Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Tuesday This And That

Some serious catching up to do today due to newly scheduled features and preposts this past week and a half ... so let's get right to it!

Robert Feder is reporting that WLS Radio,“The Big 89” Top 40 giant, was selected this past week for induction into The Iowa Rock Hall of Fame.  (WLS was also inducted into The Illinois Rock Hall Of Fame last year.) 

“WLS is a huge part of the rock music history of the entire Midwest, and it had a profound impact on Iowa,” said Clay Norris, executive director of the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association. “Even the AM station’s daytime signal can be heard in much of eastern Iowa where two thirds of the population lives. At night, it was heard all over the state.” The station will be inducted over Labor Day weekend.

(With WLS 890, now a faltering talk station, currently sitting in 27th place in the Chicagoland Radio Ratings with a 0.8 share, they might want to give some thought to airing clips from their golden years when they were considered one of the top rock and roll radio stations in the nation.  Of course, I’ve been saying this for years … and former ‘LS jocks Bob Sirott and John Landecker are now enjoying new audiences over at WGN … but I’ll bet with the right promotion and someone knowledgeable enough to go through their extensive and exhaustive library of old clips, this station could triple its share in less than a year.) 

Who’d be the right guy to put that all together?  Well, I can think of a few people actually … and I’ve got Chuck Buell and Kris Erik Stevens on speed dial!!!  (kk)


While the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Museum has enlisted WLS as an original member, the Iowa Hall now entering WLS in!!! 

In recognition of its glorious past as “The Big 89,” WLS, the former Top 40 mecca, was chosen this week for induction in the Iowa Rock Hall of Fame. The 2022 honorees will be inducted over Labor Day weekend.

Clark Besch

Also from Clark … regarding our shared love of Top 40 Radio …


Guys,

I got this message below from a buddy in BOSSTOWN who tells me 740 AM in Canada is NOT the only AM out there blasting the oldies and music!

Dear Clark:

I just want to tell you that recently WMEX 1510 AM, once the headquarters of Arnie "Woo Woo" Ginsberg, has been resurrected as an oldies station. I've been listening to it in my car the past few months & I've enjoyed listening to it. Besides the usual suspects, they play interesting stuff like "Eight Miles High" & "Heroes and Villains". The power goes down at night & they do switch to TVLand Radio, but it's great listening to it. They even have a countdown show on weekends based on the old WMEX giveaway charts. Here's their website (they also stream):  https://wmexboston.com

I have been listening this morning and have heard a fairly good variety of oldies from the 50's to early 80's.  Stereo/mono online … Stereo a little wonky sometimes.  No totally obscure stuff, but a few surprises.  Certainly playing the WMEX PAMS jingles of 60's is welcome.  They have some good chatter including trivia (today Stealers Wheel, played "Stuck in Middle") and a segment called "Spin Back," in which they play a small part of a song backwards and want to know what it is.  Today's I did not know and it was a Doobies hit.  

They said today was the issue date of "Please Please Me" / "Ask Me Why" in ‘63 on VJ 598 (Beattles version).  Actually, I think that MAY be wrong??  

Poll questions of day for celebs:  This is Jimmy Jay (DJ):  https://www.rewindshow.com/default.html

Callers on air for poll question person -- that IS kinda cool to hear memories from listeners.  They will have Jimmy ON this afternoon live.  Also played some TV theme songs, news and sports.  Biographies of artists on the website while song plays on occasion.   

Besides that, here's a sample of their songs they played in an hour:

‘50’s:  "Sh-Boom" and Chuck Berry’s "Back in the USA;" “Standing on the Corner," "The Big Hurt," "Silhouettes"

‘60's:  "Ticket to Ride," “Elenore," "Who's Making Love," "Little Children," "Bernadette," "Born to be Wild," "Jimmy Mack," "Daydream Believer," "Cant Find the Time" (Orpheus), "Oh Me Oh My" By Lulu, "Love (Can Make You Happy)" (Mercy) 

‘70's: "I Am woman," Smokey's "Being With You," "Love The One You're With," "After The Love Is Gone," "Wasted Days & Wasted Nights," "Cold as Ice," "Wild Night" (a 1974 Martha Reeves cover of Van Morrison!  Odd choice!) 

‘80's:  "I Love You"-Climax Blues Band (!!!)

Of course, besides Ginsberg, they had LARRY LUJACK for a few months in early ‘67!

Thanks, JOE, for the info.  MUSIC on AM again is always a welcome thing.  One less political station on the AM dial always welcomed.

Clark Besch

 

Sean Ross, who writes the “Ross On Radio” column, shared his New Year’s Eve experience giving a final listen to a couple of great oldies stations …

 

On New Year's Eve, I heard three hours of incredible radio. Unfortunately, it was the sign-off of WGVU (Real Oldies) Grand Rapids, Mich.  I was glad to take a "Final Listen" … and it prompted some thoughts on when "local" just isn't enough.

