"This Day in Music History" February 13, 2012

 JEFF WATERS

 

Jeff Waters & Annihilator, "King Of The Kill", Live Masters Of Rock, 2008

Happy 46th birthday to Jeff Waters who was born on February 13, 1966, in Ottawa, Canada, is the lead guitarist and mastermind of the thrash metal band Annihilator. He remains as the only original member of the band since he started it in 1984. One of the best thrash metal debut albums was Annihilator's Alison Hell (1989), but the original lineup disbanded right after its release. Jeff has gone to do 12 more studio albums and one live LP since that debut. He's played everything from lead to rhythm to bass, engineered and produced the recordings. He has also used some of the biggest names in metal as session artists in his work. Who says you NEED a band to BE a band?

For more biographical info and 15 more music videos of Jeff's career, visit him at #3 in "Top 10 Metal Guitarists", the new, free, on-line eBook by Guitar Maniacs (Authors of "This Day in Music History").

Happy 46th, Jeff 

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PETER GABRIEL

Peter with Genesis, "Supper's Ready", Live in Shepperton, 1973

Happy 62nd birthday to PETER GABRIEL,lead vocalist and flautist of Genesis since forming the band in 1967 with his Gabriel founded Genesis in 1967 with school chums Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford and Chris Stewart. (Phil Collins ultimately replaced Stewart on drums in 1970, while Steve Hackett replaced Phillips in 1971).

Peter shocked the world in 1976 by leaving Genesis despite 30 million in album sales. He recorded his solo debut album in 1976 with the single "Solsbury Hill", an autobiographical piece explaining why he left Genesis. 

 

 "Solsbury Hill", Growing Up Tour, The Filotorum, Milan, May, 2003

He went on to a very successful solo career. He has won 6 Grammys, 13 MTV Video Awards (9 for the "Sledgehammer" video alone) and in 2007, was honored as a BMI Icon at the 57th annual BMI London Awards for his “influence on generations of music makers". His fourth solo album in 1982, was one of the first totally digital recordings ever done. Security featured the Top 40 hit "Shock the Monkey". In September 2002, Gabriel released Up, his first full-length studio album in a decade. (Peter was quoted as saying ti took him almost 10 years to write "Sky Blue"). However, his 1986 album, So, was his most successful (3X Platinum in the UK & 5X Platinum in the US). This song was just one of the reasons:  

 "Sledgehammer", Live in Milan, Italy, 2003, w/Great Tony Levin bass work!

Very much a social activist, also in 1986, he became associated with Amnesty International and in 2008 received the group's 2008 Ambassador of Conscience Award. In 1992, Gabriel co-founded WITNESS, a non-profit group that equips, trains and supports locally-based organizations worldwide to use video and the internet in human rights documentation and advocacy. Peter was inducted into the Rock HOF with Genesis in 2010.

Happy 62nd, Peter 

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10 Years ago today, we remember...

WAYLON JENNINGS (1937-2002)

 

"Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way", Live, Austin City Limits, 1989

Country music legend, Waylon Arnold Jennings, born June 15, 1937 in Littlefield, Texas, began his career as the bassist for Buddy Holly following the break-up of The Crickets. He escaped death in the February 3, 1959, plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, when he gave up his seat to Richardson who had been sick with the flu. After the crash, Waylon worked as a DJ in Arizona and formed a rockabilly band called The Waylors.

By the '70s, he had hooked up with "The Outlaws", an anti-country establishment who feigned Nashville for Austin, TX as a base. In 1976 Jennings released the album Wanted! The Outlaws, recorded with Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser and Jessie Colter. The album was the first country music album certified platinum. Two years later, duet albums with Willie Nelson spawned this #1 country hit: 

 "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys", Waylon & Wille

In 1979, he recorded "Good Ol' Boys", for the TV show, The Dukes of Hazzard. He also served as "The Balladeer" (Narrator) for all 7 seasons. He continued to record when the Outlaws joined forces with Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson to form The Highwaymen. 

 

The Highwaymen - "Big River"

 

Waylon released his last solo studio album in 1998. From 1966 and 1995, Waylon charted 54 albums on the Billboard Country Top 100, (11 reaching #1), with 96 charting singles (16 of which hit #1). He won two Grammys and 5 CMA Awards in his career. In 2001, he was inducted into the Country Music HOF and in 2006, received his star on Hollywood's Rock Wall. Sadly he passed away on February 13, 2002, in his sleep at the age of 64 from diabetic complications. 

 RIP, Waylon 

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We salute the stars on "This Day in Music History" ~ Feb 12th Michael McDonald, Steve Hackett, Brian Robertson

MICHAEL McDONALD

"Whats a Fool Believes", Doobie's #1 hit, 1980 Grammy Award Show

Happy 60th birthday to St. Louis' own Michael McDonald, five-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and keyboardist. Michael was discovered while playing with a band called Blue, moved to LA in 1970 and got his break as becoming one of the studio session players for three of Steely Dan's albums before becoming part of Steely Dan's last touring band in the '70s, playing keyboards and doing backup vocals. 

 Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald and Steely Dan "Pretzel Logic"

In 1975, he was recruited to join the Doobie Brothers, Michael has recorded some of their most popular hits such as "Real Love", "Takin' It to the Streets", "It Keeps You Runnin'", "Minute by Minute" and "What a Fool Believes" which earned he and co-writer, Kenny Loggins, a 1980 Grammy for Song of the Year.

After the Doobies' first farewell tour, McDonald compiled some of his earlier songs in the 1982 release That Was Then: The Early Years. His first solo album, If That's What It Takes, (1982), featured this hit:

"I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)", Soundstage, 2003

"Yah Mo B There", a duet with James Ingram, won the 1985 Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Michael's next major collaboration produced this #1 blockbuster hit in this romantic duet with Patti LaBelle, "On My Own" (1986):

 Michael McDonald Tribute Show, 2000, "On My Own" w/ Patti LaBelle

He continues to record with a variety of artists and in a variety of genres: Soul, Jazz, and Rock. McDonald also ocassionally reunites with the Doobies since their initial dissolution in 1982 and joins Steely Dan on tours, both as the opening act and as part of the band.

 Happy 60th, Michael

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Brian Robertson

Brian and Gary Moore, One Night in Dublin: A Tribute to Phil Lynott , 2005.

Happy 56th birthday to Brian Robertson, guitarist for Average White Band, Thin Lizzy, Wild Horses and Motorhead. 'Robbo' Robertson was born on this day in 1956 in Glasgow, Scotland. After his early classical training in piano and cello, he turned to rock 'n' roll and took up the guitar, bass guitar, drums and keyboards. After playing with his brother, Glen, in Dream Police, which became the Average White Band, Thin Lizzy was looking for a guitarist to replace the deceased Gary Moore. Robbo played with Lizzy from 1974-78 and played on Jailbreak (1976), Bad Reputation (1977) and Live and Dangerous (1978) which featured this, their highest charting single. Brian and Scott Gorham were quite a lead guitar duo. 

Thin Lizzy, "The Boys Are Back in Town", Rainbow Theater, 1978

After the Live and Dangerous tour, he left Lizzy and joined with ex-Rainbow bassist, Jimmy Bain, to form Wild Horses. When that didn't click, he replaced 'Fast' Eddie Clarke of Motorhead and recorded 'Another Perfect Day' (1983). 

"Shine", Brian w/ Lemmy and Motorhead, 1983

Brian kept moving. He then hooked up with his Glasgow mate, Frankie Miller, and recorded, the LP, Dancing in the Rain album. The next career phase were a series of collaborations with people like Shane MacGowan (The Pogues), Joe Strummer (The Clash) and Five Fifteen, a Lizzy-like band he recorded the album The Man Who Sold Himself (2004). He's even done some instructional blues guitar videos. His latest project was his first solo album, Diamonds and Dirt (2011) featuring Ian Haugland (Europe), Nalle Pahlsson (Treat), Leif Sundin (MSG) and Liny Wood. It was recorded in Stockholm.

Happy 56th, Brian

   

February 11 Tributes: Sheryl Crow, Russ Freeman, Phil Walker

"This Day in Music History", February 11, we celebrate some special birthdays and one very significant and shocking loss. Let's start with the good news.

Sheryl Crow

"All I Wanna Do" Live, Dayton, Ohio, 2009

Happy 50th Birthday to Sheryl Suzanne Crow born February 11, 1962 in Kennett, Missouri, American singer, songwriter, guitarist and winner of nine Grammy awards. After graduating from the University of Missouri, she became a music teacher at a Fenton, MO elementary school by day and a part-time jingle singer, performing with local bands on weekends. After successfully auditioning as a backup vocalist for Michael Jackson during his Bad World Tour from 1987 to 1989, she parlayed this into recording background vocals for Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle and Don Henley. 

After he failed debut album in 1992, she became an active member in the casual songwriter circle known as the 'Tuesday Night Music Club' in 1993. Her debut album was re-released as Tuesday Night Music Club and remained obscure until "All I Wanna Do" became a #1 Adult Contemporary hit in the spring of 1994. Singles "Strong Enough" (#5), "Leaving Las Vegas" (#8), and "Can't Cry Anymore" (#22) also made the charts. 

  

        "If It Makes You Happy", Live at Budokan, Tokyo, Japan, 2002

In 1996, Sheryl self-produced her second album, Sheryl Crow, included the hit, "If It Makes You Happy" and won two Grammys Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and Best Rock Album. Sales of the album were banned at Wal-Mart. After employing immigrants, denying unions and exploiting  underpaid workers by denying healthcare, they suddenly got a conscience, apparently. They objected to the 'political activist' side of Sheryl on abortion, homelessness, nuclear war and, specifically, her implications (by name) of Wal-Mart supplying the guns to which children later gain access in the song "Love Is A Good Thing". (Sheryl is also an aggressive campaigner for Breat Cancer as a survivor of the disease herself). 

