Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tuesday This And That


More Sick Bay Reports:  
Greetings Kent,
Wanted to fill you in on the status of Domingo Samudio.
(We know him, of course, as Sam The Sham)
He is resting at home, following surgery. He is doing fine and hopes to be recuperating for a at least 2 - 3 more weeks.
His surgery adds to those other 60s Acts that have been well documented on your blog.
I will keep you informed as time goes on.
John Eckert
By all means, please pass along our best wishes for a speedy recovery.  (Sadly, I think we’re getting to that point with some of our ‘60’s favorites that this is becoming the “norm” rather than the exception.  This is why I HATE to see these groups still fighting about crap that happened 25, 30, 40 years ago.  SUCH a waste of time … especially when no one really knows just how much time any of us have left.)
Thanks, John.  (kk)

Clark Besch also sent us a very lengthy piece on the passing of Jeff Travis of The Coachmen ... far more than we can post here (especially for a group who never had a National Top 100 Hit) ... but clearly a sentimental favorite of Mr. Besch and the folks who grew up in the Lincoln, Nebraska area.

As such, we are happy to forward this a FOUR separate emails to anybody who requests it.  (Note:  There will be several attachments so please be sure you can receive a large file when asking.)  As is ALWAYS the case, Clark has compiled some very extensive notes, newspaper clippings and local charts showing the popularity of this local band.  (Their biggest national hit "bubbled under" in Billboard at #114 in 1966.)  Just drop me a note at kk@forgottenhits.com and we'll send it along.

Also on the mend is Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane / Starship fame. 
He just filed a lawsuit in which he states that he was left “totally disabled” by the care he received at a New York City hospital, following an emergency heart procedure.  
According to Balin, he filed the suit against Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, alleging that the staff there botched his recovery from open-heart surgery in 2016, causing him to lose half his tongue, his vocal cords, left thumb and the mobility in his left hand.
Ultimate Classic Rock reports (by way of The New York Post) that Balin, 76, was in New York for a gig on March 12, 2016, but the day before was rushed to Mount Sinai Beth Israel with a cardiac issue and did not leave the hospital for three months. While there, he wound up having having open-heart, triple-bypass and valve-replacement surgery, and spent time in the hospital’s intensive care unit.  
During Balin’s time in the ICU, he required a tracheotomy, which he claims was performed improperly, resulting in the loss of half of his tongue and use of his vocal chords. He also alleges his IV was incorrectly inserted and improperly monitored, resulting in his left hand being paralyzed and his thumb on that hand requiring amputation. He also got bedsores and now requires dialysis after his kidneys were damaged during his stay. 
Balin’s lawyer, David Jaroslawicz, told the Post the hospital branch was apparently in the middle of closing, and lacked the specialists and resources to care for patients with Balin’s serious needs. “It was a horror show,” Jaroslawicz said. 
Balin’s lawsuit notes he “had become totally disabled and has never recovered properly.” Mount Sinai Beth Israel has not responded to the suit. 
(And you thought YOU were having a bad day!!!)
So sorry to hear this ... another great voice in rock and roll history silenced far too soon.  Best of luck to you, Marty, in getting the best resolution possible in light of all of this.  (kk)

Meanwhile, ANOTHER great voice in rock and roll history is poised and set to make his return ...   

Steve Perry:   
Hi Kent,
Here’s a pretty decent interview that KQRS-FM (Minneapolis - St. Paul) morning man, and National Radio Hall of Fame member, Tom Barnard recently conducted with Steve Perry about his recent recording activities:
Paul Haney  

Happy to see that Steve Perry is back in the game.  He looks good and sounds great.  His voice sounds strong and he is on his way to a comeback. Maybe he can rejoin his band, "Journey." 
I have seen a lot of tribute bands appearing here and there paying homage to Journey.  Arnel Pineada is wonderful, but I personally don't think he will ever top the talent and showmanship of Perry. 
Thanks again for your blog.  I am grateful I got a chance to respond. 
Sandy
I don’t think there are ANY plans for Steve Perry to rejoin Journey … let’s just all be thankful that he’s finally singing again after all these years … and if this new LP can somehow jump start is long-dormant solo career, all the better.  (Let’s face it … he can still always sing any Journey songs he chooses in concert!)
One step at a time … and it’ll be baby steps at first … ‘cause this has been a LONG time comin’.  (My guess is we'll be hearing a WHOLE lot of Steve Perry and Journey in the months to come, helping to build even more anticipation for this hot new release.)  kk  

kk …

Check out Scott Shannon's surprise guest last week.  (I think you had him first.)

