re: MOTOWN:
Hi Kent!
Here's an article from the Wall Street Journal in which Smokey Robinson reveals how he wrote The Temptations' #1 Hit "My Girl" ...
David Lewis
David Lewis
Just weeks after it was released on December 21, 1964, the Temptations' 11th single began racing up Billboard's Hot 100 chart, becoming the group's first No. 1 hit in March of 1965. Over time, the song — written and produced by Smokey Robinson — has become a pop-soul anthem and arguably Motown's best-known and most successful hit.
Mr. Robinson, who continues to actively tour at age 71, recently reflected on "My Girl"'s inspiration and creative evolution — and talked about how the song's famous guitar lick nearly was discarded.
I didn't set out to write "My Girl" for the Miracles and me to record. My wife at the time wasn't the inspiration, either. And "My Girl" wasn't conceived as an answer to "My Guy" — a No. 1 hit I had written for Mary Wells earlier that year. I wrote "My Girl" in 1964 specifically for the Temptations, with hopes they would make it a hit.
Months earlier, I had written "The Way You Do the Things You Do" for them — with Eddie Kendricks singing lead. But after the song became the group's first big hit, all of Motown's staff writers and producers began trying to duplicate my success by writing songs for the Temptations, with Eddie singing lead. I had to come up with something different. Fortunately, Eddie wasn't the only one in the group with a fine voice. I had heard David Ruffin sing lead while we were all on the same bill at a series of Detroit clubs. So while everyone else at Motown focused on Eddie, I sat down at my piano in Detroit and composed a song for David.
But unlike Eddie, David had this gruff, tough baritone voice. You know, "Come here girl and let me love you" — that kind of thing. I figured that if I he sang something sweet and sincere, the contrast would connect with girls who listened to the radio and bought records. To bring that out, I imagined a pulsating, heartbeat tempo. I already had the key and chord changes in mind. The melody just came.
A short time later, we [the Miracles] were out on the road again with the Temptations. At New York's Apollo Theater, we went down to the stage and I played them "My Girl" on the piano. Then the Temptations gave it a shot. While David sang lead, the rest of the guys in the group began to add things. They made up their own background vocals, like "hey-hey hey" and a series of "my girls" echoing David's vocal. The Temptations were the greatest background maker-uppers ever [laughs]. When we were finished, they said they loved the song.
That September, I went into the studio to produce the instrumental tracks. All of the Funk Brothers [Motown's studio band] were so great at adding little touches, provided you had the music's basics down. We did two rundowns of "My Girl" to get comfortable.
At the start of the third rundown, guitarist Robert White stood up and started walking around the studio playing a riff [sings the song's signature line]. But halfway in, Robert cut it off, saying "No, no, no, no, no." He didn't think what he had was right. I said, "No, no, no, my butt. That's going to be in the song." Now, of course, that line has become one of the most famous guitar riffs ever recorded.
The Temptations' vocal tracks were overdubbed in November. [Arranger] Paul Riser added the strings, which highlighted David's sweetness and the sincerity of the words. Then the single was released.
In February, 1965, the Miracles and I were out touring. After we returned to Detroit, Berry [Gordy, Motown's owner] called me into his office and handed me a $1,000 bonus check. He said, "You've got a No. 1 record coming." I thought he was talking about something the Miracles had recorded. When I asked which one, he said, "My Girl." I couldn't believe it.
Today, I sing "My Girl" in every one of my shows, and audiences know what's coming from the opening bass notes. It's every songwriter's dream to compose something that touches so many people like that for so long. "My Girl" is my dream come true.
-- Edited from an interview by Marc Myers
Motown Monday???
I'm waiting for Tamla Tuesday!!!
Jersey John
You know, that's actually not a bad idea!!! (lol) kk
re: THE WRECKING CREW:
Before they were The Wrecking Crew ...
They were "The Phil Spector Wall of Sound Orchestra"?
Jersey John
Jersey John
Yep, sure were ... and that's the way most of the industry insiders referred to them, too. More and more I'm thinking that "The Wrecking Crew" were self-christened by Hal Blaine!!! (kk)
By the way, regular Forgotten Hits contributor Bob Rush (aka Dr. Robert of "The Beat", a British publication that focuses on good old American rock and roll, too!), recently did a piece on The Wrecking Crew for this publication ... and he's just given us permission to rerun it in Forgotten Hits. So watch for THAT to pop up soon (after our Ed Sullivan Series runs its course!) kk
re: THE BEACH BOYS:
SO much cool Beach Boys stuff going on right now ... Brian Wilson's new Disney album ... the release (FINALLY!!!) of the "SMiLE" album on CD (in ALL kinds of deluxe editions) ... talks about the 50th Anniversary Reunion Tour ...
