Shindig!

Google's definition of a 'shindig' is a large, lively party, especially one celebrating something. It is an interesting little word with spellings with and without a hyphen. The origin of the term 'shin-dig' or 'shindig' can be found at World Wide Words. For sure, it is a perfect title for an American television musical variety series. The actual show Shindig! ran from 1964 - 1966 featuring the biggest acts in rock 'n' roll performing their latest hits. 

Top American and British recording artists that were featured included Marvin Gaye, Petulia Clark, Jackie Wilson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ian Whitcomb, The Rolling Stones and Manfred Mann. Jimmy O'Neil was the series host. Weekly regulars included The Blossoms, featuring Darlene Love , " The Shindig Dancers", Bobby Sherman, The Shindogs rock band and The Righteous Brothers who debuted their now legendary "You've Lost That Loving Feeling". Regular house band members included Billy Preston and Glenn Campbell.

Today in Music History: December 30

Howdy-hi, Shindiggers! We've got a 'Shindig!' for you that's so far in, it's out of sight! ~Jimmy O'Neill's opening line for each show.

Jimmy O'Neill (1940-2013)
O'Neill as the host of Shindig!, 1964

1965 The Kinks, The Who, Manfred Man, The Hollies and Gerry and the Pacemakers all appeared on tonight's episode of TV pop show 'Shindig!' The US series featured "British invasion" bands and performers throughout its run.

Relive the music moments...

No.1 singles & other hits on this day...

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  1967 The Beatles scored their 15th US No.1 with 'Hello Goodbye', Gladys Knight and the Pips were at No.2 with 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' and The Monkees at No.3 with 'Daydream Believer'.

  2001 Nickelback went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'How You Remind Me'. In an interview with MTV, Nickelback's lead singer Chad Kroeger said that he wrote the song about his old girlfriend Jodi, who he had a rather dysfunctional relationship with. He kept the lyrics very ambiguous, however, which accounts for much of the song's success, as many people could relate to an ex who started pointing out all of your faults at the same time and caused considerable heartbreak: "This time I'm mistaken, for handing you a heart worth breaking."

  New Recordings on this day...
• 1956 : Charlie Gracie records "Butterfly."
• 1966: The Beatles record "Penny Lane."
• 1968: Frank Sinatra records "My Way."
• 1974: Bob Dylan records "Tangled Up In Blue,
• " Lilly, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts,"
• and "If You See Her, Say Hello."
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2013 Bruce Springsteen's latest album 'High Hopes' briefly appeared for download on Amazon's US site for several hours, two weeks ahead of its scheduled release date. Although it was subsequently removed from sale, the record had now appeared on several file-sharing sites. The album's official release date was listed as 14 January.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...