FB
I’m telling you, there’s going to be a TON of Steve Perry news between now and when his new album comes out on October 5th.  (And it looks like he’s already deeply involved with the promotion machine!)  kk  

ELO:  
Kent,
Just "WOW!," man!
 
I watched both ELO specials and I don't ever remember a concert feeling this good - and I only watched them on t.v.!
Good for you for going and good for Frannie for getting such great seats (and taking such great photos.)
Hope you're well, my friend.
Best,
Bob Rush

When we first heard the scuttle a couple of years ago that Jeff Lynne was going to tour The States again, we vowed to make this our Must See Concert of All-Time.
Like a lot of people, we have always kept a change jar … throw in any spare change we have at the end of the day and then, if we were lucky, every six months or so we’d cash it in and go out and have a really nice dinner.
Well, this time we upped the ante … and started a Quarters Only jar … meaning that we were not allowed to spend any quarters … if we got one (and no matter how many we got), it went straight into the jar.
When the concert was finally announced and they released the ticket date, we cashed in our quarters … and had over $400 saved (money we likely NEVER would have saved otherwise!)  So we took that $400+ and with it, were able to not only buy our concert tickets (and damn good seats at that) but also pay for our parking, buy three T-Shirts and a Program and grab dinner before the show.  It was awesome … and involved absolutely no dipping into pocket to do so.  (Highly recommended if you’ve got the discipline to do it!)
We’ve already got another Quarter Jar going right now (but probably won’t have enough saved in time to buy Eagles tickets when they return to Chicago in October … I think for The Eagles, we probably need to start a Five Dollar Jar!!!) … but we’re trying! 
I can only assure you that this was one of the best concerts we’ve ever seen in our lives … and WELL worth every penny … er, quarter!  (kk)

Hi Kent,
One more awesome read, my friend. 
ELO … a great band for sure. 
So sad to hear about Aretha … she was awesome.
Try to get some rest if you can ... lol ... I know ... take care!
Barry

Kent,
I regret not being able to catch the E.L.O. show. Your description matches how I would've imagined the show to be.  I fell in love with their music after the first time I heard the 10538 Overture. 
Great review.  
Dube

Just read your review of the Jeff Lynne / ELO concert – sounds amazing.
My brother was there, too – probably seated not far from where you were – main floor, dead center, 17th or 19th row – he said it was the best concert he has ever seen – said that if you closed your eyes, it sounded like a record playing, the band was so good.  Now I’m wishing that I would have gone!
Debbie
 

DIONNE WARWICK:   
We told you about the new PBS Special saluting the career of Dionne Warwick a week or two ago.
Well, it had its first official airing last Saturday night (August 18th) and is a fitting tribute to another ‘60’s Diva … all the more meaningful now with the passing of Aretha Franklin this past week.
Did you get a chance to see it?  Outstanding job ... lots of GREAT clips from throughout her career.
Here is what “The Second Disc”’s Joe Marchese says about it …
From the moment she burst onto the music scene in 1962 exhorting “Don’t Make Me Over,” Dionne Warwick has been a musical force with which to be reckoned.  The legendary singer blended elegant pop and deeply-felt soul in a fashion which remains unrivaled today for its sophistication and polish; her signature songs like “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Alfie,” and “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” have all become cornerstones of the new American songbook.   Dionne’s remarkable life and career will be saluted on a new Public Television special which begins airing nationwide in many cities on Saturday, August 18, with additional telecasts the following week and on some stations into September. Check your local listings or go to this PBS station search link: https://www.pbs.org/tv_schedules/

MY MUSIC Presents: Dionne Warwick – Then Came You traces Warwick’s history from her upbringing in East Orange, New Jersey through her breakthrough success in the 1960s as one-third of the “triangle marriage” with Burt Bacharach and Hal David, right up through her successful collaborations with Thom Bell and Barry Manilow and to the present day.  A “Who’s Who” of talent have lined up to pay tribute to Warwick in this fascinating portrait of an artist and her craft, including Bacharach, Manilow, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Mathis, Richard Carpenter, Chuck Jackson and Steve Tyrell.  Warwick herself is featured in brand-new interview footage, as well.

