Monday August 25:   “My Sharona” The Knacks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3ADektyDhM  In 1979, Doug Feiger, guitarist for the Knacks, came to know 17 year old Sharona Alperin.  He fell in love and was inspired to bring the catchy hit “My Sharona” into being.  the song was originally devised as a mean to snare the attention of the beautiful girl, and apparently it worked.  Fieger and Alperin dated for 4 years and were engaged to be married for a time before breaking up.

Tuesday August 26: “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Elvis Presley   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGhmn2i4DBU   In 1969, Elvis made his famous performance of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” at the International Hotel in Vegas.  For some reason, on this night Cissy Houston’s live soprano part strikes Presley as particularly funny, and he can’t seem to keep himself from laughing throughout the performance.

Wednesday August 27:   Today we send you across the pond to the 2004 Kerrang! Awards in the UK.  This year, Metallica was awarded “Best Band on the Planet,” The Darkness was recognized as the “Best British Band,” and Green Day was inducted into the Kerrang! Hall of Fame.  Also, “Absolution” by Muse was named best album (which I have to agree is a splendid call) and “Last Train Home” by lostprophets ranked as the “Best Single.”    Check out the bands in the links below.

“Good Riddance” Green Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAwzg1xGSjU  

Absolution: Muse https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL82B296B7C81F7039  

“Growing on Me” The Darkness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv0ddLgCsus  

“Last Train Home” Lostprophets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfaN-WvMh2s  

“One” Metallica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lem8fPXe2w

Thursday August 28:   1972, “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper hits no. 1 on the UK Chartshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBEcLxnXVAc Also, in 1968, this hit was recorded by Tammy Wynette after only 15 minutes : “Stand by Your Man” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgWKSdkW1A0

Friday August 29:

On this day, 44 years ago, Edwin Starr’s “War” hit #1 on the charts.  It stayed at the top of the charts for 3 consecutive weeks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQHUAJTZqF0

Also, the masterpiece that is “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley hit the top of the charts where it resided for 5 weeks.