Here's one way
to pass our music on to the younger generation.
FB
P.S. Cousin
Brucie talks to Gary Lewis this week.
In addition to Cleveland being declared Michael
Stanley Day on March 25th, it was also announced that day that
Stanley had been working on what he knew would be his final album when he died
on March 5th.
Fans can preorder the new LP, “Tough Room,” and
listen to a couple of new tracks from the album here:linelevelmusic.com
Longtime friend and producer Bill Szymczyk
acknowledges how hard it was to say goodbye to Michael for the last time … and
has even put together a special bonus “hidden track” on the new release, paying
tribute to his decades-long musical partner.
You’ll find more on the whole series of events here:
A tad late to the recent critiquing of those who are inducted in
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and those who have yet to be (but well deserve
it), but here is an observation that pretty much proves the bias:
When Ahmet Ertegun was a part of the Rock Hall committee, a LOT of
artists who were inducted had recorded with Atlantic and ATCO Records.
And who was the co-founder of Atlantic Records???
-- Uncle T. Jay
Exactly.(kk)
Also, I see you put up the 1966 cover of Newsweek on a recent post,
without mentioning who the young girl was on the motorcycle. Was that on
purpose, or do you not know who that before-they-were-famous girl is?
-- Uncle T. Jay
I do NOT know … but now I
sure feel like I should!!!
Clue me in!(kk)
That's Jan Smithers, also known as WKRP’s Bailey Quarters.
-- Tim K.
I would NOT have guessed that
… VERY cute girl.(She would have been
about 17 years old in ’66.)kk
Kent:
Last week they had an article in the AZ Republic out here that
featured the surviving members of the original Alice Cooper Band. It pertained
to the 50th anniversary of the Love It To Death album. There were some
interesting quotes that I thought reinforced your opinion on the Rock &
Roll Hall Of Fame argument, the first from Shep Gordon pertaining to the fact
that their first two albums were not successful and how they could turn that
around ...
Gordon: We realized that the expertise within our team was not
making records. So we said, "Who makes the best records that aren't
necessarily by the best bands? Then we can see who's adding real value."
At that point, the Guess Who were doing amazing records. But it wasn't like the
Beatles or the Rolling Stones. Nobody had seen the Guess Who.
Dunaway: We would be driving around the Midwest touring with one
little speaker on the dashboard cranked and whenever a Guess Who song came on —
even "These Eyes," the ballad — it would pop out of the speaker.
Alice Cooper is in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame … The Guess Who are
not in.
Quote from a band member ...
“In Detroit, we realized we had to do tight rockers. If you have
to follow the MC5 or the Stooges, what are you gonna do? You can't outpower
them.
Alice Cooper is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame … The MC5,
unfortunately may never be in, as you had to see them in person in order to
pass judgement on them.
The Alice Cooper band at this time period was one of my favorite
bands. Solid rock music. The Guess Who, Paul Revere and the Raiders and the MC5
also played solid rock and roll music that heavily influenced other groups that
obviously made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How many mid-60s bands
didn’t cover Kicks, Just Like Me or Hungry. My guess is not many. Well, so much
for that.
I have enclosed a link to the interview with the Alice Cooper Band.
It is more detailed than the newspaper article and is a better read. The
article, with photos, can also be accessed on the paper’s website. It makes an
interesting read.
Somebody must have run this
photo again this past week because I got it from at least half a dozen FH
Readers.(Now why would anybody out
there think that I would be interested in this?)
And actually, it’s not even
really a “current” photo anymore … I’ll bet we first started running that about
ten years ago.
But you guys must want to see
it again … so, although I personally have NO interest in this album cover, I’ll
run it again for YOUR benefit, OK???
(I’m going straight to
hell.)kk
Kent,
In today's FH,
the subject of stuttering came up. I don't know offhand how many records came
out through the years that had stuttering in them, but two came to my mind. The
first was Johnny Otis' 1960 tune MUMBLING MOSIE on Capitol and singer Joe
Perkins' 1963 LITTLE EEEFIN ANNIE on Sound 7 Stage Records.
