Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Tuesday This And That

Chuck and Kent KILL Chuckago! 

Looks as if a great time was had by all! Sorry to hear you have both been banned from future visits together.

Shelley

All in all, we were pretty well behaved for two wild and crazy guys seeing the sites in the big city.  (We just learned that you cannot bring open margaritas into the shops on Navy Pier … even ‘tho the guy at Margaritaville told us you could!)  kk

 

Loved the Buell video and pics of you two at Ed Debevic's.  FH'er Mike Hartman and Bob Stroud and I went there in 2006 when I visited Chicago and the waiters had quite a field day with a corny Nebraskan like me.  The other two had a good laugh on me!

Clark Besch

It’s a great place to go for a fun night out … “dinner and a show” I like to say.  (The food’s not that great … but you can’t beat the abuse by their sassy waitresses!!!)

Years ago we held a Forgotten Hits get-together there (at the old location, now long gone) – so I was very surprised and pleased to hear that they had opened up a new restaurant on Ohio Street.  The place is HUGE … and there’s a DJ spinning tunes (WAY too loud in my opinion … almost impossible to carry on a conversation), but he was a pretty cool guy once we got to talking to him.

I would LOVE to do another FH get-together there some Saturday Night … I guarantee you a fun night out … so let’s hear from some of the locals if you’d be interested in putting something together!  (kk)

 

Hey Kent, 
I enjoyed reading Chuck Buell's "travelogue" and all about your time at that restaurant. I thought, "Man, it would be fun to hang out with these guys!"  Loved that waitress! Curious if  that's their schtick at Ed's or was she unique? 

I'm also loving the Magical Monkees Moments feature you're running in FH. Did you catch Anthony Mason's interview with Micky Dolenz on CBS Morning today? Really nice piece. Here's the link if you missed it. 


The "Lost And Found Oldies Show" is back on the air and after some tinkering with the software, I think it's sounding a lot better. It's fun to incorporate FH items and I'm always interested in hearing from other chart freaks and radio geeks. 
 
Keep up the good work, Kent!
Sam Tallerico 
Lost And Found Oldies Show
That whole Rude Waitress idea is kinda Ed's thing ... a REALLY fun place to go.  (And at any moment's notice, the waiters and waitresses will jump up on the bar or tables and just dancing to whatever tune the DJ is playing!
Gotta get you into Chicago some weekend so you can experience it for yourself!
We've got the same Micky Dolenz link posted below by Micky's PR Guy, David Salidor ... who ALSO loved last week's Magical Monkees Moments piece, courtesy of our old buddy, Gary Stobl.
The music of The Monkees will never fade away ... a point well made during this CBS Morning piece.  (kk)
 
The Monkees-stuff on Friday was terrific!
DS
 

And here's an invitation to join us THIS Saturday night (August 27th … which just HAPPENS to be my birthday!) for a GREAT night of music under the stars ...

 

We’d like to invite you to join us at The Prairie Center For Performing Arts in Schaumburg, IL to experience THE CHICAGO EXPERIENCE!!!

 

You've heard me rave about these guys for years ...

 

The best tribute band you're ever gonna hear

 

If you love the music of CHICAGO, you won't hear it performed better than you will by these guys

 

(They actually out-Chicago Chicago!!!)

 

Plus it's my birthday!!!

 

So instead of presents, we want YOUR PRESENCE ... 'cause it would be great to see some of you again ...

 

And in return, I can promise you a fun night out of music under the stars.

 

So grab your chairs or bring a blanket - and come join us for this FREE CONCERT ...

 

This Saturday Night ... August 27th ... yes, it IS my birthday ... so consider this my birthday present to YOU!!!

 

The Prairie Center For Performing Arts in Schaumburg, IL - 7 pm - 9 pm ... and be prepared to be blown away by these guys!  (kk)

Huh?

The Hollies as CCR?

Am I the only person who didn't hear a resemblance in "Long Cool Woman"?

David Lewis

I don’t hear it at all anymore … and listening to it now, it’s hard to believe so many people thought it sounded like a Creedence song at the time … but they sure did!

