Our song of the week is Chemical Romance and their new single Sing. Good stuff Gerard and the boys.The beautiful Christina Aguilera's voice is just amazing and in her new movie Burleque,it explodes onto the big screen.I need to see this movie. Finally the flashback is the late legendary George Harrison with some great songs over the years.
Chemical Romance
Gerard Way vocals, Frank Iero and Ray Toro guitars, Bob Bryar drums and Mikey Way bass
Frontman Gerard Way graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He then spent the next few years trying to work as a comic book artist before finally settling with Funhaus, a company which designed and sculpted Marvel Comics action figures for preschoolers.
His brother Mikey coined the band's name when he saw the book "Ecstacy Three Tales of Chemical Romance", by Irvine Welsh, while working at a Barnes and Noble Store.
My Chemical Romance started showcasing their music underground in the East Coast.The band became famous for their distinctive vocals and gothic appearance.
Our main feature is the great duet of Rihanna/Eminem Love the Way You Lie Part2.It may not have the impact of part 1 but a song that grows on you.We are taking a look at the X factor, with the British charts being flooded by artists who have performed or are performing on the show. Ellie Goulding has a lovely version of Elton John's Your Song for you to enjoy.While Olly Murs has another hit on his hands with Thinkin of Me.The number one song right now is from the latest X factor finals, Heroes.
While our flashback is too a real legend of the music industry who started in the business at a very young age Stevie Wonder.Our flashback tracks has a real lost gem in Contract of Love plus the beautiful Is'nt She Lovely.
Rihanna and Eminem
This version is from the females perspective, with Rihanna singing the main lyrics with Eminem in the backup roll.Lyrics ---- On the first page of our story, the future seems so bright. And this thing turned out so evil, I don’t know why I’m still surprised "Even angels have their wicked schemes, and you take that to new extremes, but you will always be my hero, even though you lost your mind". Fittingly, the song appears on Rihanna's upcoming album Loud was out November 16th, with Eminem the featured artist.
His real name is Steveland Morris Judkins Hardaway,born May 13,1950 an American composer,singer,humanitarian and social activist,blind from birth and originally from Saginaw, Michigan.
He was placed in an incubator immediately after his birth,Stevie was given too much oxygen, causing him to suffer permanent blindness.
He was discovered in 1961 while peforming fo some friends by Ronnie White of the Miracles. White quickly arranged an audition for Wonder at Motown records and At the age of 12 Stevie was signed by Berry Gordy on the spot. Gordy dubbed the child with the name Little Stevie Wonder and placed him in the care of producer/songwriter Clarence Paul Stevies,his first hit came with "Fingertips" (1963), at the age of 13. Many hits followed here are just three of them plus a rare Stevie song Contract of Love.
This Week we have some cracker tracks.We are going to open with The Black Eyed Peas and their first single from what is sure going to be another smash album.It has a piece of the old Jennifer Warnes hit Time of Your Life in it but certainly does'nt cover it.Train has another hit off their album with Save Me San Francisco.While our Flashback takes us way back to Dinah Washington and her hits of the late fifties early sixties,including the duets with Brook Benton.
Black Eyed Peas
The guys are back with their new album released November 30th.The Beginning, sounds as though there is a lot of experimenting going on but I tell you there is a couple of ripper tracks here and sure fire number ones. The Situation is one of these.It reminds me a lot of Meet Me Halfway when I first heard it.It just had to be a monster hit and this one gives me that very same feeling.
Just love the Black Eyed Peas.I remember when I first heard Boom Boom Pow.I thought Yeah not bad but i tell you that song is an absolute gem.One of my all time favorites.I take my hat off to these guys they take risks and it works.They blend well together,they use Fergies voice to perfection and they come up with a great mixture of dance and rock music.
Black Eyed Peas The Time Dirty Bit
Snippet of a monster hit prediction
The Situation
Train
Pat Monahan vocals Jimmy Stafford guitar Scott Underwood drums
Train has 15 years in the music industry and with their latest album a great collection of songs.They add more depth to their recordings and help back up their classic song Drops of Jupiter which made its mark on music history by winning a Grammy Award.
