Friday, April 17, 2015

The Friday Flash

Not much in the way of "free time" this past week ...
But I was able to pull together a few things this morning ...
Enjoy!


Would you please tell whomever is left of the original New Colony Six I still love and consider a potato chip song (you can't get enough of it) 'Things I'd Like To Say.'  It has it all:  lyrics, melody, singing, musicianship.  Never get tired of it.  I only have a handful of perfect songs ... another is 'On the Wings of A Nightingale' as sung by the Everly Brothers (and written by Sir Paul) ... pretty high standard, huh?   It's crazy what makes this list ... they're just songs I can't help loving for no particular reason, like Bob Brady and the Con-cords 'Everybody's Going To The Love-In.'  (Perfect Songs could be another fun survey ... I'm thinking about 'Sweet Soul Music' favorites you're currently surveying ... might be easier ... I don't even know where to start on that one because there are so many, beginning with Smokey's 'Cruisin''.  Maybe if you asked us to send you one each & that'd be my pick.)  Patti 
I passed your note along to The New Colony Six members, circa 1968-1969.  It's funny you should mention "Perfect Songs" ... there are VERY few songs that I can honestly say I have never stopped loving since the first time I've heard them ... and still listen to them EVERY time they come on the radio today.  To me, THOSE songs would make my list ... not even sure how many that would be ... but when you consider that tens of thousands of songs have made the charts and crossed our consciousness since the dawn of rock and roll, I'll betcha I would have a hard time narrowing it down to 200 ... 500 ... 1000 ... but even THEN, I still wouldn't play the SAME 500 songs day in and day out, day after day after day ... because I don't want to run the risk of ruining THOSE songs for me, too.  They are far to precious.  (kk)   

REMINDER:  Don't miss The New Colony Six THIS SUNDAY at The Arcada Theatre when they perform as part of The Rhythmic Arts Foundation Fundraiser (also starring Denny Diamond and The Cadillac Casanovas).  Chet Coppock will act as Master of Ceremonies and it all goes to a good cause.  (Scroll back and read our March 31st interview with Robert Colletti, organizer of this event).

Micky Dolenz was on hand last weekend for Johnny Mathis' sold-out concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall.  Here's a great shot of Micky and Johnny together after the show, courtesy of DIS-Company!  (kk)


Jay Black "The Voice" of Jay & The Americans
May 9th at the Levoy Theatre, Millville, NJ
I would LOVE to see Ron Onesti book Jay Black into The Arcada Theatre.  He had Jay and the Americans there last year ... and it was a great show ... but now I want to see and hear THAT VOICE ... INCREDIBLY as strong as ever at the ripe old age of 76!  (kk)



Speaking of great shows, FH Reader Steve Sarley jut sent us the Summer Line-Up for RiverEdge Park (a BEAUTIFUL place to see a concert, by the way ... we were there a couple of summers ago for the Sail Rock Show) ...
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2013/08/sail-rock-our-concert-review.html
This year headliners include Hall and Oates (July 31st), Earth Wind And Fire (August 22nd), Rock The Yacht (put on by the same folks who gave us Sail Rock a few years ago ... this time featuring The Little River Band, Ambrosia, Player, Stephen Bishop and Robbie Dupree) on July 24th, REO Speedwagon (July 18th), The BoDeans (June 13th ... they kick off this year's events), Meat Loaf (August 23rd) and a '90's Show featuring Smash Mouth, Toad The Wet Sprocket and Tonic.  (Guess we'll be spending quite a bit of our summer out in Aurora this year!)      

And check out this line-up for the 2015 Ponderosa Stomp ... even our buddy Freddy Cannon is back out on the road again after having heart surgery late last year ... that's GREAT news!!!  (Now will somebody please bring this guy to Chicago so that WE can see him, too?!?!?)  

I WOULD LOVE TO DO THAT, KENT. YES, IM FEELIN GREAT ... THANKS FOR THINKING ABOUT ME.
IF WE CAN FIND OUT WHO BOOKS THE SHOWS THERE THEN I WOULD COME THERE. 
YOU'RE THE BEST !
THANKS AGAIN - 
FREDDY
Meanwhile ... till then ... fans in the New Orleans area can enjoy Freddy ... and others ... at this year's Ponderosa Stomp!  (kk)

12th PONDEROSA STOMP SET FOR OCT 1 - 3 

PHENOMENAL LINE UP OF PERFORMERS INCLUDES FREDDY “BOOM BOOM” CANNON + LOS STRAITJACKETS, IRMA THOMAS, BARBARA LYNN, ROY HEAD, BRENDA HOLLOWAY, P.F. SLOAN, BILLY BOY ARNOLD, SAN ANTONIO CHICANO SOUL REVIEW AND MANY MORE!  

