The Saturday Survey (March 31st)

*Survey courtesy Frank Merrill

Greenville, Mississippi is showing many of the same Top Ten Hits as elsewhere around the country this week ... but I've always liked the Gene and Debbie record that sits at #10 this week, "Playboy."

New on the chart this week are Elvis Presley with "U.S. Male," "You've Gotta Be Loved" by The Montanas, a record that was a big hit here in Chicago and "Sweet Inspiration" by The Sweet Inspirations (man, what a great idea!!! I wonder how much THAT guy got paid for coming up with that one!)
[Actually The Sweet Inspirations would go on to become Elvis' background singers when he returned to the stage in Las Vegas a few years later!  DIDJAKNOW that member Cissy Houston, in addition to cutting a few solo records, was also the mother of Whitney Houston ... and the Aunt of Dionne Warwick???]  kk





3-29-68 - WDDT - Greenville, Mississippi  

With a population today of around 30,000, Greenville sits along the Arkansas / Mississippi border on the mighty Mississippi River.  This state was the rarest find for a 1968 survey out of the 50 states so very special thanks to Frank Merrill for sending this one in.  

In 1967, my late friend Alan Gordon and his writing partner Gary Bonner were almost never off the national charts, writing songs that became hits over and over throughout the year.  "Happy Together" was the gem, but in 1968, their songs were more often falling on deaf ears.  

Two of their songs appear as survey extras this week:  "Mary Elizabeth" by the Magic Fleet and "Me About You" by Jackie DeShannon.  

"Me About You" was actually plugged as the B side, but got flipped and made a little chart noise.  Despite never becoming a hit for anyone, it was also a 45 release by the Mojo Men, the Lovin' Spoonful, The Turtles and Jimmie Rodgers! 

 

THIS WEEK IN 1968:   

3/25/68:  Tonight the 58^th and final episode of The Monkees

 television series is broadcast on NBC 

3/26/68:  R&B Star Little Willie John dies in prison under mysterious circumstances.  He had been convicted of manslaughter two years earlier.

3/31/68:  Smokey Robinson and the Miracles perform a medley of “I Second That Emotion,” “If You Can Want,” “Going To A Go-Go” and “Yesterday” on The Ed Sullivan Show

The Friday Flash

>>>This concert just about matched the first few weeks of any of our cumulative Chicago bands’ reaching the airwaves = initial airplay for us was during Thanksgiving week, 1965.  Proud to say that we, NC6, opened the door … Shadows came next with Gloria as I recall but we beat ‘em to the charts by eight weeks and, if not for Lou Christie (…sigh), might have topped WLS two days short of 51 years to the date my first grandchild was born!   (Ray Graffia, Jr. / The New Colony Six)

The New Colony 6 started out here pretty good, too!  
Ken

We've actually seen charts where "I Confess" made it to #1 in New York ... not bad for a local Chicago band hitting the charts for the very first time and pressing their records at their very own family-owned record company!  (kk)

If Rock And Roll Never Forgets ever makes any money, I'm calling Chuck.

Jack

I’m telling you Chuck Buell could make a hell of a living designing rock-and-roll-related room concepts as a side job.  There are enough of us crazy fans out there who would LOVE to walk into an executive washroom or vinyl kitchen floor and see these designs!  (kk)

>>>I am so very proud to announce that our agency, PARADISE ARTISTS, is presenting a brand new, hit filled package for national and international audiences … AMERICAN POP:  STARRING The GRASSROOTS (California pop rock); THE BOX TOPS  (Rick Levy)

The Buckinghams are excited about our American Pop shows addition of The Box Tops. It’s a really great package presenting a lot of hits! Different from Happy Together because each band stays intact, which keeps it much more diversified. American Pop has been a success for several years as we packaged with the Grass Roots, but this will be a welcome addition having the Box Tops joining us and allowing us to offer many more great hits! Kent, thank you for sharing with all our great fans, 
Carl 
The Buckinghams

www.thebuckinghams.com

Facebook.com/thebuckinghams

Facebook.com/carlgiammarese

Kent: 
Please, don't let this shock you. 
Over the years, I think you and the FH family has come to recognize that my views on the songs we love are, shall we say, a bit abstract.
So, with that in mind, I have a tune I want to riff about for the benefit of the audience.
Think about the long gone Traveling Wilburys. Now, isolate on Roy Orbison and his lead vocal on "Not Alone Anymore."
It is far and away the best track in the Wilburys' library and also the most beautiful, poetically brilliant song of the 1980's. On any given moment it does what rock 'n roll should make you do … smile a wide smile or shed as modest tear.
Really, how many artists from the 20th century had pipes that could match Roy Oribson?  I'll hang up and wait for the answer.
Chet Coppock

Man, I wish The Traveling Wilburys could have toured … can you even imagine seeing that show … especially if each artist threw in a few of their own hits?!?!?  Definitely would have been something to see.

