Rockabilly N Blues Records

New EP from the Reckless Ones

2013-05-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

The Reckless Ones just put out a self-titled EP (get it on iTunes HERE) and it's packed with a vintage style and a lot of attitude. Brian Setzer even contributed a song called "Mean Pickin' Mama". They tour constantly so keep up with their whereabouts at www.recklessones.com. In the meantime, check out their new video for Desert Rose from their new EP.

Third Man Records reissues select Sun Records releases

2013-05-14T13:35:00.000-05:00

With Third Man Records being a wonderful "left of center" label in Tennessee that often finds unique projects leaning toward blues, rockabilly and roots, it's fitting that they are releasing another Tennessee based label that also leaned that way in the 50's. They are releasing the first 3 45's in their Sun Records Reissue Series beginning May 21st. Those releases include "Bear Cat" by Rufus Thomas, "Just Walking In The Rain" by The Prisonaires and "Get Rhythm" by Johnny Cash. The special yellow & black swirl versions will be available from the Rolling Record Store at various locations. Find out more HERE.

"Bear Cat"- Rufus Thomas

"Just Walking In The Rain"- The Prisonaires

"Get Rhythm"- Johnny Cash

Ritchie Valens was born this day in 1941

2013-05-13T08:29:00.000-05:00

Richard Steven Valenzuela (Ritchie Valens) was born this day in 1941 in Pacoima, CA. He tragically died 3 months before his 18th birthday along with Buddy Holly and "The Big Bopper" J.P. Richardson on February 3, 1959 while on the Winter Dance Party with fellow headliner Dion DiMucci.

"Ooh My Head"

"La Bamba"

"Donna"

"Come On, Let's Go"

Happy Birthday Sonny Curtis!

2013-05-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sonny Curtis was born this day in 1937. He is perhaps best known for his role with Buddy Holly. He and Buddy were childhood friends and joined the Crickets after Buddy's death. One of Buddy's early hits "Rock Around With Ollie Vee" was written by Curtis. One of his solo hits "Love Is All Around" was the theme song to the Mary Tyler Moore show. Some of his most covered songs include "I Fought The Law" (Bobby Fuller, The Crickets, Stray Cats, The Clash, Johnny Cash and numerous others), "Walk Right Back" (The Everly Brothers, Glen Campbell & Bobbie Gentry, etc) and so many more!

"The Real Buddy Holly Story"

"Walk Right Back"

"Love Is All Around"

"I Fought The Law"

Happy Birthday Billy Burnette!

2013-05-08T03:00:00.000-05:00

Billy Burnette was born this day in 1953 in Memphis, TN. In case you missed the interview last fall, check this out for a great overview of Billy's career HERE. Here's to many more Billy....keep rockin and rollin' with it!

"Tear It Up"

"Wrong One Right"

"It's Late"

"My Love Will Not Change"

"Oh Well"

Happy Birthday Dick Dale

2013-05-04T07:36:00.000-05:00

Dick Dale ("The King Of The Surf Guitar") was born this day in 1937 in Boston, MA. His interest in surfing began after his family moved to Orange County, CA in 1954. Because of his Lebanese heritage, Dale had a strong interest in Arabic music which played an important role in his surf music style. He still tours today (see below for some recent shots at a Nashville concert). Also, enjoy some of his hits from over the years!

Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN 4-30-13

"Misirlou"

"Let's Go Trippin'"

"Pipeline" (with Stevie Ray Vaughan)

"Smoke On The Water/ Peter Gunn Theme"

"Nitro"

Link Wray was born this day in 1929

2013-05-02T06:26:00.000-05:00

The late guitar great Link Wray was born this day in 1929. He brought a punk-rockabilly-garage sound in 1958 with his classic "Rumble". Here's a performance later in his career proving he still had that punk attitude!

Jack White covers Loretta Lynn record at Third Man Record Booth

2013-04-23T11:00:00.001-05:00

Neil Young at the record booth

Just before the Record Store Day festivities this past April 20th, Third Man Records announced details about their record booth located at their store and added to the frenzy of fans lining up that day. A couple of days before, Neil Young popped in and recorded a record there too. Jack White couldn't let the day go without recording Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miners Daughter". You may remember Jack producing Lynn's Van Lear Rose a few years back. The lo-fi recordings from their record booth only add to the experience. Check out Jack's recording below:

Happy Birthday Dave Edmunds!

2013-04-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

Dave Edmunds was born this day in 1944 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, South Wales. Edmunds has enjoyed success with bands like Love Sculpture ("Sabre Dance"), Rockpile and his own solo projects. Dave also developed a huge reputation for his production work with bands like The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Stray Cats, Squeeze, Dion DiMucci, The Flamin' Groovies and more. Enjoy some select videos from Dave through his career:

"I Hear You Knocking"

interview and "Girls Talk"

"I Knew The Bride"

"Slipping Away"

"From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)"

"Closer To The Flame (live on Letterman)"

Happy Birthday Brian Setzer

2013-04-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

Brian Setzer was born this day in 1959. Setzer continues to carry the torch of his unique rockabilly/punk/swing style. He fronted The Stray Cats beginning in January, 1979 and maintains a busy touring and recording schedule.