Larry Neal
I’m not so sure “Little Eefin’
Annie” is really a stuttering song … but hey, let’s the folks out there
decide.
I’m kinda surprised this one
didn’t chart a little higher … it peaked at #55 in Music Vendor … but a full
twenty places lower (#76) in Billboard and Cash Box (#77).
Believe it or not, I remember
“Eefin’ Alvin”!That one only bubbled
under … but was a #40 hit here in Chicago.(kk)
I do suggest viewing this documentary on Tina Turner.
The well-documented abuse Tina endured from former husband Ike Turner
is chronicled and in this celluloid portrait Ike does get his due credit for
his groundbreaking music/producing and A&R talents.
This week "Ugly Things" exhibits my Tina Turner story which
includes my 1975 interview with Tina and our memorable dinner at Chasen's
restaurant.
I saw the Ike & Tina Turner Revue a dozen times from 1966-1976 all
around Southern California. Lots of cool performance footage of the duo in this
documentary.
(Sure, he'll pass his eye test ... and then they'll send him down the hall to see another doctor to address his stuttering!)
And what's up with that anyway? 1974 had TWO stuttering #1 Hits ... "Bennie And The Jets" and "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" ... flash back to The Who's "My Generation" (and anything involving Mel Tellis) and you'll see that music overcomes ALL obstacles, big and small. (kk)
We heard from several readers in New York that the
Murray The K / PBS Television Special “It’s What’s Happening, Baby” wasn’t
airing in their area.(Then again we
heard from others who were able to catch it twice that first weekend!)
Now comes news of a special New York screening … read
on …
LEGENDARY
DJ MURRAY THE K RETURNS TO NEW YORK AIRWAVES WITH IT’S
WHAT’S HAPPENING BABY
AFTER 55 YEARS, HIS GROUND-BREAKING ALL-STAR 1965 MUSIC
CELEBRATION AIRS ON WNET / 13 ON APRIL 1st AT 8:30 PM
Murray The K (Kaufman) was,
arguably, the most celebrated New York disc jockeys, later known as “air
personalities,” of the 1960s with his top rated “Swingin’ Soiree” show on 1010
WINS from 1958 to 1965. Thereafter, he pioneered the progressive FM
rock format on WOR-FM, holding down a six hour air shift every day of the week
while serving as the station’s program director. In his first book The
Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby, author Tom Wolfe called
Murray “the original hysterical disc jockey.” He became known as "The Fifth Beatle" when he
befriended John, Paul,George
& Ringo during the musical British Invasion of the 1960s.In addition to presenting all-star
rock and soul concerts at theBrooklyn Fox theatre, Murray The Khosted a legendary star-studded special, It's
What's Happening Baby to betelecast
in New York for the first time in more than a half century. The show,
featuring live, on-stage performances by some of the greatest soul, rock
and r&b artists of the 20th Century, debuts Thursday, April 1 at
8:30 PM on WNET / 13, marking the first time that Murray The K, who
died in 1982, will be back on the air in New York City in five decades.
The long-unseen
landmark program is being presented by veteran public television producer TJ
Lubinsky, creator of the hugelypopularMyMusicspecialsonPBS.It'sWhat'sHappeningBaby hasbeen newly-restoredfromoriginalvideoandaudiomastertapes.
Lubinsky commented. Lubinsky who is too young to have experienced Murray The K
when he was a fixture on both radio and TV commented, “I heard about Murray The
K for all of my life but until now I couldn’t be back in time with
him.” The ground-breaking programwas
thebrainchild ofKaufman, who hadgiven many of the greatestAfrican-American performers their
breakthrough inhis stagedconcertsandradio
shows.He thenfought topresent that powerful pool oftalent, includingmany
of the bright soul-pop stars of Motown on It's What's Happening Baby.
The once-in-a-lifetime special was originallycommissioned
by the U.S. government's Office of Economic Opportunity as part of the war on
poverty, encouraging American youthtoseek summer employment while out of
school.Featuring overa dozeniconicartists--includingRay Charles,DionneWarwick,
TheRighteous Brothers,TheSupremes,
MarvinGaye,Johnny Rivers, The Miracles,
Herman's Hermits, The Temptations and Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles
-- It's What's HappeningBaby provedtoahuge success when it firstaired on June 28, 1965, on CBS,
attracting over 20 million viewers. Of special note is the fact that Mary
Wilson of the Supremes shared her recollections of the show of which she was
part. She recorded her interview for the program on
January 26, 2021. It was to be the very last interview she would ever give as
she passed away just 13 days after that nostalgic encounter.
