Unfortunately, some very sad news to start today’s
posting …
Our FH Buddy Tommy Roe is going in for quadruple bypass
surgery on Thursday Morning at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Tommy just recently retired from the road to stay home
and care for his ailing wife … and now this.
We couldn’t be more sad to hear this news.
I can tell you that you’ll never meet a nicer guy … and
Tommy’s Road Manager and Band Leader Rick Levy tells us that if you’d like to
send your well wishes along, please do so at tommyroe@tommyroe.com.
Nothing but the best wishes for a speedy recovery,
Tommy … please keep us posted as to how you’re doing. (kk)
If you grew up in the Chicago Western Suburbs in the
‘70’s, you probably were a patron of Val’s Halla Record Store in Oak Park.
It was always a tiny place and, later in life, probably
known as much as a Head Shop as a Record Store … but I remember making this my
#1 Stop for new releases, particularly each and every new Beatles solo release
as they hit the streets in the ‘70’s.
(And you had to get there early, too … they were especially cramped for
space and didn’t get in hundreds of copies of anything.) They were also (and I think I can say this
now that the Statutes of Limitations is over with!) a KEY spot to pick up
bootlegs, especially those of The Beatles variety. (I had the original “Let It Be” album nearly
a year before it was legitimately released … but I had what would ultimately
become known as the “naked” version, before Phil Spector got involved with
polishing up all the tracks. Back then
it was called either “Get Back” or, in the case of my copy, “Kum Back” … and
they had a wide variety of other live album contraband on hand, too, until the
place got busted one too many times!)
I know they relocated several years later and once I’d
moved out of the area and bigger stores with more variety (and ultimately
online purchasing capabilities) came around, I stopped going altogether. (It’s gotta be at least 25-30 years since
I’ve been back.)
Well, I got word that Val, the proprietor of the place,
just recently passed away … an even bigger shame as the store was preparing for
their 50th Anniversary. The
GOOD news is, this will now be turned into a “street celebration” … and it’ll
all be happening this weekend. (If you
grew up in this area, you may want to use this as an excuse to visit the old
‘hood!)
I heard from FH Reader Goldie Rox … who told me …
Hi Kent!
A fixture in the Oak Park community has passed. Val Cammiletti, a longtime friend of mine (50
years), and many others, was in her early 70s. She owned Vals Halla Music for
almost 50 years. Loved by many. her
store is still located in Oak Park.
She managed a record store in Oak Park for a few years, then
bought the store and re-named it Vals Halla Music. Before that she
worked for Capitol Records when the Beatles became famous. Val enjoyed sharing
a few memories of those days at Capitol when she had her annual in store
events, and those attending hung on her every word!
Her store anniversary celebration with live bands is this
coming weekend. In the old days, she would have bands playing in the street in
front of her store, until the building was sold, and she had to move to a
different location in Oak Park. I will be there and probably my kids and
grandkids, too.
Val also used to write a music column for the Wednesday
Journal (an Oak Park paper.) She
was a walking encyclopedia of music! Shewas friends with Mavis Staples, many
musicians, Terri Hemmert, formerly of THE LOOP, did an in-store talk years ago.
When I booked bands, I used to bring some of them to her store. (The Yardbirds
manager, to name just one).
I just thought maybe you would like to mention something
about this some day. (I think perhaps
because her store is sooo tiny that it would be better to mention next week.) I am not kidding … the store
is always so jammed during her events that people have to wait outside because
it's too hot in the store or too crowded to even get in the door.
If you decide to go yourself, please let me know ... I would
love to shake your hand and thank you for your Forgotten Hits site! Since
FaceBook is full of posts about her, it will be crazy this weekend
there.
