A Few Friday Comments

A few quick comments for a Friday ...


THIS WEEKEND ON THE TRUE OLDIES CHANNEL:
Scott Shannon presents "Shame On The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame", spotlighting many of the artists who made our "Deserving And Denied" List, tabulating YOUR votes of those artists that just no how, no way should have been overlooked this long by The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominating Committee ... while artists with far-less-worthy credentials seem to get nominated (and inducted) every single year. You can find our list of The Top 40 Deserving And Denied Artists here: Click here: Forgotten Hits: The "Deserving And Denied" List ... and you can listen to The True Oldies Channel "Shame On The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame" Weekend ... ALL weekend long ... here: Click here: True Oldies Channel.

Speaking of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, I also wanted to tell you about a brand new book that just came out ... called simply "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame: The First 25 Years", it's a BEAUTIFUL coffee table style book put together by Holly George-Warren and it features TONS of amazing pictures of the inducted artists along with commentary by many of these artists as well as their peers regarding the significant roles they played in the evolution of rock and roll as an art form. (It even includes a forward written by Jann Wenner.) It's a fitting tribute to the preservation of this music and these artists and is a "must have" for any serious rock collectors ... highly recommended! (kk)


And finally, while we still have quite a few Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Comments to run, we just didn't have enough time to pull them all together in time for today's posting. (I'm hoping to be able to work on this over the weekend ... which means that they're still coming ... just not today as I had originally planned.)


Meanwhile, here are some of your Comments that I was able to process in time:


re: MICHAEL JACKSON:
Now that we know who co-wrote "This Is It," we can now also ponder this irony. Both Elvis and Michael Jackson's first posthumous singles were written by Paul Anka. Hope no other superstars have Anka songs in the can!
Joe Persek
It IS pretty ironic, actually ... who'daevahthunkit?!?!? (What was Michael Jackson doing writing with Paul Anka in the first place back in the late-'70's and early '80's?!?!?) Apparently all of this went down right before super-stardom hit the self-proclaimed King Of Pop ... and when it was released last weekend as a means to help promote the already-sold-out two hour rehearsal concert film of the same name, it created quite a bit of controversy, coming out as a Michael Jackson SOLO composition, despite the fact the he wrote it WITH Paul Anka back in 1983. (At the time, the track was called "I Never Heard", a song intended for release on Anka's solo album. For whatever reason, Jackson became disenchanted with the project ... some say he abandoned it to begin work on "Thriller" ... but by this point Michael already had copies of the Anka-produced track. It sat dormant until 1991, when Anka gave it to a Puerto Rican singer named Sa-Fire to record, with BOTH songwriters correctly credited.
NOT his best work ... by ANY stretch ... "This Is It" pretty much falls into that category of releasing ANYTHING left in the can in an effort to cash in on the death of a recording artist ... but interesting none the less ... and with the soundtrack album due out later this month you can bet Jacko will be back on the charts ... and earning ALL kinds of money ... in no time. The film has sold-out around the world for its limited two week engagement (and DVD and Blue Ray release are probably not far behind ... I'm guessing just in time for Christmas gift-giving!!!) Meanwhile, it's interesting to see Michael Jackson STILL making headlines some four months after his death! Pretty cool 'tho that Elvis' first posthumous release was his version of Anka's "My Way" ... that one soared to #22 on the Billboard Chart and was a pretty moving rendition. Jackson's song ... not so much ... quite honestly, it sounds more like one of those outtakes best left in the can that we'll probably be inundated with for the next few years! (kk)


re: A FEW MORE PASSINGS:
Here's a copy of the very first notice I received on this ...
Hi:
Over at the Blue Cheer myspace site ["Summertime Blues" rock remake 1968] comes bad news today that Dickie Peterson is in ill health from a gall bladder infection and taking a turn for the worst ... Thoughts and prayers were requested ... :(!
~JBK Yes, you can turn me on! I'm on the radio! Surf City Sounds Plus: http://www.Live365.com/stations/johns805?play

And then, just a day later ...
Dickie Peterson, lead singer and bassist with Blue Cheer, died Monday (October 12) at his home in Germany. He was 61. Dickie had been battling cancer. The pioneering San Francisco heavy metal band released ten albums over the years and Dickie recorded two solo albums. Jim Morrison called Blue Cheer (named, not for the detergent but for a brand of LSD) "The single most powerful band I've ever seen." They are best known for their re-make of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" (#14-68) and also charted with "Just A Little Bit" (#92) that same year.
-- Ron Smith

Dickie Peterson, bassist and frontman for legendary heavy metal pioneers Blue Cheer, died Monday, Oct. 12, at the age of 61. Peterson, who founded the proto-metal outfit in 1967 in the Bay Area, passed away in Germany after battling liver cancer, according to Blabbermouth.
Influenced by the era's heavy blues innovators Cream and Jimi Hendrix, Blue Cheer made its first impact in early 1968 when it released its debut album 'Vincebus Eruptum.' A roaring opposite to Haight Ashbury's flower power, Peterson stood in stark contrast to San Francisco based bands like the Grateful Dead.
Named for a potent strain of acid, Blue Cheer's proto metal actually produced a chart hit when its rendition of Eddie Cochran's 'Summertime Blues' made it all the way to No. 11 on the Billboard charts. Jim Morrison once called the power trio "The single most powerful band I've ever seen." Live, they were the first band ever listed in the 'Guinness Book of World Records' as "Loudest Band in the World," establishing a precedent which was eventually eclipsed by Ritchie Blackmore and Deep Purple.
Despite the fact that Blue Cheer, which also initially included drummer Paul Whaley and guitarist Lee Stephens, was the first American band to use Marshall amplifiers, their impact was endured even if the band didn't last. The band called it a day in 1972, however Peterson resuscitated the group 1984 for a 10-year run and reignited it in 1999 for regular touring. In 2007, Blue Cheer recorded its first new studio release in 15 years, 2007's 'What Doesn't Kill You ...,' and continued to tour the globe.
Ken Voss
Regional Sales Manager
Starin, Inc

Hi Kent
Dickie Peterson Blue Cheer Passed also passed away this past week. I talked with a friend in Portland who is friends with Steve Miller's guitar tech. He said Norton Buffalo, Steve's long time band member (30 Years), has lung cancer and has weeks to live. Steve did his first show with out him last week.
Mickey

My dear friend, Dickie Peterson, lead singer and bassist of pioneering metal band Blue Cheer has left us. Blue Cheer was the first "power trio", and for 40 years, influenced and thrilled many! Please go to their page, and revel in the majesty of Blue Cheer. I was fortunate to have reunited with Dickie in Nov 2007. My article by "Sweet Alyce" is just one of many articles you can read at:
www.myspace.com/bluecheer.
More archived reviews and press at: www.bluecheer.us
Goldie

The official press release follows:

