Sirius / XM Special Thanksgiving Weekend Survey

Lou Simon sent us a copy of the special "Home For The Holidays" countdown special he put together with Dann Isbell for broadcast over the Thanksgiving Weekend on the Sirius / XM '60's Channel.

Here's the scoop: 

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SPECIAL  

40 - THE ANAHEIM, AZUSA & CUCAMONGA SEWING CIRCLE, BOOK REVIEW AND TIMING ASSOCIATION - JAN AND DEAN

39 - SAGINAW, MICHIGAN - LEFTY FRIZZELL

38 - FIRST HYMN FROM GRAND TERRACE - MARK LINDSAY

37 - GOODBYE, COLUMBUS - THE ASSOCIATION

36 - THE LADY CAME FROM BALTIMORE - BOBBY DARIN

35 - LODI - CCR

34 - THE BURNING OF ATLANTA - CLAUDE KING

33 - THE PHILLY FREEZE - ALVIN CASH AND THE REGISTERS

32 - THE EGGPLANT THAT ATE CHICAGO - DR. WEST’S MEDICINE SHOW AND JUNK BAND

31 - CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO - HARPER’S BIZARRE

30 - NATIONAL CITY - JOINER, ARKANSAS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

29 - BOWLING GREEN - EVERLY BROTHERS

28 - VIVA LAS VEGAS - ELVIS PRESLEY

27 - SEATTLE - PERRY COMO

26 - HOUSTON - DEAN MARTIN

25 - WILDWOOD DAYS - BOBBY RYDELL

24 - KANSAS CITY - TRINI LOPEZ

23 - MONTEREY - ERIC BURDON AND THE ANIMALS

22 - BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX - GLEN CAMPBELL

21 - MENDOCINO - SIR DOUGLAS QUINTET

20 - 24 HOURS FROM TULSA - GENE PITNEY

19 - JACKSON - NANCY SINATRA & LEE HAZLEWOOD

18 - DETROIT CITY - BOBBY BARE

17 - ABILENE - GEORGE HAMILTON IV

16 - THE BOY FROM NEW YORK CITY - AD LIBS

15 - HONOLULU LULU - JAN AND DEAN

14 - NASHVILLE CATS - LOVIN’ SPOONFUL

13 - DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SAN JOSE - DIONNE WARWICK

12 - CHERRY HILL PARK - BILLY JOE ROYAL

11 - SAN ANTONIO ROSE - FLOYD CRAMER

10 - GALVESTON - GLEN CAMPBELL

EXTRA   BROOKLYN ROADS - NEIL DIAMOND

9 - THE LITTLE OLD LADY FROM PASADENA - JAN AND DEAN

8 - SAN FRANCISCO - SCOTT MCKENZIE

7 - WAY DOWN YONDER IN NEW ORLEANS - FREDDY CANNON

6 - MEMPHIS - JOHNNY RIVERS

5 - WICHITA LINEMAN - GLEN CAMPBELL

4 - BRISTOL STOMP - DOVELLS

3 - SURF CITY - JAN AND DEAN

2 - LAST TRAIN TO CLARKSVILLE - MONKEES

1 - EL PASO - MARTY ROBBINS

Wow! I wonder how THIS one went over?!?!?  There are songs on there that I don't even know!!!  (lol)

Interesting to see THREE titles by Glen Campbell making the list ... along with FOUR from Jan and Dean.  (These artists could have just started their own travelogue I guess!!!)

Might have been a bit more fun to offer more variety by limiting each artist to one track ... but I have to admit, it WOULD be great to hear something like "Nashville Cats" on the radio again.  And I've ALWAYS been partial to Dean Martin's "Houston" ... we've featured that one several times before in Forgotten Hits.  And finally, "Brooklyn Roads" has ALWAYS been one of my all-time favorite Neil Diamond songs ... so let's give a listen to THAT one, too!  (kk)

 

re:  WHAT'S MISSING IN RADIO TODAY?:

Frannie got me Linda Ronstadt's book "Simple Dreams" for our anniversary this year. In it, Linda talks about growing up in the Arizona desert, being influenced by ALL of the music playing around her, music she would embrace and incorporate into her own career many years later ... be it beautiful standards recorded by Frank Sinatra (and produced by Nelson Riddle ... who Linda would work with on a couple of her own albums), Mexican folk songs (which she often performed with her siblings at various functions, YEARS before recording a couple of albums completely in Spanish), country music, pop music and rock and roll ... all styles in which she excelled once her own career took off the ground.  

 

I love this paragraph from early on in the book:  

 

"In those days, Top Forty Radio was still regional and had a wide-open playlist.  When I drove to school, I could turn on the radio and hear George Jones, Dave Brubeck, The Beach Boys and the Singing Nun on the same station.  I much prefer that style of radio to the corporate model we have today, with tightly formatted playlists and the total absence of regional input." 

 

We've talked about it SO many times in Forgotten Hits over the years ... radio in Chicago SOUNDED like Chicago ... and local artists like The Buckinghams and The New Colony Six and The Cryan' Shames and others were all part of our regular, steady radio diet.  Some of these records went on to become national hits as well ... and, in hindsight, it's kinda cool that some of them didn't ... because it feels like they belong to us in some very special, connected way.

 

But the REAL "kick" of '60's Radio was the fact that EVERY style of music existed side-by-side on your radio dial.  We'd hear all the latest hit tunes by The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Four Seasons played right alongside hard rock tracks by Cream and Steppenwolf, bubblegum music by The Ohio Express and The 1910 Fruitgum Company, country cross-over hits by Glen Campbell, all the great Motown hits as well as the soulful sounds coming out of Atlantic and Stax and virtually ANYTHING else that came along (whether it be by Nancy and Frank Sinatra, The New Vaudeville Band or Ray Stevens!) and we never gave it a second thought ... as far as WE were concerned, it as the PERFECT mix of music.