NEW ORLEANS-BASED MUSIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATES THE ORIGINALS OF ROCK, BLUES, SWAMP POP, SOUL, NEW ORLEANS R&B, ROCKABILLY AND MUCH MORE 

The talent lineup has been set for the twelfth edition of the Ponderosa Stomp Festival, New Orleans’ annual music bash that shines a brilliant light on generations of performers whose pioneering efforts made postwar and midcentury rock ‘n’ roll the rich, eclectic stew that forever changed the culture. This year’s Stomp takes place the weekend of Oct. 1-3, 2015, with concerts the nights of Oct. 2-3 at the Rock ‘N’ Bowl™ in Uptown New Orleans. 

The Ponderosa Stomp Concert is the in-person equivalent of having an infinite supply of quarters to play the world’s most thoroughly curated rock ‘n’ roll jukebox, stocked with “all killer – no filler” music that delivers a nonstop, high-energy rock ‘n’ roll experience. The Stomp’s Music History Conference is set for Oct. 1- 2 at the AC Hotel by Marriott, which is also hosting the Stomp’s annual Record Show  Oct. 1-3. The kickoff Hip Drop VII DJ party gets under way the evening of Oct. 1 at a location to be announced. 

Tickets for the concerts are offered as a two-night package at a discounted rate of $100 from now until May 1.  

Purchase online: http://ow.ly/LmMAB 

While this year’s Stomp offers its fair share of name artists, the festival is an enveloping phenomenon imbued a gospel-like fervor, irrespective of one’s familiarity with the individual performing artists. Those set to play this year’s Stomp, which The New York Times called “a party on its way to becoming an institution,” reflect a broad cross-section of vital performers who have made their mark in the realms of rock ‘n’ roll, soul, rhythm & blues, rockabilly, swamp pop, gospel, Tex-Mex, and other indigenous music.  

These include Where The Action Is star Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon with Los Straitjackets, New Orleans soul queen Irma Thomas, Motown diva Brenda Holloway, R&B doyenne Mable John, left-handed Gulf Coast guitar goddess Barbara Lynn, Roy Head of “Treat Her Right” renown, California folk-rock auteur P.F. Sloan, Chicago blues great Billy Boy Arnold, Muscle Shoals soulman Willie Hightower, and a West Side (San Antonio) Chicano soul revue with Rudy T. Gonzales backed by Sunliners alumni Little Henry, Rudy Palacios, and Chente Montes along with Manuel “Bones” Aragon of the Royal Jesters.  Numerous other artists are also slated to appear; complete list below. 

Despite their veteran status or, perhaps, because of it, the artists at this year’s Stomp embody the raw rebellion of rock ‘n’ roll’s first generation. The Stomp is far removed from the typical oldies cavalcade as its producers — The Ponderosa Stomp Foundation, under the direction of founder “Dr. Ike” (Ira Padnos) — are meticulous in selecting artists who are imbued with the spirit of the music. The live shows emphasize an idiosyncratic repertoire, all backed by first-rate musicians sympathetic to the no-holds-barred tenor of the event. 

Music aficionados from around the globe eagerly anticipate the unrestrained performances that typify The Stomp. “The Stomp tells a story no other ordinary concert does. It opens up the inside of music history for examination,” The San Francisco Chronicle’s Joel Selvin noted. “The Stomp mingled high-octane rockabilly, elegantly dynamic Southern soul, intricate New Orleans R&B and some kindred untamed music,” Jon Pareles of The New York Times wrote, likening the festival to “a dream” for lovers of authentic, raw, and unrestrained elemental music.  Gulf South Travel Services is offering a variety of 3 and 4-day packages for this year’s Stomp with or without accommodations at The Stomp’s host hotel,  AC Hotel by Marriott. Included is ground transportation to and from the concerts and access to The Stomp’s concurrent Music History Conference, Hip Drop DJ party and Record Show. Gulf South Travel Services donates a percentage of the proceeds back to The Ponderosa Stomp Foundation to help defray some of the cost of producing the festival. Call 504-952-0641 or email angelo@GSTS-travel.com for more information. 

A closer look at the performers: 

Brenda Holloway, Irma Thomas, Mable John, and Barbara Lynn are legendary “sisters of soul” whose talents and backgrounds are a reflection of many of the facets of rhythm and blues. Their participation respectively represents the Motown era, New Orleans’ own homegrown soul movement, soul’s gospel roots, and the Gulf Coast’s steamy take on emotive R&B.  

Like Barbara Lynn, Roy Head is slated to make a return appearance at this year’s Stomp. The energetic, often acrobatic, performer inspired countless singers and bands to, simply stated, “let it rip.” 

Also on tap is the enigmatic P.F. Sloan, one of the progenitors of the California folk-rock movement and composer of “Eve of Destruction” as well as scores of hits for the Turtles, Johnny Rivers, the Grass Roots, and others.  

Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon, star of TV’s Where The Action Is, will be backed by Los Straightjackets, a combination that is sure to dazzle on his lengthy string of top 40 hits, the biggest of which is, most presciently, “Way Down Yonder In New Orleans.” 

