Friday, December 6, 2019

THE FRIDAY FLASH


Hi Kent
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary!

I no longer even need email reminders to check out Forgotten Hits because it's now an ingrained habit to visit every third day or so. There's that much value. Looking forward to the 1970 surveys as much as I've enjoyed the 1969 charts. Such memories. Also the clips like the recent Clark Besch submission are so enjoyable to hear! Then there's your work on the Essential Classic Rock songs. Wow!
A reminder that the Lost And Found Oldies Show (LAFOS) will be doing another B-Sides Special this Saturday, December 7th, from 1 – 3 pm ET. Search "WVKR" on your favorite streaming app. Hopefully my co-host, Primitive George, will get your website name right this time! And I'll make sure he doesn't try to sneak in any NON-B-side album cuts, the bum.
Thanks … and keep doin' what you're doin', Kent!
Sam Tallerico
I know I’ll be tuning in … the last show was a lot of fun … and thanks for keeping those B-Sides spinning … people really DO remember!!!  (kk)

BAH HUMBUG! 
Darlene Love is not feeling the Christmas Spirit this year.
Yesterday she posted this gripe during NBC’s broadcast of the Live From Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting television special … 

Once again I was snubbed by Brad Lachman Productions who produce the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and instead they book another artist to perform my song “Christmas Baby, Please Come Home” each year!!!
Such an insult and let down!
They book these young artists who can’t even hit the notes properly and are off key.  Makes NO sense!!!
That’s my song and I’ still alive.  Show me some respect!
My publicist has been trying for over ten years to lock this performance down for me and they keep saying that I’m not their demo or big enough and would only book me if Bette Midler or Bruce Springsteen would do it with me.
I would NEVER ask my friends to do that.  If you want them, go thru their team.
This business can be so unfair at times.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m TRULY blessed for what I have accomplished at 78 years of age, but it’s still a constant struggle to stay relevant and convince those who control the industry that I’m worth it.
I’m turning off the TV.  Gotta rest up for my holiday tour.
Thank you to all my fans and friends who do support me.  You keep my spirit happy and alive.
Love, 
Darlene! 
It IS a shame that they ignore the artist who made this song famous … especially when she is ready, willing and able to sing it every year.  (What demo-friendly artist did they get to sing it instead?  When I saw the guest list for this show, I didn’t even know half of the names!)
So sad that anything to do with Christmas “tradition” is thrown by the wayside.
Merry Christmas, Darlene … who can still belt it out with the best of them!  (kk)



>>>I really don't mean to pick on Chuck Buell, but had Dick Biondi heard about this exploit from the night of Sunday, October 13, 1968, he would have stormed into the Big 89 studios and demanded his old job back!  (At the time, Dick was holding down the late night position across town at WCFL.)  104 records at 2 1/2 minutes average is WELL over 4 hours without commercials!!!  (Clark Besch)
>>>I think that no matter what position the station took publicly, they had to be thrilled by ANYTHING that would keep listeners tuned in (behind the scenes)

Wonder if Chuck can fill us in on any more of the details (???)  kk 

When one hears this Jingle during one’s show over and over, a half dozen or more times a night, every night, it might be understood how one could unconditionally become indoctrinated to blindly play only music, back-to-back, non-stop for an extended period of time at the expense of any commercial limitations! This particular incident lasted six hours straight!
Coincidentally, this was during a period of time when WLS was heavily engaged in establishing its “More Music” concept, especially during the early evening hours of the “Chuck Buell Show.” Fortunately, John Rook, the PD at the time, acted as my buffer between Upper Management and me, so I escaped any serious repercussions unscathed.
(Makes one wonder if Rook might have had something to do with suggesting that I do such a ‘promotional’ stunt in the first place, doesn’t it?!)
CB ( which stands for “Chaotic Boy!” )


P.S.  While I DO remember doing this, I don't recall, nor do I have, a copy of this story!  I DON'T know where it appeared, but it was fun to see it.  So, Thanx Again to your reader, Clark Besch, for unarchiving another gem!

