100 years ago: Isham Jones hit #1 with “Wabash Blues”

Wabash Blues Isham Jones

Writer(s): Fred Meinken (music), Dave Ringle (words) (see lyrics here) First Charted: December 10, 1921 Peak: 16 US, 11 GA, 12 SM (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 0.06 video, -- streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: Born in Ohio in 1894, Isham Jones became a pianist, saxophonist, and composer before he formed his own jazz band. Some considered his “the best dance band of the pre-swing era.” PM That band included trumpeter Louis Panico, who played an integral part of “Wabash Blues” as “the laughing cornet,” a nickname derived from how much his trumpet playing sounded like a person laughing. SM Wabash was a river which flows through Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. It had been written about previously, most notably in “On the Banks of the Wabash” in the late 1890s. SM Dave Ringle added “standard blues lyrics” SM about being unhappy and lonesome that were similar to the song “Wang Wang Blues,” a hit from a year earlier. SM Both songs are examples of “up-tempo, rather cheerful blues,” TY2 a break from the view “of the blues as being slow and depressing.” TY2 “Wabash Blues” “doesn’t follow the classic 12-bar blues form.” TY2 Instead, it was “a good example of a commercial blues, written in Tin Pan Alley for the general market.” TY2 “Wabash Blues” was one of Jones’ earliest hits. He reached the charts 73 times from 1920 to 1938. This was his first of eight #1 songs. PM It became “a jazz band favorite.” DJ The Benson Orchestra, featuring pianist Roy Bargy, also charted with the song (#6, 1922) DJ as did Dolly Kay (#13, 1922), Ted Lewis (#16, 1930), and Russ Morgan (#17, 1939). PM Resources: DJ David Jasen (2002). A Century of American Popular Music: 2000 Best-Loved and Remembered Songs (1899-1999). Routledge: Taylor & Francis, Inc. Page 204. SM Sharon Mawer Charts (1900-1968) TY2 Don Tyler (2007). Hit Songs, 1900-1955. McFarland & Company, Inc.: Jefferson, North Carolina. Pages 120-1. PM Joel Whitburn (1986). Pop Memories 1890-1954. Record Research, Inc: Menomonee Falls, WI. Page 602. Related Links: First posted 4/25/2023.

 

The Top 25 Albums of 2021

Dave’s Music Database: Top Albums of 2021

Based on a combination of year-end lists and overall status in Dave’s Music Database, these are the top 25 albums of 2021: Olivia Rodrigo Sour Adele 30 Morgan Wallen Dangerous: The Double Album Billie Eilish Happier Than Ever Lil Nas X Montero Drake Certified Lover Boy Tyler, the Creator Call Me if You Get Lost Taylor Swift Red (Taylor’s Version) Kacey Musgraves Star-Crossed Doja Cat Planet Her Little Simz Sometimes I Might Be Introvert Japanese Breakfast Jubilee Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Raise the Roof Justin Bieber Justice Silk Sonic An Evening with Silk Sonic Halsey If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power The Weather Station Ignorance Turnstile Glow On Taylor Swift Fearless (Taylor’s Version) Snail Mail Valentine Brandi Carlile In These Silent Days Jazmine Sullivan Heaux Tales Jon Batiste We Are Dry Cleaning New Long Leg Floating Points with Pharoah Sanders & the London Symphony Orchestra Promises Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: Top Songs and Albums by Year Lists Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” First posted 1/4/2022.

Top 50 Songs of 2021

Dave’s Music Database: Top 50 Songs of 2021

These are the top 50 songs of 2021 based on their overall performance in Dave’s Music Database, which is determined by combining chart data, sales figures, streaming, video views, and aggregates from more than 30 year-end lists. Check out “Top Songs and Albums of the Year” lists here. Check out Dave’s Music Database podcast: The Top 20 songs of 2021 based on this list. DMDB Top 1%: Olivia Rodrigo “Drivers License” The Kid Laroi with Justin Bieber “Stay” Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson.Paak) “Leave the Door Open” DMDB Top 2%: Adele “Easy on Me” Lil Nas X “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” Olivia Rodrigo “Good 4 U” Justin Bieber with Daniel Caesar & Giveon “Peaches” BTS “Butter” Ed Sheeran “Bad Habits” Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow “Industry Baby” DMDB Top 5%: Elton John with Dua Lipa “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)” Walker Hayes “Fancy Like” Doja Cat with SZA “Kiss Me More” Taylor Swift “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” Polo G “Rapstar” Encanto Cast (Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz, et al) “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” Gayle “abcdefu” Doja Cat “Woman” Cardi B “Up” Doja Cat “Need to Know” Billie Eilish “Happier Than Ever” Coldplay with BTS “My Universe” Lil Tjay with 6lack “Calling My Phone” Imagine Dragons with JID “Enemy” Doja Cat & the Weeknd “You Right” Morgan Wallen “Wasted on You” Ed Sheeran “Shivers” Olivia Rodrigo “Traitor” DMDB Top 10%: Saweetie with Doja Cat “Best Friend” Nicky Youre & Dazy “Sunroof” Latto “Big Energy” Megan Thee Stallion “Thot Shit” Maroon 5 with Megan Thee Stallion “Beautiful Mistakes” Drake “What’s Next” Kacey Musgraves “Justified” Drake with Future & Young Thug “Way 2 Sexy” BTS “Permission to Dance” Marshmello with the Jonas Brothers “Leave Before You Love Me” Billie Eilish “Your Power” The Weeknd “Take My Breath” Justin Bieber “Ghost” Justin Bieber “Anyone” Adele “Oh My God” Olivia Rodrigo “Déjà Vu” Farruko “Pepas” Baby Keem with Kendrick Lamar “Family Ties” DMDB Top 20%: Coldplay “Higher Power” Doja Cat “Get Into It (Yuh)” Imagine Dragons “Follow You” Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: Top Songs and Albums by Year lists Dave’s Music Database: Songs of the Year lists First posted 12/26/2021; last updated 1/17/2023.

