From the Desk of CLASSICKONG
Four days until Halloween, friends!
The pumpkins are glowing, the shadows are getting longer, and somewhere out there, a black cat is probably planning something suspicious!
Welcome to our October 27 edition of This Day in Music History, where the music is timeless, the stories are real, and the occasional creature of the night might just be hanging around the radio!
We’ve got Stevie Wonder, Prince, Janet Jackson, Motörhead, Duran Duran, and a special remembrance of Lou Reed. Plus a little piano magic, some legendary harmonies, and enough rock and roll to wake the dead!
And with Halloween approaching, I’m gonna make you an offer you can’t refuse!
Great music, great stories, and a lifetime supply of rock and roll!
The cannoli? Well, you’ll have to talk to Honey about those!
So turn up the volume, keep an eye on those shadows, and let’s get this show rolling!
Today’s National Days
National Black Cat Day
Well, how appropriate is THIS?
With Halloween just four days away, today we’re celebrating those mysterious, beautiful black cats!
Black cats have been associated with superstition for centuries, although there’s absolutely nothing unlucky about them.
And speaking of black cats and superstition, we’ve got Janet Jackson’s “Black Cat” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” coming up today!
Coincidence? I THINK NOT!
Just remember, friends, if a black cat crosses your path today, don’t panic.
It probably just has somewhere more important to be!
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
Today also marks World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, an international observance recognizing the importance of preserving our recorded history.
That includes music, radio broadcasts, films, television, and the countless recordings that tell the stories of our past.
Here at WTSG-DB, that’s something close to our hearts.
Every day, we celebrate the artists, musicians, songs, and recordings that have helped shape our lives.
And while we’re certainly not running a museum or restoring old master tapes, I’d like to think we’re doing our little part by sharing the stories behind this wonderful music.
Because music is more than entertainment.
It’s history, memories, and a connection between generations.
And we’ll return to that thought in today’s Final Spin.
1960 — Ben E. King Records Two Timeless Classics
On October 27, 1960, Ben E. King recorded two songs that would help establish his remarkable solo career: “Spanish Harlem” and “Stand by Me.”
Following his success with the Drifters, King was preparing to make his mark as a solo artist.
“Spanish Harlem,” released on Atco Records, became a major hit and demonstrated King’s smooth, expressive vocal style.
But “Stand by Me,” released in 1961, became something even bigger.
Written by King with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song delivers a timeless message about friendship, loyalty, and standing beside someone through difficult times.
And what an arrangement!
That unforgettable bass line, the gentle rhythm, and King’s beautiful vocal performance.
Sometimes the simplest musical ideas carry the greatest emotional weight.
And buddy, “Stand by Me” is one of those songs that never loses its magic.
King passed away on April 30, 2015, at age 76.
But whenever that familiar bass line begins, his musical legacy comes alive all over again.
1972 — Stevie Wonder and Talking Book
In late October 1972, Stevie Wonder released his landmark album Talking Book, on Tamla Records.
And WHAT an album!
Featuring “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “Superstition,” the record demonstrated Stevie’s extraordinary abilities as a singer, songwriter, arranger, and musician.
Let’s start with “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.”
I’ve always loved this song.
It’s beautiful, catchy, uplifting, and filled with warmth.
The melody is unforgettable, the arrangement is wonderful, and Stevie delivers it with such sincerity.
It’s one of those songs that can brighten your mood almost immediately.
And then there’s “Superstition.”
OH, MAN!
That funky clavinet riff, those horns, and that driving rhythm!
If that groove doesn’t get your foot tapping, somebody better check your pulse!
And with Halloween just four days away, how could we possibly leave this one out?
But there’s also a message behind the music.
Stevie reminds us how easily people can become trapped by fears and beliefs they don’t fully understand.
Two completely different songs from the same album.
One filled with love and sunshine.
The other warning us about superstition.
And both absolutely brilliant!
1973 — Gladys Knight & the Pips Take the Midnight Train to Number One
On October 27, 1973, “Midnight Train to Georgia” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips and released on Buddah Records, the song became one of the group’s defining recordings.
And what a record!
Gladys Knight has one of those voices you recognize immediately.
Powerful, soulful, and filled with emotion.
But let’s give those Pips the recognition they deserve!
We’re talking about Merald “Bubba” Knight, Gladys’s brother, along with cousins William Guest and Edward Patten.
Those three gentlemen weren’t just standing behind Gladys looking sharp in their matching outfits!
Their harmonies, perfectly timed responses, and wonderful choreography were essential to the group’s identity.
And buddy, they made backing vocals look COOL!
Sharp dressed, classy, talented, and entertaining.
I’ve always believed great backing singers deserve more recognition than they sometimes receive.
The Pips weren’t simply supporting Gladys.