50 Years Ago This Week …

Clark Besch

I sent a copy of this to Ron Dante … who said …

Thanks for showing me this ad.
We had a good ride with the Cuff Links.
All our singles at first were girls’ names.
Hope you have a great holidays season.
Rock on!
Ron
I also found this at the Museum Of Broadcasting Communications “Rock On TV” Exhibit this past week …
It’s an original cell from The Archies’ animated television series … signed by Ron Dante!  (kk)



Also 50 years ago this week … 

December 5, 2019 - Launched today on the 50th Anniversary of the album’s original release in the UK, LetitBleed50.com is an online, interactive cultural and musical experience. The site is a frame of reference that examines the forces that coalesced to make this body of work the dynamic presence it was and continues to be today. The Rolling Stones Let it Bleed 1968-69 Historical Timeline is an interactive cultural and musical experience. Visit the site here.  


In an effort to fully appreciate the original construct of The Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed a half century ago, one must examine the era in which the band’s masterwork came to be.  1968 and 1969 were a time of violence, and a time of celebration. It was most certainly a period of change. From the global student protests, and The Viet Nam War; to the assassinations of political leaders and Altamont, From the First Man walking on the moon to Woodstock; This decade will be remembered as one of the most iconic of the 20th century. 
During this period, The Rolling Stones were prolific. The band would record Let it Bleed including “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” with the London Bach Choir, and produce and appear in The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, and star in Jean Luc Goddard’s One Plus One/Sympathy For The Devil. The releases of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (single), Beggars Banquet (album), “Honky Tonk Women” (single) and Let It Bleed (album) indicated their return to Blues and R&B roots. They shot the innovative promo for “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” which is a pioneering and seminal music video filmed.  The band’s performance in London’s Hyde Park was the largest outdoor concert every held at that time and, in the final months of 1969 the band completed a United States tour. 
Let It Bleed was born in an age of reckoning, against the worldwide backdrop of daily, televised Armageddon: America’s quagmire in Vietnam; the civil warfare and racial conflict at home; the bombs and Marxist rhetoric of a new, extreme underground; the twisted bloodlust of Charles Manson, the mastermind of the Tate Murders in L.A. (August 1969) a short drive from where the Stones finished their album that fall.  And when the Stones decided to end their 1969 tour with a generous flourish – a free festival in Northern California, four months after the mass utopia at Woodstock – the result on December 6th at Altamont Speedway was fear, mayhem and a killing near the stage caught on film.” – David Fricke 
--submitted by Bob Merlis

Hi Kent,
I hope you’re doing great and Happy holidays!  I’m forwarding this latest piece of news so that you can feature it for your readers in your newsletter.

Hello Friends! 

Wow!  So much to tell you.  Where to begin?  

First of all, our story about a man who came from humble roots to become one of the most influential broadcasters of the twentieth century and the fan turned filmmaker who was inspired by him is in its final act.  The documentary already has interest by six PBS stations around the country and will be streamed online, at film festivals, and available on DVD.

Thanks to the successful Good Times Fundraiser in April, my editor Steve Zagata (Video Active Productions of Chicago) and I were able to dedicate May through September exclusively to editing. Right now, however, we're looking for special people to help us get to the finish line. Please become a sponsor and be part of this great rock and roll radio story.  Every little bit helps, and it's tax-deductible. We need you to hit the DONATE button.  DONATE NOW! THANK YOU.

Ron Romero is the driving force and founder of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum.  Ron gave us a tour of their beautiful historic building in downtown Joliet which is being renovated as I write this.  He spoke passionately about their future plans which includes exhibits for artists, musical manufacturers like Hammond and Shure, Chess Records, a replica of Maxwell Street—and Dick Biondi.  Dick has been nominated to the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with many of the great artists of Illinois.  Votes can be submitted daily right HERE.  If anyone deserves to be in the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame its the guy who helped put everyone else there so please cast your votes today!


Announcing the inaugural Illinois Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony AND a prevue of the Dick Biondi documentary!  We are honored to be part of this historical event to be held in downtown Joliet.  The stars will be out in force so  be sure to mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details coming soon! 
This  photo was taken by a young photographer named Jerry Long.  Jerry was at the Hollywood Bowl in 1964 when Dick Biondi and the KRLA deejays announced in unison . . . "The Beatles!"

