re: THIS AND THAT:
Kent ...
On April 5, 2006, Gene Pitney died. There was an article in my newspaper. It was about Wild Wayne doing a two hour tribute to Gene Pitney on his show.
Since Gene's one of my favorites, I decided to tune in. Wayne and Gene were close friends ... both from Connecticut. It was a great tribute show.
I found out Wild Wayne was on every week. I'm still listening.
For the past month and a half I couldn't get the "Memory Machine" on my computer. Why, I don't know. Wild Wayne called me on the phone on Sunday to check up on me, 'cause he hadn't heard from me. I explained my problem to him. He put a station tech guy on the phone. He found another way for me to get the station. Once I got the connection, I wasn't going to lose it. I listened to this Foreign Language show for an hour! How's that for a loyal listener?
Your readers should check out "Wild Wayne's Memory Machine." It's on Sunday Nights from 6 to 8 PM (Eastern Time) ... wwuh.org
Wild Wayne tells me he's been on the air for 34 + years. He plays a wide variety of music. If you listen for two hours, you are sure to find something you like.
End of Commercial.
Frank B.
Kent ...
On April 5, 2006, Gene Pitney died. There was an article in my newspaper. It was about Wild Wayne doing a two hour tribute to Gene Pitney on his show.
Since Gene's one of my favorites, I decided to tune in. Wayne and Gene were close friends ... both from Connecticut. It was a great tribute show.
I found out Wild Wayne was on every week. I'm still listening.
For the past month and a half I couldn't get the "Memory Machine" on my computer. Why, I don't know. Wild Wayne called me on the phone on Sunday to check up on me, 'cause he hadn't heard from me. I explained my problem to him. He put a station tech guy on the phone. He found another way for me to get the station. Once I got the connection, I wasn't going to lose it. I listened to this Foreign Language show for an hour! How's that for a loyal listener?
Your readers should check out "Wild Wayne's Memory Machine." It's on Sunday Nights from 6 to 8 PM (Eastern Time) ... wwuh.org
Wild Wayne tells me he's been on the air for 34 + years. He plays a wide variety of music. If you listen for two hours, you are sure to find something you like.
End of Commercial.
Frank B.
Here is the HyLitRadio September Newsletter
Thanks, and we hope to see you soon!
Carmella
Click here: HyLitRadio.com Newsletter
DJ Stu tells us about two special doo-wop events happening this weekend in the New York area:
Saturday Evening - Mickey B's doo wop show at The Patchogue Theater in Parchogue, Long Island, New York.
Featuring: Lola and the Saints / Passions / Excellents / Contours /Demensions / La La Brooks
Sunday Afternoon - Goodfellas DooWop Club (September 22 - 12:30 till 4 -This time the meeting place is Aldo's 11 Pizzeria and Restaurant / 137-03 Crossbay Blvd / Ozone Park, New York - Featuring: Tee-Tones / Dennis Dell /Don Thomas / Tina DeCara/ Nicholas Anthony / Silver Fox Besides enjoying the music you may want to get up and sing as well. Admission is free!!!!! Italian food is available!
Sunday Afternoon - Goodfellas DooWop Club (September 22 - 12:30 till 4 -This time the meeting place is Aldo's 11 Pizzeria and Restaurant / 137-03 Crossbay Blvd / Ozone Park, New York - Featuring: Tee-Tones / Dennis Dell /Don Thomas / Tina DeCara/ Nicholas Anthony / Silver Fox Besides enjoying the music you may want to get up and sing as well. Admission is free!!!!! Italian food is available!
Hey Kent,
I just received this from Rediscover Music. They have a very good music catalog. Have you ever heard of this artist? The documentary sounds interesting.
- John LaPuzza
Last Saturday evening, at the urging of several friends, my wife and I watched a documentary DVD titled "Searching for Sugar Man" which is an absolutely fascinating story of a singer-songwriter from the early seventies who went by his last name, Rodriguez.
After recording two critically acclaimed albums – he was spoken of as being "as good as or better than Bob Dylan – which went absolutely nowhere, he gave up the entertainment business and went "home." The trouble was, no one knew where home was, he simply disappeared, and soon the stories started that he committed suicide on stage after performing his last show. One of the stories even had him pouring gasoline on himself and striking a match out of despair over not making it big in the entertainment business.
But he did make it big – in South Africa! Somehow he developed a cult following there in the Apartheid era and became a symbolic figure for the white South Africans who also chafed under the rule of the country's powerful political leaders who tolerated no deviations from their autocratic ways. Once the Botha regime finally fell from power, Rodriguez became almost a folk hero, whose two LPs, later re-issued on CD, sold hundreds of thousands, if not millions of copies.
But who was Rodriguez, and what had become of him? The liner notes of his two albums offered no clues, and his former producer and record label had no idea. Finally a sharp-eyed reader noted a reference to a bar in "Dearborn" in one of his songs. Dearborn, Michigan, the Detroit suburb? And so the search came to American shores.
Although the film to that point was already fascinating, it now became even more so, but let me not spoil the end – and a whole lot more leading up to the end – for you. Get the DVD and watch it! We'd be delighted to sell it to you if you wish, but it ain't cheap and is available at Netflix and in many libraries. As a matter of fact, the (Blu-ray) copy we watched was from our local library. And if that inspires you to buy some CDs, we're happy to help you there too.
Allan Shaw
We've run several reviews on the website about this film ... although I've yet to see it myself, I've heard nothing but positive reviews ... so we'll have to check it out eventually. However, based on the recommendations of our readers, I can rate this one, sight-unseen, as HIGHLY recommended! (kk)
I met and had a nice chat with Robbs' drummer Craig Krampf the other day. I know this band has been discussed several times in FH, and the things he told me are quite consistent with what others have written about them. Craig has had a great career as a session drummer on quite a number of popular tracks through the years. After The Robbs and Where The Action Is, he did session work in LA until moving to Nashville in 1987. He has done session work here for over 25 years and currently serves as Secretary / Treasurer of the local musicians union. Craig is one of the most soft-spoken, polite guys I've ever met, and our conversation ranged from his friends The Wrecking Crew to Gary Myers' book, to the Battle of the Bands contest which The Robbs won, and their first record contract. Craig's wife of 34 years passed away a few years ago, and he has recently remarried and is a super-pleasant guy.
David Lewis
Tell him about all the press we've given him in Forgotten Hits over the years ... he might dig reading about it! These guys were VERY popular here in Chicago! (kk)
Click here: Forgotten Hits: Search results for the robbs
Well, now they've expanded this list to include The Top 10 Most Annoying Songs Of ALL-TIME!!!
Check it out here ... and see if you agree!
Click here: The Top 10 Most Annoying Songs of All Time - Yahoo Music
We get these from time to time ... but haven't share one in a while ... Do You Remember ...
Do You Remember When Life Was Fun?
All the girls had ugly gym uniforms? And wore tennis shoes, not $200 Nike's!
It took three minutes for the TV to warm up?
Nobody owned a purebred dog?
When a quarter was a decent allowance?
You'd reach into a muddy gutter for a penny?
Your Mom wore nylons that came in two pieces?
