Rhino, Warner Chappell Music Celebrate 50th Anniversary Of Harry Chapin's 'Cat’s In The Cradle'

Fifty years ago, on Tuesday, October 1st, 1974, Grammy-nominated folk singer Harry Chapin released the multi-generational hit “Cat’s In The Cradle.” By December of that same year, the song had skyrocketed to #1, and made Chapin a household name. Originally inspired by a poem written by his wife Sandy, “Cat’s In the Cradle” afforded Chapin newfound stardom that allowed him to launch WhyHunger, Center for Food Action and Long Island Cares, or The Harry Chapin Food Bank. Together, the charities help almost two million adults and children facing food insecurity each year in the U.S. and around the world. 

Today the song has also been certified 2x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Each year, WhyHunger honors individuals for their commitment to helping to end hunger, presenting the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award and running an annual Hungerthon campaign that educates the public and raises critical funds to end hunger in America. What originally began as a radio-driven Thanksgiving tradition in 1975, and hit airwaves across the nation each fall through partnerships with SiriusXM, Audacy NY, and iHeartMedia NY has since raised millions for the cause. 

This year, in addition to the annual Hungerthon and in celebration of the song’s 50th anniversary, Chapin’s family has announced the release of a documentary about the making of “Cat’s In The Cradle,” as well as live tour dates for the Harry Chapin Band this fall. Stops include Tarrytown, NY, multiple shows in New Jersey, and more cities along the East Coast with a lineup including his brothers Tom and Steve Chapin, daughter Jen Chapin nieces Abigail and Lily Chapin, Big John Wallace, Howard Fields, Clark Wallace, Stephan Crump, Jamie Fox, and the newly added Arlen Hlusko on cello.

Artist and actor interviews in the documentary will come from Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, Judy Collins, Robert Lamm, Darryl McDaniels, Whit Crane from Ugly Kid Joe and more, plus clips of Johnny Cash and others performing the song. Stay tuned for more release plans and its official release.

Harry Chapin sold over 16 million records, had 14 hit singles, and garnered two GRAMMY nominations. In 1977 he was a key participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger. He was posthumously awarded the GRAMMY President’s Merit Award in 1986 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1987. He was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2006 and GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2011.

For more info, visit harrychapinmusic.com.

‘The Session Man: Nicky Hopkins’ Documentary To Be Released November 5th

The Session Man: Nicky Hopkins, a documentary film that tells the story of the prolific virtuoso session pianist Nicky Hopkins, will be released in North America November 5th on TVOD/PPV on Amazon Prime, additional major platforms and will also be available on DVD in late 2024. 

Featuring commentary from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Peter Frampton, Pete Townshend and more, The Session Man explores the legendary 30-year career of Nicky Hopkins and his contributions to over 250 albums, including John Lennon’s Imagine, The Who’s My Generation, and countless iconic songs like “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker, “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones and “Revolution” by The Beatles. 

Directed by Mike Treen, The Session Man has been shown at festivals in a number of countries, winning awards in London, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Los Angeles and Paris. It is scheduled to be screened in The New Zealand Indie Film Festival and The Albuquerque Film Festival at the end of September.

"Nicky Hopkins was a dear friend and iconic piano player," says Peter Frampton. "No one had his wonderful touch, feel and choice of notes. I was lucky to have him play on my Somethin’s Happening record. I miss him and listen to him often. He taught me plenty." 

Classically trained at The Royal Academy of Music, London, Nicky Hopkins could play Rock and Roll piano like nobody else. His legendary piano riffs and dazzling musical motifs helped ordinary tracks become iconic. With a career spanning 30 years until his tragic early death at age 50, he played with some of the greatest bands and artists in the world including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Steve Miller Band, Joe Cocker, Jerry Garcia, Art Garfunkel and many others.

By the late 1960’s, Hopkins was one of the busiest and most successful session players in London. He then joined the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, which took him to America. He settled in Mill Valley enjoying the free-wheeling San Francisco ‘Bay Area Bands’ and playing at Woodstock with Jefferson Airplane. The 1970’s were his most successful period, commuting across The Atlantic to play with The Stones, John Lennon, and on countless sessions in Los Angeles.