Having been one of the “regulars” at
Val’s Halla back in the day, I’m going to make every effort to stop by … and
I’m going to go ahead and post this because I think several of the “regulars”
on OUR list would probably love to stop by and revisit and old haunt. (We can make this not only a life celebration
for Val but also a Forgotten Hits “meet and greet” for all the faithful readers
who have been with us for nearly twenty years now!) In fact, you just never know who might stop
by once we put the word out! (Jim
Peterik told me that, while he wasn’t a regular Val’s shopper, he DID perform
live there once in 1976 to promote “Don’t Fight The Feeling.” (kk)
Hi Kent!
What a shame about
Val. Although I was only there a few times (once I played live there to promote
Don’t Fight the Feeling in 1976), I know the store was an iconic landmark. Let me know more when you know more ... and
thanks for letting me know.
Warm regards –
Warm regards –
Jim
I would have to figure that if any of you
out there grew up in that general area (Berwyn, Oak Park, Cicero, etc.) you were probably
a regular at Val’s back in the day … so I’m reaching out to all of our readers
who consider this one of their rock and roll memories and encourage you to come
out and join the celebration. (kk)
I know it’ll be happening on Saturday and Sunday. It has
been on her store page on Facebook, so I’m thinking there’ll be a pretty big
turn out for this.
I went to her store from the beginning. I was 17 or 18 years old … and actually went
there upon my return from Woodstock. I wanted records of two of the bands I saw there. I asked her if she
had MOUNTAIN (Leslie West, whom I years later was supposed to interview, but he
was diabetic and became very ill ... true story!)
The other album I wanted was by that new band, Santana. When
I asked Val if she had it yet, she replied "Somebody else who just
returned from there asked me for that album. I just ordered some Santana."
Goldie
And then …
Sick of me yet? LOL!
I think it is great that you are going!
Just an FYI:
This year, there is construction of new buildings across the
street on Harrison. When I went last week to pick up an album, her block was
re-routed to side streets. I cannot imagine how awful the parking will be this
weekend ... but that won't stop folks from coming, of course!
The two days are always tightly scheduled with bands one
right after the other. And, of course, not a real stage, so it is always
crowded inside. I think if you ask someone to "pop in" as a guest
appearance, it would be better if whoever you ask just shows up as a surprise,
especially if they knew Val. You are right, NOT to advertise WHO,
on Facebook, your website or anywhere else. I only say that because it is
such a tiny space and is going to be more crowded than usual.
That being said, a surprise guest or two would be fun! Of
course, bands that have been scheduled for a long time should not be "
bumped" cuz you and I know how bands are ... LOL! (I worked with many, and had to write
objective reviews and interviews ... OMG!) I am sure that many of Val's
friends and some band members will be grabbing the mic just to say a few words and
share some memories, which is appropriate!
So those are my thoughts … my two cents worth. I am not
suggesting that you not mention the event in Forgotten Hits. I am very thankful
that you will mention her and knew her! I am just offering my opinion not to
announce who might show up. It is not about folks coming to see someone famous ...
it is now about honoring / remembering a great and generous woman. I hope you
understand where I am coming from, my friend.
Looking forward to meeting you in person,
Goldie Rox
I agree … here is a link to the
information as posted on Facebook …
As well as a posting about her
passing …
FH Reader Bob Merlis tells us about another way you can
help to preserve the legacy of our great music … this one by way of a Facebook
post by Roy’s son, Roy Orbison, Jr. …
Roy was a guest of Dave Hoekstra on his Nocturnal Journal radio show,
heard on WGN / Chicago. The interview* elicited a lengthy email from a
resident of Wink, TX, who is concerned that the building where Roy’s dad went
to school is threatened with demolition. We forwarded that note to Roy whose
response was to post this on his Facebook page. Figured we’s share it in the
name of rock ’n’ roll preservation.
Best,
Bob
Bob Merlis / M.F.H.
Speaking of Rick Levy (on an up note this time!), we
just got word that The Box Tops will be appearing on German Television on
September 6th. (You’ll find
more details below)
The Box Tops To Be Featured On German TV Special
Memphis
blue eyed soul legends, THE BOX TOPS, will be a featured act on Gottschalk's
“1968” TV special on September 6, in HAMBURG GERMANY. Hosted by well known
German presenter Thomas Gottschalk, THE BOX TOPS will perform their worldwide
megahit, THE LETTER. Also scheduled for the show, folk rock icon, DONOVAN, and
PETER FONDA, star of the ultimate hippie generation culture film, EASY
RIDER.
