Thursday, January 31, 2019

Thursday This And That

I know we're running a little bit late on this one … but it’s still a very nice thought and gesture so I still wanted to share … 

kk:
Great story ...
For the next seven days, Mark Lindsay will donate 100% of the profits from The Raiders’ 3-CD set to various food banks.  Helping Federal workers who aren't getting paid.
Frank B. 
https://www.facebook.com/marklindsay?fref=nf&__tn__=%2Cdm-R-R&eid=ARDL26L6hiXX96E1dbIJBEWtAchm8aW0yTPNJI7n_uW3WfLUprD9ptFqjh7sjG26MQaZsDWWBy_saXTh 

Rewound Radio did a nice tribute to WMAK this past weekend … I know several of their late ‘60’s / early ‘70’s jocks were listening … and the post-program Scott Shannon / Super-Shann airchecks were to die for.  (Scott, why did you EVER change your style?!?!)
Truthfully, they could EASILY devote an entire three hour segment to Shannon as an upcoming Radio Dee Jay Hall Of Fame feature, which airs every Saturday beginning at Noon Eastern.  (Believe me, it has already been suggested!)
Nice to hear from Mike Bohan, who was a last minute interview add to the program.  Mike maintains an excellent WMAK Tribute Website, along with The Tennessee Radio Hall Of Fame site.  (And we even provided the EXCELLENT Grass Roots / WMAK lead in for their hit single “Sooner Or Later” from 1971, which I believe we first received from long-time FH Reader David Lewis many, many years ago.)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/121957024614428
  

Both of my parents were big country music fans, so we would vacation in Nashville every summer during my late teens.  (I’ve told the story before about how during one of our trips to Hendersonville to see Johnny Cash’s house, she took a rock from Johnny’s driveway, which she then proudly displayed on our fireplace for many years to come!) 
Of course, by 1968 – 1972, I was already well into Top 40 Radio … which was hard to come by in Nashville, where virtually every stop on the dial got you country music … and not much else.  Discovering WMAK was a God-send for me during those trips … and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole listening experience.  (Being a young and naïve Chicago boy, I had little knowledge of the ins and outs of national radio … and probably listened to Scott Shannon even way back then without even realizing it … although I can honestly say that I don’t remember hearing anything quite as manic as Super-Shann!  Lol)
He has become a long-time friend and supporter of Forgotten Hits … and strung together and incredible and impeccable career in radio.  Thanks, Scott ... hope listening to this program stirred a memory or two for you along the way!  (kk)

Actually, I wasn’t sure Scott was there that early on … The Rewound Radio Tribute saluted 1969 and 1973 … but he confirmed it … in his own indelible style …  

OH, I WAS THERE ALREADY ... YOUNG AND DUMB … BUT READY TO ROCK! 
SS   

WKDA was the big Top 40 station that had the largest shares for years while WMAK competed against them without much traction. Things changed in '68 - '69 when WMAK improved dramatically and took over the top spot, maintaining that position for years thereafter.
David Lewis 
Hard to believe WMAK was just a 5000 watt station … yet was still able to rise to the top of the heap!  (kk)  

Hey Kent,
Love the site. Scott Shannon just forwarded me your email about WMAK being featured tomorrow on Rewound Radio's DJ Hall of Fame show ... I'd love to help spread the word.  I used to work with Scott at WMAK, and I'm the official keeper of the archives ... I've posted several airchecks on the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame You Tube Channel.
I'll be listening and I emailed the rest of our WMAK alumni. Hope it happens.
Keep up the great work!
Mike Bohan 

And, speaking of radio ...

Hey Kent ...
I put up a couple of new videos on YouTube that readers should find fun to watch ...  