Here's just SOME of the latest buzz:
If you’re anything like me you’re counting down the seconds until The Beach Boys SMiLE Sessions are released on November 1 domestically (October 31, internationally). And, like me, you’ll probably disappear for weeks … This collection goes deeper into the sessions than any bootleg has ever gone before. These sessions explain away a lot of misconstrued ideas about what Brian intended, or was thinking at the time as hypothesized by historians through the years. Let each session speak for itself, and enjoy the multiple surprises in the “Heroes and Villains” sessions, and the sheer brilliance of each little musical minuet … no matter how short or unrealized. (more)
Read the complete review here: Beach Boys Examiner
re: COOL READS:
I recently picked up a copy of Harvey Kubernik's brand new book "A Perfect Haze: The Illustrated History of the Monterey International Pop Festival" ... and what a BEAUTIFUL book it is ... over 250 pages of amazing photos and stories. In fact, I just saw my first review for this ... (the book officially becomes available on Tuesday, November 1st) ... and I may even write a review myself (if I can ever find the time to sit down and actually read it!!! lol Yep, between 65 hour work weeks and the brand new Ed Sullivan Series, virtually EVERY spare minute of my day has been taken up for weeks now ... but once life returns to semi-normal, I can't wait to tear into this one!!!)
Meanwhile, check this out ... it looks like something that would be right up our readers' alley!!! (kk)
Before Woodstock, thousands of hippies descended on Monterey for the first ever International Pop Festival. At the height of the 1967 summer of love, many were unaware of the part they were about to play in the forthcoming "cultural explosion." Decorated producer Lou Adler cheerfully recalls the conception of the groundbreaking event, which gathered artists who represented the festival's harmonious principles. The authors provide sumptuous documentation through telegrams, contracts, newspaper clippings, line-up posters, and other rare paraphernalia. The work of celebrated photographers captures the atmosphere of this terrific spectacle: the rawness of Janis Joplin; the audacity of (then relatively unknown) Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar alight; the showmanship of The Who; and the "cultivated relaxation" enjoyed by the crowd spacing out to The Grateful Dead and Ravi Shankar before being blown away by Otis Redding. The Kuberniks's combined knowledge and passion make for a thoroughly entertaining retrospective. As David Crosby says: "What happened at Monterey was the flowering of an entirely different set of values." Festival organizer Michelle Phillips closes proceedings with reflections on this genuine happening, and the dawn of a far out philosophy that keeps on giving. (Nov.)
"Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon." (Sterling Publishing)
Reviewed on: 10/24/2011
-- Publishers Weekly
You'll find another great review here:
You'll find another great review here:
Music Connection Magazine
November 2011 Vol. 35 No. 11
Informing Music People Since 1976
Book Store
For The Coffee Table.
A Perfect Haze: The Illustrated History of the Monterey International Pop Festival.
By Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik
The sights and sounds of one of the most famous music festivals in history, held in June 1967. Come to life in this compilation of photography, memorabilia, and firsthand accounts from the Summer of Love’s biggest event.
This could be the definitive book on the unprecedented gathering of folk, pop, soul and jazz music icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Who and Otis Redding.
Co-authors Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik feature a wealth of previously unpublished material from the producer’s archives, rare items from collectors, personal photographs from concert-goers, and dozens of new interviews with musicians involved, including Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Ravi Shankar, and Canned Heat.
Through hundreds of photographs taken from notable artists alongside ephemera and memorabilia, such as programs, posters, and album covers, the book evokes the magic moment of the festival as the epicenter of a groundbreaking movement showcasing it in all its kaleidoscopic glory.
Harvey's other recent book is playing to rave reviews, too ... I wanna check out THIS one!!! (kk)
"Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon." (Sterling Publishing)
Author Harvey Kubernik
Book Review By Chris James, editor
SHAKE! Magazine Fall 2011 Volume 8 November 1
Hendersonville, Tennessee www.shakemagazine,com
Written by long-time L.A. resident, Harvey Kubernik, "Canyon of Dreams" is a personal tribute based on exclusive interviews with musical giants. Kubernik has long-time connections with most of the stars. He has been a writer and PR man in L.A. for decades.
