Saturday, August 28, 2021

The Weekend Comments

Could this be true???

Hi Kent,  

Just a note on some info I ran across on Burton Cummings' Facebook page a few minutes ago.  Bachman-Cummings is doing a one-time performance as part of the Manitoba 150th Anniversary Celebration tomorrow night in Winnipeg around 10:30 PM - CST (I understand this performance was booked a couple years ago and is not part of their tour.)  Not sure of viewing in the U.S. as you never know with licensing, etc., but I wanted to send this on to you and the Forgotten Hits Readers in case viewing here in the States is a go. 

The talent line-up is extensive and starts around Noon and again, Bachman-Cummings performs around 10:30 PM - CST (performance times aren't exact to allow for artist performance flexibility). 

Hope we all can view it … should be quite a show.  Have a great weekend!

Peace,

Tim Kiley 

Rehearsals are underway for the Bachman Cummings show in Winnipeg on Saturday, August 28th.

You can find more information on the show here as well as how to watch it online: https://bit.ly/38errzI

#thecarpetfrogs #hometownshow #unite150 #theguesswho #bto #burtoncummings

It certainly implies that you can stream this thru the website link above … I know I’m definitely going to try!!!  (Ironically, we got the refund for the cancelled Chicago show earlier this morning.  What a shame … second row seats, gone to waste!) 

I suggest anybody interested in this show should give it a try via the link above.  (Anybody still up at 10:30 on a Saturday Night that is!  Lol)  kk

Hmm … this link has since come up … might not be doable after all …

Check back on August 28th for access to a free live stream link, provided by CTV Winnipeg. Available to Manitoba audiences only.

I don’t care … I’m still giving it a shot!!!  (kk)

Wow!  Just got this from Tom Cuddy …

MGM Throws in the Towel, Sends Aretha Franklin Biopic “Respect” to Streaming, Facing $30 mil Write Off
https://www.showbiz411.com/2021/08/27/mgm-throws-in-the-towel-sends-aretha-franklin-biopic-respect-to-streaming-facing-30-mil-write-off

Wow ... what a shocker!  My first reaction was that perhaps the box office was poor because people just aren't ready to go back to the movie theaters quite yet, especially with covid numbers spiking again in every state.  But Roger Friedman makes it sound like a REAL stinker!  Too bad ... Jennifer Hudson has proven herself to be an amazing talent ... she clearly deserves better.  (And I definitely WILL stream it!) 

Meanwhile the J-Hud soundtrack LP debut in The Top Ten on this week’s Billboard Top 200 LPs list … so SOMEBODY’s buying them!!!  (kk)

Our Oldies Comrades, Rick O’Dell and Gary Theroux, are proud to announce that the brand new weekly syndicated series, “The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll” has now been picked up by the entire Me-TV-FM radio network.

In addition to the Chicago flagship station (which has been airing the series since its very first episode premiered back in June), the new broadcast line-up includes WCNS (Pittsburgh, PA), WGTO (South Bend, IN), WMYX (Milwaukee, WI), WXZO (Burlington, VT), WDQN (DuQuoin, IL), WJMK (Flint, MI), KWVF(Guernesville, CA), WMPS (Memphis, TN), WMIR (Myrtle Beach, SC) and KKVM (Vail, CO), among many others.  This means you can now stream the program (airing Saturday Mornings from 7 am – 9 am Central Time) and Sunday Evenings (from 10 pm – Midnight Central Time) on the Audacy app. The show is also being distributed internationally via Radio Express.

“’The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ with Wink Martindale is a two hour weekly look back at the songs and the stars who made the music magic,” says Gary Theroux, who wrote the program.  “Each themed episode spotlights yet another aspect of rock and pop history … from ‘Leading Ladies of the ‘80’s’ to ‘The ‘60’s Greatest Dance Hits,’ ‘Singer-Songwriters of the ‘70’s’ to ‘The Beat of Folk-Rock,’ ‘The Magic of Motown’ to ‘The Number One Hits of 1980,’ ‘The Beach Boys Story’ to ‘Inside Beatlemania.’”

Me-TV-FM Program Director Rick O’Dell tells us “The response has been exactly what we anticipated … enthusiastically positive.  It’s the perfect complement to the ‘timeless and memorable’ songs we play and Wink’s the ideal host.  We’re thrilled that our affiliate stations will be adding it to their weekend lineups beginning this Saturday.”

The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll has been quickly adding affiliates and is seeking to add many more.

You can check out the Me-TV-FM feed here:  https://www.audacy.com/metvmusic/listen#recently-played

The first streaming broadcast is going on RIGHT NOW (from 7 - 9 am Central)!  (kk)

In honor of the passing of Charlie Watts, SiriusXM has resurrected thier Rolling Stones Channel.  You'll find it on Channel 27 thru Labor Day. (kk)

And, after waking up this morning to Annette's "First Name Initial" on their Oldies Party Channel, I've also got to give the Radio Shocker of the Week Award to SiriusXM.  Now that hit predated my Top 40 listening era by several years ... but I don't think I've heard it played on a radio station eight times in my entire life!!!  (Now THAT's a WOW! song!!!)  kk

Tickets are on sale now for the Dick Biondi Big 89 Birthday Bash, being held at The Arcada Theatre on Sunday, September 19th, beginning at 2 pm.

The Birthday Celebration / Fundraiser will feature Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals headlining this event along with additional performances by The Buckinghams, The Ides of March, The New Colony Six, Jimy Sohns of The Shadows of Knight and many more incredible special guests. There will also be live and silent auctions as well as a merchandise table. Ron Onesti and Scott Mackay of 95.9 The River will serve as co-hosts. Proceeds go towards the Dick Biondi Film and their non profit fiscal sponsor Chicago Filmmakers.

Tickets and more detailed information can be found at www.oshows.com. The ticket price for this show only is $89 ... and there is also an attractive VIP Experience upgrade option for $189, which includes the private backstage party, soundcheck, meet and greets and more! (VIP Experience begins at noon.  NOTE:  Purchase of the VIP Option does not include entrance to the show. You must also have a show ticket to attend VIP Experience. Dick Biondi will not be present at the event, but fans will be able to sign a “Big” birthday card that will be sent to him.

Biondi is the first DJ to play a Beatles record in the United States. He was the #1 DJ in America in the early 1960’s. He is among the first DJ’s to play rhythm and blues records in the south. He promoted the early records of Bobby Darin, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Biondi is a member of the Radio Hall of Fame, Illinois Radio Hall of Fame, Southern Tier Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Biondi will be inducted into the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on August 31, 2021.

