From Paige J – Mr. Pop – What musical act was the first-ever to release a song for downloading?

Mr. Pop History – This is easy. It was Aerosmith’s “Head First” back in 1994.

From Troy W – Your week-by-week adventure is so amazing. I have a question about the pop culture “Pokemon” cartoon. How many varieties of Pokemon are there?

Mr. Pop History – Digging around – the press confirmed some 251 varieties of Pokemon. Can you believe it?pokemon

From Dean I – Is it true that “American Idol” began with different age limits for contestants?

Mr. Pop History – That is true. The first two seasons saw the age limit between 16 and 25, but that was increased by three years in 2004. American Idol

From Rich A – When did Vee Jay records finally shut its doors (exact day please?). There seems to be mis-information out there.

Mr. Pop History – Vee Jay Records – Once home to the 4 Seasons and… The Beatles. Long reported to be in trouble financially, the American Federation of Musicians severed its licensing agreement with the label on October 12, 1965 and the very next day, Vee Jay Records – then 11 years old, died.

Vee Jay started out in Chicago, but with all the Beatle activity and a flood of cash, moved to Los Angeles in 1964. Beatle activity? It wasn’t supposed to happen – but it did as this small label was thrust among giants in early 1964. Vee Jay – for all practical purposes, released more than several Beatles records, plus an album (which was re-packaged at least five times). It’s an amazing story – one of my favorite in the colorful world of record labels – and pop culture history.
Vee Jay