This insider’s look at 80 years of music and culture in Laurel Canyon is loaded with beautiful, and in many cases previously unreleased photos.
We get improved insight into The Doors, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Monkees, The Turtles, Canned Heat, Jackson Browne, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Sonny & Cher and Carole King. The three surviving Doors talk about Jim Morrison. Randy Meisner reminisces about the Eagles first gig. Graham Nash describes writing "Our House," Lou Adler discusses his legendary Sunset Strip venues-the Whisky a Go-Go, Roxy Theater, Rainbow Bar & Grill. He and Michelle Phillips recall the Monterey International Pop Festival. Slash, raised in Laurel Canyon, describes Guns N’ Roses beginnings.
Longtime friend of Kubernik, Ray Manzarek write the foreword. Then, after we look at the early days of films and jazz, moving chronologically, Harvey focuses on the rock icons who lived in Laurel Canyon like Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell and Micky Dolenz. Visitors such as Eric Burdon, Donovan and John Mayall, were drawn by the powerful allure. The book portrays the Monkees in a new light. They were part of the scene.
This residential area was the center of rock music for nearly a decade. Interviews with Andrew Loog Oldham, Mark Volman, Henry Diltz and many others tell what it was like during this era. Every aspect of Laurel Canyon and the Sunset Strip area is remembered, the clubs, the bands, the record companies, the radio stations. Jazz artists of the fifties and sixties. Who lived in the area are mentioned too. Myths are supported or dispelled.
The superb photographs display the times. Their visual impact is as important as the script. Henry Diltz started as a folk singer and tells how his career morphed into that of an iconic rock photographer. He shot The Doors’ "Morrison Hotel" album cover.
Doug and Daryl Dragon, whose father was symphony conductor, Carmen Dragon, lived in a house bought by TV star Wally Cox, then Peter Tork, then Stephen Stills and even later used by the Rolling Stones to rehearse for a tour. It was known as the ultimate party house when Tork was there.
So many famous people lived in Laurel Canyon; H.B. Barnum, Harry Houdini, Tom Mix, Tex Ritter, Jackie De Shannon, Robert Heinlein, Tim Buckley, the Firesign Theater. Kim Fowley, Pamela Des Barres, Glen Campbell, Rick Rubin, Danny Hutton, Billy James, Arthur Lee, Paul Rothchild…
Harvey draws from a lifetime of experience. "My roots go back to the mid-Fifties in this town. I was born at Queen of Angels Hospital, overlooking the Hollywood 101 Freeway. I graduated from Fairfax High School." The people in this book are dear to him.
And in other book news ...
PublishAmerica is proud to announce the recent release of Mark Bego's new book: Where the Action Is!!
Here's what the author says about the book:
FREDDY CANNON is the talented singer of some of the most memorable '50s and '60s rock & roll hits including: "Palisades Park," "Tallahassee Lassie," and "Action!" His exciting 1960 debut album, The Explosive! Freddy Cannon, hit Number One in England and he was featured on all of the top television shows including Shindig!, Hullabaloo, Midnight Special, and Where the Action Is. Freddy was such a hit with Dick Clark, that he became the most frequent guest star on American Bandstand. Freddy was also one of the stars of the films Just For Fun and Village of the Giants. Where the Action Is! is Freddy Cannon's fascinating story of what it was like to become a teenage star during rock's greatest era!
"A rock & roll original!" -- Chuck Berry
"Freddy Cannon inspired 'Brown Sugar!'" -- Mick Jagger
"I loved 'Tallahassee Lassie!'" -- Robert Plant
"Cannon is one of the greats!" --J erry Lee Lewis
We are offering you an opportunity to secure your personal copy of Mark Bego's exceptional book today. Please click here: http://www.publishamerica.net/product45383.html to secure your copy of the book*, then click Add to Cart. For an introductory discount of 20%, use this coupon code: Discount20.
Thank you for your interest in our author's wonderful achievement.
Have a great day!
PublishAmerica
www.publishamerica.com
Sounds like a great deal to me!!! Be sure to check it out! (kk)
I also did another track ... "You Told Me" (from The Monkees' "Headquarters" album.)