Stray Cats- "Rock This Town"

"Mystery Train"

"Sleepwalk"

"Jump Jive N Wail"

"Ignition"

JD McPherson's "Scratching Circles" video and upcoming RSD exclusive "Fire Bug" single

2013-04-09T10:54:00.002-05:00

April 20th, 2013 is Record Store Day and JD McPherson is releasing a special red colored single of "Fire Bug" with "A Gentle Awakening" on the flip side exclusively for the big day. Also, he just released a new music video of "Scratching Circles" shot recently at Cains Ballroom in his hometown of Tulsa, OK. Enjoy!

Carl Perkins was born this day in 1932

2013-04-09T07:06:00.000-05:00

The great Carl Perkins was born this day in 1932. He's been referred to as the "King Of Rockabilly". Perkins' style helped fuel the Rockabilly sound in the early 50's. Enjoy some videos of some classic Carl Perkins-

"Blue Suede Shoes"

"That's Alright Mama"

"Honey Don't"

"Glad All Over"

"True Love"

Muddy Waters was born this day in 1913

2013-04-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

McKinley Morganfield (known as "Muddy Waters") was born this day in 1913. He is often considered the "father of modern Chicago Blues" and was ranked #17 on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time. His influence is impossible to measure. Quite simply, he was one of the most important figures in blues history.

"Mannish Boy"

"Got My Mojo Workin'"

"Rollin' Stone"

"Tom Cat"

"I Just Want To Make Love To You"

Beach Boys record instrumental track for "I Get Around" this day in 1964

2013-04-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

The Beach Boys record the instrumental track for "I Get Around" this day in 1964. They record the vocals 8 days later. It hit #1 on July 4th that year. The B-side "Don't Worry Baby" also proved to be a hit by reaching #24 on the charts.

live (1964)-

studio-

live 1980 (Knebworth)

Beach Boys Japan 1966

2013-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

From left to right: Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston & Alan Jardine

While The Beach Boys are often referred to as "America's Band", their popularity is worldwide. Just look at their tour schedule from any given year! While in Japan in 1966, the boys visited the TOHO movie studio in Japan and raided the costume room (many years before John Belushi made this look famous on Saturday Night Live). How's this for a Surf Samurai Warrior look?! The above photograph is one of the rarely seen photos from that visit. Other photos appeared on the back cover of Pet Sounds:

The band just finished some Japan dates this year (47 years after these pics were taken) so we thought we'd have a fun look at some Japan visits over the years:

"California Girls" 8-19-12

"Kokomo"- 1991

"Wouldn't It Be Nice"- 1991

"Dance, Dance, Dance"/ "Do Ya Wanna Dance?"- 1991

"Barbara Ann" (with the group America) 2012

Audience recording of "Somewhere Near Japan"

The Fabulous Thunderbirds feel energized with "On The Verge"

2013-03-28T13:21:00.000-05:00

I talked with Kim Wilson about 18 months ago (interview found HERE) and a couple of things stood out to me. One, he just really seemed to be in great spirits over this band he's assembled. He described what each brought to the table and how it really energized the sound. Secondly, he talked about recently really getting into the stuff from Specialty Records (Sam Cooke, Soul Stirrers, etc) and other soul singer acts. It wasn't a surprise when you listen to this new album that you notice the energy as well as a soul and funk sound infused with their signature blues. If you are a longtime fan, you're in for a treat as On The Verge is one of their best! And for those that haven't listened in a while, this will be the album to bring you back! The first single, "I Want To Believe" is a great groovin' track that will have you singing along before the first chorus has ended. Sometimes you don't know what your missing in your musical repertoire until you hear it and this is something that was missing in mine! Other standouts include the funky ("Too Much Water", "You Got To Bring It With You"), the soulful ("Hold Me", "Lovin' Time"), the blues ("Lonely Highway", "Do You Know Who I Am") and my personal favorite, "Running From The Blues". That one has a great summer sound and hopefully you'll be hearing it on the radio soon! Pick this one up wherever you like to get your new music and you'll be glad you did!

