001) Eamon Cronin – vocals Hilton Valentine – guitar Dave Rowberry – keyboards Jim Rodford – bass John Steel – drums Animals and friends (2001-2003) Pete Barton – vocals, guitar Johnny ‘Guitar’ Williamson – guitar, vocals Dave Rowberry – keyboards Jim Rodford – bass John Steel – drums Animals and friends (2003-present) Pete Barton – vocals, bass John Williamson – guitar, vocals Mick Gallagher – keyboards John Steel – drums Christian Madden – keyboards (additional) Zoot Money – keyboards (additional) Spencer Davis – vocals.guitar, harmonica (additional) Mick Green – guitar(additional)

The Beach Boys

videeoo — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:54:11 +0000

Rating 2.5 Stars With the deaths of Dennis and Carl Wilson, The Beach Boys today consist of Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Bruce Johnston. Love has licensed the name ‘The Beach Boys’ for his touring group, which consists of himself, Johnston, Love’s son Christian Love, Scott Totten, Randell Kirsch, John Cowsill, and Tim Bonhomme. The Beach Boys first formed in 1961, it consisted of the Wilson brothers, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. Jardine quickly left and was replaced by David Marks. After 16 months or so, Jardine came back, and Marks would quit soon thereafter. Brian Wilson quit touring in 1965, and at first, Glen Campbell filled in for him. Later, when it became clear that Campbell’s other commitments would interfere with The Beach Boys’ touring schedule, Bruce Johnston became the permanent fill-in. Johnston would soon become a full-fledged member of the Beach Boys, starting with providing backing vocals for Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!). In the early 1970s, Ricky Fataar and Blondie Chaplin, both members of The Flame, joined the the Beach Boys. Chaplin lasted for just under two years, with Fataar departing a year later. The Beach Boys was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, with Mike Love delivering a speech that assailed Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Diana Ross. The Beach Boys were chosen for the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2001, the Beach Boys received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Brian Wilson was inducted into the UK Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2006. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked the Beach Boys #12 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. In 2007, the Beach Boys were inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. The Beach Boys is frequently referred to when the topic of summertime songs comes up. About.com listed Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of The Beach Boys, a 2003 compilation CD, as the greatest summertime hits CD. Toni Tennille, of the duo Captain & Tennille, remains the only known “Beach Girl”, having once sung with the Beach Boys while on tour. The Wilsons’ Hawthorne, California house, where the Wilson brothers grew up and the group began, was demolished in 1986 to make way for Interstate 105, the Century Freeway. A Beach Boys Historic Landmark (California Landmark #1041 at 3701 West 119th Street), dedicated on May 20, 2005, marks the location. The Beach Boys continue to tour, with a backing band accompanying original members Mike Love and Bruce Johnston. Other “honorary Beach Boys”, such as John Stamos and former member David Marks also make guest appearances on their tours. Sourse and more information: Wikipedia

The Manhattans

videeoo — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:29:04 +0000

Rating, 3 Stars The Manhattans were one of those classic R&B vocal groups who manage to achieve incredible career longevity by adapting their style to fit changing times. Formed in the ’60s as a doo wop-influenced R&B quintet, the Manhattans reinvented themselves as sweet smooth soul balladeers during the ’70s. In doing so, they somehow overcame the death of lead singer George Smith, and with new frontman Gerald Alston became more popular than they’d ever been, landing an across-the-board number one hit in 1976 with “Kiss and Say Goodbye.” Under the leadership of Winfred “Blue” Lovett (who also composed some of the group’s biggest hits), the Manhattans survived as a viable chart act well into the ’80s, over two decades after their formation. The Manhattans got together not in their namesake location, but in nearby Jersey City, NJ, in 1962. In 1964, the Manhattans signed with the Newark-based Carnival label and teamed up with producer Joe Evans; they scored their first hit in early 1965 with “I Wanna Be (Your Everything),” a number 12 R&B hit that established their way with a ballad right from the beginning. It was the first of eight singles for Carnival, a string that continued up through 1967. None were huge hits, but nearly all of them reached the Top 30 on the R&B charts, and are still prized by collectors of vocal-group soul for their aching harmonies, Smith’s intense leads, and lack of concession to mainstream pop audiencesInitially working with producer Bobby Martin, the Manhattans’ records now fell into line with the sweet, string-laden sound of contemporary ’70s soul. Alston and Lovett reunited in 1993; with new members Troy May and David Tyson, they tour regularly into the new millennium. For more information: Wikipedia