You got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped, without asking, all for free, every time? And you didn't pay for air? And, you got trading stamps to boot?
Laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes or towels hidden inside the box?
It was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents?
They threatened to keep kids back a grade if they failed ... And they did it!
When a '57 Chevy was everyone's dream car ... to cruise, peel out, lay rubber or watch submarine races, and people went steady?
No one ever asked where the car keys were because they were always in the car, in the ignition, and the doors were never locked.
Lying on your back in the grass with your friends ... And saying things like, 'That cloud looks like a ... '?
Playing baseball with no adults to help kids with the rules of the game.
Stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger ...
And, with all our progress, don't you just wish, just once, you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace and share it with the children of today?
When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited the student at home? Basically, we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs ... our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we survived because their love was greater than the threat.
And our summers were filled with bike rides, Hula Hoops, and visits to the pool, and eating Kool-Aid powder with sugar!
Didn't that feel good, just to go back and say, 'Yeah, I remember that'?
I am sharing this with you today because it ends with a Double Dog Dare you to pass it on ...
To remember what a Double Dog Dare is, read on ...
And remember that the perfect age is somewhere between old enough to know better and young enough not to care! Send this on to someone who can still remember Howdy Doody and The Peanut Gallery, the Lone Ranger, The Shadow Knows, Nellie Bell , Roy and Dale ,Trigger and Buttermilk.
How Many Of These Do You Remember?
Candy cigarettes...
Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside...
Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles...
Coffee shops with Table Side Jukeboxes...
Blackjack, Clove and Teaberry chewing gum...
Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers...
Newsreels before the movie...
Telephone numbers with a word prefix...(Yukon - 601). Party lines...
Hi-Fi and 45 RPM records...
78 RPM records...
Green Stamps...
Mimeograph paper...
Learning to write in cursive with fountain pens that you had to put an ink cartridge in ...
The Fort Apache Play Set ... Tinkertoys ... Small metal soldiers ... Tiny Tears Dolls ...
Do You Remember When Decisions were made by going 'eeny-meeny-miney-moe'?
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, 'Do Over!'
Catching Fireflies Could Happily Occupy An Entire Evening?
It wasn't odd to have two or three 'Best Friends'...
Having a Weapon in School meant being caught with a Slingshot or Pea Shooter?
Saturday morning cartoons weren't 30-minute commercials for action figures?
'Oly-oly-oxen-free' made perfect sense?
Spinning around, getting dizzy, and falling down was cause for giggles?
The Worst Embarrassment was being picked last for a team?
War was a card game?
Baseball cards in the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle?
Taking drugs meant orange flavored chewable aspirin?
Water balloons were the ultimate weapon?
If you can remember most or all of these, Then You Have Lived!!!!!!!
Pass this on to anyone who may need a break from their 'Grown-Up' Life ...
I Double-Dog-Dare-Ya!
Goldie Rox
Wouldn't it be cool if you had a shirt made up for people to buy, I would buy one!
Bill Hengels
We've talked about doing it for years now ... just never got around to it. (Heck, I still don't have BUSINESS CARDS ... and I'm in the Printing Business!!! lol) kk
Examiner columnist Jeremy Roberts has a nice piece on Kenny Rogers and the First Edition this week ...
Click here: Tell it all brother: Why you should dig the groovy music of The First Edition - National Pop Culture | Examiner.co
Of course, we've been fans for years ... and have run a few pieces on these guys ourselves over the years, including this reason "revisit" after Kenny's biography came out ...
Click here: Forgotten Hits: Search results for first edition
Examiner columnist Jeremy Roberts has a nice piece on Kenny Rogers and the First Edition this week ...
Click here: Tell it all brother: Why you should dig the groovy music of The First Edition - National Pop Culture | Examiner.co
Of course, we've been fans for years ... and have run a few pieces on these guys ourselves over the years, including this reason "revisit" after Kenny's biography came out ...
Click here: Forgotten Hits: Search results for first edition
re: ON THE RADIO:
Kent ...
August was a good month for WCBS-FM (101.1).
WCBS-FM finished alone at # 1 for the first time since November, 2011, breaking the long winning streak of WLTW (106.7), which finished a very close second. WCBS-FM averaged 6.3% of the city radio audience to 6.1% for WLTW.
Frank B.
Hi Kent,
I just came across your site today as I was searching out Rhapsody in the Rain. I recently moved from the east side of Michigan over to the Holland area and I've started listening to FM 100.9 out of Kalamazoo as they play oldies and I heard the song and it got me thinking.
I grew up in the South West suburbs of Chicago (LTHS '65, same class as Barb Biondi) and I really got into listening to WLS (and WCFL) between early 1965 and late 1967, when I enlisted in the US Air Force. I remember when this song hit the airwaves, and I will tell you, I'm thinking, 'ok, wow! they are actually playing this song on the air?' I caught the windshield wiper allusion immediately. Not paying attention to the politics of the time (except for 'They're Coming To Take Me Away', which I'll mention later), I think I remember this song disappearing quickly from the airwaves. Maybe WCFL played it as I was switching over from Clark and Bernie and Dex and Ron and Art and Don (yeah, I'd also listen for a minute at most to Don McNeill from 'High Atop the Hotel Allerton', to Larry and Jim, Barney, and the rest about that time.
I just came across your site today as I was searching out Rhapsody in the Rain. I recently moved from the east side of Michigan over to the Holland area and I've started listening to FM 100.9 out of Kalamazoo as they play oldies and I heard the song and it got me thinking.
I grew up in the South West suburbs of Chicago (LTHS '65, same class as Barb Biondi) and I really got into listening to WLS (and WCFL) between early 1965 and late 1967, when I enlisted in the US Air Force. I remember when this song hit the airwaves, and I will tell you, I'm thinking, 'ok, wow! they are actually playing this song on the air?' I caught the windshield wiper allusion immediately. Not paying attention to the politics of the time (except for 'They're Coming To Take Me Away', which I'll mention later), I think I remember this song disappearing quickly from the airwaves. Maybe WCFL played it as I was switching over from Clark and Bernie and Dex and Ron and Art and Don (yeah, I'd also listen for a minute at most to Don McNeill from 'High Atop the Hotel Allerton', to Larry and Jim, Barney, and the rest about that time.
As a teen, I was listening for all the risque (sexual) allusions in the various songs that I could imagine. Of course, I missed most of the drug references. On the Kalamazoo station, I think late one night last week, they played about ten in a row that, now that I think about it, were obviously (and blatantly) drug related, starting with Incense and Peppermints to Mama Told Me Not to Come, etc.
Radio was a blast in those days. I remember the Top Three requests at 10 PM (WLS or CFL?) when Napoleon 14th's song was #3 the first night it was available in Chicago and then was #1 for the next several weeks until it was banned.
