Sunday, August 20, 2023

The Sunday Comments ( 08 - 20 - 23 )

The tributes to A&M boss Jerry Moss continue to pour in from the various artists whose careers he helped over the years.

A&M took the rare approach of allowing their artists to pursue their own vision and dreams as to what they wanted their careers to encompass.

Here’s a piece put together in Billboard regarding Sting …

https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/jerry-moss-dead-sting-tribute-am-records-co-founder-1235394854/#recipient_hashed=fa7e92da6f6e66bffcf0bcbf863670c6eb37d7159eb4d0ea1e44fecd5ec87eeb&recipient_salt=3a1d6b09af3b92ad7e38f8327cf18febeb049fd1c9a251b66957a07d9375735c

Billboard also put together a list of A&M Top 50 Hot 100 Pop Hits …

https://www.billboard.com/lists/a-and-m-records-biggest-hits-billboard-hot-100-herb-alpert-jerry-moss/the-best-of-times-styx/#recipient_hashed=fa7e92da6f6e66bffcf0bcbf863670c6eb37d7159eb4d0ea1e44fecd5ec87eeb&recipient_salt=3a1d6b09af3b92ad7e38f8327cf18febeb049fd1c9a251b66957a07d9375735c

Even The Boss gets sick!

Bruce Springsteen had to postpone two shows scheduled for August 16th and 18th at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park due to illness.  They are promising that the shows will be made up at a later date and all tickets will be honored.  (Springsteen also had to postpone a couple of shows in March when he was too sick to perform.)  kk

Rock Chris Daughtry, who fronts the band that bears his name, let it be known all over social media last week that Joe Perry once approached him about taking over the lead vocalist duties in Aerosmith.

Daughtry, who first came to the world's attention as an American Idol contestant (and he was a good one, too … really the first of his kind on the program) says that what he assumes must have been a falling out between Perry and Aeorsmith front man Steven Tyler prompted the call … but he never really seriously considered the offer.  (His vocal style really doesn’t resemble Tyler’s in ANY way!)

Things like this aren’t totally unthinkable ...  

Former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert has been very successfully front the rock band Queen for over a decade now, playing to sold out shows around the world!  (kk)

Stevie Nicks finally saw “Daisy Jones and the Six” … TWICE … and took to social media to express her love for the film.  (We loved it, too!)

It’s a fictionalized story about a ‘70’s rock band LOOSELY based on Fleetwood Mac’s inner turmoil during the recording of their “Rumours” album … based on the best-selling book of the same name by Taylor Jenkins Reid, done documentary-style with flashbacks recounting the glory days of the band.  It was so well filmed that it all looked and felt real … and you couldn’t help but become vested in the characters, no matter how many self-destructive faults they all seemed to harbor in so many ways.  It epitomized sex, drugs and rock and roll, sometimes in heartbreaking fashion.

Nicks posted on Instagram:

Just finished watching Daisy Jones + the 6 for the 2nd time.

In the beginning, it wasn’t really my story, but Riley (Keough, Elvis’ grand-daughter) seamlessly, soon became my story.  It brought back memories that made me feel like a ghost watching my own story. It was very emotional for me.  I just wish Christine could have seen it. She would have loved it.

Keough responded with a series of shocked and praying emojis … while Reese Witherspoon, one of the producers of the film, replied “Oh my stars, Stevie !! This means the world to the whole @daisyjonesandthesix team! Thank YOU for cutting the path!”

The ten-part mini-series is still available for streaming on Amazon Prime … and the soundtrack album was a smash success earlier this year.  (There was even talk about putting together a REAL version of the band to do a concert tour!)  kk

From David Salidor …

COCKER EXCLUSIVE  ---

 

We're pleased to be able to exclusively preview the cover of Mark Bego's next book (his 68th) - to be released on November 16 via Yorkshire Publishing on Joe Cocker - With a Lot of Help from His Friends.

Joe Cocker was a major performer at Woodstock - which just celebrated its 54th anniversary - as well as for his hits "The Letter," "Feeling Alright?" and "Up Where We Belong" (Officer And A Gentleman.)  He had a tremendous career and several brilliant albums before he passed in 2014.