Pat Monahan says taking time away from each other really made the heart grow fonder,of the break.We realized how important we were to one another and taking a few years off helped us all really look at ourselves and what we could contribute to this band as opposed to what we weren't getting from the band.
Save Me San Francisco
Drops of Jupiter
Flashback
Dinah Washington
Born Ruth Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in August 1924, Dinah Washington moved to Chicago’s South Side when she was three or four. Her mother played piano and passed her keyboard talent to her daughter.
Dinah Washington made the full-fledged leap to pop stardom, thanks to the lovely Belford Hendricks-arranged ballad What a Diff’rence a Day Makes in 1959.
Then came the collaboration with Brook Benton and that is what we are going to highlight in our flashback to the early sixties.
She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
This week we had so much going on in the Katy Perry world with weddings, new singles.She has even implanted her music into the head of Justin Bieber with her song Teenage Dream.Firework her new song is a top catchy pop tune and gets the thumbs up from us.
Florence Welch is another artist I wanted to highlight because of her unique sound.Just love Dog Days are Over which has been in the British and US charts for an eternity.
We are flashbacking to the Jacki Wilson story and his influence on music,dance and entertainment. His Sam Cooke and mafia connections make his story a very interesting one.
Florence and The Machine
Florence Welch and her backing musicians received a great deal of critical acclaim and were chosen as one of the BBC's Sounds of 2009. In February 2009, Florence and The Machine also received the Critics Choice Award at the Brit Awards. Florence grew up listening to her parents' record collection, which included bands such as The Velvet Underground, Love and The Smiths. At school, her teachers often had to reprimand her for singing in class.
Dog Days are Over
Which is still in the US charts and has been in and out of the British top 40 since its release in December 2008.
Katy Perry
Her Wedding and new single Firework
For the wedding they stayed at a resort near India's Ranthambhore wildlife sanctuary, in a region known for its tiger population. The gown a Elie Saab haute couture dress was dove gray with lace sleeves added was a pair of $7,000 beaded satin heels.
The night before they exchanged vows, the couple threw a Bollywood-themed bash and engaged in a traditional Mehndi ceremony where Katy's hands and feet were drawn on with henna.
Although they spent their first night together as man and wife in a tent surrounded by armed guard, for their real honeymoon, the couple jetted to the Maldives, a chain of tiny, coral islands in the Indian Ocean, where they also celebrated Katy's 26th birthday.
Katy also celebrates with another new release Firework and it is the song that heads our highlights from the music world this week. She was also in the head of another entertainer at the studios of the Ellen DeGeneres show. Ellen asked about the song currently stuck in Justin Bieber's head. We all know music get stuck up in everyone's head .After revealing it was 'Teenage Dream', Ellen jokingly suggested he sing it which he did.
He took a verse and ran with it, a classy entertainer for one so young.
Firework
Justin Bieber and Teenage Dream
Flashback Jackie "Sonny" Wilson
was born 9th of June 1934 in Detroit, Michigan and was getting in and out of trouble on a regular basis from an early age. He began drinking at age nine, and in 1950 at age 16 dropped out of high school. He married Freda Hood, his childhood sweetheart, and a daughter arrived in March, 1951
Mafia and Music ?
In 1957 Wilson embarked on a solo career with Al Green, as his music publisher and manager. Green was able to secure Wilson a recording contract with Brunswick Records. However, Green suddenly died the day before the deal was officially signed. He was replaced by Nat Turnpool in collaboration with Berry Gordy and Roquel "Billy" Davis, Wilson soon had a string of hits to his name, among them "To Be Loved," "Reet Petite" and "That Is Why," as well as his biggest hit, "Lonely Teardrops." This partnership ended after disagreements between Tarnpool and the team of Davis/Gordy over inadequate payments. After parting ways, Gordy used his royalties to create Hitsville USA Studios, later to become Motown Records. The rest is music history.
Although married to Freda Hood since 1951, Wilson was notorious for his numerous affairs with other women. Things came to a head in 1961 when Juanita Jones, an aspiring model, shot Wilson twice in the stomach after hearing about his affair with Harlean Harris, ex-girlfriend of singer Sam Cooke.This has such a Sam Cooke ring to it, the mind starts questioning maybe there was more to Sam's death and this incident.Wilson was rushed to the hospital where quick surgery saved his life, although he lost a kidney. Since one of the bullets was too close to his spine, doctors ruled out surgery to remove it as far too dangerous. Wilson would have to carry it around for the rest of his life.