I met several of the dj's of that era, including Bob Hale, which reminds me of a funny moment. In the early 1990's, my wife and I returned to Chicago to meet up with her two married cousins, who were living in the suburbs (they grew up in Ogden Dunes). We were having dinner at the Eccentric and one of the husbands couldn't make it so there were three youngish women and two males. We were ordering wine by the bottle and having a great time when all of a sudden this guy from a table about 15 ft away joins our table saying we're having way too much fun, certainly more than his table. His table was all guys in suits and I think they looked at our table and the numbers and he drew the 'lucky' straw. Anyway, after talking a little bit, he says that he was a dj in Chicago during the 60's and I innocently ask who, as I know several had stage names. He claimed he was known as Art Roberts then and he was a student at Western Michigan U and drove over every night. He also gave his age which was about two years younger then I was at the time (I was the oldest at the table and I didn't look my age). Not wanting to disrupt the evening, I let it go, but I knew he was a huge liar, as in 1965, the time I was talking about, I was 18 and Art Roberts was about 33 with dark hair and a roundish face while this guy was skinny with a narrow face and short, light hair and would have been 16. I mean, come on!
Oh yeah, I was really eclectic during that time. Before I went to WLS 24/7, my first radio was a crystal set, and all I could get in 1959 was WCFL with Sox games (ok, that was worth it), labor stories, and somebody from the Pump Room of the Palmer House. During third grade we'd listen to Freddie the Field Mouse, and Little Orly at school. At home in the mornings, my parents listened to Henry Cooke. Then when I got better radios, I used to listen to John Doremus Patterns in Music, switch over to Ken Nordine on Now Nordine (loved that show, years ahead of its time) and then Franklyn Maccormack on the All Night MeisterBrau Showcase. Occasionally, in the earlier evening, I'd listen to Daddy O Daylie's Jazz Patio. Once, I called Wally Phillips about a military service problem which he aired. When I returned from the service, post-1971, I'd listen to Dave Baum, Eddie Schwartz, and Connie Szerszen, sometimes KingB, besides getting Morganized. Then in 1977 I moved to Michigan for work and it all became nostalgia at best. Those were the days.
Thanks for keeping a part of it alive.
Mike Long
Radio was a blast in those days. I remember the Top Three requests at 10 PM (WLS or CFL?) when Napoleon 14th's song was #3 the first night it was available in Chicago and then was #1 for the next several weeks until it was banned.
I met several of the dj's of that era, including Bob Hale, which reminds me of a funny moment. In the early 1990's, my wife and I returned to Chicago to meet up with her two married cousins, who were living in the suburbs (they grew up in Ogden Dunes). We were having dinner at the Eccentric and one of the husbands couldn't make it so there were three youngish women and two males. We were ordering wine by the bottle and having a great time when all of a sudden this guy from a table about 15 ft away joins our table saying we're having way too much fun, certainly more than his table. His table was all guys in suits and I think they looked at our table and the numbers and he drew the 'lucky' straw. Anyway, after talking a little bit, he says that he was a dj in Chicago during the 60's and I innocently ask who, as I know several had stage names. He claimed he was known as Art Roberts then and he was a student at Western Michigan U and drove over every night. He also gave his age which was about two years younger then I was at the time (I was the oldest at the table and I didn't look my age). Not wanting to disrupt the evening, I let it go, but I knew he was a huge liar, as in 1965, the time I was talking about, I was 18 and Art Roberts was about 33 with dark hair and a roundish face while this guy was skinny with a narrow face and short, light hair and would have been 16. I mean, come on!
Oh yeah, I was really eclectic during that time. Before I went to WLS 24/7, my first radio was a crystal set, and all I could get in 1959 was WCFL with Sox games (ok, that was worth it), labor stories, and somebody from the Pump Room of the Palmer House. During third grade we'd listen to Freddie the Field Mouse, and Little Orly at school. At home in the mornings, my parents listened to Henry Cooke. Then when I got better radios, I used to listen to John Doremus Patterns in Music, switch over to Ken Nordine on Now Nordine (loved that show, years ahead of its time) and then Franklyn Maccormack on the All Night MeisterBrau Showcase. Occasionally, in the earlier evening, I'd listen to Daddy O Daylie's Jazz Patio. Once, I called Wally Phillips about a military service problem which he aired. When I returned from the service, post-1971, I'd listen to Dave Baum, Eddie Schwartz, and Connie Szerszen, sometimes KingB, besides getting Morganized. Then in 1977 I moved to Michigan for work and it all became nostalgia at best. Those were the days.
Thanks for keeping a part of it alive.
Mike Long
Some GREAT radio memories growing up here in The Windy City. I think WCFL played the "unrated" version of "Rhapsody In The Rain" for a while. As I recall, it was WLS who insisted on the re-recording of the lyrics before they would air it on an ABC station. Man, how things have changed!
Funnily enough, I first discovered WCFL listening to Sox games, too ... so when they started playing Top 40 Music in late 1965 / early 1966, it was quite a surprise. Up until then, the only REAL source to hear these tunes was WLS ... and, as such, they had truly cornered the market. The mid-to-late sixties and early seventies were an exciting time for radio in Chicago as these two AM giants slugged it out for listeners' share. It was funny to see the jocks move back and forth between the two stations ... it seemed like for a while there, we still go the same guys ... we'd just have to go a little further up the dial to hear them!
Glad you're enjoying Forgotten Hits, Mike ... tell a friend ... or two ... or twenty. Some GREAT memories here ... so thanks for sharing some of yours. (kk)
Funnily enough, I first discovered WCFL listening to Sox games, too ... so when they started playing Top 40 Music in late 1965 / early 1966, it was quite a surprise. Up until then, the only REAL source to hear these tunes was WLS ... and, as such, they had truly cornered the market. The mid-to-late sixties and early seventies were an exciting time for radio in Chicago as these two AM giants slugged it out for listeners' share. It was funny to see the jocks move back and forth between the two stations ... it seemed like for a while there, we still go the same guys ... we'd just have to go a little further up the dial to hear them!
Glad you're enjoying Forgotten Hits, Mike ... tell a friend ... or two ... or twenty. Some GREAT memories here ... so thanks for sharing some of yours. (kk)
Speaking of the Golden Days of AM Radio ...
The band that gave birth to radio isn’t the mass electronic medium that it once was, but a federal official hassome ideas about how to change that.
Article by: Edward Wyatt , New York Times
Updated: September 10, 2013 - 5:34 PM
WASHINGTON -- Is anyone out there still listening?
The digital age is killing AM radio, an American institution that brought the nation fireside chats, Casey Kasem’s Top 40 and scratchy broadcasts of the World Series. Long surpassed by FM and more recently cast aside by satellite radio and Pandora, AM is now under siege from a new threat: rising interference from smartphones and consumer electronics that reduce many AM stations to little more than static. Its audience has sunk to historic lows. But at least one man in Washington is tuning in.
Ajit Pai, the lone Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, is on a personal if quixotic quest to save AM. After a little more than a year in the job, he is urging the FCC to undertake an overhaul of AM radio, which he calls “the audible core of our national culture.” He sees AM — largely local news, sports, conservative talk and religious broadcasters — as vital in emergencies and in rural areas.
“AM radio is localism, it is community,” said Pai, 40. AM’s longer wavelength means it can be heard at far greater distances and so in crises, he said.
“When the power goes out, when you can’t get a good cell signal, when the Internet goes down, people turn to battery-powered AM radios to get the information they need,” Pai said.