 

Bego delves deep into what made Cocker tick ... and it's quite a tale. We've read it and it’s a great, great read. And the foreword by fellow Woodstock-performer Melanie is exquisite. 

 

Originally, Cocker was signed to A&M Records, where he had his early success and Bego said last night about Jerry Moss: "Jerry Moss was a man who loved music and the music business. His 'golden ear' opened the door for so many talented artists like Joe Cocker, Rita Coolidge, The Carpenters and Peter Frampton. He will be greatly missed."

 

Details for a rather spectacular launch are being coordinated and we'll be the first to break the news here.

Now this is one I can’t wait to read.  (I saw Joe Cocker perform live twice in the later stages of his career … and they were a couple of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.  REALLY looking forward to this book!)

AND … we’re going to have a couple of copies to give away to our readers!

Still working out the details … but watch for more news on this in the weeks to come.  (kk)

Ray Hildebrand (he was the “Paul” in the pop duo Paul and Paula, that topped the charts in 1963 with their #1 Hit “Hey, Paula”) has died.

Their follow-up single, “Young Lovers,” also made The Top Ten, peaking at #6 later that same year.  Paula (real name Jill Jackson)

Tom Cuddy sent us this link:

https://variety.com/2023/music/news/ray-hildebrand-dead-paul-paula-pop-duo-1235700560/

Be sure to check out both the original video clip from 1963 …

As well as Ray singing his hit with THREE Paulas from The Ray Stevens Show!  (kk)

The other day we told you about the re-release in Europe of “ABBA – The Movie.”  Well, now comes word that the Talking Heads film, “Stop Making Sense,” is also being reissued in an updated, cleaned up theatrical release.  (A beefed up, deluxe edition soundtrack album is available now.)

In fact, the band’s four original members … David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz … will reunite on stage next month (September 11th) at the Toronto International Film Festival to discuss the restoration of the film.  This reunion will mark the first public appearance of the four original members since their induction into The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame 21 years ago.  (They took to the stage and performed their classics “Psycho Killer,” “Life During Wartime,” “Burning Down The House” and “Take Me To The River” that evening in 2002.)  Prior to that 2002 reunion, Talking Heads last performed together publicly in 1984.  (kk)

Yet another release (this time for the concert’s 50th anniversary) of Elvis Presley’s “Aloha From Hawaii” album and concert film is now available.  This time around, it’s a 3-CD set with (for the first time ever) a Blu-Ray edition of the concert.  TONS of outtakes and rehearsal material will be included.  (kk)

Speaking of Elvis, we just finished watching the new Steve Binder documentary "Reinventing Elvis" about his experience filming Elvis' 1968 NBC Singer Comeback Television Special.

Frankly, I was a little disappointed.  The show spent too much time off-topic ... and even when it was ON topic, it offered up very little in the way of new footage and information.

All die-hard Elvis fans will still want to see it (if they haven't already) ...

But this isn't one I'll be adding to my Elvis film collection.  (kk)

Billboard Magazine recently ran a piece on the ten artists who had ten or more #1 Hits on their Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart.

It’s a pretty impressive list (although looking at the list, it seems to be a lot easier to rack up #1 Hits today than it was during The Top 40 Era.)

Noticeably absent from the list is Elvis Presley, who topped Billboard’s Pop Singles list eleven times BEFORE it officially became known as The Hot 100 in August of 1958.  As such, none of these #1 Hits qualify, causing Elvis to fall short of the coveted ten #1 hits.

Also falling just outside the cut-off point:  The Bee Gees, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Usher, who each have nine … and Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, George Michael and The Rolling Stones with eight each.

You can view the complete list here:

https://www.billboard.com/lists/artists-most-number-one-hits-all-time-hot-100/#recipient_hashed=fa7e92da6f6e66bffcf0bcbf863670c6eb37d7159eb4d0ea1e44fecd5ec87eeb&recipient_salt=3a1d6b09af3b92ad7e38f8327cf18febeb049fd1c9a251b66957a07d9375735c

Reminder …

This Tuesday (August 22nd) long-time Forgotten Hits contributor Frank B continues his new, burgeoning radio career with another appearance on Ken Kojak’s “1960’s Jukebox Revue.”