Los Angeles, CA – Friends, fans and heavy metal rock and rollers around the world are mourning the death of Blue Cheer bassist and lead singer Richard Allan “Dickie” Peterson (b. September 12, 1946), after a long fight against cancer. Peterson, age 63, died in Germany, where he lived, on the morning of October 12, 2009. He is survived by wife Ilka Peterson, ex-wife Marilyn (Peterson) Stephens with whom he had a daughter, Corrina Peterson- Kaltenrieder, and a grandson. He was a founding member and leader of the San Francisco band Blue Cheer; a band known to heavy metal fans for being louder and heavier than any band before them and for laying the blueprint for much of what would come after. The band debuted with a ground shaking cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues” on their 1968 album Vincebus Eruptum. The band’s last US tour (members Peterson, founding drummer Paul Whaley, and guitarist Andrew “Duck” MacDonald) was in support of their 2007 release What Doesn’t Kill You … and had the band playing shows with the fourth generation of bands to follow in their path. “He loved the younger musicians,” said MacDonald of his bandmate, “he thought of all of them as his children.” Plans were underway for the band to tour in support of the 2009 Rainman Records DVD release of Blue Cheer Rocks Europe when Dickie’s cancer was found. Tour plans were put on hold, but the first full length concert DVD in the band’s more than forty year history was released without delay. The DVD includes not only the concert footage with 5.1 audio, but also included a Peterson voiceover commentary and a complete interview with the late leader of the band.Dickie and Blue Cheer cherished their fans, the 1%ers as they were called, and considered them the fourth member of their band. “Without you, what we do is completely pointless” Peterson said during every show. “You’ve got to take care of each other, you’re all you’ve got.” MacDonald says that Dickie believed in the best of people. “the fans loved him and he loved them right back. It was the best relationship he had in his life.”

The world lost a great singer this week with the passing of Steven Gately, lead singer of the boyband Boyzone.
While everyone in the US may not know them, give a listen to their cover of Michael Jackson's BEN, and you will wonder why the US does not play some great music that is popular elsewhere in the world.
Allan

For some reason, Boyzone never caught on here in The States ... although I absolutely LOVE their 1999 hit "No Matter What", which didn't even crack Billboard's Top 100. In the U.K. they released 21 straight Top Ten singles ... and 19 of those made The Top Three ... including ten #1's!!! (kk)
And to answer the question WHO ARE THEY?!?!? Here is their biggest hit which most will remember but file it in the I KNOW THIS SONG but have no IDEA who SINGS it file. From 1998, written and produced by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Jim Steinman, which is ENOUGH to give it a listen, their worldwide smash.
A #1 hit in UK, Ireland, Norway, and the Netherlands, and a #12 US AC hit. It was the biggest selling UK boyband song of the 1990s with over a million in sales for the single which is quite a feat in UK. As a group, they had SIX #1 singles in the UK and four #1 lps in the UK.
Allan

Sad to hear about Al Martino’s passing. It sounds as though he died young and active at 82 – not the worst way to go (except for maybe dying young at 100!). My personal favorite was a one-off on 20th Fox (which got airplay in New York; I don't know its sales figures), "A Little Boy and A Little Girl," a sweet and (to me) touching story of a simple life well lived. It still brings a tear to my eye when I play it. What a career, Al; thank you for the music.
Country Paul Payton
That one didn't do so well ... it "Bubbled Under" in Billboard at #109 and reached #92 in Cash Box ... actually one of three minor hits Al had on 20th Century Fox Records ... "I Can't Get You Out Of My Heart" (#43, 1959) and "Darling, I Love You" (#52, 1959) were the others. ("I Can't Get You Out Of My Heart" re-entered the charts in 1964 but didn't fare any better ... that time around, it peaked at #99!) kk

We got quite a few emails regarding the passing of crooner Al Martino ... here are just a few others ...

Hi Kent and all FH subscribers ~
So sad to hear of Al Martino's passing. He was one of my parents' favorites but I really enjoyed a lot of his music, too. I have several of his "albums" as my father left them for me when he passed away. Ironically, his name was also "Al". May they both rest in peace and God bless and strengthen Al Martino's family. And as always, thanks for all you do with Forgotten Hits, Kent. We love ya!
~ Sharon {TokeiTwo}

Hi Kent ...
So sad to hear about Al Martino ... he was a good friend.
I haven't cried that hard for a long time.He was a wonderful person. I will miss more then I can put into words.Here are some terrific clips from You Tube.
John Madara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YIXTmLBFRE&feature=fvsrhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpPJp-U7aQQhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFhluBrwAqg&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Yl5KyB0wo&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enIdTGckjKs&feature=related

What a shocker! Al seemed to be very healthy, out on the road doing gigs this summer and sounding great.Sources are reporting that Al dined with Jerry Blavat Monday night. It would be great to hear some comments from Jerry sometime in the near future.
David Lewis
Blavat's not a FH List Member (although as often as we mention him, he certainly SHOULD be!!!) Maybe somebody out Philly way can get a comment for us. (kk)

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Al Martino. He had a wonderful voice and was a terrific performer. Rest In Peace.
Arlene

And here's an official press release regarding Al Martino's passing ...
Pop Singer Al Martino Passes Away at 82