Grammys Winners: Best Musical Theater Album

Grammy Winners for Best Musical Theater Album: 1959 to 2021

The Grammys have awarded “Best Musical Theater Album” since 1959. The work must be comprised of more than 51% or more new material. The award is typically given to the album producer, principal singers, and composers and lyricists. It has been known under multiple names including Best Original Cast Album, Best Broadway Show Album, Best Show Album, Best Original Cast Show Album, Best Score from an Original Cast Show Album, Best Cast Show Album, Best Musical Cast Show Album, and Best Musical Show Album. Check out other album of the year awards here. Check out other stage & screen lists here. 2021: Alanis Morissette & Glen Ballard (music & lyrics), Michael Farrell (music) Jagged Little Pill 2020: Anais Mitchell (music & lyrics) Hadestown 2019: David Yazbeck (music & lyrics) The Band’s Visit 2018: Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (music & lyrics) Dear Evan Hansen 2017: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, & Stephen Bray (music & lyrics) The Color Purple 2016: Lin-Manuel Miranda (music & lyrics) Hamilton 2015: Various Artists Beautiful: The Carole King Musical 2014: Cyndi Lauper (music & lyrics) Kinky Boots 2013: Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova (music & lyrics) Once 2012: Robert Lopez, Trey Parker, & Matt Stone (music & lyrics) The Book of Mormon 2011: Green Day American Idiot 2010: Leonard Bernstein (music) & Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) West Side Story 2009: Lin-Manuel Miranda (music & lyrics) In the Heights 2008: Duncan Sheik (music) & Steven Sater (lyrics) Spring Awakening 2007: Bob Gaudio (music) & Bob Crewe (lyrics) Jersey Boys 2006: Eric Idle (music & lyrics) & John De Prez (music) Monty Python’s Spamalot 2005: Stephen Schwartz (music & lyrics) Wicked 2004: Jule Styne (music) & Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) Gypsy 2003 Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman (music & lyrcs) Hairspray 2002: Mel Brooks (music & lyrics) The Producers 2001: Elton John (music) & Tim Rice (lyrics) Aida 2000: Irving Berlin (music & lyrics) Annie Get Your Gun 1999: Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) The Lion King 1998: John Kander (music) & Fred Ebb (lyrics) Chicago 1997: Bill Whelan (music) Riverdance 1996: Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller (music & lyrics) Smokey Joe’s Café: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller 1995: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Passion 1994: Pete Townshend (music & lyrics) The Who’s Tommy 1993: Frank Loesser (music & lyrics) Guys and Dolls 1992: Cy Coleman (music) with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (lyrics) The Will Rogers Follies 1991: Claude-Michel Schönberg (music) with Alain Boublil & Herbert Kretzmer (lyrics) Les Misérables 1990: Various Artists Jerome Robbins’ Broadway 1989: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Into the Woods 1988: Claude-Michel Schönberg (music) with Alain Boublil & Herbert Kretzmer (lyrics) Les Misérables 1987: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Follies in Concert 1986: Leonard Bernstein (music) & Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) West Side Story 1985: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Sunday in the Park with George 1984: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) & T.S. Eliot (lyrics) Cats 1983: Henry Krieger (music) & Tom Eyen (lyrics) Dreamgirls 1982: Lena Horner (performer) Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music 1981: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) & Tim Rice (lyrics) Evita 1980: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 1979: Fats Waller (music) & various artists (lyrics) Ain’t Misbehavin’ 1978: Charles Strouse (music) & Martin Charnin (lyrics) Annie 1977: Various Artists Bubbling Brown Sugar 1976: Charlie Smalls et al (music & lyrics) The Wiz 1975: Judd Woldin (music) & Robert Brittan (lyrics) Raisin 1974: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) A Little Night Music 1973: Mick Grant (music & lyrics) Don’t Mother Me, I Can’t Cope 1972: Stephen Schwartz (music & lyrics) Godspell 1971: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Company 1970: Burt Bacharach (music) & Hal David (lyrics) Promises, Promises 1969: Galt MacDermot (music) with Gerome Ragni & James Rado (lyrics) Hair 1968: John Kander (music) & Fred Ebb (lyrics) Cabaret 1967: Jerry Herman (music & lyrics) Mame 1966: Burton Lane (music) & Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) On a Clear Day You Can See Forever 1965: Jule Styne (music) & Bob Merrill (lyrics) Funny Girl 1964: Jerry Bock (music) & Sheldon Harnick (lyrics) She Loves Me 1963: Richard Rodgers (music & lyrics) No Strings 1962: Frank Loesser (music & lyrics) How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 1961: Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) The Sound of Music 1960: Jule Styne (music) & Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) Gypsy / Albert Hague (music) & Dorothy Fields (lyrics) Redhead 1959: Meredith Willson (music & lyrics) The Music Man Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” Dave’s Music Database “Other Stage & Screen Lists” Grammy.com Wikipedia: “Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album” First posted 12/24/2021.

