Steve and Dave's
@steveanddaves1.bsky.social
Steve Foulke & Dave Zook, American academics & friends for four decades, post daily about numerous American pop culture matters from the 60s, 70s & 80s, focusing on film & television, rock & pop music & electoral politics from these decades.
Billy Joel’s second studio album – Piano Man – was released today in 1973 on Columbia. Produced by Michael Stewart, the title track became Joel’s signature song – but other highlights here include: “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” “Stop in Nevada” “You’re My Home” & “Captain Jack”
November 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Billy Joel’s second studio album – Piano Man – was released today in 1973 on Columbia. Produced by Michael Stewart, the title track became Joel’s signature song – but other highlights here include: “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” “Stop in Nevada” “You’re My Home” & “Captain Jack”
Sherwood Schwartz (born today in 1916) wrote for Red Skelton (1913-1997) in the 1950s, which opened doors in the decades to follow. Schwartz created Gilligan’s Island & The Brady Bunch – two of the cheesiest (but most beloved) comedies in the history of American television. Schwartz passed in 2011.
November 14, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Sherwood Schwartz (born today in 1916) wrote for Red Skelton (1913-1997) in the 1950s, which opened doors in the decades to follow. Schwartz created Gilligan’s Island & The Brady Bunch – two of the cheesiest (but most beloved) comedies in the history of American television. Schwartz passed in 2011.
James Young (born today in 1949 in Chicago) has been anchoring Styx with his guitar & vocals since the early 1970s. Son of a Swedish immigrant, JY grew up in a musical family, but his connection with the guitar (like so many others in the era) was cemented when he saw Jimi Hendrix in concert .
November 14, 2025 at 12:34 PM
James Young (born today in 1949 in Chicago) has been anchoring Styx with his guitar & vocals since the early 1970s. Son of a Swedish immigrant, JY grew up in a musical family, but his connection with the guitar (like so many others in the era) was cemented when he saw Jimi Hendrix in concert .
“A-well-a everybody's heard about the bird! Bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word” The Minnesota quartet known as The Trashmen gained a type of immortality today in 1963 with the release of their mind-numbing (but catchy as hell) single “Surfin’ Bird.” The record peaked at #4 in the U.S.
November 13, 2025 at 12:48 PM
“A-well-a everybody's heard about the bird! Bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word” The Minnesota quartet known as The Trashmen gained a type of immortality today in 1963 with the release of their mind-numbing (but catchy as hell) single “Surfin’ Bird.” The record peaked at #4 in the U.S.
Bobby Manuel (born on this date in 1945 in Memphis, Tennessee) is likely best known for his time as a session guitarist at Stax Records in Memphis. Manuel’s guitar is on dozens of Stax records – and Manuel’s work with Isaac Hayes on the legendary Hot Buttered Soul album is a highlight.
November 13, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Bobby Manuel (born on this date in 1945 in Memphis, Tennessee) is likely best known for his time as a session guitarist at Stax Records in Memphis. Manuel’s guitar is on dozens of Stax records – and Manuel’s work with Isaac Hayes on the legendary Hot Buttered Soul album is a highlight.
“The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another” Maurice Sendak’s beloved classic Where the Wild Things Are was published today in 1963 by Harper & Row. Sendak (1928-2012) received the famed Caldecott Medal in 1964 for this fanciful tale.
November 13, 2025 at 12:44 PM
“The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another” Maurice Sendak’s beloved classic Where the Wild Things Are was published today in 1963 by Harper & Row. Sendak (1928-2012) received the famed Caldecott Medal in 1964 for this fanciful tale.
Booker T. Jones – a gifted musician, producer & songwriter – was born today in 1944 in Memphis. Jones entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as the leader of Booker T. & the MGs. He’s played with everyone during his staggering career – & was a boyhood pal of the late Maurice White of EW&F.
November 12, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Booker T. Jones – a gifted musician, producer & songwriter – was born today in 1944 in Memphis. Jones entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as the leader of Booker T. & the MGs. He’s played with everyone during his staggering career – & was a boyhood pal of the late Maurice White of EW&F.
Nursery Cryme – the first Genesis lp with the classic lineup (with Steve Hackett & Phil Collins) – was released today in 1971 in the U.S. The initial 3 tracks (“The Musical Box” “For Absent Friends” & “The Return of the Giant Hogweed”) gives a sense of what Genesis would reach with Hackett & Collins
November 12, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Nursery Cryme – the first Genesis lp with the classic lineup (with Steve Hackett & Phil Collins) – was released today in 1971 in the U.S. The initial 3 tracks (“The Musical Box” “For Absent Friends” & “The Return of the Giant Hogweed”) gives a sense of what Genesis would reach with Hackett & Collins
“Our house, it has a crowd; There's always something happening; And it's usually quite loud” On this date in 1982, Madness released “Our House.” While Madness has long been a massive favorite in the British Isles, this single is the band’s highwater mark in the U.S. – peaking at #7 pop.