Shotgun Tom Kelly's New Year's Eve show on Sirius XM 60's on 6 Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDvCqk2BbK4

Radio War Stories on "The Diner" with Lou Simon on Sirius XM 106 Volume with guests John Records Landecker, Joey Reynolds, Shotgun Tom and Art Vuolo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgHly1audpo


Ron Farber "Your Music Authority" does presentations on the History of Pop Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1_-nZKH2pc


Any "ink" you can provide would be appreciated.  
Keep up the good work!    
ART
Art Vuolo Jr 

Walled Lake, MI 48390
Happy to, Art!  (Was watching a bunch of WLS YouTube clips last night!)  kk

WCBS-FM has come up with a clever way to celebrate Groundhog's Day this year. (Unfortunately, when you REALLY break it down all it really means is that they're just going to play the same songs they play all day long every day anyway ... but the CONCEPT is pretty cool!) https://wcbsfm.radio.com/blogs/joe-cingrana/wcbs-fm-djs-pick-songs-they-could-listen-repeat-groundhog-day

kk:
Here are my picks ...
"Memories Of Elmonte" & "Earth Angel" by the Penguins +
"In The Still Of The Nite" by the Five Satins + 
"Only You" & "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" by the Platters
I play these songs every time I play the jukebox, in addition to my theme for the day. 
Did "Hotel California" make your list? 
Interesting question to ask your readers!
Frank B
Well, it's a pretty safe bet that you won't hear ANY of your favorites on Groundhog's Day ... unless you play them yourself on your favorite bar's jukebox.  (Then again you can probably count on hearing "Hotel California" a time or three!
Like I said, I LOVE the concept ... especially of giving the deejays their own choices to program the station for the day.  (Click on the link to see what they have in mind.)
But honestly, if this just means I'm going to hear "Brown Eyed Girl" three or four more times than the four or five times I hear it everyday anyway, I think I'll take a pass! (kk) 

Who'd-a thunk!
Great review ... interview …
SKYLIGHT MAG IN GREECE. 
RICK LEVY – The Veteran Of The 1960s Music Industry – Skylight Webzine 
Book is doing well ... thanks to all of you!
More BOX TOPS shows coming, too!
RICK LEVY   

Sad news on Tuesday about the passing of James Ingram.  Ingram had such a distinctive voice that no matter who he was paired with, he always stood out.  (That's what got him the gig singing on the USA For Africa / "We Are The World" single!) 
And for being primarily known for his work as a "featured vocalist," he sure ran up a nice string of hits in the '80's ... "Just Once" (#13, 1981) and "One Hundred Ways" (#14, 1982) with Quincy Jones, "Baby, Come To Me" (#1, 1983) with Patti Austin, "Yah Mo B There (#19, 1984) with Michael McDonald, "What About Me" (#15, 1984) with Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes, "Somewhere Out There" (#2, 1987) with Linda Ronstadt and "I Don't Have The Heart," a #1 solo single from 1990.   The Grammy Winning Artist died of brain cancer.  He was 66. 

A quick look at Diane Diekman’s Country Newsletter tells us that Maxine Brown, the last surviving member of The Browns, passed away on January 21st.  She was 87.
With her brother Jim Ed and sister Bonnie, The Browns scored three Top 40 Pop Hits between 1959 and 1960, including the #1 Smash “The Three Bells,” which topped Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart for four weeks.  “Scarlet Ribbons” (#10, Music Vendor, and #13 Billboard) and “The Old Lamplighter” (#5) followed it into The National Top Ten.

Also leaving us earlier this month was Bonnie Guitar … she passed away on January 13th at the age of 95.  Bonnie had a Top Ten Pop Hit in 1957 with her version of “Dark Moon.” 
If you’d like to be added to her Monthly Country Music Newsletter list, just drop her a note at djean@midco.net … and tell her Forgotten Hits sent you!  (kk)  