Now, nearly 56
years later, many of the original musical artists appear in new segments,
offering fond memories of working withMurray
The K, who helped put rock and roll music into the mainstream during his days
as one of the most influential radiopersonalities
in New York during the 1950s and 1960s. Dionne Warwick recalls, "He was
the man! To be part of a Murray The Kshowwas thethingto
be."LittleAnthony adds, "Hewas arealshowman.
Everybodyfell in lovewith him.”
-Bob Merlis
And, speaking of legendary disc jockeys from the
‘60’s, you’ve gotta rank WLS’ Ron Riley right up there near the top.
We’ve told you about the new documentary in the works
…
And now FH Reader Clark Besch (who is intimately
involved in providing some priceless artifacts to the film) sends us this
update …
Hey out there to all my fellow
WLS Ringo Ron Riley "Rebel Raiders"!!! It's time to start
remembering those WLS glory days of the 1960's and the best way to do that is
to help with the new documentary being made about the "Rapid
Roadrunner" Riley!
Here's the new trailer for this
great story of fun and frivolity on the AM airwaves. Ron was there at the
right time and place. He was the top rated DJ for Chicago contemporary
music 1964-69, during what many of us consider to be the most exciting time of
rock & roll. Remember ALL of those WLS and WCFL jocks that were so
awesome during that time? Art Roberts, Jim Stagg, Barney Pip, Dex Card,
Larry Lujack, Jim Runyon, Clark Weber, Joel Sebastion, Ron Britain, and many
others. All of these guys had unique voices and different spins and ideas
on their shows and all had thousands of teen fans. You KNOW these guys were all
awesome disc jockeys, but it was Ron Riley who led them all,
after Dick Biondi left, and Ron arrived at WLS. Maybe you remember all
the sock hops he did or the on-air feud with Clark Weber. Maybe you were
IN one of the great music groups he helped promote. Or maybe you were in
his huge Batman or Beatles clubs? Maybe you saw him ON STAGE with the
Beatles in 1964 at McCormick Place! Now's the time to remember and help
make this a great film.
Like all documentaries, they are
not produced for free. IF you can and wish to help bring this film
to fruition, please read all about the documentary and donate now at a
brand new contribution site just set up. With your help, this can be a
great story.
If you have memories of Ron, please
send them in. You'll hear Ron tell us the stories in his own words.
Here's the place to email all comments, suggestions and memories:
I'll even add a little
personal touch. The audio has some
technical problems, but NEARLY ALL of the WLS aircheck bits were recorded by me
and my brothers in Dodge City, Kansas, in Ron's 64-69 period.The three major parts of this five minute
montage are:
1) Some general bits
from the six year period
2)All the great
Chicago bands WLS and Ron promoted so much (TW4 aka Styx, American Breed,
Nickel Bag, Buckinghams, New Colony Six, Cryan Shames, Ides of March,
Saturday's Children) and
3) All the great
British bands he played before anyone else heard them on his Sunday night British
Billboard shows. Literally dozens of reels of memories flow back like I
hope they will for you!
AND if that weren't enough … My friend John Lyons had a new book come out this week
about, as the title says, "The Beatles, Chicago and the 1960's"!!!
THREE of my favorite subjects!!Even if you know the Beatles’
history, John puts all the different angles of the story and relates it to
Chicago at the same time in a way I have never seen before. Fascinating
read!
Joy and Fear: The Beatles,
Chicago and the 1960s
provides a riveting look at the polarizing nature of the Beatles phenomenon
through the lens of a singular city in the center of America.
Here's hoping you will help
support the Ron Riley Documentary and John Lyons new book endeavor!
And in closing, as Ron said
nightly, It's time to put the old cork in the bottle, let's blow this pop
stand, bug out for the dugout and BYE-EEEE!
