Albert Hammond's career spans over five decades, characterized by his exceptional talent as both a performer and a songwriter. His early work in the 1960s included co-founding the British band The Family Dogg, which achieved moderate success. However, it was his solo career in the 1970s that propelled him to international fame.

To watch on YouTube go here:

Albert Hammond SINGER SONGWRITER. He wrote the songs - from Whitney, to Diana Ross, to Tina Turner

https://youtu.be/Tm-ytrNSX7U

Solo Career

In 1972, Hammond released his debut solo album, It Never Rains in Southern California. The title track became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries and establishing Hammond as a major artist. Other notable songs from his solo work include "The Free Electric Band," "I'm a Train," and "Down by the River."

Down by the River

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6-IDU1MgFM

Songwriting Success

Apart from his solo performances, Hammond is celebrated for his songwriting prowess. He has written or co-written numerous hits for other artists, showcasing his versatility across genres. Some of his most famous contributions include:

"When I Need You" (Leo Sayer): Carole Bayer Sager/Albert Hammond. This song reached number one in the UK and number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obC0MFHWJ0A

"One Moment in Time" (Whitney Houston): Written by Albert Hammond & John Bettis for the 1988 Summer Olympics, this powerful ballad became a signature song for Houston.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96aAx0kxVSA

"To All the Girls I've Loved Before" (sung by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson): Hal David/Albert Hammond. This duet became a major hit on both country and pop charts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVq0ONrSH-Q

"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" (Starship): Albert Hammond/Diane Warren. This song topped the charts in the United States and the UK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wxyN3z9PL4

"The Air That I Breathe" (The Hollies): A major hit in the mid-1970s, this song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a classic. (Albert Hammond(Mike Hazlewood)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7duPNQCp-w4

Collaboration and Production

Hammond has collaborated with a wide array of artists, lending his songwriting skills to enhance their work. His ability to craft memorable melodies and poignant lyrics has made him a sought-after collaborator. He has worked with artists such as Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and Celine Dion, contributing to their commercial and artistic successes.

Tina Turner - I don't want to lose you (Graham Lyle/Albert Hammond)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLj5sBfGuQY

Diana Ross - When you tell me that you love me (John Bettis & Albert Hammond)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdkU4MQBYKQ

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Hammond has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. He has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has received an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection. His influence and contributions have solidified his status as one of the most significant figures in contemporary music.

Legacy

Albert Hammond's legacy is defined by his enduring influence on the music industry. His songs continue to be covered and celebrated, reflecting his timeless appeal and the universal resonance of his music. Whether through his own performances or the voices of the many artists he has written for, Hammond's work remains a vital part of the global musical landscape.

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On Part 2 of the Carl McIntosh interview (Loose Ends) we conclude the story which sees the band split, and Carl gives his opinion today on former members Jane and Steve.

Both parts are available as audio and YouTube podcasts.

To see this interview on YouTube use these links....

For Part One use this link:

https://youtu.be/JeYTBBMOldo?si=20V6Pc0v23zjxKzS⁠

Part Two

https://youtu.be/4vGu_PqO0Ss?si=GQqL6CgyxPAHI4CU

Loose Ends formed in 1980 when Carl McIntosh, a native of London, England, met Steve Nichol and Jane Eugene (then Loose End). The trio quickly gained attention with their distinctive sound, blending elements of soul, funk, jazz, and electro-pop. Jane Eugene and McIntosh's smooth vocals, combined with his skills as a guitarist, were integral to the band's signature sound.

Loose Ends released their debut album, "A Little Spice," in 1983, which featured the hit single "Hangin' on a String (Contemplating)." The song became a chart-topping success, both in the UK and internationally, establishing Loose Ends as a leading force in the burgeoning British soul & Brit Funk scene.

McIntosh's songwriting prowess and musical versatility were evident throughout Loose Ends' discography, which included acclaimed albums such as "So Where Are You?" (1985) and "Zagora" (1986). The group's innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines, coupled with McIntosh's soulful vocals, earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Beyond his work with Loose Ends, McIntosh has collaborated with various artists and producers, contributing his talents to numerous projects within the R&B and soul genres. His influence on British music extends beyond Loose Ends, as he has played a significant role in shaping the sound of contemporary British soul and R&B.

