Another Exclusive Forgotten Hits Interview

We have been anxiously (and, I might add, a bit impatiently) waiting for the film version of "Jersey Boys" to hit movie theaters. 

And now that date is FINALLY upon us ...

The Clint Eastwood-directed film will start showing on the big screen on June 20th.

Eastwood seemed about as unlikely choice as any to helm this film, a musical chronicling the career of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.  (We saw the "Chicago On Broadway" production SIX TIMES while it was playing here ... and loved it more each and every time!)  We figured HE must have loved it, too ... or why take on this task?

So, when we had the opportunity to interview Broadway-veteran Donnie Kehr (who performed the role of loan-shark Norm Waxman on Broadway and is now essaying that role in the movie), we jumped at the chance to speak with him!

Forgotten Hits: I read somewhere that you had done over a THOUSAND stage performances as Norm Waxman on Broadway.  What was it like to portray him for the silver screen ... how different was it than performing onstage?

Donnie Kehr: Norm Waxman is the same guy on screen as on stage.  He's a business man who likes to get paid for the services he provides. Plain and simple ... no bullshit. So that’s how I played it. Making the movie was easy because I had eight years to rehearse the role. 

FH: How big a fan were you of the Four Seasons prior to getting involved in this production? You saw Frankie Valli recently in Atlantic City, right?

DK:  I grew up listening to The Beatles, Led Zepplin and Motown. I was a fan of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in the 70's. I saw Frankie in Atlantic City a month ago.  I went to see his show and I'm in the audience and he starts talking about Jersey Boys. He then suddenly says my name and a spotlight hits me and I realized he was giving me a shout out. So of course I stood up and waived, but I was pleasantly surprised and honored to say the least.

FH:  We saw Frankie a couple of years ago and were pleased to see that he is still in such great voice.  (His "Seasons Sidemen" are probably about one-third his age now!!!  But he keeps right up with them and really drives the show.)  What about Clint Eastwood?  What was it like being directed by him?

DK: Being directed by Clint Eastwood was inspiring and a tremendous learning experience. He taught me a lot about teamwork, being prepared and on time.  On my birthday, I told him I was getting old … he simply said, "Don't let the old man in." Now it's my mantra.

FH:  Now THAT'S inspiring!  Is he in the movie at all?

DK:  Clint is in the movie, but you have to pay close attention.

FH:  Kind of a "Hitchcockian" cameo maybe?  Were you a Clint Eastwood fan as well?  Obviously this guy has had an INCREDIBLE career.  Is he much of a story-teller on the set?  Or is he "strictly business" once the cameras start rolling?

DK:  Cant say more about the Eastwood cameo ... you'll have to wait and see.  I've always been an Eastwood fan.  He's an incredible director.  On set, there's an overwhelming sense of calm.  He's strictly business, but he's gentle and truly a no nonsense kind of guy. 

FH:  Most would agree that he was a pretty unlikely choice to head up a movie like this.  (Although he DID do a tribute to Charlie Parker many years ago called "Bird".)  Did he ever discuss HIS connection to this music and The Four Seasons?  Eastwood was already well on his way to stardom when The Four Seasons burst on to the music scene.

DK:  I would never underestimate Clint Eastwood, to think that he wouldn't be the right person for this movie.  He is a great story teller and this story needed a leader like him who also understands the music.  My first day on the set he told me he'd been listened to all of the Frankie Valli catalogue for a couple of weeks straight prior to shooting, and what an impressive catalogue he thought it was.

FH:  A number of casts have come and gone on Broadway over the years, filling the various shoes of the real life Four Seasons ... and those are some pretty big shoes to fill when it comes to hitting those Frankie Valli notes night after night after night.  Early on, these guys were described as "The SOUND of Frankie Valli" ... because there really was none other quite like it.  How does the movie cast stack up against some of your past Broadway co-performers?

DK: The movie cast was thankfully headed up by John Lloyd Young who originated the role of Frankie on Broadway and won the TONY award for his performance.  Several characters in the movie are played by Jersey Boys Broadway and Tour alumni, so it was a top notch group. The movie cast that was not in the show were great additions to the Jersey Boys family. Everyone brought their A game.

FH:  I imagine that "Jersey Boys" will continue to be performed live on stage long after the movie comes out ... there are touring companies around the world bringing this great show to the masses.  Will you continue to be involved in any live, on stage productions?

DK: I did the LaJolla Production, then Broadway, the 1st National Tour and the Movie. I will always be there for my Jersey Boys family whenever they need me.

FH:  After hearing this music for 50 years ... and live on stage for over 1000 performances ... what are some of YOUR favorite Four Seasons songs?

