Friday, April 10, 2020

This Week In 1970 (April 10th and 11th)

1970:  April 10th – Keyboardist Keith Emerson, Guitarist Greg Lake and Drummer Carl Palmer join forces for the very first time to form Emerson, Lake and Palmer

Also on this date, Doors Keyboardist Ray Manzarek drags Doors Lead Singer Jim Morrison off the stage in Boston, MA, after Morrison screams to the audience “Would you like to see my genitals?” … not the brightest idea old Jimbo ever had after having been arrested the year before in Miami for lewd behavior and public exposure during a concert there.  Theater management immediately switched off the power after Morrison’s query.

And, promo copies of Paul McCartney’s first solo album (titled simply “McCartney” … clever, no?) are issued to the press with a self-written mock-interview during which Paul announces that he has left The Beatles.



1970:  April 11th – Apollo 13 (carrying astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert) is launched toward the moon

Also on this date, Peter Green, founding member of Fleetwood Mac, announces that he is leaving the band to follow his religious beliefs

Thursday, April 9, 2020

THURSDAY THIS AND THAT

Marianne Faithfull (probably most famous first as Mick Jagger’s girlfriend … who recorded “As Tears Go By” a year before The Rolling Stones did … before becoming a bit of a pop icon on her own) has been hospitalized with CoronaVirus.  We wish her the best and a speedy recovery.  (kk)

kk:
Mark Lindsay is a good guy … see if you don't agree with me.
FB
Fortunately, with SO many people out there trying to take advantage of our current situation, it’s nice to see that there are even MORE people willing to pitch in and help in some fashion.  I would agree that Mark is one of the good ones.  (kk)

Ya know I loved Bill Withers’ voice, but sometimes the songs bored me. (Sorry Bill!)
I thought Lovely Day and Ain't No Sunshine were kind of boring songs even though I loved Bill's voice on Ain't No Sunshine … the whole "I know, I know" stuff just seemed to have no purpose.
Lean On Me was a fine tune, but Use Me was always my favorite by far of his tunes.
RIP to a great voice.
Bill in MN  

John Prine lost his battle with Covid 19 on Tuesday Night (April 7th) … VERY sad for all his local fans.  The numbers just keep growing … this is NOT under control … things are NOT getting better. 
As I type this, Illinois has passed 15,000 confirmed cases with nearly 500 deaths.  Nationally, we’ve hit 435,000 cases and almost 15,000 deaths … and globally we’re now up to over a million and a half confirmed cases and almost 90,000 deaths.  It's out of control!!!  (kk) 

We were saddened to learn of John Prine’s passing, the loss of a true American treasure. He was admired both for his art and for his sheer humanity.  He had a nobility that radiated liked a million watt radio station just across the border.
We last crossed paths at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame ceremony, where he inducted Cowboy Jack Clement and we got to do the honors for Roy Orbison.  We greeted each other warmly and I vividly recall passing a most pleasant time with the genuine article.  Never to be forgotten.  

- Billy F Gibbons / ZZ Top

Another nice tribute to John Prine … and Adam Schlesinger …

https://theseconddisc.com/2020/04/08/from-the-founder-hello-from-inside/  

The other day, Carol Ross, long-time manager of Tommy James, shared Tommy’s inspirational lyrics to “Crystal Blue Persuasion” as a means of helping all of us to cope with the pandemic that surrounds us.

Perhaps as a means to honor our own “self-confinement” … but also giving a bit of a nod to Tommy James … is this new video released by Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day … seen here performing Tommy’s “I Think We’re Alone Now”!!!


This song has already charted for Tommy in 1967 (#4), The Rubinoos (#45, 1977), Tiffany (#1, 1987) and is now sitting at #28 on Billboard’s Adult Pop Songs Chart and #50 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart for Billie Joe Armstrong … some 53 years later!!!  In these days of “social distancing,” being “alone now” has become more and more commonplace.  Hopefully this one offers you at least a couple of minutes of relief!

