I have heard quite a few different concerns expressed over the past week from a few Forgotten Hits Readers regarding not only the status of Happy Together Musical Director Godfrey Townsend but also regarding the continuation of the tour itself. (I have to admit that I have had my own reservations as to whether or not the tour would continue without a founding member of The Turtles onboard and, let’s face it, many of these artists are now in their 70’s and 80’s … how much longer are they going to want to go thru the grueling ordeal of traveling all over the country? But the fans sure seem to love 'em ... and I think the artists enjoy it, too!)
The questions started after a Facebook post by Townsend last weekend that read: “Apparently I have resigned as musical director from the Happy Together Tour." The way the post was worded implied that even Godfrey had been blindsided by this news, as he HADN'T resigned … but evidently someone was telling him (and the rest of the world at large) that he had, leading the rest of the world to believe that this was the way the tour company was presenting the information.
Townsend has been tied to the tour for over 25 years. With the passing of Mark Volman last year, he took on an even more active role, stepping up front to sing leads and harmonies with Ron Dante on The Turtles’ material. Although I didn’t personally see it, his post went on talking about his skills, experience, availability and even that he “can make his own bed.” (huh?!?!?)
So what was up? Was he really being replaced after all this time? Was it perhaps a disagreement over pay? (Maybe Godfrey felt, and rightfully so, that he deserved some type of pay increase or compensation for taking on these new responsibilities.) All I know is that enough people saw it to question it … and that it was fueled even further by 127 quick responses to the post … everything from “you deserve better than this” to “they’ll never make it without you” to “this would never have happened if Mark were still around.” And then, as if all of this wasn’t already strange enough, Godfrey's post was taken down a few hours later … and he hasn’t commented on it since.
So I decided to do some digging of my own. Maybe there wasn’t going to be a Happy Together Tour 2027 … but if there WAS, why would it go on without Godfrey Townsend still leading the band (and most likely dueting with Dante on The Turtles’ material again.)
Depending on who I talked to, the responses I got were just as convoluted. First, I was assured that Godfrey WOULD be back on the 2027 tour … this was all just a big misunderstanding. But then I was told that this whole escapade was the result of a ploy initiated by Townsend to bargain for a salary increase (which evidently blew up in his face) and yet another source reported that it was GODFREY who had decided to leave the fold and would not be returning this year!
I wish I had better (or at least clearer and more concise) information to report … but I guess we’ll all just have to play the "Wait And See" game until Godfrey releases his own statement on this matter. Sorry to report that even as we go to press this morning, this is still apparently a gray area in terms of resolution. (For the record, we reached out to Godfrey for clarification but have not received any response from him as of yet.) Maybe he’ll see this post and then give us all the inside scoop. (The fans want to know ... and we've been covering The Happy Together Tour for every year of its existence ... so let's please get the [correct] word out!!!
On the PLUS side, what I CAN report is that there absolutely WILL be a Happy Together Tour next year ... and that Bob Miranda, lead singer of The Happenings, will be joining the tour for the very first time. (I’m just not sure if he’ll be performing with a couple of other vocalists as The Happenings or will be billed under his own name, singing with the thus-far nameless, faceless band. From what I'm told, the promoters apparently aren't exactly clear on this yet either!!!) Either way, Bob will make an OUTSTANDING addition to the line-up for 2027 ... and this will be my first time to ever see him in concert. (All the reports that I've seen say he still sounds great!)
Also returning to the stage for next year's tour will be Gary Puckett, The Cowsills, The Vogues, Jay and the Americans, Jason Scheff (formerly of Chicago, who tore the show up last year with his hard-rocking renditions of some of Chicago’s biggest hits … yet, strangely, none of his OWN hits with the band???) … and one of last year’s newbie acts, The Troggs.
Add in Ron Dante (with or without Godfrey Townsend) and that makes EIGHT headline acts, a new record for the show. Even with each act only performing three or four songs, this makes for a jam-packed salute to some of the biggest pop hits of the ‘60’s and early ‘70’s.
Look for an official announcement any day now (especially now that we’ve gone ahead and spilled the beans) and then be sure to grab YOUR tickets for next year’s tour when it hits a city near you! (kk)
Believe it or not, it’s already time to cast your votes for your ten all-time favorite oldies at Rewound Radio.
