Sunday, January 12, 2014

The Sunday Comments ( 01 - 12 - 14 )

re:  Diggin' The Charts:
Kent,
You were absolutely "right on" when you said that D.O.A. by Bloodrock  wouldn't be the typical record one would dance to on American Bandstand. I went and pulled my 45 copy of it and the version that WKY played, needless to say, was the edited version which was 4:15 in length.
Also, it was great hearing GAMES by Redeye. I can't even come close to telling you the last time I heard that one on the radio. Incidentally, when I saw the word Redeye, it reminded me of an instrumental by the Champs out of the year 1960. Their instrumental REDEYE made our local survey here, aka WKY radio. I got it out and as one would say, "play it one more time".
Larry
I would have had to see it to believe it before I EVER would have thought that "D.O.A." could have topped ANYBODY'S Top 40 List ... but the proof is in the pudding as they say.  (That's part of what makes looking at these old charts so much fun ... they point out the REALITY of the situation ... not some distorted or "hyped-up" memory!)
As for "Games", one of MY favorites, too ... and a #3 Hit here in Chicago ... where it performed MUCH better than its #22 national chart showing.  I've gotta believe this one's worth at least the occasional spin two or three times a year ... wouldn't you agree?  (kk)

I really enjoyed the charts you posted today. The one from Hawaii was interesting. What I really got a kick out of was the posting of the song D.O.A.  I had forgotten all about that song and I think I know why ... 1971 ... senior year ... LSD ... good trippin song ... maybe too good ...
Stacee  
 
Hi Kent, 
The WKLO survey dated January 14, 1961, must have been a typo regarding the year because the Lettermen didn’t even have a contract with Capitol at that date and “When I Fall In Love” on this survey wasn’t a hit until a year later than the date posted on this survey.  Now there's some real trivia for ya!
Thanks, 
Gary Pike
Actually several astute FH readers wrote in to say that the date on this survey was off by a year ... it was really the January 14, 1962 chart.   (You wouldn't believe the number of mistakes we've found on these surveys ... an issue nationwide apparently ... dates ... misspelled artists' names ... incorrect song titles ... some of these are just a mess!!!  Evidently not much proof-reading going on at the time!)  But thanks for the heads up ... this proves that folks are not only looking these charts over ... they're looking them over with a fine tooth comb!!!  (That tells me that we've got another hit on our hands!)  kk  

Hey Kent,
I just wanted to point out that someone at WKLO still had 1961 on their mind, as that particular survey was for January 14th, 196*2*, but the old year was inadvertently entered onto the survey.I just did a countdown this past week on my radio show of the top songs this week in 1962 (most were on the WKLO survey), and almost thought I made a huge mistake!  Uncle T. Jay  
LOL ... in the first batch of surveys that Clark sent me I found THREE, I believe, that had the wrong year's date on them ... being so close to the turn of the new year, the staff working on these were probably so used to writing last year's date that it slipped right by them.  (On a couple, Clark, or whoever the original owner of the survey was, crossed off or corrected the year ... looks like they missed it on this one!)  kk  
 
Hey Kent,
I love the new Saturday feature.  I have been playing a few of the notable 'should have been biggers' on my Saturday night program.  My two favorite stations growing up were WLS and WISM in Madison,  Wisconsin.  Both stations featured many local bands and took chances on good records that didn't make a big national splash.
WISM DJ and Music Director Johnathon W. Little is the brother of Jane Little who was in the Underground Sunshine (Birthday).   I would love it if someone could find an old WISM chart.  Those are kind of rare.
Phil Nee - WRCO
 
re:  This and That:
Kent,
I loved your 18-hour trip through "the wild side."You had several of my favorites, particularly "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)" -- the song I've nominated every year (for at least three years) as my choice for No. 1 for Rich Appel's IRS list -- as the song most deserving that "It Really Should" have been a Top 10 hit.I also applaud your inclusion of Jan and Dean's "Ride the Wild Surf," Brook Benton's version of "Walk on the Wild Side" and the Beach Boys' "Wild Honey."The only "significant omission" that I saw -- hah, in my opinion -- was, actually my favorite Dee Dee Sharp song -- the 1963 song, "Wild!" which reached No. 33 on Billboard.
It's worth a listen: 
Dee Dee Sharp's hit was on and off the list three or four times before I finalized it ... but that youtube link will give fans a chance to hear it now.  Thanks, Don!  (kk)
 
