Kent ...
Time for another Countdown we can argue about. Here's the schedule.
Click here: CBS-FM’s Top 500 Memorial Day Weekend Countdown « WCBS-FM 101.1
500 = Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross
499 = Peaceful Easy Feeling - Eagles
498 = Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Elton John
497 = Shattered - Rolling Stones
496 = Imagine - John Lennon
495 = Whenever I Call You Friend - Kenny Loggins
494 = Out Of Touch - Hall Oates
493 = Cats In The Cradle - Harry Chapin
492 = Tragedy - Bee Gees
491 = Horse With No Name - America
490 = Mercy, Mercy Me - Marvin Gaye
489 = Live And Let Die - Paul McCartney
Frank B.
re: AIN'T THAT GOOD NEWS:
>>>Congratulations to our FH Buddy John Madara! (kk)
>>>The Philadelphia Music Alliance announced Tuesday (May 14) that they will honor composers / producers John Madara and David White (who gave us Danny & the Juniors' "At The Hop," "1-2-3" from Len Barry, "The Fly" by Chubby Checker and Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me") with a plaque on the Phildelphia Music Walk of Fame at an unspecified date in October. (Ron Smith)
Hi Kent ...
Wanted to share this good news. This is going to happen on October 21. I will send more info when I know more.
Your friend,
John
re: REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED:
Sadly it seems to be happening FAR too often ... but so many of the great names that helped to shape our past are leaving us.
Marshall Lytle, bassist with Bill Haley's Saddlemen -- later re-named the Comets, died Saturday (May 25) of cancer. He was 80. Marshall joined Bill while a teen in 1951, playing "slap bass" with an upright instrument that created percussion (many rockabilly bands had no drummer for this reason, though the Comets had a good one in Dick Richards). He evolved a comedic style of performing with the bass (such as riding it like a horse) that was emulated by many others, including Elvis' bassist, Bill Black. Marshall co-wrote Bill's 1953 hit, "Crazy Man, Crazy" (#12) and performed on such classics as "Rock Around The Clock" (#1 - 1955), "Shake, Rattle & Roll" (#7 - 1954), "Dim, Dim The Lights" (#11 - 1955) and "Birth Of The Boogie" (#17 - 1955). He left Bill in 1955 over his meager salary and helped form the Jodimars, who recorded for Capitol Records with no chart success but became a Las Vegas staple. When the band broke up for good in the early '60s, he changed his name to Tommy Page and got into real estate and interior design. He re-joined the Comets on a reunion tour in 1987 and played with them for the next twenty years. Marshall was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame with the rest of the original Comets in 2012, correcting an oversight when Bill was inducted solo in 1987.
-- Ron Smith
We talked with Marshall a few years ago in Forgotten Hits, shortly after having much of his leg amputated. Incredibly, he continued to perform and remained in high spirits. Sad to hear that he has left us. One of the original greats.
You can read an interview with Marshall Lytle (conducted by Bob Rush and first published in "The Beat", a UK publication for which Bob is the US correspondant, here:
For those who listened to AM in the late 60s and into the 70s ... especially Boss Radio stations from coast to coast ... Boss Radio architect Paul Drew has passed.
Click here: Top 40 Radio Pioneer Paul Drew Dies at 78 | Billboard
TheVinylLark
We talked with Marshall a few years ago in Forgotten Hits, shortly after having much of his leg amputated. Incredibly, he continued to perform and remained in high spirits. Sad to hear that he has left us. One of the original greats.
You can read an interview with Marshall Lytle (conducted by Bob Rush and first published in "The Beat", a UK publication for which Bob is the US correspondant, here:
For those who listened to AM in the late 60s and into the 70s ... especially Boss Radio stations from coast to coast ... Boss Radio architect Paul Drew has passed.
Click here: Top 40 Radio Pioneer Paul Drew Dies at 78 | Billboard
TheVinylLark
Trevor Bolder, longtime Uriah Heep bassist and former member of David Bowie’s backing band, has passed away at the age of 62. The musician sadly died today (May 21) after a battle with cancer.
The British musician leaves behind an incredibly distinguished career, having played with David Bowie for a number of years, contributing bass and occasional trumpet parts to such classic albums as ‘Hunky Dory’ (1971), ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ (1972), ‘Aladdin Sane’ (1973) and ‘Pin Ups’ (1973).
Bolder was also a longtime member of Uriah Heep from 1976-1981 and once again from 1983 until 2013, putting in a total of 35 years with the band. Bolder can be heard on a total of 21 separate releases from the pioneering British hard rock band, including studio albums and official live records.
Uriah Heep memorialized their longtime bassist in a heartfelt statement: It is with great sadness that Uriah Heep announce the passing of our friend the amazing Trevor Bolder, who has passed away after his long fight with cancer. Trevor was an all time great, one of the outstanding musicians of his generation, and one of the finest and most influential bass players that Britain ever produced. His longtime membership of Uriah Heep brought the band’s music, and Trevor’s virtuosity and enthusiasm, to hundreds of thousands of fans across the world. He joined the band in 1976 and, barring one short break, was a fixture until his ill health forced him to take a step back early this year. Prior to joining Heep, he was a founder and ever-present member of David Bowie’s legendary Spiders from Mars band, performing on all of their key albums and at countless shows. He also performed with Wishbone Ash, Cybernauts and The Rats.