“I am so honored and delighted to have Dick’s birthday celebration here at the Arcada,” says Ron Onesti … “He is a rock and roll legend. The line-up of performances is magnificent!”

Currently in post-production, “The Voice That Rocked America” Biondi documentary will be seen on PBS, streaming, DVD and film festivals. “Our goal is to sell out the Arcada Theatre September 19th,” says director and producer of the film, Pamela Enzweiler-Pulice, “and if we do, we will succeed in securing the remaining funding needed to finish the movie. I am thrilled and thankful to Ron Onesti for making this possible!”  

More information … and ticket purchase link via the link below …

https://mailchi.mp/ac9bab0a959e/good-news-from-the-dick-biondi-film-team-8045508?e=8ec0a4c263

You know what I find strange is that neither you or I knew Freddy Cannon was doing a radio show on Sirius and yet both you and I correspond with him on a regular basis and we have to find out by accident.

Regarding Rock Around The Clock, I seem to recall it was also shown as a fox trot on See You Later, Alligator on the 78 … but I don’t recall it on the 45 though.

Don’t know if I ever told you, but I once met Jimmy Myers who. as we know. is a co-writer of Rock Around The Clock. I found he lived in Bonita Beach in Florida and in those days my wife and I used to take yearly breaks in Fort Myers. I duly found where he lived and drove to his house. As I arrived, there was a man standing in the front of the house packing things into a removal van. I approached him and asked if he was Jimmy and he said yes. I told him I was from England and could I shake the hand of the man who wrote Rock Around The Clock? He said, “Wow, of course you can and thanks for tracking me down.” He explained he couldn’t invite me in as he was moving. I think he said going back to Chicago … not sure now … so we left and the van followed us down the road.

Take care, stay safe,

Geoff

Frank B sent us this OUTSTANDING Rolling Stone article from 1990 tracing back the early days of rock and roll, circa 1956. 

DEFINITELY worth printing out and reading, here is the link:

https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/the-50s-a-decade-of-music-that-changed-the-world-229924/

Speaking of which, Best Classic Bands ran a recent article spotlighting the first generation rockers who are still with us …

Jerry Lee Lewis (still kickin’ as one of rock’s elder statesmen), Dion (still recording new music!), Brenda Lee (FH Reader / DJ / Sportscaster Johnny Holliday told me he just had lunch with Brenda a couple of months ago!) and more …

https://bestclassicbands.com/first-generation-rockers-3-22-17777/       

Joey Dee is Cousin Brucie’s guest tonight on WABC –

It was 1960 - Joey Dee and the Starliters were performing in a small Club in Lodi, NJ (Oliveri’s). That night, there was a talent agent in the audience. He liked what he heard and offered the band a weekend gig at a New York City Club on 45th Street. The Club was a small ”sailors’ bar” called The Peppermint Lounge.

Fate stepped in and a new era began for the Club, for Joey Dee and the Starliters and for the world.

Motion picture Star Merle Oberon and her Royal companion Prince Serge Oblinski were spotted in the club dancing late into the night. The gossip columns had a field day with the story.

By the next night, it took barricades and mounted police to keep the crowds in line, which had backed up to Broadway. Celebrities and their limos arrived continuously – and the crowds grew for weeks. The Peppermint Lounge became the “In” spot for major stars - Judy Garland, John Wayne, Jackie Kennedy, Nat King Cole and Liberace twisted at the Lounge. Joey Dee and the Starliters were a sensational hit and became the permanent house band.

In 1962, Joey co-wrote a song that became a million seller and topped the charts for weeks. “The Peppermint Twist” not only made the Lounge world famous – it also made Joey Dee a major star.

Joey made several films (taking advantage of the Twist craze.)  His records sold successfully worldwide and his book, “The Peppermint Twist Chronicles,” was recently published.

Joey Dee continues to perform to adoring audiences – who crave for the fun days of “The Peppermint Lounge.”

The Cuz welcomes Joey Dee to WABC Radio this Saturday, 8/28 (tonight.)

I want to hear "WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS."

FB

You mentioned before expecting to here some Morris Levy Mob Stories during the course of the program tonight ... but I've gotta tell you, Joey Dee looks like a Mob Kingpin himself in THIS photograph!!!

Joey Dee and the Starliters managed FIVE National Top 40 Hits … “Peppermint Twist” (#1, 1961), “Hey, Let’s Twist” (#20, 1962), “Shout (Part 1)” (#6, 1962), “What Kind Of Love Is This” (#17, 1962) and “Hot Pastrami With Mashed Potatoes (Part 1)” (#35, 1963.)  The Starliters also begat The Rascals … this is how Felix Cavaliere, Dino Danelli, Gene Cornish and Eddie Brigati first met.  (kk)

 

Since '67 is your favorite musical year, the techie problems you’re having are just the gremlins' way of telling you to "Say Goodbye to 67" as a birthday wish.  

Happy 68th, Kent!!! 

David Lewis

Thanks, David.  (You may be right!!!)  kk

 

Hi Kent,

With all that is going on in the world today, I thought this would be a good birthday song for ya!  Happy Birthday!

(By the way the Friday Flash was a smash!)

Cheers,

Tim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPh868GJQfE

 

kk …

Regarding Spencer Elden and the Nirvana album cover, I think Spencer should win this lawsuit ...

But instead of awarding him any money, we can have the first ever "ALBUM RECALL." 

Publish his address ... then everybody can mail him the album covers.

No more child abuse … no more lawsuit … no more money.

Problem Solved.

FB

Big news last week as Aerosmith signed a deal to move their entire recorded catalog (past, present and future) to Universal Music.

First signed by Columbia Records in 1970, Aerosmith has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide.  The band has received 25 gold, 18 platinum, 12 multi-platinum and one diamond RIAA album certifications.  (A reunion in the early ‘80’s and a career-making label move to Geffen Records gave them a whole new lease on life.  To date, Aerosmith has placed 20 Top 40 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, including nine Top 10’s (two of which went all the way to #1.)

In addition, the band has notched 21 Top 40 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart.  These include eight Top 10’s and one #1, "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing," 1998.)  Even more impressive, they’ve placed a Top 10 hit on the Hot 100 four decades in a row (1970’s – 2000’s.)  kk

And, talk about your staying power, Elton John has just notched his 68th Top 100 Chart Hit … and first in 21 years! … thanks to his duet with Dua Lipa.  (“Cold Heart,” which includes John singing his 1990 Hit “Sacrifice” while Lipa sings bits of “Rocket Man” premiers at #81.)

It also debuts on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart at #16, giving Elton his 74th AC Chart entry, adding to a tally that already had him as the #1 AC charting artist of all time.  (Billboard reports Barbra Streisand in second place with 64 AC Chart Hits and Neil Diamond in third with 59.)

