A quick check into the Chuck Buell Forgotten Hits Way Back Machine tells us that:
It was on this date, July 9th,
in 1877 that the Buell Bell Telephone Company was founded when it installed the first public telephone
lines from Boston to Somerville, Massachusetts.
A little over a year earlier, on March 10, 1876, the first words ever spoken on a telephone were spoken by Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, when he made the first call to his assistant, Thomas Watson.
Moments after they hung up, Bell received a phone call notifying him that his car’s warranty had expired!
CB
This, of course, after first being told by the operator, “Sorry, Wrong Number!” (kk)
An update on the Lou Christie biography from Shelley, by way of George Cameron Grant, who is co-writing the book with Lou …
Perhaps a chance for YOU to appear in the “Fans” section of the new book …
Attention Lou Christie Fans around the world!
As most of you already know, Lou and I were working on his memoirs, "LIGHTNING STRIKES - My Lifetime Tour in Stories & Pictures" when he passed. Fortunately, the majority of, and most essential parts of the book, Lou's amazing stories, were already completed. I'm now working on completing a section that was VERY important to him. Lou truly felt this book was for his fans, and he wanted them to be included in some way, so we created The FAN SCRAPBOOK.
As you heard during COUSIN BRUCIE's wonderful tribute to Lou on his nationally syndicated Rock & Roll Party several weeks ago, becoming a part of this book is very simple. Just email a photo of you with Lou, along with your name and state to georgecamerongrant@gmail. Lou wanted his book to be a Love Letter to his fans, and we want you to be a part of it.
Target date for the book's release is February 19, 2026 – which is also Lou's Birthday and the 60th Anniversary of LIGHTNING STRIKES becoming #1.
Thank you for loving Lou.
Click the link to listen to Brucie's tribute: https://wabcradio.com/.../cousin-brucies-saturday-night.../
(Saturday, June 21st show - tribute begins at 170:15)
#LouChristie #lightningstrikes #louchristiefans #rockandrollstories #rockandroll #RockAndRollLegends #rocknroll #rocknrollstories #rhapsodyintherain
Do it!!! (kk)
A couple more Lou special features …
Below you'll find a photo of me with Lou Christie as well one of Lou performing on stage during the “Little Italy” Italian Festival held in Addison, IL, about ten years ago, sponsored and hosted by our buddy Ron Onesti, and Lou’s recording of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” which we told you about a couple of weeks ago.
David Salidor was so impressed with the story of that song being snatched right from under him and given to Robert John to record instead (resulting in a #2 record!), he pointed me to our coverage of these events as posted on “The Glorious Corner!!!,” which appears in The Times Square Chronicles! (kk)
https://t2conline.com/the-glorious-corner-740/
Shelley also shares this news from Carl Giammarese of The Buckinghams …
I'm very excited to be sharing with you a new album of songs, most of which I've written. It's coming soon, including a sample song, so stay tuned!
And then ...
YOU CAN PREVIEW MY NEW ALBUM HERE! I'm pleased to share the title track of my new album with you here. Get ready to hear friends who share vocals and musical talents to make this album one I'm really excited about! If you like the video, please click "Subscribe" and share with your friends on your FB page. It’s available for ordering today on my website as well as The Buckinghams' site. Will be available to save to your playlists on your streaming services of choice in the near future. We will feature another track very soon. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnHMSbXvMS8
That's a nice track, Carl! I like it! Can't wait to hear the rest of the album.
The Buckinghams are celebrating their 60th year this year ... amazing! And Carl tells me that he may slip in a song or two from his new album in concert as well. (He absolutely should ... and then sell the CD at the merchandise table after the show!!!) kk
The other day we told you it was Debbie Harry’s birthday.
Now comes word that a Blondie biopic may be in the works (although it sounds like right now everything is still in the “talking” stage.) Time will tell. (kk)
We heard about Connie Francis being rushed to the hospital the other day and were immediately concerned.