Uriah Heep guitarist Mick Box added: Trevor was a world-class bass player, singer and songwriter, and more importantly a world-class friend. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and rock fans all over the world. We are all numb to the core.
Our best wishes go out to the family, friends and bandmates of Trevor Bolder, and we thank the musician for over four decades of great music.
Check out this site of other rockers lost in 2013: http://loudwire.com/jeff-hanneman-death-2013/
Ken Voss
We heard from FH Reader Brad Joblin that recently departed Doors Keyboardist Ray Manzarek performed at The Ridgefield Playhouse (in Ridgefield, CT) three times in the past five years with former bandmate Robby Krieger. He sent us an awesome stage shot from a few years ago to share with our readers.
.jpg)
Ray Manzarek
May 25, 2011
The Ridgefield Playhouse
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Photo by: Brad Joblin
Hi Kent,
Just a note to pay tribute to Ray Manzarek, the great keyboard player for the Doors.
He made all the Doors' recordings special with his keyboard. What would "Light My Fire" be without that keyboard sound of his!!!! My other favorite was "Love Her Madly"!
I only wish I could have seen them perform in person. I do have them on an Ed Sullivan show tape. What a group and sound. The keyboard sound is my favorite so thank you Ray for all the enjoyment you gave us.
When in doubt ask the master ...
Is it true Robbie Krieger, the Doors guitar player wrote all their songs but the group agreed to have them
credited to "The Doors"???
Carolyn
I've not heard that but I don't believe it's true ... if for no other reason than the fact that Jim Morrison was a poet first ... and it was setting Jim's songs to music that launched the band in the first place. Alluding to what you mentioned earlier, the keyboard sound was an integral part of the make-up of The Doors ... I believe they all contributed to the end result. (A couple more of my favorites include "Riders On The Storm" ... which seems to be one of those "love it or hate it songs" ... I love it ... and "People Are Strange". When it was out "Hello I Love You" was also a fave ... but it's another one of those that radio has ruined for me by playing it to death. (kk)
And speaking of Ray Manzarek, one of our readers sent in a copy of this posting from Carl Giammarese's Facebook page:
And speaking of Ray Manzarek, one of our readers sent in a copy of this posting from Carl Giammarese's Facebook page:
I wanted to share this wonderful article in today’s Chicago Tribune, written by Mary Schmich (you'll find the link below). Her article really hit home for me ... It was regarding the death of Ray Manzarek, co-founder and keyboardist for the legendary group, The Doors, on Monday, May 20, 2013.
Manzarek’s passing reminded me of my own mortality, and brought to mind thoughts of so many peers in this business of music who have left us recently, including Davy Jones and Donna Summer. Then of course, thoughts turned closer to home.
Considering Manzarek’s role in the music of The Doors, thoughts turned to considering how one band member’s death changes the very nature of a band, as a part of its history as well as shaping its future. My thoughts turned next to John Poulos, whose dream it was to create The Buckinghams. John was our original drummer, and a friend who was like my own brother. It’s hard to believe Jon-Jon has been gone 33 years; makes you remember just how young he was, when he left behind a wife, a grown stepson and a very young daughter.
I guess I'm really not any different from The Buckinghams' fans who come up to me at the autograph table after a concert and share a story about what one of our songs meant to them back in the day. Today, I'm thinking about Ray the same way. I know Ray Manzarek was a Chicago native; unfortunately I never had the opportunity to know him, but I knew his music well. I remember the first time I heard The Doors perform, and the many times we as The Buckinghams followed them into different venues back in the late 1960s.
The literal closed doors that open into the portals we face along the journeys of our lives usher us into, and out of, each phase of our lives. With the passing of Ray Manzarek, the music of The Doors enters a new phase, and will find renewed life as his name is said aloud, often, in the coming days, weeks and months. For the past decade, The Buckinghams has included in concert, our solid gold medley that pays tribute to our contemporaries who’ve gone before us, which includes music from The Doors. The next time we sing “Touch Me,” we’ll be dedicating it to Ray as well as Jim.
As musicians, all we can do is hope to leave an impression with our music...even though we are musicians, we are also fans just like you, who appreciate talent and the music of our youth, as well as yours. We give thanks for great talents like Morrison and Manzarek. Break on through to the other side, Ray, and rock on. -- Carl Giammarese
NOTE: The inspiration for this note can be found in the May 22, 2013 edition of the Chicago Tribune. Mary Schmich wrote a wonderful editorial entitled, "Ray Manzarek’s death reminds us to appreciate his contemporaries who are still making music." Look for this story on the web at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-schmich-0522-20130522,0,5388778.column?dssReturn and you can read the story online by signing up for Free Digital Plus access -- just requires an email.
re: LAST CHANCE:
Have you registered to win your free autographed copy of Brian Forsythe's new book "Inside The Songs of the Sixties"??? Drop me a note and we'll add your name to the list ... and pick a couple of winners by the end of the week. Meanwhile, you can check out all the details here: Click here: Home Page
(And check out some of the fun videos, photos and interviews, too!) kk
Manzarek’s passing reminded me of my own mortality, and brought to mind thoughts of so many peers in this business of music who have left us recently, including Davy Jones and Donna Summer. Then of course, thoughts turned closer to home.
