The Friday Flash

Ron Onesti just scored another coup!

Next Friday Night, July 3rd, The Arcada Theatre will be broadcasting the Grateful Dead concert LIVE from Soldier Field!  This is the last stop on their "Fare Thee Well" Tour and the shows in Chicago have been sold out for MONTHS!  (A while back we told you about people who were paying up to $50,000 for a single ticket!!!)  The Dead say this is their final tour.

But for just $20 (general admission) you can watch the show on a 40 foot big screen thanks to a live feed.  (Shows are being filmed for future release ... but you can watch it all as it happens ... and avoid the crowd ... and elements ... of the live setting.)

Visit The Arcada Website for complete ticket information ... first come, first served ... and when they're gone, they're gone.  (Food and Drink will be available at the theater)
www.oshows.com   

Speaking of upcoming shows at The Arcada, here's one you're going to want to bookmark for next year ...

A couple of weeks ago or so we announced the "UK '63" Tour starring Tommy Roe, Chris Montez and a Beatles Tribute Band. 

Well, this show hits Chicago on March 13th at The Arcada Theatre!  (And we can't wait!  We've been tying to get Tommy booked there for quite some time now!)    

More details from Music Director / Promoter Rick Levy ...   

UK 63 ... THE TOUR THAT CHANGED MUSIC FOREVER 
MARCH 13, 2016

TOMMY ROE AT THE ARCADA THEATRE >> ST CHARLES, IL

Also starring CHRIS MONTEZ

And, just like the original show that performed in the UK in 1963,

The opening act will be a local Beatles tribute band ...

Then CHRIS MONTEZ ...

then intermission ...

AND THEN A FULL TOMMY ROE SHOW

FOLLOWED BY A FINALE FEATURING TOMMY AND CHRIS

More details (including other stops on the tour) as they become available ... so stay tuned!  (kk)

Yesterday FH Reader Frank B mentioned Micky Dolenz's appearance on Scott Shannon's Morning Show over at CBS-FM in New York City.
Today we've got more details ... as well as a photograph of the pair!

MICKY DOLENZ WITH SCOTT SHANNON AT CBS-FM  
New York - Micky Dolenz, in NYC for rehearsals for his upcoming show (A Little Bit Broadway; A Little Bit Rock 'n Roll) at 54 Below (July 7, 10, 11), visited with CBS-FM's SCOTT SHANNON to talk about the shows and the live album that will be recorded and released this September on Broadway Records. 
The two conducted an in-depth interview that included details about the 54 Below shows as well as some observations about his upcoming solo shows and the revelation that it was around this month, 50 years ago, that he first answered the ad for what would become The Monkees. 
Next year marks the 50th Anniversary for the legendary band. 
They also spoke about his fine-furniture design and manufacturing company, Dolenz And Daughters, which he runs with daughter Georgia.  
http://54below.com/artist/micky-dolenz/

 

L - R:  Scott Shannon, Micky Dolenz Patty Steele

Has the Harry Nilsson bio-documentary been discussed in FH? I saw it for the first time this week and was thoroughly impressed with it. This is the first time I'd heard the story of how Harry wrote "One" when he was listening to a busy signal on the phone. 
David Lewis 
Actually, yes it has ... in fact we even ran a clip from it a few years ago.  This was a highly anticipated documentary for me and I remember going to great lengths to obtain a copy.  Seems everyone who has seen it has thoroughly enjoyed it.  (Even our youngest daughter couldn't get over how interesting and entertaining it was ... and she wasn't even familiar with Harry's music.) 
Another great, very talented under-appreciated artist who never got his full due in my opinion.  Harry had his demons to be sure ... but he was an EXTREMELY talented guy.  (kk)

re:  Love And Mercy:

Hey Kent, have you seen Love And Mercy again yet?

Four stars all the way for me. 

Bob Stroud

Actually, no I haven't ... but I need to ... clearly I had too many preconceived notions and expectations going into the theater ... maybe we can finally do that this weekend.  (kk)

We loved it.  I had no problem with John Cusack playing the older Brian Wilson.  I was amazed at the attention to detail, even down to The Wrecking Crew ... they didn't have to, but they managed to find actors who looked like the real musicians. 

Bob Sirott   

Kent ... 
Here are some Brian Wilson quotes from my newspaper, the Man Of The World magazine interview: 
-- "I lost my sense of humor sometime in the 1960's."
-- "The 60's is my favorite time of life."
-- "I was working with The Beach Boys, producing and writing songs for them.
-- "It was also the time that I tried LSD." 
-- "In 1965 I wrote 'California Girls' shortly after I did my first acid trip."  
-- "It expanded my mind a little bit, so I could write better songs." 
-- "But while it was worth it, I wouldn't take it again."
Frank B.   

FROM RICK LEVY ... tour manager and band leader for TOMMY ROE ... and previously with Herman's Hermits, Jay and the Techniques, and manager of THE BOX TOPS ...

Regarding LOVE AND MERCY ... 
"I have known Mike Love and Al Jardine for a long time ... I had mixed feelings on the movie ... 
PAUL DANO was born to be Brian Wilson ... he did not even act ... he WAS Brian ... and all that heart came thru. 
John Cusack did a fine job of acting ... but in my opinion was just too far off physically ... and it came across as an acting job. 
The emotions of the sessions with The Wrecking Crew were amazing. 
All in all, I would rather have seen Dano as Brian throughout ... but glad I'm glad I saw it.

Honestly, I think I would have enjoyed Paul Dano as Brian throughout, too ... I'm not sure why they felt a need to use two different actors.  Dano was far more engaging.  I'm still disappointed they didn't cover the "fat Brian in bed" phase ... it was THAT funk that Landy pulled him out of.  I think Landy was portrayed a little over the top ... but then again I wasn't there to see it.  (kk) 

If you haven't already done so, check out this interview with Brian Wilson conducted by Rolling Stone Magazine.  Gives some interesting insight to his own reaction to watching his life unfold on the big screen ...

