Posts From Jeff Tamarkin

The Rick Wakeman Interview, Part One

The prog legend will soon be inducted into the Rock Hall as a member of Yes. But he’s also got a fine new solo piano album. We spoke with him about it.

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The Beatles Performing at the Cavern Club, 1962

It’s one of the most iconic pieces of Beatles film, the band playing at Liverpool’s Cavern days after Ringo joined. Here is the story behind the clip

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June 24, 2018: Dan Ingram, NYC Top 40 Radio Legend, Dies

Calling himself “Big Dan,” his signature greeting of “Hey, Kemosabe!” welcomed listeners throughout the height of the rock era.

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June 23, 2019: Dave Bartholomew, New Orleans Giant, Dies at 100

In addition to writing, producing and arranging many of Fats Domino’s hits, he also wrote such songs as “My Ding-a-Ling” and “I Hear You Knocking”

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Do You Know Joel Whitburn? He Turned a Passion for Records Into Chart Research

The acknowledged expert on the history of the music charts was also the owner of one of the largest collections of recorded music in the world.

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June 13, 2018: D.J. Fontana, Elvis Presley’s Drummer, Dead at 87

He played on nearly 500 of Elvis’ recordings, including such landmarks as “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Heartbreak Hotel.”

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The Troggs’ Garage-Rock Classic ‘Wild Thing’

From its bent, distorted, shocking opening note to the ocarina solo to Reg Presley’s distinctive snarling vocal, it was one of the cornerstones of garage-rock.

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April 16, 1965: Soupy Sales, Hollies and…Hendrix?

If you were a kid in New York at Easter time in 1965, for a few bucks you could see a dozen rock ‘n’ roll acts and a top TV host. Now that’s a bargain!

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The Inspiration For Bob Dylan’s ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’

The consummate session musician not only played on several of Dylan’s greatest tunes but inspired one that defined its era

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Harvey Keitel and the Song ‘Summertime, Summertime’

In a cringe-inducing scene from the movie Fingers, the use of a 1958 song becomes an indelible moment with Keitel reacting to an insult as only he can

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