Roy Orbison’s voice has to be one of the most distinctive in rock and roll history … and the fact that it was still that strong in the late ‘80’s is amazing enough in itself!

It’s funny because so much has been said over the years about the original concept of The Beatles becoming “another band” to do the Sgt. Pepper album … yet if you really think about it, that “illusion” lasted for all of three songs (and even that’s only if you include the Sgt. Pepper Reprise as a track.)  After that the whole concept disappears yet many still regard “Sgt. Pepper” as the first real concept album.  (Even Ringo has since said “People only thought it was a concept album because WE told them it was.”)

Yet Beatle George (along with cohorts Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty) actually DID that … they BECAME a whole other band with names like Lefty, Nelson, Lucky, Otis and Charlie T. Junior Wilbury!!!  And created a whole new sound in the process, even though each artist’s individual roots still came through.  (And I bet they had a ball doing it!!!  One would think that the least-likely guy to want to take part would be Bob Dylan … yet it was Bob who rounded everybody up again by asking “Hey, when are we going to make our second album?”  Too cool!)  kk

>>>I got a message from a fellow in the UK who is looking for information about a couple of groups that I am not familiar with and I thought you or one of your subscribers might be able to help him.  (Eddie Burke)

>>>I am doing some research about some old 45rpm recorded at Hartford, Connecticut.  “The YOUNG  MEN” -- Does TYRAND GOLD sounds familiar to you?  Recorded in 1966 - Song call: More / By The Way?  I am trying to get in touch with those guy about their music.

And also looking for another band call Louzzett and the Fabulous Swans.  Thanks in advance.  (Yann)

For Yann via Eddie Burke:
The Youngmen - one word - had two 45s released.  I own a copy of "By The Way" b/w "All My Trials." 
It was issued in late 1966 on their custom label, Tyrant Gold #TY6661/2.   "By The Way" was released again on Tyrant Gold, with a remake of "More," a vocal version of the tune made famous in an instrumental rendition by Kai Winding in 1963.
The songs were recorded in Wallingford, Connecticut, at Syncron Studios, later renamed Trod Nossell Recording Studio.  The company is still in business today; many famous rock acts and music starts have recorded there over the past decades.
The Youngmen were a folk group.  "By The Way" has a sublime, haunting feel with bongos accompanying the muted acoustic guitar. I did try to locate them many years ago, but their original song was not registered for copyright. "All My Trials" is a longtime folk / religious standard in the public domain … that means it is not subject to copyright restriction and performance laws.
I thought they may have been Yalies (Yale University students) in New Haven or Wesleyan University students from Middletown, Connecticut - that is my best guess to this point in time but certainly not verified. Bob King is the listed songwriter for "By The Way".
Mike Markesich

Hi Kent,
I read your response to my Burton Cummings review.  Yes, I certainly get that performing alone in front of so many attentive people for an hour is quite demanding – rather different from those us relegated to playing  in noisy pubs for several people.  So sure, mention the butterflies once, but let’s move on, is all I ask. 
A little humoUrous to Canadians to typify “Dream of a Child” as obscure, since the LP went triple platinum up there, but yes, did next to nothing down here.  Still, the fact that the great reception for this obscure, but stunningly delivered tune does support the idea that he does NOT need to rely on the radio hits, which may be less than ideally suited for the solo show.  “Timeless Love” and “Rhapsody” would certainly go over well. Covering Ray Charles’ “That’s Enough” once again would be great.
I was wondering whether you had any information about the opening act, The Chicago Hitman.  At least a couple of those guys really seemed like they might’ve had some major league experience at some point … or AAA minors, at least.  A couple other opening acts I’d seen at Arcada seemed less polished.
Always appreciate your impressively thorough work.
Dan
I've probably seen them at some point and time … obviously there's another group (called simply The Hit Men) who we have reviewed in the past … these guys were studio musicians and/or band members who toured with everybody from Tommy James to The Four Seasons to Carly Simon … but they wouldn't be opening for Burton Cummings.  I know there's also a band like this with a similar name that features four of the Super Bowl Chicago Bears … we saw them open for Eddie Money a few years ago … but I doubt that that was this group either.  Anybody else at the show Friday Night that can shed some light on this?  Or maybe Ron Onesti?  Let us know. (kk)

kk:

Did I ever tell you this story? 

All this talk about the Tokens reminded me of this story. 

I use to listen to this Oldies radio show, hosted by Mickey B. 

I'll give you an idea of how popular this show was. 

All the years I've been listening to WCBS-FM, I never once got through with one of my phone calls. Every time I called Mickey B --- I got to talk to Mickey B.

Contest question:  What was the Tokens’ first hit ?

Everybody who called answered " The Lion Sleeps Tonight" … except me.  I had the correct answer with "Tonight I Fell In Love."  Mickey even asked me to sing it on the radio.

I won a tape of Doo - Wop greetings for an answering machine.  Now I have to go out and buy an answering machine.

Why couldn't I say "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" like the rest of the callers?

TRIVIA:  Mickey B was a member of a group called Tico And The Triumphs.  In 1961, they had a song that was on the charts for one week … "Motorcycle." Paul Simon was a member of this group.

After recording "Hey! Schoolgirl" (as Tom and Jerry - 1957) Paul went solo for a while.

Frank B. 

Wanna hear something wild? 

Tico and the Triumphs spent exactly one week on the chart with “Motorcycle,” as you said, in both Billboard (#99) and Music Vendor (#97) magazine … but in Cash Box Magazine, this song “bubbled under for an incredible THIRTEEN WEEKS before finally peaking at #103!!!

Paul Simon made a series of tries prior to finally hitting pay dirt with Art Garfunkel.  The Tom and Jerry record predates his involvement with Tico and the Triumphs by about five years.  In addition, he also charted as Jerry Landis in 1963 with “The Lone Ranger” (#92) and also released records under the names Paul Kane, True Taylor and Harrison Gregory. (kk)

Thursday This And That

Burton Cummings:   

GREAT Burton Cummings review … and, as always, spot on.  
Frank  

Hi Kent -

Good to read the great review you gave Burton Cummings but I am waiting for the reunion concert with Randy Bachman.  I remember all their songs with a band backing them up.

Burton and Randy had a distinct sound together which should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. " American Woman"  is a National Anthem in Rock and Roll ... and Randy didn't do 'too bad' with his "Takin' Care of Business" either!

Hope they come together soon.  That would be a complete SELL  OUT for Mr. Onesti!

Keep Rockin',

Carolyn

I can assure you that it is Ron Onesti's dream to reunite these two one more time.  NOTHING would please him more.  (And he's on great terms with both of them … but in the end, it all comes down to Randy and Burton.)  All I know is that we have seen it FAR too often … especially lately … take the moment to do it NOW while you still can … NOBODY knows what tomorrow may bring … and it SURE would be sad to see these guys end things on a sour note.  (kk)

Here's my review of the FRIDAY Night Burton Cummings show at The Arcada Theatre …

It was another fine time at the Arcada Theatre in St Charles, IL, a lovely old place that goes back to the silent films era … and, free parking just a block away!

Opening the show was a four piece, unplugged-style group, calling themselves The Chicago Hitmen.  Since I can’t find anything about them online, I’m wondering whether they might have been an ad-hoc, pick-up band.  The bass player / vocalist, and acoustic guitar / vocalist, definitely sounded like pros, trading lead vocal chores, and showing great range and power.  I have to say that I’m generally not a fan of percussionists on cojones … might as well be hitting a table.   As for the lead (acoustic) guitarist, I’m thinking he was too low in the mix, to where he had to play super hard for him (and us) to hear his soloing, where, playing easy would’ve allowed him more fluidity – too much effort involved, causing his lead parts to sound labored.   I was impressed with a lot of what they did, though, covering some oldies and classic rock.  “Tied To The Whipping Post” and “Not Your Stepping Stone” were a couple highlights.  Some great vocal harmonies.

