The RIAA (they’re the folks who keep track of record sales) has announced that the original “Eagles’ Greatest Hits” (from 1975) has just become the first album in history to be certified Quadruple Diamond for sales of over 40 Million Copies. (Incredibly, numerous greatest hits albums by this band have been released since that are far more complete … this 1975 release even predates “Hotel California!”)
But I guess that’s ok because The Eagles’ “Hotel California” album is in THIRD place with sales of over 28 million copies. (Wedged in between these two is Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” LP, which now records sales of 34 million.)
What’s interesting is that each of these releases were single LP’s … most of the rest of The Top Ten are 2-LP sets, which earned one sale for EACH album sold in the set, thus inflating their overall performance by double the actual number of physical copies moved.
That’s how albums like “The Beatles” (The White Album) reached sales of 24 million, and 2-record sets like “Billy Joel’s Greatest Hits, Volume I and II,” Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” albums each sold 23 million copies.
Still, there are some VERY impressive numbers posted by single LP’s like AC/DC’s “Back In Black” (27 million), “Led Zeppelin IV” (24 million), “Cracked Rear View” by Hootie and the Blowfish (22 million) and “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac (21 million)
If anything, I’m a bit surprised by what’s NOT there … no “Dark Side Of The Moon,” no “Sgt. Pepper” or “Abbey Road” … no “Tapestry” or anything by Elton John, “Led Zeppelin II,” “Frampton Comes Alive” … nothing by Stevie Wonder, who ruled the charts back in the ‘70s … “Bridge Over Trouble Water,” “Saturday Night Fever” … nothing by Springsteen or Prince … or even The Rolling Stones and *NSync! (kk)
Meanwhile, Bruno Mars’ new single “I Just Might” debuted at #1 on The Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart this week. (It’s another great retro track from Bruno who, incredibly, has not released a new album on his own in ten years now.
This becomes Bruno’s tenth #1 Hot 100 Hit, which ties him with Janet Jackson and Stevie Wonder, both of whom have also topped the chart ten times.
Here is the rest of the list leading up to the leaders, The Beatles still at #1 with 20 chart-toppers:
20 - The Beatles
19 - Mariah Carey
14 - Rihanna
13 - Drake, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift
12 – Madonna, The Supremes
11 - Whitney Houston
10 - Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder
Very sad to report that Phil Collins is now under 24 hour care.
Phil said "Everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me."
Collins celebrated his 75th birthday last week … and in an interview with Zoe Ball of Eras he told her “It’s an ongoing thing. I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should do. I’ve had challenges with my knee. I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me.
“I got COVID in hospital. My kidneys started to back up. Everything seemed to converge at the same time. He also stated that he has undergone five knee surgeries and now only has one “that works. I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever.”
Collins acknowledges that he brought some of his pain upon himself by drinking too heavily for years … but says that he has been stone cold sober for the past two years.
While he admits to missing making music (although he hasn’t been able to play the drums for years due to so much pain), he also says “I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not hungry for it anymore. The thing is, I’ve been sick. I mean very sick.”
This is sad news to report. I think many of us were hoping he might eek out one more album in spite of all that’s been going wrong with his body … it might even be therapeutic for him to do so … but it doesn’t sound like he’s in the right frame of mind (or physically able) to do so at this time. Our best wishes go out to him. (kk)
Meanwhile, here’s news of great, recent reunion … Micky Dolenz and Henry Diltz at the Troubadour in Los Angeles …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DioJj65CD4
Look for a new Beach Boys Box Set release celebrating the Brother Studio years, 1976 – 1977.
They’re referring to it as a new six-disc (3CD & 3LP), 73-track collection exploring the 1976 - 1977 Brian Wilson-penned and produced sessions at Brother Studio, offering up a “trove of unheard outtakes, alternate mixes, instrumentals, demos, and more.”