When WGVU-AM Grand Rapids, Mich., launched its “Real Oldies” format in 2009, there had already been a handful of AM stations specializing in the music disenfranchised by larger market Oldies FMs. At that moment, it was pre-Beatles songs that needed a home, although Oldies was on the verge of rebranding as “Classic Hits” and time would continue to march on, systematically disenfranchising the late ‘60s, the early ‘70s, and even much of the late ‘70s that’s not Classic Rock.

These days, FM Classic Hits stations are centered in the ‘80s and pushing into the ‘90s or early ‘00s. A few, like the recently rebranded KBAY San Jose, have circled back to become the gold-based ACs that most markets had before the Oldies format exploded in the late ‘80s / early ‘90s. The “Real Oldies” movement that began in the early ‘00s has had several up-and-down cycles. (WSAN Allentown, Pa., one of the first in 2001, became one of the latest to return in 2021.) 

Thanks to the FM translator-driven success stories of stations like KDRI (The Drive) Tucson, Ariz., and WECK Buffalo, N.Y., there are no shortage of places to hear the ’60s and ‘70s on broadcast radio.

Even without streaming, I’ve had WMTR Morristown, N.J., almost continuously since the first boom, and I now have Scott Shannon’s “True Oldies Channel” on WCBS-FM’s HD3 outlet. But there was still a twinge of sadness at Grand Valley State University’s announcement that WGVU-AM will sign-off both frequencies on Jan. 7, another pair of AMs whose real estate make them worth more dark than alive.

When Real Oldies 1480 launched, it seemed like public radio could be a viable home for the format, particularly given T.J. Lubinsky’s public TV success with Oldies. WGVU belonged to that group of stations I came to call “Oldies XL,” even deeper than some of its counterparts, especially on songs with a heritage on Grand Rapids radio. For a while, there was a monthly newsletter with a feature spotlighting regional hits like “You Haven’t Seen My Love” by the Ones or “Flower Garden” by Nick Lampe.

WGVU’s announcement pointed out that there were now two places to hear similar music in Grand Rapids. There’s mainstream Classic Hits WFGR, but also iHeart’s WBFX (101.3 Big FM) playing the current syndicated version of Real Oldies, now a ‘60s and early ‘70s format, not that different from where FM Classic Hits was in 2009. It’s the same music now heard on WSAN’s second run at the format. 


I took a Final Listen to Real Oldies on December 29. As had been the case throughout the station’s history, its presentation was more akin to public radio (NPR news at :00, local news at :30) than “boss radio.” Afternoon host Rob Sanford’s breaks were between the songs, not over the intros. (One of his stories was the Lending Tree survey that 36% of Americans took on personal debt as a result of the holidays.) Here’s Real Oldies 1480 at 3 p.m.:

 

  • Ricky Nelson, “Hello Mary Lou”
  • Bobby Rydell, “Forget Him”
  • Shirley Ellis, “The Nitty Gritty”
  • Jimmy Gilmer & Fireballs, “Sugar Shack”
  • Sam Cooke, “Sugar Dumpling” (his final posthumous top 40 hit from 1965)
  • Classics IV, “Spooky”
  • Third Booth, “I Need Love” (scorching 1968 garage rock classic that was No. 4 in Grand Rapids and No. 2 at WLS Chicago)
  • Stevie Wonder, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours’
  • Rita Coolidge, “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher”
  • Four Tops, “Keeper of the Castle”
  • Rascals, “You Better Run”
  • Walker Brothers, “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore”
  • Neil Diamond, “Kentucky Woman”
  • Mariah Carey, “All I Want For Christmas (Is You)”
  • Herb Alpert, “This Guy’s In Love With You”
  • Gerry & Pacemakers, “Ferry Cross the Mersey”
  • Melanie, “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)”
  • Jr. Walker & All Stars, “Cleo’s Back” (instrumental played up to NPR news, most of which was heard; the previous hour had been “You’ve Got to Pay the Price,” only a few seconds of which actually played).

Sean also tells us about an Australian station offering a wide range of variety …


Last year, Classic Hits 4KQ Brisbane, Australia, was the only music AM anywhere in the world to hit No. 1 in the ratings, according to Radioinsight ratings expert Chris Huff. Over the course of the year, it averaged a 10-share. It did that without an FM translator of the sort that has allowed Oldies / Classic Hits stations (most of them older-leaning) to proliferate in the U.S., although Australia’s more viable digital radio tier does level the playing field somewhat.

4KQ has been a regular presence in this column for the last decade. Its “Friday Night Fever” (‘70s/’80s) and “Jukebox Saturday Night” (‘50s through early ‘70s) are heard in the U.S. on those respective mornings, East Coast time. “JBSN” in particular is regularly No. 1 in its timeslot. Along with MD Brent James’ oldies compilations, the show has been a part of my Australian rock’n’roll education, but it’s also a reliable place to hear American and British hits that aren’t common on the radio anymore. 