At the heart of Then Came You is a treasure trove of rare, full-length performances by Warwick at all stages in her career, including indelible musical performances of the following classic songs:
  • “Anyone Who Had A Heart”
  • “I Say A Little Prayer”
  • “Do You Know The Way To San Jose?”
  • “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”
  • “Don’t Make Me Over”
  • “Theme From ‘Valley Of The Dolls'”
  • “Alfie”
  • “The Windows Of The World”
  • “Promises, Promises”
  • “Message To Michael”
  • “Reach Out For Me”
  • “Make It Easy On Yourself” (with Burt Bacharach)
  • “Then Came You” (with The Spinners)
  • “I’ll Never Love This Way Again”
  • “Heartbreaker”
  • “That’s What Friends Are For” (with Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder)

    This one-of-a-kind special is part of the acclaimed MY MUSIC series of fundraising “pledge shows” presented by Series Creator/Executive Producer TJ Lubinsky and producers Jim Pierson and JoAnn Young.  During the PBS airings, viewers will have the opportunity to purchase Then Came You on DVD – which offers an additional, all-new documentary, The Dionne Warwick Story, not seen on TV as well as extended song performances and other extras, along with a pair of exclusive, new PBS-only CD releases offering many rarities, including tracks never-before-on CD and previously unreleased masters.
The deluxe 3-CD The 1960s Singles Plus is the set for which Dionne fans have long been waiting: a complete collection featuring the A- and B-sides of every one of her classic Scepter Records singles, first released between 1962 and 1977.  A total of 74 songs are featured including all of the classic original Bacharach/David productions like “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Promises, Promises,” and “Anyone Who Had A Heart,” and rare favorites like “Slaves,” “Amanda,” “He’s Moving On,” and many, many more.  All of the remastered tracks are presented in their original mono single mixes, with the exception of a few later titles issued as stereo singles.  Music historian Paul Grein has provided the new liner notes, and rare pictures are sprinkled throughout.

But TJL wouldn’t leave Dionne’s career hanging!  She followed up the Scepter years with further triumphs, and TJL is proud to present them on another collectors’ dream release.  Hits & Rarities 1974 - 1999 is the first comprehensive look at this period in Warwick’s career, featuring such smashes as “Then Came You,” “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” “Heartbreaker,” “Déjà Vu,” and “That’s What Friends Are For.”  Among the rare tracks here are the duet “In Love Alone” with Richard Carpenter; the lullaby “Sail Away” recorded for a children’s album; the Bacharach / David reunion “On My Way” from the 1999 film Isn’t She Great; and the new-to-domestic CD recording of “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” from the Dionne Warwick Sings Cole Porter sessions.  And that’s still not all.  Seven previously unreleased tracks premiere on Hits & Rarities, including duets with Barry Manilow (“Never Gonna Let You Get Away”) and Barry Gibb (“Let It Be Me”); Manilow’s production of the Bacharach/David classic “The Last One to Be Loved”; “What Becomes of Love” from the 1981 television miniseries Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of the Dolls; two concert tracks; and the full, extended stereo version of her theme to The Love BoatTSD’s Joe Marchese has penned the liner notes based on new interviews with Warwick and Bacharach, and it’s all been remastered at Sony’s Battery Studios.

Check your local listings for the My Music presentation of Dionne Warwick – Then Came You on Public Television premiering this weekend in most areas. Be sure to call your local PBS station or any PBS outlet of your choice to make a donation and receive the new CDs and/or DVD or go to the link here and pledge online.

