7/29/66 – Bob Dylan crashes his motorcycle near his home in
Woodstock, New York, breaking his neck in the process.He will be sidelined for several months(Karma for plugging in that electric
guitar???)
Also on 7/29, Cream make their debut live performance at The
Twisted Wheel in Manchester, England.Their first official concert will happen two days later at the Sixth Annual Windsor
Jazz & Blues Festival
Also on 7/29, “Datebook,” a popular magazine for teenagers, publishes
portions of the interview that John Lennon did with British journalist Maureen
Cleave back in March during which he states that The Beatles are “bigger than Jesus right
now.”Radio bans Beatles music throughout the south
and Beatles bonfires are right around the corner.(You can chalk this up as Definitive Reason
#2 as to why The Beatles decided to give up touring for good a couple of months
later)
Ironically, when the article originally ran several months ago in Great Britain, there was no controversy or reaction at all.In fact, even here in The States, after The
New York Times Magazine picked up excerpts from this same interview and ran them in July, nobody seemed
to notice …
But for whatever reason, the Datebook publication lit the
torch that put their very lives in danger the moment they set foot on American
soil. And an American tour was scheduled to take off next month.
Also on 7/29, Country Singer Martina McBride is born
Very nice tribute and overview of Freddy’s career.(kk)
And an update to a piece we ran on Freddy the other day …
Regarding the Freddy Cannon A.I.
response I sent you the other day, the link I sent changed twice since my
original answer. There was one response after the below and THEN your
printed response was second changed answer!
Kent, I had the page up since
yesterday so here is copied what I wrote and two answers AS what ORIGINALLY was
said. The change from below said CBS chose to use the song and then was
changed due to the WFMU "music historians" complaining. Of
course, referring to me and friends chatting online on FMU!
Anyway, very first inquiry and
response from A.I. below:
ME: Why did CBS sunday morning
play "You Know" for Freddy Cannon tribute?
A.I.:"You Know" was played during the CBS
Sunday Morning tribute to honor Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon because
it is one of the rock-and-roll pioneer's signature upbeat tracks. Though best
known for "Palisades Park" and "Tallahassee Lassie," producers
and artists frequently spotlight this infectious, fast-paced deep cut to
showcase his classic, energetic 1960s sound. The song perfectly
encapsulates the explosive, joyful "boom boom" style that made him a
staple on American Bandstand.
ME: That’s a LIE! It’s not
upbeat at all compared to MOST of his songs. YOU are WRONG!
A.I.:You are completely right, and I apologize for
that mistake. "You Know" is absolutely a slow, romantic doo-wop
ballad, which stands in complete contrast to Freddy Cannon's legendary
reputation as an exclusively high-energy, up-tempo rocker.I made a note of your correction. CBS
Sunday Morning played "You Know" specifically because it was the
original B-side to his massive 1959 breakout hit, Tallahassee Lassie.
Why the Song Matters
The Debut B-Side: Released on Swan Records in May 1959, it is
literally the flip side of the record that launched his entire career.
A Rare Style: It highlights a rare, slower side of an artist
who famously "didn't do ballads" throughout the rest of his
career.
You can hear the distinct
slow-tempo ballad style of the track directly on YouTube.
LOL … I just can’t believe you got into an argument with
A.I. … and WON!!!(lol)
That’s OK, Clark, I argue with Siri all the time when she
gives me bad directions!(kk)
And this just in from Timmy ... a 90 minute special YouTube post featuring Jim Pewter with Freddy Cannon and Fabian ...
Jon Bon Jovi had to cut his recent concert short at Madison
Square Garden due to pain he was having after vocal cord surgery.He actually told his audience, “I’m in pain.”
This may be a case of trying to come back too soon after
surgery … but right now he needs time to heal.(He alluded to a sinus infection after he left the stage.)His concert was one of nine scheduled for
Madison Square Garden.
Bon Jovi was very upfront about is current state, saying
that his voice really didn’t sound the same after surgery … but he was
determined to come back one more time for his fans.I think in retrospect, Jon’s fans will
understand … and only wish what’s best for him in the way of a speedy
recovery.(kk)
Meanwhile, David Lee Roth abruptly cancelled all but one of his
upcoming shows (without explanation) last Friday.The news sparked an unexpected reply from
Sammy Hagar, Roth’s replacement in Van Halen …
“Hey Dave, Sammy here. I just got a call from [ex-Van Halen /
current Hagar solo bassist] Michael Anthony as I’m sitting down having my
favourite cocktail, I don’t have to tell you what this is, about your tour
getting cancelled.
“And I wanna say from the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry. I
hope you’re well. I hope there’s not a physical problem.”
Hagar then invited Roth to come join him out in Las Vegas
once his residency starts there in September …
“Come on, join us, sing a couple of songs, MC the damn show.
Come out and just do what the fuck you do, which is pretty damn entertaining.
“Anyway, hope you’re well, I really do. God bless, brother.”