Since
re-forming just 2 ½ years ago, THE BOX TOPS have performed to tens of thousands
of fans all across America, and have ascended to the top echelon of their
genre. They were featured artists on 2017's HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR, and played on
the sold out CONCERTS AT SEA in 2018. They are also slated to play two shows on
the already sold out FLOWER POWER CRUISE in 2019. In late 2017, the band signed
to Paradise Artists, one of America's premier booking agencies, to handle their
engagements exclusively.
In
late 2015, original founding members BILL CUNNINGHAM and GARY TALLEY teamed
with veteran industry musician/manager RICK LEVY and two top professional
musician friends to explore live show potential. In 2016, they hit the road,
performing at casinos, fairs, clubs, performing arts centers, and festivals.
The show, augmented by Cunningham's chart arrangements and a horn section,
features hits from THE BOX TOPS' catalogue, including THE LETTER, CRY LIKE A
BABY, SOUL DEEP, NEON RAINBOW, SWEET CREAM LADIES (forward march)
and CHOO CHOO TRAIN, plus album cuts and special tributes to Memphis artists.
Historical video footage and personal stories of the '60s Memphis scene make
the BOX TOPS show a HIP music history experience. THE BOX TOPS are also part of
the AMERICAN POP SHOW, with favorites, The Buckinghams and The Grass Roots.
Upcoming shows:
August
3 - CAFÉ WHA? - New York City
August 4 - DARYL’S HOUSE
CLUB - Pawling, NY
August 8 - CAPE MAY CONVENTION HALL - Cape May, NJ
August 25 - KOOL DEADWOOD NIGHTS - Deadwood SD
September 6 - GOTTSCHALK'S “1968” television show / Hamburg, Germany
For
more information:
instagram:
theboxtopsband
And, speaking of WGN Radio, did you happen to listen to
the interview with Bob Sirott and John Records Landecker that ran very early on
Sunday Morning?
If you grew up in or around Chicago, you’ll want to
check this out … a FINE tribute to Chicago radio from back in the day by two of
the biggest and best voices to ever grace the station (WLS).
They pay loving tribute to Dick Biondi, soon to be
honored in a film documentary and have quite a few kind words to say about King
Bee / Ron Britain as well.
Check it out before the podcast link disappears …
Hi
Kent,
Thanks
so much for the notification. I couldn’t miss Sirott and Landecker’s
interview with Dave Plier so I set my alarm for 2:15 a.m. and wasn’t
disappointed. These guys are great Dick Biondi ambassadors. I just
learned Ron Onesti is having a Radio Days event at his new venue Evanston
Rocks! in Evanston (http://evanstonrocks.com) with Bob Sirott, John
Landecker and media beat reporter Robert Feder. I’m there! And of course
John is joining me at the Beverly Arts Center on August 8th at 7:30
P.M. for a prevue of our documentary. Just heard WLS Historian Scott
Childers (http://www.wlshistory.com) will be there too! Tickets are available at the
Beverly Arts Center:
http://beverlyartcenter.org/17/?noisa_events=1428
Rock
radio history is alive and well in Chicago!
Pam
And let’s not forget to post a link to YOUR site, too,
Pam, where donations are still being accepted to cover the funding of your
upcoming Dick Biondi Documentary. (kk)
Hi Kent:
Found this scrounging
through a box today! Vintage!
Ken
And, in other radio news …
Mick Jagger turns 75 on Thursday, July 26th.
WLTL will celebrate with a two-hour special on The Rolling Stones.
Hour one will feature The Rolling Stones in the sixties and hour two, The
Rolling Stones in the seventies. Music, the stories, comments by Mick
Jagger and more.