John has officially had 26 Billboard Top Ten Pop Hits, eight of which have gone all the way to #1.  Amazing!  (kk)

Ironically, FH Reader Tom Cuddy sent us this other Billboard article ranking Elton John’s top pop hits of all time …

https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/7735709/elton-john-biggest-billboard-hot-100-hits/

(The list includes Elton’s appearance on the Dionne Warwick star-studded recording of “That’s What Friends Are For,” a #1 Hit in 1986)

Leading his own personal Top 40 are:

# 1 – Candle In The Wind, 1997 (It shared the #1 spot for 14 weeks with “Something About The Way You Look Tonight” and rode the chart for 42 weeks!  It was his reworking of his classic 1973 hit from the album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” which was not released as a single at the time.  It WAS released (as a live version) in 1988, when it went to #6 and charted for another 21 weeks.

# 2 – That’s What Friends Are For (1986) – with Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder but released as “Dionne and Friends.”  This one stayed at #1 for four weeks.

# 3 – Philadelphia Freedom (#1 for two weeks in 1975)

# 4 – Crocodile Rock (#1 for three weeks in 1973)

# 5 – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (a duet with Kiki Dee that topped the chart for four weeks in 1976)

# 6 – Bennie And The Jets (#1 for one week in 1974)

# 7 – Island Girl (#1 for three weeks in 1975)

# 8 – Little Jeannie (#3, 1980)

# 9 – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (#2, 1973)

#10 – Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (recorded with John Lennon, 1975)

Other mega-hits on the list include “Daniel,” “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” “The Bitch Is Back,” “Rocket Man,” “Your Song,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Honky Cat” and “Circle Of Life.”  (kk)

Paul Stanley of Kiss says he’s “doin’ fine” … just experiencing flu-like symptoms … but after testing positive, their upcoming shows have been postponed and will need to be rescheduled … again!  Stanley says he’s still able to ride his bike 26 miles a day so Covid has not affected his lungs or his breathing.  The entire crew involved with the Kiss tour was vaccinated … so this is just another instance of vaccinated people still contracting the virus.  Kiss will issue a statement shortly announcing their revamped tour schedule.  (kk)

The Beach Boys’ new “Sunflower” / “Surf’s Up” box set “Feel Flows” is out now …

And so is the second chapter of this new series honoring this particular period in the band’s history …

Presenting The Beach Boys Feel Flows …
Chapter 2: White Hot Glistening, a visual exploration of this metamorphic and highly influential 1969 - 1971 period of the band's legendary career 
https://youtu.be/2cu3C05kXQQ

I guess The Beatles just won’t "Let it Be." 

The new box includes all kinds of extras …

But I still prefer the Glyn Johns 1969 mix best.

Clark Besch

With over 60 hours of unseen footage and over 150 hours of unused audio, I really wonder what else we’re going to hear.  Like I said before, I’ve had the bootlegs since before the album’s original release … so it’s hard to imagine that I’ll discover much new … but it’s the very anticipation that I might that keeps me checking the calendar

every five minutes to see if we’re any closer to the October 15th release date yet!  (kk)

 

One thing that’s really been accentuated in the press since the news of Peter Jackson’s new take on the film was first announced is how we were going to see much happier Beatles, enjoying each other’s company … much more playfulness and joy, unlike some of the darker aspects of the original “Let It Be” film, which has been described as watching the disintegration of the band.  (Amazingly, they still managed to regroup and record the “Abbey Road” album, perhaps the greatest album of their career, before finally calling it quits.

 

In the new book that comes with the deluxe edition of this set, Paul McCartney addresses this issue in the book’s forward …

 

I had always thought the original film “Let It Be” was pretty sad as it dealt with the break-up of our band, but the new film shows the camaraderie and love the four of us had between us.  It also shows the wonderful times we had together, and combined with the newly remastered “Let It Be” album, stands as a powerful reminder of this time. It’s how I want to remember The Beatles.

-- Paul McCartney

Kent –

There is a great exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln museum in Springfield, IL. 

It is called “The State of Sound" ... and it shows artifacts of various artists that were born and reside in our state.  Also for each genre (folk, country, blues, jazz, soul, pop, rock, etc.) there is short audio / visual presentation that tells about the history of this genre in Illinois. It is worth a trip to Springfield.  I highly encourage this exhibit for anyone that loves music! You can go thru the exhibit in about two to three hours. 

Here is a little about the exhibit from the museum and a few pics when I was there.

Mike DeMartino

THE STATE OF SOUND: A WORLD OF MUSIC FROM ILLINOIS

April 30, 2021 - January 23, 2022: BUY TICKETS ONLINE  

FROM MUDDY WATERS TO REO SPEEDWAGON, CHEAP TRICK TO EARTH WIND AND FIRE AND CHANCE THE RAPPER, THE LAND OF LINCOLN HAS PRODUCED SOME OF THE MOST HIGHLY CELEBRATED MUSIC IN ROCK HISTORY. MUSICIANS, LEGENDARY RADIO STATIONS, AND MUSICAL GEAR HAVE SHAPED THE SONIC HISTORY OF ILLINOIS AND THE WORLD.

 

This one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases the achievements and contributions of Illinois’ finest in music. Written by award-winning author, documentary-producer and former Chicago Sun-Times Columnist and Critic, Dave Hoekstra.

Produced by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and hosted in the 3,000-square-foot Illinois Gallery.

Mike DeMartino


Curtis Mayfield Performance Music Score of “It’s Alright” 

Curtis Mayfield regularly included his 1963 Impressions hit, “It’s Alright,” in his live shows. This is a marked-up performance “Rhythm” score for the song, which has been covered by Etta James, Phil Collins, Huey Lewis, Bruce Springsteen, and was recently featured in the Disney movie Soul.  

Courtesy of the Curtis Mayfield Estate


kk …

Billy Joel: The Vinyl Collection, Volume 1 is all set to be released on the same day he returns to Madison Square Garden (November 5th)

It’s a 50th Anniversary set - $249.98.

FB

That’s a WHOLE lotta money for nine LPs!!!

I just recently completed my collection of all of Billy’s albums on CD (and paid a whole lot less than that for them all … and while it didn’t include this new “first time ever” live album, it was a lot more than just nine LPs.  (I’m not much of a live album fan anyway!)

So I’m guessing Volume 2 (whenever it comes out) will set you back another $250 … so $500 bucks for the complete collection. Pass.  (kk)

 

HELPING OUT OUR READERS:

Hello Kent,

BMG books is putting together a beautiful coffee table photo book on The Byrds (1964 - 1967) plus photos from their 1972 reunion album.

