Saturday, March 2, 2024

THE SATURDAY SURVEY

 

The Beatles hold down the #1 spot for the 7th week in a row.  ("I Want To Hold Your Hand" has been #1 for 7 of the 8 weeks it has charted!)

"She Loves You" is still in the runner-up spot at #2 for the third week in a row.  (It loses its bullet this week ... but "Please Please Me" moves up to #4, giving The Fab Four THREE of The Top Four Records in the country this week.)

Dusty Springfield's "I Only Want To Be With You" creeps up two more places to #14 while The Dave Clark Five make a big jump from #45 to #23, a move of 22 places, with "Glad All Over."

"I Saw Her Standing There" enters The Top 40 for the first time, moving from #43 to #34 ... and "My Bonnie" joins it at #35, up from #47.

But it's The Searchers' "Needles And Pins" that makes the biggest move of all ... up 38 places from #98 to #60.  This is going to be a very big record.

New at #75 is "Hippy Hippy Shake" by The Swinging Blue Jeans.  And The Beatles FINALLY crack The Top 100 with "From Me To You," which debuts at #79.

Cliff Richard is hanging on at #89 with "It's All In The Game" ... and new on the charts is yet ANOTHER new Beatles record ... "Twist And Shout" premiers at #93, giving The Beatles SEVEN songs in The Top 100 this week.

Another new track premiers at #82 that will go on to become a '60's classic ... the somewhat prophetic "Dead Man's Curve" by Jan and Dean!  And I especially like Terry Stafford's spot-on Elvis impression on "Suspicion" ... up 34 places from #100 to #66. 

And, speaking Elvis, he's got a new record on the chart this week as well ... 

"It Hurts Me" premiers at #57.  It's the flip-side of this week's #15 hit, "Kissin' Cousins" (and is the FAR stronger track in my opinion!) 


60 YEARS AGO TODAY:

3/2/64 – The Beatles begin filming their first movie, "A Hard Day's Night" ... and on this date, George Harrison meets his future wife, Pattie Boyd for the first time.  (Pattie has an "extra" spot in the film in one of the train car scenes.)

Also on this date, 3/2, Vee Jay Records spins off a new subsidiary label called Tollie and releases “Twist And Shout” by The Beatles.  It, too, will go straight to #1 on two of the three national pop charts.  (You'll see it premier above at #93!)

Friday, March 1, 2024

The Friday Flash

No less an endorsement from Sir Paul McCartney should help to solidify Foreigner’s chances at Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ...

Just read that our FH Buddy Rich Appel did a recent countdown of his listeners’ favorite television themes … and even MORE surprised that this is actually an annual event on his “That Thing With Rich Appel” radio program.

(Obviously, WE’VE done a few of these too … only ours were spaced about seven years apart) …

http://forgottenhits.com/your_top_100_all-time_favorite_tv_themes_based_on_our_2020_poll

http://forgottenhits.com/your_top_50_all-time_favorite_tv_themes_2013

BOTH times the theme to “Hawaii Five-O” came in at #1 in our Forgotten Hits polls … and it looks like it was #1 in Rich’s poll last year, too.  (This year it fell to #2, behind the Theme from “Cheers.”)

You can read an analysis of Rich’s countdown (as well as view The Top Ten Favorites) here:  https://radioinsight.com/blogs/265110/the-top-tv-themes-of-all-time-2024-edition/

And you can ALSO vote for your favorite WOW! songs, too … another GREAT annual countdown he does which overs a wide array of forgotten hits that folks still love hearing on the radio, despite what ANY consultants are telling them!

>>>Happy Birthday to all Leap Year Babies.  (Our FH Buddy Chuck Buell is one of those ... and THIS year, he finally leaves his teens to celebrate "official" 20th birthday! Happy Birthday, Chuck!!!) kk


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHUCK! 
TALK AGAIN IN FOUR YEARS!Emoji
Shelley
 
For some reason, John Fogerty got bumped from his upcoming performance at Australia's Queensland Country Festival "due to unforeseen circumstances" ... and John says he has absolutely NO idea what may have prompted it.  (Sounds like his "non-appearance" was news to him!)


The show was scheduled for March 30th and would have been Fogerty's first appearance in Australia in over a decade.  (And it was his ONLY show scheduled there at all!)

In a statement to Billboard Magazine, John said, “I’m bewildered.  I still remain able and ready and willing to do this show. I take the commitment of playing for the fans very seriously. Throughout my career, practically my whole life, there’s hardly ever been a cancellation.”  
 
