Friday, January 27, 2012

Helping Out Our Readers


re:  LETTER OF THE WEEK:

Hi, 

I just discovered your site ... this is going to be interesting for me ... lots of stuff I never knew about.
I have been wandering the internet to try to find and remember a song I asked my internet friends about, but no one remembers.
Anyway, what I remember is that the song starts with a guy who is having a dream or is stoned and having a dream and he sees a long line of women which he describes a bit. I believe when he starts, he calls himself some kind of long haired freak, or something to that effect.
It is kind of a funky song, a bit psychedelic. I think it has to be from before 1978, which was a really different era of music from this song.
I recall hearing the song on the radio in California a fair bit. I have gone thru all of the top 100 / 150 charts from the 1970's and I do not recognize it from any of those lists.
Does this ring a bell?
I do recall listening to this song and thinking I really wanted to get the song so I could remember it, and I never got around to it, sadly.
There was something a little different about it in terms of instrumentation and sounds, whatever the quality of the lyrics may have been.
Anyway again, thanks for your site.  I am going to wander around in it and I am looking forward to that.
Leslie
Hi Leslie!
Glad you're enjoying Forgotten Hits.
Based on your spot-on description, this song can only be "Spill The Wine" by Eric Burdon and War ... and I'm sure you DID hear it quite a bit in California at the time ... it was a #1 Record in 1970 and War was based based in the LA area at the time.  In hindsight, "Spill The Wine" kind of closed the "psychedelic era" of popular music with its trance-like sound.
Eric Burdon, of course, was the former lead singer of The Animals, who had fifteen Top 40 Hits in the mid-to-late '60's as part of the first wave of The British Invasion.  Their biggest, "The House of the Rising Sun", went all the way to #1 in 1964 ... their other Top 20 Hits include "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" (#15, 1965); "We Gotta Get out Of This Place" (#13, 1965); "Don't Bring Me Down" (#11, 1966); "Monterey" (#10, 1968) and "Sky Pilot" (#14, 1968), a track we featured earlier this week in our Sound Advice column.
Burdon formed "The New Animals" using California-based musicians in 1967 and performed at The Monterey Pop Festival with this new line-up.  A few years later, he discovered the band War playing in the LA area and recruited them as his back-up band for the single "Spill The Wine".  The unique instrumentation you refer to can be attributed to the excellent musicianship of War, a Latino-based band that melded those Latin Sounds with classic rhythm and blues and rock to create their own hit history.  After the departure of Eric Burdon, War hit the charts with Top Ten Hit classics like "The World Is A Ghetto" (#7, 1973); "The Cisco Kid" (#2, 1973); "Gypsy Man" (#7, 1973); "Why Can't We Be Friends" (#5, 1975); "Low Rider" (#5, 1975) and "Summer" (#7, 1976).
The members of War had a major falling out a few years ago and now two different sanctions of the band continue to perform and record.  Eric Burdon's still out on the road, too ... in fact, he just performed here in Chicago last weekend (where "Spill The Wine" is still one of the major highlights of his act.)  kk
Kent,
You are a GENIUS!!!!!!!  THANK YOU!!!!!!
Leslie
Nowhere near a genius ... but glad we could help!!!  (kk)
 
 

re:  GOOD FOLLOW-UPS:
>>>From what I know and understand, in 1959 Chubby Checker had two songs out on Parkway Records called DANCING DINOSAUR and SAMSON AND DELILAH. Years ago a friend of mine back East sent me DANCING DINOSAUR on CD. Years ago I saw SAMSON AND DELILAH in an auction for some $75. The condition was Poor. I am curious (but not yellow) as to what SAMSON AND DELILAH sounds like. Any chance you could post that one on your website?  How about a Chubby Checker two-fer? These two songs would be classified as forgotten forgotten 45's.  (Larry Neal)
Larry,
I don't have the Chubby Checker 45 and had never known he did any except the cool "The Class" 45 before "The Twist".  It is good to reconnect with you after writing to you at KOMA several times when you were doing the "Wax Museum" and the Saturday morning KOMA countdown show.  MAN, it was tough getting up at 6 AM to listen to KOMA on my day off, but I was 20 years younger then.  Haha.
Anyway, I have had a song recorded off KOMA since 1960 that I have never been able to get a 45 copy of and am wondering if you have an MP3 to share of it.  The song is a pop teener by Jimmy Darrow (I think it was anyway) called "Johnny Blue".  It was not a GREAT song, but I have had it SO long on tape and still one I would like to locate in good quality.  Those were great days listening to KOMA as they "went border to border and Coast to coast" with their great "Yours, Truly KOMA" jingles! 
Clark Besch
Goldmine's 45 RPM Price Guide shows "Samson and Delilah" and "Dancing Dinosaur" as coming out AFTER Chubby first hit the charts with "The Class".  ("The Class" was Parkway single 804 ... "Samson And Delilah" and "Dancing Dinosaur" were released as Parkway 808 and 810 respectively.)  If these records got any airplay at all, it was most likely in the Philadelphia area.  One single later, Checker was the #1 Artist in the country ... Parkway 811 was "The Twist", the ONLY record ever to hit the #1 spot by the same artist during the rock and roll era.  (In fact, we honored this achievement back on January 7th, the anniversary of this one-of-a-kind achievement!)  Happy to put the word out on "Johnny Blue" ... betcha somebody on the list has got a copy of this one.  (Quite a few Johnny Darrow tunes listed on YouTube ... but unfortunately not the one you're looking for.)  
Click here: johnny darrow - YouTube
kk

>>>In 1964, Sunny Gale recorded an album for the now defunct Canadian American label, #1015, titled "Goldies By The Girls".  Gemm doesn't have it ... and neither does E Bay.  Maybe a reader can find it for me.  I want the record, not the music alone.  Thanks.  (Arnold Kirkbride)