This is NOT a cheap collection ... it requires a one-time donation of $180 in order to get the 3-CD Complete Scepter Singles Collection, the '70's - 90's "Hits And Rarities" collection and the DVD of the PBS Television Special (which also comes with a bonus disk of another Dionne Warwick profile tribute show that PBS did a few years ago) ... but, for right now anyway, it's also the ONLY way to get your hands on ALL of this great stuff ... and the special was done impeccably well.  (I've gone to the site three or four times now to order it but keep freezing when it comes time to click the "order" link!  lol)  I've got a hunch I won't be able to resist for much longer, however ... this stuff is just WAY too cool not to have!  (kk)
 


This And That:

>>>Here is a clip of Aretha Franklin being inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.  I think Keith Richards being stoned ruined the whole moment.  (FB)
NO ... that is just Keith ... maybe stoned always or just rolling.
Shelley


From Chuck Buell ...


With the recent anniversary of Elvis' Death, a friend asked me if he were still alive today, did I think he might still be singing.

Well, first of all, Elvis would be 83.

But his question got me to thinkin' ...
If Elvis were alive today, he might be singing these songs ~~
Love My Slender
(OK, admittedly, I had to manipulate this product box to create this special Elvis Banana and Peanut Butter Flavor!)
Heart Stent Hotel
I Can’t Help Falling ...
Don’t Cry, Fatty
Frailhouse Rock
Won’t You Find My Ring
A Big Hunk O' Flehm
CB (which stands for "Caustic Boy!")
 

Wrecking Crew Member Michel Rubini just sent me this note after he received a totally unexpected royalty check this past week.  (What a nice, unexpected surprise ... especially for a session you don't even remember!!!  lol)

Hi Kent,
Well, life never ceases to surprise me.
If you remember when you read my book, there is a partial list of artists who I have worked with in the past at the back of the book. The reason I called it a partial list was  because I know there were a lot of sessions and artists my memory does not serve up when I am trying to recall my history, and here is another example of exactly what I was talking about.
I just got a new "use check" today from the Musician’s Union for playing on Julie London’s version of “Louie Louie,” which appeared on her “Yummy, Yummy, Yummy” album.
Heres the link on Wiki:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yummy,_Yummy,_Yummy_(album)
I don’t remember doing this session at all. I wonder how many more I don’t remember!!!
I see that it was recorded at TTG because my good friend Ami Hadani is listed as one of the engineers, and somewhere else it also says it was recorded at TTG. Also, Tommy Oliver was the producer. Somewhere in the book I think I mentioned I was Tommy’s number one call guy for piano.
Anyway, I am attaching a copy of the check and the notice from the Musician’s Union just for fun … maybe you can put it up on your site under a title like “Rubini’s Forgotten Hits!”  That's just a joke and a play on words for you, but as you can see you are not the only person who has forgotten hits!
That's all for today; I wonder what tomorrow holds in store for me.  I guess we will see mañana!
Cheers,
Michel
PS: This is a photo showing the union letter and the check, just in case somebody might need a little more solid proof of what I wrote above.

 

PS:  Also ... just a note to let you know that an excerpt from your review is now up on my website at the “book” page with a hyperlink back to your site to see the complete review. Here is the direct link:
Many thanks again for the wonderful words. FYI, I think something very nice is going to happen within the next two weeks but I’m keeping that close to my chest for the moment. You’ll be the first to know when it actually happens.
Cheers,
Michel
PPS: In case you’re into cars, this Is My Ferrari … (1995 - 348 Spyder)


Thanks so much, Michel – I reallly appreciate the link. 
And yes, this is a TOTALLY awesome car.  Thanks for sharing.
And once you’re ready to let the cat out of the bag, please let me know, as I am ALWAYS happy to help spread the word thru Forgotten Hits!  (kk)

Hi Kent,  
When a musician / FH freak gets to have the summer off, he gets to catch up on his reading of FH and his snooping for music related goodies.
I've become a What's My Line Junkie, too.
Here's a show featuring Leiber and Stoller as guests.
Here's one more from 1964 where Brian Epstein makes a short appearance.
Bill Scherer
Great clip.  Can you believe the host called him "Barry" Epstein rather than Brian?!?!  Unreal!  And, as someone else commented, then barely allows Epstein to speak!!!  (I DID love the line "Did you ever regret it?" however!!!)  kk

