Remembering Burt Bacharach

He wrote the songs that made the whole world sing ...

Just not that one.

But seriously, has there EVER been a more descriptive phrase to describe the man who helped to provide the soundtrack to the lives of millions of music fans for generations.  (And to think that it all started with "The Blob!!!")

Taking a young singer by the name of Dionne Warwick under his wing, he provided a career's worth of hits to her resume'.

But while she may have been his greatest muse, she certainly wasn't the only one to score big when Burt was tickling the ivories.

Whether it was writing for the pop charts ... or the soundtrack of a film ... or for the Broadway Stage, Bacharach (with a variety of co-writers, but most notably Hal David) always delivered the goods.

You'll find all kinds of lists floating around, picking his best ... personal favorites ... and the like ...

But Fred Bronson documented this a LONG time ago in his book "Billboard's Hottest Hot 100 Hits."

Compiling from actual chart information (back in the day when such information wasn't tainted by varying methods of compiling statistics), Fred put together a list of Burt Bacharach's Top 50 Songs. 

The biggest?

"Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," sung by B.J. Thomas and included in the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

Coming in at #2 was "(They Long To Be) Close To You" by The Carpenters

Dionne's first appearance on the list is for her 1986 hit "That's What Friends Are For," which included HER friends Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie Wonder.  This one comes in at #3.

Rounding out The Top Ten are:

# 4 - This Guys In Love With You by Herb Alpert

# 5 - Arthur's Theme - Christopher Cross (another movie tune)

# 6 - On My Own - Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald

# 7 - One Less Bell To Answer - The Fifth Dimension

# 8 - Magic Moments - Perry Como (amazingly, a B-Side to Perry's big hit "Catch A Falling Star")

# 9 - Only Love Can Break A Heart - Gene Pitney

#10 - What's New, Pussycat? - Tom Jones

Also included in The Top 50 are the songs "The Look Of Love," a hit for both Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 as well as Dusty Springfield; "I Say Little Prayer" by Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin (and used in a pivotal scene in the film "My Best Friend's Wedding"); "Baby, It's You," recorded by The Shirelles, Smith and The Beatles (to name but a few); "Wishin' And Hopin'," another hit for Dusty (and also used in the film "My Best Friend's Wedding"), "What The World Needs Now Is Love" by Jackie DeShannon, "Any Day Now" (recorded by Chuck Jackson, Ronnie Milsap and Elvis!), "Always Something There To Remind Me" (recorded by just about everybody) and, from the Dionne Warwick catalog, "Walk On By," "Don't Make Me Over," "Alfie," "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," "Do You Know The Way To San Jose," "Anyone Who Had A Heart," "Message To Michael," 'Trains And Boats And Planes," "Promises Promises," "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" and many, many more.

Burt Bacharach died yesterday (February 9th) at the age of 94 ...

But his music will outlive all of us ... and I'm sure we'll be hearing a WHOLE lot of it over the next week or two.

Thank you, Burt, for touching our lives ... and filling them with joy and music.

kk

Thursday This And That

I was covering a local basketball game in the Madison area last night.  Being a music guy, I pay attention to the songs the band is playing during warmups.  They opened with I Get Around, followed by Please, Please Me,  25 or 6 to 4, and Vehicle.  I was impressed at the song selection so I complimented the director, who appeared to be fresh out of college.  I told him that playing the song Vehicle was impressive.  He said "Dude, that is our favorite!"

Phil

Keepin’ The Music Alive!!!  Always so great to hear!

(When my daughter was in her High School Band, she convinced the Musical Director to add “Louie Louie” to their song line-up for basketball games!  The fans loved it!!!  Lol)  kk

 

After years of teasing it, Barbra Streisand’s memoirs, “My Name Is Barbra,” will finally come out November 7th.

She says being quarantined during Covid finally provided the time to put forth a serious effort to get the book done … and it should be quite the read!  (kk)

 

Look for a new animated Netflix series called “Agent Elvis” to debut next month.

The ten episode series portrays Elvis living a double life, working as a secret agent when he’s not up on the stage performing.  (Something tells me Elvis would have LOVED this idea!!!)

Priscilla Presley is an Executive Producer of the new series and was one of the show’s creators.  (Can’t wait to see Elvis, in his white jumpsuit, strap on a jet-pack to fly off and battle the evil at hand!)  How can we not check this out?!?!?

Matthew McConaughey will voice the Elvis character.  (Boy, he’s on a hot streak this week with all the “Yellowstone” talk going on about him becoming a new focal character should Kevin Costner decide to leave the hit series.)  kk

 

Allan Clarke, former lead singer of The Hollies, has a new solo album coming out in April …

And singing harmonies with him again … for the first time in YEARS … is none other than Graham Nash!