November 12, 2025 at 12:13 PM
“Our house, it has a crowd; There's always something happening; And it's usually quite loud” On this date in 1982, Madness released “Our House.” While Madness has long been a massive favorite in the British Isles, this single is the band’s highwater mark in the U.S. – peaking at #7 pop.
LaVern Baker’s first charting single in the U.S. was “Tweedle Dee” in 1955 (#4 R&B, #14 pop). Over the next decade, Baker (born today in 1929 in Chicago) became a powerhouse presence on the charts – with 11 top ten R&B hits. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Baker passed in 1997.
November 11, 2025 at 12:15 PM
LaVern Baker’s first charting single in the U.S. was “Tweedle Dee” in 1955 (#4 R&B, #14 pop). Over the next decade, Baker (born today in 1929 in Chicago) became a powerhouse presence on the charts – with 11 top ten R&B hits. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Baker passed in 1997.
Sesame Street premiered on National Educational Television (the predecessor to PBS) on this date in 1969. The brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney & Lloyd Morrisett (1929-2023), the trailblazing show challenged & entertained children (and adults) – & was startlingly innovative for the era.
November 10, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Sesame Street premiered on National Educational Television (the predecessor to PBS) on this date in 1969. The brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney & Lloyd Morrisett (1929-2023), the trailblazing show challenged & entertained children (and adults) – & was startlingly innovative for the era.
Carl Stalling’s orchestrations reached millions of listeners – but mostly in darkened movie theaters or on television. Stalling (born today in 1891) initially worked for Walt Disney before joining Warner Bros in the late 1930s, where he composed music for classic cartoons. Stalling passed in 1972.
November 10, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Carl Stalling’s orchestrations reached millions of listeners – but mostly in darkened movie theaters or on television. Stalling (born today in 1891) initially worked for Walt Disney before joining Warner Bros in the late 1930s, where he composed music for classic cartoons. Stalling passed in 1972.
A poet & performance artist by night, an employee of a small bookstore by day, Patti Smith’s life changed on this date in 1975 when her debut album Horses was released on Arista. One of the most influential albums of the decade, “Redondo Beach” & “Birdland” are two of the many key tracks on Horses.
November 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM
A poet & performance artist by night, an employee of a small bookstore by day, Patti Smith’s life changed on this date in 1975 when her debut album Horses was released on Arista. One of the most influential albums of the decade, “Redondo Beach” & “Birdland” are two of the many key tracks on Horses.
“Love Rollercoaster” – a #1 single on both the pop & soul charts for the Ohio Players – was released on this date in 1975. While the legend behind the scream present in the song is complete nonsense, the irresistible funk heard here is very real. The Ohio Players were on a roll during the mid-1970s.
November 9, 2025 at 12:31 PM
“Love Rollercoaster” – a #1 single on both the pop & soul charts for the Ohio Players – was released on this date in 1975. While the legend behind the scream present in the song is complete nonsense, the irresistible funk heard here is very real. The Ohio Players were on a roll during the mid-1970s.
No Dice – released today in 1970 on Apple – likely is the best album Badfinger ever made. Produced by Geoff Emerick & Mal Evans, “No Matter What” & “Without You” got much attention (especially when Nilsson recorded the latter in 1971) but “We’re for the Dark” & “I Can’t Take It” are also splendid.
November 9, 2025 at 12:28 PM
No Dice – released today in 1970 on Apple – likely is the best album Badfinger ever made. Produced by Geoff Emerick & Mal Evans, “No Matter What” & “Without You” got much attention (especially when Nilsson recorded the latter in 1971) but “We’re for the Dark” & “I Can’t Take It” are also splendid.
Mary Travers (born today in 1936) was 1/3 of the folk super trio Peter, Paul & Mary. A cultural force during the 1960s, Peter, Paul & Mary had six top 10 pop hits in the U.S. during the decade – & reached #1 in 1969 with their version of John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” Travers passed in 2009.
November 9, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Mary Travers (born today in 1936) was 1/3 of the folk super trio Peter, Paul & Mary. A cultural force during the 1960s, Peter, Paul & Mary had six top 10 pop hits in the U.S. during the decade – & reached #1 in 1969 with their version of John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” Travers passed in 2009.
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, the delightful, animated version of Robin Hood premiered on this date in 1973. The voice acting sets this film apart from others of this era. Phil Harris (Little John), Andy Devine (Friar Tuck), Terry-Thomas (Sir Hiss) & Roger Miller (Alan-a-Dale) are all terrific.
November 8, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, the delightful, animated version of Robin Hood premiered on this date in 1973. The voice acting sets this film apart from others of this era. Phil Harris (Little John), Andy Devine (Friar Tuck), Terry-Thomas (Sir Hiss) & Roger Miller (Alan-a-Dale) are all terrific.