Pop singer Al Martino passed away on Tuesday afternoon at his childhood home in Springfield, Pennsylvania. He was 82.Martino had seven top twenty hits and six top 20 albums, but he may be best known for playing the part of Johnny Fontaine in the movie The Godfather.Martino was born October 7, 1927 as Alfred Cini to Italian immigrants. He spent his early life working in the family masonry business but had an ongoing love for music. When his childhood friend, Alfredo Cocozza became an international superstar under the name of Mario Lanza, Cini decided to make a go of the business.Changing his name to Al Matino, he moved to New York in 1948 where he eventually won first place on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. Soon after, he signed to a small independent label, BBS, recording Here in My Heart which went on to become an international hit, going to number one in both the U.S. and the U.K.Capitol Records took notice and signed Martino who had a few more hits in the early-50's before his career suddenly took a detour. According to legend, his contract was forcibly taken over by a mafia based management team who demanded $75,000 in protection money. Unable to make the payment, Martino and his family fled to England where his career continued to flourish.By the time he was able to return to the U.S. in 1958, the public had mostly forgotten him and rock and roll was the music of the day. He signed with 20th Century Fox Records where he recorded a couple of albums but sales were slow and the label dropped him. Martino decided to finance his next record himself and The Exciting Voice of Al Martino got him resigned as an artist at Capitol.Martino worked relentlessly to reestablish his career, playing many tour dates and appearing as often as possible on TV. The hard work paid off in 1963 when I Love You Because made it up to number 3 on the Pop and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary charts. From that point on, he became a standard part of the AC chart, scoring twenty more top ten hits.In 1966, Martino released his signature song. Spanish Eyes, based on an instrumental hit by Bert Kaempfert, made it to number 15 on the Pop charts and spent a month at the top in Adult Comtemporary.In the early 70's, Martino's friend Phyllis McGuire brought him to the attention of Francis Ford Coppola who was making a film version of the book The Godfather by Mario Puzo. Specifically, she thought the part of Johnny Fontaine fit Martino perfectly. Fontaine was based on Frank Sinatra and his fight to be cast in From Here to Eternity, but much of the fictional singer's story also was familiar from Martino's 50's connections. He was cast in the film and the exposure allowed him to continue recording through the rest of the decade.Martino and Capitol parted ways in the early-80's and the singer continued to tour behind his large catalog. He returned to recording in 2000 with the album Style.After the cut is a listing of Martino's 28 singles that reached the top ten on the U.S. Pop, U.S. Adult Contemporary and/or the U.K. Pop charts.
The hits of Al Martino:
Here in My Heart (1952/#1 Pop/#1 U.K.)
Take My Hand (1952/#12 Pop/#9 U.K.)
Now (1953/#3 U.K.)
Rachel (1953/#30 Pop/#10 U.K.)
Wanted (1954/#4 U.K.)
The Story of Tina (1954/#10 U.K.)
I Love You Because (1963/#3 Pop/#1 Adult Contemporary/#48 U.K.)
Painted Tainted Rose (1963/#15 Pop/#3 Adult Contemporary)
Living a Lie (1963/#22 Pop/#8 Adult Contemporary)
I Love You More and More Everyday (1964/#9 Pop/#3 Adult Contemporary)
Tears and Roses (1964/#20 Pop/#7 Adult Contemporary)
Always Together (1964/#33 Pop/#4 Adult Contemporary)
We Could (1964/#41 Pop/#6 Adult Contemporary)
Forgive Me (1965/#61 Pop/#7 Adult Contemporary)
Spanish Eyes (1966/#15 Pop/#1 Adult Contemporary/#5 U.K.)
Think I'll Go Somewhere and Cry Myself to Sleep (1966/#30 Pop/#2 Adult Contemporary)
Wiederseh'n (1966/#57 Pop/#3 Adult Contemporary)
Daddy's Little Girl (1967/#42 Pop/#2 Adult Contemporary)
Mary in the Morning (1967/#27 Pop/#1 Adult Contemporary)
More Than the Eye Can See (1967/#54 Pop/#1 Adult Contemporary)
Love is Blue (1968/#57 Pop/#3 Adult Contemporary)
Lili Marlene (1968/#87 Pop/#7 Adult Contemporary)
I Can't Help It (1969/#97 Pop/#10 Adult Contemporary)
Can't Help Falling in Love (1970/#51 Pop/#5 Adult Contemporary)
Walking in the Sand (1970/#9 Adult Contemporary)
To the Door of the Sun (Alle Porte del Sole) (1975/#17 Pop/#7 Adult Contemporary)
Volare (1975/#33 Pop/#9 Adult Contemporary)
The Next Hundred Years (1978/#49 Pop/#6 Adult Contemporary)
Top Ten Albums by Al Martino:
I Love You Because (1963/#7)
Painted, Tainted Rose (1963/#9)
A Merry Christmas (1964/#8)
Spanish Eyes (1966/#8)


re: NEW RELEASES:
Got this from Timothy B. Schmit of The Eagles ... looks like he's got a brand new solo LP coming out. (Ironically, with The Eagles apparently on hiatus, Don Henley is coming here next month for a solo concert, too!)
"Expando", the first solo album from Timothy B. Schmit in eight years, is now available for pre-order. The album was recorded at his home studio near Los Angeles and features an eclectic gathering of musicians including Keb' Mo', Graham Nash, Kid Rock, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Band's Garth Hudson, Van Dyke Parks, Dwight Yoakam, The Heartbreakers' Benmont Trench and Timothy's son, Ben. The album will be available in stores and on iTunes October 20th. Listen to the first single "Parachute", now available at www.Myspace.com/Timothybschmit. Also, be sure to check out www.timothybschmit.com for a list of just announced exclusive performances in Los Angeles (10/14), Nashville (10/16), Chicago (10/18) and New York (10/21). Timothy will perform new songs from "Expando", as well as some of his classic hits. Follow Timothy on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/timothybschmit1
Best Regards,
Timothy B. Schmit

Speaking of new releases, I've been listening to Mark Hudson's new solo CD "The Artist" this week in the car ... a few really good tracks on this one (and some INCREDIBLE background harmonies and vocal arrangements.) Having always been a Hudson Brothers fan, I've got to say that Mark has TOTALLY channeled the influence of The Beatles (and particularly John Lennon) on quite a bit of this new release. (He also covers Lennon's "How" from John's "Imagine" album ... and even redoes his OWN hit "So You Are A Star", this time with Ringo Starr on drums!) You can listen to "Happy" (and catch the cool video) on Hudson's website here:
Click here: Mark Hudson Music :: The Official Mark Hudson Website

LOTS more comments coming on Sunday ... but right now I've gotta run!!!

October 14, 1960

October 14, 1960 ...


It was the VERY first WLS Silver Dollar Survey ever issued.


Although the station had switched over to a Top 40 / Rock And Roll format back in April, they hadn't published a weekly list of the most popular songs in Chicagoland ... until now.

And what a list it was!

Right off the bat, the station established itself as setting their own trends, rather than following the lead of the other Top 40 stations around the country.

Case in point ... our very first official #1 Record: "Shortnin' Bread" by Paul Chaplain, a song that only reached the #82 spot on The Billboard Chart ... and peaked at #55 in Cash Box Magazine ... but here in Chicago it was big enough to sit on top of "Chicago's Only Authentic Record Survey."

(click chart to enlarge)

Due to some sort of glitch that has never been properly explained, the following week's survey was dated October 15th, only a DAY later rather than a week later. "Stay" by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs leaped from #12 to the top spot ... and "Ruby Duby Du" by Tobin Matthews ... a song that hadn't even appeared on the previous week's chart ... and would go on to top the chart itself just a week later ... was in at #4 ... not bad for a brand new premier!!!

Other titles of note on these two charts: "Wait For Me" by The Playmates, "Pineapple Princess" by Annette and "You Mean Everything To Me" were all big hits here in Chicagoland ... and some classic early '60's titles appear on this list as well:

"Mr. Custer" by Larry Verne, a #1 novelty hit, "My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own" by Connie Francis, "You Talk Too Much" by Joe Jones, Elvis' big hit "It's Now Or Never", "Never On Sunday" by Don Costa, the Johnny Bond version of "Hot Rod Lincoln", "So Sad" by The Everly Brothers, "Save The Last Dance For Me" by The Drifters and "Let's Think About Living" by Bob Luman are ALL songs worthy of airplay today but virtually ignored by the oldies stations around the country. All of these records were Chicagoland Top Ten Hits.