Roger, David and Chris are all involved with the project.

They are licensing over a 100 Jim Dickson photos (which we represent) and 36 photos from the Henry Diltz archives.

They are using some cool ephemera as well.

Here are some additional items that BMG books would like to use in The Byrds book but I don't have high-res scans of these items.

Do you happen to have any of this material in your archives or know somebody that might have these original items in their collection?

Please let me know ASAP.

Stay healthy and be safe!

Cheers,

Gary Strobl

 





If anybody has access to these as hi-res images, please contact me right away.  We would love to help include these in Gary’s book (with proper photo credit, of course!)  Thanks! (kk)

 

Hi, Kent.
A while back, I posed (no pun intended) a question to your readers regarding the "mystery pianist" who played on Sandy Posey's recordings, mainly "Single Girl" and "Born a Woman".  I originally read that the pianist on those tunes was Bobby Emmons.
Later on, I was steered toward an article online which stated that the pianist was LARRY BUTLER. This was according to author Roben Jones, in the book "MEMPHIS BOYS: The Story of American Studios."

The pianist's name isn't shown on any Posey record I've ever seen;  I keep going around in circles, and still have no idea who the actual pianist was. 

Anyone out there know for sure?   I see no reason for all the secrecy.
Thanks!
Mike Wolstein

Anybody able to shed any light on this?  I’m sure these details are out there somewhere.  (kk)

UPDATE:  I thought I might have an "in" for the definitive answer to this query for you, coming right from Sandy Posey herself ... but that lead has since fallen thru ... so again we appeal to our readers out there to see if anyone else might have access to this information.  (kk)

 

Congratulations to Diane Diekman, whose first book “Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story” is now available as an audio book.

 

Diane tells us:

Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story is now an audiobook!!! I am so excited to finally have Faron’s story available to the public for download and listening. My effusive thanks go to Frank Gerard for making it happen. 

Frank is an experienced audiobook narrator and producer, having recorded his 100th audiobook last year. He is a huge country music fan who subscribes to my newsletter and has read Faron’s biography three times. He calls it “one of my favorite books ever.” He emailed me in April and asked, “Have you ever thought of turning the Faron Young book into an audiobook?”

In addition to being a narrator and voice actor, Frank is an established newspaper publisher. Ten years ago, as a hobby, he decided to buy a microphone and have some fun experimenting with voiceovers. He started doing radio commercials for small radio stations, and his voiceover business has grown beyond his wildest dreams. Five years ago, he began recording audiobooks.

One day he was grumbling about the boring book he was recording, and his wife asked him, if he could record any book, what would it be? He told her it would be the Faron Young book that was on his bookshelf. She said, “Do they have an audiobook?” He said, “I don’t know. I get a newsletter from the author every month.” She said, “Why don’t you ask?” So he did.

I had previously checked into having a CD audiobook made, but that would require a lot of work and expense, for an unknown return. I hadn’t considered a downloadable one. As Frank recalls, “You thought, like a lot of authors think, it’s expensive to produce an audiobook. I was able to explain to you it’s really not, and then it worked out well.” He mentioned the exploding popularity of downloadable audiobooks: “Over 70,000 audiobooks were published in 2020. That is double the number from a few years earlier. This growth shows no sign of slowing down."

He told me to contact ACX, which is owned by Amazon, and set up an account. After doing that, I submitted the book and requested Frank as the narrator. Authors and narrators generally interview and negotiate with each other to find a match. ACX handles the contracts, does the publishing, and monitors sales and statistics. Of course, they also take most of the proceeds. Frank and I will split the royalties we receive.

Frank is a stickler for audiobook quality. He records from a professional recording studio in his Connecticut home. He has a proofer/editor who listens to the entire audiobook from start to finish, matching it to the written text, and then sends him a list of errors, one chapter at a time, for him to make corrections. You can learn more about Frank and his work by going to his website at FrankGerardVoice.com.

After recording Faron’s biography, Frank says, “It is the most enjoyable audiobook I’ve ever recorded. It was like being in the middle of a great movie that you don’t want to end.” He adds, “When you’re embracing the character, and when I’m reading all of his words and I’m talking — not exactly in his voice, but in his spirit, trying to embrace his personality, it’s hard to do that and not want to say, ‘Stop it, Faron!’ There were so many times in the book I wanted to shake Faron and say, ‘Stop it. Be nice to Hilda. Be nice to your family. Slow down on the drinking. You’ve got so much talent, so much talent, and it’s going to waste.’”

Frank, 60, a Northeast Ohio native, has lived in New England most of his adult life. He has been happily married for 32 years and is the father of two adult daughters. His goal is to narrate more country music biographies and memoir audiobooks. “There are so many terrific bios out there that don’t have an audiobook, and so many legends who have yet to have their story written and recorded,” he says. “I hope to bring those stories to life one day, as I did for the folks in Faron Young’s world, thanks to you, Diane.”  

The audiobook can be found on Audible at View On Audible, on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/3kht7nf9, and supposedly on iTunes. Please spread the word, review the audiobook on these sites, and send me an email to let me know what you think.

Sometimes one can’t help …

Interesting question poised on our Neighborhood Social Network the other day. (True!) 

 

“Just moved into the neighborhood, we think our house is haunted. We’ve heard door slams, loud banging noises and footsteps. These all happen at night between 1 AM - 4 AM. There have been instances of our dog barking furiously in the night like maybe he sees or hears something that we don’t. We once called 911. Cops came, never found anyone. 

Long story short, we think it’s a ghost. We are looking for a medium to see if they think there may be a spirit here and if they can possibly talk to the spirit and politely ask them to leave (?).”

 

I'd like to help, but the last I heard of such an individual around here was a couple of years ago.  She was a very petite individual, but was practicing without a license so the police arrested her.

But she escaped.

That was the last I heard anything about that until I saw the headline the next day:

“Small Medium at Large!"

CB



 

 

 

 

Some good advice from FH Reader Tracey C. Smith …

I like the 1950’s song sung by Bobby Darin “Splish Splash as well as the “Sesame Street” 1970 song sung by the puppet Ernie, “Rubber Duckie.”

Both of these songs want you to remind yourself to bathe and shower daily and be odor free.

Gratefully Yours,

Tracey C. Smith

Great line from Joe Walsh during The Eagles’ Madison Square Garden Show …

“It’s easier being 20 in the ’70s than 70 in the ’20s”

Ain’t it the truth!  (kk)

Friday, August 27, 2021

The Friday Flash

Apologies again for yesterday’s glitch-filled edition of Forgotten Hits.  (We have been having some technical difficulties of late … but this one was the worst!)  Despite numerous attempts to fix it … and the page displaying properly in the “preview” mode, it all scrambled to gobbledygook once it was officially published.  A shame, too, as yesterday was a big news day and anniversary date in Beatleland. 