These tracks include the newly remastered Love You album, unreleased songs from 15 Big Ones sessions, and the first official release of the mythical unreleased Adult/Child sessions. The expansive compilation also includes extensive liner notes detailing the Brother Studio era, along with beautiful, never-before-seen photos. The new collection, titled “We Gotta Groove,” will be released on February 13th. (kk)
And, just before John Mellencamp kicks off his Greatest Hits / Dancing Words tour, his old label (as in “before he had ANY hits”) is releasing a 2-CD anthology featuring some of his earliest works. (At least these will have bonus tracks – which means I’ll probably end up rebuying them again!)
Full coverage here: https://theseconddisc.com/2026/01/20/john-mellencamp-early-anthology-john-cougar-mainman/
Can’t wait for the upcoming tour! (kk)
You gotta wonder how many “future deejays” somebody like Dick Biondi influenced and inspired back in those early days of rock and roll.
This just in from Shadoe Stevens … he was inducted into The Radio Hall Of Fame in 2023 …
I love Dick Biondi! As a kid growing up in North Dakota, I listened every night.
On top of a pizza will never die in my mind.
Thanks!
Shadoe
Annette Kleinbard Changed Her Name To Carol Conors.
Phil Spector Liked Her Voice And Told Her That If She Had $10, They Could Make A Recording.
She Didn't Have It ... Got It From Her Mother. They Recorded "TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM" In Two Takes..
She Said It Was True That The Title Came From Phil's Father's Headstone.
She Has A Book And Documentary = "ELVIS, ROCKY & ME."
Elvis Liked Her Voice. They Met. She Dated Him For 9 Months ... He Was Her First Boyfriend.
Carol Connors Wrote The Lyrics To Rocky Theme "GONNA FLY NOW."
She Also Wrote "HEY LITTLE COBRA."
She Is Currently Showing Her Documentary At Film Festivals, Hoping It Gets Picked Up By A Streaming Service.
>>>FRANK B REPORTING
Would love to see the documentary! (kk)
The Bellamy Brothers will celebrate their 50 Years Of Hits with their first-ever, headlining performance at The Ryman Theater in Nashville on June 25th. In fact, it was also 50 years ago that their biggest hit, “Let Your Love Flow,” topped the pop charts as well. One other crossover hit, “If I Said You Have A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me,” made The Pop Top 40. Out of over fifty charted country hits, ten of their hit singles have topped Billboard’s Country Singles Chart, including “If I Said You Have A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me,” “Sugar Daddy,” “Do You Love As Good As You Look” and “Kids Of The Baby Boom.”
Their Ryman appearance will be part of a lengthy tour that’ll last all year long, celebrating this career milestone. (The tour is already underway, kicking off on January 17th in Immokalee, Florida and carrying on thru nearly 75 dates, ending December 5th at the Richard Childress Racing Welcome Ceremony. (kk)
Looks like Billy Preston will be getting a new documentary as well. “That’s The Way God Planned It” covers Billy entire career, dating back to the age of five. Over the years, beside The Beatles, Billy has recorded and toured with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton and many others … and this promises to be a very interesting documentary.
The film will premier at New York City’s Film Forum on February 20th and then show in selected theaters thereafter. (kk)
A short while back we told you about a new book celebrating the story of Shelter Records and The Church Studio down in Tulsa, OK. It’s a coffee-table book for sure and the legacy of artists who recorded there is overwhelming.
Well, now comes word that a companion piece album is being released later this month. Titled “Sanctuary Of Sound,” it is due for release on January 30th.
From the official press release:
SANCTUARY OF SOUND – THE COMPANION ALBUM OUT JANUARY 30
When the book Sanctuary of Sound was released in August, it immediately ignited engagement with a comprehensive look at the renowned The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma: the original home of Shelter Records, producer Denny Cordell, and the Master of Space and Time, Leon Russell.
Contained in its 344 pages are detailed accounts of how Cordell and Russell first discovered the location (actually sitting in a coffee shop directly across the street from its location); the initial artists; details of its earliest recording sessions; including Russell; The Gap Band; Mudcrutch (Tom Petty); Eric Clapton; George Harrison; Willie Nelson; Michael Bolton; Freddie King; Bob Marley; JJ Cale; Phoebe Snow; Don Nix; Mary McCreary, Dwight Twilley; Ringo Star; Bob Seger; Jimmy Buffet; Bonnie Raitt; Stevie Wonder; Oak Ridge Boys; Kansas; Richard Torrence; and of course, Leon Russell as himself, and as Hank Wilson; many of the original Shelter-ads; and an exhaustive look into the machinations of running the studio.
