Still catching up from our Week of Bob Dylan ...
So LOTS more loose ends to enjoy on the site today!
A great piece on The Monkees ran in Best Classic Bands earlier this week … https://bestclassicbands.com/monkees-first-year-3-19-19/
And Ultimate Classic Rock ran a review of the brand new, 8-part Apple+ TV mini series “1971: The Year That Changed Music” here: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/apple-tv-1971/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=New%20Campaign&utm_term=UCR
Hi Kent,
Just curious to know if you have seen a link for a list of all the music played in the Apple 1971 Docuseries? I figured if anyone knew it would be you or one of the FH readers.
Bill
I do not … but maybe somebody else does (or has compiled a list of their own.)
We don’t currently have Apple+ TV … but look forward to catching up on this new music mini-series once “The Morning Show” returns hopefully later this year. (kk)
I guess they’re still trying to work out all the details and conform to Covid-19 live performance protocol, but it sounds like The Happy Together Tour WILL continue in August this year, albeit with a slightly revamped line-up due to artist availability …
Ron Dante told us that …
The Happy Together Tour may go out this August with a new line up ... The Cowsills, The Vogues, The Classics IV, The Association, Gary Puckett and, of course, The Turtles.
Missing in action are Mark Lindsay (we told you several weeks ago that he was coming off the tour for health reasons) and Chuck Negron (who, as far as I knew, was expected to stay onboard … however, I see that his name is now missing from the line-up when Happy Together hits The Genesee Theatre here in Chicago … well, actually, Waukegan … on August 7th) and The Buckinghams (who, I believe, are doing assorted shows along the way, including The Genesee Theatre here in Chicago, where we get SEVEN acts instead of the customary six.) kk
Speaking of getting back out on the road, America resumes its 50th Anniversary Tour on August 13th with a show in Bethesda, MD. (They hit the Chicagoland area on October 30th with a stop at The Rialto Square Theatre. The last show we saw before the pandemic hit was America with The Buckinghams at The Genesee Theatre in March of 2020.)
Upcoming show dates include:
8/13/2021
Music Center at Strathmore North Bethesda, MD
8/14/2021 Northlands Swanzey, NH
8/21/2021 E Center at Edgewater Hotel Laughlin, NV
8/27/2021 Cape Cod Melody Tent Hyannis, MA
8/28/2021 South Shore Music Circus Cohasset, MA
9/11/2021 Kansas Star Arena Mulvane, KS
9/17/2021 Johnny Mercer Theatre Savannah, GA
9/25/2021 Lied Center of Kansas Lawrence, KS
10/2/2021 Silver Legacy Casino – Grande Expo Hall Reno, NV
10/20/2021 Washington Pavillion Sioux Falls, SD
10/22/2021 Grand Hall Mankato, MN
10/28/2021 Tupelo Music Hall Derry, NH
10/30/2021 Rialto Square Theatre Joliet, IL
11/6/2021 Good Life Festival at Schnepf Farms Queen Creek, AZ
11/14/2021 Tobin Center H-E-B Performance Hall San Antonio, TX
11/18/2021 Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater, FL
11/20/2021 Sunrise Theatre Fort Pierce, FL
11/21/2021 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Sarasota, FL
Rock Cellar Magazine has an interview with Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, friends and partners for over fifty years now, here:
Foreigner has added guitarist Luis Maldonado to the line-up for their new tour.
They performed their first post-Covid concert in Orlando, Florida, last week and are now playing two dates at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL, on May 22nd and May 23rd. (That’s where FH Reader Rich Turner just saw Kansas!)
