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On this day in music history: March 1, 1975 - “Best Of My Love” by the Eagles hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week, also topping the Adult Contemporary chart for 1 week on February 1, 1975. Written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey and J.D. Souther, it is the first chart topping single for the rock band from Los Angeles, CA. Following the muted commercial response to their second album “Desperado”, the Eagles begin to move away from their earlier country influenced sound, more towards rock and pop. The initial idea for “Best Of My Love” comes from Glenn Frey while listening to a record by singer and songwriter Fred Neil (“Everybody’s Talkin’”), and working out an alternate guitar tuning shown to him by neighbor and label mate Joni Mitchell. Frey sits down with Don Henley and former Longbranch Pennywhistle  band mate and roommate J.D. Souther to hammer out the rest of the song. Working once again with producer Glyn Johns at Olympic Studios in London, the change in musical direction causes tension with Johns who believes that it doesn’t suit them. The band especially leaders Glenn Frey and Don Henley disagree, feeling that Johns is too controlling, and does not give them adequate say during the recording process. Eventually, Glyn Johns quits midway through the sessions after “Love” and “You Never Cry Like A Lover” are completed, and is replaced by Bill Szymczyk, best known for his work with B.B. King, The James Gang and Joe Walsh. Entering the Hot 100 at #83 on November 30, 1974, it climbs to the top of the chart thirteen weeks later. “Best Of My Love” is covered by British musician John Lees and by country singer Tanya Tucker who release their versions before the Eagles releases their version as a single near the end of 1974. The chart topping success of “Best Of My Love” sends “On The Border” into the Top 20 on the Billboard Top 200, and to double Platinum status in the US.

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On this day in music history: January 9, 1967 - “For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound)” by Buffalo Springfield is released. Written by Stephen Stills, it is the third single and biggest hit for the American-Canadian rock band based in Los Angeles, CA. Taking their name from the Buffalo-Springfield Roller Company off the side of a steamroller parked in front of original band manager Frazier Mohawk’s (aka Barry Friedman) home, Buffalo Springfield are formed in Los Angeles, CA in early 1966. Consisting of guitarist and vocalist Stephen Stills, lead guitarist and vocalist Neil Young, bassist Bruce Palmer, guitarist and vocalist Richie Furay and drummer Dewey Martin, the band make their public debut at the famed Troubadour nightclub in West Hollywood on April 11, 1966. After touring as an opening act for The Dillards and The Byrds, they land a residency at The Whisky a Go Go. The gig draws enthusiastic audiences, and along with it interest from record labels. Atlantic Records sign them to their Atco imprint and put the band in the studio. After their first two singles “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” (#110 Pop Bubbling Under) and “Burned” fail to make any impact (outside of L.A.), the band continue to work on material. The inspiration for “For What It’s Worth” comes from an incident that takes place on November 12, 1966. A curfew law is passed in the city of Hollywood, created to clear crowds of young people off the busy Sunset Strip after 10pm. A demonstration is organized, with over 1,000 protesters gathering in front of the Pandora’s Box club including actors Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda. The crowd brings traffic to a stand still, causing gridlock. When police arrive, the protesters resist the order to disperse and begin rioting. Stills writes “For What It’s Worth”, based on accounts from people who were involved and witnessed the rioting. The track is recorded at Gold Star Studios on December 5, 1966, the same day that their self-titled debut album is released. Promo copies are rush released to radio just before Christmas, and the single quickly becomes a hit. Entering the Hot 100 at #90 on January 28, 1967, it peaks at #7 on March 25, 1967. Caught off guard by the songs’ popularity, Atlantic quickly scrambles to insert the song into re-pressings of Buffalo Springfield’s album reissued on March 6, 1967. Though it is not originally written as such, “For What It’s Worth” is adapted as an anthem of the counterculture and anti-war movements, and becomes an iconic song of the era. Over the years, it is featured in numerous films and television programs including “Coming Home”, “Forrest Gump” and “Tropic Thunder”. It is also covered by The Staple Singers, Lou Rawls, Cher, Miriam Makeba, Sergio Mendes & Brasil ‘66, The Jeff Healey Band and Keb’ Mo’. Buffalo Springfield’s original recording of “For What It’s Worth (Stop, Hey What’s That Sound)” is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2000.

