Wax Museum Radio
Next broadcast February 14th Friday Night at midnight and Saturday night at 10pm on WRGG.
Hear Today In Rock and Roll History
Today In R&R History February 8th
Daily Rock and Roll History, Birthday and short music clips.
A year long, day by day look back at this date in Rock History in 3-5 minute segments. Now airing WRGG in Greencastle, PA, weekday mornings on KSRQ in Three River Falls, Minnesota, KIYU in Galena, Alaska
Craig Maher / Exo-X-Xeno Wax Museum Interview
Craig Maher from Exo-X-Xeno talking about the 2025 album "Luminous Voyage"
- Click picture to listen to the interview with Craig talking about the Exo-X-Xeno project with Yes members Billy Sherwood, Jay Shellen and Patrick Moraz.
Rock and Roll Birthdays
February 8th
- February 8th Birthday, Singer, songwriter Tom Rush, born in 1941 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
- February 8th Birthday, Record producer and songwriter Terry Melcher, born Terrence Paul Jorden, in 1942 in New York City. Melcher was the only child of actress Doris Day.
- February 8th Birthday, Guitarist and actor Creed Bratton from The Grass Roots born William Charles Schneider in 1943 in Los Angeles, California.
- February 8th Birthday, Drummer Adolpho ‘Fito’ de la Para from Canned Heat, born in 1946 in Mexico City, Mexico.
- February 8thBirthday, Drummer Paul Wheatbread from Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, born in San Diego, California in 1946.
- February 8th Birthday, Solo artist and member of the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, Dan Seals, born in 1948 in McCarney, Texas.
- February 8th Birthday, Singer Ron Tyson of The Temptations, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1948.
- February 8th Birthday, Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil, born Vincent Neil Wharton in 1961 in Hollywood, California.
Nektar Wax Museum interview 4/11/25
Nektar interviewed on the second night of the 2025 "Mission To Mars" Tour
- Click image to hear the exclusive the Wax Museum interview with Nektar discussiing the current tour, future plans and group history.
Today In Rock and Roll History
February 8th
- February 8th, 1956 Buddy Holly signs his recording contract with Decca Records, one which mistakenly drops the letter “e” from his last name.
- February 8th, 1957 Mercury Records release Canadian vocal quartet The Diamonds’ version of “Little Darlin’” on 45 and 78 rpm disc. The song was written by Maurice Williams and first released by Nashville, Tennessee R&B group The Gladiolas on Excello Records in January with Williams as the lead singer. The Diamonds’ version of “Little Darlin’” peaked at No. 2 on April 27th.
- February 8th, 1964 Colpix Records release “She Rides With Me” by actor Paul Petersen on 45. Petersen was a child actor who appeared on The Donna Reed Show. The track was produced by Brian Wilson, who co-wrote the song with Roger Christian.
- February 8th, 1964 “Bird Dance Beat” by The Trashmen enters the singles charts on Garrett Records. The track was written and produced by Minneapolis, Minnesota studio and record label owner George Garrett. The record charted for seven weeks and peaked at No. 30 on March 7th.
- February 8th, 1964 While The Beatles “I Want To Hold Your Hand” occupies the No. 1 spot on the charts, the singles’ B-side “I Saw Her Standing There” enters the US singles charts. “I Saw Her Standing There” was originally called “Seventeen,” conceived by Paul McCartney and completed with John Lennon. The bass line borrowed from “Talkin’ About You” by Chuck Berry. The song charted for eleven weeks and peaked at No. 14 on March 21st.
- February 8th, 1965 The Dave Clark Five begin filming their movie Catch Us If You Can. When the movie was released in the US, the film was re-titled Having A Wild Weekend.
- February 8th, 1967 With lyrics inspired by a cornflakes commercial, The Beatles record the basic track for “Good Morning, Good Morning” at EMI Studios, London with producer George Martin. George Harrison played rhythm guitar, Ringo Starr played drums and Paul McCartney played bass. The song’s writer, John Lennon added vocals in a separate February 16th session. The Sounds Inc. brass section was added on March 13th, including three saxophones, two trombones and a French horn arranged by George Martin with guidance from John Lennon. On March 28th, John recorded his lead vocal, the backing vocals with Paul McCartney, Paul played lead guitar, then a tape of animal sound effects was assembled to play as a segue between “Good Morning, Good Morning” and the LP’s next song, the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (Reprise).
- February 8th, 1968 John Bonham and Robert Plant and their group Band Of Joy open for Edwin Starr at London’s Marquee Club.
