Sunday, December 18, 2016

The Sunday Comments ( 12 - 18 - 16 )

The Sunday Comments  
You are reading what will be the last edition of The Sunday Comments that we will publish on the website for the next 54-55 weeks!  
That's right!  
There won't be a Sunday Comments next week on Christmas Day ...  
And by the following Sunday (January 1st) we'll already be into our 1967 Salute ... which will run for 369 consecutive days (kicking off on December 30th).  
That means that any future comments pages that we generate for the next 13 months will ONLY go out via email ... 
So if you don't want to miss a single issue, you MUST subscribe NOW to our brand new 1967 list.
Email me now at either forgottenhits@aol.com or kk@forgottenhits.com and get on the list!  (kk) 

Meanwhile, for ALL of the latest oldies news, served up daily, may we suggest Vintage Vinyl News ... which is also available by subscription.  They'll keep you up to date with the the current news while we continue to live in the past!  (lol)  http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/ 

Carl Giammarese
Carl’s a super nice guy; wish we had known each other better “back in the day” but at least we get to connect now through Cornerstones.  Looking forward to hearing his solo work as well as Bucks’ stuff in the upcoming ’67 series! 
Ray Graffia, Jr.  

Kent, 
Thanks for giving Carl Giammarese some love. I had the chance to meet him a few years ago to work on a podcast with him and share a meal. What an ace guy and a terrific musician -- someone any Chicagoan should be proud of. 
Best,
Stu Shea

Nice review / preview of Carl Giammare's new album, Kent -- it definitely convinced me to order a copy.  I always appreciate your honesty in the periodic concert and disc reviews that you post, even when your opinion might ruffle the feathers of the artist being profiled.  Criticisms are measured and I never feel that you are hyping something that you like, so something that gets a hearty thumb's from you definitely tweaks my interest.
Happy Holidays to you and the entire FH crowd!
Scott Paton
That's one thing we've never compromised here in Forgotten Hits ... we've got to call 'em as we see 'em ... and that policy has probably earned us more respect than any other amongst our many fans and readers.  I've always said ... if all you want is a puff piece, get your publicist to write it ... if you want the real deal, then I'm your guy.  (It's funny because even Carl acknowledged that he knew when he sent it to me that I was going to give the CD a serious evaluation ... which is always risky as an artist ... it can go either way ... but I genuinely do like this CD ... it's well done and I love the fact that you get to hear a side of Carl that never has a chance to come across on stage by only cranking out the hits.)  That being said, I try to temper EVERY criticism I give with some constructive suggestions regarding what might have made it better.  I have NEVER set out to write a negative review ... it's just not in my nature ... but there is a certain expectation with the fans so we do our best to represent "the silent majority" when approaching these situations.  Glad you ordered the CD ... you'll enjoy it!  (kk)

I ordered Carl Giammare's new CD after reading just Part One of your feature - now that I've heard a couple of samples in Part Two I know I made the right decision.  Can't wait to hear the whole thing.  Another review ... and interview well done.
Rick

Kent, 
Thank you so much! I love the way you put this together and how you put across the meaning and significance of each song. All I could say is I appreciate that you took the time to get into and reflect on each song. I cannot put into words what it means to write a song and have those you respect give you such positive feedback. I always thought of you to be honest, saying what you think. When I first gave you the album I was hopeful you would really enjoy it, but I was prepared and willing to accept whichever way it turned out.  
I have it up on both the Buckinghams and my personal Facebook page. We are getting a ton of likes already. We have 39,000 Facebook friends and the likes are piling up. Once again, much appreciation. 
I appreciate how in depth you were. It is so complete and well done that I am inspired to move forward with some solo possibilities. I look forward to talking again soon.   Please make sure you join us for the Cornerstone show. 
Merry Christmas!
Carl 
THE BUCKINGHAMS 
www.thebuckinghams.com
www.facebook.com/thebuckinghams 
www.facebook/carlgiammarese


I am happy to report that Part Two of our interview with Carl Giammarese received the highest number of views in the past six months ... hopefully some of you have already ordered his new CD for your personal collection!  (kk)


FH Reader Jack Levin sent in this vintage Buckinghams ad ...