Call for Photos & Home Movies!

Do you have footage, home movies or photos that could be part of Dick's movie? 
You may not have a photo of the Beatles, or maybe you do. Whatever you have, we'd love to see them!  We are looking for high resolution photos of:  
Dick Biondi during the 50s, 60s, and 70s in markets where Dick was on the radio-- Binghamton, NY,  Alexandria, LA, Youngstown, Ohio, Buffalo, NY, Chicago, LA, Myrtle Beach, etc.

Radio stuff -- the city, the radio station, call letters, towers, newspaper articles, record hops, appearances, promotions
Teen stuff-- images of the era, teen hangouts, cars, radios, drive-ins, watching tv, cruising, drag racing etc.

LA, Hollywood, Pasadena teen hangouts, surfing, beach parties, teenagers cruising, dancing, necking, woodies, cars, driving, KRLA studio, etc.

Music and pop culture --fashions, fads and events of the 50s, 60s, 70s

If you have these golden gems of yesteryear, please get in touch with 
Pam@DickBiondiFilm.com.  You will be credited in the film.  Thank you!
To receive future notifications, go to www.DickBiondiFilm/Contact

Also …
Special thanks to Ron Onesti for inviting us to show the Dick Biondi Film Trailer at the Cornerstones of Rock concert on Saturday, Nov 30, and for his continued support.  Thanks to all the great Cornerstones artists who are part of Dick’s documentary, to Ron Onesti for VIP tickets and Jim Peterik for presenting the autographed guitars to our Good Times Live Auction winners, 
To see a video of  Jim Peterik singing to Kathy Konopasel, on our Facebook page—  https://www.facebook.com/TheDickBiondiFilm/videos/594078894737909/  
Kathy writes: "I'm still Dancing on air!”  
As always, thanks Kent for being a great friend to the Dick Biondi Film project. Happy holidays to all!  
Pam
As we begin the Season of Giving, we wish to thank our generous sponsors Paul Shaffer, Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment, Vince Cirone of VC Plumbers, Mayor Roger C. Claar and the Village of Bolingbrook, Hagerty Insurance, and IAET Italian American Executives of Transportation.

As a Dick Biondi sponsor, you will become part of Dick Biondi's legacy.  You will be treated like a rock star. (and you might even get to mingle with some!) AND you will get tickets to the premier of "THE VOICE THAT ROCKED AMERICA: THE DICK BIONDI STORY".  All donations are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE through our Fiscal Sponsor Chicago Filmmakers.  For more information please contact Joe Farina (joe@dickbiondifilm.com) or myself (pam@dickbiondifilm.com). Or just hit the button: DONATE NOW!

At this time of Thanksgiving celebration our thoughts turn gratefully to you and to those who may be alone this holiday.  Here are some ways to include others in your holiday plans.  Relieve a Senior's Loneliness Over the Holidays, Adopt a Solder for the Holidays, and be kind to all the creatures that share our planet
.
Help us spread the word!
  • Share our social media content on Facebook and Twitter — just add your personal touch!
    By spreading the word, you'll help us bring this story to PBS, film festivals, streaming, and DVD. By sharing our Facebook and Twitter posts, you'll help drive people to dickbiondifilm.com to subscribe for film updates and get them interested in the film!
We need you!
As always, tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated DONATE NOW!  Proceeds are helping us complete our film tribute to the first DJ to play a Beatles record on the radio in the U.S. and the most lovable DJ on the planet, The Wild I-Tralian, Dick Biondi. 
Stay tuned for more exciting news!
Pam
Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice
Director, The Dick Biondi Film
pam@dickbiondifilm.com
Charles Rosenay of Liverpool Productions tells us about next year’s upcoming “Lennonfest” to be held in Norwalk, CT …



