2021

Here we are again! Greetings and salutations from The College of Rock n’ Roll Knowledge! We have a pretty active lesson today!

***British bluesman Long John Baldry and his band, Bluesology. Yes, That’s Elton John on the far right. Long John Baldry is to*** ***his left.***

Here’s today’s lesson:

January 12, 1957: Elvis Presley recorded All Shook Up, Got a Whole Lot of Lovin’ To Do, I Believe, and Tell Me Why at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California.

January 12, 1959: Jackie Wilson continued at #1 on the R & B chart for a fifth week with Lonely Teardrops.

January 12, 1964: The Beatles appeared on the ATV show Sunday Night at The London Palladium, where they sang I Want To Hold Your Hand, This Boy, All My Loving, and Twist & Shout.

January 12, 1968: Manfred Mann released the single, The Mighty Quinn.

Also on this date, Pink Floyd debuted as a five-piece band at the University of Aston in Birmingham, England.

January 12, 1969: Led Zeppelin released their debut album in the U.S.

Also on this day, Wonderwall, the psychedelic movie with the George Harrison soundtrack, opened in theaters across the U.S.

January 12, 1970: Badfinger (a great power pop band) released the single, Come And Get It.

January 12, 1974: The late Jim Croce’s You Don’t Mess Around With Jim, finally hit #1 after 47 weeks on the charts.

Also on this day, The Steve Miller Band’s The Joker goes to #1 in the US, and everyone wants to know what the fuck the “pompatus of love” is to this day.

And if that isn’t enough, Aretha Franklin’s Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna’ Do) knocked Stevie Wonder’s Livin’ For The City out of the #1 spot.

January 12, 1980: Damn The Torpedos, Tom Petty & The Heartbreaker’s breakout album, was at #6 on the Album chart on this day.

Also on this day in 1980, An American Dream by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Linda Ronstadt was making its run up the charts, from #59 to #33.

Born On This Day

January 12, 1928: R & B singer Ruth Brown was born in Portsmouth, Virginia.

January 12, 1941: Long John Baldry, who recruited the likes of Elton John and Rod Steward for his band Bluesology, was born in East Haddon, Derbyshire, England.

January 12, 1944: Cynthia Robinson, singer and trumpet player for Sly & The Family Stone, was born in Sacramento, California.

January 12, 1955: NRBQ drummer Tommy Ardolino was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.

And that’s it from the college, people! Be back soon with the line-up!

It’s Saturday Morning in the College of Rock n’ Roll Knowledge: 12/5/2020

Good Morning, Music Trivia Buffs! Here we are at the proverbial weekend. Today will be my final day of retail servitude for a couple of days and I’m very much looking forward to being a full-time DJ once again.

***The late great singer-songwriter J.J. Cale, who gave us the Tulsa sound. You’ll be hearing him later this coming week.***

Here’s today’s lesson:

December 5, 1964: The Zombies’ debut single, She’s Not There, tops the Cashbox Best Sellers Chart. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it peaked at #12 in the UK.

December 5, 1965: The Beatles played their final gig in their own hometown of Liverpool. On December 5, 1980, John Lennon called his Aunt Mimi saying he was homesick and was planning a trip back home. On December 8, 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed.

December 5, 1968: An actual, real-life banquet was held for the launch of the Rolling Stones album Beggars Banquet. It ended abruptly at the (unplanned) pie-throwing fight.

December 5, 1969: Badfinger released Come And Get It, written by Paul McCartney. It is the first hit on Apple Records that is not from The Beatles.

Also on this day, the Rolling Stones release my absolute favorite Stones album, Let It Bleed, loaded with great songs including Gimme Shelter (this could be my favorite Stones song ever) and Midnight Rambler. The title might have been prophetic. The next day, a fan is killed during their performance at the Altamont Speedway.

December 5, 1975: Fleetwood Mac’s tenth album is certified Gold, and will eventually go Platinum. This is the first album of the post-Peter Green era (my preferred version of Fleetwood Mac). John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie are all there. The newcomers are Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham. The band’s singles cracks Billboard Top 40 for the first time. They are Rhiannon, Over My Head, and Say You Love Me.