- February 8th, 1968 Tamla Records release “If You Can Wait” by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Motown house band The Funk Brothers back The Miracles on the song, with Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin playing lead. Claudette Rogers Robinson, Pete Moore, Ronnie White and Bobby Rogers sing backup. Co-produced by Al Cleveland and songwriter Smokey Robinson, “If You Can Wait” went to No. 11 on April 27th.
- February 8th, 1969 Parrot Records release “Blue Matter,” the third album by British blues rock band Savoy Brown. The album, a mix of live and studio tracks, was produced by Mike Vernon. On the live recordings, guitarist Dave Peverett sang the lead vocals, filling in for Chris Youlden, who had tonsillitis. The record peaked at No. 182 on April 19th.
- February 8th, 1969 The Monkees release “Tear Drop City” backed with “A Man Without A Dream” on 45. Co-written, co-produced and arranged by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, it was the first Monkees single released as a trio following the departure of Peter Tork from the group. Davy Jones sang lead on both sides of the single, both from the band’s “Instant Replay” LP. The record spent seven weeks on the charts and peaked at No. 56 on March 15th.
- February 8th, 1969 “The Live Adventures Of Mike Bloomfield And Al Kooper” enters the album charts following a January release on Columbia Records. A double album recorded at the Fillmore West from September 26th through the 28th, 1968, playing with the duo were Jerry Garcia associate John Kahn on bass and drummer Skip Prokop from The Paupers and Lighthouse. Carlos Santana and Elvin Bishop make guest appearances as well. The record peaked at No. 18 on March 8th.
- February 8th, 1969 London Records release “Blues From Laurel Canyon.” Recorded at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, London, England between the 26th and 28thof August 1968, the album was released in England that December and featured contributions from guitarists Peter Green and future Rolling Stone Mick Taylor. In the US, the record peaked at No. 68 on April 19th.
- February 8th, 1969 Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker announce the formation of Blind Faith with Steve Winwood and bassist Rick Grech.
- February 8th, 1969 “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” the first album by The Bob Seger System enters the album charts. Co-produced by the band and Punch Andrews, future Eagles member Glenn Frey plays acoustic guitar and sings backing vocals on the title track. The record charted for ten weeks and peaked at No. 62 on February 22nd.
- February 8th, 1969 “English Rose,” the second US album by Fleetwood Mac, enters the charts following a February release on Epic Records. Combining six tracks from the British “Mr. Wonderful” album, three UK non-album single sides, two not-yet-released songs from the UK version of the “Then Play On” LP and one other previously unreleased track, the record peaked at No. 184 on March 8th.
- February 8th, 1971 Columbia Records release “Free” by Chicago on 45. The song was written by group keyboardist and vocalist Robert Lamm as a part of the long form “Travel Suite” on the “Chicago III” album, with guitarist Terry Kath singing lead vocals. It was the first single released from the LP, peaking at No. 20 on April 3rd.
- February 8th, 1972 Warner Brothers Records release “Be My Lover” by Alice Cooper on 45. Recorded at RCA Studios in Chicago during sessions for the band’s “Killer” LP with Bob Ezrin producing, the song was written by Cooper guitarist Michael Bruce. “Be My Lover” entered the charts in March and peaked at No. 49 on April 22nd.
- February 8th, 1973 Epic Records release “Go And Say Goodbye” by Poco on 45. Written by Stephen Stills and originally recorded by Buffalo Springfield, the song features harmony vocals by Richie Furay and Timothy Schmit. The song was recorded with co-producers Jack Richardson and Jim Mason for the band’s “A Good Feeling To Know” album.
- February 8th, 1974 Harvest Records in Britain release “(Don't You Think We’re) Forever” on 45, produced by Peter Jenner from “Harper’s “Valentine” LP. Orchestral arrangements on the song were scored by David Bedford. Written by Roy Harper, the track was an updated version of the song first appearing on Harper’s debut album “Sophisticated Beggar” in 1966.
- February 8th, 1974 Charisma Records in Britain release “The Silent Corner And The Empty Stage” by Van der Graaf Generator singer and songwriter Peter Hammill. Like many of his solo albums, members of Van der Graaf play on the album. Randy California from Spirit plays guitar on the song “Red Shift.”
- February 8th, 1974 Warner Brothers Records release the album “What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits,” the fourth by The Doobie Brothers. Recorded at Warner Brothers Studios in North Hollywood, Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco and Burbank Studios in Burbank with producer Ted Templeman, the LP reached No. 4 on March 22ndand featured two hit singles “Black Water” and “Another Park, Another Sunday.”