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-guest-concert-review.html
Other upcoming dates include:
June 24th – Bridge View Center – Ottumwa, IA
June 25th – Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science – Sioux Falls, SD
June 26th – Bismarck Civic Center – Bismarck, ND
June 29th – Ford Wyoming Center – Casper, WY
June 30th – First Interstate Arena – Billings, MT
July 2nd – Treasure Island Amphitheater – Welch, MN
July 27th – William Saroyan Theatre – Fresno, CA
July 28th – Findlay Toyota Center – Prescott Valley, AZ
July 30th – Maverik Center – Salt Lake City, UT
July 31st – Las Colonias Park Amphitheater – Grand Junction, CO
August 1st – Helen DeVitt Jones Theater at The Buddy Holly Hall – Lubbock, TX
August 5th – Stride Bank Center – Enid, OK
August 7th – Hartman Arena – Park City, KS
August 8th – Simmons Bank Arena – North Little Rock, AR
August 10th – Wisconsin State Fair – Milwaukee, WI
August 11th – McGrath Amphitheatre – Cedar Rapids, IA
August 13th – Ashley For The Arts - Soldiers Walk Veterans Memorial Park – Arcadia, WI* (*Two Day Pass, also featuring Toby Keith and Little Big Town)
August 15th – Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, IL
August 18th – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
August 20th – The Meadow Event Park – Doswell, VA (moved from Innsbrook After Hours)
August 21st – The Freeman Stage at Bayside – Selbyville, DE
August 25th – Hartford HealthCare Ampitheater – Bridgeport, CT
August 26th – Indian Ranch, Webster, MA
August 27th – South Shore Music Circus - Cohasset, MA
August 28th – Cape Cod Melody Tent – Hyannis, MA
September 9th – Alerus Center – Grand Forks, ND
September 10th – Don Barnett Arena at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center – Rapid City, SD
September 11th – Butte Civic Center Arena – Butte, MT
September 14th – Angle of the Winds Arena – Everett, WA
September 15th – Idaho Center – Nampa, ID
September 16th – Northern Quest Casino – Spokane, WA
September 18th – Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Event Center – Fort Hall, ID
September 22nd – Toyota Center, WA – Kennewick, WA
September 26th – Grand Sierra Theatre – Reno, NV
October 1st – Greek Theatre – Los Angels, CA
October 28th – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom – Hampton, NH
November 6th – Landers Center – Southaven, MS
November 9th – Bell Auditorium – Augusta, GA
November 13th – BancorpSouth Arena – Tupelo, MS
November 14th – Brandon Amphitheater – Brandon, MS
November 17th – BJCC Concert Hall – Birmingham, AL
Live Music Returns: East Coast Fab 4 Music Festival Announces Line-Up of Bands
The "Fab 4 Music Festival" will "get back" to Connecticut on Saturday, July 10th, marking not only the return of live music to the area, but also a return for the perennial Beatles fan music fest which has been a mainstay in the New York / New England area for many years. The musical extravaganza will "come together" in its new home at Nolan Field in Ansonia, CT. It is the only Beatles-themed music festival on the East Coast.
The popular regional Beatles-themed, family-friendly Music, Foods & Arts Festival features ten bands playing the music of The Beatles, their solo material and songs from the sixties, including one Monkees tribute show. The acts performing are from several states … The Hofners, Number 9, Double The Dial, MerseyBeatCT, The Navels and School of Rock all hail from Connecticut. The Black Ties are a New York band, Britains Best are from NJ, One Sweet Dream call MA their home, and the Monkees tribute band, Zilch, will be coming from RI.
Along with the great entertainment of 10 bands, there will be Beatles memorabilia and music dealers, special guests and authors, area vendors and artisans, exhibitors, attractions, and food trucks with a wide variety of food options available.
The outdoor event runs from Noon until 8 pm on July 10th, and advance "Ticket to Ride" general admissions are only $19.99. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets. There are also a number of seated V.I.P. tickets available. Note that admission will be higher at the door. Advance tickets available at fab4musicfestival.ticketleap.com/fab4/
The "Fab 4 Music Festival," on Saturday, July 10, 2021, is presented by Liverpool Productions, the same Beatles fan club that presented "NYC FAB 50: The Beatles' 50th Anniversary Celebration" in New York City, and have produced Beatles Conventions worldwide since 1978. They also organize the annual fan vacations to Liverpool and London known as the "Magical History Tour." The show is produced in conjunction with the City of Ansonia, and is hosted by Beatles aficionado and author Charles F. Rosenay!!!.
With a full day of fab 4 fun, 10 bands and non-stop music, as The Beatles sang, "It's Guaranteed to Raise a Smile."