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On this day in music history: December 6, 1969 - “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks. Written by Gary De Carlo, Dale Frashuer and Paul Leka, it is the lone hit single by the Bridgeport, CT band fronted by singer Gary De Carlo. Newly signed to Mercury Records, De Carlo is put under contract by A&R exec Bob Reno at the suggestion of producer and songwriter Paul Leka. For his initial recording session for the label, Leka and De Carlo cuts four songs. When they agree that all four songs are strong enough to be A-sides, they decide that they need to come up with a quick throwaway B-side that will discourage DJ’s from playing the wrong side. Along with mutual friend and former band mate Dale Frashuer, the trio revive an old song they had written eight years before titled “Kiss Him Goodbye”. Recording in Mercury’s New York recording studio without a full band, Leka plays most of the instruments and splices together a drum track, creating a loop from parts of a another song. Several hours later, the song is completed and mixed, clocking in at over six minutes, and is far too long to be considered for radio play. The song is pared down to under four minutes, when Leka is told by a mastering engineer he’s unable to cut the full length of the song, on to one side of a single and have it track properly. The producer gives his approval to shorten it. Mercury execs like the song so much that they insist that it be released as an A-side. Embarrassed by the song, De Carlo requests that it be released under a pseudonym. Producer Paul Leka comes up with the name Steam, and it is issued on Mercury’s Fontana Records imprint. In an ironic twist, “Kiss Him Goodbye” becomes an instant and unexpected smash, while all four of De Carlo’s singles (released under the name Garrett Scott) flop. Entering the Hot 100 at #76 on October 18, 1969, it climbs to the top of the chart seven weeks later.  In 1983, British pop group Bananarama cover the song on their debut album, taking it to #5 on the UK singles chart. In 1987, Canadian a cappella vocal group The Nylons release a cover version with the title shortened to “Kiss Him Goodbye”, peaking at #12 on the Hot 100. Today, Steam’s original version is a still a staple on oldies radio and has become an anthem at sports events over the years. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

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On this day in music history: December 7, 1963 - “Dominique” by The Singing Nun hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 4 weeks. Written by Sœur Sourire (aka Jeanne Deckers), it is the only hit for the Dominican nun from the Fischermont Monastery in Belgium. Written and sung by Sister Luc-Gabrielle (born Jeanne-Paule-Marie Deckers), the song (and album) are recorded after nuns from the monastery approach executives from Philips Records about making a private recording to be given away as gifts to girls studying at the convent. The label likes the finished recordings so well that they are commercially released. The French language song about St. Dominic, the founder of the Dominican religious order becomes a surprise hit. Entering the Hot 100 at #64 on November 9, 1963, it rockets to the top of the chart four weeks later. Both the single and album “The Singing Nun” (#1 for 10 weeks) sells several million copies around the world, with The Singing Nun becoming the first artist in the history of the Billboard charts to have their album and single claim the top spot on both charts simultaneously. Deckers performs the song on The Ed Sullivan Show on January 5, 1964, but does not have any other hits after the huge success of “Dominique”. A film about the nuns’ path to pop music success starring actress Debbie Reynolds is released in 1966. Deckers leaves the monastery later in 1967 to become a secular missionary, continuing her music career, and opening a school for autistic children with her childhood friend and life partner Annie Pécher. The success of “Dominique” proves to be a double edged sword when the Belgian government claims the Deckers owes a large amount in back taxes from the royalties of the single and album. Having given all of her royalties to the convent, she claims she is not liable for the large tax bill. The convent refuse to take any responsibility for the debt since Deckers no longer belonged to it, and claimed to not have the funds. They also prevent her from performing under the name Sœur Sourire as the Dominican sisters claim rights to the name. Dogged by financial problems and depressed at the failure to restart her music career, Deckers and Pécher both commit suicide by taking an overdose of barbiturates and alcohol on March 29, 1985. In later years, “Dominique” is featured in various films including “Mermaids”, and television programs including “Mad Men”, “The Simpsons”, “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “American Horror Story: Asylum”.

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On this day in music history: November 28, 1964 - “Leader Of The Pack” by The Shangri-Las hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week. Written and produced by George “Shadow” Morton, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, it is the biggest hit for the Queens, NY quartet. The group consists of two sets of sisters, Betty and Mary Weiss and twins Marge and Mary Ann Ganser. They are signed to Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller’s Red Bird label after first being discovered by Artie Ripp. The track is recorded at Ultrasonic Sound Studios in New York City in July 1964. Only fifteen years old at the time of the session, lead singer Mary Weiss, inhibited by the studio needs to be coached by producer Jeff Barry through the recording with him standing across from her and mouthing the words. The released take captures the young singer crying while delivering her vocal. Entering the Hot 100 at #86 on October 10, 1964, it climbs to the top of the chart seven weeks later. Acknowledged as a classic of the 60’s girl group genre, “Leader Of The Pack” is covered numerous times over the years including versions by Bette Midler and Twisted Sister. It is also parodied in songs such as The Detergents’ (featuring future Archies lead singer Ron Dante) “Leader Of The Laundromat” and Jimmy Cross’ “I Want My Baby Back”, both released in 1965. The Shangri-La’s original version is featured in the film “Goodfellas” in 1990.

