Are you still alive?
Do you ever get writer's block?
Are you still posting new material on the website?
Everything OK???
The answer is ... yeah ... sort of!!!
It's been a rough couple of weeks here and, quite honestly, I just haven't had the inspiration or inclination to spend much time at the computer keyboard ... still not feeling anywhere near 100% but concerned that if I didn't get SOMETHING up here pretty soon, you'll just stop checking!!! So I've gathered together a few bits and pieces from the past couple of weeks, put 'em up on the site, and can only promise you that we'll see where it goes from here.
It wouldn't be my style to simply fade into the sunset ...
At the very least, I would post something ANNOUNCING that I was going to fade into the sunset!!! (lol)
So thank you for all of your concerns and well-wishes ... I really do appreciate them.
Meanwhile, on with the show ... albeit a much SHORTER version of the show than usual!!! (kk)
re: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY:
Just copped this from Ron Smith's excellent oldiesmusic.com website, just in time for Valentine's Day!!!
The Olivia Newton-John song, "Physical" was named the sexiest song ever on a list of 50 released by Billboard magazine for Valentine's Day. It was followed by Rod Stewart's "Tonight's The Night," "I'll Make Love To You" by Boyz II Men, "Too Close" by Next and Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." Rod also had the #10 song with "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?"
-- Ron Smith
Wow ... I would have figured "Let's Get It On" for #1 ... with Gaye's "Sexual Healing" not far behind. (Never really found "Physical" all that romantic ... lol!) Where did "Afternoon Delight" place on the list? How 'bout "Je T'Aime", "Jungle Fever", "Love To Love You Baby", "Miracles" by Jefferson Starship ... that's the one I've heard most-often-mentioned as the song that turns people on ... or "Stay Awhile" by The Bells. Scott Shannon's been playing Valentine's Day Love Songs all weekend long on The True Oldies Channel ... so naturally I requested MY favorite love song of all time, "My Girl Bill" by Jim Stafford! Actually, the song that best helps me with MY romantic rhythms has always been "Mah-Na-Mah-Na" ... but that's a different story all together!!! (kk)
re: COOL STUFF:
I was never one of those who got into the whole SpongeBob SquarePants phenomena ... it just never struck my fancy and the kids were at the "in-between" ages where they wouldn't have watched it anyway ... but tomorrow night (Monday, February 15th) is a "sponge-worthy" event worth noting.
I guess there are two "Super Hero" characters on the show called Mermaidman and Barnacleboy who are normally voiced by Ernest Borgnine and Tim Conway ... which is pretty cool in and of itself since these two guys starred together on McHale's Navy way back when. But on tomorrow night's episode they're running a "Back To The Past" time-traveling episode which will render younger versions of these two heroes that'll be voiced by none other than Adam West and Burt Ward, TV's original Batman and Robin!!! (Now how cool is THAT?!?!?)
Check your local listings for more details (as I think this is one of those syndicated programs that runs at different times in different cities.) kk
Lionel Richie recently announced that The Commodores are getting back together for a reunion tour ... one last chance to allow fans to remember the good times. The band enjoyed their hey-day between 1974 and 1981 before lead Richie left to pursue a very successful solo career. The original Commodores scored sixteen Top 40 Hits including soft-rock classics like "Easy", "Three Times A Lady", "Still" and "Sail On" ... and showed their funky side, too, with tracks like "Brick House" and "Lady (You Bring Me Up)".
After Lionel left, The Commodores managed one more Top Ten Hit when "Nightshift", their tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, soared to #3 and topped Billboard's R&B Chart for four weeks.
This should be a VERY enjoyable concert, especially if Richie is allowed to work some of his solo material into the set. (He released a new CD last year called "Just Go" ... and the title track (featuring Akon) sounded as good as ANYTHING he'd ever put out before!) kk
And, speaking of Lionel Richie, have you seen the new "We Are The World" video recorded to raise funds for Haiti? Richie, of course, had a major hand in the original 1985 production, cowriting the tune with Michael Jackson and, quite honestly, I was a little apprehensive about why a remake of such a powerful piece was necessary ... in my mind, I could only see it tarnishing and cheapening the original.
Well, I'm happy to say that I was 100% wrong. If you haven't seen it yet, please check out the link below ... it's been updated to a very contemporary arrangement that still retains all of the power and charm of the original ... VERY well done ... and certainly for a good cause.
I've heard news reports of food and supplies being intercepted on their way to Haiti and the very idea just sickens me ... once again, in what is most certainly the most difficult of financial times to do so, Americans and people all over the world have given from their hearts to try to help these poor people through this utter and complete devastation. Check out the video and, if you haven't already done so, make a donation. (kk)
Click here: YouTube - We Are The World 25 For Haiti - Official Video
re: CRUISIN' TO THE OLDIES:
Hi Kent ~
Love the column ... Always the best.