Considering Manzarek’s role in the music of The Doors, thoughts turned to considering how one band member’s death changes the very nature of a band, as a part of its history as well as shaping its future. My thoughts turned next to John Poulos, whose dream it was to create The Buckinghams. John was our original drummer, and a friend who was like my own brother. It’s hard to believe Jon-Jon has been gone 33 years; makes you remember just how young he was, when he left behind a wife, a grown stepson and a very young daughter.
I guess I'm really not any different from The Buckinghams' fans who come up to me at the autograph table after a concert and share a story about what one of our songs meant to them back in the day. Today, I'm thinking about Ray the same way. I know Ray Manzarek was a Chicago native; unfortunately I never had the opportunity to know him, but I knew his music well. I remember the first time I heard The Doors perform, and the many times we as The Buckinghams followed them into different venues back in the late 1960s.
The literal closed doors that open into the portals we face along the journeys of our lives usher us into, and out of, each phase of our lives. With the passing of Ray Manzarek, the music of The Doors enters a new phase, and will find renewed life as his name is said aloud, often, in the coming days, weeks and months. For the past decade, The Buckinghams has included in concert, our solid gold medley that pays tribute to our contemporaries who’ve gone before us, which includes music from The Doors. The next time we sing “Touch Me,” we’ll be dedicating it to Ray as well as Jim.
As musicians, all we can do is hope to leave an impression with our music...even though we are musicians, we are also fans just like you, who appreciate talent and the music of our youth, as well as yours. We give thanks for great talents like Morrison and Manzarek. Break on through to the other side, Ray, and rock on. -- Carl Giammarese
NOTE: The inspiration for this note can be found in the May 22, 2013 edition of the Chicago Tribune. Mary Schmich wrote a wonderful editorial entitled, "Ray Manzarek’s death reminds us to appreciate his contemporaries who are still making music." Look for this story on the web at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-schmich-0522-20130522,0,5388778.column?dssReturn and you can read the story online by signing up for Free Digital Plus access -- just requires an email.
re: LAST CHANCE:
Have you registered to win your free autographed copy of Brian Forsythe's new book "Inside The Songs of the Sixties"??? Drop me a note and we'll add your name to the list ... and pick a couple of winners by the end of the week. Meanwhile, you can check out all the details here: Click here: Home Page
(And check out some of the fun videos, photos and interviews, too!) kk
And, speaking of Forgotten Hits give-aways, we told you last week that Davie Allan has just released "Retrophonic 4", his latest CD ... which will also be the LAST CD to be issued in a "hard copy" format. (After this, he's going the download-only route as this seems to be the current trend in music.)
However, he has promised to give away a free copy of his latest CD to the first Forgotten Hits reader who can tell us the significance and meaning of this album cover ... so have at it, gang! (kk)
This Is It!
To repeat, this is it! The last Arrows’ album you can hold in your hands. It’ll only be download albums after this final volume of my Retrophonic series. The first download album is the re-release of Restless In L.A. with the original cover idea.
Just a few words about some of the tunes: “Los Cabos” ties the series together with an instrumental version. “War Path” celebrates the 50th anniversary of my first record and it’s only the first remake. Since the Arrows’ instrumentals have always been more popular with my fans, I’ve put together a whole album’s worth (16 tunes) followed by 9 vocals. Even the vocals should be a bit interesting with titles like “Shape of Things to Come”, “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky”, “The Glory Stompers” plus two Buddy Holly tributes: “Think It Over” and “Oh Buddy, We Miss You So” (if you have volume 2 of this series, please note that this version is in a different key, it has some lyric changes and I re-did the entire vocal).
I'm only charging $10 and that includes the postage and bubble mailer. But wait, there's more: a new mailing label, an autograph and a lyric sheet (oh well, it seemed funny when I thought of it!). You can also use Paypal.
Thank you for your support!
Davie Allan
P.O. Box 5378
Oceanside, CA 92052
And here's the new cover ... can YOU figure out the meaning???
re: OTHER NEW RELEASES:
Kink's Legend Dave Davies To Release New Album 'I Will Be Me' – June 4, 2013
Los Angeles, CA - The man who forever changed the sound of rock 'n' roll when he invented distortion, Kink's legend Dave Davies, has recorded a brand new solo album of all original material! To be released on Cleopatra Records on June 4th , 'I Will Be Me' features guest appearances by The Jayhawks, Anti-Flag, award winning UK blues guitarist Oli Brown, Chris Spedding, US stoner rock band Dead Meadow, Aussie rockers The Art, Geri X and others! In support of Dave's new album release, a special engagement of Live performances in New York and Los Angeles are scheduled for the end of May to mid-June! (see below for complete list of shows) Dave Davies founded the Kinks in the early 1960s and forever changed music after he sliced up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on the song "You Really Got Me". Musicologist Joe Harrington described the Kinks influence: " 'You Really Got Me', 'All Day And All Of The Night' ... were predecessors of the whole three-chord genre ... The Kinks did a lot to help turn rock n roll into rock." In 1998, writer Bill Crowley wrote, "As lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock, without whom guitar-rock styles including heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day."