December 5, 1976: Three days after surviving an assassination attempt, Bob Marley performs at the Smile Jamaica Festival, which he organized to promote peace in his country. It is estimated that 80,000 Jamaican’s attend the festival. Marley does a 90-minute set.

December 5, 1980: John Lennon gives his final interview to Jonathan Cott of Rolling Stone magazine. You know the rest, sadly.

Born On This Day

December 5, 1912: Legendary bluesman Sonny Boy Williamson was born Alex Miller in Tallahachie County, Mississippi.

December 5, 1932: Richard Wayne Penniman, later know to the world as Little Richard, was born in Macon, Georgia.

December 5, 1938: Singer-songwriter J.J. Cale, who brought us the Tulsa sound, was born John Weldon Cale in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

December 5, 1947: Jim Messina (Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins & Messina) was born in Maywood, California.

And that is it for today from the College of Rock n’ Roll Knowledge here in The Mermaid Lounge.

It’s Monday Morning Back at The College of Rock n’ Roll Knowledge: 11/23/2020

And so begins another week. Here at the Mermaid Lounge, we’re trying to accomplish the impossible: Programming a week in advance. It’s a valiant effort, but the jury is OUT. Nevertheless, we have a lot of info here for you.

***The very first juke box at the Palais Royal Hotel in San Francisco***

November 23, 1899: The first jukebox was placed at The Palais Royale Hotel in San Francisco (see photo).

November 23, 1962: The Beatles auditioned at St. James’ Church Hall in London for The BBC, which was looking for people with potential to be on TV. The Beatles failed. I wonder if the guy who made that decision kept his job.

November 23, 1963: Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs have the top R & B song with Sugar Shack.

November 23, 1964: /The Beatles release the single, I Feel Fine. The B-side is She’s A Woman.

The Rolling Stones are late for the radio shows Top Gear and Saturday Club, and were banned by The BBC.

November 23, 1965: The Beatles film promos for I Feel Fine, Ticket To Ride, Help!, Day Tripper and We Can Work It Out at Twickenham Studios in London. The BBC paid 1,750 pounds for the broadcast rights, and then deals were made with other broadcasters around the world.

November 23, 1967: The Who played the New Barn at The Lions Delaware County Fairgrounds in Muncie, Indiana.

November 23, 1968: Little known fact, here: After Dusty Springfield had recommended Jimmy Page to Ahmet Ertegun, head of Atlantic Records, Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant finalized their recording contract.

Steve Miller debuted on the charts after his first single, Living in The USA.

The Beatles tied the existing rock era record (held by Bobby Darin’s Mack The Knife) with a ninth week at #1 for Hey Jude.

Judy Collins’ version of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now enters the Top 40, where it will peak at #8. It will also win The Best Folk Performance of the year.

November 23, 1970: George Harrison released his first solo single, My Sweet Lord, in the US.

November 23, 1972: Bob Dylan arrives in Durango, Colorado, to film the movie Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid (Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door).

November 23, 1975: Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody goes to #1 on the UK charts, where it will remain for nine weeks.

November 23, 1976: Wings kicked off a 19-date UK tour at The Royal Court in Liverpool.

November 23, 1983: Tom Evans of Badfinger committed suicide after the band decided to break up.

Born On This Day

November 23, 1939: Betty Everett, of The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss) fame, was born in Greenwood, Mississippi.

November 23, 1940: Freddie Marsden, drummer for Gerry & The Pacemakers, was born in Liverpool.

November 23, 1954: Bruce Hornsby, one of the greatest keyboardists ever, leader of Bruce Hornsby & The Range and keyboardist for The Grateful Dead, was born in Williamsburg, Virginia.

And that is it, children. Today’s lesson is over.

Badfinger Live, Stephen Stills Says ‘Just Roll Tape,’ The Final Airing of Our AOW, and Live Dead on Saturday, November 21, 2020

It’s Saturday, Music Lovers, and it’s our busiest programming day of the week. We have some excellent stuff today.

