Happy Birthday to Bobby Troup, a multi-talented entertainer who made his mark in both TV and in Music. He was the Sargent in the hit movie MASH that drove Hawkeye and Trapper John around in Japan. He also played, more famously, the role of Dr. Joe Early on the popular Emergency! TV show with his wife, Julie London who played nurse Dixie McCall. He produced her greatest hit “Cry me a river” in 1957 and in total, she had 32 albums. Interestingly enough, Bobby and Julie both appeared in Adam-12 which was produced by Jack Webb, Julie’s former husband. Mr. Webb also created Emergency! And cast his ex-wife and her husband in lead roles. Bobby Troup also was part of an early game show called Musical Chairs, on the panel with Mel Blanc. He had dozen of his own albums, and wrote songs for some of the biggest names in Jazz and rock, but his biggest claim to fame was the song “(I Get my Kick on) Route 66”. The song was made into a huge hit by the Nat King Cole Trio. So today, we’ll look at the top ten covers of the song “Route 66”.

1. Nat King Cole Trio – As first to make this song a hit, they deserve top position in the list.
2. Chuck Berry – The transition from Jazz to Rock begins.
3. The Rolling Stones – A great song on one of the earliest recordings done by the Legendary Band.
4. Perry Como – The barber was the only artist to use all the lyrics.
5. Bob Dylan – A new sound for the song
6. The Manhattan Transfer – in stark contrast to Bob Dylan
7. Tom Petty – only available on a Video
8. Bing Crosby & The Andrew Sisters – A true superstar pairing having a little fun.
9. Brad Paisley – A song about places on the road certainly needs a country version
10. Brian Setzer Orchestra – A modern Big Band playing it once again.

It was hard to leave off Jerry Lee Lewis, Mel Torme, Van Morrison, Depeche Mode amoung others. All performing the work that many of us only knew as the good Dr.

In 1775, William Dawes, Samuel Prescott and, more famously, Paul Revere made the Midnight Ride that was immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.   Granted, the British were already on the Colonies, the warning had more to do with the “regular” soldiers making a move and in what direction they were moving.  The riders let other riders know what was going on and word quickly spread, allowing the militia in Concord and Lexington time to assemble and get the war started.  After a little skirmish in 1812 we have not minded the British invading our country to much.  Some of my favorite invaders are:

1) The Beatles -  What more could I say than has already been said.  Their tour resulted in the term, British Invasion.

2)  Princess Di - Dazzled, charmed, and captivated us as well.

3) Rolling Stones - Cannot argue with their success or their far reaching influence in music

4) David Beckham - While I shed no tears when I miss a soccer (futball?  football?) game, I would not turn the station from Sportscenter if they had highlights of David Beckham. In addition, he brought along Victoria, sort of a like a package deal, how could we say no?

5) Monty Python - The only way they could have been better is if Benny Hill was a part of their troupe.  Thanks to them, I could never own a parrot.

6) Eric Clapton - Keeps getting better and better with every new direction he takes.

7) Pink Floyd -  Dark Side of the Moon alone gets them on this list.  Everything else is just a bonus.

8 ) James Bond -  Ian Flemings super-spy blows away our entire CIA, NSA, and Jack Ryan combined.  Although, with James Bond making the list two days in a row, I am worried you might think I am a James Bond fanatic.  I am merely a casual fan of the series but with him showing up on two consecutive lists, I will have to pick my topics better during the rest of the month to keep Mr Bond off them.

9) Sting/The Police - I have to admit, while they may not have been as groundbreaking as Dusty Springfield or The Kinks, their catchy music and layered melodies have always caught my ear.  Even though they were formed by an American, Sting dominates the band and they caught their big break in London, so we’ll count them here.

10) I gave a lot of consideration to Sir Elton for number 10, but in the end, his meddling in our politics offsets his good work in the area of Aids research.  While Naomi Campbell is hot, so is her temper, and her attitude.  Maybe JK Rowling?  She would be a good choice for number 10, but she may catch wind of it and sue me for not listing her ahead of the Beatles.  Rolls Royce had a spot on this list sewed up, until they were sold to a German Company. Virgin Records would be here, but they sold out to a US firm.  While I am a big fan of Coldplay, they are right behind my choice at number 10, Andrew Lloyd Weber or should I say, Baron Lloyd-Weber.  His overwhelming success on Broadway and in Hollywood makes his invasion enjoyable for most of us.

We miss you already,  Danny Federici, from the E Street Band.  For something completely different, I hope he gets a chance to jam with the Lawrence Welk’s Band  that he watched growing up.

Also on this day, we get a reminder that the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco occurred on this date with a little shake near Chicago.