How seriously was WLS taken back in 1960 when it came to the national charts? Check out THIS ad that ran as a full page in Billboard Magazine after "Ruby Duby Du" topped our Chicagoland Charts!

The Sunday Comments ( 10 - 11 - 09 )

Another batch of The Sunday Comments:

re: SHELBY SINGLETON:
We lost another music legend this past week ... here are just a few of your comments, remembering Shelby Singleton ...

http://tinyurl.com/ycrt3jl
Great bio with info about the acts he helped along the way.
David

Shebly Singleton: Producer, publisher, began his illustrious music career by promoting stars of the famed Louisiana Hayride of the 50's, was instrumental in the careers of numerous recording stars including Patti Page, Clyde McPhatter, Brook Benton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom T. Hall. He became owner of Sun Entertainment Corporation and Sun Records, in Nashville, Tennessee. Shelby was a founding member of the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. At 77 years of age, he died on October 7th, 2009.
John Rook

Kent ...
How ya' doin'? This morning I was talking to my friend “Country Paul Payton”, about some “Classic Hits” radio promos we’re working on, when he asked me if I knew that Shelby Singleton had passed away. I was taken aback and nearly dropped the phone; I told Paul I’d call him back, then spent the rest of the morning reflecting on one of the pioneers of the Modern Music Business … a man I was proud to call my friend.“The first time I met Shelby Singleton was in the mid-sixties, when he was head of Mercury records A&R department. I was a small publisher always trying to get a song cut. Fortunately, my new wife Sheilah is working at Mercury, one of her closest friends is Carol, Shelby’s secretary. It isn’t long before I’m able to go in and out of the inner offices whenever I want. One day as I’m talking to Carol at her desk, Shelby rushes in from the studio, with a record he just produced and he invites us in to listen to it. It’s a cut from the next Brook Benton album, and although it doesn’t sound like a hit single, it’s a cut an artist can be proud of. This is the first time I have a chance to sit down with Shelby. We talk for a bit about music, and he plays me a new band he’s signed, The Blues Magoos, and describes them with a word I never heard before, “Psychedelic”.
(For The rest of the story) http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2009/10/08/shelby-singleton-r-i-p-rock-in-perpetuity/
Respectfully,
Artie Wayne
http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/about-artie-wayne/
Copyright 2009 by Artie Wayne from his book “I Did It For A Song” http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2009/07/12/thank-you-for-one-million-hits/
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB!
http://artiewayne.wordpress.com

Friday Night beginning at 9:00 Central / 10:00 Eastern, I did a tribute to Shelby Singleton, who we just lost. As Promotion man, Producer and record owner, his contribution to the music industry will not be forgotten.
Again, many thanks to Clay Cole for that fantastic interview last Friday night. I received quite a few emails saying that Clay brought back lots of memories.
All this happens EVERY Friday Night at www.topshelfoldies.com
Don't forget, you must be here Friday night because I don't want to be alone.
Best wishes,
Stuart Weiss / DJ STU
We got this out too late to let our readers know about your program ... but, if it is archived somewhere, please let us know so that interested parties can tune in and listen. (kk)

Meanwhile, speaking of Clay Cole ... (and archived radio shows) ...

re: CLAY COLE:
To Kent and everyone here,
Clay Cole was a legendary TV personality in the New York City area from 1959 through 1968 and also starred in the first movie devoted exclusively to the twist entitled "Twist Around The Clock." In September of 2007 I was informed that when Clay Cole's book eventually came out that I would be honored with the privilege of doing an interview show with him. Suffice to say that I had a lot of time to think about it and prepare it. 25 months is a long time! One of my blessings of the past couple of years was becoming a long-distance friend of Clay, a man whom I have admired for so long. I, like so many who grew up in the New York area, was a regular viewer of his many TV shows. Clay is beloved by hundreds of people whose careers he helped launch and continue to prosper and by the multitude of fans who so fondly remember his glory days from 1959 through 1968. Clay's book was officially released to bookstores last Friday, October 1, and the response throughout the country has been phenomenal. The title is "Sh-Boom! The Explosion Of Rock 'N' Roll 1953-1968".
It was in 1953 that Clay got started in television and also the year that rock 'N' roll began exploding, a happy coincidence! Of course rock 'N' roll can be spelled many different ways and, as we all know, any of those ways is close enough for that genre of music which went far beyond the "passing fad" stage. This interview is one of my "super-sized" ones, running approximately 90 minutes. And it's very special to me.
I can think of no better way to describe this man than to quote directly what it says on the back cover of that book: "Clay Cole's SH-BOOM! is the pop culture chronicle of that exciting time, 1953-1968, when teenagers created their own music, from swing bands and pop to rhythm and blues, cover records, a cappella, rockabilly, folk, and girl groups: from the British invasion to the creation of the American Boy Band. He was first to introduce Chubby Checker performing the 'Twist;' the first to present the Rolling Stones, Tony Orlando, Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond, Bobby Vinton, the Rascals, Ronettes, Four Seasons, Dion, and dozens more; the first to introduce music video clips, discotheque, go-go girls and young unknown standup comedians Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Fannie Flagg to a teenage television audience.
"After his 'fifteen years of fame,' Clay reveals, for the very first time, his reason for walking away from his highly-popular Saturday night shop at 30-years old, and remain out of the spotlight for over forty years. Clay has been called 'the missing link to the Sixties.' Well, he's missing no longer; he's back with a remarkable story to tell. And what a story it is!"
To access this Clay Cole 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 Clay Cole radio interview show (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: THE PHILLY SOUND:
Check out this video clip, telling the true story of "At The Hop", as told by one of the two original songwriters, John Madara. Also included in this clip is sole surviving original member, Joe Terry, of Danny & The Juniors.
From the documentary, "Philly Pop Music, The Lost Pioneers".
A George Manney film.
Visit the official website here: http://phillypopmusic.com
The film profiles the extraordinary and diversified Philadelphia musical community with rare and unseen interviews, archive footage & photographs.
For updates on John check out his web site: http://www.thatphillysound.com
George Manney
Of course, WE gave John Madara the "star treatment" here in Forgotten Hits, too, a while back ... in fact, you'll find the story behind MANY of John's "Greatest Hits" posted on our website (kk):
Click here: Forgotten Hits - John Madara's Greatest Hits
Click here: Forgotten Hits - John Madara Remembers ...
And, speaking of "The Sound Of Philadelphia", I just read that the CBS Television Series "Cold Case" is FINALLY going to salute the music from The City Of Brotherly Love in a special episode running NEXT Sunday. It will feature the music of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, as well as several OTHER artists who helped to put "The Sound Of Philadelphia" on the musical map ... including (and of particular thematic note to this particular episode) "Back Stabbers" by The O'Jays!!! Forgotten Hits Readers Rich and Mamie took Frannie and I on a whirlwind tour of the city a few years back ... and even arranged a VERY special, exclusive tour of Philadelphia International Records! We LOVED it!!! (kk)

re: OFF THE NORMAL PATH:
Kent,

Alan O'Day is a deep-thinking guy who's not afraid to tackle some of the least-pleasant stuff through his songs. My wife is a substitute teacher, going from school to school every week filling in for absent teachers, and last week she had a very young student who insisted on whacking the other kids. She was informed that this student's parents weren't informed about his behaior problems because they did nothing but beat the crap out of him at home, especially if he acts up at school. So, the school does its best to control the kid and teach him alternatives. So sad.
David