First this from Frank B …
The Cousin Brucie Fan Page Is Reporting That Connie Francis Has Been Admitted To The Hospital
Then this …
Connie Sent A Message From The Hospital.
She's Going Through Tests To Find Out Why She's In So Much Pain.
For The Second Time She Will Have To Cancel Her Interview With Cousin Brucie.
(Maybe Cousin Brucie Is Bad Luck For Her!)
You Can See The Message On The "FANS OF COUSIN BRUCIE" FACEBOOK PAGE
FRANK B.
Then we got this note from Tom Cuddy …
Connie Francis Hospitalized Due to 'Extreme Pain'
https://people.com/connie-francis-hospitalized-due-extreme-pain-11765934
Connie later posted …
I had hoped to take part in Brucie's show for Independence Day, having had to cancel a previous slot a few weeks ago when receiving treatment on my hip. Sadly, I had to let him know that I again had to withdraw. My thanks for your many get well soon messages. I will endeavor to keep you updated. Love, Connie.
The TikTok video for Connie’s 1963 recording “Pretty Little Baby” now has over 10 BILLION VIEWS!!!” (That sounds like a #1 Record to me!!!) kk
Paul Simon ended up having back surgery after experiencing intolerable pain. Naturally, this forces the postponement and/or cancellation of a few more shows. Details still to come regarding any make-up dates or rescheduling.
Having had back surgery many, many years ago, I can only wish Paul a full and speedy recovery … ‘cause back pain’s a bitch!!! (kk)
And Jeff Lynne kicked off his UK Farewell Tour unable to play the guitar as he’s broken his hand!
He suffered the accident as a passenger in a taxi that slammed on its brakes in order to avoid an accident. So, he’ll have to take on the “lead singer” role for this series of five dates (although it is reported that he occasionally played air guitar during his 21 song set!)
With Dhani Harrison back onboard as his opening act, he included a couple of songs recorded with the Traveling Wilburys, featuring Dhani’s famous father. In fact, Dhani Harrison joined the band to perform a pair of songs, “Handle With Care” and “End of the Line,” subbing for his late father, George.
The very brief tour wraps up July 13th in Hyde Park with opening acts Dhani Harrison, The Doobie Brothers and Steve Winwood, followed by ELO’s last performance. (kk)
Here’s the set list for the Jeff Lynne’s ELO concert held July 5th at the Ultilita Arena in Birmingham, UK:
Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Utilita Arena, Birmingham, U.K., July
5, 2025
One More Time
Evil Woman
Do Ya
Showdown
Last Train to London
Steppin’ Out
Rockaria!
10538 Overture
Strange Magic
Sweet Talkin’ Woman
Handle With Care (with Harrison)
End of the Line (with Harrison)
Can’t Get It Out of My Head
Fire on High
Livin’ Thing
Telephone Line
All Over the World
Turn to Stone
Shine a Little Love
Don’t Bring Me Down
ENCORE:
Mr. Blue Sky
Tom Cuddy asks …
Is Kenny Loggins no longer retired from performing?
We saw this advertised last week … man, what an incredible line-up of artists! How nice would THIS be to see???
As for Kenny, I guess this was just too good an opportunity to pass up! (kk)
I guess the Wilson Sisters are still getting along …
Heart just added even MORE dates to their on-going Royal Flush Tour!
