Tag Archives: America band

Music Monday: June 23, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Debbie Harry will celebrate birthday #80 in a week. Born Angela Trimble on July 1, 1945 in Miami, Florida, the future lead singer of Blondie was raised in New Jersey. She became part of NYC’s music scene when the group was formed there in 1974.

One of their #1 hits (they had a total of four between 1979 & 1981) peaked at the top spot for six consecutive weeks 45 years ago on April 19, 1980. Harry supplied the lyrics to Italian composer Giorgio Moroder’s music to create the main theme song to the movie that made Richard Gere a star, 1980’s “American Gigolo”. The track was nominated the following year for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Harry later branched out into acting. Her roles in “Hairspray” and “My Life Without Me” are my favorites. Her 2019 autobiography, “Face It: A Memoir”, is a fascinating glimpse at her incredible life & career. Harry is not only one of music’s greatest vocalists but also a visionary who helped introduce rap to the masses with Blondie’s 1981 song, “Rapture”.

Top: Blondie circa 1977. Bottom: Debbie Harry circa 2024. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bono turned 65 years old last month. Born Paul David Hewson on May 10, 1960 in Dublin, Ireland, he became the lead singer and one of the founding members of U2 in 1976. His milestone birthday aligns with the 45th anniversary of the band’s debut album, Boy, released on October 20, 1980. In addition to U2, Bono has recorded with other artists including his own musical heroes like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles and many others.

Bono is also well known for his philanthropic & humanitarian efforts which date back to 1984 when he lent his voice to the charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band-Aid, a supergroup created by Bob Geldof.

Bono as photographed by Esquire in 2025. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Martha and the Vandellas’ third album, Dance Party, was released 60 years ago in April 1965. The album contains the group’s two biggest hits which helped make them one of Motown’s most successful artists. They remain my favorite girl group of the genre.

Top: The group’s 1965 album. Bottom (top to bottom: Martha Reeves, Betty Kelly, and Rosalind Ashford of Martha and the Vandellas circa 1964. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

America released their fifth studio album, Hearts, 50 years ago in March 1975. It was the second of six records produced by acclaimed Beatles producer, George Martin. Actor & comedian Phil Hartman designed the album cover during his time as a graphic designer. It contained the band’s second #1 hit which peaked in the top spot on June 14, 1975 for one week along with “Daisy Jane” which peaked at #20 in September 1975. “A Horse With No Name” was America’s first top selling song in March 1972.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Power Station released their debut album 40 years ago in March 1985. As a Robert Palmer fan, I was so happy to see him take another step in his musical career, this time in a supergroup with two members of Duran Duran-Andy Taylor and John Taylor-and former Chic drummer Tony Thompson. The Power Station disbanded after that record to return to their respective careers until 1996 when they released their second & final album, Living In Fear. It includes an incredible cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1973 hit, “Let’s Get It On”.

The Power Station circa 1985 (L–R): Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor, John Taylor and Tony Thompson. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Blondie: “Call Me” (1980, written by Debbie Harry and Giorgio Moroder).

The Coors featuring Bono: “When The Stars Go Blue” (2002, written by Ryan Adams).

Martha & The Vandellas: “Dancing In The Street” (1964, written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter and William “Mickey” Stevenson).

America: “Sister Golden Hair” (1975, written by Gerry Beckley).

The Power Station: “Some Like It Hot” (1985, written by Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor & John Taylor).

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 141

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Charlie Brown No Music No Life

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

On this date in 1984 Prince’s album, “Purple Rain” hit #1.  Remarkably it held that spot for 24 straight weeks until Jan 18, 1985.  Released less than two months earlier on June 25 and a month before the release of the movie by the same name on July 27, it was his first album to hit the top spot.  It was also the first time Prince credited his band, The Revolution, with assisting in the composing, arrangement and  production of a record.

The movie went on to gross 72 million dollars.  The first single from the album, “When Doves Cry”, went to #1 for five weeks straight (July 7-Aug. 10) and became the biggest song of 1984.  (Not so fun fact:  That song kept Bruce Springsteen’s single, “Dancing In The Dark” out of the top spot, leaving it in the #2 spot for three weeks before it fell to #3 on July 28.  Poor Bruce 😦  But his “Born In The USA” album would knock “Purple Rain” out of the #1 spot on Jan 19, 1985, ending its 24 week reign in that position).

By September 1984 the next single, “Let’s Go Crazy” hit #1 for two consecutive weeks.  Ultimately two more singles would be released:  the title track which peaked at #2 (and is my favorite song for a multitude of reasons but especially because of the exquisite string arrangement) and “I Would Die 4 U” which made it to #8.  The soundtrack was so popular even Sophia from “The Golden Girls” was heard singing along to the title track in the show’s first season.  I love that Prince and that show are their own pop culture reference!!!

Some of you might remember that it was this album that eventually lead to the formation of the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) in 1985 by Tipper Gore and friends.  That was due to the sexually charged lyrics on the song, “Darling Nikki” that Gore heard when her 11 year old daughter was playing this record.  The group demanded that any music with questionable lyrics or subject matters (i.e. sex, drugs, violence and references to the occult) be sold with warning labels on them.  But even with the controversy (or perhaps because of it), the record would go on to sell over 25 million copies.  For most music lovers and Prince fans around the world, this album remains his masterpiece and I agree.  No offense towards him intended, but does anyone else but me believe he got the idea for the song from hearing the line in America’s “Ventura Highway” that goes:  “Sorry boy, but I’ve been hit by purple rain”?  🙂

“I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you
Laughing in the purple rain“.

Prince
 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Prince:  “Purple Rain” (1984, written by Prince).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.