Dave's new album 'I Will Be Me' is a return to his groundbreaking guitar sound and innovative songwriting. His classically English voice shows off a new depth but still hits his famous high notes in this collection. The hard rocking track "Livin' In The Past", takes a look at obsession with all things retro but, ever the Mod, Dave surprises with the lyric, "No matter what they do or say, the future's here to stay!" He takes a look back with "Little Green Amp", a playful, punk homage to days when his jagged, blues driven sound wave ripped ahead of the British Invasion through stereos the world over. "Cote du Rhone (I Will Be Me)", an uncensored look at ugliness in the world today, is as angry and biting as any song in Dave's repertoire with an innovative yet heavy slide guitar tone. Soothing lyrics and sounds of Jonathan Lea's sitar playing on "Healing Boy" show Dave's sensitive side. In a recent radio interview he said, "Rock music is a positive force for good." This hopeful and optimistic vision manifests and bridges themes personal, social and universal in 'I Will Be Me'.
Since the early days, Dave Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records, ranging from solo hit single "Death of a Clown", to experimental Kinks records like 'Village Green Preservation Society' and 'Arthur' as well as the classic single "Lola" in the '70s. In the '80s Dave released experimentally prescient solo work like the eponymous album titled 'Dave Davies' or 'AFL1-3603' named after himself and / or the barcode symbol face cover art. His mainstream success continued in the 80s on hit Kinks albums 'Low Budget' and 'State of Confusion'. In the '90s he released more solo work such as 'Bug' and the compilation 'Unfinished Business'. His songs have been featured in films by John Carpenter and on TV shows like 'The Sopranos', which used his tune "Living On A Thin Line". His tell-all autobiographical book 'Kink' was well received in the late '90s as well. In recent years, Dave has collaborated creatively with his sons. In 2010 he worked with son Russell Davies to create the hauntingly, beautiful rock electronica album, the Aschere Project. The film 'Mystical Journey', directed by son Martin Davies, narrates Dave's longtime interest in the paranormal, Eastern philosophies and spirituality (the film inspired Julien Temple s BBC documentary 'Kinkdom Kome'). No matter how diverse the ambition, Dave Davies puts his heart and soul in all of his projects.
Los Angeles, CA - The man who forever changed the sound of rock 'n' roll when he invented distortion, Kink's legend Dave Davies, has recorded a brand new solo album of all original material! To be released on Cleopatra Records on June 4th , 'I Will Be Me' features guest appearances by The Jayhawks, Anti-Flag, award winning UK blues guitarist Oli Brown, Chris Spedding, US stoner rock band Dead Meadow, Aussie rockers The Art, Geri X and others! In support of Dave's new album release, a special engagement of Live performances in New York and Los Angeles are scheduled for the end of May to mid-June! (see below for complete list of shows) Dave Davies founded the Kinks in the early 1960s and forever changed music after he sliced up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on the song "You Really Got Me". Musicologist Joe Harrington described the Kinks influence: " 'You Really Got Me', 'All Day And All Of The Night' ... were predecessors of the whole three-chord genre ... The Kinks did a lot to help turn rock n roll into rock." In 1998, writer Bill Crowley wrote, "As lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock, without whom guitar-rock styles including heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day."
Dave's new album 'I Will Be Me' is a return to his groundbreaking guitar sound and innovative songwriting. His classically English voice shows off a new depth but still hits his famous high notes in this collection. The hard rocking track "Livin' In The Past", takes a look at obsession with all things retro but, ever the Mod, Dave surprises with the lyric, "No matter what they do or say, the future's here to stay!" He takes a look back with "Little Green Amp", a playful, punk homage to days when his jagged, blues driven sound wave ripped ahead of the British Invasion through stereos the world over. "Cote du Rhone (I Will Be Me)", an uncensored look at ugliness in the world today, is as angry and biting as any song in Dave's repertoire with an innovative yet heavy slide guitar tone. Soothing lyrics and sounds of Jonathan Lea's sitar playing on "Healing Boy" show Dave's sensitive side. In a recent radio interview he said, "Rock music is a positive force for good." This hopeful and optimistic vision manifests and bridges themes personal, social and universal in 'I Will Be Me'.
Since the early days, Dave Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records, ranging from solo hit single "Death of a Clown", to experimental Kinks records like 'Village Green Preservation Society' and 'Arthur' as well as the classic single "Lola" in the '70s. In the '80s Dave released experimentally prescient solo work like the eponymous album titled 'Dave Davies' or 'AFL1-3603' named after himself and / or the barcode symbol face cover art. His mainstream success continued in the 80s on hit Kinks albums 'Low Budget' and 'State of Confusion'. In the '90s he released more solo work such as 'Bug' and the compilation 'Unfinished Business'. His songs have been featured in films by John Carpenter and on TV shows like 'The Sopranos', which used his tune "Living On A Thin Line". His tell-all autobiographical book 'Kink' was well received in the late '90s as well. In recent years, Dave has collaborated creatively with his sons. In 2010 he worked with son Russell Davies to create the hauntingly, beautiful rock electronica album, the Aschere Project. The film 'Mystical Journey', directed by son Martin Davies, narrates Dave's longtime interest in the paranormal, Eastern philosophies and spirituality (the film inspired Julien Temple s BBC documentary 'Kinkdom Kome'). No matter how diverse the ambition, Dave Davies puts his heart and soul in all of his projects.
