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6 Things You Might Not Know About Led Zeppelin

March 17, 2016 by

From their almost unbelievable guitar licks to their groovy blues background, Led Zeppelin forged their own path through the rock and roll world of the 1970s. Here are some of the most interesting highlights from the iconic band’s explosive history.

  1. Guitarist Jimmy Page achieved success with his first band, The Yardbirds, throughout the 1960s. When the band broke up in 1968, they still had a number of tour dates to complete, so Page enlisted John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, and John Bonham to fill in for the estranged members. They completed the tour obligations under the name the New Yardbirds before switching to the name Led Zeppelin in 1969.
  2. Led Zeppelin recorded their first album in under 30 hours. It entered the Billboard Top 10 in just two months.
  3. Throughout the band’s history, every one of their albums of new material has gone platinum.
  4. When Led Zeppelin released their fourth album, they refused to give it a title or even print any words at all on the sleeve. The band members were angry at the media for continually referring to their music as a hype, so they wanted to create confusion and disorder.
  5. Led Zeppelin might have never become as popular as they did if it wasn’t for English pop singer Dusty Springfield. Page and Jones played on some of her albums, and she recommended the band to their first record label, Atlantic Records.
  6. In 1975, Led Zeppelin became the first band ever to have six albums on the Billboard charts at the same time.

Are you a Zeppelin fan? Which of the band's songs is your favorite?

Led Zeppelin [Rolling Stone]
The 10 Wildest Led Zeppelin Legends [Rolling Stone]
Led Zeppelin [Artist Facts]

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Interesting Facts About Music Icon Ray Charles

January 21, 2016 by

One of soul music’s most influential pioneers, Ray Charles overcame a number of personal and professional battles during his rise to stardom. Here are some of the most important highlights from his lengthy musical career.

  1. Though Ray Charles is known for being blind, he wasn’t born that way. Charles began to gradually lose his sight as a child, and he didn’t become fully blind until age seven.
  2. When he moved to Seattle at age 16, Charles befriended Quincy Jones. The legendary songwriter, trumpet player, and music producer often credits Charles for getting him into music. The two remained lifelong friends.
  3. Just one year after his first record deal with Atlantic Records, Charles saw his first number one single with “I Got a Woman." The song is now one of his most legendary.
  4. Charles has had a lot of nicknames throughout his career. When he first started to become successful, fellow musicians called him “The Genius” because of the previously unheard of way in which he blended musical styles. Later, he became known as “The Father of Soul."
  5. Charles was among the first group of musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1986, he received the honor with fellow musicians like Elvis, Chuck Berry, and James Brown.

Ray Charles [Rolling Stone]
Ray Charles [Biography]
Ray Charles Biography [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]

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5 Interesting Facts About Frank Sinatra

August 20, 2015 by

Frank Sinatra’s voice made him quite possibly the most popular singer of the 20th century, delivering personal lyrics and irresistible melodies with command and flair. He was a tough guy with a softer side, and American audiences simply couldn’t get enough of Ol' Blue Eyes. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Frank Sinatra.

  1. Frank Sinatra was so inspired by Bing Crosby that he dropped out of high school to pursue singing as a career. He performed at local nightclubs in the Hoboken, New Jersey, area and even got some air time on the city’s radio stations.
  2. After noticing his local success, bandleader Tommy Dorsey invited Sinatra to join his band. Sinatra and Dorsey enjoyed two years of hit songs together, but eventually Sinatra quit to pursue a solo career.
  3. In just three short years between 1943 and 1946, Sinatra released 17 Top 10 singles.
  4. In addition to his incredible voice, Sinatra was also a talented actor. He made his film debut in 1943 with the movie Higher and Higher, and in 1953 he won an Oscar for From Here to Eternity.
  5. Though Sinatra was signed to Capitol Records for the beginning of his recording career, he left the label to start his own label, Reprise, in the late 1950s. Warner Bros. bought Reprise, and Sinatra then started his own film production company, Artanis.

Are you a Sinatra fan? Tell us which song by Ol' Blue Eyes is your favorite!

Frank Sinatra [Biography]
Frank Sinatra Biography [Rolling Stone]
About Frank Sinatra [MTV]

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Fun Board Games to Play with Grandkids

February 20, 2013 by

If you’re looking for some fun, entertaining games that are great for all ages, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most enjoyable games to play with your grandkids!

Scrabble
This classic word game might be a bit advanced for the littlest ones, but for kids who already know how to read, Scrabble offers an opportunity for them to show off their word skills, possibly while learning a few new words too!

Clue
A detective game that's a little bit different every time you play, Clue offers kids the chance to put their deduction skills to the test. Solving Clue's whodunit is a great challenge for kids, and it's also fun for adults.