Kent,
I'm on the hunt for Sunny Gale for Arnold!! Nice to see someone who wants the LP (album) rather than just a (mp3) song(s)!
Arnold, it "looks" like it was up on eBay in the past!  Will help try to track it down for you!
Will try to make your day a bit more Sunny :)
Best,
Jersey John
People ... people helping people ... are the luckiest people ... in the world ... Thanks, John!  Maybe we're on to something here!  (kk)


re:  KENNY THE K's SWAP AND SHOP:
I have a couple of things I'd like to try and sell, music related.  One is a HUGE green flag with the WHO's logo - have no idea where my friend got it or why.  It's in great condition.  The other things I have to look at.  Could you help me out, maybe?  I'd appreciate it - have a great day!
Ed Pond
I'm not sure that I really want to go down this road ... I can barely keep up with things now!!!  (And I, too, have a gazillion things I need to sell ... now more than ever, as a means of survival!)  I think we may just run a once-a-month-column posting "Looking For"'s and "Have Available"'s and let it go at that.  Then you guys can all work it out from YOUR end out there.  (Maybe we'll just provide the "posting board" ... and leave it up to you guys to do all of the follow-up.  Of course it would be ESPECIALLY nice if everyone would then remit a 10% commission!)  kk

Regarding lost hits, I would love to find a copy of "The Montreal Express", a song that grew out of or into a commercial by the Boston Gas Company in the fifties to promote their gas heat. It was similar to Orange Blossom Special. Anyone?

Thanks for all the postings,
Charlie  
Sweet Dreams
Charlie Fraser
We've looked for this one before.  (Actually, I thought we'd finally found a copy but evidently not.)  No harm in putting it out to the list again ... we've got a lot more readers now and maybe somebody can lay their hands on a copy.  Good luck!  (kk)

I know this is a little old ... (I saw it posted on Tuesday, November 23, 2010!) ... but are you still looking for the record "Cry" by Ruth Casey?  
chasm
One of our readers was ... so I'm happy to post this in the hopes that they'll see it, drop us a line and then we can have them contact you.  (Charlie Miller ... are you still looking for a copy???)  Let us know.  Thanks!  (kk)
I was looking thru my [what I consider] my not too old 78s and googled Cadillac and Ruth Casey to see if there was any value - either money or historical.  Although I have a couple hundred electric 78s [not many, I know], I collect very old acoustic labels, many over 100 years old.  Incidentally in my newer 78s I found a copy of Robert Johnson's ''Crossroad Blues - Ramblin' On My Mind' '- vocalion - 03519  -- John Tefteller is auctioning a copy for a minimum bid of Five Grand!  I got it at a flea market for 2 bucks.  Later on in one of your blogs someone did come up with info on Ruth Casey and 'Cry' ... I discovered that after I sent you the first email.
Keep in touch --
chasm
Still happy to post this in the event that somebody is still looking for a copy (and you're interested in SELLING a copy!)  We'll see if anything comes back.  (I have to imagine there is an audience out there for your Robert Johnson 78 ... don't know if it'll be to the tune of anything near $5000 ... but an audience nonetheless!)  kk
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Thursday, January 26, 2012

This And That Thursday



re:  CHUCK BERRY:  
Forgotten Hits Reader Tom Cuddy just sent me this link for a rare Chuck Berry Profile / Interview running in the current issue of Esquire Magazine: 
FH Reader Frank B. points out that this is, in fact, The Chinese Year of the Dragon, 4709 ... so he suggests that our readers take a moment to view this clip:  
Click here: Peter Paul & Mary - Puff the Magic Dragon - YouTube


re:  NORMAN GREENBAUM:
One of MY favorite songs from the '70's has always been "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum ... so I was especially pleased to see this news release the other day:
Norman Greenbaum's Spirit In The Sky Still Popular In 2012
1/23/2012 - Santa Rosa, CA - After 40 years, one of music's greatest gospel - rock hits 'Spirit In The Sky', penned by Norman Greenbaum, remains as popular today in 2012 as it did in 1970 when it rocketed to number #1 in the US and UK. While being named song of the year by Cashbox magazine, the track would go on to sell two million copies in 1970 and through the next four decades would be featured in 47 movies and dozens of commercial  ads and TV series. In addition, two British cover versions of “Spirit In The Sky” also made it to number one on the charts, making the song a three-time number one hit!
So the question remains, why does 'Spirit In The Sky' still resonate with the music listener today? Norman explains, “A few reasons: It's just a great song, with a terrific production that has stood the test of time, still sounding as vibrant today as 40 years ago. It also sounds great in the car, yep, car radio. When we mixed it, we made sure it sounded as great on car stereos as it did on home systems. It has an unforgettable opening musical riff, at times referred to as 'the heavy duty industrial fuzz tone'. It gives people chills listening to it. Plus, when it was included on Rock Band 2 it brought a new generation into the mix. Now that the song is aging in years, but not excellence, many fans have aged with it and now recognize it not only as a great song that reminds them of their life back then, such as taking their first date to my concert, 'Spirit' being the first album they ever bought, their parents screaming to turn the volume down, love making in the back seat to it and my favorite, naming their car 'the green-bomb', and as a song to take with them as we near the time to go up to the Spirit In The Sky. Because I answer my own e-mail, many people relate to me the circumstances of a loved one passing and how my song has brought them solace and each time they hear my song, either on the radio, in a movie or on TV, they are reminded that their loved ones are OK and looking down on them."
The story behind the song “Spirit In The Sky” is an interesting one. The original idea for the song came from Norman watching a performance on TV one night by country legend Porter Wagoner, who was singing about a preacher. This inspired Greenbaum to write a religious rock song. Although many have believed through the years that Norman, born of Jewish heritage, was a 'born again Christian', in truth, this is not the case. He made the decision to challenge himself to writing a gospel lyric, hoping he wouldn't flub it and meticulously crafted music that went on to surpass everyone's expectations. The guitar riff to 'Spirit In The Sky' undoubtedly is just as important to the song's success as the words and music. “My riff is a take on old blues riffs, common in the '20s and '30s,” Norman explains. “Although a few other songs have similar riffs, my riff really stands out, as I infused a few original notes and changes the others do not have. Plus, the fuzz just ripples your mind. It is a sound that has never been reproduced, another reason the song stands so well.”
Recently, Norman Greenbaum has redesigned his official website – www.spiritinthesky.com and has made available his much sought after CDs from the '60s and '70s, along with T-shirts, hats, mouse pads, signed photos and other memorabilia! Although Norman has not recorded anything in recent years, he is very active with his new website, posting messages to his fans and making available rare photos for viewing. “Since my website has been redesigned it is much more efficient and compact, with photo viewers and better links,” says Norman. “It also has an improved store, where I have introduced a new product, Going-Greenbaum tote bags; the small-sized bag is made of cotton and the large-sized bag is made of canvas. The new site also has music clips of all of my songs available on CD and 'The Best of Norman Greenbaum' import is available again. I also will be introducing some new shirt designs soon.”
Much to the excitement of his fans, Norman will be making a rare live appearance in February! “I'll be doing a guest performance of three songs with the band Time In A Bottle at The Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa, CA on February 18th,” says Norman. “My original back-up singers The Stovall Sisters will be joining me, the first time ever this has happened on stage! Time In A Bottle is a local rock / soul band. The Stovall Sisters will also be doing a few of their own songs with the band.”
Finally, Norman has this to impart to aspiring songwriters everywhere: “Keep at it until it all fits, you'll know when. One song will stand out. Put all your effort into that song. Of course, 'catchy' helps.”
For more information visit Norman Greenbaum's official website at www.spiritinthesky.com
 

