Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Tuesday This And That

My Thanksgiving, 1976: By Harvey Kubernik 

For many reasons, this national holiday wasn't ever a big deal for me or something to celebrate. I also don't like turkey.   

On Thanksgiving Day, 1976, The Band was going to perform live on stage for the very last time, at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. Producing the landmark event was Bill Graham, and Martin Scorsese was scheduled to make a documentary about it.

For the show, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson were joined by an all-star group of recording artist friends, including Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Dr. John, Bobby Charles, Joni Mitchell and Ronnie Hawkins.

I had previously seen three Band/Bob Dylan concerts in February, 1974, at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood. After the first night, I had a soulful encounter with Richard Manuel at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. A tortured soul whose voice could steer you through the light and the dark.

At one show I sat with Bob Sherman in the front row next to Henry Mancini. Hank and I spent 20 minutes discussing his Peter Gunn and Mr. Lucky television themes. Mancini touted fellow jazz and classical composers Johnny Mandel, Leith Stevens, Andre Previn, Elmer Bernstein and Alex North.

When I interviewed Robbie Robertson in 1975 and ’76 for a Crawdaddy! magazine cover story at Shangri-La recording studio in Malibu while the Band were recording Northern Lights–Southern Cross, Robbie mentioned he was writing his first soundtrack with Alex North for the movie Carny.

1976 hadn’t been a terrific year for The Band. There’d been canceled performances, internal problems and a loss of energy, reinforcing the decision to stop live dates and concentrate on future albums and solo projects. So, after 16 years on the road, the Band was going to call it quits.

I made immediate plans in Hollywood with my pals, drummer Paul Body, filmmaker Michael Hacker and photographer Lester Cohen, to catch the action. It wasn’t easy to book a plane from the Los Angeles airport on Thanksgiving to fly up to San Francisco to report on the event for Melody Maker.

As a music journalist I had a press pass connection with a publicist at the Winterland box office. She quickly steered all of us into a side artist entrance and we copped a table right in front of the stage.

Five thousand ticket holders paid $25 each (well worth it) for a tasty Thanksgiving dinner of turkey or Nova Scotia salmon stacked with potatoes, tons of gravy and pumpkin pie.

I knew I was gonna eventually get a 25-pound check ($40) in the mail for this story that was gonna get published in the December 11, 1976, issue of Melody Maker, so how could I miss this?

At 9:00 p.m. promoter Bill Graham strolled out and laid down a sincere spiel about how the evening was being filmed and recorded for “posterity and our grandchildren,” and that a concert like the one about to begin “could only happen in San Francisco.”

During the intermission, when several poets read, including Michael McClure, Lenore Kandel, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Diane di Prima, I bumped into a frantic Bill Graham who was pacing the Winterland floor.

I had previously conducted an interview with Bill, Carlos Santana and Jerry Garcia inside Graham’s Mill Valley home that ran in the April 21, 1976, issue of Melody Maker. At the time I asked Bill where the Rolling Stones were lodged when they played Winterland for him in 1972. Graham confided, “We put them up at the Miyako Hotel.”

At 2:00 a.m. the dazzled crowd stomped and the Band alone came out for the last number, “Don’t Do It,” a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Baby Don’t You Do It” penned by the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team.

“Good night. Goodbye.” And that was it — the end to an incredible night.

So I then said to my friends, “Let’s get a drink at the Miyako bar!” We proudly walked into the elevator and were then immediately greeted by a grinning Levon Helm. The singing drummer extended his hand. “Did you enjoy the show, boys?”

“Yes, Mr. Helm.”

We couldn’t afford to actually stay there at this swanky hotel, so we took a 6:15 a.m. flight back to LAX after devouring at least a dozen iced teas.

On the plane back home, I was flashing on the late summer of 1968, when I first met singer and songwriter Jackie DeShannon at the Laurel Canyon Country Store. She was cutting a new album called Laurel Canyon album for Imperial Records.

I recognized Jackie from a 1965 Shindig! ABC-TV appearance and newspaper coverage in the KRLA Beat. After I complimented her on “When You Walk in the Room” and “Needles and Pins,” Jackie said, “Have you heard the new LP of the Band? I just recorded ‘The Weight’ from Music From Big Pink at Liberty Studios. Harvey! Have you heard their songs?”

Jackie DeShannon was a person who knew Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran, opened for the Beatles on an American tour, had songwriting credits with someone named Jimmy Page on a Marianne Faithfull LP I owned. I had heard her voice for half a decade on local AM radio stations KHJ, KRLA and KFWB.