Laurence Olivier Awards for Best New Musical

Laurence Olivier Award: Best New Musical: 1976-2020

The Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical was established in 1976. It is presented annually by the Society of London Theatre in recognition of British productions. The awards were originally known as the Society of West End Theatre Awards, but renamed in honor of actor Laurence Olivier in 1984. Check out other album of the year awards here. 2020: Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (music & lyrics) Dear Evan Hansen 2019: Irene Sankoff & David Hern (music & lyrics) Come from Away 2018: Lin-Manuel Miranda (music & lyrics) Hamilton 2017: Tim Minchin (music & lyrics) Groundhog Day 2016: Cyndi Lauper (music & lyrics) Kinky Boots 2015: Ray Davies (music & lyrics) Sunny Afternoon 2014: Robert Lopez, Trey Parker, & Matt Stone (music & lyrics) The Book of Mormon 2013: Irving Berlin (music & lyrics) Top Hat 2012: Tim Minchin (music & lyrics) Matilda 2011: Neil Benjamin & Laurence O’Keefe (music & lyrics) Legally Blonde 2010: Duncan Sheik (music) & Steven Sater (lyrics) Spring Awakening 2009: Bob Gaudio (music) & Bob Crewe (lyrics) Jersey Boys 2008: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman (music & lyrcs) Hairspray 2007: Tony Kushner (music & lyrics) Caroline, or Change 2006: Elton John (music) & Lee Hall (lyrics) Billy Elliot the Musical 2005: Mel Brooks (music & lyrics) The Producers 2004: Richard Thomas (music & lyrics) and Stewart Lee (lyrics) Jerry Springer 2003: Madness (music & lyrics) Our House 2002: -- 2001: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Merrily We Roll Along 2000: George Stiles (music) & Anthony Drewe (lyrics) Honk! 1999: Taliep Petersen (music) & David Kramer (lyrics) Kat and the Kings 1998: Alan Menken (music) with Howard Ashman & Tim Rice (lyrics) Beauty and the Beast 1997: Claude-Michel Schönberg (music) with Alain Boublil, Edward Hardy, & Stephen Clark (lyrics) Martin Guerre 1996: Various Artists Jolson 1995: Stephen Flaherty (music) & Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) Once on This Island 1994: Cy Coleman (music) & David Zippel (lyrics) City of Angels 1993: George Gershwin (music) & Ira Gershwin (lyrics) Crazy for You 1992: Georges Bizet (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) Carmen Jones 1991: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Sunday in the Park with George 1990: -- 1989: Various Artists Return to the Forbidden Planet 1988: Leonard Bernstein (music) with Stephen Sondheim et al (lyrics) Candide 1987: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Follies 1986: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) with Charles Hart & Richard Stilgoe (lyrics) Phantom of the Opera 1985: Noel Gay (music) with Douglas Furber & L. Arthur Rose (lyrics) Me and My Girl 1984: Harry Warren (music) with Al Dubin & Johnny Mercer (lyrics) 42nd Street 1983: Willy Russell (music & lyrics) Blood Brothers 1982: Monty Norman (music) & Peter Nichols (lyrics) Poppy 1981: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) & T.S. Eliot (lyrics) Cats 1980: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 1979: Monty Norman (music & lyrics) with Julian More (lyrics) Songbook 1978: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) & Tim Rice (lyrics) Evita 1977: Guy Woolfenden (music) & Trevor Nunn (lyrics) The Comedy of Errors 1976: Marvin Hamlisch (music) & Edward Kleban (lyrics) A Chorus Line Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” OfficialLondonTheatre.com: Olivier Awards First posted 12/24/2021.

