Music Industry Stories
Sweet Tuesday Morning back in the day
1971-1972 Hits
05/10/2016
Last year, HAIL! Fredonia Records artist Ladies First, along with Badfinger's Joey Molland, released a special rendition of Badfinger's Sweet Tuesday Morning. In honor of the release, let's take a journey back to the days when some of the most memorable songs today were introduced. Released in 1971 on the Badfinger album Straight Up, “Sweet Tuesday Morning” was also released as a B side on the “Day After Day” single in the UK in 1972. Here’s ten of the many hits receiving radio airplay during the same period:
“American Pie” by Don McClean
The song is said to represent the transition from the innocence of the 1950s to the turbulent 1960s. "The day the music died" is February 3, 1959, when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash after a concert. McLean wrote the song from his memories of the event.
“Horse with No Name” by America
Capturing the peaceful sights and sounds of the desert in the southwestern U.S., the song was written on a rainy day in London.
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
Consistently ranked as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
“Imagine” by John Lennon
Though Imagine successfully reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was not until John Lennon’s untimely death in December 1980 that his most popular song (as a solo artist) reached #1.
“Day After Day” by Badfinger
Released in November 1971, it reached #4 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and became a Gold single (selling more than 500,000 copies) in early 1972.
“What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye
A fixture on greatest songs lists, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, the song questions violence and other serious problems in the world.
“Bang a Gong (Get It On)” by T-Rex
The band’s only major US hit, reaching #10 on the US Billboard Pop Singles Chart.
“I’ll Be Around” by the Spinners
Reaching sales of over one million copies, the song spent weeks on both the US R&B and the US Pop charts.
“Heart of Gold” by Neil Young
This widely covered, chart-topping song features the background vocals of hit artists James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt and appears to be referenced in Lady Gaga’s song, “You and I”.
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot100 singles chart, the song is thought to be about fame and fortune not being enough to bring happiness.
To purchase to Ladies First's special Sweet Tuesday Morning release, visit iTunes. All proceeds benefit WhyHunger, a global not-for-profit organization fighting to end world hunger and ensure access to nutritious food for all.
What is Ladies First?
03/22/2016
Ladies First is the performing arm of HAIL! Fredonia Records based in western New York. It is a revolving musician collective that has engaged the concept brought forth in the 1960s by The New Christy Minstrels. The members of the group vary based on the projects taken on by HAIL! Fredonia Records. Our mission is to utilize the power of community and music to raise funds for local and global non-profit organizations. All proceeds from Ladies First’s music go to nonprofit organizations partnering with the label.
The first organization to partner with the record label was Melina’s White Light, a foundation dedicated to raising funds to further the research of Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer that on average gives children under the age of six a 30-40% chance of survival. The first ladies, Savannah King, Grace Stumberg, and Tina Marie Williams, formed the group in 2013 with the release of their single, “Believe in Angels.”
As the label grew, the revolving musician concept began when Ladies First partnered with Joey Molland to create a new rendition of Badfinger’s classic “Sweet Tuesday Morning.” Savannah King continued as a member of Ladies First and was joined by the vocalist of 10,000 Maniacs, Mary Ramsey. “Sweet Tuesday Morning” was released in the spring of 2015 with all proceeds benefitting WhyHunger, a global not-for-profit organization fighting to end hunger and ensure access to nutritious food for all.
Continuing to partner with WhyHunger in the fall of 2015, HAIL! Fredonia Records created a new version of the classic Civil War tune, Vacant Chair. Mary Ramsey went on as a member of Ladies First with the addition of her two sisters, Susan and Joanne Ramsey. The Ramsey sisters were joined by John Lombardo, Jerry Augustyniak, Ken Hardley, and Ed Croft in their effort to fight world hunger and poverty.
In Ladies First’s latest project, Mary Ramsey is joined by Cassandra Kubinski to benefit the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius College. Partnering with John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, the ladies have created a new rendition of Cassandra’s single, “Not So Different.” The single will be available for download on April 15 followed by a CD release on Record Store Day at Record Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Ensuing Record Store Day on April 16, there will be a performance by the Goo Goo Dolls and Ladies First in Rockwell Hall at Buffalo State University. All proceeds will benefit the Institute for Autism Research.
Ladies First is an unusual, riveting musician collective that has resulted in countless donations for HAIL! Fredonia Records’ nonprofit partners and the group will likely see new change in the foreseeable future. Always check back for exclusive news on Ladies First and their partners to come!
