Pop, Country, and Christian

Today in Music History: January 3

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. 

Welcome into the Spotlight...

A Conversation With BJ Thomas

“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

 B. J. Thomas: singer/songwriter of the 60s and 70s who owns one of the most distinctive voices in American pop music and whose hits appeared on the pop, country and Christian charts

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.

 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.

No.1 singles on this day...

• 
  

  1957 Guy Mitchell was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Singing The Blues.' (Tommy Steele and Marty Robbins had also released versions and Steele would replace this version at No.1). Also a US No.1.

• 1963 Cliff Richard was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Next Time / Bachelor Boy', both songs were from the film Summer Holiday. His sixth UK No.1.

• 1967 The Bee Gees were at No.1 on the Australian singles chart with the single 'Spicks and Specks'.

• 1976 The Bay City Rollers went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Saturday Night'. At the height of their US success, the Scottish group signed a deal to promote breakfast cereal.

• 1999 Steps scored their first UK No.1 single with their version of The Bee Gees song 'Tragedy.'

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...