The Monkees

videeoo — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:19:27 +0000

No rating, not touring The Monkees were a pop rock quartet assembled by Robert “Bob” Rafelson and Bert Schneider in Los Angeles in 1966 for the American television series The Monkees, which aired from 1966 to 1968, and so were primarily in acting roles. The members were Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Englishman Davy Jones, who were supervised and popularized by Don Kirshner. At the time of the band’s formation, its producers saw The Monkees as a Beatles-like band. At the start, the band members provided vocals, and were given some performing and production opportunities, but they eventually fought for and earned the right to collectively supervise all musical output under the band’s name. The group undertook several concert tours, allowing an opportunity to perform as a live band as well as on the TV series. Although the show was canceled in 1968, the band continued releasing records until 1970. In the 1980s, the television show and music experienced a revival, which led to a series of reunion tours, and new records featuring various incarnations of the band’s lineup. Aspiring filmmakers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider were inspired by the Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night to develop a television series about a fictional rock ‘n’ roll group. The duo, jointly calling their firm “Raybert Productions”, sold the idea to Screen Gems television and in September, 1965, Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter ran an ad seeking “Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series”. As many as 400 hopefuls showed up to be considered as one of the “four insane boys” who would be the stars of the show. From this pool, four were chosen to become the fictional band The Monkees. George Michael “Micky” Dolenz had been the 10-year-old star of the Circus Boy series in the 1950s, during which time he had used the stage name “Micky Braddock”, and was a working actor. He found out about The Monkees through his agent. Englishman Davy Jones had achieved some initial success on the musical stage. Already recording for the Colpix record label and already under contract at Columbia/Screen Gems, he had been identified in advance as a potential star for the TV series. Indeed, he later acknowledged that The Monkees was initially created primarily around him, even with its linkages to A Hard Day’s Night. Texan Robert Michael “Mike” Nesmith was a songwriter and guitarist who had recorded for Colpix under the name “Michael Blessing”. He was the only Monkee who had come in to audition from seeing the original advertisement. He repeatedly denied having been the only musician in the team or, for that matter, much of a musician. Peter Tork, whose real name was Peter Halsten Thorkelson, was recommended to Rafelson and Schneider by friend Stephen Stills. Tork, a skilled multi-instrumentalist, had performed at various Greenwich Village folk clubs before moving west, where he was a dishwasher before becoming a Monkee. Nesmith subsequently called Tork a better musician, by several orders of magnitude, than Nesmith himself was. Several hundred other actors and musicians auditioned for the roles. Among those who were turned down were Stills, Bobby Pickett (at 27 deemed “too old”), Gary Lewis, brothers Matt and Mark Andes (later of Spirit and Heart), and Van Dyke Parks. Years later, an urban legend would arise that Charles Manson also auditioned, but this was impossible, as he was in Federal prison in Washington state at the time. When first creating their pitch for the show, Rafelson and Schneider wanted to cast an actual Los Angeles-based folk rock group, the Lovin’ Spoonful. However, they were already contracted to a record label, which would have denied Screen Gems the right to market records under their own label imprint, Screen Gems. Source and more information: Wikipedia