Not usually the stuff discussed on FH, but since Alan brought it up ....
There have been a few songs of note that have tackled this topic ... "Hell Is For Children" by Pat Benatar and "Luka" by Suzanne Vega immediately come to mind. Sometimes music acts as a healing tool ... sometimes it just may inspire us to speak out about what's really troubling us. (kk)

re: BOOKS:
My good old Illinois radio legend, Tony Waitekus, informed me about this new Chicago area book, in case you have not told everyone.
Clark Besch
http://www.toprockgirlyjock.com/toprockgirlyjockbook.html
Yes, Ron Smith mentioned this one a week or two ago ... and, in fact, we heard from Tony himself below ...

Here’s a new book you might be interested in: http://www.toprockgirlyjock.com/toprockgirlyjockbook.html
Tony Waitekus
I haven't picked up a copy of this yet ... but Ron Smith calls it pretty much a "Must Read" if you're a Chicagoland Radio Fan like I am! (kk)

Hi,
I read about the pending book below and see the author could use some help. It SOUNDS like he worked with some of our faves in the 60's and could use a boost from all of us. If you agree and wish to read his book, I would do as asked and not let this gentleman's info get away.
Thanks,
Clark
Where the Action Was Article by high-profile-road manager, Mark “Hoss” Amans
Hello! My name is Mark Amans.I have recently finished a book about all the years I worked with rock-and-roll bands in the ‘60s and ‘70s. I was on the road for eighteen years. They used to call me HOSS. I started in Seattle with a group called the Viceroys in 1963. Then a group called the Wailers. I joined Paul Revere and the Raiders in late 1965 when they had just signed with Columbia Records and Dick Clark Productions for a TV show called Where the Action Is.
In 1967, I worked for the Blues Magoos. We did a major tour with the Herman Hermits, and The Who. The tour manager put me in charge of all three road crews. In late 1967, I went to work with a group called the Robbs, who I met on a Dick Clark Caravan of Stars Tour when I was with The Raiders. Back in New York in early 1968 I worked for The Nazz. Todd Rundgren came out of that group. In late 1969, I went back to work for Mark Lindsay and The Raiders. Then I worked for the Grass Roots in 1970. In 1971, I worked with Gary Puckett and The Union Gap. In 1972, I was the road manager and bodyguard for Cat Stevens. In 1973, I worked for Wolfman Jack as a tour manager. In the rest of the seventies I worked on and off with a few groups that never made it big. One of them was called The Butts Band, started by John Densmore and Robby Krieger from The Doors.
The manuscript tells stories about all the individuals and the bands as a whole. There are twenty-two chapters and many original pictures telling good things and bad things that happened to me while working on and off the road. One chapter is called The Mania. It is about the fans that came to the concerts. Another chapter is called Being There. It tells about close calls and hard work of traveling on the road by aircraft, car and bus. Another chapter is called Live Sound and Recording and How it Changed. I literally saw thousands of rock-and-roll bands in those days. There are many more chapters. No one else was in this position at this time.
If you were a fan and in your early 20’s or teens in the ‘60s or ‘70s this will definitely give you some fond memories. It has me. I have sent my manuscript to some agents in New York and they were telling me that there was no market for this. They don’t seem to understand that 25 percent of the population of the United States is Baby boomers. That means you were there.
I NEED YOUR HELP to prove these agents wrong by contacting me at hossroadmanager@aol.com and tell me that you would like to see it come to publication. If I get enough e-mails, I can go straight to the publishers and eliminate the agents. I would appreciate your help.
Thank you very much and be sure to tell all your friends to also e-mail me.
Sincerely,
”HOSS”
Happy to pass this along ... we LOVE hearing stories from back in the day ... and I'm sure many of our readers would enjoy this book as well. Good luck to you! (kk)
By the way, I sent a copy of the above email to Forgotten Hits List Members Peter Noone, Mark Lindsay and Gary Puckett to see if any of them had any comments on working with Hoss (or reading his memories.) To date, only Gary Puckett has responded (but if we hear more, you can be sure that we'll pass it along.) Meanwhile, this sounds like a book that a LOT of us would enjoy reading ... so again, best of luck to you, Hoss! (kk)

Hey Hoss ...
Go right to the publishers, my friend. Everybody's got a story to tell and I know yours would be an interesting one. Hope the world is treating you well.
Good luck and best wishes,
Gary Puckett

re: TRIBUTE CDs ... and an Up-Coming Releases:
George Manney from geosound1@gmail.com sent us a new YouTube clip, featuring FH List Members Al Kooper and Charlie Graice ... you can check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC0We32BoxI

Al talks about mixing and playing on Charlie's new CD. Charlie talks about his first tour of England in 1957 as a Rock & Roll pioneer.

A George Manney film. Copyright 2009.

http://www.PhillyPopMusic.com
Visit Al Kooper online at: http://www.alkooper.com

>>>I remember suggesting that you consider "Cry For A Shadow" should there be the talked-about follow-up release!!! By the way, Mitch is ALSO working on a Monkees-Tribute CD!) kk
Kent ...
I love "Cry For A Shadow". I'll have to play around with that one.
If there is a Volume 2 of "Garage Band Beatles", my version of "I'll Be Back" has already been picked to be included on it.
Also ... I've completed my "Monkees Tribute track". I covered the Mike Nesmith tune, "You Told Me" from the "Headquarters" album. That was always one of my favorite Mike songs ... and I always loved the banjo part Peter Tork played on it, and had a great time in the studio recording my version of his banjo part. I met Peter this year, and got a chance to tell him how much I loved his playing on that track.
I don't know what the release date is for the Monkees Tribute CD ... It's another great project from Producer Pat Horgan ... and once again, I thank him for including me on it.
Mitch Schecter / The Rip Chords

re: AND, SPEAKING OF THE RIP CHORDS ... :
LOOK AT THIS COOL SHOW THAT'S COMING UP! THE RIP CHORDS ARE HONORED TO BE A PART OF THIS GREAT EVENT!
Mitch