The History Of Rock & Roll - The Rolling
Stones
(WLTL is airing the Drake - Chenault “The
History Of Rock And Roll” with the two hours featuring The Rolling Stones)
A companion Rolling Stones Top 10
Forty-Fives list may be found at https://mikebaker45s.wordpress.com/forgotten-45s/
kk …
From The Library of Congress …
Don't yell at me if this was part of your
Bobby Darin Series, ‘cause I don't remember.
FB
I’ve gotta admit, Frank, that I’m a little disappointed
… you were supposed to MEMORIZE the entire series!!! (Hell, I don’t even remember all that it says
anymore … and I wrote the damn thing!)
Lots of Bobby news again lately … a new CD release that
captures a bunch of material buried in the Motown vaults for 45 years … a
couple of musicals that are in the works … it’s all good news.
And, speaking of The Library of Congress, believe it or
not, they contacted ME a couple of weeks ago!!!
(Yes, it’s true … a guy by the name of Matthew Barton, Curator of Record
Sound for The Library of Congress in Culpeper, VA, asked for my help in putting
him in touch with John Madara and David White, writers of the Womens’ Anthem
“You Don’t Own Me”!) Matthew was
familiar with our site and had recently read the piece we did several years ago
spotlighting some of the hits written by this dynamic duo back in the day.
My understanding is that he and John talked for awhile
… so I’m waiting to hear what the next step may be. (Matthew also expressed an interest in
talking to me … so who knows … Forgotten Hits JUST may be recognized for our
efforts in keeping this great music alive … in THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS!!! Stay tuned!)
kk
This EXTREMELY short notice, I
know … but those of you who are able may want to listen in as Paul
McCartney talks about his new album and answers questions from the
audience at The Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts, which he
cofounded back in 1996.
You’ll find more details
below …
Casual
Conversations from LIPA
Join Paul for a Facebook Live Q&A
Wednesday 25th July, 2018 - 2:00PM BST
Paul will be returning to his
old school in Liverpool, now LIPA (The Liverpool Institute for
Performing Arts), on Wednesday 25th July for an intimate hour long
Q&A and conversation session with LIPA students. The event will be
streamed live on Facebook allowing fans from all over the world to tune
in and watch Paul talk about his career and his forthcoming new album Egypt
Station which will be released on September 7.
|
Hi Kent:
Just a follow up on
Freddy Cannon ...
He was a performer at
the very first Summerfest in Milwaukee in July of 1968!!! 50 years ago exactly!
Ken
kk –
Your great Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon review runs here …
Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon is the subject of an
interesting review on Kent Kotal's Forgotten Hits site. It's complete with
videos and links. Below the Cannon story is a review of the Doo Wop Concert
Cannon was performing in. If you're a Boom Boom fan, this is a good
read.
Clive Topol
This whole Freddy Cannon thing really seems to have
taken of … and I’m lovin’ it! With
Forgotten Hits being read worldwide, it’s incredible to know that folks around
the globe are reading about all of the great acts that hit our popular venues
here in Chicago. (You wouldn’t believe
how much mail we’ve received over the past several years from folks all over
the country, writing in to say how they wished they had a place like The Arcada
Theatre to go to where THEY live in virtually Anytown, USA!)
KENT
–
THIS
IS GREAT … SEE WHAT YOU STARTED! YOU ARE
GIVING ME A COMEBACK!
THANK
YOU … FORGOTTEN HITS IS THE BEST!