For right now, we have taken the page down – so many edits have made it unrecognizable from its original intent.  If we can figure out how to fix it somewhere down the line, my hope is to repost it as I think it was a key tie-in to the new “Let It Be” 50th Anniversary Box announcement.

By the way … after we complained yesterday that the rooftop concert was NOT being included in the new deluxe 5-CD version of the “Let It Be” / “Get Back” sessions, I was told that the current rumor is that this material may have been held back for release as more of a “soundtrack” album to the new Peter Jackson film.

I’d be surprised if this were the case … after people shell out $135 bucks for the new box set, it’d be pretty cruel to hit them up for another $35 six weeks later to get the rest!!!  (Plus they’d almost HAVE to include more of the studio chatter and rehearsal audio … which I guess would be all-right with me.  Or maybe they should just do a combo-pack of the movie on dvd / blu-ray with the soundtrack on a separate disc???)

It'll be interesting to see where it goes from here.  My preference would be for a three DVD set featuring the original print of “Let It Be,” the new Peter Jackson “Get Back” film plus an additional disc of outtakes … but then I’m sure I’d still want the audio of the rooftop concert, too!!!  (See … this is why The Beatles still continue to outsell today’s contemporary artists … because there are too many suckers out there like me who just HAVE to have it all!!!)  kk

This weekend Me-TV-FM is saluting our Hometown Favorites, spotlighting artists who came from Chicago and captured the hearts of music fans all over the world.

 

As Rick O’Dell tells us,

 

A Hometown Favorites Weekend returns this coming Friday night (August 27th) at 7:00. We’ll be covering four decades’ worth of Chicago-born and Chicago-based artists throughout the coming weekend.

Listen online thru the audacy ap!  (kk)

https://www.audacy.com/metvmusic/listen#schedule

 

Kent,

You know it's late at the party when the band is going home.  Don Everly, Charlie Watts, sadly the list keeps growing.  I guess we all know it is "that time of the night" but it doesn't make it any easier. 

While so many at the party were busy schmoozing and making small talk, some of us spent the night up front watching the band.  I remember doing that as a kid. 

While so many spent the evening dancing, I was up front watching "the gifted" making the music.  Yes, I was also buying and playing countless albums on our Sears Silver-tone Stereo and going to the local radio station and watching the DJ present this music for all to hear.  And in the end, I spent over 40 years doing the same.

Though you don't know so many of these artists personally, you feel like you do because for so many years, their talent and gift were so much a part of your life.  What is there about the sadness you feel when an artist passes away of which you have listened to their music ever since you were young.

In the words of the people at IHOP, "I think I need a pancake."

Take Care,

Tim Kiley

 

CHARLIE WATTS HAS DIED!?

I can't keep this email going right now. I am in shocked grief.

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

 

Short and Sweet.  Good stuff around Charlie Watts this morning.

Loved the Hotel Story!  Hadn't heard that one before!  Gud for 'im!

CB

 

Charles Robert Watts: An Appreciation

by Harvey Robert Kubernik 


This is not the platform or forum for me to display photos of myself with Charlie Watts or a post card he sent me from the road.  However, I feel encouraged by musicians and poets who are offering phone shiva and compelled to write this appreciation.
Charlie was a friend of mine since the early nineties. We never talked about the Rolling Stones ... Just jazz. 

In my 2014 book "Turn Up The Radio! Pop, Rock, and Roll in Los Angeles 1956-1972" published by Santa Monica Press, I asked Charlie about a Stones' 1964 recording session at RCA.  

"While we were recording in Hollywood, I went to Shelley's Manne-Hole twice - once to see Charles Lloyd, Albert Stinson [with Gabor Szabo and Pete LaRoca], and the Bill Evans Trio with Paul Motian on drums [and Chuck Israels]. I saw Shelley at his club."
Charlie was always thankful I introduced him to drummer Stan Levey, who he saw in 1960 with Stan Kenton at Wembley. Earlier this century we had lunch at the Levey house in Sherman Oaks and Charlie arrived in a cab from The Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, wearing perfectly pressed blue jeans, to join Jim Keltner and I.
He relished the Chico Hamilton autograph I personally got for him, and was delighted by the gift I gave him of a Shelley Manne coffee table limited edition book. I fondly recall how Charlie described the thin drum sticks that Shelley used on the bandstand and in the studio. I was a Ludwig 7a wood tip guy.
Charlie supplied a testimonial quote for the back cover for a Buddy Collette album I produced and invited myself, brother Kenneth and Buddy to his big band concert at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood. 
Jim Keltner and I later connected with Charlie and with met drummer Freddie Gruber. Lots of Buddy Rich and Max Roach tales.
On one Stones' tour this century, we had a pre-show chat with the legendary drummer Earl Palmer. He had finally met Earl years earlier at The Palace in Hollywood. In the sixties, Charlie visited a Phil Spector recording session at Gold Star Studio in Hollywood, invited by arranger / keyboardist Jack Nitzsche. He loved the Crystals' record "Da Doo Ron Ron." Earl or Hal Blaine played drums on the track. On occasion, he referenced his drum set up at Olympic studio in Barnes London, and Sunset Sound and Ocean Way in Hollywood.  
In 2016, Charlie and Jim Keltner invited me to a Rolling Stones' rehearsal in North Hollywood. I carried some cymbals into the room with Jim's lead tech and cartage man that were put on Charlie's kit. He handed me a tambourine from one cymbal stand that I briefly shook for 20 seconds as the band jammed.
Ronnie Wood saw it and said, "Hey. You're big time. At our rehearsal. It's your dream gig? Right?" And I replied, "Yes. But it is not lost on me and just as important is that you were the bass player on Jeff Beck's "Truth" LP." That blew him away. Keith Richard heard our exchange and laughed out loud. Ronnie hugged me. Then they both handed me their guitar picks.
Charlie smiled ...

A couple of years ago, I saw Charlie at Don Randi's Baked Potato Club in Studio City. It was an event honoring Hal Blaine on his 90th birthday party. Charlie contributed some autographed drum sticks to a charity auction being held from the stage.     
Over the last few decades, my brother and I would send and give Charlie rare jazz videos. He really dug them. In my last conversation with him, after he visited the Motown Museum in Detroit, Charlie indicated he was building a collection of rare drum items.

May his beat go on and on ...

