Today marks the release date of the Eleventh Edition of Bob Stroud's "Rock And Roll Roots" CD Series ... in fact, we'll be heading over to the Launch Party in just a little while ... but first, just like we do every year, we're going to announce the official track listing here in Forgotten Hits so that some of our out-of-state readers can order a copy before they're gone.
Rock And Roll Roots, Volume 11 contains:
Wildflower - Skylark
Summertime Blues - Blue Cheer
Ruby Tuesday - Rotary Connection
My Pledge Of Love - Joe Jeffrey Group
Little Girl - Syndicate Of Sound
Lay Down Candles In The Rain - Melanie
Journey To The Center Of The Mind - Amboy Dukes
Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' - Crazy Elephant
Face The Autumn - Family (The MOST-REQUESTED Track on the CD This Year!)
Car Hop - Exports
Can't You See - Flock
Can't You See Me Cry - New Colony Six (Both the 1968 Hit Version AND a Special "Bonus Track" Accoustic Version, which we first featured in Forgotten Hits about three years ago!!!)
If you'd like to order YOUR copy of this CD, just drop me an email and we'll make the necessary arrangements to get you a copy. Remember, this is a VERY limited release (and a Chicagoland Borders Exclusive), so let us know as soon as possible! (kk)
re: OTHER OLDIES NEWS:
New Forgotten Hits Reader Art Munson has sent us a link to HIS website ... where you can find feature articles on many of our oldies favorite artists ... check it out here:
Hi Kent,
I have stories on my blog about working with Dick Dale, Glen Campbell, Darlene Love and The Blossoms, Phil Spector, The Ventures and Larry Knechtel. You can find them here http://munsongrecords.com/category/blogs/arts-musings/
I have many more but just haven't found time to write about them.
Let me know and maybe I can help coordinate some things with you.
Take care
Art
I'm sure you'll find our readers ALWAYS interested in learning more about their favorite artists ... so keep 'em comin', Art!!! (kk)
New Forgotten Hits Reader Art Munson has sent us a link to HIS website ... where you can find feature articles on many of our oldies favorite artists ... check it out here:
Hi Kent,
I have stories on my blog about working with Dick Dale, Glen Campbell, Darlene Love and The Blossoms, Phil Spector, The Ventures and Larry Knechtel. You can find them here http://munsongrecords.com/category/blogs/arts-musings/
I have many more but just haven't found time to write about them.
Let me know and maybe I can help coordinate some things with you.
Take care
Art
I'm sure you'll find our readers ALWAYS interested in learning more about their favorite artists ... so keep 'em comin', Art!!! (kk)
Kent ...
How ya' doin'? Back in 1967 my wife Sheilah was working at Mercury records as a secretary to the songwriter / producer Artie Kornfeld (“Pied Piper”, “Dead Man’s Curve”, “The Rain, The Park, and Other Things”) and we hung out a lot with Artie and his wife Linda. Artie was always concerned about social issues and making the world a better place, but none of the gang at the Brill Building or from 1650 Broadway ever expected that one of our own could make such a powerful impact on our culture!
A few weeks ago, right after the world wide celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock, I spoke to Artie (The Father of Woodstock) who filled me in on everything going on in his life, his book, his radio show, etc.
A few weeks ago, right after the world wide celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock, I spoke to Artie (The Father of Woodstock) who filled me in on everything going on in his life, his book, his radio show, etc.
“My memories of my most wonderful days were after three recording deals and managers while attending Queens College at night that, as I tell in my book “The Pied Piper of Woodstock” that I met Charles Koppelman and Don Rubin. With a $25 demo I took the subway into Nevins - Kirschner a/k/a Aldon Music and left with a $75 a week advance against royalties and a $500 advance from BMI. The bread meant nothing as I was now a writer for what soon became Screen-Gems Music. I was accepted in a world of Goffin and King, Mann and Weil, Barry and Greenwich, Leiber and Stoller, Artie Kaplan, Artie Wayne, and so many others who I had only read about and got to learn with the whole Brill Building gang and was lucky enough to have hit songs with Toni Wine my first collaborator and then Steve Duboff and Jan Berry and Brian Wilson. Even my idol Steve Allen. I thought I was in heaven ... and I was."