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/brian-wilsons-better-days-20150622 

There's a brand new Carl Wilson biography coming out in September, written by Kent Crowley.  This may be something worth ready.  (I'm working my way through the Bobby Hart bio right now ... well done and well written ... and just about to get to the exciting part!!!)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1908279842/ref=pe_848010_141520460_em_1p_0_ti 

Thursday This And That

I got this notice last week from Charlie Gracie, Jr., but never had a chance to run it ... 

 

CHARLIE GRACIE and SIR PAUL McCARTNEY TO MEET AGAIN THIS WEEKEND

STANDING BY FOR DETAILS AND INSTRUCTION coming from MARIE WESTON SR., PAUL's personal assistant. 

SIR PAUL is a longtime CHARLIE GRACIE fan and recently contributed to the Foreword in Charlie's autobiography: ROCK AND ROLL's HIDDEN GIANT (Alfred Music Press) available through Barnes & Noble book stores or simply order at Amazon.com 

R&R Magic indeed!

Charlie Gracie, Jr.

 

MESSAGE FROM MARIE BELOW:

Dear Charlie, JNR.
So sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Paul will be very happy to receive a copy of the book from you father in Philadelphia. I have copied in Michele Lawley who will be able to organise this for you.
All the very best
Marie

 

And then, an update from Charlie, Jr., after the McCartney concert ... 

 

Met SIR PAUL McCARTNEY at his Wells Fargo concert in Philly on Sunday -- where he serenaded my dad, CHARLIE GRACIE -- and sang 'FABULOUS' to him backstage ... AMAZING!  This tune was my dad's follow up hit to 'BUTTERFLY.' Paul himself covered it in 2000.  

PAUL loved the GRACIE autobiography (ROCK AND ROLL'S HIDDEN GIANT) and my father signed it for him!  PAUL contributed to the Foreword.  He inspected it thoroughly and held it high in several photos.  

SIR PAUL looked and sounded pretty FABULOUS himself. He was so gracious and respectful of my dad and mom. The show was magnificent!  *Photos from this event will be coming in about a month - taken by Sir Paul's people - stand by. (Meanwhile I've sent along a few of my stage shots from the concert.)  

God Bless the man who remembered his roots and took the time to honor the pint sized R&R star from South Philadelphia who was there at the beginning.  

 

 

Here's an oldie but goodie featuring Paul and Charlie.  McCartney recorded a version of Charlie Gracie's hit "Fabulous" for his "Run Devil Run" CD a few years ago.

 

Speaking of Charlie Gracie, we also received this YouTube clip last week from Tom at Character Films, who put together that excellent Charlie Gracie documentary film a few years ago.  (You may have seen it playing on your local PBS station) 

Charlie Gracie Interview with John Ricciutti Radnor Studio 21 ... Comprehensive interview covering Charlie Gracie Rock & Roll's Hidden Giant Book by John Jackson ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDufkuEzRsY&feature=youtu.be

And here's some more book info ...

 

Available at most Barnes and Noble book stores and through Amazon.com (Alfred Music Publishing)

 

Kent ...

Scott Shannon just talked to Micky Dolenz. 

I'm sure you know that Micky was a DJ on the old WCBS-FM for a year right before they went off the air.

Micky told Scott that he wasn't good at doing interviews. He said, "I'd be talking to Ringo about his new CD and thinking I want to talk about MY CD."
Micky and Peter Tork will be doing some of those 50th Anniversary shows towards the end of the year.

Here's something you might not know ... Micky and his daughter (Georgia) are in the furniture business.

The end.
Frank B.

Actually, we've mentioned Dolenz and Daughter(s) SEVERAL times in Forgotten Hits ... including as recently as last week when we ran a photo of the two of them together for a promotional piece they did for Dwell Magazine.  Scroll back to June 18th and check it out for yourself!  (kk)

 

Hi Kent,

When you have "the time" (considering how busy you are), could you do something on THE KINKS!!!

What a group!  But is it true the Davies Brothers don't get along so they don't tour???  Glad to hear their music used on some commercials!!

Happy Fathers Day!!!! Hope you have a Terrific Day!!!

Carolyn

Spare time???  What's THAT?!?!  I'm probably not the right one to do a piece on The Kinks as I only know the most basic information about them ... which includes the fact that Ray and Dave Davies have not seen eye-to-eye on things for decades now.  If somebody ELSE on the list, however, felt so inclined to prepare an in-depth piece on The Kinks, I would certainly run it.  Just let me know!  (kk)

 

Seems as though songs used in commercials and tv shows comes up from time to time in Forgotten Hits so I figured I'd pass this along. 

http://www.whatisthatsong.net/commercials/commercialsa-z.html

Bill

Yep, songs used in commercials is a big topic here in Forgotten Hits.  (Hey, Patti, did you know about this site?  It might help you compile even more titles for your on-going list of songs used in television commercials!)  And there are new ones popping up all the time.  (Last night I saw the new Miller Lite commercial that features the guy singing a karaoke version of the Kansas hit "Carry On, Wayward Son" ... good stuff!)  Larry, this might help provided the definitive answer to your recent question, too.  It's a nicely organized list ... by PRODUCT ... so you can narrow down your search simply by knowing who the advertisement was for.  Very cool.  Thanks, Bill!  (kk)

And don't forget about the Glen Campbell documentary "I'll Be Me" coming up this weekend ...

http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/23/opinions/keach-glen-campbell-courage/
Kent ... 

Touching  Story.
Frank B.

We've been looking forward to seeing this a long time ... airs for the first time this Sunday Night on CNN - 9:00 Eastern, 8:00 Central.  (kk)
 

Check out this review (and sampler) of the Hard Day's Night Lush Spa ... opening up all over the world.  Soothe your aches and pains away with the mellow sounds of the Fab Four.  (Hey, I LOVE a good massage as much as the next guy ... just not sure I'd want to be distracted during the whole relaxing experience by tapping my foot or singing along with these laid-back Beatles tunes!)  kk

http://beatles-freak.com/2015/06/19/review-hard-days-night-treatment-at-lush-spa-philadelphia/

 

We mentioned this show a little while back. 