On October 9th of next year, John Lennon would have turned 80 years of age. On the exact date of this momentous occasion, Friday evening, October 9, 2020, Beatles fans and music aficionados from all over will "come together" at the Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut, for a very special theatrical concert event entitled "Remember Lennon: Imagine 80." Doors open at 7 pm and showtime is 8 pm.
Connecticut-based Liverpool Productions Beatles Fan Club premiered a similar event in 2010 at the Shubert Theater in New Haven in celebration of John Lennon's 70th birthday. The show was a speculative representation of a concert that Lennon may have performed had he still been alive and actually playing out. The show incorporated multi-media slide-shows and rare video, a full backing band and state-of-the art production to present an evening of John Lennon's Beatles and post-Beatles material live in concert. It included not only Lennon's earlier "Moptop" hits with his mates Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, but also covered John's most memorable and poignant recordings as a solo artist. The set-list featured many songs that John never actually played live. The concert at the Shubert did very well, and attendees wanted the show to come back as an annual event, but producer Charles F. Rosenay, fan club president and executive producer of Liverpool Productions, wanted to make it special and keep it as an exclusive event. 
For this one-night-only occasion, there will also be an opening act and very special guest dignitaries to be announced.
Tickets for this historic 80th birthday gala start at only $19.40 (1940 is the year John was born). There are also $39 and $49 tickets, plus a limited number of $80 (yes, the same number as John's birthday) VIP packages which include seating in the front rows, meet & greet with the stars, photo op and souvenir gifts including a commemorative event shirt. A portion of proceeds will benefit a charity to be announced. 
"Remember Lennon: Imagine 80" is presented by Liverpool Productions, the same organization that has produced Beatles Conventions / Beatles Expos in Connecticut since 1978, and more recently the Beatles 50th Anniversary events in New York as well as the "Fab 4 Music Festivals" and "Danbury Fields Forever" Connecticut Beatles Music Festivals. They also organize the annual the "Magical History Tours" to Liverpool and London for Beatles fans since 1983.
For further information visit www.RememberLennon.com or phone (203) 795-4737. Pre-Sale tickets on sale at 
rememberlennon.ticketleap.com/rememberlennon80/
REMEMBER LENNON: IMAGINE 80 is a unique extraordinary musical theater experience celebrating the music, the memory, the magic and the LIFE of John Lennon. 

Today’s countdown was amazing for me! 
I voted, so I may groan a bit at the ranking, but I'm quick to say that this is what the people wanted so I'm just enjoying the ride. 
If this is what has shown up so far, I can't wait to see what is coming! 
You are a STAR for doing this!
Much respect,
Nikki

When The Animals came back in 1967 as Eric Burdon and the Animals (we always called them the “new” Animals), their recording direction had changed up quite a bit from the bar / blues band sound that first launched the group.  (I’ve said before that the first time I ever heard them sing “House Of The Rising Sun,” it was electrifying … I had never heard ANYTHING sound like that before … it literally kicked down the door to a whole new genre of music to which I had never before been exposed.
Well, now comes news of the Ultimate Eric Burdon and the Animals CD Collection … the later years, 1967 – 1968 …

Eric Burdon & The Animals “When I Was Young –
The MGM Recordings 1967-1968”
Deluxe 5CD Boxed Set To Be Released February 21, 2020

 

• A DELUXE BOXED SET FEATURING ALL OF THE CLASSIC ALBUMS BY ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS
• FEATURING THE ALBUMS “WINDS OF CHANGE”, “THE TWAIN SHALL MEET”, “EVERY ONE OF US”, “LOVE IS” & THE RARE MONO VERSION OF “WINDS OF CHANGE”
• ALL NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES
• WITH TEN BONUS TRACKS TAKEN FROM SINGLES, ALL RE-MASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES FOR THE FIRST TIME
• INCLUDES AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH NEW ESSAY AND A POSTER