Tony Award Winners for Best Revival of a Musical

Tony Awards: Best Revival of a Musical: 1977-2019

From 1977 to 1993, the Tonys gave an award annually to the Best Revival. Musicals and non-musicals were lumped into the same category. In 1994, they were separated into two separate awards. Those musicals which won for Best Revival of a Musical or Best Revival are noted below. Check out other album of the year awards here. 2019: Richard Rodgers (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) Oklahoma! 2018: Stephen Flaherty (music) & Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) Once on This Island 2017: Jerry Herman (music & lyrics) Hello, Dolly! 2016: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, & Stephen Bray (music & lyrics) The Color Purple 2015: Richard Rodgers (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) The King and I 2014: Stephen Trask (music & lyrics) Hedwig and the Angry Inch 2013: Stephen Schwartz (music & lyrics) Pippin 2012: George Gershwin (music) with Ira Gershwin & Dubose Heyward (lyrics) Porgy and Bess 2011: Cole Porter (music & lyrics) Anything Goes 2010: Jerry Herman (music & lyrics) La Cage aux Folles 2009: Galt MacDermot (music) with Gerome Ragni & James Rado (lyrics) Hair 2008: Richard Rodgers (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) South Pacific 2007: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Company 2006: Richard Adler (music) & Jerry Ross (lyrics) The Pajama Game 2005: Jerry Herman music & lyrics) La Cage aux Folles 2004: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Assassins 2003: Maury Yeston (music & lyrics) Nine 2002: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Into the Woods 2001: Harry Warren (music) with Al Dubin & Johnny Mercer (lyrics) 42nd Street 2000: Cole Porter (music & lyrics) Kiss Me, Kate 1999: Irving Berlin (music & lyrics) Annie Get Your Gun 1998: John Kander (music) & Fred Ebb (lyrics) Cabaret 1997: John Kander (music) & Fred Ebb (lyrics) Chicago 1996: Richard Rodgers (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) The King and I 1995: Jerome Kern (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) Show Boat 1994: Richard Rodgers (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) Carousel Best Revival 1993: Anna Christie * 1992: Frank Loesser (music & lyrics) Guys and Dolls 1991: Jerry Bock (music) & Sheldon Harnick (lyrics) Fiddler on the Roof 1990: Jule Styne (music) & Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) Gypsy 1989: Our Town * 1988: Cole Porter (music & lyrics) Anything Goes 1987: All My Sons * 1986: Sweet Charity * 1985: A Day in the Death of Joe Egg * 1984: Death of a Salesman * 1983: Richard Rodgers (music) & Lorenz Hart (lyrics) On Your Toes 1982: Othello * 1981: Arthur Sullivan (music) & W.S. Gilbert (libretto) The Pirates of Penzance 1980: Morning’s at Seven * 1979: -- 1978: Dracula 1977: George Gershwin (music) with Ira Gershwin & Dubose Heyward (lyrics) Porgy and Bess * non-musicals Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” TonyAwards.com First posted 12/24/2021.

Tony Award Winners for Best Musical

Tony Awards: Best Musical: 1949-2020

The Tony Award for Best Musical has been presented since 1949. Broadway musicals which have no been previously produced on Broadway are eligible. Winners are determined by Tony Award voters. Check out other album of the year awards here. 2020: Various Artists Moulin Rouge! 2019: Anais Mitchell (music & lyrics) Hadestown 2018: David Yazbeck (music & lyrics) The Band’s Visit 2017: Benji Pasek & Justin Paul (music & lyrics) Dear Evan Hansen 2016: Lin-Manuel Miranda (music & lyrics) Hamilton 2015: Jeanine Tesori (music) & Lisa Kron (lyrics) Fun Home 2014: Steven Lutvak (music) & Robert L. Freedman (lyrics) A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder 2013: Cyndi Lauper (music & lyrics) Kinky Boots 2012: Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová Once 2011: Robert Lopez, Trey Parker, & Matt Stone The Book of Mormon 2010: David Bryan (music & lyrics) & Joe DPietro (lyrics) Memphis 2009: Elton John (music) & Lee Hall (lyrics) Billy Elliot the Musical 2008: Lin-Manuel Miranda (music & lyrics) In the Heights 2007: Duncan Sheik (music) & Steven Sater (lyrics) Spring Awakening 2006: Bob Gaudio (music) & Bob Crewe (lyrics) Jersey Boys 2005: Eric Idle (music & lyrics) & John De Prez (music) Spamalot 2004: Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx (music & lyrics) Avenue Q 2003: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman (music & lyrcs) Hairspray 2002: Jeanine Tesori (music) & Dick Scanlan (lyrics) Thoroughly Modern Millie 2001: Mel Brooks (music & lyrics) The Producers 2000: Various Artists Contact 1999: Various Artists Fosse 1998: Elton John (music) & Tim Rice (lyrics) The Lion King 1997: Maury Yeston (music & lyrics) Titanic 1996: Jonathan Larson (music & lyrics) Rent 1995: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) with Don Black & Christopher Hampton (lyrics) Sunset Boulevard 1994: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Passion 1993: John Kander (music) & Fred Ebb (lyrics) Kiss of the Spider Woman 1992: George Gershwin (music) & Ira Gershwin (lyrics) Crazy for You 1991: Cy Coleman (music) with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (lyrics) The Will Rogers Follies 1990: Cy Coleman (music) & David Zippel (lyrics) City of Angels 1989: Various Artists Jerome Robbins’ Broadway 1988: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) with Charles Hart & Richard Stilgoe (lyrics) Phantom of the Opera 1987: Claude-Michel Schönberg (music) with Alain Boublil & Herbert Kretzmer (lyrics) Les Misérables 1986: Rupert Holmes (music & lyrics) The Mystery of Edwin Drood 1985: Roger Miller (music & lyrics) Big River 1984: Jerry Herman music & lyrics) La Cage aux Folles 1983: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) & T.S. Eliot (lyrics) Cats 1982: Maury Yeston (music & lyrics) Nine 1981: Harry Warren (music) with Al Dubin & Johnny Mercer (lyrics) 42nd Street 1980: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) & Tim Rice (lyrics) Evita 1979: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 1978: Fats Waller (music) & various artists (lyrics) Ain’t Misbehavin’ 1977: Charles Strouse (music) & Martin Charnin (lyrics) Annie 1976: Marvin Hamlisch (music) & Edward Kleban (lyrics) A Chorus Line 1975: Charlie Smalls et al (music & lyrics) The Wiz 1974: Judd Woldin (music) & Robert Brittan (lyrics) Raisin 1973: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) A Little Night Music 1972: Galt MacDermot (music) & John Guare (lyrics) Two Gentlemen of Verona 1971: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) Company 1970: Charles Strouse (music) & Lee Adams (lyrics) Applause 1969: Sherman Edwards (music & lyrics) 1776 1968: Jule Styne (music) with Adolph Green & Betty Comden (lyrics) Hallelujah, Baby! 1967: John Kander (music) & Fred Ebb (lyrics) Cabaret 1966: Mitch Leigh (music) & Joe Darion (lyrics) Man of La Mancha 1965: Jerry Bock (music) & Sheldon Harnick (lyrics) Fiddler on the Roof 1964: Jerry Herman (music & lyrics) Hello, Dolly! 1963: Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum 1962: Frank Loesser (music & lyrics) How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 1961: Charles Strouse (music) & Lee Adams (lyrics) Bye Bye Birdie 1960: Richard Rodgers (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) The Sound of Music / Jerry Bock (music) & Sheldon Harnick (lyrics) Fiorello! 1959: Albert Hague (music) & Dorothy Fields (lyrics) Redhead 1958: Meredith Willson (music & lyrics) The Music Man 1957: Alan Jay Lerner (music) & Frederick Loewe (lyrics) My Fair Lady 1956: Richard Adler (music) & Jerry Ross (lyrics) Damn Yankees 1955: Richard Adler (music) & Jerry Ross (lyrics) The Pajama Game 1954: Alexander Borodin (music) with Robert Wright & George Forrest (lyrics) Kismet 1953: Leonard Bernstein (music) with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (lyrics) Wonderful Town 1952: Richard Rodgers (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) The King and I 1951: Frank Loesser (music & lyrics) Guys and Dolls 1950: Richard Rodgers (music) & Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) South Pacific 1949: Cole Porter (music & lyrics) Kiss Me, Kate Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “Other Year-End Album Awards” TonyAwards.com First posted 12/24/2021.