It airs on WRTR.net from 8-11 pm (eastern) … and this time around, according to Frank, it’s …

A BRAND NEW SHOW – And The Best One Yet.

I Programmed All The Music + Co-Host.

Theme:  Double Sided Hits.

We Talk About The Music, Before Playing The Songs.

FB

https://rememberthenradio.com/

I just got word that we lost another long-time Forgotten Hits Reader and Contributor …

Danny Guilfoyle passed away back on June 5th.

Danny was a genuine music fan … ALL types of music … and he even sang with a variety of bands over the years.  Although I never met him personally, our paths crossed often for over twenty years, so he will be missed.

Wishing a strong heart to his widow Carolyn … what would have been their 46th wedding anniversary is coming up right around the corner.  (kk)

Rock Cellar Magazine has put together a list of The Top 11 Songs By Singing Drummers …

While I have no problem with the list of candidates presented (and have to give them special props for recognizing Micky Dolenz as part of this list), I DO have a problem with the running order.  (Karen Carpenter over Don Henley?!?!  ANYBODY over Don Henley, for that matter!!!)

Still, it’s quite an impressive list.  (Ringo, Phil Collins, Don Brewer of Grand Funk, Peter Rivera of Rare Earth, Levon Helm of The Band and Buddy Miles also made the cut, along with three others.)

But WHY on earth they chose to run Lynn Anderson’s country cover version of The Carpenters’ hit “Top Of The World” is beyond me!!!  (GOTTA be a mistake!)

In fact, several of the song choices left me scratching my head … “Don’t Pass Me By” by Ringo over his chart-topping hits like “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Photograph” or “You’re Sixteen”???  “Invisible Touch” by Phil Collins over his solo rock classic “In The Air Tonight”???  And even The Carpenters’ “Top Of The World” over MUCH bigger and accessible tunes like “Close To You,” “Goodbye To Love” or even “Please Mr. Postman.”)

You can read the whole list (and their reasons for selecting them) here:

https://rockcellarmagazine.com/top-11-songs-from-drummers-who-sing/?utm_source=Rock+Cellar+Magazine+Subscribers&utm_campaign=5eaf64bd82-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_11_16_10_06_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_951cfef8de-5eaf64bd82-162343372&mc_cid=5eaf64bd82&mc_eid=f8f75f98ed#main

Here’s a chance for you to build your Record Research collection … and save a little money in the process.

Six of Joel’s most popular books are now available at a substantial savings as part of their Summer Clearance Sale.

You can now pick up a copy of Top Pop Singles, 1955 – 1989 (black and white edition) for only $54.95.  The Gavin Report book (mentioned several times here recently) is $25 off, as are Cash Box Pop Hits, Hit Records (covering the Music Vendor / Record World Charts) and Hit Country Records.

You can browse the “Sale Selection” here:  https://www.recordresearch.com/sale-items/ … and just remember that this sale ends on September 5th.

Dolly Parton dropped another track from her upcoming “Rock Star” album.

This time around it’s Dolly (singing with Paul McCartney) on Paul’s “Let It Be.”

Also present on the track are Ringo Starr (Look, Dolly has reunited half The Beatles!), Mick Fleetwood and Peter Frampton.  (kk)

A litter banter between the two artists via X (Twitter) ... each superstars in their own musical genre ...

Thanks, Dolly, for doing my song. I love your version and am very pleased to be by your side on this one. Rock on!

Love, Paul

x

 

Does it get any better than singing “Let It Be” with Paul McCartney, who wrote the song? 

Not only that, he played piano! Well, it did get even better when Ringo Starr joined in on drums, Peter Frampton on guitar and Mick Fleetwood playing percussion. 

I mean, seriously, how much better does it get? Thanks guys! Go give it a listen!