Dolenz, who is in the midst of a solo tour (after touring with the re-united Monkees this past summer) was contacted by producer Foskett, who produced his solo album from last year, KING FOR A DAY (Gigatone). Says Dolenz, "A great cause, a great band, on a great day. A perfect event."
Event organizers chose the Veterans Day holiday in honor of the local military personnel living and working in the region. A portion of the concert tickets will be given to local military bases for complimentary admission to the James River Jam.
Don Felder, former Eagles guitarist
John Oates, singer/songwriter and co-founder of Hall & Oates
JD Souther, legendary singer/songwriter
Micky Dolenz, lead singer of The Monkees
Jerry Eubanks, former member of the Marshall Tucker Band
Sam Bush, musician, vocalist and Father of Newgrass
Joe Horowitz, musician and Canadian professional golfer
Special video appearance from actor and Eastern Congo Initiative founder Ben Affleck
Book Review By Chris James, editor
SHAKE! Magazine Fall 2011 Volume 8 November 1
Hendersonville, Tennessee www.shakemagazine,com
Written by long-time L.A. resident, Harvey Kubernik, "Canyon of Dreams" is a personal tribute based on exclusive interviews with musical giants. Kubernik has long-time connections with most of the stars. He has been a writer and PR man in L.A. for decades.
This insider’s look at 80 years of music and culture in Laurel Canyon is loaded with beautiful, and in many cases previously unreleased photos.
We get improved insight into The Doors, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Monkees, The Turtles, Canned Heat, Jackson Browne, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Sonny & Cher and Carole King. The three surviving Doors talk about Jim Morrison. Randy Meisner reminisces about the Eagles first gig. Graham Nash describes writing "Our House," Lou Adler discusses his legendary Sunset Strip venues-the Whisky a Go-Go, Roxy Theater, Rainbow Bar & Grill. He and Michelle Phillips recall the Monterey International Pop Festival. Slash, raised in Laurel Canyon, describes Guns N’ Roses beginnings.
Longtime friend of Kubernik, Ray Manzarek write the foreword. Then, after we look at the early days of films and jazz, moving chronologically, Harvey focuses on the rock icons who lived in Laurel Canyon like Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell and Micky Dolenz. Visitors such as Eric Burdon, Donovan and John Mayall, were drawn by the powerful allure. The book portrays the Monkees in a new light. They were part of the scene.
This residential area was the center of rock music for nearly a decade. Interviews with Andrew Loog Oldham, Mark Volman, Henry Diltz and many others tell what it was like during this era. Every aspect of Laurel Canyon and the Sunset Strip area is remembered, the clubs, the bands, the record companies, the radio stations. Jazz artists of the fifties and sixties. Who lived in the area are mentioned too. Myths are supported or dispelled.
The superb photographs display the times. Their visual impact is as important as the script. Henry Diltz started as a folk singer and tells how his career morphed into that of an iconic rock photographer. He shot The Doors’ "Morrison Hotel" album cover.
Doug and Daryl Dragon, whose father was symphony conductor, Carmen Dragon, lived in a house bought by TV star Wally Cox, then Peter Tork, then Stephen Stills and even later used by the Rolling Stones to rehearse for a tour. It was known as the ultimate party house when Tork was there.
So many famous people lived in Laurel Canyon; H.B. Barnum, Harry Houdini, Tom Mix, Tex Ritter, Jackie De Shannon, Robert Heinlein, Tim Buckley, the Firesign Theater. Kim Fowley, Pamela Des Barres, Glen Campbell, Rick Rubin, Danny Hutton, Billy James, Arthur Lee, Paul Rothchild…
Harvey draws from a lifetime of experience. "My roots go back to the mid-Fifties in this town. I was born at Queen of Angels Hospital, overlooking the Hollywood 101 Freeway. I graduated from Fairfax High School." The people in this book are dear to him.
And in other book news ...
PublishAmerica is proud to announce the recent release of Mark Bego's new book: Where the Action Is!!
Here's what the author says about the book:
FREDDY CANNON is the talented singer of some of the most memorable '50s and '60s rock & roll hits including: "Palisades Park," "Tallahassee Lassie," and "Action!" His exciting 1960 debut album, The Explosive! Freddy Cannon, hit Number One in England and he was featured on all of the top television shows including Shindig!, Hullabaloo, Midnight Special, and Where the Action Is. Freddy was such a hit with Dick Clark, that he became the most frequent guest star on American Bandstand. Freddy was also one of the stars of the films Just For Fun and Village of the Giants. Where the Action Is! is Freddy Cannon's fascinating story of what it was like to become a teenage star during rock's greatest era!