It’s nice to see an olive branch being extended … the two
have spent most of the past thirty years taking swipes at each other.The only date still remaining on Dave’s website
is in Sturgis, South Dakota, on August 7th.That’s only a couple of weeks away … let’s
see if he honors it.(Frannie says that
in a performance video she saw recently, Roth could barely move.)kk
UPDATE:Recent
reports point to poor ticket sales rather than any illness as the reason for
the cancellation of these shows. The below statement was written by me BEFORE
this new information became available … and I stand by it.Why our era of rockers still want to punish
themselves with the grueling travel and pace of touring, performing in
temperatures near 100 degrees just doesn’t make sense.The greatest majority of them don’t have what
it takes to put on a real show anymore … and they’re damaging their own health
and OUR memories in the process.
It seems to be happening almost weekly … the artists who
provided the soundtracks of our lives pushing themselves beyond the limit and
risking permanent damage to their health.
But when you get to THIS point ... where it disrespects the music and the artists ... you have to ask yourself "Would I pay good money to see this?"
I LOVE this music … I LOVE these artists … but it may
finally be time to say it … it’s time to stop and let the music live on through
our greatest memories.That means it’s
up to you, radio … DON’T LET THIS MUSIC DIE as our heroes grow older and can no
longer perform it.Rock and Roll will
outlive all of us and NEEDS to continue so that all future generations can
enjoy it as well.DON’T ABANDON THIS
FORMAT just because these artists can no longer go out and reproduce these
songs in concert.Stick with it …
continue to play it and continue to let it evolve.Seriously … Radio:The future of rock and roll is in your hands.(kk)
Carly Simon, who has a new album coming out in a couple of weeks, announced yesterday that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. She also disclosed having surgery on her face to have some cancer removed.
Simon released a very lengthy statement which can be found in full in People Magazine. (kk)
Wavy Gravy, the guy who got us all thru Woodstock, is
appealing to rock music fans to keep his organization alive for rebuilding and
refurbishing.More details here:https://tapestryproductions.org/
From David Salidor …
MICKY DOLENZ is all set to do
Chris Carter's Breakfast With The Beatles on Sunday, September 6th, to discuss
his new EP TIMELSS, out that week (September 4) and the first single
"Terri." (You can listen live
on the Sirius XM Beatles Channel.)
He'll also perform Saturday,
September 12th, in L.A. at The United Theater on Broadway, marking
the official day 60 years ago of the premier of The Monkees TV show.
Great to hear that our long-time FH Buddy Ray Graffia, Jr.,
of The New Colony Six is still getting some mileage out of his old band (still
available for gigs, by the way, if anyone is interested … they still sound
great!)
First, this, a recent interview Ray did with the popular foreign
publication “Shindig!” …
Another interview with “Psychedelic Baby” magazine from a
few years ago …
plus news that Ray will take part in Phil Nee’s “Those Were
The Days” 40th Anniversary Celebration on October 3rd!
The New Colony Six also have gigs coming up as part of The
Cornerstones Of Rock shows that feature other legendary Chicago ‘60’s bands
like The Ides Of March, The Cryan’ Shames and The Buckinghams.
I may not have said it
right. I was not complaining about the Super Charts. I love ‘em.
I was complaining that such a boring song like “Pied Piper” managed to somehow
do so well. I knew it did well … I just couldn’t believe it could ever be
that popular so fast.
Clark Besch
In this case, beauty is in the ear of the beholder … the
Crispian St. Peters record was an absolute classic around the world … and I
know me and my brothers LOVED it growing up in the ’60s and hearing it on WLS
and WCFL here in Chicago, where it peaked at #2 and #3 respectively.
Elsewhere around the world, it topped the charts in Canada
and peaked at #5 in both The UK and Australia.
I certainly wasn’t alone in my opinion … as recently as this
past weekend Best Classic Bands singled out “12 Overlooked Songs From 1966” …
and included this one on their list …
Crispian St. Peters — ”The Pied Piper”
An international top 5 smash, this upbeat favorite paired
an instantly memorable refrain with easygoing optimism. Its commercial impact
has far outlasted its presence on oldies playlists.
As Peter Noone once so eloquently told me when it comes to
different people liking different things:“That’s why they have menus in
restaurants.”(kk)
And finally, a correction ...
Kent!
Love your blog! Been a regular reader since 2016! So, it's a slow work-from-home Monday, and I'm playing some of this week's 1966 survey using the "Another Prof" the YouTube channel! Original 45 mixes! You may already have been emailed this info, but reading a little further down, you indicate that 7/25/66 is the date of Brian Jones' last appearance with the Stones.
Actually they went on Tour in Europe in April, 1967. Jones' last live appearance was the Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus television filming in December, 1968 ... although by that time, he wasn't really all there, ya know?
Thanks for your hard work!
Danny Hesse
South Pasadena, CA
Whenever we find a flaw in the system of putting together a daily calendar, I always try to go back to the original source to see where the error may have occurred in the first place. (I use a variety of sources, which I typically double and triple check ... so ANY discrepancy concerns me as we have ALWAYS prided ourselves on presenting "The Most Accurate Truth."
