20 YEARS AGO TODAY:
3/20/66 – The Young Rascals make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show
Now that's some pretty good management ...
Their new single, "Good Lovin'," had just debuted on the charts the week before!
Let's see how far this television appearance boosts it in the weeks to come!
60 YEARS AGO TODAY:
3/19/66 – Lesley Gore appears on the last episode of “The Donna Reed Show”
Also on 3/19, Gary Leeds of The Walker Brothers is “abducted” by British students raising money for charity
"Shelley, you have to go see Jim Messina! He gives a great concert. You can write a review."
"Ok, Stephanie, but I have to find a concert nearer me. You live in Virginia."
For two years, whenever I meet up with my friend from the south, she touts Jim Messina's talents. Now FINALLY he is close to me and on a day when I don't have another concert I am attending. And just why is this? It is on a Wednesday during a school week! My inner voice is arguing.
IT IS A SCHOOL NIGHT!
YES, BUT THE KATE THEATRE ISN'T THAT FAR AWAY!
YOU HAVE TO GET UP AT 5:00 AM!
BUT I LOVE THE KATE!
So here I am at The Katherine Hepburn Performing Arts Center on March 11, 2026, following Stephanie's advice and grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
Jim Messina was a guitarist for Buffalo Springfield, which had a two-year run from 1966-1968. He then went on to found Poco with Richie Furay, who had also been a guitarist with Springfield. He left in 1970 and continued to follow his song writing and production dreams. He worked with Kenny Loggins, helping him with vocals in the recording studio. It became too good a combination to leave and so Loggins and Messina was born and continued until 1976. They re-toured in 2005 and 2009 and in between, Jim has toured with his band the Road Runners.
The show is another Kate sell-out. The audience around me in the balcony is much more familiar with all the songs than I am. Although I find myself singing along with a few myself.
Watching the River Run
House at Pooh Corner (Stephanie told me this would be good)
Danny's song - An absolute favorite of mine!
Your Mama Don't Dance
Peace of Mind
Take off Your Shoes (which slipped into take off your clothes, amid audience laughs)
There were many other songs and as in jazz and country rock, moments of instrumental solos and improvs by all members. When the band left the stage, their guitar tech and road manager, Tim Creek, came onstage and held up one finger saying "There's one more. One more." What was the encore? Draggin the Line!
They seemed to enjoy being onstage and goofing around with each other. Jim says he is hanging onto age 59 and doesn't want to move to 60. He is actually 78, and again the audience AND the band laughed.
The band is well seasoned and not afraid to be bold without trying to upstage Messina.
Steve Nieves - sax and woodwinds
Jim Frazier - keyboards
Ben King - bass
Jack Bruno - drums
Looking at the website, I see that they mention all possible substitutes for the band, which says to me that Jim, himself, was in the background at times and he appreciates every person he works with.
Jim has been ill and almost did not make this show, so he has decided to opt out of meeting fans at the souvenir table and is instead, holding a Q&A after the show. UGH! Here is where my common sense kicked in and said, "You have to get up at 5:00 AM. It is raining and supposed to become heavy thunderstorms! You need to drive home NOW!"
Well Stephanie, as a retired teacher, you understand this self-argument and how much it hurt to leave before the Q&A.
But Ma'am, you were right! He puts on a great show!
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
NE Correspondent
Forgotten Hits
I've seen Jim Messina a few times now ... and he does put on a great show. Between his hits with Poco and his time spent as half of Loggins and Messina, Jim covers a lot of ground ... and has always made it an entertaining evening of music. Glad you finally got the chance to see him. Thanks, Shelley. (kk)
I am always still amazed any time I hear a "new" Beatles story after all this time. (I guess most of us feel that by THIS time, we must already know everything there is to know about them!)
But THIS story took me COMPLETELY by surprise ... and I can't believe I had never heard it being told before.
Here's the deal ...
Back in 1963, as part of the hit British music television program "Ready, Steady Go!," Paul McCartney was asked to judge that week's miming contest.
Each week, four contestants would be drawn from their studio audience to go up on stage and lip-sync ... or MIME ... to that week's selected song. On this particular week, the song in question was Brenda Lee's 1961 hit, "Let's Jump The Broomstick," a #12 hit on the British charts in 1961. (It flopped here in The States.)
Each of the four girls did their best to act out and choreograph the song as if it was their very own. Paul picked contestant #4, a 13-year-old girl by the name of Melanie Coe. (Personally, I thought #3 blew everybody else away ... but Melanie Coe being picked is what makes this such an interesting story! Especially since the deciding judge was Paul McCartney!)
Fast forward four years and the now 17-year-old Melanie Coe made headlines when she ran away from home, disappearing without a trace. Her parents couldn't understand ... "We gave her everything money could buy."
Paul McCartney just happened to see the article in "The Daily Mail" and, completely unaware that this was the same girl he presented an album to four years earlier on "Ready, Steady, Go!," was inspired to write the beautiful ballad "She's Leaving Home" for The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.