Dave Davies tour dates:
May 27, 28 & 29 - City Winery - New York, NY
May 30 - The Bull Run - Shirley, MA
May 31 - Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CT
June 1 - Musikfest Cafe - Bethlehem, PA
June 2 - The Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, IL
June 6 - Sainte Rocke - Hermosa Beach, CA
June 7 - Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA
June 9 - The Canyon Club - Agoura Hills, CA
June 11- Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar, CA
More dates to come!
To pre-order Dave Davies – 'I Will Be Me' CD: http://www.amazon.com/Dave-Davies-Will-Be-Me/dp/B00CA9VQBQ/ref=sr_1_17?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1366047104&sr=1-17&keywords=dave+davies
May 27, 28 & 29 - City Winery - New York, NY
May 30 - The Bull Run - Shirley, MA
May 31 - Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CT
June 1 - Musikfest Cafe - Bethlehem, PA
June 2 - The Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, IL
June 6 - Sainte Rocke - Hermosa Beach, CA
June 7 - Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA
June 9 - The Canyon Club - Agoura Hills, CA
June 11- Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar, CA
More dates to come!
To pre-order Dave Davies – 'I Will Be Me' CD: http://www.amazon.com/Dave-Davies-Will-Be-Me/dp/B00CA9VQBQ/ref=sr_1_17?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1366047104&sr=1-17&keywords=dave+davies
re: THIS AND THAT:
Check this out! Our FH Buddy Al Kooper will be opening for The Zombies ... one of his all-time favorite bands ... on June 21st at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA.
Says Al ...
Never has this happened b4!
Al was instrumental in breaking The Zombies' hit "Time Of The Season" here in The States. He talked briefly about the band during our exclusive Forgotten Hits interview:
kk: I remember something from the book ... where you were in England or something and you kinda helped to break a record that had been pretty dormant here at the time ... pretty much ignored ... but you helped to make it a hit here.
Never has this happened b4!
Al was instrumental in breaking The Zombies' hit "Time Of The Season" here in The States. He talked briefly about the band during our exclusive Forgotten Hits interview:
kk: I remember something from the book ... where you were in England or something and you kinda helped to break a record that had been pretty dormant here at the time ... pretty much ignored ... but you helped to make it a hit here.
AL KOOPER: Oh yeah, yeah ... that was "Odyssey and Oracle", the Zombies record.
kk: And now THOSE guys are back together ... and I hear they sound great. I heard some things off their new album ... and there's some REALLY good stuff on there.
AK: Oh no ... they never broke up.
kk: No, but they've gone through changes, right? Haven't they kind of been on the "outs" over the years, each of them going off and doing their own things?
AK: No, not at all. I'm very good friends with them ... we're very good friends. In fact, they played here about a year ago and we went to the show. Actually, here's what I do, now that I'm 68 years old. I go to the sound check and then I have dinner with the artist ... and then I go home.
kk: Yeah, but there's something about the ambiance of an audience ... the whole reaction of the audience ... that's all part of the whole "in concert" experience.
AK: Yes, but usually these people are roughly my age ... unless it's one of the new bands that I like ... in which case they think I'm crazy ... but with some of these new bands, you know, unless their parents are there, there's really nobody that old in the audience ... because these are new bands. So I feel out of place.
kk: Well, you could probably sit back stage at most of these things, couldn't you?
AK: Well then why be there? That's the thing about the sound checks ... I can sit out there in the audience and on occasion, even request my favorite songs ... (lol) ... you know, the ones that I would go and hope to see them play.
kk: lol, yeah right.
FH Reader Frank B sent us a copy of this article ... one of the earliest ever written about a young Elvis Presley (circa 1954 ... two years before "Heartbreak Hotel" crashed on to the charts. Pretty cool ... check it out:
Click here: Scotty Moore - In A Spin
Kent,
Thanks for the personal info on how high WATERBOY by Don Shirley got on WLS back in 1961. The version you posted was a little bit different than the one played here in OKC. My version (45 on Cadence) is 2:56 in length. Your version appeared to have the first 15 or so seconds cut out with the ending a little bit different. From what I was told years ago and know, the LP version is somewhat 4 minutes long.
As far as GREENBACK DOLLAR by the Kingston trio, their version peaked at number 27 in March of 1963 here in OKC. Months earlier, Hoyt Axton's version, (he wrote it), peaked at number 6 for the week of October 25, 1962. Recorded on Horizon records, I don't know if his version made your charts or not. One final thing about Hoyt Axton's ersion. In case you wanted to know, in my opinion, it was a pretty "darn" good one.