And Gary Theroux, the creative mind behind "The History Of Rock And Roll", sent us this Buckinghams feature from his new daily series, currently running on Rewind Radio ... 






1967:
Am I obsessing about our new 1967 Series???  Well, maybe just a little bit. Last weekend when we drove down to ISU to see our daughter Paige starring in two one-act plays, I couldn't resist snapping this photo of the building next door when we parked at the campus bookstore ...


But mostly I'm just really exciting about sharing all of this with you ... hoping you'll start your day with Forgotten Hits every morning to catch up on the events of exactly fifty years ago ... relive the memories ... and subscribe to our "1967 Extras" that will go out ONLY as emails to registered subscribers.  (Subscribe now by sending an email to either forgottenhits@aol.com or kk@forgottenhits.com and ask us to put you on the list!)
And, above all else, I'm hoping you'll share YOUR memories with US so we can share them with the group.  Counting on major participation for this one ... fans, deejays, artists ... the whole deal.
Remember, it all kicks off on Friday, December 30th, with a year-end recap of 1966 ... and then runs straight through till January 2nd, 2018 (yes, we've already added a day!!!)  kk

Here are some 1967 "Forget Me Nots" ...
LITTLE GAMES - Yardbirds
THE AIRPLANE SONG (MY AIRPLANE) - Royal Guardsmen
YOU'VE GOT TO PAY THE PRICE - Al Kent
EVEN THE BAD TIMES ARE GOOD - Tremeloes
FELICICAD - Sally Field
I WAS KAISER BILL's BATMAN - "Whistling" Jack Smith
MORE LOVE - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
I'M WONDERING - "Little" Stevie Wonder
ALL YOUR GOODIES ARE GONE - Parliaments
I TAKE IT BACK - Sandy Posey
OUT AND ABOUT - Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart
DO IT AGAIN (JUST A LITTLE BIT SLOWER) - Jon & Robin
YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING - Temptations
HEY! MAMA - Flaming Ember
PATA PATA - Miriam Makeba
SKINNY LEGS AND ALL - Joe Tex
I LIKE THE WAY - Tommy James & The Shondells
SOME VELVET MORNING - Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL - Soul Brothers Six
TRAMP - Otis & Carla
INDESCRIBABLY BLUE - Elvis Presley
CHILD OF CLAY - Jimmie Rodgers
WHO WILL ANSWER? - Ed Ames
MONTEREY - Animals
STEP OUT OF YOUR MIND - American Breed
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL & FEEL SO GOOD - Bunny Sigler
SHE IS STILL A MYSTERY - Lovin' Spoonful
SIX O'CLOCK - Lovin' Spoonful
TWELVE THIRTY - Mamas & The Papas
SOCIETY'S CHILD - Janis Ian
WILD HONEY - Beach Boys
DEAR ELOISE - Hollies
NO MILK TODAY - Herman's Hermits
DON'T GO OUT INTO THE RAIN - Herman's Hermits
ANYTHING GOES - Harper's Bizarre
BLUE AUTUMN - Bobby Goldsboro
WATCH THE FLOWERS GROW - Four Seasons
EPISTLE TO DIPPY - Donovan
THERE IS A MOUNTAIN - Donovan
DON'T BLAME THE CHILDREN - Sammy Davis Jr.
WALKIN' IN THE SUNSHINE - Roger Miller
MARY IN THE MORNING - Al Martino
THE HUNTER GETS CAPTURED BY THE GAME - Marvelettes
WHEN YOU'RE YOUNG AND IN LOVE - Marvelettes
LOVE BUG LEAVE MY HEART ALONE - Martha & The Vandellas
HONEY CHILE - Martha & The Vandellas
THE DIS-ADVANTAGES OF YOU - Brass Ring
DANDELION -  Rolling Stones
SHE'S A RAINBOW / 2000 LIGHT YEARS FROM HOME - Rolling Stones
TOMORROW - Strawberry Alarm Clock
HOMBURG - Procol Harum
Tal Hartsfeld
You'll find MOST of these featured in our brand new series ... remember, we're unveiling the entire year EXACTLY as it happened ... so get onboard and enjoy the ride!  (kk)

