Wild Wayne is reporting that Bobby Lewis has died.
1961= Bobby was "TOSSIN' & TURNIN',” a # 1 Hit written by Ritchie Adams, a member of the Vogues.
1962 = Bobby said "I'M TOSSIN' & TURNIN' AGAIN."
Didn't work the second time around. # 98 on Billboard Chart.
FB
“Tossin’ And Turnin’” was the biggest hit record of 1961. It topped Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart for SEVEN WEEKS that year. (It was #1 for four weeks in both Cash Box and Music Vendor.)
Although “I’m Tossin’ And Turnin’ Again” flopped for Bobby in 1962, he DID have another Top Ten Hit … “One Track Mind” (not a bad song) went to #9 as the follow-up hit to the original “Tossin’ And Turnin’” single (but only hit #21 in Music Vendor and #24 in Cash Box … so one of those great mystery discrepancies we find so often when examining the charts.) “What A Walk” peaked at #77 later that same year (1961) and “Mamie In The Afternoon” only managed to “bubble under” in all three of the major trades the following year. (kk)
So sad to learn that Carl Dobkins, Jr. passed away. All the Besch boys loved "Lucky Devil" and "My Heart is an Open Book."
Clark Besch
Record Store Day has been pushed back AGAIN due to the Covid-19 pandemic. More details on how things will be handled this year can be found here:
https://theseconddisc.com/2020/04/29/breaking-record-store-day-drops-replace-june-date-scheduled-for-august-september-and-october/ Record Store Day has been pushed back AGAIN due to the Covid-19 pandemic. More details on how things will be handled this year can be found here:
Last night (Saturday, May 2nd) SHOULD have been the night of this year's Induction Ceremony for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. (I guess The Doobie Brothers will have to wait just a little bit longer to FINALLY get recognized for their incredible career.) Like virtually everything else in life, the CoronaVirus has affected (infected?) this, too. As of right now, things have been rescheduled to Saturday, November 7th. (kk)
And, talking about delays, The Eagles have postponed their “Hotel California” tour for sixteen more months! The tour will not resume until September 16, 2021! (That's a LONG time for them to be holding on to YOUR money!!! But then again, THEY probably need it worse than YOU do, right?!?!) Tickets for all previously announced shows will be honored.
Here is a list of the updated show dates:
September 16, 2021 - Denver @ Pepsi Center
September 18, 2021 - Denver @ Pepsi Center
September 21, 2021 - Dallas @ American Airlines Center
September 24, 2021 - Phoenix @ Talking Stick Resort Arena
September 25, 2021 - Phoenix @ Talking Stick Resort Arena
October 1, 2021 - St. Paul, Minn. @ Xcel Energy Center
October 2, 2021 - St. Paul, Minn. @ Xcel Energy Center
October 15, 2021 - Los Angeles @ Forum
October 16, 2021 - Los Angeles @ Forum
October 19, 2021 – Los Angeles @ Forum
October 22, 2021 - San Francisco @ Chase Center
October 23, 2021 - San Francisco @ Chase Center
(As of right now, they are still only doing twelve shows … in six cities. Guess we’ll have to wait a year and a half to see if any new dates will be added.) kk
And, since it's virtually impossible to go more than a few minutes without the pandemic coming up again, we'll report that NBC Sports did a Covid-19 fundraiser Wednesday night that included some of Chicago’s most popular sports figures as well as some musical guests performing from home, including the rock band Chicago and Jim Peterik, who sent along this note and video …
Hi Kent!
Here is the video we did for last night for the Covid-19 fundraiser on NBC Sports Chicago called Be Chicago: Together We Can. Please post this on your Forgotten Hits site.
Much money was raised last night from this initiative. I also did Vehicle and Empty Arena. All three songs plus the Ides and Friends’ Spirit of Chicago will be featured on the NBC website soon.
Thanks!
Jimbo
PS The video was done by John Dykas and the sound was done by Larry Millas … conceived by Bob Bergland.