The lead track (leaked earlier this week) is “Buddy’s Back,” a tribute to Buddy Holly, whose name they took their own namesake from.

 

Here is the animated lyrics video …

 

 

Henry Diltz, who graced our pages throughout the past year with excerpts from his personal journals and diaries as well as dozens of previously unpublished photos is now hosting a photo exhibit at LA’s infamous Morrison Hotel.

Henry was recently honored with a special Grammy Award this past Sunday Night … his work is legendary, as he had access to most of the biggest names in music at the time, carving out quite a career for himself in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.

You can read more about it (and see some photos and video clips) here:

https://bestclassicbands.com/henry-diltz-photo-exhibit-morrison-hotel-gallery-2-6-23/

The legendary Tom Jones kicks off a world tour on April 29^th at The Hollywood Bowl.  (Jones is doing a second show the following night.)

It’s a pretty extensive run through The United States and Europe … unfortunately, there is no Chicago stop listed this time around … but the 82 year old seems eager to hit the stage again and perform before a live audience.

The tour schedule as it currently stands is shown below:

4/29 and 4/30 — Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
5/03 — Austin, TX @CL Live at the Moody Theatre
5/05 — Sugar Land, TX - Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
5/07 — New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
5/09 — Jacksonville, FL - Florida Theatre
5/10 — Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live Orlando
5/12 — Hollywood, FL - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
5/13 — Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
5/15 — Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
5/17 — North Charleston, SC - North Charleston Performing Arts Center
5/19 — Oxon Hill, MD - The Theater at MGM National Harbor
5/20 — Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
5/22 — New Brusnwick, NJ - State Theatre
5/23 — Huntington, NY - The Paramount
5/25 — New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
5/26 — Verona, NY - Turning Stone Resort Casino
6/16 — Belfast, IE - Ormeau Park
6/21 — Ulm, DE - Klosterhof
6/23 — Munich, DE - Tollwood Festival
6/27 — Frankfurt Am Main, DE - Alte Oper
6/29 — Baden-baden, DE - Festspielhaus Baden-Baden
7/03 — Dübendorf, CH - The Hall 

7/05 — Brighton, UK - Stanmer Park
7/08 — Rotterdam, NL - North Sea Jazz Festival
7/15 — Leicester, UK - Leicester County Cricket Club
7/17 — Carcassonne, FR - Festival de Carcassonne
7/22 — Newbury, UK - Newbury Racecourse
7/26 — Esher, UK - Sandown Park Racecourse
7/28 — Margate, UK - Dreamland
7/30 — Jerez de la Frontera, ES - Tio Pepe Festival
8/01 — Alicante, ES - Plaza de Toros
8/03 — Valencia, ES - Festival de Terramar
8/06 — Saffron Walden, Essex, UK - Audley End House and Gardens

Congratulations to LeBron James, who broke the all-time scoring record in the NBA when he passed Karem Abdul-Jabbar earlier this week.

I love this statistic:

Abdul-Jabbar’s record has stood since April 5^th, 1984 …

James was born about nine months later!

Meanwhile, he’ll just keep adding to the tote board.  WTG, LeBron!  (kk)

MICKY DOLENZ is the subject of the new GOLDMINE issue (March / April, 2023), on sale March 1^st.  The interview was done by Ken Sharp.

DS

The Ron Chapman-directed Revival69: The Concert That Rocked The World documentary about the 1969 peace festival held in Toronto, Canada, is an official selection of the 2023 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. The event featured the debut of the John Lennon and Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band. Chapman also interviewed Klaus Voormann, Shep Gordon, Alice Cooper, the Doors' Robby Krieger, Chicago's Danny Seraphine, promoter John Brower, SiriusXM deejay Rodney Bingenheimer, and Geddy Lee of Rush. Pennebaker/Hegedus Films is executive producer.  The movie will screen at SWSW on March 12^th and 16^th at the Zach Theatre. I served as a consultant for this terrific documentary. 

Harvey Kubernik

ABBA – making it all look fresh again –

I love it!!!  (kk)

Tuesday This And That

I think I posted some Louise Harrison clips last year during our Saturday features.  I had a great interview with her.

Phil Nee – WRCO

You sure did …

In fact, it was in honor of George's birthday (which is coming up right around the corner again.  George Harrison would have turned 80 this year!!!)

Here's a link so you can enjoy them once again.  (kk)

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2022/02/phil-nee-february-26th-george-harrison.html

 

An ultra-deluxe edition of my favorite Alan Parsons album, “The Turn Of A Friendly Card,” is coming out later this month.