So OK, it was the 60's,
remember? ;)
WLS Clark Besch
And they didn’t get much bigger here in Chicago than Dick
Biondi …
Hi
Kent,
I’ve
just gotta say -- I’m always telling people about your incredible blog because
it really is such a heart filled space, unlike any other. So much love and
appreciation for the music, the deejays, the culture, and all things related to
the 60s can be found on your site, plus all the latest news and tidbits about
the most fascinating stuff. This, combined with your extensive research
and passion, makes Forgotten Hits a unique and precious gathering spot. Thanks
for everything you do, Kent.
Wow, I really dug the Elvis
Presley clip from 55 and followed it by this amazing clip:
What a joy to watch Elvis
interacting with the fans, obviously having a great time. I love the reactions
of the Jordanaires. Watching Elvis in those early years is absolutely
riveting.
FYI, The Dick Biondi Film is
close to completion! We’re planning a big push to get to the finish line.
Here’s the link to sign up to get our newsletter with all the exciting
details. https://www.dickbiondifilm.com/contact
We’re still seeking partnerships
to make this dream possible. If you’re inspired to help, please email Joe@DickBiondiFilm.com.
As always Kent, thanks for your
support.
Much love to everybody,
Pam
Director “The Voice That Rocked
America: The Dick Biondi Story
Of course Ringo wasn’t always so accommodating (as
recently shown by Ultimate Classic Rock) … Starr was obnoxiously drunk to the
point that host John Davidson had to tell him to Shut Up at one point!!! (How
often do you see a talk show host do that?!?)
I’m sure Ringo himself would cringe while viewing
this clip again after all these years … you’ve really gotta wonder what sparks
he and then girlfriend Barbara Bach could possibly have been experiencing if
this was Starr’s usual demeanor at the time.It’s truly cringe-worthy … yet you can’t look away!(kk)
Another movie we recently told you about, a new
biopic on The Bee Gees (by the same producer of the award winning “Bohemian
Rhapsody” film), may be a good two years away from hitting theaters.
Still, this is a story we’re anxious to see told.(Ironically, baby brother Andy Gibb can be
seen in the Ringo clip above!)
Right now, Kent, I’m crazy busy,
working on a new .com site while waiting for the final draft of the book.
Paul
Thanks for the update, Paul … no
pressure … and please know we’ll be happy to spread the word as we get closer
to the publication date.(kk)
HI KENT,
I WATCHED THAT LONDON ROCK AND ROLL SHOW YOU POSTED THE OTHER
DAY.AS YOU KNOW, I SING A COUPLE OF
SONGS FROM THE GREAT CHUCK BERRY.
THERE IS ONLY ONE REAL ROCK LEGEND … THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM.
ALL THOSE GREAT ACTS ON ONE STAGE AND WHO HEADLINED?CHUCK.
WHO STOLE THE SHOW?CHUCK.
THIS IS THE ONLY LEGEND IN ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!!!
AND EVERYTONE KNOWS IT.
THANKS!
YOUR FRIEND,
FREDDY BOOM BOOM CANNON
AND … :
British Rock Legends Sweet Release
New Album “Isolation Boulevard”
Sweet are a British Rock Band with a
pedigree of hits … “Fox on The Run,” “Ballroom Blitz,” “Action,” “Love is Like
Oxygen” and many more!Their 1975 album,
“Desolation Boulevard,” has truly stood the test of time, keeping the band as
relevant today as it was back then.
Much to the excitement of fans
worldwide, Sweet has released a new album called “Isolation Boulevard,” which is a reworking of
many of their original tracks, including the latest single, “Set Me Free,”
written by original guitarist and producer Andy Scott. He has led the band
since 1985, maintaining the high standards set more than 50 years ago when
Sweet first burst onto the music scene.
The new album, “Isolation Boulevard,”
was recorded between lockdowns in September / October, 2020, and harks back to
Sweet’s golden era and their 1975 album “Desolation Boulevard.” While the latest single and video, “Set Me
Free,” is one of the band’s most covered songs, this is the first time Sweet
has released it as a single. Andy Scott, the songwriter and last man standing
from the original band has produced a remarkable album given the circumstances
that we face globally.