They were an important part of what made the entire group special.
Written by Jim Weatherly, “Midnight Train to Georgia” tells the story of a man leaving Los Angeles after his dreams haven’t worked out, and a woman determined to accompany him home.
It’s a beautiful song about love, loyalty, and choosing someone over the bright lights of fame.
And it remains one of the great radio staples of its era.
1979 — Motörhead Drops the Bomber
On October 27, 1979, Motörhead released their third studio album, Bomber, on Bronze Records.
Lemmy Kilmister on bass and vocals.
Fast Eddie Clarke on guitar.
Philthy Animal Taylor behind the drums.
NOW WE’RE TALKING!
Featuring “Bomber,” “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” and “Stone Dead Forever,” the album captured Motörhead’s raw, loud, and relentless sound.
There wasn’t much interest in polishing away the rough edges.
And that’s exactly why it worked!
Motörhead combined the speed and attitude of punk with the power of hard rock and heavy metal.
The result was unmistakably their own.
The album also inspired the band’s famous bomber-shaped stage lighting rig.
Can you imagine standing beneath that thing while the band launched into “Bomber”?
Talk about bringing the thunder!
Lemmy passed away in 2015, Phil Taylor in 2015, and Eddie Clarke in 2018.
The classic trio is gone, but their music still packs one heck of a punch.
And if you’re trying to wake up the neighborhood this Halloween, buddy, I think we’ve found the perfect soundtrack!
1982 — Prince Releases 1999
On October 27, 1982, Prince released his fifth studio album, 1999, on Warner Bros. Records.
And buddy, what a collection of songs!
“1999,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Delirious,” “D.M.S.R.,” and “Automatic” helped establish Prince as one of the most exciting and inventive musicians of his generation.
I’ve always loved “Little Red Corvette.”
What a fantastic song!
That melody, the guitar, the groove, and Prince’s unmistakable vocal style.
He had a remarkable ability to combine funk, pop, rock, and electronic music into something completely his own.
And let’s not forget that he was an extraordinary multi-instrumentalist.
Prince understood rhythm, melody, arrangement, and the importance of a memorable hook.
The title track, “1999,” became a worldwide party anthem, while “Little Red Corvette” demonstrated his ability to craft a nearly perfect pop-rock recording.
And for those wondering, “Raspberry Beret” came later, on his 1985 album Around the World in a Day.
Another Prince classic!
Prince passed away on April 21, 2016, at age 57.
What an extraordinary talent.
1983 — Bob Dylan Releases Infidels
On October 27, 1983, Bob Dylan released Infidels, on Columbia Records.
And here’s an interesting musical connection.
The album was co-produced by Dylan and Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler.
Now there’s a partnership worth talking about!
Knopfler also contributed guitar, bringing his distinctive playing style to recordings such as “Jokerman,” “Sweetheart Like You,” and “I and I.”
The sessions featured a remarkable group of musicians, including bassist Robbie Shakespeare and drummer Sly Dunbar.
Two very different artists, Dylan and Knopfler, each with a strong musical identity, finding common ground in the studio.
And sometimes those unexpected combinations produce some fascinating music.
1990 — Janet Jackson’s Black Cat Reaches Number One
On October 27, 1990, Janet Jackson’s “Black Cat” topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Released on A&M Records and featured on her 1989 album Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, the song showed that Janet could rock just as convincingly as she could deliver a dance-pop hit.
And ROCK she did!
The song features driving guitars, powerful drums, and a harder edge than many listeners expected.
Janet wrote the song herself, and its success demonstrated her versatility as an artist.
And seriously, friends, could we have found a more appropriate song for National Black Cat Day?
Halloween is four days away, the black cats are out, and Janet Jackson is rocking the house!
I’d call that perfect timing.
Just don’t blame me if you start checking under your bed tonight!
1992 — Neil Young Releases Harvest Moon
On October 27, 1992, Neil Young released Harvest Moon, on Reprise Records.
And if there’s an album that seems made for a cool autumn evening, this might be it.
Featuring “Harvest Moon,” “Unknown Legend,” “From Hank to Hendrix,” and “One of These Days,” the album returned to the gentle acoustic and country-rock atmosphere associated with Young’s earlier work.
Twenty years after his classic Harvest album, Neil revisited that warm, reflective musical territory.
Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor contributed backing vocals.
And the title track?
Absolutely beautiful.
There’s something about “Harvest Moon” that makes you want to sit outside on a cool October evening, look up at the moon, and appreciate the people you love.
Sometimes music doesn’t need to shout to make a powerful statement.
Sometimes it just needs to speak to your heart.
And after the thunder of Motörhead, this is a pretty nice place to catch your breath!
