No More "Ode To Billie Joe"
We're still getting quite a bit of mail about the Bobbie Gentry hit ... but quite honestly it's starting to feel like we just keep circling the same ground ... there's really not much of anything new being added to the equation and we've already covered most of this before. I'm afraid it's about to get redundant and that's no fun for anybody. (There are at least seven or eight more comments I chose not to run today for that reason ... however, the one I DID select offers a new and interesting perspective.)
But, after today ... we're gonna move this one to the back burner ... unless, of course, we happen to hear from Bobbie Gentry herself ... in which case we'll probably make headline news across the country!!!
So, winding things down today, here are the last of the "Ode To Billie Joe" comments ...
Hi Kent,
Pardon me if I'm beating a dead horse but I wanted to add a couple of things to the "Ode To Billie Joe" discussion:
PETE SEEGER HAD THIS TO SAY IN MARCH OF 1968:
"Life" Magazine showed a full-page photo of long-haired Bobbie Gentry walking across the Tallahatchie Bridge, which figured in her song, "Ode to Billie Joe." And some of us did a double take. The location is Money, Mississippi -- a mile or two from where Emmett Till's body was found! Last year, there was a joke among black Americans. They knew what was thrown off that bridge.
Pete Seeger, The Incompleat Folksinger, New York, NY, 1972, p. 307.http://www.bobdylanroots.com/till.html
Rumor has it that one of the lost verses of "Ode To Billie Joe" mentioned another girl who mourned Billie Joe's death which, if true, would open up even more speculation about Billie Joe and "a girl who looked a lot like you" throwing something off the bridge. Could it be that it was a baby and Billie Joe couldn't live with the decision they'd made to throw it off the bridge and committed suicide? Oh well, the mystery goes on but then there's this comment which, if accepted, puts the whole thing to rest:
"People seem to have a hard time accepting the fiction of this song. In a world where novelists routinely fabricate hundreds of pages of made-up characters and events, why is it so hard to accept that a five-verse song is fiction?" https://donnagore.com/tag/choctaw-ridge/
Ralph Tennant
On The Other Hand ...
Our Tear-Jerker segment just keeps growing and growing. (Scott Shannon, are you paying attention??? This is a sure-fire hit for The True Oldies Channel!!! Read a letter, play a track ... a daily feature that could run for MONTHS!!!) kk
We're still getting quite a bit of mail about the Bobbie Gentry hit ... but quite honestly it's starting to feel like we just keep circling the same ground ... there's really not much of anything new being added to the equation and we've already covered most of this before. I'm afraid it's about to get redundant and that's no fun for anybody. (There are at least seven or eight more comments I chose not to run today for that reason ... however, the one I DID select offers a new and interesting perspective.)
But, after today ... we're gonna move this one to the back burner ... unless, of course, we happen to hear from Bobbie Gentry herself ... in which case we'll probably make headline news across the country!!!
So, winding things down today, here are the last of the "Ode To Billie Joe" comments ...
Hi Kent,
Pardon me if I'm beating a dead horse but I wanted to add a couple of things to the "Ode To Billie Joe" discussion:
PETE SEEGER HAD THIS TO SAY IN MARCH OF 1968:
"Life" Magazine showed a full-page photo of long-haired Bobbie Gentry walking across the Tallahatchie Bridge, which figured in her song, "Ode to Billie Joe." And some of us did a double take. The location is Money, Mississippi -- a mile or two from where Emmett Till's body was found! Last year, there was a joke among black Americans. They knew what was thrown off that bridge.
Pete Seeger, The Incompleat Folksinger, New York, NY, 1972, p. 307.http://www.bobdylanroots.com/till.html
Rumor has it that one of the lost verses of "Ode To Billie Joe" mentioned another girl who mourned Billie Joe's death which, if true, would open up even more speculation about Billie Joe and "a girl who looked a lot like you" throwing something off the bridge. Could it be that it was a baby and Billie Joe couldn't live with the decision they'd made to throw it off the bridge and committed suicide? Oh well, the mystery goes on but then there's this comment which, if accepted, puts the whole thing to rest:
"People seem to have a hard time accepting the fiction of this song. In a world where novelists routinely fabricate hundreds of pages of made-up characters and events, why is it so hard to accept that a five-verse song is fiction?" https://donnagore.com/tag/choctaw-ridge/
Ralph Tennant
On The Other Hand ...
Our Tear-Jerker segment just keeps growing and growing. (Scott Shannon, are you paying attention??? This is a sure-fire hit for The True Oldies Channel!!! Read a letter, play a track ... a daily feature that could run for MONTHS!!!) kk
Jeez, got any other list hooks I can pen? People on the street have stopped to talk to me about tear jerkers!