***After a Judy Collins recording session in 1968, Stephen Stills took the opportunity to make some new songs of his own.***

Here’s your Saturday line-up:

11:00 a.m. Badfinger Live at The BBC 1972/1973

Badfinger is the only bona fide hitmakers signed to The Apple Label (besides The Beatles, of course). These great live soundboard recordings at the BBC took place in June 1972 and August 1973.

3:00 p.m. Album of The Week: The Main Refrain by Wendy Waldman

Our final airing of this week’s featured album. Tomorrow when you wake up, we’ll do it all again with a new selection.

7:00 p.m. Stephen Stills: Just Roll Tape, April 26, 1968

A planned Judy Collins recording session turns into an impromptu recording session for Stephen Stills as well. He says ‘just roll tape,’ and we say ‘just listen in.’

10:00 p.m. Live Dead! The Grateful Dead Live at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, Washington, D.C., July 6, 1986 NEW!

The Dead are live once again from The Mermaid Lounge with a 1986 performance at RFK Stadium. No two shows alike, my music lovers.

This is Saturday, and an excellent day to find out what we’re all about. Join your friends around the globe and tune us in.

www.tinyurl.com/Ungovernable-Radio

Here’s Today’s Lesson From the College of Rock N’ Roll Knowledge: 11/19/2020

Good Morning from The College of Rock n’ Roll Knowledge. It’s another busy day in musical history, as you will see.

***Tom Petty & Dave Grohl on stage during the Heartbreaker’s 30th Anniversary Tour.***

Here’s today’s lesson plan:

November 19, 1955: Carl Perkins records Blue Suede Shoes at Sun Studios in Memphis. It will be Perkins’ biggest hit, reaching #2 on Billboard.

November 19, 1966: The Supremes enjoy their eighth US #1 hit with You Keep Me Hangin’ On.

November 19, 1971: B.B. King celebrates his 25th year in music by kicking off a European tour in London.

November 19, 1973: Led Zeppelin begins recording demos for their album, Physical Graffiti.

Meanwhile, Bob Dylan releases his 13th studio album, simply called Dylan.

November 19, 1975: The J. Geils Band records Blow Your Face Out (a fucking great album) at Cobo Hall in Detroit.

November 19, 1976: Van Morrison’s Moondance album receives a Gold Record. The album spawns two hits. In addition to the title track, Into The Mystic is released.

November 19, 1982: Led Zeppelin releases its final studio album, Coda, which is a collection of unused tracks written before drummer John Bonham’s death in 1980.

November 19, 1983: Tom Evans of Badfinger died at the age of 36. Like his and mate, Pete Ham, Evans also hanged himself. The story of what record company and manager greed and avarice did to Badfinger’s career is one that should be told. We will touch on that in the blog sometime.

November 19, 1994: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers perform You Don’t Know How It Feels and Honeybee on Saturday Night Live, with Dave Grohl of Nirvana and The Foo Fighters on drums.

November 19, 1995: Bruce Springsteen’s thirteenth album, The Ghost of Tom Joad, is released.

A 60-track album called Beatles Anthology I is released and sets a single-day sales record of 450,000 units.

That’s it, children. Take notes. There’ll be a quiz later (just kidding).

Dr. John in The Spotlight, Badfinger Live at the BBC, and “The Band” is Back on Thursday, May 14, 2020

Good Morning, Ungovernables! We’re got some interesting programming today, including a new live performance by Badfinger.

Dr. John 2

Here’s today’s programming!

12:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Dr. John

I find it hard to believe that people wouldn’t know Dr. John (aka, the Nitetripper) a man whose music defied labels by combining blues, pop, jazz, boogie-woogie, funk and rock n’ roll.

3:00 p.m. Badfinger Live at the BBC 1972-1973 NEW!

Here I am in 2020, and I’m still a big-time Badfinger fan. This was, simply put, a band that made some great music. Had they not been screwed over by their manager, the sky was the limit (in the immortal words of Tom Petty).