Then came the legendary Burton Cummings ...  “An old Irish guy, alone on a Japanese keyboard”   Gotta start by saying: You know I love ya, Mr. C, but enough already with the “I’m so nervous, being up here without a band to hide my not-so-perfect piano playing.”   Along with that, the “’Smoke Gets In Your Eyes’ is SO hard to sing”… c’mon dude, that’s why we pay you the big bucks (oh, and in the verse, that’s an augmented, not a  dominant  7 going up to the IV Maj7th).  And, “watch me  do three things at once on ‘Mack the Knife.’  Don’t worry … “Mack” was just as amazingly awesome as when I first heard you do it decades ago …  sheesh.   My point being, this guy doesn’t have qualify these things.

I was never too crazy about the opener,  “ You Saved My Soul,” due largely to the breakdown vocal portion right before the final chorus –but perhaps that’s just a personal problem.  Speaking of which, him doing  Guess Who rockers such as “Hand Me Down World” (takes a lower melody line through the chorus … guess he didn’t want to drop it another step) and “No Time” (which depends so largely on the back-up vocals and lead guitar riff), both felt very lacking.   Again, probably more a personal problem, in that I’ve seen him and the band do these a gazillion times, and would’ve preferred more  piano-suited material instead.  Less fully immersed, less fanatical fans no doubt needed to hear those tunes, I’ll allow.  
I will say that his  delivery of “No Sugar / New Mother” cooked very nicely, with a lot of fine boogie chops on display.  Although it sounds like he’s dropped the key considerably, “Stand Tall” was a highlight.  Probably the most poignant line of the song, “Sometimes late at night, when there’s nothing here except my old piano / I'd almost give my hands to make you see my way”, he paused between lines in a way that was tremendous and sublime.  Another highlight was “Sour Suite,” a song I consider to be one of his best, sans co-writer tunes.

He chose a great song, “Dream of a Child” to close the set.  He really did have us in the palm of his hand with that one.  Proves that, even with a (well-chosen)  non-hit obscure tune, he can make it  a highlight of the evening, that he need not feel a prisoner to playing just the hits. Speaking of which, I wonder if anyone missed “These Eyes?”

It certainly should be gratifying for Burton Cummings to be able to play two dates (this show was sold out), where someone like Peter Noone and Tommy James, a couple legends with more stateside individual name recognition, require a full band to play the same venue.   

Burton Cummings, up close and alone, did not disappoint.

Daniel Hudelson

Burton told me again backstage that he really DOES get nervous going out there alone, even after all this time.  There's just something about being out there "naked and afraid," as he put it … leaving everything to chance.  Sure he's got his act down pat … he's been doing it for YEARS … and let’s face it, his audience will forgive him just about anything … and he’s so frickin’ good at what he does that the confidence should always be there … but maybe those nerves are a good thing … keeps him on his toes and his aim to please.

Still, I cannot help but wonder sometimes if he might want to mix things up a little bit, if only for his OWN enjoyment, since there is such a deep catalog to draw from.  (Being out there alone eliminates the risk of "Stump The Band," too … why not take a couple of requests from the audience just to mix things up once in awhile … who knows, you may find one that goes over really well that you'll want to include in your next solo show!)

Had I been able to go backstage BEFORE the show, I was fully prepared to request "Bus Rider" … they played the HECK out of that song here in Chicago back in 1970 … and I think that one … and maybe "Star Baby" might make for a couple of energized tunes to pick up the pace here and there.

Still, I left feeling completely satisfied … and that's the thing about a Burton Cummings concert.  You're just not gonna see a bad show.  The material is SO strong … and he executes it SO well … that he need not deal with a case of "the nerves" … the folks are gonna love him no matter what he does!  (kk)

Hey Kent ...

Glad to see you had a great time recently with Guess Who's Burt Cummings. As a former groupie now grandma, I find that it is  always amazing to see the happy pics of how you get to rub shoulders with all the oldies rock stars.  I never fail to be surprised who will be seen with you and how you get to do the things you do. Do you walk up to the back stage manager and just say I have a blog and would like to meet the star and have a pic taken? Gee, I wish I could do that!  LOL

Luckily, in the past, I have had the pleasure of meeting many oldies stars.  Here are the names of some:  Mitch Ryder (2x), The Young Rascals' Felix Cavaliere, Bruce Springsteen, The Duprees (had dinner with), and The Eagles' Joe Walsh to name a few.  The Chicago venues seem to have the "corner on the market" though because of the many stars that perform there, one after another. Your being able to meet them all makes you very fortunate.  Kudos to you, Kent.!!!

