Thursday, August 26, 2010

Today In Oldies 8/26/2010

Golden Hits Radio.....when Oldies news breaks out, we try & determine what caused the rash......

Where In The World Is.......George McCrae?

George McCrae is best known for recording what is arguably the very first Disco song to break through to the mainstream, and certainly the first to hit #1 in Billboard, with "Rock Your Baby" in 1974.  Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, McCrae had been involved in music for several years before ushering in the Disco era and was managing his wife, Gwen McCrae, while picking up some occasional sessions as a background singer.  He was about to return to college to study law enforcement when his world soon changed forever. 

"Rock Your Baby" COULD have been the song that catapulted KC & The Sunshine Band to superstardom about a year before they eventually became a household name.  The song had been written and recorded by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch for their group, but they couldn't hit the high notes the song required.  They originally envisioned the song as a duet w/ George McCrae and his wife, Gwen, but Gwen was late for the recording session, so George flew solo.  To say that the end result was a smash is an understatement.  It hit #1 in the U.S., UK, and EIGHTY other countries.  It was voted Rolling Stone's #1 song of 1974, and it sold 11 million copies worldwide. 

While George McCrae had later success in the UK and throughout Europe, he was never able to duplicate the success of "Rock Your Baby" either domestically or abroad.  He continued recording and touring throughout the 80's as his popularity continued in Europe, and he is still at it in 2010.  He is regularly seen on some of the disco "package" tours in America and throughout Europe, and in 2009 he released a new album, Time For A Change, and single, "It's Been So Long". 

Before there was Tony Manero, the Bee Gees, or Donna Summer, there was George McCrae........... 

Golden Hits Radio's Burning Question of the Day

What was the only song to ever hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 TWICE?  (Hint....it happened 2 years apart)

Check back tomorrow @ Everything Oldies for the answer, and leave a Comment here w/ your best guess!

Yesterday's Burning Question (and Answer) of the Day

What R&B legend served 3 months in jail for stealing tires in 1960?

Answer: The "Love Maestro", Barry White


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