1992 — AC/DC Releases Live
Also arriving on October 27, 1992, was AC/DC’s Live, released on Atco Records.
Featuring recordings from the band’s The Razors Edge touring period, the album includes concert favorites such as “Thunderstruck,” “Back in Black,” “Shoot to Thrill,” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).”
AC/DC has never needed elaborate musical tricks to get its point across.
Just a great riff, a driving rhythm section, and enough electricity to light up a small town!
And that’s exactly what this live album delivers.
For those about to rock…
WE SALUTE YOU!
2023 — Duran Duran Releases Danse Macabre
On October 27, 2023, Duran Duran released their sixteenth studio album, Danse Macabre, on Tape Modern/BMG.
And get this, friends.
They released a Halloween-themed album on lead singer Simon Le Bon’s birthday!
HOW PERFECT IS THAT?
Inspired by the band’s Halloween performance in Las Vegas the previous year, Danse Macabre features original material, cover songs, and reimagined Duran Duran favorites.
The track listing includes “Danse Macabre,” “Psycho Killer,” “Paint It Black,” “Ghost Town,” and “Spellbound.”
Former guitarists Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo also contributed to the project.
I’ve always appreciated Duran Duran’s musicianship, especially John Taylor’s bass playing.
That man knows how to build a bass line!
Listen to “Rio” sometime and pay attention to what he’s doing underneath the melody.
It’s busy, inventive, and full of groove, but it never loses sight of the song.
Duran Duran has always been more than flashy videos and fashionable clothes.
There’s some serious musical talent in that band.
And with Halloween just around the corner, Danse Macabre couldn’t be more appropriate.
Musical Birthdays — October 27
Floyd Cramer — Born 1933
Legendary pianist Floyd Cramer was born on October 27, 1933, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
One of the great session musicians associated with the Nashville Sound, Cramer became famous for his distinctive slip-note piano technique.
His signature recording, “Last Date,” was released as an instrumental single on RCA Victor in 1960 and climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
It also became the title of an RCA Victor album.
And here’s where the story gets downright hilarious!
The record that kept Floyd Cramer out of the number-one spot?
Elvis Presley’s “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
And guess who played piano on Elvis’s recording?
FLOYD CRAMER!
ROFLMAO!
Imagine that!
You record a beautiful instrumental, climb all the way to number two, and the guy keeping you out of first place is Elvis Presley…
AND YOU’RE PLAYING PIANO ON HIS RECORD TOO!
HAHAHAHA!
Now THAT’S a music-history story!
Growing up, I heard Floyd Cramer’s name mentioned countless times.
And with good reason.
He was one of those musicians whose playing could be recognized almost immediately.
He didn’t need a hundred notes to make a musical statement.
Sometimes just a few beautifully placed notes said everything.
Cramer passed away on December 31, 1997, at age 64.
A true piano legend.
Garry Tallent — Born 1949
Happy birthday to Garry Tallent, longtime bassist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band!
Tallent has been a key part of that band’s sound since its earliest years.
A fine example of a musician who understands the importance of serving the song.
K.K. Downing — Born 1951
Happy birthday to guitarist K.K. Downing, one of the founding members of Judas Priest!
And didn’t we just celebrate Glenn Tipton’s birthday two days ago?
Apparently, late October is a pretty good time to be a Judas Priest guitarist!
Downing’s guitar work helped define the band’s classic heavy metal sound.
Those twin-guitar attacks with Tipton became a major influence on generations of metal musicians.
And buddy, when those two guitars locked together, LOOK OUT!
Simon Le Bon — Born 1958
Happy birthday to Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon!
Born October 27, 1958, Le Bon helped give the band its distinctive vocal identity.
From “Rio” and “Hungry Like the Wolf” to “Ordinary World,” Duran Duran has produced some truly memorable recordings.
And releasing Danse Macabre on his birthday in 2023 was a pretty cool way to celebrate!
Lee Greenwood — Born 1942
Happy birthday to country singer Lee Greenwood!
Best known for “God Bless the U.S.A.”, Greenwood created one of America’s most recognizable patriotic songs.
Released in 1984, the recording has remained a favorite at patriotic celebrations, military events, and public gatherings.
It’s a beautiful song about gratitude, freedom, and love of country.
And one that continues to mean a great deal to many Americans.
Scott Weiland — Born 1967
Today we also remember Scott Weiland, born October 27, 1967.
As the frontman for Stone Temple Pilots and later Velvet Revolver, Weiland became one of the distinctive rock voices of his generation.
Songs such as “Plush,” “Interstate Love Song,” and “Vasoline” helped establish Stone Temple Pilots as a major force in 1990s rock.
Weiland passed away on December 3, 2015, at age 48.
His recordings remain an important part of that era’s rock legacy.
