R&B Legend Remembered

Sadly, it was during this week in 1984 when we lost soul singer and dynamic live performer Jackie Wilson. He died of a massive heart attack at the age of only 49: still touring; still doing what he loved. Jackie Wilson was from Detroit and I am from the Detroit area. Perhaps I have that accident of location to thank for my musical familiarity with him.

With a voice capable of bordering on operatic, this super talented soul legend could sing ballads capable of bringing a person to teas, and he often did. Yet, known as Mr. Excitement, he could also belt out an R&B classic, destined to become a top 40 smash as well. And aren't we glad he chose to do just that, time and again?

On my rock history twitter feed I've featured Higher and Higher as well as Whisper's Gettin' Louder, two of his later and biggest hits. But now let's take it back a bit further to my own favourite Jackie Wilson record.

1959 - That's Why (I Love You So) by Jackie Wilson



That's another Classic Track LookBack. See ya next time.

LookBack #23: Soulful Tunes

This week's Classic Track LookBack looks back at the man who grew to be known by many as the King of Soul.

When it comes to remembering the rock and soul artists that we've lost during this week over the years, I can't help but reflect on their huge contribution to the music that we love. It has indeed been a bad week for rock and soul artists. In 1964, Sam Cooke was gunned down. In 1980, outside the apartment building where he lived, John lennon was cut down. Finally, we remember December 10, 1967 when Otis Redding and most members of his band were killed in a plane crash. They were flying from Cleveland Ohio, following a live performance when the tragedy occurred. But as is the case when I write about an artist who is no longer with us I want to concentrate on Otis' life rather than his death.

1965 - Respect

During the 60s, as a kid growing up near Detroit, Michigan, I was fortunate to have the choice of two radio stations that pumped out the best in rhythm and blues all day and all night. That's where I first heard Otis' music. For instance, as well as hearing the huge hit version of Respect by Aretha Franklin and the local Detroit hit of the same song done by the Rationals, I got to enjoy the Otis Redding interpretation as he belted out his plea for respect.

Respect

1966 - Try a Little Tenderness

If you were into rock music in the early 70s, as many of my readers were, you no doubt recall Three Dog Night and their version of Try a Little Tenderness. But have you ever heard the Otis Redding version of the song, recorded years before that?

Try a Little Tenderness

1967 - Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

When Otis died at age 26, he had never enjoyed significant success on the top 40 charts. But that was about to change. Shortly before his death, he performed at the Monterey Pop Festival. Following that performance, he penned his most famous song, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, just days before his death. After its release, it hit #1 in the US on both the Top 40 and Rhythm and Blues charts. When an album was released with Dock of the Bay as its title track, it went #1 in the UK as well. Was all of this popularity due to the tragic manner in which Otis died? I like to think that the record would have topped the charts regardless of when it was released. Have a listen and see what you think.

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

1967 - Merry Christmas Baby

Christmas time gives us the chance to recall a couple of Otis Redding Christmas classics. I offered one of them on my #rockhistory Twitter feature during this past week. It was Otis Redding's version of White Christmas. But my favourite Otis Christmas tune was released for Christmas 1967.

Merry Christmas Baby



I've barely scratched the surface when it comes to recalling Otis Redding's true classics. I encourage you to search out more. You might want to start with his first solo release, These Arms of Mine, or maybe Mr. Pitiful, or a great blues tune called I've been Loving You Too Long. Otis Ray Redding Jr, the King of Soul.

Till next time, that's another Classic Track LookBack at rock history. Speaking of rock history, you can find all of my rock history tweets in all of their Storified glory. You can rock the holidays with Maindog too by visiting Rockin' the Holidays with Maindog Sound on Storify. Or best yet, follow me live on Twitter, and see my #rockhistory tweets as I roll them out sitting send from my studio. Do you have a Christmas fave that you love to rock to at Christmas?

Defining R&B on Motown Week

This week's Classic Track Look Back features the magic of Motown, a record label that rocked the charts during the 60s and 70s with artists and groups who both helped to define rhythm and blues and traveled beyond. We're rocking you back with the music that made our Motown memories.

And please check out our Announcement at the bottom of this post - we're very excited about it!