In the time I’ve been writing about 4KQ, owner ARN’s Classic Hits FMs in Melbourne and Sydney have become ratings powerhouses as well. Recently, ARN acquired the smaller-market Grant Broadcasting, which owns enough FM stations in earshot of Brisbane that 4KQ will have to be spun off. No new buyer has been named and not every logical candidate would necessarily be committed to Classic Hits.

So it’s time for a “Fresh Listen” to 4KQ. In its regular format, 4KQ’s center lane is the ‘70s, but it still has more of a ‘60s component than most of its counterparts. (ARN’s FM Classic Hits stations have long reached well into the ‘90s, long before most U.S. stations began doing the same.) Currently, the station is doing five daily hour-long spotlights to various years, billed as “25 Years in 25 Days” during Australia’s holiday summer break. 


Here’s 4KQ at 11 a.m., Jan. 12 as its “25 Years in 25 Days” feature salutes 1975:

 

  • David Essex, “Gonna Make You a Star”
  • Doobie Brothers, “Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me)”
  • Neil Sedaka, “Laughter in the Rain”
  • Skyhooks, “Ego (Is Not a Dirty Word)”
  • Splinter, “Costafine Town”
  • Abba, “Mamma Mia”
  • Sweet, “Peppermint Twist”—the Joey Dee & the Starlighters hit; one of several examples of songs by international acts that became Australia-only hits
  • Kevin Johnson, “Man of the 20th Century”
  • Queen, “Killer Queen”
  • Railroad Gin, “You Told the World”
  • Leo Sayer, “Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)”
  • Eagles, “Lyin’ Eyes”
  • Jamie Dunn, “Jamie Come Home”
  • Little River Band, “Curiosity (Killed the Cat)—reggae-tinged hit a year before their U.S. chart debut
  • Elton John, “Island Girl”

And here’s the station in regular format at Noon:

  • Fleetwood Mac, “Don’t Stop”
  • Neil Diamond, “Sweet Caroline”
  • Patti Smith Group, “Because the Night”
  • Blondie, “Call Me”
  • Amii Stewart, “Knock on Wood”
  • Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun”
  • Earth, Wind & Fire, “September”
  • Bob Seger, “Fire Lake” (with a “lost classic” stager)
  • Hot Chocolate, “Every 1’s a Winner”
  • Beach Boys, “Little Deuce Coupe”
  • America, “Sister Golden Hair”
  • Seal, “Crazy”
  • Norman Greenbaum, “Spirit in the Sky”

Here’s Friday Night Fever at 8 p.m.:

  • Anita Ward, “Ring My Bell”
  • Squeeze, “Cool for Cats”
  • Kim Wilde, “View from a Bridge”
  • Rolling Stones, “Start Me Up”
  • Bee Gees, “More Than a Woman”
  • Ian Dury & Blockheads, “Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick”
  • Dolly Parton, “Baby I’m Burning”
  • Kiss, “Sure Know Something”
  • Abba, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”
  • M, “Pop Muzik”
  • Boney M, “Daddy Cool”
  • Electric Light Orchestra, “Rock and Roll is King”
  • Christie Allen, “Goose Bumps” 
  • Chantoozies, “Wanna Be Up”
  • Madonna, “Into the Groove”
  • Jackson 5, “I Want You Back”

Here’s “Jukebox Saturday Night” at 6 p.m. on January 8. There are a lot of 2:00-2:30 songs in this commercial-free hour:

  • Roy Head & Traits, “Treat Her Right”
  • Easybeats “I’ll Make You Happy” 
  • Ray Charles, “Hit the Road Jack”
  • Buchanan Brothers, “Son of a Lovin’ Man”
  • Chuck Berry, “School Days”
  • Booker T & M.G.s, “Time is Tight”
  • Archies, “Jingle Jangle”
  • Beatles, “Please Mr. Postman”
  • Box Tops, “The Letter”
  • Elvis Presley, “Return to Sender”
  • Sam Cooke, “Cousin of Mine”
  • Fifth Estate, “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead”
  • Del Shannon, “Hats Off to Larry”
  • Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs, “Don’t You Know”—1964 rocker by the artist whose U.S. moment came 15 years later with “Children of the Sun”
  • Rob E G, “5-4-3-2-1 Zero!”—space-age 1962 instrumental
  • Somebody’s Image, “Hide and Seek”
  • Bev Harrell, “Come On Over to Our Place”
  • Love Machine, “Get a Little Dirt on Your Hands”—rockin’ cover of the 1962 Bill Anderson country hit
  • Jerry Lee Lewis, “Great Balls of Fire”
  • Kinks, “Dead End Street”
  • Surfaris, “Point Panic”
  • Royal Guardsman, “Airplay Song”
  • Little Richard, “Long Tall Sally”
  • Searchers, “Sweets For My Sweet”

Fans of Internet Radio shows like Dave The Rave’s Relics and Rarities and Mason Ramsey’s Rock And Roll Heaven and Sam Tallerico’s Lost And Found Oldies … along with stations like Top Shelf Oldies, Live 365 and the like, have had the pleasure of hearing (and discovering) rarities like these over the past decade and more.  It goes well beyond “pushing the envelope” or stepping outside the box … it’s like Pirate Radio of the Millennium!