Larry
FH Reader Frank B sent us a copy of this article ... one of the earliest ever written about a young Elvis Presley (circa 1954 ... two years before "Heartbreak Hotel" crashed on to the charts. Pretty cool ... check it out:
Click here: Scotty Moore - In A Spin
Kent,
Thanks for the personal info on how high WATERBOY by Don Shirley got on WLS back in 1961. The version you posted was a little bit different than the one played here in OKC. My version (45 on Cadence) is 2:56 in length. Your version appeared to have the first 15 or so seconds cut out with the ending a little bit different. From what I was told years ago and know, the LP version is somewhat 4 minutes long.
As far as GREENBACK DOLLAR by the Kingston trio, their version peaked at number 27 in March of 1963 here in OKC. Months earlier, Hoyt Axton's version, (he wrote it), peaked at number 6 for the week of October 25, 1962. Recorded on Horizon records, I don't know if his version made your charts or not. One final thing about Hoyt Axton's ersion. In case you wanted to know, in my opinion, it was a pretty "darn" good one.
Larry
I got "Water Boy" off of an Instrumental Compilation CD ... I'm honestly not familiar with the song. (It predates my radio listening time by about three years ... and, let's face it, despite its local Top 10 showing, it's NOT one of those that has stayed on anybody's playlist for the past fifty years! Randy Price, who has put together a GREAT series of CDs, featuring EVERY charted instrumental hit of the '60's, would be the right guy to ask about this one. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to add these CDs to my collection yet either.) Click here: Amazon.com: instrumental hits of the 60s: Music
I don't see ANY chart records by Hoyt Axton making it here in Chicago ... nor did it chart nationally. I'm wondering if his music got played there because he's a local Oklahoma boy. (kk)
KK:
Since we are covering the different versions of "Rock & Roll Heaven", why not include the Righteous Brothers' 1990 version. I remember hearing this on an oldies station in Orlando, FL, during the summer of 1990, and remembering how they said this was just recorded. It wasn't until 1991 when it was officially released as single.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WL3YWBRV1U
Enjoy,T. Jay
I don't see ANY chart records by Hoyt Axton making it here in Chicago ... nor did it chart nationally. I'm wondering if his music got played there because he's a local Oklahoma boy. (kk)
KK:
Since we are covering the different versions of "Rock & Roll Heaven", why not include the Righteous Brothers' 1990 version. I remember hearing this on an oldies station in Orlando, FL, during the summer of 1990, and remembering how they said this was just recorded. It wasn't until 1991 when it was officially released as single.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WL3YWBRV1U
Enjoy,T. Jay
Just got this from FH Reader Tom Cuddy:
Carole King Honored By President Obama
by on May 24, 2013
Carole King was honored on Wednesday night at the White House with the fifth Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, the first woman to receive the award.
President Obama opened the evening with a statement on the tragedy in Oklahoma and followed calling King a “living legend” (see video below). King then took the stage to sing Beautiful from Tapestry before giving the stage over to a group of artists performing her music.
The Set List (We are still trying to determine the performer on two of the songs):
Beautiful – Carole King
Will You Love Me Tomorrow – Gloria Estefan, Trisha Yearwood, Emeli Sande
Up on the Roof – James Taylor
So Far Away – Trisha Yearwood
Loco-Motion – Billy Joel
Cryin’ in the Rain – James Taylor and TBD
(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman – Emeli Sande
Jazzman – Carole King
I Believe in Loving You – Carole King
I Feel the Earth Move – Carole King
You’ve Got a Friend – Carole King and James Taylor
The show will be on PBS on May 28.
This is one we'll definitely want to catch. Thanks, Tom! (kk)
Kent -
My new CD "Area 51 Suite" is getting great response from radio & press!
I will be on "Coast To Coast" AM Radio Saturday June 1st from 10 pm to 12 am PST.
Best Always,
Merrell Fankhauser
Just got word about an upcoming concert in Atlantic City, New Jersey (Saturday, June 1st) featuring:
Mark Farner (former lead vocalist from Grand Funk Railroad) and band, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, The Soul Survivors, The Buckinghams, The Trammps, Seven Stone, Gypsy Asylum, The Bob Sterling Band, and the Jeremiah Hunter Band, all hosted by New Jersey's own, Joe Piscopo, who will be our MC as well as performing with his own band. Even Miss New Jersey 2012, Lindsey Petrosh will be making an appearance.
It's being billed as sort of a Vet Fest ... and even war hero Oliver North will be there! Full details here:
Click here: VetRock Home
Click here: VetRock Home
And speaking of up-coming shows, we just got this word ... figured we'd better give all of you out there who already have tickets a little bit of advance notice (yeah, right!):
ZZ Top will not be appearing, as previously announced, on June 2 at the Warsaw Student Festival / Ursynalia. The group and its management has been forced to cancel the engagement due to the fact that the festival's promoter have not complied with the terms of the contract that were previously agreed upon by all parties.
The band issued the following statement: "We are disappointed that we will not be coming to Warsaw to perform next month. We've only had very positive experiences whenever we've played in Poland and look forward to performing there again in the future." A representative for the band pointed out that other projected tour dates had to be deferred in order to build the Ursynalia date into ZZ Top's touring schedule, adding, "Honoring the terms of performance contracts is fundamental to the touring business in every country in which ZZ Top has ever appeared. We regret that the band's fans in Warsaw will not be able to see them there next month but we had no choice in the matter in light of the promoter's non-compliance."