Just like very year (for the past 29 years), they’ll be tabulating your votes in order to determine the World’s Favorite Oldies! And then they’ll play them back during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, first as The Top 77, and then throughout the week, EVERY single song that received a vote will also be played.
Mike Riccio explains the whole deal (and tells you how and where to vote) here …
Hi ... and once again ... for
the 29th straight year ...
THIS IS A REMINDER TO GET YOUR
FAVORITES Onto THE TOP SONGS OF ALL-TIME list at: https://musicradio77.com/voting2026.html
WE DO THIS ONLY ONCE A YEAR, WHICH MAKES IT TRULY
UNIQUE AND SPECIAL ...
So, as moderator of the
"OldiesBoard.com" music site, I THANK YOU for voting in past years.
And now it's time to pick your favorites for the 2026 edition of the Top 77.
We call it the "Top 77" ... but in reality, EVERY SONG THAT GETS A
VOTE is included!
That's HUNDREDS of songs!
Vote for as little as one song or as many as ten of your favorites from ANY
era, ANY artist, ANY genre.
NO OTHER MUSIC SURVEY DOES THIS. But here it's become a true tradition ... Thanks
to you and so many followers of OldiesBoard.com and RewoundRadio.com.
The voting has started. SO DON'T
MISS OUT. CLICK THE LINK BELOW TODAY SO YOU DON'T FORGET. (The link is 100%
safe and secure.)
https://musicradio77.com/voting2026.html
You can view the results at
OldiesBoard.com and also listen to the results all week long BETWEEN Christmas
and New Years on RewoundRadio.com. And just for voting, you'll receive your own
FREE 100 page booklet of the results of every song that got even one vote along
with interesting facts, info, stats and details about the songs. Remember, we
NEED YOUR VOTE THIS YEAR to continue this fun tradition!
Sincerely,
Mike Riccio
OldiesBoard.com Moderator
Another brand new podcast has been posted by the folks over at Record Research …
And THIS one will probably appeal to most everyone out there …
Check it out here, as Paul Haney explains this week’s topic …
Hi Kent,
Check out our latest podcast episode titled Our Heart For The Charts. All five of us hosts tell the story of how we first discovered the record charts and how they shaped our lives. I'm sure a lot of the Forgotten Hits readers will relate and have similar stories.
Paul Haney
Record Research
Our Hearts for the Charts | A Heart for the Charts - YouTube
Congratulations to our Forgotten Hits Radio Buddy Sam Tallerico, whose LAFOS Show (Lost And Found Oldies Show) has just hit #1 in the ratings on MixCloud.
I can only tell you that it is ALWAYS an entertaining program, spotlighting hits and misses from our era of music favorites, the '60's and '70's.
Be sure to check him out whenever you can ... new shows go up nearly every week ... and there are still a ton of older programs to listen to for your listening enjoyment. (kk)
https://www.mixcloud.com/LAFOS/
kk …
I Just Listened To Wild Wayne's 50th Anniversary Interview With Johnny Maestro -- On Replay.
They Were About To Record & Still Had No Group Name.
Somebody Yelled Out "CRESTS."
When Dick Clark Got The Rights To "16 CANDLES" & Started Playing It, They Took A Close Look At It ... Payola ….
Johnny Said It Was Already A Top 50 Hit When Dick Started Playing It.
How Many Times Have We Heard This Story? Group Members Were Pushing "BESIDE YOU," & The Flip Side Became The Big Hit … "16 CANDLES."
I Still Can't Figure Out Why Johnny Maestro Isn't In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
FB
P.S. My Pal Ken Kojak Is Featuring Joel Katz On His "1960's JUKEBOX REVUE" Tonight.
Joel Was Hand-Picked By Johnny Maestro To Replace Him As Lead Singer Of Brooklyn Bridge.
There is absolutely no reasonable reason as to why Johnny Maestro is not in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Ask ANYBODY who grew up listening to this music and his name will jump to the top of the list. (kk)
Elton John has earned his first video on YouTube to reach one billion views ... but the track in question may surprise you.
Elton's 1989 hit "Sacrifice," which only reached #18 on The Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart, earns this distinction, scoring FAR more views than any of his most popular hits.