Throughout his career, McIntosh has remained active in the music industry, continuing to perform, record, and collaborate with other artists. His legacy as a pioneering figure in British soul music is firmly established, with his contributions continuing to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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Part 1 of the story of Carl McIntosh of Loose Ends.

If you want to watch this interview go here:

https://youtu.be/JeYTBBMOldo?si=20V6Pc0v23zjxKzS⁠

Part 2 is also now online.

Loose Ends formed in 1980 when Carl McIntosh, a native of London, England, met Steve Nichol and Jane Eugene (then Loose End). The trio quickly gained attention with their distinctive sound, blending elements of soul, funk, jazz, and electro-pop. Jane Eugene and McIntosh's smooth vocals, combined with his skills as a guitarist, were integral to the band's signature sound.

Loose Ends released their debut album, "A Little Spice," in 1983, which featured the hit single "Hangin' on a String (Contemplating)." The song became a chart-topping success, both in the UK and internationally, establishing Loose Ends as a leading force in the burgeoning British soul & Brit Funk scene.

McIntosh's songwriting prowess and musical versatility were evident throughout Loose Ends' discography, which included acclaimed albums such as "So Where Are You?" (1985) and "Zagora" (1986). The group's innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines, coupled with McIntosh's soulful vocals, earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Beyond his work with Loose Ends, McIntosh has collaborated with various artists and producers, contributing his talents to numerous projects within the R&B and soul genres. His influence on British music extends beyond Loose Ends, as he has played a significant role in shaping the sound of contemporary British soul and R&B.

Throughout his career, McIntosh has remained active in the music industry, continuing to perform, record, and collaborate with other artists. His legacy as a pioneering figure in British soul music is firmly established, with his contributions continuing to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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For Groenalund's Martin Gerke, music is a time machine with which one can travel to the year 1979 in order to reshape the future from there. This was for Martin, ABBA's best year.

Not only is their music reminiscent of ABBA, Martin uses the same techniques in the studio to recreate their authentic sound, and has even worked Janne Schaffer, known from over 50 classic Abba recordings, played some solo passages on the album, using the same guitar that was once used on "Super Trouper" and "Dancing Queen".

If you want to see more of the ABBA series of interviews:

1. The story of how ABBA won EUROVISION; Carl Magnus Palm⁠

https://youtu.be/P6qeCPFBjMs⁠

2. Björn Again

https://youtu.be/cnlDDpGZaAk?si=MEbkm6cxn5Pz-X69

3. ABBAMANIA THE SHOW

https://youtu.be/4UjqutfabBQ?si=CphzzJOba4ryfc6b

4. Janne Schaffer (ABBA's guitarist)

https://youtu.be/bzHf7Obfz5M?si=Vx0obDsTtMYuXers

5. Martin Gerke of Groenalund

https://youtu.be/obySlPhawrQ?si=pIfTxUUIIotIqwd8

Listen first to Groenalund - then watch the video:

Just like that - ABBA COVER

ORIGINAL MUSIC.

I'm sorry, I love you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWc94BUuPXw

#lovestorm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpakCUlvZOY

Forgiven featuring Janne Schaffer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP3ZP7hYt4E

All the instruments are real, whether string orchestras, guitars, analog synthesizers, powerful drums and melodic bass lines, everything is recorded in real time by professional musicians in the studio.

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Belouis Some on his TOP FIVE songs - the list is below with youtube links to watch them, but to find out his number one you'll have to watch the podcast.⁠

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YouTube link to watch the interview;

https://youtu.be/Xnlz-njHeFQ?si=7k_E6zPp3v71zd8j⁠

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Charismatic British singer-songwriter, Belouis Some, carved out a niche for himself in the music industry with his soulful vocals, catchy melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. Best known for his 1980s hits such as "Imagination" and "Some People," Some's music embodies the spirit of the era while maintaining a timeless quality that continues to resonate with fans old and new. And his videos with Storm Thorgerson were legendary.⁠

⁠

Neville Keighley (Belouis Some) was due to start on an eagerly anticipated tour headlined by The Alarm but singer Mike Peters has unfortunately seen his Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) undergo a transformation into a High Grade Lymphoma. The exact specifics of his treatment and recovery plan are not yet known. Obviously we all wish Mike a speedy recovery and that the Live Today Love Tomorrow Tour, which was due to commence this week in the USA will be rescheduled in the future.⁠

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As you'll hear in the podcast, recorded before the news, Belouis Some was gearing up for this exciting tour, and I'm sure that the tour will be back on at some point.⁠

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To keep up with Belouis Some follow him on instagram:⁠

@belouissomemusic ⁠

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Discover the untold ABBA story of Sweden's greatest guitarist, Janne Schaffer. Learn about his incredible journey and his impact on the iconic band's sound.