Harvey Kubernik

 

Stan Levey and Charlie Watts - "Stan Meets Charlie"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6KqlUVr9LU

 

In 2014. Harvey Kubernik interviewed Andrew Loog Oldham, the original manager of The Rolling Stones.

 

Here he shares some insight into Charlie Watts, the early years …

(We can highly recommend the documentary “Charlie Is My Darling” as well.)  kk

Harvey Kubernik: In 2012, your well-earned original producing credit was officially distributed in the retail and commercial universe on DVD by way of Charlie Is My Darling. Can you talk about the genesis of the project? You’ve shown it over the years in related charity functions.  

Andrew Loog Oldham: Yes, it was a Julie Christie world but that is not the origin of the title. It's the Irish use of it, more soil, more turf, sod of the earth, nothing really 60's about it. The credit is only well earned because I made the movie in the first place. Allen Klein and I had discussed doing it on many occasions, but thankfully nothing happened. There are no accidents - and the timing on this was immaculate. 

That end of the 60's is slipping away, soon there will be no more reliable witnesses and this film is a reliable witness. Dylan's Don’t Look Back is a reliable witness. A Hard Day’s Night is not - somebody wrote, constructed and directed that. Charlie Is My Darling is the real deal, the end of the innocence, the last hurrah before what the Beatles had started when they appeared in February of ' 64 on The Ed Sullivan Show turned the game into business.

HK: You told me in 2012, “The film was done as an audition to see which one of the Rolling Stones the camera actually loved off stage. We knew who the focus was on stage. The concept was to see who was telegenic off stage. Like an MGM screen test or how studio heads would view talent at RKO. It was Charlie that the camera loved. Ironically, Harvey, is it not the same camera that loved Ringo? There you go.”  My only complaint is that some of the interview footage of Charlie Watts from the original print did not make the new cut of the DVD and new movie. And Charlie is terrific on screen.

ALO: I agree. Charlie was pissed about that as well, or let's say he noticed it when he was shown the new edit. I wasn't there, so I don't know how much he really cared. 

It was indeed a screen test, done in Ireland so as to be away from journalists, girlfriends and the London life. I just wanted to see whom, off stage, the camera loved. The drummer's rule, I guess! I thought Charlie looked and sounded terrific. He had the look, he had the voice. I thought he could have a big future in French noir films, but for that to happen somebody else has to agree with you, and they have to be in the French film business.

I always found it interesting that Charlie Watts was the ONLY Rolling Stone pictured on the cover of their live “Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out” LP … that always struck me as strange, as Charlie always kept to the background in an unassuming way.  That HE was selected for the cover photo may go right along with what Harvey and Andrew are discussing above. (kk)


DIDJAKNOW?:  Despite it being widely reported everywhere else in the press that Charlie Watts was on every recording The Rolling Stones ever did, this really wasn’t the case.  In fact, he was missing on a couple of key tracks.  (In Forgotten Hits, we reworded that statement to read that Charlie appeared on every ALBUM The Stone ever recorded, leaving some leeway for those odd, isolated tracks where he did not appear.)

For example, on one of The Stones’ best known hits, “It’s Only Rock And Roll (But I Like It),” that’s Faces Drummer Kenney Jones behind the skins.

It has since been reported that the song was recorded at Ronnie Wood’s home studio and, although credited to the usual Jagger-Richards songwriting team, was actually written by Wood and Mick Jagger.  Inspired to record it quickly, they found that Charlie wasn’t around so Ronnie Wood rang up his old drummer Kenney Jones (who lived nearby) to complete the session.  (For the record, bass player Bill Wyman isn’t on the recording either!  The bass on this track was provided by Willie Weekes … and the backing singer on the song is David Bowie!)

As to how Keith Richards received songwriting credit on the track, Jagger finagled a little side deal with Ronnie Wood so that The Glimmer Twins songwriting partnership could remain intact ... on paper anyway.  (Rumors have persisted for decades now that The Stones’ big hit “Wild Horses” was actually written by Keith Richards and Gram Parsons, who recorded an early version of the track … but again, paperwork was manipulated to ensure that the Jagger-Richards songwriting credit remain undisturbed.)  In this particular case, Ronnie Wood was about to start work on his first solo album “I’ve Got My Own Album To Do,” for which Jagger co-wrote the song “I Can Feel The Fire.”  In exchange for the Jagger-Richards credit being attached to “It’s Only Rock And Roll,” Mick gave full credit to Ronnie on their collaboration.

Charlie also didn’t play on the excellent Stones track “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”  For whatever reason, he was having difficulty nailing the pace on this one … so producer Jimmy Miller sat behind the kit and did the drummer.  (That’s Miller on The Stones’ hit “Happy” as well.  In fact, Mick and Keith are the only two Stones on that record!)

Now check out this Noise 11 report on the track “Shine A Light” from their “Exile On Main Street” album …

According to Noise 11, although this song is credited to Jagger-Richards, it was actually written by Mick Jagger and Leon Russell.

It was originally titled “Can’t Seem To Get A Line On You” and was intended for Leon’s self-titled solo album. A version recorded in October, 1969, features Leon Russell on organ, Bill Wyman on bass, Ringo Starr on drums, Keith Richards on guitar and Mick Jagger on vocals. A second attempt was made in 1970, on which Bill Wyman’s bass track was replaced by a new one laid down by Paul McCartney.  However, when the Leon Russell version was finally released as a bonus track, it is Bill Wyman and not Paul McCartney who is credited.  (Quite possibly a label / royalties issue … ALL of The Beatles would make “guest appearances” on other artists’ tracks from time to time,  usually using some type of clever pseudonym so as not to betray any contractual obligations.  (By the way, The Rolling Stones recorded the third version of this song a year later in December of 1971!)

 

Paul and Ringo posted photos and video tributes after the passing of Charlie Watts.  Despite the rivalry played up in the press, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were actually quite good friends.  (Let’s not forget that John and Paul gave The Stones their first British hit single when they allowed them to record the song “I Wanna Be Your Man” ahead of Ringo’s recording for their “With The Beatles” / “Meet The Beatles” LP … much as Mick and Keith let Jagger’s then-girlfriend Marianne Faithfull do the first recording of “As Tears Go By,” the very first song that Mick and Keith ever wrote together.)  kk

 

In their on-going “Forever #1” series, Billboard Magazine pays tribute to The Everly Brothers this week with the story behind THEIR biggest #1 Hit, “Cathy’s Clown” …

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9618625/everly-brothers-cathys-clown-forever-number-one/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily&utm_term=daily_digest

 

kk:

Don and Phil get my vote for "BEST DUO OF ALL TIME."