I'm doing a Cruise show with my pal Davy Jones this coming April 3rd.
On the bill with us is Barry Williams and Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods.
Looks to be a fun 7 days of music and meet and greets.
Here's Davy and me in Orlando last week.
All the best mate and rock on
Ronnie D.
Ironically, I had just been reading about this cruise the other day ... sounds like a real fun time. Over the past few years, we've been approached a number of times about putting together some sort of an "Oldies / Cruisin'" Program, utilizing so many of the artists on our list as featured performers. Let's face it, our age group is probably the most economically viable to do a 7-10 day cruise ... and just think about how much more fun that would all be with a different oldies headliner each night, some type of mega-jam-session on the weekend and maybe some individual "Meet 'n' Greets" or "on deck" acoustical performances where you never really knew for certain just WHO might show up. If any of the folks on the list express an interest in this ... or, if any of the artists might be interested (or have some stories of their own to share from similar type oldies cruises you've worked on), we'd LOVE to hear about them ... who knows ... 2010 JUST might be the year we finally put something together!!! (kk)The last cruise I did was with Bo Donaldson & The Hewoods.
We cruised down to Mexico from the west coast on a Carnaval cruise and it rocked!
We did one big show, a meet and greet, where we took questions from the fans, and then an unplugged night in the small showroom.
It was so cool to get to spend seven days with the fans of our music on the ship.
I'm really looking forward to this April's cruise with Davy Jones and the gang.
All the best,
Ronnie D.
re: AND, SPEAKING OF "ARTIST PARTICIPATION ... :
I received an email last night from one of our readers who has a new book coming out in October called "Rock And Roll Ghost Stories". She's already lined up a number of recent artists to share their personal experiences ... and she's asked me to see if we can entice any of the artists on OUR list to participate as well.
Unfortunately, the deadline for submissions is March 15th ... (kinda short notice, I know, but Stacy tells me that a "Volume 2" edition is already in the works) ... who knows, maybe volume one can feature the "new kids on the block" and volume two can concentrate on some of the classic artists who take part in our publication.
Anyway, all of the details are shown below ... and, if you DO have a story to tell and can get it over to Stacy before the March 15th deadline, you just may find yourself in this year's edition. (More details as they become available ... meanwhile, check out the website if you're interested.)
Hi Kent,
Hope this email finds you and yours doing well. Our mutual friend, Kristy White, mentioned your blog to me and thought you might be interested, as well as might be able to help me a bit. I am finishing up a book, Rock & Roll Ghost Stories, and am still looking for a few more stories. So far the book features newer bands like The Dandy Warhols, The Church, Tim Finn (of Crowded House), Morningwood, Hal Sparks’ Zero 1, Metropol, The Misfits … but I am so very interested in obtaining stories from 50s, 60s and 70s musicians. Kristy mentioned you have a lot of industry insiders watching your blog. Is it at all possible that you could mention that I am looking for more stories ... or help put me in contact with a couple management folk? Any help you can lend would be greatly appreciated.
Here is my book website. There is an e-form for submissions at the site, or they can email stories to book@babbleandbeat.com. I will gladly include a small bio, a couple band website links and a photo if they desire. Volume 1 comes out October 2010 in paperback and digital formats.
www.rockandrollghoststories.com
Thank you for your time.
Best,
Stacy McArdle-Sardelli
re: WE'RE ALL GETTING OLDER:
Here's one I think both the oldies fans AND the artists will enjoy ... recently submitted by our buddy Wild Bill Cody:
Well gang, I hate to say it, but all the people we listened to when we were young have grown old just like us ... give a listen to see what I mean ... and enjoy!
Wild Bill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnPINGavPP0
re: 789 CHEVY:
Got this from our Forgotten Hits Buddy John Madara:
789 Chevy: 1957, 1958 and 1959 All Rolled Into One!
This car was built by N2A motors (No Two Alike). Unbelievable!
The company is planning a production run of about 100 vehicles.
It sits on a Corvette C6 chassis and has been front styled like a '57 Chevy, side-styled like a '58 and rear-styled like a '59 ... hence the designation, "789."
Is this a hot looking car or what!!!
You probably need to be at least 60 yrs old to really appreciate this!!!
The "789" Chevy.
--John Madara
Oh, I don't know about that ... a cool car is a cool car at ANY age! Kinda reminds me of that Johnny Cash classic novelty hit "One Piece At A Time", always one of my favorites!
re: THE MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET:
And, speaking of Johnny Cash ... and, in a minute, Roy Orbison, here's another quick review of "The Million Dollar Quartet", now playing here in Chicago:
The Million Dollar Quartet was AWESOME! There's not a bad seat in the house! It's almost like you're just sitting thru a rock concert ... U guys would love it!