Well, it's now upon us ... and, in that we don't get many doo-wop shows here in Chicago, you may want to check this out if you don't have any plans for this Friday Night (as in tomorrow!)

 

STOP, DROP & DOO WOP! 

Last chance to get tickets!

 

  

Click for video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3rzRGYY50s

Click Here to Purchase Tickets Now!

 

Kent ...

The benefits of being a Rock & Roll singer.

Isn't that Carl being attacked by a blonde?

"Susan" = Recorded - 6/20/ 1967.

Frank B.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnF4mqMVquk

Yes, there are probably worse ways to make a living!  (kk)

 

Speaking of upcoming shows, Jay and the Americans return to Chicago to appear at The Italian Fest on Friday, August 21st, in Addison.  The Bronx Wanderers will also be making multiple appearances at this annual festival.  Check it out!

http://www.oshows.com/#!festivals/cu0y

 

>>> just finished your online tome on Top 20 Favorite Psychedelic Hits and was truly impressed by the entire piece. The material was thorough, well presented (in its own psychedelic way),  and very entertaining.  

I produce the podcast Saturday Morning Cartoons, and today I began research for an episode spotlighting psychedelic music, as this month marks the 50th anniversary of The Charlatans' gig at The Red Dog Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada. (attached poster).

Your site was a fun trip ... so to say.

Greg Williams  
Thanks, Greg ... glad you enjoyed it ... this was a fun piece to put together, thanks to all the audience participation.  Please mention the Forgotten Hits website during your podcast since it ties in so nicely with what you're doing  (www.forgottenhits.com) ... and let us know when this show will be available so we can let our readers know to tune in.  Thanks again!  (kk)

Our "What Is Psychedelic Music" piece is one of the most-read issues of Forgotten Hits ever ... well over 250,000 people have now enjoyed this solitary piece.
Haven't read it yet?  Then check it out here:
http://forgottenhits.com/top_20_favorite_psychedelic_songs

Thank you, Kent. Your e-mail has put a spark under my tail.  Please let me know your impressions of the show. You can click onto The Saturday Morning Cartoons link and hear an episode right now. And I have several others to enjoy. I most certainly will throw out a plug in the show when I use material gleaned from your site ... which will be often, I'm sure.

Thanks again.

Greg Williams, Founder and Creative Director

 

From our weekly Fifty Year Flashback Charts, we asked ...

>>> and how about Patti Page at #8 with "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte"?!?!  (kk)

Kent,

This song was a top 10 hit for her on Billboard, but was HUGE in the midwest ... #1 KOMA OKC, #1 KIMN Denver, #6 KLIF Dallas, #3 KMA Shenandoah, Iowa, #2 KNUZ Houston, #2 KLWW Cedar Rapids, Ia.  It was even a top 5 record on my personal charts, which is too bad, because I really don't like the song at all today.

Also, I asked Dave Hogan, who was a DJ on KSJB a couple of years after this chart, if he could offer any information regarding the popularity of this tune.  In 1965, he was on a Grand Island, Nebraska station.  I'll let you know if he gets back to me.

Clark

 

Hi Kent -

Bert Koelbl was in the studio with me this past week for an interview.  He was a member of Underground Sunshine out of Montello,  Wisconsin.  I know you have mentioned before about their weak version of Birthday that somehow charted very well.  He has some great stories about appearing on American Bandstand,  opening for the Beach Boys for a few shows, and having the Byrds as an opening act.  One year later they were back to playing bars and high school dances.  He has a new cd out and would make for an interesting interview for you sometime.
Phil Nee - WRCO

Since The Beatles didn't release any singles off The White Album, it opened up the door for other artists to try and capitalize on their latest works, usually with very disappointing results.  (Off the top of my head I remember Chubby Checker doing "Back In The USSR", The Five Stairsteps doing "Dear Prudence", Arthur Conley doing "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" (a bigger hit in England by Marmalade) and Underground Sunshine doing "Birthday" (perhaps the weakest of the batch).  Yet SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY it went all the way to #2 here in Chicago ... and they played the heck out of it.  (Now that radio incorporates album tracks and singles together you're likely to hear The Beatles' original version all the time ... in fact, I don't know if the Underground Sunshine version has been played 30 times in the past 30 years!)

He might make for an interesting interview candidate ... ala Barry Winslow of The Royal Guardsmen.  One of the very first web postings we ever did featured the Underground Sunshine version of "Birthday".  (It dates back to 2008 ... and you'll find it here ... along with some 2500 OTHER previous postings depending on how much scrolling time you've got on your hands!)  kk

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2008/12/underground-sunshine.html 

 

Guitar Legend Merrell Fankhauser Releases New Sci-Fi Symphonic Instrumental Surf Album "Signals From Malibu” on Gonzo Multimedia

Arroyo Grande, CA - Guitar legend Merrell Fankhauser has released a new Sci-Fi symphonic instrumental surf album “Signals From Malibu” featuring strange radio signals from the underwater anomaly off the Malibu California coast. A few years back UFO buffs began investigating some strange electronic signals that appeared to be emanating from a spot deep beneath the Pacific Ocean off the Malibu coast. They reported bizarre psychic phenomena in conjunction with them, and legendary surf guitarist Merrell Fankhauser was inspired to write music based on, and including them.

Says Merrell, “The song 'Signals From Malibu' was inspired by the odd anomaly that is off the coast of Malibu California 2000 feet on the ocean floor. The area has had many sightings of UFO's diving into and coming out of the ocean. This has led many to believe it is an underwater base. An ex Army radio expert recorded some strange signals coming from the area. The signal recordings were sent to me by Michael C. Luckman director of the New York Center for Extraterrestrial Research and I incorporated them into the song. After listening more to the signals I was compelled to write a symphonic song using more of the signals titled 'Messages From The Dome'. I had the feeling the signals were communicating with me and I was inspired to keep writing the rest of the songs on this disc. If you feel tingly after listening don't worry its perfectly natural!”