kk:
Speaking of deaths, here's another one to report. 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/michel-legrand-oscar-winning-composer-of-windmills-of-your-mind-dies-at-86/2019/01/26/14182e42-216b-11e9-9145-3f74070bbdb9_story.html?noredirect=on  
FB 
Michel LeGrand did a number of meaningful soundtrack scores over the years … some beautiful music.  (Can anyone forget the theme to “Brian’s Song”?)  “Windmills Of My Mind,” a hit for Dusty Springfield but also recorded by many others, is another gem.  Music from “The Summer of ‘42” and “Yentl” also come to mind.  Beautiful stuff. (kk)  

kk ...
Bobby Darin was right about Wayne Newton ...   
Wayne Newton Celebrates 60 Years in Las Vegas With New Show 
https://rare.us/entertainment-and-culture/wayne-newton/?utm_content=buffer8a24a&utm_medium=buffer&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=ramerica   
FB 

Negative Alert!
There's been a lot of dialogue lately about the make-up of the current bands versus the original line-ups that are touring today. Most of these bands we like, wanted to see then and still would like to see now, as we enjoy the music.
Well, what about the bands we did not like, and never thought we would ever see again, as they weren't that good then and you never dreamed they would still be around.
My wife and I are riding our bikes through a pedestrian mall in Old Downtown Scottsdale. We are heading down some type of alley passage way and are going by what appears to be the Scottsdale Civic Opera House, or something like that. There are posters on the on the wall for up-coming appearances. I damn near fell off my bike when I see the first poster. It for an upcoming appearance for a band called ... "The Soft Machine."  



I would assume most people have never heard of this band and I should never have heard of them either but for the fact that they opened for Jimi Hendrix on a number of his shows on his 1968 tour.
The first of the three times that I saw Jimi was on 2/25/68 at the Civic Opera House. Now just to preface, I am not just into the headliners … I like the opening acts as well, if they are half way decent.
For example, at my first major indoor concert in 1965, I saw The Blackstones open for The Bryds. But on this night, "The Soft Machine" was a total mis-match for Jimi's show. It's the complete reversal of Jimi opening for The Monkees.
I did not like this band, I did not like their music and I can't even began to describe it other that it wasn't rock and roll or the blues. It was so unappealing at the time that I couldn't even tell you if they were good musicians or not. And, of course, their set crawled at a snail's pace in anticipation of Jimi.
Over the years, I would tell folks about the three Hendrix shows and typically I will mention the band that "you couldn't believe opened" for the first show.
Of all the great bands and shows that I have seen over the years, and would love to see again, The Soft Machine is not one of them.  
And here they are playing in Scottsdale next week.
They must be equivalent to the "Cockroach" of rock and roll, or whatever type of music they play.
By the way, Jimi was great.
Robert Campbell 
Just out of curiosity, I looked them up and NONE of the current members of the band were in the original line-up of the band … so who knows how all of this came about.  (It’s hard enough keeping track of the major players, much less THESE guys!!!) 
So I guess the BIG bottom line question would have to be this …
Are you going to see them???  (kk)

How’s this for a rock and roll line-up (albeit it for a VERY limited run!!!) 