Dave's Music Database Hall of Fame: Music Maker Inductees (December 2021)

Originally posted 12/22/2021. January 22, 2019 marked the 10-year anniversary of the DMDB blog! To honor that, Dave’s Music Database announced its own Hall of Fame. This twelfth class of music maker inductees is comprised of the top jazz acts. Inductees were determined by looking at the DMDB list of the top 100 jazz acts, ranking them by overall points in Dave’s Music Database, and then inducting the ten highest-ranked acts not previously inducted. See the full list of music maker inductees here.

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Jazz singer, trumpeter, and bandleader born in Corona, Queens, NY. Nicknamed “Satchmo.” His version of “St. Louis Blues” with Bessie Smith is a DMDB Hall of Fame inductee and in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era. That song, “West End Blues,” “All of Me,” “Hello, Dolly!,” and “What a Wonderful World” rank in the top 1% of all time. The latter is also featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era. His box set, The Complete Hot Five and Hot Seven Recordings, ranks as one of the top 1000 albums of all time. Read more.

Count Basie (1904-1984) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Jazz/big band leader and pianist born William James Basie in Red Bank, NJ. Learned to play the organ from Fats Waller. One of only seven recipients of both the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Trustees Award. “One O'Clock Jump” and “April in Paris” rank in the top 1% of all time. Read more.

Nat “King” Cole (1919-1965) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Traditional pop singer and pianist born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, AL. Inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” and “Mona Lisa” are in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era. Those two, along with “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons,” “Nature Boy,” and “Too Young” also rank in the top 1% of all time. After his death, his daughter recorded his famous “Unforgettable” song with him as a duet. It is also in the top 1% and won Grammys for Record and Song of the Year. Read more.

John Coltrane (1926-1967) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Jazz musician born in Hamlet, NC. The songs “Giant Steps,” “My Favorite Things,” “In a Sentimental Mood,” “Lush Life,” and “Acknowledgement (A Love Supreme, Part 1)” all rank in the top 100 jazz songs. His album, A Love Supreme, is in the DMDB book The Top 100 Albums of All Time. That album and Giant Steps both rank in the top 1000 albums of all time. Read more.

Miles Davis (1926-1991) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Jazz musician born in Alton, IL. Inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The songs “So What,” “Blues in Green,” and “All Blues” rank in the top 100 jazz songs. All three are featured on Kind of Blue, which is featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Albums of All Time. That album, as well as Birth of the Cool, Sketches of Spain, In a Silent Way, and Bitches Brew rank in the top 1000 albums of all time. Read more.

Duke Ellington (1899-1974) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Jazz/big band leader and pianist born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington, D.C. One of only seven recipients of both the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Trustees Award. He has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and won the Pulitzer Prize. “Mood Indigo” and “Take the ‘A’ Train” are DMDB Hall of Fame inductees and are both in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era. Those songs, as well as “It’ Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing” and “Sophisticated Lady” the top 1% of all time. His box set The Blanton-Webster Band and live album At Newport rank in the top 1000 albums of all time. Read more.

Etta James (1938-2012) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

R&B/blues singer born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, CA. Inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Blues Hall of Fame. Recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. “At Last” ranks in the top 1% of all time. It is also in the Grammy Hall of Fame and National Recording Registry and in the DMDB lists of the top blues songs, jazz songs, love songs, and R&B songs. Read more. Her album Tell Mama is one of the top R&B albums and is in the Blues Hall of Fame.