In all fairness, over 1000 videos have passed the one billion mark which, in the scheme of things, is small potatoes when you consider the leader in this category. (Sadly, that distinction belongs to "Baby Shark Dance" by Pinkfong, which is closing in on 16 billion views. (I can honestly say that I've never seen it ... and even typing this didn't tempt me to check it out!) kk
Kent,
We also listen to Rollye James’ show - or at least as much as we can listen before falling asleep. Last Thursday's show with Denny Tedesco was loads of fun. Fans of Forgotten Hits, The Wrecking Crew, or the music of the Sixties should listen to the recording. Rollye's knowledge of the music, the bands, the labels, producers, and publishers, is very, very deep.
David Lewis
I have it saved but haven’t had a chance to listen yet. For others who may be interested, here again is the link that Clark Besch sent us last week …
https://fromsmash.com/4RNFpSNzrD-ft
Hi, Kent,
Many thanks from me and Marti Smiley Childs for mentioning our “quartet” of For the Record book volumes in Forgotten Hits. I’m so pleased to see you keeping the memories alive, paying tribute as you have for 28 years. That’s terrific. Countless numbers of singers and musicians, as well as their fans, appreciate all that you have done, and continue to do.
Sincerely,
Jeff March
Davis, Calif.
Night Two of Aerosmith’s triumphant return to The Hollywood Bowl did not disappoint …
“Special Guests” paid tribute to the band with rousing covers of some of their best known hits …
Marcus King: “Same Old Song and Dance”
Jerry Cantrell + Mike Inez + Richie Kotzen: “Draw the Line” and “Nobody’s Fault”
Tom Morello + Lzzy Hale: “Kings and Queens” and “Round and Round”
Billy Idol + Steve Stevens: “Livin’ on the Edge”
Grace Potter: “What It Takes”
Pat Monahan: “You See Me Crying” and “Angel” …
And then Pat Monahan + Grace Potter: “Cryin'”
Heart: “Janie’s Got a Gun” and “Barracuda”
The Black Crowes: “Let The Music Do The Talkin’,” “Get the Lead Out,” “No More, No More,” “Combination” and “Chip Away The Stone”
Guns N’ Roses: “Mama Kin,” “S.O.S (Too Bad),” “Rats In the Cellar,” “Sick As A Dog,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Nighttrain”
Followed by the headliners …
Aerosmith: “Toys In the Attic,” “Back In the Saddle,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Dream On,” an unexpected performance of “Come Together,” followed by “Walk This Way,” joined on stage by Run D.M.C. and closing with “Train Kept A Rollin'”
Reviews say Steven Tyler was in FINE voice, hitting all the high notes with no evidence of vocal cord strain (and, hopefully, no pain!) I think we can look forward to not only more Aerosmith performances but some new music as well. (kk)
UPDATE: From Noise 11:
Sunday’s concert delivered a major reunion with Run-DMC, bringing the two acts together again for the song that changed the commercial relationship between hip-hop and hard rock.
Aerosmith began playing Walk This Way before Tyler stopped the performance.
“Hold on, hold on, something’s wrong,” he told the audience. “We’re missing something. I think you know what I mean. We’re missing some people! This song ain’t the song without some people.”
Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels then emerged from opposite sides of the stage.
Joe Perry was playing the Guild X-100 Bladerunner guitar associated with the original 1986 Walk This Way video, recreating an image that remains central to one of popular music’s most important crossover moments.
Run-DMC’s reworking of Aerosmith’s 1975 song, featuring Tyler and Perry, helped introduce hip-hop to a much wider rock audience and brought Aerosmith’s music to a new generation. The Hollywood Bowl reunion brought the original collaborators together again, with Tyler acknowledging the shared history afterwards.
“We broke through the wall together and showed the world what they was missing,” he told the crowd.
The appearance also brought original Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer back behind the kit. Kramer joined touring drummer John Douglas for Walk This Way, marking his contribution to the headline performance. Douglas handled drums for the remainder of Aerosmith’s set.
As to these shows just being a special “one off,” Tyler had something to say about that, too, when questioned after the concert by comedian Bill Burr …
“So Bill Burr said these are our final shows, huh? Doesn’t he know that you can’t get rid of Aerosmith? In fact, at the end of the fucking world there will only be cockroaches, Aerosmith and I guess Bill Burr!”
WXBJ's Mama Cash visited Micky Dolenz Friday night at his show
Micky also tells us why old records sound so much better … here … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD4DXMh3nkw
Deep Purple had to cancel their upcoming tour after lead singer Ian Gillan was hospitalized for a “medical emergency.”
