The first time Brenda Lee topped the Billboard Hot 100 was with “I’m Sorry” in 1960. The most recent time Brenda Lee topped the Billboard Hot 100 was a few days ago, when her 1958 single “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” finally ascended to the top of the chart. That makes Lee the oldest person to ever have a US number one single and marks the longest-ever climb to number one and the longest gap between number one singles for an artist.
Brenda Lee was born on this in 1944. A couple of her hits are included on today’s playlist.
Eddie Cochran was only 19 years old when he recorded “Summertime Blues,” a song he wrote with his manager in 45 minutes. A self-taught guitarist, Cochran played all the guitar parts and sang both the lead and bass vocals. Less than two years after “Summertime Blues” became a hit Cochran was killed in a car accident.
Eddie Cochran was born on this date in 1938. A few of his songs are included on today’s playlist.
In the late 70s, people often confused my dad for Kenny Rogers. They’re close in age, and my dad was a white guy with a beard (still is both) and drove around in fancy sportscars you would imagine a country music superstar would drive, so one could see why he was stopped to sign autographs. Many people confused my brother for John Travolta. We grew up one town over from where Travolta grew up, and my brother had the dimple in his chin (still does). Once while the family was eating at a local restaurant, a couple came over to our table to meet John Travolta. They thought they were slick when their opening line was a question directed to my dad: “Excuse me, are you Sam Travolta?” Sam was John’s dad. If I remember correctly, he owned a tire shop in town. My dad replied that he is not Sam Travolta. He’s Kenny Rogers. The celebrity I was often mistaken for was Kermit the Frog. I’m not joking. Frequently people told me of my resemblance to the actor/singer/banjo player/TV host/piece of felt. On a public bus once a woman came up to me and asked “Has anyone ever told you you look like Kermit the Frog?” Yes! All the time! It’s not easy being green.
Today’s playlist is inspired by the September 24 birthdays of Jim Henson, Gerry Marsden, Jack Scott, The Dixie Cups’ Rosa Lee Hawkins, Linda McCartney, Kreayshawn and Shep.