It had to be that guitar riff that kicked it off … because the vocal certainly didn’t sound like John Fogerty … but that whole song had a CCR feel to it.  (There have been a few like this over the years … I remember how I thought Paul McCartney was doing a PERFECT impression of John Lennon on “Let Me Roll It” when I heard it the first several hundred times … (again, the guitar riff was key … and, of course, all the echo) … but now it just sounds like pure Macca. 

If I sat and thought long enough about it, I could probably come up with a dozen more … and then a few where I just scratched my head when people told me what THEY heard the first time they heard a certain song. 

Some examples???  How about David Cassidy when they first heard Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend”?  I didn’t get THAT one at all!  Or Ringo Starr when radio first started playing Billy Swan’s “I Can Help.”  I never thought it sounded like Ringo … but I DID think it would have been a great track for Ringo to record, had it not already gone to #1 for a then unknown Billy Swan.  (Come to think of it, he’s still pretty unknown!)  kk

From Tom Cuddy …

Ron Onesti’s Daily Herald article “Dionne Warwick Is 50-Plus Years Of Pure Soul” …

https://www.dailyherald.com/insights/20220819/ron-onesti-dionne-warwick-is-50-plus-years-of-pure-soul

Tom also sent us this …

Maureen McGovern reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis: "I can no longer travel or perform"
https://consequence.net/2022/08/maureen-mcgovern-alzheimers-diagnosis/

The newly updated and greatly expanded David Leaf book on The Beach Boys (now retitled “God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys and The California Myth” is finally coming out next month and I can’t wait.  (Amazon is showing a release date of September 24th … but I’ve heard that copies may start shipping earlier than that date.  I’ve had this one on preorder since early May when I first found out about it … and I guess it has already been out and available in the UK for over a month now!)

Harvery Kubernik sent us these great quotes from the Omnibus website, who published the update, touting Leaf’s new book …

'David Leaf’s matchless The Beach Boys and the California Myth overshadows any book that documents the group’s most successful years.'  

The Guardian

'Leaf's book helped turn on a new generation to The Beach Boys and, in particular, to Brian Wilson's unique musical gifts. Given that so much has happened since the '85 edition, there's much to add. Running parallel to The Beach Boys' story is that of Leaf himself, as he journeys from super-fan, to confidant, to collaborator and to ultimately being one of Brian's closest friends. The affection he feels for the subject matter is present on every page. Five stars.' 

Shindig!

'When I championed the first edition of this book in 1978 in Melody Maker, I wrote "The definitive story. Probably the best book ever of any aspect of music history.  A one of a kind effort, a new genre of journalism by going behind the scenes without sensationalizing." In our world, the sequel is almost never better than the original. But in the rock biography universe, David Leaf’s God Only Knows: The Story of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys and the California Myth is akin to The Godfather Part II. In this massive update, Leaf reveals deeper truths about Mr. Wilson that make his adventures with Brian feel like a page-turning novel.'

Author and music historian, Harvey Kubernik   

‘Essential reading for anybody who cares about Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys and the evolution of rock & roll.’  

Jason Fine, former Editor-in-Chief, Rolling Stone

'The first and best explanation and analysis of exactly what happened to Brian, the myth of SMiLE and all the other 'inside' information fans take for granted today' 

Elliot Easton, The Cars

>>>Because of these cancellations, The Monkees used the time to film music segments for the second season of their TV show featuring many of their new songs (from their Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.) in The Rainbow Room at Fred Niles Studios in Chicago.  (Gary Strobl) 

Those studios are long gone ...

In the 80s, as Kent might know, Oprah (remember her?) converted them into her "Headquarters" (cheap Monkees pun, sorry) where she remained till relocating to L.A. in the 2010s ... after which a developer KO'ed the structure in favor of this dark, metal thing today serving as "Hamburger University," the home base of ... McDONALDS!

--Bob Frable

Speaking of The Monkees, Micky Dolenz made a grand appearance on CBS Morning on Monday (the 22nd) ...

From Micky's PR Guy, David Salidor …

A great clip of Micky Dolenz for CBS Morning … https://app.frame.io/presentations/db4ed52f-f3ae-4ac0-a233-89c9e5784dce 

And, before we could even post the teaser,  Micky had already made his appearance!