Thelonious Monk (1917-1982) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Jazz pianist born in Rocky Mount, NC. He is a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and won the Pulitzer Prize. his song “Round Midnight” is in the Grammy Hall of Fame, one of the top 100 jazz songs, and ranks in the top 1% of all time. His albums Genius of Modern Music Vol. 1, Genius of Modern Music, Vol. 2, and Brilliant Corners are all in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Read more.

Bessie Smith (1894-1937) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Blues singer born in Chattanooga, TN. Known as “The Empress of the Blues.” Inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Blues Hall of Fame. Recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Her version of “St. Louis Blues” with Louis Armstrong is a DMDB Hall of Fame inductee and in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era. That song and “Down Hearted Blues” rank in the top 1% of all time. Her compilation The Essential ranks as one of the top 1000 albums of all time. Read more.

Fats Waller (1904-1943) Inducted December 2021 as a “Top Jazz Act”

Jazz/big band songwriter and pianist born Thomas Wright Waller in New York, NY. Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a DMDB Hall of Fame inductee and in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era. That song and “Honeysuckle Rose” rank in the top 1% of all time. Both of those songs and “Jitterbug Waltz” are in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Read more.

The Top 100 Soundtracks of All Time

Soundtracks: The Top 100 of All Time

This list was first posted on April 17, 2011, as a note on the Dave’s Music Database Facebook page. It has been revised a few times since then. As with most DMDB lists, this was created based on sales, chart peaks, awards, and an aggregate of lists, in this case more than 100 best-of lists focused on cast albums, musicals, soundtracks, and music-themed movies. You can click on the titles of the soundtrack for more detailed pages at DavesMusicDatabase.com. Unless noted otherwise, soundtracks are recorded by various artists. Check out other best-of-genre/category lists here. 1. Prince & the Revolution Purple Rain (1984) 2. Bee Gees et al Saturday Night Fever (1977) 3. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (composers) (1965) The Sound of Music 4. Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim (composers) West Side Story (1961) 5. Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta, et al Grease (1978) 6. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (composers) South Pacific (1958) 7. Whitney Houston et al The Bodyguard (1992) 8. Dirty Dancing (1987) 9. O Brother Where Art Thou (soundtrack, 2000) 10. Curtis Mayfield Superfly (1972) 11. Richard and Robert Sherman (composers) Mary Poppins (1964) 12. Elton John and Tim Rice (composers) The Lion King (1994) 13. James Horner Titanic (1997) 14. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (composers) The King and I (1956) 15. American Graffiti (1973) 16. Frozen (2013) 17. The Beatles A Hard Day’s Night (1964) 18. Jimmy Cliff et al The Harder They Come (1972) 19. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (composers) Oklahoma! (1955) 20. Al Jolson Songs He Made Famous (1946) 21. Eminem et al 8 Mile (2002) 22. High School Musical (TV soundtrack, 2006) 23. Footloose (1984) 24. Woodstock (recorded live 1969, released 1970) 25. Whitney Houston et al Waiting to Exhale (1995) 26. Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe (composers) My Fair Lady (1964) 27. Talking Heads Stop Making Sense (live, recorded 1983, released 1984) 28. Mario Lanza The Student Prince (1954) 29. George & Ira Gershwin (composers) An American in Paris (1951) 30. Madonna et al Evita (1996) 31. Flashdance (1983) 32. Elvis Presley Blue Hawaii (1961) 33. Henry Mancini The Music from Peter Gunn (1959) 34. Top Gun (1986) 35. Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg, & Herbert Stothart (composers) The Wizard of Oz (1939) 36. Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II (composers) Show Boat (1951) 37. Pulp Fiction (1994) 38. The Band The Last Waltz (live, recorded 1976; released April 1978) 39. Earth, Wind & Fire That’s the Way of the World (1975) 40. Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe (composers) Gigi (1958) 41. John Kander & Fred Ebb (composers) Chicago (2003) 42. Alan Menken & Howard Ashman (composers) Beauty and the Beast (1997) 43. Simon & Garfunkel The Graduate (1968) 44. Forrest Gump (1994) 45. Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick (composers) Fiddler on the Roof (1971) 46. Elvis Presley G.I. Blues (1960) 47. Moulin Rouge (2001) 48. John Kander & Fred Ebb (composers) Cabaret (1972) 49. Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II (composers) Carousel (1956) 50. Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart, & Richard Stilgoe (composers) Phantom of the Opera (2004) 51. High School Musical 2 (TV soundtrack, 2007) 52. Nacio Herb Brown & Arthur Freed (composers) Singin’ in the Rain (1952) 53. Isaac Hayes Shaft (1971) 54. The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers (1980) 55. Irving Berlin (composer) Annie Get Your Gun (1950) 56. Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice (composers) Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) 57. Meredith Willson (composer) The Music Man (1962) 58. The Beatles Help! (1965) 59. Jane Froman With a Song in My Heart (1952) 60. Prince & the Revolution Parade (Under the Cherry Moon soundtrack, 1986) 61. Henry Mancini Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) 62. Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus (composers) Mamma Mia! (2008) 63. Cole Porter (composer) Kiss Me, Kate (1954) 64. Spinal Tap This Is Spinal Tap (1984) 65. Richard O’Brien (composer) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) 66. Elvis Presley Loving You (1957) 67. Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, & James Rado (composers) Hair (cast album, 1967) 68. Frank Churchill (composer) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938) 69. John Williams (composer) Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977) 70. Al Jolson Souvenir Album (1947) 71. Lionel Bart (composer) Oliver! (1968) 72. The Commitments The Commitments (1991) 73. Miami Vice (TV soundtrack, 1985) 74. Almost Famous (2000) 75. Stephen Sondheim (composer) Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2008) 76. Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, & Tim Rice Aladdin (1992) 77. Jonathan Larson (composer) Rent (2005) 78. Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman Hairspray (2002) 79. Jule Styne & Bob Merrill (composers), Barbara Streisand (performer) Funny Girl (1968) 80. Prince Batman (1989) 81. Exodus (1961) 82. Elvis Presley King Creole (1958) 83. Olivia Newton-John/Electric Light Orchestra Xanadu (1980) 84. Doris Day Love Me or Leave Me (1955) 85. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova as The Swell Season Once (2007) 86. Around the World in 80 Days (1957) 87. Glee Cast Volume 3 Showstoppers (2010) 88. Barbra Streisand & Kris Kristofferson A Star Is Born (1976) 89. Danny Kaye Hans Christian Andersen (1953) 90. Baz Luhrmann (composer) Romeo + Juliet (1996) 91. Bad Boys II (2003) 92. Coyote Ugly (2000) 93. Mario Lanza The Great Caruso (1951) 94. Garden State (2004) 95. Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart (composers) Pal Joey (1957) 96. Three Little Words (1950) 97. Madonna I’m Breathless (1990) 98. Neil Diamond The Jazz Singer (1980) 99. Maurice Jarre Doctor Zhivago (1966) 100. Harry Warren & Al Dubin (composers) 42nd Street (1933) Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: other best-of-genre/category lists Facebook (4/17/2011). “The Top 50 Soundtracks Dave’s Music Database: “The Top 50 Musicals/Cast Albums of All Time” Dave’s Music Database: “Top 50 Music Movies of All Time” Dave’s Music Database: “The Top 1000 Albums of All Time” First posted 4/17/2011; last updated 12/19/2021.

