More info on Connie Francis …
You are SO Right about The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame! Give people the credit and the love they deserve, while they are still alive! May she rest in peace.
KG
Connie’s friend Ron Robert also posted this more informational update …
.jpeg)
Timmy sent us a few pictures of Connie Francis to share … including one of her with Bobby Darin …
RIP Connie Francis … just when it seemed she might be making a comeback.
No Connie Francis hit list would be complete without my personal favorite, "Too Many Rules." That was a song I could relate to. I would play it just to annoy my parents.
Ed Erxleben
That one only made it to #64 in 1961 so it didn’t make our list … but now I’ll have to give it a listen! (kk)
Here is Billboard’s first (of three, I would imagine) “Forever Number One” tributes to Connie Francis …
kk …
WILD WAYNE's MEMORY MACHINE DID A CONNIE FRANCIS TRIBUE THIS PAST SUNDAY, ONE FULL HOUR OF ALL CONNIE … WWUH-FM
YOU CAN LISTEN IN ARCHIVE SECTION FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
FB
https://wwuh.streamrewind.com/bookmarks/listen/439260/rock-roll-memory-machine-with-wild-wayne
Jeff Lynne has publicly addressed his fans regarding the cancellation of the final shows of his farewell tour …
“I am now at home recuperating. I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows. I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all their support and love.”
Jeff Lynne
Meanwhile …
>>>Steve Miller has cancelled ALL upcoming tour dates … because it’s just not safe to tour on Planet Earth anymore! (OK, that’s a new one on me!) According to Steve, "The threat of natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes and hurricanes has made the risk to his band, crew and fans "unacceptable."" (kk)
So Steve Miller cancelling his tour means no shows in Phoenix Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta or LA 🤣
Rich Vaniotis
HAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Timmy
Also from Timmy …
Hi, Kent,
I know some of your readers would appreciate this.
I just posted a radio interview of Bobby Sherman from back in 1992. It was from the original master reel sent to me by the D.J., Jim Pewter, who was around the radio scene in L.A. for about 12 years.
Jim is a dear friend and every once and a while he sends me these 10" reels of tape from his archive of his interviews, and this one I just finished transferring it to digital and posted this evening on my youtube channel.
Thanx,
Timmy
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhl1spw1P8A
Hi Kent –
I am reading Forgotten Hits as I recover from hip replacement surgery. It has been my goal to get more hip for a long time.
Star Baby by the Guess Who was a big smash in Wisconsin. We heard WLS playing it into their top 5 and WISM in Madison making it a number 1.
When I bought my first Joel Whitburn book a few years later, I thought they had made a mistake when I read that it only cracked the Top 40 nationwide. Songs like Albert Flasher and Your Back Yard (from Burton’s first solo album) are structured similarly. When I interviewed him, I asked about that and he credited Fats Dominos influence.
Phil Nee – WRCO
Kent,
If memory serves me right, when the Righteous Brothers came out with UNCHAINED MELODY, the flip, HUNG ON YOU, was played mostly here in the OKC area. #69 on Billboard that same week.
Larry Neal
“Hung On You” was the intended A-Side … so that’s the song Phil Spector produced … HE felt it was a sure-fire hit … and it definitely has that Phil Spector “Wall Of Sound” sound to it …
But deejays and record buyers determined that “Unchained Melody” was the stronger side … so back then (when all three trade publications listed the two sides of the same record separately on their charts) “Unchained Melody” soared to #4 while “Hung On You” crapped out at #43. (Suffice to say, Spector was wrong this one)
Crazier yet, Phil Spector never really cared about the B-Sides … so he let Bill Medley produce what is essentially a Bobby Hatfield solo record … which then eclipsed Spector’s perceived masterpiece! (kk)
Ha! I just found this when I googled our article …
In "Forgotten Hits," Bill Medley discusses how "Unchained Melody" became a hit for The Righteous Brothers, despite its initial placement on the B-side of another single, "Hung on You". He explains that DJs flipped the record and played "Unchained Melody" instead, leading to its unexpected success. Medley also notes that Phil Spector, who produced "Hung on You," initially didn't intend for "Unchained Melody" to be a hit and even tried to discourage radio stations from playing it. Medley produced the song and played the Wurlitzer piano on it, but Spector later took production credit.
More to read on our Phil Spector website …
https://fhphilspector.blogspot.com/
https://fhphilspector.blogspot.com/2021/04/chapter-6.html
https://fhphilspector.blogspot.com/2021/04/chapter-6-a.html
Here is what Bill Medley told us directly:
You have
to remember that I was producing our stuff before Phil Spector ... I mean
I produced "Little Latin Lupe Lu," "My Babe" and all that
stuff. Then when we went with Phil, Phil asked me if I would produce the albums
because it was too time consuming for him to produce the entire albums. So he
was gonna do the singles and I would do the album. And so that's how that
happened and that's how I produced "Unchained Melody," which
Phil Spector apparently now takes credit for. He can have the credit. And I'm
not a producer. I know how to produce. But it's obviously not a Spector
production. "Unchained Melody" was never intended to be the
single ... it was produced to be on the album. It was put on the B side of a
Phil Spector single, "Hung On You," and the minute it was released,
"Unchained Melody" just went through the roof.