"Spirit In The Sky" is one of those songs I've never grown tired of hearing ... I can't think of anything else that sounds like it!  We've run pieces on Norman Greenbaum several times in the past in Forgotten Hits so it's great to hear that he's still out there promoting his music.  (One fan even wrote in about how she shared a hot tub with Norman way back when!!!)  If any of our readers are able to attend Greenbaum's upcoming show in Santa Rosa, CA, please let us know ... we would LOVE to run a review!  (kk)  

re:  THE MONKEES:
A brand new Monkees collectible!  Check it out!   
The Monkees GREATEST HITS, the band's first compilation, was originally released in 1969, a year after the cancellation of their TV show. As a result, it has become one of the most sought-after vinyl collectibles from the group, with mint copies selling for big bucks. 
But now thanks to our friends at Friday Music, The Monkees GREATEST HITS is available once again on 180-gram vinyl - and only Rhino.com has 500 copies pressed exclusively on orange vinyl! That's right, we only have 500 units of this release on orange vinyl and once they're gone, they're gone. You can only get this version from Rhino.com, so order now. The Monkees GREATEST HITS features all the obvious favorites, plus some surprises like “Zor and Zam,” “Cuddly Toy,” and “Randy Scouse Git” which sound more amazing on 180-gram vinyl. Don't miss out on this second chance to grab an excellent Monkees collectible - pre-order now. This release begins shipping on 3/6/12.

Also available: 
A 180-gram vinyl version of The Monkees' Soundtrack "HEAD" ... and, through Rhino Handmade, a very special 3-CD collection of the "INSTANT REPLAY" sessions.  This deluxe edition is being offered as a limited edition and customers ordering early will also receive a special bonus 7" 45 featuring "I Go Ape" / "(I Prithee) Do Not Ask For Love".  Again, this is a limited edition ... and they are going fast ... so order your copy now at www.Rhino.com!
For much More Of The Monkees, check out this link below ...
Dear Friends and Fans of only the Best in TV Pop,
This is just a quick notice that Gary Pig Gold's overview on THE MONKEES and their grand new SEASONs 1 & 2 dvd's now appears anew at the virtual address below.
http://gometric.typepad.com/gometric/2011/12/much-more-of-the-monkees.html   

 re:  FEELIN' HORNY?:
>>>As I was perusing around your Forgotten Hits website / blog I came upon an idea for a series that I haven’t seen done yet.  How about one on the groups that have sort of the “big band” or “lots of horns and brass” sound?  (Pete Heger) 
Amen! Bring 'em on!!! :-)
Let's not forget, "Evil Woman ... " by Crow!
Thanks!
John
And Chicago's own Ides Of March ... and The Mauds ... and, of course, The Buckinghams, who James William Guercio "practiced on" before developing the horn sound in a big, big way with Chicago and Blood, Sweat And Tears!  (kk)  

re:  PETULA!:
Kent ...
Petula moves Uptown.
Frank B.  
Click here: 'Downtown' diva - NYPOST.com  
Now THIS is a show that I would LOVE to see!!!
If you're able to catch one of these, I'd love to run your review.  (I saw Petula here in Chicago in "Blood Brothers", mentioned in this article.  She played Mom to David and Shawn Cassidy!!!)
I heard she was doing shows again (in fact, when I met with Tony Hatch a few months back, he told me she was performing in Spain at the time!)  Never got to see her live in concert doing the hits ... so I hope you get a chance to go!
kk  


re:  BURT BACHARACH:
Frank B. also tells us about an upcoming book by Burt Bacharach.  (Boy, if ANYBODY should write a book, it's THIS guy!!!)  Should make for some VERY interesting and enlightening reading.  (kk)
re:  RECENT PASSINGS:
James, Otis, Larry Butler et al: We will miss you and your great contributions to the music we love.
Bobster

Just missed US Top 40, but what does those white folks know about
music!? Scored very well, maybe #2, on the non white man controlled, R&B charts!!! What a voice! A very nice arrangement, too! Quality recorded, in Stereo! From her debut album, titled, can you guess?, At Last!!! ... http://www.angelfire.com/empire/abpsp/images/atlast.mp3
Jersey John :-)   

Kent ...
Check out the Official Wild Wayne Website. 
Wild Wayne remembers Etta James in his clip of the week.  
Click here: THE OFFICIAL "WILD" WAYNE WEBSITE
He's got a link to Forgotten Hits ... and a Charlie Gracie link, too.
Frank B.  