 

The only time today you'll hear that range of artists played side-by-side on the radio anymore is at Christmas time ... when it's not at all unusual to dig out the music of Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Brenda Lee and others ... and play it alongside Christmas hits by The Beach Boys, Jose Feliciano, The Chipmunks and Amy Grant!  

 

Doesn't it seen strange that for about six weeks a year we find it totally acceptable to hear Andy Williams, Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, Hall and Oates, John Lennon, Dean Martin and Burl Ives (?!?!?) all played back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back ... an eclectic mix of music that radio today wouldn't DREAM of putting together in any other context yet somehow creates the PERFECT mix of music come the holiday season? 

 

When else are you going to hear The Eagles, Bryan Adams, Bob Seger and John Mellencamp played in the same set with Run D.M.C., Bing Crosby, Harry Belafonte, The Carpenters and The Harry Simeone Chorale?!?!?  Bobby Helms, Elton John, Barbra Streisand and The Singing Dogs?!?!?  The Drifters, The Jackson Five, Nat "King" Cole, Stevie Wonder and Eartha Kitt?!?!?  And why is it that for the other 46 weeks of the year ... despite charting well over 100 records ... the typical Elvis Presley play list consists of about four tunes ... but at Christmastime that list expands to include about a dozen classic Elvis holiday tracks?!?!? 

 

Programers:  Get a clue.  Wouldn't radio be FAR more interesting if it offered that type of variety all year 'round?  (kk)

 

Speaking of great programming, try to set aside some time this weekend to listen to Rewound Radio.  Talk about your eclectic mix of music!!!  And ALL of it coming from "our generation".  Check this out:

 

Hey Kent,

About six months ago Rewound Radio was mentioned on FH’s along with several other Internet radio stations. I always check them out and by far Rewoundradio.com is the best of them all. Their time frame is 1955-1979. No commercials, just tons of great music.  Obviously the hits, but many obscure songs, one hit wonders and follow up singles by the one hit wonders. On Saturday afternoons they do air checks from back in the day and instant requests. Always something different. DIVERSITY ON THE RADIO!!!!!!  (who knew)? Starting Thanksgiving day thru Sunday, it'll be totally sixties with no repeats. Anyone with an interest in music from this time period has got to check it out. You won’t be  disappointed.

“Thanks”,

Gary  

 

We've been singing the praises of Rewound Radio for some time now ... without a doubt, some of the best programming you're going to find for this kind of music ... and this weekend sounds like another winner.  (It's what we call "Forgotten Hits Radio" ... and shows you what radio COULD be like!)

Here's an "Instant Listen Live" link for you:

Click here: Rewound Radio Instant On!

HELPING OUT OUR READERS

Hi Kent, 
You've probably written about this somewhere on the Forgotten Hits site, but without an index, it's not possible to check. 

Have you heard anything about why the Shindig shows aren't packaged up on DVD? 

Thanks, 

Marie 

A number of Shindig! episodes were available back in the day of VHS tapes but I don't see much listed anymore today.  However, you can find used copies all over Amazon and eBay.  I know that Video Beat has the COMPLETE collection (in varying quality) available as an "unauthorized" DVD set ... several readers on our list have purchased copies and been very happy with the collection.  You can check it out here:  
Click here: SHINDIG! DVD – The Complete Series – ALL 86 EPISODES! on DVD! - SHINDIG TV SHOW on DVD!   

(It ain't cheap ... but it's all there!) 

As for navigating our site, I'll agree that it's a little bit tougher than it should be ... but you WILL find things eventually. 

Use the search engine at the top of the page (upper left hand corner) ... 

If you simply type in "Shindig", you'll find TONS of listings. (The first one that pops up is the death notice of Jimmy O'Neill).  Then, at the bottom (lower right hand corner) click on "More Posts" and it will take you through everything else it sorted on this topic.  (kk) 

Kent, 

I'm thinking you covered this before. The story goes that Billy Joel played piano on the opening chords to the Shangra-Las' hit (Remember) Walking In the Sand. I'm also thinking that you pretty much were able to prove that it's a figment of Billy's imagination.  Wiki said he was 16 at that time, but an examination of when the record came out and Billy's birthday suggest that he couldn't have been more than 15 and more likely 14. Now if I didn't read that here, I have no idea where I saw it. The topic came up today in a Facebook group I'm in. Hopefully some FH reader can shed some light on this. Thanks.

Jack

It seems to me that we disproved this one some time back as well.  Do you have a source where Billy Joel himself is making this claim?  Because as I recall, it was Billy who put the kabosh on the whole thing, saying the rumor needed to stop.  Anybody else know (or remember) for sure???  (kk) 

Hi Kent -
Enjoyed your info on all the upcoming winter concerts! 
This is thinking far ahead, but I hope the Summer Concerts are just as good. I am hoping that Brian Wilson tours in the Chicago area so I can see him.
Received some old 45s recently to put in my juke box and I came across a record called: I've Had It by the Bellnotes.
I loved hearing it again! I think it came out in the late, late fifties or the early sixties???
I am curious if you have any information on them. They were one hit wonders! When in doubt ask the master ...
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family,
Carolyn

Hey, that spring concert line-up in Elk Grove Village looks pretty darn good, too ... I'm really looking forward to going to some of those!

The Bell Notes released three chart singles between January of 1959 and August of 1960 ... but it's not surprising that "I've Had It" is the only one you'd know or remember.  That's because the other two ("Old Spanish Town" and "Shortnin' Bread") peaked at #76 and #96 respectively on the Billboard chart ... while "I've Had It" made it all the up to #6.  (It did even better here in Chicago, peaking at #3.)

According to Joel Whitburn's book "Top Pop Singles, The Bell Notes consisted of Carl Bonura on vocals and sax, Ray Ceroni on vocals and guitar, Lenny Giamblavo on bass, Peter Kane on piano and John Casey on drums.  The group hailed from Long Island, New York, and were discovered by WADO disc jockey Alan Fredericks.