ZZ TOP’S 50th ANNIVERSARY TEXAS BASH COMING TO DALLAS, HOUSTON AND AUSTIN THIS MAY WITH GUESTS BAD COMPANY AND CHEAP TRICK 
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ZZ Top are coming on strong with their 50th Anniversary Texas Bash celebrating a true career milestone with three key performance dates set for three "Texas towns” this May. The band’s 50th anniversary celebration is set to commence May 17 in Dallas at Dos Equis Pavilion, followed by a performance on May 18 in Houston at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands. On May 19 the Austin360 Amphitheater hosts the ongoing festivities. The shows feature performances with friends and fellow rock legends Bad Company and Cheap Trick. The Texas Bash concerts launch ZZ’s  anniversary tour that has them rocking across North America and onto their UK and European shows throughout 2019.
ZZ Top still maintains the most consistently stable lineup in the history of rock music: Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. In 1969, following the demise of The Moving Sidewalks, Billy's Houston psych-rock band, the singer / guitarist formed ZZ Top linking up with drummer Beard and bass-guitarist Hill, both from the Dallas-based band, The American Blues.  Fifteen studio albums, 30 million record sales and 5 decades later, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” is still going strong, playing timeless hits like “La Grange,” “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Tush” to audiences the world over.
Billy Gibbons looked back at the history of the band, while also looking forward to the 50th Anniversary Texas Bash dates. “It’s been five decades, and I think we’re starting to get pretty good at this!  We’re just as excited to be back in Texas this May playing our bluesy kind of rock as when started with in ’69.  The beards, Frank excepted, are perhaps a bit longer, yet nothing else has changed much and we're keeping it that way.”
“Those three Texan hombres, aka ZZ Top, are celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year so Bad Company is going to join them and the fans to mark the occasion; hang on to your hats and heels!”  said Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers. The English rock supergroup formed in 1973 by veterans of Free, King Crimson and Mott The Hoople has several multi-platinum albums under its belt, propelled by radio staples such as “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and of course “Bad Company.”
A combination of innovative hard rock and power pop combined with stage theatrics helped make Cheap Trick a household name by the end of the ‘70s. Songs like “Surrender,” “I Want You To Want Me” and the 1988 chart topper “The Flame” have enhanced massive success over the decades as highlighted by their 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band’s Rick Nielsen commented, “ZZ Top are celebrating their 50th anniversary this years so it truly an honor that the famed “Little Ol’ Band from Texas” has asked Cheap Trick (all of whom are longtime ZZ Top fans and musical touring friends) to be included and open for these living legends — the great Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard.
ZZ Top’s 50th Anniversary Texas Bash with Bad Company and Cheap Trick - Tickets on sale this Friday, Feb.1 at 10 AM
May 17 - Dallas - Dos Equis Pavilion
        18 - Houston - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
        19 - Austin - Austin360

Cool song by Merrell Fankhauser. Maybe a special focusing on an intergalactic theme would be in order. I'm not thinking about the "novelty" songs, but some like  "Children of the Sun" by Billy Thorpe, Prelude's cover of "After the Goldrush," April Wine's "Rock 'n Roll Guitars” or Klaatu's "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft". I'm sure there are many more I could come up with and we could easily triple that by you and your readers.
Dube 
We could put together the ultimate Space Race … uhh … Billy Preston!  And how about “2000 Light Years From Home” by The Rolling Stones … “Venus And Mars” by McCartney … or “Telstar” by The Tornados???  (And that’s just off the top of my head!)
But I would HAVE to include at least a FEW novelty hits … “Flying Saucer” by Buchanan And Goodman … and “The Astronaut” by Jose Jimenez!!!  How about the theme song from “The Jetsons” or “My Favorite Martian”???
Yeah, I think we could probably have some fun with this one.
Send in your suggestions and I’ll see what we can put together for a future piece.  (kk)

And this update from Merrell … 

Hey Kent,
My latest release will be featured on "The Merrell Fankhauser Radio Show" Tiki Lounge Live and Eklectia streamed live on youtube February 5th at 8 PM NY time and 5 PM California Time. 
 Check The Merrell Fankhauser Radio Show at youtube Feb. 5th 5 PM PST 8 PM EST. 
Merrell  

A couple other new releases of note ...   