Jim Peterik ALSO did a guest spot on Scott Shannon's top-rated morning show on WCBS-FM in New York City a couple of weeks ago ... and we just received the audio for that. (Thanks, Alan!) kk
OK, now THAT was awesome!!! Thanks, Jim! (kk)
Micky Dolenz appeared on Scott Shannon's Big Show Friday Morning to talk about the new Mike And Micky Show live album (out now), the latest postponement of their resumed show and the recent passing of Adam Schlesinger from the Corona Virus ...
Micky Dolenz appeared on Scott Shannon's Big Show Friday Morning to talk about the new Mike And Micky Show live album (out now), the latest postponement of their resumed show and the recent passing of Adam Schlesinger from the Corona Virus ...
Photo: Scott Shannon; Micky Dolenz; Patty Steele ... obviously from a happier, safer time
Jim Peterik ALSO did a guest spot on Scott Shannon's top-rated morning show on WCBS-FM in New York City a couple of weeks ago ... and we just received the audio for that. (Thanks, Alan!) kk
Hi Kent:
Really enjoyed the blog today! On our end, we had just been discussing how to package a feature on "songs of the pandemic," but doing it tastefully and not mocking the music, either. We'll work on it.
Have a good weekend and be safe.
Rick O’Dell
Yeah, that's a fine line ...
On the one hand, it's great to see people maintain a sense of humor during what truly is the greatest crisis any of us have ever challenged ...
But I think by gathering input and suggestions from your listeners, you'll be better able to determine just how sensitive a topic this really is.
Right now, it would seem that ANYTHING to help take our minds off the sad reality has to be a good thing ...
But then there are people out there who have lost friends and relatives due to this, too.
A VERY touchy topic ... during this time of no touching! (kk)
kk:
Add these to the list of songs we shouldn't be singing.
“Fever” by Little Willie John … Peggy Lee … Elvis … others
"Doctor's Orders" is another no-no.
For those of us trapped in our houses, I'm bringing back this Vietnam era hit --
"WE GOTTA GET OUT OF THIS PLACE."
FB
And we really shouldn't be playing "Come A Little Bit Closer" anymore either, I guess! Or "Touch Me" by The Doors, "Why Can't I Touch You" by Ronnie Dyson or "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, John Lennon or Mickey Gilley. Then again songs like "Keep Your Hand To Yourself" by The Georgia Satellites, "From A Distance" by Bette Midler, "Don't Come Around Here No More" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Dancing With Myself" by Billy Idol, "Behind Closed Doors" by Charlie Rich and even "Too Much Time On My Hands" by Styx DO seem a bit more fitting and appropriate during this time of social distancing. Perhaps Paul McCartney said it best 47 years ago … “Stuck inside these four walls … sent inside forever … never seeing no one …” (kk)
Hi, Kent:
It's from another era and another genre, but it sure speaks to what folks are doing during the pandemic: Eddy Arnold - I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms)
Hil
In this instance, it may fit perfectly! (Certainly fits the theme!) Thanks, Hil! (kk)
Songs for the pandemic this year?
School's Out
Right Place, Wrong Time
Go Away (1910 Fruitgum Co)
Get Away (Georgie Fame)
If You Go Away
Gotta Get Outta Here (Randy VanWarmer)
Slippin Into Darkness
It's Cold Outside
Alive OR Stayin' Alive (BOTH Bee Gees hits!)
Why Can't We Live Together
I Don't Like to Sleep Alone (YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Don't Go Out Into The Rain
Run For Your Life
Catch Us If You Can (Governors chasing people at the beaches)
Too Late for Goodbyes (morbid I know)
Last Time I Saw Her (Glen Campbell)
Last Time I Saw Him (Diana Ross)
Isolation (Lennon)
Clark Besch
Our requests have ranged from serious, inspirational, and humorous during the pandemic.
Songs have included: A Little Bit Of Soap, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Stuck In the Middle With You, I'm Still Standing, I Will Survive, They're Coming To Take Me Away, From A Distance, Help, Rockin' Pneumonia-Boogie Woogie Flu, and High Hopes.
Music is the best medicine!