Living with Crohn’s disease since his teens, his ability to tour was limited, although he would manage tours with The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker and Art Garfunkel. But it was in the recording studio where he became a legend amongst his peers. 

Nicky Hopkin’s story is told in the film by Albert Lee, Antonia Cipollina, Arthur Rochester, Benmont Tench, Bill Wyman, Billy Nicholls, Bro Paul Brown, Chris Kimsey, Chris Welch, Chuck Leavell, Dave Davies, Glyn Johns, Graham Parker, Gray Levett, Greg Phillinganes, Harry Shearer, Helen O’Hara, Jack Casady, Jim Keltner, Joe Tansin, John Goddard, Jorma Kaukonen, Julian Dawson (Nicky’s biographer – author of And on Piano… Nicky Hopkins), Keith Richards, Merrell Fankhauser, Mick Jagger, Mike Hurst, Mike McCartney, Moira Hopkins (Nicky’s widow), Morgan Fisher, Nils Lofgren, Paddy Milner, Pete Edmonds, Pete Sears, Pete Townshend, Peter Frampton, PP Arnold, Rory Kaplan, Sarah Sleet (CEO of Crohn’s & Colitis UK), Shel Talmy, Slim Jim Phantom, Terry Reid and Tom Speight.

The Session Man’s narrator, Bob Harris, former presenter of the BBC’s The Old Grey Whistle Test, had no hesitation in confirming that, “His contributions on their records made him Rock and Roll’s greatest Session Man.”

For more info, visit thesessionmanfilm.com.

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge “Performs Days Of Future Passed” November Tour Dates

John Lodge, best known as the bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, will be back on tour in November 2024 in the USA.  Following the critically acclaimed and sold out shows earlier this year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is continuing in his celebration of Moody Blues music and their epic album Days of Future Passed.

The November run starts in Clarksburg, WV on Nov. 12, and ends in Royal Oak, MI on Nov  19. Then the tour will recommence in February 2025. All dates are on sale today, and special VIP packages are available that include a special personalized hello video from Lodge, together with limited edition merchandise and a great seat. Ticket link here.

‘Performs Days of Future Passed’ encompasses a first set of Moodies classics featuring fan favorites such as "Isn’t Life Strange," "Legend of a Mind," "I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)," and "Ride my See-Saw." The second set features renditions of "Nights in White Satin" and "Tuesday Afternoon." 

Lodge performs songs written by late Moody Blues members Mike Pinder and Ray Thomas. The group's drummer, Graeme Edge, appears on screen for a very special video, reciting his poems, "Morning Glory" and "Late Lament." Jon Davison of Yes sings “Nights in White Satin,” “Tuesday Afternoon,” and other classic Justin Hayward-penned hits. 

“In crafting this show, I wanted to ensure there was a place for all my Moodies bandmates. It’s a joy to perform not only my own songs but those of my friends Ray and Mike, and to hear Jon sing Justin’s songs," Lodge says. "But my greatest joy is seeing Graeme up on stage with me, it never stops being emotional. My hope is that we can all take a trip down days of future passed together, and that audiences will leave feeling as if something joyful happened to them. It’s been a tough year, but thanks to the love of my family, and the support of my fans, I’m delighted to be back on the road, so thank you all for keeping the faith.”

The tour is in support of John Lodge’s album Days of Future Passed – My Sojourn, available now on CD, limited edition vinyl, and all streaming services.

Joining Lodge on stage is his ‘10,000 Light Years Band’ comprised of long term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).  

NOVEMBER 2024 TOUR DATES

Nov 12, Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Clarksburg, WV - Tickets

Nov 14, Historic Park Theatre & Event Center, Cranston, RI - Tickets

Nov 15, Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ - Tickets

Nov 17, Temple Live at Columbus Athenaeum, Columbus, OH - Tickets

Nov 19, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI - Tickets

For further information, visit johnlodge.com/.

