Filmmaker Tracy Misner loves rock and roll. A chance visit to a recording studio led to a meeting with engineer and producer Greg Quesnel. Hanging around the studio, soon, an association with an up-and-coming rock star led to the opportunity to assist in the recording of an album. That rock star was Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Johnny Van Zant, and the studio was none other than … [Read more...] about The Studio One Story-Where Southern Rock Came to Be
Music
Clothier to the King, Elvis Presley
There is no doubt that Elvis Presley was, and still is, an icon. He's sold more records, over one billion, than anyone, ever. He had 140 songs reach the Billboard charts. In the decade ending in 2020, Elvis was still the number 10 seller of records worldwide, with over 9 million units sold. His fan club members still number in the millions. Lesser known in the public eye is … [Read more...] about Clothier to the King, Elvis Presley
Moonlight Feels Right-Starbuck’s Hit That Almost Wasn’t
Forty-five years ago, the song "Moonlight Feels Right" by Starbuck was exploding. On the charts for over five months, the song went to number one in Canada, and number two in the U.S. Only Elton John kept it from the top spot. Appearances on American Bandstand, Midnight Special, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, and Solid Gold and tours with ELO, Hall and Oates, KC and the Sunshine … [Read more...] about Moonlight Feels Right-Starbuck’s Hit That Almost Wasn’t
Seven Year Witch-
Just over 20 years ago, the film “Almost Famous” chronicled the life of a fictional band, Stillwater, as they tried to make their way to the top of the world of Rock n' Roll. It was a fictional tale, but it parallels the current situation for a talented group of musicians with a local origin, the Upstate’s Seven Year Witch. These guys have caught the eye of several powers in … [Read more...] about Seven Year Witch-
Lynyrd Skynyrd, from Leonard Skinner
In the 1960s, especially in the South, boys' hair length was a significant issue. That was certainly the case at Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, FL. Coach and P.E. teacher Leonard Skinner's enforcement of the school's dress code concerning hair length led to one of the most iconic names in music, Lynyrd Skynyrd. The N.Y. Times later said of Skinner that he was … [Read more...] about Lynyrd Skynyrd, from Leonard Skinner