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Born on this day: September 10, 1898 - Civil engineer, chemist and inventor Waldo Semon (born Waldo Lonsbury Semon in Demopolis, AL). In 1926 while working in the research department at The BF Goodrich Corporation he develops a material called Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) originally for use as an adhesive to bond rubber to metal. Beginning in the late 1940’s with invention of the long playing LP and 45 RPM record, PVC is used in manufacture of these discs. Today, vinyl is the second most used plastic compound in the world. During his lengthy career, Dr. Semon also created over 5,000 other synthetic rubber compounds, and held 116 patents for his work. Waldo Semon lived to be 100 years old, passing away on May 26, 1999. Record collectors worldwide, we thank you Dr. Semon!!

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On this day in music history: September 3, 1966 - “Sunshine Superman” by Donovan hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week. Written by Donovan Leitch, it is the biggest US chart single for the Scottish born singer, songwriter and musician. Starting his career off by singing Dylanesque folk songs like his first hit single “Catch The Wind”, Donovan’s songwriting begins to evolve and move in new directions. “Sunshine Superman” is inspired partially by Leitch’s future wife Linda Lawrence, who had previously dated Rolling Stone Brian Jones. Wary of becoming involved with another musician, and the often unpredictable lifestyle it brings, she breaks off the relationship. Not willing to let her go easily, Donovan puts his feelings about winning her back into the song, expressed in the repeated refrain “‘Cause I made my mind up you’re going to be mine…”. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London in January of 1966, “Sunshine Superman” also features future Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones playing guitar and bass respectively. The record marks a major turning point in Donovan’s career, which sees him moving away from his earlier folk oriented material that led the young singer/songwriter to be compared to Bob Dylan by the British press. The two actually meet in 1965 during Dylan’s now legendary tour of the UK captured in the documentary film “Don’t Look Back” and become friends. His first release on Epic Records (his previous records were released by Nashville, TN based indie Hickory Records in the US) in July of 1966, it quickly takes off. Entering the Hot 100 at #90 on July 30, 1966, it streaks to the top of the chart five weeks later. The UK release of the single is delayed until December of that year, due to a contractual dispute between Donovan and his British label Pye Records. “Sunshine Superman is a major hit there as well, peaking at #2 on the UK singles chart.

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On this day in music history: September 3, 1983 - “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” by Eurythmics hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week. Written by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, it is the biggest hit for the British/Scottish synthpop duo. The duos’ second album “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” is recorded in a makeshift studio housed above a timber factory on an eight track analog tape machine. Because of the noise generated by saws cutting timber during the day, all vocals for the album have to be recorded at night. After their first release, the 1981 album “In The Garden” fails to make an impact in the US, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” is released fifteen months later in January of 1983. The record gets off to a slow start in the US, languishing until American audiences get their first view of the duo when the music video begins receiving play on MTV. Captivated by Lennox’s strikingly androgynous image and soulful voice, the buzz received from video play spreads to radio and “Sweet Dreams” finally hits the charts. Entering the Hot 100 at #90 on May 14, 1983, it begins its long climb up the charts, reaching the top of the chart sixteen weeks later, dislodging The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” from the top spot after holding at number two for four weeks. The single earns Eurythmics a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1984. The duo turn in a memorable performance of the song on the Grammy telecast. Lennox stuns the audience, dressing in a man’s suit and wearing a black pompadour wig and sideburns, looking like rock & roll icon Elvis Presley. She revives the look on the picture sleeve for their single “Who’s That Girl” later in the year. Regarded as one of the quintessential 80’s songs, “Sweet Dreams” has endured in popularity over the years. It is later covered by Marilyn Manson in 1995, with the songs chorus being interpolated into Nas’ hit “Street Dreams” in 1996. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