According to Wayne Jancik's book "The Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders", Fredericks met the band at a record hop, liked their sound and brought them into Manhattan to record "I've Had It", which he also produced.  The Top Ten success of that record landed them on Alan Freed's television show as well as a spot on the bill touring with both Frankie Avalon and Bobby Darin.  But follow-up success eluded them so the group split up in 1962.  (A fourth single, "That's Right", charted here in Chicago in 1959, peaking at #31.) 

Doing a quick online search to see if there was any additional material available, I found a source claiming that Steven Tyler and Ray Tabano of Aerosmith used to check out The Bell Notes' act when they performed at a club owned by Tabano's father.  In fact, the two would also go up on stage between sets and perform as an "intermission" act, sometimes even performing the group's biggest hit "I've Had It" live on stage! 

In his biography "Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?", Tyler says:

"When I was about fourteen, I hung out with Ray at his dad's bar on Morris Park Avenue in the Bronx.  Not bad for a hangout.  He would let us drink beer.  A local Bronx R&B group, The Bell Notes, used to perform there and, between their sets, Ray and I would sing their 1959 hit 'I've Had It'.  We'd also do the old Leadbelly song 'Cotton Fields', but in the collegiate folk song style of The Highwaymen, who had a hit with it in 1962."  Now THAT's pretty cool, isn't it???  (kk) 

Hi, 

I just discovered your website and found a picture there that I am curious about. 

Do you know if that is the Long Beach or the Rockaways boardwalk in your photograph of Joey Heatherton?

Thanks,

Gary

Also ... do you anything about the song "Forever Yours" by Debbie Meli?

That's a tough one ... because John Madara lived in both Philadelphia AND Los Angeles ... so I guess I'll have to ask him!  (lol) As for the Debbie Meli song, no, I'm not familiar with it ... but perhaps one of our readers is ... gang?  (kk)

Meanwhile, here is John's response  (and the photo in question):

Hi Kent ...

That picture was taken in Atlantic City, Summer of 1966. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Lots of love,

John

Here is a link for the old Debbie Meli song:

Click here: ? DEBBIE MELI-FOREVER YOURS - YouTube

Gary 

Pretty song ... but no, I'm not familiar with it.  Perhaps one of our astute readers can shed a little more light on this (?)  Thanks, Guys!  (kk)  

Hi, 

I found your site here today, great site! 

I was listening to XM 60’s on 6 and they had Tommy James on and he mentioned he got the either Mony Mony or Hanky Panky off the B side of “That Boy John” 45.  

Is that true?  

Thanks, 

Tony Simone 

Midland, MI

It was "Hanky Panky" ... and it's absolutely true. "Hanky Panky" was the flipside of The Raindrops' single "That Boy John", released in late 1963.  James covered it with his local band from Niles, Michigan, and, other than selling a bunch of copies at his local appearances, watched it do absolutely nothing on the charts.

Then two years later a disc jockey in Pittsburg dug it out and started playing it and the phone lines lit up ... fans couldn't get enough.  Tommy had to head out to the east coast, put together a brand new band of Shondells and tour behind what would soon become his first #1 single.

(By the way, "Mony Mony" was inspired by the Mutual Of New York sign that kept flashing in Tommy's hotel room window one night ... get it?  M.O.N.Y. M.O.N.Y.

If you haven't read Tommy's autobiography, it's an EXCELLENT read ... a "must have" for any fan of '60's music.  (And soon to be a motion picture!)

Meanwhile, here's that rare "first edition" recording of "Hanky Panky" by The Raindrops from 1963.  (kk)

 

Kent,

I am looking for some help.  I am trying to help my buddy Frank Merrill in his quest for elusive radio surveys of the 50's.  It MIGHT help you, too, to make some nice cash! 

Frank has probably amassed the largest collection of radio charts in the world.  He MOSTLY wants ORIGINAL-ONLY, locally published** charts before 1960, but sometimes needs obscure stations after 1959 (NO top 100 markets!).  Before 1960, nearly all markets are fair game.  His goal is to obtain only ONE survey per station (as early a date and year as possible) - he doesn't collect runs / sequences. 
** (in other words, not something like the charts that used to be published in places like R&R, Cash Box, Record World ... but LOCAL newspaper columns with radio charts are VERY highly sought!)
As long as they show songs in ranked sequence, numbered or obviously ranked, format doesn't matter at all.  Even religious, Spanish, easy listening, etc., charts are cool and sought by him.
Let me tell you up front that he thinks the chances of anyone having a 1963 and up chart he needs is 1 in 1000.  1960 - 62 are transitional for him.  BUT anything he needs before 1960 could be worth some good money for the seller, usually $100 or more, and he's ready to buy.  It just depends on IF he needs any you have, and he's far more likely to need pre-1960 stuff.However, a "music industry" source which may have amassed survey charts from stations all over is "fair game" for ANY era - even the 1970s or 1990s.  Such batches usually include many charts that never got to the public.  Offers for needed charts are lower than $50, but still considerable.
He's a friend who has sold ME many surveys and I have given him some he needed as well.  If YOU have anything or even if you REMEMBER someone who had some and can get an email or snail mail address, it could be worth their trouble to contact him.  If you can put word out on your blog, that'd be great, too! 

His email address is: fmerrilljr@yahoo.com  If you'd rather contact me first, that's ok too.  He's totally legit and I have dealt with him for 4 decades. 
Thanks for taking time to read this! 

Take care! 