Hi Kent -
Really looking forward to this new 1967 series.
I know its a labour of love for you but it does take a lot of research and hard graft. So well done you!
I was not on the air personally in 1967 ... my time started in 1974 but I remember every year in the sixties.
Indeed these days on my syndicated worldwide radio show Solid Gold Sixties I have a feature called "the summer of love".
Looking at current CD's I have, these are just six songs that struck me:
Moby Grape - Omaha
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Chambers Brothers - Time Has Come Today
Buckinghams - Kind Of A Drag
Beach Boys - Heroes and Villians
Hollies - King Midas In Reverse
These are just the start!!
Most do not get airplay today in UK.
Regards
Geoff 
www.softrockshow.co.uk

Kent,
Here's another tale from the DJ days ...
In October, 1967, Red Foley was making his last tour of the western states.  He had picked up two Country & Western performers who were operating out of California at the time ... Lynn Anderson, who was still three years away from "Rose Garden" but had made her first country Top 10 hit earlier in the year and Glen Campbell, who was already a known factor in the country genre. 
We had earlier charted the John Hartford version of "Gentle On My Mind" so when Glen's release of the song arrived, we had it on our playlist right away.  We had also charted his "Burning Bridges" as well as the Oak Ridge Boys release of Glen's "Less Of Me".  At that time, KMOR-AM was the #2 station in the market, so we did have an impact on sales. 
The concert hall was an "in the round" venue, so got my seat on the aisle right where the artists came up to go to the dressing rooms.  Lynn led off and did her set of about eight songs.  When she left the stage, she walked up the usual aisle so I stood up and introduced myself. 
She shook my hand and we exchanged the usual pleasantries.  Then she asked if she could sit with me because she wanted to hear Glen's songs.  That was fine with me, so we chatted a another minute or so until Glen took over the stage.  That's when the great memories began. 
Glen was about halfway through his second song when Lynn started quietly singing harmony with Glen and I was the only one in the hall who could hear her.  She kept it up through Glen's whole set, so I had my own private stereo concert.  I did note that she was darn good, too. 
After the show, I made my way back to the dressing rooms.  There, Herb, the local Capitol Records rep saw me and invited me to join their party that was heading for a local nightspot.  That sounded good to me so I joined Glen and his trio, Herb and another DJ and off we went to the Squire Lounge.  As soon as we got seated, Glen asked the leader of the house band if he could sit in with their group.  The leader looked a little puzzled but then told Glen to come on up.  Needless to say, as soon as Glen started pickin', the whole group came alive.  Glen did about five numbers and then thanked the guys and rejoined us.
Glen was still wide awake so he suggested we hit a local all night diner for a snack and some visiting.  So off we went to the "Rodeway Inn" coffee shop. 
I sat next to Glen in the booth and proceeded to enjoy the best all-night shift in my life.  As it happened, one of the guys in Glen's back up trio had also been in the Hondells (of "Little Honda" fame), so he had some good stories to tell.  Glen was absolutely a great guy to hang out with.  He'd already been a top studio cat (the Wrecking Crew) so he'd played with and talked about all kinds of Hollywood folks.  He laughed easily and joked and jived with all of us.  He also mentioned that he'd been in discussion with the Smothers Brothers to start his own TV show.  I can also say that the conversation never let up and I didn't get tired at all! 
Finally, at 5:30 AM, I had to bail out and get to my morning shift at the radio station.  I thanked everyone and shook hands all around. 
Glen later sent me some autographed albums and a few letters thanking me for playing his music.  What a thrill it was. 
Jim Southern
Gladstone, OR

 

This And That
The polls are closed on this year's fan ballot for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
After extending the deadline to December 12th, here's how your favorite finished up ...

ROCK HALL: Journey Comes Out on Top in Fan Vote
The fan voting for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2017 is complete, and the Top 5 vote-getters, in order, are: 1. Journey 
2. Electric Light Orchestra 
3. Yes 
4. Pearl Jam 
5. The Cars  
Each of these artists will receive an extra vote in the overall Class of 2017 induction tally. But this doesn't guarantee induction, nor does it exclude the other 14 nominees. The ballots from the members of the music industry are due today (Friday), and the results will be announced on Tuesday morning at 8:00 ET.  
This year's other nominees are (ranked in votes earned order):  Steppenwolf, The Zombies, The J. Geils Band, Joan Baez, MC5, Jane's Addiction, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, Bad Brains, Tupac Shakur, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan, Chic and Joe Tex


Hey Kent -
Our writer Roger Catlin interviewed Peter Noone recently. They covered a lot of ground, including his passion for stamp collecting and also the benefits of being British in 1965, when Herman's Hermits landed two #1 hits.
Carl Wiser

Speaking of new interviews, check out this one with Micky Dolenz and Noise 11 ...