Today in Music (1921): Alan Freed was born.

Alan Freed, 1921-1965

Alan Freed 1921-1965

Overview: Alan Freed was born on 12/15/1921 in Windber, Pennsylvania. In 1933, his family moved to Salem, Ohio, where Freed graduated from high school. While in high school, he played trombone in a band he formed called the Sultans of Swing. Sadly, he had to end his dreams of being a bandleader due to an ear infection. He became interested in radio while at Ohio State University. After serving in US Army during World War II and working as a DJ on Armed Forces radio, he began a broadcasting career, moving around to several smaller radio stations in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He joined WAKR 1590 AM radio in Akron, Ohio, in 1945 and became a star. In 1950, he moved to Cleveland’s WEXL-TV and began his late-night, rock-n-roll-themed Moondog show on WJW radio in July 1951. On March 21, 1952, he presented the “Moondog Coronation Ball” in Cleveland. It is considered to be the first rock and roll concert. He went to New York in 1954. His career was derailed in 1959 by a payola scandal in which he was accused of taking money to play certain songs on the radio. He died on 1/20/1965. He became the first DJ and concert producer to frequently play and promote rock and roll. He is even credited with coining the term “rock and roll” although it is more appropriate to say he popularized an already existing but obscure term. He was also influential in knocking down the walls of segregation by playing black artists on his radio program and presenting live concerts for racially mixed audiences. Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for Alan Freed DMDB blog: March 21, 1952: DJ Alan Freed hosted the first rock 'n' roll show

Awards:

Resources and Related Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for Alan Freed Dave’s Music Database: Acts’ Profile Pages and Best-of Lists Wikipedia First posted 12/12/2023.