He admits to feelings of nostalgia, growing up in small-town Parsons, Kan. On boyhood family road trips across the wide Kansas plains, he said, AM radio “was a constant companion.”
But that was then. In 1978, when Pai was 5, half of all radio listening was on the AM dial. By 2011 AM listenership had fallen to 15 percent, or an average of 3.1 million people, according to a survey by Veronis Suhler Stevenson, a private investment firm. While the number of FM listeners has declined, too, they still averaged 18 million in 2011.
Although five of the top 10 radio stations in the country, as measured by advertising dollars, are AM — among them WCBS in New York and KFI in Los Angeles — the wealth drops rapidly after that. In 1970 AM accounted for 63 percent of broadcast radio stations, but now it accounts for 21 percent, or 4,900 outlets, according to Arbitron. FM accounts for 44 percent, or 10,200 stations. About 35 percent of stations stream content online.
“With the audience goes the advertising revenues,” said Milford Smith, vice president for radio engineering at Greater Media, which owns 21 stations, three on AM. “That makes for a double whammy.”
Nearly all English-language AM stations have given up playing music and even a third of the 30 Major League Baseball teams now broadcast on FM. AM, however, remains the realm of conservative talk radio, including roughly 80 percent of the 600 radio stations that carry Rush Limbaugh. Talk radio has helped keep AM alive.
But why try to salvage AM? Critics say its decline is simply natural selection at work, and many now support converting the frequency for use by other wireless technologies. A big sign of AM’s weakness is that one hope for many of its stations may be channeling their broadcasts onto FM.
Not so fast, said Pai, who has been pushing the FCC’s interim chairwoman, Mignon Clyburn, to put the revitalization of AM high on the agency’s agenda.
“I’m obviously bullish on next-generation technology,” Pai said. “But I certainly think there continues to be a place for broadcasting and for AM radio.”
Pai wants to eliminate outdated regulations, for example, like one that requires AM stations to prove that any new equipment decreases interference with other stations, a requirement that is expensive, cumbersome and difficult to meet.
Pai also wants to examine a relatively new technology known as HD Radio, which has allowed some stations to transmit a digital signal along with their usual analog wave, damping static. (HD Radio is a brand name; it does not stand for high definition, as in HDTV.) But some critics still fault the FCC for allowing too many broadcasters to crowd a relatively narrow AM band of airwaves.
In the longer term, Pai said, the FCC could mandate that all AM stations convert to digital transmission to reduce interference. Such a conversion, however, would cost consumers, who would have to replace the hundreds of millions of AM radios that do not capture digital transmissions.
Finally, Pai wants the FCC to consider what are called FM translators, which send duplicate AM broadcasts over FM airwaves and help to reduce interference. In 2009, the FCC granted permission to AM stations to use such translators.
“Our business has improved rather dramatically” since the conversion to dual bands, said Bud Walters, owner of Cromwell Group, which operates 23 stations in four states, six of them on the AM band and five of which share translators.
The FCC has said it is behind Pai, although it is a long way from committing to the overhaul he envisions. In August it approved requiring the builders of any new radio tower to compensate an AM station if the tower interferes with the station’s broadcast.
Pai said that unless the problems with AM are fixed, people will keep fleeing. “There are plenty of other options,” he said. “They will switch the dial to something else.”
-- submitted by Dave Barry
re: AWARD WINNING EVENTS:
A couple of major cities honor their own ... read on ...
MEMPHIS MUSIC HALL OF FAME 2013 INDUCTEES WEREA ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th, AT JERRY LEE LEWIS’ CAFÉ & HONKY TONK
Induction Ceremony Scheduled for Thursday, November 7
Memphis, TN … The Memphis Music Hall of Fame continues to honor many of the world’s greatest musicians with the announcement of its 2013 Inductees. The names of those to be inducted were revealed at a special press conference on Tuesday, September 10, at 1:00 p.m. at the new Jerry Lee Lewis’ Café & Honky Tonk, 310 Beale Street, downtown Memphis.
Thirteen inductees were scheduled to be announced, bringing the total number of Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductees to 38. As was the case with the inaugural inductees, those to be honored this year have been selected by a national Nominating Committee comprised of authors, music historians, national educators, and members of the music community.
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame will then pay tribute to the 2013 Inductees at its official Induction Ceremony & Celebration, scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2013, beginning at 7:00 pm. The gala event will be held at the Gibson Showcase Lounge, located at Memphis’ Gibson Guitar Factory, 145 Lt. George W. Lee in downtown Memphis. Tickets for the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony went on sale September 10.
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame was launched in 2012, and is administered by the non-profit Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Each Inductee is honored and celebrated through their own dedicated tribute page on the Memphis Music Hall of Fame’s award-winning web site (www.memphismusichalloffame.com), and each receives the Mike Curb Award, a locally hand-crafted trophy and the official award of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is located at 191 Beale Street at FedExForum, and was researched and developed by The Smithsonian Institution. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am until 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.memphisrocknsoul.org.
The 2013 inductees include blues great Albert King; Southern Gospel legends The Blackwood Brothers; gospel composer and publisher Rev. W. Herbert Brewster; soul queen Carla Thomas; recording pioneers the Memphis Jug Band; producer / musician / studio cat Roland James; Stax stalwart David Porter; jazz / pop stylist Kay Starr; the man in black, Johnny Cash; Sid Selvidge, a journeyman who blazed his own trail; jazz pianist Phineas Newborn, Jr. and the Bar-Kays, soul sensations for almost 50 years.
About the 2013 Memphis Music Hall of Fame Inductees:
Albert King - “The Velvet Bulldozer” and one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar,” Albert King wielded a custom-built Gibson Flying V guitar, delivered the solid vocal style and distinctive guitar style he called “Blues Power,” and impacted musicians around the world. He influenced Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and others. He played Bill Graham’s Filmore, covered Elvis Presley, entered the Blues Hall of Fame in ’83 and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2013… the same year he enters the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
The Blackwood Brothers - Singing gospel for over 78 years, formed in The Great Depression by brothers James, Doyle and Roy Blackwood with Roy’s son, R.W. Since relocating to Memphis in 1950, the members have changed, but their spiritual message has remained consistent, recording 200 albums, garnering eight Grammy awards, 6 Dove Awards and entry into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Today, James son Billy Blackwood continues the family’s musical ministry, joined by Butch Owens, Michael Helwig, Wayne Little and pianist Mike Hammontree.
Reverend W. Herbert Brewster - Serving as the pastor of East Trigg Avenue Baptist Church for over 50 years, Reverend W. Herbert Brewster wrote and published more than 200 gospel music standards, among them the very first hit for the great Mahalia Jackson. Reverend Brewster also composed more than fifteen gospel music dramas, including the first nationally-staged African American religious musical drama. In 1982, he was honored by the Smithsonian Institution.
Carla Thomas - “The Queen of Memphis Soul,” Carla Thomas began performing at age ten in 1952 as the youngest ever performer for the WDIA Teen Town Singers. Through her career, she’s released twelve albums, most for Stax Records. With her father, she recorded the very first hit for Stax Records… converting the legendary label from country and pop to soul and R&B. Her release, “Gee Whiz” was an smash hit, giving Stax national exposure.