"I Want To Believe"

"Lovin' Time"

Elvis records "Burning Love" this day in 1972

2013-03-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

Elvis Presley recorded "Burning Love" (written by Dennis Linde) this day in 1972 at RCA's Hollywood Studios. Arthur Alexander had released it in 1971 on his self-titled album but became Elvis' final top 10 hit peaking at #2 (behind Chuck Berry's "My Ding-A-Ling"). Check out the studio and live versions from Elvis along with versions by Arthur Alexander and the song's writer Dennis Linde:

studio

Live from Hawaii

Arthur Alexander

Dennis Linde

Jan Berry of "Jan & Dean" died this day in 2004

2013-03-26T07:18:00.000-05:00

Jan Berry of "Jan & Dean" fame died this day in 2004. Berry had a severe car crash in 1966. He had a long road toward recovery after the wreck left him with partial paralysis and brain damage. Even with his physical limitations, he eventually reunited with Dean after the success of the TV movie Deadman's Curve. Berry is sometimes overlooked for his contributions in the studio as producer. Even Brian Wilson, who collaborated many times with Jan, said "I learned to make cleaner background tracks (from Jan). I learned how to be ambitious from Jan. He had a very strong spirit for recording music." Read more from his former partner Dean Torrence from our interview last December at this LINK. Enjoy some great moments of Jan's career below-

"Sidewalk Surfin"

"The Little Old Lady From Pasadena"

"Deadman's Curve"

"Baby Talk"

Johnny Burnette was born this day in 1934

2013-03-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

Johnny Burnette was born this day in 1934 in Memphis, TN. Johnny and his older brother Dorsey formed a trio with guitarist Paul Burlison called The Rock and Roll Trio. These wild, early rockabilly tunes have become classics with songs like "Train Kept A Rollin'", "Honey Hush", "Tear It Up", "Rock Billy Boogie", "Lonesome Train" and so many more. Johnny & Dorsey also wrote many great hits for others including Ricky Nelson ("It's Late", "I Believe What You Say", "Waitin' In School" and more). As a solo artist, Johnny enjoyed success with songs like "You're Sixteen", "God, Country & My Baby", "Dreamin", "Cincinnati Fireball" and more. Burnette continued to record until his untimely death in August of 1964 at the young age of 30.

"Lonesome Train"

"Hound Dog"

"Dreamin"

"You're Sixteen"

"Cincinnati Fireball"

Elvis purchased Graceland this day in 1957

2013-03-17T09:25:00.002-05:00

On this day in 1957, Elvis put a deposit down to purchase Graceland for his parents and himself. Once they moved in the following month, he lived there until the time of his death in 1977. His mother Gladys passed away August 14th, 1958. Hundreds of thousands visit Graceland every year making it the 2nd most visited residence in the USA behind The White House.

Happy Birthday Mike Love

2013-03-15T06:02:00.000-05:00

The Beach Boys' Mike Love (2nd from right) was born this day in 1941. Love is a first cousin with Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson. The band did their 50th Anniversary tour last year as well as their latest album, That's Why God Made The Radio. See Mike and Bruce Johnston on tour this year- http://beachboysband.net

"Do It Again" (50th Anniversary Edition)

"Surfin' USA"

"Fun, Fun, Fun"

"Kokomo"

"Rock N Roll To The Rescue"

Happy Birthday Dean Torrence

2013-03-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

photo courtesy of Dean Torrence

Dean Torrence of Jan & Dean fame was born this day in 1940. In case you missed our interview from December 2011, take a look HERE. He's a true gentleman and joy to speak with. Also, check out his art at http://thegalleryhb.com.

designed by Dean Torrence

The Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" was released this day in 1963

2013-03-04T08:21:00.000-06:00

The Beach Boys released the single "Surfin' USA" this day in 1963. The B-side was "Shut Down". It peaked at #2 in the US. The single also brought some controversy over the melody line from Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen". Berry sued and won songwriting credit on "Surfin' USA" as well as song royalties. Ironically, Berry's song peaked at #2 on the charts as well in 1958. Check out both sides of this Beach Boys single as well as Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen"-

"Surfin' USA"

"Shut Down"

Chuck Berry- "Sweet Little Sixteen"

Johnny Cash and June Carter wed this day in 1968

2013-03-01T08:25:00.000-06:00

June Carter was touring with Johnny Cash in 1968 when he proposed to her on stage in Ontario, Canada on February 22nd. She said "yes" and the couple married on March 1st, 1968 in Franklin, KY. Enjoy some clips of this one of a kind couple:

"Jackson"

"Long-Legged Guitar Pickin' Man"

"It Ain't Me Babe"

"If I Were A Carpenter"

Johnny Cash was born this day in 1932

2013-02-26T03:30:00.000-06:00

Johnny Cash would have been 80 years old today! Cash was born on February 26th, 1932 in Kingsland, AR. His legacy and influence is far reaching. He was elected in the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1977, the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 1980 and the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992. While it would be impossible to post all of his hits, here's a brief snapshot into the career of The Man In Black. RIP Johnny!

"I Walk The Line"

"Folsom Prison Blues"

"Get Rhythm"

"Boy Named Sue"

"Rusty Cage" (with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)

"Hurt"