For further info, visit website www.Fab4MusicFestival.com or call (203) 795-4737.
SPECIFICS:
TITLE: FAB 4 MUSIC FESTIVAL
DATES: Saturday, July 10, 2021
HOURS: 12 Noon until 8 pm
LOCATION: Nolan Field, 350 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, CT
TICKETS $19.99
fab4musicfestival.ticketleap.com/fab4/
INFO: www.Fab4Musicfestival.com
PHONE: (203) 795-4737
Promo Video Clip: https://youtu.be/hLi_VFFMsuo
Media Contact: International Tours & Events, 315 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT 06477
(203) 795-4737
Check out this cool story and
interview with Al Jardine in the April issue of The Beat magazine (below)
There’s no online link but you can get the issue here:
https://beat-magazine.co.uk/2021/the-april-edition-is-out-now
Enjoy,
Spud
Speaking of The Beach Boys, this one totally cracked me up!
Frannie was reading the I Hate Mike Love website the other night (no, I’m not making that up … it really exists!), when she came across this posting by Manson Girl Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme …
In your review of Beach Boys biographies, I was surprised to learn of my attempt to shower with Mike Love. Ironically, he’s the second writer in as many months to allege a soap-and-water sexual advance by one of the “dirty Manson girls.” Mike Love’s memoir may be, as you say, a better read than Brian’s, but I could believe anything he says. I’ve never been within ten feet of Mike Love.
Lynette Fromme
Central New York State
So Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme will admit to murder … and to shooting the President of the United States … but she will NOT cop to taking a shower with Beach Boy Mike Love. NO way … uh-uh … THAT is beneath her!!! She’ll own up to being a part of the murderous Manson Family and an attempted assassination of President Ford … but she will NOT stand for being accused of showering with Mike Love. A girl’s got her standards when it comes to her reputation … and she is just NOT going to have people saying THIS about her!!! (By the way, OUR review of the two Beach Boys biographies, released within just a few weeks of each other back in back in 2016, ALSO cites Mike’s book as being infinitely superior to Brian’s rehashing of his previous book, changing a few “facts” along the way. For the benefit of any other members of the “I Hate Mike Love” club, I strongly suggest reading it. You just may come away with a totally new state of mind once you discover just how many times this guy was shafted along the way by his good ol’ Uncle Murry Wilson.) kk
Harvey Kubernik’s got a brand new piece on Motown Records and their recording artists and the new Motown Grammy Museum Exhibit …
https://www.musicconnection.com/kubernik-grammy-museums-motown-exhibit/
You can also read Harvey’s excellent piece on new Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Billy Preston (LONG overdue) here: https://bestclassicbands.com/billy-preston-interview-5-29-21/
Hi Kent,
It looks like we’ll have another chance to listen to Dusty Rhodes’ replay of the Summer of 1962 as heard on Chicago’s WLS.
His shows are rebroadcast in two parts on wmkvfm.org. His summer series starts over this Sunday night so based on that, 1962 part one should air Sunday June 27 beginning at 8:00PM Central.
I wish I had something more concrete but if I hear any different I’ll let you know.
Happy Memorial Day!
Colin Donahue
Here's one I can’t wait to see …
According to Robert Feder, PBS has announced a September 19th premiere date for “Muhammad Ali,” an eight-hour documentary on the legendary boxer, directed by Ken Burns. Jonathan Eig, the acclaimed Chicago writer and author of the best-selling biography “Ali: A Life,” serves as a consulting producing on the film and appears as an interview subject. “I’ve been working on this for six years — one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been part of,” Eig told friends. “Can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Me, too! (kk)
Tommy James made The Wall Street Journal this week!
And, speaking of Tommy James ...
kk ...
Cousin Brucie’s Guest this week will be Tommy James.
Wasn't his book supposed to be turned into a movie? I'll let you know if he tells us about it.
I know you have a lot of Tommy James material you might want to share with us.
FB
https://www.facebook.com/TJandtheShondells/
We have been waiting very impatiently for Tommy’s movie to be made. (Of course, the pandemic didn’t help at all in that regard, pushing everything back another year after already experiencing a couple of years of delays working out all the logistics.)
