This DVD is a fascinating look behind the board, inside the studio, and into the heart and soul of the music we all know and love. Again I have to say, if you’re really into collecting music, this is a historical document and a must have for any fan of classic rock, R&B and jazz. Tommy was there, in the right place, at the right time, making music magic for over fifty years.
Tom Dowd achieved many outstanding technical high points during his distinguished career in the music business as recording engineer, arranger and producer. His work with Atlantic and Stax Records is legendary, as is his pioneering work with eight-track recording.
‘Tom Dowd & the Language of Music’ features appearances by the Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Les Paul, Ray Charles, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Aretha Franklin.
Here’s a short list of some of my favorite hit songs & albums that Tom Dowd produced & recorded:
Singles:
“Walkin’ the Dog” by Rufus Thomas
“Good Lovin” by The Rascals
“Mr. Bojangles” by Jerry Jeff Walker
“Son Of A Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield
Albums:
Disraeli Gears & Wheels Of Fire by Cream
The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East & Eat A Peach
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs …

According to Billboard Magazine, the hit record charts looked something like this in 1968:
Hot 100 Singles:
“Hey Jude” - The Beatles *
“Love is Blue (L’Amour Est Bleu)” - Paul Mauriat *
“(What A) Wonderful World” - Louis Armstrong *
“(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” - Otis Redding *
“Honey” - Bobby Goldsboro
“People Got To Be Free” - The Rascals *
Hot R&B Singles:
“Say It Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud” - James Brown
“Slip Away” - Clarence Carter *
“(Sittin’ On The) Dock of the Bay” - Otis Redding *
“Grazing In The Grass” - Hugh Masekela *
“You’re All I Need To Get By” - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Hot Country Songs:
“Folsom Prison Blues” - Johnny Cash *
“Skip A Rope” - Henson Cargill
“D-I-V-O-R-C-E” - Tammy Wynette
“Mama Tried” - Merle Haggard
“A World Of Our Own” - Sonny James
*I’ve got eight in my memory. How many of these do YOU remember?
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