Along with rock and soul blues, rockabilly, and swamp pop, Tex-Mex performers are featured at The Ponderosa Stomp. Packing a rockin’ brand of Tejano soul, Rudy T. Gonzales of the Reno Bops will headline a revue backed by the core of San Antonio’s Sunliners — Little Henry, Rudy Palacios, and Chente Montes — along with fellow Chicano soul drummer Manuel “Bones” Aragon of the Royal Jesters. 

First-generation Chicago bluesman Billy Boy Arnold — whose “I Wish You Would” has been covered by the Yardbirds, David Bowie, and The Sweet — is returning to The Stomp this year. And Willie Hightower, one of Muscle Shoals’ most soulful standard bearers, will be making a rare appearance.  Rockabilly stalwarts Royce Porter, Mike Waggoner, Al Hendrix, Jim Oertling, and Mack Banks are primed to bop at The Stomp, along with J.M. Van Eaton of Sun Records’ Little Green Men and drummer for both Jerry Lee Lewis and Billy Lee Riley. 

The Louisiana-born phenomenon known as swamp pop will get royal treatment from a veritable Mount Rushmore of its stars: singers Tommy McLain, Rod Bernard, and Gene Terry, backed by The Mama Mama Mamas, a swampy supergroup that includes C.C. Adcock, Steve Riley, Dickie Landry, Pat Breaux, and drummer Jockey Etienne, playing his box tops that injected the murky soul into so many Excello 45s by Lazy Lester and others. 

Louisiana’s own soul-music heritage is represented by New Orleans vocalists Tony Owens and Jimmy “Pistol” Jules, plus Creole-zydeco guitar slinger Lil’ Buck Sinegal and the Top Cats featuring James Alexander from Lafayette. 

Making his Stomp debut, Gerry McGee, the son of Cajun music legend Dennis McGee, is the guitar great who worked on sessions for Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Ronstadt, Kris Kristofferson, Nancy Sinatra, and the Monkees. A longtime member of the Ventures, McGee also replaced Ry Cooder in one of the earliest iterations of Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band. 

Deke Dickerson, the noted roots-music journeyman whose talents encompass everything from hard country and rockabilly to Western swing, blues, and rock, is once again a featured Stomp performer.  Though there are numerous music festivals, it is clear that the Ponderosa Stomp is the most singular event in terms of unbridled, authentic, energy, and honesty.  Robert Gabriel of The Austin Chronicle concluded as much: “As the pressure cooker of SXSW searches aimlessly for the next big thing, this mélange of blues, soul, and rock & roll made the old-timers of the bayou the hippest ticket in town.” Get yours now!  


Ponderosa Stomp performers as of April 1:  Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon with Los Straitjackets; Irma Thomas; Mable John; Brenda Holloway; Barbara Lynn; Roy Head; Willie Hightower; P.F. Sloan; Billy Boy Arnold; West Side Chicano Soul Revue with Rudy T. Gonzales backed by Little Henry, Rudy Palacios, and Chente Montes of the Sunliners and Manuel “Bones” Aragon of the Royal Jesters; Royce Porter; Mike Waggoner; Al Hendrix; Mack Banks; J.M. Van Eaton; James Alexander; R.L. Boyce; Warren Storm; Raymond George; The Mama Mama Mamas, featuring C.C. Adcock, Steve Riley, Dickie Landry, Pat Breaux, and Jockey Etienne, with special guests Tommy McLain, Rod Bernard, and Gene Terry; Jimmy “Pistol” Jules; Gerry McGee; Lil’ Buck Sinegal and the Top Cats; Tony Owens; Jim Oertling; Deke Dickerson 

ABOUT THE PONDEROSA STOMP FOUNDATION: The Ponderosa Stomp Foundation (PSF) is a 501(c) (3), not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to celebrating the legacy, revitalizing the careers, and preserving the history of American music and musicians. 
The Ponderosa Stomp Foundation works to acknowledge, pay tribute to, and teach the cultural significance of the unsung heroes and heroines of rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm & blues and other forms of American roots music – while they are still alive. We provide both a voice and a stage to overlooked sidemen, session musicians, and other influential pioneers whose contributions have shaped American culture for over 50 years. 
Early music forms, such as blues, soul, rockabilly, swamp pop, funk, and New Orleans R&B, are the building blocks of rock ‘n’ roll, hip hop, and other contemporary music styles. Many of us sing along to songs made popular by musicians as varied as Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, the Rolling Stones, the Ramones, and the Velvet Underground. But sometimes the most unforgettable parts of a song come from the behind-the-scenes architects, not the face on the album cover. 
Yet many of these musicians aren’t recognized for their contributions to contemporary popular culture. 
With many of these unsung heroes aging, it is essential to honor and capture their pioneering cultural contributions for generations to come. It is with this sense of urgency and profound respect for the individuals and their music that the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation continues its work to:
Celebrate the legacy of the unsung heroes of American music whose influence and contributions have shaped American culture for over 50 years; Help revitalize the musical careers of these American music icons while they’re still alive; Preserve the individual's story behind American music history and educate young and old audiences, fans, and students about their work.
The Ponderosa Stomp Foundation achieves its mission through the presentation of unique and varied programming, ranging from music-education initiatives in public schools and museums to an oral-history project to the signature annual concert event, The Ponderosa Stomp. The results are long-term, with many Stomp performers going on to record new music and book gigs at local, national, and international events.   