Chet Coppock
There's been a really good response to this one - I'm trying to get Scott Shannon to run with this as a daily feature. We need to get up to about a million readers a day - can you imagine?!?! (kk)
Wow, yer rockin' big guy!
Chet
Kent,
Here are a few of mine that if they don't get me misty eyed from time to time, they certainly give me the willies.
Kent,
Maybe I missed it. My favorite tear jerker is White on White by Danny Williams. The thought of watching your first and only true love walk down the aisle with someone else, “holding back my tears, “til she’s gone away” always struck me as so sad.
Bob Verbos
Here are my votes for top tear jerk songs
5. Long Time To Be Alone - New Colony Six
4. Separate Ways - Elvis
3. I Don't Want To Spoil The Party - Beatles
2. Worst That Could Happen - Brooklyn Bridge
1. Cats In The Cradle - Harry Chapin
I was riding with my date one night when this song was a hit. After hearing it he looked at me and said "there is a lot of truth in that song". I was just a young guy and his words didn't mean anything at the time. My own son will be moving out soon and I can't listen to that song. If I have to play it as a request, I turn down the studio monitors so that I can tune it out. It is a very sad song for me now.
The saddest Country song ever is George Jones classic 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'.
Phil Nee - WRCO
Here are my votes for top tear jerk songs
5. Long Time To Be Alone - New Colony Six
4. Separate Ways - Elvis
3. I Don't Want To Spoil The Party - Beatles
2. Worst That Could Happen - Brooklyn Bridge
1. Cats In The Cradle - Harry Chapin
I was riding with my date one night when this song was a hit. After hearing it he looked at me and said "there is a lot of truth in that song". I was just a young guy and his words didn't mean anything at the time. My own son will be moving out soon and I can't listen to that song. If I have to play it as a request, I turn down the studio monitors so that I can tune it out. It is a very sad song for me now.
The saddest Country song ever is George Jones classic 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'.
Phil Nee - WRCO
True dat -- forgot all about the Ol' Possum's big country hit!
When "Cats In The Cradle" came out, I found it to be a very powerful lyric ... I was never really all that close to my dad ... not so much that he didn't have time for me ... we just didn't share a lot of interests. But I honestly just got tired of the song after hearing it too many times. I can absolutely understand how it would affect you, though ... kinda like the Bobby Darin song I mentioned, "18 Yellow Roses". That song never meant a thing to me until my own daughter got married ... now it chokes me up nearly every time. (kk)
Here are my tear jerkers:
Probably my all-time Number One Pick:
Have You Seen Her - The Chi-Lites
Followed by ...
Catch The Wind - Donovan 1965
When I first heard this song, I thought it was a nice little folk song by a Dylan wannabe but a DJ realized and passed along the poetic significance of the lyrics even though we had all heard the 'words' in the song.
Probably my all-time Number One Pick:
Have You Seen Her - The Chi-Lites
Followed by ...
Catch The Wind - Donovan 1965
When I first heard this song, I thought it was a nice little folk song by a Dylan wannabe but a DJ realized and passed along the poetic significance of the lyrics even though we had all heard the 'words' in the song.
My all-time favorite DJ, Jerry G (WCFL listeners will remember him as Jerry G. Bishop), then of KYW / WKYC 1100 Cleveland, picked a backing instrumental and recited the lyrics as a poem to his listeners one evening in '65. Jerry G. was primarily responsible for my appreciating the lyrical content of rock / folk songs from that day on - even if I didn't like the arrangement or vocalist. Thanks and R.I.P., Jerry.
"In the chilly hours and minutes of uncertainty
I want to be in the warm hold of your loving mind
To feel you all around me
And to take your hand along the sand
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind"
https://youtu.be/J8hjEYTpwE8
Go Now - The Moody Blues - 1965
Who can forget Denny Laine's vocals on this gem from the British Invasion?
"We've already said ‘Goodbye’.
Since you've got to go
Oh you had better go now.
Go now. Go now. Go now
Before you see me cry.
I don't want you to tell me
Just what you intend to do now.
'Cause how many times do I have to tell you
Darling, darling,
I'm still in love
With you now?"
https://youtu.be/h42kzEA9l8Q
I'm Down - The Hollies
Written from the perspective of an adopted person wondering who they really are as only the great Alan Clarke can convey in song:
"To the folks who brought me up
I'm not ungrateful
Kept the secret from me
They thought it was shameful
It hurt me so
To be the last one to know
Maybe someone's out there
Looking for me
Left on their own
Couldn't afford to clothe me
And I I don't even know my real name..."
https://youtu.be/WKFzGe4_0uE
Little Girl - The Hollies - 1970
This song by Tony Hicks of the Hollies involves a marriage breakup and how it effects the child.
