Before We Get Started. Just A Reminder, Folks ... And An Important Request:
We've mentioned it several times now ...
We have two viable, active email accounts established in order for you to reach us ...
And they are: forgottenhits@aol.com (which we check EVERY day, several times ago, as this is where the bulk of the mail comes in) ...and kk@forgottenhits.com (which we typically check once a day, every day, as a back-up means of collecting mail.)
We've mentioned it several times now ...
We have two viable, active email accounts established in order for you to reach us ...
And they are: forgottenhits@aol.com (which we check EVERY day, several times ago, as this is where the bulk of the mail comes in) ...and kk@forgottenhits.com (which we typically check once a day, every day, as a back-up means of collecting mail.)
But what we're finding is that there are still a handful of you folks out there sending to long obsolete accounts that we might only check once every six months or so. (These would be our long ago abandoned GMail account and our old aol account under the name of The60sShop.)
Such was the case this past weekend when we checked GMail and found 73 Forgotten Hits related mails there ... stuff that was once quite timely to a particular feature we had going on when they first arrived but otherwise totally out of date and irrelevant as to the topics we're covering today.
Hey, we LOVE to hear from you ... what has ALWAYS made Forgotten Hits work is the interactive dialog amongst our readers ... but if you're not sending your comments to the right email addresses, you may as well not send them at all ... as there truly is no way of knowing when they might finally be seen. So PLEASE update your address books to show ONLY forgottenhits@aol.com and kk@forgottenhits.com as the two, sure-fire, most viable addresses to reach us ... or risk falling between the cracks for months on end!
Meanwhile, we'll sort thru this "new" (very old!) mail and see if any of it is salvageable and relatable to what we're currently doing today. Thanks, Folks!!!
Catching Up!
Here is some of the material we found sitting in the mailbox ... in some cases for MONTHS!!! We'll follow up some of this "old news" with some of your most recent contributions.
Kent:
Wanted to make sure you received this. The label asked me to write and prepare a tribute.
It also has quotes from PF's own voice culled from a 1987 radio interview.
Might be of interest to your readers.
Best,
Might be of interest to your readers.
Best,
Harvey
Singer / songwriter P.F. Sloan passed away on the evening of Nov. 15, at his home in Los Angeles. Sloan had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several weeks before and was fighting it valiantly. P.F Sloan was a key element of the music that became the sound of the Sunset Strip. His tunes were covered by Barry McGuire, The Grass Roots, Herman’s Hermits and The Turtles. He was a prodigy, signing his first record deal with Aladdin Records when he was 13.
Singer / songwriter P.F. Sloan passed away on the evening of Nov. 15, at his home in Los Angeles. Sloan had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several weeks before and was fighting it valiantly. P.F Sloan was a key element of the music that became the sound of the Sunset Strip. His tunes were covered by Barry McGuire, The Grass Roots, Herman’s Hermits and The Turtles. He was a prodigy, signing his first record deal with Aladdin Records when he was 13.
In a 1987 radio interview with DJ Roger Steffens on his Sounds of the Sixties program, Sloan recalled a 1959 encounter with Elvis Presley in Hollywood when he was 12. (Comments culled from the Sloan interview appear by direct permission from Steffens. His full interview with Sloan can be viewed on YouTube — The Family Acid Archives):
“In 1959 I moved with my parents from New York to Los Angeles. ‘Let’s go to California and make a new start.’ Six months after we came to Los Angeles my father bought me a guitar at Wallichs Music City in Hollywood. (And) I had been listening to Elvis Presley. My sister had bought his first singles and also the Platters’ 78’s. She used to play them every night. (And) I wanted to learn how to play the guitar. When we came to Los Angeles we had gone into Wallichs Music City to learn how to get it tuned and Elvis Presley was there. He came over to me. I was about 12 years old, and he said, ‘What ya doin’ with that guitar kid?’ and I said, ‘Well, I really want to learn how to play it, sir.’ ‘Well, I think you’re gonna learn how to play it just fine, kid.’ And I went home and learned how to play the guitar.”
P.F. Sloan, born Philip Gary Schlein, attended Fairfax High in Los Angeles, with future vocalist and record producer, Izzy Chait, and later teamed with songwriter Steven Barry Lipkin, later known as Steve Barri.
Sloan’s recently published his memoirs, What's Exactly The Matter With Me? with S.E. Feinberg, and his latest album, My Beethoven, was released on the MsMusic productions label.
“I was a fan of The Fantastic Baggies, his music from the Eve Of Destruction LP by Barry McGuire and, of course, his ‘Secret Agent Man,’” offers Carol Schofield, owner of the label who issued My Beethoven. “My friend, Stephen Kalinich, who has recorded for me, introduced Phil and I. We breezed smoothly through the contract and deal.
“Phil was pleasant and we worked well together, possibly a vinyl of some sort will be considered. My Beethoven was Phil's envisioned music masterpiece. He felt a connection to Beethoven.”
Other music and record business veterans also offer their reflections on one of the world’s shape-shifting songwriters.
Gary Stewart, Former VP of A&R for Rhino Records: “I was fortunate enough to work with P.F. Sloan in 1985 when I had the privilege to work on a ‘Best Of’ — my first ever Rhino vanity project (our inside term for things driven solely from personal passions). It was my reward for the success we achieved after my signing of the Beat Farmers. I wanted to reclaim the best of his two Dunhill albums from the rarified circles of record collectors and music snobs (at the time I was both).
“I just couldn't accept the fact that folk rock masterpieces like ‘Sins of a Family’ and ‘From A Distance’ weren't well known classics but distant obscurities. In the world I want to live in, most of the tracks on those first two albums would be heavily covered and about half dozen belonged on the charts at the time. We’re not talking about a Captain Beefheart / Rocky Erickson type cult artist but somebody who wrote melodic accessible songs knee-deep in the zeitgeist of the times.
“In 1959 I moved with my parents from New York to Los Angeles. ‘Let’s go to California and make a new start.’ Six months after we came to Los Angeles my father bought me a guitar at Wallichs Music City in Hollywood. (And) I had been listening to Elvis Presley. My sister had bought his first singles and also the Platters’ 78’s. She used to play them every night. (And) I wanted to learn how to play the guitar. When we came to Los Angeles we had gone into Wallichs Music City to learn how to get it tuned and Elvis Presley was there. He came over to me. I was about 12 years old, and he said, ‘What ya doin’ with that guitar kid?’ and I said, ‘Well, I really want to learn how to play it, sir.’ ‘Well, I think you’re gonna learn how to play it just fine, kid.’ And I went home and learned how to play the guitar.”
P.F. Sloan, born Philip Gary Schlein, attended Fairfax High in Los Angeles, with future vocalist and record producer, Izzy Chait, and later teamed with songwriter Steven Barry Lipkin, later known as Steve Barri.
Sloan’s recently published his memoirs, What's Exactly The Matter With Me? with S.E. Feinberg, and his latest album, My Beethoven, was released on the MsMusic productions label.
“I was a fan of The Fantastic Baggies, his music from the Eve Of Destruction LP by Barry McGuire and, of course, his ‘Secret Agent Man,’” offers Carol Schofield, owner of the label who issued My Beethoven. “My friend, Stephen Kalinich, who has recorded for me, introduced Phil and I. We breezed smoothly through the contract and deal.
“Phil was pleasant and we worked well together, possibly a vinyl of some sort will be considered. My Beethoven was Phil's envisioned music masterpiece. He felt a connection to Beethoven.”
Other music and record business veterans also offer their reflections on one of the world’s shape-shifting songwriters.
Gary Stewart, Former VP of A&R for Rhino Records: “I was fortunate enough to work with P.F. Sloan in 1985 when I had the privilege to work on a ‘Best Of’ — my first ever Rhino vanity project (our inside term for things driven solely from personal passions). It was my reward for the success we achieved after my signing of the Beat Farmers. I wanted to reclaim the best of his two Dunhill albums from the rarified circles of record collectors and music snobs (at the time I was both).
“I just couldn't accept the fact that folk rock masterpieces like ‘Sins of a Family’ and ‘From A Distance’ weren't well known classics but distant obscurities. In the world I want to live in, most of the tracks on those first two albums would be heavily covered and about half dozen belonged on the charts at the time. We’re not talking about a Captain Beefheart / Rocky Erickson type cult artist but somebody who wrote melodic accessible songs knee-deep in the zeitgeist of the times.