Speaking of P.J. Proby ... Van Morrison's got a track on this new album called "Whatever Happened To P.J. Proby" that FH Reader Frank B likes ...
Kent ...
I like this song off Van Morrison's new album.
Frank B.
The concept behind Van's new LP is a "reworking" of his catalog with a number of duet partners ... including this one with PJ himself sharing the vocals!  (kk)

Got some extra cash you don't quite know what to do with? Well, you could send some OUR way ... the rent is late again ... 

OR ... you can bid on some of these VERY interesting auctions that Geoff Lambert told us about ...    

Some of the following links may be of interest to you and your readers ...  

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3029035/Don-McLean-s-original-manuscript-American-Pie-sells-auction-1-2million-mystery-bidder.html 

htp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3031310/Revealed-secret-American-Pie-pop-s-enigmatic-song-Drugs-Elvis-murders-lost-verse-sheds-new-light-Don-McLean-s-hauntingly-evocative-lyrics.html 

Priscilla Presley agrees to serve as witness in contest for couple to win the 'ultimate Elvis wedding'  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3027478/Priscilla-Presley-No-Elvis-imitators-new-Vegas-chapel.html   

The Beatles' original Yellow Submarine surfaces and is set to fetch £10,000 at auction this week  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3027783/The-Beatles-original-Yellow-Submarine-surfaces-set-fetch-10-000-auction-week.html    

Sergeant Pepper's cardboard gnome: 20-inch cut-out that appeared on album cover and is signed by The Beatles set to be auctioned   
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3031097/Sergeant-Pepper-s-17-000-cardboard-gnome-20-inch-cut-appeared-album-cover-signed-Beatles-set-auctioned.html   

Monkees fans to have chance to pick up instruments, costumes and more during auction of late singer Davy Jones memorabilia  
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3028561/Treasure-Davy-Jones-locker-Monkees-fans-chance-pick-instruments-costumes-auction-late-singer-s-memorabilia.html   

Take care,

Rockin’ Lord Geoff in England    

Regarding "Sure Gonna Miss Her" ... 
Kent ... 
Great site!  Listening to Sirius / XM and heard that this wasn't an original ... 
You guys sure got to the bottom of it fast ...
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.ca/2013/04/gary-lewis-and-playboys-part-1.html   
Regards,  
Art in Toronto  
Thanks, Art ... hopefully you'll continue to check back from time to time ... we ALWAYS have something interesting going on here at Forgotten Hits!  (kk)   

Kent ...
Got home at 3:00 PM, just in time to listen to Pat St. Johns' last show on WCBS-FM.
Elvis, James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Everly Brothers, Jimmie Rodgers, Little Richard, Chubby Checker, Chuck Berry, Rick Nelson.  Wow!  I'm sorry he's leaving!
Pat St. John said he never told this story before.
During the JACK-FM days, he requested a meeting with the president of the station. Took him about a month to get the meeting.  He wanted to talk about his idea -- to switch JACK-FM back to WCBS-FM.
The day before his meeting, they switched JACK-FM back to WCBS-FM.  He kept the meeting, even though he had nothing to talk about.  They hired him and he was on the air that night.  
Pat's last show was supposed to end at 6:00 PM. He ran over.  It ended at 6:20 PM. What are they going to do -- fire him?  
Last song he played was a random choice = "Give Me One More Chance," by the Dukes from 1969.  I know. I never heard it before.  
Since he's moving to San Diego, I thought it would be a Beach Boys song.
Frank B.
Nope, I've never heard it before either ... but apparently a big local hit in New York.  (Nationally it reached #65 ... but only hit #80 in Billboard.) 
More and more of our favorites and retiring these days ... SO many great voices over the years.  Hope he can thoroughly enjoy his years away from the microphone!  (kk)
Kent ...
-- Sunday (4/12/15) = I was listening to "Wild Wayne's Memory Machine" and reading "Forgotten Hits" at the same time. I was reading the part where Ron Smith (I think you call him the grim reaper) wrote about Stan Freberg's death. At the same time, Wild Wayne was playing a tribute to Stan
Freberg.
-- On Sunday (4/5/15) = Wild Wayne played Stan Freberg's # 1 hit from 1953, "St. George And The Dragonet."  This was before Stan died.
-- I just found out that Percy Sledge died. I start reading "Forgotten Hits."  First thing I see is the "Sounds Of Soul Survey" from May 6, 1966.  #15 song = "When A Man Loves A Woman."
Why is it that a DJ's last show is always his best show?  My theory is that he knows a lot of his peers will be listening.  He puts a lot of extra effort into it, instead of going through his normal routine.
Frank B.
More ...
Dan Mason is retiring.  New management moving is in.  It's never good news for the listeners when somebody new comes in.  They always want to do something drastic, to put their mark on the radio station. I'm afraid that in a couple of months I might be hearing 1990's & 2000's music on WCBS-FM.  I hope I'm wrong.
Frank B.
Radio does seem to be leaning more and more that way.  That's why something like Me-TV-FM has been such a welcome change here in Chicago.  Yeah, we've bitched about all the things they're doing wrong ... but by comparison there are an AWFUL lot of things they're doing right ... and they're winning over the Chicago radio audience in the process.  I listen to them almost exclusively now ... we'll put it on as background music when we're home and there's nothing on TV.  We'll set the alarm clock radio to play a 30 or 45 set at bed time ... and wake up to it every morning.  And I can honestly say that for all the aggravating repeats I hear (and that list just keeps growing and growing ... much as I LOVE the song, hearing "Love Or Let Me Be Lonely" by The Friends of Distinction for the 16th time in the past two weeks was enough to make me change the station), I can honestly say that there hasn't been a single day that has gone by when I don't hear AT LEAST three or four songs on this station that I have never heard them play before ... which tells me they're still expanding the list as they go.  (Hopefully this will help to weed out all of the songs that they're playing that absolutely NOBODY wants to hear!!!)
My offer still stands, guys ... bring me in for a couple of days to "clean up" the play list ... add a few titles, drop a few titles ... and mix up the rotation a little bit more.  The station is SO incredibly close to being "the one" that I would LOVE being involved with pushing them up over the edge.  (kk)