After the recent passing of lead vocalist Judith Durham, Tom Springfield has died, making this even stranger bit of sadness. 

Tom wrote the BIG Seekers hits, "Georgy Girl," "I’ll Never Find Another You," "Carnival is Over," "A World of Our Own" and produced many of theirs and The Springfields’ songs.

Clark Besch

Tom’s group The Springfields (wonder how they came up with that name) had a Top 20 Hit with their version of “Silver Threads And Golden Needles” in 1962.  Tom was Dusty Springfield’s brother … and they were two-thirds of that band before Dusty left to pursue a solo career.

(You can read a whole lot more about THAT here … http://forgottenhits.com/dusty_springfield)

It was then that he started writing songs for The Seekers, a similarly sounding band with folk/pop roots … and quite successfully I might add, based on the list of hits that Clark has shared above.  (kk)

 

I've seen a Barry McGuire death hoax covered by several outlets over the last few days. Barry is alive and well. For now.

David Lewis

Barry was a good friend of Forgotten Hits many years ago before we just sort of lost touch.  I hadn't heard about this latest incident ... but found this on the web ...

News of singer Barry McGuire's death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the August, 2022, report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the singer best known for his hit song Eve of Destruction is alive and well.   

Rumors of the singer’s alleged demise gained traction on Sunday after a ‘R.I.P. Barry McGuire’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the American singer’s passing: At about 11 a.m. ET on Sunday (August 21, 2022), our beloved singer Barry McGuire passed away. Barry McGuire was born on October 15, 1935 in Oklahoma City. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 86-year-old singer and songwriter was dead.

On Monday (August 22) the singer's reps officially confirmed that Barry McGuire is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said. 

 

One death that made an impact ... and was very, very real ... was the passing of Crickets Drummer Jerry Allison ...


This, from Tom Cuddy ...

 

Jerry Allison, Buddy Holly and the Crickets drummer, dead at 82  https://nypost.com/2022/08/22/jerry-allison-buddy-holly-and-the-crickets-drummer-dead-at-82/

From Harvey Kubernik ...

 

Little known fact ... 

J.I. lived in Studio City for a few years in the seventies with Sonny Curtis. Played at The Palomino Club. Jerry also recorded, circa 1959 or '60, at Gold Star with Eddie Cochran and is the drummer on Eddie's "Cut Across Shorty" on the Liberty label. One of the Crickets worked at Gold Star as an engineer.  He also played drums on the Everly Brothers' hit 'Til I Kissed You." 

 

Jerry Allison was more than just Buddy Holly's Drummer.  He was instrumental in writing their first two hits, "That'll Be The Day" and "Peggy Sue," a song written for his then-girlfriend and later wife, Peggy Sue Gerron.  Both records went all the way to the top of the charts in 1957 / early 1958.  (kk)

 

Sam Gooden, one of the original members of the Chicago soul group The Impressions and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has died. He was 87.

His daughter, Gina Griffin, said Gooden died Thursday, a month shy of his 88th birthday, in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, surrounded by his family. His death was first reported by WRCB-TV in Chattanooga.

The Impressions formed in the 1950s after Gooden and brothers Richard and Arthur Brooks met Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler in Chicago. Butler sang baritone lead on their breakthrough record in 1958, the classic ballad “For Your Precious Love," although many of their hits featured Mayfield's tenor, with Gooden singing bass behind him. 

The Impressions remained a top group in the 1960s, known for their gospel-styled harmonies and socially conscious songs. Mayfield helped write many of their hits, including the widely covered “People Get Ready,” along with “Gypsy Woman," “Keep on Pushing,” “It’s All Right" and “We’re A Winner.” They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Seven years later, “People Get Ready” was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.Mayfield left the group in 1970 for a solo career, although he continued to write and help produce for The Impressions. Gooden and fellow Chattanoogan Fred Cash continued to sing as The Impressions along with other lead singers, including Leroy Hutson. They toured until 2018.  

