A wah-wah wonder

We read somewhere that Status Quo, which qualify in our book as one-hit wonders for 1968's "Pictures of Matchstick Men," changed direction after realizing bubble gum psychodelia wasn't going to stand the test of time.  The British band soon after moved into the realm of boogie rock featuring a twin Telecaster attack. 

And was never heard from again. Well, they've been around but we never heard from them again.

But, hey, we were more than psyched after first hearing the cool wah-wah sound of "Matchstick Men," which was released in January 1968 on Pye Records and topped out at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It still gets steady play on classic rock stations.  We didn't know at the time that Francis Rossi had written it on the crapper while waiting for his wife and mother-in-law to leave the house. (With all the chatter this week about the British throne we thought it was worth bringing this to your attention.)

It also happens that Rossi turns 62 today, and what a Birthday Band we have for you:

Duke Ellington (1899-1974): Bandleader
It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

Carl Gardner (1928): Singer, Coasters
Charlie Brown

Lonnie Donegan (1931-2002): Singer
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour

April Stevens (1936) Singer w/Nino Tempo
Deep Purple

Duane Allen (1943): Singer,  Oak Ridge Boys
Elvira

Tammi Terrell (1945-1970): Singer w/Marvin Gaye
Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing

Tommy James (1947): Guitar/singer, Tommy James & the Shondells
I Think We're Alone Now, Hanky Panky, Crimson and Clover

 Francis Rossi (1949): Guitar/vocals, Status Quo
Pictures of Matchstick Men

 Carnie Wilson (1968): Singer, Wilson-Phillips
Hold On