But you’ve still got to mix in a certain amount of familiar tunes in order to hold an audience … and finding that proper balance can be tricky.  Some listeners ONLY tune in to hear the rarest of the rare stuff … they’ve already burned out on the repetitive airplay of the past two or three decades where terrestrial radio beat these songs to death.  But others are there for the variety … that’s the drawing card.  Discovering some cool new music, mixed in with some of your favorites along with a few surprises … (some might call them Forgotten Hits!)

Radio has ruined the listening experience for so many people now that a concept like this sounds fresh, new and exciting.  (We’ve only been preaching this for 23 years now!!!)  kk

LOOK FOR MUCH MORE CHART TALK ON FRIDAY IN FORGOTTEN HITS!

BY THE WAY, WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!

As of yet, we still haven’t been able to locate a Top 40 Survey from Vermont … and the time window is quickly closing!

The ideal date would cover August 14th

But right now we’ll take ANYTHING between July and December.

(We do have a back-up plan for this … but I would just hate to see Vermont be the ONLY state not represented in our Coast-To-Coast Countdown!)

So … if anybody out there knows anybody out there who might be able to help us in this regard, PLEASE have them contact me just as soon as possible.

Thank you very much.  (kk)

More Of The Monkees

Harvey Kubernik interviews Micky Dolenz …

The Monkees. From One Who Was There… | UglyThings Magazine (ugly-things.com)

Kent - 
I loved those guys ... Nesmith was my favorite when I went on the road with them for a week.
Great feature on them. 
I still keep in touch with Bobby Hart who, with Tommy Boyce, wrote and recorded some of their songs.
Stay well.
Johnny Holliday

kk …

Cousin Brucie Spoke To Connie Francis Last Night. He Said When He Talks To Her He Feels He's In The Presence Of ROYALTY.

Brucie Asked Her:

"As You Look Back On Your Career, What Are You Most Proud Of?"

Connie Answered "My Three Week Tour Of Viet Nam, 1967.”  She Said She Has Never Felt More Needed. She Wanted To Stay Longer. Other Musicians Wanted To Get Home For The Holidays. She Wrote Down The Phone Numbers Of 500 Soldiers. When She Got Back To The States, She Called All Their Families.

Her Favorite Song?  = "MAMA."  Cousin Brucie’s Listeners Voted For "WHERE THE BOYS ARE.”

Songs She Had The Chance To Record and Turned Down?  = "DANKE SCHOEN" + "NEVER ON SUNDAY" + "ANGEL OF THE MORNING" + “STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT" To Name A Few.

Also, on JULY 14, 2021, Cousin Brucie Was The Last One To Interview Ronnie Spector.  They Must've Been Close Friends. You Could Hear It In His Voice When He Talked About Her and Her Husband. 

FB

Now that sound like a really good show. 

One of the best autobiographies I have ever read was Connie’s … just entertaining as can be from start to finish …

She wrote it as “Chapter One” … and I have been waiting for Chapter Two ever since!!!  (Her book came out in 2017 … and I see that hardcover copies are now selling on Amazon for $150-$300!  Gotta buy these when they come out, people!!!  But there IS a Kindle edition available for $11.49 … and you can buy a bunch of brand new Kindles for your whole entire family with the money you’ll save on this purchase!!!)  kk

One of my best friends has been telling me about Status Quo for a number of years now. He had the privilege of traveling the world in the music business so he was well aware of their success in other countries. He also really liked their music. As I was still unaware of them I asked him to dig up some of his favorite songs which he did. Attached are (4) good videos with (4) good songs performed before live audiences so that you can see size of the crowds they draw as well. The videos are filmed at various stages of their career. These are great rock songs and appear to be performed with a minimal number of pick ups. This is a good introduction for readers, like myself, who really know little about them. You have to wonder how many good bands there are like this who just happened to fly below the US radar. 

Rain:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_mHSGlyRa0

Caroline:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt_JOI19BCQ

Whatever You Want: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGUeRbHWNZ4

Down Down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1gYJDQXPOk

Also try Roadhouse Blues, Roll Over Lay Down

Robert Campbell

Ron Onesti’s got a GREAT double bill coming up on April 24th

Tony Orlando … with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. …

Some of the greatest voices of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.

Tickets available now here:  Tony Orlando // Marilyn McCoo // Billy Davis Jr at The Arcada Theatre on Apr 24, 2022 3:00 PM (etix.com)

You can also catch Richard Marx on February 11th, Jay and the Americans with Paul Revere’s Raiders on April 3rd, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone on May 15th, Shawn Cassidy on June 19th and Ted Nugent July 23rd and 24th.