Memphis Jug Band - Unique and influential, beginning in 1926 The Memphis Jug Band assumed other names, and rotated dozens of band members, including 2012 inductee Memphis Minnie, though usually grouped around leader Will Shade. Incorporating unique instruments like the jug and the kazoo, combined with traditional guitar, drums, piano and fiddle, they recorded over 80 commercial recordings, many covered by 60s rock groups including the very first single recorded by The Grateful Dead. A favorite of Mayor Crump, they played everywhere from Church Park to The Peabody Hotel. They’re also credited with recording the very first record in Memphis, Tennessee.
Roland Janes - Consistent among many 2013 inductees… longevity of career! Roland Janes… fewer may know him, but everybody has heard him. Producer and engineer, Janes had his own band, was at Jerry Lee’s side throughout his greatest triumphs of the 50s, member of The Little Green Men, linchpin of the 60’s Sun house band, helped develop the rockabilly guitar style, ran his Rita Records in the 60s and Sonic Studios in the 70s, has worked with everyone from Dylan to Three 6 Mafia, and has been the resident sage and producer at Phillips Recording Service for 31 years.
David Porter - As a teenager he may have entered the doors of Stax to become a recording artist, but instead became the foremost architect of American soul music and one of the most successful songwriters in the world. His credits include over 300 songs for Stax. His lyrical hits continued for Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, ZZ Top, Hall & Oates, Aretha, Jerry Lee, and more. Member of the National Songwriters Hall of Fame, and his current personal commitment to aspiring artists through his Consortium MMT continues the Memphis music legacy he helped to build.
Kay Starr - Before she was 15, Kay Starr had her own music show on Memphis’ WMPS radio, had performed at The Peabody Hotel, and was chosen to tour with the Joe Venuti Orchestra. For her network radio debut in New York, Starr sang “Memphis Blues.” For Capitol and RCA, she recorded over two dozen top 40 hits. She’s performed with Count Basie, Rosemary Clooney, Pat Boone, Tony Bennett and others. Her hit “Wheel of Fortune” stayed at the top of the charts for ten weeks in 1952, and “Rock and Roll Waltz,” selling a million copies in two weeks, became the first number one single by a female vocalist in the rock era. At 91, she still performs.
Knox Phillips - With the legendary Sun Studios as his childhood playground, Knox Phillips has continued his family’s Memphis music legacy for almost 50 years, as engineer, producer, studio owner and patron saint of Memphis music. As engineer and producer, he’s worked with the Gentry’s, Randy & the Radiants, Alex Chilton, Jerry lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Amazing Rhythm Aces, and John Prine, among others. A Grammy Trustee since 1971, in May, 2013, Phillips received the prestigious Governor’s Arts Award from Tennessee governor Bill Haslam.
Johnny Cash - “The Man in Black,” Johnny Cash’s unique crossover appeal earned him induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. An incredible string of hits included “I Walk the Line,” which shot to number one and remained on the Billboard chart for an amazing 43 weeks. A member of the legendary Million Dollar Quartet, member of the Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, Cash is one of the only artists to sell over 90 million records.
Sid Selvidge - A Memphis music champion for over five decades until his death earlier this year. A teenage disc jockey, a pure, soulful soloist, a champion of the 60s blues / folk revival, record company owner and producer. A surrogate son to blues legend Furry Lewis, producer for Alex Chilton, Cybil Shepherd, even Tim McCarver, a member of Mud Boy and the Neutrons, and seventeen year producer of “Beale Street Caravan,” which aired on 300 U.S. radio stations and, via NPR, on stations on five continents.
Phineas Newborn, Jr. - Legendary jazz pianist from the iconic musical Newborn family, Phineas Newborn, Jr., has been considered one of the three greatest jazz pianists of all time. He performed with Lionel Hampton, B.B. King, Willie Mitchell, and recorded at Sun Studios before moving to New York and going solo with RCA. With ten albums from the fifties and into the seventies, Newborn proved to be one of the most technically skilled and brilliant pianists in jazz.
The Bar-Kays - The funk-o-matic Bar-Kays have epitomized Memphis’ funk soul sound for almost fifty years. From teenage success as a Stax house band, through the plane crash tragedy that took the life of Otis Redding and four of the group's original members, the band’s impact has brought funk to projects by Isaac Hayes, Johnny Taylor, Carla Thomas, Albert King, and more. Their hits, like “Soul Finger,” “Shake Your Rump to the Funk,” “Sex-o-Matic,” “Freakshow on the Dance Floor,” and more are matched by an unequalled stage presence which has influenced everyone from Rick James to Prince. With their latest LP, “Grown Folks,” their legend continues – produced by Jazzy Pha, son of Bar-Kays founder James Alexander, featuring guest spots from George Clinton, Three 6 Mafia, Eightball and others.
These artists join 2012 (inaugural) inductees Estelle Axton & Jim Stewart; Bobby “Blue” Bland; Booker T. and The MG’s; Lucie Campbell; George Coleman; Jim Dickinson; Al Green; W.C. Handy; Isaac Hayes; Howlin’ Wolf; B.B. King; Jerry Lee Lewis; Jimmie Lunceford; Professor W.T. McDaniel; Memphis Minnie; Willie Mitchell; Dewey Phillips; Sam Phillips; Elvis Presley; Otis Redding; The Staple Singers; Rufus Thomas; Three 6 Mafia; Nat D. Williams and ZZ Top. -- submitted by Bob Merlis
And Philadelphia is honoring some of their own as well ... FH Reader Randy Alexander tells us ...
PHILADELPHIA MUSIC ALLIANCE RETURNS TO CONTINUE CELEBRATION OF CITY’S CULTURAL LEGACY WITH SEVEN NEW INDUCTIONS: MFSB ORCHESTRA, SALSOUL ORCHESTRA, JOHN DAVIS & THE MONSTER ORCHESTRA, GENE SHAY, JOEL DORN, MADARA & WHITE, JERRY ROSS, PETER RICHARD CONTE, TO RECEIVE NINE BRONZE PLAQUES ON THE PHILADELPHIA WALK OF FAME
And Philadelphia is honoring some of their own as well ... FH Reader Randy Alexander tells us ...
PHILADELPHIA MUSIC ALLIANCE RETURNS TO CONTINUE CELEBRATION OF CITY’S CULTURAL LEGACY WITH SEVEN NEW INDUCTIONS: MFSB ORCHESTRA, SALSOUL ORCHESTRA, JOHN DAVIS & THE MONSTER ORCHESTRA, GENE SHAY, JOEL DORN, MADARA & WHITE, JERRY ROSS, PETER RICHARD CONTE, TO RECEIVE NINE BRONZE PLAQUES ON THE PHILADELPHIA WALK OF FAME
Diverse Gathering of Legends to be Honored at Festive Induction Ceremonies Along Avenue of the Arts, Thursday, October 24, 2013
PHILADELPHIA (September 12, 2013) – The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, a living tribute to Philadelphia’s rich music history and a vital force unifying the city’s diverse cultural communities along the Avenue of the Arts, will welcome seven new inductees next month, led by a three-headed orchestral soul “monster”: the dozens of musicians who played the sound heard ‘round the world, the Philly Sound, as members of the MFSB Orchestra, the Salsoul Orchestra, and John Davis & the Monster Orchestra – most in more than one of those units. The musicians, string, horn, rhythm players and voices who performed the music were men and women, young and old and from all backgrounds who collectively captured a moment with their talents to make that sound world-famous in the 1970s. “Dean of American Folk DJs” Gene Shay; producer and label executive Joel Dorn (“Killing Me Softly”); songwriting team Madara & White (“At the Hop”); producer-songwriter-publisher Jerry Ross (“I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” with Gamble & Huff; “Venus”); producer-arranger-conductor Vince Montana Jr., and Macy’s Grand Court organist Peter Richard Conte also will be honored as recipients of the 114th through 122nd commemorative bronze plaques along the Avenue of the Arts. Ceremonies, free and open to the public, are scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at Noon in front of the Doubletree Hotel along the Avenue of the Arts.
