Ron & Heather's Magical Monday Musical Matinee

October 5th kicks off Rock-tober

We take one calendar day and spin it through the decades. We're going from doo-wop to denim-jacket rock in three songs with our number one songs on this date from 62, 72 and 82.

“Sherry" by The Four Seasons was number one on this date . Frankie Valli originally wrote it as "Jackie Baby" for his daughter.

In 1972 it was Mac Davis, a songwriter for Elvis who wrote "In The Ghetto." Davis scores on his own with "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me." This spent three weeks at the top.

And 1982: MTV is one year old, E.T. is in every theater, and John Cougar gave us "Jack & Diane."

This song started its four-week reign on October 2nd and owned the entire month.

Each Monday we feature an Album Turing 50 and a La La La song.

It was late October of 1976. Al Stewart released “Year of the Cat.“ “Sand In Your Shoes” is the track we will spotlight.

And our Original and Cover feature is also our La La song. Released in early 60’s Stevie Wonder had “La La La La La.” And a year later The Blendells made it a bigger hit. Which version do you like?

If you were born on October 5th, you are in LEGENDARY company. For the entire week as well.

Let's light the candles:

First for the Space Cowboy himself. Steve Miller, born October 5, 1943 in Milwaukee.

We are playing The Joker. It also was the number one song on the day I was born.

And from one of my favorite bands, guitarist David Bryson of Counting Crows is celebrating. We are playing “Angels of the Silences" from 1996.

A happy birthday Sir Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats, he’s the mastermind behind Live Aid.

And “ I Don't Like Mondays” is his song. But we love Mondays. And many birthdays in between not mentioned. But Friday, October 9th would have been John Lennons birthday. It’s my mom’s birthday! Which Lennon song is your favorite? We chose his first solo number one “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” from the year I was born.

We go from Doo wop to I wanna rock

doo- rock.

We open each Magical Monday musical matinee with Rons two doo- wop hits.

This week we have “BABY BLUE” from The Echoes in 1961 and a hit from the Diamonds.

Then my random LP is 1984’s “Stay Hungry” from Twister Sister.

You can’t beat “We’re Not Gonna Take It” but since it’s Rocktober we’re playing “I Wanna Rock.”

Monday, September 28, 2026

Prince’s 1999 from 1982 is the Random Lp. Which track is your favorite?

The picture reveals my Random LP 45 draw. The Motels “Shame.”

However, we are playing the b-side “Save the Last Dance for Love.”

Right after we will play “Save the Last Dance for Me” from Ben E. King in honor of his birthday today.

And the big question. Original or Cover?

Of course Ron kicks off the show with his two doo-wop hits. We are pitting birthday boy Ben E. King’s original “There Goes My Baby” from 1959 against Otis Redding’s cover from the mid- 60’s.

*Our Album Turning 50 did so fifty years ago on this day. September 28th, 1976, Stevie Wonder released Songs in the Key of Life. It's a double LP plus a 4-song bonus EP.

Number ones on this day:

1961: Bobby Vee was keeping us sweet with "Take Good Care of My Baby.”

1971: Rod Stewart rasped his way to the top with "Maggie May."

1981: Diana Ross & Lionel Richie melted hearts with "Endless Love.”

Plus our birthday salutes to legends born Sept 28:

Ben E. King - The Drifters lead voice.

Koko Taylor, Queen of the Blues — Chicago clubs shaking with "Wang Dang Doodle".

2-4 PM Eastern.

WBTNam.org

#MagicalMondayMatinee #No1Hits #MusicHistory

September 21st Diana Ross history

We have musician birthdays to celebrate this Monday, September 21st — but first, something that's never happened in all of our features to date.

Her name is Diana Ross.

She has the number one song for this date across two decades.

September 21, 1970 Diana Ross’
cover of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was in the number one spot.
((Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell first released it in 1967. ))

A decade later- on this same date in 1980 Diana Ross was in the middle of a four week number one run with “Upside Down.”

September 21st birthdays we will play tribute to
Don Felder, original lead guitarist of Eagles who co wrote “Hotel California” “Victim of Love” and others.

Faith Hill and Leonard Cohen.

Magical Monday Musical Matinee. Email me your requests.
Heather@wbtnam.org
2-4 pm Eastern
#Magicalmondaymusicalmatinee
#dianaross

"Hangin' Tough" Ron's Royal Return

Are you tough enough for this magical Monday musical Matinee lineup?

The number one song on this date September 14, 1989- was “Hangin Tough” by New Kids On The Block.
Yes, this is my childhood poster.
Do you remember the album artwork? Ron did! He immediately said they were on an 1940’s IRT subway train.
He was right. Looks like this Boston boy band was going to Coney Island.

