Good Morning, Students! We have your Monday morning lesson right here from The Mermaid Lounge, then we’re coming back with today’s line up!
Here’s today’s lesson:
December 14, 1963: The Beatles’ I Want To Hold Your Hand begins five weeks at #1 on the UK charts. It replaced She Loves You, which was #1 for two weeks. This is the first time ever a band has replaced itself on the charts with a new song.
December 14, 1964: Although banned by some radio stations, The Kingsmen’s Louie Louie goes to #2 on the Hot 100. Only the Singing Nun could keep the from #1.
December 14, 1968: Tommy James & The Shondells released Crimson & Clover. (Over and over.)
Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The Grapevine hits #1 in the US, where it stays for seven weeks. Gladys Knight & The Pips released a version in 1967 (my favorite version of the song, actually) and it went to #2 then. In spite of that, Marvin Gaye’s is considered the definitive version. I love Marvin Gaye, but I disagree.
Motown Acts own the top three spots on the Hot 100 on this day: (1) I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye; (2) Love Child by The Supremes; and (3) For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder.
Big Brother & The Holding Company’s album, Cheap Thrills, remained at #1 on the Album charts.
December 14, 1995: Released classified documents revealed that John Lennon wasn’t paranoid. The FBI had been spying on Lennon and his antiwar activities during Tricky Dick’s regime with the goal of having him deported.
Born On This Day
December 14, 1943: Frank Allen, bassist for The Searchers, was born in Hayes, West London, England.
December 14, 1946: Jackie McAuley, keyboardist/vocalist with Them, was born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
And that is it for today’s musical lesson. Enjoy your day. We’ll be back with our line up in a bit!
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