The induction of this diverse group of legends furthers the renewed commitment by the Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) to shed new light on the City's cultural legacy and incredible contribution to the world of music past, present and future as a major tourist attraction. This agenda to recognize more local music greats in all genres is part of the community based, non-profit organization's overall mission to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music, and the foundation of a renewed commitment to schedule multiple induction ceremonies each year. A brand-new, full-color, tri-fold brochure spotlighting the Philadelphia Walk of Fame will soon be distributed throughout the Delaware Valley and will be available at the ceremony.
"We’re re-energizing our original mission of aggressively inducting artists in all genres whose accomplishments have had a significant impact in the world of music,” says Joseph Tarsia, chairman and founding member of the PMA. “This induction comes at a time of impassioned renewal for the Philadelphia Music Alliance. There are still so many worthy candidates, that it was important to pay tribute to a number of them with this induction ceremony. We’re already planning our next event in the spring of 2014. The magnitude of the Walk of Fame and its continued impact on the Avenue of the Arts and Greater Philadelphia is overwhelming.”
Karen Lewis, executive director of the Avenue of the Arts (AAI), said, “We’re excited about the ongoing resurgence of the Walk of Fame as it represents a unique opportunity to recognize Philadelphia legends. And as the premier destination for performing arts, the Avenue of the Arts is the perfect location for this tribute.”
Adds music icons and original inductees Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, creators of the Sound of Philadelphia: "Philadelphia has created some of the biggest music stars in the world and their music continues to impact people’s lives. This induction continues to celebrate that legacy in a special way with artists who are clearly among Philadelphia's Music Royalty, and are among the legendary unsung heroes and heroines deserving this honor. We’re especially honored and excited to see the numerous musicians who worked with us, especially the MFSB Orchestra, as well as our collaborator, Jerry Ross, receive this special recognition."
MFSB ORCHESTRA – Motown had the Funk Brothers, but Philadelphia International Records had MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother), the pool of more than 30 studio musicians based at Philly’s famed Sigma Sound Studios. The orchestra was created by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell, and backed up such artists as Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, the Stylistics, the Spinners, Wilson Pickett, and Billy Paul. The Philadelphia Music Alliance sends its condolences to the family of Bobby Martin, a top arranger, conductor and composer for MFSB, often referred to as “The Granddaddy of R&B and Soul,” whose passing was announced earlier this week.
SALSOUL ORCHESTRA – Consisting of most of the original members of MFSB, they became the backing band for acts on Salsoul Records, and recorded several hit singles and albums between 1975 and 1982. Their music featured elements of Philadelphia soul, funk, Latin and disco. The Salsoul Orchestra included up to 50 members with instrumental sections, arrangers and conductors. The Salsoul Orchestra was conducted by Vincent Montana, Jr., who passed away earlier this year amid plans for his Walk of Fame induction. Their song, "Love Break (Ooh I Love It)" has been sampled in several rap songs and most notably, in Madonna’s “Vogue.”
JOHN DAVIS & THE MONSTER ORCHESTRA – A disco band noted for their lead member (John "the Monster" Davis), who lent his name and produced all of their output. The title track from their 1976 debut album, a cover of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day,” is now a classic Disco hit and on almost every DJ's playlist. Original disco hits followed, including "Up Jumped the Devil," “The Magic is You,” “Ain't That Enough for You” and “Love Magic.”
VINCE MONTANA JR. – The producer, arranger, conductor and legendary vibraharpist was a key MFSB rhythm section member and developer of “The Philly Sound,” creator of the Salsoul Orchestra, Montana Orchestra and Goody Goody. As the creative and driving force behind the Salsoul Orchestra, Montana was a dance pioneer of the Disco Era, and created signature club classics on his own Philly Sound Works label, with countless gold and platinum albums to his name.
GENE SHAY – WXPN’s Grandfather of Philadelphia Folk Music and Dean of American Folk DJs has produced weekly folk radio shows in Philadelphia for 51 years, and is a founder of the Philadelphia Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Folksong Society. He was the first promoter to bring Bob Dylan to Philadelphia and as an advertising writer and producer, wrote the original radio commercials for Woodstock. Shay came up with the name “World Café” for David Dye’s nationally syndicated radio show, produced at WXPN, where he continues to produce his live weekly “Folk Show” every Sunday.
JOEL DORN – One of the most prominent producers in pop and jazz, Dorn helmed records from some of the biggest names in music, among them Charles Mingus, and the Allman Brothers Band. He began his career in 1961 as a disc jockey with Philadelphia jazz station WHAT-FM; and gained fame as a producer and A&R executive at Atlantic Records, producing Roberta Flack hits "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly"; the Keith Jarrett & Gary Burton album; and Bette Midler's debut album, The Divine Miss M. Other performers Dorn worked with included the Neville Brothers, Leon Redbone, Lou Rawls, and Asleep at the Wheel.
JOHN MADARA & DAVID WHITE – Best known for transforming a song called “Do the Bop” for the Juvenaires into “At the Hop” for Danny and the Juniors, and the rest is history. Johnny Madara and Dave White went on to contribute to more than 200 million in sales with hits like “Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay” (Danny and The Juniors), “The Fly” (Chubby Checker), “1-2-3” (Len Barry) and “You Don’t Own Me” (Lesley Gore).
JERRY ROSS – Record producer, songwriter, publisher and record company executive, Ross is credited with discovering Kenny Gamble as a teen and later collaborating with Gamble & Huff on the Motown smash, "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", recorded most famously by Diana Ross & the Supremes together with The Temptations. Ross also discovered, wrote or produced such million-sellers as “Sunday Will Never Be the Same” (Spanky & Our Gang), “Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie” (Jay & the Techniques), “Sunny” (Bobby Hebb), “Venus” (Shocking Blue) and many more. Next to Cameo / Parkway and Gamble & Huff, Jerry Ross has written, developed and produced more hit records than any other Philadelphia producer.
PETER RICHARD CONTE – The longtime Macy’s Grand Court Organist was appointed in 1989, and is only the fourth person to hold that title since the organ was first played in 1911. Mr. Conte is highly regarded as a skillful performer and arranger of organ transcriptions. His monthly radio show, The Wanamaker Organ Hour, airs on the first Sunday of each month and can be heard worldwide via the Internet at WRTI.org.