re:  Up-Coming Shows:
Short notice on this one ... but maybe a few of our West Coast Readers can still take advantage:
Good Evening,
Hope this finds you well!
I wanted to let you know that Micky Dolenz of The Monkees will be performing LIVE in a star-studded benefit concert at The Pasadena Playhouse, on Monday, January 13th at 8 pm. This is a one-night-only special fundraising performance, benefiting The ALS Association - GoldenWest Chapter.  In addition to the performances, the evening will include a silent auction and a VIP post-show meet-and-greet. Proceeds will provide critical funding for The ALS Association Golden West Chapter’s mission priorities in care services, public policy, and cutting-edge global research toward treatments and cure.
It's an amazing chance to see some incredible artists, and truly supporting a vital cause.
Info & tickets here: http://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/box-office/special-events/onestarrynight.html
We would be so grateful if you would tweet, post on Facebook, email your contacts, and help to promote this benefit in any way possible.
Thanks for your support!
Jonathan White
Co-Producer, ONE STARRY NIGHT
Sorry this is going up so late, Jonathan ... we're still playing major catch-up here ... but hopefully some of our readers will want to get onboard for this good cause.  (By the way Micky's coming back to Chicago in May to the Arcada Theatre ... hoping we can catch up with him there!)  kk
 
Here's the latest word on a couple of Beatles Anniversary Tribute Shows coming up for our East Coast Readers:
 
Got this from Ron Dante:
Hi kk -
Here is a show that all our friends might like to hear about.
It take place a NYC Townhall on February 8th with a terrific line up.
Ron
 