The four disc set (3 CD’s and 1 DVD) features a ton of outtakes and early rehearsals, including demos from Eric Woolfson’s Musical Diaries.

(We’ve seen them perform the album live a couple of times now and it really is quite impressive.)

More information here:

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/the-alan-parsons-project-the-turn-of-a-friendly-card-3cd-blu-ray-limited-edition-box-set/

 

Here’s an interview with the late Jerry Blavat, “The Geator With The Heater,” courtesy of Timmy C …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbQe9gRIFiI

 

More memories from Charlie and Pam Horner … courtesy of their Classic Urban Harmony Newsletter, sent in by Frank B …

 

First we hear from Pam:

 

Legendary Philadelphia Radio Icon, Jerry Blavat, dies at age 82

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary Philadelphia radio personality, TV program producer and host, concert and dance promoter, entertainer, author and music industry icon, Jerry Blavat.

Jerry died January 20, 2023, at the age of 82. Born Gerald Joseph Blavat in South Philadelphia, Jerry began his career in music dancing on Bandstand at the age of 13. His career progressed from road manager of Danny & the Juniors to record promoter and then host of popular radio shows on WCAM and then WHAT. It was there that Jerry became the "Geator with the Heater" and the "Boss with the Hot Sauce."

Jerry had a superb ear for R&B music and playing his own records shared that taste with us. Jerry played for us records he liked, many of which had never been played in Philadelphia when they came out. Jerry exposed his listening audience to songs like "They Say" by the Rainbows or "Prisoner To You" by Enalouise & the Hearts." Growing up, we all listened to Jerry Blavat and he shaped our tastes in music. His TV dance show, the "Discophonic Scene" gave us appearances by numerous recording artists. You can read about Jerry's life story in his autobiography, "You Only Rock Once." See my (Charlie's) remembrances of Jerry Blavat, below.

And now Charlie Horner's memories of Jerry …

So saddened to hear of the passing of Philly radio icon, Jerry Blavat.

 

I grew up listening to Jerry Blavat on the radio. While in high school, I listened to Blavat every evening and used to jot down the names of records he played. Jerry Blavat had a vital impact on my musical tastes and my whole life. I would never have been involved in music at all, had it not been for Jerry Blavat.

 

My first appearance on radio was on WXDT-AM, Drexel's carrier current radio station in 1970. I produced an evening panel discussion on the roots of R&B including Joe Marchesani, Sal Tee, Ron Greilich and others. I'd never met Jerry before, but I sent him a letter inviting him. I was a complete unknown and I never expected him to come, but he answered my letter and did take part in that event.

 

Fast forward 25 years to 1995, when my then popular radio show on WXPN was cancelled after 20 years. Jerry called me up and offered me a regular program on a popular commercial radio station where he was program director. He felt I meant a lot to Philadelphia radio. I thanked him for the offer but told him I would not be a good for fit commercial radio. I liked to do my own thing, without reading commercials and traffic reports. Jerry understood and told me that if I ever changed my mind, he'd love to have me on his station.

 

Fast forward again to 2011 at the Philly Doo Wop Festival. Jerry was autographing his autobiography, "You Only Rock Once," and I asked Pam if she'd like to meet Jerry Blavat. We walked over to his booth and Jerry recognized me immediately. I finally got a chance to tell him the influence he had on my life. Jerry turned to Pam and said something to the effect, "Pam, your husband knows more about R&B and Doo Wop music than anyone in the world, including me." As long as I live, I'll never forget that. Just a few of my memories of Jerry.

Thank you, Jerry, for introducing me to a world of music that changed my life. RIP. - Charlie Horner

 

More from Frank …

kk …

My Pal Kojak Just Told Me That Lillian Walker Moss Of The Exciters Died.

I Heard The Best "Charlie Thomas Tribute" Last Night On Wild Wayne's "MEMORY MACHINE."

Most Of The Other Jocks Just Played A Few Songs Charlie Sang Lead On. Wild Wayne Told Us About His Whole Career.

Of Course, He Played The Hit Songs … Plus A Few I Never Heard Before Like "A MIDSUMMER NIGHT IN HARLEM."

The Last Concert I Went To Was Charlie Thomas & Drifters At An Outdoor Summer Concert In Valley Stream, New. York. (That Was Five Years Ago.)

WILD WAYNE ALSO SENT ME A PICTURE OF MY FAVORITE GROUP …

Also This Past Weekend, Cousin Brucie Interviewed Martha Reeves. She Said 2023 Is Her 65th Year In Show Business.