 

Brother Kent:

My book "No Strings Attached" [My life growing up with the birth of rock and roll] should go to the printer mid- February.  I'm eager to get a copy sent your way.

I continue to be an avid supporter of Forgotten Hits and have always appreciated your responses to my articles and reviews I've sent you over the years.

Next concert for Sharon and me should be Davis, Jr., McCoo and Orlando at Ron's Arcada.

Continued success.

"Guitar" Jim Nowoc

Yeah, I’ve got my eye on that one, too!  (We’ve seen them both before … but this is one heck of a double bill … and with a 3:00 start time, I’ll even get home before my bedtime!)

Looking forward to reading your book (and hopefully seeing and hearingsome  up-close stories and photos of your amazing traveling signed guitar!)

Please keep us up to date.  Thanks, Jim!  (kk)

 

You’ll find a GREAT interview with Ronnie Spector here:

Ronnie Spector Talks About ‘Be My Baby’ and Her Biggest Influence | Best Classic Bands

Gotta read her book (if you can find it!!!)  Hopefully, this will be reissued now that she has passed.  (kk)

 

Phil Nee sent us this clip of him talking to Eddie Money about how Eddie asked Ronnie to be on his record “Take Me Home Tonight) …


 

You can hear Phil’s classic interviews every Saturday during 2022 in Forgotten Hits.  This week he’ll be talking to Jack Scott!  (kk)


kk …

Bowzer's 20th Anniversary Show Has Been Moved From This Sunday To February 20, 2022 ( COVID STRIKES AGAIN! )

There Are Some Nice Clips Of Bowzer & Ronnie On You Tube from the Sha-Na-Na TV Show.

FB

This is an EXCELLENT performance … one of my favorites … and Ronnie is sexy as hell!!! We’ve run it before in Forgotten Hits … but certainly worth running again!  kk)

So strange to think that Ronnie and Phil Spector died almost exactly one year apart.  (kk)



Yesterday, we lost a true rock and roll legend - Ronnie Spector. Her voice transcended all forms of music and The Ronettes’ Be My Baby in 1963 not only became one of the biggest hits of 1963, it became one of the top rock songs of all time. Brian Wilson calls it the greatest Rock and Roll song, period!! John Lennon recorded a version for his Rock and Roll Album sessions. Ronnie and her group befriended The Beatles in London just before their arrival in the States in February, 1964.

We were so honored to have Ronnie as a Very Special Guest at both our FESTS (NY & CHI) in 2009. She was the first artist on our stage who was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her talks were electric, and definitely no holds barred. She performed some of her classics with Liverpool on the main stage. I clearly remember her Friday afternoon rehearsal with the band. Ronnie broke the ice when, after the first and only run through of Be My Baby, she turned to the band and said, "You guys sounded just like the record!" Ronnie was also an Apple Recording Artist and recorded George's Try Some Buy Some in 1971, produced by George and Phil Spector. We asked her if she would perform it on our stage and she said yes. She hardly ever performed the song in concert. Her performances on our stage were purely magical, something all attendees will never forget.
Ronnie was full of energy and so down to earth. That is why The Beatles, especially John & George, got along with her so well. Our hearts go out to her family as the entire music world mourns with them. 
It was an absolute honor for us to get to meet Ronnie and be able to have her grace our stage. She will certainly be missed. 

Mark Lapidos

The Fest For Beatles Fans


Like walking in the rain ...

https://popdiggers.com/ronnie-spector-1943-2022/

Gary Pig Gold

Hi, my name is Ryan, I just finished reading the Phil Spector series.

I would like to know, have you ever examined Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes’s “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing? Someone on rateyourmusic.com said it was influenced by Phil Spector, so I want to know what your thoughts on it are.

Ryan

I guess I never really thought about it that way … but Phil Spector worked with The Righteous Brothers during the peak of their career so there is no question that Bill Medley was influenced by him.  (Listen to their recording of “Unchained Melody,” which Bill produced at the time because Phil said he “didn’t produce B-Sides.”  Clearly, they had found the sound and the formula for success with Spector’s production of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” … so when The Righteous Brothers jumped ship and moved to another label the following year, they recreated that magic with what has got to be the greatest follow-up record ever, “(You’re My) Soul And Inspiration.”

“Dirty Dancing” came some thirty years later … and I’m not sure how much say Medley had in the production of that record … but yeah, I guess I can hear a little bit of influence, which I can only believe was an intentional nod to the so-called master. (Keep in mind that Medley and Spector had been out of the spotlight for over a decade by this point.)

Interesting question … let’s see if we get any more feedback on it.  (kk)

Well, we know Medley was only involved in the singing. The song was written by Frankie Previte, composed by Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz, and produced by Michael Lloyd. If you heard the demo, it was much lighter than the final track. 

Apparently, Donna Summer and Joe Esposito were supposed to record it, but Summer didn't like the movie's title. Medley was then asked to record it, but he held off for the same reason, plus he wanted to see the birth of his daughter. Jennifer Warnes was recruited instead, and she wanted to do it with him, so he accepted.