Outta time ... gotta run!  (kk)


 

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

It's Time For Another Edition Of Our New Record Research Monthly Play List Feature

This month we venture  back to 1979 ... when THESE 25 songs were the most popular tunes throughout the land ...







Ray Stevens did a PERFECT job of nailing the Barry Manilow sound when he cut "I Need Your Help, Barry Manilow" in 1979.  What a GREAT novelty record!  (Barry's been all over the news again lately, having recently announced his marriage to his manager over a year ago ... and his plans to stop touring.)  And Ray Stevens is back with a new release, too ... featuring his latest attack on pop culture, "Taylor Swift Is Stalking Me"!!!



And, just for fun ... here's his big hit from April of 1979 ... one of my all-time favorites by Ray ...



There are a few songs on this month's list that I don't even recognize ... I guess 1979 wasn't a big year for me personally when it came to music ... "Dancer" by Gino Soccio?  "Oh Honey" by Delegation?  "Elena" by The Marc Tanner Band?  "Souvenirs" by Voyage?  "Keep On Dancin'" by Gary's Gang?  "Bustin' Loose" by Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers?  "Superman" by Herbie Mann?  Even hearing them in Joel's excellent April, 1979, medley didn't do much to spark a memory for me. 

Some of the others ... "Feelin' Satisfied" by Boston, "Rubber Biscuit" by The Blues Brothers, "Roller" by April Wine, "Rosanne" by The Police, "Maybe I'm A Fool" by Eddie Money (one of my favorites by him that NEVER seems to get any airplay anymore, regardless of how big it was in '79) and "Precious Love" by Bob Welch I knew because I was listening to Album-Oriented Rock at the time.  The Disco Era was just winding down and I was focusing most of my musical attention on stuff that had a little more "edge" to it. 

Others, like The Beach Boys' disco remake of one of their old album track "Here Comes The Night" and Linda Clifford's version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (popular here in Chicago because she hailed from here ... in fact, I still see her from time to time performing with The City Lights Orchestra) were last ditch efforts to cash in on the disco craze ... listen to either one of them and you'll see why disco needed to die!!! (lol)  Evelyn "Champagne" King's "I Don't Know If It's Right" was a little better ... at least it fit the mold of what disco was SUPPOSED to be, rather than being forced to fit a particular category. 

Other popular tracks of the day included some that you still hear regularly today ... "What A Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers ... this one was literally EVERYWHERE at the time ... there was NO escape!; "Heart Of Glass" by Blondie (which had a hint of a disco feel to it as well ... but still a great rock track, too) ... "Sultans Of Swing" by Dire Straits, which still sounds very inventive today, all these years later, "Lady" by the ORIGINAL Little River Band, and, quite honestly, "Roxanne" by The Police belongs in this category, too ... along a few others that haven't weathered the 36 year storm as well like "Knock On Wood" by Amii Stewart (big hit ... but it loses ALL the soul of the original version), "I Just Fall In Love Again", a beautiful piece of work by Anne Murray, who was enjoying hit after hit after hit at the time, "Livin' It Up (Friday Night)" by Bell and James (I actually really liked this one ... still do!) and "Love Ballad" by George Benson (resurrected recently by Chicago's Me-TV-FM, a little more often than it needs to be in my opinion!). 