Look at these show coming up at Vegas' Gold Nugget - interesting grouping - looks like Ron's bookings!
- DIS

They're calling it "52 FRIDAYS" ... every Friday at 8 PM at The Golden Nugget ...
Bookings thru March include:
December 30th - Morris Day and the Time
January 6th - John Waite
January 13th - Blood Sweat And Tears
January 20th - Micky Dolenz
January 27th - Felix Cavaliere
February 3rd - Tommy James and the Shondells
February 10th - Blue Oyster Cult
February 17th - David Cassidy
February 24th - Jefferson Starship
March 3rd - BJ Thomas
March 10th - Marshall Tucker Band
March 17th - Eddie Money
March 24th - Taylor Dayne

Tom Cuddy tells us about the upcoming tour featuring Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey.  (To tell you the truth, I was SHOCKED to hear that Mariah is the opening act on this one!)
More details via the link below ...
Read it on people.com

 Tom also tells us ...
Beginning in late February, CMT will broadcast Sun Records, an eight-episode series about the label that gave Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins their starts. Newcomer Drake Milligan has been cast as Presley. Billy Gardell (from Mike and Molly) will play his manager Colonel Tom Parker.

We lost a good friend of Forgotten Hits recently when Bill Hengels passed away the last week of November.
I've known Bill personally for about ten years and can honestly say I've never met ANYONE in my life that has battled back the way he did. 
Diagnosed at least six or seven times with brain tumors, Bill had the surgeries, had them removed, only to have new ones materialize later ... but in between, he continued to enjoy life as best he could ... especially the music.
We'd hear that Bill was laid up again, only to run into him at an outdoor concert that summer ... whenever he could, he always made it to the shows.  And he LOVED the music, too.
While at Harper College in the '70's, he recorded a Jim Croce concert that later came out on CD after he approached Jim's widow Ingrid with the tapes.
A few years back his daughter was working at The Metropolis Theater and Bill got a bunch of friends and relatives together to see a Bee Gees Tribute Show they were hosting.  Whenever it came to music, his passion shone through ... and he always tried to include us in these ventures.
He was an avid chart collector (and even used the screen name WLS Survey) ... MANY times over the years he supplied us with mint, vintage copies of these and other Chicagoland charts.
Many times, when inspired by a particular series we ran in Forgotten Hits, he would make me a compilation cd of songs from our various countdowns and special features.
I know that he was a HUGE fan of Forgotten Hits and really enjoyed and respected what we do ... but he was also a friend and someone you could just talk music with.
Music was his passion and I truly believe it helped keep him going no matter how difficult the time may have gotten every now and then.  When the music plays this big a role in your life, the passion is obvious ... and overwhelming factor ... and Bill LOVED the music and the memories.
He was a fighter and he will be missed.  Our condolences go out to his wife Mary and their family.  (kk)

And, speaking of recent losses ...

Jim Lowe, the New York disk jockey also remembered for "The Green Door" (#1 - 1956), died Monday (December 12) at his home in East Hampton, Long Island, New York, after what was termed a long illness. The Springfield, Missouri-born Jim was 93.
A graduate of the University of Missouri, he worked briefly in radio in Springfield, Indianapolis (WIRE) and Chicago (WMAQ) before moving to the Big Apple, where he was heard at various times on WCBS, WNEW and WNBC. He is also known for "Close The Door" (#27 - 1955) and his version of "Four Walls" (#15 - 1957). Jim retired from broadcasting in 2004 and served on the board of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
-- Ron Smith