Clark Besch
More info from Frank if you wish to know more:
"SOME EXAMPLES of the kinds of prices I'll pay for these, if I need them: 

ANYTHING before 1955, and most stuff from 1955:  at least $500.  Anything before 1950 at least $1,000.  1956 - 1957 tends to be $250 or more, if needed. 
Any FM STATION CHART earlier than 1960 - at least $500.  Any "carrier-current" college chart before 1960 - at least $500.  Anything in Mexico (except XEAK Tijuana) before 1960 at least $300; at least $500 anywhere else in Latin America. 
A short list of stations $500 or more, before 1960, include WDSU New Orleans (and most others from there), ANYTHING from Alaska, Vermont, South Dakota (KIHO Sioux Falls possibly $1,000).  WTMJ Milwaukee.  Also, from Michigan, WWJ Detroit, WMIC Monroe, WHRV (if from 1960's - or FOUR FIGURES if from 1950's) Ann Arbor.  At least $300 for any Fifties from Nevada, New Jersey, Saskatchewan, Canadian Maritimes.  $30 or more from almost any land-based BRITISH radio stations from 1970's and later.   4KQ Brisbane, Australia; WDEL-TV Wilmington DE; WMBD-TV Peoria (from THE SIXTIES!) all $1,000.  Some of these Fifties I've sought for FIFTY years, started collecting 8/26/1963!   (All the New Orleans AM radio stations had their Top Fives printed weekly in the New Orleans Item during 1957.  I may offer as much as $2,000 for an original newsprint page with these.) 
THE HISTORY OF EARLY CHARTS in so many cities is entirely unknown!   For example, nothing from Philadelphia has ever been found before 1958.   There were probably hundreds if not thousands of Station charts I would pay well over $100 for.   A complete want list is impossible because so much is unknown.   The most INCREDIBLE source of charts would be stuff "from all over" that got sent to a record industry source.  Besides myself, there is nobody else in the world (who I've found) who will routinely pay more than $10 for "needed" surveys from any era - so if you have anything like this, "strike while the iron is hot."   I don't really care about condition!

Wow ... GREAT opportunity for all our chart collectors out there to pick up a few extra bucks right before the holidays!  I've known Frank for over 35 years ... I used to buy from him all the time through Goldmine Magazine back in the day when I used to collect 45's (and sell them as well.) Good guy ... with an INCREDIBLE collection.

Interested parties can contact him direct through the email address above ... and tell him Forgotten Hits sent you!  (kk) 

And, speaking of survey wants, here's a short list from our FH Buddy Bill Hengels ... he's down to just a select few ORIGINAL WLS and WCFL charts that he's looking for to complete his collection:   

I need your help ... 
I am looking for several original WLS & WCFL (Chicago) surveys. I need these to replace B/W copys or bad originals. I do have a full set of both but need some originals. 
I have worked with some of you in the past but here is an updated list.

WLS
1960
OCT		14	15	22?	29
NOV	5	12	19
DEC	3	10	17
1961
JAN	7		21
FEB		11
MAR			18
APRIL	1	8
MAY	6
JUNE				24
JULY		8
AUG	5
WCFL
1966
FEB		17	24

I also have reproductions of the 1st two WLS Surveys that I made up to look like the original surveys.

I also have reproductions of the missing WLS surveys from 1972-1973.

I made up the surveys from lists that I got from Kent at Forgottenhits@aol.com if you are interested. Kent got the list from a friend who wrote down the lists from the foam boards each week.   

I also have WLS / WCFL surveys for sale / trade

Thanks

Bill

WLSSURVEY@aol.com  

And, speaking of the charts, here's the latest word from Chart Guru Randy Price, keeper of the online Cash Box Chart Archives ... 

Kent,

I am in the process of adding the "Looking Ahead" charts to the Chart Archives at cashboxmagazine.com. These were Cash Box's equivalent to the "Bubbling Under" charts in Billboard. The first "Looking Ahead" chart was published in the Oct. 3, 1959, issue of Cash Box, listing 20 songs that were "showing signs of breaking into the Cash Box Top 100." The "Looking Ahead" chart increased to 25 positions the following week, and by the end of April 1961 had expanded to 50 positions. There is a link at the bottom of each weekly chart page in the online Archives for that week's "Looking Ahead" chart (currently provided through the end of 1965, with more in the works). I've counted over 1,000 records that appeared on the "Looking Ahead" charts, just  through 1964, that were never on the Billboard pop charts (Hot 100 or "Bubbling Under"). So this is a rare treat for those who would like to follow the national progress of records that might have been regional hits in their areas.
-- Randy Price

Great news, Randy.  (I'm wondering if Joel Whitburn will eventually release a supplement to his new Cash Box book coming out next year that will also encompass this chart data, much like he did with the Record World Charts a year ago ... hope so!)  Happy to spread the word.  (kk)

Monday Morning Madness

A few items that didn't make our massive, King-Sized Sunday Comments this week ...  

re:  NEW RELEASES:  
I just got word of a brand new book that'll be released in April of next year and I've got to tell you ... written by our Forgotten Hits Buddy Harvey Kubernik, it looks absolutely AMAZING!!!  (And EXACTLY the kind of things our readers will LOVE!)   

Details are just starting to come in ... but here's what we know so far ...   

On April 15, 2014, Santa Monica Press will be releasing "Turn Up the Radio! Rock, Pop, and Roll in Los Angeles 1956–1972" by Harvey Kubernik with a foreword by Tom Petty.
Packed with exclusive interviews and featuring hundreds of rare and previously unpublished photographs, this one-of-a-kind keepsake of rock, pop, and roll in the City of Angels is a must-have for any music fan.  Combining oral and illustrated history with a connective narrative, "Turn Up the Radio!" captures the zeitgeist of the Los Angeles rock and pop music world between the years of 1956 and 1972.   
Featuring hundreds of rare and previously unpublished photographs and images of memorabilia, this collection highlights dozens of iconic bands and musicians, including the Doors, the Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, the Byrds, CSN, the Monkees, the Rolling Stones, Ike and Tina Turner, Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Ritchie Valens, Sam Cooke, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, Thee Midniters, Sonny and Cher, and many others.
But recording artists heard on the AM and FM dial are only one part of the rich history of music in Los Angeles. "Turn Up the Radio!" digs deep to uncover the studio musicians, background vocalists, songwriters, producers, and engineers who helped propel the Los Angeles rock and pop music scene to such a legendary status. Bones Howe, Barney Kessel, B. J. Baker, Merry Clayton, Jack Nitzsche, Hal Blaine, Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Bobby Womack, Kim Fowley, Bruce Botnick, Dave Gold, and Stan Ross are just a few of the names recognized for their crucial contributions to the music created and produced in the recording studios of Los Angeles.  