Those were your 25 biggest hits, 36 years ago this month, according to Billboard Magazine. 

You can capture monthly recaps of ALL the Billboard Hits with Joel Whitburn's new Record Research series of books, "Top Pop Playlists".  Volume One covers the years 1955 - 1969 and Volume Two picks up in 1970 and runs through 1984.  BOTH offer The Top 25 Hits for EVERY month in between ... 30 years of charts, 360 in all ... and all printed in beautiful 4/color with photos of the original picture sleeves for many of the featured tracks. 

Complete ordering information can be found here:

In fact, you can even view sample pages from both books on Joel's website.

And how's this for an ever MORE super deal!!!

Forgotten Hits Readers will get an ADDITIONAL $5 off Top Pop Playlists, 1970 - 1984 if they use the special ordering code BLONDIE ... this book is currently on sale for $5 off ... but Forgotten Hits Readers will receive a total of $10.00 (!) off the regularly published price of $29.95 ... but you've got to act fast!  This offer expires on April 30th at 11:59 PM Central Standard Time.

https://www.recordresearch.com/pop/top_pop_playlists_1970-1984.php

And, be sure to join us again NEXT month (May 15th) when we feature another monthly chart from these publications.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

More Soul Searching

Dear Kent: 
I'm just amazed by all the reactions to my soul stirring list - and the fact that no one has called for me to be shot at sunrise.  Wow!  
Did you nail it on "Black Peal." How I omitted that masterpiece by Sonny Charles and the Checkmates makes me wonder if I should start drinking again.
Round two: I really feel like The Animals magnificent "When I Was Young" needs to show up somewhere on my chart.
Kudos to all, especially Jack Levin who really brought forth some very thoughtful points about my "Gems."
Finally, as was pointed out, Levi Stubbs should have sung with Stax / Volt. His voice, burning with urgency, was meant to be backed by Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Booker T. and the Stax horn section. Agreed?
Peace, Love and Soul.
Chet Coppock


From Jack:

Thanks Chet. If you got time Sunday morning, 5/17, come on down to the Best Western Hotel in Hillside for the May record show. I've got some Chicago soul surveys you can check out, as well as from other cities, like this one from WOPA. 45's too.
Jack


Check out this "Black Pearl" story from FH Reader (and "History Of Rock And Roll" originator) Gary Theroux:   

I remember the night on the air when I got a request for "the song about the girl who's been in the bathroom much too long."  I had no idea what the guy was talking about until about an hour later when I happened to play "Black Pearl."  The caller phoned back and said, "Thanks for playing my song!"  
Gary Theroux  
LOL ... TOO funny!!! (kk)   

Kent,  
Please allow me to tell of a small recollection I have from 1959 one night at the dinner table while the radio on the shelf was playing SINCE I DON'T HAVE YOU. While the final 30 seconds of the song were playing and singer Jimmy Beaumont was belting out YOU!! at the end, my dad turned around, looked at the radio, turned back towards the dinner table and commented that the DJ on the air doesn't know that his record was stuck. Needless to say, I knew better.  
Larry Neal

There aren't many notes in rock and roll that measure up to that one.  A couple that come to mind are Jay Black's incredible reading of "Cara Mia" and Daryl Hall's "She's gone-awn-awn-awn-awn" final chorus of the Hall and Oates hit of the same name.  Goosebump moment for sure.  (Imagine having to recreate THAT moment every night on stage!!!)
And I just heard another one ... Me-TV-FM just played one of MY favorite songs from the '70's, "My Angel Baby" by Toby Beau.  Listen to lead singer Balde Silva belt out "the rest of the night" at the end of this one ... incredible!  (kk)


Hey Kent,
I was going to leave Chet's R&B favorites list alone, but when I read the comments about them today, I feel my two cents are in order. I like most of his entries, and comments about them.
Believe me, I'm no connoisseur of Soul and R&B, but did everyone forget about The Spinners? "I'll Be Around", "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love", "The Rubber Band Man" have got to be included, don't you think?
Peter Noone wrote in about Sam Cooke, and how he influenced Rod Stewart and Steve Perry. Actually, Perry decided to become a singer after hearing "Cupid" on his mom's car radio. As far as Stewart goes, I had never heard of him before, until a guitarist friend of mine called me. I always respected my friend's opinions and knew he would go far in the business, which he did, in nationally known groups. When he called, he wanted me to come over and listen to his brand new Jeff Beck album. Before he put the needle down on the LP he warned me that all the members of the band were great except the lead singer. He told me "The guy sucks, I mean he really SUCKS!!"
After I heard the whole album, I was in total agreement with him. The guy added nothing and almost ruined the tracks, in my opinion.
Well, wouldn't you know, a couple years later, that singer had a mega-hit called "Maggie May", and the rest is history. A different musical setting for Rod really did the trick. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
- John LaPuzza    


