\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: On this date in 1966, legendary soul singer Otis Redding released his fifth studio album, Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul. The album was the last Redding would release before his untimely death. Consisting of many cover versions and several original compositions, the record is another fine collection of songs sung in Redding’s inimitable passionate, rich vocal style. Standouts include “”Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song),” Redding’s version of Beatles classic “Day Tripper” and one of his signature songs, “Try a Little Tenderness,” a song that was originally recorded back in 1932 by the Ray Noble Orchestra.
TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY
Mavis Staples turns 78, Otis Redding goes live and The Beatles have A Hard Day’s Night
Today in rock history: On this date in 1971, Rick Nelson (formerly Ricky) appeared at the Seventh Annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Show, a performance made up of predominantly older artists held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Opting to play some of his more current, country-inspired material with his newly formed Stone Canyon Band, Nelson was booed by the audience who obviously preferred his 1950s material. The experience had a major effect on the former teen idol and it led him to go home and write a song about the experience, cleverly titled “Garden Party.” Ironically, in 1972 it became his first U.S. Top 10 hit since 1963’s “For You.”
\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: On this date in 1985, Canadian power trio Rush released its eleventh studio album, Power Windows. Delving more into the use of synthesizers, the sound was a little different than the band’s more recognizable guitar-driven rock, but critical and fan reception was positive. The record was the first Rush would record 100-percent digitall,y and it was the first Rush album to be issued directly on CD. Several singles were released from the album including “Marathon,” “The Big Money,” “Manhattan Project” and “Mystic Rhythms” among them. The platinum-selling record reached No. 2 in Canada and No. 10 in America on album sales charts.
\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: On this date in 1984, Julian Lennon, eldest son of John Lennon, released his debut album, the highly successful Valotte. The record was a big hit for Julian who was only in his early 20s when it was released. The title track, “Too Late For Goodbyes” and “Say You’re Wrong” were all charting hits from this platinum-selling album. Lennon benefited from MTV video airplay and became a popular singer in his own right thanks to the success this record brought him.
\\<\/iframe\>
This article appears in Oct 11-18, 2018.