“The fact that Barry McGuire’s cover of his ‘Eve of Destruction’ was the number one record is an indication of just how commercial, how radio friendly most P.F. Sloan songs were at the time. More importantly I wanted to make the case that his best work belonged in a league with anything that came from early Bob Dylan, Donovan or Phil Ochs. Like the best of them he could express beauty, sadness, anger and self-doubt like no one else-sometimes all in one song.”
Jon Tiven, record producer / songwriter: “Phil Sloan was one of the all-time greats, denied his place in the pantheon and the riches that go along with it by powerful people in the music industry. We met in the early ‘90s — after I had done my bit / best to resurrect the career of Alex Chilton, produced B.B. King and made five tribute records to neglected artists — so I felt it was my duty to bring P.F. Sloan to greater standing. But our professional career started with a friendship and a spiritual brotherhood — we were / are both devotees of Satthya Sai Baba — so all of our professional endeavors had a strong and, dare I say, Divine basis. He wouldn’t have had it any other way. We traveled to India, and he brought along his friend Stephen Kalinich, who became not only my friend but a great partner. Phil was and is a beautiful soul, I will miss his voice and his musical gifts, but his presence will stay with me always.”
As a teenager, Rodney Bingenheimer, KROQ-DM DJ, first met Sloan in Hollywood around Sunset Strip venues like The Galaxy and the Trip, as well as the restaurants Ben Frank’s and Canter’s Delicatessen.
“He was a nice guy and always at the recording sessions when his songs were done by the Grass Roots and Herman’s Hermits. He always played on many recordings by the Mamas and the Papas and Sonny & Cher.
Jon Tiven, record producer / songwriter: “Phil Sloan was one of the all-time greats, denied his place in the pantheon and the riches that go along with it by powerful people in the music industry. We met in the early ‘90s — after I had done my bit / best to resurrect the career of Alex Chilton, produced B.B. King and made five tribute records to neglected artists — so I felt it was my duty to bring P.F. Sloan to greater standing. But our professional career started with a friendship and a spiritual brotherhood — we were / are both devotees of Satthya Sai Baba — so all of our professional endeavors had a strong and, dare I say, Divine basis. He wouldn’t have had it any other way. We traveled to India, and he brought along his friend Stephen Kalinich, who became not only my friend but a great partner. Phil was and is a beautiful soul, I will miss his voice and his musical gifts, but his presence will stay with me always.”
As a teenager, Rodney Bingenheimer, KROQ-DM DJ, first met Sloan in Hollywood around Sunset Strip venues like The Galaxy and the Trip, as well as the restaurants Ben Frank’s and Canter’s Delicatessen.
“He was a nice guy and always at the recording sessions when his songs were done by the Grass Roots and Herman’s Hermits. He always played on many recordings by the Mamas and the Papas and Sonny & Cher.
“P.F. Sloan wrote anthems like ‘Where Were You When I Needed You.’ Even this decade on my Rodney on the ROQ program, I play his ‘Halloween Mary’ — both the original and the re-make.” Stephen John Kalinich, songwriter: “I love P.F. SLOAN. He inspired me, touched my soul — made me be a better person and poet. He traveled with me to India with Jon Tiven. He got me out of hibernation. I love the songs I created with him but above all he loved people and wanted to make difference in the world and to help others in need. At 19 he wrote those words and melodies. He influenced me as much as anyone ever did in music. I miss him in the flesh and he will always be in my heart.
“Around 1985, I helped locate P.F. Sloan from semi-obscurity via a music publishing connection at my former employer, MCA Records. I subsequently arranged for him to perform after a long hiatus at one of my Be Bop Records music and spoken word events in Reseda, California.
“I last saw Phil in 2013 at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles where he came by to say hello to Howard Kaylan of the Turtles who was promoting his autobiography. The Sloan and Barri team penned ‘Let Me Be,’ ‘You Baby’ and ‘Can I Get to Know You Better’ for the Turtles.”
"I wrote hit records and that was working against me,” Sloan recalled to host Steffens on his revealing radio interview. “It really was. It made me feel isolated, but I met a lot of very nice people who made things easier for me. Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney. I was very honored to have been asked by Bob Dylan to listen to an acetate pressing of his Highway 61 Revisited album just after he'd come out of the studio."
During his radio visit with Steffens, Sloan mentioned his delight toiling as a tunesmith. “I’m proudest of my work, when I look back, that there are parts of songs that tell me that I was at a place when I was writing the song, that I was in a place that was absolutely music that was out of myself. Songwriting is a 24-hour a day job. It’s the kind of thing that I find myself dreaming about songs at night and working on songs during the day. It makes one become introspective with a unique perception and it makes you listen to people. It makes you look at the world. It makes you see how temporary life is. It makes you see the beauty and the ugliness and vice versa. It gives you perspective and makes you more knowledgeable. It makes you want to reach out and touch people. It makes you exceptionally grateful to be alive. It gives you many, many thanks and it gives you many kicks in the ass. I had never imagined being a songwriter when I auditioned for Aladdin Records. ‘Hey, you sing nice, kid. But can you write a song?’ So what’s to writing a song? Just go home and write a song. So, if you have that feeling inside you, what’s to writing a song? Sit down and do it.”
This delayed email from Harvey Kubernik really surprised me as we've received dozens and dozens of emails from him since at our AOL address. And, with all the P.F. Sloan coverage we ran, this piece would have played very nicely alongside all the others. Again ... absolutely KEY that you use either the forgottenhits@aol.com or kk@forgottenhits.com addresses when writing in! (kk)
We told you a few months ago that Billy Hinsche was filling in for Darian Sahanaja in Brian Wilson's band while Darian was out on the road as part of The Zombies Odessey and Oracle Reunion Tour ... but we never knew that Billy had sent us this picture of himself and Brian on stage during the grand finale of his final show with the band. (Even cooler ... Matt Jardine is the guy who took the photo!) That's because he sent it to the old gmail address ... so PLEASE update your address books now to reflect ONLY forgottenhits@aol.com and/or kk@forgottenhits.com. Thank you! (By the way, please don't use the old The60sShop@aol.com address either ... again I check it about once a month ... and your comments will likely be lost in the shuffle.)
We told you a few months ago that Billy Hinsche was filling in for Darian Sahanaja in Brian Wilson's band while Darian was out on the road as part of The Zombies Odessey and Oracle Reunion Tour ... but we never knew that Billy had sent us this picture of himself and Brian on stage during the grand finale of his final show with the band. (Even cooler ... Matt Jardine is the guy who took the photo!) That's because he sent it to the old gmail address ... so PLEASE update your address books now to reflect ONLY forgottenhits@aol.com and/or kk@forgottenhits.com. Thank you! (By the way, please don't use the old The60sShop@aol.com address either ... again I check it about once a month ... and your comments will likely be lost in the shuffle.)
Speaking of Billy Hinsche, we were listening to the new "Beach Boys Party!" outtakes CD and found something interesting ... "The Boys" fooling around in the studio playing a little snippet of Dino, Desi and Billy's recent hit "I'm A Fool" (segued into a couple of other songs with similar chord changes.) I couldn't help but wonder if he even knew about this!
Yes, I heard it - awesome - thrilled!
Billy
I asked Billy if Carl Wilson was already dating his sister at this point or if that came later (thinking that this may have been the inspiration to The Beach Boys "fooling" around with this song) ... and Billy told me that, no, Carl and his sister didn't become an "item" until after Dino, Desi and Billy went out on tour with The Beach Boys a short time later. So it's REALLY cool to know that they thought enough of the youngsters' first big hit to pay tribute to them on their "live" covers album. (kk)
Let me add a slightly different view on "Susan" by The Buckinghams.
It has been confirmed in several interviews that the song was "originally" recorded without the train wreck psychedelic sound effects. The producer edited that portion in after the recording session. The band members have stated they never heard that version until they were back out on the road.
I asked Billy if Carl Wilson was already dating his sister at this point or if that came later (thinking that this may have been the inspiration to The Beach Boys "fooling" around with this song) ... and Billy told me that, no, Carl and his sister didn't become an "item" until after Dino, Desi and Billy went out on tour with The Beach Boys a short time later. So it's REALLY cool to know that they thought enough of the youngsters' first big hit to pay tribute to them on their "live" covers album. (kk)
Let me add a slightly different view on "Susan" by The Buckinghams.
It has been confirmed in several interviews that the song was "originally" recorded without the train wreck psychedelic sound effects. The producer edited that portion in after the recording session. The band members have stated they never heard that version until they were back out on the road.