Dave's Music Database book: Music of the 1980s

Dave’s Music Database book: Music of the 1980s

AC/DC, Beastie Boys, Bon Jovi, Phil Collins, Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Guns N’ Roses, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, George Michael, the Police, Prince, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Run-D.M.C., Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, U2, Van Halen. All of them and more are in this handy guide to the decade which: Explores pop, rap, new wave, country, R&B, and more. Highlights songs, albums, and videos which won awards each year from 1980 to 1989. Lists the decade’s biggest songs, albums, acts, and videos overall and in different genres. Spotlights 40+ songs and 20+ albums. This book was inspired by a countdown of the top 909 songs of the 1980s done by Kansas City radio station 90.9 The Bridge. That list and this book also became catalysts for the Dave’s Music Database podcast episode “Music of the 1980s.” That episode keys in on songs spotlighted in the book which also appear on the Bridge countdown and the Dave’s Music Database list of The Top 100 Songs of the 1980s. Songs Featured in the Book: AC/DC “You Shook Me All Night Long” (1980) Aha “Take on Me” (1984) Beastie Boys “You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party” (1986) Bon Jovi “Livin’ on a Prayer” (1986) Kim Carnes “Bette Davis Eyes” (1981) Phil Collins “Another Day in Paradise” (1989) Def Leppard “Pour Some Sugar on Me” (1987) Dire Straits “Money for Nothing” (1985) Duran Duran “Hungry Like the Wolf” (1982) Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This” (1983) Peter Gabriel “Sledgehammer” (1986) Marvin Gaye “Sexual Healing” (1982) Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five “The Message” 1982) Guns N’ Roses “Welcome to the Jungle” (1987) Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O' Mine” (1987) Whitney Houston “I Wanna Dance with Somebody Who Loves Me” (1987) The Human League “Don't You Want Me?” (1981) Michael Jackson “Billie Jean” (1982) Michael Jackson “Thriller” (1982) Joan Jett & the Blackhearts “I Love Rock and Roll” (1981) George Jones “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (1980) Journey “Don't Stop Believin’” (1981) Joy Division “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (1980) Cyndi Lauper “Time After Time” (1983) Madonna “Like a Prayer” (1989) George Michael “Careless Whisper” (1984) Willie Nelson “Always on My Mind” (1982) Olivia Newton-John “Physical” (1981) Dolly Parton “9 to 5” (1980) The Police “Every Breath You Take” (1983) Prince “When Doves Cry” (1984) Public Enemy “Fight the Power” (1989) Lionel Richie & Diana Ross “Endless Love” (1981) Lionel Richie “All Night Long (All Night)” (1983) Kenny Rogers “Lady” (1980) Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton “Islands in the Stream” (1983) Run-D.M.C. with Aerosmith’s Steve Tyler & Joe Perry “Walk This Way” Bruce Springsteen “Dancing in the Dark” (1984) Survivor “Eye of the Tiger” (1982) Tina Turner “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” (1984) U2 “With or Without You” (1987) Van Halen “Jump” (1983) Jennifer Warnes & Bill Medley “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” (1987) Dionne (Warwick) & Friends (Elton John, Gladys Knight, & Stevie Wonder) “That's What Friends Are For” (1985) Whitesnake “Here I Go Again” (1987) Stevie Wonder “I Just Called to Say I Love You” (1984) Albums Featured in the Book: AC/DC Back in Black (1980) Beastie Boys Licensed to Ill (1986) Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet (1986) Def Leppard Hysteria (1987) Dire Straits Brothers in Arms (1985) Guns N’ Roses Appetite for Destruction (1987) Whitney Houston Whitney Houston (1985) Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989) Michael Jackson Thriller (1982) Michael Jackson Bad (1987) Madonna Like a Virgin (1984) George Michael Faith (1987) NWA Straight Outta Compton (1989) The Police Synchronicity (1983) Prince & the Revolution Purple Rain soundtrack (1984) Public Enemy It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988) R.E.M. Murmur (1983) Lionel Richie Can’t Slow Down (1983) Run-D.M.C. Raising Hell (1986) The Smiths The Queen Is Dead (1986) Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A. (1984) The Stone Roses The Stone Roses (1989) Talking Heads Remain in Light (1980) U2 The Joshua Tree (1987) Van Halen 1984 (1984) Spotify Podcast: Check out the Dave’s Music Database podcast episode Music of the 1980s (debut: 12/14/2021) Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database book: Music of the 1970s Dave’s Music Database: “The Top 100 Songs of the 1980s” 90.9 The Bridge: “The Top 909 Songs of the 1980s” Dave’s Music Database: “Other “songs of the decade” lists Dave’s Music Database: “The Top 100 Albums of the 1980s” Dave’s Music Database: “Other “albums of the decade” lists First posted 12/14/2021; last updated 2/28/2024.

Today in Music (1961): Motown achieved its first #1

Please Mr. Postman The Marvelettes

Writer(s): Brian Holland, Robert Bateman, William Garrett, Georgia Dobbins, Freddie Gorman (see lyrics here) Released: August 21, 1961 First Charted: September 4, 1961 Peak: 11 US, 2 CB, 2 HR, 17 RB (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.2 UK Airplay/Streaming (in millions): 2.0 radio, 75.7 video, 180.99 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: Not only was “Please Mr. Postman” the debut single for the Marvelettes, but it was the first Motown song to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song took a then-record fifteen weeks to reach the summit. FB It also topped the R&B charts. The Beatles notably covered the song for their 1963 album With the Beatles and the Carpenters took the song back to the top of the pop charts in 1975. The group, originally called the Casinyets, formed in high school. In 1961, they entered the school’s talent show knowing the winner would get an audition with Motown. They came in fourth, but their teacher, Mrs. Sharpley, pushed for the group to also go to the audition. Motown was impressed, but wanted original material. FB Member Georgia Dobbins turned to her friend William Garrett. He gave her a blues song which she reworked for the group. Sadly, Dobbins had to drop out of the group to care for her sick mother so the final version of the song featured Gladys Horton on lead. The song and group underwent still more changes when Motown chief Berry Gordy renamed the group and brought in songwriters Brian Holland and Robert Bateman to rework the song again. WK The final rendition featured Motown’s legendary studio team the Funk Brothers. The song wasn’t just the launch of Motown, but a quintessential slice of the girl group sound with “frothy harmonies, Horton’s gritty lead, a nifty blues piano, and some remarkably funky drumming by the young Marvin Gaye.” DM Resources: DMDB encyclopedia entry for The Marvelettes FB Fred Bronson (2003). The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (5th edition). Billboard Books: New York, NY. Page 101. DM Dave Marsh (1989). The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made. New American Library: New York, NY. Page 434. First posted 12/11/2011; last updated 1/20/2024.