You can now see the band (with a star-studded opening act in several cities) here thru the end of the year …
August 10th – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center (with Todd
Rundgren)
August 12th – Bakersfield, CA – Dignity Health Arena (with Todd Rundgren)
August 13th – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena (with Todd Rundgren)
August 15th – Rancho Mirage, CA – Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage (An Evening With
Heart)
August 16th – Prescott Valley, AZ – Findlay Toyota Center (with Todd Rundgren)
August 18th – Loveland, CO – Blue Arena (with Todd Rundgren)
August 19th – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (with
Todd Rundgren)
August 21st – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center (with Todd Rundgren)
August 23rd – Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center (An Evening With Heart)
August 24th – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena (with Todd Rundgren)
August 26th – Akron, OH – The University of Akron - E.J. Thomas Performing Arts
Hall (An Evening With Heaert)
August 27th – Allentown, PA – The Allentown Fairgrounds - Grandstand (An
Evening With Heart)
August 29th – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC (with Todd Rundgren)
August 30th – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (special guest to be announced)
November 12th - Las Vegas, NV - Fontainebleau Las Vegas (An
Evening With Heart)
November 14th - Las Vegas, NV - Fontainebleau Las Vegas (An Evening With Heart)
November 15th - Las Vegas, NV - Fontainebleau Las Vegas (An Evening With Heart)
November 18th - Anaheim, CA - HONDA Center (with Cheap Trick)
November 21st - Wheatland, CA - Hard Rock Live (An Evening With Heart)
November 23rd - Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena (with Cheap Trick)
December 2nd - Omaha, NE - Baxter Arena (with Cheap Trick)
December 4th - Green Bay, WI - Resch Center (with Cheap
Trick)
December 6th - Gary, IN - Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana (An
Evening With Heart)
December 8th - Cincinnati, OH - The Andrew J Brady Music Center (An Evening
With Heart)
December 10th - Manchester, NH - SNHU Arena (special guest to be announced)
December 12th - Wallingford, CT - Oakdale Theatre (An Evening With Heart)
December 17th - Richmond, VA - Altria Theater (An Evening With Heart)
December 19th - Danville, VA - Caesars Virginia (An Evening With Heart)
December 21st - Nashville, TN - The Pinnacle (An Evening With Heart)
The Micky Dolenz episode of “The Magnificent Others With Billy Corgan” is airing tonight (July 9, 2025.) I'm told it's a fantastic episode ... and this is probably the best link to see it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZqAS6mWQeo
Which gives me the opportunity for this very "Long Distance Dedication."
"Casey, would you please read the words by Thomas Jefferson, who 249 years ago wrote the Ultimate Breakup Song, "It's Not You, It's U.S.!"
CB!
Hey, Kent,
Happy Fourth of July to you!
I was kind of curious to see what the top 40 was here in OKC 55 years ago and how it compared with what you printed.
I only have three programs of the AT40, all on vinyl of course. The first is for 5/26/73 in which he mentions the call letters of the station I was working at at the time, 7/7/73 which was a special show featuring the top 40 one hit wonders at that time, and 3/10/73.
Larry
OK, now you’ve got me curious …
Here is OUR Top 40 for the week that encompasses The 4th of July …
July 1st Birthdays 🎈 🎂 🎁! include Debbie Harry, Dan Aykroyd and Fred Schneider. Saw Debbie at an after Grammy Awards party at Chasen's, Fred at The Hollywood Palladium and Dan with pal Bill Murray leaving trendy Bar One on Sunset Blvd.
Names in the news ...
Puff Daddy AKA P.Diddy signs for fans at a music event.
Remembering Michael Madsen. 1957 -2025. Seen out on the town in Los Angeles.
Happy 80th Birthday 🎊🎂!!! to Burt "Robin" Ward! seen here in Studio City Calif.
Wow … Robin’s turning 80?!?!? How can this be???
(Do you think Burt still wears tights around the house???) kk
By the way, his autobiography is a VERY entertaining read … as is Adam West’s …
BOTH books are well working picking up. (kk)
Jim Roup
I totally agree with Gary Maurer as to "LET ME BE" by The Turtles being one of their best efforts. I also believe that their first two albums were the best, with their debut as being their greatest, EVERY song on it is classic.