Another thing was that "Be My Baby" was used for the open, so I think it seemed like a reasonable bookend to get another Philles alumnus to conclude the film. It seemed like the choice to pick Bill Medley reoriented the direction of the track to have a quasi-Wall of Sound – though I think if it had been produced by Spector or Brian Wilson or some other person influenced by it, it would have sounded far more different than what came out.

Ryan

Hi Kent,
Man, so sorry to hear about Ronnie. I can truly relate ... and will pray for her family. 

Thanks for keeping everyone informed. You are awesome, my friend.
God bless ya
Barry

First of all, this was a great edition in so many ways. Obviously, everything about Ronnie Spector, but I had not heard anything about Dwayne Hickman's death. Of course, I remember Dobie Gillis, but my favorite memory of him is his role in Cat Ballou.

Also, the list of songs from 1971 ... OMG … SO many great songs!!! I can't believe it's been so long ago.
Anyway, many thanks. Especially and most importantly to me, for letting me know about Dwayne Hickman.
Shirley

 

Hi Kent,

What a GREAT tribute to Ronnie Spector!  The Ronettes were 'The Bad Girls of Rock ’n’ Roll."

I have "Be My Baby" in my juke box. What a voice and sound.  She is with her sister Estelle now. I don't know if Nedra is still alive?

Carolyn

As far as I can see, Nedra is still alive.  After leaving the group in 1972, she returned to perform at their Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction in 2007.  (kk)


GERRY GRANAHAN = Gerry Was A New York Songwriter, Who Supplied Many Local Groups With Their Material.  In May 1958 , He Tried It As A Vocalist With The Recording "No Chemise Please," Which Became A Hit On Sunbeam Records. (Norm N. Nite).

With All The Work You Do On Forgotten Hits Plus Your Job, Where Do You Find The Time To Read Any Books?

FB

Let’s just say I do a lot of bathroom reading … (which is why some of the mammoth, oversized books released recently have become quite a problem for me!) 

Now, you may call it disgusting … but I call it multi-tasking! (kk)

More on Gerry Granahan from Tom Cuddy …

Gerald J. Granahan, age 89, of East Greenwich, RI, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 10, 2022. He was the husband of Mary Lou (Kiernan) Granahan.
Born in Pittston, PA, a son of the late Patrick Henry and Helen (Clisham) Granahan, he lived in East Greenwich for the last 20 years.
Mr. Granahan, a singer / songwriter / producer, started his career as the demo singer for Elvis Presley ("Jailhouse Rock" and "Teddy Bear"), then soon moved on to be a pop / rock sensation. He earned four Gold Records in the late 1950s before moving behind the desk to become one of the most successful record producers of the 1960s.
Most notable: “Click-Clack” by Dicky Doo & The Don’t’s, “You Were Mine” by The Fireflies, and “No Chemise, Please” under his own name. And who can forget "Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu"?
He then moved behind the scenes to become one of the youngest record executives in history, first at his own Caprice Records and then at two major labels, United Artists, Paramount and Dot, where he continued to produce dozens of hits in the ’60s and early 1970s, including smash hits by Jay & The Americans and Patty Duke. He also produced the original recording of the songs "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" as recorded by James Ray and "My Boyfriend's Back" as recorded by The Angels.
Later in his career, Granahan served as Vice President of Dot Records and Paramount Records. Today, Spotify describes him as, "one of the more influential producers of Pop / Rock on the East Coast." For decades he performed as Dicky Doo and the Don't’s featuring Gerry Granahan. He and his wife Mary Lou, a Rhode Island native, continued to travel and perform on the east coast and raised their three children: Gerrianne Genga, an actor / singer / choreographer, Tara Granahan, a talk show host on WPRO, and the late Tommy Granahan. Gerry was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Gerrianne Granahan Genga (Richard A. Genga, Jr.) of East Greenwich and Tara Granahan Keane (Ernest J. Keane) of Exeter; four grandchildren, Jordan Genga, Jade Genga, Morgan LeKites, and Madison LeKites; and … Jared Cannone.
He was the father of the late Thomas Kiernan Granahan, and the brother of the late Joseph Donnelly, Paul Donnelly, Vincent (Brick) Granahan, Anna Granahan, Patrick (Buddy) Granahan, Rosemary Granahan Tischler, and Harold Granahan.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, January 15, at 8:45 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, RI, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mercy Church, Fourth Avenue, East Greenwich. Visiting hours will be on Friday, January 14, from 4-7 p.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, East Greenwich.
Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN.
To leave condolence messages, please visit 
www.barrettandcotter.com


Another death we were made aware of this past week was that of R. Dean Taylor of “Indiana Wants Me” fame.  (Depending on which source you choose to believe, Taylor either died on January 7th or January 10th … but due to preposts all last week, this is the first chance we’ve had to mention it.)

