Introducing ... OLIN MELTON!

???? What's a country singer doing on our rock music blog here??

Well, it's for one reason:  Olin Melton rocks!!! 

You see, he and I grew up in Pineville, N.C. -- in fact, he was part of my band, Hy-Que, at one time (he played with us at the ill-fated talent show of 1967, where we were knocked out of first place by Pam Baumgardner's PJ and the Majestics). 

Today, he's making Austin, Texas home -- and thrilling audiences across the Lone Star State with a sound that's as smooth and welcome as warm maple syrup poured over a mess of pancakes on a cool Sunday mornin' ...

I've just heard Olin's song, When Love Dies, and, with his permission, I'll put a link to it on-site here.  You've just gotta hear it -- and, when you do, I guarantee you'll want more from this dynamic singer/songwriter!  So stay tuned ... there's definitely more to come!

Actually, he's one of two Pineville boys who are makin' waves in the country music world: the other (who also picked with me back-in-the-day) is Jett Eller.  Now, whilst I'm honoured to be working with the best country ever to come outta the UK in both Mike Lane and Ron Ryan, and the terrific rock of The 286, PaperFaces, Matt Hardy and the legend himself, Phil "Fang" Volk, this is the first time I've had the pleasure of introducing my own hometown friends and former bandmates to the mix. 

So, beginning next week and amongst new videos of these other great acts, I hope to bring you more on this awesome performer and gentleman!  Oh ... and if you're on Facebook, you'll wanna "friend" him for sure!  

NOW ... A LITTLE ROCK QUIZ:

This week marked the first and last time one of the world's most popular bands played a live show.  They were three years apart -- and, no, it wasn't that band you see on your left.  I just threw them in here to throw you off-track a bit (PS: those guys did make it big, though ...). 
Sooo ... which band was it??

It is also the 43rd anniversary of Elvis' big Comeback Special on NBC (hey ... wasn't that the last big show the Peacock Network had??  Just wondering ...).
Now, there were two things about this show that stood out:  One had to do with the set (in this case, meaning the songs for the show), and the other with his fans in the audience.  Can you tell me why they were different? 

One more:  Whilst Paul Revere and the Raiders saw their hit, Good Thing, enter the "Hot 100" of the Billboard charts (finally peaking at #4; these guys were thoroughly Solid Gold, though!) in 1966, an old and pleasantly unusual song hit the charts and made it all the way to #1.  BONUS!!  If you know the name of the song, then tell me:  Which TV commercial borrowed the song and altered the lyrics to fit its product??

Okay, troops ... whilst you're trying to figure that out, I'm gonna slip away for a few and get some lunch (want me to bring ya BACK anythinggggg??).  Until later this evening (or early AM EST US tomorrow), remember:
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music ...
and I'll see ya on the flip side!!