"She looks from side to side, the tear drops fill her eyes
As once again she hears the sound of shouting
Turns to the window pane, funny there's rain again
Inside her head she hears the sound of shouting
They are fighting again, all she feels is cold and pain
She don't know whose side to take, mothers or fathers
She can't know that soon they'll part, that they broke each others heart
They are breaking up but she don't understand it
She leaves the room in fright, each time they start to fight
She runs up to her bed but there's no sleeping
No light from anywhere, clings to her teddy bear
But even teddy bear can't stop her weeping
Little girl, dry your eyes
Your ma and pa one day will put you wise
Little girl, don't you cry
You'll understand what happened by and by" https://youtu.be/aEj3wB1kzdA
Honorable mentions:
Billy And Sue - B.J. Thomas
Without You - Harry Nilsson
Just My Imagination - Temptations
Best Wishes,
Ralph
"In the chilly hours and minutes of uncertainty
I want to be in the warm hold of your loving mind
To feel you all around me
And to take your hand along the sand
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind"
https://youtu.be/J8hjEYTpwE8
Go Now - The Moody Blues - 1965
Who can forget Denny Laine's vocals on this gem from the British Invasion?
"We've already said ‘Goodbye’.
Since you've got to go
Oh you had better go now.
Go now. Go now. Go now
Before you see me cry.
I don't want you to tell me
Just what you intend to do now.
'Cause how many times do I have to tell you
Darling, darling,
I'm still in love
With you now?"
https://youtu.be/h42kzEA9l8Q
I'm Down - The Hollies
Written from the perspective of an adopted person wondering who they really are as only the great Alan Clarke can convey in song:
"To the folks who brought me up
I'm not ungrateful
Kept the secret from me
They thought it was shameful
It hurt me so
To be the last one to know
Maybe someone's out there
Looking for me
Left on their own
Couldn't afford to clothe me
And I I don't even know my real name..."
https://youtu.be/WKFzGe4_0uE
Little Girl - The Hollies - 1970
This song by Tony Hicks of the Hollies involves a marriage breakup and how it effects the child.
"She looks from side to side, the tear drops fill her eyes
As once again she hears the sound of shouting
Turns to the window pane, funny there's rain again
Inside her head she hears the sound of shouting
They are fighting again, all she feels is cold and pain
She don't know whose side to take, mothers or fathers
She can't know that soon they'll part, that they broke each others heart
They are breaking up but she don't understand it
She leaves the room in fright, each time they start to fight
She runs up to her bed but there's no sleeping
No light from anywhere, clings to her teddy bear
But even teddy bear can't stop her weeping
Little girl, dry your eyes
Your ma and pa one day will put you wise
Little girl, don't you cry
You'll understand what happened by and by" https://youtu.be/aEj3wB1kzdA
Honorable mentions:
Billy And Sue - B.J. Thomas
Without You - Harry Nilsson
Just My Imagination - Temptations
Best Wishes,
Ralph
"Billy And Sue" is a little too contrived for me ... it always struck me as funny that this song came out between these two but "Billy And Sue" seems to tell the same story as "Billy, Don't Be A Hero" and "Runaround Sue" ... just in a less upbeat and fun way! (lol)
However, BJ's version of the Hank Williams classic "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" is a gut-wrencher that grabs your very soul. BJ could do that with a great arrangement ... even "Rock And Roll Lullabye", beautiful as it is and not in any way a particularly sad song, can still elicit a tear from me if it catches me at the right moment. "Without You"'s another good one. (kk)
However, BJ's version of the Hank Williams classic "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" is a gut-wrencher that grabs your very soul. BJ could do that with a great arrangement ... even "Rock And Roll Lullabye", beautiful as it is and not in any way a particularly sad song, can still elicit a tear from me if it catches me at the right moment. "Without You"'s another good one. (kk)
>>>Empty Garden – Elton John - Elton John and Bernie Taupin mourn a friend (Paul Haney)
>>>How could I leave off Empty Garden, Elton John's poignant tribute to John Lennon? (Chet Coppock)
One that gets me nearly every time is Paul McCartney's tribute to his friend and former partner, "Here Today" from the "Tug Of War" album. I'll bet he had a hell of a time getting through that one.
Another one that you may have missed comes from his "New" LP from a couple of years ago. It's a track called "Early Days" and it tells what it was like back at the beginning with John and Paul trying to conquer the world together. Paul's voice is shot ... most of it due to age and I'd like to think that some of it is probably due to the emotional strain of putting this all down in words ... but listen closely to the lyrics and see if you don't agree ... the teaming of these two lonely and lost souls in their middle-teens was destined to change the music world forever. (And I just love the part where he takes issue with all the critics and "historians" who write today about who did what ... and what it had to be like during the early days of The Beatles ... Paul simply says "But I know ... 'cause I was there.") kk
>>>How could I leave off Empty Garden, Elton John's poignant tribute to John Lennon? (Chet Coppock)
One that gets me nearly every time is Paul McCartney's tribute to his friend and former partner, "Here Today" from the "Tug Of War" album. I'll bet he had a hell of a time getting through that one.