R. Dean Taylor topped the National Charts with this one in 1970 (despite a #5 peak in Billboard) … a GREAT One-Hit Wonder for sure.

Taylor was one of those rare White Artists signed to the Motown Record Label thru its Rare Earth subsidiary.  (And he was Canadian to boot!)  In addition to writing his own #1 Hit, he also cowrote the #1 single “Love Child” for The Supremes, as well as their follow-up hit “I’m Living In Shame” … and “All I Need” for The Temptations.  Ironically, his Canadian #1 Hit was “Gotta See Jane,” released the following year.  It failed to click here in America, peaking at #48 in Cash Box and #67 in Billboard.

He reportedly died on January 10th at the age of 82 and no cause of death was given.  (I have since read that he may have died as early as January 7th … he was apparently briefly hospitalized with Covid a year ago, recovered but had lived at home under hospice care ever since.)  kk

 

And sadly, the list goes on from here …

kk …

Kojak Just Told Me That Sonny Turner Of The Platters Died.

FB

Sonny Turner, the last link to the legendary R&B vocal group the Platters to headline in Las Vegas, died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83.

R&B legend Sonny Turner of the Platters dies at 83 | Las Vegas Review-Journal (reviewjournal.com)

 

And then, the very next day …


kk …

This has got to be the worst week ever …

Wild Wayne just told me that Fred Parris of The Five Satins passed away today.

FB

Fred Parris, ‘In the Still of the Night’ Singer-Songwriter, Dead at 85 – Billboard

Like I’ve said, a REALLY tough start to 2022.

“In The Still Of The Night” is one of the classic early rock and doo-wop songs of all time.  Although it only peaked at #24 when it was first released in 1956, it has been used in SO many films and commercials since that every generation to come along since then is familiar with the song … and it still sounds just as beautiful today as it did back then.  (It has also been re-released several times over the years.)  The Five Satins had one other Top 40 Hit with their follow-up release, “To The Aisle,” which peaked at #25 the following year.

As for The Platters (who I already know is Frank B’s favorite group of all time … actually,, I’ve heard that he’s quite the doo-wop fan …), Sonny Turner joined the group in 1959, after their first big wave of success when their original lead singer, Tony Williams, left to pursue a solo career … and he continued to sing with The Platters for decades.

While not present for their biggest hits (“Only You,” “The Great Pretender,” “The Magic Touch,” “Twilight Time” and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes) he was upfront on their mid-‘60’s comeback hits “I Love You 1000 Times (#31, 1966) and “With This Ring” (#14, 1967)  kk

Oom Papa Mau Mau

Another one bites the dust. We lost Dallas Frazier yesterday. ;-(


One of his hit tunes reminds me of ... well ...

Mike

p.s. I like her better without the getup.  Am I sane?

Kent,

You may already know this, but I found out late last night that longtime DJ Ralph Emery has passed away. He made two records that hit our top 40 radio surveys back when, the answer records TOUGH TOP CAT and HELLO FOOL, both on Liberty. At one time he was married to Skeeter "THE END OF THE WORLD" Davis.

Larry

Harvey Kubernik also told us about the passing of DJ Michael Robin Jackson, an L.A. talk radio personality who broadcast for more than 32 years at KABC Radio.  Jackson died on Saturday, the 16th, from Parkinson's. He was 87. 

And here in Chicago we're mourning the loss of long-time sportscaster Les Grobstein, a fixture at WLS for decades.  He passed away this past weekend at 82.  With all the ribbing he took from guys like Larry Lujack and Steve Dahl, you've got to consider HIM to be a pretty good sport, too.

2022 has been absolutely BRUTAL so far … and we’re still less than three weeks in! It seems like rarely a day has gone by so far where we haven’t lost somebody that was part of our lives from afar.  Very sad.  (kk)

Here’s a much closer look at the brand new Rolling Stones stamps collection being issued in the UK …

Rolling Stones get their own collection of stamps to mark the band's 60th anniversary  | Daily Mail Online

Beatles Fans!  

Here is quite an amazing discovery!  Early take of Please Please Me and From Me To You the day AFTER my 7th birthday!!!  Beatlemania at its' finest.  Don't pop the P's guys.  :)

Recording:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O21QmWNmxC42_Gn8ln-YA9ApWOFz0WiF/view

Story:

https://www.discoverdade.com/rock/lost-1963-beatles-performance-unearthed/  

Clark 

From Tom Cuddy …

The one and only time Harry Nilsson sang 'Without You' live …
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-only-time-harry-nilsson-sang-without-you-live/

LOVE Harry Nilsson …

Here’s a fun video for all of you to enjoy …

I really enjoyed your Sweet 16 feature this weekend.  Thank you for bringing it back.  

Tom

We last did the Sweet 16 back in 2016 (in honor of the new year … God, it seems almost impossible that it was this long ago!!!)