Merrell Fankhauser is considered one of the main innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock, and is widely known as the leader of the instrumental surf group The Impacts who had the international hit “Wipeout”. He has presented a number of television programs over the years including 'California Music', 'Route 66 TV Live', and in 2001 he began hosting a music show called 'Tiki Lounge' that airs on the California Central Coast, Southern California, Hawaii and parts of the East Coast.

Watch the promotional video for “Signals From Malibu”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzCqfIepKVo

Tracks:

1. SIGNALS FROM MALIBU 3:12

2. MALIBU USO 3:19

3. INTO THE TUNNEL 3:14

4. POINT DUME 4:23

5. ALIEN SPACE SHUTTLE 3:51

6. MOONLIGHT INTERLUDE 2:32

7. SURFMEN FROM MU 4:02

8. MYSTO SPOT 2:53

9. VOICE OF THE SEA 3:10

10. MESSAGES FROM THE DOME 4:55

Merrell's new CD comes hot on the heels of his recently released critically acclaimed biography “Calling From A Star”, also released on Gonzo Multimedia.

To purchase “Signals From Malibu” CD:

http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15834/Merrell_Fankhauser-Signals.html

To Purchase “Calling From A Star” (book):

http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15816/Merrell_Fankhauser-Calling_From_A_Star.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1908728388/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1908728388&linkCode=as2&tag=aquaradi-20&linkId=2WYL4WGLODDXPM3K

Official website:

http://www.merrellfankhauser.com/

Kent ...

Billy Joel is about to prove he's the top piano man at Madison Square Garden by beating Elton John's record for the most performances there.

John has played 64 shows at the Garden. Joel will tie that record this month and, on July 1, would surpass him at 65. Joel has been performing at the Garden each month since 2014, and promises to do so as long as fans demand it.

My sister went to see Billy Joel last night.  She told me his special guest was Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi.

Frank B.

Yes, Billy's been doing his Madison Square Garden "residency" for a while now ... and typically brings a "surprise guest" out with him as a special treat.  This would be an AWESOME way to see The Piano Man in action ... never seen him (had tickets three times but never made it to a single show), nor have I ever been to Madison Square Garden (now on my bucket list)!  (kk)

 

Hi!

I stumbled across your Top 200 Favorite Forgotten B-Sides Page while researching old Milwaukee Summerfest lineups, which are conspicuously absent from any site, blog or other reference I can find.  I cut my musical taste 'teeth' on a lot of those shows and am disappointed there isn't a comprehensive list somewhere. But that's a complaint for another time.

I absolutely love this list.  Easily a third of the list are songs I haven't forgotten!  Wasn't #84, Silver Springs replaced by another song, maybe Crystal, at some point?  I know the song never made it onto a Fleetwood Mac album until 'The Dance', but I have the 45, and it is probably one of my all time favorite songs. 

On the ones I don't remember, I'm age - or taste - handicapped, because I don't remember half of the 'A' sides of these, either.  I think I'd graduated to LPs by the time the rest came out ... Beatles, Monkees, Jefferson Airplane, America, Queen, Janis, Zeppelin, Byrds, Santana, Buffalo Springfield, Guess Who, the Doors,Three Dog Night, etc. etc.  I can't believe none of these songs charted!

Thanks for the flashbacks.

Jan in Milwaukee

The most successful poll we ever did in Forgotten Hits was our Favorite, Forgotten B-Sides Poll in 2007.  (OMG, has it REALLY been eight years already?!?!?)  Over 65,000 votes came in ... and we were able to compile a list of your Top 200 Favorites.

http://forgottenhits.com/your_top_200_favorite_forgotten_b-sides

As such, I'd have to say it's a pretty accurate poll reflecting the choices of oldies fans from coast to coast.

In conjunction with this piece, we also ran The Top 200 Two-Sided Hits Of All-Time

http://forgottenhits.com/the_top_200_two-sided_hits_of_all-time

This was a mathematical compilation based on the combined chart history of both sides of each given record.  (As such you'll find this list top-heavy with two-sided hits by Elvis and The Beatles as well as several artists like The Beach Boys, Ricky Nelson and Creedence Clearwater Revival who regularly charted with both sides of their latest hit records.)

BOTH of these lists make for great alternative, oldies programming material ... and we are happy to help support these efforts in any way we can.  Let us know if you'd like to put together a weekend special saluting this great material.  (kk)

 

Hello Kent,  

I really enjoyed tuning in on Sunday to hear all of those songs I haven’t heard in forever.

One question:  

I was able to identify every song and its artist, except for “My Grandfather’s Clock.” I tried Google, but came up empty. So I give up. Who did that version?  

Thanks!   

Charlie Randisi

This was another title where I had several options to choose from.  I went with the Lawrence Welk version.  (I'm surprised to hear that Google couldn't come up with any leads for you on this one.  Didn't the champagne bubbles give it away???)  kk

 

 

The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominating Committee

We recently told you about The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame eliminating SIXTEEN members of its Nominating Committee ... evidently in some not-so-hidden agenda move to further minimize any chance of vintage artists gaining recognition for their work. 

 

FH Reader Shelley Sweet-Tufano sent us this article, written by the well-read (and oft-published) Jeff Tamarkin, formerly of "Goldmine Magazine".  (Jeff was also a one-time member of that nominating committee ... and his recently published report goes into even greater depth on this subject matter.) 

 

For over ten years now we've been telling you about the lack of ANY remaining credibility for this organization due to the tight-fisted reign of Jann Wenner.  Well, it looks like ol' Jann just got his way again!  