"A rock & roll original!" -- Chuck Berry
"Freddy Cannon inspired 'Brown Sugar!'" -- Mick Jagger
"I loved 'Tallahassee Lassie!'" -- Robert Plant
"Cannon is one of the greats!" --J erry Lee Lewis
We are offering you an opportunity to secure your personal copy of Mark Bego's exceptional book today. Please click here: http://www.publishamerica.net/product45383.html to secure your copy of the book*, then click Add to Cart. For an introductory discount of 20%, use this coupon code: Discount20.
Thank you for your interest in our author's wonderful achievement.
Have a great day!
PublishAmerica
www.publishamerica.com
Sounds like a great deal to me!!! Be sure to check it out! (kk)
re: SHEBA:
>>>I nominate this as best Instrumental of the century! (John)
"Sheba" (Johnny & the Hurricanes) -- I'm crazy about it too!!! I rarely spin "Down Yonder" because I like "Sheba" so much more!!!
Bobster
re: MONKEES NEWS:
Kent ...
Here's my version of "Love Is Only Sleeping" ... coming out on "Garage Band Tribute To The Monkees" on Collectables Records in November. This great series is put together by Pat Horgan, and I'm proud to be a part of the series.
I also did another track ... "You Told Me" (from The Monkees' "Headquarters" album.)
Just a side note ... I'm playing all of the instruments on both of the songs that I did ... and I had a lot of fun doing them. Both of the songs are my tribute and thanks to Mike Nesmith, who I always admired greatly. (Nesmith was always My Favorite Monkee!)
Once again, my thanks to the great Pat Horgan for asking me to be a part of the "Garage Band Tribute" series. And thank you Kent, for asking about it!
Hope you like the tracks.
Mitch Schecter/ The Rip Chords
Annual 'James River Jam' - Saluting the Military on Veterans Day
New York - Monkee-lead singer MICKY DOLENZ will join the all-star band on the first annual James River Jam, which will be held Friday, November 11, 2011, at Busch Gardens' Royal Palace Theatre in Williamsburg, Virginia. The charity jam session, put together by producer Jeffrey Forskett, is presented by Tempus Jets and Busch Gardens, and will benefit An Achievable Dream Academy, Folds of Honor Foundation and Eastern Congo Initiative, organizations dedicated to improving educational opportunities for children and young adults. Dolenz, who is in the midst of a solo tour (after touring with the re-united Monkees this past summer) was contacted by producer Foskett, who produced his solo album from last year, KING FOR A DAY (Gigatone). Says Dolenz, "A great cause, a great band, on a great day. A perfect event."
Event organizers chose the Veterans Day holiday in honor of the local military personnel living and working in the region. A portion of the concert tickets will be given to local military bases for complimentary admission to the James River Jam.
The following artists will appear at the James River Jam on November 11:
Joe Don Rooney, Rascal Flatts' lead guitarist Don Felder, former Eagles guitarist
John Oates, singer/songwriter and co-founder of Hall & Oates
JD Souther, legendary singer/songwriter
Micky Dolenz, lead singer of The Monkees
Jerry Eubanks, former member of the Marshall Tucker Band
Sam Bush, musician, vocalist and Father of Newgrass
Joe Horowitz, musician and Canadian professional golfer
Special video appearance from actor and Eastern Congo Initiative founder Ben Affleck
And, speaking of Micky Dolenz, here's a GREAT shot of Micky on stage at B.B. King's in New York City, courtesy of dis company:
Kent,
A "Happy Together" Tour 2012 date has surfaced on Pollstar. There are a couple of inaccuracies in that it references 2011 and lists The Monkees as one of the acts instead of Micky Dolenz.
State Theatre - New Brunswick, NJ
Wednesday, 06/20/12
The "Happy Together" Tour 2011
The "Happy Together" Tour 2011
The Grass Roots
The Buckinghams
The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
The Monkees
Steve Epstein
I heard about this from a couple of readers this week ... not sure how they screwed this up, but it's just Micky solo. He did the tour a couple of years ago and was a GREAT concert draw! (kk)
Kent,
According to Pollstar, one date for the Happy Together Tour 2012 has already been booked: June 20, 2012 in New Brunswick, NJ. Interestingly, the lineup for the tour date lists The Monkees, instead of just Micky Dolenz. Now that would be something! Anyhow, I wanted to pass on this info so Howard Kaylan can put the date in his appointment book!