Remembering Lou Reed — October 27, 2013
On October 27, 2013, the music world lost Lou Reed at age 71.
A founding member of the Velvet Underground, Reed became one of rock music’s most distinctive songwriters and performers.
His music wasn’t always comfortable.
Sometimes it was raw. Sometimes it was dark. Sometimes it was funny.
And often, it was all three.
Lou had a remarkable ability to observe people and situations and turn those observations into songs that made you think.
For me, his 1989 album New York, released on Sire Records, remains my favorite Lou Reed album.
It’s raw, funny, thought-provoking, and filled with some of the sharpest writing of his career.
Songs such as “Dirty Blvd.,” “Romeo Had Juliette,” “Last Great American Whale,” and “Busload of Faith” demonstrate his gift for storytelling.
And Lou had a way with levity unlike almost anybody else.
He could deliver a line with that dry, unmistakable voice, and you weren’t always sure whether to laugh, shake your head, or stop and think about what he’d just said.
That’s what made him so interesting.
And since Halloween is approaching, I also want to mention “Halloween Parade,” from New York.
It’s a remarkable song.
On the surface, it’s about New York City’s Halloween parade.
But beneath that setting is a moving reflection on people who are no longer there to celebrate.
It’s funny in places, sad in others, and deeply human.
That’s Lou Reed.
He could find humor in sadness and sadness in humor without making either feel artificial.
Reed had experienced serious health problems and underwent a liver transplant earlier in 2013.
His passing was a tremendous loss.
But the music remains.
And for me, New York will always be one of his finest achievements.
Rest in peace, Lou.
Final Spin — The Scenic Route to Halloween
Well, friends, here we are, four days from Halloween, and what a musical road we’ve traveled today!
We’ve had black cats crossing our path, Stevie Wonder warning us about “Superstition,” and Duran Duran inviting us to their Danse Macabre.
Somewhere along the way, we heard the thunder of Motörhead’s “Bomber,” the twin guitars of Judas Priest, and AC/DC reminding us that “For Those About to Rock,” they salute us!
And after all that noise, maybe it’s time to slow things down.
Picture a cool October evening.
The leaves are falling, there’s a harvest moon overhead, and somewhere in the distance, Floyd Cramer is tickling those ivories.
Ben E. King reminds us to “Stand by Me,” while Gladys Knight and those wonderful Pips are catching that “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
And then there’s Lou Reed’s “Halloween Parade.”
A reminder that even during our celebrations, we remember the people who used to share them with us.
That’s part of getting older, isn’t it?
The seasons come and go, the holidays roll around again, and sometimes we find ourselves remembering the people who made those days special.
But you know something?
Maybe that’s why Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” means so much.
Because the real sunshine in our lives isn’t always coming from the sky.
Sometimes it’s the people we love, the memories we treasure, the music we share, and yes, even those silly little holiday traditions that make us smile.
And that brings me back to something we celebrated earlier today: World Day for Audiovisual Heritage.
You know, friends, I’d like to think we’re doing our little part right here at WTSG-DB.
Every day, we revisit these wonderful recordings, remember the musicians who made them, and share the stories behind the music.
From Floyd Cramer’s piano to the Pips’ beautiful harmonies, from Lou Reed’s storytelling to the thunder of Motörhead, these are musical treasures worth remembering.
We may not be running a museum or restoring old master tapes, but we’re helping keep the stories alive.
And maybe somebody listening today will discover a song or an artist they’ve never heard before.
Wouldn’t that be something?
Because music history isn’t just about remembering what happened yesterday.
It’s about keeping that music alive for somebody to discover tomorrow.
And if we’re helping do even a little of that, well, I’d say we’re doing something worthwhile.
So enjoy these October days, friends.
Hug somebody you love, play some great music, and keep an eye out for those black cats.
And remember…
Keep your friends close, your music loud, and your garlic closer!
And whatever you do, don’t leave the garlic and take the cannoli!
Because if a beautiful vampire comes knocking on your door, that cannoli isn’t gonna do you a bit of good!
HAHAHAHA!
And that’s gonna do it for today, friends. 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/Podcast
Listen to today’s WTSG-DB broadcast here.
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References
- UNESCO — World Day for Audiovisual Heritage — Official observance and preservation mission.
- This Day in Music — October 27 — Historical music events, birthdays, releases, and remembrances.
- Prince — 1999 Official Discography — Album history, songs, and credits.
- AllMusic — Prince: 1999 — October 27, 1982 release information.
- Duran Duran — Danse Macabre — Official album details and release date.
- Duran Duran — Danse Macabre Release Announcement — Track listing, contributors, and Halloween inspiration.
- BMG — Danse Macabre — Record label’s official release announcement.
- Music Charts Archive — Prince: 1999 — Release date and historical album chart information.
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