Now, CEO Teresa Knox (the current owner and proprietor of The Church) has meticulously put together a companion album for the book, which features nine songs for the book’s nine chapters. Says Knox: “Sanctuary of Sound is told through nine songs for nine chapters, each a companion to the century-old story. All the tracks were recorded at The Church Studio and each track is an original work, written and performed by Tulsa artists who are inspired and embrace the significance of the building. The opening track is a cover of “Amazing Grace” – with the band’s interpretation."
The book, which has received critical praise from the likes of Goldmine Magazine, MusicDrivesUs podcast; MIX, Times Square Chronicles and Medium; is now officially joined by a companion album. Adds Knox, “The opening song honors the early church congregation, transitions to the Tulsa Sound of the seventies and recordings of the eighties, and carries into the 'People's Church,' including the 'church' choir made up of studio volunteers, employees, and members. The music is created by Oklahoma artists and pays tribute to the musicians, The Church, and a heritage that continues to resonate with visitors today. In addition to being released as a full album, each chapter of the audiobook opens and closes with snippets of these recordings, inviting the listener to step inside and stay awhile.”
Today, the studio continues its historic recording session, which have included recent sessions by: Kenny Loggins; Dropkick Murphys; Tommy Emmanuel; Bill Champlin; John Ford Coley; George Thorogood; Southall; The Mountain Goats; Elle King; Wade Bowen; Michael Martin Murphey; Turnpike Troubadours; John R. Miller, and Disney's Jordan Fisher.
Also, Taj Mahal, who won a Grammy in 2025 for Swingin’ Live at The Church, which was completely recorded there.
SANCTUARY OF SOUND REVIEWS:
·Mix Magazine: “The massive book is inevitably a paean to the facility’s founder, Russell, but it’s also a carefully documented history of the recording studio and the incredible music that has been has been birthed there, as well as a tribute to the determination of author Teresa Knox, who brought the studio back from oblivion starting in 2016."
·MEDIUM: “Leon Russell had earned widespread recognition as a prolific artist even before purchasing the historic building. His song “A Song for You” has been covered by over two hundred performers, including Aretha Franklin, Michael BublĂ©, Whitney Houston, Neil Diamond, Cher, Amy Winehouse, and Joe Cocker. In March 1970, Cocker and Russell put together the notorious Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour. It was a 48-city excursion that took place over a short 60 days. A live double album was later released featuring recordings made during their performances in New York City on March 27 and 28”.
· NPR/Theater In The Round: “Author, studio owner, producer and historic preservationist Teresa Knox discusses her longtime Leon Russell fandom, her recently published coffee table book Sanctuary of Sound: The Church Studio Story dedicated to the legendary Tulsa recording space and the January release of Sanctuary of Sound: The Companion Album.”
· Tulsa People: “Just east of downtown Tulsa, a dynamic history reverberates within the stone walls of The Church Studio. From its initial use as a place of worship to its transformation into Leon Russell’s headquarters for Shelter Records, to years of abandonment until it was restored as a state-of-the-art recording studio by Tulsa entrepreneur Teresa Knox.
· Times Square Chronicles: “This deluxe 12×12-inch, 344-page volume presents the full saga of The Church Studio — chronicling its inception as land granted by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, its transformation into a sacred church, and, in 1972, its celebrated rebirth as a recording studio under the legendary musician and producer Leon Russell. Under Russell’s ownership, The Church Studio became a creative epicenter, shaping American music history and hosting a constellation of acclaimed artists, and serving as the headquarters of the trailblazing music label, Shelter Records.”