FB

They held that distinction for quite some time.  Daryl Hall and John Oates have since eclipsed them based on actual chart performance.  Other duos of note:  The Carpenters, Simon and Garfunkel, Jan and Dean and The Captain and Tennille, all of whom rank high on Billboard’s list of Top 500 Artists.

 

Hope you’ll enjoy this rare Warner Brothers promo-only 45 with some of the radio broadcast material.  It was issued to promote the Everly Brothers’ “Roots” album, but the material on the promo 45 is not on the LP and it has never been reissued or comped.  This from my buddy Michael Thom in OKC. 

Mom Everly doing best Wolfman impersonation of how to get rid of those IOWA rats!!!  It still keeps her alive at 102! 

Some nice pickin' too.

Clark Besch

 

 

I’m always amazed by what survived some 70 years later.  Who would have ever thought!  (kk)

 

In what can only be described as one of the most ludicrous cases is music history, a man by the name of Spencer Elden is suing the band Nirvana and the estate of Kurt Cobain because he says his nude photo, used on the cover of the band’s “Nevermind” LP constitutes child pornography.  (I keep saying it … the whole world’s gone crazy!)

The album and photo were released over thirty years ago without complaint … but now Elden says he was exploited for the picture.

(I say, "Stop being such a weenie!!!")



Elden alleges that the band “knowingly produced, possessed, and advertised commercial child pornography depicting photos of his naked body “in poses highlighting and emphasizing his exposed genitals and knowingly received value in exchange for doing so.”

(It’s a baby picture, for God’s sake … I’m sure SOME kind of release had to be signed at the time, giving the band permission to take and use these photos.  Maybe he should be suing his PARENTS for taking the money for his modeling fee!!!)

But perhaps I’m wrong.  The suit alleges that “neither Spencer nor his legal guardians ever signed a release authorizing the use of any images of Spencer or of his likeness, and certainly not of commercial child pornography depicting him.”  As a result, Elden claims that the image has caused him “suffer lifelong damages."  (I suppose ALL of that could have been avoided had he simply never told anybody it was him!!!)

The album skyrocketed the grunge group Nirvana to worldwide success and stardom.  The cover pictures a naked four-month-old and became the definitive release of the grunge revolution. Its cover shows the naked four-month-old Spencer Elden in a swimming pool, chasing after a dollar bill hooked to a fishing line.  I think most collectors would agree that it has become one of the most iconic album covers of all time.  (Further investigating shows that Elden’s father, Rick, was paid $200 for his child’s modeling work.  Like I said, take it up with Daddy!!!  Instead, he’s asking for $150,000 each from the 15 people named in his suit!) 

Although I’ve never really understood why, Nirvana just may be the last real super group we’ve had in rock.  Their fan base was / is enormous, and Cobain became an overnight superstar who seemed to grow even larger in death when he took his own life in 1994.  (Is there REALLY anybody out there thinking that the REAL reason this LP sold MILLIONS of copies was because fans wanted to see Spencer Elden’s four-month-old penis???  Is THAT what propelled the band to superstardom … and NOT the music the LP contained?  If so, that would only help to prove MY theory that the band’s music really wasn’t all that entertaining!)

Apparently, Elden hasn’t always felt this way about the cover ... for example, he has “Nevermind” tattooed across his chest … and over the years, he has recreated the cover shot several times, going out of his way to draw attention to the fact that it WAS him on the cover.  (Perhaps this is just a case of Elden hoping for the opportunity to prove to the world that the size of his penis HAS grown since he was only four months old.  Or has it???  Is THAT what’s really troubling you, Spencer?!?!)

It just seems to me that you can’t have it both ways … you can’t argue that you’ve “suffered life-long damages” because this photo is out there and then recreate the cover in an attempt to draw even more attention to it! (kk)

UPDATE:  There is actually talk about a substitute cover having to be issued until this case is officially resolved.  (This reminds me of the original Blind Faith album cover that depicted a topless eleven / thirteen year old girl that was ultimately replaced by a vintage-looking photo of the band.  I remember thinking at the time that that whole topless girl idea really DID smell like pre-teen spirit.) 

Elden also alleges that Kurt Cobain originally "agreed to redact Spencer’s image by releasing the album with a sticker strategically placed over Spencer's genitals with the text: 'If you're offended by this, you must be a closet pedophile.'" The sticker, however, was "never incorporated." Elden hopes the band will make good on this alleged agreement for any future releases. Maggie Mabie, one of Elden’s lawyers, told the Associated Press, "If there is a 30th anniversary rerelease, [Elden] wants for the entire world not to see his genitals."

Stay tuned … I’ve got a feeling this one’s far from over.

The Eagles’ Hotel California Tour kicked off Tuesday Night at Madison Square Garden.  The band (with a full orchestra) performed their iconic album from start to finish for their first set … and then, after a break, came back to do a second set of hits billed as “Every Other Song We Know.”

And boy, what a set list …

Set 1:  HOTEL CALIFORNIA

Hotel California
New Kid in Town
Life in the Fast Lane
Wasted Time
Wasted Time (Reprise)
Victim of Love
Pretty Maids All in a Row
Try and Love Again
The Last Resort

Set 2: EVERY OTHER SONG WE KNOW

Seven Bridges Road
Take It Easy
One of These Nights
Take It to the Limit
Tequila Sunrise
Witchy Woman
In the City
I Can’t Tell You Why
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Those Shoes
Lyin’ Eyes
Love Will Keep Us Alive
Walk Away
Life’s Been Good
Already Gone
The Boys of Summer
Funk #49
Heartache Tonight

Encore:
Rocky Mountain Way
Desperado
The Long Run
Best of My Love

It sounds like we’re one step closer to hearing new music from ABBA …

Talked about for over two years now, all four original members have been returning to the studio to work on new material.  (I say returning because what at first was supposed to be just one song … and then became two … and most recently has become four … leads me to believe that an entire new album may be in the offering.  This seems particularly more likely in that a special website has now been set up promoting a “major announcement” expected to post by September 2nd.)

I, for one, would LOVE to hear what they’ve come up with!!!

The last album of all new ABBA material was released in 1982, so we are quickly approaching the 40th anniversary of that event.  (I’m still shocked they even considered doing this … but as we’ve learned over the years, “Never Say Never!”)

More details as they become available …

Or, you can sign up here to receive your own announcement …

https://abbavoyage.com/

Jim Yester of The Association went into the hospital in Indianapolis with covid this past weekend. He is on the Happy Together Tour. After three days, he was put in ICU and it is not looking good. His brother Jerry (The Lovin’ Spoonful) is asking for thoughts and prayers. 