1969 - The Temptations 

It was this week in 1969 when the Temptations scored their second #1 with Can't Get Next To You. Their first #1, rising to the top from a mountain of 60s classics was My Girl. This week, our featured Temps track is the one that topped the charts as the 60s bordered on the 70s.
I Can't Get Next To You

1970 - Jackson 5 

On to Oct 1970, when the Jackson 5 hit #1 with their assurance that they would be there. That ssong spent 5 weeks on top. But that's only part of their 1970 story. According to Motown, their singles during that year sold a combined 10 million records!
I'll Be There

1970 - Stevie Wonder

Finally, let's head back to Oct 1976 when Stevie Wonder found the right key with his double album Songs in the Key of Life. It was a key that opened the door to a #1 LP. The album included the hit singles Sir Duke, I Wish and Isn't She Lovely.
I Wish

Announcement! Maindog Sound is on Storify 

Social Media is great because it provides an ever evolving platform to share. The Classic Track Look Back was born on Twitter, where all week long we tweet special moments in rock history. It then moved to this blog (and thank you for checking it out, by the way), and now we add another one to the mix.

We will continue to do the live tweets for #rockhistory, and right here, but you can check out our rockin' tweets and links to the music that inspired them (and some extra stuff too). Just visit Maindog Sound on Storify, and read this week's story here.

A Double Shot Look Back

Our Classic Track Look Back takes a weekly look and a listen at the music that made our memories. Lots of double shots of rock, and check out the Remaking Rock History at the end of this post.

Rock continues to evolve as it should. Our mission is to remind you of where it has been, and offer a peak of where it's going.

1962 - The Beatles 

The Beatles' Love Me Do was released in England 50 years ago this week spending 26 weeks on theUK charts and peaking at number 17. The Fab 4 classic would not cross the Atlantic as a North American hit until 1964.
Love Me Do

1965 - The McCoys

Our next Classic Track Look Back takes us for another ride in the way back machine, this time to October 1965 for a song with 2 titles. When the McCoys released it, it was called Hang On Sloopy. It was with this song that they enjoyed their only chart topper. Not long before, the song had been released by the Vibrations, who called it My Girl Sloopy. Here's the McCoys version.
Hang On Sloopy

1969 - The Beatles 

Last week marked the anniversary of Abbey Road's UK release. This week, another track from that album, as we celebrate its' October 1969 arrival in North American record stores. Here's one from the album that we don't hear as often as we should.
Oh! Darling

1969 - Creedence Clearwater Revival 

None of their singles topped the charts but CCR's Green River LP hit #1 and stayed for 5 weeks in October 1969. This album is about more than the hits it contained. Check out Wrote a Song for Everyone.
Wrote a Song for Everyone

1971 - Janis Joplin 

This week in 1970 Janis Joplin died after an accidental heroin overdose. Still her music lived on. In 1971 her Pearl album and Me and Bobby McGee single topped the end of year charts.
Me and Bobby McGee

1971 - Rod Stewart

In October 1971, Rod Stewart's Every Picture Tells a Story album netted him a double sided 45 hit with Maggie May and Reason to Believe. Together, the tracks topped the singles charts for 5 weeks. The album remains my favourite Stewart release.
Maggie May (Side A)


Reason to Believe (Side B)

1975 - Pink Floyd 

Pink Floyd's album Wish You Were Here was selling strong in October 1975. The album included a tribute to former Floyd member Syd Barrett. That track is featured here.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond

1982 - John Mellencamp 

John Mellencamp doubled the fun with his double No. 1 in October '82. #1 LP with American Fool & #1 single with Jack and Diane.
Jack and Diane

1983 - Bonnie Tyler 

In Fall '83 Bonnie Tyler enjoyed a total eclipse of the chart, when Total Eclipse of the Heart eclipsed all other tracks of the day, landing at No. 1. That accomplishment made her the only Welsh singer to achieve No. 1 status.
Total Eclipse of the Heart

1987 - Aerosmith 

This week in 1987, Aerosmith hit the album charts for a long stay with Permanent Vacation. The album included 2 hit singles, Dude Looks Like a Lady and Rag Doll.
Dude Looks Like a Lady

Remaking Rock History 

This week we're closing with a rock remake. The song Money has received generous air play from at least 4 artists. First came:

1962 - Barrett Strong - Money (That's What I Want)


Then there was the Beatles in 1964, the Kingsmen in the same year... and and then came the most recent, just 50 years after the original...

2012 - David Gray - Money (That's What I Want)


Till next time, that's our Classic Track Look Back, yet another slice of rock history.