Past PMA programs have included a Musical Instrument Donation Program in partnership with the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, an annual piano competition, the Philadelphia International Airport Music Project, Music In The Schools, music education scholarships and grants, a speakers bureau, as well as music business seminars and workshops - all designed to not only encourage our City's continued stellar contributions to the cultural heritage of the world but to fill a void created by shrinking budgets for cultural programs in our City and in our schools.
In 2008, the Philadelphia International Airport unveiled an exhibition spotlighting the Walk of Fame and the City's contribution to American music to visitors from all over the world.
The Alliance also serves as a resource to students, educators, musicians, city agencies, and other cultural institutions. The PMA has worked with the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Multicultural Affairs Council, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Commerce Department, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Franklin Institute, Corporation for the Aging, Trane Stop, University of the Arts and the City Representative's Office on various projects. Most recently, the PMA awarded scholarships to four graduating Philadelphia high school seniors who are pursuing Music at the University level.
The Walk of Fame is a stunning demonstration of the great talent that Philadelphia has produced. This talent spans many musical genres and time periods, and includes Leopold Stokowski, Frankie Avalon, the Dixie Hummingbirds, Patti LaBelle, Hall & Oates, Solomon Burke, Marian Anderson, Mario Lanza, John Coltrane, Todd Rundgren, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Teddy Pendergrass and Dick Clark.
The Philadelphia Music Alliance was founded in June 1986 as a community based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Philadelphia as a vital contributor to the international music landscape. Established by music executives and concerned citizens in order to recognize the vast impact Philadelphia continues to have on all musical genres, the Philadelphia Music Alliance serves to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music.
Speaking of the Philly Music Scene, I've been reading a GREAT new book written by James Rosin called "Philly Pop, Rock, Rhythm & Blues: A Look Back at the Musical History of Philadelphia".
More details here at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Philly-Pop-Rock-Rhythm-Blues/dp/146758133X/ref=cm_cmu_up_thanks_hdr
The book is described as "a nostalgic review of the pop, rock, and R&B music scene in Philadelphia from the 1950s through the 1980s, featuring commentary from recording artists, songwriters, and broadcast personalities; photographs and biographies." It's a combined, updated and revised version of the author's two preceding books: Rock, Rhythm & Blues (2004) and Philadelphia City of Music (2006). (Rosin has also written books on the classic TV series Wagon Train, Naked City, Route 66, Adventures in Paradise, Peyton Place, The Invaders and Quincy M.E. ... so he's definitely our kind of "Pop Culture" Guy!!!)
I'm just first getting into it but I like the way it's done. Rosin acts as more of the "narrator", setting up the various musical eras ... but then lets the movers and shakers who were THERE at the time tell the story. As such, it's a virtual "Who's Who" of artists, songwriters, producers, television people and more actually telling the story and sharing their memories ... people like Dave Appell, Frankie Avalon, Thom Bell, Jerry Blavat, Dick Clark, Fabian Forte, Charlie Gracie, George Manney, John Madara, Billy Paul, Bobby Rydell, Dee Dee Sharp, Bunny Sigler, Artie Singer, Arlene Sullivan, Joe Tarsia, Joe Terry, Russell Thompkins, Jr. and David White ... along with literally dozens more who regular make the pages of Forgotten Hits.
From what I've seen, the book moves along at a brisk pace, recounting the glory days of the Philadelphia Music Scene. You'll find BOATLOADS of pictures as well as short bios of many of these pivotal players. All in all, a fun read. (And I REALLY dig this Hall and Oates cover!!! lol) Check out the Amazon link for more details. (kk)
Speaking of the Philly Music Scene, I've been reading a GREAT new book written by James Rosin called "Philly Pop, Rock, Rhythm & Blues: A Look Back at the Musical History of Philadelphia".
More details here at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Philly-Pop-Rock-Rhythm-Blues/dp/146758133X/ref=cm_cmu_up_thanks_hdr
The book is described as "a nostalgic review of the pop, rock, and R&B music scene in Philadelphia from the 1950s through the 1980s, featuring commentary from recording artists, songwriters, and broadcast personalities; photographs and biographies." It's a combined, updated and revised version of the author's two preceding books: Rock, Rhythm & Blues (2004) and Philadelphia City of Music (2006). (Rosin has also written books on the classic TV series Wagon Train, Naked City, Route 66, Adventures in Paradise, Peyton Place, The Invaders and Quincy M.E. ... so he's definitely our kind of "Pop Culture" Guy!!!)
I'm just first getting into it but I like the way it's done. Rosin acts as more of the "narrator", setting up the various musical eras ... but then lets the movers and shakers who were THERE at the time tell the story. As such, it's a virtual "Who's Who" of artists, songwriters, producers, television people and more actually telling the story and sharing their memories ... people like Dave Appell, Frankie Avalon, Thom Bell, Jerry Blavat, Dick Clark, Fabian Forte, Charlie Gracie, George Manney, John Madara, Billy Paul, Bobby Rydell, Dee Dee Sharp, Bunny Sigler, Artie Singer, Arlene Sullivan, Joe Tarsia, Joe Terry, Russell Thompkins, Jr. and David White ... along with literally dozens more who regular make the pages of Forgotten Hits.
From what I've seen, the book moves along at a brisk pace, recounting the glory days of the Philadelphia Music Scene. You'll find BOATLOADS of pictures as well as short bios of many of these pivotal players. All in all, a fun read. (And I REALLY dig this Hall and Oates cover!!! lol) Check out the Amazon link for more details. (kk)
re: BURTON CUMMINGS:
Still getting a lot of great response to our Burton Cummings Interview. We'll be permanently posting this one on the other Forgotten Hits Website this weekend. Meanwhile, here are a few other recent responses we received...
Just got through reading the interview on your web site about Burton Cummings. Awesome job!! I have been a life long fan and was fortunate enough to have seen the Guess Who a couple of times back in the day. I just moved back to the Chicago area and would love to be able to go to the show at the Arcada Theatre (which is only 20 minutes from my home) to see Burton once again - especially along with the Zombies!! Are you freakin' kidding me!!!! Just saw Tower of Power there a while back - what an awesome theatre. My son (16) plays piano and loves it when I put on my Burton Cummings solo piano CD. Even he, at 16, is influenced by the classic rock masters!!
Best Wishes,
Randy Diehl
Bartlett, IL.
The Arcada Theatre is a GREAT place to see a show ... and this is gonna be a good one!!! Hope to see you out there! (kk)
Best Wishes,
Randy Diehl
Bartlett, IL.
The Arcada Theatre is a GREAT place to see a show ... and this is gonna be a good one!!! Hope to see you out there! (kk)
Kent,
Like you, I've seen the Guess Who multiple times, once without Burton and once without Bachman and with Bachman billed as the Guess Who and just as Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman. I, too, was at that Rosemont show. Dunno how I missed you that nite. Sadly, there's no way I can make that show on the 27th, so that's one less entry the eventual winner has to compete with. However for those of you who can't decide, let me say one thing: GO!!!! You will not be disappointed. Not that Burton needs my official Rock And Roll Never Forgets endorsement, but he has it anyways.