Besides women, Wilson had another dangerous weakness, he was incredibly naive and easily trusting, something that Tarnpool took advantage of. Wilson had signed over power-of-attorney to him despite strong rumors of Tarnpool's mob connections and his reputation as an unscrupulous businessman .In 1962 the IRS seized Wilson's family home due to his failure to pay back taxes due mainly to the fact that Tarnpool had been pocketing all of Wilson's earnings. Now despite the success of his career, he was broke and homeless. Eventually he made arrangements with the IRS to make restitution on the unpaid taxes and was able to re-purchase his own house at an auction.
On September 29, 1975 Wilson suffered a major heart attack while on stage at Dick Clark's "Traveling Oldies Revue". As he fell he hit his head on some stage equipment, resulting in serious brain damage. He stayed in a coma until his death at 49 on January 21, 1984.
Our music blog this week is on a couple of new artists Tinie Tempah who is a huge success in Britain at the moment and Neon Trees who have a great unique smooth sound.A band who I believe have a good future in the music business.We are flashbacking to the fantastic Freddie Mercury and queen. They had so many super songs and anthems,too numerous to cover them all. Freddie was a super talented person.An artist who will be remember long into the future of music.
Tinie Tempah
Born Patrick Junior C. Okogwu Nov 7th, 1988 in Plumstead, South London, stage name of Tinie Tempah, a rapper, MC and CEO of Disturbing London Records. Tinie gained chart success upon the release of his major label debut single Pass Out which debuted at 1 on the UK Singles Chart in March 2010. His debut album, titled Disc-Overy, was released on October 1st 2010 and debuted at 1 on the Official UK Album Chart.
Written in the Stars
Neon Trees
The Alternative Rock Pop act from Utah
Tyler Glenn: lead vocals/keyboards Chris Allen: guitars Branden Campbell: bass
Elaine Bradley: drums/vocals
Make up Neon Trees
Their debut album "Habits." contains plenty of get-up-and-go, but doesn't get too loud . Opener "Sins of My Youth" blends harmonic vocals with a pumping bassline, while the hand claps and cheery keyboard on lead single "Animal" with a line that requests you to "take a bite of my heart tonight."Other good songs on the set are Our War and, Girls and Boys in School.
Animal
Flashback
Queen and Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara on Thursday September 5th 1946 on the small spice island of Zanzibar.He died 24th november 1991.
Freddie was an excellent sportsman,but it was his artistic skills at drawing and music where he excelled.
After Jimi Hendrix exploded onto the scene in 1967, and Freddie became an ardent fan, he spent time sketching and drawing his hero, drawings he would frame and use to decorate the walls of his flat in Kensington.
A fellow student at Ealing College was bass player Tim Staffell, with whom Freddie became good friends. As Tim's and Freddie's friendship became closer, Tim took him along to rehearsals of his band called Smile, with Brian May on the guitar and Roger Taylor on the drums. Freddie got on famously with Brian and Roger and loved the sound that Smile had achieved.He also had immense admiration for Brian's guitar playing.Freddie left Ealing College in June 1969, with a diploma in graphic art and design.
In 1971 John Deacon joined the band and Queen were complete. Freddie designed the band's logo using their birth signs two fairies for him (Virgo), two lions for Roger and John (Leo) and a crab for Brian (Cancer). Freddie was the author of the first Queen song that entered the British charts Seven Seas Of Rhye, the first big hit Killer Queen and the most famous Queen song that was on the top of charts for 9 weeks Bohemian Rhapsody.
Just picture this and raise your glasses to some great rock artists and musicians this week. Pink with her new single.Kings of Leon with their rock hit Radioactive and our flashback artist the beautiful Deborah Harry and Blondie with a highlight on their Parallel Lines album of 1978 so many great songs on this album.Enjoy the week my friends and hope these great songs lighten your week.