'Never Let Go - A Tribute to Camel' Drops Tomorrow

Guitarists Ian Gothe And Fernando Perdomo have taken 11 songs originally recorded by UK prog-rock band Camel and given them a 'makeover' for a new album from Think Like A Key Music called Never Let Go - A Tribute to Camel.  

Pre-order Never Let Go - A Tribute to Camel

From devoted Camel-ites to prog neophytes, Never Let Go offers something for everyone. It’s not just a tribute; it’s a love letter to prog rock, a masterclass in musicianship, and a journey through time and space. Its where Prog Past Meets Prog Future. Never Let Go is proof, you might say, that you can teach an old Camel new tricks. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your next desert trek or interstellar journey. 

Watch an animated video below for “City Life, ”one of the songs from Never Let Go.

Born to an Armenian family in Iran, Ian Gothe spent much of his adolescence traveling across continents in search of a home. After he and his hard-won guitar left Iran before the revolution, the 14-year-old lived with family in England and later made his way to the United States by way of a year in Baltimore before finally settling in Los Angeles, where he lives today. Citing the influences of British bands such as Camel and Genesis, and many less well-known musicians, Gothe’s style is an eclectic triumph that fuses not only musical genres but also crosses language barriers as well with songs that feature both English and his native Armenian.

Fernando Perdomo is a powerhouse of the LA music scene who has made a name for himself as an in-demand producer, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is a featured guitarist in the Netflix documentary Echo In The Canyon, where his is seen backing up Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, Brian Wilson, Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, Cat Power, and Jade Castrinos. He is also played on every track on the official soundtrack album of the film along with Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Josh Homme as well as the aforementioned artists. He has opened for Todd Rundgren, Leon Russell, Filter, Adrian Belew, and Kasim Sulton. His latest solo album, Self, is available at BandCamp.

Never Let Go was produced and engineered by Gothe and Perdomo, mixed and mastered by Zach Ziskin, and recorded in Los Angeles at Sherman Oaks based Forward Motion Studios. Gothe’s credits on the album include vocals, 6 and 12-string acoustic guitar, classical guitar, flute, bass, and tanpura. Perdomo plays electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, electric sitar, and sings harmony vocals on the record. Other featured players include singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Dave Kerzner, as well singer Durga McBroom, who toured with Pink Floyd in the 80s and 90s, lending ethereal vocals to “Another Night.”

King Crimson's 'Red - The 50th Anniversary Edition' Coming October 25

DGM and Panegyric are releasing the 50th anniversary edition of King Crimson's classic album Red. The double Blu-ray + double CD edition features completely new Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Surround and stereo mixes by Steven Wilson. 

Red was one of the earliest mixes undertaken by Steven Wilson in 2009, as King Crimson was the first of a number of artists to be mixed by the Porcupine Tree leader. Its appropriate that he return, some 15 years later, to take the album into the Dolby Atmos era.

“What I hear on Red is the best representation of 72-74 era line-up in the studio," Wilson says. "In effect this is a power trio record and their sound is just huge." 

Red - The 50th Anniversary Edition features:

• Four-disc boxed set with 2 x Blu-ray & 2CDs

• Two Blu-rays featuring completely new mixes of the album in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD MA Surround, and Hi-Res stereo by Steven Wilson, New Elemental Mixes in Hi-Res stereo by David Singleton, a number of extra tracks drawn from the existing sessions reels mixed by David Singleton, all three mixes of the live album USA in Hi-Res Stereo, five audio restored bootleg concert recordings from the 1974 US tour making their debut on disc & the audio restored bootleg of the band’s final US show in Central Park NYC on July 1st, 1974

• Two CDs feature new stereo + instrumental mixes by Steven Wilson and new Elemental Mixes & a sequence of studio recordings detailing the making of ‘Starless’ mixed by David Singleton

• Two vinyl replica sleeves in a rigid slipcase with booklet including photos and new sleeve-notes by King Crimson Biographer Sid Smith

• Complete album’s worth of Elemental Mixes by long-time King Crimson producer (and band manager) David Singleton – using the original multi-track recordings to present a very different audio picture of the album, with greater separation of instruments & utilizing many recorded elements recorded for, but not included in, the original mixes.