AMERICA CELEBRATES THE BEATLES -
All-Star Gala Charity Concert, February 8th
NYC FAB 50 is proud to announce "AMERICA CELEBRATES THE BEATLES," taking place at Manhattan's Town Hall on Saturday evening, February 8. It is one of the star-studded charity concerts being held as part of "NYC FAB 50: Celebrating The Music of The Beatles" 50th Anniversary Celebration.
On February 7, 1964, The Beatles touched down on U.S.soil for the first time. Fifty years later, New York and the NYC FAB 50 Committee will be hosting several celebratory concerts with proceeds benefiting Food Bank For New York City. This once-in-a-lifetime event will "come together" on Saturday, February 8th, 2014, capping off a series of events under the "NYCFAB50" series. 
Tickets for "AMERICA CELEBRATES THE BEATLES" will go on sale to the public through Ticketmaster next week, and there will be another special pre-sale exclusively for Beatles Examiner readers. The gala concert will feature veteran music legends, including an artist who had songs written for him by one of The Beatles, a singer whose only hit knocked The Beatles out of the #1 position on the charts, another singer who share the stage with John Lennon in New York at Madison Square Garden and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame who released a single in 1964 titled “I Wanna Be a Beatle.”
Tommy James was admired by George Harrison so much that the Beatle wrote some songs for him to record. Between 1966 and 1969, Tommy enjoyed 14 Top 40 hits. From 1968-70, when artists like Jagger, Fogerty, and Morrison were in their heyday, Tommy James & the Shondells sold more singles than any other pop act in the world, many of them written, co-written, or selected by James. Most memorable were hits like "Hanky Panky," "I Think We're Alone Now," "Mony Mony,"  "Crimson and Clover," "Sweet Cherry Wine," "Crystal Blue Persuasion," "Tighter and Tighter," "Draggin' the Line" and "Three Times in Love." Tommy James has sold over 100 million records, has been awarded 23 gold singles, and 9 gold or platinum albums.
Gary DeCarlo wrote and sang one of the world's most famous rock anthems "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" under the band name Steam. The #1 hit has sold 7 million copies and has the distinction of replacing The Beatles' "Come Together/"Something" single at the top of the charts in 1969.
Melanie was one of the stars of Woodstock, appeared on the Ed Sullivan and Dick Cavett shows, and has sold over 80 million records. She sang with John Lennon on stage at the One-to-One Live in New York City concert at Madison Square Garden in 1971. She is best known for her hits "Brand New Key," "What Have They Done To My Song Ma,” "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” and The Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday.”
Gene Cornish is the guitarist of The Rascals. From 1965–70, the band recorded eight albums and had thirteen singles that reached Billboard's Top 40 chart. In 1997, as a founding member of the Rascals, Cornish was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Before he was in The Rascals, he fronted his own band “The Unbeatables, who released the single “I Wanna Be a Beatle” in 1964.
Also confirmed for the star-studded evening are such artists as...
Greg Hawkes is best known as the keyboard player for The Cars, one of the greatest rock bands of the late 70s and 80s, but his first band, The Aardvarks, covered Beatles songs. He saw The Beatles in 1964, played keyboards on a record with Paul McCartney, and has recorded “The Beatles Uke,” an entire album of Beatles classics played on the ukulele.
Fred Schneider is the front-man for the world’s most famous party band, The B-52s, who have sold over 20 million copies and scored such hits as “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” “Private Idaho” and “Roam.” The group recorded a version of The Beatles “Paperback Writer,” and Fred recorded a version of Beatles’ buddy Harry Nilsson’s hit “Coconut.” John Lennon loved The B-52s.
Ron Dante was the voice of The Archies. In an era dominated by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, “Sugar Sugar” was the #1 selling record of 1969 in the U.S. That same year, Dante hit the Top 10 with the single "Tracy.” From 1973-1981, Dante was Barry Manilow’s record producer, and even sang back-up on Manilow’s recordings, including the 1974 #1 single "Mandy.”
Walter Egan, best known for the 1978 gold record, “Magnet and Steel” also wrote “Hot Summer Nights” which included such musicians as Nicky Hopkins (played piano with John Lennon) and Robbie McIntosh (from The Pretenders and Paul McCartney). He saw The Beatles live at Carnegie Hall on February 12, 1964!
Marshall Cranshaw played John Lennon in "Beatlemania" and Buddy Holly in the film "La Bamba." The singer/songwriter/guitarist's debut album, "Marshall Cranshaw" was acclaimed a pop masterpiece, and it spawned the Top 40 single “Someday, Someway. Over three decades he has released 13 albums, and has hosted his own radio show, “The Bottomless Pit,” on New York’s WFUV.
Ian Lloyd was lead singer for The Stories in the 70s. With one of the most distinctive and powerful voices in the history of Rock music, Ian Lloyd has been heard across the globe beginning in 1973 with his performance on Stories' #1 hit "Brother Louie" and then "Mammy Blue." Lloyd's vocal credits include Foreigner and many others. 
John Ford is the London-born guitarist from the prog-rock band The Strawbs. In 2009 Ford won Best Indie Rock Artist of the Year from the Progressive Rock Hall of Fame, and in 2010, was inducted with the other Strawbs members into the PRHoF. One of his producers was Tony Visconti, who also produced Badfinger and David Bowie (among many others).
Beverly Bremers is the popular singer who hit the charts with the unforgettable song “Don’t Say You Don’t Remember.” She appeared in the original Broadway production of “Hair,” played in the L.A. stage production of “Rocky Horror Show” and is proud to have seen The Beatles live in concert twice in New York.
Randy Jackson is the lead singer, guitarist and leader of heavy metal band Zebra. Jackson grew up in New Orleans listening to The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Legendary Long Island producer Jack Douglas, who produced John Lennon, helped on Zebra's early records.
Larry Kirwin is an expatriate Irish writer and musician, most noted as the lead singer for the NY-based Irish punk rock band, Black 47. He wrote the brilliant play about The Beatles, “Liverpool Fantasy” which was staged in 1986 and he has published several books, including a novel version of “Liverpool Fantasy.”
Siobhan Magnus is the powerhouse singer best known as a finalist on “American Idol” in 2010. She is best remembered for her rendition of “Across The Universe” on a show that featured all music by Lennon & McCartney. Her version of "Helter Skelter" garners rave reviews whenever it's performed live.
Aztec Two-Step released their first album in 1972. Since then, Rex Fowler & Neal Shulman have spent a lifetime making music together as the folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step, remaining one of acoustic music's
most popular and enduring acts.   
Richie Scarlet, the "Emperor of Rock and Roll," has played in bands with legends like Ace Frehley and Peter Criss (KISS), Leslie West (Mountain), Sebastian Bach, with the members of the Alice Cooper Group (sans Alice) and Joey Molland (Badfinger).
Rich Pagano of the Fab Faux is the musical director for the concert, and more performers are being added to the bill.
Special Guest of Honor Celebrity Presenters for the gala concert include actors Charles Grodin and John Gabriel, television legend Dick Cavett, famed NY sportscaster Len Berman, news anchorman Marvin Scott, the Amazing Kreskin and others to be announced.  
The Town Hall is a Broadway theater located at 123 West 43rd Street, between Sixth Avenue and Broadway in New York City.  Tickets on sale next week through Ticketmaster and at the tehater box office.  100% of net proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Food Bank for New York City.  This production is not affiliated with Apple Corp Ltd or The Beatles.
 
