November 21 - 30, 2009
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
November 21, 2009
New Orleans boogie woogie piano legend Dr. John is 69.
On this day in 1967, The Who released their tribute to British pirate radio, "The Who Sell Out" album.
On this day in 1974, Jefferson Starship is reunited (for the first time) with singer Marty Balin on stage at San Francisco's Winterland.
On this day in 1980, Eagle Don Henley was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of marijuana, cocaine, and Quaaludes after paramedics treated a 16-year-old girl suffering from drug intoxication at his Los Angeles home. A truly great song, "Dirty Laundry," later resulted.
On this day in 1988, Pink Floyd released their live "Delicate Sound of Thunder" album.
November 22, 2009
Foghat lead guitarist Rod Price would have been 62.
E Street Band guitarist Little Steven Van Zandt is 61.
Talking Heads bassist Tina Weymouth is 59.
On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" entered the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1970, Elvis Presley met President Richard Nixon at the White House and received a Drug Enforcement Agency badge. Kind of ironic since one of them was high and the other was a crook.
On this day in 1976, Nazareth's cover of "Love Hurts" entered the charts.
November 23, 2009
Pianist (and occasional Grateful Dead sideman) Bruce Hornsby is 56.
On this day in 1991, U2's "Mysterious Ways" entered the singles charts.
Hall Of Fame Concerts
Those of us who weren't at the two 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame concerts at Madison Square Garden last month will finally be able to see some of the magic. HBO will air a four-hour condensed version of the massive event next Sunday. Sure to make the cut are portions of the sets from Bruce Springsteen, U2, Simon & Garfunkel, Metallica and more. No word on the full-length DVD yet, but you know that's coming as well.
Kinks Working
Ray Davies is talking a lot about working in the studio with The Kinks for the first time since 1993. He says he and original drummer Mick Avory, along with later members Jim Rodford and Ian Gibbons, have been jamming on "four, five new songs... I'm just sort of getting them motivated and seeing what they're playing like." When asked about his brother (and band co-founder) Dave Davies, Ray says that Dave has been seriously ill and any collaboration depends on whether he's physically able to perform.
Kristen's Doing It
Kudos to Kristen Stewart, who is playing Joan Jett in the upcoming film "The Runaways." Jett reports from the set that, "She's definitely doing the singing... and during the filming, she was playing guitar. I showed her the positions that I play — because some guitar players will use different hand positions on the boards — so I showed her how I played it, and she picked it up really well." As to why Jett herself will not be appearing in the film about the all-girl Seventies band she was in before her solo career took off, Joan says she just "didn't want to." Can't argue with that!
Roger's Writing
In the midst of his "Use It Or Lose It" solo tour, The Who frontman Roger Daltrey is preparing to write a memoir about his career as a musician and actor. In typical understatement, he says "It's probably time. Just the story of my life and the things I've done, you know, it's kind of interesting." Roger has reservations about the "salacious crap" the public seems to want (and heaven knows he could provide!), but the rock icon admits that most folks won't be too interested in stories of his work as a beef and fish farmer.
It was David Dunham who said: Efficiency is intelligent laziness.
It was Henry Ford who said: "Whether you think you can or think you can't — you are right."
Laugh Factory Benefit
This Tuesday, 8pm: Join J.B. as he and KLOS' Bob Buchmann co-host the Bessie Mae Berger Benefit Show at the Laugh Factory – Long Beach! Bessie is the 97-year-old lady that has been living in her truck with her 2 sons because they can’t find work or a place to live. Kevin Nealon, Paul Rodriguez and Dom Irrera will be among the featured entertainers. Laughter for a great cause!
November 24, 2009
Booker T. & the MG's bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn is 68.
Drummer Pete Best, who was replaced in The Beatles by Ringo Starr, is 68 and perhaps still just a bit bitter about the whole thing.
Lee "Do You Know What I Mean" Michaels is 64.
Blondie drummer Clem Burke is 54.
Chris Hayes, guitarist with Huey Lewis & the News, is 52.
On this day in 1964, having just changed their name from the High Numbers, The Who played the first night of their new residency at the Marquee club advertised as "The Who - Maximum R&B!"
On this day in 1966, The Beatles began sessions for the follow-up to their "Revolver" album by recording tracks that eventually evolved into "Strawberry Fields Forever."
On this day in 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono released their single "Merry Xmas (War Is Over)" in England.
On this day in 1985, blues/rock pioneer Big Joe Turner died from a heart attack at age 74.
On this day in 1991, Queen's Freddie Mercury died from AIDS complications at age 45, and KISS drummer Eric Carr died of cancer at age 41.
On this day in 1993, blues guitarist Albert Collins died in Las Vegas at age 61 of liver cancer.