In her alluring Southern drawl — she was born in Kentucky, as Sharon Myers — Jackie DeShannon gave me a directive I never forgot: “Boy, you need to go to Wallichs Music City and get this album!”

HK

More from Harvey …

Since HBO started airing this new Yacht Rock documentary, I've been getting emails and phone calls about my various interviews with Steely Dan's Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, whose catalog is at the epicenter of this documentary. Perhaps Fagen himself would not be pleased with his work deeply displayed or cited in this endeavor. I'm sure he declined to be an interview subject. However, as the guest deejay, who world premiered "AJA" on acetate, with Fagen and Becker in the KPFK-FM radio studio in North Hollywood, it's interesting to be asked about Steely Dan now more than ever. Be it at the Whisky A Go Go, a “Midnight Special" taping, and their 1974 farewell concert at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, I was there. 

Always happy to see and hear Steve Lukather on screen in this documentary.  

You may dig my online interviews with Donald and Walter.

Check out this one from Tracking Angle ...           

https://trackingangle.com/features/vint…

And here’s part of Harvey’s conversation with Boz Scaggs, whose album, “Silk Degrees” (prominently featured in the Yacht Rock documentary as well, and whose sessions for which are about to celebrate their 50th anniversary):

This genre-changing LP was released to retail outlets in February, 1976, and was recorded during 1975 in Southern California. The overlooked producer on this album was the great Joe Wissert. He and Columbia Records publicists invited me to a 1975 session at Hollywood Sound Recorders.

At the 25th anniversary of "Silk Degrees," I interviewed Boz Scaggs.

HK: It’s the ”25th anniversary of “Silk Degrees” being released. Did you know when you cut it that you had a big hit album and had lightning in the bottle being captured.

BS: We knew we had we had done something that satisfied at least us. When you’re coming up trying to reach a broader audience, you think ‘maybe this is the one people will get to.’ Able to hear and reach segments then you’ve ever reached before. There were a couple of incidents that took place at the end of the making of the "Silk Degrees” album after it was just completed some things shattered and whatever hope I had for hit getting out there.

I really didn’t have high hopes. Emotionally we made a recording and it had integrity and we had made a good musical record. Then a series of events took over that really defined and determined where that record went.  Airplay. The real key besides the musical quality it might have been, I had a manager for the first time, Irving Azoff, and he was very enthusiastic about  the record and he was feeling strong. He was The Eagles’ manager and this gave him a foothold in to CBS Records, at the time the biggest record company in the world. And he did the things that had to be done to promote the record and to encourage the record company.

Then the little fires started. It was a slow take on ‘Silk Degrees.’ It was not an instant hit. It came up through the Provinces. It was not my first album. It was my fifth or sixth album. I was ready to go. I had a great organization, a tour manager that has been with me for over 25 years. I had the band: Jeff Porcaro, David Paich, David Hungate, the basis of a super section. And I was used to working, so when these little fires started, we were seasoned veterans out there ready to go and hungry. As things happened, we moved right along with whatever the activity was. There was a group of monsters at CBS Records in promotions and sales who liked me and I liked a lot and I had experience with them from my previous recordings. Everything came into conjunction with that record. It also happened to strike a public nerve.

And it seemed like on ‘Silk Degrees’ our peers were with us and we covered a lot of ground. We covered a lot of musical styles. It was very satisfying and we were proud of that record and played well." 

Harvey Kubernik also sent us this vintage interview with Dick Clark to share with our readers … https://bestclassicbands.com/dick-clark-interview-9-10-222/

Kent,

Congratulations on 25 years of Forgotten Hits and helping to keep the classic hits of the 1960's & '70's alive.

It is a rare day that I don't read FH and, in addition, learn something new — which is a tip of the cap to you and your regular contributors.

Keep up the good work and Happy Thanksgiving to you and all the readers of Forgotten Hits.

Joe Cantello

Marietta, Ga 

FORGOTTEN HITS = HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY

KENT - WILD WAYNE – GLEN -

HAPPY 25 FOR FORGOTTEN HITS --- DON'T EVER CALL IT QUITS.

FROM THE BEATLES TO SHEBOOZEY & OVER THE YEARS = BLOOD , SWEAT & TEARS (GROUP & KENT's HARD WORK)

SOUNDS INSANE --- 25 MORE YEARS & YOU'LL CATCH UP TO WILD WAYNE!

YOU'VE BEEN AROUND LONGER THEN GLEN FISHER’S NEWSLETTER (DOO-WOP RAMBLINGS)

CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND WHOSE NEWSLETTER I LIKE BETTER ---

THAT’S WHY / I'LL CALL IT A TIE.

