The Fabulous Thunderbirds feel energized with "On The Verge"

I talked with Kim Wilson about 18 months ago (interview found HERE) and a couple of things stood out to me.  One, he just really seemed to be in great spirits over this band he's assembled.  He described what each brought to the table and how it really energized the sound.  Secondly, he talked about recently really getting into the stuff from Specialty Records (Sam Cooke, Soul Stirrers, etc) and other soul singer acts.  It wasn't a surprise when you listen to this new album that you notice the energy as well as a soul and funk sound infused with their signature blues.  If you are a longtime fan, you're in for a treat as On The Verge is one of their best!  And for those that haven't listened in a while, this will be the album to bring you back!  The first single, "I Want To Believe" is a great groovin' track that will have you singing along before the first chorus has ended.  Sometimes you don't know what your missing in your musical repertoire until you hear it and this is something that was missing in mine!  Other standouts include the funky ("Too Much Water", "You Got To Bring It With You"), the soulful ("Hold Me", "Lovin' Time"), the blues ("Lonely Highway", "Do You Know Who I Am") and my personal favorite, "Running From The Blues".  That one has a great summer sound and hopefully you'll be hearing it on the radio soon!  Pick this one up wherever you like to get your new music and you'll be glad you did!

"I Want To Believe"

"Lovin' Time"

Elvis records "Burning Love" this day in 1972

Elvis Presley recorded "Burning Love" (written by Dennis Linde) this day in 1972 at RCA's Hollywood Studios.  Arthur Alexander had released it in 1971 on his self-titled album but became Elvis' final top 10 hit peaking at #2 (behind Chuck Berry's "My Ding-A-Ling").  Check out the studio and live versions from Elvis along with versions by Arthur Alexander and the song's writer Dennis Linde:

studio

Live from Hawaii

Arthur Alexander

Dennis Linde

Jan Berry of "Jan & Dean" died this day in 2004

Jan Berry of "Jan & Dean" fame died this day in 2004.  Berry had a severe car crash in 1966.  He had a long road toward recovery after the wreck left him with partial paralysis and brain damage.  Even with his physical limitations, he eventually reunited with Dean after the success of the TV movie Deadman's Curve.  Berry is sometimes overlooked for his contributions in the studio as producer.  Even Brian Wilson, who collaborated many times with Jan, said "I learned to make cleaner background tracks (from Jan).  I learned how to be ambitious from Jan.  He had a very strong spirit for recording music."  Read more from his former partner Dean Torrence from our interview last December at this LINK.  Enjoy some great moments of Jan's career below-

"Sidewalk Surfin"

"The Little Old Lady From Pasadena"

"Deadman's Curve"

"Baby Talk"

Johnny Burnette was born this day in 1934

Johnny Burnette was born this day in 1934 in Memphis, TN.  Johnny and his older brother Dorsey formed a trio with guitarist Paul Burlison called The Rock and Roll Trio.  These wild, early rockabilly tunes have become classics with songs like "Train Kept A Rollin'", "Honey Hush", "Tear It Up", "Rock Billy Boogie", "Lonesome Train" and so many more.  Johnny & Dorsey also wrote many great hits for others including Ricky Nelson ("It's Late", "I Believe What You Say", "Waitin' In School" and more).  As a solo artist, Johnny enjoyed success with songs like "You're Sixteen", "God, Country & My Baby", "Dreamin", "Cincinnati Fireball" and more.  Burnette continued to record until his untimely death in August of 1964 at the young age of 30.

"Lonesome Train"

"Hound Dog"

"Dreamin"

"You're Sixteen"

"Cincinnati Fireball"

Elvis purchased Graceland this day in 1957

On this day in 1957, Elvis put a deposit down to purchase Graceland for his parents and himself.  Once they moved in the following month, he lived there until the time of his death in 1977.  His mother Gladys passed away August 14th, 1958.  Hundreds of thousands visit Graceland every year making it the 2nd most visited residence in the USA behind The White House.

Happy Birthday Mike Love

The Beach Boys' Mike Love (2nd from right) was born this day in 1941.  Love is a first cousin with Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson.  The band did their 50th Anniversary tour last year as well as their latest album, That's Why God Made The Radio.  See Mike and Bruce Johnston on tour this year- http://beachboysband.net

"Do It Again" (50th Anniversary Edition)

"Surfin' USA"

"Fun, Fun, Fun"

"Kokomo"

"Rock N Roll To The Rescue"

Happy Birthday Dean Torrence

photo courtesy of Dean Torrence

Dean Torrence of Jan & Dean fame was born this day in 1940.  In case you missed our interview from December 2011, take a look HERE.  He's a true gentleman and joy to speak with.  Also, check out his art at http://thegalleryhb.com.

designed by Dean Torrence

The Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" was released this day in 1963

The Beach Boys released the single "Surfin' USA" this day in 1963.  The B-side was "Shut Down".  It peaked at #2 in the US.  The single also brought some controversy over the melody line from Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen".  Berry sued and won songwriting credit on "Surfin' USA" as well as song royalties.  Ironically, Berry's song peaked at #2 on the charts as well in 1958.  Check out both sides of this Beach Boys single as well as Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen"-

"Surfin' USA"

"Shut Down"

Chuck Berry- "Sweet Little Sixteen"

Johnny Cash and June Carter wed this day in 1968

June Carter was touring with Johnny Cash in 1968 when he proposed to her on stage in Ontario, Canada on February 22nd.  She said "yes" and the couple married on March 1st, 1968 in Franklin, KY.  Enjoy some clips of this one of a kind couple:

"Jackson"

"Long-Legged Guitar Pickin' Man"

"It Ain't Me Babe"

"If I Were A Carpenter"