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On this day in music history: September 1, 1995 - The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, OH has its official grand opening. Established in April of 1983 by Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, Rolling Stone magazine editor and publisher Jann Wenner and a group of music industry executives, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Foundation is created to honor important and influential musicians. The foundation begin inducting artists in 1986, the same year that the city of Cleveland, OH is selected to be the home of the future museum. Cleveland is selected, as it is the city where pioneering radio DJ Alan Freed first coins the term “rock & roll” on his radio show “The Moondog House” on WJW in 1951. Several more years pass before enough funding is raised and a site is chosen for the building. Ground breaking finally takes place on June 7, 1993, with construction beginning shortly afterward. Located on the shore of Lake Erie, the museum is designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, and stands 162 ft. tall and the inside features 55,000 ft. of floor space. The building’s seven floors houses exhibits and memorabilia of all of the halls inductees, as well as a cafe, gift shop and administrative offices. To date, over two hundred artists and other important figures in the music industry have been inducted.

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RIAA: Eagles' Greatest Hits Certified 38x Platinum, Passing 'Thriller' - Billboard

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On this day in music history: June 20, 1966 - “Yesterday And Today”, the eleventh US album by The Beatles is released. Produced by George Martin, it is recorded circa 1965 - 1966 at Abbey Road Studios in London. A US only compilation LP released by Capitol Records, it consists of tracks extracted from the UK versions of “Help!”, “Rubber Soul” and the yet to be released “Revolver”, as well as tracks released as stand alone singles. It becomes instantly infamous for its cover photo, taken by photographer Robert Whitaker. The photo in question is taken during a photo session in March 1966 and features The Beatles wearing butchers smocks, surrounded by pieces of raw meat and decapitated baby dolls. The photo is first published in a UK trade magazine ad for the single “Paperback Writer”, without any controversy. However, when Capitol Records uses the photo for the album cover of “Yesterday”, the public outcry is immediate and the album is withdrawn before reaching most record stores. The cover is quickly replaced with an innocuous shot of the band sitting around a steamer trunk. The few existing copies featuring the original cover (either in it’s original “first state” or copies with the new cover slick pasted over the original) become highly sought after and valuable collector’s items. Then Capitol Records president Alan Livingston sets aside a box of sealed original first state LP’s (nineteen mono and five stereo copies), which begin being sold by his family years later. The highest amount paid for one of these was $39,000 for a first state mono LP in 2006. The album also includes earlier mono mixes of the extracted “Revolver” tracks “I’m Only Sleeping”, “Doctor Robert” and “And Your Bird Can Sing”, which are converted to re-channeled “Duophonic” stereo for the stereo LP. The album remains in print until it is deleted in 1987 along with all of the other US compiled collections to make way for the release of The Beatles original UK albums on CD. “Yesterday” makes its CD debut in January of 2014 as an individual release and as part of the box set “The Beatles - The US Albums”. The CD reissue comes packaged in a mini LP sized replica of the original “Butcher Cover” artwork, with an additional sticker replicating the “Steamer Trunk” cover slick pasted over some original LP copies. “Yesterday And Today” is certified 2x Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

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On this day in music history: May 21, 1971 - “What’s Going On”, the eleventh studio album by Marvin Gaye is released. Produced by Marvin Gaye, it is recorded at Motown Studio A, Golden World Studios (Motown Studio B), United Sound Studios in Detroit, MI and the Sound Factory in Hollywood, CA from June 1970, March - May 1971. A concept album focusing on the subjects of poverty, drug abuse, and war, its messages immediately resonate with the public. Following the huge success of the title track as a single, Motown demands a full album to go with it ASAP. Recording with Motown’s studio band The Funk Brothers, the basic tracks and vocals for the album is recorded in only ten days of studio time. The initial version of the album, now known as the “Detroit Mix” is mixed by Motown engineers while Gaye is off in California filming a movie. After hearing the initial mix, Gaye orders them shelved and send for the tapes while in California. He adds additional overdubs to several tracks, and completely remixes and re-sequences the album with engineer Lawrence Miles. The album is immediately recognized by critics and the public as an important artistic musical statement upon its release, as well as being a major commercial success. It spins off three singles including “Mercy Mercy Me” (#1 R&B, #4 Pop), “Inner City Blues” (#1 R&B, #9 Pop) and the title track (#1 R&B, #2 Pop). Regarded as a landmark album of its era, is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1998. Reissued numerous times since making its CD debut in 1986, it is released as a two disc Deluxe Edition in 2001. The first disc contains the original nine song album, as well as the initial but previously unreleased “Detroit Mix”, plus an instrumental mix of the title track. The second disc features a live concert recorded in Washington DC in January of 1972, with Gaye performing the album in its entirety live. It also contains the original mono single mixes of “What’s Going On”, and the B-sides “God Is Love”, “Sad Tomorrows” and an early demo recording of “Distant Lover”. This edition is also released as a four LP set in 2016, to commemorate the forty fifth anniversary of the albums’ release. “What’s Going On” spends nine weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B album chart, peaking at number six on the Top 200, is certified 6x Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