Listeners are still trying to decode the lyrics of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” released today in 1972. The song shot to #1. It arguably remains the highlight of her recording career & is undoubtedly her finest songwriting achievement. The legendary Klaus Voormann plays the bubbling bass intro.
November 8, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Listeners are still trying to decode the lyrics of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” released today in 1972. The song shot to #1. It arguably remains the highlight of her recording career & is undoubtedly her finest songwriting achievement. The legendary Klaus Voormann plays the bubbling bass intro.
Most of Lou Reed’s (1942-2013) music had a New York City flavor, but it didn’t get much more Big Apple than his Transformer lp – released today in 1972. Produced by the stellar duo of David Bowie & Mick Ronson, the album (improbably) had a charting single – “Walk on the Wild Side” (#16 pop, U.S.).
November 8, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Most of Lou Reed’s (1942-2013) music had a New York City flavor, but it didn’t get much more Big Apple than his Transformer lp – released today in 1972. Produced by the stellar duo of David Bowie & Mick Ronson, the album (improbably) had a charting single – “Walk on the Wild Side” (#16 pop, U.S.).
The music world first took notice of Bette Midler today in 1972 with the release of her debut lp – The Divine Miss M – on Atlantic. The album was a booming success in the U.S., boosted by three charting pop singles: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” (#8), “Do You Want to Dance” (#17), & “Friends” (#40).
November 7, 2025 at 11:53 AM
The music world first took notice of Bette Midler today in 1972 with the release of her debut lp – The Divine Miss M – on Atlantic. The album was a booming success in the U.S., boosted by three charting pop singles: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” (#8), “Do You Want to Dance” (#17), & “Friends” (#40).
Johnny Rivers’ first charting single was “Memphis” in 1964 – it reached #2 on the U.S. pop charts, but he was just getting warmed up. Rivers (born today in 1942) has put nine songs into the American top-ten. He’s reached #1 once – in 1966 with “Poor Side of Town” (penned by Rivers & Lou Adler).
November 7, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Johnny Rivers’ first charting single was “Memphis” in 1964 – it reached #2 on the U.S. pop charts, but he was just getting warmed up. Rivers (born today in 1942) has put nine songs into the American top-ten. He’s reached #1 once – in 1966 with “Poor Side of Town” (penned by Rivers & Lou Adler).
90125 was released by Yes today in 1983 in the U.S. The reconfigured band was guided in a less prog-rock direction by the new guitarist Trevor Rabin. The album was met with a mixed reaction by long-time fans. Its big single (“Owner of a Lonely Heart”) was awesome. But did it really sound like Yes?
November 7, 2025 at 11:47 AM
90125 was released by Yes today in 1983 in the U.S. The reconfigured band was guided in a less prog-rock direction by the new guitarist Trevor Rabin. The album was met with a mixed reaction by long-time fans. Its big single (“Owner of a Lonely Heart”) was awesome. But did it really sound like Yes?
Starring seemingly everyone in Hollywood, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World premiered today in 1963. Directed by the legendary Stanley Kramer (1913-2001), the film is part treasure hunt – part mad-cap romp – and part just plain bonkers. It’s a wonderful mess of a movie.
November 7, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Starring seemingly everyone in Hollywood, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World premiered today in 1963. Directed by the legendary Stanley Kramer (1913-2001), the film is part treasure hunt – part mad-cap romp – and part just plain bonkers. It’s a wonderful mess of a movie.
Ray Conniff was born today in 1916. In the latter half of the 20th century, his easy listening albums were a staple in American homes. He launched The Ray Conniff singers in the late 1950s – reaching the U.S. pop top-ten in 1966 with the single “Somewhere My Love” Conniff passed in 2002.
November 6, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Ray Conniff was born today in 1916. In the latter half of the 20th century, his easy listening albums were a staple in American homes. He launched The Ray Conniff singers in the late 1950s – reaching the U.S. pop top-ten in 1966 with the single “Somewhere My Love” Conniff passed in 2002.
Singer-songwriter & outlaw country legend Guy Clark was born today in 1941 in Monahans, Texas. Clark wrote many memorable tunes, including: “Baby Took a Limo to Memphis” “Boats to Build” “Homegrown Tomatoes” “Magnolia Wind” “New Cut Road” “Rita Ballou” & “She Ain’t Going Nowhere” Clark died in 2016.
November 6, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Singer-songwriter & outlaw country legend Guy Clark was born today in 1941 in Monahans, Texas. Clark wrote many memorable tunes, including: “Baby Took a Limo to Memphis” “Boats to Build” “Homegrown Tomatoes” “Magnolia Wind” “New Cut Road” “Rita Ballou” & “She Ain’t Going Nowhere” Clark died in 2016.