Phil Nee – WRCO
P.S. One more: For some sad reason, this morning I was thinking of the lyric from Ode To Billie Joe ... "There was a virus goin' round, Papa caught it and he died last Spring."
Check out the Pandemic Soundtrack provided by FH Reader Doug Stitt below …
It’s on there! (lol) kk
>>>What songs would YOU guys add to the list? Songs that fit the idea of this social distancing time. Good, bad … anything that relates to the pandemic. Who knows … if we get enough good answers, maybe Rick WILL run “The Pandemic Song Of The Day!!!” A smile means a lot right now … so jump onboard! (kk)
Since you asked ... I put this musical montage together about a month ago, with some input on the song lists from a few friends.
These are lyrics that could apply to coronavirus or to social isolation.
Doug
From Carol Ross ...
Well, THAT explains a lot!!!
Carol also sent us this comment regarding Tommy James getting back out on the road. (He's now got TWO shows scheduled for the Chicagoland area in September and October.)
>>>Tommy James will be returning to The Genesee Theatre on Saturday, October 17th. (I have to admit that I’m a little surprised by this one … Tommy is playing at The Arcada Theatre the month before … on Sunday, September 20th. Are there enough Tommy James fans out there willing to shell out for TWO shows less than 30 days apart??? Time will tell. (kk)
Hi Kent –
Another great video we stumbled across this week …
Well, THAT explains a lot!!!
Carol also sent us this comment regarding Tommy James getting back out on the road. (He's now got TWO shows scheduled for the Chicagoland area in September and October.)
>>>Tommy James will be returning to The Genesee Theatre on Saturday, October 17th. (I have to admit that I’m a little surprised by this one … Tommy is playing at The Arcada Theatre the month before … on Sunday, September 20th. Are there enough Tommy James fans out there willing to shell out for TWO shows less than 30 days apart??? Time will tell. (kk)
Hi Kent –
Tommy is trying to be hopeful about getting back to performing for the fans - as was said. We have the music to get us through these very tough times, BUT no one knows for sure if this will happen as planned.
The first concern is that people will be safe, and they may be hesitant –
Also Tommy will be concerned about his band and staff traveling again.
It’s nice to look forward to coming back to keep us going, but not till it’s truly right.
Carol Ross-Durborow
I couldn’t agree more. We have to safe … and smart about this whole thing. And much as I’m chomping at the bit to get out and see a few shows again, I’m not sure in my heart of hearts that I’m really ready to take that risk just yet. This is going to be a LONG recovery for all parties concerned. (kk)
UPDATE: Billboard is reporting this week that “Fans are in no rush to see live music after the coronavirus … less than half of the “fans who love going to live concerts” polled say that they will return to live venues after the social distancing restrictions have been lifted. This is going to take awhile before people feel comfortable again interacting with strangers. (kk)
Meanwhile, Tommy also told Billboard this week (when asked about what he thought of Billie Joe Armstrong’s remake version of his 1967 hit “I Think We’re Alone Now” …
"I'm very honored that Billie Joe did this; I've been a fan of Green Day for a long time," James told Billboard this week while self-isolating in northern New Jersey. ("My big thrill of the week is taking out the garbage," he joked. More seriously, he mused, "You know what I hope our takeaway is from all of this? I hope we come away realizing how thankful we should be for all these simple things that we took for granted.")
Read the whole story here:
And, since we’re all still staying home, here’s a great way to catch some live music (and by The Rolling Stones, no less!!!)
THE ROLLING STONES TO RELEASE “EXTRA LICKS”
A SERIES OF SPECIAL PERFORMANCES,
STREAMING WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVELY ON YOUTUBE
A SERIES OF SPECIAL PERFORMANCES,
STREAMING WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVELY ON YOUTUBE
Available digitally for the first time, this six-part weekly series will feature bonus footage from some of the band’s most memorable concerts around the world.