DK:  My favorites are “Working My Way Back  To You,” “ Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” “Beggin,”, and “Silence Is Golden.” 

FH:  And what's next for you, Donnie?  Do you have a couple more projects lined up that you can tell us about?

DK: There are a couple of things in the works but I'm not at liberty to discuss them yet.  But I can tell you that my annual charity concert ROCKERS ON BROADWAY will be this coming November in New York City honoring the legendary Micky Dolenz. (AND THAT'S A FORGOTTEN HITS EXCLUSIVE!!!)

FH:  Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with our Forgotten Hits Readers today.  Again, the movie opens nationwide on June 20th ... so be sure to check out "Jersey Boys" ... coming soon to a theater near you!

Feeling A Little Bit Less Than Satisfied

re:  See, This Is The Kind Of Shit That REALLY Pisses Me Off:   

So once again I have been GROSSLY let down by radio.  

A couple of weeks ago (Tuesday or Wednesday, May 6th or 7th I believe), Brant Miller (Morning Man on WLS-FM ... don't even ask me WHY I was listening ... but I was button-pushing as usual, trying to find something decent and worth listening to and just happened to land there), was telling the story about how The Rolling Stones' #1 Mega-Hit "Satisfaction" was recorded on that day back in 1965 at the legendary Chess Studios, right here in downtown Chicago ... and that mega-popular, legendary WLS Jock Dick Biondi was there IN THE STUDIO with the band when they laid down this legendary, landmark track ... and how Dick would be talking about this game-changing musical event later that night on his program.   

Now right off the bat, this struck me as INCREDIBLY odd ... if not virtually impossible ... and it's been bothering me ever since.  

Biondi left Chicago in 1963 in a highly-publicized (and still-talked-about) firing ... and headed out to KRLA in Los Angeles where, a year later, (after being the first disc jockey in America to play a record by The Beatles), he introduced The Fab Four live on stage at The Hollywood Bowl.   

He was still there in 1965 ... so I found it HIGHLY unlikely that he flew back to Chicago to attend a Rolling Stones recording session at Chess Studios.  

Then, purely by coincidence, later that night, I read in Harvey Kubernik's EXCELLENT new book "Turn Up The Radio!  Rock, Pop, And Roll In Los Angeles, 1956 - 1972" about how The Stones recorded their biggest hit to date, "Satisfaction", at the RCA Studios in Los Angeles.   

So next I checked the liner notes to the recently released "Out Of Our Heads" CD reissue (the album that contains the aforementioned track "Satisfaction") to see if perhaps these might shine a little more light on the subject ... only to find that the recording credits list the LP as having been recorded in Hollywood, Chicago and London.  Hmmm ... could there be more to the story?    

Rather than jump to any conclusions, I decided to read and research a little bit further ... I read through the original LP liner notes, written by Rolling Stones Manager Andrew Loog Oldham, and say that way back in 1965 he told us that this LP was recorded in three different studios across the globe:   

"From Chicago come the Otis Redding songs 'That's How Strong My Love Is', 'Have Mercy' and the Stones' own tribute to the backroom boys of the music business, entitled 'The Under Assistant West Coast Promotion Man'.  

"From Hollywood come the Marvin Gaye opus 'Hitch Hike', their two recent smash singles, 'The Last Time' and 'Satisfaction', 'Play With Fire', and two new inkings from song-scribes Mick and Keith, 'The Spider and the Fly' and 'One More Try'.  The boys have included a great Solomon Burke ballad, 'Cry To Me'.  The last outing from Hollywood is by way of a tribute to the late Sam Cooke (the news of whose death was reported while the Stones were recording this LP - kk), who was one of the greatest talents to emerge in the rock 'n' roll era.  The Stones have given a great treatment to Sam's 'Good Times.'    

"Last, but not least, from London, we have included a number recorded during the last Rolling Stones Concert Tour of Great Britain, a great live rendition of their own composition, 'I'm All Right'."     

Now I've gotta believe that Andrew Loog Oldham, writing this AT THE TIME, AS IT HAPPENED, would have a pretty good handle on what was going down during these sessions ... he virtually never left their side back then ... and, as such, he would have to be a pretty trust-worthy source for information at this point ... but just to be sure, I did a little more digging.   

Checking out the INCREDIBLE Rolling Stones website run by Nico Zentgraf (every detail you could EVER want to know about every day of their career), it looks like "Satisfaction" (a VERY early version that included a harmonica solo) was, in fact, recorded in Chicago on May 10th at Chess Studios.  (This version was not used or ever issued ... The Stones scrapped it and started over from scratch the following day in Los Angeles at RCA Studios, putting in sessions on May 11th and 12th and completing the final mix for single and album release.) 

