Crossover artists are recognized as having a hit in a genre other than that which they achieved their initial success. They often have a tough time finding their 'fit' in the music industry. These recording artists must market themselves to showcase a wide range of abilities, while at the same time being careful not to lose their uniqueness or true identity.
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“All I am is just another guy. I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve been a husband and a father who cherishes his children and now I’m a grandfather, and I’m motivated like all these teachers and preachers and mothers and fathers to help my kids grow up with character and self-respect. I hope that doesn’t sound too grandiose, but that’s what it comes down to. It’s what I’ve tried to do with my music and with the majority of my life.” ~B.J. Thomas
The "B.J." in B.J. Thomas stands for "Billy Joe." Thomas started singing with a church choir in Houston when he was 14. Some of his hits include: 'Everybody's Out of Town', 'I Just Can't Help Believing', 'Hooked on a Feeling', 'Most of All', '(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song', and 'Rock And Roll Lullaby'. B. J. Thomas is a five time Grammy and two time Dove Award winner who has sold more than 70 million records and is ranked in Billboard’s Top 50 most played artists over the past 50 years. His late 70s and early 80s foray extended into gospel music, which earned him the first four platinum albums in the genre’s history: Home Where I Belong, Happy Man, You Gave Me Love and Amazing Grace. Four of the five Grammy Awards were earned from his work in gospel. Within the country music genre, in 1981, on his 39th birthday, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.
1970 B J Thomas started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head'. The song was featured in the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This won the Oscar for Best Song From A Motion Picture at the 1970 awards, where Thomas performed it. Bacharach also won for Best Score.
No.1 singles on this day...Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote this song for the film Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. It was the first million-seller for the legendary songwriters.
1955 Elvis Presley appeared in Boonesville, Virginia. The 20 year-old singer was still a regional star, but by the end of '56 he had become a national sensation, recording two albums, including the hit singles 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Blue Suede Shoes', appeared on national television 11 times, played over 100 concerts and signed a seven year contract with Paramount Pictures.
And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...
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