George Michael “Mac” Mantalis, Age 81 of Canonsburg (Pa), passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 10 2016 in Allegheny General Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born December 22, 1934 in Canonsburg a son of the late Miltiathes and Artemis Pangadakis Mantalis. Mr. Mantalis was a graduate of Canonsburg High School class of 1952 and served with the United States Army. He was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church and AHEPA lodge 156 of Canonsburg. He had been owner of ALMAC Communications and during the 1970’s the former George and Jean’s Restaurant.
Mr. Mantalis was an original member of the Four Coins, a world famous singing group of the 50’s and 60’s who traveled the world playing the most famous clubs and venues such as the Copa Cabana in New York and hotels in Las Vegas. Over the years, they sold numerous records, four albums and appeared on many television shows. These appearances included The Perry Como Show, The Tonight Show, The Steve Allen Show, The Patti Page Show, Ed Sullivan, Mike Douglas many times and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand eight times. Their biggest record was SHANGRI LA, which was the most played record of 1957. The Four Coins also appeared in the Warner Brothers movie JAMBOREE. Mr. Mantalis was a fantastic tenor whose voice gave the Coins their distinct sound He was a showman on and off the stage with his humor and funny stories.
On November 25, 1957, he married his beloved wife Jeanne Bell Mantalis who survives. Also, left to cherish his memory are his son, Michael (Beth) Mantalis of Canonsburg, two daughters; Tamara (Sam) Achille of West Palm Beach Florida and Darcy (Danny) Fraizer of Canonsburg two grandson’s George and Michael Fraizer, his brother Gus (Rose) Mantalis of Canonsburg, two sisters Mary Karavelis of Canonsburg and Ann Koutavis of St. Augustine Florida, several nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Deceased, in addition to his parents, is his sister Frances Loustion.
 
Kent,
I did some checking here at home on that William Allen & his Orchestra tune you posted. 1961 was the year it came out ... Laurie records pressed it and released it two records after the Jarmels' LITTLE BIT OF SOAP and eight records before Dion's RUNAROUND SUE. I'd never heard of it either.As you probably know, the comedy record by Bill Dana you posted was an edited version. The entire record (A and B sides) comes to 8 minutes, 10 seconds. If I remember right, both sides were played here in the OKC area which was a lengthy record to play back then. Also if memory serves me correct, the Bill Dana record peaked at #2 here in the OKC area. Quite good indeed for a comedy record. I believe Larry Verne's comedy record MISTER CUSTER peaked at #2 as well.
One final thing. You mentioned the Astronauts BAJA.  I haven't heard that instrumental in years.
Larry
Well here it is.  A minor hit in 1963 (#92 in Music Vendor, #94 in Billboard) ... but big in California from what I'm told.  (kk)



By the way, it was Chicago DeeJay Chuck Buell who sent us the original clip and info on the William Allen record, who sends in more details this week.  (I asked him where he grew up and heard this o the radio since I can't find ANY record of it charting ANYWHERE!!!  Chuck had said he was inspired enough after hearing it to run out to his local record store and pick up a copy!)   

Well, let's see . . . I don't really remember on what station I heard it . . . and there were only two radio stations in my town then, both AM ... one was a CBS block programmed station KOTA, and the other was an AOR, "All Over the Road," KRSD!  Both in Rapid City, South Dakota!  City Motto: "Where You Hear the Hits You Won't Hear Anywhere Else!" {:~} 
The tune in question here actually came out before John Glenn's Flight. It was inspired a year earlier by Allan Shepard, who had renamed his space craft "Freedom 7" for his suborbital flight in 1961 (hence the "Freedom" reference in the title of the song). Glenn flew his orbital mission the following year, in 1962, and he renamed his craft "Friendship 7." So in reality, there were two "F-7s" within a short period of time!
Both Shepard and Glenn were among the first 7 original American astronauts which probably has a lot to do with their choosing the Number 7 for their spacecraft numbers!
And I do I admit, I have a tough time telling those 7 guys apart here much less keeping their two different F-7 spacecraft's names apart!