P.S.  I can’t wait to see the "Chappaquiddick" movie.  It seems that Mary Jo and I had a lot in common.  She grew up a mile from where I currently live for over the last 50 years, up the hill and in the next town. Whenever I pass by her house I do think of her even though we never met.  I have read so much about her over the years, that I feel like I know her.  (At one time, we were both living on the borders of each of our respective towns.)  She and I both attended the same secretarial school, different locations, but not at the same time.  Had she lived, she would be older than me.  An even more mind boggling coincidence, is that Mary Jo's ancestors and parents are from the same area in Pennsylvania of which my family and ancestors are from for over 200 years. Again,  just minutes away. Amazing coincidences!  

Sandy

I have really been looking forward to this one, too.  I always found the circumstances surrounding this event to be pretty fascinating … how Kennedy could leave the scene of the crime, so to speak, and not report anything for ten hours, using the time instead to concoct the perfect version of the story to tell the police and the press.  While it pretty much killed his chances at a Presidential run, he was still afforded a life-long high profile career in politics … all the more amazing in and of itself.  It opens in theaters next Friday, April 6^th.

As for the photos, I pretty much only go backstage to visit these days if I already know the artist.  I did an extensive interview with Burton Cummings a few years ago and we’ve been friends ever since.  I try to say hello whenever he plays here in Chicago.  (I have been a life-long fan from Day One … between the Guess Who days and Burton’s solo career, I’ve probably seen him 35 times now … and NEVER been disappointed by a show.)

Also being friends with Ron Onesti, who runs The Arcada Theatre, doesn’t help … so I’ve got a lot of those “staged” shots there in front of the clock, which is the usual photo area backstage in the dressing room area.  Thanks to Ron, I’ve been able to meet a lot of my musical heroes over the years so yes, you’ll find me back there with the likes of Little Anthony and the Imperials and Nelson and several others.  But for the most part, it’s just a chance to visit with the artists we’ve crossed paths with during the course of doing Forgotten Hits for the past 18 ½ years.  I interviewed Tommy Roe backstage at The Arcada … will usually stop back to say hello to guys like Peter Noone and Tommy James and a few others (like all the Cornerstones guys) and will hopefully get the chance to do so again when Lou Christie, Bobby Rydell, Freddy Cannon, The Box Tops,  Chuck Negron and a few others pass thru town in the months to come. Believe me, it’s still a real kick for me to be able to meet and visit with these guys.  As I’ve said a thousand times before, I will ALWAYS be a fan first … so sometimes I have to pinch myself to think that I’m hangin’ out backstage with these guys.  I love the opportunity to help promote some of these shows and then getting the chance to see them perform live on stage.  It’s a blast! (kk)

A second backstage shot with Burton from last weekend ...

On The Radio:

Did you see Don Imus' 50th anniversary retirement interview on CBS Sunday Morning show?  Loved him at WNBC with Wolfman back in his DJ days.  He was funny, THEN.  One of the special moments was one I recorded when he and Wolfman were hosting a weekend show nationally on NBC stations' "Monitor" show.  Imus loved to impersonate Wolf and did it often on his show then.  Of course, Wolf sold EVERYTHING from Mexico in the 60's on XERF/B including baby chicks!  Attached is Imus' great bit he did on one of those shows that I played a few time on MY radio show in the 80's. 
Clark Besch

Here’s the whole segment – along with the background story.  (kk)

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/don-imus-the-sun-sets-on-his-morning-radio-show/

Of course, there’s Loyola Fever going on here right now as The Ramblers make their first Final Four since 1963 when they won it all.