The Moody Blues

videeoo — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:18:28 +0000

Rating 3.5 Stars The Moody Blues are an English band originally from Erdington in the city of Birmingham. Founding members Michael Pinder and Ray Thomas performed an initially rhythm and blues-based sound in Birmingham in 1964 along with Graeme Edge and others, and were later joined by John Lodge and Justin Hayward as they inspired and evolved the progressive rock style. Among their innovations was a fusion with classical music, most notably in their seminal 1967 album Days of Future Passed. The band has had numerous hit albums in the UK, U.S., and worldwide. They remain active as of 2010. The Moody Blues have sold in excess of 50 million albums worldwide and have been awarded 14 platinum and gold discs. Although the general line-up of the Moody Blues has been relatively stable since 1966, there have been some important replacements of members with new members and/or hired musicians from their inception in 1964 to the present day: Source and more information: Wikipedia 1964 – 1966 Denny Laine – guitar, vocals Clint Warwick – bass, vocals Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, percussion Mike Pinder – keyboards, vocals Graeme Edge – drums, percussion Rodney Clark – bass, vocals[10] 1966 – 1978 Justin Hayward – guitar, vocals John Lodge – bass, guitar, vocals Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, percussion, harmonica Mike Pinder – keyboards, vocals Graeme Edge – drums, percussion, vocals 1978 – 1986 Justin Hayward – guitar, vocals John Lodge – bass, guitar, vocals Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, percussion, harmonica Patrick Moraz – keyboards Graeme Edge – drums, percussion 1986 – 1990 Justin Hayward – guitar, vocals John Lodge – bass, guitar, vocals Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, percussion, harmonica Patrick Moraz – keyboards, vocals Graeme Edge – drums, percussion with Bias Boshell – keyboards(1986) Guy Allison – keyboards(1987-1990) Janis Liebhart – backing vocals(1986-1987) Wendy McKenzie – backing vocals(1986-1987) Shaun Murphy – backing vocals(1988-1990) Naomi Starr – backing vocals(1988-1990) 1990 – 2001 Justin Hayward – guitar, vocals John Lodge – bass, guitar, vocals Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, percussion, harmonica Graeme Edge – drums, percussion with Bias Boshell – keyboards Paul Bliss – keyboards, guitar Gordon Marshall – drums, percussion(joined in 1991) Bekka Bramlett – backing vocals(1990) Terry Wood – backing vocals(1990) June Boyce – backing vocals(1991-1993) Susan Shattock – backing vocals(1991-2000) Tracy Graham – backing vocals(1993-2001) 2001 – 2002 Justin Hayward – guitar, vocals John Lodge – bass, guitar, vocals Ray Thomas – vocals, flute, percussion, harmonica Graeme Edge – drums, percussion with Paul Bliss – keyboards, guitar Bernie Barlow – keyboards, percussion, vocals Gordon Marshall – drums, percussion 2002 – 2006 Justin Hayward – guitar, vocals John Lodge – bass, guitar, vocals Graeme Edge – drums, percussion with Norda Mullen – flute, guitar, percussion, vocals Paul Bliss – keyboards, guitar Bernie Barlow – keyboards, percussion, vocals Gordon Marshall – drums, percussion 2006 – 2009 Justin Hayward – guitar, vocals John Lodge – bass, guitar vocals Graeme Edge – drums, percussion with Norda Mullen – flute, guitar, percussion, harmonica, vocals Paul Bliss – keyboards Julie Ragins – keyboards, percussion, vocals[11] Gordon Marshall – drums, percussion 2009 – present Justin Hayward – guitar, vocals John Lodge – bass, guitar, vocals Graeme Edge – drums, percussion with Norda Mullen – flute, guitar, percussion, harmonica, vocals Paul Bliss – keyboards, guitar Bernie Barlow – keyboards, percussion, vocals Gordon Marshall – drums, percussion

The Spinners

videeoo — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:17:58 +0000

Rating 4 stars It should come as no surprise that The Spinners have always made timeless music. Their classic group sound and approach never loses its universal appeal. Throughout the years they have acquired twelve (12) gold records with hits on top of both Pop and R&B charts and they are one of the few groups who can boast of four lead singers. Today, original members Bobbie Smith, Henry Fambrough, and Pervis Jackson are joined onstage by lead singer Charlton Washington, high tenor Harold “Spike” Bonhart and a soulinfused 5-piece band. The mighty Spinners have six Grammy nominations and have performed twice during the awards ceremony. The group has performed for presidents, received a star on the Hollywood “Walk of Fame,” and has appeared in numerous network and cable television specials paying tribute to the music of the 70’s. Today, this legendary R & B group maintains a full touring schedule, performing for fans of all ages in sold out houses around the world. For more information: Wikipedia