Set a tune-in reminder for the series Premiere on Sunday, May 3rd
at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm BST on The Rolling Stones YouTube Channel
Set a tune-in reminder for the series Premiere on Sunday, May 3rd
at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm BST on The Rolling Stones YouTube Channel
As part of YouTube’s #StayHome campaign, The Rolling Stones will launch a weekly series entitled “Extra Licks” on the band’s official YouTube channel, starting this Sunday, May 3rd at 12pm PT / 3pm ET/ 8pm BST.
Each featurette — available digitally for the first time — will appear as a YouTube Premiere, streaming bonus features of six concert films from throughout their career, including performances from the 1994 Voodoo Lounge Tour and the 2016 Latin America Ole! Tour. This series is in partnership with The Rolling Stones and Eagle Rock Entertainment, and will stream exclusively on YouTube.
What: The Rolling Stones “Extra Licks” #StayHome Special Features
When: Series kicks off Sunday, May 3, 2020 at 12pm PT/3pm ET/8pm BST
Where: Streaming exclusively on YouTube HERE
When: Series kicks off Sunday, May 3, 2020 at 12pm PT/3pm ET/8pm BST
Where: Streaming exclusively on YouTube HERE
Watch Teaser Trailer on May 1 at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm BST
Just last week The Rolling Stones released a new single entitled, “Living In A Ghost Town,” that was created and recorded in Los Angeles, London and in isolation. The track was released in tandem with a brand new music video that premiered exclusively on YouTube and has almost 4 million views to date.
YouTube Premieres is a feature that lets artists and their teams build anticipation and create a unique moment around a music video release on YouTube. The feature transforms the way fans view and engage with content by creating an event where fans and artists directly engage and enjoy the experience together in an interactive way. Premieres radically change how music video content is released, turning the watching experience into a communal moment. Another great video we stumbled across this week …
It’s The Bee Gees performing “Lonely Days” (one of my all-time favorites by them ... although a bit slower here than I'd like to hear it) on The Dick Cavett Show … dig it!
And one good Bee Gees video deserves another ...
This one COMPLETELY cracked me up when I found it last night ...
And let's complete our triple play with this one ... which ALWAYS brings a tear to my eye, every time I hear it ...
Lulu and former husband Maurice Gibb, teaming up to sing a stirring version of The Bee Gees' tune "First Of May" ...
Wow! I can’t wait to add THIS one to my collection!
Joel Whitburn’s Record Research has just announced the publication of Cash Box Magazine’s 1980’s charts … due to arrive by late July.
(I’m still going thru Joel’s most recent release, "Top Ten Hits, 1950 – 2020," featuring EVERY record to make The Top Ten in Billboard, Record World, Cash Box, Music Vendor and Radio And Records!!!)
This is a nice, neat, compact little edition that gives the songs and artists in a very concise manner … with a beautiful full color photo spread of many of the picture sleeves that originally accompanied these releases.
Ordering information for BOTH books can be found below. (kk)
(What an awesome looking cover!!!)
Order both books here: https://recordresearch.com/
Speaking of the charts, Billboard Magazine posted an interesting trivia fact this week …
What’s The Most Common Song Title To Make Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart?
Hold on for the answer … it’s right here …
Speaking of the charts, Billboard Magazine posted an interesting trivia fact this week …
What’s The Most Common Song Title To Make Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart?
Hold on for the answer … it’s right here …
To be clear, these had to all be DIFFERENT songs with the same song title (meaning three remakes of “Crazy” by Patsy Cline, for example, still only counts as one entry.)
In all, Billboard found nearly twenty titles that have charted ten or more times.
Below is the list of the most common, with the highest-charting version listed as well …
In all, Billboard found nearly twenty titles that have charted ten or more times.