I'd say I knew 60 - 70% of the songs. They were all amazing singers and played their own instruments! It was nuts!
The Jerry Lee Lewis guy was phenomonal ... the Johnny Cash guy sounded JUST like Johnny Cash ... spot on. There were moments when you actually thought it was Elvis up on stage ... and they start it all off with a short clip of the real guys in the studio that night ... even the Sam Phillips guy is great!
You've got to see it before it leaves town ... it's already been extended through March but then that's it. It's a small theater so every seat is a good seat ... and I think some of the tickets start at just $25. You guys have just gotta go see it!
Nicki
We're adding it to our "To Do" list for sure!!! Thanks, Nicki! (kk)
re: HONORING "THE BIG O":
Roy Orbison honored with star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame
(from TravelingWilburys.com)
submitted by FH Reader Ed Andrews
The late Roy Orbison was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during an unveiling ceremony on Jan. 29. Located in front of the historic Capitol Records building in Los Angeles, Roy’s star is positioned next to the stars of his great friends George Harrison and John Lennon. His wife, Barbara Orbison accepted the award on behalf of Roy, with sons Wesley, Roy Jr. and Alex. Special guests included Traveling Wilburys bandmate Jeff Lynne, Dan Akroyd, Joe Walsh, David Lynch, T-Bone Burnett, Phil Everly, Chris Isaak, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Mraz, Olivia Harrison and many others. Orbison grew up in the tiny Wink, Texas, and by the time he was 21 he was loved around the world for his soaring five octave voice. He recorded for Sun Records, becoming part of the label's artist roster. During his tenure on Nashville-based Monument Records, he recorded his first string of hits including as "Only the Lonely," "Blue Bayou," and "Oh Pretty Woman." These were among his first songs to top the charts, and Orbison is one of the very few artists to have been accepted by the world in all forms of popular music, and to have won Grammys in pop, rock and roll and country categories. In 1987 Roy was Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bruce Springsteen, who subsequently joined an all star ensemble for Roy and friends 's Black & White Night (featuring Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, JD Souther, Tom Waits, Jennifer Warnes). On December 6, 1988 the world lost Roy Orbison, but the legacy of his music lives on. Roy was the only artist (other than Elvis) to have two simultaneous posthumously-charting Top 5 albums with his mega-hit "You Got It" (written with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty) off of Roy's solo release Mystery Girl (a collaboration with Bono); and The Traveling Wilburys (including bandmates Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty) . Both of these releases also won him two Grammys. In 1991, two years after his death, he won the Grammy for Best Male Vocalist, for his performance of “Pretty Woman” from the concert Black & White Night.
A fitting tribute to be sure ... congratulations, Roy ... I hope you're up there smiling down on all of us today (making that increidble "GRRRRRWL" sound you always did!!! lol) kk
re: AND RINGO, TOO!:
MONDAY NIGHT, AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME ", A STAR FOR A STARR" WAS UNVEILED
RINGO STARR'S NAME CEMENTED A LITTLE PEACE AND A LOT OF LOVE INTO THE LEGENDARY WALK OF FAME
The event, watched by thousands of fans, took place in front of Capitol Records, at 1750 Vine in Hollywood, where Ringo's star, the 2401st on the walk, was placed in line with fellow Beatle's George Harrison and John Lennon as well as dear friend Roy Orbison (whose star was celebrated just last week, with Ringo adding "Roy was the hardest act the Beatles ever had to follow").
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a special evening event, and it was a full-on Hollywood style celebration, closing off Hollywood and Vine and using search lights to emblazon the night sky. Ringo applauded the change, encouraging the Chamber to continue these in the evening, "I don't know how it is where you come from," he said, "but where I live, the stars come out at night."
Leron Gubler, CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, welcomed everyone. On hand to induct Ringo was fellow "mocker" and now brother in law Joe Walsh, musician, friend and former producer Don Was and Ringo's most recent band mate and friend Ben Harper, who just completed a promotional tour to support Ringo's current CD Y NOT.
In his acceptance speech, Ringo said of his inductors, "I like to spend as much time as I can with great human beings, and the three guys that got up tonight are at the top of my list." The love was palpable, emulating from the heartfelt eloquent and often funny speeches from Ringo's friends and the crowd who could not contain their enthusiasm and shouted "Peace and Love!" and "We Love You Ringo!!" throughout the 40 minute plus ceremony. One voice from the crowd reached Ringo and he said into the microphone, with his typical wit, "in case you didn't hear her she said I look fantastic!"
Sitting to the right of the stage was Ringo's family, including his wife, Barbara Bach Starkey, and Ringo thanked her from the podium adding "30 years we have been together, she is a beautiful human being with a beautiful heart and that's who I fell in love with ... I love you, Barbara."