Another one that you may have missed comes from his "New" LP from a couple of years ago. It's a track called "Early Days" and it tells what it was like back at the beginning with John and Paul trying to conquer the world together. Paul's voice is shot ... most of it due to age and I'd like to think that some of it is probably due to the emotional strain of putting this all down in words ... but listen closely to the lyrics and see if you don't agree ... the teaming of these two lonely and lost souls in their middle-teens was destined to change the music world forever. (And I just love the part where he takes issue with all the critics and "historians" who write today about who did what ... and what it had to be like during the early days of The Beatles ... Paul simply says "But I know ... 'cause I was there.") kk
Hi Kent,
I’m writing to tell you of my tear-jerker ...
In 2014, after much saving up and with a LOT of help from fans in the US, I finally got to make the trip of a lifetime to see my idols (since I first heard them in 1961), the Lettermen.
How I wish I could have made it earlier when the original trio were around, or when Gary and Donny Pike were with Tony Butala. However they STILL have that signature sound and in the 60’s or 70’s, bringing up our family of three kids, I could never have afforded it anyway.
Anyway, cutting a long story short, I set out to visit lots of other fans in Branson, Mo, to see the Lettermen perform in the fabulous Andy Williams Moon River Theater. What a time I had ... three shows in two days ... aka “Lettermen Heaven”
The tear-jerker came right at the end of the 3rd show and was the fabulous “I Believe”. As they sang the last few notes, I realized that I would (probably) never see them again ... and the tears flowed. Thank you so much Tony, Donovan and Bobby, and all the fans who were there for the greatest (entertainment) night of my life!
Yours truly,
Phil Goulding
Yours truly,
Phil Goulding
Wow! I am so empathetic that just reading the titles and knowing the songs you are each speaking of makes me cry! I won't send my own list because I would just cry the day away. Add to that the songs that are linked to our own sadder memories and a rush of tear-relief ensues.
OK, going off to listen to 'Monster Mash' or 'Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini' or 'Beep Beep'. Gotta get me some silly songs.
OK, going off to listen to 'Monster Mash' or 'Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini' or 'Beep Beep'. Gotta get me some silly songs.
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
It's Forgotten Hits, The Kleenex Edition!!!
Which, I guess, leads me to my next question ...
Which song is sadder ... "Old Rivers" or "My Girl Bill"??? (kk)
Hail Hail Rock And Roll:
Sounds like fans attending the Steve Winwood / Steely Dan show at Red Rocks Amphitheater this past weekend got a little bit of an unexpected surprise during the show ...
I sent this out to some friends and family who have been to this Denver "city park" legendary for it's beautiful scenery and historic concerts over 70 years. Some amazing youtube video at end from yesterday.
In the second video listed at the bottom, see people at about exactly the spot above being pelted by hail at the pre-concert.
In the first video below, you can see a flood of water and people walking in the steps of Bill and Jill (above left) and who knows what the stage was like (Clark right)
Above last year, same area as below before Beatles concert August 26, 1964
"Oh, the humanity" below
Sounds like fans attending the Steve Winwood / Steely Dan show at Red Rocks Amphitheater this past weekend got a little bit of an unexpected surprise during the show ...
I sent this out to some friends and family who have been to this Denver "city park" legendary for it's beautiful scenery and historic concerts over 70 years. Some amazing youtube video at end from yesterday.
In the second video listed at the bottom, see people at about exactly the spot above being pelted by hail at the pre-concert.
Last year, when on vacation to Colorado, Jill and I and brother Bill went to the famed Red Rocks theater near Denver. It was warm, but a beautiful place for a concert ... unless you get a terrible hail storm. Yesterday, before an expected event of Steely Dan and Stevie Winwood, it happened.
In the first video below, you can see a flood of water and people walking in the steps of Bill and Jill (above left) and who knows what the stage was like (Clark right)
Above last year, same area as below before Beatles concert August 26, 1964
"Oh, the humanity" below
-- submitted by Clark Besch
We are tough out here and the show did go on even though it was late. Troopers who love Red Rocks take thick plastic bags, blankets and tarps with them just in case. I guess half the audience stuck it out. About a year or two ago Barry Manilow cancelled after major lightening started striking. Red Rocks is acoustically perfect, but you take a chance with any outdoor theater.