(By the way, there is a rumor
circulating of a brand new, upcoming British Rock Invasion featuring Sweet and a
couple of other 70’s Rock bands to tour North America very soon!)
“2021 - Sweet are back with a new
album ‘Isolation Boulevard’ featuring the single ‘Set Me Free’ and a dynamic
stage show celebrating 50 years of hits!” – Andy Scott
Watch Sweet’s “Set Me
Free” (Radio Edit) Official Video:
The Complete Warner
Brothers Recordings of Harpers Bizarre are being released as a 4-CD Box Set
Collection this Friday (March 26th) You’ll find some great, rare and
obscure tracks on this one.
>>>Who
recorded "YOU SEND ME" and "TWISTIN' THE NIGHT AWAY?"CONTESTANT ANSWERED: Chubby Checker.WRONG - WRONG – WRONG!(FB)
About a week
ago, the Jeopardy question was
"Stronger than _________"
NO ANSWER!!!!!!!
Clark Besch
It’s the younger generation …
all the more reason we need to keep this music alive!!!(kk)
From Diane Diekman’s
excellent country music newsletter, a few more recent headlines we weren’t
aware of that may be of interest to you …
The Texas Rangers paid tribute to Charley Pride
by naming a field at their spring training complex after him, reports Rolling
Stone. "Introducing Charley Pride Field! You are greatly missed,"
the team tweeted after unveiling the "Charley Pride Field" signage at
the spring training site in Surprise, Arizona. Charley died December 12 from
complications related to COVID-19. He was part of the ownership group that
purchased the Texas Rangers in 2010, and he frequently visited the team at the
spring training facility. He sang the National Anthem last July at the first
game on the Rangers' new Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The stadium was
empty due to coronavirus restrictions.
Larry Gatlin tested positive for
COVID-19 on March 8, soon after receiving his second vaccination. "I made
it 361 days without getting the virus," he told Fox News. "Then I finally
get it four days after getting my second dose of Moderna. What are the
odds?" On March 18, he told MusicRow, "I had some slight body
aches, but at 72, I have slight body aches every day. I had no headache. At the
worst, it felt like a slight chest cold and it was gone in three days.I'm now 100% good to go and feeling great.
Thanks be to God."
Larry’s father, William Wayne "Curley"
Gatlin, died in November. "My 93-year-old Marine daddy died of COVID or
with COVID," Larry says. "His body had begun to shut down long before
he contacted COVID, so our family is not sure exactly what happened. What we
are sure of is that the old Marine is with Mama and Jesus and he does not have
COVID now." Gatlin encourages fans and industry members to stay vigilant
in avoiding COVID: "Be careful and above all else, pray for your race: the
human race."
PEOPLE MAGAZINE reports that Naomi Judd, 75,
called Watch What Happens Live to give an update on her daughter, Ashley
Judd, 52, who is recovering from an accident in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo that shattered her leg.
"She's very courageous and she's healing,"
Naomi said. "She lives next door, so I'm gonna go up and take her stitches
out when we're done. I used to be a nurse before I became a singer."
Naomi's other daughter, Wynonna, 56, lives nearby. She had to look up
"how to wash hair for someone who's lying down in bed," she said,
after Ashley texted her the request. Ashley provided her own update, in which
she thanked those who had physical therapy before her: "Thank you. I am
only at [the] beginning and the combination of drowning in trauma and
addressing the physical body is a lot. Yet you have done it, and so will
I."
You can get on Diane’s email
list by dropping her a note here:
And be sure to
tell her that you heard all about her great newsletter right here in Forgotten
Hits!(kk)
And how about this ...
The Cast of GLEE is reuniting and will perform a tribute to castmate Naya Rivera at the 32nd Annual GLAAD Awards Ceremony being held on April 8th.