Below is the list of the most common, with the highest-charting version listed as well …
10, "Call Me"
Highest-charting: No. 1 (six weeks), Blondie, 1980
Highest-charting: No. 1 (six weeks), Blondie, 1980
10, "I Want You"
Highest-charting: No. 4, Savage Garden, 1997
Highest-charting: No. 4, Savage Garden, 1997
10, "Love Me"
Highest-charting: No. 9, Lil Wayne feat. Drake & Future, 2013
Highest-charting: No. 9, Lil Wayne feat. Drake & Future, 2013
10, "One"
Highest-charting: No. 5, Three Dog Night, 1969
Highest-charting: No. 5, Three Dog Night, 1969
11, "Crazy"
Highest-charting: No. 2, Gnarls Barkley, 2006
Highest-charting: No. 2, Gnarls Barkley, 2006
11, "Friends"
Highest-charting: No. 9, Jody Watley with Eric B. & Rakim, 1989
Highest-charting: No. 9, Jody Watley with Eric B. & Rakim, 1989
11, "Hallelujah"
Highest-charting: No. 13, Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris feat. Charlie Sexton, 2010
Highest-charting: No. 13, Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris feat. Charlie Sexton, 2010
11, "Home"
Highest-charting: No. 6, Phillip Phillips, 2013
Highest-charting: No. 6, Phillip Phillips, 2013
11, "I Love You"
Highest-charting: No. 12, Climax Blues Band, 1981
Highest-charting: No. 12, Climax Blues Band, 1981
11, "I Need You"
Highest-charting: No. 9, America, 1972
Highest-charting: No. 9, America, 1972
11, "Smile"
Highest-charting: No. 12, Scarface feat. 2Pac & Johnny B, 1997
Highest-charting: No. 12, Scarface feat. 2Pac & Johnny B, 1997
11, "Without You"
Highest-charting: No. 1 (four weeks), Nilsson, 1972
Highest-charting: No. 1 (four weeks), Nilsson, 1972
14, "Angel"
Highest-charting: No. 1 (one week), Shaggy feat. Rayvon, 2001
Highest-charting: No. 1 (one week), Shaggy feat. Rayvon, 2001
14, "Forever"
Highest-charting: No. 2, Chris Brown, 2008
Highest-charting: No. 2, Chris Brown, 2008
14, "Happy"
Highest-charting: No. 1 (10 weeks), Pharrell Williams, 2014
Highest-charting: No. 1 (10 weeks), Pharrell Williams, 2014
14, "Runaway"
Highest-charting: No. 1 (four weeks), Del Shannon, 1961
Highest-charting: No. 1 (four weeks), Del Shannon, 1961
14, "Stay"
Highest-charting: No. 1 (one week), Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs, 1960
Highest-charting: No. 1 (one week), Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs, 1960
14, "You"
Highest-charting: No. 9, Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne, 2007
Highest-charting: No. 9, Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne, 2007
... and, the most common title of a Hot 100 hit?
16, "Hold On"Highest-charting: No. 1 (one week), Wilson Phillips, 1990
Beyond Wilson Phillips' and En Vogue's No. 1 and 2-peaking hits, respectively, other top 40 hits titled "Hold On" include those by Santana (No. 15, 1982), Jamie Walters (former lead singer of the Heights; No. 16, 1995), Ian Gomm (No. 18, 1979), Triumph (No. 38, 1979) and Kansas (No. 40, 1980).
And think about it ...
That doesn't even include songs like "Hold On, I'm Comin'" or "Hold On Loosely" or "Hold On Tight" or "Baby Hold On" or any other number of "holdin' on songs!" ("Holdin' On To Yesterday," for example! "Hold The Line.") There's your next specialty weekend, Rick O'Dell ... I'll betcha we could easily come up with 40-50 "hold on" songs to get us thru this pandemic ... Don't Give Up ... Keep Holding On ... We'll Get Thru This! ... you get the idea! (kk)
Billboard also announced a batch of brand new dedicated music channels that launched on Friday, May 1st, including David Bowie, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Guns ‘n Roses, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Prince, Rolling Stones and George Strait.
Kent …
Hope all is well with you and your family during this challenging time we’re all going through.
Hope all is well with you and your family during this challenging time we’re all going through.
Just finished reading “The Music of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart" ...
Absolutely incredible stories about the guys.
I still keep in touch with Bobby and every time we’re on the phone together it winds up being a 30 minute conversation and reminds me just how talented these guys were.
I was fortunate to be on tour with Tommy and Bobby during my days at KYA in San Francisco back in the 60’s. What special times those were.