Spring Break Pregame rocks downtown Fredonia
03/21/2016
Saturday, March 12 saw host to HAIL! Fredonia Records’ Spring Break Pregame at EBC West (Fredonia, NY). Local artists GVK, dev11n, and Će JJR performed for a packed house looking to fund several upcoming events benefiting the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius College. GVK (Gabby, Vaughn, and Kate) kicked off the night followed by not only up and coming artist and Fredonia alumnus Devin Stanford (dev11n), but several members of Devin’s music collective, Always Cool Society. The closing act, Će JJR, opened with a cover of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and continued their set with an alternative hip-hop style that is taking Fredonia by storm. The night saw 288 ticket sales, grossing $576 in donations.
HAIL! Fredonia Records will be hosting several events benefitting Dr. Marcus Thomeer’s programs at the Institute for Autism Research (iar) at Canisius College. The iar is an interdisciplinary collaborative research center dedicated to understanding autism and related developmental disorders and enhancing the lives of those affected and their families. The show should provide a good lead up to HAIL! Fredonia Records’ coming events:
April 10 - “Not So Different” Autism Awareness Event and ASD Social Skills Clinic
April 16 - Artists for Autism concert at Rockwell Hall (Buffalo, NY) featuring the Goo Goo Dolls, with Cassandra Kubinski and Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs.
HAIL! Fredonia Records to hold Spring Break Pregame event at EBC West
02/26/2016
Fredonia’s student-run record label, HAIL! Fredonia Records, presents the "Spring Break Pregame" event on Saturday, March 12th at Ellicottville Brewing Company West. This event is a fundraiser for our upcoming ‘Not So Different Autism Event’ in April to support the MAXout program at Canisius College Institute for Autism Research directed by Marcus L. Thomeer, PhD.
During the event, there will be live music performances from 2015 Battle of the New Bands winner "Će JJR", renowned local trio "GVK" and up-and-coming artist and Fredonia alumni "dev11n" who has toured with iStandard Producer Showcase, performing in New York City, Toronto and Chicago.
This event will feature Ladies First new release, "Not So Different," originally written and performed by Cassandra Kubinski. this is a cover song performed by ‘Ladies First’, a not-for-profit musician collective of HAIL! Fredonia Records and featured a legendary guitarist and vocalist, John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls.
The doors open at 9:30 pm and 21+ guests only. Two dollars donation from each guest will be a great help for our upcoming event benefiting autism awareness. All members of HAIL! Fredonia Records are looking forward to having you at this meaningful event. For further information, please feel free to contact our promotion team via FredoniaMIP@gmail.com
-Event Schedule-
Doors open at 9:30 (EBC West)
Performers: GVK, Devin, Će JJR
10:00-10:45 - GVK
10:55-11:40 - dev11n
11:50-12:35 - Će JJR
"GVK"
An indie soul trio from Fredonia, GVK takes the familiar sounds of popular music and rearranges them to be something totally new. GVK consists of Gabby Carr and Kate Gratson on Vocals, and Vaughn Faison on guitar and vocals.
For further information about "GVK", visit their Facebook Page!
"dev11n"
One-fifth of the musical collective known as Always Cool Society, dev11n is a skilled lyricist with the ability to lead and empower her generation. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, she has written a myriad of lyrical sequences, illustrating life as she has come to see it while showcasing an inherent musical inclination.
Though formerly known to be a singer, in 2012 dev11n expanded upon her jazz influenced vocal harmonies to include a more assertive form of art, Hip Hop. It was during that same year that she teamed up with AC McKenzye and AC Millie Beamon to form Always Cool Society (along with Virginia native AC Noir and Brooklyn's own AC xHippie).
For further information about "Dev11n", visit her Facebook Page!
"Će JJR"
Shedding new light on the classic garage band hype, Će JJR is an experimental sound you won't want to miss. Led by the cagey wit of rapper Ćeo, the group is propelled into the modern lull of electric guitar and simultaneously cradled by the dulcet undertones of jazzy harmonies. Collaborating classical training with a hobbyist's passion, Će JJR is the explosive spark borne of an intellect's mind, propelled by two sophomores and two seniors whose talents tread farther than a semester's suggested credits.
For further information about " Će JJR", visit their Official Website and Facebook Page!
Click here to experience their sound and music!