Hi Kent,
Thanks for the Brian Epstein clip.
We had to drive back to New York … all of the flights were cancelled … so Roni and my guitar player and I drove back.
Hope you like the new music …
Talk soon.
Billy  
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be sharing a Brian Epstein clip with Billy J. Kramer, who actually WORKED for Brian Epstein back at the height of Beatlemania and The British Invasion.  (Seriously ... does it get any cooler than this?!?!?)
Billy made an interesting point during one of our discussions before his show at The Fest For Beatles Fans.
He’s a bit put off by all the copy / cover / tribute bands that are flooding the market these days. 
He said that his manager told him that he just HAD to see 1964 when they performed at Carnegie Hall … “You won’t believe how good they are … it’s like seeing the real thing!”
But how do you tell someone who has SEEN the real thing … and been out on the road with the real thing … and recorded songs written by and given to him by the real thing … that you now want him to compare it to ANY kind of tribute?
Now granted, “the real thing” is gone … but Billy says that even seeing old film clip footage of The Beatles doesn’t do them justice.
“And I don’t just mean The Beatles after they’d made it … and were up on stage wearing the suits that Brian put them into.  I’m talking about the REAL Beatles, playin’ the clubs … The Cavern and out on the road … when they were still wearing their leather jackets on stage and clowning around … and playing REAL rock and roll covers better than everybody else.  Nobody knew they could write their own songs back then … they just did what EVERYBODY else was doing … playing American Rock And Roll and driving the audience crazy by doing it better than anybody else.  That was the REAL Beatles for me … and I was there and often in the van with them on the way to the next gig.  So how is ANY band going to impress me by doing their tribute to The Beatles when I was there to see the real thing?”
(Even more interesting, perhaps, when one considers that every night Billy J. comes out for the grand finale and jams with Liverpool, perhaps one of the best-known Beatles cover bands around the globe!)
It’s all part of the gig, I know … and Billy is more likely to take the stage singing “Be-Bop-A-Lula” than one of his own hits anyway … but it’s interesting to hear all of this from the perspective of somebody who was actually there as it was happening.  Like he told me, “You weren’t even aware that it was happening at the time, because it was all around you … and you were in the middle of the storm … so yes, you saw the crowds get bigger … and I honestly don’t know how we got out of some of those places alive, looking back, ‘cause there was really no security to speak of … it’s a miracle that we made it out alive.”  How can he possibly relate to four guys up on stage wearing wigs pretending to be The Beatles?  (kk)

And, since we're talking about The British Invasion ...  

>>> Peter and Jeremy also did an absolutely beautiful reading of "Distant Shores," a song I was never particularly fond of, but which sounded note-for-note perfect on stage Sunday Night.)  kk

‘Distant Shores’ is actually my favorite. Listen to those lyrics! And the melody flows. But then, we know I am the romantic correspondent.
I agree with you on Billy J. Kramer’s voice. It is deeper, bolder, and richer and I have said that in reviews. As is common, he went through a rough patch but came out flowering.
Thank you for the Peter and Jeremy detailing. I knew you would be at The Chicago Fest and could do it. It was a surprise to me when I saw Peter, Chad and Jeremy a few years ago on just how much Marianne Faithfull influenced (?) the British Invasion scene. So maybe that is why the story continues to lengthen over time. I do love hearing the stories. It was really a village of performers, helping each other out, over in the UK. 
Shelley Sweet-Tufano
I think I would have preferred something like "Willow Weep For Me," one of their hits that got a bit more airplay back in the day ... or even "If I Loved You," also better known.  (Another of my very favorite Chad and Jeremy songs is "I Don't Wanna Lose You Baby," a Forgotten Hit if there ever was one ... but a recording that still holds up exceptionally well today.)
I would have loved to see Peter, Chad and Jeremy … too bad Chad has decided to “quit the road” for the time being.  And I can personally vouch that Gordon Waller’s voice was perfect till the end … the show Peter and Gordon put on at the 2006 Fest For Beatles Fans was nothing short of outstanding … tears in my eyes, it was so good.
I didn’t want to give too much away on the Peter and Jeremy front … so many great, humorous stories to share … but best to see it live for yourself if you can … so please check to see if they happen to be coming anywhere near you … a very worthwhile concert experience.
(Then again, I’m hoping Ron Onesti might take my not so subtle hint and look into booking this duo for The Arcada Theatre!!!  