As King Crimson biographer Sid Smith puts it in his new notes for the album: “David Singleton’s elemental mixes pull the veil aside on the original sessions and act as a kind of alternative account, a ‘Red’ that could have been, revealing the different passes and takes that the band undertook as well as those Collins, Charig and McDonald as they engaged with the material.”

Red was recorded immediately after King Crimson’s final US tour of 1974 and the anniversary edition reflects that by including all three Hi-Res stereo mixes of the live album USA in its full concert versions. Also included are a quintet of audio restored bootlegs being issued on disc for the first time, alongside a bootleg of the band’s final US concert in New York in 1974, which Robert Fripp claimed was “the first gig since the 1969 Crimson where the bottom of my spine registered ‘out of this world’ to the same degree.”

In the decades since its release, Red has gone from being an album that was, upon release, under-promoted – as the band had already split up, to being one of the most lauded albums of its era and (after In The Court of the Crimson King), King Crimson’s biggest selling album. 

By the time King Crimson entered the studio in July 74, the band had spent the best part of two years on the road, recorded two albums along the way (“Larks’ Tongues In Aspic” and “Starless And Bible Black”) and shed two band members en route; percussionist Jamie Muir having quit early 1973, and violin/mellotron player David Cross at the end of the US tour just a week prior to the recording of Red.

Crimson had built a reputation as one of the tightest, most powerful bands on the rock circuit. Recording as a trio in Olympic studios in London, with one improv piece (Providence) drawn from that final US tour and with contributions from former members & friends on saxophones, violin, and oboe, the group produced the last Crimson studio album of the 70s and one of the decade’s masterpieces – Red.

Red emerged as a distillation of everything Crimson had been working towards live and in the studio between 72 and 74. In the half century since its release it has built an enviable, enduring reputation among fans and professional musicians alike – with bands from each succeeding decade citing it as an important influence.

Pre-order Red - The 50th Anniversary Edition Double Double CD/Blu-ray and Double LP

For more information, visit dgmlive.com.

Experience Hendrix Tour Kicks Off In Seattle

Last week saw the launch of The Experience Hendrix Tour for the first time since the (pre-pandemic) 2019 edition. This marks the tour’s 20th anniversary, and the kickoff took place, most fittingly, at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, the hometown of Jimi Hendrix. 

For the occasion and by arrangement with the city’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), the Fender Stratocaster guitar that Jimi Hendrix played at Woodstock in 1969 was brought to the stage. Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. and Authentic Hendrix, LLC, brought the priceless guitar, known as Izabella, to the venue where it was played by a number of EH Tour participants including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson and Ayron Jones.

The tour continues through October 19th with a varying line up of players playing homage to the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, including Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Zakk Wylde, Samantha Fish, Dweezil Zappa, Taj Mahal, Hunter Hayes, The Doors’ Robby Krieger, Chuck Campbell and Calvin Cooke from The Slide Brothers, Stanley Jordan, Ally Venable, Mato Nanji, Dylan Triplett, Arthur Menezes, Mathias Lattin, Henri Brown and the aforementioned Shepherd, Johnson and Jones, as well as drummer Chris Layton from Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band’s Kevin McCormick and Noah Hunt, and other notable players.

The concept for the Experience Hendrix Tour dates back almost 30 years to the 1995 Seattle Bumbershoot Festival. Experience Hendrix sponsored a three-hour show, under the musical direction of Narada Michael Walden that featured former Jimi Hendrix Experience and Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsys alumni Mitch Mitchell, Noel Redding, Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. A single concert at San Diego’s Street Scene in 2001 and 2002 expanded by 2004 into a full-fledged national tour with this year’s outing marking the 20th anniversary of the Experience Hendrix Tour. The tour presents a host of great artists collaborating and interpreting Hendrix’s legendary songs as part of a powerhouse, three-hour concert experience. The wide range of multi-generational artists who participate in a reflection of the ecumenicism of Jimi Hendrix’s classic repertoire and the diversity of those whose lives have been indelibly affected by his music. 