We also have the number ones from 69 - “Sugar Sugar” and 79, “My Sharona.”
We return after a few weeks after Ron’s health issue, so I’m also calling this show Ron’s Royal Return.
It’s because we have some tributes we didn’t do from August, including the 16th, which was the day the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley died.
The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin also died that day.

So did Robert Johnson. In 1961 Columbia released an album of his work called “King of the Delta Blues Singers.”

The Queen of Pop, Madonna was born on the same day, August 16th.

We have a tribute to the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, who passed August 25th.

And today would have been the birthday of the Queen Mother of Nashville Mae Axton. She cowrote Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel.”

Summer La La Playlist

What is your favorite La La song of all time? I’ll add it to our playlist .

Here is our La La playlist from the past several Mondays. June 29th we featured “You Can Call Me Al” the 1986 lead single from Paul Simon’s 7th studio album “Graceland.” July 6th we had The Beach Boys with “You’re So Good To Me” from 1965’s “Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)” Monday the 13th was Lalala “If I Had You” by Bobby Sherman from 1969. 1967’s “Brown Eyed Girl” from Van Morrison was our sha la la on July 13th. The next week was The Beatles with “Nowhere Man” from 1965. August 3 was “The Man in Me” by Bob Dylan from his 1970 album “New Morning.” When we return September 14th, our La La is “Spike” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from 1985’s Southern Accents.

September 7th musician birthdays are stacked.

Here’s a set list. (1936-1959) Buddy Holly “Rave On” from 1958. Love the a-well-a hook. It was released a year before his death. Next- Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. (1951) “Brass in Pocket” released 1979. Akron girl moves to London, forms a band, writes one of the coolest come-ons in rock. She has performed Holly’s “Rave on” live. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 as a member of the Pretenders. She’s still performing. (1943) Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive" Originally a B-side to “Substitute”in 1978. DJs flipped it and turned it into the ultimate anthem. (1954) Happy Birthday Benmont Tench, founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Listen for his Hammond organ on “Refugee” from 1978. (1957-1997 )And Jermaine Stewart “We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off.” The massive 1986 hit with a message — slowdown and get to know someone through conversation and dancing. #magicalmondaymusicalmatinee #buddyholly #gloriagaynor #BenmontTench #ChrissieHynde #JermaineStewart

“Dumb Blonde” was Dolly Parton’s first song to chart

“Dumb Blonde” was Dolly Parton’s first song to chart, released in November 1966.

The not-so-dumb Dolly didn’t write this one, but-a song she co-wrote before she was 20- led to the Dumb Blonde release. “Put It Off Until Tomorrow" was written by Dolly Parton and Bill Owens, — first released by Bill Phillips in January 1966. It was his biggest hit- Parton had uncredited harmony- and earned her first BMI award. Following that success- Monument Records was convinced she’d make it in country music and released Dumb Blonde. Dolly recorded “Put It Off Until Tomorrow" several times, first on her debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly, which also featured Dumb Blonde. A few years later Dolly wrote a song - they wouldn’t play. “Down From Dover,” about an unmarried, pregnant teenager abandoned by her lover and family, was deemed too taboo . It wasn’t a single but was released in her 1970 album The Fairest of Them All.

Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood covered Down From Dover a year later. Several others followed.

August 25, 2026: "I'll Oilwells Love You" Dolly Parton remembrance.

A fun Dolly Parton note. She co-wrote “I’ll Oilwells Love You” several years prior to her 1974 release of "I Will Always Love You.”

“I’ll Oilwells Love You” is on Dolly’s “Just Because I'm a Woman” album from 1968.

Of course in 1992 Whitney Houston’s version of “ I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard soundtrack - is the cover most people can bolt out.

So I’m looking for a more obscure Original and Cover to showcase for Dolly.

In 1974, Tina Turner’s debut solo album included a cover of Dolly Parton’s song "There'll Always Be Music.”

Parton wrote and first recorded it as a duet with Porter Wagoner in 1973. ®

She wrote “I will always love you” as a goodbye to Wagoner as she set out on her solo career.

In 1967 Hank Williams, Jr. covered Dolly’s “I'm in No Condition”

And in ‘68 Merle Haggard & The Strangers covered her

"In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad.)”

Then in 74 covered Dollys Kentucky Gambler .

So many to name- let me know your favorite covers.

Plus I’m sure this Christmas we will hear some Dolly, as she had not only “Hard Candy Christmas” from 1982 but around 30 more - as well as holiday albums.

Aug 24th. "Crazy" story of Willie Nelson's early days

While we wait for Ron's recovery and our return to the airwaves, I have a special signed “Random CD Pull” from dad’s collection. It also helps tell an early Willie Nelson story.

The CD is Larry Butler with Willie Nelson “Memories of Hank Williams, Sr.” It was released in 2000, but in the late 50’s, Larry Butler helped jumpstart Willie Nelson’s career.