And it looks like FH Reader Carolyn Mondragon agrees with me!!!)  kk

Hi Kent,
Great Idea to book a "British Invasion" show.
Other than the time of our local Chicago Groups, it was my FAVORITE  era of music and all that went with it!
Carolyn

By the way, here's one more shot of Jeremy Clyde I took while the duo were performing on stage.  I didn't realize I could do some of this cool editing on my cell phone ... but I think this one came out pretty well (if I do say so myself!)

Nice story today on Petula Clark last weekend on CBS Morning.  I have the whole Lloyd Thaxton video shown, but with a running number thru it.  This shows that the video DOES exist somewhere without that nagging number. 
IF you saw the whole video, you'd see that Lloyd just about steps over the line of just flirting.  Pet herself raised her eyes in questioning his words.  Can't blame him, tho, for finding her pretty.  She's my fave 60's female singer.  Touring in a bus at 85!
Clark Besch
OK, so now I've GOTTA see the whole Lloyd Thaxton Clip!!!  (I used to love his show … a VERY entertaining guy … and not much of him to be found on YouTube.)  I remember shortly before he died he and his wife were talking about releasing a series of shows for home video … in fact, I believe he was on Dave The Rave's "Relics and Rarities" show, too, talking about it.

Then when Lloyd died so suddenly, his wife kind of disappeared, too.  At one point she said that she might be interested in pursuing the release of some of these great, vintage clips … and then I never heard from her again.  Too bad, really, as the core audience that would really eat this stuff up is dwindling … in fact, the ideal release time was probably about fifteen years ago!  (Sure would love to see it 'tho!)

I remember talking with Howard Kaylan when Dave was having Lloyd on his program … Howard insisted that he call in to talk to Lloyd and thank him for giving The Turtles such a HUGE break at a time when they needed it most.  He couldn't say enough nice things about him.

It was always an entertaining show … in fact, I think my Mom enjoyed watching it every bit as much as I did!!!  (kk)

BTW:  Petula Clark returns to The Arcada Theatre on November 11th.  Tickets are on sale now: 
Also, this is the same clip CBS Morning ran last year when Petula returned to The States for her last US Tour … but I'm happy to run it again, too.  The fact that Petula is still out their singing her hits at what will be 86years of age is nothing short of amazing.  (She's been doing this since she was nine years old!!!)  kk

ASIDE TO DAVE THE RAVE:  Do you still have contact information for Lloyd Thaxton's widow?  We really should talk to her about getting some of this stuff released ... I, for one, would LOVE to see some of these highlights and rarities again.  Let me know if you think we might be able to team up on this one!  (kk)

And finally ...   

Well, it’s official (and, unfortunately, it’s not good news) …  

It only took me nine months … but I FINALLY took my car back to the dealer to see if they could program it to pick up 87.7, Me-TV-FM with a software upgrade … and they cannot.  (Such an upgrade MAY be coming … because, they tell me, several people have been asking for it … which is the very same thing the guy at Best Buy told me nine months ago ... but at the present time, no such upgrade exists for my car.  

Damn!  (Guess I’ll just keep listening to Rewound Radio on Blue Tooth for the time being!)     

If Me-TV-FM’s signal was just a LITTLE bit stronger (like strong enough to be picked up at 87.9), I could do it … and since 87.9 apparently doesn’t belong to ANYBODY right now, I cannot help but wonder if SOMEHOW this might be an option (?)  Beef up that signal just a LITTLE bit to cross over ... or take 87.9 under your wing (and, hey, why not 87.5, too!) and make Me-TV-FM accessible to ALL avenues out there to gain listeners.  (A pipe dream, I'm sure ... but hey, it's worth the ask!)  kk