(Timeless and memorable?!?!?  You betcha!!!)  
Seriously now ... all kidding aside ... I'm talking "For Real" ...
HOW the fuck is it even REMOTELY possible that Tommy James has NOT been inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?!?!  There is something SERIOUSLY wrong with the world that this should be the case.  (Now maybe it's not CoronaVirus-serious ... but why not take this moment to reflect ... and FINALLY right this wrongly imposed injustice of ignoring Tommy for his past THIRTY YEARS of eligibility!!!) kk 

UPDATE:  Right after I prepped today’s post, I got this from Tommy’s manager, Carol Ross.  (Be sure to check out the special notice at the bottom of the piece.)  kk

Some songs are so iconic that they return decade after decade as new generations discover them. A case in point: "I Think We're Alone Now."
The original artist ...Tommy James ... laid down his lead vocal for "I Think We're Alone Now" on Christmas Eve, 1966. In April, it reached #3 on Cash Box Magazine's national pop chart.
Then ... 20 years later ... 16 year old pop singer Tiffany rode her rendition all the way to #1. (Coincidentally, her "Alone Now" was replaced at the top of the chart by Billy Idol's cover of another Tommy James & The Shondells original: "Mony Mony.")
In the ensuing years, dozens of artists paid tribute to James' classic single, recording and performing "I Think We're Alone Now."
Which brings us to now … and 53 years to the month since Tommy's version was one of the hottest records in America ... a brand new, exciting take on this timeless song by Billie Joe Armstrong of the platinum-selling band Green Day.
Released while the world is in the grip of a pandemic, Armstrong sees the song as a perfect antidote to these hard times. "While we’ve all been in quarantine, I’ve been reflecting on the things that matter the most in my life: family, friends and, of course, music," the singer says. "I recorded a cover of Tommy James and the Shondells’ ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ in my bedroom. I figure if we have to spend this time in isolation, at least we can be alone together."
Tommy couldn't agree more. He, too, has re-recorded "I Think We're Alone Now" ... this time as a poignant ballad ... which reminds us just how much music can soothe a troubled soul.

Tommy’s new ballad recording will be played over the closing credits of his movie, “Me, The Mob and The Music.”  He’s been performing both the new, slowed-down version as well as the hit pop version at his live concerts for a couple of years now.  And, tomorrow afternoon (Friday, April 10th) at 2 PM Eastern Time, Tommy will be performing the song LIVE on his Facebook Page … so be sure to check it out!  (kk)

Thanks for this news, Carol and Kent. 
A few years ago, Tommy was good enough to help with a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of this song for Mix Magazine, which you might enjoy:

Can’t wait to see him on Friday!
Matt Hurwitz
Contributing Editor
Mix Magazine
This is a great piece, Matt … thanks for sharing it with our readers!  (kk) 

OK ... so how cool is this?!?!? 

Tomorrow Night (Friday, April 10th) at 8 pm, The Drive is organizing a city-wide sing along to Survivor’s "Eye Of The Tiger!"

Even 'tho we can't all gather together to belt it out, Chicagoans are encouraged to roll down their car windows, open their windows at home, take to their balconies or simply step out in the street and belt it out with the rest of us!  (kk)

Here's their official promo:

We’ve sung “We Will Rock You” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Now, it’s time for … “Eye Of The Tiger!”
This Friday, April 10th at 8pm, we invite you, your families, your friends and your neighbors to throw open your windows, step out onto your porches and balconies (with appropriate social distancing), turn up the radio – and raise your voices loud as all of Chicagoland joins together to belt out the triumphant Survivor classic “Eye Of The Tiger.” Let’s once again unite to show the world we’re “Chicago Strong!”
Set a reminder in your phone now and grab a flashlight or other source of brightness because this Friday night we’ll illuminate Chicago’s skies while we sing it out loud.
Turn on The Drive LIVE at 8pm this Friday evening for a huge community rendition of “Eye Of The Tiger!”
We’re with you Chicago and together we’ll get through this! 

From Jim Peterik himself ... 

Hi Kent, Forgotten Hits and Chicagoland!
I’m so honored that Eye Of The Tiger has joined the ranks of one of the most motivational songs of our age. And it’s fantastic that the Drive is deploying it when our city (and the whole world) needs it the most. Thanks to my old pal Bob Stroud for connecting me!
Tune into the Drive at 8pm on Friday to sing along with this Survivor classic. 
From your balcony, from your porch, from your window - let the neighborhood know that you have the spirit to Rise Up to challenge of our Rival.  That rival is, of course, Covid 19. It won’t stand a chance against us. 
Rock steady!  
Jim Peterik 

And check THIS out!!!



