The Quarrymen (The Beatles)- "That'll Be The Day"

The Quarrymen (who later of course changed their name to The Beatles) recorded their first song in 1958...a cover of Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day".  Buddy's version was released to radio on this day in 1957 (May 25th) but here's the more obscure cover by The Quarrymen:

Dion talks about taking people on a trip in a 3 minute tune

Listen to how Dion loves to take people on a journey in his tunes.  He talks more about this in his book The Wanderer Talks Truth available now on amazon.com.

Rockabilly: The Twang Heard 'Round the World: The Illustrated History

It was the twang heard 'round the world: Rockabilly was born out of country, bluegrass, jazz, and the blues in the 1950s, becoming rock ’n’ roll and ruling the world. Here’s the story of Elvis Presley’s first Sun records that inspired all. And here’s Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and many more rockabillies from the golden years of 1955–1959, in a book chock full of photos, collectible memorabilia, movie posters, rare records, fashion, and rebel lifestyle. Includes contributions from noted music journalists Greil Marcus, Peter Guralnick, Luc Sante, Robert Gordon, and more.

 

The story continues today, with a rockabilly revival that began with stars, such as the Stray Cats and Robert Gordon, spreading around the globe from Europe to Japan. Today, rockabilly is better than ever, with bands like Rev. Horton Heat and others playing the music and living the life from Memphis to Helsinki to Tokyo. There’s still good rockin’ tonight!

Get your copy here-

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0760340625/creativepubco-20

Get a free mp3 of Hound Dog Taylor at Amazon

Get a free mp3 of "She's Gone" from the late, great Hound Dog Taylor's album Release The Hound here-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QQPUI0/ref=dm_att_alb1.  This posthumous album contained unreleased live and studio recordings.  He passed away in 1975, was inducted in the Blues Hall Of Fame in 1984 but his music still lives on today.

Beatles begin UK tour with Roy Orbison this day in 1963

In 1963 the Beatles tour the UK with Roy Orbison as the opening act.  By the end of the tour they had become the headliner!  Here's video from the year before in 1962 singing "Some Other Guy" live from the Cavern Club.

Elvis concert sparks fan frenzy in Jacksonville in 1955

At one of his early concerts in Jacksonville, FL on this date in 1955, Elvis sees an audience frenzy over his new brand of music.  Fans rip most of his clothes out of excitement.  Hear an interview with Elvis from this day...May 13, 1955 here...

2 important birthdays today in Blues and Rockabilly history- Robert Johnson & Ricky Nelson- check out the video tributes

Robert Johnson was born this day in 1911.  His influence on blues music and the folklore surrounding his life is legendary.  Here's his "Sweet Home Chicago Blues"...

Also Rockabilly legend Ricky Nelson was born this day in 1940.  With more than 50 Hot 100 hits, Nelson was second only to Elvis Presley as the most popular rock and roll artist of the 1950's and 60's.  Here's his "Believe What You Say" smash hit...featuring James Burton on guitar...

In honor of Mother's Day this Sunday..."That's All Right Mama"- Elvis

Since Mother's Day is this Sunday, here's a great rocker from Elvis...his first single on Sun Records..."That's All Right" (as the label read...including "Scotty and Bill" for his group.  Enjoy this video clip from the '68 Comeback Special.  Elvis proves there's just nobody cooler.

The Wanderer Talks Truth segment 3- Bringing Races together

Hear Dion talk about how Rock & Roll brought races together and tore down barriers...

Blind Willie McTell born this day

It's sure that Blind Willie McTell was born this day but what isn't sure is the date.  Many reports have him born in 1898 and others at 1901 or even 1903.  One of his most influential tunes is "Statesboro Blues" as seen here...

Eddie Cochran- a true original

What do The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, White Stripes, Bruce Springsteen, Dion, Stray Cats, The Clash, Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Who and many others have in common?  They have covered the music of Eddie Cochran either live or on record.  In fact, Paul McCartney was invited to join his group the Quarrymen (who later became The Beatles) because he knew all the lyrics and chords to "Twenty Flight Rock".  He died all too young at 21 but his music lives on.  Check out "Something Else" here...