Some stations had problems with the commercially issued version so Columbia issued a promo copy with the commercial version on one side, and what is usually listed as a "radio edit" which I contend is probably the actual original recording without the insert.
Why reissue labels keep trying to edit the stereo version to try to simulate the original makes no sense to me ... why not issue the original in mono? It is compressed to fit in with AM radio stations of the day and would just jump out the radio at you. In addition to the promo disk, Columbia also mistakenly issued it on a Hall of Fame release.
So here it is. (I know you post sound files)
Paul Urbahns
Paul Urbahns
Radcliff, Ky
ALL of The Buckinghams were shocked to hear what Producer James William Guercio had done to their song ... but that was very much of Guercio's style. He would often come back to the studio at night after The Bucks had gone home for the evening and overdub his own bass, guitar or piano tracks on top of what they had recorded earlier in the day. (Talk about your control freaks!!!)
All I know is that AT THE TIME, the ONLY way we heard this song here in Chicago was with the full, psychedelic interlude ... so to this day it remains my favorite version. The "radio edit" just seems SO abrupt ... almost like the tape was stopped and then crudely spliced back together again. (kk)
I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN ... The 50 Best Fictional Songs of All Time
http://a.msn.com/0B/en-us/AAeBTnR?ocid=se
Honestly, I knew very few of these ... but the ones I checked out were pretty good! (kk)
http://a.msn.com/0B/en-us/AAeBTnR?ocid=se
Honestly, I knew very few of these ... but the ones I checked out were pretty good! (kk)
Hi Kent -
It’s great that Kyle Vincent got back to you. He truly is one of the best kept secrets in pop music. I first heard him with Wake Me Up (When the World’s Worth Waking Up For), a power pop classic, and have bought all his albums ever since. Check out his vocals on Whatever Happened to Fun when he was with Candy and as a solo artist on Arianne. Truly awesome!
Surfwoodie
It’s great that Kyle Vincent got back to you. He truly is one of the best kept secrets in pop music. I first heard him with Wake Me Up (When the World’s Worth Waking Up For), a power pop classic, and have bought all his albums ever since. Check out his vocals on Whatever Happened to Fun when he was with Candy and as a solo artist on Arianne. Truly awesome!
Surfwoodie
Yes, he was a fun entertainer to watch. Actually, I thought he might have continued to participate with Forgotten Hits for awhile but I haven't heard from him since the '70's Show at The Arcada Theatre late last August. I think all of our readers would enjoy catching him in concert! (kk)
And now, on to the NEW ...
Rubber Soul
Hey Kent,
Nice piece on "Rubber Soul".
I want to add that a superior sounding remixed version of the song "Think For Yourself" is on the Beatles "Yellow Submarine Songtrack" CD.
Maybe you'll like it more in this remixed version (lol)!
The 1999 CD contains all of the Beatles 15 songs that appeared in the film, fully remixed, like the recently released Beatles "1+" CD.
I think a lot of your readers may not be aware of this "Yellow Sub" CD.
You'll love the remixed "Hey Bulldog" where Lennon's vocals are a lot more prominent in the mix, making the song a lot more powerful.
"Nowhere Man" is also on the CD, as well.
Bill Mulvy
And now, on to the NEW ...
Rubber Soul
Hey Kent,
Nice piece on "Rubber Soul".
I want to add that a superior sounding remixed version of the song "Think For Yourself" is on the Beatles "Yellow Submarine Songtrack" CD.
Maybe you'll like it more in this remixed version (lol)!
The 1999 CD contains all of the Beatles 15 songs that appeared in the film, fully remixed, like the recently released Beatles "1+" CD.
I think a lot of your readers may not be aware of this "Yellow Sub" CD.
You'll love the remixed "Hey Bulldog" where Lennon's vocals are a lot more prominent in the mix, making the song a lot more powerful.
"Nowhere Man" is also on the CD, as well.
Bill Mulvy
Actually, I've always liked "Think For Yourself". In fact, there is a very short snippet used in the film of John and Paul working out their background harmonies prior to recording the final track.
And you're right ... the sound on this "Songtrack" CD is excellent ... so nice to have ALL of The Beatles tunes used in the film in the same place. The sound on EVERYTHING is outstanding. (Did anybody ever really play the B-Side of the album, featuring all of George Martin's orchestral work, more than one or two times anyway?)
Here's the clean, remixed version that Bill refers to ...
You can pick up a copy of this cd here ...
http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Submarine-Songtrack-Beatles/dp/B00000K4ES/ref=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1450548955&sr=1-4&keywords=beatles+yellow+submarine
I enjoyed your Rubber Soul coverage so much I dug the CD out and plopped it in the car player - and I haven't taken it out since! I've already listened to it three times this weekend alone! What a great LP. Thanks for reminding me just how good this really is.
Carl
I enjoyed your Rubber Soul coverage so much I dug the CD out and plopped it in the car player - and I haven't taken it out since! I've already listened to it three times this weekend alone! What a great LP. Thanks for reminding me just how good this really is.
Carl
Hey Kent,
I've really enjoyed all the info on The Beatles' "Rubber Soul" album, especially comments by individual members of the band. When I read about "Norwegian Wood", I couldn't help but think about a cover by Sergio Mendes and Brasill '66. I love it. It took the song in another direction, with it's arrangement and percussion. I used to play along with it on the drums. Sergio's recording really needs to be heard on a good stereo!
- John LaPuzza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hI8vE7WCrCk
Sergio Mendes did a number of Beatles covers over the years ... obviously a HUGE fan ... and always offering an interesting interpretaion. (kk)
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
I've really enjoyed all the info on The Beatles' "Rubber Soul" album, especially comments by individual members of the band. When I read about "Norwegian Wood", I couldn't help but think about a cover by Sergio Mendes and Brasill '66. I love it. It took the song in another direction, with it's arrangement and percussion. I used to play along with it on the drums. Sergio's recording really needs to be heard on a good stereo!
- John LaPuzza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hI8vE7WCrCk
Sergio Mendes did a number of Beatles covers over the years ... obviously a HUGE fan ... and always offering an interesting interpretaion. (kk)
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
Here's Lee Loughnane being interviewed on Chicago's induction into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Tom Cuddy
And original Deep Purple member Ian Paice's take as well ...
Freddy Cannon
Hey Kent,
I wish Freddy Cannon well on his birthday! Did you know he was in one of the first "supergroups"? Here is a video of Freddy backed by The Belmonts. Would have been cool to see these guys together! I only see one original Belmonts member here. Fred Milano is on the right. It's also nice to see Mike Douglas again.
- John LaPuzza
>>>We mentioned Freddy Cannon's 76th Birthday last week in Forgotten Hits (kk)
76?? Try 79! He was 3 and a half when the 1940 census was taken.
A news article on his website from 2007 claimed he was 66 and married to his wife for 52 years at that point. He married her at 14? Not likely! He probably had to shave 4 years off his age in the 50's like all other singers of the era did, he probably thinks that's his real age now ... he will be 80 next year.
Tom Diehl
Then he's doin' damn well for 80!!! (lol) kk
This And That
FH Reader Tom Cuddy informs us that Steve Perry, the legendary former lead singer of Journey, is putting the finishing touches on his new LP ... his first since 1994!
STEVE PERRY: New Album Next Year?
Steve Perry has been recording a new album, and he hopes to finish it early next year.
The former Journey singer tells Los Angeles radio station KSWD, "I finally went into the studio in March, and I've been in there ever since, just trying to finish this record ... I certainly am looking forward to finishing it ... I wanna get it done probably in the early part of this coming year."
Perry's last album was 1994's For the Love of Strange Medicine.
Kent ...
Bobby Darin recorded his version of 'Mack The Knife' on 12/19/1958.
Here he is performing it live in 1972.
Frank B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ7FcvooFIo
And here's Lou Costello (of Abbott and Costello) singing 'White Christmas'. I guess Lou can be serious. I didn't think it was possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfsULl3-VXA
Kent,
Kent ...
Bobby Darin recorded his version of 'Mack The Knife' on 12/19/1958.
Here he is performing it live in 1972.
Frank B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ7FcvooFIo
And here's Lou Costello (of Abbott and Costello) singing 'White Christmas'. I guess Lou can be serious. I didn't think it was possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfsULl3-VXA
Kent,
Concerning your recent post on the upcoming Bruce Springsteen tour; He is my favorite current musical artist (the Beatles would be my favorite all time). I have seen him probably close to 15 times since 1978, most recently May 1, 2014, here in Tampa, Florida. Since the first time I saw Bruce, I have not missed a tour if he showed up anywhere in the state of Florida and this time will be no exception.