Ringo also acknowledged The Beatles, and Paul, who was in England and couldn't attend, saying, "I still think we were the best band in the land."
Sitting next to Barbara was her sister Marjorie Bach Walsh, and friends Barbara Orbison and son Roy, Jr., Olivia Harrison, David Lynch, Eric Idle, Benmont Tench, Jeff Lynne, Noah Wylie, All Starr's Edgar Winter and wife Monique, Gary Wright and his wife Rose, Sheila E, Jim Keltner and many more friends and family.
Even Mayor Villarigosa, who was scheduled to be at another simultaneous event, meant to just drop by but wound up staying for the duration. It was a love and star filled night for Ringo Starr, who concluded his speech with an exuberant trademark "Peace and Love!"
The entire Ringo Starr Hollywood Star event could be seen on a live webcast, produced by SyncLive, which brought the event to online viewers around the world, and can still be seen in encore broadcasts at RingoStarr.com, TheBeatles.com, and several other sites.
Meanwhile, Ringo's also getting ready for his upcoming summer tour with The All-Stars. Here are a few details on THIS event:
RINGO STARR AND THE ALL STARS ON TOUR
The 11th All Starrs will feature Edgar Winter on sax and keyboards, Gary Wright on keyboards and Gregg Bissonette on drums. New to the All Starrs are Rick Derringer on Guitar, Richard Page on bass (Mr. Mister) and Wally Palmar on Guitar and Harmonica (Romantics).
Booked by Dave Hart, the tour will kick off this June 24, 2010 at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Canada, include a July 7 (Ringo's Birthday!) show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City ending at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on August 7.
The complete schedule is listed below:
June: 24-25 Niagara Falls, ONT Fallsview Casino
26 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center
27 Uncasville, CN Mohegan Sun Arena
29 Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavilion
30 Westbury, NY Westbury Theatre
July:2 Easton, PA State Theatre
3 Atlantic City, NY Caesar's Circus Maximus
5 New Brunswick, NJ State Theater
6 Lancaster, PA American Theater
7 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
10 Atlanta, Ga Chastain Park
11 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
13 Clearwater, Fl Ruth Eckerd Hall
15 Hollywood, Fl Hard Rock Arena
17 Saint Augustine, FL St Augustine Amphitheatre
20 Cleveland, OH City Lights Pavilion
21 Canandaigua, NY Sands PAC
23 Windsor, ONT Caesars
24 Hammond, IN Horseshoe Casino
25 Prior Lake, MN Mystic Lake Casino
28 Calgary, ALB Jubilee Theater
30 Spokane, WA Northern Quest Casino
31 Woodinville, Wa Chateau St Michelle
August:5 Rancho Mirage, CA Agua Caliente Casino
6 San Diego, CA Humphrey's
7 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
And, of course, we have to mention Ringo's new CD, YNOT!!!
Y NOT - THE BRAND NEW ALBUM FROM RINGO STARR -NOW AVAILABLE
1. Fill In The Blanks
2. Peace Dream
3. The Other Side Of Liverpool
4. Walk With You
5. Time
6. Everyone Wins
7. Mystery Of The Night
8. Can't Do It Wrong
9. Y Not
10. Who's Your Daddy
GET THE ALBUM NOW
re: TOMMY JAMES:
We've been telling you about Tommy James' new book for close to a year now ... well, it finally hit book stores this week ... and I can't wait to read it. Meanwhile, our Forgotten Hits Buddy Artie Wayne has begun posting his exclusive interview with the rock and roll legend on his website ... and several of the questions he's asking Tommy came right from our Forgotten Hits Readers! You won't want to miss this ... you can check it all out here:
Kent ...
On February 16, 2010, Tommy James (“Crimson and Clover”, “I Think We’re Alone Now”) comes out with his long awaited book, “ME, THE MOB, AND THE MUSIC”. I never thought anyone would ever write about the music business as candidly or about the nefarious Morris Levy, owner of Roulette records, as boldly as Tommy has!
Click here: LADY GAGA, TOMMY JAMES, KEITH, AND CENSORSHIT! « Artie Wayne On The Web
http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/tommy-james-shocking-new-book-methe-mob-and-the-music/
Click here: PART TWO…TOMMY JAMES “ME, THE MOB, AND THE MUSIC”, AND OF COURSE, MORRIS LEVY! « Artie Wayne On The Web
Regards,
Artie Wayne
http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/about-artie-wayne
Lots more to post ... I've got over three weeks of emails still to sort through and just haven't had the time or energy to do so ... we'll try to get out anything that's still relevant in about a week or so. Meanwhile, I've gotta tell you that it really feels good to get something out there today ... so please enjoy and keep those comments coming! (kk)