By the way, Jim will be on The Drive THIS MORNING at 6:30 am with Sherman and Tingle ... and FH Reader Frank B tells us that he also appeared on Scott Shannon's show Wednesday morning.  (More Ides Of March related material below!)  kk

Scott is a classic. Love that guy!  

Meanwhile, our buddies over at Me-TV-FM have got a similar thing going on for Saturday Night at 7 pm …

They’re inviting listeners to sing along from their porches, balconies and backyards to “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, who died last week at 81.

Me-TV-FM Program Director Rick O’Dell tells us:

Among the memorable classics we play, ‘Lean On Me’ is a perfect song to lift our spirits and remind us that we are all in this together.  We look forward to playing more songs that reflect our neighborhoods in the Saturday singalongs ahead.

(The citywide initiative was organized by Andre Vasquez, alderman of Chicago’s 40th ward.) 

And have you seen this???
https://eonline.com/news/1138725/see-the-full-house-cast-reunite-in-must-see-social-distancing-parody-video

 
And, speaking of The Ides Of March ...   

50 years ago this month, The Ides of March single "Vehicle" was #1 on the WLS charts.


Here's an ITS video that captures the Ides doing "Vehicle," originally broadcast in 1970.
Ken Voss
VERY nice!  And congratulations again to all the guys on this 50th Anniversary.
(It went to #1 on WLS on their April 27th chart … crosstown on WCFL, the record peaked at #3 … and nationally it made #2 in Billboard, #3 in Record World (for three weeks!) and #6 in Cash Box.)  kk



Check it out ...
The Ides were big in Tucson 50 years ago.
Jack Levin

And herein lies another example as to why so many songs never reached their full potential on the national charts … simply because of the length of time it took to catch on in each individual market.
“Vehicle” topped the charts here in Chicago SIX WEEKS earlier than it did here on May 1st in Tucson … but what a leap to #1 … from #14 the week before.  (Tyrone Davis makes a pretty impressive showing, too, as “Turn Back The Hands Of Time” climbs from #11 to #2.  Neil Diamond’s “Soolaimon” bests both of these showings, however, leaping 14 places from #36 to #22.
“Vehicle” was #1 in SO many markets across the country … but never OFFICIALLY hit #1 on any of the national charts … all due to momentum.  (Still pretty cool to see The Boys From Berwyn” on top in Tucson, Arizona … just one year after Jo Jo left his home there!  (kk)  

And, since we’re talking about really cool videos, here’s an absolutely beautiful reading of a stripped down version of “Undun” performed by Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman on a Canadian television special, circa 1977.  Incredible!




After our Buckinghams piece ran yesterday, we got this from Carl Giammarese …    

Kent,
Thank you!  This was great fun to see and reminisce. When we did “All Time Hits," I laughed at how high my pants were off my shoes … I think I was waiting for a flood, ha! Also what hair … it made me at least three inches taller!  We were still greasers.  
It was also my first duet with Dennis as we sang at the end of Unchained Melody, the one and only last line “Wait for me.” That was the beginning of Tufano and Giammarese, ha ha!
And how ‘bout those Go Go dancers!
Anyway, those were great times.
Once again, thank you, great fun!
Carl
The Buckinghams 

Great to see Ken Voss doing Chicago music great justice.  Since I am not on Facebook, it's good to see I can access his stuff there anyway. 
Thanks, Ken.
Clark Besch 

Here’s a great, brand new interview with Micky Dolenz, talking about the CoronaVirus and how it has sidelined the Mike And Micky Show that’s supposed to be back out on the road right now.
I was shocked to hear The Monkees’ tune “As We Go Along” featured in this week’s episode of “Good Girls.”  Again, you’ve REALLY got to wonder who came up with THAT programming idea.  It’s not that the song doesn’t work perfectly in the scene it’s in … it does … but who from THIS generation even knows it?!?!  Still, it sure sounded great … and I couldn’t help but generate an ear to ear smile listening to the whole thing play.  (There’s a new commercial out now, too, featuring The Zombies’ hit “Time Of The Season” … but that’s a long-time Classic Rock Favorite.)