As you can see by the touring schedule he is playing in Sunrise, Florida, on February 16 and, yes, I have my tickets. It's only about four hours from my house, but no problem, I have actually driven as far as Atlanta (about 8 hours). Yes, his show is that good.
I have probably seen close to 1,000 concerts since my very first in 1969 and if I were to compile a Top Ten favorites he would probably hold at least five spots. Yes, again he is that good!!
If you have any chance to see his show in Chicago, do not hesitate, GO! The fact that he is playing The River, one of my favorite Bruce albums makes it all that much better.
I will send in a review of the show and I can tell you now, it will be a positive one.
By the way in case you were wondering, my vary first concert in the fall of 1969 was Blood, Sweat And Tears. I was 14 at that time and it made a huge impression on me and I haven't stop going to shows since. In fact to somewhat honor that first show, the trivia time I play on two nights a week is named Blood, Sweat And Beers.
Rich Turner
Safety Harbor, Fl
I've talked before about seeing Blood, Sweat and Tears for my birthday in 1971. Their opening act that night was Linda Ronstadt, just starting to come into her own but still a few years away from her big breakthrough with "You're No Good".
During the performance, she introduced a couple of members of her back-up band who she told us would soon be leaving her to start their own band. In fact, she said, they just signed a record deal and were going to perform a couple of songs from their first LP.
Linda then left the stage and let Don Henley and Glenn Frey perform "Take It Easy" and "Witchy Woman" ... PRE-Eagles!!! It was incredible and one of the most fortunate, unexpected concert experiences of my life. And think about it ... this venture, like countless thousands of others, could have fizzled and never gotten off the ground and this moment wouldn't have meant a thing ... instead, I became (and remain) a HUGE Eagles fan. Simply put, when it's magic, it's magic ... which I sense is EXACTLY how you feel about "The Boss"! (I'm sure our FH Buddy Dave The Rave will be at all his shows, too ... Rolling Stone Magazine once did an article about Dave The Rave being Springsteen's #1 fan!!!) kk
Vintage Vinyl News ran a story this week about the time The Osmonds joined Led Zeppelin on stage. GREAT Story ... two complete opposite ends of the music spectrum joining together on the same stage ... amazing! But, of course, that's old news for Forgotten Hits Readers. We first ran this piece back in 2007! (Forgotten Hits ... it's THE place to be for all your music favorites!) kk
Dion (DiMucci), the legendary New York rock ’n’ roller, will appear at SXSW for the very first time in a program set for Thursday, March 17, at 3:30 PM titled “A Conversation With Dion: Rock’s Enduring Voice." Dion, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Lou Reed in 1989, will discuss aspects of his career, his creative process and his place in music history as we all as his latest project, New York Is my Home, an album set for release on February 12, with Richard Gotteher.
Dion (DiMucci), the legendary New York rock ’n’ roller, will appear at SXSW for the very first time in a program set for Thursday, March 17, at 3:30 PM titled “A Conversation With Dion: Rock’s Enduring Voice." Dion, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Lou Reed in 1989, will discuss aspects of his career, his creative process and his place in music history as we all as his latest project, New York Is my Home, an album set for release on February 12, with Richard Gotteher.
Dion commented, “I’m really looking forward to coming down to Austin for SXSW. I always enjoy conversations with my friend Richard Gottehrer, an interesting guy, an historian and a great guy to talk music with. Sharing this one with a few hundred others should be something special.”
Gottehrer is a veteran music industry figure who co-founded The Orchard, the music and media company that is the largest supplier of digital music in the world. He wrote such classic hits as "My Boyfriend's Back" and "I Want Candy" and was part of the neo-punk group The Strangeloves. He co-founded Sire Records with Seymour Stein in 1966 and went on to produce albums by Blondie, The Go-Go’s and Richard Hell, among others. Gottehrer’s Instant Records is the label behind Dion’s new album and has already released its title track, a duet with Paul Simon.
New York Is My Home was produced by Jimmy Vivino, the musical mastermind who is seen nightly leading The Basic Cable Band on Conan. He will be on hand at the SXSW program and is expected to join, as Dion put it, in “maybe punctuating some of the stories with a song or two or three.” An official SXSW evening performance event in Austin by Dion with Vivino’s participation is planned; information about that is forthcoming.
Dion’s career spans six (or seven, depending on methodology) decades dating back to his days fronting Dion & The Belmonts in the late 1950s (“I Wonder Why,” “A Teenager In Love,”) through the ’60 when, as a solo singer, he toured with Buddy Holly and Richie Valens and scored massive hits with “The Wanderer,” “Runaround Sue,” “Ruby Baby” and, in the folk idiom, “Abraham, Martin and John.” Over the years, he’s recorded Christian music and explored the blues that has so influenced his singing and guitar playing. Dion wrote or co-wrote all of the songs for New York Is My Home, his genre-defying new album, with the exception of Tampa Red’s “I Ain’t For It” and Lightinin’ Hopkins’ “Katie Mae.”
Link to pre-order New York Is My Home (album) includes instant download access to the title song: http://radi.al/DionNewYorkIsMyHome
This one might appeal to some of the car buffs on our list ... can you name which car these dashboards belong to???
FUN! I DIDN'T DO VERY GOOD BUT I GOT THE LAST ONE RIGHT!!! This is tough!!!
Also, after each answer you get an option to “Click to see car”, so you can see the actual car that goes with that dashboard.
Joe Morris
www.americantorque.com/game/dash-id-54-64/
Hola Kent,
The calendar says another year is winding down ... how fast they go now ! The demise of the "Oldies Station" is almost complete, personally I have not complained of constant Christmas Songs playing 24/7 over the airways as I had in the past, but only because I no longer listen to broadcast radio rather I only listen to CD's I have burned or playlists from my iPpod or iPhone. I hardly ever listen to the radio any longer (I miss it).
Surely though there are plenty of Christmas songs to enjoy during Christmas Week, so where is the readers favorite's list? Especially the creative non-traditional ones? i.e. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and the off the wall offerings from Dr. Demento.
I want to escape the gaudy commercialism Christmas has become known as and have some fun by enjoying all the great Christmas music of my life ...what I am trying to say is "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas"!!!
Merry Christmas to all The Forgotten Hits readers, and all the Oldies Music / Music Oldies chat room members from AOL, and thanks for keeping our marvelous music alive.
Sweet Dreams & Happy Trails,
CharlieOFD
We've kind of shied away from the heavy-handed Christmas stuff the past couple of years ... we did our Twelve Days Of Christmas for so many years that I think the novelty kind of wore off on me. (Typically this featured NEW Christmas music our readers might not have otherwise been aware of rather than personal favorites) ... but the pure saturation of Christmas music on ALL of the radio channels this year has left me worn out well before the holidays ever hit.
Hola Kent,
The calendar says another year is winding down ... how fast they go now ! The demise of the "Oldies Station" is almost complete, personally I have not complained of constant Christmas Songs playing 24/7 over the airways as I had in the past, but only because I no longer listen to broadcast radio rather I only listen to CD's I have burned or playlists from my iPpod or iPhone. I hardly ever listen to the radio any longer (I miss it).
Surely though there are plenty of Christmas songs to enjoy during Christmas Week, so where is the readers favorite's list? Especially the creative non-traditional ones? i.e. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and the off the wall offerings from Dr. Demento.
I want to escape the gaudy commercialism Christmas has become known as and have some fun by enjoying all the great Christmas music of my life ...what I am trying to say is "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas"!!!
Merry Christmas to all The Forgotten Hits readers, and all the Oldies Music / Music Oldies chat room members from AOL, and thanks for keeping our marvelous music alive.
Sweet Dreams & Happy Trails,
CharlieOFD
We've kind of shied away from the heavy-handed Christmas stuff the past couple of years ... we did our Twelve Days Of Christmas for so many years that I think the novelty kind of wore off on me. (Typically this featured NEW Christmas music our readers might not have otherwise been aware of rather than personal favorites) ... but the pure saturation of Christmas music on ALL of the radio channels this year has left me worn out well before the holidays ever hit.