Butler was the house performer at the Esquire Ballroom in Houston. Willie Nelson offered to sell Butler songs, including “Crazy” for ten dollars each.

Instead Butler gave Nelson a loan and a job performing with his band.

Esquire Ballroom is now Neon Boots Dancehall and Saloon. It was built in 1955 by Raymond Proske. My dad started working with the Houston Police department in 1958 and was a regular. I was told they also wanted him around for security in case .

The Esquire used to hold reunions for all the old timers. Here’s dad at one. Nelson even went to one.

I was fortunate to attend the 90th birthday of Esquire Ballrooms founder Proske back 14 years ago. He spoke about Grand Prize Beer.

And of course Willie Nelson.

Larry Butler signed dad’s CD in 2003, probably at one of those reunions. Dad used to tell me about seeing names such as Price, Cline and Haggard in the early years at Esquire Ballroom.

Butler passed in 2017. Nelson posted a goodbye.

Now it’s time to choose a Willie/ butler Hank Williams song from the CD! Move It On Over, Your Cheatin’ Heart or??

Aug 16th royal births and deaths

Both Elvis Presley, King of Rock n” Roll and Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, passed on August 16th.

Elvis in 1977.

Aretha in 2018.

Madonna was born on August 16th- she’s considered Queen of Pop.

Let’s play a song for each. Which is your favorite Elvis, Aretha and Madonna song?

And all known by first names.

Albums turning 50 in 2026 summer recap

Which album released in 1976 is your favorite?

Here is a recap of some of the albums turning 50 we have spotlighted on Magical Monday Musical Matinee as we await our return September 14th. July 6th- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers debut album was released in November 1976. “American Girl” was recorded July 4th 1976 and reportedly written the night before. On July 13th we featured Blue Oyster Cult “Agents of Fortune.” We played “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and original band member Joe Bouchard called in to discuss the anniversary. He’s also releasing new songs. Check em out. July 20th it was “Wild Cherry” by Wild Cherry.” The single of course - “Play That Funky Music” Next it was Steely Dan’s “The Royal Scam” playing “The Caves of Altamira.” We had Boston’s debut album “Boston.” Released in August 1976. “More Than A Feeling” And we still have this one on deck for our return show- Jimmy Buffet’s “Havana Daydreaming.” The choice song is his Steve Goodman cover of “This Hotel Room” Which 1976 album should be featured next?

Monday, August 10, 2026

Each week we spotlight an album turning 50 this year in 2026.

This Monday it is “Havana Daydreaming” by Jimmy Buffett.

The song we will play for Magical Monday Musical Matinee is “This Hotel Room.”

It is a cover.

It was originally written and released by Steve Goodman the year prior in 1975.

Goodman is known for writing “City of New Orleans.”

We featured the song three weeks ago as our original and cover. Steve’s version from 1972 followed by Willie Nelson’s 1984 version. Arlo Guthrie had his only top 40 hit with a cover of the song in 1972.

——

Original and Cover

The Kinks or Def Leppard?

Our Original and Cover feature this week is "Waterloo Sunset.”

It’s originally by The Kinks from the album Something Else released in 1967.

Def Leppard covered it in the 2006 cover album Yeah!

Which version do you like better ? And can you hear sha la la in background vocals by default Leppard? It’s prevalent in the original. In the cover it sounds instrumental but I’m reading it’s their engineered vocal production and multi layering.

I keep listening and —-

Let me know what you think.

As for this weeks La La song, it is a doo doo doo song.

It is “Spike” by Tom Petty in 1985 from

Southern Accents, his sixth studio album.

———-

Random 45 & LP

We are going back to 1982 with Swingin’ from John Anderson. It’s the random 45 pull.

The random LP from the same collection takes us back to January 1960 with “The Village of St. Bernadette” by Andy Williams.

We will play the title song from the album.

That song was also released as a single with the B-side a cover of Hank Williams “I’m so Lonesome I could cry.”

Just last week I pulled the Charley Pride 45 from 1980 with b side I’m so Lonesome I could cry” and A side Honky Tonk Blues.

August 1st birthday tribute "Friend of the Devil"

Planning for Mondays show, this Saturday, August 1st is a must mention for me for Magical Monday Musical Matinee.

Today is the birthday of both the Dead's Jerry Garcia and Adam Duritz of Counting Crows.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BLPefd6DG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In honor of both of their birthdays, we are going to play Friend of the Devil- the Counting Crows cover.

Garcia cowrote the music. The song debuted on the Grateful Dead 1970 studio album American Beauty. Lyrics are by Robert Hunter.

Counting Crows covers the song live and included it in a 2003 compilation album.

Personal for me- I was in Greece wearing a Grateful Dead tshirt when I heard of Garcias passing on August 9, 1995.