FREDDY
BOOM BOOM CANNON
Well deserved, my friend. It took awhile to get you here, but we
finally made it happen … and now everybody’s rockin’ to Boom Boom once
again! (kk)
Kent,
Eddie mentioned
Richard Nader and the concerts he used to promote years ago. I went to two of
his concerts right at 40 years ago when they came to OKC. One in particular I
remember. On the show was Sam Samudio of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs. It was
just Sam by himself. Now at this time Sam had quit in a way playing secular
songs and was into spiritual or gospel tunes. He came on stage, sat down on a
stool with his guitar and began to play. He played two gospel songs (don't
remember what they were). No WOOLY BULLY nor LIL' RED RIDIN' HOOD. You talk
about boos and catcalls from the audience. If I had tomatoes and / or heads of
lettuce that evening with me, I could have sold out to the audience for them to
throw at Sam on the stage. Incidentally, the host or MC of the concert that
night was Ron Holden, the singer who had the song LOVE YOU SO in 1960. I'll
never forget midway through the concert, he told the audience that he was going
to be singing for them a medley of his hit.
Larry
kk:
7/21/ 2018 =
Rewound Radio featured one of my favorite D J's from the old WCBS-FM, Bob
Shannon.
Part One = Bob Shannon on
The Breeze - 107.1, a New Jersey station. It was a "Radio Greats
Weekend." Most of the time too many
people in the studio at the same time. More talking than music.
Part Two = Was better.
Bob Shannon sitting in for Norm N. Nite. This show was from 7/27/1996.
Playing the New York City
Top 20 from 7/27/1968.
A few interesting facts:
#12 = "Sunshine Of
Your Love," by Cream. Most people think Eric Clapton is singing lead. It's
really Jack Bruce.
#9 = "The Horse
," by Cliff Nobles. This started out as a song with lyrics with Cliff
Nobles singing. They decided that it sounded better as an instrumental, removed
Cliff Nobles voice. Cliff did not play an instrument. Cliff Nobles is given credit on the label,
even though he had nothing to do with this recording.
#8 = "Jumping
Jack Flash," by Rolling Stones. From the album " Perverts At The
Gym." An example of Bob Shannon's
humor. For those who are wondering, The #1 Song was "Stoned Soul
Picnic," by 5th Dimension.
To really find out how
great Bob Shannon is, you have to hear him on his own show.
"First and Foremost"
+ "Lost Hits" + "Hands Across The Water" + "Same Title
and Different Song." … these are just a few of the many features he had on
his show every day.
They did say that Bob
Shannon gave up radio due to health issues.
They never said what was really wrong with him.
It was good to hear him
again.
Got to go. I just got the urge to play some of my Bob Shannon
cassettes.
Frank B.
I missed the Bob Shannon tribute but was listening to Rewound Radio most of the afternoon ... and have to thank host Allan Sniffen again for the wonderful shout-out he did for Forgotten Hits. It is my "go to" radio station for oldies music ... and nobody does it better. (kk)
From David Salidor after our '80's piece ran …
Talking
about Belinda Carlisle :
NOWELS KNOWS — I just put on Lana Del Rey’s Born To Die album (2012)
the other day and was amazed at how well it holds up and the brilliant
production work by Rick Nowels. Nowels was back, Nowels was a true LA
wunderkind, who had produced that terrific Belinda Carlisle track “Heaven Is A
Place On Earth,” and tracks for Stevie Nicks and, of course, Del Ray. The
track “Summertime Sadness” is one of the best tracks I think I’ve ever heard.
Listen closely to that drumming … just brilliant. I remember when I spoke to Nowels
when it came out and I quipped that the track was an updated “Heaven” and he
laughed. I well remember the story from PR-pasha David Salidor, when he told me
that Nowels almost produced an album for Debbie Gibson.
Married to Maria Vidal,
Nowels is simply sensational.
We told you a week ago or so about
Charlie Gracie being awarded the commemorative Buddy Holly Legacy Guitar Award
… and Charlie, Jr., just sent us some photos of this event to share with our
readers …
PHILLY’s GODFATHER of R&R:
CHARLIE GRACIE attracts crowds in the UNITED KINGDOM and throughout EUROPE which rival that of a PAPAL AUDIENCE! Even at 82, few artists enjoy the GLOBAL following CHARLIE’s been blessed with!