 

In fact, you'll find several points previously covered in Forgotten Hits (in our on-going pursuit of Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame justice) mentioned in this piece.  I think it's great that a former nominating committee member is willing to speak "on the record" about their own experiences battling the cause to see deserving artists recognized ... and I'm hoping that even more will come forward to expose just what a complete sham this organization really is.  As we've seen over the past several years, The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has become much more about "the show" ... than the actual achievements of these great artists.

 

Jeff also points out ... again ... that your anger about the ways and means of the New York based nominating committee should NOT be misdirected to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Museum that resides in Cleveland ... these are two totally separate entities ... and we've had Museum personnel admit to scratching their own heads each year when the new list of nominees is released.  (Tamarkin also points out the futility of online petitions supporting any given artists ... The Rock Hall doesn't even look at them.  They already know who THEY want to induct!) 

 

All-in-all, a very enlightening piece.  Thanks, Shelley!  (kk)

 

Rock and Roll HOF Dumps 16 Nominating Members, Proving Its Irrelevance Yet Again 

A former nominating committee member reveals the depth of ridiculousness at Wenner's palace

By Jeff Tamarkin

 

There was a purge at the Rock and Roll Hall of fame this week. According to Billboard Magazine, “16 of the 42 nominating committee have been given their walking papers … [including] more than half of the Hall’s Early Rock and R&B Influencers subcommittee.” The article only names four of the 16 members who were dumped, and knowing all four (blues and R&B expert Joe McEwen, label exec Gregg Geller, major record label old hand Arthur Levy and legendary publicist Bob Merlis) it’s pretty obvious to me that they’re deliberately getting rid of those most knowledgeable about early rock and roll. As if this institution — founded and championed and ruled with an iron fist by Rolling Stone boss Jann Wenner — wasn’t a huge enough joke already.

 

I served on the nominating committee for two years, 1992-93, and then was summarily canned after I wrote an article for Billboard on what a sham the whole process is. It seems nothing has changed.

 

Today, the annual awards show, which has become a major production now that HBO produces a much-watched recap of each year’s event, has become the driving force behind selecting who gains admittance. That might explain why Mr. Wenner and Jon Landau, Bruce Springsteen’s manager and the second most powerful influence over the Hall, are bypassing influential acts from the 1960s and 1970s in favor of more recent artists that might “sell some tickets” and attract some viewers.

 

It’s not as though I was stunned to discover that the Hall seems to be putting star power ahead of actual influence and merit. It’s always been about business. When I was on the committee, Sire Records honcho Seymour Stein was trying to get the ’50s vocal group the Moonglows nominated and another Hall exec actually said, “They won’t sell a single ticket to the dinner.” Fortunately — and deservedly — the Moonglows got in.

 

Rock fans have noticed. One friend of mine groused that he was dismayed that “Too many good bands from the ’70s aren’t inducted yet, like Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship.” Well, he’ll likely see Mariah Carey and Jay Z in there before either of those 1970s bands. After all, the Hall seems already to have passed on many major 1960s / ’70s artists, among them Deep Purple, Gram Parsons, Jethro Tull, the Turtles, Electric Light Orchestra, Link Wray, the Steve Miller Band, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the MC5, T. Rex, Chubby Checker, Chicago, the New York Dolls, the Monkees, Warren Zevon, Tower of Power, Yes and dozens of others. Fans take to Facebook and compile petitions attempting to persuade the nominating committee to recognize one overlooked favorite or another, usually to no avail. Now, with the pruning of the committee, it’s a fair bet most of those favorites will forever be shunned.

 

To be sure, debating who should and should not be in any Hall of Fame is part of its raison d’etre in the first place. Just as Ron Santo and Richie Ashburn have been the subject of years of barroom arguments by baseball fans, debating the Hall-worthiness of best-selling but critically dismissed acts like the Doobie Brothers and the Moody Blues is a perfectly natural and healthy part of the process.

 

One friend of mine suggested that the Hall needs to recognize “more innovators regardless of sales and popularity … Roxy Music and Kraftwerk should be in.” Another made a strong case for “the first male R&B artist to get a platinum album, singer Teddy Pendergrass.” Someone suggested that there’s a gap regarding “African-American artists who don’t fit Jann Wenner’s soul template. I know Bob Marley, Sly, Jimi and Curtis are there. But Arthur Lee and Love, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and especially the Band of Gypsys should be there. I could make a fair case for Grace Jones, Labelle and Joan Armatrading, too.”

 

That kind of jockeying for one’s own favorites is part of the fun. But one problem with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is that there is no consistent criteria, other than the rule that an artist must have recorded for the first time at least 25 years ago before becoming eligible. When I was on the committee, both the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane were being considered. They had me ask the representatives of both groups which members they wanted inducted if they got in. The Airplane’s manager said just the six core members from the 1966-70 era. The Dead said induct everyone who’s ever been in the band or no one at all and that’s what they got, even songwriter Robert Hunter. Some artists have been inducted without their own bands (like Bruce Springsteen) while others got the full band. They make it up as they go along.

 

Years ago, I wrote an article for Billboard about what a sham the whole process is. That story earned me a public lambasting by legendary producer (and now convicted killer) Phil Spector at my second nominating committee meeting. He passed around photocopies and said, “What is this guy even doing here? He’s calling us all assholes!” I said, “No, Phil, I’m calling you all hypocrites.” Afterward he came over and put his arm around me and said, “You know I was just kidding, right?” I wasn’t so sure he was but I didn’t need to worry — I was kicked off the committee after that.

 

Last year, I interviewed twice-inducted Graham Nash (for the Hollies and for Crosby, Stills and Nash) and asked him, “Does the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame mean anything to you?” He replied, “Of course it means something. I mean, look at the people who were in there before me. Are you fucking kidding? These people think I should be in there twice?! This is crazy to me. The Songwriters Hall of Fame, we’re in there twice, too. George Gershwin, Cole Porter? They think I’m one of them? They’re out of their fucking minds! I’m grateful, I am, but it’s not why I got into this business.”

