Monday, March 19, 2012

Helping Out Our Readers


re:  HAPPY TO PUT TWO MORE NOTCHES IN OUR COLLECTIVE FORGOTTEN HITS BELT!:

>>>I have two forgotten songs that I haven't heard in years and am trying to identify both.  #1) This is basically an instrumental with nonsense lyrics "Ding Dong, Ding Dong" and every so often some guy comes on and says "What are you, some kind of nut?"  Probably 1961 or 1962.  #2) Is an instrumental that was a big hit in Pittsburgh in the early 60's.  I remember hearing it on KQV and KDKA. What made it classic was that it was played at a different record speed.  Might have been a Dixieland record that sounded very different at the slower speed. Any help with this one would be appreciated.  (Jim B)
>>>I have no idea about the second one. The first one could be a record reviewed in Billboard on April 24, 1961  (Randy Price):
ANDY CORY
Hey You, What Are You, Some Kind Of Nut -- SILVER BIRD 1023 -- a funny novelty record that could fracture the preteen and even the teen set. Cory asks the question in the title then makes kooky sounds over a good beat. (Ro Jo BMI) (2:36)  
>>>These are MUCH tougher to identify when they're instrumentals as there's no "hook" lyric or topic to help you narrow it down.  (kk)
>>>Randy is right on the money with his response for song #1. I might have an idea for song #2 which comes via a record collection my father gave me, which was given to him by a friend of his who grew up in Pittsburgh (where they could've heard KQV or KDKA) -- the collection included a record by the Roosters (who were in fact Herb Alpert and Lou Adler in disguise) on Felsted, called Fun House. It included a note on the label saying "A hit sound if played on 33 1/3 RPM". However the song doesn't appear to have even charted in Pittsburgh.  (Tom)
>>>Well, let's give 'em a spin and see what comes back!  (We'll have to wait to hear back from Jim B. to see if he's right!!!)  kk
Kent, 
Thanks so much!  You got them both. I'm still amazed at the difference in the Roosters number when the speed is reduced to 33 RPM. Much better at that speed. 
Jim B
Actually, a pretty clever marketing idea ... putting "a hit sound if played at 33 1/3 RPM" on the single probably enticed more than a few deejays to at least give it a listen ... and, evidently, give it a spin at BOTH speeds!!!  MAJOR thanks to Tom Diehl and Randy Price for helping us to solve this one!  WTG, Guys!!!  (kk)

"Fun House" by the Roosters was originally on the Shar-Dee label. It became a favorite at Pittsburgh teen dances when it was played at 33, making the beat better for dancing. When it was picked up by Felsted, they made the "A hit sound if played at 33 1/3 rpm" notation on the label.
Of course the most famous record to have its speed changed for Pittsburgh dances was "Hanky Panky". By that time the big teen dances run by Bob Mack had variable speed turntables. Mack sped the Snap record up and it took off locally. Even the early bootleg 45s on Snap were sped up, as was the official Roulette release.
Ed Salamon

>>>I wonder if anyone knows how to contact Don Daniels, former PD of WMEX Boston from around 1985? It's been about 28 years since I've lost touch with Don, just a great guy. (Charlie Quintal)
>>>With all the radio folk on the list these days, somebody out there is bound to be able to help you out with this one!  (kk)  
Kent,
Occasionally through the years I have played a little game by myself which is simply called "Whatever became of?". Normally I happen to think of a person whom I have not heard his or her name mentioned in years and would just like to know whatever became of them and / or what or they doing today. Most of the time this person was in the business of entertaining (music, movies,etc.)
One of your readers today was interested in knowing the whereabouts of one Don Daniels with WMEX radio years ago. I thought I would run this by you and your readers since through the years, for whatever reason, I have always wanted to know what became of the following DJ here in the OKC area. Back in the 1960's there was a DJ by the name of Jim Bowman who worked for KOMA. He later moved over to top 40 rival WKY.  During the mid-sixties on WKY from 7 PM to 12 Midnight he did a two man shift with a DJ by the name of Terry McGrew (now deceased).  They called their show the "Gooseberry Show". Terry 'Berry' McGrew and Jim 'Goose' Bowman.  Again, for some reason always wanted to know what ever became of Jim 'Goose' Bowman.  Anyone know, would appreciate the information. Even former WKY jocks here in the city does not know of his whereabouts.
Larry Neal
So many folks out there don't realize what an important role some of these disc jockeys played in our lives growing up.  (For the record, I'd venture to say there are people out there wondering "Whatever happened to Larry Neal?", too!!!)  Over time, you just lose touch ... get wrapped up in other things ... get distracted by real life and start listening to all that's up for offer these days.  But MOST of us tend to reminisce about "the good old days" of Top 40 Radio and yearn for our favorites, thinking "Boy, if radio could only sound like THAT again!"
The great thing about the Internet is that it has made it easier to locate some of these folks ... and share your memories with other fans who also wax nostalgic.  (Did you happen to see the episode of "Modern Family" a few weeks back when the Jay character (Ed O'Neill) was getting all frustrated because he couldn't remember the name of his favorite weatherman from back in the day?  Or the one a few weeks before that where he met one of his radio idols in person after all these years ... a DJ prankster who used to crack Jay up in his adolescence?  I'm telling you, these memories are more "shared" than most would ever imagine!!! (I'm always telling Scott Shannon that he ought to do more "personal" stories during his show ... after all these years on the radio, he's met SO many people and had SO many unique, memorable experiences ... SHARE them with the listeners because they'll enjoy hearing them all the more because of their fondness for YOU!!!  Let us live vicariously through you for three or four minutes every day ... and then use that story to set up the next song you're going to play.  It's radio people will tune in for!!!)  kk