Festival organizers have since said that contract negotiations for Fogerty's appearance "did not reach a final outcome" so they pulled the plug and are going in another direction.  (Sounds like the whole thing will end up in court in mid-March ... so John'll be in Australia after all ... but possibly just not for the reason he thought he would be.)
 
Fogerty says that in his mind, and as far as he knew, it was "all systems go" ... and he was looking forward to returning to the land down under once again ... so he was very surprised to hear that he was no longer going to be part of the show.  He issued an apology to Australian fans ... and even posted a video addressed to "all my loving fans in Australia," letting them know how disappointed he was to hear that he wouldn't be there to perform for them ... and then sang a solo, acoustic version of "Bad Moon Rising."
 
 
Just a reminder ...
 
Sam Tallerico plays selections from each week's Super Charts ... 
 
Along with a ton of OTHER great music ...
 
Each week on his Lost And Found Oldies Shows (or, as we like to call it, LAFOS!!!)
 
You'll find a wide range of shows to choose from right here ...

Thursday, February 29, 2024

HAPPY LEAP YEAR!

It only happens every four years ... but just like we did in 1964, 60 YEARS AGO TODAY, we're celebrating another Leap Year THIS year in 2024.

Happy Birthday to all Leap Year Babies.  (Our FH Buddy Chuck Buell is one of those ... and THIS year, he finally leaves his teens to celebrate "official" 20th birthday! Happy Birthday, Chuck!!!)

As Chuck told us the other day, Leap Year Birthdays are sort of the opposite of "Dog Years"!!! LOL 

He sent us this short bio to share with our readers ...


Yeah ~~~ This Pretty Much Sums It Up About Me ~~~

CB 

This marks the FIFTH straight February 29th where we've counted down The Top Ten Hits on this date in 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976 and 1980 ... all Leap Years in their own right.

(Actually, this year we're simply providing links to our previous posts so that you can enjoy them again!  Last time around, we made multiple posts throughout the day, revealing The Top Ten Hits for each Leap Year Day Chart.)

By the way, you'll find ALL kinds of great stuff in the Forgotten Hits Archives ...

Simply scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on a year ... any year, dating back to 2008 ... and enjoy / discover / relive some of our great posts from yesteryear.


Meanwhile, here are those Leap Year Countdowns:

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-leap-year-countdowns-1956.html

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-leap-year-countdowns-1960.html

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-leap-year-countdown-continues-with.html

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-leap-year-countdown-1968.html

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-leap-year-countdowns-1972.html

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-leap-year-countdowns-1976.html

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-leap-year-countdowns-1980.html

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

2-28

More great hits from OUR side of the pond from January and February of 1964 ...

Here's that Four Seasons smash, "Dawn"

Bobby Rydell was one of the Teen Idols who made it big out of Philadelphia ...

A "Bandstand Boy" who also did a ton of television and movies!

(You can read our interview with Bobby here:  http://forgottenhits.com/bobby_rydell)

This was his last big hit ... "Forget Him"

Here's one that should have been a MUCH bigger hit than it was ...

This song'll tear your heart out ...

Brook Benton's "Going Going Gone"

And finally, another tune written by another good friend of Forgotten Hits that we lost a few years ago ...

Here's Joey Powers' hit "Midnight Mary," written by our old buddy Artie Wayne

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

2-27

60 YEARS AGO TODAY:

The Rolling Stone appeared on "Top Of The Pops" to perform their new single, "Not Fade Away"

*****

While the crux of our 60 YEAR FLASHBACKS this year will focus on the explosion of The British Invasion, this is not to say that American artists just rolled over and played dead.

In 1964 groups like The Beach Boys and The Four Seasons had some of the biggest hits of their career.

The Motown Sound exploded thanks to new artists like The Supremes and The Temptations ... as well as a big #1 Hit by Mary Wells.

Artists like Rick Nelson, Bobby Vinton and even "old-timer" Dean Martin had Top Five smashes.

Today and tomorrow we'll take a look (and give a listen) to a few of my favorites from January and February of 1964.

 One of my all-time favorites turned into a Womens' Anthem over the years ...

Hard to believe that this was first written and recorded in 1963!

(And by our Forgotten Hits Buddy John Madara no less!)

It's been done numerous time since by several different artists ... 

But this #2 Hit by Lesley Gore still holds up for me!

