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.
“I will love you anyway; Even if you cannot stay; I think you are the one for me; Here is where you want to be” “Sweet Thing” – a single from Rufus (featuring Chaka Khan) – was released on this date in 1975. Co-written by Khan, “Sweet Thing” peaked at #5 on the pop charts – & was a #1 R&B/soul hit.
November 28, 2025 at 12:25 PM
“I will love you anyway; Even if you cannot stay; I think you are the one for me; Here is where you want to be” “Sweet Thing” – a single from Rufus (featuring Chaka Khan) – was released on this date in 1975. Co-written by Khan, “Sweet Thing” peaked at #5 on the pop charts – & was a #1 R&B/soul hit.
Carly Simon’s third studio lp – No Secrets – was released on this date in 1972 on Elektra. Produced by Richard Perry (1942-2024), the album reached #1 on the American lp charts. “You’re So Vain” was its breakout single. Savaged by critics upon its release, the lp has grown in stature over the years.
November 28, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Carly Simon’s third studio lp – No Secrets – was released on this date in 1972 on Elektra. Produced by Richard Perry (1942-2024), the album reached #1 on the American lp charts. “You’re So Vain” was its breakout single. Savaged by critics upon its release, the lp has grown in stature over the years.
This evening in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry – then known as the WSM Barn Dance – had it debut performance in Nashville. The first to hit the stage was Uncle Jimmy Thompson (1848-1931), who dazzled those in the audience (and those listening across North America on WSM radio) with his fiddle virtuosity.
November 28, 2025 at 12:17 PM
This evening in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry – then known as the WSM Barn Dance – had it debut performance in Nashville. The first to hit the stage was Uncle Jimmy Thompson (1848-1931), who dazzled those in the audience (and those listening across North America on WSM radio) with his fiddle virtuosity.
Robert “Red” Grammer (born today in 1952) has entertained children (& parents) for decades with his reliably catchy (but meaningful) tunes. Grammer’s second album – Teaching Peace (1986, Red Note) – is widely considered to be a classic in children’s music, brimming with inclusive, hopeful songs.
November 28, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Robert “Red” Grammer (born today in 1952) has entertained children (& parents) for decades with his reliably catchy (but meaningful) tunes. Grammer’s second album – Teaching Peace (1986, Red Note) – is widely considered to be a classic in children’s music, brimming with inclusive, hopeful songs.
It’s likely Queen’s definitive album. A Night at the Opera was released today in 1975. Produced by the band & Roy Thomas Baker (1946-2025), the lp is all over the place: “Bohemian Rhapsody” “Death on Two Legs” “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon” “The Prophet’s Song” – & the superb “You’re My Best Friend”
November 28, 2025 at 12:10 PM
It’s likely Queen’s definitive album. A Night at the Opera was released today in 1975. Produced by the band & Roy Thomas Baker (1946-2025), the lp is all over the place: “Bohemian Rhapsody” “Death on Two Legs” “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon” “The Prophet’s Song” – & the superb “You’re My Best Friend”
A huge presence on the country charts in the 1970s & 1980s, Eddie Rabbitt was born today in 1941 in Brooklyn. Starting with his “Every Which Way but Loose” in 1978, Rabbitt also had major success on the pop charts, culminating with the pop #1 “I Love a Rainy Night” in 1981. Rabbitt died in 1998.
November 27, 2025 at 12:50 PM
A huge presence on the country charts in the 1970s & 1980s, Eddie Rabbitt was born today in 1941 in Brooklyn. Starting with his “Every Which Way but Loose” in 1978, Rabbitt also had major success on the pop charts, culminating with the pop #1 “I Love a Rainy Night” in 1981. Rabbitt died in 1998.
Al Jackson, Jr (born today in 1935) was one of session giants at Stax Records in Memphis. In addition, Jackson’s drumming was the backbone of Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Everyone – from Elvis to Al Green to Aretha Franklin to Bill Withers – wanted him on their record. Jackson tragically passed in 1975.
November 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Al Jackson, Jr (born today in 1935) was one of session giants at Stax Records in Memphis. In addition, Jackson’s drumming was the backbone of Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Everyone – from Elvis to Al Green to Aretha Franklin to Bill Withers – wanted him on their record. Jackson tragically passed in 1975.
Famed rock photographer Ethan Russell was born on this date in 1945. The album cover of the Beatles’ Let It Be – that’s Russell’s work. His other notable lp covers include: The Who’s Who’s Next; Linda Ronstadt’s Hasten Down the Wind; & Andrew Gold’s What’s Wrong with This Picture.
November 26, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Famed rock photographer Ethan Russell was born on this date in 1945. The album cover of the Beatles’ Let It Be – that’s Russell’s work. His other notable lp covers include: The Who’s Who’s Next; Linda Ronstadt’s Hasten Down the Wind; & Andrew Gold’s What’s Wrong with This Picture.