FOR THE COMPLETE STORY
Regards,
Artie
Hi Kent,
While researching a project, I ran across some items that relate to recent FH news. First, the popularity of Soupy Sales one more time. He and Morris Levy were on the front cover of 5/1/65 Record World for the re-opening success of NYC's Paramount. The accompanying story gives a real picture of what shows were like in NYC in 65 era. LOTS of artists to keep teens and pre-teens happy -- and SOUPY.
While researching a project, I ran across some items that relate to recent FH news. First, the popularity of Soupy Sales one more time. He and Morris Levy were on the front cover of 5/1/65 Record World for the re-opening success of NYC's Paramount. The accompanying story gives a real picture of what shows were like in NYC in 65 era. LOTS of artists to keep teens and pre-teens happy -- and SOUPY.
One such artist was the Detergents! Maybe Ron Dante has some recollections?? In the same issue, an ad for the then current "Mrs. Brown" answer record by the Detergents. Maybe he AND Peter Noone can comment on this one? Also, an early ad for an earlier 45 that (according to the ad) was not even RELEASED yet!!?? Whaaa?? Hype?? Yet, it was the main 45 pic on front of RW the week of 2/27/65. "Double-O-Seven".
We shared some comments from both Peter Noone AND Ron Dante on their "Mrs. Brown" connection a while back ... sounds like they did quite a few shows together. (kk)Lastly, a history lesson from that same 2/27/65 issue on the Lettermen with accompanying photo. The same issue also had a photo of Snuff Garrett with Gary Lewis teaming up for a followup to Al Kooper's "This Diamond Ring" in the studio!! THOSE WERE THE DAYS!!
WLSClark
We got a GREAT first-hand history lesson, courtesy of Gary Pike of The Lettermen, in our last Comments Page ... so this is REALLY cool to see now!!! (kk)... and, speaking of The Lettermen ...
re: THE LETTERMEN ... AND THAT MYSTERY GROUP:
Hi Kent,
I talked to my brother Jim about the mystery Notre Dame group and he didn't recognize them either. At first, we thought The Ames Brothers, but no one looked like Ed Ames. Then I thought that maybe it was The Duprees, because they sometimes worked as four. Sorry I couldn't help.
Believe it or not, The Lettermen had some songs released through Reprise Records. In the mid sixties after The Lettermen had been with Capitol for several years and Reprise formed, they got most, if not all the old Warner Bros. masters and with that was the early stuff The Lettermen did ... four songs. Three of them were released on a Reprise album called, "Sonny and Cher and Friends". Included on this album were cuts by "Caesar and Cleo", (Sonny and Cher) Bill Medley, The Blendells and The Lettermen. That album pops up on eBay all the time.. Just another bit of trivia..
Take care.
Letterman,
Gary Pike
Gary also sent us a few tracks to share ... and we've got one of them included today! (kk)
In response to the name of the group in the picture, I feel their name is DANNY & THE JUNIORS, singing their big hit "AT THE HOP". This group is from Philadelphia, PA.
Mary Ann
Thanks to everybody who tried to solve this one for us ... but I don't think so ... we did an extensive feature on Danny and the Juniors before in Forgotten Hits and this doesn't look like them to me ... (and, with a couple of The Juniors on our mailing list, I figure at least ONE of them would up stepped up to say something!!! lol See the photo below of the REAL Danny and the Juniors.) For the behind-the-scenes details of their landmark hit "At The Hop", be sure to check out The Forgotten Hits Website:
Click here: Forgotten Hits - John Madara's Greatest Hits
Thanks to everybody who tried to solve this one for us ... but I don't think so ... we did an extensive feature on Danny and the Juniors before in Forgotten Hits and this doesn't look like them to me ... (and, with a couple of The Juniors on our mailing list, I figure at least ONE of them would up stepped up to say something!!! lol See the photo below of the REAL Danny and the Juniors.) For the behind-the-scenes details of their landmark hit "At The Hop", be sure to check out The Forgotten Hits Website:
Click here: Forgotten Hits - John Madara's Greatest Hits
Meanwhile, I think that we DID, in fact, solve the mystery ... check out Danny Guilfoyle's email below ... Kent --
The group pictured at Notre Dame that Tony wanted to find out their name is the Crewcuts.
Danny Guilfoyle
Looking at some old photos of The Crew Cuts, I do believe you're right!!! Thanks, Danny! And, since one of Paige's most recent favorite songs is "Sh-Boom", we'll feature The Crew Cuts' version of this early rock classic here today, too!