(More on the song's origins here:  http://forgottenhits.com/john_madaras_greatest_hits)

Rick Nelson had what would end up being his last Top Five Hit for the next eight years with "For You" ... but it's a good one!

Dionne Warwick had her first Top Ten Record with the Hal David - Burt Bacharach tune "Anyone Who Had A Heart" ... definitely worth a listen!

Monday, February 26, 2024

A Monday Morning Quickie

The other day I mentioned something about coming across a very large collection of Top 40 radio shows taped across the country …

And then immediately got this …

 

Hi!

I like your blog about American Top 40 and how you got in touch with some of the radio personnel.

I am a collector of the American Top 40 radio show CDs that were sent to the stations. I like the Shadoe Stevens, Casey Kasem, and Ryan Seacrest broadcasts.

Do you happen to have any of the American Top 40 CDs or do you know of anyone who may have them? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Matt (an AT40 superfan)

 

There are a WHOLE lot of collectors out there of these AT40 shows … most seem to like to trade for copies of shows they don’t have in their own collection … so it’s a very “communal” group of fans, eager to welcome more of “their own.”

 

Happy to put the word out there, Matt …

 

And if anybody on the list would like to be put in contact with you, I will be happy to pass this information along.  (kk)

 

Hey Kent …

That’s a very cool and kind move on your part …

I’ve always been an adamant collector of my own airchecks …

Unfortunately, I primarily used my airchecks to attain a better gig, and therefore would scope it … dumping out the full songs, spots etc., so as not to waste the hiring individual’s time.  Thus, when the ‘Rewound Radio’ guys came knocking, I had very few full all-inclusive radio shows to offer them.

Hope you’re able to let us know who captures the collection. 

I was on at least (5) of the stations mentioned … CKLW, KKDJ, KIIS, KGBS, AND KFI ----  I’m still trying to find airchecks of me on WLS and WCFL😊 

Hope all is well in your world, Kent.

Kris Erik

Then raise that tally to SEVEN stations, Kris, because he also had WLS and WCFL tapes in his collection.  (Those are going right into the Rewound Radio Labor Day Weekend Shows … for probably many, many years to come!)  kk

Just read your fantastic write up about the air checks ... thanx, Kent!  Wow, man, you are a prince!

One thing: I am located in NORTHERN California, not Southern … maybe you could correct that.

Attached here are a couple shots of the on-growing stack of the aforementioned finds, THUS FAR ...

 


Barely the tip of the iceberg as I understand it … there are boxes and boxes and boxes of these tapes and discs ... and we’re already looking into other avenues to find a good home for them if somebody on the Forgotten Hits list doesn't take possession.  (We wanted to offer them to "family" first!!!)

 

One thing we WON’T do is let them go unattended to … this was somebody’s lifelong hobby and, in the process, they amassed quite an impressive collection.

Interested parties can still contact me at kk@forgottenhits.com

We’re patient!  (lol)  kk

 

UPDATE:  

Got this from one interested party in the collection ...

 

Any idea of the SIZE of the collection, from your source contact?  
"Is it bigger than a breadbox?"  
YES ... but is it bigger than a refrigerator?  lol

 

From the curator ... 

 

I would guesstimate the total size of all of the boxes to be maybe two refrigerators ... or maybe one refrigerator & two ovens ... or how about two refrigerators and two bathtubs!  Here are a couple more final pictures so you can judge for yourself. Note in these pic's is a ruler, which is extended to the 5' mark. Every box seen is full.

 



Clearly more here than what Geraldo found in Al Capone's vault!!!  (lol)

If you are genuinely interested, please contact me ... looking to wrap this up in the next week or two.  (kk)

 

Mick Jones, founding member of Foreigner (who has been absent from their live shows for a couple of years now) disclosed his battle with Parkinson’s Disease this week with this statement …

“Fans will have become very aware that for some time now, I have not been performing onstage with the band. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I want everyone to know that I am doing alright,” Jones said in a statement. “However, I’ve always liked to be at my best when performing onstage, and sadly, at present, I find that a bit difficult. I am still very much involved in the background with Foreigner and remain a presence.

“Parkinson’s is a daily struggle; the important thing is to persevere and remind myself of the wonderful career I’ve had in music. I thank all the fans who have supported Foreigner throughout the years and continue to attend our concerts — I want you to know I appreciate your support; it always means so very much to me, but especially so at this point in my life.”