And you can look for a 4-CD Collectors Set of Leon Russell recordings coming out on March 20th. “The Paradise Years, 1976 – 1981” will feature many tunes recorded with his wife Mary. (The box set includes newly remastered editions of “Leon and Mary’s Wedding Album.” And their follow-up LP “Make Love to the Music” as well as Leon’s “Americana” and “Life and Love” plus Mary Russell’s “Heart of Fire.” As if that’s not enough “The Live Album” by Leon Russell and The New Grass Revival will also be included as well as seven rare, new-to-CD bonus singles. (kk)
Andrew Gold also gets the box set treatment with a brand new 6-CD + 1 DVD collection coming January 30th. It features all four of his Asylum albums plus a disc of outtakes and unreleased recordings as well as a live cd recorded in 1976 and 1977.
The DVD will feature promotional videos that Andrew made as well as television appearances and interviews. (Looks like we’re off to a great start here in 2026!) kk
If you're a Lovin' Spoonful fan, boy, is this the box set for you!
Cherry Red Records has collected the COMPLETE Lovin' Spoonful collection of '60's recordings, 1965 - 1969, and packaged them all together in a 7-CD box set. Mono and Stereo versions of their early LP's, bonus tracks (outtakes and demos) ... QUITE the complete collection to satisfy ANY Lovin' Spoonful fan.
More details here: https://theseconddisc.com/2026/01/26/cherry-red-lovin-spoonful-daydream-box/
Happy 2026, Kent!
How are you?
I have been busy working on Micky Dolenz's 60th Monkees tour book, a David Cassidy photo book, and finding photos for a Huey Lewis & The News documentary.
Sent you a few photos to post on the blog.
The two black and white photos are from Jim Edmundson's archives. He did security at this show in Phoenix (January 21, 1967) and then was hired to do security on the 1967 Summer Tour. Tomorrow (January 22, 1967) it was The Monkees at the Cow Palace in San Francisco 59 years ago. They filmed both concerts and used footage from both of those venues in the episode "Monkees On Tour."
May this New Year be healthy, joyful and prosperous for all of us.
I heard about the arctic blast there in Chicago ... be careful!
LYB,
Gary Strobl
Hey Gary! Happy New Year! Looking forward to see all three of the projects you’re currently working on. Let’s catch up next time you’re in Chicago. (My schedule is a lot more flexible now that I’ve retired!) But definitely let it warm up first … this weekend they’re forecasting windchills of -35 to -40 degrees!!! (kk)
The 2026 Songwriters Hall Of Fame inductees have been announced …
Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Taylor Swift
The Inductions and Awards Gala Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 11th, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Unfortunately this event is not televised or open to the public. (kk)
Best Classic Bands referenced another WLS Chart, spotlighting a great week in Top 40 Music, this time from the last week of January, 1969. (In fact, the chart is actually dated 57 years ago today!)
Since they didn't run it, we figured WE would ... check it out right after you read their tribute via the link below ...
https://bestclassicbands.com/radio-hits-january-1969-1-25-166/
You'll see our very own Chuck Buell mentioned at the bottom ... Todd Rundgren's original Nazz version of "Hello It's Me" at #40 ... and a local hit by Chicago's New Colony Six posted at #28.
We weren't the WLS Silver Dollar Survey anymore in 1969 ...
By this time, John Rook was running the station (in fact, it was John who brought Chuck Buell to Chicago) ... and his musical buzz words were always "The Hit Parade" ... so that's what we became.
Still, we featured a WIDE variety of musical styles ... you'll find psychedelia, courtesy of Tommy James and the Shondells, hard rock via The Doors and Spirit, soul by Sly and the Family Stone and The Young-Holt Unlimited, Elvis Presley and Paul Anka back on the charts a decade plus after they started, bubble gum by The 1910 Fruitgum Company, show tunes courtesy of Sammy Davis, Jr. and even a little bit of country thanks to Tammy Wynette and Johnny Cash. (Boy, I sure do miss those golden days of Top 40 Radio!) kk
Best Smile of the Day …
Remembering George Burns on his birthday 🎂!!!! January 20th. Seen here at Chasen's. I asked him if I could get a photo and he told me to wait a minute ...
Then he came back with Carol Channing and Betty White!
Jim Roup
