Archive for August, 2007

MOTOWN RECORDS
Birth Of A Label: 1959-61

This week, Harlem focuses on the birth of one of the greatest record labels of all time; MOTOWN RECORDS. Berry Gordy Jr. was a young man with a talent for songwriting and a dream to bring danceable rhythm and blues to the masses. Matt The Cat picks out NINE important and influential singles from Motown’s first three years and plays both the A and B sides. You’ll hear Motown’s first instrumental, first national hit and first million seller. Don’t miss Harlem, all week long on the 50s on 5.

Harlem Airs on XM-5:
Monday 8/20 @ 1pm in Detroit
Tuesday 8/21 @ 9pm in LA and Midnight in NYC
Friday 8/24 @ 6pm in Philly
Sunday 8/25 @ 11am in Baltimore/DC

Programming Note:

I will be on vacation from 8/18 – 8/26. The Night Prowl Show will go on as scheduled and I will have friends check up on the show, but I will not be present. I have handcrafted the shows while I’m away for maximum enjoyment!

ELVIS WEEK
30th Anniversary 1977-2007

Elvis died 30 years ago this week (August 16, 1977) and The 50s on 5 has a week of programs honoring the legacy of the most popular American Icon in history.

The Ken Smith Show & The Night Prowl Show With Matt The Cat:

Our own resident Memphian, Alex Ward (host of XM’s “Pink & Black Days”) will be all over Memphis all week covering Elvis Week for the 50s on 5. He’ll go from activities on Beale Street to the candle light vigil at Graceland and everywhere in-between. Catch daily reports LIVE FROM MEMPHIS on The Ken Smith Show (Weekdays 3-6pm ET) and on The Night Prowl Show (Weeknights 7-Midnight ET).

Elvis In Harlem

It took a white hep cat singing rhythm and blues to launch rock n’ roll into the mainstream, but Elvis didn’t come out of nowhere. His R&B; influences run deep. Matt The Cat brings Elvis’ influences to the surface on “Elvis In Harlem” as we commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the death of the King Of Rock n’ Roll. You’ll hear the original R&B; versions of the songs that Elvis made famous as well as rare interview footage of Elvis on his musical influences. Before he was King Of Memphis, Elvis WAS “Harlem”.

Harlem Airs:
Monday 8/13 at 1pm ET
Tuesday 8/14 at 9pm PT – Midnight ET
Friday 8/17 at 6pm ET
Sunday 8/19 at 11am ET

The Pink & Black Days

This week Alex Ward outdoes himself with a show that took him months to put together. Alex has uncovered interview footage with Sam Phillips, the late owner of Sun Records and the guy who single-handedly discovered Elvis Presley. Alex has an exceptional insight into Elvis, being a life-long Memphian and he’s going to share that with you. The Pink & Black Days will also feature rare interviews with some of Elvis’ closest friends.

Pink & Black Days airs:
Wednesday 8/15 at 1pm ET
Thursday 8/16 at 6pm ET
Saturday 8/18 at 6pm ET
Sunday 8/19 at 9pm ET