New EP from the Reckless Ones

The Reckless Ones just put out a self-titled EP (get it on iTunes HERE) and it's packed with a vintage style and a lot of attitude.  Brian Setzer even contributed a song called "Mean Pickin' Mama".  They tour constantly so keep up with their whereabouts at www.recklessones.com.  In the meantime, check out their new video for Desert Rose from their new EP.

Third Man Records reissues select Sun Records releases

With Third Man Records being a wonderful "left of center" label in Tennessee that often finds unique projects leaning toward blues, rockabilly and roots, it's fitting that they are releasing another Tennessee based label that also leaned that way in the 50's.  They are releasing the first 3 45's in their Sun Records Reissue Series beginning May 21st.  Those releases include "Bear Cat" by Rufus Thomas, "Just Walking In The Rain" by The Prisonaires and "Get Rhythm" by Johnny Cash.  The special yellow & black swirl versions will be available from the Rolling Record Store at various locations.  Find out more HERE.

"Bear Cat"- Rufus Thomas

"Just Walking In The Rain"- The Prisonaires

"Get Rhythm"- Johnny Cash

Ritchie Valens was born this day in 1941

Richard Steven Valenzuela (Ritchie Valens) was born this day in 1941 in Pacoima, CA.  He tragically died 3 months before his 18th birthday along with Buddy Holly and "The Big Bopper" J.P. Richardson on February 3, 1959 while on the Winter Dance Party with fellow headliner Dion DiMucci.

"Ooh My Head"

"La Bamba"

"Donna"

"Come On, Let's Go"

Happy Birthday Sonny Curtis!

Sonny Curtis was born this day in 1937.  He is perhaps best known for his role with Buddy Holly.  He and Buddy were childhood friends and joined the Crickets after Buddy's death.  One of Buddy's early hits "Rock Around With Ollie Vee" was written by Curtis.  One of his solo hits "Love Is All Around" was the theme song to the Mary Tyler Moore show.  Some of his most covered songs include "I Fought The Law" (Bobby Fuller, The Crickets, Stray Cats, The Clash, Johnny Cash and numerous others), "Walk Right Back" (The Everly Brothers, Glen Campbell & Bobbie Gentry, etc) and so many more!

"The Real Buddy Holly Story"

"Walk Right Back"

"Love Is All Around"

"I Fought The Law"

Happy Birthday Billy Burnette!

Billy Burnette was born this day in 1953 in Memphis, TN.  In case you missed the interview last fall, check this out for a great overview of Billy's career HERE.  Here's to many more Billy....keep rockin and rollin' with it!

"Tear It Up"

"Wrong One Right"

"It's Late"

"My Love Will Not Change"

"Oh Well"

Happy Birthday Dick Dale

Dick Dale ("The King Of The Surf Guitar") was born this day in 1937 in Boston, MA.  His interest in surfing began after his family moved to Orange County, CA in 1954.  Because of his Lebanese heritage, Dale had a strong interest in Arabic music which played an important role in his surf music style.  He still tours today (see below for some recent shots at a Nashville concert).  Also, enjoy some of his hits from over the years!

Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN 4-30-13

Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN 4-30-13

"Misirlou"

"Let's Go Trippin'"

"Pipeline" (with Stevie Ray Vaughan)

"Smoke On The Water/ Peter Gunn Theme"

"Nitro"