And this from Tommy Roe:
TOMMY ROE Will headline the 50th anniversary BEATLES concert at the Washington Coliseum in Washington, DC on FEBRUARY 11th
This will be the final show to be played there before it is torn down.
Tommy opened for the Beatles when they performed their first US concert on February 11, 1964.
TOMMY will be doing a rare and intimate acoustic show for this very special event.
TOMMY is also headlining the THURSDAY, JANUARY 30th night concert for the WINTER DANCE PARTY
at the famed SURF BALLROOM in Clearlake, IOWA, commemorating the tragic loss of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. 
The concert is being organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' first full U.S. performance, which took place February 11, 1964, at the Washington Coliseum in Washington, D.C.  The Yesterday & Today show will be held this February 11 at the site of the venue and will feature a headlining performance by the tribute band Beatlemania, which will play the exact set as the Fab Four did. 
The concert also will feature a performance by 1960s pop star Tommy Roe, who was one of the opening acts at The Beatles' 1964 show.  Roe, who topped the charts in 1962 with "Sheila" and 1969 with "Dizzy," will deliver an acoustic set at the event.  In addition, the Yesterday & Today concert will feature other performers, a documentary about the Washington Coliseum and an exhibition of photos from the Fab Four show taken by photographer Mike Mitchell. 
Proceeds raised by the concert will benefit the DC Preservation League, which helps redevelop historic properties in the area.  Tickets for the event, which cost $45 for general admission standing tickets and $100 for seating, are available now at BeatlesYesterdayAndToday.com. 
The Beatles' first U.S. concert happened two days after the band's famed debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.  Here is the set list from the Washington, D.C., performance: 
"Roll Over Beethoven"
"From Me to You"
"I Saw Her Standing There"
"This Boy"
"All My Loving"
"I Wanna Be Your Man"
"Please Please Me"
"Till There Was You"
"She Loves You"
"I Want to Hold Your Hand"
"Twist and Shout"
"Long Tall Sally"
By the way, there's a GREAT video available commemorating The Beatles' first visit to The United States, taking in their arrival, hotel room footage, their first U.S. Concert at the Washington Coliseum on their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show ... a "must have" for Beatles fans and collectors:
 
You're going to find LOTS of British Invasion coverage in the months to come (including right here in these pages!)  Meanwhile, here's word of a "reverse" tour if you will from FH Reader Frank B:
Kent ...
1964 = British Groups Invade the USA
2014 = Reverse British Invasion ... British Groups go back to England
The Zombies, The Animals and The Yardbirds are planning a British Invasion of their own as they head back to England for a series of shows.
http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2014/01/05/21376046.html
Frank B.
 