Dolly

Just announced …

The Cryan’ Shames and Jim Peterik will be performing at the next Dick Biondi Film Screening on Thursday, September 7th, in Bolingbrook, IL at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

From Pam’s announcement:

Join Jim Pilster, Jeff Rutter, Jim Peterik, and our friends at the Bolingbrook Golf Club for a heartwarming and celebratory evening, your chance to see the film that honors the life and legacy of our beloved Wild I-Tralian, Dick Biondi. Relive the warm memories, crazy antics, and Dick's famous off-key rendition of the Pizza Song. There may be a few tears so be sure to bring your tissues

Doors Open 6:00 pm
Welcome Remarks 6:25 pm
The Cryan’ Shames at 6:30 pm
Jim Peterik at 6:50 pm
Film starts at 7 pm
Q&A follows

$25 General Admission Ticket Includes (1) Drink Ticket, Popcorn, and Dry Snacks. $1,000 VIP Sponsorship Ticket Includes Reserved Front Row Group Seating for 6 guests, (2) Drink Tickets for each guest, Popcorn, Dry Snacks, and Supporting Acknowledgments for Dick Biondi FilmCash Bar + Merchandise Tables Will Also be Available.
For tickets and more information.  Please share this very special event with your family and friends. See you in September in Bolingbrook!

More ticket information here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dick-biondi-special-tribute-documentary-tickets-695448494167?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwAR0lmjd3OJxGVY_AtfF018PvrnE6RrIB7xvv429XPwiTnIGAoUcsy-ElmUc

And, speaking of The Cryan’ Shames, look for a special profile next week in Forgotten Hits, courtesy of #1 Fan Clark Besch!  (kk)

 

Can’t stop playing this while riding my Harley.

Reminds me of how my uncle played the piano.

Thanks for Lake Shore Drive.

B Smith

 

We told you about this, right?

The brand new Beach Boys Coloring Book is coming up right around the corner.  (Street Date:  September 12th)  kk

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Beach-Boys-Official-Coloring-Book/dp/1970047240/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3CM1EZGHYA6QW&keywords=beach+boys+coloring+book&qid=1692417803&sprefix=%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-3

 

At the time, the rock press (and the serious rock music fans) considered The Monkees to be one of the most uncool, unhip bands out there … “a manufactured image” …

 

But if no one in rock music was taking them seriously, then how come they got to hang out with some of the coolest artists on the planet?!?!

 

Here’s a shot (sent in by Timmy) of Peter Tork hangin’ with Jimi Hendrix (who, of course, opened a selected number of shows for The Pre-Fab Four back in 1967.)

 

Tork and Dolenz were both on the scene for The Monterey Pop Festival and fell in love with the excitement Jimi was able to ignite with his guitar (after which, of course, he then ignited his guitar!!!)

 

Tork’s roommate before being cast was Stephen Stills, who also auditioned for a role on the series but, after being turned down (for having bad teeth!), sent his buddy Pete in for the audition, who won the role!  (Little known fact:  Stills played on quite a few Monkees sessions during this time, too … uncredited, of course, as were ALL of the musicians performing behind the scenes back then!)

 

The Monkees regularly gave parties and/or attended parties by the rock and roll elite in Laurel Canyon, including The Mamas and the Papas, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Hollies, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix … and many more.  (kk)

And seriously, can you BE any dumber than this???

TMZ released a new video that shows Kid Rock (who made such a fuss about boycotting Bud Light after they partnered with “transgender influencer” Dylan Mulvaney about promoting their product, refusing to serve it in his establishment down in Nashville), DRINKING a Bud Light IN Nashville last Thursday Night.  (What an idiot!)

It was dumb enough to make the statements he made … but then to be caught holding a can of Bud Light in your hand???  Looks like Kid Rock qualifies for BOTH titles … as Dumb AND Dumber.  (kk)

A couple of smiles from Mike Wolstein …

Happy 75th birthday to Robert Plant!  (b. 8-20-48)

Abbey Road, in a way...

Mike Wolstein

Love it!  (kk)