"DANCING IN THE STREETS":  When Martha Was A Teenager In Detroit, The City Allowed Them To Close One  Block Every Saturday Night, Which Led To Dancing In The Street.

She Also Told Us About A New Motown Museum Opening March 22nd.

Might Be Worth Checking Into.

FB

And congratulations to Bob Lind, who tells us …

TO MY FRIENDS AND FANS who might have missed it on FaceBook,

My one-act play "Spain" has been selected from hundreds of submissions for the CURTAIN CALL PLAYHOUSE SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL. It will be given a full production and presented in May along with seven other plays in three separate Florida venues, and directed by Gary Solomons.

I will inform you of the dates and theatres as the time approaches, but for now, I just want to say this delights me. Hope to see a slew of you there.

Yers,

Bob Lind

www.boblind.com

Kenny Loggins has added some dates to his farewell tour (aptly titled “This Is It”) … as well as Richard Marx as his opening act to his show at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California.

(Now THAT would be a cool show to see … but sadly Kenny’s show at Ravinia in August won’t include an appearance by our hometown boy)

 

His updated tour schedule is shown below …

 

March 10th – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall – Sarasota, FL
March 12th – Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, FL
March 26th – Good Life Festival – Queen Creek, AZ
April 28th – Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX
April 30th – New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA
May 11th – FirstBank Amphitheater – Franklin, TN
May 13th – Ameris Bank Amphitheater – Alpharetta, GA
May 15th – Peace Center – Greenville, SC
June 15th – Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA
June 17th – Virginia Arts Festival – Williamsburg, VA
August 17th – Family Arena – St. Charles, MO
August 19th – Ravinia Festival – Highland Park, IL
August 31st – Bronze Buffalo Sporting Club at Teton Springs – Victor, ID
September 2nd – Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater – Park City, UT
September 8th – Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, ON
October 13th – The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, CA
October 14th – The Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA
October 27th – YouTube Theater – Inglewood, CA
October 29th – Yaamava Theater – Highland, CA

 

So, Kent,

You “revealed” a link in Forgotten Hits that led to the story about June Carter Cash sitting out in front of a stage watching the taping of a “Johnny Cash Show” and was shocked by seeing Linda Ronstadt’s lack of an integral, and intimate, part of her wardrobe.

June reportedly said, “That girl doesn’t have any panties on! She can’t sing with my Johnny like that!”

Imagine June actually noticing that! Someone then did go to a nearby department store and got Linda an acceptable under garment.

Johnny afterwards asked ”Linda, you got your drawers on?” She confirmed she did and added “Yeah, but I sing better bare-assed!”

Whew!  “Just One Look” indeed!

And this incident does beg the question: This certainly wasn’t the inspiration for Sharon Stone’s famous “Leg Uncrossing Scene” in her film “Basic Instinct” which reveals her lack of a similar “undergarment” under her skirt, right?!

CB ( which stands for “Censorer(?!) Boy!” )

I’m not so sure … but that’s a scene I will remember for a “long, long time.”

Thanks, Chuck … now you’ve got me thinking about the perfect Weird Al parody to Billy Joel’s big hit “Uptown Girl” …

“Upskirt Girl, I would love a peek into your world …”

OK, I got you started … now you guys can make up the rest!  (kk)

 

HELPING OUT OUR READERS:

We got this from one of our overseas readers this past weekend …

Anybody able to help?  (kk)

If I can only send you some lyrics, do you think you can you recognize the song?

Bill Advance

We can try - or run it by our readers -

If you happen to have a music clip, even better -

Or give us the approximate year / era -

The more information the better, obviously -

But if this was a UK hit, it may not have been released here in The States

Still - I am happy to give it a shot!

Thanks, Bill  (kk)

 

Thanks for getting back to me.

This song I heard many years ago.  I’m sure it was on a b-side of a very popular artist that I played often so I was sure I would always be able to find it again ... but now I am having no luck locating the tune.

It was on a early 60s by a 45 male singer like a Bobby Vee. I can only remember a few lines of the song … I don’t know the title, but here are the words:

 

You whispered softly that you love me  but then again you broke my heart in two 

You seem to think that I was lonely -  whoa, whoa - when I fell in love with you.

Seems that I would have to get along – I’ll have to face this misery ... that’s it.

I’ve typed these words into google and that’s how I found you.

Hope you can help me. 

Kind Regards,

Bill

Anybody out there recognize this one? 

Send us a note and we’ll be happy to pass it along …

Or, even better yet, an MP3 of the track so we can forward it to Bill over in Jolly Ole England!  Thanks, Gang!  (kk)