For the record, The Crew Cuts had a NUMBER of Top 20 Hits between 1954 and 1957, covering R & B tunes in a way that made them safe for ALL of "White America" to listen to and enjoy!!! (lol) kk (Somehow I don't see THESE guys getting into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame anytime soon either!!!)
A short while back we featured both The Vogues' version of "Turn Around, Look At Me" (as part of our salute to Reprise Records), an earlier hit for Glen Campbell ... as well as Glen's own early release "The Universal Soldier". This OTHER brief history lesson just came in from Gary Pike of The Lettermen ...
Hey Kent!
I just wanted to add to your comments about Glen Campbell. He played on just about every Lettermen early album we did until he became Glen Campbell! He even helped vocally and is our friend. I am sending you our version of "Turn Around, Look At Me" ... and guess who is playing guitar!!! It was recorded in 1962. We were playing a club just outside of Pittsburgh, PA, when a group called The Vogues came to see our show. They are from Turtle Creek, PA. They said they liked our version of "Turn Around, Look At Me" and were going to record it. The rest, as they say, is history!
FH List Member Guy Arnston told me about a local contest The Chicago Tribune is running here, trying to find the best "new" Christmas song. We cast OUR vote for Dick Eastman's tune, "Santa's Comin' Here", which we ran exclusively in Forgotten Hits last holiday season. LOVE It!!! And there's MORE Christmas Music coming as we get closer to the holiday! (kk)
Yep, Christmas is DEFINITELY coming!!! ...
SpongeBob's First Holiday Release Out Now:
"DON'T BE A JERK (IT'S CHRISTMAS)"
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the hit series SpongeBob SquarePants as well as the release of Don’t Be A Jerk (It’s Christmas)" from Nick Records. It’s the first-ever holiday song by the undersea-dwelling preternaturally happy yellow porifera, the world's most popular cartoon character.
“Don’t Be A Jerk (It’s Christmas),” destined to be an eternal holiday favorite going forward, is a song with a message, an important and timely message. As Tom Kenny, the comic actor who has voiced SpongeBob for the series’ entire duration and sings SpongeBob’s part on the song, puts it, “It’s a plea is for a minimal diminishment of jerk-oriented activities and attitudes for a mere 24 hour period; in other words, “Don’t Be A Jerk, (It’s Christmas)."
Kenny, who co-wrote "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" with pop music veteran Andy Paley, continues, "Humankind seems to be entering a whole new era of 'jerkism' with politicians screaming at each other, sports figures throwing tantrums, self-indulgent entertainers making fools of themselves, and fame-seeking parents exploiting their kids -- one or eight at a time. The song addresses and decries that lack of civility in large and small ways. Logic says that -- with apologies to Charles Dickens -- if we have a ghost of a chance to succeed, it's going to be at this time of year. The idea is to start with Christmas and then, maybe, go on to deal with 'jerkitude' the other 364 days of the year."
"Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" is one of five songs on the recently released SpongeBob's Greatest Hits album that Tom Kenney co-wrote with Andy Paley. "My Tighty Whiteys," "Employee of the Month," "The Best Day Ever" and "Where's Gary" along with "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" are all part of the album and were produced by Paley. He also serves as the musical director of SpongeBob & the Hi-Seas, a live rock band fronted by Kenny. The group has been literally on the high seas, as the star attraction of Royal Carribbean's Nickelodeon Family Cruise and will be performing on New Year's Eve at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.
Radio stations will be serviced with "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" shortly, the hope being that the song will sound a cautionary note from an authority figure who, over the course of the past decade, has come to stand for civility, kindness and the highest of moral values. Yes, we can all learn to be better people if we only listen to a highly absorbent cartoon character whose rectitude is echoed by his angular body contours.
In anticipation of spontaneous sing-alongs breaking out in the days leading up to the holidays, we offer the lyrics of "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)."
The group pictured at Notre Dame that Tony wanted to find out their name is the Crewcuts.
Danny Guilfoyle
Looking at some old photos of The Crew Cuts, I do believe you're right!!! Thanks, Danny! And, since one of Paige's most recent favorite songs is "Sh-Boom", we'll feature The Crew Cuts' version of this early rock classic here today, too!For the record, The Crew Cuts had a NUMBER of Top 20 Hits between 1954 and 1957, covering R & B tunes in a way that made them safe for ALL of "White America" to listen to and enjoy!!! (lol) kk (Somehow I don't see THESE guys getting into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame anytime soon either!!!)