I WILL admit, however, to putting the Music Choice Christmas Channel on the TV today while doing a few things around the house ... and I heard a brand new Christmas song by Meghan Trainor (who's been having an INCREDIBLE year) that I kinda liked. Here's the link to her youtube video so that you guys can enjoy it, too. (kk)
Kent,
The ad that Shelley Tufano sent in a few days ago containing some 14 tunes with coffee in the title, got me to thinking. That's a beverage I haven't drank in years, so I think I'll go into my kitchen and pour me ANOTHER CUP OF COFFEE while listening to a record by Brook Benton. Afterwards, if I feel like it and I'm sure I will, I may do a little dance known as THE COFFEE GRIND while listening to a Hank Ballard record. Some of your readers may prefer the slang term for coffee and that would be JAVA. I understand that was one of Al Hirt's favorite liquids. (There was another particular song I cannot remember right now. I don't know about you, but it bugs me when I know the name of a song, artist or group, etc. but can't remember the name.) Well, just now I remembered it.
Kent, I don't know how familiar you are with the song I'LL JUST HAVE ANOTHER CUP OF COFFEE, but singer Claude Gray recorded it in 1961 on Mercury Records. It was considered to be a cross over record. That is the one I couldn't remember.
Have a great week!
Larry
Hmmm ... I cannot help but wonder if our photo of the brand new Joel Whitburn "Cash Box Top 100 Charts" book didn't help to stir your memory (and your coffee!) just a little bit ... "I'll Just Have A Cup Of Coffee" is prominently featured at #80 on the cover photo of the Cash Box Chart dated April 22, 1961! (kk)
Kent ...
I bought the 45 of "The Mexican Hat Rock." I didn't realize what an important part of Philadelphia Music the late Dave Appell was till I read this article.
Frank B.
http://articles.philly.com/2015-12-12/entertainment/68962947_1_kal-mann-dave-appell-music
I remember running a promo piece for this several months ago when it was first announced. Yes, an important piece of the Philadelphia Sound puzzle to be sure. (kk)
Larry
Hmmm ... I cannot help but wonder if our photo of the brand new Joel Whitburn "Cash Box Top 100 Charts" book didn't help to stir your memory (and your coffee!) just a little bit ... "I'll Just Have A Cup Of Coffee" is prominently featured at #80 on the cover photo of the Cash Box Chart dated April 22, 1961! (kk)
Kent ...
I bought the 45 of "The Mexican Hat Rock." I didn't realize what an important part of Philadelphia Music the late Dave Appell was till I read this article.
Frank B.
http://articles.philly.com/2015-12-12/entertainment/68962947_1_kal-mann-dave-appell-music
I remember running a promo piece for this several months ago when it was first announced. Yes, an important piece of the Philadelphia Sound puzzle to be sure. (kk)
MORE GUEST MUSICIANS ANNOUNCED FOR 2016 EXPERIENCE HENDRIX TOUR -
Keb’ Mo’, Barbara Lynn, Doyle Bramhall II and More Join Roster That Includes Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa + Others
The Experience Hendrix Tour, a multi-artist celebration that is set to return in February and March of 2016, has just announced the inclusion of more outstanding guest musicians who are to play select dates. These special concert performances involve artists joining together to celebrate the musical genius of Jimi Hendrix. This next edition of the Experience Hendrix Tour will encompass twenty seven performances this coming February and March, stopping in more than two dozen cities, with focus on the east coast, midwest and southern states.
At various points throughout the tour, artists such as Keb’ Mo’, Barbara Lynn, Doyle Bramhall II, Ana Popovic, Jon Butcher, Quinn Sullivan, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Slide Brothers members Calvin Cooke and Chuck Campbell will join Experience Hendrix Tour mainstays, creating a unique atmosphere where no two performances will be alike.
Those musicians who were already announced include blues legend Buddy Guy, Black Label Society and former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, as well as Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Dweezil Zappa, Jimi Hendrix Experience / Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox and many others.
Three-time Grammy-winning blues singer / guitarist Keb’ Mo’ will help kick off the Experience Hendrix Tour by performing at the Florida and Georgia dates. The Compton, CA-born musician can be considered a guardian of the Delta blues sound, but has always added his own style to traditional forms.
Barbara Lynn, a left-handed guitarist / singer / songwriter, like Jimi Hendrix himself, and also born the same year as Jimi, is best known for her 1962 hit “You’ll Lose a Good Thing,” as well as “Oh, Baby (We Got a Good Thing Going),” covered early on by the Rolling Stones. The east Texas native will make her sole Experience Hendrix Tour appearance on March 5 at the Bayou Music Center in Houston.
Another left-handed Texas guitarist / singer who will be participating in the tour is Doyle Bramhall II. A solo artist who was also Eric Clapton’s guitarist for many years, his résumé includes collaborations with B.B. King, Elton John, Sheryl Crow and many others. Bramhall II will be playing every Texas date as well as New Orleans, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Detroit and Chicago (March 3-12).
Ana Popovic and Joanne Shaw Taylor have a lot in common. They are both up-and-coming blues singer / guitarists from Europe (the former from Serbia, the latter from England). Taylor, who was discovered at the age of 16 by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, is a winner of multiple British Blues Awards, including Best Female Vocalist (2010, 2011) and Songwriter of the Year (2011). New to the tour, Taylor will be performing at the Jacksonville and Atlanta dates. Popovic, now a resident of Memphis, has been on a few Experience Hendrix Tours in the past, including 2014, where she dazzled audiences with her rendition of “Can You See Me.” She can be seen in St. Louis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Chicago and Cincinnati this time around.
Rock and blues guitar prodigy Quinn Sullivan first gained national attention when he appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show at the age of six. Soon after, Buddy Guy took Sullivan under his wing, and now at 16, with two albums and multiple tours under his belt, the singer / axeman has joined the ranks of fellow Experience Hendrix Tour musicians Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who also began their careers at a very young age. Sullivan will play the last three dates of the Tour - two in his native Massachusetts, and one in New Hampshire.
Jon Butcher’s musical career goes back to the 1970s, when his band Jon Butcher Axis opened for KISS among others. Having released several albums of his own, the guitarist often draws comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, which makes him a natural fit for the Experience Hendrix Tour. Like Quinn Sullivan, Butcher will perform at the final three dates (March 23-25).
Both Calvin Cooke and Chuck Campbell are known for being members of The Slide Brothers – a four-man steel guitar group that shifts seamlessly between gospel and secular blues music traditions. Cooke is hailed today as the most influential living pedal steel guitar master within the Sacred Steel tradition, and has been called “the B.B. King of gospel steel guitar.” His sole Experience Hendrix Tour appearance will be at the Fox Theater in Atlanta on Feb 27. Campbell has been playing lap steel guitar since the age of twelve and is renowned for his innovative approach to the instrument. He will play the Experience Hendrix Tour dates in Northfield, OH, Syracuse, NY Wallingford, CT and Brooklyn, NY (March 15-18).
Jimi Hendrix was a pioneer in both rock and blues, and expanded the possibilities of what could be achieved with the electric guitar, forever altering the course of music history. Likewise, the Experience Hendrix Tour is developing a rich history of its own. By 2004, the first Experience Hendrix Tour came to fruition with a three-date string of shows on the west coast, starting in Hendrix’s hometown of Seattle. By 2008, the Experience Hendrix Tour had become a full-fledged, coast-to-coast expedition that continues to date, without showing any signs of slowing down Audiences are presented the opportunity to see great artists paying homage to Hendrix and collaborating with each other in ways they’d never do in their own live shows.
More special guests to play the 2016 Experience Hendrix Tour will be added in the coming weeks. Please check jimihendrix.com and local listings for announcements.
As in years past, Fender Music Instruments is the primary tour sponsor. Fender and Experience Hendrix L.L.C. have long enjoyed a successful relationship—an association that traces back to Hendrix transforming the Fender Stratocaster into the dominant instrument of rock and roll music.
Marshall Amplifiers and Dunlop Manufacturing, whose gear is an integral part of the tour’s backline, also sponsor the Experience Hendrix Tour together with Axe Heaven IK Multimedia and Hal Leonard.
Profoundly popular with fans and critics alike, an earlier edition of the Experience Hendrix Tour inspired Doug Walters of the Charleston City Paper to rave, “It was an inspired night of great energy and incredible playing. Nothing but good vibes filled the Performing Arts Center. Jimi’s spirit and music could not have been honored more.”
Robert Kinsler of the Orange County Register, called the Experience Hendrix Tour “a steller event,” as well as “a special night, and a fitting tribute to a music legend, to be sure.”
