Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Today In Oldies 9/8/2010

Golden Hits Radio and GHR-2.....w/ music news that's fair and balanced.....

Where In The World Is........Jewel Akens?

By the time Jewel Akens was old enough to pursue music as a career, his family had been well-traveled, helping him develop a love for multiple musical styles.  Born in Houston, Texas, his family moved to Los Angeles, California in the late 40's.  By the 50's, he became acquainted with Eddie Cochran's manager, Jerry Capehart, who signed him to an early record deal and even had Cochran play guitar on the sides he cut for Capeheart and Crest Records. 

A stint with Era Records brought Akens his one hit.  A nursery rhymish song written by label owner Herb Newman's son was sent to him, and "The Birds And The Bees" became a hit, reaching #3 in 1965.  It would be the one and only time Jewel Akens would taste the glory that is the Top 40. 

Jewel Akens' story has a happier ending than many one hit wonders.  He toured with a diverse roster of acts throughout four decades, including The Monkees, and continued to record albums covering a range of musical styles.  He also found success as a producer with "Super Taylors", a 1973 soul collaboration with brothers Ted Taylor and Little Johnny Taylor. 

Jewel Akens continues to perform actively today, and we have proof below........

Golden Hits Radio and GHR-2's Burning Question of the Day

In what can be considered a very early music video, Bob Dylan carries a total of 64 cue cards in the clip for "Subterranean Homesick Blues".  What word would you find on the very first one?

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

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

Motown put together the "dream team" of Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye for a duets album, Diana & Marvin, in 1973.  The project was far from a labor of love for anyone involved, however, as most of the album was recorded with the artists in separate studios.  What was the reason for that?

Answer: The initial session for Diana & Marvin brought tension between the two principles involved from the start.  A very pregnant Diana Ross was unhappy that Marvin Gaye was smoking marijuana in the studio and complained to Motown president Berry Gordy about it.  Despite an attempt by Gordy to bring about some sort of peace, Gaye refused to stop smoking, and the rest of the album was recorded with the two artists doing their vocals in separate studios. 

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