Sue
As Joe Walsh might say, ain't never been there ... they tell me it's nice ... but I don't know if I would have stuck around to get pummeled by hail stones. What a week ... we've learned that you need to wear a bullet proof vest to go out to a club in Florida ... and an army helmet to see a concert in Colorado. And don't even get me started on that whole alligator situation at the Disney Resort ... or the "gorilla warfare" from a couple of weeks ago. Man, what is this crazy world coming to. (I know, I know, spoken like a true grumpy old man ... but seriously ... this is NUTS!!! What the hell is going on here?!?!?)
This And That:
The Happy Together Tour has kicked off for 2016! This year the lineup features...The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Cowsills, Mark Lindsay former lead singer of Paul Revere & The Raiders, & Billy J Kramer.
Due to unforeseen medical circumstances, Spencer Davis will be unable to appear for the June dates of the tour.
Too bad ... our Chicago date isn't until August ... by which time Billy will be back in town to perform at The Fest For Beatles Fans! (Billy and I are doing an interview in a few weeks to talk about his new book, "Do You Want To Know A Secret". I just started reading it so we'll be hooking up soon to discuss. Meanwhile be sure to check out our week-long Bobby Rydell Series next week in Forgotten Hits, featuring our very own exclusive interview with Bobby. (In fact, check back tomorrow and we'll tell you where you can go to get an autographed copy of Bobby's new book, "Teen Idol On The Rocks".)
Have you heard about this?
Last week at a Bob Dylan concert in California some belligerent fan in the audience starting yelling out "Free Bird". Now this happens all the time at concerts ... except on this particular night, Dylan and his band then PLAYED "Free Bird"!!! Now how cool is that??? (So was it a belligerent fan or a plant? Who knows ... who cares ... I just LOVE the idea that Dylan had the sense of humor to oblige.) kk
Check it out ...
Joel Whitburn's latest edition of "Top Pop Singles" ... with all kinds of new features ... will start shipping in early July. Until then, you can save ten bucks off the cover price by preordering your copy now.
This is the flagship book ... the industry bible ... and the one that started it all nearly fifty years ago ... a must have for any serious music fan, chart-a-holic or record collector.
Pop over to the Record Research website now and order your copy ... and save ten bucks to boot! (kk)
www.recordresearch.com
We lost a couple more good ones this past week ... Songwriter / Producer Chips Moman and former Wings Guitarist Henry McCullough ...
Last week at a Bob Dylan concert in California some belligerent fan in the audience starting yelling out "Free Bird". Now this happens all the time at concerts ... except on this particular night, Dylan and his band then PLAYED "Free Bird"!!! Now how cool is that??? (So was it a belligerent fan or a plant? Who knows ... who cares ... I just LOVE the idea that Dylan had the sense of humor to oblige.) kk
Check it out ...
Joel Whitburn's latest edition of "Top Pop Singles" ... with all kinds of new features ... will start shipping in early July. Until then, you can save ten bucks off the cover price by preordering your copy now.
This is the flagship book ... the industry bible ... and the one that started it all nearly fifty years ago ... a must have for any serious music fan, chart-a-holic or record collector.
Pop over to the Record Research website now and order your copy ... and save ten bucks to boot! (kk)
www.recordresearch.com
We lost a couple more good ones this past week ... Songwriter / Producer Chips Moman and former Wings Guitarist Henry McCullough ...
Vintage Vinyl News ran the following obituaries on their site this week ...
Lincoln Wayne "Chips" Moman, the multi-talented producer, guitarist and songwriter, died in La Grange, GA after battling lung disease at the age of 79.
Moman was born in LaGrange, GA and moved to Memphis at the age of 16, going on to play in the road bands for Johnny Burnette and Gene Vincent. He later moved to Los Angeles where he became a session guitarist for Gold Star Studio.
In the late-50's, Moman returned to Memphis where he began working with Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton at their Satellite label. When the company couldn't break into the country market, they changed their name to Stax and brought in R&B artists starting with Carla Thomas for whom he produced the company's first hit single, Gee Whiz.
For the next five years, Moman produced most of the records coming out of Stax by artists like Rufus Thomas, the Mar-Keys, William Bell and Booker T. and the M.G.'s; however, after butting heads with Stewart over money, he left the label in 1964.
Moman used money from a settlement with Stax to set up his own Memphis-based studio, American Sound Studios, where artists like the Box Tops and Joe Tex recorded. It was also during this time that Chips started to once again play guitar, working at the FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals and playing on recordings by Aretha Franklin. Moman and Dan Penn also began writing together turning out such hits as Franklin's Do Right Woman, Do Right Man and Dan Carr's Dark End of the Street.
A dispute between Atlantic Record's Jerry Wexler and Rick Hall of FAME Studios brought the label's stable of artists to American Sound Studios where Moman produced music from Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, Herbie Mann and many others. At one point in the late 60's almost a quarter of the Billboard Hot 100 was made at American Studios, many with Moman helming, and he branched out to work with other labels including Bang (Neil Diamond's Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show) and RCA where he produced Elvis Presley's From Elvis to Memphis and Elvis Back to Memphis.