I am putting together a CD of top songs used at sporting events. Is there a list of songs or can we ask your readers for suggestions?  I found some lists on the web but I thing it does not include all songs. 
Bill "Wild Thing" Hengels
I remember buying a series of "Jock Jams" CDs years ago ... but these would have included the most obvious tracks.  I'm sure our readers will have a few suggestions for you list!  (kk)

KENT ... 
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND GOOD THOUGHTS.  I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS WILL WRITE A LETTER OR CALL DOCTOR LYNNE MESSNER, WHO’S MAKING AN APPEAL FOR ME THIS TUESDAY.  (ARTIE WAYNE)
>>>Wishing you the best of luck.  Artie has certainly helped US out over the years ... and has always been a good friend when it came to promoting Forgotten Hits ... so we're happy to lend our support toward getting him what he needs.  (kk) 
Here's an update from Artie Wayne  (David Lewis):
I WANTED YOU TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CALLS, LETTERS, AND FAXES. DR. MESSNER CALLED ME THIS MORNING AND TOLD ME THAT MY VISITING THERAPISTS WILL BE COMING BACK ON MONDAY AND MY STEM CELL PROCEDURES WILL RESUME AS SOON AS THEY CAN BE SCHEDULED. 
ARTIE
We heard from Artie, too ...
!KENT! ...
I WANT YOU TO THANK YOU AND YOUR READERS FOR ALL YOUR CALLS, LETTERS, AND FAXES. DR. MESSNER CALLED AND TOLD ME THAT MY VISITING THERAPISTS WILL BE COMING BACK ON MONDAY AND MY STEM CELL PROCEDURES WILL RESUME AS SOON AS THEY CAN BE SCHEDULED.
HAVE A NICE WEEKEND ... I KNOW I WILL! 
REGARDS,
ARTIE WAYNE  
Great news, Artie ... best wishes for a speedy recovery!  (kk)

I know this movie has been mentioned on Forgotten hits, but I can't remember if there were reviews or just publicity blurbs.
Kent have you seen it?
Bill
We've been covering "Wages Of Spin" since before it was even finished!!!  (lol)
Yes, I've seen it ... and now you can, too ...
After numerous showings on PBS, the film is FINALLY commercially available ... and you can order your own copy here:  Click here: The Wages of Spin DVD - shopPBS.org  
It has caused quite a bit of controversy over the past few years because it dares to take on music and television icon Dick Clark ... and some of his involvement and schemes in the early days of rock and roll ... but honestly, I expected it to be far more brutal and savage to deserve some of this criticism ... it's an interesting film to watch, especially if you're of the "Bandstand Era" ... some neat "behind the scenes" stuff ... and Part Two has already been in work for quite awhile, too.  (Picking up where "American Bandstand" moved to the west coast.)  Producer Paul Russo and Director Shawn Swords are long-time members of our Forgotten Hits list ... so we're pleased to pass this information along whenever we can!  (kk)

By the way, I just heard from Carolyn Travis last night ... she's the one who put together the excellent "Airplay" DVD a couple of years ago.  After repeated showings on PBS, her film is now available for purchase through Amazon.com: Click here: Amazon.com: Airplay: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (as seen on public television): Dick Clark, Tom Donahue, The 
This one is DEFINITELY worth picking up!  (kk)