Hi Kent -
Well I thought Chet nailed it on a few, but didn't agree with all his picks. He'd be a fun guy to have a beer, a burger and fries, and discuss this stuff face to face. 
The Jive Five tune -- My True Story -- is a favorite of mine too, The Otis tune as well, The Flamingos' I Only Have Eyes for you is as much atmospheric as it is Soulful. As far as Aaron Neville goes, I just don't like his voice. The Neville Brothers are wonderful ... however Aaron's solo stuff never grabs me. I think Heart did a much better version of Tell It like It Is. The Stevie tune is more message than anything and after a couple minutes the message is clear, but for a soul classic there are much better tunes -- how 'bout Summer Soft from that same album. 
Hard for me to pick a Wilson Pickett favorite so I'll let that one go. <grin> Marvin Gaye? I think Let's Get It On wins .. either that, or one of the Duets.  Sam and Dave ... again hard to pick one.  
Phil Phillips?  I never was crazy about that one. The guy singing the bass part at the beginning is so flat that it drives me crazy. 
The Beach Boys? Hmmmmm. Chet, you did pick a great example of more soulful BB's, but not sure I'd have put them on the list of all time Soul tunes. 
Sam Cooke -- I think A Change Gonna Come more defines a generation than Bring It On Home. 
The Four Tops?  I think I'd have picked Ask The Lonely or Reach Out.  I love Oh Girl by the Chi-Lites ... it is a wonderful example of vocal group harmony.  It's just down right Yummy. 
It's hard to pick 30 of the best, so he gets kudos for trying. hahaha 
I love lists so keep 'em coming. 
Bill

Hola Kent, 
Most of the snow has receded!!! Thank heavens for my Oldies to get me through this arduous Winter.  
My Goosebump offering is The Casinos' Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye ... sweeten my coffee indeed! 
Have a great weekend, 
CharlieOFD  
Absolutely one of mine, too ... we were talking with Gene and Glen Hughes in Forgotten Hits right before Gene died in a car accident.  (Can you believe that was already over ten years ago?!?!)  What a GREAT recording. (By the way, Toby Beau did THIS one, too ... a great (albeit less soulful) version in 1979 that peaked at #57.  (kk)



Kent,  
As with any list by anybody (but me) I agreed with Chet's most of picks and not with others.  I won't mention the ones I'd leave out, but just to add some more titles to the discussion ... 
"High Heel Sneakers" - Stevie Wonder:  Just before "Uptight", just a good feeling dance disc.
"Doggin' Around" - Jackie Wilson:  The flip of "Night", this one got lots of air play on KRLA in my senior HS year.
"Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)" - Isley Brothers:  With or without the lead vocals (both on You Tube) it grabs your feet and gets them movin'!
Also a story with another of my choices "When A Man Loves A Woman" - Percy Sledge.  I had to chuckle when Chet mentioned being "the only white dude" in the audience.
I was working the all-nite shift at C&W WOKO in Albany, NY, back in '68.  At that time, the only R&B in the market was 7 - Midnite on Saturday and Sunday, on another AM station, hosted by a local Reverend (name forgotten).  It was at broadcast from a local night club and started at 8 PM, which meant I could take in the show and still have plenty of time to get to work.
When I got out of my car and headed for the door, I noticed that I, too, was the lone white male in the crowd.  As I walked in the door, the Rev. noticed me and started a conversation.  I introduced myself and mentioned I was a DJ on WOKO.  As soon as he found out I was a "brother of the airwaves", he said "Come on in, keep your money, enjoy the night!".
When the seating shuffle finished, I was standing right in front of the stage, right under where Percy was singing.  I stayed there the whole set, just feasting on the grooves.  When it was over, I calmly walked back out through the crowd, found the Rev. and really thanked him for a memorable night.  I never experienced one second of discomfort the whole time, just the joy of good soul music done by great players.
Thanks for your site, as usual!  Keep on truckin'!
Jim Southern


Hi Kent,   
"Soulful Strut" by Young-Holt Unlimited -- GREAT choice -- as you remember, they were with the Ramsey-Lewis Trio on three of his million-sellers including "The In Crowd."   
One of the people that replaced them when they left Ramsey-Lewis was Maurice White, who went on to form Earth, Wind, & Fire.   
Keep up your STELLAR work, GREAT reading! 
Peace,  
Tim Kiley   

Another fantastic version of I'm So Young was done by The Ronettes. I have a tendency to like this version the best.   
Carrie



I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out that Brian Wilson was as inspired by this Phil Spector-produced recording as anything else that may have led The Beach Boys to record this track.  Thanks for sending, Carrie.  (kk)   

And, speaking of The Beach Boys ...