--Bill Medley
We've lost the last of The Juniors ...
Just got this from Tom Cuddy ...
More sad news …
Mason Ramsey passed away last Thursday (7/17).
One of his listeners just sent me his obituary …
Shelley
Official Obituary of Mason L Ramsey
September 1, 1956 ~ July 17, 2025 (age 68)
Mason Ramsey Obituary
Mason L. Ramsey, known affectionately as Mason, dad and awpaw, passed away peacefully on the 17th of July, 2025, at his residence in Ocala, Florida, surrounded by the love of his wife. Born on the 1st of September, 1956, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Mason brought joy and laughter to all who knew him throughout his 68 years of life.
Mason’s journey began as the proud son of Nettie and Harold Neville Jr. His early years in Florida instilled in him a lifelong passion for the ocean’s embrace. Though he was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Donna, Mason’s legacy continues through his beloved sister Peggy Hunt, who remains to honor his memory.
A loving family man, Mason’s heart was ever full with the love for his wife Judi Neville, and his children – Shanna DeAnneLawson, Sharon LaNelle Lee (married to Shane Lee), ShaylanRamsey Neville, and Misti Holsinger. His joy was multiplied as he embraced the role of grandfather to Amber Lawson (Shane Willis), Allen Lawson, Samantha Hardy, Kaytlan Neville, Isabella Lee, Jackson Lee, Savannah Young, Davan Young, Jordyn Holsinger, and Karlie Loustch. Mason gained the title of great-grandfather with the birth of his great-grandson, Liam Swan.
Mason’s career began as a Disc Jocky in a small local radio station near his hometown. His love for music and passion for travel took his radio personality across the airwaves and into many homes as he worked for radio stations across the country. An opportunity to be near the ocean while working in radio took him and his family to Guam. Guam was where Mason became an experienced diver, diving and exploring Guam’s great coral reefs and beautiful underwater caves. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him to become a small business owner running greyhounds and provided boat experiences for tourists visiting Guam.
Moving back to the mainland, Mason became an avid writer and published his book, “Bodies in the Bay” through is own publishing company, Arrow Hunt Publishing. He also found a love for skiing in the slopes of Colorado.
Mason’s professional life was marked by a singular dream: to own his own radio station in the greater Ocala, Florida area. His voice became familiar to many through his online radio station, RockandRollHeaven.net, where he shared his love for music with the world. Mason’s voice, filled with warmth and enthusiasm, continued as a comforting presence for his listeners. His work was not just a career, but a manifestation of his deepest passion.
In addition to his love for radio, Mason’s interest painted the picture of a man who cherished life’s simple pleasures. He was often found basking in the serene beauty of the ocean in the Emerald Coast, where he felt most at peace. His five dogs – Parker, Quincy, River, Remi, and his new little boy, Elmer – were his furbabies, who brought him happiness and companionship.
Mason’s zest for life and his infectious story telling abilities will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering ability to speak his mind, hold true to his quest for all of life’s knowledge and wisdom served as an inspiration to many. Mason’s memory will continue to resonate in the hearts of his loved ones and the melodies that play on the digital airwaves of his beloved online radio station.
As we bid farewell to Mason, we celebrate a life well-lived, a dream realized, and a legacy of love, music and family that will echo for generations to come. Mason, the man, the legend, is rockin’ and rollin’ in heaven with the greats.
In lieu of flowers, please share a memory or condolences on the Tribute Wall.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mason L Ramsey, please visit our floral store.
Mason Ramsey was a good friend to Forgotten Hits … I was on his show a few times and we cross-promoted our efforts on a regular basis. Mason’s “Rock And Roll Heaven” played anything and everything. It was proof that ALL of this great music could co-exist, side by side, since we absorbed ALL of it during our lifetimes.
While we didn’t talk recently, we still kind of kept tabs on each other … neither of us ever ready to throw in the towel in our efforts to preserve the oldies. I am truly saddened by this news. (kk)
Have Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks made up?
Both posted “cryptic” messages on their social media accounts, followed by another post by Mick Fleetwood himself.
Is some type of reunion possibly in the plans? Stevie has said several times that there can be no Fleetwood Mac without Christine McVie, who passed away a few years ago.
Then again it could all be in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the “Fleetwood Mac” album, the first to feature Buckingham and Nicks back in 1975.
