This week in 1973 the “Wings” album Red Rose Speedway hit the top of the albums chart in the USA. Its lead single, My Love, written by Paul McCartney as a love song to his wife (and Wings bandmate) Linda, started a four-week run at number 1 on the Hot 100. It was the band’s first number one.
American rock band “Winger” gained popularity during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, particularly in the USA, with hits like Headed For a Heartbreak and Miles Away. In 1990 the band were nominated for an American Music Award for “Best New Heavy Metal Band.” Winger disbanded in 1994 but reunited in 2001 and have continued releasing new music and, occasionally, going on tour. Their new 12-track album Seven follows their 2014 release Better Days.
Winger’s new single, Tears of Blood, is new this week on RadiJohan.
American country music singer and songwriter Chris Janson has charted multiple singles on the “Billboard Hot Country Songs” and “Country Airplay” charts in the USA. He has now come to our attention at RadiJohan by bringing together a couple of iconic talents on his new single, which appears on the singer’s upcoming album, The Outlaw Side of Me, due out 16 June. 21 Forever features contributions by Dolly Parton and “Guns N’ Roses” guitarist Slash. The song is about growing up and making better choices as you get older and, hopefully, wiser.
21 Forever by Chris Janson, Featuring Dolly Parton and Slash, is new this week on RadiJohan.
Frank Sinatra topped the UK chart this week in 1966 with the title track of his most commercially successful album album, Strangers In The Night. The song also reached number 1 in the USA. Sinatra despised the song, apparently calling it “a piece of shit” at one time. Glen Campbell played rhythm guitar on the record.
Tina Turner, whose soul classics like What’s Love Got to Do With It and pop hits like The Best made her a superstar, has died at the age of 83.
Tina had suffered a number of health issues in recent years including cancer, a stroke and kidney failure.
She rose to fame alongside husband Ike in the 1960’s with songs including Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and River Deep, Mountain High.
She divorced Ike, who was abusive, in 1978, and went on to find even greater success as a solo artist in the 1980’s.
Dubbed the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Tina Turner was known for her raunchy and energetic stage performances and her husky, powerful vocals.
Her death was announced on her official Instagram page.
“With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow,” the post said.
“Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music.”
Three piece Australian rock band “DMA’s” fourth studio album, How Many Dreams? was released on 31 March 2023. Formed in Sydney in 2012 their musical sound led to comparisons to the bands “Oasis” and “The Stone Roses.”
When Noel Gallagher (Oasis) was asked in an interview whether he had heard of the Aussie band that sound like Oasis he said he hadn’t and added: “I’ll have to watch them from side of stage and boo them.” DMA’s have explained that the comparison to Oasis was not their intention and that it mostly came from lead singer Tommy O’Dell’s voice.
DMA’s latest single Forever is new this week on RadiJohan.
This week in 1969 “The Who” released their album Tommy, a rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind boy who plays a mean pinball. The lavish double concept album introduced a new genre: Rock Opera. The single Pinball Wizard became a classic hit. The album was developed into an acclaimed movie in 1975 starring Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Elton John, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and Jack Nicholson.
In the early 1970’s Welsh singer, songwriter, musician and producer Mal Pope signed his first recording contract at age 13 after sending a tape of songs to “BBC Radio 1” presenter John Peel, who invited Pope to perform at the BBC. The session resulted in a recording contract with Elton John’s record label, “The Rocket Record Company.” Mal has written songs for Cliff Richard and The Hollies, sung with Elton John and Bonnie Tyler and toured with Art Garfunkel and Belinda Carlisle.
2023 marks Mal’s 50th anniversary and he has written some new songs for the occasion. His new single, Looking For Love, features the “City of Prague Symphony Orchestra” and is new this week on RadiJohan.