From the Desk of CLASSICKONG | WTSG-DB Digital Broadcasting
Good morning, friends, and welcome to another edition of This Day in Music History!
We’ve got a wonderful collection of musical memories today, including birthdays from the worlds of classic rock and heavy metal, two unforgettable chart-toppers, and a very special 50th anniversary.
And before we’re finished, we’re going to revisit a little Blue Öyster Cult album that holds a very special place in my music collection.
So grab that coffee, settle in, and let’s get this musical journey underway!
Salute to Service
Before we get into today’s music, a heartfelt salute to the men and women of our United States Armed Forces, past and present.
With Veterans Day just around the corner, we extend our sincere gratitude to those who have served, those currently serving, and the families who stand beside them.
God bless our troops, our veterans, and the United States of America!
National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day
Well, friends, November 9 is National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day!
And something tells me Honey’s going to have her hands full down at the WTSG-DB Diner today.
I can just picture CLASSICKONG sitting at the counter, staring at a giant crispy chicken sandwich with all the fixings.
And if that sandwich is as big as I’m imagining, somebody had better reinforce the plate!
HAHAHA!
Whether you prefer yours spicy, classic, or piled high with pickles and sauce, enjoy yourself today. Just remember to save room for the music!
Tom Fogerty – The Rhythm Behind Creedence Clearwater Revival
Born November 9, 1941 | Died September 6, 1990
We’re starting today by remembering Tom Fogerty, born on this date in 1941.
As the rhythm guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom helped create one of the most recognizable sounds in American rock music.
And here’s something interesting. Before CCR became a household name, Tom was the lead singer of the group that eventually became Creedence. His younger brother John would later take over lead vocal duties, while Tom concentrated on rhythm guitar.
And what a rhythm section that band had!
With Stu Cook on bass and Doug Clifford on drums, Creedence delivered one memorable recording after another.
From “Proud Mary” and “Green River” to “Down on the Corner” and “Fortunate Son,” those songs still sound as fresh today as they did decades ago.
Tom departed CCR in 1971 and continued recording as a solo artist, releasing several albums on Fantasy Records.
It’s worth remembering that behind every great lead guitarist, there’s often another musician holding everything together. And Tom Fogerty certainly knew how to do that.
Must-Have Discogs: Willy and the Poor Boys (1969, Fantasy Records) — Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Joe Bouchard – Blue Öyster Cult’s Musical Powerhouse
Born November 9, 1948
OH, BABY! Here’s one that’s particularly close to my heart!
Happy birthday to Joe Bouchard, original bassist, vocalist, and songwriter for one of my all-time favorite bands, Blue Öyster Cult!
Joe was an important part of the band’s classic lineup, contributing to the sound of albums including Secret Treaties, Agents of Fortune, Spectres, Mirrors, and Fire of Unknown Origin.
And we’re talking about a band that gave us “Burnin’ for You,” “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Veteran of the Psychic Wars,” and “Shooting Shark.”
MAN, what a collection of music!
But there’s one particular BÖC album that I’ve loved for decades.
Mirrors, released in 1979.
I remember purchasing it as one of my very first compact discs while I was serving in the Air Force. I had this wonderful little Sony stereo system, and buddy, when I put that CD in and pressed play, I couldn’t believe how good it sounded!
From the opening punch of “Dr. Music” to the closing notes of “Lonely Teardrops,” that album just kept you wanting more, and more, and MORE!
“The Great Sun Jester,” “In Thee,” “The Vigil,” “I Am the Storm” — every track had something special to offer.
And Joe contributed both songwriting and vocals to the album, including “Moon Crazy.”
It’s one of those records I can still enjoy from beginning to end, without skipping a single track.
Happy birthday, Joe, and thanks for all that wonderful music!
Must-Have Discogs: Mirrors (1979, Columbia Records) — Blue Öyster Cult.
Alan Gratzer – Keeping the Beat for REO Speedwagon
Born November 9, 1948
Another birthday today, and this time we’re celebrating Alan Gratzer, the original drummer for REO Speedwagon!
Alan was there during the band’s early years, helping establish the powerful rhythmic foundation that would carry REO from Midwestern rock clubs to international success.
And what a journey that turned out to be!
With songs like “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Roll with the Changes,” “Keep On Loving You,” and “Take It on the Run,” REO Speedwagon became one of the defining American rock bands of the seventies and eighties.
Alan’s drumming was an important part of that sound, particularly on the band’s hugely successful Hi Infidelity album.
Released in 1980, Hi Infidelity became a commercial blockbuster, spending 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
And here’s something I appreciate about REO. They could deliver a powerful rock anthem one minute and a beautiful ballad the next, without losing their musical identity.
That’s not always an easy thing to accomplish.
Happy birthday, Alan!
Must-Have Discogs: Hi Infidelity (1980, Epic Records) — REO Speedwagon.
Dennis Stratton – Iron Maiden’s Early Guitar Firepower
Born November 9, 1952
Now we’re turning up the volume, friends!
Happy birthday to Dennis Stratton, guitarist on Iron Maiden’s self-titled debut album, released in 1980.
Before the band became one of the biggest names in heavy metal, Dennis was part of that early lineup alongside Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Paul Di’Anno, and Clive Burr.
And what an introduction they gave us!
“Prowler,” “Running Free,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and, of course, “Iron Maiden.”
That debut had a raw, aggressive energy that helped announce the arrival of a new force in British heavy metal.
Dennis’s time with Maiden was relatively brief, but his contribution to that first album remains part of the band’s history.
He would later continue his musical career with bands including Lionheart and Praying Mantis.
And if you haven’t revisited that original Iron Maiden album lately, give it another spin.
There’s something special about hearing a legendary band right at the beginning of its journey.