- February 8th, 1975 “Play Don’t Worry,” the second solo album by Mick Ronson enters the album charts following a January release on RCA Records. Recorded at Trident and Scorpio Sound Studios in London with Ronson producing, Trevor Bolder and Mike Garson return from the first LP, both David Bowie alumni. Ian Hunter sang backing vocals on “Girl Can’t Help It.” The backing track of the Velvet Underground cover version of “White Light White Heat” was a David Bowie and The Spiders From Mars recording from the sessions from the LP “Pin-Ups.” The record peaked at No. 103 on March 15th.
- February 8th, 1975 Released in January, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils “Jackie Blue” enters the singles charts. Co-written by band members Steve Cash and Larry Lee about a male bartender who’s side job was drug dealer, the lyrics turned “Jackie” into a female character at the suggestion of producer Glyn Johns. An international hit, the record went to No. 3 on May 17th, Top Ten in Canada at No. 2, New Zealand at No. 9, South Africa at No. 10 and No. 27 in Australia.
- February 8th, 1975 “Fire” by The Ohio Players is the No. 1 record in the US.
- February 8th, 1975 “Emma” by British band Hot Chocolate enters the singles charts following a January release on Big Tree Records. The first American hit of their career, the song was co-written by band members Errol Brown and Tony Wilson. The song addresses themes of suicide, early death and lost childhood. The record’s producer Mickie Most suggested the song would benefit from a set of personal lyrics. “Emma” charted for fourteen weeks and peaked at No. 8 on April 26th, No. 3 in Britain.
- February 8th, 1975 “The South’s Gonna Do It” by The Charlie Daniels Band enters the singles charts following a November 1974 release on Kama Sutra Records. Written by Charlie Daniels, the song name checks many of Southern rock’s up and coming stars. The band’s first hit single, produced by Paul Hornsby, the record charted for ten weeks and peaked at No. 29 on March 22nd.
- February 8th, 1975 Arista Records release “Melissa,” the third album by Melissa Manchester. Produced by Vini Poncia with executive producer Richard Perry at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles and A&R Studios in New York City, James Newton-Howard was a featured player on the sessions for the LP. Featuring the hit “Midnight Blue,” the record peaked at No. 12 on September 13th.
- February 8th, 1977 Elektra Records release “Marquee Moon, the first album by New York City band Television. The album was co-produced by Andy Johns and Television guitarist Tom Verlaine at A&R Studios in New York City. A critical success and now considered a seminal album of the original punk rock movement, the record went to No. 28 in Britain but didn’t chart in the US.
- February 8th, 2000 Reprise Records release “Both Sides Now,” an album of jazz standards and two original compositions, by Joni Mitchell. Co-produced by Mitchell and her husband Larry Klein at both AIR Lyndhurst Hall in Hampstead, London, England and Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles, California. The record peaked at No. 66 on April 29th and won two Grammy Awards in 2001 for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).
Miscellaneous February
- February 1957 Gale Records release “Chickee Wah Wah” by Bobby Marchan on 45. The song was co-written by Huey “Piano” Smith and John Vincent. Smith played piano on the track. Marchan was the lead singer in Smith’s band Huey “Piano” Smith and The Clowns, a popular live attraction in New Orleans in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
- February 1964 Polydor Records in Britain release “I Just Wanna Make Love To You” backed with “Let The Good Times Roll,” the first single by Scottish singer Alex Harvey and His Soul Band. Harvey wrote the A-side lyrics, reworking the Willie Dixon song. The flip side was penned by Leonard Lee, a cover version of the Shirley and Lee song from 1961.
- February 1968 Lee Hazelwood’s LHI Records release “Safe As Home” by The International Submarine Band. Led by twenty-one-year-old Gram Parsons, the LP was recorded at Western Sound (Studio B) in Hollywood with producer Suzi Jane Hokom. Parsons had accepted the offer to join The Byrds before the album was released.
- February 1973 Harvest Records release “Lifemask,” the sixth album by Roy Harper. Produced by Peter Jenner at Abbey Road Studios in London, Jimmy Page and Nice drummer Brian Davidson were among the studio musicians on the record.
- February 1973 John Martyn’s “Solid Air” album is released. Recording began in July 1972 at Sound Techniques in Chelsea with producer John Wood. Further sessions took place in September and recording was completed by December 9th, 1972.
- February 1974 A&M Records release “When The Morning Comes” by Hoyt Axton on 45. Written by Axton who co-produced the track with Allan McDougall, the song features Linda Ronstadt on backing vocals.
- February 1975 Warner Brothers Records release “Rock The Nation,” the debut single from Montrose. Co-produced by the band and Ted Templeman, the band included lead vocalist Sammy Hagar, guitarist Ronnie Montrose, Bill Church on bass and Denny Carmassi on drums.
- February 1976 RCA/Equinox Records release “Jamaica Farewell” by California Music on 45. The traditional song was co-credited to Terry Melcher, Curt Boettcher and Gary Usher. Usher and Melcher were in the group along with Beach Boy Bruce Johnston.
- February 1977 DEVO release their first single on their own record label, Booji Boy Records. “Mongoloid” backed with “Jocko Homo” was co-credited and produced by the band. Both songs would be rerecorded for the group’s first LP “Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!” in 1978.
- February 1978 Columbia Records release “Godzilla” by Blue Öyster Cult on 45. The song was written by Cult guitarist Donald Roeser from Blue Öyster Cult’s fifth album “Spectres.” The record was co-produced by the band, Murray Krugman, Sandy Pearlman and David Lucas.
- February 1980 CBS Records in Ireland release “Another Day” backed with “Twilight” by U2 on 45. The group co-wrote the LP collectively and co-produced the disc with Chas De Walley.
- February 1980 Virgin Records in the US release the first stateside single by XTC. “Ten Feet Tall” was written by bassist Colin Moulding and produced by Phil Wainman, While the label copy states the song is from the band’s “Drums And Wires” LP, the version issued on the 45 in not the same as the one on the album.
- February 1987 Legacy Records in Britain release “Staring Up” by Roy Wood. The LP was written produced and arranged by Roy Wood, playing and singing all the instruments and vocals himself.
The Paul Bielatowicz Band Wax Museum interview 4/11/25
The Paul Bielatowicz Band interviewed on their 2025 Spring Tour
- Click image to hear the exclusive the Wax Museum interview with The Paul Bielatowicz Band discussiing the current tour and future plans.
Music and conversation with Andy Tillison of The Tangent
Wax Museum interview May 2024
- Click image to hear The Wax Museum's Andy Tillison interview
This Week In Rock and Roll History
This Week In Rock and Roll History week of February 8th
This Week In Rock and Roll History is a weekly one hour look back at the songs, the artists, and the stories behind the music of the rock and roll era.
Jonas Reingold Interview
Jonas Reingold in The Wax Museum
Click image to hear Chris Palladino's Wax Museum Interview with Jonas Reingold
Carl Giammarese / The Buckinghams Interview
The Buckinghams Radio Show
Click image to hear Chris Palladino's interviews on WRGG with Carl Giammarese from The Buckinghams in 2022 and 2024
The Cool Song Of The Week
Cool Song Of The Week February 8th - XTC
Cool songs from the Rock and Roll Era, Closet Classics and more.
Robert Fripp Radio Oz interview 7/25/85
King Crimson guitarist Radio Oz interview
- Click Fripp's image to hear the King Crimson guitarist, record producer, solo artist in this 1985 interview for the WARX Sunday night Radio Oz program. Fripp discusses his then current Guitar Craft courses, King Crimson stories, his start in the music business, and more.
Annie Haslam 2019 Wax Museum interview
Annie Haslam "In Words and Music"
- Click picture to hear Annie Haslam "In Words and Music". The iconic Renaissance singer talks at length about music, her life, and artwork for an exclusive interview in The Wax Museum.
Tommy James Wax Museum Interview January 2019
Tommy James
- Click picture to hear Tommy promoting all his planned 2019 activities; new album, Sirius XM radio show, touring, new movie, etc.
From the Radio Oz interview archives
Firesign Theatre interview 1980
- Click picture to listen to this archival interview with The Firesign Theatre recorded during their 1980 Fighting Clowns tour of the US for Radio Oz now available for purchase in the Firesign Theatre's "Fighting Clowns" of Hollywood" collection! Also check out this Tiny Ossman interview from 1995 -
Woody Lissauer Wax Museum Interview 2/22/20
Baltimore based Woody Lissauer steps up to the Wax Museum microphones for this in depth interview!
- Click picture to listen to the Wax Museum interview with Woody Lissauer and his latest album "Trouble The Water" with Barbara Ireland and Steve Caplan.