Stay well -
All the best,
Johnny Holliday
Thank you, Johnny!
It’s been awhile since I talked to Bobby ... but what a great guy!
It’s been awhile since I talked to Bobby ... but what a great guy!
I still feel this is one of the strongest series we have ever done … and it was a whole lot of fun putting it together.
I sure would like to know what happened to the Boyce and Hart documentary that was made a few years ago.
For some reason this thing never saw the light of day … and I’ve been dying to see it since forever.
Called “The Guys Who Wrote ‘Em,” I’ve talked to at least a dozen people who should have an “in” to provide a screener copy of this film and yet it still remains tucked away in a vault somewhere.
If ANYBODY out there knows how I might go about getting a copy … STRICTLY FOR PERSONAL VIEWING AND REVIEWING … PLEASE let me know! (kk)
You'll find our BOYCE AND HART Series (as well as my one-on-one interview with Bobby Hart) right here:
kk:
I like that sign you posted – BUFFALO / SPRINGFIELD.
How about more of the same?
You can ask – WAIT -- You're too busy.
That’s OK … I'll do it.
I'm going to ask your readers from all over the country to send you pictures of clever signs.
"KANSAS CITY" (Wilbert Harrison) = 12th Street & Vine
"LOVE POTION # 9" (Clovers) = 34th & Vine
Eagles & Mark Lindsay = Winslow, Arizona
The Orlons , Philadelphia = West Street + East Street + North Ave. = "SOUTH STREET"
"I'VE BEEN EVERYWHERE" (Johnny Cash) = Too many places to mention. Listen to the song.
"WANTED MAN" (Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash) = Too many places to mention. Listen to the song.
I'm sure you can come up with a few more of your own.
FB
Hmmm ... a new Forgotten Hits challenge.
(Or is this more a case of “your mission, should you choose to accept it …” … Nah, I don’t have any exploding cassette tapes left … used ‘em all up in the late ‘60’s.)
Go for it … and other clever signs / intersections, too. We’ll run ‘em. (I found Penny Lane a couple of months ago when I had to go somewhere to pick up a package!) kk
Go for it … and other clever signs / intersections, too. We’ll run ‘em. (I found Penny Lane a couple of months ago when I had to go somewhere to pick up a package!) kk
Hey Kent –
I recently posted this interview with Melanie on Songfacts. She's doing well and has something new coming out … a live recording she did with the Incredible String Band in 1974.
She talked a lot about Woodstock, where she had a kind of spiritual awakening she didn't talk about at the time because she was afraid she would come off looney. Regarding "A Brand New Key," her big concern was that she "would be cute" for the rest of her life, and not taken seriously. Her husband/producer convinced her to release it.
Here's the link: https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/melanie
Be Well,
Carl Wiser
Good to know. I last heard from Melanie when we were putting together our Ed Sullivan series … she definitely wanted to be part of it. I’ve talked to her son a couple of times since but have lost touch with her over the years.
You can read the whole thing here …
Or Melanie’s piece here …
One most telling and defining incidents setting Ed Sullivan apart from any other presenter on TV came about when during my dress rehearsal. A large number of the people in the audience rushed up on stage and sat around me on the floor. (This had also happened spontaneously at a Carnegie Hall concert of mine and continued throughout my early career.) The stage manager ran out and tried to shush them away, back into their seats. Ed Sullivan himself came up on the stage and told all these “youths” -- as he called them -- that they could stay, as they seemed to be well behaved. The stage manager left, shaking his head.
But of course Ed Sullivan was the ultimate showman and knew it added to the essence of what he was introducing to the world, prompting the comment about Elvis.
And of course at that time, one segment on his show was an introduction to the world and the only step needed to go from obscurity to stardom.
Love
Melanie<3
But of course Ed Sullivan was the ultimate showman and knew it added to the essence of what he was introducing to the world, prompting the comment about Elvis.
And of course at that time, one segment on his show was an introduction to the world and the only step needed to go from obscurity to stardom.