If you want to see this on YouTube - go here:

Janne Schaffer, born on September 24, 1945, in Stockholm, Sweden, a highly acclaimed guitarist known for his versatile and innovative style. He rose to prominence in the 1970s as a solo artist and as a session musician working with Swedish pop group ABBA, where his guitar work became an integral part of the band's sound, contributing to hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Waterloo", and 54 titles in total. Even today he excites audiences of ABBAMANIA with his virtuoso guitar playing.

If you want to see more of the ABBA series of interviews:

1. The story of how ABBA won EUROVISION; Carl Magnus Palm⁠

https://youtu.be/P6qeCPFBjMs⁠

2. Björn Again

https://youtu.be/cnlDDpGZaAk?si=MEbkm6cxn5Pz-X69

3. ABBAMANIA THE SHOW

https://youtu.be/4UjqutfabBQ?si=CphzzJOba4ryfc6b

Schaffer's solo career has been equally impressive, with over 20 solo albums showcasing his mastery of various genres including rock, jazz, and classical. He has collaborated with numerous artists both in Sweden and internationally, and his contributions to music have earned him widespread recognition and accolades, including several Swedish Grammy Awards. Schaffer remains an influential figure in the music industry, revered for his technical proficiency, musical innovation, and enduring impact on guitar playing.

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A new documentary of Ace of Base, directed by Jen von Reis has been released. Siblings Jonas, Jenny, and Linn Berggren, along with their friend Ulf Ekberg, took the world by storm in late 1992 with their record-breaking debut album Happy Nation (Later reissued as The Sign)

Watch on YouTube here.

https://youtu.be/zfsTAWzjyNk?si=ufF2V9jJYA5-zwHI

If you want to see an interview on YouTube with Ulf Ekberg of Ace of Base go here:

https://youtu.be/TQKgJ5Q1Zls?si=6Vl0y509ghxDic5R

With success came immense pressure to continue delivering hits and sales similar to that of their groundbreaking debut. By 1996, the stress brought the Gothenburg natives close to breaking point.

At the height of their fame, a crazed fame broke into the Berrgren home and held a knife to Jenny's throat. Ulf's flirtation as a teenager with the far-right came out, which he has consistently apologised for. And Linn, who suffered from the fallout with the crazed fan, took a back seat, eventually officially leaving the band in 2005.

By 2010, Jenny Berggren set her sights on a solo career with Jonas and Ulf deciding to recruit two new female vocalists and continue as Ace of Base. This led to a rift between Jenny and her former bandmates. Beginning in 2011, Jonas Berggren, through the group's official Facebook account, and the website ReverbNation, began releasing previously unreleased material on a semi-regular basis; this was referred to as "Ace Thursdays".

The story of Ace of Base is surprising and sometimes shocking.

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Continuing the ABBA themed shows as we approach Eurovision, this is the story of ABBAMANIA -THE SHOW, an electrifying tribute to the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA that dazzles audiences with its energetic performances and faithful renditions of ABBA's greatest hits.

If you want to see this on YouTube - go here:

The story of how ABBA won EUROVISION 50 years ago; Carl Magnus Palm⁠

https://youtu.be/P6qeCPFBjMs⁠

⁠

The next one in the ABBA series is Björn Again. You can see that here:⁠

https://youtu.be/cnlDDpGZaAk?si=MEbkm6cxn5Pz-X69⁠

This interview with Hauke Wendt, the Musical Director of the show, we talk about what goes into creating a show that transports fans back to the golden era of disco, capturing the essence of ABBA's music and spirit. From the irresistible grooves of "Waterloo" to the anthemic choruses of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)," "Abbamania: The Show" delivers an immersive experience that leaves audiences dancing in the aisles and singing along with every chorus. Whether you're a lifelong ABBA aficionado or discovering their music for the first time, "Abbamania: The Show" is an unforgettable evening of pure entertainment and nostalgia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.