ROCKERS ON BROADWAY: CELEBRATING THE 60’s
Monday - November 2, 2009
BB King Blues Club & Grill
- STARRING -
Eddie Brigati & Gene Cornish (The Rascals)
Lou Christie
Diana DeGarmo (American Idol)
Micky Dolenz (The Monkees)
Lesley Gore
The Rip Chords
- FEATURING -
Tony Award Winners - Alice Ripley and John Lloyd Young and Lisa Brescia, Tituss Burgess, Ben Cameron, Ta’Rea Campbell, Will Chase, Douglas Crawford, Kathy Deitch, Steve Gouviea, Emma Hunton, Sean Jeness, Donnie Kehr, Chad Kimball, Michelle Kinney, David Larsen, Greg Reuter, Jeremy Schonfeld, J. Robert Spencer & Members of the Cast of HAIR
Hosted by Legendary DJ “Cousin Brucie” Morrrow
BAND: Ted Baker, Kevin Dow, Matt Garrison, Kevin Kuhn, David Kuhn, Jay Leslie, Ethan Popp, John Putnam
Sponsored by Jeff Davis, The Frye Company, Macy's, Miller Coors, The Palm West
Proceeds to Benefit Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway Dreams Foundation, Bendheim Performing Arts Center
Tickets on sale now at the BB Kings Box Office or at ticketmaster.com

Wow! Now THAT's a show I would LOVE to see!!! What a line-up! Congrats, Mitch ... please report back to us on this one! (kk)

re: JUST PASSING IT ALONG:
I just got this from FH List Member Charles Rosenay, who asked me to pass the information along to our readers. (We've talked about this upcoming event before in Forgotten Hits ... but here it is again in case you're interested and missed it!) kk

Dear Friends,
As most of you know, next month we're having our first convention for fans in 12 years, "BEATexpo 2009." With such a great line-up of guests, fine bands, a nice variety of exhibits and vendors, and a wonderful location, it should be like the old shows we did "all those years ago" - fun for everyone in a great, Beatleful fan atmosphere.Whether you can make it or not to the show, I am reaching out to you for your help ... just please spread the word online to everyone you know. Tell them the convention is coming November 28-29 and to visit www.ToursAndEvents.com/BEATexpo.htm.
This is a grass roots fan-to-fan campaign to help get the word out about the event. It would be great if you could pass this information along -- you never know who's a fan. We thank you, and they'll appreciate it too! We're hoping that enough people will attend so that we'll be able to do a BEATexpo 2010. "It's guaranteed to raise a smile."
Cheers,
Charles F. Rosenay!!!
Liverpool Productions

re: ARTISTS BEWARE:
OK, this is probably one of the most PATHETIC emails I've ever received ... just a "heads up" to all of the artists and agents on our list ... watch out for THIS looney tune!!! (kk)
Hello All,
Like the 60's tune by the New Colony Six --- "I Confess" ... I gotta fess-up.
I am not a Booking Agent. I am not a licensed Booking Agent.
Here's my story:
I love music. I thought that if I contacted you, and told you I was a Booking Agent, you would send me your CD's / DVD's. Most of you did just that. I appreciated getting pictures and music from most of you.
If you visit my web-site, you'll see hidden messages in some of the paragraphs, that I just added.
This embarrassing -- but again I have a great collections of CD's that I can listen to now.
I hope all of you the best of luck.
James Laura Gray

re: HELPING OUT OUR READERS:
>>>I have been looking for a maybe early '60's tune called Angelico. I don't know who wrote it or who sang it, but a Peter Maffay does a German version that I found on iTunes ... but I remember hearing it in English as a kid. Any help on this forgotten hit? I have asked and asked and so far haven't even gotten a reply. (Bill)
>>>A quick check of Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles book came up empty ... maybe somebody else on the list recalls this one??? (kk)
>>>Is Bill thinking of "Angelica"? That song was written by Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil and originally released as a Capitol single by Mann in 1966 (it Bubbled Under in Billboard at #111, but peaked at #96 in Cash Box). In the next five years, there were at least 10 other single releases of the song, the most notable by Oliver on Crewe Records in 1970 (his version peaked at #97 in Billboard, #84 in Cash Box and #73 in Record World). Some of the other artists who released single versions in that period were Barry Gordon (Dunhill), Johnny Crawford (Sidewalk), Wayne Newton (MGM) and Ed Ames (RCA Victor).-(Randy Price)
>>>Bill, could your song be "Angelica" by Oliver (Swofford) from 1970? It was his 45 followup to "Sunday Morning". (Clark Besch)
>>>How about Bud & Travis on their "Best Of" release? (Guy Arnston in Algonquin)
>>>I LOVE a mystery. I have come up with two possibilities in Bill's search for Angelico.
1. Angelito. Rene and Rene on Columbia from the summer of 1964.
2. Angelica. Original version by its songwriter Barry Mann on Capitol in the summer of 1966. Cover versions by Johnny Crawford on Sidewalk, Oliver on Crewe, and the Sandpipers lp cut from their Guantanama album on A&M. (Allan)>>>OK, Bill, we've given you ALL kinds of choices here ... now you've just GOT to get back to us and tell us which one it is!!! (kk)
Hey thanks for all of the advice and help. But so far still no luck. The words I recall are something like this: "Angelico, Angelico Momma got to take you back. Angelico, Angelico teach you all the things you lack."
Neither of the songs at the Forgotten Hits site are familiar. I found the song, at least the correct tune as I don't understand German, done by Peter Maffay on I tunes. Take a listen and see if anything rings a bell. Someone out there besides me surely remembers this forgotten tune.
Thanks,
Bill
So we're STILL looking for answers on this one ... perhaps the addition of a few lyrics will help to ring a bell with one of our readers. Let us know ... and, if you have the track to share, all the better! (kk)

re: INSTRUMENTALS:
Have you voted for YOUR favorite instrumentals yet? We've already received a couple hundred votes ... get YOURS in before November 20th and we'll tabulate your 50 Favorites over the Thanksgiving Weekend! (kk)

Meanwhile, here are a few more of your instrumental comments ...