Cast members Jacob Artist, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Vanessa Lengies, Jane Lynch, Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Amber Riley, Harry Shum, Jr., Becca Tobin and Jenna Ushkowitz will be on hand to recreate William McKinley High School’s Glee Club, New Directions as a special tribute to the legacy of the late Naya Rivera's character, Santana Lopez. (Due to on-going Covid restrictions, the sing-along will be done virtually) Pop Singer / Actress Demi Lovato, who played Santana's girlfriend on the series, will introduce this special tribute, which also celebrates the 10 Year Anniversary of Santana's coming out as a lesbian on the Fox hit television series.
The program will stream live on YouTube beginning at 8 pm Eastern Time on April 8th ... and a delayed broadcast will air at 10 pm on Hulu.
The Cast Of Glee charted an incredible 283 tracks on Billboard's Pop Singles Chart between 2009 and 2013 ... although the majority these tracks only spent a week on the chart thanks to downloads following each weekly episode. The series ran from 2009 - 2015 on the Fox Network. Sadly, several of the young cast members have already left us, including Rivera, who drowned last year. (kk)
Kent,
In today's FH,
I couldn't help but remember offhand what reader Ed said about Lou, Herb, and
Sam as well as the group, the Untouchables, and the song you posted of them.
First, I don't know that much about the Untouchables, but they also had another
record in 1961 on Liberty Records with a song called LOVELY DEE / YOU'RE ON
TOP. According to the label, both sides were co-produced by Lou Adler along
with Nevins-Kirshner. LOVELY DEE was the "A" side of the record here
in OKC.
I have got a
record by Adler-Alpert which came out in 1958. It was a novelty break-in called
THE TRIAL by a group known as the Legal Eagles. The label was Arch Records,
Inc. Yes, the abbreviation “Inc.” was on the label.
The flip was
called KISS ME and I might add, that I have never played it so I don't really
know what it is. Both sides were written by Adler-Alpert, according to the
label.
One final thing
and I thought this was unusual ...
On the
"A" side of the record only, it said that the Wardrobe was by a Dino
Lappas. I don't know who Dino Lappas was (is), but why wardrobe was listed, I
have no idea.
Stop the
presses!!!! I just now played the flip of THE TRIAL and Kent, the KISS ME side
was about 99 44/100% instrumental with the words KISS ME said every so often.
It reminded me of what Dickie Goodman would have put on the "B" side
of one of his bread-ins.
Larry
All these early Herb Alpert
tunes are news to me …
I know he took a crack at
singing prior to his #1 Hit “This Guy’s In Love With You” in 1968 (as Dore Alpert,
I believe), but I didn’t know that he was quite as involved as he apparently
was with Lou Adler.Two young guys
trying to make it in the music business, reaching heights neither of them EVER
could have dreamed of.
I was surprised to see that
The Untouchables charted FOUR TIMES on The National Charts in 1960 – 1961 … all
mostly in the “Bubbling Under” range.
“Poor Boy Needs A Preacher”
reached #101 in Music Vendor and #103 in Cash Box but never charted in Billboard.(Still, this record rode the chart for 6 or 7
weeks just to climb that high!)
This was followed in August
of 1960 by “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight,” an obvious cover of The Spaniels’
hit.This one peaked at #102 in Cash Box
and #104 in Music Vendor.(Again, it failed
to chart in Billboard.)
A third single (released in
November of 1960) was their version of “60 Minute Man,” which DID chart in
Billboard (for four weeks) and climbed to #104.
Finally, they cracked the Top
100 in 1961 when “Raisin’ Sugar Cane” peaked at #94 in Music Vendor.
Hardly the greatest success
story (but truly some rock and roll roots!) … and proof that the group stuck
around longer than some may have figured, enjoying some small piece of success.
Leaping right to the top of this week’s Forgotten
Hits Favorites HAS to be “Tell Me To My Face” by Keith, a Top 40 Hit in 1967
(and the follow-up to his Top Ten Smash “98.6.”)
Man, I just LOVE this song, originally done by The
Hollies (which I also love) … but I think I still prefer the Keith version …
probably because that’s the one I heard first (and most often.)
Here in Chicago, it went to #28 … nationally, it
peaked at #26.(You can ALWAYS count on
Sammy to knock me out of my seat at least two or three times a week on his Lost
And Found Oldies Show, just like he did with this one this past Saturday.)kk