Finally, "Turn Up the Radio!" pays tribute to the DJs who brought the music of Los Angeles to fans throughout Southern California -- and, ultimately, the world -- including Art Laboe, Dave Hull, Robert W. Morgan, the Real Don Steele, Jim Ladd, and Dave Diamond. Their dedication to the music they played at such iconic radio stations as KHJ, KFWB, KRLA, KMET, and KLOS was critical to the development of popular music. 
Packed with exclusive interviews, this one-of-a-kind keepsake of rock, pop, and roll in the City of Angels is a must-have for any music fan.

$45.00 
Hardcover 
336 pages 
10 x 12 
Hundreds of black-and-white and color photographs 
978-1595800794   

Hi Kent - 
I thought you might like to know the new 2 CD set reissue of the "Fankhauser Cassidy" "On The Blue Road" is out! It features our first album from 1994 and our second "Further On Up The Road" from 1998. Its a nice tribute to Cass and has one of the last interviews I did with him included. He was the oldest Rock N Roll drummer in the world when he passed away last year at 89! They styled the artwork around a 57 Chevy, that was his car.   
All My Best,    
Merrell  
You can purchase from here in UK Pounds (£) you may wish to check out our US site with prices in US$ at:  http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/   
That's Merrell Fankhauser and Ed Cassidy, by the way, for those interested.  In fact, if you'd like to see a snippet of the interview that Merrell is referring to, drop me a line and I'll forward you his full email.  (kk)