THIS SUNDAY STARTS CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON THE " MEMORY MACHINE " ---

I THINK THATS KEEN.

WILD WAYNE = HALL-OF-FAME AWARD.

KENT = ALL-STAR AWARD.

GLEN = ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD.

THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES.

FRANK B.

Like Joel Whitburn, I was born on November 29th.

I use Record Research nearly every day.  Though not a Joel book, my daughter gave me this mixtape book for my birthday.  It is a way to journal your favorite music memories (concerts, first albums, etc.)

Phil Nee


The kids got me something called “Boom Again:  Replay the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s”  for my birthday last year … but then we never had time to play it!  (lol)  Maybe next time.  (It’s still sitting in the box, ready to go)  kk

Last week held a couple of Important Music Days In History. 

Memorable Forgotten Hits Days of Note included The Third Annual Joel Whitburn Record Research Day as well as the 25th Anniversary of Kent Kotal's Forgotten Hits Newsletter!

Both individuals and their efforts have been instrumental in keeping the History of Rock and Roll Music alive over the decades.

They have both chronicled the Music and Soundtrack of our Lives, an era that grew from a Unified and Split Beginning by those who loved our Rock 'n' Roll and those who condemned it to the memories it holds for us today.

So, in Honor of those two, and of our Pop Music History, here's a short two-minute "Brief FHs Rock and Roll Timeline!"

Kent! Congrats on your Anniversary! Joel Whitburn rules! 

Happy Birthday 🎂 to Billy Idol! 

Seen here with fans on Sunset in Hollywood. 

Just finished reading Randy Newman’s new book. Wishing him a Happy Birthday 🎂!!! … seen here at a Beverly Hilton event.

Jim Roup

Here’s another review of the Disney+ Beatles documentary, “Beatles ’64” …

https://bestclassicbands.com/beatles-64-documentary-scorsese-review-11-29-24/

We watched it again over the weekend and had pretty much the same reaction as the first time.  Some cool footage, some great music, a glimpse of “the mania” … but not the excitement one would expect to feel watching such an amazing piece of history unfold.  (I mentioned previously that perhaps some upbeat narration might have helped … and watching it the second time, began to feel it more like a Power Point presentation they way the story was advanced along.)  Again, NOT discouraging anyone from watching it … it’s a fine piece of that moment in time … but also again, I think so much more could have been done with it.  (If it had to be SO exclusive to that first two week period no mention of ANYTHING else that happened to them that year, then how do you explain the clip of Smokey Robinson singing “Yesterday,” which wouldn’t even be written and recorded until a full year later???

By the same token, we also enjoyed HBO’s Yacht Rock documentary (dockumentary) although I found it to be a bit exclusive … so many other artists are featured in the Yacht Rock genre today but this film zeroed in on a very select few, primarily Michael McDonald (and ANYTHING he had anything to do with), Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, the guys from Toto (and their work both inside and outside the band), Steely Dan, and slight nods to Ambrosia and a couple of others and that was about it.

The genre (on the radio anyway) has expanded to include SO many more (although I will admit to never needing to hear anything other than “Escape” by Rupert Holmes ever again!)  What happened to Pablo Cruise?  They said Hall and Oates were NOT Yacht Rock … but it sure doesn’t sound that way to me when you tune in and listen.

How it was formed as a comedy bit was quite interesting  … Boz Scaggs got a mention (primarily because of his association with the Toto guys, who played on virtually EVERYTHING while still carving out their own career) as did a few others.  Still, at 90+ minutes I found it fun and interesting to watch with a WHOLE lot of great music thrown in along the way.  It’s already replayed several times … and I’m sure it’s also available on demand thru HBO and/or Max. (kk)

The following Record Research Chart Books are STILL IN STOCK:

Can’t say we didn’t warn you …

These Chart Books are now OUT OF STOCK:

  • Billboard Hot 100 Charts 1980s
  • Billboard Hot 100 Charts 1990s
  • Billboard Pop Albums Charts 1965-1969
  • Billboard Singles Reviews 1958
  • Record World Singles Charts 1964-1972

Order the books you need for your collection NOW before they’re gone …

‘Cause once they’re gone, they’re gone for good! 

40% off thru Friday, no minimums or limits (kk)

https://www.recordresearch.com/

Kent ...

Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary of Forgotten Hits.  A real milestone. 

On another musical note ...

I saw you recently mentioned these ...

>>>Remember the old Leave It To Beaver TV Show?  Wild Wayne Just Played Two Songs By The Beaver …

1962 = "DON'T YOU CRY" / Jerry Mathers

1966 = "HAPPYNESS IS HAVIN'" / Beaver & The Trappers

I Didn't Know That He Did Any Recordings!