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On this day in music history: May 22, 1965 - “Ticket To Ride” by The Beatles hits #1 on the Hot 100 for 1 week. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it is the eighth number one single in the US for “The Fab Four”. Written primarily by John Lennon, the song carries a dual meaning. In part, it is a play on the phrase “ticket to Ryde”, meaning a British Railways ticket to the town of Ryde on the Isle Of Wight in England. Lennon also makes it a sly reference to The Beatles days of performing in Hamburg, Germany. In this case, the “tickets” being cards carried by prostitutes indicating they had been given a clean bill of health, with “ride or riding” being a euphemism for sexual intercourse. The track is recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London on February 15, 1965, and features Paul McCartney playing lead guitar on a Beatles single for the first time. McCartney is also instrumental in arranging the songs unique rhythm pattern, suggesting it to Ringo Starr. Released on April 9, 1965, it is the first release from the bands second film “Help!”, set to be released in July. However, when the record is released in the US, Capitol Records erroneously lists on the label that the song is from the film “Eight Arms To Hold You” which is the original working title of the film while it is in production. The single is also backed with the initially non-LP B-side “Yes It Is”, recorded the day after “Ride” on February 16, 1965. The song is added to the US album “Beatles VI” in June of 1965, though in the UK it does not surface on an album until the release of the compilation “Love Songs” in 1977. Entering the Hot 100 at #59 on April 24, 1965, “Ticket To Ride” streaks to the top of the chart four weeks later. “Ticket To Ride” is covered by The Carpenters on their 1969 debut album “Offering”, and becomes their first chart single.  The album is re-titled “Ticket To Ride” in late 1970 after the group makes their breakthrough with the single “(They Long To Be) Close To You”. The original Capitol US 45 release is reissued in 2011 as part of a promotion through retail chain Target, in tandem with the remastered reissue of the compilation “Beatles 1”. The limited edition box contains a replica of the 45 and picture sleeve, and a T-shirt.

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On this day in music history: May 23, 1969 - “Tommy”, the fourth studio album by The Who is released. Produced by Kit Lambert, it is recorded at IBC Studios in London from September 19, 1968 - March 7, 1969. The twenty four track double album is a rock opera composed by Pete Townshend (with contributions from John Entwistle and Keith Moon) about a deaf, blind and mute boy who becomes the leader of a messianic movement, whose followers eventually turn on him in the end. Townshend takes inspiration from the teachings of Indian mystic Meher Baba, and the spiritual enlightenment he has found during the period he begins composing the songs. Musically, it is more sophisticated and complex than anything that the band has previously attempted, augmenting their traditional instrumentation with horns, keyboards, orchestral percussion, and intricate vocal harmonies. Recording sessions begin in the Fall of 1968, though they are constantly interrupted as the bands then perilous financial state forces them to go on the road to pay the bills. The original LP release is packaged in a tri-fold jacket with cover artwork by pop artist Mike McInnerney, also being packaged with a booklet containing the song lyrics. In the US, “Tommy” performs decently during its initial release. The band mounts a tour in support of the album, performing the work in its entirety, including a now legendary performance at the New York Metropolitan Opera House. It is during and after that tour that the album really takes off stateside. Following the concert at The Met, the buzz created by the performance, renews interest in the album, and drives it back up the charts to a new peak in the Summer and Fall of 1970. As a result, “Tommy” sells more than triple its initial US sales. It is regarded as a watershed moment in the bands history, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock albums of all time. It spins off three singles including “Pinball Wizard” (#4 UK, #19 US Pop), “I’m Free” (#37 US Pop) and “See Me, Feel Me” (#12 US Pop). First released on CD in 1989, it is remastered and reissued in 1996 and again in 2003 as a two disc Deluxe Edition Hybrid SACD. The first disc contains the full album with the original stereo mix and a new 5.1 surround mix. The second disc contains outtakes and demos. In 2013, it is reissued as a three CD + Blu-ray disc Super Deluxe Edition. The CD’s are newly remastered with more outtakes, an entire disc featuring the album performed live in its entirety. The Blu-ray features stereo and 5.1 surround mixes. The US release featuring two discs, containing the stereo album and the live bootleg album. Long out of print on vinyl, it is reissued in Europe in 2013 and in the US in 2014. Regarded as a landmark album, it is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1998. “Tommy” peaks at number two on the UK album chart, number four on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified 2x Platinum in the US by the RIAA. 