I certainly hope it finally gets made … and soon, too, as I think it’ll be a great film.
With Tommy doing his own show on Sirius/XM, he’s making fewer guest appearances these days … so this should be a good show. (Tommy pretty much plays whatever he wants on his own show … and is a GREAT storyteller … all the more interesting because he was there, right in the thick of it at the time.)
I have been a HUGE fan since Day One … and look forward to his return to the stage real soon. (And make the damn movie, too!!!)
Just kidding … I tease Tommy’s manager all the time about getting this film out there while some of us are still around to see it!!! Kinda like that Dick Biondi Documentary. The audience that will most appreciate these films is here NOW … I can’t promise how much longer this will be the case!!! (kk)
UPDATE:
And then this from Frank B:
kk …
Cousin Brucie just finished his Tommy James Interview.
His last show was February 2020 in Tampa , Florida. His next show will be in seven weeks. He didn't say where.
Tommy said that Hollywood is opening up again … but it’ll be at least 8 to 12 months before they'll be able to start shooting the movie.
After that, hopefully a Broadway play. (He said you always do the movie first and then the play because if you do the Broadway play first and it bombs, there’ll be no movie.
Tommy was asked about "CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION."
He said a kid in the audience handed him a poem from the bible "CRYSTAL PERSUASION." He had to re-write it as a song.
FB
P.S. Today was the 10th anniversary Glen Fisher’s "DOO - WOP REVIVAL" show.
It was a good one. I really enjoyed it. Like Glen always likes to say, "TOGETHER WE'RE KEEPING THIS MUSIC ALIVE."
Well, by all means, congratulations to Glen Fisher, too!!! We are ALL doing our best to keep this great music alive.
I figure the movie is still two years away, best case scenario. I’m just hoping that once they’re able to start up, they can just stay on it and get it made. An awful lot of Tommy James fans have been chomping at the bit to see this film, ever since his book “Me, The Mob and the Music” was a national best seller.
Tommy’s website isn’t listing ANY upcoming shows right now … just a message that ALL appearances are “subject to change” due to the pandemic.
They are promoting TWO shows here in the Chicagoland area … and my guess is that they’ll both sell out. (Tommy is still EXTREMELY popular here in Chicago where he had SEVEN #1 Hits!)
Sunday, October 17th at The Arcada Theatre and
Saturday, December 4th at The Genesee Theatre
I was not able to get confirmation that these shows are still “on” … so please check back with the venues if you are interested in attending. (kk)
kk:
Cousin Bruce spoke to Peter Noone via a phone interview Saturday Night, Bruce in his New York home and Peter driving in California.
Peter said that starting in October he'll be doing 118 concerts pushed back from 2020. He was asked who he'd like to share the stage with. He answered, “I’ve got two ... Frankie Valli and Neil Sedaka.
"I'M HENRY THE 8th, I AM" --- 100th verse / same as the first.
Tony Orlado spoke to Priscilla Presley. I didn't listen to that one.
FB
Knowing how much Peter loves to perform … one could say he LIVES to perform … I just know it had to be killing him to be off the road for the past eighteen months. (I can almost hear him saying, “If this is what retirement is like, I don’t want ANY part of it!”) A double bill of Peter Noone with either Frankie Valli or Neil Sedaka would make for an INCREDIBLE show. (Hard to believe that in all these years, these artists have never paired up at some point in time.)
As for Priscilla Presely, I immediately flash back to the EXCELLENT job our very own Ron Onesti did interviewing her a few years back. (He even invited our readers to submit some questions for him to ask … and he used quite a few!)
Because our year-long Salute to 1967 was running at the time, our review of this incredible evening never made the website. I’m going to have to get that up there … because it was really something to see! (kk)
Kent:
I thought you and your readers might find this update on Bill Medley of interest, if you didn’t see it eight months ago. I just happened to stumble upon it this weekend.
-Tom Cuddy
WOW, what a great bandstand show here! Arnold Layne gets rate-a-record play, The Grass Roots get the spotlight dance and the Bucks LIVE faking -- altho they cut the great harmony ending!!! Not sure why their OLD song is #6 on the show. A Turtles interview, too, dancing to Whistling Jack, Rascals ranking #1 on the Top 10 board, too! The Parade with their GREAT summer of love classic. KXOK guesting as well from St Louis with their pick sound.