Jack
Just finished your Burton Cummings interview ... what a masterpiece! I saw the mini Guess Who reunion show in 2001 at The Rosemont Theater, too ... what a show! Would love to see Burton in concert again. Throw my hat in the ring ... but either way, I'm going! If I don't win tickets on Friday, I'll be buying them Friday Night!
Bob
YES, Kent!
Love the interviews!
Deb
Have never heard Burton Cummings live, but I congratulate the ticket winner as I know it will be the time of their lives. More great music.
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
I'm applying to win the two free tickets to see Burton Cummings! The world's best voice (according to some guy named John Lennon.)
Thanks,
Maureen Lilla
Loved your discussion with Burton Cummings. Please add me to any of your lists so I receive any email from you guys. Have a great day and all stay well.
Shawn Riley
Welcome to Forgotten Hits, Shawn ... I think you're gonna like it here! (kk)
Some corrections are in order with regards to your Guess Who article.
If you check, you will find the original name of the band was "Chad Allan and the Reflections" ... The name "Reflections" was taken by another band and thus the change to "Expressions".
Some corrections are in order with regards to your Guess Who article.
If you check, you will find the original name of the band was "Chad Allan and the Reflections" ... The name "Reflections" was taken by another band and thus the change to "Expressions".
Also, I believe (99 percent certain) that Burton Cummings joined the Guess Who in 1966 not 1967.
Lastly you might want to check on the song "Timeless Love" that I think charted on the US C/W charts.
I just want to keep your site correct ... Would appreciate feedback.
Richard Stonely
Well, I think at best we're talking about "technicalities" here.
Chad Allan's band may have started out as "The Reflections" in 1962 ... but at the time they recorded "Shakin' All Over", they were already known as Chad Allan and the Expressions ... soon to be re-christened The Guess Who (technically just "Guess Who?" ... the "The" was added later ... and the question mark was dropped) when that record was released. They've been The Guess Who ever since.
My research says that when Michigan's Reflections scored a hit with "(Just Like) Romeo And Juliet", Allan's group released their next single ("A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues") as Chad Allan and the Original Reflections. However, since BOTH groups were recording for the Quality Record Label, they quickly became Chad Allan and the Expressions ... prior to recording their cover of "Shakin' All Over".
Burton's first charted record with the band came in 1967 as stated ("His Girl") ... he first joined the band in the Summer of 1965 as their keyboard player ... but he didn't move to the forefront until then, by which time Chad Allan had moved on. And finally, "Timeless Love" did NOT chart on Billboard's Country Chart ... so overall I think we did okay!!! (kk)
However, while digging deeper I did discover a few things I didn't know ...
It was Pirate Radio in the UK that broke their single "His Girl" (which failed to chart back home in Canada or here in The States).
Chad Allan's band may have started out as "The Reflections" in 1962 ... but at the time they recorded "Shakin' All Over", they were already known as Chad Allan and the Expressions ... soon to be re-christened The Guess Who (technically just "Guess Who?" ... the "The" was added later ... and the question mark was dropped) when that record was released. They've been The Guess Who ever since.
My research says that when Michigan's Reflections scored a hit with "(Just Like) Romeo And Juliet", Allan's group released their next single ("A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues") as Chad Allan and the Original Reflections. However, since BOTH groups were recording for the Quality Record Label, they quickly became Chad Allan and the Expressions ... prior to recording their cover of "Shakin' All Over".
Burton's first charted record with the band came in 1967 as stated ("His Girl") ... he first joined the band in the Summer of 1965 as their keyboard player ... but he didn't move to the forefront until then, by which time Chad Allan had moved on. And finally, "Timeless Love" did NOT chart on Billboard's Country Chart ... so overall I think we did okay!!! (kk)
However, while digging deeper I did discover a few things I didn't know ...
It was Pirate Radio in the UK that broke their single "His Girl" (which failed to chart back home in Canada or here in The States).
And, on their 1966 LP "Hey Ho, What You Do To Me", the band recorded "Hurting Each Other", a song that would become a huge #1 Hit for The Carpenters six years later. (Jeez, who DIDN'T record this song?!?!) Yet EVERY early version failed to make an impact on the charts!
Burton, I love you guys ... but this is a God-Awful rendition of this song!!!! (lol) kk
Kent -
Kent -
The Burton Cummings interview was a fantastic read. You covered plenty of new ground and somehow kept it from becoming a rant about the imposter band who owns the name.
BTW - Richard Perry says "You're So Vain" is about a composite of men, but mostly Warren Beatty.
Be Well,
Carl Wiser
www.songfacts.com
BTW - Richard Perry says "You're So Vain" is about a composite of men, but mostly Warren Beatty.
Be Well,
Carl Wiser
www.songfacts.com
I had always heard it was a conglomerate, too ... with Warren Beatty being the lead character ... and (as mentioned in the interview) Mick Jagger being a player as well. Knowing Mick, he probably got a real kick out of singing about himself as a possible candidate! (kk)
I am writing to join your many fans in congratulating you on a job well done with the Burton Cummings interview. He was one of my bucket list interviews and I got the chance around 20 years ago when Rhino released the Best Of Burton Cummings. It was one of my favorite on-air moments. Your interview and special features brought back a lot of good memories. The song Star Baby got a great deal of play on WLS but was only #39 in Billboard. I remember them on the Midnight Special singing Clap For the Wolfman with Wolfman Jack joining them on stage. I enjoy all of their A and B sides. When Kurt Winter and Greg Leskiw joined the group, the two-guitar attack made for some great tracks. The Burton Cummings song You Saved My Soul was the track my girl friend and I called our song. I have now been married to my girl friend for 26 years! The song was from the movie Melanie which I have not seen since the early 80s on HBO. Thanks for bringing back the memories!
Phil - WRCO
Phil - WRCO
"Star Baby" was HUGE here in Chicago (it peaked at #3) ... we used to play that one in OUR band, too! I will never forget seeing The Guess Who perform "Clap For The Wolfman" WITH Wolfman Jack on "The Midnight Special" ... Wolfman had become SO associated with the show as its host ... "American Graffiti" may have introduced him to a national audience but "The Midnight Special" put him over the top. I've never seen "Melanie", Burton's shot as an actor but it gets a pretty favorable review on imdb ...
Click here: Melanie (1982) - IMDb ... in fact, it looks like it even won a few awards! (LOVE the song "You Saved My Soul" ... been playing it a lot here this past week!) Thanks for the kind words, Phil ... now I wanna hear YOUR interview with him!!! (kk)
Click here: Melanie (1982) - IMDb ... in fact, it looks like it even won a few awards! (LOVE the song "You Saved My Soul" ... been playing it a lot here this past week!) Thanks for the kind words, Phil ... now I wanna hear YOUR interview with him!!! (kk)
And don't forget that today is the deadline to register to win a pair of free tickets to see Burton Cummings Live In Concert at The Arcada Theatre on Friday, September 27th. (Along with Very Special Guests, The Zombies!!!)
We'll be picking the winner tomorrow ... so if you haven't entered yet, shoot me an email right away ... forgottenhits@aol.com ... and we'll throw your name in the hat! Good Luck!