Click here: The Complete Works of the Rolling Stones - Database      

So while I suppose technically The Stones DID, in fact, spend a day in the Chess Recording Studio working on "Satisfaction" (laying down tracks for a version that would never see the light of day), it was NOT the legendary hit single that we all fell in love with during The Summer of '65 ... and it did NOT happen on the date indicated by Miller (which would have been around the 6th or 7th of May, not the actual date of the 10th) ... and it was still HIGHLY unlikely (not to mention virtually impossible) that Dick Biondi would have been there for this session.   

That being said, it is ENTIRELY possible that Dick DID attend the Stones' recording session in Los Angeles, which makes a WHOLE lot more sense since that's where he was working at the time.  (Even more so when one considers that The Stones did an in-studio interview at KRLA on May 11th!!!  They very well may have invited him back to join them in the studio that evening to give him an exclusive glimpse of what they were currently working on.)    

Technically, I guess Brant, Dick and WLS just kind of "combined" the facts in order to create a whole new truth that played out a little more "listener friendly" than the truth ... and, let's be honest here ... I can't imagine that ANY other listener out there who heard this so called "fact" that morning would have taken the time to do the research that I just did ... instead, they would have just accepted Brant's information as gospel truth (and probably shared it with a few friends, family and coworkers later that day), thus spreading the fallacy even further.    

Frustrated, I wrote to Dick Biondi, confronting him with the results of my research, and asked for further clarification ... thinking that perhaps having the facts laid out if front of him might spark a moment of clarity.  (Dick knows my commitment to spreading "the most accurate truth" as it certainly benefited him when I did my "Who Played The Very First Beatles Record In America" series several years ago.)  Surely he would want to set the record straight on this front, too!    

As expected, I never heard back.   
kk

The Sunday Comments ( 05 - 18 - 14 )

re:  The Wrecking Crew:  
GREAT turn out for "The Wrecking Crew" screening held at The Arcada Theatre last week (considering the deck was severely stacked against them ... a Blackhawks Playoff Game ... and cold and rainy weather.)  The film played to a very enthusiastic crowd ... and Denny Tedesco told us to expect the DVD (with ALL kinds of extras) to be available in time for Christmas gift-giving ... most likely late October or early November.  (kk)     

Here's a picture of me and Denny in the lobby at The Arcada ...

re:  The Stories Behind The Songs:  
FH Reader Frank B sent us this one, courtesy of Mark Rivera and WCBS-FM, regarding the origins of the stutter heard on Bachman-Turner Overdrive's #1 Hit "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" ...  
With the number of musicians Rivera has played with, it’s fair to assume he’s heard his fair share of stories; some of which can be repeated and others that can be. One that is suitable for all ages is about one of Bachman–Turner Overdrive’s most popular songs: “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet.”   
“Randy Bachman was in the first All Starr Band I worked with with Ringo,” recalls Rivera, who heard the song on CBS-FM that morning. Bachman’s brother, whom has a stutter, had recorded vocals on the demo for “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” which the record company had loved. They insisted BTO go back into the studio and record it again. The response Bachman and the band received was not what they expected. “The A&R person said, ‘Whoa whoa whoa, what happened to the B-B-B-baby and N-N-N…?’”   
As it turns out, the record execs wanted the stutter. Randy Bachman had to return to the studio and mimic his brother’s stutter for the song, which it has become well-known for.  
Now how cool is that?!?!?  (kk)  

After sending us his review of the Neil Sedaka concert in Nashville last week, FH Reader David Lewis also shared this fun tidbit with us:  
Dick Clark interviewed Neil Sedaka several years ago and "Calendar Girl" came up in the discussion. Neil said that when that song was a pop hit, he was on a bill with Brenda Lee, who also had a hit at the time. He reported that when he met Brenda, she said "Oh, Neil - I love your new song 'A Cow and A Girl.'" She was dead serious. Neil and Dick had a good laugh about it on mic. I wonder if Brenda ever heard about it. She's still around and visible often: Two different friends have been photographed with her in the past few weeks.    
David  
Kinda like David Gates' mother telling the newspapers that while she was very proud of her son and his new band Bread, she was a little surprised to hear that their first hit single release was called "Naked With You".  ("Make It With You" hit #1 for Bread in 1970 ... and launched their career as one of the premier soft-rock artists of the '70's!)  kk   
Speaking of Brenda Lee, I'm surprised "Johnny One Time" only made it to Number 41 nationally. 