It's funny because as I research it now, I see that it's all over the internet ... but I was caught "completely unawares," as they say, when I read it last week in the Andy Neill "Ready, Steady, Go!" book, recently recommended to me by Harvey Kubernik.
So, in the hopes that I'm not REALLY "the last one to know," I'm sharing this story with you today ... because seriously, what are the odds?!?! These are some pretty amazing circumstances, to say the least! (kk)
Thanks for such an in-depth spread on the WCFL 50th Anniversary and our special on Rewound Radio. Very Very Cool.
Ted
Hello Kent –
As you can see, I’m ready for tomorrow’s salute to Super
‘CFL. So many good memories … and that’s
what it’s all about!
Jay Grizzle
North Aurora, IL
Very cool!!!
I have a WCFL T-Shirt somewhere … guess I should try and dig it out …
Or not …
Probably wouldn’t fit me anymore anyway!!! Lol (kk)
LOL … 50 years IS a long time!
Appreciate your site … it’s my morning ritual
Jay
By the way, last week we told you about the Dick Biondi documentary being available for streaming right now on Amazon Prime Video ...
Well, you can also pre-order a hard-copy dvd of this program with 30 minutes of additional footage right now thru Amazon.com.
Expected release date is March 24th. (kk)
Here’s a great background story on the #1 ‘70’s Classic Hit “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” A new Roberta Flack documentary is airing on OWN, which brought this story to life again all these years later …
Tom Cuddy sent us this article about a new Dionne Warwick legal battle to try and reclaim millions of dollars in past royalties …
https://pitchfork.com/news/dionne-warwick-sues-her-own-royalty-collectors/
FROM Space weather today:
TEN THOUSAND STARLINKS: SpaceX is on the verge of having 10,000 Starlinks in orbit around Earth. If today's scheduled launch of mission Starlink 10-48 happens as planned, it will add 29 Starlinks to the megaconstellation, pushing the total over 10k. Is this a good thing? If nothing else, it certainly gives new meaning (x 10) to the Kathy Young super hit!
Clark Besch
Stephen Bishop, who’s been talking about touring again, has just announced his first two dates, both taking place at The Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado.
Joining him on stage will be legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb and former lead singer and songwriter for Ambrosia, David Pack.
Jake Reed (drums) — Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry
Kait Dunton (piano & keys) — Snarky Puppy
Sean Hurley (bass) — John Mayer, Ringo Starr
Marcus Eaton (guitar) — David Crosby, Derek Trucks
Melanie Taylor (background vocals) — Barry Manilow, Bette Midler
Liz Lieber (background vocals) — touring and studio vocalist
My pal of 50 years James Lee Stanley will be the opening act for the Aspen shows, September 12th and 13th.
A limited number of more shows will follow, likely moving into 2027 and even 2028 … so stay tuned for updates. (kk)
TICKETS: https://aspenshowtix.com/choose-seats/?instance=94201ACKSQKLJRVNBCTGNDVTCJCHVPLBC
In an interview with “The Hollywood Reporter,” Billy Joel’s daughter Alexa Ray says, “He’s doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great. He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet. I’m so proud of him. He’s such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive. He’s a fighter. He’s always been a fighter and talks in his documentary about how life’s like a fight.”
Three cheers for The Piano Man … may he win this battle and any others still to come. (kk)
Shelley found this regarding Billy’s health update …
Billy Joel's Daughter Gives Health Update as Singer Battles Rare Brain Disorder
Billy Joel's daughter has provided an update on his health after he was forced to cancel all his concerts last year due to a brain illness
By Adam Taylor | March 13, 2026
In May, 2025, Billy Joel announced that he was cancelling all of his upcoming concerts. The legendary singer revealed that he'd been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which is a rare brain disorder.
Since then, there have been relatively few updates on Billy's health. That is, until now.
When speaking with the Hollywood Reporter in an interview on Thursday, March 12, Billy's daughter provided an update on his health.
'He's doing physical therapy regularly,' she said. "I'm so proud of him. He's such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive. He's a fighter. He's always been a fighter and talks in his documentary about how life's like a fight."
Billy's daughter also noted that he's been on a diet and lost weight throughout his process of getting his health back on track.
"I know a lot of people are worried about me and my health, but I'm okay,' Billy Joel told People in July. "What I have is something very few people know about, including me, no matter how much you try to research it."
Billy Joel's Daughter Honored Him at Carnegie Hall
Following her interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Billy Joel's daughter proceeded to honor her father with a performance at Carnegie Hall.
"He was so excited when he first played Carnegie Hall in the '70s, so it's exciting for him to come back decades later and see amazing artists and his daughter pay tribute to him,' his daughter said. 'It's a full-circle moment."
Interestingly, it was his daughter who convinced him to attend the event. Multiple musicians honored his work and musical output by playing tribute versions of his biggest hits.
"I said, "Dad, you better be there! This is Carnegie Hall. Everyone's paying tribute to you, and it's an amazing group of artists."
As you can imagine, the event drew a sizeable crowd, with fans and artists all in attendance. And, of course, Billy's fans will welcome the positive update regarding his health and battle with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
However, it's unlikely we see him back on stage any time soon, as his recovery continues.
