Music History Today: June 23, 2022

June 23, 2004: Michael Bublé released a cover of "Sway" from his self-titled album. 

Unlike most young guys who gravitate towards the latest rock or rap trend, Michael Bublé chose to study the classic works of pop vocal masters like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra while slowly developing his own technique and career as a vocal interpreter.

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Thanks to producer David Foster, the 25-year-old Bublé has graduated to the big time with a self-titled debut disc that shows off his knowledge and appreciation for a style of music that is mostly unfamiliar to his generation. 

Read more: Allmusic

June 23, 1962: Freddy Cannon reached Number 3 on the American music chart with "Palisades Park."

Chuck Barris (the Gong Show host) wrote a song about an amusement park. It was suggested he use the name of an amusement park as the title.

He was in Manhattan, looked toward the New Jersey Palisades Cliffs, inspiration hit and the title was added. 

Read more: Wikipedia

June 23, 1973: The J. Geils Band topped out at Number 30 on the US music chart with "Give It To Me."

One of the most popular J. Geils Band songs from the group's early years, "Give It To Me" is unusually carnal. Peter Wolf makes it very clear in his vocal delivery what he's asking. 

Read more: Songfacts

June 23, 1984: Almost halfway to the top, at Number 52, Van Halen entered Billboard's Hot 100 with "Panama."

"Panama" was the hard-rocking single from Van Halen's 1984. That album saw the band’s biggest step into modern production yet, with synthesizers and studio sheen being more prominent than ever before. But "Panama" was a throwback to the band’s guitar-rock roots. 

Read more: Far Out Magazine

June 23, 2001: American Hi-Fi entered Billboard's Hot 100 with their first single, "Flavor of the Weak," at Number 69.

"Flavor of the Weak," at Number 69. "Flavor of the Weak" is about a girl whose boyfriend doesn't treat her right, and it's driving the singer crazy because he knows he can do better. The video, directed by Chris Applebaum, is patterned after the documentary Heavy Metal Parking Lot. 

Read more: Songfacts

Sway
Michael Bublé