Must-Have Discogs: Iron Maiden (1980, EMI Records) — Iron Maiden.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive – You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet!
November 9, 1974
OH, YEAH! NOW WE’RE ROCKIN’!
On this date in 1974, Bachman-Turner Overdrive reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with their unforgettable hit, “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet.”
Written by Randy Bachman, the song appeared on the band’s third studio album, Not Fragile.
And what a monster of a record that turned out to be!
That opening guitar riff, the driving rhythm, and Randy’s unmistakable vocal delivery made the song an instant classic.
Interestingly, Randy originally recorded the song as something of a playful experiment, including its famous stuttering vocal as a joke intended for his brother Gary.
But the recording had something special, and eventually it became the band’s biggest American hit.
Sometimes the songs you least expect turn out to be the ones everybody remembers!
And let’s not forget that BTO also gave us “Takin’ Care of Business,” “Let It Ride,” and “Roll On Down the Highway.”
That’s some serious Canadian rock-and-roll horsepower!
Must-Have Discogs: Not Fragile (1974, Mercury Records) — Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Fifty Years of Rock and Roll
November 9, 1976
Here’s a big anniversary worth celebrating, friends!
On this date in 1976, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released their self-titled debut album on Shelter Records.
Fifty years ago today!
And what a wonderful beginning it was.
The album introduced listeners to songs including “Breakdown,” “American Girl,” and “Anything That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Produced by Denny Cordell, the record featured Tom alongside Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Ron Blair, and Stan Lynch.
Interestingly, the album initially received a warmer reception in Britain than it did back home in America.
But gradually, audiences began discovering what made this band so special.
There was something wonderfully straightforward about Tom Petty’s music. Great melodies, memorable guitar parts, and songs that sounded like they belonged on the radio.
And boy, did they ever!
Over the following decades, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would build one of rock music’s most impressive catalogs.
But it all started with that little debut album back in November 1976.
Fifty years later, “American Girl” and “Breakdown” still sound terrific.
Must-Have Discogs: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976, Shelter Records) — Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Jan Hammer – Miami Vice Takes Over the Charts
November 9, 1985
Alright, friends, let’s take a little trip back to the eighties!
On this date in 1985, keyboardist and composer Jan Hammer reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the instrumental “Miami Vice Theme.”
OH, MAN! Talk about an unmistakable eighties sound!
Those synthesizers, that driving rhythm, and that instantly recognizable melody were the perfect musical accompaniment to one of television’s most stylish shows.
And you didn’t even need to watch Miami Vice to appreciate the music.
Jan Hammer was already an accomplished musician, having performed with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and worked with artists including Jeff Beck.
But “Miami Vice Theme” introduced his music to an enormous new audience.
The instrumental spent one week at No. 1, becoming one of the rare television themes to top the American singles chart.
And here’s another impressive achievement: the Miami Vice soundtrack album also reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Now that’s what I call making an impression!
Just hearing that theme today can transport you right back to 1985.
The palm trees, the sports cars, the neon lights…
And somewhere, somebody’s probably looking for a white linen jacket!
HAHAHA!
Must-Have Discogs: Miami Vice: Music from the Television Series (1985, MCA Records) — Various Artists, featuring Jan Hammer.
The Final Spin
You know, friends, I was thinking about how some albums just never get old.
I remember buying one of my very first compact discs, Blue Öyster Cult’s Mirrors, and playing it on this wonderful little Sony stereo system I had back then.
And MAN, did that album sound incredible!
From “Dr. Music” all the way through “Lonely Teardrops,” it just kept you wanting more, and more, and MORE!
And that’s what great music does, doesn’t it?
From Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Willy and the Poor Boys to Blue Öyster Cult reminding us not to fear the Reaper, we’ve been listening to some incredible music over the years.
We’ve been “On the Run,” we’ve been “Running to the Hills,” and somewhere along the way, Jan Hammer came along with that Miami Vice Theme and made us feel like we were cruising down Ocean Drive in a Ferrari!
HAHAHA!
And wouldn’t you know it? Bachman-Turner Overdrive was right there reminding us, “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet!”
And they were right.
Because just when you think you’ve heard it all, another song comes along. Another artist catches your attention. Another album finds its way into your collection.
And the wonderful thing is, somewhere out there, somebody’s hearing a song for the very first time that they’ll still be talking about forty years from now.
Just like I still talk about that Blue Öyster Cult album I brought home all those years ago.
That little Sony stereo is long gone, but the music those musicians made is still right here with me. And I imagine many of you have albums that mean just as much to you.
Maybe that’s the real beauty of it all. The years go by, the world keeps changing, but we keep those wonderful songs alive. And we never let the music “Breakdown.”
Alright friends, that’s gonna do it for today. Hopefully I’ve maybe put a smile on your face, and a song in your heart. Take care of yourselves, help others when you can, and always, always, keep the music playing.
Listen to Today’s Broadcast
Join CLASSICKONG for the spoken-word edition of today’s This Day in Music History, featuring the stories behind the artists, albums, and recordings we’re celebrating.
Listen to today’s broadcast below!
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References and Further Reading
- National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day: National Day Calendar
- Tom Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival: Creedence Clearwater Revival – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | Tom Fogerty – AllMusic
- Joe Bouchard and Blue Öyster Cult: Blue Öyster Cult – Official Website | Joe Bouchard – Official Website
- Alan Gratzer and REO Speedwagon: REO Speedwagon – Official Website
- Dennis Stratton and Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden – Official Website
- Bachman-Turner Overdrive: Billboard Hot 100 Chart – November 9, 1974
- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Tom Petty – Official Website
- Jan Hammer and Miami Vice: Billboard Hot 100 Chart – November 9, 1985 | Stereogum – The Number Ones: Jan Hammer’s “Miami Vice Theme”