Gillan, who joined the band in 1969 and has been touring with them again since the early ‘90’s, was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as a member of Deep Purple in 2016.
In an official statement, the band said:
“With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perform as scheduled tonight (October 31st) at the QI Arena (Leipzig) and tomorrow evening (November 1st) at the Sporthalle (Hamburg). We understand that this announcement comes at short notice and share the disappointment of all our wonderful fans that we are unable to perform in Leipzig and Hamburg. Deep Purple and their team are focused on finding a suitable time to reschedule both these shows.”
The band shared that tickets for this past weekend’s shows will be valid for the rescheduled performances. (kk)
R.I.P. TONY BUTALA OF THE LETTERMAN
FRANK B.
Reports all over the Internet talk about how Tony Butala was the last original member of The Lettermen to pass away (true) and state that he was the lead singer of the group from 1958 until his retirement in 2019 (not entirely true).
The most famous and successful version of The Lettermen included Butala, Jim Pike and Bob Engemann. (Engemann would be replaced by Jim Pike’s brother Gary in 1968, and Gary was a regular contributor to Forgotten Hits for many years. Brother Jim also chimed in from time to time, especially after his biography first came out.) Jim also did a lot of the lead singing with the group as well as handling the arrangements of the songs the group performed. This included the idea of putting together “Goin’ Out Of My Head” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” as a medley, which became a huge Top Ten "comeback" hit for the group in 1968.
After Tony Butala bought out the rights to the name “The Lettermen” (at which time he truly became the lead singer of the group ... but this was well after their series of chart hits had ended), Jim and Gary Pike formed a new vocal group called “Reunion” (not to be confused with the studio group creation that had the big hit “Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me)” in 1974. The Pikes’ group Reunion recorded another beautiful medley of “Lady In Red” and “The Way You Look Tonight” which we world-premiered right here in Forgotten Hits in 2014.
Gary Pike tells a very different story of the evolution of the group that HE says his brother Jim founded and recruited Tony and Bob to join. I’ve run a link to that story here:
https://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-lettermen.html
https://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2014/12/lettermen-part-2.html
https://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2014/12/lettermen-part-3.html
(I think you’ll find it to be QUITE different than the story posted on Wikipedia)
Not to begrudge Tony Butala in any way as he absolutely WAS a key contributing member of the group during the time of their greatest success … and HE kept The Lettermen group going after Jim and Gary Pike sold out their shares to start something new. We’ve just always been more about presenting THE MOST ACCURATE TRUTH and have tried to honor that concept ever since we first set up Forgotten Hits 27 years ago this month … so I feel it only fair to reiterate that commitment here again today. (kk)
THE LETTERMEN HIT
LIST (Top 40 National Hits):
1961 - The Way You Look Tonight (#8)
1962 - When I Fall In Love (#7)
1962 - Come Back Silly Girl (#17)
1965 - Theme from "A Summer Place" (#11)
1968 - Goin' Out Of My Head / Can't Take My Eyes Off You (#6)
1968- Sherry Don't Go (#35)
1968- Put Your Head On My Shoulder (#35)
1969- Hurt So Bad (#12)
1971 - Love (#34)
And here’s their rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight,” which is a remake of their first big hit and "Lady In Red." I think you'll find that they sounded just as good as ever! (kk)
From our SOME IDIOTS NEVER LEARN Department comes the news that Rod Stewart (who has cancelled dozens of show due to increasingly severe health issues) has just ADDED dates to his upcoming "Final Encore" Tour, citing the necessity to do so as “due to phenomenal demand.” The added shows will take place in London and Glasgow when Rod kicks off his final tour in March and April of next year. (kk)
Steve Ellis, lead singer of UK's The Love Affair passed away today aged 76.
This is a shocker! He was just #1 on Heritage Chart in May, as singer on this great track: https://youtu.be/GsYvrjI0A5s?si=6gwQ7a0CuEWFSPv4
His Love Affair songs were GREAT! Despite no hits in the US, we got their 45s free as they came out as DJ copies in 60s and loved them all. My faves are "Rainbow Valley," "Bringing on Back the Good Times" and "One Road." Three excellent songs! Rest in peace, Steve.