RELEASED 27 JANUARY 2013 · CHARLY110BX• 4 CDs - 75 songs remastered from original tapes • 72-page hardback book, lavishly illustrated • 3 rare singles in red, white & blue vinyl • Olympic Studios 7-inch replica acetate • 64-page soft cover illustrated lyric book • 5 postcards with rare photos & artwork • Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake facsimile press kit • 2 large-size reproduction posters • 2 exclusive Gered Mankowitz fine art prints “A complete delight!”  PETE TOWNSHEND Personally signed by Kenney Jones & Ian McLagan - limited to only 3,000 copies worldwide!   In celebration of the Small Faces’  induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Charly Records are proud to present Here Come The Nice, a deluxe heavyweight 4 CD box set chronicling the group’s career on Andrew Loog Oldham’s pioneering Immediate Records label, curated by surviving band members Kenney Jones and Ian McLagan. A whopping 75 songs includes every hit single, A & B side released worldwide on Immediate Records plus a generous bounty of unreleased material, outtakes, early and alternate versions, live tracks and previously unheard recording sessions from Olympic, Trident and IBC Studios, all sourced and remastered from recently discovered original master and multitrack tapes. The lavish 72-page hardback book, with a heartfelt foreword by Pete Townshend and introduction by Kenney and Mac, is full of previously unseen photos and rare memorabilia, a career overview by esteemed Mojo magazine scribe Mark Paytress, copious and revealing track-by-track annotation, new testimonials from the likes of Robert Plant, Paul Weller, David Bowie, Paul Stanley (KISS), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Andy Fraser (Free), John Waite, Peter Frampton - and much more! The box is crammed full with exclusive extras, such as replicas of three of the rarest Small Faces EPs in colored vinyl, an impossibly rare Olympic Studios acetate, large-size repro posters, fine art prints, 64-page fully illustrated lyric booklet, collectors postcards and more, all paying testament to the enduring musical genius of the Small Faces. "Here Come The Nice" is the ultimate, indispensible tribute to Swinging London’s finest and best-loved pop heroes! “I loved ’em then and still do! I always will.”  PAUL WELLER For further information, photos etc.. www.thesmallfaces.com/promo/   What's In The Box?   Lavishly illustrated 72 page hardbound coffee table book:    Introduction by Kenney & Mac plus a foreword by Pete Townshend.   Over 90 classic, rare & previously unpublished photos & memorabilia. Definitive sleeve notes include new & archive interviews. Written contributions from Robert Plant, Paul Weller, David Bowie, Nick Mason, Peter Frampton, Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Paul Stanley (Kiss) & many more. Exclusive Gered Mankowitz interview on photographing 'Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake'. Track-by-track illustrated guide to every song on the box set. Lyric Booklet:  64-page fully illustrated song booklet with rare photos & memorabilia. Complete lyrics transcribed & endorsed by band members for the first time ever.  Red, white and blue coloured vinyl:  Three replica 7-inch EPs of the rarest Small Faces vinyl originally released in 1967: • Small Faces album sampler - Excerpts from the Small Faces LP • Here Come The Nice 4 song French EP in picture sleeve • Itchycoo Park 4 song French EP in picture sleeve Replica Studio Acetate:  Olympic Sound Studios one-off acetate pressing for Andrew Loog Oldham for the song "Mystery" Two large reproduction posters: Reproductions of original posters for the Tin Soldier single featuring photography by Gered Mankowitz Newcastle City Hall live concert from 1968  Press kit for Ogden's Gone Nut Flake: Rare 6-panel Immediate Records Press Kit from 1968 Double sided postcards: Five collector's edition postcards with rare photos of each Small Faces band member backed with memorabilia from the Immediate Records Archive Fine art prints: Two beautiful prints provided by Gered Mankowitz from his 1967 Itchycoo Park photo sessions Signed Certificates:  Kenney and Mac signed certificates replicating an original Olympic Sound Studios Small Faces tape box CD1 - Small Faces Singles Worldwide As Bs & Eps: 1. Here Come The Nice (mono) 2:55 2. Talk To You (mono) 2:05 3. (Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me (mono) 2:15 4. Something I Want To Tell You (mono) 2:07 5. Get Yourself Together (mono) 2:16 6. Become Like You (mono) 1:56 7. Green Circles (mono) 2:32 8. Eddie's Dreaming (b-side edit) (mono) 2:41 9. Itchycoo Park (mono) 2:44 10. I'm Only Dreaming (mono) 2:22 11. Tin Soldier (mono) 3:19 12. I Feel Much Better (mono) 3:55 13. Lazy Sunday (mono) 3:02 14. Rollin' Over (Part II of Happiness Stan) (mono) 2:12 15. Mad John (single version) (mono) 2:07 16. The Journey (single version) (mono) 2:51 17. The Universal (mono) 2:42 18. Donkey Rides, A Penny A Glass (mono) 2:47 19. Afterglow Of Your Love (single version) (mono) 3:22 20. Wham Bam Thank You Mam (mono) 3:18 Original Immediate single versions. Taken from original mono master tapes. CD2 - Small Faces In The Studio - Olympic, IBC & Trident Sessions - Part 1: 1. Shades Of Green (mono) 0:38 2. Green Circles (take 1) (mono) 1:04 3. Green Circles (take 1 alt mix 1) (mono) 2:45 4. Anything (tracking session) (stereo) 3:46 5. Anything (backing track) (stereo) 3:06 6. Show Me The Way (stripped down mix) (stereo) 2:09 7. Wit Art Yer (tracking session) (mono) 2:50 8. Wit Art Yer (backing track) (stereo) 2:27 9. I Can't Make It (alt mix) (stereo) 2:26 10. Doolally (tracking session) (mono) 4:06 11. What's It Called? (overdub session) (mono) 0:36 12. Call It Something Nice (take 9) (stereo) 2:04 13. Wide Eyed Girl (take 2) (stereo) 1:43 14. Wide Eyed Girl On The Wall (alt mix) (stereo) 3:28 15. Donkey Rides, A Penny A Glass (stripped down mix) (stereo) 3:21 16. Red Balloon With A Blue Surprise (take 5) (stereo) 0:46 17. Red Balloon (alt mix) (stereo) 4:29 18. Saieide Mamoon (tracking session) (stereo) 9:36 All tracks previously unreleased versions. Taken from original studio multitrack and session master tapes CD3 - Small Faces In The Studio - Olympic, IBC & Trident Sessions - Part 2: 1. Wham Bam Thank You Mam (alt mix) (stereo) 3:22 2. I Can't Make It (stripped down mix) (stereo) 2:33 3. This Feeling Of Spring (take 1) (stereo) 1:43 4. All Our Yesterdays (backing track) (mono) 2:09 5. Talk To You (alt mix) (stereo) 2:22 6. Mind The Doors Please (mono) 5:01 7. Things Are Going To Get Better (stripped down mix) (stereo) 2:43 8. Mad John (tracking session) (stereo) 3:58 9. A Collibosher (take 4) (stereo) 3:31 10. Lazy Sunday Afternoon (early mix) (mono) 3:00 11. Jack (backing track) (stereo) 3:35 12. Fred (backing track) (stereo) 3:06 13. Red Balloon (stripped down mix) (stereo) 1:33 14. Kolomodelomo (take 1) (stereo) 2:45 15. Donkey Rides, A Penny A Glass (alt mix) (stereo) 3:34 16. Jenny's Song (take 2) (stereo) 4:04 All tracks previously unreleased versions. Taken from original studio multitrack and session master tapes CD4 - Alternate Small Faces Outtakes & In Concert: 1. Itchycoo Park (take 1 stereo mix) (stereo) 2:50 2. Here Come The Nice (take 1 stereo mix) (stereo) 3:01 3. I'm Only Dreaming (take 1 stereo mix) (stereo) 2:23 4. Don't Burst My Bubble (mono) 2:24 5. I Feel Much Better (stereo) 3:56 6. Green Circles (take 1 Italian version) (mono) 2:44* 7. Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow (alt mix) (stereo) 1:50* 8. Piccanniny (alt mix) (stereo) 3:02 9. Get Yourself Together (alt mix) (stereo) 2:18* 10. Eddie's Dreaming (take 2 alt mix) (stereo) 2:44* 11. (Tell Me) Have You Ever Seen Me (take 2 alt mix) (stereo) 2:08* 12. Up The Wooden Hills To Bedfordshire (US alt mix) (mono) 2:00* 13. Afterglow Of Your Love (alt single version) (mono) 3:36* 14. (If You Think You're) Groovy (mono) (The Lot Version)- P.P. Arnold & Small Faces 2:55 15. Me You And Us Too (mono) 3:32 16. The Universal (take 1 stereo mix) (stereo) 2:39 17. Rollin' Over (live) (stereo) 2:29 18. If I Were A Carpenter (live) (stereo) 2:29 19. Every Little Bit Hurts (live) (stereo) 6:12 20. All Or Nothing (live) (stereo) 4:05 21. Tin Soldier (live) (stereo) 3:19 All tracks rare or * previously unreleased versions. Taken from original studio and session master tapes. Live tracks recorded at Newcastle City Hall 18 November 1968. Taken from Pye Studios master tape, pitch and speed corrected.   Small Faces Box set vinyl:    • Small Faces Album Sampler - One-sided promo single - Excerpts From The Small Faces LP (mono) The original 7" vinyl was issued as a promotional single for the debut Immediate album. Featuring excepts from Get Yourself Together, Green Circles, Talk To You, All Our Yesterdays, Up The Wooden Hills To Bedfordshire with DJ Tommy Vance announcements, the original vinyl has gone on to become the rarest Small Faces single amongst collectors. • Here Come The Nice - French E.P. Here Come The Nice (mono) - This is the same performance as the regular 'Here Come The Nice' mixed to mono but similar to other releases at the time, was subjected to varispeed so plays slightly faster. • Talk To You (mono) Become Like You (mono) Get Yourself Together (mono) • Itchycoo Park - French E.P. Itchycoo Park (mono) I'm Onky Dreaming (mono) Green Circles (mono) Eddie's Dreaming (mono) - Mystery - Replica acetate Intended to be a single, a handful of acetates of Mystery were produced for the band and Andrew Loog Oldham to check the mix. For unknown reasons, the single wasn't released, and Ronnie went back into Olympic to record a new vocal during April 1967 for the newly entitled Something I Want To Tell You. This is a replica of the acetate delivered to Andrew Loog Oldham back in 1967.   Hi Kent ...   Check this out. Best ... John     On-Demand Special: 60 Degrees' Philly Fillies (The Music of Madara and White) Click here: East Village Radio -> News -> On-Demand Special: 60 Degrees' Philly Fillies (The Music of Madara and White)       10 years before Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff became known for creating The Sound Of Philadelphia, there were other guys on the block making popular music that defined the city. There were the Cameo/Parkway record labels, and also the writing / producing team of Johnny Madara and David White. Their best known hits include the rock and roll classics At The Hop by Danny & The Juniors, You Don’t Own Me by Lesley Gore and Len Barry’s 1-2-3.    Madara and White also wrote and/or produced many great girl group records for artists who are now considered One Hit (or even No-Hit) Wonders - The Pixies Thee, The Sherrys, The Secrets and Maureen Gray.  Even though they may have only scored single hits, there is a wealth of great recordings by these artists that are highly coveted by girl group fans - records that were originally overlooked as the British Invasion swept through the US and crowded them off the charts in the mid-1960’s.  Today on 60 Degrees, we will be taking an extended look at these groups, along with Cindy Scott (Sundray Taylor) and The Sweet Three. In addition, we have some of the best known songs by Madara and White as performed by Joey Heatherton, Lesley Gore, Dusty Springfield and Annie Markan. The Secrets / The Boy Next Door / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sweet Three / Big Lovers / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sherrys / At The Hop / Pop Pop Pop-Pie / Bear Family Dusty Springfield / You Don't Own Me / Stay Awhile/I Only Want To Be With You / Taragon Lesley Gore / Don't Call Me, I'll Call You / The Mercury Anthology / Mercury Annie Markan / Un Deux Trois (1-2-3) / EP / Mercury The Pixies Three / Cold Cold Winter / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Bobbi-Pins / Why Did You Go? / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound Ann D'Andrea / Johnny's Back In Town / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound Joey Heatherton / Live And Learn / Joey Heatherton / Hip-O Selects The Secrets / The Other Side Of Town / Growin' Up Too Fast / Mercury The Secrets / Hey Big Boy / Growin' Up Too Fast / Mercury The Secrets / Learning To Forget / 45 / Philips The Secrets / Here He Comes Now / 45 / Philips The Secrets / Oh Donnie / 45 / Philips The Secrets / He's The Boy / 45 / Philips The Secrets / He Doesn't Want You / 45 Philips The Sherrys/ Pop Pop Pop-Pie / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sherrys / No No Baby / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sherrys / New Cha Cha Cha / Pop Pop Pop-Pie / Bear Family The Sherrys / That Guy Of Mine / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sherrys / Saturday Night / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sherrys / That Boy Of Mine / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound Maureen Gray / Today's The Day / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound Maureen Gray / I Don't Want To Cry / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound Maureen Gray / Come On And Dance / Party Lights / Collectables Maureen Gray / There Is A Boy / Party Lights / Collectables The Pixies Three / Birthday Party / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Pixies Three / 442 Glenwood Avenue / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Pixies Three / Gee / Our History / Crystal Ball The Pixies Three / The Hootch / Our History / Crystal Ball The Pixies Three / Orphan Boy / Our History / Crystal Ball The Pixies Three / Love Me, Love Me / Our History / Crystal Ball Joey Heatherton / When You Call Me Baby / Joey Heatherton / Hip-O Selects Cindy Scott / I Love You Baby  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound Cindy Scott / In Your Spare Time  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound Cindy Scott / I've Been Loving You  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound Cindy Scott / Time Can Change A Love  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sweet Three / That's The Way It Is  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sweet Three / Bluer Than Blue  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Mellow Moods (The Sweet Three) / Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Hurt?  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sweet Three / I Would If I Could  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound The Sweet Three / Don't Leave Me Now  / Those East Coast Girls / That Philly Sound   re:  THIS AND THAT:   Kent, I thoroughly enjoyed the video you posted on Joel Whitburn and the collection of musical memorabilia he has in his vault. I had not really thought about what he had or didn't have, but was simply amazed at the records he does have. I am like Clark in that I wouldn't trade my records for his. I have what I want.  I also would say that if you put my records next to Joel's, one would not see mine even if one had a microscope. I was kind of curious if Joel had his vault of musical memories insured and if so, for how much. I wouldn't even want to hazard a guess as to the worth of his collection. Priceless!! Larry Neal   Priceless indeed ... and I'm sure it's both heavily insured AND heavily protected.  (It truly is his "record vault"!!!)  Cool to see it up close like that ... looking forward to seeing it first hand in person.  (kk)   MTV Networks and Major League Baseball said Monday they are collaborating on a weekly 30-episode series that melds pop culture and baseball. Ortiz and Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen are both executive producers of the series, set to begin next spring around the start of the new season. The untitled series will likely air on MTV2, which tends to have a higher proportion of male viewers than its sister station. It will be shot at the MLB Fan Cave, a facility built at an abandoned Tower Records store in Manhattan. This is an insult to the memory of Tower Records! Dave Barry   A couple of weeks ago we ran a link for the Kickstarter Donation Page for "The Wrecking Crew" documentary.  A quick check of that page today shows them at just over $90,000 (a good $160,000 shy of goal) with only 25 days to go.  (That doesn't leave a lot of time for them to hit their goal.)  We ask again that you please show your support by visiting the page and contributing what you can. Click here: "The Wrecking Crew" Doc; Untold story of Rock & Roll Heroes by Denny Tedesco — Kickstarter   Meanwhile, there's a fundraiser in the works for the next edition of "Wages Of Spin" now, too ... that information is shown below:   Hi Everyone - Be the first to get the "Wages of Spin" Premiere Tickets and DVD's thru Indie Gogo Crowd Funding Site. Any help in distributing the link is appreciated. Bob Charger bob@characterdrivenfilms.com http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wages-of-spin-ii/x/5390203#share   FH Readers were blown away when the saw the list of studio credits wracked up by session guitarist Vic Flick in Jolly Ol' London back in the day.  If you'd like to received a PDF Report (about 45 pages long!!!), just drop me an email at forgottenhits@aol.com and I'll be happy to send it along.  (kk)  Kent -  I do not wish to correct Clark Weber, but Roulette Records was most certainly NOT a Philadelphia label. The label was originally owned by New Yorkers Morris Levy, George Goldner, Joe Kolsky and a 4th person (who may have been Morris Gurlak or Jack Hooke).  Morris Levy eventually owned 100% of the label, but the constant rumor was that it was controlled by outside influences. Clark was right on the money about the representatives that he was visited by from the label, however.  They were not someone you wished to say No to.  CLAY PASTERNACK Rocky River, Ohio Some of the confusion may be coming from the fact that when Tommy James first headed east after a Pittsburgh disc jockey started playing "Hanky Panky" on his show, he was ultimately signed to Roulette Records by Morris Levy, a notorious "business man" with (shall we say) outside influences.  James interviewed with several different record labels at the time, looking for a national distribution deal for his hot new record before Levy laid down the law that the record was HIS ... at which point EVERY other label interested in Tommy backed off to let Morris have it.  As you stated, Roulette was actually located in New York. (kk)   Anheuser-Busch LLC is facing an infringement suit filed in California court from the owner of the copyright to the track "Lady" by the rock band Styx, which alleges part of the hit song was used without permission in a commercial posted online.  Wooden Nickel, purported owner of composition and sound recording "Lady" written by Dennis DeYoung and performed by Styx, sue for copyright infringement. Plaintiffs allege that defendant Anheuser-Busch used the recording unauthorized in a Bud Light commercial. Here's a link to legal docs: http://www.scribd.com/doc/182169550/Wooden-Nickel-v-Anheuser-Busch-Styx-lawsuit-pdf -- Dave Barry   FH Reader Ken Voss sent us this one ...    Here's a story on one-hit wonder The Crazy World of Arthur Brown ... THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN “I am the god of hellfire,” shouted Arthur Brown, the one-hit wonder with his 1968 hit “Fire”. The song topped British charts for 14 weeks, reaching #2 on the American charts. Today, the crazy man still tours and records. Now The Crazy World of Arthur Brown will once again deliver a first with Arthur Brown's Psycho-sonic Thought Control Headgear innovation being showcased to UK audiences for the first time ever on stage at Hard Rock Hell Festival on 28th November 2013. In 2011, Brown released a live recording on vinyl only “High Voltage Gig” that included the three-song “Fire Suite” that was comprised of “Nightmare”, “Fire” and “Fire Poem” recorded live at the High Voltage Festival. His 2012 release “The Magic Hat” joined by Rick Patten features 19 songs and includes a full-color comic telling the story which is the context of the songs on the CD. And he continues to tour the world: Nov. 28  Hard Rock Hell Fest, Hafan Y More, Wales Dec. 5     Debaser Hornstulls, Stockholm, Sweden Dec. 6     Burghof, Lorrach, Germany Dec. 7     Truckstop Alaska, Gothenburg, Sweden And he’s promising a North American tour in 2014 This is kinda cool.  (Actually got it from a couple of readers so it must be making the rounds.) A visual look at what some of our favorite, dearly-departed rock stars might look like today, were they still around ... Click here: Rock & Roll Heaven   Don't know if this is old news, but around Thanksgiving it seems to be a tradition for the last 10 years in St. Louis to recreate THE LAST WALTZ with musician imitators looking and sounding the roles.  Port Chester, Long Island, NYC is also doing the same this for the first time.  Sounds great. I'm just wondering if it's common knowledge because everyone is doing it and this is the first time I've heard of it. GARY RENFIELD P.S.  I JUST GOOGLED IT ... SEEMS ITS A 'COTTAGE' INDUSTRY!   re:  FIRST 45's:   We STILL get 'em from all over the world ...    In 1956 I was coming to the end of my service in the Royal Air Force.  When I went in on Oct. 11, 1952, I had quite a collection of records (78s) going back to the first one I bought with my own money (which was ‘Buttons and Bows’ by Dinah Shore on my 15th birthday in 1948.)  Through the early fifties I was buying Guy Mitchell, Frankie Laine, etc., and any that caught my fancy, such as Les Paul and Mary Fords’ 'Mocking Bird Hill’, Earl Bostic’s ‘Flamingo’, Bell Sisters’ ’Bermuda’, Sonny Terry Trio ’Hooting Blues’, Rusty Draper’s ‘Wabash Cannonball’ and a lot more of the same, not just the popular records of the day. Up till then 45’s were hardly issued over here in the UK, but around ‘56 I managed to get my first ones.  They were ‘Gone’ by Ferlin Huskey, and ‘Since I Met You Baby’ by Ivory Joe Hunter, which I still have to this day. Mike Prescott Minehead Somerset England In 1963 I was 10 years old and had three older sisters. They always had the radio or phonograph on and they bought all the popular hits. However they refused to buy an instrumental I heard and liked ... Washington Square by the Village Stompers. "It's too hillbilly (banjos) ... too Dixieland ... and an instrumental ... whew! ... no way!"  Since my sisters had dozens of 45's and I didn't have a one, I pleaded my case to my Mom and she gave my oldest sister 89 cents with orders to "buy your brother's record".   A day or two later my sister came home from being downtown, handed it to me and said, "Here's your stupid record ... just don't play it while I'm around". My Mom and I liked it and I think even one or two of my sisters might have also ... but would never admit it. I think it may have made it into the "top 10". Not bad for a Dixieland instrumental.   Duke It did, indeed, make the Top Ten ... #2 as a matter of fact in Billboard in late 1963. Not one you hear much at all anymore ... unless, of course, you're reading Forgotten Hits!  (kk)