A New York Times article / interview on the current Billy Joel state of mind ...
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/magazine/billy-joel-on-not-working-and-not-giving-up-drinking.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3
Hey Kent -
Enjoying the new Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour CD just released ...
includes the under-played Little Girl I Once Knew (a personal favorite) ... their
live performance gives these heard-many-times tunes a fresh sound.
Phil
www.PrayForSurfBlog.blogspot.com
I just listened to a sampling ... sounds pretty good to me! (kk)
Hi Kent,
I was looking at a review of the new Beach Boys Live disc, and it took me to this review of last year's That's Why God Made the Radio. Thought I'd pass it on for a 1 year anniversary look back at that album which is actually in my top 5 BB albums.
Bill
http://theseconddisc.com/2012/06/05/catch-a-wave-special-review-the-beach-boys-that's-why-god-made-the-radio/
Wow! A whole year's gone by already! Still, a very solid effort from a band that just seems to be its own worst enemy. (How many comebacks can one band have?!?!?) Every time they seem to be relevant again, somebody's got to mess things up ... rather then simply ride the wave for as long as they can, they seem to prefer to wipe out at every new opportunity. A second comeback album would have been outstanding ... and it would have been interesting to see how the band might have grown (and where it might have ventured) after that. Instead we got one great glimpse into just how solid they still were, leaving us longing for more and wondering again what might have been. (kk)
Bill
http://theseconddisc.com/2012/06/05/catch-a-wave-special-review-the-beach-boys-that's-why-god-made-the-radio/
Wow! A whole year's gone by already! Still, a very solid effort from a band that just seems to be its own worst enemy. (How many comebacks can one band have?!?!?) Every time they seem to be relevant again, somebody's got to mess things up ... rather then simply ride the wave for as long as they can, they seem to prefer to wipe out at every new opportunity. A second comeback album would have been outstanding ... and it would have been interesting to see how the band might have grown (and where it might have ventured) after that. Instead we got one great glimpse into just how solid they still were, leaving us longing for more and wondering again what might have been. (kk)
Kent,
I’m always fascinated by your discussions involving WLS and / or the Silver Dollar Surveys, so I think you’re going to find this interesting. While going through my collection of Silver Dollar Surveys recently, I found an old hand written note from the summer of 66 that I had left for my younger brother (we were both teenagers and huge Beatle fans) telling him that WLS had just played the “new” Beatle song Rain. My note showed the date and even the time which was May 19th, 1966 at 9:20 PM. (Art Roberts show?) Now the official release date for that single here in the US was May 30th so it looks like WLS was playing that song a full 10 days before its official release. Is that possible? Very interesting to us Beatle and WLS trivia buffs!
Dave
Hoffman Estates
Totally possible ... that's how they'd drum up advance sales and anticipation. Cool to find stuff like this 'though ... a piece of our youth ... sort of a living diary! (kk)
A brand new Rolling Stones Exhibit (50 Years of Satisfaction) opened at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Museum on Friday (May 24th). More details here:
Click here: Rolling Stones Exhibit Brings ‘Satisfaction’ To Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame « WCBS-FM 101.1
While not specifically music oriented, here's an interesting tangent on rock stars - Lost Star Cars. This is a series of articles written by Patrick Smith for PHS Car Collectible World and can be found on his BlogSpot http://www.phscollectorcarworld.blogspot.com/#!
Search "lost star cars" and you'll find stories on:
Jim Morrison (The Doors) 1967 Shelby GT500
Jimi Hendrix's Corvettes
Janis Joplin's Porsche 356 Cabriolet
Bob Dylan's Cars and Bikes
Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) Aston Martin
Jack Bruce (Cream) Ferrari Daytona
Tina Turner's 1973 Jaguar XKE
Rick Allen (Def Leppard) 1984 Corvette
Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd) 1976 Ford Torino
Maurice Gibb (The Bee Gees) Silver Cloud & Aston Martin Ken Voss
Very cool actually. Thanks Ken! (kk)
Kent ...
Lets go back in time with " The Geator With The Heator. "
Frank B.
Click here: Lens Through Time: Jerry Blavat - YouTube
The Twist was the greatest dance sensation of the '60's ... a number one hit TWICE ... first time around when the kids discovered it ... and then again the following year when the adult crowd (and numerous famous socialites) jumped on the bandwagon ... the ONLY record in the history of rock and roll to reach #1 TWICE ... yet Chubby Checker is NOT in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ... The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame does not consider his contribution to the evolution of music significant enough to deserve inclusion in their hallowed halls. As stated earlier this week, it was the white kids discovering and falling in love with the black music that bridged the huge racial gaps and bias in our country ... and deejays like Jerry Blavat and Alan Freed and Wolfman Jack and many others were the TRUE Civil Rights Leaders in this country ... THEY made that happen. We have Martin Luther King Day ... maybe part of that celebration should include the music of this era that truly bridged that gap. (kk)
Search "lost star cars" and you'll find stories on:
Jim Morrison (The Doors) 1967 Shelby GT500
Jimi Hendrix's Corvettes
Janis Joplin's Porsche 356 Cabriolet
Bob Dylan's Cars and Bikes
Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) Aston Martin
Jack Bruce (Cream) Ferrari Daytona
Tina Turner's 1973 Jaguar XKE
Rick Allen (Def Leppard) 1984 Corvette
Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd) 1976 Ford Torino
Maurice Gibb (The Bee Gees) Silver Cloud & Aston Martin Ken Voss
Very cool actually. Thanks Ken! (kk)
Kent ...