The Supremes

videeoo — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:54:05 +0000

No rating, not touring Personnel problems within the group and within Motown Records’ stable of performers led to tension among the members of The Supremes. Many of the other Motown performers, particularly Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas, felt that Berry Gordy was lavishing too much attention upon the group—and upon Ross, in particular. A romantic relationship between Gordy and Ross further complicated matters, and created a schism between Ross and the other Supremes. As Ross became the focal point of The Supremes, Ballard felt pushed aside in the group. Depression ensued, and Ballard began to drink excessively, gaining weight until she could no longer comfortably wear many of her stage outfits. The friendship, and later the working relationship, between Ross and Ballard became strained. During this turbulent period, Ballard relied heavily upon the advice of group mate Mary Wilson, with whom she had maintained a close friendship. Wilson, while outwardly demure and neutral in hopes of keeping the group stable, privately advised Ballard that Ross and Gordy were eager to oust Ballard. Although The Supremes scored two number-one hits during the first quarter of 1967, “Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone” and “The Happening”, the group as a unit began to disintegrate. Rumors began to circulate in late 1966 that Motown intended to rename the group “Diana Ross & the Supremes”, a change officially announced in early 1967, after a concert where they were billed as “The Supremes with Diana Ross”. The Miracles had become “Smokey Robinson & the Miracles” two years prior. The fall of 1967 saw Martha & the Vandellas become “Martha Reeves & the Vandellas”. Having learned that Ross would receive top billing, David Ruffin lobbied—unsuccessfully—to have the Temptations renamed as “David Ruffin & the Temptations”. Although Gordy maintained that the name changes were done so that Motown could demand more money for live bookings (because they would be providing two acts—a lead singer and a group—instead of just one), The Supremes’ name change sparked rumors of a possible solo career for Ross, and contributed to the professional and personal dismantling of the group. By 1967, Ballard would sometimes fail to show up for recording dates, or would arrive at shows too inebriated to perform. For some early 1967 shows, she was replaced by Marlene Barrow of Motown’s in-house backing group, The Andantes. Gordy contacted Cindy Birdsong in April 1967; she was a member of Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles and superficially resembled Ballard. Gordy began plans to bring her in as Ballard’s replacement. Birdsong appeared at a benefit concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29, 1967, but returned to The Bluebelles soon afterward due to prior commitments. In May, Ballard returned for what she believed was a probationary period. Summer 1967 marked the group’s first appearance as Diana Ross & the Supremes at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. After only three days of performances, Ballard was permanently dismissed from The Supremes, and Birdsong officially assumed her place during the second July 1 show. Ballard’s release from Motown was made final on February 22, 1968, when she received a one-time payment of $139,804.94 in royalties and earnings, She attempted a solo career with ABC Records, and was forced to formally reject a solo contract offered by Motown as part of her settlement. Ballard’s two 1968 singles failed to chart and her solo album was shelved. In 1971, Ballard sued Motown for $8.7 million, claiming that Gordy and Diana Ross had conspired to force her out of the group; the judge ruled in favor of Motown. Ballard eventually sank into poverty and died abruptly on February 22, 1976 from coronary thrombosis at the age of 32.A At the time of her death, she had begun to make financial and personal strides and was planning to reinvigorate her solo career. Source and more information: Wikipedia The Supremes (aka The Primettes and Diana Ross & the Supremes) Florence Ballard (1959–1967) Betty McGlown (1959-1960) Mary Wilson (1959–1977) Diana Ross (1959–1970) Barbara Martin (1960-1962) Cindy Birdsong (1967–1972, 1973–1976) Jean Terrell (1970–1973) Lynda Laurence (1972–1973) Scherrie Payne (1973–1977) Susaye Greene (1976–1977)