A GREAT show to relive!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGGZlX30W6M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCIEGYB-qS0
Clark Besch
Mega congratulations to our FH Buddy Bob Merlis on the 20th Anniversary of his PR Firm MFH. (Merlis For Hire)
I first met Bob ions ago when I was trying to set up an interview with Allen Klein, who he represented at the time. (Bob still reps ABKCO Records and Allen’s son Jody, who has been responsible for getting SO much material released over the past two decades that had previously been kept away from the fans, being locked in the vaults instead where NOBODY could enjoy it!) Unfortunately, the Allen Klein interview never materialized, and he passed away shortly thereafter.
Bob has been instrumental in so many Forgotten Hits promotions and projects in the past, providing invaluable material and advance copies of new releases to allow us to stay one step ahead of the rest of the world when letting the truest oldies fans out there know about all of the latest oldies events.
MFH CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WITH LAUNCH OF NEW WEBSITE
TWO DECADES OF SERVICE ON BEHALF OF ZZ TOP, CARLENE CARTER, DION, TAMMY FAYE STARLITE, ABKCO, LEGACIES OF JIMI HENDRIX, ROY ORBISON FROM INDIE PR AGENCY FOUNDED BY INDUSTRY VETERAN BOB MERLIS
Founded in the Spring of 2001, MFH was established by industry veteran Bob Merlis upon his departure from Warner Bros. Records after a tenure of almost 30 years at the storied label where he ultimately served as Senior Vice President / Worldwide Corporate Communications. The boutique agency soon added a small staff including Melenie Caldwell, Merlis’ longtime aide de camp during his Warner Bros. years, soon to be joined by Amy Treco-Block, who had been involved with branding and marketing efforts for Honda, Heineken and MP3.com, among others. Ben Merlis who has fronted punk rock bands Bad Reaction and Surprise Vacation and is the author of Goin’ Off: The Story of The Juice Crew & Cold Chillin’ Records (BMG Books) joined thereafter.
“We realized a few months ago that we were going to enter our 20th year in business and we think that’s a significant milestone,” said (Bob) Merlis. “My first impulse was to throw a big party but, then again, that is always my first impulse. To state the obvious, such a gathering is an impossibility this year.” He and the MFH staff caucused and collectively decided a website that includes highlights of the company’s history and commentary from key clients, media figures and staff would serve to commemorate the occasion on an ongoing basis.
The new site, www.mfhpr.com, has just launched and provides insight into the firm’s history, offering a comprehensive listing of artists, releases and projects in which it has been involved over the course of the past two decades. “I was loath to write the overview myself since I’m far from objective about this subject and I felt it would be unfair to burden Amy, Ben or Melenie with such a personal task so we turned to a seasoned professional journalist to take on that aspect of the project.” Jim Bessman, late of Billboard, Cash Box and currently running Centerlinenews.com was commissioned to take on the assignment. Merlis noted, “We’ve been friends and his fan for more than twice the time we’ve been in business so that only made sense.”
Among the comments gleaned for the new site posted specifically at http://mfhpr.com/m-f-h-at-20 are quotes from ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Carlene Carter, Tammy Faye Starlite as well as Experience Hendrix CEO Janie Hendrix, ABKCO President Jody Klein, Alex Orbison of Roy’s Boys plus Dion, Jim Pitt of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Billboard’s Gail Mitchell and Houston Chronicle Entertainment Editor Andrew Dansby. The latter saluted MFH “for enriching my soul as a music fan” while Janie Hendrix noted that “Bob Merlis has supported our mission impeccably as a publicist, and fondly as a friend..”
Dion confided, “People are still listening to my new music 64 years after I got into this business. That doesn’t just happen. It happens because Bob Merlis gets me to my listeners and gets my listeners to me.” Gail Mitchell remarked “I've worked with Bob Merlis and the MFH team for the last 21 years! As they celebrate their momentous anniversary, they continue to be an insightful resource in helping journalists report on the various facets of the music industry.”
