First, happy birthday to a founding member of The Byrds/ Flying Burrito Brothers/ Manassas/ Desert Rose Band, bassist Chris Hillman, who turns 76 (!) today. He co- wrote "So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star" with Roger McGuinn in late 1966, supposedly as a swipe at manufactured rock groups like the Monkees. It was included in the 1967 album "Younger Than Yesterday," features South African trumpet player Hugh Masekela, and has been covered by a host of musicians (including great ones by Patti Smith and Tom Petty).
We also want to feature a somewhat hidden gem from The Beatles, "I'll Be On My Way," a Lennon/ McCartney song that they gave to fellow Liverpudlians Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas, who released it in 1963. This is the only recording The Beatles made of it -- a tight, live version at the BBC in June 1963. It's been remarked how it demonstrates the influence Buddy Holly had on the group, and it would be hard to argue with that after hearing it. Hope you enjoy.
