The group initially performed under several names before settling on “The Yardbirds,” reportedly inspired by the writings of author Jack Kerouac, who used the slang term “yardbird” to describe a drifter or someone living on the margins of society.
The Yardbirds emerged from the vibrant rhythm and blues scene that flourished in London during the early 1960s, becoming one of the most influential British bands of the decade. Although they would later gain worldwide recognition for helping launch the careers of three legendary guitarists—Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page—
This is a series of posts that will talk about my favorite Keyboard players.
In Part One I chose; Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Eumir Deodato, Gershon Kingsley, Jon Lord, and Elton John. I’ll keep it going here with some more excellent ticklers of the ivories!
This is a series of posts that will talk about my favorite songs with screams. See if you agree with any of these!
“Child in Time” is a monumental song by Deep Purple, written by all five members of the Mark II lineup—Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice—and first released on the 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock; inspired in part by “Bombay Calling” by It’s a Beautiful Day, the band transformed it into a 10-minute anti-war epic that showcases
Title songs, not on the album.
Most of the songs, that an album is named for, will be on that very album. What about album title songs that became , somehow, misplaced and appeared on another of that groups albums somewhere. I’ll try to locate a few here to talk about.
Songs that contains “Shangri-La” in the Lyrics.
“Shangri-La” is a fictional utopian paradise described in James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon. It is depicted as a secluded and harmonious valley in the Himalayas, where inhabitants experience prolonged life and inner peace. The term has since become synonymous with an idealized, peaceful retreat. Hilton’s concept drew inspiration from Tibetan myths and Western fascination with Eastern mysticism.
Songs that contain the phrase “Wavy Hair” in the lyrics.
Emmylou Harris’s rendition of Mr. Sandman was released on her 1981 album Evangeline. Written by Pat Ballard in 1954, the original version became a hit for The Chordettes, with other notable covers by the Andrews Sisters and later by Chet Atkins. Harris’s interpretation adds a country twist, blending harmonies with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt,
He’ll only break your heart
And leave you standing out in the rain
Shame, shame
As a record collector, I hunted down many of my favorites but obviously came nowhere near getting them all. These are some of my favorites I didn’t own then.
My second 2023 inductee, 14th overall, is Sir Paul McCartney. He is the first to be in my hall twice, once for The Beatles and now for his post-Beatle career.
The Beatles’ bassist, vocalist, and songwriter would continue solo beginning in 1970 at the sign of the break-up of the band. He would release his first LP, McCartney, a month before the release of The Beatles’ swansong Let It Be. The album, rich with experimentation, has McCartney performing all instruments and vocals himself, aside from some backing vocals performed by Linda McCartney. It also contained the song, “Maybe I’m Amazed”.
One of the three greatest guitarists of all time that played with the Yardbirds!
Geoffrey Arnold Beck (Jeff Beck) was born June 24, 1944, to Arnold and Ethel Beck at 206 Demesne Road, Wallington, South London. As a boy, he sang in the choir and cited Les Paul as the first guitarist that impressed him.
My next inductee into my Music Hall of Fame is Led Zeppelin. I had a friend, in the early 80’s that had a Pontiac Firebird and loved Led Zeppelin. He had spent more on the sound system than the car and he played their music really loud. It sounded really good, I’m sure they would have been proud.