Bob Merlis, typically, had the last word … “Now that things are getting back to ‘normal’ – whatever that means – we’re looking ahead to the coming years and keeping up with our clients and contacts. Who knows, maybe we’ll actually throw a party when the coast is clear.”
Clients/projects handled by MFH 2001 – 2021:
101 Essential Rock Records by
Jeff Gold; ABKCO Records; Alice Cooper; Alice in Chains; Arhoolie Foundation; Asleep
At The Wheel; Axis of Awesome; Steve Azar; Bang! The Bert Berns Story
(documentary film); Bearsville Studios; Behind the Curtain – Broadway Composers
& Lyricists Sing Their Songs; Peter Bernstein; Blue Bob; Born In Chicago (documentary
film); Doyle Bramhall II; Blues Broads; Marc Broussard; Bridge School Benefit; British
Invasion DVD series; Canadian Blast at SXSW; Kristin Candy; Carmine Street
Guitars (documentary film)’ Cars and Guitars of Rock ‘n’ Roll (Petersen Auto
Museum); Cars and Guitars of Rock ‘n’ Roll II; Carter Family Across Generations;
Carlene Carter; John Carter Cash; Ray Charles Live in France 1961 (DVD); Chicago
Blues Reunion; Cincinnati Symphony / Cincinnati Pops;
Dane
Clark; Jon Cleary; Patsy Cline; Nat King Cole; John Coltrane / Resonance Records;
Shemekia Copeland; Dan Band; Bobby Darin; Julia Darling; Sussan Deyhim; Deep
Dish; Def Leppard; Del Castillo; James Luther Dickinson; Luther Dickinson &
The Sons of Mudboy; Dion; The Explorers Club; John Finley; Forty Shades of Blue
(feature film); Mick Fleetwood; Harmonica Frank Floyd; John Fogerty; Steve
Forbert; Bob Frank; Ron Franklin; Free To Rock (documentary film); Roger Street
Friedman; Billy F Gibbons; Debbie Gibson; Barry Goldberg; Greenleaf (TV series
soundtrack); Merv Griffin Show (DVD series); Robert David Hall; Lili Hayden; Gypsy
Hombres; Jimi Hendrix; Alvin Youngblood Hart; Louise Hoffsten; Holland / Dozier
/ Holland; Hollywood Eden by Joel Selvin; Etta James; Jose James; Justus Brothers;
Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas; John Kilzer; Gladys Knight; Last Amanda; Love
Psychedelico; Sharon Little; Los Super Seven; Magnatone; Magnolia Memoir; Jimbo
Mathus; Delbert McClinton; John Mellencamp; Memphis International Records; Mighty
Echoes*; Julie Mintz; Mississippi (state of); Moving Sidewalks; My Name Is
Lopez (documentary film); Tracy Nelson; The ‘Night' Holocaust Concert - A Stand
Against Hate!; Kálmán Oláh Trio; The O’Jays; Old Man Dinner Band; Roy Orbison; Mo
Ostin; Steven Page; Paley Brothers; Gene Pistilli; The Polar Prize; Pondarosa
Stomp; Robert Randolph; Ray Johnston Band; Oliver Ray – Saint Maybe; Red Stick
Ramblers; Reelin’ in the Years Productions; The Revelations; Rhino Records; Charlie
Rich Tribute; Rich Robinson; Rock's Back Pages 20th anniversary; Rock
Legends Cruise; Rock + Roll Gearhead by Billy Gibbons; Rubinoos; Matthew Santos;
Ann Savoy; Eban Schletter; Tammy Faye Starlite; Smokey Robinson; School of Rock
(feature film); Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Shout Factory; Silverlake Conservatory of
Music; Percy Sledge; Slide Brothers; Slow Train Soul; Joe Smith / Library of
Congress; Songwriters’ Hall of Fame; SoloDallas; J.D. Southern; South Memphis
String Band; SpongeBob SquarePants Best Day Ever album; L Subramaniam; Ed Sullivan
DVD series; Quinn Sullivan; Take Me To The River (documentary film); Lewis
Taylor; Carla Thomas; Earl Thomas; Treme (TV series soundtrack); Universal
Music Enterprises; Stoll Vaughan; Vintage Vibe Festival; Sarah Wasserman; Neil
Young; Warner Bros. Records Revolutions in Sound (50th Anniversary); Bobby
Womack; Sutter Zachman; Dweezil Zappa; ZZ Top
Our Royal Guardsmen friend may be sad that his band's ORIGINAL 45 and later a HIT 45 writer, Lori Burton passed away this week. She wrote, among others, "Baby Let's Wait."