To help celebrate, Me-TV-FM is featuring the music of 1963 throughout their regular programming this week as we cheer on our most unlikeliest of underdogs to the next round.  (Personally, I think we need to get Sister Jean out there in a cheer-leading outfit to put this thing to bed once and for all!  Can you believe it?!?!  At 98 years old, she’s become a pop culture icon!  I love it!)  kk

This And That:

Local Forgotten Hits Readers have the chance to enter for a chance to win tickets to see Al Jardine perform at City Winery Chicago on Monday Night (April 2^nd).  We’ve got a couple of pair of tickets to give away, thanks to the good folks at the venue … so if you haven’t registered yet, drop me an email at kk@forgottenhits.com and we’ll throw your name into the hat.  We’ll pick the winners this weekend.  (kk)

Hi Kent –

I would love to see Al Jardine again, but by himself. I can't register since I will be out of town. He also has a background with folk music so his music selection will be very interesting. 

Good luck to the winners. Looking forward to your review! 

PS  And thank you for the info on Ringo coming to Chicago. I saw him the last time around and would love to see him again.

Carolyn

Hi Kent, 

Al Jardine live in concert sounds like something I’d love to experience.  I interviewed Al for our Dick Biondi documentary and he is a true gentleman and a huge talent.

Thanks for the opportunity, Kent!

Pam

Our FH buddy Rick Levy tells us about a new pop package tour that’s been put together by Paradise Artists.

This one will feature The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots and The Box Tops … between them, they had 28 Top 40 Hits!  Should be a night of pop music magic.  (Hey Rick … let me know when this show is going to hit Chicago … this would be a great one to see!)  kk

Hello ...

Rick Levy here ... Manager and Guitarist for the Memphis legends THE BOX TOPS. 

I am so very proud to announce that our agency, PARADISE ARTISTS, is presenting a brand new, hit filled package for national and international audiences. 

AMERICAN POP:  STARRING The GRASSROOTS (California pop rock); THE BOX TOPS (Memphis soul, rock, blues; The BUCKINGHAMS (sweet Chicago pop)  [The Box Tops and Buckinghams use HORN SECTIONS]  Between them, 28 TOP 40 CHART HITS …

Each band self contained …  this is not a house band show … so you get the best and full show from each artist –

family friendly, all ages, shows, fairs, festivals, conventions, corporate, casinos, clubs , cruises 

Contact:  AMERICAN POP / PARADISE ARTISTS / (805) 646 8433 for booking information

Hi Kent –
I found some short programs on Youtube that you might find interesting.  It is called Behind the Vinyl and they talk to people who created music while their song plays in the background.  The episode lasts only as long as the song.   There are three that feature Andy Kim and a couple of others featuring Dennis DeYoung.  You should check them out.
Gil McAuliff
There are a ton of these already posted … just got YouTube and search “Behind The Vinyl”.  (kk)

12/11/65:  I am pretty sure I have submitted this before, but the Yardbirds doubled up on that date. They drove to Rockford in a serious snow storm and played at the Rock River Roller Palace later that night as well.
Robert Campbell

I don’t recall seeing these before so thanks for sharing!  Pretty amazing when you think about it … to do two shows a day in two different cities (some 90-100 miles apart) in the thick of Winter in Chicago!  (kk)

Hi Kent, 

I got a message from a fellow in the UK who is looking for information about a couple of groups that I am not familiar with and I thought you or one of your subscribers might be able to help him.

I'll send him a link as well. Thanks.

Eddie Burke

His message is as follows...

Hi Eddie

Yann Here from London UK. I am a Dj & a Record Collector.

I am doing some research about some old 45rpm recorded at Hartford, Connecticut.

“The YOUNG  MEN”

Does TYRAND GOLD sounds familiar to you?  Recorded in 1966

Song call: More / By the way?

I am trying to get in touch with those guy about their music.

And also looking for another band call Louzzett and the Fabulous Swans.  Thanks in advance.

Yann

Neither of these artists charted nationally so I’m afraid I’m not of much help … but perhaps somebody else on the list can offer up some information. (Dave The Rave or Tom Diehl … this should be right up your alley!!!)  kk

And Finally:

And now . . . yet another Chuck Buell Interior Design Concept for the Offices of “Forgotten Hits.”   
This time, it’s a personally unique Feature for FH’s Executive Washroom.

CB ( which stands for "Conceptual Boy!" )
I tell you what, Chuck ... if I ever DO make any money doing this and can afford a huge, pretentious executive office building high on the hill, you are the very first guy I'm going to call to decorate it!!!  You've got some GREAT ideas here!  (kk)