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On this day in music history: April 17, 1971 - “Joy To The World” by Three Dog Night hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 6 weeks, also peaking at #46 on the R&B singles chart on May 1, 1971. Written by Hoyt Axton, it is the biggest hit and second chart topping single for Los Angeles, CA based pop/rock band. Songwriter and actor Hoyt Axton (son of Mae Axton, writer of Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel”) originally writes “Joy To The World” for an animated television special called “The Happy Song”, but does not go into production. Axton offers the song to Three Dog Night, but lead vocalists Cory Wells and Danny Hutton are not in favor of it. Chuck Negron likes it, and handles the lead vocals. Released in late February of 1971, it takes flight quickly. Entering the Hot 100 at #58 on March 13, 1971, it leaps to the top of the chart five weeks later. When “Joy” tops the pop chart, Hoyt and Mae Axton  become the first mother and son to write number one songs in the rock era. It is also the biggest selling single in the history of Three Dog Night’s label ABC/Dunhill, as well being ranked the top single of 1971 by Billboard Magazine. Over the years, it is covered by numerous artists including Conway Twitty, Little Richard, Lynn Anderson and even by songwriter Hoyt Axton. Three Dog Night’s version has been featured in many films including “The Big Chill”, “Forrest Gump”, “Sausage Party” and on television shows such as “The X-Files” and in commercials. “Joy To The World” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

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On this day in music history: April 17, 1973 - “Desperado”, the second album by the Eagles is released. Produced by Glyn Johns, it is recorded at Island Studios in London in Early 1973. Following up their successful self-titled debut album, the Eagles once again return to England to work with producer and engineer Glyn Johns for the follow up. Their second release is a concept album with the songs based the Old West and the Dalton Gang. The albums cover artwork features photos of the band dressed like an western outlaw gang taken by photographer Henry Diltz. Asylum Records then distributor Atlantic, is less than enthusiastic about the album, with then Atlantic VP of Radio Promotion and A&R Jerry Greenberg referring to it as “a goddamned cowboy album”, behind the bands back. The initial response from the public and radio is also lukewarm compared to their first album, though in time it is regarded as one of the bands’ finest works. Though never issued as a single, the title track is singled out for special attention as it is covered by numerous artists including Linda Ronstadt, The Carpenters, Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers and Neil Diamond. It spins off two singles including “Tequila Sunrise” (#64 Pop) and “Outlaw Man” (#59 Pop). First issued on CD in the mid 80’s, it is remastered and reissued in 1999. The vinyl LP is reissued as a 180 gram pressing by Rhino Records in 2014, individually and as part of the Eagles studio albums box set. “Desperado” peaks at number forty one on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified 2x Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

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On this day in music history: April 13, 1957 - “All Shook Up” by Elvis Presley hit #1 on the Billboard Best Sellers chart for 8 weeks, also topping the Rhythm & Blues chart for 4 weeks on April 27, 1957. Written by Otis Blackwell, it is the sixth chart topping single for the rock & roll icon. Songwriter Otis Blackwell, the composer of numerous other rock & roll classics including “Great Balls Of Fire”, “Breathless” (both for Jerry Lee Lewis), “Fever” (Little Willie John), and Presley’s own chart topping smash “Don’t Be Cruel”, comes up with the idea while working in the office of music publisher Shalimar Music. The song is first recorded by singer David Hill and then by Vicki Hill in late 1956. Elvis’ version is recorded at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, CA on January 12, 1957, backed by his regular band of musicians including Scotty Moore (guitar), Bill Black (bass), D.J. Fontana (drums), and The Jordanaires providing background vocals on the track. Released on March 22, 1957, it is an immediate smash. Entering the Best Sellers chart at #9 on April 6, 1957, it leaps to the top of the chart one week later. It also becomes the first of seventeen number one singles that Elvis scores in the UK during his career. “All Shook Up” is ranked the number one single of the year by Billboard Magazine, and is certified 2x Platinum in the US by the RIAA.