A short while back we featured both The Vogues' version of "Turn Around, Look At Me" (as part of our salute to Reprise Records), an earlier hit for Glen Campbell ... as well as Glen's own early release "The Universal Soldier". This OTHER brief history lesson just came in from Gary Pike of The Lettermen ...Hey Kent!
I just wanted to add to your comments about Glen Campbell. He played on just about every Lettermen early album we did until he became Glen Campbell! He even helped vocally and is our friend. I am sending you our version of "Turn Around, Look At Me" ... and guess who is playing guitar!!! It was recorded in 1962. We were playing a club just outside of Pittsburgh, PA, when a group called The Vogues came to see our show. They are from Turtle Creek, PA. They said they liked our version of "Turn Around, Look At Me" and were going to record it. The rest, as they say, is history!
Thanks!
Letterman
Gary Pike
And Soupy Sales, too!
re: SOUPY SALES:
Soupy had the unfortunate luck of appearing on an Ed Sullivan show with the Beatles. I always felt sorry for anyone in this position, because everyone wanted the Beatles and for the intervening acts to get off the stage.
Gary Pike
And Soupy Sales, too!
re: SOUPY SALES:
Soupy had the unfortunate luck of appearing on an Ed Sullivan show with the Beatles. I always felt sorry for anyone in this position, because everyone wanted the Beatles and for the intervening acts to get off the stage.
-- Dwight Rounds
re: ON THE RADIO:
I just heard about a GREAT new book that's just become available for all of us Radio / Disc Jockey Junkies out there ... Check out THIS link below for all the details ... in-depth profiles of some of our all-time favorites: Larry Lujack, Dick Biondi, Fred Winston, Lee Abrams, Chuck Blore, Jack Armstrong, Scotty Brink, Ron Chapman, Dick Clark, Rick Dees, Tom Donahue, Bill Drake, Alan Freed, Dan Ingram, Tom Joyner, Casey Kasem, Murray the K, Robert W. Morgan, Bruce Morrow, Gary Owens, Art Roberts, John Rook, John Sebastian, Charlie Tuna, Wolfman Jack ... and a VERY flattering piece about our buddy Scott Shannon ... and literally DOZENS of others ... are available now in this new book, "American Radio Tales, 1946-1996". In fact, if you go to the website, you can even HEAR some of these tributes, read by OTHER jocks featured in this interesting new profile. Well worth checking out for all our radiophiles out there!!!
Give a listen to some of the available audio on this site ... and then check out the book's index ... dozens and dozens and dozens of your favorite radio stations have been profiled within these pages. It truly is a "Must Own" for many of the folks on our list. (kk)
And here's an interview we can wait to hear ... I would LOVE to get Bobby Goldsboro on the list ... always a big fan!
Bobby is a multi-talented performer and also one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the rock era. He will always be best-remembered for his huge #1 hit "Honey" but that is just one of his many extraordinary accomplishments. He admits during our interview (with a few chuckles) that "Honey" is simultanously one of the most loved and one of the most, uh, UN-loved hit songs of the past 50 years!
He started out in the early sixties as a guitarist with Roy Orbison, traveling with that musical legend all over the world for three years and even touring with the Beatles. His first hit single was a "Honey"-like tearjerker called "Molly" (it's on my Record Page) but it was his next hit, "See The Funny Little Clown," that really launched his successful recording career, reaching the national top ten and becoming the first of his 11 national top 40 hits. This show focuses primarily on his pop hits but Bobby also placed 24 hits on the country chart as well including "Honey" which duplicated its pop success by making #1.
In 1973 he hosted his own nationally-syndicated television show, which ran for three successful seasons and became the highest rated variety show in syndication in the 70's. As a songwriter he's received 27 BMI awards and his compositions have been recorded by such diverse artists as Aretha Franklin, John Denver, Paul Anka, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Dr. John and Bette Midler.He's also written 12 published children's books. Recently the tireless Bobby chose to pursue another lifelong passion: oil painting! He has over the past few years gained a reputation as a world-class artist whose works are featured in one-man art shows at galleries around the country.
Doing this show was a joy for me on so many levels. Here's a sequential list of the recordings in this one hour show plus the two bonus tracks. All are by Bobby Goldsboro.