6:00 p.m. Album of the Week: The Band by The Band

The Band is a thing of beauty. There is nothing bad in their music catalogue, and they have withstood the test of time.

Please tune us in. We’re free. There are no commercials. No politicians. No bullshit.

www.tinyurl.com/becomeungovernableradio

A Rare Hendrix “Live” Show, Badfinger in Kansas City, and “Wildflowers” is Back, Thursday, April 23, 2020

Good Morning, Ungovernables! We had a day off, and we’re back full speed today with some rare Hendrix, in fact

Here’s your Thursday line-up!

1:00 p.m. Album of the Week: Tom Petty’s Wildflowers

You can learn more about this outstanding solo Tom Petty album by clicking the image in the sidebar on this blog!

4:00 p.m. Jimi Hendrix Live at the Cafe Au-Go-Go, March 17, 1968 NEW!

When I say getting live Hendrix is a rarity, it’s because his professional career lasted only four years before his premature death at the age of 27. In spite of that, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians in rock music history.

7:00 p.m. Badfinger Live at the Cowtown Auditorium, Kansas City (1972)

The Badfinger story is indeed a tragic one, but this band was the only legitimate star signing for Apple Records, and they left us a great body of music to appreciate.

Tune us in! We’re free. Totally. No personal information required either.

http://www.tinyurl.com/becomeungovernableradio

There’s Something Doing at the Bluebird Cafe, The Allman Brothers, Badfinger, & Tom Petty Live on Friday, January 17, 2020

Good Morning, Ungovernables, and happy Friday! Everything we’re programming today is “live” music, starting at The Bluebird Cafe!

Petty-Campbell

Here’s your line-up:

11:00 a.m. Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt & Guy Clark Live at The Bluebird Cafe

2:00 p.m. The Allman Brothers Band Live at The Atlanta International Pop Festival

5:00 p.m. Badfinger Live at the Cowtown Auditorium, Kansas City

8:00 p.m. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: Take the Highway Live (1991)

Let’s get this show on the road, people. Time’s a wastin’.

www.tinyurl.com/becomeungovernableradio

The Beatles On the Rooftop, Badfinger in the Spotlight, and Petty Under the Covers, Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Good Morning, Ungovernables! With Christmas one day away, we’re featuring just three planned programs today. We will feature open stream Christmas Eve after our 5 p.m. sequence.

Beatles Rock the Rooftop

Here’s your line-up:

11:00 a.m. The Beatles Rock the Rooftop: The Complete Apple Rooftop Concert

The Beatles managed an unplanned, impromptu concert on the rooftop of Apple Records prior to being shut down by the British bobbies.

2:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Badfinger

5:00 p.m. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: Under the Covers

Still more reasons why The Heartbreakers were the best cover band of all time.

Tune us in. You won’t regret it.

www.tinyurl.com/becomeungovernableradio

Charles T. Wilbury, Jr. Channels Tom Petty; Badfinger in the Spotlight; and Those Echoes, Monday, October 14, 2019

Good Morning, Ungovernables! The Petty Party continues as Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr., channels his mate, Tom Petty.

Petty & Jakob Dylan

Here’s your line-up for Indigenous People’s Day (fuck Christopher Columbus, the genocidal maniac):

11:00 a.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Badfinger

The one, true, bona fide rock act signed by the Beatles to Apple Records. This is an underrated, underplayed monster of a band.

2:00 p.m. Echoes From the Canyon

The play list celebrating the pioneers of the California sound. Features The Mamas & The Papas, The Byrds, The Doors, Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, The Beach Boys, and many others.

6:00 p.m. Tom Petty: Subdued and Underappreciated

In my humble opinion, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers were the finest rock n’rollers of their generation. But that isn’t all they were, especially due to the songwriting talent of Tom Petty. This hefty playlist features a quieter, gentler, more introspective Petty, one that is often underappreciated by the masses. Take a pill and chill. Features songs from the Heartbreakers, Mudcrutch, the Traveling Wilburys, and from Tom’s solo career.

Open streaming all night long after!

Tune in at www.tinyurl.com/becomeungovernableradio