Clark Besch
Always loved “Baby, Let’s Wait,” first recorded by The Young Rascals. Burton cowrote their first chart hit, “Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore,” too. After their #1 Hit “Good Lovin’,” The Rascals wrote all their own hits from that point forward.
I asked Barry Winslow, lead singer of The Royal Guardsmen (who had the chart hit with “Baby, Let’s Wait,” #33 in 1968, if he knew that Lori had passed.
No, I did not know that Lori passed. I pray peace and comfort for her family.
Barry
I am happy to report that Barry, who has had some health issues of his own recently, was just given a clean bill of health by his doctor. Keep ‘er goin’, Barry!!! We love ya! (kk)
Recent Rock Hall Of Fame Inductee TODD RUNDGREN Announces First Release Of His 2005 Live Recording With JOE JACKSON & String Quartet ETHEL!
Two of the most masterful crafters of sophisticated art rock united on stage for a series of special live engagements in 2005, Joe Jackson and Todd Rundgren. Those who were able to attend in person quickly began to spread the word about the uniquely exquisite performances from these two musical geniuses, along with the incredible NY-based string quartet Ethel, and the shows promptly became one of the hottest tickets of the year. Well, if you missed your chance to see the concert in person, here's your opportunity to experience the magic on this extravagant multimedia concert album, recorded at New Jersey's State Theater!
The show features solo performances from both Jackson and Rundgren who turn in some of the most intimate and lush versions of their biggest hits including “Steppin' Out,” “Hello, It's Me,” “Is She Really Goin' Out With Him,” “Bang The Drum All Day,” “It's Different For Girls,” “I Don't Want To Tie You Down” and more! Then, for the ultimate finale, the two legends step on the stage together, backed by Ethel, for epic versions of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Black Maria.”
Joe Jackson & Todd Rundgren's State Theater New Jersey 2005 will be released everywhere June 18 on both digital and in a gorgeous 8-panel digipak that includes 2 audio discs and a DVD!
Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/joe_jackson_todd_rundgren
Pre-order the CD/DVD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/joe-jackson-todd-rundgren-state-theater-new-jersey-2005-2cd-dvd/
Hey Kent:
Here is a brand new tune I just finished writing during the pandemic (music and lyrics). It’s not my normal R&B or fusion writing for sure, but it has gotten some interest for a possible movie soundtrack. We’ll see how that goes.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Te1v4DuaK3WetGl-shtzt7N7iooKBbTZ/view?usp=sharing
I used Julie Caselli, a Chicago gal, for the lead vocals. I have worked with her hundreds of times throughout the years. She delivered the “passionate emotion” I was looking for when I wrote the tune.
The DINOSAUR EXHIBIT band will be starting back up at the end of summer ( July 31 @ Hey Nonny’s in Arlington Heights.) Jamo Van de Bogert, former drummer with the Allman Brothers, has now moved back to town and has joined our band. Should add a new dimension to what we are doing. Mike Flynn and I worked with Jamo this past fall for a Ravinia promotion and he’s the “real deal.”
Hope to see you soon !
Quent Lang
I like it … a lot … definitely has that “anthem” feel to it … and beautifully done.
Can’t wait for the live shows to star up again … we’ve started venturing out some already (with caution, of course) … but it sure will be nice to be able to go out and enjoy a night of music without constantly looking over your shoulder and wondering “Is tonight the night I’m going to get it???” Thanks, Quent. (kk)
Another local talent, Dave Zane (lead guitarist and backing vocalist for The Buckinghams and Jay and the Americans, as well as his OWN two bands, Zanesway and The Bigger Picture, has ALSO recorded a brand new tune as the result of our recent “lockdown” …
Hi Kent!!!