Pink
Born on September 8th 1979 her name Alecia Moore. In her adolescent she jumped from one extreme to another e.g. gymnast to skateboarder to rave child to hip-hopper . This probably explains her self-confidence and rebellious nature, she has seen a lot and done a lot and this is reflected in her music.She spent several years as part of the club scene in Philadelphia, singing guest spots and performing for talent shows.Then followed success for her with the album Cant Take Me Home. Then another smash single ‘Get The Party Started’ and her follow-up album Missunderstood. Pink is gearing up for the release of her Greatest Hits album and she has just released a brandnew single called “Raise Your Glass”
Pink Raise Your Glass
Kings of Leon Story
The Followill brothers are sons of a preacher who were raised on the road throughout the South, traveling from one Pentecostal church to the next. But after getting into bands like Led Zeppelin, they started crafting their own brand of Southern rock & roll and soon became a rough and ready touring act. They have became one of the biggest bands in rock.This is a behind the scene look at their new single Radioactive.
Radioactive Kings of Leon
Flashback Blondie and Deborah Harry
After three years on the road.Parallel Lines, Blondie's third album, provided the group with its commercial breakthrough in the states, going platinum and peaking at No. 6 during a 103-week run on The Billboard 200. The single "Heart of Glass" which Harry says she and guitarist Chris Stein wrote several years earlier, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "One Way or Another" made it to 24.
The album has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, but Harry was most pleased about its impact in the States. "We'd had hits all over the world in Europe, in the U.K., in Australia," she says. "But having a hit at home was really, really important to us.
Akon with his great new song Angel is certain to be another hit for the talented singer producer and with the fortuitous signing of Lady Ga Ga to his recording company in 2008.He must be finding life pretty good compared to his life of crime and jail period a few years back.How things can turn around after a few years.Which brings us to our flashbackthis week to the classic Chip Taylor song Angel of the Morning pretty much what Ga Ga must be for Akon. Two genuine super talented artists.The future looks very promising for both in music and life in general.
Akon Angel
AKON
Aliaune Damala Dakha Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, often going by the shorter Aliaune Thiam, is best known by his fans simply as Akon. Born on April 30, 1973 in St Louis Missouri . He lived his early childhood in Senegal then returned to the states when 7 years old.
He was jailed for armed robbery and drug distribution charges. He used his time to begin writing his own songs.
Being brought up in an environment that treasures the true artistic value of musicianship and revels in the mastering of instrumental skill, it was Akon's deep rooted love and passion for music that later on encouraged him to record tracks in a home studio upon being freed . The tapes found their way to SRC/Universal which eventually released Akon's debut LP "Trouble" in June 2004. This catapulted him to international stardom, thanks to the hit single "Locked Up," written based on his experience of serving a three-year jail sentence for grand theft auto, that brought him a Sixshot Award for Best Single of 2004. Konvicted was released on November 14, 2006 and raised his fame meter even higher. Its first single "Smack That," featured Eminem and shot to #2 in Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed at the No 2 spot for five consecutive weeks. "I Wanna Love You", the second single off "Konvicted," was released in September the same year. Featured a collaboration with Snoop Dog, this single topped the U.S. charts for two consecutive weeks, earning Akon his first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100.It was at this time he bought the record label and signed Lady Ga Ga to his KonLive label an imprint of Interscope and the rest is Money,Money,Money.
Akon and Lady Ga Ga Interview
Akon on Lady Ga Ga
She's pretty much retired me,the singer said of Gaga, who is signed to his KonLive label at Interscope Records. "She was definitely a blessing. She came at the right moment. I'm glad I believed in her, boy. That goes to show you, if you believe in something strong enough, it will pay off."
Gaga, one of last year's top-selling artists, was dropped from at least one major record label. She was available just as Akon closed his deal with Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine, the Senegalese singer said in a recent interview.
"And I was like 'Yo, I want to sign that right there. She needs to be under my umbrella,'" Akon said. "Jimmy was like 'Yeah, whatever you want. Take her. Let's get it done.' And she just blossomed into a super megastar, man.
Lady Ga Ga Disco Heaven
Angel of the Morning Merrilee Rush
There'll be no strings to bind your hands
not if my love can't bind your heart.
And there's no need to take a stand
for it was I who chose to start.
I see no reason to take me home,
I'm old enough to face the dawn.