Ian Berger
According to Pollstar, one date for the Happy Together Tour 2012 has already been booked: June 20, 2012 in New Brunswick, NJ. Interestingly, the lineup for the tour date lists The Monkees, instead of just Micky Dolenz. Now that would be something! Anyhow, I wanted to pass on this info so Howard Kaylan can put the date in his appointment book!
Ian Berger
LOL ... yes, Howard Kaylan gets ALL of his Happy Together Again Tour information FIRST right here in Forgotten Hits!!! (lol) kk
re: ELVIS:
re: BUDDY HOLLY:
And here's word on a brand new, live concert all-star tribute to the music of Buddy Holly, airing on PBS Stations nationwide beginning this December ...
We've been telling you about the recent tribute albums put together honoring Buddy's incredible legacy of music ... well now you get to see the whole thing, up close and personal. Check out this promo video clip, courtesy of Forgotten Hits Reader Tom Cuddy:
re: ELVIS:
Kent;
How oft do I read this stoooooooooooopid story, and why do the facts not connect to those writing.
"Love Me Tender" -- the lyrics changed from a song "Aura Lea", by two men who lived during the
American Civil war and a favorite tune of the troops, on both sides.
How oft do I read this stoooooooooooopid story, and why do the facts not connect to those writing.
"Love Me Tender" -- the lyrics changed from a song "Aura Lea", by two men who lived during the
American Civil war and a favorite tune of the troops, on both sides.
I can remember picking up a 45, yearsssssssss ago, and checking out the AUTHORS and wondering who the blazes, PUBLIC DOMAIN, was / is.
Vera Matson was the wife of the musical director of the movie LOVE ME TENDER and, due to copyright stuff, Ken Darby had his wife's name and Elvis's put on the label.
In the movie there are four songs. SOMEHOW I figure we'll find out that there were even more songs filmed, but cut.
For recording release, "Love Me Tender" was on both a 45 and a 78 ... and then on the 45 WITH the other three songs. FOR all these issues, the back up musicians were STUDIO GUYS with the vocals by the Ken Darby Trio ... and the studio guys again for the two song in the movie.
That STORY that is ridiculous! Elvis's regular musicians and the Jordainaires were NOT wanted by HAL WALLIS.
Can those who perpetuate this wonky story NOT connect, the dots????????????????????????
Yep, Hal was the guy who signed Elvis to a movie contract. Thing was, HAL had no projects on hand and so, I imagine to make a buck and see how his purchase would do at the box office, ol' HAL RENTED Elvis to 20TH Century Fox, who made Love Me Tender.
Yep, Hal was the guy who signed Elvis to a movie contract. Thing was, HAL had no projects on hand and so, I imagine to make a buck and see how his purchase would do at the box office, ol' HAL RENTED Elvis to 20TH Century Fox, who made Love Me Tender.
As such, Hal Wallis had zero input regarding who sang what, etc.
IF Wallis did feel as such about Scotty Bill D.J and the Jordanaires, then WHYYYYYYYYYYY were they all there in his next few movies?????
LOVING YOU ... KING CREOLE ... G.I.Blues????????????
'Nother story I heard that is quite plausable is, that no matter how well Elvis's records sold, RCA, hated the fact that Elvis seldom if ever entered a studio PREPARED.
THIS COST $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Sam Philip's advice to RCA: "Give the boy a longgggggggggggggggg leash" ... and to Elvis:
"Don't let them TELL you what or how to record."
"Don't let them TELL you what or how to record."
HEY, more 'n' more GREAT STUFF getting on YouTube.
What I do not look forward to is how soon the radio stations begin spinning CHRISTMAS stuff ... sammmmmmme songs by the same people. 90% of them cut the music for sales, FEW MEAN the lyrics and, if they sing about JESUS, it's ONLY a REASON, for the season!
For anyone from the US coming to the Toronto area whenever, we got one great oldies station at 740 and one from Hamilton at 1150. (How many radio listeners, if a station is id'ed, by a number, CAN'T figure out if you're talking AM or FM??????????????
What or Who is THE WRECKIN CREW????
Yours,
Yours,
Robert Black;
Kincardine and Willowdale
Ontario, Canada ...