Love
Melanie<3
Here's a link to Harvey Kubernik’s recent piece on The Association …
http://cavehollywood.com/russ-giguere-of-the-association/
Thanks, Kent, for letting folks know about the Charlie Gracie documentary!!!! Charlie Will be 83 the 14th and is still jammin!!!
Thanks, Kent, for letting folks know about the Charlie Gracie documentary!!!! Charlie Will be 83 the 14th and is still jammin!!!
Tom
More from Frank B …
kk:
Two of my favorites together.
Frank B.
This is nice … I’ve seen short clips from this but never the whole thing. Very cool. (kk)
From Bobby’s son Sam Tallerico …
Kent,
What a find!
I've seen shorter clips, but this was really cool.
Thanks!
Still enjoying FH. Was psyched to read in today's comments that you're still listening to LAFOS!
Thanks for that, too.
Sam
Exactly - seen several short clips but nothing this extensive - had to share.
Lovin’ my weekly does of LAFOS (although it’s often easier for me to listen to the podcast at my convenience so please continue to send!!!)
If anybody else would like to subscribe to the podcast version (available shortly after the live program airs), drop me a line and I’ll have Sam add your names to the list. You’ll find a very WIDE mix of oldies featured here … some you know … some you forgot you know … and some I guarantee you, you’ve never heard before. (I like it because Sam’s musical tastes run so similar to mine! Lol) kk
Also, long-time FH Reader Geoff Lambert (from across the pond) is doing a weekly oldies newsletter which covers a lotta ground for all musical tastes. Wanna get on the list to receive emailed copies? Let me know and I’ll be happy to pass that information along, too. (Damn … an oldies music newsletter?!?! What a GREAT idea!!!) kk
And finally, more on all of our recent New Colony Six coverage ...
Thank you very much, Kent, and thanks to Wally Kemp and the others for sharing the location.
Thank you very much, Kent, and thanks to Wally Kemp and the others for sharing the location.
Do you know if Jerry Schollenberger was the photographer? Could you get the shooting date?
Did you know that another record cover photo was taken in exactly the same place? "Sophisticated Swing" (EmArcy, 1957) by Cannonball Adderley. I could match both covers but I didn't know the location :)
Here is my list of Cover Locations (some of them from Chicago) https://www.discogs.com/lists/Cover-Locations/285237?page=1
PS - If you can get where the Breakthrough photo session was taken, please tell me
Thanks for your time.
Best,
Emi
I don’t know that we’ll get much more information than what we already have … even this was a bit sketchy after fifty-some years … but I believe that they guys DID officially nail it down. (Pretty cool about the Cannonball Adderley cover … betcha THEY didn’t even know that! No such thing as a new idea, I guess! Lol)
I don’t think Jerry Schollenberger was involved with the band yet in 1967 … but if anybody can dig up additional research, he’s probably the guy … will copy him in on this latest correspondence. I’ll also ask the guys about the Breakthrough cover to see if we can get any more information on this. (kk)
>>>In the late 60s, my best friend Bob Holtz and I visited with his buddy Chris Wolski, who lived a few blocks from us, on the northwest side. Bob said that Chris was with the NC6 for a short time (keyboards?), until his father made him quit because he didn't like the fact that the rest of the guys in the band were a year older, and that didn't sit well with dad. What a shame ... Bob said that he himself had tried out for the NC6 (drums) in the mid-60s, but wasn't good enough.
I got a bit of info regarding this story from Ray some years ago, but I'm still curious about the deal with Chris. (Mike Wolstein)
I got a bit of info regarding this story from Ray some years ago, but I'm still curious about the deal with Chris. (Mike Wolstein)
>>>From my interview with Ray Graffia, Jr., in 2005 …
FH: Actually, that was my next question! OK ... I've got to know ... WHO were the PETE BEST / STUART SUTCLIFF individuals who have since spent most of their adult lives murmuring under their breath "I coulda been a contendah .... I coulda been a contendah!"
RAY: Chris Wolski played accordion for the party but his parents did not want him hanging around with us older guys so he was forced to quit – that’s when Wally volunteered his cousin, Greg, for the band. I wonder what ever happened to Chris and how he must have felt when we hit big? I guess he probably wondered what might have been … maybe one day our paths will cross and I can ask him.