And don’t forget the brand new Mike And Micky Show live CD is out this week, too.  You can pick up your copy here:  https://www.amazon.com/Mike-Micky-Show-Live/dp/B0849Y7Y2J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ARAAWVQVLKL8&dchild=1&keywords=mike+and+micky+show+live+cd&qid=1586403649&s=music&sprefix=mike+and+m%2Caps%2C171&sr=1-1  

HEY! 
What else are we doing, shut in …
On Friday, April 17th at 8 pm Eastern Time I’ll be hosting a fun, free webinar …
HIGH IN THE MID 60s …
An overview of my memoir, plus interactive Q&A ...
60s garage music, songs, the biz ... keeping the music alive.
Simply CLICK on the LINK below to register … and join in!
Love to meet up with you  in the chat room.

>>>And, if you haven't ordered your personal copy of THE TOP 3333 MOST ESSENTIAL CLASSIC ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME yet, why not do it now??? (kk) 
Well, having retired, what better time to sort WLS surveys and get my two boxes of charts in chronological order? 
My birthday is April 4 (64 years!) and I noticed that on that date on WLS in 1976, Kent Kotal's Classic 3333 Countdown's All-Time #1, "Bohemian Rhapsody" was #1!*  (*-Check out the CURRENT new WGN morning man on upper left! )


I already knew that the Beatles held the Top 5 on Billboard's Hot 100 on April 4, 1964, so this was icing on the cake! 
As to the Queen classic, Chicago was ahead of the curve nationally on this one.  It peaked at a measly #9 a MONTH after being #1 at WLS. 
What kept it out of the higher 8 positions?  If you want to be sick ...


Back at the ROCK OF CHICAGO, "Bohemian Rhapsody" stayed at #1 a whopping five straight weeks, followed by two weeks at #2!  It was an out and out Chicago smash! 
Queen may have been arguably the best band of the 70's.  The song had spent nine weeks at #1 in the UK back starting in January.  It spent another five weeks at #1 there following Freddie Mercury's death in 1991.
The single was released in the US way back on Halloween of 1975!  It did not reach the WLS survey until February, 1976, but it took off for the top fast.  It actually first appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 the first week of JANUARY!  It moved that slowly to #9 17 weeks later!
The promotional video for the song was the MOST awesome thing I had ever seen in 1976!  Can you imagine if it was five years later when MTV was blowing up?  They would have played it every hour -- at least!


Of course, the song DID make it to #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 on May 9,1992 -- almost 16 YEARS to the week after its #9 1976 peak.  The MAIN reason?  It was featured in the hit movie, "Dumb & Dumber."  Also, possibly in part due to Freddie's death on November 24 the previous year.


From what I could tell, NEITHER of the #1 songs on the 1976 and 1992 Hot 100's that were peak weeks for "Bohemian Rhapsody " made Kent's Top 3333! (BTW, in Billboard's Year End review charts, it was #18 for the year in 1976 and #39 for the year in 1992.  "Jump" (whatever that is) was #3 for the year!  "Let Your Love Flow" was only #36 for the year in 1976!)
I still had to wonder if "Bohemian Rhapsody” really had the staying power we may think today that it had.  Has it ALWAYS REALLY been the classic we knew in 1976 when it was WLS' #6 song of the year?
Sadly, apparently not.  WLS featured their Top 500 All Time Songs over two months in the summer of 1981.  Queen had two songs in that countdown, but NEITHER were "Bohemian Rhapsody"!!!  Styx and REO were dominant, of course. 
Was "Bohemian Rhapsody" relegated to "novelty" status in Chicago after five years?  Could be!  Chicago and WLS always loved novelties.  "The Touchables" in the 60's, "Convoy," "Mr. Jaws," "Disco Duck" in the 70's, "The Curly Shuffle," "Superbowl Shuffle" in the 80's -- ALL #1's on WLS.


From 1983 - 1985, I chatted monthly with WLS Music Director Tim Kelly and I am sure we never mentioned that great Queen song.  Why would we?  They were making hits constantly.
At the end of WLS AM's reign as the ROCK OF CHICAGO, they ran another Top 500 chart.  This time, Queen had ONE song and it was NOT "Bohemian Rhapsody."  Note how many of Kent's current list show on these charts, but NOT "Bohemian Rhapsody".