Janie Hendrix commented, “The Tribute Concert Tour is at the heart of the mission to memorialize Jimi and celebrate him for his musical influence on the world. When we had our first Tribute Concert, in was on the heels of winning the fight to regain Jimi’s music rights. This year’s tour has the distinction of being our first after a global shutdown. In a sense we’ve won another fight, and this is our celebration in honor of Jimi! Having Izabella with us on stage for this tour is an amazing feeling. This instrument was such an incredibly special guitar to Jimi. So special, in fact, he wrote a song about her. I think the lyrics ring true even now. They still have relevance and meaning. Jimi talked about winning the fight for the sake of love. And that’s the message we want to convey all across the country. Anything you love has to be worth fighting for. Izabella and Jimi’s positive musical message live on; Jimi continues to inspire!”

In addition to the tour, this fall is a busy time for Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. with the October 4 release of Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, in partnership with Legacy Recordings (the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment). This deluxe box set contains the feature-length documentary of the same name, plus 39 audio tracks (38 previously unreleased) on either 3 CDs or 5 vinyl LPs. Every track was recorded between June and August of 1970 at Electric Lady Studios with drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Billy Cox, just before Hendrix’s untimely death the following month. 

Pre-order Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision box set

The documentary chronicles the creation of the still fully operational recording studio, rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Manhattan nightclub to becoming a state-of-the-art recording facility inspired by Hendrix’s desire for a permanent studio. It is currently on a worldwide theatrical run and showtimes can be found at ajimihendrixvision.com/showtimes/.

Visit experiencehendrixtour.com for artist line-ups for each of the following remaining 2024 Experience Hendrix Tour dates:

09/25 – Santa Rosa, CA – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

09/26 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery

09/27 – Las Vegas, NV – Smith Center

09/28 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater 

09/29 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Theatre 

10/01 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove 

10/03 – San Diego, CA – Rady Shell At Jacobs Park

10/04 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center/Ikeda Theater 

10/05 – Albuquerque, NM – Mesa Arts Center/Ikva Auditorium

10/06 – Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Center

10/09 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre

10/10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

10/ 11 – Ft. Worth, TX – Will Rogers Auditorium

10/12 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino

10/13 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium 

10/15 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium 

10/16 – Evans, GA – Columbia Country Performing Arts Center 

10/17 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall 

10/18 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheater 

10/19 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheater 

Dave Mason Cancels Fall Tour Due To Medical Issues

Dave Mason has announced the cancellation of his Fall “Traffic Jam 2024” west coast tour run after doctors detected a serious heart condition during a routine appointment that requires immediate medical attention. His team of doctors expect a full and successful recovery and Mason plans to resume his touring plans in 2025.

Mason said, “I’m heartbroken to have to cancel these dates, but it's Doctor’s orders. I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025.”

The following shows have been canceled. Contact point of purchase for refund information.

9.20.24 Celebrity Theatre - Phoenix, AZ

9.21.24 Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station - Las Vegas, NV

9.24.24 Lobero Theatre - Santa Barbara, CA

9.26.24 The Canyon - Montclair, CA

9.27.24 The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA

9.28.24 The Libbey Bowl - Ojai, CA        

10.3.24 Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - San Diego, CA

10.4.24 The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA

10.5.24 The Clark Center for the Performing Arts - Arroyo Grande, CA

10.9.24 Rio Theatre - Santa Cruz, CA

10.10.24 The Center for the Arts - Grass Valley, CA

10.12.24 Harrah's Lake Tahoe - Stateline, NV

11.7.24  Book Signing Event at Nashville Social Club - Carson City, NV

In addition to touring, Mason, who penned “Feelin’ Alright,” "We Just Disagree," and many other rock staples, recently released his long awaited memoir, Only You Know & I Know. 

For more info, visit davemasonmusic.com.