Only time will tell. (kk)
Other than the fact that the tracking was off in a VERY big way on our connection (about every 15 seconds it would pause to total silence and then waste the next 15 seconds trying to catch up and get back in sync … but apparently our connection was an isolated incident), I really enjoyed Part One of the new two-part Billy Joel Documentary on HBO. ALL kinds of vintage footage that I’m amazed even exits after all this time from BEFORE Joel reached national attention and became the superstar he remains today. Some great insight into the behind-the-scenes movement of his career and the stories behind many of his songs. (Joel is QUITE the story-teller … I love when The Billy Joel Channel returns to Sirius / XM as again he gives you SO much insight into the thought process that goes into each piece of work. Every song tells a story about some part of Joel’s life … and they mean so much more when he lets you in on all the dirty little secrets!)
Part Two airs next week beginning Friday, July 25th … and we WILL be watching. (Of course I’ve got to rewatch the 2 ½ hour Part One Episode again to catch up on all that I missed!) Highly recommended.
And, as an additional aside, let me be the first to go on record by saying it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Billy and his first wife Elizabeth reunited after the airing of this series. There is some genuine love there that still exists between these two … and Billy is in the fight of his life right now. Both are well aware of what each others’ contribution was to the success of Billy Joel’s career. After reviewing it with the documentary makers (and having the time to carefully mark the words they shared), I’ll just say that it wouldn’t surprise me if the two didn’t end up talking about spending their final days together. That’s all … just sayin’! (kk)
Just in case you missed it, SEVENTY-YEARS ago today (7/17/55), the first Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California!
Our Family was on the only trip we ever took together to Southern California that year, sightseeing and visiting an Aunt and Uncle in Long Beach. This young, pre-adolescent boy, had watched the progress of Disneyland's creation for as long as I could remember on "Walt Disney's Disneyland" TV Show of that time.
We actually drove by it and I can remember seeing from a distance a Palm Tree being moved. It was finally going to open five or less days later! But we were leaving for our drive up to Seattle to visit other relatives the following day! I begged my Parents to stay a few extra days so I/we could go on Disneyland's Opening Day!
They declined my request, obviously not realizing the importance of this very special event! And so, with my two and six year old sisters in tow, my folks drove us up the coast to Seattle where I watched all the kids who were lucky enough to be there for that historic day . . . on TV!
And I got a lesson in reality.
Just because one ~~~
Wishes upon a star,
And it makes no difference who you are,
Anything one's heart desires
Won't necessarily come to you!
In retrospect, maybe that wasn't a bad thing. I think Mickey and Minnie Mouse would have given me nightmares!
CB
The Famous Mice on Opening Day!
Yowzah!!! That's downright scary! They look like the Bizarro World version of Mickey and Minnie! (kk)
Robert Plant has a new band called Saving Grace – and they’ve not only got a new album coming out but are already out on tour!
The group consists of Robert Plant on lead vocals along with vocalist Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley and cellist Barney Morse-Brown.
Their recent set list includes three Led Zeppelin songs … but not necessarily the tracks you’d most like to hear him sing. (“Ramble On,” “Four Sticks” and “Friends”)
Saving Grace is five years in the making (they first got together during the pandemic) and Plant describes their music as “My songbook for the lost and found.”
It is Plant’s first new album since 2017’s
Upcoming tour dates include:
July 19th – Salon-de-Provence, FR – Château de l’Empéri
July 21st – Marciac, FR – Jazz in Marciac
July 23rd – Carcassonne, FR – Festival de Carcassonne – Theatre Jean Deschamps
July 26th – Granada, ES – Palacio De Congresos De Granada
July 28th – Valencia, ES – Palau de les Arts
July 30th – Barcelona, ES – Teatro Liceo – Milleni Concert Series
October 30th – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theatre Wheeling
November 2nd – Charlottesville, VA – The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville
November 3rd – Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre
November 5th – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
November 6th – Boston, MA – Boch Center Shubert Theatre
November 8th – Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre
November 10th – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
November 12th – Chicago, IL – The Vic
November 13th – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music
November 15th – Denver, CO – Ellie Caulkins Opera House
November 18th – Seattle, WA – The Moore Theatre
November 19th – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
November 21st – Oakland, CA – The Fox
November 22nd – Los Angeles, CA – United Theater on Broadway
And this from Timmy …
File under the “Who Knew” Department (kk)
As well as this (we’ve talked about this guy before … amazing!)
At least he seems to take very good care of them ...
Timmy
I think that somewhere down the line you have to hit a point where you don't even know what you've got anymore! lol (kk)
Remembering Live Aid …
From Tom Cuddy …
Phil Collins jetted across the
ocean to perform in two Live Aid concerts, but it wasn’t without drama
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/19/entertainment/phil-collins-live-aid?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic%2Fentertainment
By now, EVERYONE has seen the video clip from the Coldplay concert where a couple having an affair showed up on their JumboCam … and, of course, everyone’s having fun with it (except, perhaps, the spouses of the two caught on camera!)
REO Speedwagon posted the "affair" clip their social media with the heading:
Heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend who heard it from Coldplay that you've been messin' around
I think it’s safe to say that getting caught with someone you’re not supposed to be with on the jumbo cam from this point forward will always be known as "getting coldplayed" (kk)