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a new boxed set featuring all of the albums recorded by ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS for the MGM Records label issued between October, 1967 and December, 1968. ERIC BURDON & THE ANIMALS came together in December, 1966 when the original Animals had ground to a halt. Vocalist Eric Burdon recruited Vic Briggs (guitar, piano), John Weider (guitar, violin, bass), Danny McCulloch (bass) and Barry Jenkins (drums) to form a new group which changed direction away from raucous Rhythm and Blues and embraced Psychedelic rock and the influences of the emerging counter-culture. Signing to MGM Records in the USA (where he became based) and teaming up with producer TOM WILSON (also famed for his work with BOB DYLAN, THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION & THE VELVET UNDERGROUND), the band’s debut single “WHEN I WAS YOUNG” was released in April, 1967, and was a powerful statement, featuring Weider’s violin and Briggs’ fuzzed guitar, becoming a hit in Europe, Australia and the USA. The B-side of the single A GIRL NAMED SANDOZ was a psychedelic ode to the Swiss pharmaceutical company which developed LSD. The follow-up single, SAN FRANCISCAN NIGHTS, issued in August 1967, came on the heels of the band’s famed appearance at the MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL in June, 1967, and would be the band’s biggest hit, breaking the top twenty in the UK, Europe and the USA. The band’s debut album, WINDS OF CHANGE was issued in October, 1967, and featured the singles SAN FRANCISCAN NIGHTS and GOOD TIMES, along with an inventive cover version of PAINT IT BLACK and the psychedelic rockers YES, I AM EXPERIENCED (a tribute to Burdon’s friend Jimi Hendrix) and IT’S ALL MEAT.
 

The album “THE TWAIN SHALL MEET” was recorded in December, 1967, but not issued until May, 1968, and featured two further singles, MONTEREY and SKY PILOT (Parts One & Two). Incredibly 1968 would see a further two album releases by the group in the USA and Europe; “EVERY ONE OF US”, recorded in June and issued in August of that year, was a fine album which saw ZOOT MONEY join the band on organ and piano, but inexplicably the album failed to gain a release in the UK. By the time of its release, Vic Briggs had departed to be replaced by ANDY SUMMERS (formerly with Zoot Money in the band DANTALIAN’s CHARIOT) on guitar. This line-up recorded the double album “LOVE IS” in Los Angeles in October, 1968, issued only as a single LP in the UK, which featured imaginative cover versions of RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH, RING OF FIRE (also a hit single in many countries) and Traffic’s COLOURED RAIN. The album also featured the song GEMINI which segued in to a fine re-make of the DANTALIAN’s CHARIOT classic THE MADMAN (RUNNING THROUGH THE FIELDS). Released in December 1968, it was to be the final album by the group. Burdon remained in the United States and joined forces with the group WAR in 1969.

The set features the albums “WINDS OF CHANGE” (both stereo and mono versions), “THE TWAIN SHALL MEET”, “EVERY ONE OF US” and “LOVE IS”, all newly re-mastered from the original master tapes, along with ten bonus tracks drawn from the band’s single releases, including the classic B-sides A GIRL NAMED SANDOZ, AIN’T THAT SO and GRATEFULLY DEAD, all remastered from recently located original master tapes. Also included is an illustrated booklet with new essay and a replica poster. “WHEN I WAS YOUNG – The MGM Recordings” is a fine tribute to the music of Eric Burdon & the Animals.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE
WINDS OF CHANGE
(RE-MASTERED STEREO MIX)
RELEASED IN OCTOBER, 1967

1. WINDS OF CHANGE
2. POEM BY THE SEA
3. PAINT IT BLACK
4. THE BLACK PLAGUE
5. YES, I AM EXPERIENCED
6. SAN FRANCISCAN NIGHTS
7. MAN – WOMAN
8. HOTEL HELL
9. GOOD TIMES
10. ANYTHING
11. IT’S ALL MEAT
BONUS TRACKS
12. WHEN I WAS YOUNG
13. A GIRL NAMED SANDOZ
A & B-SIDES OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN MAY, 1967
14. AIN’T THAT SO
B-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN AUGUST, 1967
15. GRATEFULLY DEAD
B-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN OCTOBER, 1967
16. ANYTHING (SINGLE VERSION)
B-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN MAY, 1968