I would love to see the rankings of the fave instrumentals, but I have a bigger question: Of these, how many get any play?
Bob Mayben
Nowadays, not many ... but how would you like to do a whole show devoted to counting down the list's Top 20 Favorites? In fact, you could start promoting it NOW and encourage your listeners to cast THEIR votes, too ... in fact, we've already received close to 400 hundred votes ... so keep 'em coming, folks! We'll print your Top 50 Instrumental Favorites over Thanksgiving Weekend ... and who knows ... maybe Bobaloo will even count 'em down for ya, too!!! Stay tuned! (kk)
Hey Kent,
No problem, I would love to play them all. There is one problem, 'tho ... I record ahead, so I am now at the middle of November ... by the time I start pushing for votes it might be December before you have anything. (?)
Bob
lol ... well yeah, that DOES present a bit of a problem, doesn't it?!?!? (lol) Just trying to give you "First Dibbs", Bob!!! (lol) Let's see what we can work out ... maybe some type of Thanksgiving Weekend Special Programming or something ... I'm sure the radio station would go for it 'cause that'd give one of the regular jocks more time off over the holiday weekend. Then we could put together a three or four hour show, spotlighting The Top 50 with a few favorites and extras thrown in. Let's see what we can work out ... in the meantime, if any of the other jocks on the list are interested in doing something with this, drop me a note and we'll see what we can come up with! (kk)

>>>My definition of an instrumental, which I designate in my books with an [I] symbol, is a song that is two minutes or longer with less than 30 seconds of vocals. (Joel Whitburn)
In that case, Les Baxter's "Unchained Melody" doesn't qualify since the vocal is more than 60 seconds.
David

>>>I've considered DOING a list of instrumental favorites ... it'd be interesting to see how the charts compare. Are you guys up for that??? (kk)
I found my list of songs that I put on my multi-cassette instrumentals tapes in the 80's. Here's some fave obscure and not so obscure ones that should be checked out. I could probably provide an MP3 or surveys featuring songs if needed. My big liner notes at the time showed as many of the songs on local charts as I could find in my collection in 1980.
Casino Royale - Herbie Alpert (CLASSIC never played -- Kinda weird how no one plays TJB on oldies stations as big as they were in 60's. It's not "just an adult" thing either. I LOVED "Taste of Honey" and bought it as a kid with Dex Card playing it and flip a lot on WLS. There was even one good LP cover as I recall. Kent, do you by chance have that?)
Drivin' Guitars - D. Clinten Thomas (Morrells guitarist doing Ventures classic)
Miserlou - Dick Dale & Deltones (How BIG was this guy in Cally, but how little known elsewhere. Gotta hear his guitar work to understand.)
Inertia! - Hustlers (Amazing surf record from legendary Downey tapes)
Flip Side - Rumbles featuring Rich Clayton (WHAT? A Nebraska band doing GREAT surf? Tis True. Shades of Denver's Astronauts, I guess? Rich left the band that still carries on today, but he laid down some great guitar back then in 63.)
Ol' Sol - Dave Clark 5 (Whaa? DC5 Instrumental? Just a wailin' like their vocal songs)
2120 S. Michigan Ave. - Rolling Stones (Superb homage to that fanous place in Chicago!)
Baja - Astronauts (These guys had a mountain of cool tunes, surf and otherwise, but this is their signature. Check out "Surf Party" too!)
Cry For a Shadow - Beatles (About the only song with songwriting listed as all 4 fabs. Good tune and forgotten!)
Think Drink Theme - Mr. T & Coffeehouse 5 (Not the actual radio commercial, but close. This was played to death on WLS and CFL with the jocks talking up the National Coffee Society over this great catchy tune. I love this memory maker!)
Obsessed - 999 (OK, this is 1981! Sounds like Clint Eastwood music meeting punk rock era! Pretty darn cool!)
Stampede - Scarlets (From 59, sounds about as powerful as any DC5 64 track! )
Wham! - Lonnie Mack (Followup to "Memphis" is even better!!)
Anji - Simon & Garfunkel (OK, I don't hear Art, but I DO hear incredible guitar work from their 1965 early Columbia era.)
Twine Time - Alvin Cash & Crawlers (If you can't MOVE to this WLS hit, you can't dance at all!! Is it an instrumental??)
Expo-2000 - Chocolate Watchband (This 60's LP cut could have easily been a 1980's hit?? Great synthesizer type sound!)
For Pete's Sake - Sweetwater (Legendary group after the fact, but this groovy track is a testament to the love years!)
Like, Long Hair - Paul Revere & Raiders (Revere's boogie piano sound was a WLS hit and spawned many similar 45's with similar styles by the group pre-Columbia years)
In the Hall of the Mountain King - Sounds Incorporated (This is what the DC5 would have sounded like under Brian Epstein's management if they stayed with instrumentals?? Epstein was "the Inc's" manager.)
"Help!" (Intro) - Ken Thorne (Did they ever release this James Bond styled intro to "Help!" on CD yet? Worth owning the soundtrack LP just for this. I always loved playing it!)
80-96 - Dantes (Those in the know have heard the A side, but this Yardbirds rave-up is just that--and amazing!)
Beatle Time - Livers (Stealing from Jack Nitsche's "Lonely Surfer" classic, Chicago's James Holvay and Co. hit the WLS charts locally with hand claps and all!)
Bad News - Trashmen (Is this the earliest sampling? Stealing from "Surfin Bird", this is very much like another Trash classic, "Bird Bath" too!)
Can't Sit Down - Barney Pip with the Rovin' Kind (He WAS the "World's Greatest trumpet Player", but not really. Barney recorded this silly rendition in 67 and it will quickly make you "Turn into Peanut Butter!")
Apricot Brandy - Rhinoceros (Not only an amazing song, but one of the prime LP cover designs!)
S.F.O. - Rick Springfield (Sorry, from 85 "Hard to Hold" soundtrack, but a great instrumental! What do the initials mean? I have no idea. Maybe SWLABR?)
Hey - Original Symptoms (From the "Fonz" era, just a groovy novelty item from guys that evolved into above mentioned Morrells)
Let's Go Away for Awhile - Beach Boys (As B side to "Good Vibes", I played this a bunch as a kid. Long forgotten by most, but a relaxing time, fer sure.)
Top Gear - Who (Brit TV theme song with Nitsche horn style, is it really an instrumental? It cooks!!)
Pitch In - Unknown (Remember the Indian with the tear in his eye TV commercial from the early 70's? Some of these ran the instrumental, while some ran the vocal "You've got to pitch in to clean up America, or there won't be America anymore". Remember?)
Get Smart - Unknown (The TV theme is just one of many from 60's TV shows that are classic. "Hogan's Heroes" also rates as well as the incredible) ...
Mannix - Lalo Schifrin (This was released as a 45. Shoulda been a BIG hit!)
Let's Go Where the Action Is - Tommy Boyce (Original 45 release of the Dick Clark show theme before Freddie Cannon's song took over, this was the show's FIRST theme. The 45 had the TV vocal on one side and the instrumental on flip.)
Bandstand Boogie - Les Elgart Orchestra (The 50's CLASSIC American Bandstand TV theme! "Let's swing!")
Drums A-Go-Go - Hollywood Persuaders (On the Bandstand theme, this was the music played at the half hour when they came back from commercials to show the dancers who attended that week--also a bonafide hit in LA)
Dance with the Devil - Cozy Powell (A 60's sounding 1974 semi-hit from Jeff Beck's drummer)
Mr. Moto - Bel-Aires (California early 60's classic.)
Mouthful of Grass - Free (Flip of "All Right Now". Play this seemingly quiet guitar piece too loud and it will blow your speakers with its' bass)
Soul Twist - King Curtis (Wolfman Jack used this as his theme in 70's on WNBC radio shows, but WLS played it a ton and plugged the LP back when.)
Put it Where You Want it - Crusaders (Imus used this one when he was on WNBC and Monitor in 70's as HIS theme. Great jazzy sax and organ!)
Evolution - Louie Shelton (I think he played the opening guitar part on "Valleri" by the Monkees)
Mach Nine - Angelo's Angels (Chicago band! Also try these local Chi instrumental 45s: Thunder Wagon - Noblemen and No Tresspassin' - Tresspassers)
National City - Joiner Arkansas Junior High School Band (They appeared on Bandstand, but the song was not by a high-school band!)
Midnight Cowboy - John Barry (his 45 version is SO much better then F&T hit)
Spur of the Moment - Larry Collins (One of the rockabilly brother act, the Collins Kids, Larry used his double-knecked guitar well here from early 60's!)
Ridin' the Wind - Tornadoes (Great followup to "Telstar", but flopped nationally.)
Misty - Groove Holmes (Love this version. First one I ever heard of this song as a kid and still my fave.)
Scratchy - Travis Wammack (Last, but not least! What is he saying in the middle break?? Is it backwards?? I cannot tell. It is GREAT and a WLS hit!)
Try these if you are into obscure instrumentals!!
WLSClark
Judging by the number of votes that have already come in, it's doubtful that an "obscure" instrumental is going to make The Top 50 ... FAR too many popular titles have already been nominated and are earning votes ... but you never know for sure.
Addressing a couple of your titles above (because some of these titles HAVE already earned some votes):
There are some GREAT Herb Alpert instrumentals to choose from ... NOBODY dominated the album charts more than these guys in the '60's. (I seem to remember them having a pretty provocative LP cover, too ... but I just can't seem to recall just what it was at the moment!!!) TJB Hits DEFINITELY worth a radio-spin now and again include "The Lonely Bull", "A Taste Of Honey", "Zorba The Greek", "Tijuana Taxi", "Spanish Flea", Alpert's version of "The Happening", "My Favorite Things", "Whipped Cream" (Man, that one sounds familiar!) and Top 40 Hits like "What Now My Love", "The Work Song", "Flamingo", "Mame", "Wade In The Water", "A Banda" and the aforementioned "Casino Royale." To date, just "A Taste Of Honey" and Alpert's solo chart-topper "Rise" have been earning votes of any noticeable proportions ... but it's still early enough to vote for some of your other Tijuana Brass favorites.
"Misirlou" by Dick Dale and "Baja" by The Astronauts have BOTH been receiving votes at this early stage of the game. Other "surf" favorites seem to be "Wipe Out" by The Surfaris (natch!) and "Walk Don't Run" by The Ventures. ("Hawaii Five-O" has also been seeing some action.) And, speaking of TV Themes, "Mission Impossible" by Lalo Schiffrin is another early favorite.
You're confusing your Beatles instrumentals ... "Flying" (from "Magical Mystery Tour" is the one where all four fabs are credited with songwriting credit ... "Cry For A Shadow" is the ONLY track ever recorded by the band showing a "Lennon - Harrison" songwriting credit. It's a GREAT track (and each of these have already earned a vote or two) and, in fact, you'll find "Cry For A Shadow" suggested above as an interesting track for Mitch Schecter of The Rip Chords to cover on the next "Garage Band Beatles" CD. (Too late ... he's already cut "I'll Be Back"!) As for the James Bond-type intro to "Help", yes, it IS available on the Capitol Albums reissue series on CD ... personally, I always liked the Ken Thorne closing theme, "The Chase" (with a couple of interruptions reminding us that "I Need You" was written by George Harrison ... funny stuff!). And let's not forget "Ringo's Theme" by George Martin from "A Hard Day's Night", featuring the stellar guitar work of our very own Vic Flick! (He's on John Barry's version of "Goldfinger", too, which has ALSO been earning some votes!)
Paul Revere and the Raiders first hit the charts with an instrumental, "Like Long Hair", and that one's actually gotten a couple of votes, too. So has "Melody For An Unknown Girl", a track included on their first Greatest Hits LP (and a very MINOR hit for a group called The Unknowns that included Mark Lindsay on sax along with Steve Alaimo and Keith Allison.)
Believe it or not, "Twine Time" by Alvin Cash and the Crawlers and "Apricot Brandy" by Rhinoceros, have BOTH received a couple of votes. And while "Let's Go Away For Awhile" by The Beach Boys is a beautiful track, it's "Pet Sounds" that the readers have been voting for. (DIDJAKNOW that Brian Wilson originally worked up the music for that one as consideration for a James Bond Movie Theme ... but was turned down by the movie producers???) Another great LP track that's gotten a vote or two is "Glad" by Traffic ... a GREAT cut ... but again MOST of the votes coming in have been for the tried-and-true hits.
There've been a few great instrumentals mentioned that time hasn't forgotten ... how about "Cast Your Fate To The Wind" by either Vince Guaraldi or Sounds Orchestral? "Alley Cat" by Bent Fabric? "Midnight In Moscow" by Kenny Ball? Heck, somebody even voted for "Groovy Grubworm" by Harlow Wilcox!!! Be sure to get YOUR votes in now!!! (Don't let YOUR instrumental favorites go unnoticed!) kk