Classic Rock Icons Humble Pie's Long Lost Vintage Album Joint Effort Finally Sees The Light Of Day! 
In 1974, one of the biggest and best blues rock bands of all-time, the great Humble Pie, began recording an album at their own home-built studio called Clear Sounds. The result was a raw and fiery collection of originals and covers that was promptly and unceremoniously shelved by the band’s label, never to see the light of day…that is, until now! Joint Effort, a title given to the project early on that reflected the collaboration between Humble Pie founders Steve Marriott and Greg Ridley, is a reunion album of sorts in that Marriott had recently walked out of the group. But a near miss at taking Mick Taylor’s spot in The Rolling Stones plus renewed interest in the band Stateside coaxed Marriott back into the Pie alongside guitarist Dave Clempson and drummer Jerry Shirley. 
With never before heard original compositions plus blazing covers of James Brown (“Think”), The Beatles (“Rain”) and soul icon Betty Wright (“Let Me Be Your Lovemaker”), Joint Effort is a must own for any self-respecting Humble Pie fan. The album comes packaged with full liner notes and rare photos on both CD as well as vinyl in your choice of purple or white! Available everywhere February 8. 
Track List:
1. Think
2. This Ol' World
3. Midnight Of My Life
4. Let Me Be Your Lovemaker
5. Rain
6. Snakes & Ladders
7. Good Thing
8. A Minute Of Your Time
9. Charlene
10. Think 2 
Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/humble-pie-joint-effort-cd/  
Buy the vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/humble-pie-joint-effort-limited-edition-colored-lp/  
Buy the digital: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/joint-effort/1449779979  

EAGLE VISION PROUDLY PRESENTS FOREIGNER –  
LIVE AT THE RAINBOW ‘78 - RESTORED AND REMASTERED RARE EARLY PERFORMANCE -RELEASED ON MULTIPLE FORMATS ON MARCH 15TH 2019 
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE  
PRE-ORDER HERE  
FOREIGNER and Eagle Vision today announced the release of the concert film, Foreigner Live At The Rainbow '78, which is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital video from March 15th. 
After the band’s self-titled debut album had spent a year in the US Top 20, rock’s conquering heroes played a sold-out show at London’s celebrated Rainbow Theatre on April 27, 1978. Opening with “Long, Long Way From Home,” fans were treated to a magnificent display of musicianship and performance, including hit singles “Feels Like The First Time” and “Cold As Ice,” as well an exclusive preview of two tracks from the upcoming Double Vision album, “Hot Blooded” and “Double Vision.”  
Featuring the classic FOREIGNER lineup of Mick Jones (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Lou Gramm (lead vocals, percussion), Ian McDonald (guitars, keyboards, sax, flute, backing vocals), Al Greenwood (keyboards, synthesizer), Ed Gagliardi (bass, backing vocals) and Dennis Elliott (drums, backing vocals), this show captures the essence of a group who would go on to become one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time.   
Forty years later, this definitive performance by the original band has been restored from the original film reels, remixed and remastered for this release.   
“1978 was an absolutely magical time for the band,” remembers Mick Jones, “and to come back over to the UK to play a headline show at the legendary Rainbow really was a dream come true. The audience was amazing that night. We couldn't have wished for a better show.”   
As FOREIGNER’s music continues to resonate with fans old and new, the band celebrated their 40th anniversary playing amphitheaters and arenas throughout 2018.   
Tracklisting  
01. Long, Long Way From Home   
02. I Need You  
03. Woman Oh Woman  
04. Hot Blooded  
05. The Damage Is Done  
06. Cold As Ice  
07. Starrider  
08. Double Vision  
09. Feels Like The First Time  
10. Fool For You Anyway  
11. At War With The World  
12. Headknocker   
Official Foreigner website   
About Foreigner   
FOREIGNER is one of the Best-Selling Bands of All Time, with Worldwide sales in excess of 80 million. They have been awarded multiple Platinum singles for digital sales of “I Want To Know What Love Is” and “Juke Box Hero”, while YouTube views of FOREIGNER songs total almost 500 Million. Jukebox Hero, The Musical is a new musical production built around Foreigner’s peerless catalogue of hit songs, created by prolific British writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais (The Commitments, Across the Universe), with an artistic team led by Foreigner founder, songwriter and lead guitarist Mick Jones and FOREIGNER’s managers Phil Carson and Stewart Young. Jukebox Hero, The Musical will make its world premiere at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre in February.  https://www.mirvish.com/shows/jukebox-hero   