 

When the late heartthrob Davy Jones was asked about the failure of the Monkees to gain admittance, he responded to the effect that if the Hall had any relevance they would not have built it in Ohio. That’s a good line, but the actual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the NYC-based nominating committee that decides who gets inducted are two very different entities. A trip to Cleveland is still very much worth the journey, whatever outrageous omissions and process defects there may be.

 

Meanwhile, official acclaim isn’t and shouldn’t be the motivation for any rock and roll band. My follow up question to Graham Nash went like this:

Me: So why did you get into this business?

Graham Nash: To get fucked.

 

Jeff Tamarkin was the first editor of CMJ and later served as editor of Relix and Goldmine. He is the author of Got a Revolution!: The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane and co-author with Howard Kaylan of Shell Shocked: My Life with the Turtles, Flo and Eddie, and Frank Zappa, etc.

Tuesday This And That

re:  Father's Day / The First Day Of Summer:

It doesn't happen every year ... sometimes not even every seven!!!  So we thought we'd take advantage of this alignment of the planets and kill two birds with one stone ... thus our Special Double Whammy Salute of Father's Day and The First Day Of Summer, held Sunday, June 21st exclusively in Forgotten Hits.  (Scroll back to hear 70 tracks spread out over our eighteen-hour salute!)

 

Hi Kent,

Great songs, great compilation, great creativity and thought.

Dube

 

Meanwhile, here is Larry Neal's running commentary throughout the day ... (I think he liked it!!!  lol)

 

Kent,

With father's day coming up this Sunday and the posting of dad songs, I am trying to come up with some that you may or might have missed. For example, Chuck Berry's DEAR DAD from 1964, Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen BEAT ME DADDY EIGHT TO THE BAR, the DADdios GOT A MATCH from 1958, the Rays DADdy COOL from 1957, Gladys Knight DADDY COULD SWEAR (I DECLARE) from 1973, Wayne Newton DADDY DON'T YOU WALK SO FAST from 1973, Johnny Cash DADDY SANG BASS from 1969, Bonnie Lou with DADDY-O from 1955, Shep and the Limelites, DADDY'S HOME from 1961, the Ramblers with FATHER SEBASTION from 1964, and I am saving the best (?) for last. Remember DADDY DADDY (GOT TO GET A PHONE IN MY ROOM) from 1961 by 12 year old at the time Robin Clark on Capitol? This was a top ten record here in OKC when it came out.

I thought of another song you probably would never have thought of for your posting on Father's Day.  Remember the Poni-Tails FATHER TIME out of 1958 (Yes, they had other records besides BORN TOO LATE)?

I thought of two more songs you probably won't  post. Going back to the pre-rock and roll days,

Eddie Fisher's 1954 song OH, MY PAPA and my favorite song by Ronnie Dove, HAPPY SUMMER DAYS out of 1966. Enjoying the tunes you have posted.

Great idea to feature A NIGHT WITH DADDY G. Hadn't heard that in years. I believe that was Part I or the "A" side of the record. Here in OKC, the "B" side was the "A" side or Part II. DADDY SANG BASS by Johnny Cash is spotty and at times unintelligible in case no one has mentioned it to you. DADDY'S HOME by Shep and the Limelites reminded me of the answer by the Monotones DADDY'S HOME (BUT MOMMA'S GONE)

You featured Alice Cooper's SCHOOL'S OUT, but don't forget Gary U.S. Bond's tune from 1961 SCHOOL IS OUT.

Stop the presses!! I just thought of another one. Fairly big here in OKC back in 1966 and I am talking about the instrumental SUMMER SAMBA by Walter Wanderly. I know you won't be able to post all that you want to.
Enjoying this day with your choices (but you already knew that!)

I love doing stuff like this, Kent, when you have special postings of songs on your website. These are just a few songs that I came up with from the top of my head.

Have a great weekend.

Larry

By now I'm sure you already know that you'll find a good chunk of these up on the site on Sunday where we posted 70 salutes to Dad and The First Day Of Summer.  It was an all-day event and you won't want to miss a thing.  (If you listened live, all you had to do was just call us up and leave us up ... and then hit your "refresh" throughout the day ... let's say every 15-20 minutes or so!  If you're just first joining us now, scroll back to Sunday, June 21st, and enjoy the fun!)  

Can you believe the Church Street Five single never charted in Billboard?  (It "bubbled under" at #111.)  Gary "US" Bonds added vocals to this track, of course, and scored a #1 Record with "Quarter To Three" later that same year.  (Here in Chicago, "A Night With Daddy G" peaked at #7.)

Interesting that you mention the "sequel" to "Daddy's Home" since "Daddy's Home" itself was a sequel to "A Thousand Miles Away" by The Heartbeats.  (Incredibly, the Shep and the Limelites hit COMPLETELY eclipsed The Heartbeats' hit, peaking at #2 in Billboard vs. a #53 showing for the original version.)

"Summer Samba" was on and off the list several times.  When I finally topped out at 70 songs (and knew I had to have equal quantities of summer songs and dad songs), this one was officially eliminated.  (There are LOTS more summer songs than there are "dad" songs!!!)

kk

re: Love And Mercy:

Kent,

Until I read about the confusion in the “Love & Mercy” film, I had no idea that no one had previously heard of Al DeLory.  My good friend Gary Griffin (Beach Boys’ band, Brian Wilson band, Jan & Dean band) portrays him in the film.  

The peculiar thing about it was — the night before I went to see the film — I was listening to the Pet Sounds Sessions box … in particular, the session for “I’m Waiting For The Day,” which we see played out in the film, where Al Delory (Gary) says he made a mistake, but Brian loves it, and says to keep it in the song.

John Cusack and I are very close in age.  I’ve been enjoying his work since 1986’s “One Crazy Summer.”  If anyone has an issue about John not looking enough like Brian, or the height of the actors, they wasted their money by going to see the film.  Why?  They went for the wrong reason.  