re:  THE GLOBETROTTERS:
>>>Citizen Bill also played a "Forgotten 45" that I wasn't familiar with ... but absolutely LOVED!!!  It's called "Rainy Day Bells" by The Globetrotters.  (kk)
Not familiar? I have the two Sedaka demos on my site!!!
JJ
Check 'em out here:   
One was given to me (Kirshner owned), sounds like an acetate that was cut, found the other as a "demo", not sure it was ever released until later.  Rainy Day Bells (1970) - The Harlem Globetrotters. Nice song. [Special thanks to Tony and Marion for their help] Possibly only released on 45 / LP / CD in simulated Stereo. However, up pops an (unpublished) version in True Stereo, with one half the song writing team, Neil Sedaka (maybe a Demo), singing lead, followed by even yet another Demo version by Neil Sedaka and others ...
http://www.angelfire.com/empire/abpsp/images/rainybells-gt.mp3
http://www.angelfire.com/empire/abpsp/images/rainybells-ns.mp3
http://www.angelfire.com/empire/abpsp/images/rainybells-ns1.mp3 
Best,
John
I think it's a great sounding record ... the more I hear it, the more I like it!  Can't believe this one never charted!  (kk)    

re:  SUPER BOWL MUSIC:
As part of our ongoing Reader Service, FH Regular Frank B. has the following suggestions for Super Bowl programming ...
Kent ...
"New York, New York" - Frank Sinatra = New York Giants.
"Weekend In New England" - Barry Manilow = New England Patriots.
"Eli's Coming" - Three Dog Night = Eli Manning, Giants QB.
"Brady Bunch Theme" - Brady Bunch = Tom Brady, Patriots QB.
"Backfield In Motion" - Mel & Tim = Both teams. Most penalties lose.
"I'm A Loser" - Beatles = Losing team.
"We Are The Champions" - Queen = Winning team.
Frank B.
P.S.  Don't forget February 3. Anniversary of the day the music died, 2/3/1959.
"American Pie" - Don McLean.


re:  DEE JAY RECORDS:
>>>In regards to local top 40 DJ's that came out with their own record, I decided to check the ones here in OKC. Of course none of these made the national charts and needless to say, none were played on a competing radio station.  (Larry Neal) 
Larry, I think you missed one of the WKY "hit" records by DJ Don Wallace with his record, "The Square", which went top 20 on WKY and no charting at KOMA.  Here's his 45 featured on the WLY survey from May 13, 1965 which coincides with when I was in OKC and visited KOMA's tower site!  "The Square" had dropped to #46 from #20 that week. 

As for Chicago DJ records, Landecker's "Press my Conference" and "Make a Date With the Watergate" and Lujacks' "Madstreaker" and Dahl's several records go along with Biondi's 45 "Pizza Song" and his Mom song both from his album.  Art Roberts had an LP of his Hip Fables, and earlier had a 45 "Terrible Ivan" b/w "Give Her the Axe, Max".  Joel Sebastion had a 45 while in Detroit.  Jerry G Bishop had a 45 as well as a Beatles interview LP.  Ron Britain had a 45 "Are you Going to Wail, Tulus", Barney Pip did a 45 with the Rovin Kind, Steve King did a 45 of the Carpenters' B side "I Kept on Loving You."  Johnathan Brandemier had a 45, Jim Stagg made 45s of his syndicated "Stagg Star Beat" programs, then there's the "Chickenman" on LP and 45s.  Clark Weber did not make a 45, but Carl Bonafede did a breakin 45 FOR Clark Weber's show.  There are probably more, but it is late and I am tired!!  :)
Clark Besch
And let's not forget about our DJ Buddy Scott Shannon's attempt at a recording career with a remake of "Here Comes Summer", a minor hit for a band called Wildfire in 1977!  (kk)

re:  ON THE CHARTS:
Congratulations to Adele ... whose latest album "21" just logged its 17th week at #1 on The Billboard Hot 200 Albums Chart.  While not consecutive weeks, that is the longest stretch an album has spent in the top spot since 1993.  Last LP to do it???  The soundtrack to "The Bodyguard", featuring Whitney Houston (truly at her prime at the time).  "The Bodyguard" topped the charts for 20 weeks.  (Adele's 17th week pushed her ahead of the "Titanic" soundtrack, #1 for 16 weeks in 1998.)
Greatest number of weeks at #1 ever???  What's your best guess?
"Thriller"?  "Rumours"? "Saturday Night Fever"?  "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"?  "Dark Side Of The Moon"?  Something by Elton John or The Eagles?  "Tapestry" by Carole King?
Nope!  None of the above.  Despite spending over 15 years on the chart, "Dark Side Of The Moon" only spent ONE of those weeks at #1.  "Sgt. Pepper" topped the charts for 15 weeks in 1967 ... that's one week shy of Carole King's "Tapestry" album.  The "Saturday Night Fever" Soundtrack (and Prince's "Purple Rain") both spent 24 weeks at #1.  "Rumours" sat on top for 31 incredible weeks ... and Michael Jackson topped that with a 37-week run at the top with his "Thriller" album.
But the BIGGEST #1 ALBUM EVER belongs to the movie soundtrack to "West Side Story"!!!  It spent an INCREDIBLE 54 weeks on top of the charts ... that's OVER A YEAR at #1!!!  It spent an additional 52 weeks in The Top Ten and a total of nearly 200 weeks on the chart overall.
So while congratulations are certainly in order for Adele ... (and it's a GREAT album!) ... she's still got a LONG way to go before she hits the record books!  (kk)


re:  SIMPLE SONG OF FREEDOM:

Kent,,
I want you to know that Buckwheat's version of SIMPLE SONG OF FREEDOM was also very
big here in OKC. In fact, most if not all of Buckwheat's records here in OKC were big. Probably
the biggest they had was I'VE GOT TO BOOGIE (London).
Larry
"Simple Song Of Freedom" was their only charted it ... and it only got to #84 in Billboard ... (it fared better in Cash Box, who placed it at #69) ... but here in Chicago, WCFL played it all the way to #11.  Surprised to hear that they had multiple hits in Oklahoma City as they seemed to vanish after this one everywhere else! (Not a bad rendering 'though ... I always liked it!)  kk

re:  COMING SOON:
Did you catch our recent Christopher Cross concert review, courtesy of FH Reader Tom Cuddy?  Not only did he send us a photo from the show (taken by Brad Joblin) but also an EXCLUSIVE video from the concert, featuring Chris performing two of his biggest hits, "Never Be The Same" and "Sailing". (Scroll back to Monday's posting if you missed it ... it's AWESOME!) Now comes word that we'll soon have ANOTHER FH Exclusive ... this time featuring one of my all-time favorites ... 
so STAY TUNED!!!
COMING SOON TO FORGOTTEN HITS: A review of a rare NY concert last weekend by Guess Who lead singer Burton Cummings, with photos and an exclusive video from the show.  Burton, a huge fan of Freddy Cannon’s music (Burton can recite Freddy’s B-sides and albums cuts!), just finished reading Freddy’s new book and loved it.  Here’s Burton holding up the book backstage at the Tarrytown Music Hall, before he packed it in his suitcase for the trip from New York to L.A.  Freddy’s new autobiography,” Where the Action Is,” written with famed rock biographer Mark Bego, is now available in paperback at Amazon.com, as well as digitally through the Kindle and the Nook.
-- Tom Cuddy
Posted by at

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Some Of Your Thoughts On A Tuesday


re:  THE COWSILLS:  
THE COWSILLS?  Got to see them on the STEEL PIER in ATLANTIC CITY one afternoon.
The reward for a year of being a 'PATROL BOY (or girl)' -- kid crossing guards at schools -- was a bus trip at the end of the school year for the 'patrollers' from all the schools in town to spend the day in Atlantic City.  The Cowsills were a bit on the downslide and were there doing 6 or 7 shows a day to (much) less than capacity crowds.
Hey ... we were kids ... what did we know?
-- RENFIELD  

The wind version of Hair that you featured today seems to be the one that I have been playing for years on my show.  The version that I have is from a cd released on Rebound Records through Polygram special products in New York.  This Best of the Cowsills was first put out in 1988.
Phil-WRCO
P.S.  The song Poor Baby has been a popular request on my show over the years.  One of my favorite TV DVDs is from  the short lived series Music Scene.  It features a great clip of the Cowsills doing Silver Threads and Golden Needles.
I remember hearing The Cowsills' version of "Silver Threads And Golden Needles" in Chicago ... although it never officially charted here.  (Nationally it went to #57 in Cash Box ... nearly twenty points higher than its Billboard showing.)  "Poor Baby" actually made The Top 40 in Cash Box, too, peaking at #33.  (kk)  

I have always been a fan of the Cowsills and enjoy reading all the talk.  From "Rain, Park" and the even better "We Can Fly" through "Indian Lake and "Poor Baby" to "Hair" and beyond.  I was surprised by the uproar over "Hair's" follow-up "Prophecy of Daniel and John Devine".  I really had no idea what the lyrics were all about when I was 13, but it was ok as a song.  Yet, it was a career killer, so I guess they might have thought better to ask MGM if they thought THIS song should be a single and maybe have listened?  I think "IIxII" is a GREAT song and wished it had been a hit after first hearing it on Bandstand's "Rate a Record".
Sine the topic is on the late Cowsills era, might I suggest a CD I did some work on for a nice little label, Now Sounds.  The Cowsills recorded an album in 1971 "On My Side" and it is hard to come by, but Now Sounds has issued the LP on CD from master tapes with three bonus tracks.  Check it out and some of the other CDs which have a nice mix of forgotten artists' forgotten shoulda been hits.  http://www.cherryred.co.uk/nowsounds-disco.aspI suggest "Book a Trip" for anyone after Capitol Records obscurities from the psychedelic pop era of 66-68.  You can find Chicago's Exceptions on it as well as some handy work from our own Artie Wayne on one track and check out the photo I supplied for the booklet of young Artie producing in the studio!  A set worth having if you want some cool 60's tunes you likely have never heard. 
WLSClark   

re:  BOBBY DARIN:
Kent ...
Great work on the Bobby Darin story.  Interesting and informative.
You say that Andrea accepted Bobby's proposal. Did they ever get married?
Frank B.
Yes ... they were wed on June 25, 1973 ... and then 3 1/2 months later, Bobby filed for divorce.  All of those close to him say that he was not in his right state of mind near the end ... paranoid ... convinced all all of his closest allies had turned against him and were trying to betray him in some way.  A sad ending.  (Then again, Bobby rarely spared anybody's feelings when he was alive and healthy either ... so who knows!!!)  kk   

>>>Interesting and informative.  (Frank B)
But perhaps TOO much information according to another FH reader ...
I am totally bummed out after reading the saga of Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee!
It left me feeling like some kind of "Peeping Tom" into their lives.
The ugliness of the sexual abuse and all the sordid details left me stunned and both of those children were victims of twisted people who used them for their own selfish desires and mentally ill depravities.  Both of them grew up bent.
"Valley of The Dolls" Tony Polar flashed while reading the synopsis.
And being someone who watched a young Sandra Dee as a child myself, I recalled being drawn to her innocent looks and hoping that Hollywood's fangs did not seethe into her just to find out her life was already so far abused that it could not be incorporated into any script as it would be too distasteful for even the academy to allow then.
Somehow this article made me realize we know too much of the private lives of others.
Connie Francis wrote a book titled "Who's Sorry Now" and I promise everyone reading this that if you read that book it is so full of her insights and wisdom that you will actually come away from reading it with a better understanding about your own self that if you reflect on her knowledge and prose it will foster such a positive change that you come away a better human with bolstered self esteem and a better outlook ready to conquer the day at hand with full steam ahead.  She has an excellent insight and intuition.
My heart goes out to two humans on earth that became larger than life but were actually just Alexandra Cymboliak Zuck and Walden Robert Cassotto when all the glitter was off but still far from plain old ordinary.
Vibramutant   