-      Submitted by Clark Besch

Also from Clark …

 

The seed for drummers of many 60's bands was planted was indeed PLANTED 60 years ago today!

 


On this day, August 18th in 1962, Ringo Starr made his debut as a member of the Beatles. This is believed to be the first photo ever taken of John, Paul, George and Ringo. On the night of Wednesday, August 15th, Pete Best played his last show at the Cavern and his final show with The Beatles, two years and three days after he first performed with them.

Scott Paton

 


A key date in Beatles history to be sure.  (That picture with Ringo onboard is actually from The Cavern Club …  I’m not sure one exists of his first “official” date with the band.)

But on August 18th, 1962, Ringo combed his hair forward and for the next eight years anyway became the back beat of The Beatles.

 

Beatles Historian Mark Lewisohn writes (after mentioning that The Beatles felt an urgent need to make this change … as well as the fact that Ringo had sat in with them for two shows back in February when Pete Best was ill … and that Ringo had been keen to join The Beatles for some time now … he left Rory Storm and the Hurricanes three days’ notice and …)

 

“On Saturday 18 August 1962 Ringo took his place behind the drum kit at the Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight, near Birkenhead.  On that night, the Fab Four was born.

 

“Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight, Birkenhead –

The first engagement of the new-look Beatles:  John, Paul, George and Ringo.  The four had a two-hour rehearsal before taking to the Hulme Hall stage shortly after 10:00 pm, the closing attraction in the Horticultural Society’s 17th annual dance.”

 

Just four months later, their first chart record, “Love Me Do,” would peak at #17 on Great Britain’s Top 50 Chart.  (kk)

 

And, speaking of bands that had a worldwide impact, here’s the latest ABBA Lyrics video … this time for their biggest hit, “Dancing Queen” …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sVB91NTa4A

 

The new Elton John / Britney Spears single “Hold Me Closer” drops this Friday (the 26th) … and I’ve gotta admit I’ve been pretty curious and anxious to hear this one ... until Elton let a 14-second Tik-Tok clip leak on Monday!  That's not to say I won't still check it out ... because I know I will ... but I'm not finding anything all that appealing in this short little clip!  (kk)

https://www.tiktok.com/@eltonjohn/video/7133693045412826414?amp%3Bis_from_webapp=v1&amp%3Blang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7133693045412826414

It's almost like they're trying too hard to recapture the vibe of the Dupa Lipa recording that actually WAS a cool mix of a few old Elton John songs.  (kk)

A correction to Phil Nee’s post about Betty Wright …

In the intro to his interview with Betty Wright, he said that her first hit came in 1972. While "Baby Sitter" and "Clean Up Woman" charted that year, she was actually first there in 1968 with "Girls Can't Do What The Guys Do" (she was reportedly only 14 at the time!), which would have made American Top 40 had it not started till 1970.  (It peaked at #33!)

--BF

According to Joel Whitburn’s ever-reliable Chart Comparison book, Betty Wright charted a total of 21 between 1968 and 1981.  “Girls Can’t Do What The Guys Do” was, indeed, her first, peaking at #33 in Billboard as you said.  She then had three straight “bubbling under” hits to fill out the rest of ’68 and 1969 and 1970 before cracking The Top 100 again with “I Love The Way You Love” (#84 Cash Box but only #109 in Billboard) in 1971.  This was her release prior to the Top Five Hit (#6 in Billboard) “Clean Up Woman” in early 1972.  She would make The National Top 50 two more times:  “Baby Sitter” (#41 Cash Box / #46 Billboard) in 1972 and “Secretary” (#48 Cash Box / #62 Billboard) in 1974.  Her credited guest vocal on the Peter Brown hit “Dance With Me” went to #8 in Billboard in 1978.  (kk)

 

We've got lots more coming up for you in Forgotten Hits ...

 

Look for Guest Concert Reviews on Wednesday and Thursday ...

 

A brand new Friday Flash on Friday (so much to share we couldn't fit it all in to today's Tuesday This And That!)

 

Phil Nee's spotlight on The Raspberries on Saturday ... and more!

 

Make us part of your daily routine ... and bookmark this page now!  (kk)