Chip Taylor
Angelina Jolies uncle
Born in 1944 and raised in Yonkers, New York, Chip a.k.a. James Wesley Voight began his love affair with music early in life.His ability to write in varied voices and styles is demonstrated in two of his best known songs, "Wild Thing" and "Angel of The Morning". The ubiquitous, "Wild Thing", (Jimi Hendrix, The Troggs, X) with its guitar driven, sexually charged theme is in direct contrast to the hauntingly romantic, "Angel Of The Morning"
Usher with his hit and great album Raymond vs Raymond starts us off this week,followed by OMD and their return from the wilderness with the new album History of Modern. We finish with a flashback to little bo peep Linda Ronstadt in her prime and sounding fantastic.
Raymond Vs Raymond Album
Usher, who is 31 is one of the best-selling pop stars of his generation, and works here with a fleet of prominent producers Jermaine Dupri, Tricky Stewart, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and guest vocalists Ludacris, T.I., will.i.am. Already released songs, like the sumptuous ballad “There Goes My Baby” and “Mars Vs. Venus,” whose rich, multi-layered sound is as cosmic as its title, work undeniably well on their own. “OMG,” the track that will.i.am sings on and produces is as catchy and rhythmically compelling as the biggest hits of will.i.am’s group, the Black Eyed Peas.
Now we have this song from the Album
Usher ft Pitbull D J Got us Falling in Love Again
History of Modern OMD
There are many fine moments on this record, and several inspired ones. Through his work with Atomic Kitten while OMD has been off the scene, McCluskey has not lost his touch in producing a good tune, and that talent shines threw here. If You Want It we're in to familiar OMD territory, convincing us that "if you find it, it will come, through the rain and burning sun". It's like they've never been away and brings back memories of their hits Sailing the Seven Seas and Pandoras Box.The OMD magic is still there with New Babies New Toys and the title song History of Modern both top recordings.
If You Want ItNew Single
McClusky and OMD version of his song Whole Again he produced with Atomic Kitten Looking back on when we first met Can't escape and I cannot forget baby you're the one You still turn me on You can make me whole again
Linda Ronstadt Your No Good
Linda a true Rock'n'Roll legend from the late sixties with the Stone Ponies. To having the Eagles as her backup band in the early seventies and working with the likes of Andrew Gold,Warren Zevon,Peter Asher and a host of other great musicians.She had hit songs with many legendary artists like Aaron Neville, Dolly Parton,Karla Bonhoff,James Ingram,Smokey Robinson,Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and a host of other stars. Amazing voice and amazing talent a pocket powerhouse Miss Ronstadt. Your No Good recorded for a show behind prison walls similar to Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison recordings. The live version of Tracks of my Tears recorded in 1976 at Offenbach Germany both capture the strength of Miss Ronstadt's voice. Hope you enjoy these.
The Grammy award winning country artists Sugarland with Stuck Like Glue from their style changing album The Incredible Machine and some Magic from BOB are our two diamonds in the rough this week. Both top pop songs and well worth a listen.Our flashback heads back to the late sixties early seventies with Shocking Blue and the beautiful Mariska Veres and Shocking Blue with their hit Venus the summit of beauty and love. I must admit i love the guitar work behind Miss Veres. We will take a look at Cajun music too finish this weeks post.
Stuck Like Glue Sugarland
Sugarland began as a trio.Jennifer Nettles a powerhouse singer with some serious twang, was working steadily on the local club circuit. Kristen Hall, a singer-songwriter specializing in heartache songs, had released two well-received solo albums. Kristian Bush, a local folk-rock hero, is one half of Billy Pilgrim, a duo with a major record label deal. Kristen Hall left the group in 2006 due to a dispute over songwriting.
Right from the start, Sugarland was responsible for writing many of their own songs, starting with their debut single, "Baby Girl"
Jennifer Nettles was influenced by Southern Gospel music, but also Linda Ronstadt and Juice Newton. Kristian Bush was influenced by the Police and the Replacements.
They are Grammy winners for Best Country Song and Best Country Performance and finally, their first Christmas recording, Gold and Green, which featured new holiday themed originals as well as more traditional fare. The duo’s fourth studio album, The Incredible Machine, influenced by the so-called “steampunk movement” was released in 2010.