Sadly, my friend Bob, who took me to meet Chris at his apartment, died in 1977.
I haven't been in contact with Chris since that meetup back in 1968-ish, or whenever it was ... I can see it in my mind, but the time frame is ... well, "large".
I do remember that Chris' apartment was in the 3100 block of west Sunnyside Avenue. If you know the area, it was two streets due east of Our Lady of Mercy, the church / school with the huge gold dome that you could see for two miles in each direction.
If you or any of your readers have info, that'd be great. I'd like to chat with Chris, but to be honest, he probably wouldn't remember me. We only spent a half hour chatting, and 52 years ago ... wow.
Take care, thanks again for your help and your wonderful site!
Mike
I haven't been in contact with Chris since that meetup back in 1968-ish, or whenever it was ... I can see it in my mind, but the time frame is ... well, "large".
I do remember that Chris' apartment was in the 3100 block of west Sunnyside Avenue. If you know the area, it was two streets due east of Our Lady of Mercy, the church / school with the huge gold dome that you could see for two miles in each direction.
If you or any of your readers have info, that'd be great. I'd like to chat with Chris, but to be honest, he probably wouldn't remember me. We only spent a half hour chatting, and 52 years ago ... wow.
Take care, thanks again for your help and your wonderful site!
Mike
Here’s a Chris Wolski update, courtesy of FH Reader Mike Markesich …
My friend and I talked to Chris Wolski via e-mails several years ago, as he was one of the five members of the short-lived Chicago rock & roll group called the Faded Blue. If you've never seen the 1967 movie "Blast Off Girls," featuring the Faded Blue, directed by now-legendary film maker and director Herschell Gordon Lewis, I highly recommend it.
Chris and the guys are the storyline in the film, as they agree to be managed by a pompous, Andrew Loog Oldham inspired young agent and manager named Boojie Baker. He and his goofy honcho tough guy cohort are given the heave-ho at the start of the film by another group, so both guys go club-hopping to find another young and desperate rock group to scam. Boojie finds the Faded Blue playing to four unresponsive people in a club and proceed to sway the Faded Blue to sign a contract. Boojie assures them fame, hit records and girls galore - everything except money! He changes the name of the group as well, to the Big Blast for release of their 45.
The Faded Blue perform several great original "garage rock" songs throughout the film, including "The Next Time". The clip below plays the finished version of the song, but there is a cool scene showing the boys cutting a better (IMO) rendition in the recording studio. That's Chris, Faded Blue keyboard player & lead singer, in the barber chair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AweWpoF2Gfk
My friend made a video clip featuring the song used at the end of the movie, with the guys running amok in Chicagoland
Trade magazines (Cashbox, Record World) circa September, 1967, note that the Faded Blue were signed to a Chicago record label, Barrington Records. News published note that a record would be forthcoming to coincide with the release of "Blast Off Girls," but apparently nothing was ever issued.
Mike Markesich
Mike Markesich
Now that’s just wild. (I guess Chris found a younger group of guys to hang out with! Lol) SO cool that he stayed in music. Wonder what he’s doing now. Thanks, Mike! (kk)
Somewhere I have a NC6 reunion from 1988 (I believe) with Bob Stroud going front and center with them to do a GREAT version of "You're Gonna Be Mine" a few years before his stint as lead singer of the Cryan Shames.
Clark Besch
I have a dvd of The New Colony Six reunion show at The Park West from 1988 … but don’t remember Stroud being part of it … guess I’ll have to watch it again. “You’re Gonna Be Mine” has always been one of my favorites by them … just such a great “pop” tune. (kk)
That's a wrap for this weekend ...
Watch for a brand new (as in 50 years old) WCFL Chart tomorrow in Forgotten Hits. Meanwhile, be smart ... and stay safe. (kk)
That's a wrap for this weekend ...
Watch for a brand new (as in 50 years old) WCFL Chart tomorrow in Forgotten Hits. Meanwhile, be smart ... and stay safe. (kk)