By the mid-70's, Moman had tired of working in Memphis and moved to Nashville where he started working with a wide variety of country artists including B.J. Thomas, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette and Waylon Jennings for which he wrote the now standard, Luckenbach, Texas. He also produced the Highwaymen (Jennings, Nelson, Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson) and was often referred to as the fifth member of the band.
The 80's found Moman back in Memphis but he soon took his studio to LaGrange, GA where he continued to produce for much of the rest of his life.
Moman was, at one time, married to fellow songwriter Toni Wine who wrote such songs as A Groovy Kind of Love, Candida and Black Pearl.
He is survived by his current wife, Jane, a daughter and a son.
Hits written by Chips Moman:
- Last Night - Mar-Keys (with Charles Axton, Jerry Lee Smith, Floyd Newman and Gil Caple)
- This Time - Troy Shondell
- Love Looks Good - David Houston (with George Richey)
- Do Right Woman, Do Right Man - Aretha Franklin (with Dan Penn)
- The Dark End of the Street - James Carr (with Dan Penn)
- (Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song - B.J. Thomas (with Buddy Emmons)
- Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love) - Waylon Jennings (with Buddy Emmons)
- The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want to Get Over You) - Waylon Jennings (with Buddy Emmons)
- So Much Like My Dad - George Strait (with Buddy Emmons)
A selection of hits produced by Chips Moman:
Hits written by Chips Moman:
- Gee Whiz - Carla Thomas
- You Don't Miss Your Water - William Bell
- Last Night - Mar-Keys
- Keep on Dancin' - Gentrys
- Born a Woman - Sandy Posey
- Single Girl - Sandy Posey
- Skinny Legs and All - Joe Tex
- Angel of the Morning - Merilee Rush
- Hooked on a Feeling - B.J. Thomas
- Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show - Neil Diamond
- Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
- Soul Deep - Box Tops
- In the Ghetto - Elvis Presley
- Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
- Kentucky Rain - Elvis Presley
- Rings - Cymarron
- Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys - Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings
- Pancho and Lefty - Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson
- Always on My Mind - Willie Nelson
- Highwayman - Highwaymen
Henry McCullough, session guitarist and member of Paul McCartney & Wings during the 70's, has died at his home in Bellfast, Ireland. He was 72.
McCullough had suffered a heart attack in 2012 from which he never recovered. His passing was confirmed by his wife Josie.
Paul McCartney paid tribute to his former guitarist on his website, saying:
I was very sad to hear that Henry McCullough, our great Wings guitarist, passed away today. He was a pleasure to work with, a super-talented musician with a lovely sense of humour. The solo he played on 'My Love' was a classic that he made up on the spot in front of a live orchestra. Our deepest sympathies from my family to his.McCullough was born in Portstewart, Northern Ireland where he played in local bands such as The Skyrockets and Gene and the Gents. After moving to Belfast in 1967, he joined the band The People who later became Eire Apparent. The band recorded one album, Sunrise, which was produced by Jimi Hendrix and released on Buddah in the U.K.
In May 1968, he joined the folk group Sweeney's Men, bringing more of a progressive sound to the band but stayed for only two months before joining Joe Cocker's Grease Band with whom he played at Woodstock. After Cocker left to form Mad Dogs and Englishmen, McCullough and the Grease Band went on to record two more albums. It was also during this time that Henry shared electric guitar duties with Neil Hubbard on the original 1970 recording of Jesus Christ Superstar along with appearing on the Spooky Tooth album The Last Puff.
In January 1972, Paul McCartney asked McCullough to join his band Wings who were just coming off their debut album, Wild Life. The set received only mediocre reviews and did not live up to the performance of McCartney's previous projects, going to only number 10 in the U.S. and 11 in the U.K.
By March, Wings was in the studio to record the tracks for Red Rose Speedway. Originally conceived as a double album, EMI insisted on cutting it to a single disc based on what they saw as substandard material and the lesser performance of Wild Life.
The final album included the single My Love which became McCartney's second number 1 of his solo career. Anchored by the single, Red Rose Speedway went to number 1 in the U.S. and 5 in the U.K.
Also recorded during the Red Rose Speedway sessions with McCullough on guitar was the Live and Let Die theme which peaked at 2 in the U.S. and 9 in the U.K.
After the release of Red Rose Speedway, McCartney and Wings shot the critically drubbed special James Paul McCartney before embarking on a two month tour of the U.K. but, during the rehearsals prior to recording Band on the Run, both McCullough and Denny Sewell left Wings in a dispute over musical direction and the fact that Paul's wife, Linda, was part of the band. McCullough also said that McCartney was too domineering.