John Hancock of the San Diego Reader said, “Seeing these star rockers individually is a treat unto itself, but seeing them all perform in one evening, sometimes sharing the stage with each other, is an Experience.”
Experience Hendrix Tour dates:
Feb 24 - Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Feb 25 - Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
Feb 26 - Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
Feb 27 - Atlanta, GA – Fox Theater
Feb 28 - Charleston, SC – Gaillard Center
Feb 29 - Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn
Mar 2 - Tulsa, OK – Brady Theater
Mar 3 - Grand Prairie, TX – Verizon Theatre
Mar 4 - San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theater
Mar 5 - Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Mar 6 - New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theater
Mar 8 - St. Louis, MO – Fox Theater
Mar 9 - Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
Mar 10 - Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
Mar 11 - Detroit, MI – The Fox Theater
Mar 12 - Chicago, IL – Chicago Theater
Mar 13 - Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theater
Mar 15 - Northfield, OH – Hard Rock Casino
Mar 16 - Syracuse, NY – Landmark Theatre
Mar 17 - Wallingford, CT – Oakdale Theater
Mar 18 - Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theater
Mar 19 - Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Casino
Mar 20 – Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center
Mar 22 - Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Theatre
Mar 23 - Worcester, MA – Hanover Theatre
Mar 24 - New Bedford, MA – Zeiterion
Mar 25 - Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino
Got this from FH Reader Bill Hengels ... whose tape of Jim Croce's show at Harper College was eventually released decades after the singer's death by Croce's widow, Ingrid
Memorable Moments From Soundstage: Jim Croce
August 25, 1985|By Jon Anderson, TV critic
The last was a hit, leading to the monthly ``Made In Chicago`` and two programs, with Seals & Crofts and the late Jim Croce, which went on the PBS network. The effort so impressed PBS affiliates that they placed the new show on their Top 10 list the following spring. It was a good time for the record business in Chicago, Erlich remembers, and ``a half-dozen local promotion guys really got behind the show.`` Gordon Lightfoot, Styx and Wilderness Road were among the performers on ``Made In Chicago.`` Its increasing prestige gave a quick start to its successor, ``SoundStage,`` in 1975.
After I taped Jim Croce at Harper college in February, 1973, I went to WTTW (PBS) a couple of months later, to see him and Maury on "Made In Chicago". Almost 30 years later I was making a sales call at WTTW and I ran into an engineer at the station who worked at the concert. I asked him if he knew if the master was still around. Well it was and he made a copy of it and sent it to me. You can see me in the audience. I made a copy of the tape and sent it to Ingrid Croce. She had never seen the concert. Jim died about a month later.
I was fortunate to have seen Jim Croce several times during his very brief but meteoric rise up the pop charts ... a more charming and likeable individual on stage I've never seen. Everywhere from the small Quite Knight in Chicago to 4th Row seats at Ravinia, shortly before his fatal plane crash, Croce ALWAYS put on an entertaining show. As an audience member, you just felt like you KNEW him ... he was able to convey a very personal, one-on-one relationship with each individual audience member ... a TRUE gift as a performer. I still miss him to this day and often wonder what other great stories he might have told us, had he been able to stick around long enough to do so. I've never tired of his music and it still brings a smile to my face every time I hear it.
One of my personal favorites was this album track ... "New York's Not My Home". (kk)
Kent,
Just wanted to say thank you for mentioning the new Charity Cd, the Soldier, on your blog. I couldn't think of a more worthy cause than supporting our fearless men and women in the military. It seemed like the perfect time of year to do something for them.
Just wanted to say thank you for mentioning the new Charity Cd, the Soldier, on your blog. I couldn't think of a more worthy cause than supporting our fearless men and women in the military. It seemed like the perfect time of year to do something for them.
Thanks again for all you do to help keep our music alive,
Lou Christie
It's a GREAT CD for a GREAT cause ... happy to help get the word out. (And as a special bonus you get Lou Christie's version of "O Holy Night" performed with The University of Pittsburgh Men's Choir!)
You can order your copy (and contribute to the cause) here:
http://the-soldier-cd.myshopify.com/products/the-soldier-cd-performed-by-the-pittsburgh-legends-of-rock
Heads Up
We'll be doing limited postings over the holidays ... hey we're ALL busy!!! Check in with us when you can. Our last two 1965 charts are pre-posted ... so look for these to run on Monday, December 21st and Monday, December 28th, as we wrap up this year's Monday Morning Fifty Year Flashback series. (We'll be taking a break from this format next year ... but have something REALLY special planned for 2017, time permitting. [Believe it or not, we're already working on it!!!]
Meanwhile, we ARE dedicating 2016 ... another Leap Year ... in a very special way. Be looking for our special Sweet Sixteen postings on the 29th of each month ... since in 2016 EVERY month will have at least 29 days!!! (kk)http://the-soldier-cd.myshopify.com/products/the-soldier-cd-performed-by-the-pittsburgh-legends-of-rock
Heads Up
We'll be doing limited postings over the holidays ... hey we're ALL busy!!! Check in with us when you can. Our last two 1965 charts are pre-posted ... so look for these to run on Monday, December 21st and Monday, December 28th, as we wrap up this year's Monday Morning Fifty Year Flashback series. (We'll be taking a break from this format next year ... but have something REALLY special planned for 2017, time permitting. [Believe it or not, we're already working on it!!!]
Speaking of the weekly surveys, our recent KOMA posting seemed to strike the fancy of a few of our readers ...
KOMA:
Kent,
In regards to your statement about all the DJ's KOMA had on staff at the time, fifty years ago today, as I remember, Phil Robbins was in sales and news, Joseph Salvadori was in news, Fred Moore was the engineer, William Engler was in sales also. Now the reason their pictures were on the survey was that on weekends, they did air shifts. Paul Miller was the morning DJ and every weekday morning he would talk to the mayor of OKC on the phone to see what was happening in the city. Don MacGregor was PD at the time which, later on, Dale Wehba became PD. Bobby Davis and Kay did nights together with listeners calling in and asking Kay questions as I recall.
You are right about the Juveniles being a local band. To be more specific, they were from Norman, Oklahoma. They were considered to be Norman's top band of all time. They were originally known as the Demons, later the Satans with eventually changing their name to the Juveniles. Their version of BO DIDDLEY was the biggest record they had here in the OKC area and made it into the top ten. (I am somewhat 100 percent sure the record itself made it to #1 in San Francisco. What top 40 station, I don't know.) They had a follow-up called BABY, BABY / I'VE SEARCHED, also on the Jerden record label. Incidentally, Jerden records was distributed nationally by ABC Paramount. The song that came in at #14. CHERRY PIE by Charles Christie was very, very big here in OKC. Now that I recall, it seems some people back then were saying that Charles Christie was related to Lou who was also related to Susan. Don't believe either is true though I don't know for sure.
Larry Neal
I remember at the time there being a lot of talk about Susan Christie being related to Lou Christie ... and I also remember dispelling that rumor very early on here in Forgotten Hits. (Ironically, both artists WERE born in Philadelphia ... but that's about as much in common as they ever had. Susan's real name was Beatrice Hill.) I used to LOVE her novelty hit "I Love Onions", a #30 Hit here in Chicago. I can't find any listing for Charles Christie. (kk)
I lived just outside Oklahoma City for almost two years (August, 1961 - June, 1963) when my dad was stationed there.
I lived just outside Oklahoma City for almost two years (August, 1961 - June, 1963) when my dad was stationed there.
And ... that is where my record collection got started ... with a KOMA radio contest.
My brother and I won a radio contest that gave us the TOP 40 hits from August / September 1962 ... such songs as Things, The Loco-Motion, Party Lights, Ahab The Arab.
They had a weekly contest where you wrote in and guessed next week's TOP 10. If you were closest, you won the TOP 10. But...if you nailed the entire TOP 10 in order, you won the TOP 40.
And thus it began......
In the words of a song by a guy I have seen live 11 times - and who never had a hit in the USA - "From Little Things Big Things Grow".
Here's the Paul Kelly song of that title, just for kicks.
Brad
Kent,
The KOMA chart from Oklahoma City was indeed a great chart and a monumental station throughout the entire nation, even world. Like WLS, KOMA's 50,000 watt signal caused people to write from the other side of the world at times when the "skip" was right in the winter. FH'er Larry Neal was a KOMA DJ playing these very hits on his oldies shows in the 90's. Thanks, Larry, for making me wake up at 6 AM on Saturdays just to hear obscure bands on your countdown of the KOMA charts like this one.
The KOMA chart from Oklahoma City was indeed a great chart and a monumental station throughout the entire nation, even world. Like WLS, KOMA's 50,000 watt signal caused people to write from the other side of the world at times when the "skip" was right in the winter. FH'er Larry Neal was a KOMA DJ playing these very hits on his oldies shows in the 90's. Thanks, Larry, for making me wake up at 6 AM on Saturdays just to hear obscure bands on your countdown of the KOMA charts like this one.
One reason for many of these charted records was that KOMA was THE station kids listened to nightly from South Dakota to Texas in the Great Plains. They had TOP DJ's and promoters plugged their local bands constantly on KOMA because they knew kids would listen and hear what band was playing in Norfolk, NEBRASKA or Dodge City, KANSAS, etc. No other station had that "kid" power. WLS was a close second, but KOMA was closer and came in in the summer. Their long skip fade made for odd sounds if you were listening from a distance. (Hear attachment)
OKC also had all the latest bands playing there because of KOMA's powerful influence on the record buyers. That's why you heard and SAW Dallas' "Five Americans," Iowa's "Steve Ellis," Kansas' "Chessmen", all with records on KOMA's chart here. At KOMA, they hobnobbed with the big boys and fans ate it up.
The DJ's pictured here were of the top brand. "Charles Hanks" was actually "Chuck Dann" who gave us a tour of the station in 1963 and handed us each autographed 45s from the Sing-a-Long-Survey. Dale Wehba was my fave of the KOMA Good Guys. He gave Bobby Vee "Come Back When You Grow Up" in 1967 as a song to record. John Raven-Croft was a British bloke who was actually John Peel of Beatles sessions. What great time listening and as #3 says "and don't tell me I've nothin' to do."
Lastly, Kent, the survey year of 1965 has come to an end and I want to thank everyone who looked at the charts I (and others) provided and hope youo all enjoyed them as much as I have for the last 50 years.
Clark Besch
Thanks again for all your help this year, Clark. (The weekly surveys was Clark's idea way back when ... and he had the charts to back them up! For the past two years we've run a vintage 50 year old chart every single week ... and let me tell you, that, in and of itself, is quite a miracle here in Forgotten Hits Land ... where our schedule changes constantly!) So thanks again, Clark ... I appreciate it! (kk)
Speaking of the charts ...
Lastly, Kent, the survey year of 1965 has come to an end and I want to thank everyone who looked at the charts I (and others) provided and hope youo all enjoyed them as much as I have for the last 50 years.
Clark Besch
Thanks again for all your help this year, Clark. (The weekly surveys was Clark's idea way back when ... and he had the charts to back them up! For the past two years we've run a vintage 50 year old chart every single week ... and let me tell you, that, in and of itself, is quite a miracle here in Forgotten Hits Land ... where our schedule changes constantly!) So thanks again, Clark ... I appreciate it! (kk)
Speaking of the charts ...
Hi Kent,
Thank you so much for the copy of the 1969 Super Chart. Has any thought been given to create a Super Chart for the Top 100 Hits of 1969?
I have another block of questions for you and your audience.
Thank you so much for the copy of the 1969 Super Chart. Has any thought been given to create a Super Chart for the Top 100 Hits of 1969?
I have another block of questions for you and your audience.
Do you have any FOREIGN chart data for the hit Quentin's Theme by the Charles Randolph Grean Sounde from Dark Shadows? It made #9 for two weeks on the Super Charts in August, 1969. I know it was released in England, Australia, Canada and Sweden.
Also, my source said it sold 750,000 copies by September, 1969 in the U.S. Any idea as to chart positions and / or sales figures for the record in other countries?
I have been wondering about the above since 1969. Thanks for any help you can give me!
Does anybody know whether or not radio station WSGA in Savannah, Georgia, ever produced a TOP HITS of 1969 survey?
Finally ... and I promise you this will be my last question for awhile ... I am just so excited about your FORGOTTEN HITS site! ... Do you or any of your readers have surveys to post from July or August of 1969 from WTTO? This is the Toledo, Ohio radio station which printed the WTTO FAMOUS 15 surveys at this time.
P.S. I already checked the ARSA site with no luck.
Thanks again, Kent.
Keep up the Great Work!
I am now a constant reader of your site. I immensely enjoy it. I'll bet there is no other site like it in the world.
Dennis Darovich
I am now a constant reader of your site. I immensely enjoy it. I'll bet there is no other site like it in the world.
Dennis Darovich
Hey, I have no problem with you asking more questions ... that's what we're all about. (And we've got a great resource of readers out there who quite often help us fill in the blanks!) I'm just glad that you're enjoying Forgotten Hits as much as you are ... please help to spread the word!
I found one 1969 WSGA chart in my collection ... unfortunately it's from too early in the year to feature "Quentin's Theme" ... but I've posted it nonetheless.
I found one 1969 WSGA chart in my collection ... unfortunately it's from too early in the year to feature "Quentin's Theme" ... but I've posted it nonetheless.
The only WTTO chart I have is from 1967 ... but we have a lot of readers in Ohio so maybe they can come up with something for us to run in a future issue of FH.
Randy hasn't put together any year-end charts yet ... but I'm sure they're coming. I would LOVE to see the complete collection finally come to light this year in some form of publication. (We've been talking about doing this for YEARS now!!!) With the recent release of Joel Whitburn's Comparison Chart book, I think the time is right to FINALLY launch The Super Chart ... a compilation of the research of all three major trades, best representing the TRUE picture of what was popular across America at the time. (We would LOVE it if Joel himself would help us get this off the ground!) Stay tuned.
As for "Quentin's Theme" perhaps our readers can offer more information on this. Based on chart books currently in my collection, I can tell you that it peaked at #22 in its two weeks on Canada's CHUM Chart ... and I don't show it charting at all in England. (kk)
You run a classy website, Kent!!!
Merry Christmas
Carl Karstadt
Thanks, Carl! (kk)
New Releases:
Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention “The Lost Broadcast: The Beat Club '68” Entire Performance To Be Released On DVD!
London, UK – For the first time ever, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention “The Lost Broadcast: The Beat Club '68” entire show will be released on DVD by Gonzo Multimedia in December 2015!This DVD contains a filmed rehearsal of Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention at the legendary Beat Club in Bremen, Germany, on 6th October 1968. It was part of the band's second European tour, the first having occurred a year before, although this was their first visit to Germany.
What can be observed during this event is a typical rehearsal scenario, where the band is eating, drinking, tuning up their instruments, enjoying some laughs, having cosmetics applied and gradually beginning to rehearse. The music is largely one long improvisatory continuous performance rather than a run-through of their greatest hits, but occasionally Zappa directs the band into the opening themes of some of his more well-known pieces. The ensemble performs interesting renditions of “King Kong”, “A Pound For A Brown On The Bus”, “Sleeping In A Jar” and “Uncle Meat”, all of which would be included on the “Uncle Meat” album, which had already been recorded but would not be released for another six months. Also played was an instrumental version of “Let's Make The Water Turn Black”, a version of “Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Sexually Aroused Gas Mask”, a stab at the “Prelude To Act 3 of Lohengrin” by Richard Wagner and a nod towards “Octandre” by Edgard Varese.
The footage shows Frank's use his famous hand signals to great effect, conducting and controlling the direction of the music, instructing the musicians when to start, stop, punctuate, slow down, speed up, improvise, play in different time signatures etc.
Ten days later, the Mothers of Invention were due to play at the Berlin Sportpalast. Prior to the show, Zappa was approached by students who, presumably still fired up by events the previous summer in Paris, where a revolution had almost taken place, asked him to declare his opposition to capitalism from the stage and, by extension, to further the cause of the armed and violent revolution that they believed was necessary to transform society. The students, wrong-footed by the band's long hair, freaky appearance and reputation, assumed that an anarchic look automatically foreshadowed an anarchic attitude. Zappa, far too intelligent a man to be swayed by their ill-conceived arguments, refused. The student leaders suggested that, in that case, Frank could lend support for their cause by encouraging them to set fire to public buildings.
On the night of the gig, the audience pelted the group with fruit, eggs and paint and shouted out that the band should be renamed the Mothers Of Reaction. Naturally enough, the band were deemed to be in an unsafe environment and the show ended early. As a result of the experience Frank presented everyone in the band with a Berlin Survival Award 1968 medal, and also wrote “Holiday In Berlin”, later to appear on the “Burnt Weeny Sandwich” album.
Frank Zappa had a relatively short life but a long career. He left a large body of work due to the fact that he hardly ever stopped composing, recording, playing and gigging. While there is much footage of Zappa available, the early stage of his career is more sparsely documented than most.
The Mothers of Invention at the time of this filming: Frank Zappa, Ian Underwood, Bunk Gardner, Don Preston, Roy Estrada, Jimmy Carl Black, Art Tripp, Motorhead Sherwood
Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention - The Lost Broadcast: The Beat Club '68 (Full Show) (DVD) will be released on Dec 5, 2015.
For more information:
Vintage Vinyl News is announcing the release of "George Fest" next February. Now THIS one sounds interesting ... and check out that line-up! (kk)
"George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison" Coming to CD on February 26
by Music-News.com Newsdesk
The day after what would have been George Harrison’s 73rd birthday, February 26, 2016, Hot Records Ltd. and Vagrant Records are proud to present George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of George Harrison. 
Recorded and filmed on September 28, 2014 at the The Fonda Theater in Los Angeles. This live tribute will be available in 4 configurations including 2xCD/DVD, 2xCD/Blu-Ray, 3xLP (180 gram) and digital download.
Produced by Dhani Harrison and David Zonshine, Harrison stated, “I’ve always imagined a small club show where my generation of musicians could cut loose on some of the deeper tracks from his career… So, in a totally new and vibrant way, I once again found myself taking the stage with some of my most treasured musical heroes to the sound of the most familiar music in my life… I hope you enjoy listening to these as much as I do. They are some of the best interpretations of my father’s songs I could have ever thought possible.”
The day after what would have been George Harrison’s 73rd birthday, February 26, 2016, Hot Records Ltd. and Vagrant Records are proud to present George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of George Harrison. Recorded and filmed on September 28, 2014 at the The Fonda Theater in Los Angeles. This live tribute will be available in 4 configurations including 2xCD/DVD, 2xCD/Blu-Ray, 3xLP (180 gram) and digital download.
Produced by Dhani Harrison and David Zonshine, Harrison stated, “I’ve always imagined a small club show where my generation of musicians could cut loose on some of the deeper tracks from his career… So, in a totally new and vibrant way, I once again found myself taking the stage with some of my most treasured musical heroes to the sound of the most familiar music in my life… I hope you enjoy listening to these as much as I do. They are some of the best interpretations of my father’s songs I could have ever thought possible.”
The line up includes Brian Wilson, Nora Jones, The Killers’ Brandon Flowers, Conan O’Brien, The Flaming Lips,Ben Harper, Britt Daniel from Spoon, Heart’s Ann Wilson, Dhani Harrison, “Weird Al” Yankovic, The Strokes’ Nick Valensi, Perry Farrell and many others.
On top of the concert footage the DVD has interviews with the musicians backstage and at rehearsals talking about George Harrison’s influence on their art.
Below is the song list:
On top of the concert footage the DVD has interviews with the musicians backstage and at rehearsals talking about George Harrison’s influence on their art.
Below is the song list:
Disc 1
- Introduction
- Old Brown Shoe - Conan O’Brien
- I Me Mine - Britt Daniel from Spoon
- Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) - Jonathan Bates with Dhani Harrison
- Something - Norah Jones
- Got My Mind Set On You - Brandon Flowers from The Killers
- If Not For You - Heartless Bastards
- Be Here Now - Ian Astbury from The Cult
- Wah-Wah - Nick Valensi from The Strokes
- If I Needed Someone - Jamestown Revival
- Art of Dying - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
- Savoy Truffle - Dhani Harrison
- For You Blue - Chase Cohl with Weezer’s Brian Bell on guitar
- Beware Of Darkness - Ann Wilson from Heart
Disc 2
- Let It Down - Dhani Harrison
- Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - Ben Harper
- Here Comes The Sun - Perry Farrell from Jane’s Addiction
- What Is Life - “Weird Al” Yankovic
- Behind That Locked Door - Norah Jones
- My Sweet Lord - Brian Wilson with Al Jardine
- Isn’t It A Pity - The Black Ryder
- Any Road - Butch Walker
- I’d Have You Anytime - Karen Elson
- Taxman - Cold War Kids
- It’s All Too Much - The Flaming Lips
- Handle With Care - Brandon Flowers, Dhani Harrison, Jonathan Bates “Weird Al” Yankovic, Britt Daniel and Wayne Coyne
- All Things Must Pass - Ann Wilson, Dhani Harrison, Karen Elson and Norah Jones
- Audio Fidelity To Release “Colors of the day - The Best of Judy Collins” on Quad 4.0 Hybrid SACD “This is Collins at her finest.”
- Camarillo, CA – Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity will be releasing the ultimate “best of” collection by folk legend Judy Collins on Quad 4.0 Hybrid SACD. Colors of the day - The Best of Judy Collins first arrived in record stores in 1972. The recording features Collins' earliest, most time-honored recordings. The song that propelled the album sales was her number one hit, “Both Sides Now,” an alluring Joni Mitchell tune that dominated the charts for months.Collins' voice is remarkably beautiful, her phrasing, her ability to enunciate and her vocal range place her in a category by herself. Her amazing talent is on full display in this excellent collection that includes Collins' explorations into folk-pop, country-pop (“Someday Soon,” an Ian Tyson classic), British folk (“Sunny Goodge Street,” The Beatles “In My Life”), and gospel (“Amazing Grace”) that clearly show her eclecticism.The thoughtfully programmed collection includes the Leonard Cohen classic, “Suzanne.” Cohen's haunting and evocative lyrics are masterfully interpreted by Collins who was an early champion of his amazingly poetic folk songs. Some of the record's finest moments are from her exquisite 1968 album Who Knows Where the Time Goes including that album's title track. Also included are two of her lovely autobiographical compositions, “My Father” and “Albatross.”“This anthology brings the 'best-of' collection to a new art form.”Track listing:Someday SoonSince You AskedBoth Sides NowSons OfSuzanneFarewell to TarwathieWho Knows Where the Time GoesSunny Goodge StreetMy FatherAlbatrossIn My LifeAmazing GraceProduced by Mark Abramson, David AnderleMastered: Stereo CD, SACD mastering and 4.0Analog to Hi Definition DSD Digital Transfer: Steve Hoffman and Stephen MarshFor more information: www.audiofidelity.net
- Clip of the Week #1:
- Kent,
- Not sure if you have seen and listened to this beautiful rendition of the 1-Hit Wonder song by Marmalade?
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My question is how do we get this to be played on our IPOD's? Any help would be great!
Bob from Bolingbrook(Feel free to share this with the readers ... I can't say I have heard a better song than this in quite some time. It's really wonderful how they show the old song being done with those velvet outfits.)No, I had NOT seen this before ... what a GREAT video ... audio AND video. Dean Ford is in FINE voice on this one all these years later. Always loved this song ... and as soon as I played it both my wife and daughter had to come huddle around the computer screen so that they could enjoy it, too. What a great voice and arrangement! (I've always loved this song anyway ... but this is an exceptional treatment of a classic track. This guy should still be recording today!)Now here's my Outstanding Marketing Idea:
Dean Ford should go out and tour with Barry Gibb. Listen to the tone and texture of his voice ... he could sing ALL of the Robin parts ... they'd sound FANTASTIC together. And then slip in some of Marmalade's hits, too. (They were much bigger in England than they were here, where this was pretty much their only recognized hit.) What an incredible sound these two could make together. (Just cut me in for 10%!!!) Thanks for sending, Bob ... I love it!As for getting this on your iPod, said daughter turned me on to this site a few weeks ago ...It takes you step by step through the process of how to turn a YouTube video into an MP3.Unfortunately I don't see this track listed on iTunes so it may not be available through conventional means ... but it's definitely worth having! (kk)Clip Of The Week #2:For those who say paper is dead ...
- (special thanks to Charles Fraser for sending us this one ... we've made a number of people smile this past week thanks to this great clip!) kk
- Clip of the Week #3:
- Was SHOCKED to find this one on YouTube ... a VERY clever "reunion" of a couple of our '60's favorites, circa 1975. Too bad the had to ruin the experience with some "Late Breaking News"!!! (There must be an unedited clip of this SOMEWHERE ... your mission ... should you choose to accept it ... is to FIND IT ... 'cause now I've just GOTTA see the whole thing!!!)