From Bob Lind ...
To my South Florida fans and friends -- or friends and fans who may BE in South Florida in mid-February:
I'll be making a special local appearance next month. 
Here are the details:
Bob Lind Valentine's Day Concert
Friday, February 14, 2014
C.S.L WINTER CONCERT SERIES
Center for Spiritual Living, Boca Raton
2 SW 12th Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33486
Tickets: $20 advance / $25 at the door
(561) 368-8248
As many of you know, I rarely play this area, but can't resist the opportunity to sing my gooey, maudlin romantic love songs on THE National Day of Romantic Love.
It's been ages since I've seen a lot of you and I have a slew of new tunes.
Bring your Valentine -- or several of them. Or just come by yourself (No one will think you're pathetic if you come alone. Really!)
Hope to see you there.
Love to all of you,
Bob
 
And after we ran the latest Arcada Theatre line-up (scroll back to Wednesday, January 8th ... it's KILLER!) we got this from FH Reader Mike De Martino:
Man, check out the line up there. I better save my money and be nice to the wife!!
Mike
 
re:  Sad Goodbyes:
Sad to see all of the music artists that we lost last year.  On a recent note, the news made a bigger story about Phil Everly than most of the others on the list. There was a "crawler" on the Fox News cable channel that mentioned Phil and a story on CBS Sunday Morning highlighting the Everly Brothers. Ray Manzarek was briefly mentioned somewhere. 
Blossmwrld
 
Really saddened by Phil Everly’s and Jay Traynor’s deaths and equally hurt over the failure of the benefit to help Sonny Geraci– too many folks out for no one but themselves these days, eh?     
Ray Graffia, Jr.
I haven't heard any more about the funds from Sonny's benefit concert and have reached out to several people close to the event.  As soon as we know something, we'll be sure to pass it on to the fans, many of whom (including yours truly!) contributed to this cause.  (kk)  
 
With all the recent deaths, this might be a great time for The True Oldies Channel to do another Rock 'n' Roll Heaven Weekend -- maybe timed to the upcoming Buddy Holly anniversary.
I know it would be well-received -- and it seems more timely than ever.  Every week or so, it seems, we lose another favorite.  Phil Everly is, of course, the latest.
After reading your long list of other recent deaths, it's overwhelming to see how many music legends we've lost recently ... not to mention in all years past. 
I think it'd make for some great weekend programming.  Just a thought.
I forwarded this idea on to Scott Shannon as well.
Best,
Don Effenberger
I like the idea ... and would be happy to help support it by promoting such a True Oldies Specialty Weekend in Forgotten Hits.  Let me know how Scott responds.  (kk)   
 
Hi Kent ...  
David White and I were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Maureen Gray. Maureen was 13 years old when David and I first worked with her in 1962. She had an amazing voice. Besides the Danny and The Junior records, Maureen was the first female artist we recorded. Her first record, "Today's The Day," went #1 in Philly and her recording of "Dancing The Strand" made the national charts and Billboard Magazine. Maureen moved to England and sang background with John Lennon, Stevie Winwood and Eric Burdon. Maureen was a very special person and a great talent and will be missed. 
Rest in peace, Maureen.
John Madara
 
re:  Chicago:
FH Reader Tom Cuddy wrote in to talk about Chicago being invited to perform at this year's Grammy ceremony ... a career first for the band!
He also sent us this article about the event ...
I actually heard about this the other day ... almost impossible to believe, isn't it???
And apparently ONLY because of their first album (the C.T.A. one) being named to The Grammy Hall Of Fame.
I'm starting to think Chicago is the Rodney Dangerfield of the music world ...incredibly inventive and ahead of their time ... yet NEVER getting the respect they deserve.
kk
Better late than never!
Tom
Maybe next year The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame will finally open THEIR eyes and recognize these guys too!  (kk)
 
re:  WTF?!?!?:
I just read that David Cassidy was arrested Friday Night for the THIRD TIME in as many years for DUI ... how is it even REMOTELY possible that this guy is still allowed to drive?!?!  How many other innocent drivers does he have to kill before they lock him up?  I'm sorry but this is just INSANE!!!  I don't care WHO he is ... or WAS!!!  (kk)
 
 
Not quite the poster you had hanging up on your bedroom wall, is it?!?!?
 
re:  Clip of the Week:
Kent ...
You wouldn't think about putting these two together.  But it works!
Frank B.
And they're BOTH in fine voice on this one, my all-time James Brown favorite!  (kk)
 
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