Has "Bohemian Rhapsody" become the "Unchained Melody" from "Ghost" in 1990 of today?  That movie created a huge storm making the song #1 on All-Time charts for years. I think "Bohemian Rhapsody" has just gathered momentum steadily since 1992 and with the release of the recent "Bohemian Rhapsody" movie, it put the song on top of all-time charts where it is likely to stay for the foreseeable future ... maybe?
And lastly, believe it or not, "Bohemian Rhapsody's" piano parts were recorded and played on the very piano Paul McCartney recorded "Hey Jude" on eight years prior!
Clark Besch
I can assure you that “Bohemian Rhapsody” is and has always been a MONSTER song here in Chicago … on the airwaves CONSTANTLY for 44 years now … and as highly revered as a song can be.
And you’re right … Chicago was WAY ahead of the curve on this one, having already seen it hold down the #1 spot for weeks before even making The Top Ten in Billboard.  (Its #9 showing in Billboard was its lowest peak nationally … Record World had it at #4 and Cash Box … where it charted first … ranked it at #6.)  The fact that it WASN’T #1 the first time around blows me away only because it was SO big here in Chicago.  (Of course if it HAD made it all the way to the top, Chubby Checker would no longer be the only artist to reach #1 twice with the same song … but imagine doing that SIXTEEN YEARS APART!!!)
And it wasn’t “Dumb and Dumber” that put it back on the charts … it was “Wayne’s World,” which provided one of the most classic music scenes EVER as Wayne and Garth “head-bopped” their way thru this rock classic.  (As for “Jump” … “whatever THAT is” … it was a HUGE #1 Hit for Van Halen … and one of those classic M-TV videos that played non-stop back in the day.  Surely you know this one … it also ranked at #129 on our Top 3333 List, their highest charting track.
I like your comment about the novelty songs being so big in Chicago … it’s true … off the top of my head, you can add “King Tut” and “Earache, My Eye” to that list!
I have NO idea why “Bohemian Rhapsody,” big as it was, didn’t show up on WLS’ All-Time Hits Lists … it was HUGE.  (Their All-Time Top 500 List had to be another one of those based on the opinion of certain folks working for the station … as it certainly didn’t reflect their own charts or airplay history.  Even their “Hall Of Fame” chart is ridiculously bogus … FOUR REO Speedwagon songs in The Top 50?!?!  C’mon!!!)
That’s the first I’ve ever heard about Freddie playing the same piano that McCartney played on “Hey Jude” … if it’s true, that’s an AMAZING piece of trivia (and EMI should NEVER get rid of this magical piano … it belongs in a museum somewhere!)  kk

JA Bartlett posted his thoughts about our TOP 3333 MOST ESSENTIAL CLASSIC ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME List … and you can find it here:
Thank you, sir!
Having recently run a piece like this and taken in the feedback from your own legion of readers, I am sure that you will agree that ANY list like this will inspire debate and a bit of head-scratching ...
That's part of the fun of reading them.
I get annoyed when some of these rock critics pick their Top 100 / 200 / 500 / whatever and feel a need to throw in a handful of acts that NOBODY has ever even heard of ... just to prove that they're hipper than their audience is when, in fact, NONE of these songs or artists will make an impact to last long enough to be played, much less remembered, 20 / 25 / 50 years from now.  (I don't know if you've read any of our other posts but thanks to the way Billboard now tabulates their Hot 100, Drake is now a bigger artist than Elvis or The Beatles ... and so is The Cast Of Glee!!!  Who knew?!?!  It’s certainly not the way I think things should be remembered!!!)
If, after running this post you get some feedback from your readers, please share it with us.  Nobody is EVER going to play The Top 3333 (although in the times we're currently living, what a GREAT distraction that would be!!!  And with so many people forced to stay home right now, one might actually even have the time to put such a program together!)  However, I DO expect to see more Top 50 / Top 100 / Top 500 / Top 1000 countdowns based on these results as things move forward.
Until somebody else comes up with a list determined by TWO million votes, I'm content to live with the results of my little poll as being the most accurate representation as to the way things currently stand!  (lol)
Thanks again, JA!  (kk)