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

So sorry to hear that.  We do wish Jim a speedy recovery.  Clearly Covid has raised its ugly head yet again.  We really need to come up with a more permanent solution to this!  (kk)

 

I no sooner typed this than it was announced that Paul Stanley has tested positive for Covid and Kiss has postponed its next series of shows.  (I’m not sure what the confidence level was for returning to semi-normal … but it’s not looking like such a wise decision lately.)  Unfortunately, we may have to go thru all the precautions again … although we’re all a bit older and wiser at this point, I guess.  Even still, I think I’m stopping for toilet paper tomorrow just in case!!!  (kk)

Covered by dozens of outlets but just in case you haven't seen this on Connie Hamzy: 

https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-3151a97bd11baa47b7a90d8601d72e0d

David Lewis

I did … just never got around to running anything on it (so here it is now!!!)

Sweet Sweet Connie was doin’ her act …

Normally when it comes to rock groupies, we only feature the Plaster Casters … but Connie was immortalized in song … so how can we resist!  (kk)

As a follow-up to a couple of recent stories covered in Forgotten Hits …

Tom T. Hall had a number one country hit with a song originally recorded by Manfred Mann.  He was not the first country act to play the song, but the only to have a hit with it.  The Mann version of Fox On The Run was a ballad and a hit in England. Tom T.'s version was bluegrass.

The worst K-tel album 'hack job' ever was on an album called 22 Explosive Hits (Volume One).  It featured a less than two minute cut of Layla by Derek and the Dominoes! 

They actually did release a few albums with complete tracks.  I have a three-album set which was a best of some of the early 70's albums, and most all of the tracks are full length versions, including Pretty Lady.

Phil – WRCO

Now I wanna hear the two minute version of “Layla”!!!

This is one of those songs that pretty much bombed the first time it was released as a single (in edited form, I might add) in 1971.  “Layla” peaked at #50 the first time around … but then, almost exactly a year later, the full length version was pressed on a single and it made The Top Ten!  Maybe our tastes changed over the course of a year (or maybe the track had been played on FM radio for so long now that people were just looking for a cheap way to pick up the song they liked without having to buy the two-album set!!!)  kk

 

I gotta go along with Mike M on that KRLA chart.  It looks like a "rewind" survey that was created after the fact.  That WMEX looks like the real deal BUT it was still probably charting due to being LP cut.  It’s hard to say who programmed it as an A SIDE first.  Altho "King Herod's Song" is a bit odd to play on radio due to its lyrics, I have to admit it is my second fave song on the LP.  It's just a great song and was cool to see / hear Alice Cooper do it live a few years ago on TV.

Clark Besch

Yes, that first KRLA Chart that we ran on the site was clearly a “Flashback Chart,” celebrating a particular week or weekend from 1971 … but their REAL chart bares the chart positions out.  Still, WMEX beat them to the punch … so until we see differently, we’ve got to go with that one as being the first.  (kk)

 

kk: 

Last Saturday Cousin Brucie talked to Don Donnemann of the Cyrkle.

In 1966, they were the opening act for the Beatles.  They were also at the Beatles’ final concert at Candlestick Park. Don almost missed the tour.

He got permission to leave the Coast Guard early.

The Cyrkle became the first American group managed by Brian Epstein.

"RED RUBBER BALL" and "TURN DOWN DAY" … Two-Hit Wonders.

After the Cyrkle broke up, Don became a Pro Jingle writer.

On October 1st of last year they reformed group and started touring in the New York / New Jersey area.

This Saturday (as in tomorrow), Cousin Brucie talks to Joey Dee about his new book.

Brucie wrote the forward for Joey Dee. I'm guessing we'll be hearing some mob talk, just like Tommy James’ book.

FB

Well, Joey Dee and Tommy James were on the same record label … Roulette Records … which Morris Levy was head of … so yeah, I’m guessing you’ll hear ALL kinds of mob talk on this one!

The Cyrkle had those two Top 20 Hits that you mentioned (“Red Rubber Ball,” #2, and “Turn-Down Day,” #16, both in 1966.)  Although they did manage to chart six more times, only one of those records (“Please Don’t Ever Leave Me,” #50, 1966) made The Top 50.  “Red Rubber Ball,” of course, was written by Paul Simon.  (kk)

 

And finally, a brief history lesson from our buddy Chuck Buell …

 

In ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a healthy young wife by the name of Dorothy. And Dot Com was a comely woman, large of breast, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she was often called Amazon Dot Com.

 

And she said unto Abraham, her husband, "Why dost thou travel so far from town to town with thy goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?"

 

And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said, "How, dear?"

 

And Dot replied, "I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will reply telling you who hath the best price. The sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah's Pony Stable (UPS)."

 

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums.  And the drums rang out and were an immediate success.  Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever having to move from his tent.

 

To prevent neighboring countries from overhearing what the drums were saying, Dot devised a system that only she and the drummers knew.  It was known as Must Send Drum Over Sound (MSDOS), and she also developed a language to transmit ideas and pictures - Hebrew to the People (HTTP).

 

And the young men did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung.  They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Sybarites (NERDS.)

 

And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to that enterprising drum dealer, Brother William of Gates, who did insist on drums to be made that would work only with his drum heads and drumsticks.

 

And Dot did say, "Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others." And Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or eBay as it came to be known.  He said, "We need a name that reflects what we are."

 

And Dot replied, "Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators.   “YAHOO!" said Abraham. And because it was Dot's idea, they named it YAHOO Dot Com.

 

Abraham's cousin, Joshua, being the young Gregarious Energetic Educated Kid (GEEK) that he was, soon started using Dot's drums to locate things around the countryside. It soon became known as God's Own Official Guide to Locating Everything (GOOGLE).

 

Centuries later, a remarkable music oasis of all-knowing knowledge around all great songs of yore was declared and revered across the land. Given unto it was the name “Forgotten Hits,” as so proclaimed by the King of That Amazing Land (KOTAL).

 

And lo, a faithful and loyal scribe cried out spreading this story by the Best Use of Empowering Lottsa Laffs!  (BUELL).

 

And that is how it all began.

 

===============================================

 

Disclaimer:  I take no credit for writing the first, and major, portion of this story; only the three lines before the last.  Simply, I thought this fable was just too good not to share! < cb >

 

Chuck also sent me this birthday greeting as the calendar flips another year for me today …





Great column as always, Kent!

Johnny Holliday

kk:

I love your 18th Birthday Picture – 

 

 

You were a real "COOL CAT."

What happened to you?!?!?

L-o-L!!!

FB

 

Thanks to all the birthday "well wishers" ... it is much appreciated.  (kk)

 

LOTS more tomorrow ...

As we continue to dig out from all the (Barney) rubble.

Stay tuned!  (kk)