Remember 2016?  When we were still free of worldwide pandemics??? Over our lifetimes we have been told and threatened about all the things that would destroy our great planet but nobody ever mentioned anything like this!  As we enter into Year Three of having to wear masks, I’m more convinced than ever that this really IS the “new normal” … and that we and our children and our children’s children will be wearing masks till the end of time … unless somebody can come up with a way to just zap the atmosphere in order to rid it of this deadly and poisonous disease.

But on a much happier note, The Sweet 16 can be used as a great programming idea for stations looking to liven up an hour of their broadcast day every month.  And several of these ideas have enough song titles available to create an entire weekend of special programming.  Just ask us … we’ll even help you pull it together.  (kk)

In 1987, while I watched the record shop owners pulling vinyl from their shelves and replacing it with CDs, I told them that vinyl would come back soon, with a passion.  They all laughed at me.  They ain't laughin' no more.
Here's the Bloom County strip from Christmas Day 1985.

Mike Wolstein

Check out this new line of designer boots …

They come from The Jimi Hendrix Collection (and I just KNOW Jim Peterik is going to want at least of each!!!  The purple really sells it, don’tcha think?!?!)

JOHN FLUEVOG SHOES JOINS FORCES WITH EXPERIENCE HENDRIX, L.L.C. TO LAUNCH A NEW COLLECTION INSPIRED BY JIMI HENDRIX  (The Jimi Hendrix Collection will be available at Fluevog stores everywhere and on line at Fluevog.com beginning January 27, 2022)




Noted footwear designer John Fluevog whose creations for more than half a century have elegantly and stylishly shod the feet of notables including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Jack White has announced a new collection created in conjunction with Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., the family-owned company that manages and safeguards the legacy of Jimi Hendrix. The designs exude a decidedly retro rock and roll aura as befits a collection of shoes and accessories inspired by the art, life and music of the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Drawing from Jimi’s lyrics, legacy and distinct fashion sense, Fluevog and his design team worked closely with the Hendrix family to pay tribute to the late music icon.
In announcing the launch, Fluevog commented, “I feel such a sense of privilege to be connected to a cultural icon at the level of Jimi Hendrix. We went deep into Jimi's clothes, style and overall journey; one can envision him swinging down the streets of London in this collection looking perfect. We’re so proud of it and we’d like to think Jimi would be delighted with our collective efforts.”  He went on to say, “It was truly a pleasure to connect and work with [Experience Hendrix President and C.E.O.] Janie Hendrix on this project.”
The venture was coordinated with Authentic Hendrix, LLC, the licensing arm of Experience Hendrix. Janie Hendrix was effusive in her praise for the endeavor. ““If ever a product line has drawn from the very essence of the Hendrix experience, this one has. Fluevog has truly grasped the signature style and energy of Jimi and created pieces that could very well have come out of his closet. The “wow effect” that Jimi unveiled every time he appeared is definitely there! Each intricate detail is a bold expression of his sense of fashion. I’ve long been a fan of John Fluevog’s designs, and I’m absolutely smitten with what we have worked together to create. I think the world willbe equally dazzled!”
Among the highlights of the new line are The Tudor Jimi, a square-toed ankle boot with braided appliqué and The Stand Up Electric Lady, a tall platform boot with silk scarf lacing. Both styles will be coming in gold embroidery and custom devoré velvet variations. Jimi’s own handwriting is immortalized into the velvet used within the collection.


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About John Fluevog Shoes / Unique Soles for Unique Souls Since 1970  

John Fluevog is an independent designer and retailer of forward-thinking footwear and accessories. Since 1970, he has been steadfast in creating ‘unique soles for unique souls’ that have been seen everywhere from the feet of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Jack White to the runways of Anna Sui, Comme des Garçons and others in high fashion. John was recently recognized as The Canadian Footwear Industry’s Shoe Person of the Year (but it hasn’t gone to his head) and Fluevog Shoes was named one of the world’s most innovative companies in the fashion industry by FastCompany magazine. Whether it sticks in your mind as Foofarg or Vlueflag, Fluevog is a nameusually mispronounced, but seldom forgotten.

About Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.

Founded by James ‘Al’ Hendrix, Jimi’s father, in 1995, Experience Hendrix, has been managed since its inception by the family members handpicked by Al during his tenure as Chairman. It is the official family company chargedwith managing the music, name, image and likeness of Jimi Hendrix. As a part of their daily operations, Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix oversee Jimi’s timeless legacy on a worldwide basis.

kk …

In Today’s Newspaper … Spencer Elden Refuses To Go Away.

Just Weeks After The Judge Tossed His Original Case, He Filed A New Complaint Against Kurt Cobain's Estate and Nirvana's Surviving Members In California Federal Court On Thursday.

He Says They Deliberately Sought To Display Baby Elden's Penis and Exploit The Image For Commercial Gain.

In The Motion To Dismiss, Nirvana's Attorneys Argued The Suit Was An "ABSURD" Cash Grab.

FB

I think most would agree that Spencer Elden is a dick …

Which, if you think about it, is really his only claim to fame!!!  (kk)