Golden Hits Radio and GHR-2's Everything Oldies.......Oldies news you can use!
- A soul legend dies over the weekend
- Macau is cuckoo for Michael Jackson stuff!
- "Seriously, Judge, how ELSE am I gonna meet Madonna"?
- A few of our favorites are ruling the British album charts
Where In The World Is.......Jay Ferguson?
While you may have long since written off Jay Ferguson as a one hit wonder, you might not realize there's a chance you see his name and hear his music at least once a week (or even more) on TV! He is another prime example of a guy who never really went away. He just shifted musical gears.
Born in Burbank, California, in 1947, Jay Ferguson's interest in music began about as far removed from rock and roll as one can get. Beginning with classical piano lessons, he moved onto the banjo as a teen and began playing in a bluegrass band with his brother. By the time he began college at UCLA, he had finally moved on to rock, playing in several garage bands around the Los Angeles area.
In the mid 60's, Ferguson and one of his musician friends, Randy California, formed the group that would give them both their first taste of nationwide stardom. Already a veteran of bluegrass and rock bands, Spirit drew heavy influences from both jazz and The Beatles. They found chart success with "I Got A Line On You", a single from their first album. This led to a soundtrack for the film Model Shop and an acting role for Ferguson.
After several albums and nonstop touring, Jay Ferguson left Spirit in 1971 to form a new band, Jo Jo Gunne. They were the second act signed to the newly formed Asylum Records, a label created specifically for their flagship artist, Jackson Browne. While he didn't achieve the same success he'd enjoyed with Spirit, Ferguson did three albums and several tours with Jo Jo Gunne, leaving in 1975.
After a year and a half away from the music scene, Jay Ferguson signed a solo deal with Asylum. His first album failed to sell or produce a hit, but his second album produced his moment in the spotlight with its title song. "Thunder Island" was a Top 10 hit, reaching #9 in 1978. Technically, he's a two hit wonder, scoring another Top 40 hit with "Shakedown Cruise" in 1979.
After one more album for Asylum and a few for Capitol in the early 80's, Ferguson decided to change musical directions. He turned his creative energy to composing film scores and songs. His feature credits include The Terminator and Nightmare On Elm Street 5. His most recognizable contribution to pop culture, however, is one that you'd know immediately if you're a fan of current TV sitcoms. Every Thursday night on NBC, and perpetually in syndicated reruns, Jay Ferguson's name can be seen in the credits and his music can be heard with his theme to the hit show The Office. Who needs "Thunder Island" when you have those kind of royalty checks coming in each month?
First we'll visit Jay Ferguson's favorite 70's vacation spot, and then let's head for the cubicles for his most recent smash......
Golden Hits Radio and GHR-2's Burning Question of the Day
In a recent interview, which British music superstar claims to have been offered the role of James Bond following Sean Connery's departure from the role?
Check back tomorrow @ Everything Oldies for the answer, and leave a Comment here with your best guess!
Friday's Burning Question (and Answer) of the Day
Which Beatles song was originally written for Tom Jones following a chance meeting with Paul McCartney in a club in the late 60's?
Answer: "The Long And Winding Road" -- McCartney sent the song to Jones with the requirement that he must release it as his next single. Tom was all for it, but his record label nixed the idea, having already planned his next single release. The rest....as they say....is music history.
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