Kent,
As you may know, Marty Robbins also did "18 Yelllow Roses". I believe he recorded it circa '76.
Gary E. Myers / MusicGem
I always thought it sounded a lot more like a Marty Robbins song than a Bobby Darin song ... but I DO like Bobby's recording.  (This one especially hits home with a daughter getting married in a couple of months!)  kk  

Hi Kent,
I read your article on Bobby today. Is there any way to read the rest of your articles on Bobby? Being obsessed with all things Darin, I'm always eager to read as much as I can about him.
He was such a true renaissance man of the arts. He succeeded at everything he did. It's a shame that most people weren't broad-minded enough to appreciate his gifts when he was still alive. He led the way and it's always difficult to be a trail-blazer, isn't it.
Anyway if there is anyway you could share your work with me I'd appreciate it deeply.
Sincerely,
Susan Cote
Sorry, Susan, but the rest of the article hasn't been posted yet.  (We ran a month-long series on Bobby Darin several years back ... and, due to popular demand, have run assorted excerpts from it since ... but still haven't gotten around to posting the whole thing yet.)  The response is ALWAYS good, however, so what we MAY do (and hopefully, this'll make it a little easier on me, too!) is to reveal it one chapter at a time again on the other Forgotten Hits website (www.forgottenhits.com) so that, once we're finished, the entire piece will be permanently posted.  Biggest thing is finding the time to do so.  Even resurrecting a piece from the archives takes a TREMENDOUS amount of time ... and we just haven't had any to devote to this.  But please stay tuned ... as I think a LOT of people would like to see it again.  Meanwhile, thanks for the kind words.  (kk)  

I think you're great and I loved the whole series.  I think there might be a few inaccuracies in this most recent piece.  For one thing, I don't think Darin was always a player .... and I think that's one of the reasons why he checked out after three years with Sandy, 'tho they didn't divorce 'til '67.  Sandy's age is wrong, too, although you certainly can't be blamed for that because that was so often reported the way you have it.  I don't think even Dodd knew it until her death, or near that time.  She was actually two years older.  Not very important but ....   Anyway, I love the whole Darin series and hope you rerun it. Thanks so much for being such a cool fan and on top of it all ... OOOO
Jamie
Everything that appears / appeared was based on the information available at the time this series was written.  Even reworking the "edit" was challenging because Sandra Dee was still alive when our series first ran ... so we had to change a number of references to "past tense".  We didn't update any "new" information ... just pulled it from the archives and cleaned it up a bit for "rebroadcast" if you will.
I know that you (and all of "Bobby's Girls") were very supportive of our efforts when this piece first ran ... and it was SO cool to get Dodd's endorsement, too.  Eventually, we will rerun the whole piece ... and perhaps at that time and little bit of "updated editing" would be in order.  Thanks, Jamie!  (kk)  

Hello Kent,  
Still going strong and getting better into 2012. 
Wow, good job.
I was always interested in Bobby Darin's 'conversion' to the peace movement with his song, "Come And Sing A Simple Song of Freedom" ... it was contrary to his Pop tunes and, in fact, some attributed the song to Tom Hardin, who did a cover because it was his style ... many people thought Bobby 'covered' it from Tim.
If you have ever see the PBS special featuring Bobby singing this song, he is very emotional, and near the end of the song, slyly gives the "Peace" sign by holding up his fingers in a V and then swinging his arm away. It is very noticeable that he was moved by this song and felt strongly about its message.
Thanks for all the postings,
Charlie  
Sweet Dreams  
Charlie Fraser
Bobby used to tell an interesting story about Tim Hardin covering his song when he performed it in concert.  (Here in Chicago, a group called Buckwheat scored a #11 Hit with their version of "Simple Song Of Freedom" in 1972.)
Darin had recently covered Tim's "If I Were A Carpenter" and it turned into quite a big comeback hit for him in 1966.  (#8 ... and Bobby's first Top Ten Hit in three years.)
In fact, Bobby's version of "Carpenter" has become known as the definitive version, released before Tim Harden even had a chance to properly record his own song!  That "injustice" was eventually re-paid a few years later.  Hardin's only real commercial pop chart success came in 1969, when he released his version of "Simple Song Of Freedom", ironically a song written by Bobby Darin ... but not yet recorded and released by its composer!!! (Now this was TRULY a case of "turn-about is fair play"!!).  Hardin's version eventually peaked at #47. (Bobby's version was never officially released as a single.)  Listen to this clip of Bobby Darin performing his song before a Las Vegas audience ... and telling pretty much the same story we just told you above!  (kk)
 
Kent,
A bunch of us younger writers and singers were enjoying ourselves at the B&G (?) coffee shop at 1650 Broadway (As opposed to the Brill Building - 1619 Broadway - with its Jack Dempsey's restaurant where the older crowd hung out, and the Turf restaurant with its mixed crowd).  
I was facing away from the door, talking with Gerry Granahan, when the door opened, a cold wind blew into the restaurant, all activity stopped, all conversation ended and everyone, including Gerry, spun around to stop and stare as Bobby Darin entered the coffee shop, stood tall (as tall as he could) with legs spread and scarf flung around his neck.
He hadn't had "Mack The Knife" yet but it didn't matter.  HE was standing there.  And that's all it took to silence all.
Bobby had "it" and we all knew it wouldn't be long before everyone knew it!
Paul Evans  

re: PAUL McCARTNEY:
You think the world has had enough of Paul McCartney, I look around and I see it isn't so, Oh no. Some people want to fill the world with Paul McCartney, what's wrong with that?
Jack   

re:  JIMI HENDRIX: 
SUNDAZED AND EXPERIENCE HENDRIX RECAPTURE THE JIMI HENDRIX VINYL EXPERIENCE!  ROCK’S GREATEST GUITAR LEGEND’S VINTAGE RECORDINGS RETURN TO THEIR VINYL ROOTS WITH HISTORIC 7” SINGLE SERIES

In an historic alliance, the renowned reissue label Sundazed Music has partnered with Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. to release a series of new 7" picture-sleeve vinyl singles featuring unique and hard-to-find vintage performances by Jimi Hendrix.  