Lets go back in time with " The Geator With The Heator. "
Frank B.
Click here: Lens Through Time: Jerry Blavat - YouTube
The Twist was the greatest dance sensation of the '60's ... a number one hit TWICE ... first time around when the kids discovered it ... and then again the following year when the adult crowd (and numerous famous socialites) jumped on the bandwagon ... the ONLY record in the history of rock and roll to reach #1 TWICE ... yet Chubby Checker is NOT in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ... The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame does not consider his contribution to the evolution of music significant enough to deserve inclusion in their hallowed halls. As stated earlier this week, it was the white kids discovering and falling in love with the black music that bridged the huge racial gaps and bias in our country ... and deejays like Jerry Blavat and Alan Freed and Wolfman Jack and many others were the TRUE Civil Rights Leaders in this country ... THEY made that happen. We have Martin Luther King Day ... maybe part of that celebration should include the music of this era that truly bridged that gap. (kk)
Kent:
Motivated by the passing of Alan O'Day ("Undercover Angel"), a true gentleman and a gifted singer-songwriter, I combed through some boxes to try and find a rare backstage shot from the early 90s. It was taken when I produced a "Seventies Spectacular" for WPLJ-FM at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden. And because Alan was on the bill, I wanted to share this photo in tribute to him. I've never made this public before.
I'll challenge some of your FH eagled eyed 70s readers to try and find the following artists somewhere in this group picture with Alan:
- Three Dog Night (Joy to the World)
- Robert John (Sad Eyes)
- Andrew Gold (Lonely Boy)
- David Naughton (Makin' It)
- Ian Lloyd and the Stories (Brother Louie)
- Sonny Geraci (Precious and Few & Time Won't Let Me)
- Rupert Holmes (The Pina Colada Song)
- Elliot Lurie & Looking Glass (Brandy)
-- Tom Cuddy
re: JUST HAVIN' FUN:
Hi Kent -
Groupon often posts ridiculous commentaries in their daily mailings and today's was on Rock and Roll.
Thought you might get a laugh out of it.
Steve Davidson
The Groupon Guide to: Rock 'n' Roll History
Rock 'n' roll has a long and varied history. Here are some of its most important moments:
1902: Blues is invented by Blind Tommy Phlegmhat or Charlie “Knuckle Crumbs” Sickbody or something
1927: The first electric guitar is invented by Thomas Edison’s rebellious teenage nephew
1963: The Beatles first appear on The Ed Sullivan Show to drink Coca-Cola and rev motorcycles
1972: Jimmy Page unveils his double-necked guitar where all the strings are also tiny guitars
1973–1996: Nothing
1997: Puff Daddy successfully fuses rap and rock 'n' roll with hit song “All About the Benjamins (Rock Remix) ft. Fuzz Bubble"
2000: Rock 'n' roll dies. No one cares.
Whose rebellious nephew invented the electric guitar? Find out in today’s Groupon Guide.
Scary part is some unsuspecting kid will read this and accept it as gospel ... and then 20 years from now he'll get a job programming a radio station ... ah, the ridiculous cycle just never seems to end! (kk)
A bit more fun:
Hi Kent -
Groupon often posts ridiculous commentaries in their daily mailings and today's was on Rock and Roll.
Thought you might get a laugh out of it.
Steve Davidson
The Groupon Guide to: Rock 'n' Roll History
Rock 'n' roll has a long and varied history. Here are some of its most important moments:
1902: Blues is invented by Blind Tommy Phlegmhat or Charlie “Knuckle Crumbs” Sickbody or something
1927: The first electric guitar is invented by Thomas Edison’s rebellious teenage nephew
1963: The Beatles first appear on The Ed Sullivan Show to drink Coca-Cola and rev motorcycles
1972: Jimmy Page unveils his double-necked guitar where all the strings are also tiny guitars
1973–1996: Nothing
1997: Puff Daddy successfully fuses rap and rock 'n' roll with hit song “All About the Benjamins (Rock Remix) ft. Fuzz Bubble"
2000: Rock 'n' roll dies. No one cares.
Whose rebellious nephew invented the electric guitar? Find out in today’s Groupon Guide.
Scary part is some unsuspecting kid will read this and accept it as gospel ... and then 20 years from now he'll get a job programming a radio station ... ah, the ridiculous cycle just never seems to end! (kk)
A bit more fun:
re: CLIP OF THE WEEK:
One of the more bizarre things I've seen on Youtube.
Bill
Who knew Tiny Tim was still this entertaining in 1979?!?!? I actually saw him once ... believe it or not, he was performing at a pizza parlor in Berwyn!!! Great way to end the week. (kk)