THE BUDDY HOLLY LEGACY GUITAR AWARD: CHARLIE was humbly honored to receive this magnificent instrument from The BOARD of The BUDDY HOLLY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION and his widow MRS. MARIA ELENA HOLLY — just before he headlined the Wildest Cats In Town R&R Festival at the SUFFOLK seaside resort of Pakefield (Lowestoft), ENGLAND. MIKE READ — nationally known British broadcaster, was Master of Ceremonies ... a great fellow!
“I HAVE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BUDDY HOLLY,” said CHARLIE. “He was, without a doubt in my mind, the greatest R&R innovator of his time!”
CHARLIE now joins a select group — including: PAUL MCCARTNEY, ROGER DALTRTY, BOB DYLAN and GRAHAM NASH.
CHARLIE GRACIE attracts crowds in the UNITED KINGDOM and throughout EUROPE which rival that of a PAPAL AUDIENCE! Even at 82, few artists enjoy the GLOBAL following CHARLIE’s been blessed with!
THE BUDDY HOLLY LEGACY GUITAR AWARD: CHARLIE was humbly honored to receive this magnificent instrument from The BOARD of The BUDDY HOLLY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION and his widow MRS. MARIA ELENA HOLLY — just before he headlined the Wildest Cats In Town R&R Festival at the SUFFOLK seaside resort of Pakefield (Lowestoft), ENGLAND. MIKE READ — nationally known British broadcaster, was Master of Ceremonies ... a great fellow!
“I HAVE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BUDDY HOLLY,” said CHARLIE. “He was, without a doubt in my mind, the greatest R&R innovator of his time!”
CHARLIE now joins a select group — including: PAUL MCCARTNEY, ROGER DALTRTY, BOB DYLAN and GRAHAM NASH.
CHARLIE and the GRACIE FAMILY are greatly appreciative and send LOVE
and BEST WISHES to ALL! THANK YOU!
Great stuff, as always, Kent .
Please send me the latest on the Buddy Holly crash investigation
stuff. There are so many of these things that make no sense and for which
it seems we’ll never get the complete story, perhaps because no one knows — Rick
Nelson and Jim Croce come to mind, as well. Thanks!
Michael
Available
by email request only … if you’d like to see where things currently stand with
LJ Coon’s efforts to reopen the investigation into the plane crash that took
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper from us, drop me a line and
we’ll fill you in! (kk)
NOTE: We’ve been covering LJ Coon’s efforts for
several years now … including his requests being denied on a few occasions already …
but he continues to soldier on.
Forgotten
Hits was the first to break this story … nobody else touched it for about two
months … and then all of a sudden it was EVERYWHERE! We’ll continue to keep you posted as new
developments materialize. (kk)
Hi Kent,
Goldie Rox here.
In your 7/20 posting about REO and Cheap Trick, there were two
songs to listen to. I clicked on a song, and loved it. Not sure if it was REO
or Cheap Trick. Lyrics were: YOU DID NOT KNOW WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR. Who
was that? Did not show name of song / group, or I missed it.
LOVE your website! So sorry I missed Freddy Cannon … he was always
one of my faves! When was that appearance he did with Svengoolie? Was it
televised recently?
Thanks for all you do!!
GOLDIE ROX
The song you're referring to is
"Voices" by Cheap Trick - the artists are identified in the
paragraphs above the tracks.
This is a great one, isn't
it??? Got a lot of airplay here in Chicago at the time ... and doesn't
really sound like any of their other stuff.
I feel the same way about the REO
Speedwagon track ... something you'd never expect them to do.
This is why BOTH of these tracks
stand out for me.
Freddy's show at the Arcada was last
Sunday (the 15th) - he was scheduled to appear on Svengoolie's program this
past weekend (not exactly sure when it airs - Friday Saturday or Sunday) -
unfortunately, I missed it, too - and I doubt if it's available "on
demand". (But I’m sure gonna look for it!) Great concert 'tho! (You'll find more Freddy Cannon comments above!) kk
I knew he was at the
Arcada but I could not make it to that show. How wonderful that he had you on
stage to thank you.
Goldie