The ongoing series launches in April with an initial release that combines a pair of historically significant recordings from two different Hendrix 1967 BBC sessions.  One is a raucous reading of Bob Dylan's "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?”. Hendrix recorded his version on October 17 for BBC Radio's Rhythm and Blues show.  Dylan’s original version, one of history’s most notable and enduring musical enigmas, wasn’t released on a legitimate album for more than 10 years after its first issue.  This Jimi Hendrix Experience version was a highlight of the BBC Sessions double album issued by Experience Hendrix/Sony Legacy in October 2010. 

“Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?” is paired with a fascinating, newly discovered take of the Hendrix original "Burning Of The Midnight Lamp," as performed on August 24, 1967 on BBC Television's Top of the Pops, just a week after the song's original studio version had been released as a single in Britain on Track Records. In keeping with strict Musician Union regulations, Jimi was to sing live atop the song's instrumental backing track. The Top Of The Pops presenter announced the Experience, but then ‘The House That Jack Built’ by the Alan Price Set began to play. A few seconds in, Jimi, ever polite, offered an apology, “I'm sorry man but I don't know the words ...” As panic no doubt ensued within the studio's control room, the program's flustered presenter apologized and implored Jimi to try it once again. 

Both sides feature the classic original Jimi Hendrix Experience lineup of Hendrix on guitar and vocals, Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, and capture the band just as it was beginning to emerge as a major force on both sides of the Atlantic.
As with every release in the series, it will feature a color picture sleeve incorporating rare vintage Hendrix photos that capture the legendary artist's distinctive persona and pioneering spirit.

Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix L.L.C. commented:  “When the Jimi Hendrix Experience first burst into the world’s collective consciousness, it was through vinyl 45 rpm singles.  Our vinyl single release program with Sundazed honors that brilliant history and, even expands on it in a very real way.  It is traditional yet innovative, as Jimi certainly was.”
Bob Irwin, President and CEO of Sundazed Music, Inc., commented: “We are thrilled and highly honored to be partnering with Experience Hendrix on this wonderful series. I’m positively elated that my most favorite musician of all time will now be a part of Sundazed.”
In a recording career that spanned only three and a half years prior to his tragic death in 1970 at the age of 27, Jimi Hendrix revolutionized the role of the electric guitar, and radically altered the face of contemporary music.  He became rock's first guitar superstar, with an effortless charisma that matched his visionary talent and intense performing style.  His overwhelming influence continues to live on in virtually every electric guitarist who has followed him, yet none have ever equaled Hendrix's talent and imagination.
ABOUT SUNDAZED MUSIC INC.:  In its 22-year history, Sundazed Music has earned an international reputation for its painstaking preservation of vintage rock, garage, soul, surf, R&B and country sounds on vinyl, CD and digital download, consistently maintaining unmatched quality standards for mastering, packaging and pressing.  The current Sundazed catalog encompasses over 800 titles, including timeless classic recordings by such artists as Jeff Beck, Booker T. & the MGs, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, Albert King, Wes Montgomery, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Velvet Underground and hundreds more.
ABOUT EXPERIENCE HENDRIX L.L.C.:
 Founded by James ‘Al’ Hendrix, Jimi’s father, in 1995, Experience Hendrix, has been managed since its inception by family members personally chosen by Al during his tenure as Chairman. It is the official family company charged with managing the music, name, image and likeness of Jimi Hendrix. As a part of its daily operations, under President and CEO Janie Hendrix, Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix oversee Jimi’s timeless legacy on a worldwide basis.  In connection with its mission, it produces the continuing Experience Hendrix tour of all-star musicians.
re:  YOU'RE SO VAIN: 
Kent -  
I agree with you that "You're So Vain" is based on a compilation character, not a specific guy. Some notes: 
Carly has changed her story over the years. Digging through some archives, we found a 1974 interview where she said, "That song is about a lot of people ... It's not just about one particular person." As it became clear that the mystery of the song was a huge sell, she started playing up the idea that she had a specific guy in mind - and a famous one! In a 2008 promotional interview for her album This Kind of Love, she said, "When I had the line 'You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you,' that was definitely about one person." 
Carly remains an active musician, but as many artists have found out (including another famous Simon), opportunities are far more limited for more seasoned singers. The best way to publicize new material is to lump it in with discussions about the older stuff, and Simon uses "You're So Vain" as the carrot - Howard Stern isn't likely to ask her about her '00s output, but is more than happy to hear the secret of the "Vain" mystery man. Keep in mind that Simon made a deal with Starbucks to distribute her album in 2008, and it ended up in a lawsuit with Simon claiming they didn't promote it properly and Starbucks saying there just wasn't much interest.
We also heard from a lecturer at the Buhl Planetarium in Pittsburgh, who explained that the lyrics, "Then you flew your Lear jet up to Nova Scotia to see the total eclipse of the sun" refer to a famous eclipse on July 10, 1972, which could best be seen in Nova Scotia. Simon wrote the song before this event, which indicates that she was making up this story. 
The song is filled with captivating images and is a brilliant piece of songwriting, but I don't buy that it's about a specific guy. Here's the Songfacts entry with some more details:
Be Well,
Carl Wiser
www.songfacts.com   

re:  AMERICAN PIE:
>>>Here in OKC, just the 'A' side version was played or the version some four minutes long. Later on somebody decided to combine the two sides to play on the air, just like in 1959 when SHOUT - Part I was the 'A' side of the record, later on to be combined with Part II and heard now on oldies stations.  (Larry)
>>>We heard both the long and the short versions here in Chicago ... because every deejay in town wanted to put his own spin on what the lyrics REALLY meant, they typically played the full eight-minute version in order to do so.  I remember at least half a dozen newspaper articles covering this ad nauseam, too.  (kk)
And then there was the edit found on the promotional 45 ... this is the version I recall hearing on oldies radio while growing up in the 90's ... gads!
Tom Diehl  