1 Honey [excerpt]
2 Molly
3 See The Funny Little Clown
4 Little Things
5 Broomstick Cowboy
6 Blue Autumn
7 Honey
8 Autumn Of My Life
9 Watching Scotty Grow
10 With Pen In Hand
11 Summer (The First Time)
BT The Straight Life
BT Trusty Little Herbert
To access this Bobby Goldsboro radio interview show or any of my previous ones, please visit the "Jersey Girls Sing" website at http://www.jerseygirlssing.com
When that home page comes up, please click the "Ronnie Allen Theater" (the name has a yellow background) in the picture on the right-hand side. That will bring you to my index page. Please click on "Ronnie's Radio Page" and you will then be able to access the show (it's the first one listed under the blue heading "Current Radio Interview Shows") or any of my previous ones, which are listed in reverse chronological order.
Ronnie Allen
re: HELEN REDDY:
>>>"Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady" by Helen Reddy (when's the last time you heard THIS one?!?!?) kk
When was the last time I heard that one? On purpose?
The only Helen tune that I ever liked was Angie Baby. I think part of my fascination with that one was just picturing her people convincing her to sing it since it's so weird. Ya don't hear that one either, BTW.
Though I don't get up to the website as often as I would want, I do still try and peak at least once a week. I'd sure miss you if you weren't around to do this.
I get most of my Forgotten Hits looking done when I'm on the road gigging. I will be a part of a Woodstock tribute show for the next two weeks so heavy reading ahead.J ust finished a Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder Tribute show a month ago. Music keeps me going on and off the stage so keep it up.
Bill
"Angie Baby's a GREAT one ... written by our FH buddy Alan O'Day! Truth be told, you don't hear much Helen Reddy at all anymore, despite 15 Top 40 Hits in the '70's. (She's another one who may have been penalized long-term by her "I Am Woman" anthem ... kinda like the Bobby Goldsboro / "Honey" thing mentioned above.) But I wouldn't mind hearing an occassional spin of "Leave Me Alone", "Angie Baby", "Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady", "You And Me Against The World", "Somewhere In The Night", "Peaceful", or Helen's version of "I Don't Know How To Love Him", "You're My World" or the Bobby Hart-penned "Keep On Singing" every now and then! (kk)
re: PIRATE RADIO:
I had scribbled down a note to be sure and send a comment about Keith Hampshire's work at Radio Caroline, but still forgot to email you. There are some airchecks of him DJ'ing as a Pirate out there in Internet-land. "First Cut.." and "Daytime Nighttime" are his two best hits.
David
I don't know if Keith is mentioned in the new movie or not ... but if so, it just might spark some airplay of HIS two big "Forgotten Hits"! We are definitely looking forward to the November 13th premier! (kk)
I had scribbled down a note to be sure and send a comment about Keith Hampshire's work at Radio Caroline, but still forgot to email you. There are some airchecks of him DJ'ing as a Pirate out there in Internet-land. "First Cut.." and "Daytime Nighttime" are his two best hits.
David
I don't know if Keith is mentioned in the new movie or not ... but if so, it just might spark some airplay of HIS two big "Forgotten Hits"! We are definitely looking forward to the November 13th premier! (kk)
re: ONE MORE ON THE INSTRUMENTALS:
Hi Kent ~
Maybe I'm anal retentive or I just missed it altogether, but I wanted to add "Soul Coaxing" by Raymond Lefevre to the list of instrumentals. I remember hearing it on the radio when I was a kid, riding around town with my dad. My brother mentioned it a few months back but, we couldn't think of the name of the song. Ironically, someone he contacted on line for the information had another request for the same song and finally, they came up with it. They never play it locally anymore ... too bad.
Anyway, that will be one of my picks for the top 50 instrumentals as well as the already mentioned "Sleep Walk" by Santo and Johnny. Thanks!
~ Sharon {TokeiTwo}
Maybe I'm anal retentive or I just missed it altogether, but I wanted to add "Soul Coaxing" by Raymond Lefevre to the list of instrumentals. I remember hearing it on the radio when I was a kid, riding around town with my dad. My brother mentioned it a few months back but, we couldn't think of the name of the song. Ironically, someone he contacted on line for the information had another request for the same song and finally, they came up with it. They never play it locally anymore ... too bad.
Anyway, that will be one of my picks for the top 50 instrumentals as well as the already mentioned "Sleep Walk" by Santo and Johnny. Thanks!
