🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Elton on Colbert | Bruce's New Album | Blondie's Comeback

What's Happenin' Classic Rock Fans?,

In today’s Classic Rock Newsletter, we've got Elton John spilling secrets, Bruce Springsteen teasing treasures, Blondie cooking up a comeback, and Bob Dylan mystifying us all over again. Plus, we're diving into rock history, celebrating birthdays, and testing your trivia chops. Let's get this show on the road!

🤔 Rock Trivia Question: 

Before founding Earth, Wind & Fire, which legendary blues artists did Maurice White play drums for as a session musician at Chess Records?

📰 Classic Rock News:

💿 Elton John is baring his soul in a new documentary, "Elton John: Never Too Late," which delves into the wild rollercoaster of his early career. From dizzying fame to private despair, the Rocket Man opens up about his journey from 1970-1975.
Watch Elton dish the dirt with Stephen Colbert and get ready for a glitter-filled trip down memory lane!

💿 The Boss is about to unleash some hidden treasures! Bruce Springsteen has announced that 2025 will bring "never-before-heard material" from his storied career. Fans are already speculating what gems might be unearthed from the vaults of this rock legend.
Get the scoop on Bruce's upcoming sonic surprise and start counting down the days!

💿 Blondie is gearing up to paint the town red (and blonde) in 2025! The iconic new wave pioneers are teaming up with producer John Congleton for their first album since 2017's "Pollinator." With Debbie Harry's timeless cool and Chris Stein's guitar wizardry, this promises to be a atomic blast from the past.
Get a sneak peek at Blondie's studio magic and prepare for another new wave invasion!

💿 From protest singer to mystic poet, Bob Dylan's journey has been anything but predictable. A new article dives deep into the enigmatic troubadour's shape-shifting career, exploring how he went from political firebrand to Nobel laureate.
Unravel the mystery of Dylan's ever-changing persona and see why he's still blowin' in the wind!

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1955: Carl Perkins records "Blue Suede Shoes" after seeing a young man get angry at his date for scuffing his shoes. The song would become a rock 'n' roll classic, reaching #2 on the Billboard charts and staying there for 17 weeks. Perkins' version outperformed Elvis Presley's cover, which only reached #20.
Witness the birth of a rock 'n' roll classic with Carl Perkins' original "Blue Suede Shoes"

1964: The Supremes score their third consecutive US #1 single with "Come See About Me" from their album "Where Did Our Love Go". The song pioneered the fade-in technique, making it one of the first to use this now-common production method.
Experience the timeless charm of The Supremes performing "Come See About Me"

1968: Led Zeppelin performs at The Civic Hall in Exeter, England, during their UK tour. They were paid £125 for the gig. The opening act was The Empty Vessels, featuring Martin Turner and Steve Upton, who would later form Wishbone Ash.
Relive the early days of Led Zeppelin with this rare live recording from 1968

1969: The Beatles release their seventh Christmas record to fan club members in the UK and US. These special recordings were an annual tradition for the band, offering fans unique content and holiday greetings.
Unwrap a Beatles Christmas treat with their 1969 fan club recording

1974: George Harrison performs at Madison Square Garden in New York City as part of his North American tour. This was Harrison's first solo tour and featured a star-studded backing band, including Billy Preston and Ravi Shankar.
Hear George Harrison perform "In My Life" live at Madison Square Garden

1975: Ronnie Wood officially joins The Rolling Stones, replacing Mick Taylor. Wood had been playing with the band as a touring member since 1974 and would go on to become an integral part of the Stones' sound and image.
See Ronnie Wood in action with The Rolling Stones performing "It's Only Rock 'n Roll"

1980: The film "9 to 5" starring Dolly Parton opens in theaters. The movie's theme song, performed by Parton, would become a massive hit and earn her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Enjoy Dolly Parton's iconic performance of "9 to 5" from the movie

1987: Paul Simon the musician and Paul Simon the politician both host "Saturday Night Live". This unique episode featured the musician performing and the politician participating in sketches, creating a memorable and surreal television moment.
Revisit they call my Al with Chevy Chase

1994: The Manic Street Preachers play the first of three nights at The Astoria in London. These shows would be the last performances of rhythm guitarist and co-lyricist Richey Edwards before his mysterious disappearance on February 1, 1995.
Watch The Manic Street Preachers' powerful performance from their final shows with Richey Edwards

2000: Roebuck 'Pop' Staples, founder of The Staple Singers, passes away. The influential guitarist, singer, and songwriter was known for hits like "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself". His unique guitar style and family harmonies left an indelible mark on gospel, soul, and R&B music.
Remember Pop Staples' legacy with this soulful performance of "I'll Take You There"

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Alvin Lee (1944-2013) would have turned 80 today. The Ten Years After guitarist was known for his lightning-fast fretwork and electrifying performances. Lee's iconic Woodstock performance of "I'm Going Home" catapulted him to stardom. Fun fact: He named his Gibson ES-335 "Big Red" and played it for most of his career.
Watch Alvin Lee's fingers fly in this blistering solo

Phil Ochs (1940-1976) would have celebrated his 84th birthday today. The folk singer-songwriter was known for his sharp political satire and protest songs during the 1960s. Ochs was a contemporary and sometimes rival of Bob Dylan, often addressing similar themes in his music. Interesting tidbit: He once performed at Carnegie Hall dressed as Elvis Presley, calling it his "greatest hit of all."
Listen to Phil Ochs' poignant protest anthem

Maurice White (1941-2016) would have turned 83 today. The founder and leader of Earth, Wind & Fire was a pioneering force in funk and soul music. White's innovative blend of genres and spiritual lyrics helped create EWF's distinctive sound. Did you know? He started his career as a session drummer for Chess Records, playing on tracks by Etta James and Muddy Waters.
Groove to Earth, Wind & Fire's timeless hit "September"

🕊️ Remembering a Legend:

Robert Blythe (1947-2018) passed away at the age of 71. While not a household name, Blythe was a respected session musician who played with numerous rock legends. He was best known for his work with The Animals and Ginger Baker's Air Force. Blythe's versatility on guitar and keyboards made him a sought-after collaborator in the British rock scene of the 1960s and 70s. He died of natural causes.
Hear Robert Blythe's guitar work with The Animals

Reggie Young (1936-2019) died at 82. A prolific session guitarist, Young played on hits for Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield, and many others. He was a key member of the Memphis Boys, the house band at American Sound Studio. Young's distinctive guitar licks can be heard on classics like "Suspicious Minds" and "Son of a Preacher Man." He passed away from heart failure.
Listen to Reggie Young's iconic guitar on "Suspicious Minds"

🤔 Trivia Answer: 

Maurice White played drums for Etta James and Muddy Waters, among others, as a session musician at Chess Records before founding Earth, Wind & Fire.

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete