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This year marks not one but two of
Mannheim Steamroller's 35th Anniversaries!
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| Bill Fries adorns the piano as Chip Davis watches from the left during an in-studio celebration of the "Convoy" recording. |
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More than 35 years ago Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller began changing the music industry with the debut of two new releases that went on to become part of the American culture. The now infamous smash hit single "Convoy", composed by Chip and recorded along with C.W. McCall, blew open the nation's CB radio craze of the 1970's.
The song "Convoy " went on to become a movie starring Kris Kristofferson and Ali McGraw. Chip went on to compose, produce and record his very first album, Fresh Aire I.
The album, "Fresh Aire I", reflects a visionary blend of classical music with a contemporary styling or, as Chip says, "18th Century meets rock and roll." While the industry was intrigued by the music, the "Mannheim Steamroller Sound" was outside of any traditional music category. No record label was willing to take a risk on such an "unheard of sound". This caused Chip to become even more determined than ever to bring the music of "Mannheim Steamroller" to the public.
Chip Davis ended up forming his own record label, American Gramaphone and releasing Fresh Aire I in 1975. Using "out-of-the-box" marketing ideas, Mannheim Steamroller became the record of choice for demonstrating stereo equipment by dealers everywhere. With mostly "word-of-mouth", Mannheim Steamroller sales went through the roof! Fresh Aire I went on to be a "certified gold record", the first of many such benchmarks for Chip and Mannheim Steamroller.
And what about those so called traditional music categories favored by the industry and record labels? Mannheim Steamroller's innovation and success resulted in a new name for the entire genre within the music industry called "New Age Music". The Fresh Aire Series grew from Fresh Aire I to Fresh Aire VIII, with Fresh Aire VII winning Chip a Grammy Award. Along the way he created a "Mannheim Steamroller Lifestyle" not only with his music but with food, apparel and an incredible array of other Mannheim Steamroller products.
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| Chip in his Omaha studio after receiving news that "Convoy" achieved gold record status. |
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| Fresh Aire I thrust Mannheim Steamroller into the national spotlight. Here with Chip are Jackson Berkey (top left) and Eric Hanson (top middle) along with Almeda Berkey (bottom left) and Carol Davis (bottom right). Jackson and Almeda continue to be part of Mannheim Steamroller. |
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Today, following the release of his landmark "Fresh Aire Christmas" album recorded in 1984, Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller are considered to be the #1 Christmas music artist in music history! Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller are also one of the top 50 biggest selling musical artists of all time, proving that determination does fuel success, along with respect from the entire music industry.
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Chip Davis attended the VIP opening of
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”
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Mannheim Steamroller’s creative force Chip Davis attended the VIP preview opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Resorts in Orlando, Florida on June 16. Chip was one of many distinguished guests to join in the celebration. Daniel Radcliffe, star of the Harry Potter movie series, along with co-stars Rupert Grint (Harry Weasley) and Michael Gambone (Dumbledore) also joined in the festivities.
The much-awaited attraction opened to the public on June 18. Throngs of visitors toured the land and settings -- as Hogwarts Castle and the streets of Hogsmeade -- inspired by the book series, along with experiencing Harry Potter-inspired rides.
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Mannheim and Chip have long been a favorite at Universal Orlando during the holiday season. Among the resort’s special presentations is a live musical performance of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with music by Mannheim Steamroller. The crowd-pleasing attraction takes place in December.
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2010 Tour Sneek Peek
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This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the annual tour, “The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis”, with performances being held in a record number of cities nationwide.
Grammy Award® winner and mastermind behind the group, Chip Davis will direct and co-produce both the East Coast and West Coast tour ensembles of Mannheim Steamroller.
The shows will feature the favorite Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state of the art multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
Last year, Chip and Mannheim Steamroller celebrated the 25th Anniverary of the 1974 release of their very first Christmas album, “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas”. In commemoration of the anniversary, the group released a 2-CD anniversary collection.
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July 4th - Independence Day Enjoy the fun, food and festivities with some great music and party ideas from Mannheim Steamroller!
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Ah yes…..it's that time of year again. Fourth of July and Summer bring all kinds of memories. July 4th is also a great time to reflect on our nation’s majesty, beauty and freedoms with the moving music of the American Spirit CD from Mannheim Steamroller.
American Spirit contains hits songs like Convoy, American Spirit, Heritage and the poignant "Tin Type" a musical recital of the Gettysburg Address with C.W. McCall, all composed and performed in the famous Mannheim Steamroller music style. The cover artwork for the American Spirit CD is from Terry Redlin, a great American artist from the Midwest, who is known for his heartwarming depictions of American life.
Just a few things that remind us about the Fourth of July and Summer time:
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Don't forget about spicing up your party this Fourth of July.
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On Independence Day, Mannheim Steamroller creator Chip Davis gathers his family and friends for a barbeque, bringing out Fresh Aire food items along with American Spirit and Party Pack music. When the sun goes down, he shoots off fireworks to celebrate our nation’s birth.
Get some of our great tasting and award winning Mannheim Steamroller food ideas along with some of our fun party music. Mannheim Steamroller music is "music that cooks" and is great to cook too!
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July 4th Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
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Ingredients:
- Large Shrimp (12-14 count)
- Bacon
- Cajun Bry
- Grilling Salt
Directions:
- Wrap cleaned shrimp with ½ slice (or whole slice) of bacon
- Toothpick bacon into place
- Put on grill and spray with Cajun Bry
- Sprinkle on Grilling Salt and spray with Bry again (the more Bry you use the hotter it will get)
Tip: When bacon cooks it can flame up. Keep an eye on it and move it around on the grill.
Find other great recipes in our Mannheim Steamroller Cookbook
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Listen to the Music of Nature and the get out in the Great Outdoors all Summer Long with Mannheim Steamroller
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Summer is such a wonderful time of year for enjoying the great outdoors, exploring nature or just plain being outside!
Whether it's for Flag Day, Summer Solstice or celebrating "Great Outdoors" month, put on some "summer inspired- great outdoors" music from Mannheim Steamroller. Get Mannheim Steamroller's great classic CDs like Fresh Aire III, Yellowstone - The Music of Nature and of course, a summer favorite, Chip Davis' Day Parts - Party CD. Better yet get all 3 just in time for summer. You will also enjoy our special Summer Packages, with music, food and apparel for your enjoyment throughout the summer months.
Did you know.........
Great Outdoors Month is celebrated in June to promote and highlight a variety of summer events and themes throughout the United States. The Great Outdoor Month credo is to encourage people to get out more often. Having a more active lifestyle contributes to physical fitness and a sense of well-being. The Great Outdoors Month is also a time to appreciate and enjoy the country's magnificent resources of forests, parks, refuges and other public lands and waters.
Be sure to select some of these Mannheim Steamroller great gift ideas for Dad this upcoming Father's Day as well.
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