REAL home of the STANLEY CUP
ALWAYS an entertaining read ... thanks for writing, Robert!
To address a few of your comments above ...
Because of the guaranteed hit potential of ANYTHING Elvis Presley recorded back in 1956, shrewd manager Colonel Tom Parker was able to negotiate songwriting and publishing credit for many of Elvis' earliest recordings. (Elvis himself admitted that he never wrote a song in his life ... but Parker was able to "strong arm" a publishing deal earning his artist an additional paycheck in royalties ... and the songwriters themselves never really complained because even 50% song-writing credit on an Elvis Presley hit could STILL make one a very, very rich man!) As such, you'll find Elvis' name listed as co-writer on many of his earliest hits, including "Love Me Tender".
I don't know why ANYBODY would object to The Jordanaires singing on an Elvis record ... they were absolutely part of his "sound" back then ... and a very successful sound at that!
As for The Wrecking Crew, we've been writing about them for YEARS now ... in fact, scroll up to the top of today's piece and you'll find them listed again. We'll be reprinting Bob Rush's recent article on these artists from "The Beat", a British publication that also published our interview with Peter Noone several years ago. These guys played on HUNDREDS of hit records in the '60's ... and the documentary is a glorious tribute to their artistry ... a must see if you get a chance. (It's still playing at film festivals and special screenings around the country ... check out their website for more details.) kk
Here are a couple of pieces we ran a few years back ... in fact, our review ended up on The Wrecking Crew website for a while, too!
Click here: Forgotten Hits: The Wrecking Crew - Part 2
re: DIGGIN' FORGOTTEN HITS:
Hello Kent,
I listen to Scott Shannon on the TOC and hear him speak of you frequently :-) . Also, I LOVE reading all of the opinions on your website - most esp. the 50's one - and always ELVIS!
Thanks for all that you do to keep our Memories alive.
Always TCB'ing in Huntsville, AL
Jennie Carpenter
Thanks, Jennie ... we love Scott Shannon's show, too! You'll find some cool Elvis memories above ... and also coming up in our Ed Sullivan Series (naturally!) ... hoping you'll share some of YOURS with our readers, too! (kk)
Maybe the Swingin' Medallions can get back together and record a song called Double Dose Of Forgotten Hits. They can have a clean recording and a suggestive recording.
Rock And Roll Never Forgets
Hmmm ... thanks for your suggestive suggestion! (kk)
Kent!!!
You guys are awesome!!!
All the best,
Melanie<3<3<3
re: THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW:
It's already shaping up to be one of our biggest series ever!!!
Please help us to spread the word ...
However you communicate!!!
Post it on your website!
Announce it on your radio program!
Facebook -- Twitter -- My Space (does anybody do My Space anymore?!??!)
Announce it on your radio program!
Facebook -- Twitter -- My Space (does anybody do My Space anymore?!??!)
Just help us to get the word out ...
(Word of Mouth is the KEY to pushing this series over the top!)
And let's face it ...
EVERYBODY watched The Ed Sullivan Show!!!
Share your memories with our readers ...
If you've never written in before, we want to hear from you!
Doesn't matter if you were a kid camped out in front of the tv set, diggin' all the latest sounds ...
or if you were an artist performing "right here on our stage" ON The Ed Sullivan Show ...
We want to be able to tell EXACTLY what it was like from BOTH sides of the screen!!!
If you've never written in before, we want to hear from you!
Doesn't matter if you were a kid camped out in front of the tv set, diggin' all the latest sounds ...
or if you were an artist performing "right here on our stage" ON The Ed Sullivan Show ...
We want to be able to tell EXACTLY what it was like from BOTH sides of the screen!!!
Everything will kick off THIS MONDAY, October 31st, with a special Rolling Stones DVD Preview Issue ... by mid-week, we'll be running our EXCLUSIVE Forgotten Hits Interview with Andrew Solt of SOFA Entertainment ... Andrew owns the rights to the ENTIRE Ed Sullivan Video Library. And, by Week Two, we'll not only be sharing READERS' memories ... but also those of many of the artists who appeared on the program. Along the way, we'll also be telling you how you can pick up copies of some of these great videos for your very own music library collection.
It's all coming up RIGHT HERE in Forgotten Hits ... so tell a friend ... or two ... or TWENTY!!!
We want your input on this one! (kk)
We want your input on this one! (kk)