DISC TWO
THE TWAIN SHALL MEET
(RE-MASTERED EDITION)
RELEASED IN MAY, 1968

1. MONTEREY
2. JUST THE THOUGHT
3. CLOSER TO THE TRUTH
4. NO SELF PITY
5. ORANGE AND RED BEAMS
6. SKY PILOT
7. WE LOVE YOU LIL
8. ALL IS ONE
BONUS TRACKS
9. SKY PILOT (PART ONE) (MONO SINGLE)
10. SKY PILOT (PART TWO) (MONO SINGLE)
A & B-SIDES OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN JANUARY, 1968
11. MONTEREY (MONO SINGLE VERSION)
A-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN MAY, 1968

DISC THREE
EVERYONE OF US
(RE-MASTERED EDITION)
RELEASED IN AUGUST, 1968

1. WHITE HOUSES
2. UPPERS AND DOWNERS
3. SERENADE TO A SWEET LADY
4. THE IMMIGRANT LAD
5. YEAR OF THE GURU
6. ST. JAMES INFIRMARY
7. NEW YORK 1963 –
AMERICA 1968
BONUS TRACK
8. WHITE HOUSES (SINGLE VERSION)
A-SIDE OF SINGLE –
RELEASED IN NOVEMBER,1968

DISC FOUR
LOVE IS
(RE-MASTERED EDITION)
RELEASED IN DECEMBER, 1968

1. RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH
2. I’M AN ANIMAL
3. I’M DYING, OR AM I?
4. RING OF FIRE
5. COLOURED RAIN
6. TO LOVE SOMEBODY
7. AS THE YEARS GO PASSING BY
8. GEMINI
9. THE MADMAN (RUNNING THROUGH THE FIELDS)
BONUS TRACK
10. RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH (SINGLE VERSION)
B-SIDE OF SINGLE – RELEASED IN NOVEMBER, 1968

DISC FIVE
WINDS OF CHANGE
(RE-MASTERED MONO MIX)
RELEASED IN OCTOBER, 1967

1. WINDS OF CHANGE
2. POEM BY THE SEA
3. PAINT IT BLACK
4. THE BLACK PLAGUE
5. YES, I AM EXPERIENCED
6. SAN FRANCISCAN NIGHTS
7. MAN – WOMAN
8. HOTEL HELL
9. GOOD TIMES
10. ANYTHING
11. IT’S ALL MEAT

To pre-order:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/eric-burdon-the-animals-when-i-was-young-the-mgm-recordings-1967-1968-5cd/