FB

I may be late to the party, but here are a couple of other Jerry Mathers Classics.  I apologize if you have already found them, and even more if you have already listened to them ... but here are two more.

Wind Up Toy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhqG7gW1tOE

In Misery:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_lpzPgPzzM

Ted Gorden Smucker

Wind-Up Toy is the one I remember … I think Dr. Demento may have played that one from time to time.  Thanks, Ted!  (kk)

MICKY DOLENZ LIVE AT THE TROUBADOR IS LIVE NOW ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS

MICKY DOLENZ – LIVE AT THE TROUBADOR -Micky’s first live album in seven years is available today on all streaming platforms.

Micky Dolenz Live at the Troubadour

The sold-out concert was in aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and features a plethora of Monkee-hits punctuated with stories from Micky’s life, as well as songs from artists who got their start at the Troubadour: Neil Diamond (who wrote two of the Monkees’ biggest hits), Steven Stills (who auditioned for The Monkees), Linda Ronstadt (whose first big hit was penned by Michael Nesmith), and Elton John (whose US debut was at the iconic venue in the presence of Micky and a gaggle of Hollywood regulars).

 “The Troub was the go-to place for me and my crew in the day. We were there all the time. In fact, I remember spending two years there one night”, quips Dolenz. The show (subtitled AN EVENING OF SONGS AND STORIES) also includes delightful ruminations from his Monkee days, such as hanging with Jimi Hendrix (the first opening act for the Monkees) and being at Abbey Road Studios with The Beatles during some of their Sgt. Pepper sessions.

December 2nd was also the first date of the MICKY DOLENZ: SONGS AND STORIES Winter Tour – Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, Connecticut being the debut show.  Additional dates include:  Sellersville Theater on Friday, December 6; the City Winery in NYC on Tuesday, December 10; the Flagstaff/Westbury Music Fair on Saturday, December 14; and Bergen Pac in New Jersey on Sunday, December 15.

UK Rock Legends Status Quo Announce the Release of the New “Driving to Glory” Collection, Including Rare Songs Unavailable for Over 20 Years! OUT NOW!

Status Quo has endured for over 50 years and is known for worldwide hits and tours to millions of fans across the globe.

This compilation collects together, for the first time, many of the band’s rare tracks from the late 1990s and early 2000s, some of which have been unavailable for over 20 years.

Until now, many of these tracks have only been available on CD singles, a soundtrack, or editions of albums only available in one country.

This remastered compilation is supported by the band and has been overseen by the recordings’ original producer, MIKE PAXMAN, who has also written liner notes for the release.

Mike Paxman said of the release: “Known for their hard driving style, it’s fitting that this Status Quo collection is called ‘Driving To Glory.’ Many of the songs included were recorded for soundtracks or to go with non-album single releases - this collection brings them together for the first time.”

“Driving to Glory” is available as a 14 track CD in a lavish 6 panel digipak and as a 7 track 12” single picture disc vinyl.

Amazon CD: https://geni.us/SQUOcd
Picture Disc 12” Single: https://geni.us/SQUOpd
Spotify: https://geni.us/SQUOsp
Also available directly from Cherry Red: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/status-quo

Youtube Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIeX_pjccC8


Track List:
1. Driving to Glory
2. Analyse Time
3. Fighting with the Pack
4. Obstruction Day
5. Famous in the Last Century (Full Length Version)
6. You Let Me Down
7. Money Don’t Matter
8. The Madness
9. Don’t Bring Me Down
10. You’ll Come ‘Round
11. Thinking of You
12. Lucinda
13. Whatever You Want (New Version)
14. Don’t Waste My Time (’98 Version)

Kent,

There are many concerts here, but there seems to be a new development.

They are scheduled during the week more than on the weekends. I will be optimistic and say that our performers are so popular, they need to be scheduled throughout the week or the venues won't get them. For me, this makes things difficult ... getting there, getting home and then getting up to get to school ... too much getting.

Are you finding the same in the Mideast? 

Shelley

We've seen much slimmer pickings of late ... but yes, a lot of weekday shows ...

WAY too many tribute bands (and getting top dollar for some of these tickets, which hardly seems worth it to me) ...

We find ourselves going less and less ... or being motivated to go unless it's something really special.

And so many of the others are the same old, same olds that come thru here all the time ... very little in the way of NEW entertainment. (kk)


60 YEARS AGO TODAY:

12/3/64 – Major League Baseball agrees to adopt The Major League Draft, beginning in June, 1965

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