Thank you for sending the 3333 Top Songs file.
When it arrived, this is what transpired:
Computer: What is this?  It is making me buffer. It’s BIG! This isn’t like you.
Me: It’s a list of 3333 songs voted best rock songs from Forgotten Hits.
Computer: They couldn’t have forgotten a few? I’m still buffering.
Me: I want you to save it.
Computer: I’M STILL BUFFERING!
Me: Never mind. I’ll come back later.
LATER
Computer: Oh HI! You want me to save this? OK! DONE! You want me to save it again? You want me to replace the first save with the second?
(actually received pop-up messages asking me these questions)
Me: Just once, please. Once is enough.
Computer: OK then I’m done. It’s in your files under 3333 top rock songs of all time. Want to read it now?
Me: No thanks. I’ll be using it later.
Computer: I’m GOOD!
Me: You drive me crazy ….
Computer: (very quietly) I know.
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

As to Larry Neal's query as to the 45 version of "Who Do You Love" by Tom Rush being crediting GENE McDaniels as the writer -- that's amazing, considering a label like Elektra put that single out in ‘71 like that!  MOST if not ALL other artists' versions credited either "McDaniels" or "E. McDaniels."
As to the reissue in 1971, it made sense because so many had released it as an A side 45 in the years since the 66 release -- Blues Magoos, Bob Seger and the one I think of from that time, Quicksilver Messenger Service.  Certainly, George Thorogood did a great rendition … with my fave version being the great Woolies 1966 rockin' version.
Clark Besch  

That America box is just plain amazing!  Must cost $1000!!!
Clark Besch
Well, like I said, it’s really for the die-hards … but I think, in light of how big it is and by how much it offers, it’s a pretty reasonably priced set … $160 will get you the 8-disc set.  (kk)

I enjoyed your take on the passing of Leon Russell that I just discovered.
Thanks so much and keep up the great work. 👍

John L. Tarver
New folks are discovering our stuff all the time …
Because if you search for virtually ANYTHING related to Oldies Music, our site will probably come up … because over the past twenty years, we’ve pretty much covered it all.
If you missed the Leon Russell tribute obit, you can check it out here:
(A tip of the hat to Steve Sarley, who wrote this piece)
But seriously … do you OWN search (right up there in the very top left-hand corner of the page) … I guarantee you that you’ll find HOURS of worthwhile reading you may have missed along the way!  (kk) 

Jackie DeShannon's amazing interpretation of Bacharach-David's "What the World Needs Now is Love" in 1965 garnered many Grammy Nominations, despite not winning any category below.  Here's Jackie presenting an award at the 1966 show.


The 8th Grammy Award ceremony was held on March 15th,1966, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
The Academy awarded the artists for their outstanding performance for the year 1965. Roger Miller, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand were the primarily nominated artists for the year. Frank Sinatra and Roger Miller were the artists who took home the highest number of Grammy awards for the year. Frank Sinatra was also honored with the most prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award.” 
A series of taped annual specials was telecasted by NBC.  (Throughout 1960s, the Grammy Award ceremony was not telecasted in live.)
Given below is the list of the nominees and winners, who were presented with the awards for the year 1966. 

Grammy Award Winners 1966

Best Arrangement Accompanying A Vocalist Or Instrumentalist
The nominees were:
  • Frank Sinatra - It Was A Very Good Year
  • Astrud Gilberto - Day by Day
  • Vikki Carr - Everything I've Got
  • Kenny Burrell - Greensleeves
  • Jackie DeShannon - What The World Needs Now Is Love
  • Beatles - Yesterday
Winner: Frank Sinatra - It Was A Very Good Year

Contemporary Rock & Roll Female Vocal Performance
The nominees were:
  • Petula Clark - I Know A Place
  • Barbara Lewis - Baby, I'm Yours
  • Fontella Bass - Rescue Me
  • Lesley Gore - Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows
  • Jackie DeShannon - What The World Needs Now Is Love
Winner: Petula Clark - I Know A Place

Contemporary Rock & Roll Single
The nominees were:
  • Roger Miller - King Of The Road
  • Glenn Yarbrough - Baby the Rain Must Fall
  • Jackie DeShannon - What The World Needs Now Is Love
  • Paul McCartney - Yesterday
  • Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual
Winner: Roger Miller - King Of The Road