I wanted to include B.o..B this week because his enormous success over the last few months. The original release of this song has been removed from you tube so I had to put this version up. Love the song but the lyrics my God they are very confusing.
B.o.B's second single, "Grip Your Body,featured"British soul siren Amy Winehouse, and this year saw
B.o.B's official breakthrough topping the charts with "Nothin' on You" and reaching number two with “Airplanes,” the latter song featuring special guest Hayley Williams of Paramore. Both songs appear on The Adventures of Bobby Ray. This is another super hit Magic.
Shocking Blue Venus
Mariska Veres of Shocking Blue had a sensuous and charismatic stage presence that could transfix an audience with an absolute minimum of effort. A striking brunette beauty with long jet black hair, sparkling eyes, a sweet baby face, and a voluptuous figure, Veres was further blessed with an exceptionally captivating strong and sultry voice. She was born on October 1, 1947 in the Hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. Her father was gypsy Hungarian violinist Lajos Veres and her mother was born in Germany.She never drank, smoked or experimented with drugs and she liked cats. On December 2, 2006 Mariska Veres died from cancer at the age of 59.
Which evolved into Zydeco are the products of a combination of influences found only in Southwest Louisiana. "The Cajun and Creole traditions of Southwest Louisiana are unique in the blending of European, African, and Amerindian qualities."
The music of the Acadians in Louisiana in the 19th century was transformed by new influences: African rhythms, blues, and improvisational singing techniques as well as by other rhythms and singing styles from Native American.
The guy who has been around for years and is just starting to make a mark on the music scene is Bruno Mars and it's his song writing that has propelled him into the spotlight with Billionaire and Nothin 'On You Babe
and the international hit Right Round by Flo Rida.This week we will look at his own single Just The Way You Are. Then a U.K. talent show brings a huge hit for a couple of girls who have also been around for a while Pepper and Piano.This girl has a great voice.Just shows how much talent goes untapped and our flashback artist is the beautiful Cyndi Lauper. I have always loved her stuff but the acoustic version of Change of Heart is fantastic.
Bruno Mars
Peter Hernandez born October 8 1985 in Waikiki Hawaii better known by his stage name Bruno .
He has been a music fan since he was just a kid. From a young age, he was impersonating and performing songs by influential artists such as Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. He was even named Little Elvis in MidWeek magazine and tapped to play the younger version of the late singer in 1992 movie "Honeymoon in Vegas.
Bruno's Tour Dates
OCTOBER
6 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl
8 Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre
10 Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre
12 Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome
14 Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
15 Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena
16 San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena
18 Birmingham, England - Academy 2
21 Oxford, England - Academy 2
22 Manchester, England - Academy 3
23 Glasgow, Scotland - G2
25 London, England - KCLSU
26 Cologne, Germany - Gebaude 9
27 Berlin, Germany - Magnet
28 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg
29 Copenhagen, Denmark - Rust
30 Stockholm, Sweden - Göta Källar
You Took My Heart Pepper and Piano
Pepper, 23 and Emma, 30 had never performed publicly together before the Must Be The Music auditions and their decision to form as a group was a last minute one. Close friends from college, Pepper is the singer of the pair and Emma is the pianist and composer. They have both drawn inspiration from their own life experiences to write their own music.
Cyndi Lauper Our Flashback Artist
Cyndi's Career Lift off
1977 In the mid-seventies she performed as a vocalist with various cover bands in the New York metropolitan area. She sang songs of Jefferson Airplane, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, and some top 40 covers... The names of the cover bands were Doc West and Flyer. In 1977 Cyndi damaged her vocal cords, leaving her virtually voiceless.
1980 After a full year of therapy with voice coach Katie Agestra, Cyndi's voice was back and soon Cyndi and multi-instrumentalist John Turi formed a new band, 'Blue Angel', which released its self-titled debut album in 1980. This album included Maybe He'll Know and Lauper's soaring rendition of Gene Pitney's I'm Gonna Be Strong.
1983 Cyndi Lauper signed with Portrait Records as a solo artist and her first solo album, She's So Unusual, was released at the end of the year and went on to sell more than 4.5 million copies in the United States alone. Moreover the album was the first of a female artist to score four Top Five singles from a debut album: Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Time After Time, She Bop and All Through The Night.
