November 12, 2012 by Amy Gold
During the week of November 4, 2012, oldies fans mourned the passing of Cleve Duncan and Major Harris. Duncan was the lead singer of the Penguins famous for "Earth Angel." Harris had a smash hit in 1975 with "Love Won't Let Me Wait" which topped the R&B charts and became a Top 10 Pop/Rock hit. He was also a member of the Jarmels and the Delfonics.
Also this week, many famous bands and artists offered their services to aid Hurricane Sandy victims. The NBC Hurricane Sandy Telethon, which aired on November 2, 2012 and featured performances by Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and many others, raised $23 million, and the Marshall Tucker Band used their tour bus to collect donations.
Also, Neil Young's "Psychedelic Pill" album broke Billboard records for being the first Top 10 album with the longest opening track, the Rolling Stones premiered a new song from their upcoming "GRRR!" album, and surviving members of the Monkees kicked off their reunion tour in Escondido, CA.
November 5, 2012: Aerosmith Give Free Show In Front Of Old Boston Apartment
Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry gave a live performance in Boston on November 5, 2012 in front of the apartment building where the band originally formed over four decades ago. Their program included some classic Aerosmith hits and new songs from their upcoming album, "Music From Another Dimension!". This event, which was televised live on AXS TV, drew thousands of fans plus members of the New England Patriots and their cheerleading squad.
Source: Aerosmith Rock Free Show in Front of Old Boston Apartment | Music News | Rolling Stone
November 5, 2012: NBC Hurricane Sandy Telethon Raised 23 Million
The NBC Hurricane Sandy Telethon, which aired on November 2, 2012, raised a whopping $23 million to aid victims of this horrific superstorm. This telethon featured performances by Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Sting, Steven Tyler, and many other bands and artists.
Source: NBC Hurricane Sandy Telethon Raises 23 Million | Music News | Rolling Stone
November 7, 2012: Neil Young's 'Psychedelic Pill' Becomes The First Top 10 Album In History With A 27-Minute Opening Song
"Psychedelic Pill" by Neil Young and Crazy Horse made Billboard history by becoming the first Top 10 album to have a 27-minute long opening track. Two other songs on this album clock in at over 16 minutes apiece, which is also unusual for Top 10 pop/rock albums.
Source: On the Charts: Bruno Mars' 'Heaven' Is Hot, Neil Young Debuts Strong | Music News | Rolling Stone
November 7, 2012: Madrid Writer Takes A Trek Across Highway 61 To Visit Blues Shrines
Manuel Recio made a trek along on Highway 61 to visit various blues music landmarks and reported his travels on November 5, 2012, in the Madrid newspaper, El Pais. Sites visited by Recio include the Stax Records museum, Sun Studios and the Lorraine Motel in Memphis where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
Source: Proof that the blues are a universal language - latimes.com
November 7, 2012: The Rolling Stones Premier New Song, 'One More Shot'
"One More Shot," a new song from the upcoming Rolling Stones album, "GRRR!," made its debut on YouTube on November 7 a few days ahead of its scheduled premier. Listen to "One More Shot" right here:
November 8, 2012: John Travolta And Olivia Newton-John Reunite For Duet
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John will be performing another duet for their upcoming Christmas album, "This Christmas." This new song, entitled "I Think You Might Like It," was written by John Farrar who also wrote their famous duet from "Grease" which topped the charts in 1978, "You're The One That I Want."
November 8, 2012: Marshall Tucker Band Uses Tour Bus For Sandy Aid
The Marshall Tucker Band graciously offered their tour bus for collecting coats, blankets, and other donations to victims of Hurricane Sandy. It was parked outside the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in Spartanburg, SC, and band members were there to thank people personally.
Source: Marshall Tucker Band uses tour bus for Sandy aid - A&E - Boston.com
November 9, 2012: Monkees Kick Off Reunion Tour
Ex-Monkees members Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork gave a live show on November 8, 2012 at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, CA. This show was the first time they had performed together in 15 years and it was the band's first stop on a 12-date US tour. In homage to the late Davy Jones, Monkees band members led the audience in a round of "Daydream Believer," one of many songs made famous by Jones.
Source: Monkees Delight Believers in Reunion Tour Kickoff | Music News | Rolling Stone
November 9, 2012: Cleve Duncan, Lead Singer Of The Penguins, Passes Away
Cleve Duncan, the lead singer of the Penguins, passed away during the week of November 4, 2012 at age 77. The Penguins became famous for their oldies classic, "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)," which became a Top 10 hit in 1955. "Earth Angel" also became a hit for the Crew Cuts and other performing artists, but it is the Penguins' version that has endured over the years. Although the Penguins never had another chart hit, they continued recording for several years thereafter. After the Penguins disbanded, Duncan continued touring with a new version of the group (later known as the Fabulous Penguins). In 2004, the Penguins were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Source: Cleve Duncan, lead singer of the Penguins, dead at 77 - NY Daily News
November 10, 2012: Famed R&B Singer Major Harris Passes Away
Famed R&B and Philadelphia soul singer Major Harris died in Richmond, VA on November 9, 2012 at age 65 of congestive heart and lung failure. He is famous for his 1975 smash hit, "Love Won't Let Me Wait" which topped the R&B charts and peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. He had a string of hits on the R&B charts through 1983 that included "I Got Over Love" (1976) and "All My Life" (1983). Prior to going solo, Harris had been a member of several R&B groups that included Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers, the Jarmels, and the Delfonics. He later reunited with various members of the Delfonics and last performed with them in 2011. Major Harris' surviving family members include his sister, Catherine Thomas.
Source: 'Philly sound' R&B singer Major Harris dies at 65 - A&E - Boston.com
