Happy 80th birthday Jerry Lee Lewis

Lou Gramm at The State Fair

Last night I got the chance to see the Lou who was the lead singer of Foreigner. He had suffered a brain tumor in the late 90's and the surgery caused damage to his voice. Although he couldn't hit the highs on songs like Juke Box Hero he still sounded pretty good. This was one of the free shows at the Minnesota State Fair. It was at the the Leinenkugel Loge. This was the second time I had been to this venue. The last time I'd seen a show there was Blue Oyster Cult back in 2013. Although when he talked it was hard to hear because of all the noisy drunks. But thankfully the music was able to drown them out. This is much better then Foreigner aka Mick Jones and friends. although these free shows aren't very long he. was able to pack in many of foreingers greatest songs. Some of the songs he sang were I Want To Know What Love Is, Double Vision, Hot Blooded, Cold as Ice,Head Games and Urgent. He also sang his big solo hit Mightnight Blue. After the show I went to get a record and tape signed that I brought. He was nice enough to sign both. I liked that he put a limit on the number of things you could get signed. Then I was able to get a picture with the man himself. I had a great time overall. It is still surreal to know that I got to see live for free and meet the voice behind some of classic rock's greatest hits.

One more for the King

Happy 70th birthday Pete Townhsend

Long live the King of The Blues

This is my tribute to the King. Many people argue over who is better Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. But I think that the top two spots on any list belong to B.B. King and Chuck Berry. Every rock guitarist was influenced by one or the other. B.B. is at the top because without him the three I just mentioned would probably not be playing.  It only takes one note for me to know it is him. He is so big that many of music's well-known guitarists have posted a tribute to him. Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, George Thorogood, George Benson, John Mayer, Carlos Snatana, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Johnson, Keith Richards, Taj Mahal, Joe Bonamassa, Jimmie Vaughan, Walter Trout, ,Tom Morello, Steve Cropper, Dave Davies, Dave Mustaine, Lenny Kravitz,
Brad Paisley, Keb Mo, Joe Perry, Slash, Neal Schon, Peter Frampton, Rick Nielsen, Jimmy Vivino, Brian May, Joe Walsh, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Roger McGuinn have all posted tributes. There has not and never will be another guitarist with the exception of Chuck Berry that has had such a impact on such a wide variety of guitarists. I got the chance to see King live in 2012 who at the time was the last of his generation. It was a day I will not forget. R.I.P. B.B. King and thank you.

Rememebering 3 rock pioneers Wally Lester, Jack Ely and Ben E. King

First on April 23 we lost Wally Lester at the age of 73. He was one of the vocalists for the doo-woop group The Skyliners. They had several hits in the late fifties including “Since I Don’t Have You,” "It Happened Today" in 1959 and "This I Swear" and "Pennies From Heaven" in 1960. The group split up in 1963 but would reform on and off in the 70's. Above is the hit Since "I Don't Have You".

Then on April 28th Jack Ely died. Ely was was the lead singer for the early 60's rock band The
Kingsmen. The Kingsmen's most well-known song was a cover of Richard Berry's "Louie Louie" in 1963 which spent 6 weeks at number 2 on the Billbaord charts. Their version of this song was investigated by the F.B.I for being obscene. The case was dropped in 1964. This was the bands only hit song but has went on to become a staple of rock music and the most popular and well-known version of the song. The song is posted above.
  

Then on April 30th the great Ben E. King died. He sang one of music's greatest and well-known song Stand By Me. It was one of a few songs to be reach the top of the charts for a second time. It reached the US Billboard Hot 100in 1961 at number 4 and then again at number 9 in 1987 after the film of the same name came out. Before his solo career he was the lead singer of the legendary doo-wop group the Drifters and sang with them from 1958 to 1960. He sang one of the groups most well-known songs Save the Last Dance for Me. Another  great Drifters song he sang on is This Magic Moment which I posted above.