Bonny "Mack" Rice (November 10, 1933 – June 27, 2016)

Sometimes credited as Sir Mack Rice, the songwriter and singer died at
his Detroit home on June 27 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
 
His best-known composition, and biggest hit as a solo performer, was
"Mustang Sally." He also wrote "Respect Yourself" with Luther Ingram.

From left: Singer Bing Crosby and comedian Bob Hope were 
among many top show business guest entertainers.

The Kraft Program was a musical-variety program on NBC radio featuring
orchestra leader Paul Whiteman that promoted Kraft food products. During
its first year the show went through a series of name changes, including
Kraft Musical Revue, until it finally settled on Kraft Music Hall in 1934.

Whiteman remained the host until December 6, 1935. Ford Bond was the 
shows announcer. Kraft Music Hall made the move to television in 1958.

The Hollies’ recording He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother  which features Elton
John on piano, was released on December 1, 1969 in the US where it reached
No. 7 on the charts. It was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, England.

The song "Sweet Home Alabama" by the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd
reached #8 on the charts in 1974 and was the band’s second hit single. The
song was written in reply to "Southern Man" and "Alabama" by Neil Young;
Young is noted by name in the song’s lyrics.

The song "The Tracks of My Tears" was written by Smokey Robinson,
Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. It is a multiple award-winning 1965 hit
R&B song originally recorded by their group, The Miracles.

William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. turned 76 in February.