Spencer serves up a three-course meal of songs every Weekday at Noon while you’re rocking at work. Here’s what he picked for specials last week:
Monday, February 23rd
1962 – Michael Wilton, cofounder, guitarist, and songwriter of Queensrÿche was born today. Without him and the band, the progressive metal scene that flourished in the 1990s wouldn’t be what it is today. What is progressive metal, you might ask? Well, it’s a broad genre of music, like alternative and/or rock, but it specifically mixes heavy metal and progressive rock with other styles of composition. Just give it a listen and see for yourself. It’s difficult to explain with my limited vocabulary on musical genres.
Tuesday, February 24th
1998 – Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, becoming Sir Elton John. Although he leans into pop a lot, it goes without saying that his music and stage presence have had a tremendous influence on the music industry, including, of course, rockin’ and rollin’. He also played blues and wrote songs for many other artists. One of the best-selling music artists of all time deserved a special tribute, so I gave him one on this Blue Plate.
Wednesday, February 25th
1984 – ‘Jump’, by Van Halen hit number 1 on the US singles chart, continuing its run for five weeks. David Lee Roth wrote the song after seeing a TV news report about a guy who was planning to commit suicide by jumping off a building. Roth imagined one of the onlookers might shout out something like ‘jump!” I’m not sure where his own headspace was at the time, but this song in particular was important to Van Halen’s lasting legacy. So we played it! And two more, of course.
Thursday, February 26th
1980 – Two gentlemen from Island Records in the UK observed a certain band playing at Dublin’s National Boxing Stadium in front of 2,400 people. That band was U2. Rob Partridge and Bill Stewart, the record label reps, signed the band and later that year, U2 released their debut album Boy.
Friday, February 27th
1954 – Guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of Journey, Neal Schon, was born today! Fun fact: he was originally in the band Santana (with Carlos himself!) before forming Journey, and he’s the last remaining original member in the band as well.
Tune in this week for more Blue Plate Specials, weekdays at noon while you Rock at Work.