Sorry
Opinion's usually divided on this board game, but one thing's for sure: Sorry's definitely likely to foster some friendly family competition.

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Interesting Books for Seniors

November 27, 2012 by

If you’re looking for your next book to read, we’ve compiled an array of interesting suggestions that will get you informed and entertained in no-time! Check out the list below:

The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life by Jan Cullinane and Cathy Fitzgerald — This fascinating and informative read presents all your options for retirement, from exotic travel to close-to-home volunteerism. In addition, you'll also learn how to Assess Your Estate, Make Money Last, Gauge Your Biological (not chronological) Age. This book truly teaches you how to retire right and enjoy the rest of your years.

American Nightingale: The Story of Frances Slanger, Forgotten Heroine of Normandy by Bob Welch – If you’re a history buff, this book is for you. This outstanding biography tells that tale of Frances Slanger, a battlefield nurse during WWII. Slanger, despite facing anti-Semitism and the objections of her own family, rose to her true potential. This inspiring book is a must-read.

Overdosed America: The Broken Promise of American Medicine by John Abramson, M.D – For anyone who’s interested in their health and wellness, this book will captivate you. Written by an award winning doctor on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, this book uncovers the truth about the American medical system. In clear, easy to understand language, Abramson explains how the corporate takeover of clinical research and medical practice is negatively affecting the health of  Americans.

Moving On: A Practical Guide to Downsizing the Family Home by Paul and Sarah Edwards – This entertaining, witty guidebook will teach you how to Get Rid of Stuff, Keep The Memories, Maintain the Family Peace, and finally Get On With Your Life. By offering practical suggestions, this book will serve to keep you sane as you move toward a simpler, downsized home environment.

 

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Most-Loved Classic Films

September 25, 2012 by

If you have a hankering for some classic cinema, pop in one of these much-adored favorites. All skillfully acted by some of the biggest names in film history, these films will transport you back in time:

The Best Years of Our Lives
Directed by William Wyler, this film tells the story of three soldiers returning home after the end of World War II. This film lets you glimpse into what it must have really been like when the GIs returned home after WWII. This film allows you to see the lives of average people with typical struggles who face the problems of adjusting to life after such a war.

Rebecca
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this movie is an adaptation of a book by renowned author, Daphne DuMaurier. It begins with a simple romance between a poor, plain girl and a wealthy titled gentlemen, however, as the movie continues, you are led down a path that turns into something far more sinister than you could have imagined.

Philadelphia Story
This delightful comedy brought Katharine Hepburn back into the spotlight as a great screen actress. This movie still rings true today as it portrays our insatiable desire to know what society's elite do in their private lives. The story begins when a journalist and photographer show up to write a story about Katharine Hepburn’s character’s impending marriage to a stuffy businessman. Joined by film icons, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart, this film is a crowd pleaser for the ages.

Mrs. Miniver
Directed by William Wyler, this much loved film also served as a powerful piece of war propaganda during WWII. The sultry Greer Garson, who was offered the role after Norma Shearer refused it, initially balked at the idea of playing the mother of a college age boy, but was later convinced she was the right woman for the part.  She was later recognized with an Oscar for her performance in the film.

Laura
This intriguing mystery is one of the most stylish, captivating, elegant, and witty film noirs ever made. With an outstanding ensemble cast of characters, this thriller will leave you guessing until its final moments. An original poster hailed the film as: "The story of a love that became the most fearful thing that ever happened to a woman."

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Timeless Oscar-Winning Films

August 28, 2012 by

If you’re longing to watch a memorable classic film from the good old days, these films cannot be beat. These Oscar-winning standouts continue to make an impression today.

The Philadelphia Story
This classic tale, starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his role, is a charming comedy that traces the ups-and-downs of a wealthy heiress’s love life as she plans her wedding. The follies and foibles that follow are sure to leave you laughing!

Rebecca
This haunting tale, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, will leave you guessing until the very end! The film won Best Picture in 1940, and continues to captivate and thrill audiences to this day.

Yankee Doodle Dandy
James Cagney, better known for his gangster roles, won the 1942 Best Actor Oscar for his role in this movie. The movie tells the story of George M. Cohan, replete with song and dance!

The Best Years of Our Lives
Best Picture winner of 1946, this film recounts the stories of World War II veterans as they return home from the war. Their hardships are retold in a poignant tale that remains relevant to this day.

How Green Was My Valley
This touching coming-of-age story is set in a Welsh mining town. Adapted from a wonderful novel, this moving tale won the Best Picture Oscar in 1941. Before you settle in to watch, be sure to have some tissues ready.

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