Other singles from her self-titled LP include "A Change Would Do You Good," "Home" and this one: 

 "Everyday Is A Winding Road" Live, Gilford, NH, 2010

Her first live album, Sheryl Crow and Friends: Live From Central Park, featured appearances by Pat Benetar,  Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, Dixie Chicks, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton. The single "There Goes the Neighborhood" from the album, won her the Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Crow's fourth studio album, C'mon, C'mon (2002) spawned the hit "Soak Up the Sun" but it was this song that won her the Female Rock Vocal Performance Grammy:

"Steve McQueen" from Sheryl's DVD, C'Mon, America, 2003

She not only is a tasteful electric and acoustic guitarist, but an equally accomplished bassist as seen here in "Anything But Down". Sheryl has sold over 35 million albums worldwide (16 million in the US alone!) and shows no signs of letting up as she turns 50. Her last LP, 100 Miles from Memphis, was released on July 20, 2010. Happy Birthday to a true American treasure... America is short one teacher, but has gained a true rock star.   

Her nine Grammys, on this, the eve of the 54th Grammy Awards Show were:

- Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, "Steve McQueen," 2003
- Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, "There Goes the Neighborhood," 2000
- Female Rock Vocal Performance, "Sweet Child o' Mine," 1999
- Best Rock Album, The Globe Sessions, 1998
- Female Rock Vocal Performance, "If It Makes You Happy," 1996
- Best Rock Album, Sheryl Crow, 1996
- Best New Artist, 1994
- Record of the Year, "All I Wanna Do," 1994
- Female Pop Vocal Performance, "All I Wanna Do," 1994

Happy 50th, Sheryl

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RUSS FREEMAN

Medley of The Rippingtons' Hits with Russ Freeman, guitarist

Happy 52nd birthday to the founder, leader and guitarist of the popular contemporary smooth jazz group, The Rippingtons, Russell Freeman. Russ was born on this date in 1960 in Galveston, Texas. Raised in Nashville, Russ began playing guitar at age 10, and began his career at age 16 as a studio guitarist via a friend of his father's, studio guitarist, John Pell. After moving to L.A. in 1978, Russ studied at Cal Arts and U.C.L.A. In 1985 he released his debut album Nocturnal Playground.

In 1979, he founded the Rippingtons, whose first lineup for their inaugural album, Moonlighting (1986), featured David Benoit (piano), Brandon Fields, Dave Koz, and Kenny G (saxophones). Kilimanjaro (1988) was the first Rippingtons album to break into the pop charts. Tourist in Paradise (1989) saw a new configuration of the band as Mark Portmann, Steve Bailey  and Jeff Kashiwa joined the band. In 1991, Russ relocated to Colorado and was influenced accordingly with the LP, Curves Ahead (1991) featuring the smooth jazz hit, "Aspen".

Russ and The Rippingtons, "Aspen" Live on B.E.T. on Jazz  

In August, 1992, the group released Weekend in Monaco, which, to date, has been one of their best selling albums. After forming Peak Records in 1994 with his manager, in 1997, the group released Black Diamond, their first record on Russ' label. It debuted at #1 on Billboard's Jazz charts.

In 2006, the group celebrated their 20th anniversary by releasing a  two disc set which includes a DVD. Their latest album, Modern Art (2009) was nominated for a Grammy: Best Pop Instrumental Album. category. The Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards have honored Russ with a Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as Producer Of the Year 2001. The Rippingtons were chosen Best Group 2000 by Billboard BET, and Best Group 2 years in a row, 2001 and 2002 by the Oasis Awards, in addition to Achievement in Video 2001. He continues to tour with various leading jazz artists in an ever-changing lineup of The Rippingtons.

Happy 52nd Birthday, Russ

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PHILLIP WALKER  (1937-2010) 

 

"Special Built Woman", Phillip Walker Blues Band, Going Back Home

Happy 75th birthday to Welsh, Louisiana's own, Phillip Walker, American blues guitarists best known for his 1959 hit single, "Hello My Darling". Walker was also known for his variety of styles and the changes he would often make for each album he recorded.

Born to a poor sharecropping family, and the seventh of 12 children, he had to work the farm as his father became ill. But music ran in his family (blues guitarist Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown was a second cousin). Phillip couldn't afford a guitar but he constructed his first instrument from a cigar box, using the thinnest wire he could find. He spent every spare minute, when he wasn’t working in the fields or helping herd or brand cattle, learning the instrument. By age 15, he was playing guitar in Houston and other Texas Gulf Coast juke joints. 

 

Phillip reflecting on his humble beginnings and 50 years on the road

Phillip's first recording was made in 1952, at 17, as a sideman with Roscoe Gordon. Phillip met Clifton Chenier in 1953, who gave him his first real guitar. He went on the road with Clifton and his Zydeco band, recording as part of an R&B package including Johnny Otis, Lonnie Brooks, Lloyd Price, Etta James, Lowell Fulson, Jimmy Reed & Little Richard. In 1973, Phillip cut his first solo LP, "The Bottom of The Top" for the Hefner Playboy label followed by "Someday You'll Have These Blues" (1976), "Tough As I Want To Be" (1982), "Big Blues from Texas" (1992), and "I Got A Sweet Tooth" (1998).

In all, Phillip recorded 11 albums. His final Studio release was Going Back Home (2007). He died of apparent heart failure on July 22, 2010. He was 73 years old.

 RIP, Phillip

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