Hi again, Kent,
Wow, thanks for publishing my long rambling E-mail on your Forgotten
Hits blog!
As for Bend it, WMEX in Boston played the song.  WRKO was not on the air yet, but that would happen in March of '67.  But when I heard the Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich version of the song, it didn't sound quite right to me.  So if there's an American version out there, I'd love to hear that one because that's probably the version that WMEX played.
I was so disappointed when I heard the released single of Valleri by the Monkees, which WDOT made a big deal about finally being available in February of 1968 during my Washington's Birthday vacation, and they made it sound like they had something to do with the record finally being released, which of course they didn't.  I absolutely hated the brass section added to the song, and the fact that it was in a lower key.  I like the TV show version MUCH BETTER!
OK, now for my question. 
There are two local Chicago RNB hits that I've always wondered about, and am really curious to know how well they did in Chicago.  These songs would have definitely been RNB hits, and I don't know if anyone would even have any music charts that would reflect how well these two songs actually did in the Windy City. The songs are Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight by the Spaniels, and At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama) by the El Dorados, both recorded on the Vee Jay
label which, of course, was located in Chicago. 
I love both of these tunes very much and while it would be easy for me if I were sighted to find out how well these songs did nationally on the RNB charts in Joel
Whitburn's Billboard RNB charts book, even that isn't possible for me to do because the print books are so large and tightly bound, that even a scanner wouldn't work very well. 
Anyway, I realize that not very many people are interested in chart action from this early in the rock and roll era, so that's why I said you don't have to put this question on your blog if you'd rather just answer this question with an E-mail, but
I'll leave it up to you what you decide. 
Oh, one more song that I'm curious about, and this song would have made the WLS and WCFL charts … The Eggplant That Ate Chicago by Dr. West's Medicine Show. 
How did people in Chicago feel about that song?  How did it grab you at the
time?  Were you kind of annoyed or offended?  Or did you think it was just a funny novelty song?  I'm just curious.
Anyway, again, thank you for everything, Kent.
Oh, I almost forgot ... 
Where can I hear Dave The Rave's shows?  Is he still on Topshelf Oldies, and is that the only Internet station that he's on?  Or is he on more stations than that?  Naturally, being a huge RNB fan, I often used to listen to Johnny Galindo's Vinyl Treasure show and, in fact, I used to carry it on my Audioldies website. 
Anyway Kent, you take care, and thanks again for allowing me into your Forgotten Hit Community. 
With warmest regards,
Sam Ward in Canada
Whew!
Ok, here we go (in order) …
I ran copies of BOTH pressings of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich versions of “Bend It” as released by that group.  You can find those posted on December 3rd … which was Tuesday of this week … just scroll back and give them both a listen.  (I know somebody said that an American group, The Noblemen, also covered the song … is it possible that THAT was the version you heard back in 1966? 
Unfortunately, I don’t have a copy of that version … anybody out there got a clip that we can share?
As for “Valleri,” I, too, was disappointed as to why Colgems would FINALLY release this track in March of 1968, (and a brand new, newly recorded version at that) nearly a full year after the first version aired on their television show.  Like I said, they threw away a guaranteed #1 Hit at the time by doing so.  (I think the same would have been the case for “She” and “I Wanna Be Free,” both of which received EXTENSIVE airplay at the time, almost as if they WERE singles.)
The story behind the song “Valleri” is fascinating.  We give you the whole scoop here in our Salute to Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart …
“Valleri” is covered in great depth in Chapter 6.
Read the interview we did with Bobby for even more details …
It’s down about two-thirds of the way thru this post.
The two R&B Hits you refer to … “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight” by The Spaniels and “At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama)” came out before Chicago started publishing an regular Top 40 / Pop Hits Chart in 1956 … and, unfortunately, I don’t have any R&B Charts specifically tied to Chicago from this era.  (Again, maybe somebody out there does and can better answer this question?  And, if you DO have R&B Charts from let’s say 1954 – 1958, I’d LOVE to get copies of them to add to my own collection.) 
As far as how these records did on the National Pop Charts, The Spaniels’ track again predates the chart information I have … but “At My Front Door” peaked at #7 in Music Vendor, #8 in Cash Box and #17 in Billboard in late 1955.  In Music Vendor (the precursor to Record World) and Cash Box, they SHARED these positions with other versions of the same song, recorded by other artists.
Switching over to Billboard’s R&B Charts (they ran THREE separate charts tracking R&B Music back then), The El Dorados’ hit went all the way to #1on their R&B Juke Box Chart and peaked at #2 on both their Best Sellers In Stores and Dee Jay Charts.  The Spaniels’ hit got as high as #5 on Billboard’s R&B Best Sellers and Juke Box Charts.
Dr. West’s Medicine Show didn’t chart at all here in Chicago … and I honestly don’t even remember hearing the record on the radio at the time.  Nationally, it charted highest in Billboard (#52) and peaked at #58 and #69 in Record World and Cash Box respectively.
As for Dave The Rave, I know he still does his Top Shelf Oldies Show, but now it’s on Sunday Nights from 9 pm to  Midnight (Eastern Time.) 
He was also doing a couple of different (but similar) syndicated programs but I’m not sure if he’s still doing those or not.  (I’ve dropped him a note for an update … let’s see if he responds!!!)  Anyway, check out his show and request some of those Local Hits you asked me about last time … this guy has EVERYTHING!!!
And, speaking of “everything,” I hope that gets you what you need for right now.  (And don’t ever feel bad about writing in with questions like these … I LOVE these kinds of emails because they make me work to get you accurate answers … and all this chart stuff has always fascinated me anyway!) 
Thanks, Sam!  (kk)