The Original 7 American Astronauts
-- CB (which stands for "Clarification Boy!" aka Chuck Buell!)
I don't know if you had a chance to see any of that short-lived, limited ABC Series "The Astronauts' Wives", but it depicted our fascination with the space race as it happened in the early '60's ... quite well done, actually ... and made me want to read more about the "real deal" (and "the right stuff") after seeing it.  Unfortunately, it's not available on DVD, which I think is a real shame as this might make for an interesting keepsake of the era ... along with some of the major articles that appeared in places like "Life Magazine" along the way.  (The wives literally became celebrities themselves ... as each private detail of their personal lives was aired publicly ... kind of a precursor to those goofy "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" shows that are on today ... where the housewives actually CRAVE all of the bad publicity they can drum up!)  
You'll find a couple of NASA-related stories in our upcoming 1967 Series as well ... which I'm hoping you'll participate in from a deejay's perspective of the constantly changing trends in music that captivated the airwaves weekly!  Thanks, Chuck!  (kk)
 
Hi Kent,
Every Christmas season I think I should mention one of my favorite forgotten Christmas carols, but never get around to it.  The Cryan’ Shames' “Carol for Lorelei” is an overlooked classic and always takes me back to the Midwestern Christmases of my past.  Just wanted to take the time to remind my fellow readers of this forgotten tune.
Thanks.
Tom
This one's not as familiar to me ... but certainly worth featuring as the big day gets closer and closer ... although I'm not entirely certain it was the Christmas season that inspired this one ... maybe some of The Shames can chime in on this one. Meanwhile, it's great excuse to showcase their incredible harmonies once again!  (kk)



According to Chicagoland Radio and Media Guide, Me-TV-FM will be airing "The 100 Greatest Christmas Hits Of All-Time" (put together by FH Regular Gary Theroux and hosted by the legendary Wink Martindale, beginning at 8 am on Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24th).  It will then air three more consecutive times throughout Christmas Day and into Christmas Night.  The program runs ten hours and, in addition to The Top Greatest Christmas Hits, also features a number of very rare surprises.
Program Director Rick O'Dell  told CRMG  "The countdown show blends tried-and-true favorites with ear-catching surprise selections, songs that haven't been heard on Chicago radio in many years. Where else are you going to get a mix of holiday music that can take you from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to the Crystals to Ray Coniff to Paul Harvey in the same hour?"'
Chicagoland Radio and Media Guide is also talking about a special hosting appearance by Oscar Winning Actor Tom Hanks.  (Hanks will be in town next month on January 12th to record his guest-host appearance on "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!", subbing for Peter Sagal, who'll be on vacation the following weekend.)
Sagal offered this excellent tongue-in-cheek perspective on things ...
 "I was excited to find out that in my absence, one of the stars of the classic sitcom 'Bosom Buddies' would be hosting the show. I was disappointed to find out that it wasn't going to be Peter Scolari, but I'm sure this Hanks fellow will do fine. I hope he's been doing some useful preparation since 'Bosom Bodies' went off the air in 1982, because this is a pretty high-profile gig."
The program is nationally syndicated and airs on its home station of WBEZ-FM on Saturdays at 10:00 am and Sundays at 5:00 pm.  (kk)


CNN Films Premieres ‘NOW MORE THAN EVER: The History of Chicago’ on New Year’s Day   

Legendary rock group’s origins, hits, and challenges makes TV & streaming debut on Jan. 1, 2017   

CNN Films will premiere Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago, about the rock super group, on Sunday, Jan. 1, at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm Eastern on CNN / U.S., the network announced today.  The film’s debut presentation will be offered with limited commercial interruption.  

In 2017, the band will mark 50 years of pop music success that includes 36 albums, yearly tours, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2016, two Grammy® award wins (including one for the band’s first album, Chicago Transit Authority, for the Grammy® Hall of Fame in 2014), 21 Top 10 singles, five consecutive No. 1 albums, an incredible 25 certified platinum albums, multiple American Music Awards, and more. 

Band founders Robert Lamm (keyboards and vocals), Lee Loughnane (trumpet and vocals), James Pankow (trombone), and Walt Parazaider (woodwinds) remain from the original crew, making Chicago America’s rock band with the most longevity in history.  

Now More Than Ever was directed and edited by Peter Pardini.  Pardini’s unique access yields deeply personal reflections the band’s origins, successes, and struggles.  Pardini weaves archival and contemporary interviews, footage from the band’s DePaul University college days and tours, and contemporary interviews with band members and managers through the years to reveal Chicago’s chart-topping, pop culture iconic history through intimate layers.  Bandmates discuss their early days of peace rallies with Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the stories behind their hit, 1969’s ‘Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?,’ to ‘If You Leave Me Now,’ to ‘You’re The Inspiration,’ and many more with colorful insights into how the band members were growing as people, and sometimes feuding, as artists and bandmates.  