 

re:  CHARLIE GRACIE:
Charlie Gracie, hot again with his #1 Philly single "Baby Doll" and a brand new CD release, can now be found on home video, too!  Shawn Swords put together a Charlie Gracie biography video a few years ago ... and this release is now available through both PBS (who aired it) and The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. (Lots of new features, too!)  More details below ... 
Hi Everybody! 
Charlie Gracie "Fabulous" Special Edition Documentary Available thru ShopPBS.org:  http://tinyurl.com/7y2n289  
And "Must Have Music Home Page:  http://tinyurl.com/86v4ukh   
Charlie Gracie "Fabulous" is also being added to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Archives/Library.   
Plus new interviews with: Chubby Checker, Tommy James, Freddy Cannon, Little Anthony, Ceaser Berry, John Jackson, Joe Tarsia and others. Plus, new musical contributions from Graham Nash, Peter Noone, Al Kooper, Charlie Gracie, Quentin Jones and Gary Lefkowith.
Featuring Charlie's new hit single: "Baby Doll":   
Also available thru ShopPBS.org --"The Wages of Spin":  http://tinyurl.com/4l8sh5p   

re:  ON THE RADIO:
Be sure to tune in to The Flip Side Show with Mr. C. tonight on Radio Free Nashville.  (You'll find the "Listen Live" link on the right-hand sidebar of The Forgotten Hits Website ... right below our "Sound Advice" column.) Tonight Mr. C. will honor the great Sam Cooke with the two-sided hit we featured over the weekend, "Bring It On Home To Me" / "Having A Party" from 1962. 

Kent,
Every Sunday from 2 to 4 PM Eastern, I catch Dave The Rave's "Relics and Rarities" Show.
He plays loads of forgotten oldies ... everything from surf, bubblegum, Philly and Chicago soul, and great garage rock! Here's a link to the WIBG site: http://www.wibg.fm/index.html 
Give Dave a listen ... it'll be the best two hours you ever spent!Happy days!
Don
Yes, Dave's been doing this show for a while now ... kind of a "commercialized" version of his Saturday Night "Relics And Rarities" Show that airs on Top Shelf Oldies ... not quite as many obscurities and "should have been a hit"'s ... but still plenty of rarities and surprises, mixed in with all the great music you'd expect WIBG to play.  Definitely worth a listen!  (kk) 

I, FOR ONE, WITH NO DISRESPECT TO JOHN LANDECKER, WILL LISTEN LESS TO 94.7 IN THE EARLY EVENING NOW THAT BIONDI'S BEEN MOVED AGAIN.
DON'T THESE RADIO PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THE PEOPLE LIKE? I THINK IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER OLDIES RADIO STATION TO BE BORN, THAT PLAYS NOTHING BUT OLDIES - REAL OLDIES (NO PUN INTENDED) - AND NOT THE SAME RECOGNIZABLE SONGS ALL DAY LONG WITH WAY TOO MANY 80'S SONGS.
BIONDI ALWAYS SEEMS TO GET SHIT ON BY THE RADIO EXECS IN THIS CITY ... AND THAT'S A TRAVESTY.
MICHAEL G. BUSH
Dick Biondi has a VERY loyal following here in Chicago who constantly challenge him to play the songs we remember that don't typically show up on your standard playlist ... and because Biondi has been around PLAYING these hits for 50 years now, he knows exactly what his audience is looking for.  As I stated on Sunday, at the very least, they should have left his Friday Night All Request Show intact ... but they didn't even do that. Too bad ... because Dick ALSO regularly did live appearances in and around town that always drew big crowds and helped to draw attention to the station.  A pretty short-sighted move in my opinion.  (kk)  

I am very seething mad about Biondi's slot moving down, if only because I was used to listen to his show driving home from events at night.  How can they do this to the one Chicago dee jay who has done so much to keep the pop music of the 50s and 60s alive?  
Sad, sad, sad.  
Best - 
Bobster

In a piece that ran on Monday (in his "Time Out Chicago" column) Dick Biondi told Chicago Media Columnist Rob Feder, "I’m going to go into the new show and give it everything I’ve got.  I hope that management will allow me to still be the crazy Dick Biondi.  I’m thankful that I’m still on the air. There’s no place else in the world that I want to work except Chicago ... I still want people to listen and like me.”

Feder reports that after he broke the story last Friday about the WLS-FM line-up change, comments on his blog, radio message boards and Facebook pages quickly filled with jabs at the station for what was perceived as a slight to its legendary superstar and his fans.  (We experienced much of the same result here in Forgotten Hits ... where, after 60 years on the radio ... MOST of which were spent right here in Chicago ... Dick Biondi is nothing short of a radio icon.)  Was this simply the station's way of easing Biondi out?  (Despite turning 70 this year, most feel Biondi would prefer to breathe his last breath live on the air than retire from radio.)  We hope that these new adjustments work out best for ALL parties concerned ... and that means the radio station AND the seasoned broadcasters whose shifts have been affected by this latest move.  (Personally, as I've stated before, I would have preferred that Biondi be allowed to keep his Friday Night All Request Show, as I know that this is when his most loyal listeners tuned in.  The weekend salute to the Glory Days of WLS will be fun ... but I have to believe that SOMETHING could have been worked out to start Dick's shift earlier on Friday Nights ... and I don't believe that John "Records" Landecker would have minded one bit!!!)  kk



And Forgotten Hits Congratulations go out to Citizen Bill at Fun 92.7 FM in Huntsville, Alabama ... this past Sunday he broadcast his 500th Edition of "Remember Then" for the station!  (Stay tuned ... Bill may be doing some of our Forgotten Hits Twin Spins in the weeks to come!)  "Remember Then" airs Sunday Nights from 7 - 8 pm (Central Time) ... and you can "Listen Live" here:   

Citizen Bill also played a "Forgotten 45" that I wasn't familiar with ... but absolutely LOVED!!!  It's called "Rainy Day Bells" by The Globetrotters ... and it turns out that this soulful piece was cowritten by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield!  Although this one never officially charted, it certainly deserved to.  Check out this YouTube clip (and a little bit of the back-story behind this song!)  kk


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