K-Chuck Radio: Artists in the Apple Bushel

When the Beatles created Apple Records in the late 1960’s, they envisioned it as a boutique label for their own projects and for the musical excursions of their friends and colleagues. And while the Beatles, both collectively and as solo artists, recorded several best-selling albums and singles under the Apple aegis, Apple Records was also a home for a myriad of other musicians and bands. Some of these artists recorded Beatles songs; others had strong careers with their own music and sound.

On today’s K-Chuck Radio, we’re featuring the output from these artists. Hope you enjoy them.

THE IVEYS
Maybe Tomorrow

This group was the first non-Beatles act signed to Apple, and the song “Maybe Tomorrow” was a Top 20 hit in several countries, as well as a minor chart record in America.

Eventually, the Iveys changed their name, and had worldwide success as…

BADFINGER
Day After Day

Badfinger had several chart-topping hits, and became the most prolific non-Beatles artists on Apple. You might know their hits “Come and Get It,” “No Matter What,” and “Baby Blue”; I put this track on the K-Chuck Radio playlist because it’s one of my favorites from the band. Also, if you know the Joe Jackson song “Breaking Us In Two,” you can tell where Joe Jackson got the opening riff from that song. Right here, baby.

JAMES TAYLOR
Carolina In My Mind

You seem shocked. Yes, James Taylor’s first solo album – and this early version of “Carolina In My Mind” – were on Apple.

JACKIE LOMAX
Sour Milk Sea

This song was originally a Beatles track for the White Album, it didn’t make the cut. George Harrison gave the song to his friend Jackie Lomax, who had a British hit with it.

MARY HOPKIN
Knock, Knock, Who’s There?

Now I could have put “Those Were The Days” in this playlist, or maybe some of Mary Hopkin’s other hits like “Goodbye” or “Temma Harbour,” but this track – “Knock, Knock, Who’s There?” was, to my knowledge, the only song performed by an Apple artist in the Eurovision song contest. It came in second place overall.

RONNIE SPECTOR
Try Some, Buy Some

Yes, that’s Mrs. Phil Spector, late of the Ronettes, prior to her jamming with Eddie Money on “Take Me Home Tonight.” This song, “Try Some, Buy Some,” was also recorded by George Harrison, as well as by David Bowie on one of his solo albums.

THE HOT CHOCOLATE BAND
Give Peace a Chance

You might not know the Hot Chocolate band as the group who covered this John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band song, but you would definitely remember them for their later non-Apple 70’s hits like “You Sexy Thing” and “Every 1’s A Winner.”

JOHN FOSTER & SONS, LTD. BLACK DYKE MILLS BAND
Thingumybob

One of the most prolific brass bands in British history, the Black Dyke Mills Band recorded several sides for Apple, including this jaunty track from a British sitcom.

THE SUNDOWN PLAYBOYS
Saturday Night Special

Yep, Apple Records even had a Cajun quartet in their lineup. I don’t know how this track ended up in the Apple mix, but it’s a good track nonetheless.

LON and DERREK VAN EATON
Sweet Music

One of Apple’s final non-Beatles signings was the Trenton, N.J. Van Eaton brothers, whose ethereal ballad “Sweet Music” was released in 1972. Listen carefully to this track – one of the acoustic guitars on “Sweet Music” is played by Peter Frampton. Yes, THAT Peter Frampton.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this collection of Apple slices. Right here on your home for the best music of all time, K-Chuck Radio!