First of all, you are correct ... Brian Jones last performed with The Rolling Stones live in concert on May 12th, 1968, as part of The Stones' New Musical Express Poll Winners concert.
His last FILMED performance with The Stones was your aforementioned Rock And Roll Circus television special which, although filmed in December of 1968 (on the 11th and 12th), didn't actually air until nearly THIRTY YEARS LATER when Jagger finally allowed it to be shown in 1996.
But where did my mistake come from? I went back and retraced all of my steps and sources and can't find it anywhere. In fact, I can't find ANY significant entry for The Rolling Stones on July 27th, 1966.
Two days earlier, they played at The Hollywood Bowl ... a pretty big event to say the least. (They wouldn't perform there again for another forty years!) And that is clearly Brian Jones out front in the striped jacket.
So I apologize and the message has been taken down. (I also updated our July 25th posting to reflect the Hollywood Bowl show.) Thanks, Danny, for letting us know ... and that goes to any others out there that can help us correct any potential errors floating around out there. That fact that we all work together to make this the best oldies blog out there is why it IS the best oldies blog out there! So thanks again. (kk)
Featuring
Napoleon XIV to
start off today's FH was a great surprise. Of course by now, everybody
knows that the flip is the
same recording, played backwards. However, what I thought of first was
the answer
on the Current record label. I don't know how many are familiar with
it, but it's called I'M NORMAL, shown as by THE EMPEROR on the label. It
was actually written and
recorded by Bob Hudson, who later on in the early 1970's had comedy
records with Ron Landry such as AJAX AIRLINES, AJAX LIQUOR STORE, etc.
I
checked and Napoleon's record peaked at #4 for the week of August 11,
1966, here in Oklahoma City, sandwiched between #3 (WILD THING) and #5, SOMEWHERE, MY LOVE by Ray Conniff.
Larry
That's the thing I LOVE about Top 40 Radio in the '60's ...
When
since could you find THAT kind of variety played back to back to back
without even the slightest hint of bemusement in your head. '60's
Garage Rock Grunge into a novelty record that was considered politically
incorrect even then (and even more so now) followed by elevator muzak
schmaltz, all heard in the same ten minute music break. And we NEVER
questioned why it didn't fit ... because in that context at that time,
it did! (kk)
We were so Lucky to be in Radio when we worked hard at giving listeners what they wanted ~~~
No, It Wasn't Always Easy, But It Worked! (CB)
More from Chuck ...
It was the mid-1960s.
In
Chicago once in a while, Chuck Buell and Kris Stevens would get
together after their nightly radio shows on WLS were over at 2:00 AM and
head for Rush Street, which at the time, was considered the most vibrant nightlife entertainment area in the country outside of Las Vegas.
Many standard bars in Chicago then featured live rock the house national groups along with some of the greatest rock bands to come out of the city of Chicago.That and "late night" licenses that permitted some bars to serve "adult beverages" until 4:00 AM Sunday through Friday nights and until 5:00 AM on Saturday nights/Sunday mornings! And those two young guys could find which ones did what when and where and actually, on occasion, closed a bar or two down based on their closing time!
"It's more fun when you're young!" someone once said at the time! And quite possibly for you too then as well wherever you were!
Now! Just uncovered! The Lost Music Survey!
A Rare Buell/Stevens WLS Hit Parade!
OK, another CB semi-manipulation! But still . . . !
Fast forward 60 years later as Denver, Colorado is dragged clawing and screaming into the early 2020s!
"Among
the most-watched items on the Denver City agenda is the final reading
and anticipated vote in a couple of weeks on allowing some Denver bars
and clubs to remain open until 4 AM."
( Like Chicago has been doing for over the past 60 plus years! )
"The measure already advanced with a 10-1 vote on July 6.
If adopted, some Denver bars could keep music, dancing and other entertainment going until 4 AM."
Then . . . the Party Pooper Spoiler ~~~
"But alcohol service would still end at 2 AM!" ( With Last Call still at 1:30. )
Not that any of this really matters to many of us at all or to the Buell/Stevens Rebel Rousin' PartyTime Kids anymore.
Ah, but still the memories . . . . .
CB
Well, not ALL of those "kids" have stopped partying ...
I got this from Kris Erik Stevens a few weeks ago ...
It’s been a while since we spoke ...
But my life is good ... still chasin’ ladies, and trying to stay in trouble!
Kris Erik
And finally, as any great radio engineer will tell you, the key to BECOMING a great radio engineer is knowing how to work the knobs ...
As Timmy told me when he sent me this pic ...
Turn On, Tune In!
(and yes, that is a real radio!)
On a serious note, I got some GREAT news this week that things are moving forward with the Ron Riley Documentary. (Hadn't heard anything in a while, so you couldn't help but wonder ... but I have been assured that things are still moving forward ... and they may actually be in Chicago later this year to film some local scenes ... so we can look forward to that.)
Knowing how long it took to get the Biondi documentary off the ground, I can only wish them less bumps in the road ... and let's get this out there while Ron is still around to enjoy it! (kk)
