From the Desk of CLASSICKONG
Happy Sunday, Kong Crew!
Every great song has a beginning. Sometimes it’s a chance meeting, sometimes it’s a recording session, and sometimes it’s a leap of faith that changes music forever. On this day, we celebrate legends who continue to inspire, remember artists whose music still echoes through the decades, and honor the families who first placed great records on our turntables.
Let’s take today’s journey through music history.
🎂 Happy Birthday, Mick Jagger! (Born July 26, 1943)
Today we celebrate Mick Jagger, whose unmistakable voice, stage presence, and decades of dedication helped make The Rolling Stones one of the most influential rock bands in history.
More than six decades after the band’s formation, Jagger remains one of rock & roll’s most recognizable performers. His energy, professionalism, and passion for live performance continue to inspire musicians around the world.
Whether you’re a Stones fan or simply appreciate rock history, there’s no denying the mark Mick Jagger has left on popular music.
🎙️ Editor’s Note
While The Rolling Stones may sing about not getting any satisfaction, they’ve certainly given generations of fans plenty of it. From blues clubs to stadiums around the world, their music has become part of the soundtrack of rock & roll history.
Happy Birthday, Mick!
🌟 1968 – The Jackson 5 Join Motown
On this day in 1968, The Jackson 5 officially signed with Motown Records.
Berry Gordy saw extraordinary potential in five talented brothers from Gary, Indiana. What followed was one of the greatest success stories in music history, beginning with four consecutive No. 1 singles:
- 🎵 I Want You Back
- 🎵 ABC
- 🎵 The Love You Save
- 🎵 I’ll Be There
An achievement that immediately established The Jackson 5 as one of Motown’s brightest new acts and introduced the world to a young performer named Michael Jackson.
It was one of those moments where music history quietly changed direction.
🔨 1986 – Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” Reaches No. 1
Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the biggest hit of his solo career.
The song blended soul, funk, and rock into an unforgettable groove, while its groundbreaking stop-motion music video became one of MTV’s defining moments.
Even today, “Sledgehammer” stands as a reminder that great music and creative imagination often go hand in hand.
❤️ Remembering Mary Wells (1943–1992)
Today we remember Mary Wells (1943–1992), affectionately known as “The First Lady of Motown.”
Songs like “My Guy” helped define the Motown sound and remain beloved classics more than sixty years later.
Mary’s voice carried warmth, grace, and optimism. Long after the charts moved on, her recordings continue bringing smiles to listeners around the world.
Great music never really says goodbye.
🎸 Remembering Peter Green (1946–2020)
Today we remember Peter Green (1946–2020), the brilliant guitarist, songwriter, and founder of Fleetwood Mac.
Before Fleetwood Mac became one of the world’s biggest rock bands, Peter Green led the group through its celebrated blues era, helping shape the band’s original identity with his expressive guitar playing and soulful songwriting.
During his time with Fleetwood Mac, he appeared on several landmark releases, including:
- 🎵 Fleetwood Mac (1968)
- 🎵 Mr. Wonderful (1968)
- 🎵 Then Play On (1969)
Peter also wrote enduring classics such as “Black Magic Woman,” “Oh Well,” “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown),” and the beautiful instrumental “Albatross.” His influence reached far beyond Fleetwood Mac, inspiring generations of guitarists with a style built on emotion, restraint, and feel rather than speed alone.
Peter proved that sometimes the most powerful notes are the ones played with heart instead of volume.
🎙️ Editor’s Note
Long before Fleetwood Mac became one of the biggest-selling bands in history, Peter Green laid its foundation. His blues-era recordings remain essential listening and remind us that every great band has a beginning.
🎂 Also Celebrating Today
🎶 Roger Taylor (Queen)
🎶 Darlene Love
🎶 Dobie Gray
🎶 Gary Cherone (Extreme)
Happy Birthday to all!
☕ National Coffee Milkshake Day
Apparently someone forgot to tell CLASSICKONG that the studio rules still apply.
Somewhere around the station, there’s a suspiciously large coffee milkshake, a very innocent-looking gorilla, and a sign that clearly says:
NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN THE STUDIO.
Let’s just say…the investigation is ongoing.
❤️ National Parents’ Day
Today’s observance reminds us that many of our favorite songs didn’t begin on Spotify or the radio.
They began in living rooms.
On front porches.
Around family record players.
In the passenger seat of an old car.
Many of us discovered our lifelong favorite artists because a parent or grandparent shared them with us. Those moments become memories, and those memories become part of who we are.
Today we simply want to say:
Thank you to every parent and grandparent who shared the gift of music with the next generation.
That’s a legacy worth celebrating.
🎙️ Editor’s Corner
One of the beautiful things about music is that it isn’t measured only by chart positions or awards.
It’s measured by the memories it creates.
The songs our parents played become the songs we one day share with our own families. The records may age, the turntables may grow quiet, but the music keeps finding new ears and new hearts.
At WTSG-DB, we’re grateful to help keep those songs alive—not just because they’re classics, but because they remind us where we’ve been, who we’ve loved, and the people who first taught us to listen.
So today, celebrate the legends, thank the people who introduced you to great music, and if you happen to notice a mysterious sledgehammer leaning against CLASSICKONG’s broadcast desk…
…well…it’s probably best not to ask. 😉
Until next time…
Keep the music playing. Keep the memories spinning.
Great Music. Great Radio. Great Community.
— CLASSICKONG 🦍❤️