JMHFO (Just My Humble Fucking Opinion)
Thank you ~
Timmy
Noted (kk)
With all the Beach Boys / Brian Wilson news of late, here’s an interesting interview with Domenic Priore, conducted by long-time FH Reader and contributor Phil Miglioratti:
An Uncommon Conversation:
Phil Miglioratti and Domenic Priore
* The Stories Behind the Book & the Legend of “Look! Listen! Vibrate! SMiLE!” including ~ * Brian Wilson * Curt Boettcher * David Leaf * Byron Preiss * Julies Siegel * Paul WIlliams * Andy Paley * Mark Linett * Mike Love * Al Jardine * Crawdaddy * Hit Parader * Luau *
Just click on the link above. (kk)
After all the talk lately regarding Foreigner’s new lead singer, it was a bit of a surprise to receive this news from Tom Cuddy …
But then again they do have a brand new box set coming out ...
Iconic '70s Rock Band Reuniting With Original Lead Singer For New Tour
https://parade.com/news/foreigner-lou-gramm-new-cd-deluxe-set-tour-dates
They’ve been talking about doing an anniversary tour with Lou Gramm back on board for quite a while … and Mick Jones was supposed to be involved, too, if not as part of the touring and performing band, then in creating new music as well as resurrecting songs that were left by the wayside the first time around.
The reissued special edition of “4” will do exactly that … but could there be NEW Foreigner music coming as well??? Wouldn’t that be something after all this time! (kk)
Tom also sent us this cool piece about Bruce Springsteen’s Johnny Rivers connection …
Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Rivers: 'Poor Side of Town' and other connections
https://www.njarts.net/bruce-springsteen-and-johnny-rivers-poor-side-of-town-and-other-connections/
Lots of good stuff up on the site this week …
For the 6th:
Not too many stations play anything from “The Jefferson Airplane Takes Off” that much anymore, but their version of that song (“Get Together”) later made famous by the Youngbloods at least merits attention ...
For the 5th:
Booty-shaking like in that "Where The Action Is" opening had to be almost as scandalous as what Elvis did in his prime ...
And for the 4th:
Premiere Networks / IHeartRadio during the pandemic had upstate New York radio host / producer Ken Martin "stereofy" the songs on that début "AT-40" show, and last night I finally got to hear the result of that endeavor, thanks to an Allentown, PA, "oldies" AM station (also owned by IHeart) ... it's not bad!
Bob Frable
How about a souvenir t-shirt from Alligator Alcatraz???
Chuck Buell has THIS one in mind …
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It’s from the "Aligator Alcatraz Souvenir Gift Shop!"
A Devoted "Forgotten Hits" Reader,
Al E. Gator
A tribute concert honoring and celebrating the music of Eric Carmen will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. The event will also commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Carmen’s self-titled first solo album.
The show is being held at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium and will feature the Eric Carmen Band, the Lakewood Project and the Lakewood High School Orchestra and alumni. Special guest vocalists will be added to join the production. Tickets go on sale July 18th at 10 a.m. ET. Additional ticket information will be announced soon. (kk)
Netflix is reportedly working on a new Olivia Newton-John documentary. From the press release: “This is the story of a woman who was perpetually underestimated despite her mesmerizing talent, ultimately silencing her detractors by pushing through phenomenal loss and pain with grace and gratitude. By discovering how to stay true to her beliefs, Olivia changed our culture for the better, bending it towards kindness, inclusivity, and love.”
More details as they become available.
And, as an added reminder, don’t forget to tune in to HBO July 18th and July 25th to see the brand new two-part Billy Joel documentary. This will be especially poignant in light of Billy’s recent health issues. (kk)
As a final note, I try to have fun doing Forgotten Hits … and I try to make it fun to read, even when it’s just a small interesting tidbit.
The other day we ran this:
7/3/65 – Roy Rogers’ horse Trigger dies
That’s how it went out on the site.
But I have to admit that I stifled myself on this one … and I kept questioning: When is it too much humor? (I may tend to over-think some of this stuff!!!)
Because, you see, I originally wrote it this way:
7/3/65 – Roy Rogers’ horse Trigger dies
A special barnyard service was held and Mr. Ed gave the eulogy. Trigger’s body was then donated to science (with a small portion going to the Elmer’s Glue Factory.)
See what I mean? Too much humor??? I dunno … it made me snicker! (kk)