In 1975, McCullough joined The Frankie Miller Band and recorded the album The Rock along with his own solo debut, Mind Your Own Business. He went on to play sessions with the likes of Roy Harper, Marianne Faithfull, Eric Burdon, Donovan and others.
Over the balance of his career, he played in a variety of bands along with releasing three more solo albums in the 80's.
Among McCullough's album credits:
- Joe Cocker! - Joe Cocker (1969)
- With a Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker (1969)
- Jesus Christ Superstar - Original album (1970)
- The Last Puff - Spooky Tooth (1970)
- The Grease Band - Grease Band (1971)
- Red Rose Speedway - Wings (1973)
- Spider Jiving - Andy Fairweather Low (1974)
- I Can Stand a Little Rain - Joe Cocker (1974)
- Evita - Original album (1976)
- Faithless - Marianne Faithfull (1978)
- Darkness Darkness - Eric Burdon (1980)
- See Me - Ronnie Lane (1980)
- Commercial Breaks - Roy Harper (1994)
- Wham Bam - Steve Marriott's Allstars (2007)
The sudden and unexpected departure of guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Siewell really left Wings in the lurch as they were about to fly to Africa to record their next LP. However, Paul, Denny Laine and Linda turned that frown upside down and came up with their biggest album yet, "Band On The Run". (I seem to remember reading about McCartney and McCullough getting into fisticuffs a time or two as well during rehearsals.) His blazing solo on "My Love", however, was a brilliant move and I'm sure helped propel the song to #1. (kk)
And former Steam lead singer Gary DeCarlo's not doing so well right now either. (We've talked to Gary a few times before in Forgotten Hits).
FH Reader Tom Cuddy files this report ...
STEAM: Singer Gary DeCarlo Needs Help
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help ailing singer-songwriter Gary DeCarlo with his medical expenses.
The voice and composer of Steam's late '60s classic "Na Na Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)" was recently diagnosed with cancer in several parts of his body, in addition to the bladder cancer he was being treated for. Money raised from the campaign will help pay for his medical care and assist his family.
Sunday, DeCarlo posted on Facebook that he was "overwhelmed and very happy by the amount of prayers and well wishes that I've been given. I can't express how much this means to me. I feel very lucky to have friends and family that care that much about me. In this life, some people have one friend or no one. I feel truly blessed to have as many as I do. I will continue to write, record and do shows when they are available for as long as I am able to do so. Keep your eyes and ears open on June 21st for my video and CD. Together we'll keep on keepin' on."
From Diane Diekman's Country Music Newsletter ... it sounds like Kris Kristofferson is also not doing well ...
"A couple of years ago my memory just started going," Kris Kristofferson said in 2013. "They tell me it's from all the football and boxing and the concussions that I got." He has now been diagnosed as suffering from untreated Lyme Disease, publicist Tamara Saviano said on the Halli Casser-Jayne Show. The Daily Banner quotes a Columbia University Medical Center statement that Lyme Disease includes problems with short-term memory, name or word retrieval, and slower speed of thinking. Patients typically describe having "brain fog."
>>>Got a question I would like to throw out to you and to your readers. Some of your readers may be familiar with the record that came out in 1964 by guitarist Travis Wammack on Ara Records with an instrumental called SCRATCHY. This was a fairly big record here in the OKC area. Now my question is that into the 1:15 part of the record, there is a portion of backwards talking that lasts for some 10-12 seconds. Without having the technical equipment to do it and play the song backwards to find out what is being said on the record, I wonder if any of your readers would know, those readers who are familiar with the record and what was being said if the record was played backwards. Through the years whenever I heard that portion of the record, it reminded me of the Cave People in that old Flash Gordon serial that was made back in the 1940's. Now I guess it's possible that when that portion of the record is played backwards, that there is no distinct words being said. (Larry)
I reversed the part in question of the 'Scratchy' record and sadly there are no hidden meanings. It is just the forward nonsense played backwards. I have attached it. When my children were little, they
always wanted me to play Scratchy and they couldn't wait to hear the short vocal part. It also reminds me of the Harlow Wilcox and the Oakies record 'Groovy Grubworm'. At least you could understand him saying 'I'm a grubworm'.
Phil - WRCO
always wanted me to play Scratchy and they couldn't wait to hear the short vocal part. It also reminds me of the Harlow Wilcox and the Oakies record 'Groovy Grubworm'. At least you could understand him saying 'I'm a grubworm'.
Phil - WRCO
Guys, here's the Scratchy segment first forwards and then backwards. As I listened years ago by turning the turntable in reverse with the 45, I reversed with a computer program and it sounds basically the same! Just mumbling!