re: ON THE RADIO:
>>>Kudos to Bob Stroud for "Pushing The Envelope" a little bit with some VERY creative programming ... a salute to the cow bell! (And what's next??? Shall we start our list for Favorite Songs Featuring Maracas??? The Wood Block? How about The Triangle??? And, of course, if we ever feature Ten Great Tambourine Songs, in addition to "Mr. Tambourine Man" by The Byrds and "Green Tambourine" by The Lemon Pipers, let's be sure to include something featuring Davy Jones and Tracy Partridge ... two of the most FAMOUS tambourine players of all time!!!) WTG, Bob! (kk)
How about songs featuring the sounds of a slinky? Give a listen to "She Lets Her Hair Down". I can't think of any others!
David Lewis

Hi Kent,
I was engrossed in your dissertation on the subtle differences between the mono and stereo Beatles stuff. This is exactly the type of thing that needs to be discussed on the show, with audio proof to back up the statements. Are you game?
Jim Shea / Y-103.9
If we can work out the logistics, I'd love to do it! (Maybe a Saturday show would be best.) If this moves forward, we'll be sure to let our readers know about it so that THEY can tune in, too. (kk)

I would love to interview you this week about the rock and roll hall of "shame" ... whadda ya think?
scott shannon
I'd love to do BOTH of these shows if we can work out the timing. (Jeez, where were you guys when I WASN'T working!!! lol Lately I've been putting in 11, 12 and 13 hours a day!!!) Let's see what we can put together. Again, stay tuned, FH Readers, for more details. (kk)

re: OH YEAH ... NOW I REMEMBER!!!: