Donna Summer 3 American Music Awards 1980

The Goddess of Disco (then Queen of Disco) Donna Summer won three American Music Awards at the 7th annual ceremony held January 18, 1980.  She walked away with Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist (over Babs and ONJ), and Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist.

She won Favorite Pop/Rock Song for Bad Girls, beating the one-hit wonder My Sharona by the Knack and Rod Stewart's Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

Barry Manilow won Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist beating my man Billy Joel.  I smell a conspiracy.  Michael Jackson won three awards as well, all in the Soul/R&B categories.  

The Bee Gees won 2 awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group and Favorite Pop/Rock album for Spirits Having Flown.  

The Statler Brothers won Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group.

Benny Goodman was honored with the Merit Award.

The Andrews Sisters record "Roll Out the Barrel" 1939

The Andrews Sisters recorded the Beer Barrel Polka or Roll Out the Barrel, May 3, 1939.  It was composed by a Czech musician Jaromir Vejvoda in 1927 and was covered by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Billie Holiday.  

Their version reached #4 on the US Singles Chart.

Louis Prima releases "Sing, Sing, Sing" 1936

Louis Prima wrote and recorded Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing) with the New Orleans Gang and released it on Brunswick Records February 28, 1936.  It has become synonymous with the big band and swing eras.

Benny Goodman recorded it in July 1937, which was 8 minutes and 43 seconds, which took up both sides of a 12" 78 rpm record.  His recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1982.

Benny Goodman "King of Swing" born 1909

Benny Goodman, born May 30, 1909, became known as the "King of Swing".  During his lengthy career, he recorded many hits such as "Stompin' at the Savoy" and "Sing, Sing, Sing".  His music, along with another big bands, were popular during WWII but by the mid-forties, the big band sound wasn't as popular as during the 20's and 30's.


"Sing, Sing, Sing" is my favorite!