Clark Besch
Thanks, guys ... now you can listen to it backwards AND forwards and see that it's just gibberish either way. (For all you porn fans out there, I don't know if you've ever noticed this before or not, but all those films look the same backwards and forwards, too.) kk
Hey Kent,
I just looked at the long list of your readers' favorite Summer songs. Isn't it amazing how just going through the titles puts a HUGE smile on your face?
I can't remember if I submitted a few of my own favorites on the 2010 list or not (Damn those statin drugs!), but I think almost all of them should be there. I have to say though, I like Bobby Vinton's '72 cover of "Sealed With a Kiss" better than the original. He's more emotional, and I LOVE the background bongo drums!
- John LaPuzza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6dvmNHDKt8
I just looked at the long list of your readers' favorite Summer songs. Isn't it amazing how just going through the titles puts a HUGE smile on your face?
I can't remember if I submitted a few of my own favorites on the 2010 list or not (Damn those statin drugs!), but I think almost all of them should be there. I have to say though, I like Bobby Vinton's '72 cover of "Sealed With a Kiss" better than the original. He's more emotional, and I LOVE the background bongo drums!
- John LaPuzza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6dvmNHDKt8
If you like '80's music, this six week summer series may be right up your alley. (I've seen a couple of commercials for it now and I know I'll be tuning in.)
It premiers on June 30th on ABC ... and Tom Cuddy's got a few more details ...
RICK SPRINGFIELD, KENNY LOGGINS: Performing on Greatest Hits Debut Episode
Rick Springfield, Kenny Loggins, Kim Carnes, Ray Parker Junior and Kool and the Gang will perform on the first episode of ABC's summer music series Greatest Hits.
The June 30th episode will focus on classic songs from 1980 to '85, including "Jessie's Girl," "Footloose," "Bette Davis Eyes," "Ghostbusters" and "Celebration." There will also be a special tribute to Michael Jackson performed by Jason Derulo.
Aresnio Hall and country music star Kelsea Ballerini will host the Thursday night series, which runs through early August.
Don't miss out on our latest Forgotten Hits Free Tickets Give-Away ...
If you're a fan of the songs of Jim Peterik ... who has written HUGE hits for The Ides Of March, Survivor, .38 Special and more ... you're going to want to check out his brand new show celebrating "The Songs" ... featuring brand new interpretations and arrangements of much of his best-known work.
And we've got a chance for you to see him!
The show is next Saturday Night ... June 25th ... at The Rau Center For Performing Arts in Crystal Lake ... at 8 pm ... and it should be something to see.
Jim will be performing re-imagined arrangements of his hits "Eye Of The Tiger", "Vehicle", "Caught Up In You", "LA Goodbye, "High On Your", "The Search Is Over", "Hold On Loosely" and more.
Tickets are available through the Rau Center website ...
https://rauecenter.ticketforce.com/#! ...
Or you can register now to win a pair of tickets to see this show. (Are you kidding me??? A pickin'-and-grinnin' version of "Eye Of The Tiger"??? I'm SO there!!!)
We've got a couple pair of tickets to give away that Jim personally set aside for us.
Just drop us a line and we'll register you to win.
(We'll announce the winners next Wednesday, June 22nd) You can order Jim's new CD here ... https://www.amazon.com/Songs-Jim-Peterik/dp/B01EWEK9IC/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1466127185&sr=1-1&keywords=jim+peterik
Or come on out for a great night of music next Saturday night.
Hope to see you there! (kk)
And finally, here's one that's sure to keep you smiling for the rest of the day ... courtesy of FH Reader Frank B ...
And we've got a chance for you to see him!
The show is next Saturday Night ... June 25th ... at The Rau Center For Performing Arts in Crystal Lake ... at 8 pm ... and it should be something to see.
Jim will be performing re-imagined arrangements of his hits "Eye Of The Tiger", "Vehicle", "Caught Up In You", "LA Goodbye, "High On Your", "The Search Is Over", "Hold On Loosely" and more.
Tickets are available through the Rau Center website ...
https://rauecenter.ticketforce.com/#! ...
Or you can register now to win a pair of tickets to see this show. (Are you kidding me??? A pickin'-and-grinnin' version of "Eye Of The Tiger"??? I'm SO there!!!)
We've got a couple pair of tickets to give away that Jim personally set aside for us.
Just drop us a line and we'll register you to win.
(We'll announce the winners next Wednesday, June 22nd) You can order Jim's new CD here ... https://www.amazon.com/Songs-Jim-Peterik/dp/B01EWEK9IC/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1466127185&sr=1-1&keywords=jim+peterik
Or come on out for a great night of music next Saturday night.
Hope to see you there! (kk)
And finally, here's one that's sure to keep you smiling for the rest of the day ... courtesy of FH Reader Frank B ...