Foreigner’s out on the road doing their farewell tour … and just made (for the first time EVER in a LONG overdue honor) the ballot for the 2024 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees.  I loved Foreigner from the first note of the first album some 47 years ago … and their music still holds up incredibly well today.  (They represent the very definition of Classic Rock. In fact, FOURTEEN of their songs made our list of THE TOP 3333 MOST ESSENTIAL CLASSIC ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME … nine of those making The Top 500.)

We wish you the best, Mick, as you continue to fight the battle.  (kk)

Two of Foreigner’s hits, “Cold As Ice” (#62) and “Juke Box Hero” (#75) made The Top 100.   https://classicrockessentials.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-top-3333-most-essential-classic.html

And here's the latest word on a DIFFERENT Mick ...

MICKY DOLENZ:  AN EVENING OF SONGS & STORIES / TROUBADOUR / FRIDAY, APRIL 5th / WITH PROCEEDS GOING TO MAKE-A-WISH

Monkee-MICKY DOLENZ will perform a special one-night-only show at L.A.’s famed Troubadour on Friday, April 5th, entitled MICKY DOLENZ: AN EVENING OF SONGS AND STORIES.

In addition to his indelible contribution to contemporary pop music, Dolenz will share many never-before-heard stories of his famous interactions with the likes of The Beatles as well as the beloved songwriters who penned many of The Monkees' classics, including Bobby Hart and Tommy Boyce; Harry Nilsson; Carole King and Gerry Goffin; Paul Wiliams; and many more.

Dolenz will also recall memorable moments from his days on Circus Boy - his first TV role - and from The Monkees (which won two Emmys in 1967 for Outstanding Series and Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy  – including memorable guest-stars and moments from select episodes. Dolenz wrote directed the final episode of the show, ‘Mijacogeo’ aka ‘The Frodis Caper.’

https://wl.seetickets.us/event/micky-dolenz/584299?afflky=TheTroubadour

>>>This link is attached to a story that appeared in Monday’s Las Vegas Sun. It has to do with "a former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator and memorabilia seller charged with conspiring to own and sell manuscripts of 'Hotel California' and other Eagles hits without the right to do so.”  (Jerry Reuss)

This story has really grown legs!  It's all over the news now as a judge tries to determine just who the rightful owner of this material really is.  (Frannie:  “Don Henley DOES love to litigate!”)

But in this case, I don’t see how ANYBODY could have misconstrued the idea that he was GIVING this material away permanently or as a “thank you” for some guy writing a biography about The Eagles … especially a biography that never even materialized.

It’ll be interesting to see where this all ends up.  (kk)

UPDATE:  As the case moves forward, more and more of Don Henley’s “dirty laundry” will be revealed … once you go down the rabbit hole, it’s difficult to come back!

More info on the proceedings here:

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-don-henley-teen-overdose/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ugh&utm_term=UCR%20New%20Smart%20List

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-lyric-pages-value/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ugh&utm_term=UCR%20New%20Smart%20List

More on the four new Beatles biopics, coming in 2027 ...

Looks like there will be four feature length Biopicture films on the lives of EACH Beatle member in 2027, put out at different times that year.  This is being done with the permission of the band and will feature the voices of the four in their movies.

Clark Besch


 

Kent: 
Ever heard Billy describe this classic in detail? 
Billy Joel - on writing "Just The Way You Are"
Tom Cuddy
 
A few months back we ran a video of Melissa Manchester and Kenny Loggins cutting their new version of the song they wrote together, "Whenever I Call You Friend."
And now we've got Melissa redoing her Top Ten 1975 hit "Midnight Blue," only this time as a duet with Dolly Parton (who has done quite a few duets lately!)
It's all part of Melissa's new album where she looks back and reimagines some of her old songs.  ("Don't Cry Out Loud" and "You Should Hear How She Talks About You" are also included.)  kk

 
Long time FH Reader and Contributor Ken Freck guested on Dewey's Corner radio program last Friday Night (2/23) ... saluting hits from The British Invasion era, 60 YEARS AGO TODAY ... and you'll find that archived broadcast here:
 
 
A new Glen Campbell duets album is on its way.
Scheduled for release on April 19th, the LP (titled "Ghost On The Canvas") features new duets with Sting, Carole King, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Brian Wilson, Dolly Parton (naturally!) and more.
Filled with all new material, this one might be a keeper!  (kk)

>>>The following month, a new single of Cassius Clay singing "Stand By Me" was released ... and actually charted! (#86 in Music Vendor and #102 in Billboard)  kk

... and #94 in Cash Box.
Randy Price