>>>My hope is that future generations will discover their music by first hearing She Knows Me Too Well or Sail On Sailor or It's About Time.  Thanks for representing us well!  (Phil)
Phil, 
It's About Time is one of my many BB faves.  Also, Slip on Through from that period is great.  Did they ever release "I Just Got My Pay"??  I have that on a bootleg but never knew if it ever came out.  It was a great song when I was living paycheck to paycheck. 
Clark 
I know it was included in the "Good Vibrations" / 30-Year Anniversary Box Set ... but I don't think it ever saw "official" release during their hey-day. 
According to the liner notes that accompany this incredible set of music, "I Just Got My Pay" was recorded for the "Sunflower" album ... but didn't make the cut.  They say "'I Just Got My Pay' will be familiar to Beach Boys fanatics borth from its earlier incarnation ('All Dressed Up For School', a bonus track on the "Little Deuce Coupe / All Summer Long" CD two-fer) and as 'Marcella'."  (kk)







KK -
Thanks for posting my note to Chet and for a great follow-up comment. Another good discussion on FH,
Phil    

Hi Kent, 
On Thursday, April 9th, I was flipping through the channels and found Brian Wilson and Friends performing on Channel 11's Soundstage. They did a mixture of the new music and old. 
Al Jardine was in fine form also ... loved him doing his first solo "Help Me Rhonda".  Brian looked so happy! 
Keep up the great work, 
Carolyn  
Caught this concert Saturday Night ... absolutely outstanding!  (In fact, I liked it so much, I watched it again on Sunday!)  The best I've heard Brian sound in YEARS!!!  And it was SO cool how he let the other artists take center-stage and perform his music.  Top notch from start to finish.  (Cool to see our FH Buddy Billy Hinsche back up on stage, too ... Billy lives in Vegas these days and the concert was filmed at The Venetian Hotel.)  Love the new tunes from "No Pier Pressure" ... many of which fit very nicely side-by-side with all the original Beach Boys material performed.  
PBS has already made the set available through their website.  In fact, for $29 you can get an autographed copy of the DVD (with additional footage not shown in the one hour tv special) as well as Brian's new CD.  Not a bad deal ... plus a percentage of the money goes directly to PBS.  (kk)  
https://soundstage.questarvideo.com/autograph  
Please Note:  Just checked ... it IS $29 for the DVD/CD combo-pak ... but then another $11 to ship it ... so the whole thing is going to cost you $40 bucks.  AND, it's only available through November.   

Looking through all this banter about Soul Music, I had to use my word search to make sure my eyes weren't failing me, and that a certain key group was really conspicuously absent from the blog, namely the Dells! What about Stay In My Corner with that famous "forever vocal note hold", or the 2nd version of Oh What A Night? WMAQ-TV produced a special about the Chicago-based (Harvey) Dells some 12 years ago, and I suggest everyone get their hands on it, or at least give their songs another spin so I'm not the only one mentioning them when it comes to Soul. Please, let's wake up! 
And when it comes to Gladys Knight, it wasn't her biggest hit, but Friendship Train is danceable and relevant all these years later. 
Bill Fortune  
I like several songs by The Dells ... but the remake of "Oh What A Night" definitely gets my vote ... one of my all-time favorites ... and still sounds good every time it comes on the radio.  (kk)




We mentioned Lulu's "Oh Me Oh My" as one of our favorite soulful tracks the other day ... and then mentioned that she was doing select shows throughout Europe right now ... then we got this from FH Reader Ken Voss, updating us on Lulu's new solo shows and LP ...   

Here's an interesting piece on Lulu
Ken  
http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/music/lulu-on-hendrix-bowie-and-going-back-to-her-soul-roots.122506116   

And, finally, another list!  

I'm a lover of soul music. I'd thought I'd list some of my favorite soul and R&B classics [off the top of my head] in no particular order because they are all tied for first. I limited it to one song per artist

For Your Precious Love -- Jerry Butler

Baby Don't You Weep -- Garnett Mimms

Just One Look -- Doris Troy

Hello Stranger -- Barbara Lewis

Higher And Higher -- Jackie Wilson

Slip Away -- Clarence Carter

Walk Away From Love -- David Ruffin

This Is My Country -- Impressions

A Change Is Gonna Come -- Sam Cooke

I Was Made To Love Her -- Stevie Wonder

I Love You -- Volumes

In A Moment -- Intriques

It's A Shame -- Spinners

These Arms Of Mine -- Otis Redding

Searching For My Love -- Bobby Moore

Don't Play That Song -- Ben E. King

Chain Of Fools -- Aretha Franklin

Try Me -- James Brown

That Lady -- Isley Bros.

What's Goin' On -- Marvin Gaye

If I Were Your Woman -- Gladys Knight & Pips

Ask Me What You Want -- Millie Jackson

OK. I'll stop here. Love these records.

Mark The Shark
Too many good ones here not to feature a few ... how about "I Was Made To Love Her", one of my favorite songs ever sung by Stevie ... followed by "It's A Shame", WRITTEN by Stevie but given to The Spinners during their short stint with Motown to record ...and then The Isley Brothers' classic, "Who's That Lady" ... all Soul Gems in my book.  Thanks, Mark!  (kk)