Posted on by Bretos Margetis

Music Fast Facts – Week 3

  1. The Star-Spangled Banner became the US national anthem in 1931. Prior to that, it was My Country “Tis of Thee,” which had the same melody as Britian’s national anthem God Save the Queen, which is based on music written by John Bull in 1619. Bull’s melody has been used more than any song in national anthems.
  2. The British anthem was performed the most times in a single performance. In 1909, while waiting for King Edward VII who was getting dressed a German band played the anthem 17 times.
  3. The Beatles song “Martha My Dear” was written by Paul McCartney about his sheepdog Martha.
  4. Tap dancing originates from Irish clog dancing and what is called the Irish reel and jig.
  5. Elvis’s favorite collectibles were official badges. He collected police badges in almost every city he performed in.
  6. Elvis was an avid gun collector. His collection of 40 weapons included M-16s and a Thompson submachine gun.
  7. Duran Duran took their name from a mad scientists in the 1968 Jane Fonda movie Barbarella.
  8. Journey, formed in 1973 by Neal Schon, was originally called Golden Gate Rhythm Section. Journey has sold more than 70 million albums.
  9. The world’s largest disco was held at the Buffalo Convention Centre, New York, 1979. 13,000 danced a place into the Guinness Book of World Records.
  10. In August 1983, Peter Stewart of Birmingham, UK set a world record by disco dancing for 408 hours.
  11. The real name of Lorde is Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor. See more Real Names of Famous Musicians.