Female Vocal Performance
The nominees were:
  • Barbra Streisand - My Name is Barbra
  • Petula Clark - Downtown
  • Nancy Wilson - Gentle Is My Love
  • Astrud Gilberto - The Astrud Gilberto Album
  • Jackie DeShannon - What The World Needs Now Is Love
Winner: Barbra Streisand - My Name is Barbra
Yeah, suffice to say that the Grammys were never really hip to what was happening at the time.  (Check out that “Rock And Roll Single” category … Glenn Yarbrough?!?!?  And I know “King Of The Road” seemed to win everything that year … but Best Rock And Roll Single?!?!  Seriously???  Rock And Roll??? 
Honestly, I’m not sure how artists like Vikki Carr, Nancy Wilson and Kenny Burrell (who?!?!?) make this list at all!  And how do songs like It Was A Very Good Year by Frank Sinatra, Day By Day by Astrud Gilberto - Day by Day, Everything I’ve Got by Vikki Carr and Greensleeves by Kenny Burrell (WHO?!?!?)  even earn the right to compete against ‘60’s (and all-time classics) like Jackie DeShannon’s What The World Needs Now Is Love or The Beatles’ Yesterday???  (kk)

Harvey Kubernik covers Johnny Cash:  The Mercury Years … here:

And check this out from Frank B …

kk:
4/1/1956 = Elvis' Screentest -- According To Ron Smith's Book.
Frank B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biIjCTboX08

Frank also writes ... 

Just read this in the newpaper ...
Lady GaGa is joining forces with World Health Organization for a virtual concert that she says will serve as a "moment of global unity" amid the pandemic.
The two hour "TOGETHER AT HOME" concert special will air on Saturday, April 18th, and feature Elton John, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Andrea Bocelli, Lizzo and Billie Eilish, Eddie Vedder and GaGa.
They say it’s not a fundraiser. GaGa encouraged everyone to "enjoy the show that you very much deserve."
Frank B.
As far as I know, it most definitely IS a fund-raiser, designed to raise money for all the first responders and medical personnel that have given up their time at great risk to their own health to try and combat this deadly virus.
Rolling Stone Magazine described it this way:
“A TV special dedicated to celebrating the work of healthcare professionals during the coronavirus pandemic.  The One World: Together at Home TV special is co-sponsored by Global Citizen and the World Health Organization and will air on April 18.  Funds raised will benefit the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, as well as local and regional charities providing food, shelter and healthcare to those in need.”
Not that there’s anything wrong with ANY part of that … these people DESERVE whatever we can give them as a means of saying thanks.
What it DIDN’T say was when and where to watch it!!!  So hopefully more details will be released shortly.  (kk) 

Just had to drop a line your way, you busy kid ...
LOVED the KPOI Chart action lists ... that one with all the Chicago related artists blew my mind !!!!!
Don't know if you remember the WINDY CITY AT SIX show I used to do on the old Y, but in case you do, I am bringing it back to the FM.  Will let you know details in a couple days if interested.       
Hope you get a chance to check in with SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE @ THE 70'S ...
It's going gangbusters and if you listen, you may notice a lot of the old Y103.9 sound coming through.
Till later, you Rock And Roll nut ...
Jeff James
Hey Jeff!
Yes, I used to love the Windy City at Six ... man, you played some pretty obscure stuff on there from time to time.  Please keep us posted so we can let others on the list know.
Hope you are doing well (or at least as well as can be expected) during this difficult time.
Hang in there ... and keep the music playing!  (kk) 

And, speaking of some of our local heroes, Ronnie Rice’s show at The Metropolis Performing Arts Center has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 12th.  Naturally, tickets for the originally scheduled show will he honored … and additional seats are available here:  
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=3

And here are some very kind words from Carl Giammarese of The Buckinghams ... 

Hi Kent,
Reading all your columns while we suffer through this pandemic is a great joy! Not only is the content and many memories wonderful, but it gives us a feeling of normalcy during this very difficult time.
I have been trying to stay connected with all our wonderful Buckinghams fans, by talking and playing songs into my iPhone. They’re not great video quality or sound, but I love doing it and staying connected with everyone.
I hope you and your family are well and safe.
Carl Giammarese
The Buckinghams
Thanks, Carl … the very best to you and yours as well.
Right now my hope is that I can provide at least SOME distraction from all the crap going on around us … things just seem so dark and bleak …
Your words mean a lot to me this morning.  (kk)

From Mike Wolstein:
A Seniors Check List  (just for starters)


Now THIS one I like!!!  (kk)