Meanwhile, Dolly Parton addressed her recent health issues (and the cancellation of her residency in Las Vegas) to fans attending this year’s grand opening of Dollywood … sounds like part of her trouble can be attributed to grieving over the loss of her husband of the past 58 years, Carl Dean …
I’ve not been touring, as you know. I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them. I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on. I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally, and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.
We also saw a health update for Elton John this past weekend.
After losing his vision and suffering a fall a few months ago, Elton has this to say ...
I don't have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix. I don't have a prostate. I don't have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip. But I'm still here. And I can't thank you [enough] ... you're the people that made me.
>>>>You can add Love to the list of artists that many feel belong in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. (Some feel they led the way for the West Coat Rock Sound of the mid-1960's - only to have their thunder stolen by groups like The Doors and Jefferson Airplane.) kk
You can add me to that list. LOVE is a very underrated group to my ears.
Their album "Forever Changes" is one of my favorite albums of the 1960's ... right up there with the Moody Blues "Days Of Future Passed" and the Beau Brummels "Triangle" as LPs that were completely different from what I'd heard before.
Brad
Here’s an interesting interview with David Salidor, discussing the current state of public relations and promotion …
https://t2conline.com/pr-now-more-than-ever/
David has been supplying us with news updates for about twenty years now … so we certainly appreciate (and depend upon) his efforts! (kk)
Timmy sent us this short clipping regarding the passing of Augie Meyers …
Augie Meyers (far right) with The Texas Tornados
Beloved country and rock musician dead at 85: ‘A true Texas
legend’
Augie Meyers, an iconic musician known for his days as a founding member of the
Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornadoes, has died. He was 85.
Augie Meyers, a true Texas legend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on
Saturday, March 7th at 85 with his wife Sara at his side. A Memorial Service
for the public will be announced soon. The family thanks all of Augie’s friends
and fans for their prayers during this time.
Meyers, a native of San Antonio, Texas, released a whopping 23 solo albums
across his career. The first of those came in 1971 with “The Western Head Music
Co.” and the last came in 2013 with “Loves Lost and Found (El Sendero).”
He founded the Sir Douglas Quintet along with Doug Sahm. Taste of Country noted
that while Meyers played multiple instruments, he was best known for playing
his Vox Continental organ and that sound became a signature of songs such as
“She’s About A Mover” and “Nuevo Laredo.” Per Taste of Country, the Sir Douglas
Quintet was known for helping to pioneer “a style that bridged country, rock
and Tejano/Tex-Mex” sound.
Meyers was also credited for an outstanding career as a session musician that
saw him play with the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Jones, Tom Waits, Raul Malo and
John P. Hammond.
Meyers and Sahm teamed up once again in the 1990s to help form The Texas
Tornadoes along with Freddy Fender and Flaco Jimenez. That supergroup released
eight albums, the last of which, “Esta Bueno!” came in 2010.
kk …
I've Been Meaning To Tell You About This Oldies Show & Keep Forgetting.
It’s Called "ISLAND HOP" -- HOSTED BY ED SELEK.
It Was On For Over 20 Years. Lots Of Local Groups That Your Readers Aren't Familiar With.
I Like The Format. Featured Group Starts Singing -- Right Away.
Half-Way Through, Ed Introduces Them & Talks To Them. Followed By More Music.
Lots Of Clips On You Tube. Try It -- You'll Like It .
FB
And here are some "random notes" from FB as well ...
(hey, HE called them that, not me!!!)
kk ...
PINK FLOYD = David Gilmour's Guitar Used On "DARK SIDE OF THE MOON" & "THE WALL" Fetched $14.5 Million At Christies Auction.
Dean Torrence Told Cousin Brucie That Jan & Dean Used Two Drummers On Their Recordings = Earl Palmer & Hal Blane.
"SURF CITY" = Huntington Beach
ODD FACT = Dean Was Nominated For Two Grammys -- Neither One For Music. Both For Graphic Design.
Lately Dean Has Been Appearing On "MALT SHOP CRUISES"
Kenny Vance Told Tony Orlando His First Group Was The Harbor Lights. Next Jay & Americans And Now Kenny Vance & Planotones.
Currently His Film "HEART & SOUL" Is Number ONE On The Documentary List. He Worked On It For The Last 10 Years.
He Told Us That Paul Simon Was Nice Enough To Give Him Permission To Use "LOVES ME LIKE A ROCK" Without Charge.
Tony Orlando Has Recently Retired. His Latest Project Is Storytelling Shows, About Two A Month. First One = April 4 At Bellmore Theatre In Bellmore , New York .
FB
From Timmy …
I think many people would agree that they received less threatening letters about paying off their college loans than they did about cancelling their Record Club accounts (!) … but who among us (those a certain age) didn’t belong to at least a couple of these over the years as we looked to quickly build our album libraries. Interesting that THIS club is just for 8-tracks and cassettes … so much more modern than the ones that I belonged to. (lol) kk