~ Sharon {TokeiTwo}
BOTH of these songs are actually doing quite well ... "Soul Coaxing" (which we've mentioned quite a few times already, by the way) is now up to 71 votes ... and "Sleep Walk" was the first song to pass 200 votes (and is our current leader again) with 259 votes. (As of this morning, it now has a sizeable lead over Percy Faith's "Theme from 'A Summer Place'".) And, gaining fast is "Walk Don't Run" by The Ventures ... now firmly in Third Place in our All-Time Favorite Instrumentals Poll! (Have YOU voted yet???) kk
re: HELPING OUT OUR READERS:
kk,
I am a new friend and an old songwriter who just found FH through Artie Wayne's blog.
I know of NOBODY more central to the sound of the 60's through the present than drummer Jim Keltner. I dare you to read his entire discography without a break.
I worked with Jim on two projects and found him absolutely amazing. Although I haven't spoken to him in a while, Jim is still working (just produced the Pretenders last album) and living the life in the Pasadena area. He is quite affable and articulate,. Might I be so bold as to suggest an interview (or 12)? Possible topics? Oh, I don't know, maybe Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Dwayne Allman, uh, wait, maybe ANYBODY... Jim played with them all. His insights on the business are truly mind boggling. Talk about access ...
I am not an interviewer, so I'm not looking for a gig, I just know your readers would love his viewpoint on the music. I look forward to your response.
Just a shameless plug, you can find some of my work at http://chereek.wordpress.com/category/lyrics/
Keep up the good ...
cc.
Hey, I would LOVE to talk to Jim Keltner ... man, imagine the stories THIS guy could share with our readers ... he's worked with just about EVERYONE!!! If somebody out there can help to make this happen, please let us know! (kk)
re: HELPING OUT OUR READERS:
kk,
I am a new friend and an old songwriter who just found FH through Artie Wayne's blog.
I know of NOBODY more central to the sound of the 60's through the present than drummer Jim Keltner. I dare you to read his entire discography without a break.
I worked with Jim on two projects and found him absolutely amazing. Although I haven't spoken to him in a while, Jim is still working (just produced the Pretenders last album) and living the life in the Pasadena area. He is quite affable and articulate,. Might I be so bold as to suggest an interview (or 12)? Possible topics? Oh, I don't know, maybe Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Dwayne Allman, uh, wait, maybe ANYBODY... Jim played with them all. His insights on the business are truly mind boggling. Talk about access ...
I am not an interviewer, so I'm not looking for a gig, I just know your readers would love his viewpoint on the music. I look forward to your response.
Just a shameless plug, you can find some of my work at http://chereek.wordpress.com/category/lyrics/
Keep up the good ...
cc.
Hey, I would LOVE to talk to Jim Keltner ... man, imagine the stories THIS guy could share with our readers ... he's worked with just about EVERYONE!!! If somebody out there can help to make this happen, please let us know! (kk)
And, speaking of helping to make it happen, perhaps one of our readers can help us make THIS connection for songwriter Tony Hatch!!!
Hi Kent,
This is not really Reprise business but closely related. Would anyone know where I can contact Joe Smith? He was with Warner Brothers Records in the mid-60's and, I gotta tell you, he was the guy who picked Petula Clark's DOWNTOWN for a hit for Warner when UK's Pye Records didn't really know what to make of it. He also picked MY LOVE (another #1 and recorded in LA) when even Petula wasn't sure about it. Both she and I would have to say that we owe a lot to Joe Smith. What a great music exec!
TONY HATCH
Glad to help out if we can, Tony ... let's see what the list comes back with on this one!!! (kk)
Hi Kent,
This is not really Reprise business but closely related. Would anyone know where I can contact Joe Smith? He was with Warner Brothers Records in the mid-60's and, I gotta tell you, he was the guy who picked Petula Clark's DOWNTOWN for a hit for Warner when UK's Pye Records didn't really know what to make of it. He also picked MY LOVE (another #1 and recorded in LA) when even Petula wasn't sure about it. Both she and I would have to say that we owe a lot to Joe Smith. What a great music exec!
TONY HATCH
Glad to help out if we can, Tony ... let's see what the list comes back with on this one!!! (kk)
Kent,
Thanks for the heads up on The Drive's A-Z countdown. Anytime a radio station gets to play songs they don't normally air, is always a good thing. However listening over the computer reminded me why I don't listen to internet radio. While both speakers work, I'm not getting stereo sound. As I face the speakers the left side is far more dominant. On some songs it doesn't seem to matter, but on others I'm losing an entire side. I've pretty much had the problem since I bought the computer. Is it just the nature of the machine and it doesn't matter what computer I own, or is the problem on the sender's side. Should I hook up real speakers? I'm not looking to be overwhelmed by sound, but it would be nice to be able to hear songs in the manner I'm used to hearing them. Right now on Lorelei, Dennis De Young sounds like he's at the bottom of a well. All suggestions welcomed.