Biggest Festival/Biggest Band
The annual Glastonbury Festival in southwest England is one of the biggest music festivals in the world. In fact, 177,500 tickets next year's event sold out within 12 hours last month — before any bands were even announced! Considering that the '09 Glastonbury featured headlining gigs by Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, you know that next Summer's 40th anniversary line-up will have to be mind boggling. And so it shall be: on June 25th U2 will play their first ever Glastonbury — and their first major festival gig in 25 years. And if you've got the biggest band in the world booked, who else may join in? Rumored additional headliners include The Rolling Stones (who will be touring then) and David Bowie (who hasn't performed in years). Fun, fun, fun in the Glastonbury mud!
Bad Wood
The Nashville Gibson Guitars production facility was raided by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service agents last week for allegedly violating the Lacey Act, an environmental law to protect against importing endangered species of rosewood from Madagascar. Gibson says that they are fully cooperating with the investigation of the harvested wood. Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO sits on the board of the Rainforest Alliance and takes the issue of certification very seriously. The agents seized wood, computers, files and guitars as evidence.
Stones Ride Boyle's Success
Last week Susan Boyle, the internet phenom singing star, returned to the British talent search show The X Factor to sing a rendition of The Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses." The reception to her performance was so incredible that the band has decided to re-issue the classic tune (or cash in, as the Brits would say). A new digital package featuring the original song plus a stripped down version from the band's 1995 live "Stripped" album and a video of the group performing the tune at the 1976 Knebworth Festival is now available online.
Icy REO
NBC's "Holiday Celebration on Ice" will feature an amazing group of world champion figure skaters, including Brian Boitano and Peggy Fleming, as well as live Classic Rock. At last weekend's taping, REO Speedwagon performed a number of their hits and four songs from their new "Not So Silent Night" album. They were even joined by Rick Springfield, who sat in on "Roll With The Changes." Sunday, November 29th is the air date.
It was David Dunham who said: Efficiency is intelligent laziness.
It was Henry Ford who said: "Whether you think you can or think you can't — you are right."
Laugh Factory Benefit
Tonight! Tonight!, 8pm: Join J.B. as he and KLOS' Bob Buchmann co-host the Bessie Mae Berger Benefit Show at the Laugh Factory – Long Beach! Bessie is the 97-year-old lady that has been living in her truck with her 2 sons because they can't find work or a place to live. Kevin Nealon, Paul Rodriguez and Dom Irrera will be among the featured entertainers. Laughter for a great cause!
November 25, 2009
Drummer Bev Bevan of the Electric Light Orchestra is 65.
On this day in 1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience made their first U.K. appearance. The show was at the Bag O'Nails club in London, just two days before Jimi's 24th birthday.
On this day in 1967, Arlo Guthrie released the album "Alice's Restaurant."
On this day in 1968, The Beatles released their incredible "White Album" Stateside.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon returned his M.B.E. to Queen Elizabeth with a note stating "Your Majesty, I am returning this M.B.E. in protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against 'Cold Turkey' slipping down the charts. With love, John Lennon of Bag." Unfortunately, Her Majesty's response is lost to history.
On this day in 1974, Genesis released their classic "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" album, the last with singer Peter Gabriel.
On this day in 1976, The Band held a Thanksgiving farewell concert that attracted guest performers Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell, among others. The whole gig was immortalized in the film "The Last Waltz."
On this day in 1984, Bob Geldof gathered up a veritable who's who of British pop royalty (including Duran Duran, Bananarama, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and U2) to record "Do They Know It's Christmas." Under the name Band Aid, the song was then released to benefit victims of the Ethiopian Famine.
On this day in 1989, Aerosmith's "Janie's Got A Gun" entered the charts.
On this day in 2007, Quiet Riot singer Kevin DuBrow was found dead of a cocaine overdose at his Las Vegas home. He was 52 years old.
Tidbits & Giblets
Ever since Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863, Thanksgiving has been a time to remember all the good things we have in life. It's also a good time to overeat in the company of family and friends. Here are some T-day T-Facts to digest:
1. U.S. turkey consumption has increased over 230% since 1970.
2. Of the 300 million turkeys raised annually, 45 million are consumed at Thanksgiving.
3. A full-grown domestic turkey averages 3,500 feathers.
4. Turkeys lived, died and were eaten almost 10 million years ago.
5. Turkeys have heart attacks. When the Air Force was conducting test runs and breaking the sound barrier, nearby flocks of turkeys would drop dead.
6. A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour, and they can burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.
7. Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clicking noise.
8. Turkeys can see in color, and their heads change colors when they become excited.
9. The average person consumes between 2,000 and 2,500 calories each day. Researchers estimate that once Thanksgiving Day is over, the average American will have gobbled up over 4,000 calories.