Clark Besch
I’m not familiar with them at all, but I did check out the YouTube clip you sent.
The Love Affair had FOUR Top Ten Hits (including a #1 Record) in England between 1968 and 1969:
“Everlasting Love” (#1, 1968); “Rainbow Valley” (#5, 1968), “A Day Without Love” (#6) and “Bringing On Back The Good Times” (#9, 1969). “One Road” peaked at #16 in 1969 as well. (kk)
Got this video made by a Left Banke fan for the 60th anniversary thing their manager is doing. I did not know this stuff ... maybe you did?
Anyway, IF you have any videos or photos/articles of the band that are hard to find and wish to share them for this event (not sure exactly what it is), this woman is working on this project.
Here’s the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8r_hzlaqXg
And here’s the contact information should you have some items of interest: BriannaChay@hotmail.com
Clark Besch
I dunno … this all sounds like a bit of a stretch to me … or maybe just some fan’s fantasy … but who’s to say? At least any interested readers can contact this person should they have any materials to share. Thanks, Clark. (kk)
UPDATE: From Brianna Chay ...
New York PR-man David Salidor told us that when he walked into Monday’s Rockers On Broadway 33 at NYC’s SONY HALL, he heard Living Colour’s Corey Glover singing “Heaven On Their Minds” from the rock-opera Jesus Christ Superstar. It brought back memories as Salidor’s father, Lenny, back in 1970, handled publicity for the 2-album set (written by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice), which was released on Decca Records.
Salidor told Glover, who couldn’t believe it, but admitted that he first did the play with Ted Neeley, the original JC, 23 years ago. Salidor said it sounded as good as when he first heard it back then.
@wurtzelphotos
Hi Kent. It's just around the corner!
John Records Landecker has been recognized by both the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions as a radio personality spanning more than 60 years.
As a special salute, Road to Rock Radio will rebroadcast the original Rewound Radio DJ Hall of Fame program that first aired in March, 2024. This two-part special will air on Saturdays, November 7th and November 21st, from noon until 3:00 p.m. CT.
Ted Gorden Smucker here! Bill Shannon and I will take you back to the beginning of John's illustrious career through a remarkable audio journey that starts in Michigan.
On November 7th, we'll feature airchecks from the 1960s and 1970s, including John's work at stations in Ann Arbor and Lansing. But that's not all. You'll also hear him during his days at WIBG in Philadelphia and, of course, at The Big 89, WLS in Chicago.
For Part 2 of this six-hour retrospective, join us on November 21st as we spotlight John's career during the 1980s and 1990s. You'll hear him as he leaves Chicago for successful stops in Toronto and Cleveland before ultimately returning to Chicago, where many believe he truly belongs. Featured stations include WLS, CFTR, WLUP, WAGO, WPHR, and WJMK.
A special thank you goes to Rik Anthony, who graciously provided excerpts from his podcast interview with John. Those conversations help provide valuable history and context for the airchecks you'll hear throughout both weekends.
We also extend our gratitude to Art Vuolo, a longtime friend of John's, who introduced the original broadcasts when they first aired on Rewound Radio.
So, "Make a date with the Watergate" and join us for this special two-part DJ Hall of Fame tribute to John Records Landecker.
The programs begin at noon Central Time on November 7th and November 21st,on Road to Rock Radio, broadcasting from the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum.
Listen here:
https://live365.com/station/Road-To-Rock-Radio-a44007
Thanks so much,
Ted Gorden Smucker
Be sure to check out Part One tomorrow via the link above. (kk)
And (better late than never), we got this “Trick Or Treat” from Chuck Buell on Halloween …
Too cool not to share …
(And be sure to watch to the end for a Special Music Background Appearance! – CB)
These, too!
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” returned to The Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart last week at #20 thanks to all kinds of Halloween airplay and streaming … but the only other former hit to crack The Top 40 was Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me,” which premiered at #39. “Ghostbusters” and “Monster Mash” surprisingly did NOT make the chart. (Doesn’t matter … they’ll all be gone by next week anyway!!!) And in another week or so, every station on the dial will be playing Christmas music and all the talk will be about Mariah Carey rising back to the top of the charts. (Maybe we’ll at least get a quick Mariah / Ella Langley cat-fight out of all of this!!!) kk
And check this out … (from Frank B ...
it kinda clicks with our Halloween theme, I guess!)
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