Also one minor correction from the other week. As an alumnus of WZRD Chicago, I can say for certain that the station is affiliated with Northeastern Illinois University, not Eastern Illinois University.
Jack (rockandrollneverforgets)
I've had good and bad success with the quality of sound on Internet Radio ... apparently a lot of this has to do with bandwidth (but I don't see that as being an issue with The Drive ... actually their sound always sounds pretty darn good on my computer ... and on the computer at work back in the days when we could listen to the radio at work!!! (lol) I'm far from an expert on this topic ... maybe some of our readers can shed a little light on this. (I've had major problems with certain stations we've promoted in the past regarding the quality of their stream ... yet I'm told that it's crystal clear in other areas ... so I'd like a little education on this, too!) kk
re: CHRISTMAS IS COMING!:
Hey Kent...
Our song "HOT ROD HOLIDAY" from our CD "COBRA BEACH" is included in a new Christmas CD just released by Collectables Records called "CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA"
It also includes new holiday recordings from "Jay And The Americans", The Human Beinz", Peppy Castro from The Blues Magoos, and others.
The executive producer of this CD is Pat Horgan, who is responsible for the "Garage Band" series of CD's on Collectables, including "Garage Band Beatles" & "Garage Band Halloween"
The new Christmas CD is available directly from Collectables Records now at http://www.oldies.com/product-view/14552.html
I've attached a copy of the CD cover for you to see.
The Rockin' Holidays are upon us!
Mitch Schecter / The Rip Chords
Hey Kent...
Our song "HOT ROD HOLIDAY" from our CD "COBRA BEACH" is included in a new Christmas CD just released by Collectables Records called "CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA"
It also includes new holiday recordings from "Jay And The Americans", The Human Beinz", Peppy Castro from The Blues Magoos, and others.
The executive producer of this CD is Pat Horgan, who is responsible for the "Garage Band" series of CD's on Collectables, including "Garage Band Beatles" & "Garage Band Halloween"
The new Christmas CD is available directly from Collectables Records now at http://www.oldies.com/product-view/14552.html
I've attached a copy of the CD cover for you to see.
The Rockin' Holidays are upon us!
Mitch Schecter / The Rip Chords
FH List Member Guy Arnston told me about a local contest The Chicago Tribune is running here, trying to find the best "new" Christmas song. We cast OUR vote for Dick Eastman's tune, "Santa's Comin' Here", which we ran exclusively in Forgotten Hits last holiday season. LOVE It!!! And there's MORE Christmas Music coming as we get closer to the holiday! (kk)Yep, Christmas is DEFINITELY coming!!! ...
SpongeBob's First Holiday Release Out Now:
"DON'T BE A JERK (IT'S CHRISTMAS)"
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the hit series SpongeBob SquarePants as well as the release of Don’t Be A Jerk (It’s Christmas)" from Nick Records. It’s the first-ever holiday song by the undersea-dwelling preternaturally happy yellow porifera, the world's most popular cartoon character.“Don’t Be A Jerk (It’s Christmas),” destined to be an eternal holiday favorite going forward, is a song with a message, an important and timely message. As Tom Kenny, the comic actor who has voiced SpongeBob for the series’ entire duration and sings SpongeBob’s part on the song, puts it, “It’s a plea is for a minimal diminishment of jerk-oriented activities and attitudes for a mere 24 hour period; in other words, “Don’t Be A Jerk, (It’s Christmas)."
Kenny, who co-wrote "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" with pop music veteran Andy Paley, continues, "Humankind seems to be entering a whole new era of 'jerkism' with politicians screaming at each other, sports figures throwing tantrums, self-indulgent entertainers making fools of themselves, and fame-seeking parents exploiting their kids -- one or eight at a time. The song addresses and decries that lack of civility in large and small ways. Logic says that -- with apologies to Charles Dickens -- if we have a ghost of a chance to succeed, it's going to be at this time of year. The idea is to start with Christmas and then, maybe, go on to deal with 'jerkitude' the other 364 days of the year."
"Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" is one of five songs on the recently released SpongeBob's Greatest Hits album that Tom Kenney co-wrote with Andy Paley. "My Tighty Whiteys," "Employee of the Month," "The Best Day Ever" and "Where's Gary" along with "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" are all part of the album and were produced by Paley. He also serves as the musical director of SpongeBob & the Hi-Seas, a live rock band fronted by Kenny. The group has been literally on the high seas, as the star attraction of Royal Carribbean's Nickelodeon Family Cruise and will be performing on New Year's Eve at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.
Radio stations will be serviced with "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)" shortly, the hope being that the song will sound a cautionary note from an authority figure who, over the course of the past decade, has come to stand for civility, kindness and the highest of moral values. Yes, we can all learn to be better people if we only listen to a highly absorbent cartoon character whose rectitude is echoed by his angular body contours.
In anticipation of spontaneous sing-alongs breaking out in the days leading up to the holidays, we offer the lyrics of "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)."
DON'T BE A JERK (IT'S CHRISTMAS)
Spoken Intro: AHOY, EVERYBODY! SPONGEBOB HERE! CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR PRESENTS AND MISTLETOE, SHARING AND CARING. SO DURING THIS MOST FESTIVE SEASON ... PLEASE, DON'T BE A JERK!
Spoken Intro: AHOY, EVERYBODY! SPONGEBOB HERE! CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR PRESENTS AND MISTLETOE, SHARING AND CARING. SO DURING THIS MOST FESTIVE SEASON ... PLEASE, DON'T BE A JERK!
BRING "JOY TO THE WORLD" IT'S THE THING TO DO
BUT THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND YOU
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
THERE'S A SIGN ABOVE THE LINE THAT SAYS "EXPRESS"
THAT MEANS "TEN ITEMS OR LESS"
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
BE NICE TO BABIES AND ANIMALS, OLD FOLKS TOO
'CAUSE THAT'S HOW YOU'D LIKE THEM TO TREAT YOU
USE TURN SIGNALS, DON'T SCREEN MY CALLS
DON'T CHA WRECK THE HOUSE WHEN YOU DECK THE HALLS!
SPIT YOUR GUM WHERE IT WON'T WIND UP ON MY SHOE
SQUEEZE TOOTHPASTE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TUBE
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
WHEN OTHERS ARE TALKING NEVER INTERRUPT
DON'T PUT PEOPLE DOWN OR LEAVE THE TOILET SEAT UP
IT'S THE TIME FOR FAMILY AND HOLLY AND TURKEY
'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY NOT JERKY!
(JOLLY NOT JERKY!)
DON'T DIG IN THE CEREAL BOX FOR GOODNESS SAKES
TAKE THE PRIZE AND LEAVE ME NOTHING BUT FLAKES
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
SANTA BROUGHT NEARLY EVERYTHING ON YOUR LIST
WHY WHINE ABOUT THE ONE THAT HE MISSED?
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
BUT THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND YOU
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
THERE'S A SIGN ABOVE THE LINE THAT SAYS "EXPRESS"
THAT MEANS "TEN ITEMS OR LESS"
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
BE NICE TO BABIES AND ANIMALS, OLD FOLKS TOO
'CAUSE THAT'S HOW YOU'D LIKE THEM TO TREAT YOU
USE TURN SIGNALS, DON'T SCREEN MY CALLS
DON'T CHA WRECK THE HOUSE WHEN YOU DECK THE HALLS!
SPIT YOUR GUM WHERE IT WON'T WIND UP ON MY SHOE
SQUEEZE TOOTHPASTE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TUBE
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
WHEN OTHERS ARE TALKING NEVER INTERRUPT
DON'T PUT PEOPLE DOWN OR LEAVE THE TOILET SEAT UP
IT'S THE TIME FOR FAMILY AND HOLLY AND TURKEY
'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY NOT JERKY!
(JOLLY NOT JERKY!)
DON'T DIG IN THE CEREAL BOX FOR GOODNESS SAKES
TAKE THE PRIZE AND LEAVE ME NOTHING BUT FLAKES
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
SANTA BROUGHT NEARLY EVERYTHING ON YOUR LIST
WHY WHINE ABOUT THE ONE THAT HE MISSED?
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
DON'T BE A JERK, IT'S CHRISTMAS!
-- submitted by Bob Merlis
Be sure to visit the usual places to download your OWN digital copy of this great new soon-to-be-Christmas Classic! (kk)