Dave Zane here.
I thought I’d let you know that I’ve released one of my first songs that I’ve written. The name of the song is LOVE WONT FADE AWAY and it was released on Spotify this past March 15th and is available on all music platforms such as ITunes, Pandora, Amazon, etc.
I’m pretty excited about the whole original thing. I’ve got quite a few songs that I will be recording and putting them out one at a time.
I’ve been busy doing many radio and internet interviews in the last few months with great reviews. (I need to stay busy after the not wanted vacation last year!)
I’ve sent you an MP3 of the song. I sure hope you like it.
Thanks so much Kent, I really appreciate it.
Stay Safe and I hope to see you at one of the shows I am on soon
👍🎸🎶✌️😊
Dave Zane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCkcNlMuPkw
Kent,
Got a question for you.
There has been a commercial on for about 2-3 months advertising those Kit-Kat candy bars. Now I am not quite sure, but I believe the music being played in the background is Leroy Holmes' 1953 tune THE TYPEWRITER on Decca. I am not quite sure, but I've seen it some 3-4 times this weekend and think that's it. Not sure, though. Have you seen it by any chance and if so, what say you?
Larry Neal
I have not seen this spot so I really can’t comment … but, as so often happens here, you mentioning one thing immediately brings something else to mind for me. (Or, usually, vice versa!)
As soon as you said “The Typewriter” song, I immediately thought of the old Jerry Lewis bit that he probably performed thousands of times over the years … but captured on film here:
Is this the same song?
I checked my Joel Whitburn / Billboard Hits book and find no listing for a song called “The Typewriter” as being a chart hit in 1953 … or any other year prior to The Rock Era, for that matter … but am guessing that it was more likely Leroy ANDERSON who recorded it (the “Sleigh Ride” guy) than Leroy Holmes (the heavyweight boxer! Lol)
I found a YouTube clip for this, too …
And it has a very definite “Sleigh Ride” feel to it. (kk)
Larry also sent us this cartoon strip …
kk …
Read how Larry Chance and the Earls Beat Elvis … On Murray The K's "SWINGIN' SOIREE."
https://www.facebook.com/114205178635896/photos/a.499527620103648/4370393663017005/
Frank B.
Give them their week of glory! When all the dust finally settled, the support of their fans was not enough to make “Life Is But A Dream” anything more than a #65 hit in Music Vendor Magazine. (It never even made The Hot 100 in Billboard … and fizzled out at #81 in Cash Box.) Elvis’ competing tune at the time, “Feel So Bad,” went all the way to #5.
It would be their NEXT record that finally put The Earls on the map … “Remember Then,” released about a year and a half later, climbed to #24, becoming their only Top 40 Hit. (kk)
And now, just a thought from the Deep, Dusty Crevices from the not-so-dirty Mind of Chuck Buell!
"You're So Clean" by Carly Simonize!
"It’s Real Fine, My Formula 409" by The Bleach Boys!
"All You Need is Dove" by The Beetles!
"A Little Bit of Soap" by The Spark-els!
"Baby, I Need Your Scrubbin’" by Johnny Shimmers!
Just sharing a few Clean Thoughts with you here!
CB ( which stands for "Cleanup Boy!" )
Wow! The guys who wrote that Dylan piece must have
read my mind. ;-)
One last comment - they talk about all of the various places where Dylan shows
up, using pseudonyms ... I'd like to add one that they failed to mention … Mr.
Dylan played harmonica on an RCA LP by Harry Belafonte, titled "The
Midnight Special," from 1962; however, they used the name Bob Dylan in the
credits (and noted that his appearance was "Courtesy Columbia Records.") In one record collector's guide, I read that
"This was his first appearance on a record".
As Bob Dylan? Possibly.
Mike
>>>The return of an old favorite … in an all new format, now airing in two hour, themed segments. THE HISTORY OF ROCK 'N' ROLL is being presented as an on-going, weekly series rather than the 52-hour marathon event we all experienced in its former life. (kk)
Very cool idea ... thanks for the heads up, Kent!
Phil Miglioratti