Traffic always stretched musical boundaries. Their album Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (released today in 1971 on Island) was Traffic at their most adventurous – and agitated. The album’s famous swirling, near-mystical title track is something of a protest song against the music industry.
November 26, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Traffic always stretched musical boundaries. Their album Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (released today in 1971 on Island) was Traffic at their most adventurous – and agitated. The album’s famous swirling, near-mystical title track is something of a protest song against the music industry.
In his decades on bass for Fleetwood Mac, John McVie (born on this date in 1945) has created several signature moments. McVie’s talent is showcased on “Rattlesnake Shake” & “Oh Well” (from Then Play On); “Tusk” & “Sisters of the Moon” (from Tusk); &, of course, “The Chain” (from Rumours).
November 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
In his decades on bass for Fleetwood Mac, John McVie (born on this date in 1945) has created several signature moments. McVie’s talent is showcased on “Rattlesnake Shake” & “Oh Well” (from Then Play On); “Tusk” & “Sisters of the Moon” (from Tusk); &, of course, “The Chain” (from Rumours).
Plimpton! The Great Quarterback Sneak, a made-for-TV-movie starring George Plimpton (playing himself), aired on this date in 1971 on ABC. The program was based on his top-selling non-fiction book – Paper Lion – published in 1966 by Harper & Row. Plimpton (1927-2003) was a cultural icon in this era.
November 25, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Plimpton! The Great Quarterback Sneak, a made-for-TV-movie starring George Plimpton (playing himself), aired on this date in 1971 on ABC. The program was based on his top-selling non-fiction book – Paper Lion – published in 1966 by Harper & Row. Plimpton (1927-2003) was a cultural icon in this era.
Joe Gannon (born today in 1930) helped make Alice Cooper into the Alice Cooper we know today. Gannon’s complex stage designs in the early 1970s amplified Alice’s pseudo-menacing persona. An Alice Cooper show was a hot ticket in this era – & Gannon deserves much of the credit. Gannon died in 2024.
November 25, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Joe Gannon (born today in 1930) helped make Alice Cooper into the Alice Cooper we know today. Gannon’s complex stage designs in the early 1970s amplified Alice’s pseudo-menacing persona. An Alice Cooper show was a hot ticket in this era – & Gannon deserves much of the credit. Gannon died in 2024.
If anything, Bev Bevan (born today in 1944) was underutilized as a drummer while a part of ELO. Bevan was a longtime member of The Move and joined Roy Wood & Jeff Lynne as the trio transitioned into the Electric Light Orchestra. When called upon by Jeff Lynne in ELO, Bevan could bring the thunder.
November 25, 2025 at 11:25 AM
If anything, Bev Bevan (born today in 1944) was underutilized as a drummer while a part of ELO. Bevan was a longtime member of The Move and joined Roy Wood & Jeff Lynne as the trio transitioned into the Electric Light Orchestra. When called upon by Jeff Lynne in ELO, Bevan could bring the thunder.
“Show me a river that’s so deep; Show me a mountain so high; I’ll show you love that’ll last forever; Flying high, so high” On this date in 1975 the Commodores’ single “Sweet Love” was released as a single on Motown. Written by Lionel Richie, “Sweet Love” peaked at #5 pop & #2 soul in the U.S.
November 25, 2025 at 11:22 AM
“Show me a river that’s so deep; Show me a mountain so high; I’ll show you love that’ll last forever; Flying high, so high” On this date in 1975 the Commodores’ single “Sweet Love” was released as a single on Motown. Written by Lionel Richie, “Sweet Love” peaked at #5 pop & #2 soul in the U.S.
Born today in 1941 in Memphis, Donald “Duck” Dunn anchored the sound of Booker T. & the M.G.’s during the 1960s, often while smoking his trademark pipe. Later, Dunn became an easily recognized member of The Blues Brothers’ band. Dunn entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 & passed in 2012.
November 24, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Born today in 1941 in Memphis, Donald “Duck” Dunn anchored the sound of Booker T. & the M.G.’s during the 1960s, often while smoking his trademark pipe. Later, Dunn became an easily recognized member of The Blues Brothers’ band. Dunn entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 & passed in 2012.
Wayne Jackson’s trumpet – alongside the tenor saxophone of Andrew Love (1941-2012) – was at the core of the Memphis Horns for over three decades. Jackson (born today in 1941) gave punch to recordings by Al Green; Aretha Franklin; Wilson Pickett; Otis Redding & many others. Jackson died in 2016.
November 24, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Wayne Jackson’s trumpet – alongside the tenor saxophone of Andrew Love (1941-2012) – was at the core of the Memphis Horns for over three decades. Jackson (born today in 1941) gave punch to recordings by Al Green; Aretha Franklin; Wilson Pickett; Otis Redding & many others. Jackson died in 2016.
Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music aired this evening in 1965 on NBC. Directed by television veteran Dwight Hemion, it’s a straight-forward program – largely just Sinatra & other musicians. No nonsense – just peak Sinatra. It’s a classic.
November 24, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music aired this evening in 1965 on NBC. Directed by television veteran Dwight Hemion, it’s a straight-forward program – largely just Sinatra & other musicians. No nonsense – just peak Sinatra. It’s a classic.
Regarded as one of his best, Yusuf/Cat Steven’s 4th studio lp – Tea for the Tillerman – was released today in 1970. Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, it was his first lp to make an impression in the U.S. – peaking at #8 on the lp charts. Tunes like “Wild World” & “Father and Son” are among his finest.
November 23, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Regarded as one of his best, Yusuf/Cat Steven’s 4th studio lp – Tea for the Tillerman – was released today in 1970. Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, it was his first lp to make an impression in the U.S. – peaking at #8 on the lp charts. Tunes like “Wild World” & “Father and Son” are among his finest.
Songwriter Johnny Mandel was born on this date in 1925. Mandel was active for decades, co-writing tunes such as “A Time for Love” & “Shadow of Your Smile” (both with Paul Francis Webster); “Emily” (with Johnny Mercer); & “(Theme from MASH) Suicide is Painless” (with Mike Altman). Mandel died in 2020
November 23, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Songwriter Johnny Mandel was born on this date in 1925. Mandel was active for decades, co-writing tunes such as “A Time for Love” & “Shadow of Your Smile” (both with Paul Francis Webster); “Emily” (with Johnny Mercer); & “(Theme from MASH) Suicide is Painless” (with Mike Altman). Mandel died in 2020
“Step into Christmas, let’s join together; We can watch the snow fall forever and ever; Eat, drink and be merry, come along with me; Step into Christmas, the admission’s free” Elton John’s lively holiday standard – “Step Into Christmas” – was released as a single on this date in 1973.
November 23, 2025 at 12:43 PM
“Step into Christmas, let’s join together; We can watch the snow fall forever and ever; Eat, drink and be merry, come along with me; Step into Christmas, the admission’s free” Elton John’s lively holiday standard – “Step Into Christmas” – was released as a single on this date in 1973.
"A stick in me hand and a drop in me eye; A doleful damsel I heard cry: ‘Johnny I hardly knew ye.’” 62 years ago on this date, President John Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade passed through a crowded Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas.
November 22, 2025 at 12:53 PM
"A stick in me hand and a drop in me eye; A doleful damsel I heard cry: ‘Johnny I hardly knew ye.’” 62 years ago on this date, President John Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade passed through a crowded Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas.
Tina Weymouth (born today in 1950) helped push the Talking Heads into fame in the late 1970s with her propulsive bass lines. In addition, with her spouse Chris Frantz, she started the influential Tom Tom Club in 1980. She entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 as a part of the Talking Heads.
November 22, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Tina Weymouth (born today in 1950) helped push the Talking Heads into fame in the late 1970s with her propulsive bass lines. In addition, with her spouse Chris Frantz, she started the influential Tom Tom Club in 1980. She entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 as a part of the Talking Heads.
Harry Edwards – one of the leading public intellectuals in the U.S. of the last half-century – was born on this date in 1942. Edwards launched the Olympic Project for Human Rights in the late 1960s – which created several high-profile moments at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968.
November 22, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Harry Edwards – one of the leading public intellectuals in the U.S. of the last half-century – was born on this date in 1942. Edwards launched the Olympic Project for Human Rights in the late 1960s – which created several high-profile moments at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968.
“Baby, everything is alright; Uptight, out of sight” Stevie Wonder’s single “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” was released today in 1965 on Tamla/Motown. Penned by Wonder, Sylvia Moy & Henry Cosby, the single peaked at #3 on the American pop charts – & #1 on the R&B charts.
November 22, 2025 at 12:37 PM
“Baby, everything is alright; Uptight, out of sight” Stevie Wonder’s single “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” was released today in 1965 on Tamla/Motown. Penned by Wonder, Sylvia Moy & Henry Cosby, the single peaked at #3 on the American pop charts – & #1 on the R&B charts.
Robert Vaughn (born on this date in 1932) starred in one of the coolest American television shows of the 1960s – The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Vaughn & the dashing David McCallum (1933-2023) made a convincing pair of secret agents. Vaughn, a Renaissance man, had a long career in Hollywood, passing in 2016
November 22, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Robert Vaughn (born on this date in 1932) starred in one of the coolest American television shows of the 1960s – The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Vaughn & the dashing David McCallum (1933-2023) made a convincing pair of secret agents. Vaughn, a Renaissance man, had a long career in Hollywood, passing in 2016