Throughout, Pardini’s deeply personal interviews tell the backstories to ‘Just You ‘N Me,’ which was written by Pankow, following an argument with his fiancée, and ‘Hard to Say I’m Sorry,’ which introduced Chicago to a whole new generation of fans as well as some new creative tensions, when the song became part of the soundtrack to 1982’s Hollywood romantic comedy, Summer Lovers.  And, movingly, Pardini examines the band’s wild years while living and recording at Caribou Ranch, and the devastating and emotional loss of gifted lead guitarist Terry Kath, to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot.  

In addition to the premiere broadcast, NOW MORE THAN EVER: The History of Chicago, will also stream live for subscribers via CNNgo beginning Jan. 1 (at www.CNN.com/go and via CNNgo apps for AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and iPad).  The film will also be available the day after the premiere (Monday, Jan. 02) on demand via cable/satellite systems and CNNgo.  NOW MORE THAN EVER will also encore on CNN/U.S. on Saturday, Jan. 07 at 8:00pm and 10:00pm Eastern.  

CNN will explore the band’s incredible music legacy through the experiences and reflections of their superfans in interactive pieces for CNN.com.  Video excerpts from the film, and photographs from Chicago’s tours, will also be available via CNN’s mobile platforms and online at www.CNN.com/history-of-chicago closer to the time of the broadcast premiere.  Viewers can interact with CNN Films about NOW MORE THAN EVER by using the hashtag #HistoryOfChicago via Twitter before and during the premiere.  

-- Tom Cuddy 


Here is a list of more film festival screenings of the new documentary "Bang! The Bert Berns Story", playing to rave reviews ... if you're able to see it in a city near you, we'd love to hear from you!  (I still don't see Chicago on the list!)

Dec. 17 - Hartford CT Wadsworth Atheneum – special screening plus performance by Betty Harris backed by The Mighty Soul Drivers

Dec. 29 - Jerusalem, Israel - Jewish Film Festival

Jan. 17 - Miami FL - Jewish Film Festival

Jan. 26 - Atlanta GA - Jewish Film Festival

Feb. 3 - Atlanta GA - Jewish Film Festival

Feb. 11 - Atlanta GA – Jewish Film Festival

Mar. 7 - Cleveland OH - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Special Screening

Mar. 23 - Portland ME - Maine Jewish Film Festival

Apr. 24 - Port Jefferson NY - Documentary Series

May  4 - Toronto Ontario - Jewish Film Festival


Hola Kent, 
Perhaps Ups & Downs is too broad a subject, and as the Oldies frame of reference enlarges each decade, it becomes harder to focus on songs that appeal to that growing demographic. 
So speaking for the older, oops, more mature segment of your vast audience, might I offer "Up on the Roof" and "Down In The Boondocks" ... I'll stop there since many more are coming to mind.
That may explain why the upcoming tribute to '67 is so anticipated by your readership as it allows us to focus and appreciate a specific segment of the Oldies Era.
Today may have been a good day to highlight weather related songs I.E. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" ... ha ha ... man it is freezing!  
Merry Christmas to you and all the readers and supporters,
CharlieOFD
As I type this, the forecast calls for ACTUAL temperatures as low as 18 degrees BELOW ZERO tomorrow ... with wind chills into the Minus 30's ... so I can relate.
Then again, tying it all together, perhaps "It's Cold Outside" by The Choir (a group that eventually morphed into The Raspberries) was a 1967 as well!  (kk)

Hi Kent ... 
Have a rockin' good new year!
Chet 
We're kicking it off with The Chi-Lites and The O'Jays at Star Plaza on New Year's Eve ... and have already earmarked at least half a dozen shows at the Arcada for the first quarter of 2017 ... and you just know the list is going to get even better from there!!!  (kk)

One last concert note ...

Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana, presents "A Salute To The '60's" featuring The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone ... I can't even begin to tell you how cool it is to have members from all three of these legendary '60's group on our list as active participants in Forgotten Hits.  More ticket information here:
http://www.starplazatheatre.com/index.php/get-tickets/upcoming-events/129-salute17 
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