One of the best photographers I’ve ever run across, Michael G. Bush, is staging is the first ever exhibit of his work beginning on March 15th thru April 5th in the second floor exhibit hall of the Zhoub Art Center.  I’ve known Mike for over 35 years and he has always endeared himself to the many talented artists who have passed his way during this time … often with unlimited access to photograph them in their element, both on stage, relaxing back stage and simply enjoying life.
I’ve seen many examples of his work over the years and it’s absolutely brilliant.  (I’ve been offering to run samples in Forgotten Hits for decades now … and suggesting that he needs to let the world see what he’s got … perhaps even do some type of a coffee table book to properly display his wares.)
Titled “61 at 61” (which describes both the number of photos that will be on display as well as Mike’s age!), this promises to be an extraordinary event.  (Bush will be there opening night for a free “meet and greet” and then again on all three Saturdays  (the 16th, the 23rd and the 30th) from Noon -5 pm of the exhibit's run.
Locals can learn more about the exhibit here:  61 at 61  

Here's a shot Michael took of The Monkees receiving their star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame back in 1989 ...


Over the years, he has shot just about everybody who is anybody ... and here's hoping that some of these artists make their way to his exhibit.  (I wondered how on earth he could have even whittled it down to just 61!!!)

Pay close attention and you'll find a little "sneak peek" tidbit from Mr. Bush himself ...  

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT, I REALLY DO APPRECIATE IT!
YES, THIS WHOLE THING IS WAY OVERDUE, AND MAN, HAVE I BEEN HEARING THAT A LOT!  
IT WAS NOT EASY TO WHITTLE IT DOWN TO 61 PHOTOS (ACTUALLY, THAT'S A "GOOD" PROBLEM TO HAVE, AND WILL ENSURE MANY MORE OF THESE TO COME DOWN THE PIKE), BUT I DECIDED TO PICK MY FAVES (AND ONES THAT HAVE COOL STORIES BEHIND THEM)
IF YOU WANT AN EXCLUSIVE, DEPENDING HOW QUICKLY YOU GET THIS OUT, IT WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY THAT GARY LEWIS IS FLYING IN TO SUPPORT ME, AND WILL BE ONE OF SEVERAL ROCKERS IN ATTENDANCE! 
I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE EVENT ...
MEANWHILE, STAY WARM!
MGB 

Ultimate Classic Rock ran another one of their “Best Of” lists this week … and this one was no small task …
They have chosen the best rock movies of every year from 1955 thru today (with a number of “honorable mentions” listed along the way.)
It’s an incredible recap of films … and while I certainly don’t agree with all of their choices, there’s something about seeing this list that makes me want to seek out and watch every single movie shown! 
You can check it all out here: 
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/best-rock-movies/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=newsletter_4572276 

Lots of smiles to share this week … 

Up first … another funny from Chuck Buell …   

So!
This has been sitting on my Desktop for some time now and it's time to move it off!
So this is how I'm doing that ... I’m sending it to you!
From our pre-CD Days of Music Albums, our Radio Show Air Checks, Demo Spots for Clients and more! 
It’s the Radio Version of "Operation"



CB ( which stands for "Cassette Boy!" ) 

And then this from Frank B … for all you collectors out there …

Poor Snoopy's Record Collection Got Invaded By Charlie Brown Last Night ...



My daughter sent me a photo of the new highway sign she saw on 290 as she headed home this weekend …


And the bitter, bitter cold continues this morning here in Chicago with real temps of -20 to -25 degrees and wind chills as low as -50 to -60 degrees in some areas.  

Our FH Buddy Chuck Buell sends along this photo graphic he manipulated acknowledging the record-breaking frigid weather we're experiencing here at Forgotten Hits! 

CB ( which stands for "Chuck Brrrr!" )


And finally, Frannie TOTALLY cracked me up with this reminder to be sure to check your dashboard lights before operating your car in these record breaking, bitter cold temperatures …



LOTS more comments tomorrow ... in Forgotten Hits!