10. Because Americans like white meat so much, turkeys are bred to produce large breasts. Our domesticated turkeys have such large chests that the male, "tom turkey" is not able to fertilize the eggs of the female, "hen turkeys" in the natural mating position. Sadly for today's "tom turkeys," turkey eggs are fertilized by artificial insemination for the hatchery.
11. The number of hours you can leave a turkey out without risking salmonella poisoning: Two.
12. Degrees Fahrenheit a turkey has to reach to kill harmful bacteria: 180.
13. Degrees Fahrenheit the stuffing should reach: 165.
14. Just remember that the person who cooks Thanksgiving dinner gets to put their tired feet up at the end of the evening and watch someone else do the dishes!
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
November 26, 2009
Temptress/songstress/dancer Tina Turner is 71.
Fleetwood Mac's founding member/bassist John McVie is 64.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles recorded "Please Please Me."
On this day in 1968, Cream gave its last concert at Royal Albert Hall in London. At the end of the show, the crowd of 10,000 chanted "God save the Cream." Soon after, guitar god Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker rejoined to form Blind Faith. Unfortunately, no one ever chanted "God save Blind Faith."
On this day in 1969, John Lennon participated in his last session with The Beatles, finishing the B-side "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)." What a way to go!
On this day in 1983, "Crumblin' Down" by John Cougar Mellencamp peaked at #9 as Genesis' "That's All" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1988, "Desire" by U2 peaked at #3 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1988, Def Leppard's album "Hysteria" logged its 62nd week in the Top 10 album charts.
November 27, 2009
Martial arts god Bruce Lee would have been 69.
Guitar god Jimi Hendrix would have been 67.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones opened their legendary four-night stand at Madison Square Garden. Recordings of the first two shows later became their classic live album, "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out."
On this day in 1970, former Beatle George Harrison released his solo album "All Things Must Pass." Produced by Phil Spector and engineered by Ken Scott, it featured lots of noted players like Eric Clapton, Dave Mason, Ringo Starr and Peter Frampton.
On this day in 1971, "Led Zeppelin IV," one of the greatest Rock albums ever, entered the U.S. charts at #36.
On this day in 1971, Don McLean's "American Pie" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1995, The Beatles' "Anthology I" set a first-week sales record, selling 1.2 million copies in the U.S.
November 28, 2009
Wry songmeister Randy Newman is 66.
Drummer Matt Cameron of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam is 47.
On this day in 1964, the iconic "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones released the "Let It Bleed" album.
On this day in 1970, "See Me, Feel Me" by The Who peaked at #12 on the singles charts as Elton John released "Your Song."
On this day in 1970, George Harrison released the song "My Sweet Lord."
On this day in 1974, John Lennon joined Elton John onstage at New York's Madison Square Garden. Lennon had promised Elton that if his song "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night," which featured Elton's playing, reached the top of the U.S. chart, he would appear onstage with him. The two old friends performed three songs together on that Thanksgiving night concert, including: "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night," "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds." Sadly, it would be the final concert appearance of Lennon's career.
On this day in 1980, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's album "The River" hit #1 on the charts.
On this day in 1981, "Waiting For A Girl Like You" by Foreigner peaked at #2 on the singles charts as "No Reply At All" by Genesis topped out at #29.
On this day in 1992, Bon Jovi's song "Keep The Faith" topped out at #29 on the singles chart.
November 29, 2009
Blues legend John Mayall is 76.
Guitarist Barry Goudreau of the original Boston line-up is 58.
On this day in 1963, The Beatles released the "I Want to Hold Your Hand" single in the U.K. Over the next three days, it sold over a million copies!
On this day in 1986, Bruce Springsteen entered the U.S. album charts at #1 with his "Live 1975-1985" box set. It was the fourth time in chart history that an album made its chart debut at #1, and the first time a box set had ever done so. Soon after, "Live 1975-1985" became the most successful box set ever, eventually selling over 13 million copies.
On this day in 2001, former Beatle George Harrison succumbed to cancer at age 58.
November 30, 2009
Mark Twain would have been 174 and still acerbic.
Sir Winston Churchill would have been 135.
Ageless Rock & Roll TV impresario Dick Clark is very alive and 80 — no, really!
Bassist Roger Glover of Deep Purple is 64.
The icon of sneering, Billy Idol, is 54.
On this day in 1977, veteran crooner Bing Crosby hosted his 42nd Christmas special on TV. David Bowie was his most notable guest, and the two performed a duet of "The Little Drummer Boy"/"Peace on Earth," which was then released as a single. You'll hear that duet and three more hours of Rock & Roll Christmas songs when 95.5 KLOS airs Uncle Joe's Rockin' Christmas Show later next month!
On this day in 1979, Pink Floyd released their classic double album "The Wall."
On this day in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne released his "Speak Of The Devil" album.