“Love & Mercy” is a loving and caring portrayal of Brian Wilson; it properly offers rare insight to Brian’s mental illness, and his amazing gift of creating one-of-a-kind compositions.  There is no other takeaway than that.  When I left the theatre, I felt more compassion and sentiment for Brian and The Beach Boys than ever before.  And, went home and began listening to more of the music.  I’ve been saying it since the day I discovered the music of The Beach Boys … thank God for Brian Wilson.

David Beard

Endless Summer Quarterly Magazine

 

Kent,  

With all this banter about the Beach Boys, I am very grateful that the Dennis Wilson - Charles Manson connection was never mentioned.  

Bill

Funny thing is, I was waiting for it the whole time.  Then again maybe it will be covered on that new David Duchovny television series "Aquarius", showing the "glamorized" version of Charles Manson's life!!!  (kk)

 

Hi Kent.

Been enjoying reading the viewers' reactions to Love and Mercy. One of them mentioned Van Dyke Parks and I was wondering if you had ever covered his work beyond the Beach Boys. I was Production Supervisor on The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour in the 80s when Van was the music supervisor.  He was always a kind, sensitive soul and went out of his way to spend time with those who knew his music. I was told that, beyond the Beach Boys, he had had a pretty impressive impact on LA Rock back in the 60s and 70s but, never had a chance to look into it. Thanks.
Jack

I remember Van Dyke Parks being one of the Warner Brothers Wonder Boys for awhile ... back in the day when the label used to offer those 12" samplers of some of their "non-hit" material by more obscure artists, Parks seemed to show up quite regularly.  (Of course at this time Warner was also distributing The Beach Boys' records through their Brother Records banner).

I first learned of Van Dyke when he produced and arranged the Harpers Bizarre hit version of "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" in 1967, one of my favorites from that year.  I felt that he added SO much more than the stripped down Simon and Garfunkel original version.  (I always liked Harpers Bizarre's follow-up hit, too ... a remake of the old Cole Porter tune "Anything Goes".)

I found him to be more of a "cult hero" rather than a mainstream rocker ... his style seemed to lean more toward the avant-garde for me ... an acquired taste at best.

After working with Brian Wilson on the aborted "Smile" album in 1967, the two severed ties for several decades, reteaming in 1995 with an album collaboration called "Orange Crate Art".  (Not one of Brian's strongest works, MOST of this material featured Van Dyke on vocals ... I don't know that I can refer to any one particular track as "memorable".)  However the two DID write "Sail On Sailor" together (along with three other collaborators)

Van Dyke's movie and television credentials are quite extensive and impressive (although I don't see The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour listed among them) ...  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Dyke_Parks

And here's a little known fact:  Van Dyke's brother, Carson Parks, wrote the #1 Frank and Nancy Sinatra Hit "Somethin' Stupid'!  (kk)

 

Here's a really good Brian Wilson article from Rolling Stone ... sent in by FH Reader Tom Cuddy ...

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/brian-wilsons-better-days-20150622

 

re:  First 45's:

After Scott Shannon mentioned our Salute to Father's Day and the First Day Of Summer we received a few new "First 45's" stories ...

It was “The Real Elvis,” an RCA Victor EP (extended play) with four songs … “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog,” “I Want You I Need You I Love You” and “My Baby Left Me.”  It was 1957 and I bought it in Inglewood, CA.  Played it over and over.  

David Kleinbart 

KCSN 88.5FM 

Streaming at www.kcsn.org 

http://www.kcsn.org/listen.html 

Northridge, CA 91330

 

I can't remember the first 45s I bought. I was still in grade school in the early 60s and, thanks to the influence of my older sister, I loved to listen to the radio. Back then, off the charts hit records could be bought for next to nothing. They were sold 3/$1 at many stores, and I amassed a huge collection of records which I recently donated. I wanted to be a DJ like the ones I heard on the radio. Music always has been a very important element in my life. Now in my 60s, I still listen to oldies on the radio or streaming on Pandora. 

Thanks for the memories!  

Andy the wannabe DJ who never came to he.
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

 

re:  Great Show!:

Hi Kent -

Here are some photos from last night's show at Hoover Auditorium in Lakeside, Ohio ... Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., original members of the 5th Dimension.  They looked and sounded great ... doing a number of their 5th Dimension hits ... Up, Up And Away, Wedding Bell Blues, One Less Bell to Answer, Aquarius / Let the Sun Shine In, Stoned Soul Picnic, Last Night, I Didn't Get To Sleep, etc., each song sounding fantastic, being backed by a very tight four piece band of piano, drums, bass and guitar.

They also performed a Beatles medley, as well as some old blues and jazz classics and told some stories of performing with the 5th Dimension, going solo, 45 years of marriage and other performances over the years ... a very well performed show.

The duo was gracious to meet with fans and sign autographs after the show.

Tom Apathy

 

 

Wow!  They look GREAT, don't they???  Wish they would come to Chicago ... we get the OTHER version of The Fifth Dimension and it's really not much of a show ... these two were the voices that made those records hits.  (Calling Ron Onesti ... Calling Ron Onesti!!!)

Thanks for sending, Tom ... beautiful shots as always.  (kk)

NOTE:  All photos courtesy of ... and copyright Tom Apathy 

 

re:  This And That:

Billboard Magazine is reporting about the dismissal of several members of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's Nominating Committee.  (Maybe they weren't voting Jann's way???)

Full story below (courtesy of Ron Smith):

http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6605497/rock-roll-hall-fame-dismisses-nominating-members

This can't be good ... probably just another safety measure to insure none of the rightful artists ever get the chance to claim their berth.  (kk)

 

I heard one of the jocks on K-Hits ask this the other day ...

Let's see ... there's a Bush and a Clinton both running for President ...

The biggest movie at the box office is from Jurassic Park ...

And next week the new Terminator movie comes out.

What year IS this anyway?!?!? (kk)

 

Tom Hanks follows his very popular "the Sixties" documentary series with "The Seventies", debuting this week on CNN.

Clark Besch

ALSO premiering this week on CNN is the killer Glen Campbell documentary "I'll Be Me" ... first time on television.  It premier Sunday Night, June 28th ... check your local listings for show times.  (kk)

 

>>>"Wooly Bully" capturing the #1 Song of the Year Award in Billboard has always one of rock and roll's greatest mysteries ... but apparently it earned enough point during its lengthy chart run to eclipse ALL of the records that DID hit the #1 spot during 1965  (kk)  Applying the progressive point system I used to create the SuperCharts to the weekly Billboard charts only for 1965, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" edges out "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by about a half a point for No. 1 song of the year, with "Wooly Bully" coming in at No. 3, trailing "Lovin' Feelin'" by about 40 points.  However, if you apply a linear point system to the weekly Billboard charts (100 points for No. 1, 99 points for No. 2, etc.), then "Wooly Bully" does indeed easily beat out all the other records for that year ... which is why I believe that using a progressive point system yields results that better represent the relative popularity of different records (based on their chart performances).  (Randy Price)

The Wooly Bully vs. Satisfaction controversy was THE point at where the system I ended up creating turned out as it did.  I played with the numbers until "Satisfaction" racked up more points than "Wooly Bully" - because I was (and still am) utterly convinced the Stones song was the bigger hit.  (As an aside, Lovin' Feelin' has more points under my system than either of those, but part of its chart run was in 1964...)

Brad

Everybody ranks it differently.  Billboard's Year End Chart showed "Wooly Bully" on top with "Satisfaction" at #3 (behind "I Can't Help Myself" by The Four Tops" and "You've Loost That Lovin' Feelin'" at #5 (behind "You Were On My Mind" by We Five, another record that failed to ever top the charts.

Meanwhile, "Downtown" placed at #6 and I always felt that that one belonged right up there with "Satisfaction" near the top ... likewise "My Girl" by The Temptations (#10 on Billboard's Year-End Chart) and "Mr. Tambourine Man" (#25).

Other surprises near the top:  "Crying In The Chapel" by Elvis Presley (#9), "King Of The Road" by Roger Miller (#12), "The Birds And The Bees" by Jewel Akens (#13), "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" by Mel Carter (#14) and "Shotgun" by Jr. Walker and the All-Stars (#15).

Joel Whitburn's book ranks solely by peak position, breaking ties with number of weeks at a record's peak, followed by weeks in the top 10, top 40 and top 100.

As such, "Wooly Bully" (which never hit #1) is down at #27 ... and even then isn't the highest ranking record to peak at #2.  That distinction belongs to "A Lover's Concerto" by The Toys.

Joel's Top Ten (all #1 Records) includes "Satisfaction", "Yesterday" (certainly deserving of a much higher spot in Billboard, too, "Turn! Turn! Turn!", "Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter", "I Got You Babe", "Help!", "I Can't Help Myself","You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'", "Downtown" and "This Diamond Ring"

So I next went to Dann Isbell's "Ranking The '60's" book, which meticulously lists EVERY record to hit Billboard's Hot 100 Chart that decade ... and then ranks their overall achievement via a point system that treats all records equally.

According to Dann's tabulations, these are the Top 10 Records of 1965:

#1 - "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones; #2 - "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers; #3 - "I Can't Help Myself" by The Four Tops; #4 - "Downtown" by Petual Clark; #5 - "Turn! Turn! Turn" by The Byrds; #6 - "Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter" by Herman's Hermits; #7 - "Yesterday" by The Beatles; #8 - "Help!" by The Beatles; #9 - Stop! In The Name Of Love" by The Supremes and #10 - "Wooly Bully" by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs.

You can see how these discrepancies occur, simply based on what calculation method you are using.  (kk)

 

More on "Satisfaction" below from Bob Merlis ... as the 50th Anniversary Celebration continues ... 

 

This week’s “Satisfaction” @ 50 countdown sees it break into the Top 5 at #4 with a bullet.  The record had been on the charts for only three weeks, entering at #67, moving up to #26 and was now poised to claim the #1 spot.  Competition was fierce with the Byrds’ Dylan-penned breakout “Mr. Tambourine Man” in the top slot, having deposed The Four Tops’ “I Can’t Help Myself” (you know it as “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch”) which had dropped to #2.  Holding on to #3 for the second week was Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs’  “Wooly Bully.”

We know how this story ends: two weeks later “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction makes it to #1, the first Stones release to go all the way in the U.S.  ABKCO has released a special limited edition “(ICGN)S” three-sided 12” single that’s out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the record that no less a light that Little Steven Van Zandt called, “the most important rock record ever, telling Rolling Stone (the magazine) that the record’s intro was truly “the riff heard round the world.”

 

By the way, the Billboard Hot 100 chart was green the week of June 16, 1965 as part of an “Irish Invasion" promotion by London Records (coincidentally the Stone’s label at the time).  The releases they were touting elsewhere in that week’s Billboard were “Marie” by The Bachelors from Dublin and “Here Comes The Night” from Belfast's Them (featuring Van Morrison).  “Marie" made it up to #15 on the Hot 100 and “Here Comes The Night” peaked at #24.  Until the advent of Thin Lizzy, U2, The Pogues and Cranberries that was, pretty much, the extent of the Irish Invasion.

 

 And one we missed ... 

Kent ...

Part  1 =  Thursday, 6/11/2015, was Scott Shannon's 299th show on WCBS-FM.  His Special Guest was the Nelson  Twins.
Part  2 =  According to Ron Smith's great book "Eight Days A Week," on Thursday, 6/11/1934, The late James "Pookie" Hudson (lead singer of The Spaniels ) was born.  If they made a recording with Joe Cocker, they'd be called "The Cocker Spaniels."

Sorry.
Frank B.