Top row: Ricky Fataar, Steve Fataar (from The Flame) Middle row: Aynsley Dunbar, Gene Vincent, Bruce Johnston, Del Shannon Front row: Rodney Bingheimer, Kim Fowley, Gram Parsons Photo from the Bruce Johnston Archives
The Beach Boys' Bruce Johnston sent over this great vintage shot (probably circa 1970) as he's flanked by among others, Gene Vincent and Del Shannon, both of whom have sadly passed away. One can only imagine the conversation that happened then.
Del Shannon was born this day in 1934 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was born Charles Weedon Westover and changed to his stage name at the time of his record deal with Bigtop Records in 1960. His biggest hit came the following year in 1961 with "Runaway" which hit the top of the charts. He followed with hits like "Hats Off To Larry" and "Little Town Flirt". He's also the first American artist to cover a Beatles song. His version of "From Me To You" hit the US charts before The Beatles original version did. Here's a look back at some of his great tunes...
Bonnie Raitt was born this day in 1949. Raitt has released 18 albums so far (including her most recent Souls Alike). She has incorporated Blues, Soul, Folk, Country and Rock into her recordings. Her biggest commercial hits came along in the early 90's with the hugely successful string of hits like "Something To Talk About", "Love Sneakin' Up On You", "I Can't Make You Love Me" and others. Her love for the Blues came from spending time with Dick Waterman (an important Blues concert promoter) while in college in the late 60's. Soon she found herself playing clubs with the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, John Lee Hooker and other blues legends. Raitt was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2000. Enjoy some select video choices from Raitt's career here...