David

"Johnny One Time" was OK ... but the Brenda Lee comeback hit that did it for me was "Comin' On Strong", a record that became a Top Ten Hit in 1966 ... about three years after her last one.  (kk)

re:  The Concert Reviews / Endicott, NY / and The Cruisin' Records Series:  

>>>Artist / writer / producer / studio owner and Nashville’s “go to” guy for benefits, Buzz Cason, put the Baby Boomer Legends show together as a fundraiser for 2^nd Chance 4 Pets.  He also sang the hit recorded as Garry Miles, “Look For A Star”. He was then joined by Richard Williams, who with Buzz was a member of Nashville’s first rock and roll group, The Casuals – which later backed Brenda Lee on her live shows. They performed the Casuals’ local hit “My Love Song For You” which Buzz and Richard wrote and recorded in 1957.  (Ed Salamon)

Buzz Cason is a very good friend of mine and has been for a few years now.  Up until his newest CD that came out this year, his last few CD's were distributed by a company I do work for.  I just saw him at the Saxon Pub on the Saturday of SXSW in Austin (March 15) and spoke with him at length that night.  Great guy with fabulous stories, and has written a book about it.  He was a member of the touring Crickets (Buddy Holly's group) in England in 1964 during the British Invasion.  
By the way, Endicott, NY, (the subject of one of our recent Saturday Surveys features - kk) is the home of legendary disk jockey Dick Biondi. If you listen to Cruisin' 1960 WKBW, he talks about Endicott at least twice on the record.  And ... the opening line on that album is that the station manager is driving down Main Street in a red Chevy convertible and he tells the listening audience to throw rocks at him!  And that WAS a true story - he really did it, and it may be the act that got him fired!

Also, Joey Reynolds was my neighbor when he was on KB.  He actually lived at home with his mom and sister, and he lived on the street behind my house seven houses down.  His sister and my sister went to college together, and I used to bring over frozen Appian Way pizzas to his house to give to him (via his mom) as he was still asleep usually at 3 PM, being out all night after work at the Checkerboard bar across from 1430 Main St.  (home of KB).  I'm still in touch with him occasionally - great guy!

Clay Pasternack

Biondi has told the "throwing rocks" story numerous times over the years ... so it's kinda cool that he resurrected it to do his Cruisin' radio show recreation.  Joey Reynolds is still around and recently did a radio project with FH Reader / Dee Jay Big Jay Sorensen!  (kk) 

Hi, Kent,   

Thanks for posting my Rob Carlson & Benefit Street track last week. Nice chart run today; I love the kind of regional differences (i.e., Rusty & Doug).that seem to be almost completely absent from most of today’s corporate pop radio.  

I very much enjoyed the “caravan of stars” concert revue  / review, too. A Billy Joe Royal note: he had a phenomenal cover of Paul McCartney’s “Every Night” that (in a rare instance of cover exceeding original) puts Sir Paul’s “out to pasture” to my ears. Credit Joe South with the hard-edged production. It only bubbled under at 113 nationally, but ought to have been much bigger in my opinion. I’ve attached it to see if anyone agrees with me. 
Speaking of Sir Paul, I really enjoyed his “New” album, even if it isn’t quite so new anymore, and wonder why it didn’t get more attention – he really seemed to have returned to form in a huge way. The thoughtful “On My Way to Work” and “New” were the tracks that really did it for me, the former ranking with his best work with the Beatles in my opinion. I know that’s a comment some might challenge, so have at it. 
Keep up the good work!  

Best regards, 
Country Paul Payton  
McCartney's "New" album got all kinds of great press and critical accolades ... but then nobody played it!  Even the Classic Rock Stations who regularly salute these great artists NEVER seem to feature their latest works.  Fans might be interested to know just how many of these great artists are still out the touring and recording today ... but short of their own websites (and online services like Forgotten Hits), NOBODY gives them the time of day.

We ran an article last week that McCartney's tour will be one of the biggest grossing tours of the year ... and will sell out at virtually every single venue ... yet radio isn't smart enough to feature any of his new music.  Once again, programming with blinders on.  (By the way, thanks for the Billy Joe Royal version of "Every Night", one of my all-time favorite McCartney album tracks.  I hadn't heard it before ... and while I don't agree that it surpasses the original, it ain't half bad!!!)  kk 
 

re:  And, Speaking Of Concerts:

Barry Gibb hits Chicago on Tuesday, May 27th ... here's some recent press generated by his new solo tour, courtesy of FH Reader Tom Cuddy ...  
http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2014/05/12/barry-gibb-brings-brotherly-love-tour/JihLdR0XiTGVTLCIjmCTUM/story.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/05/09/barry-gibb-talks-brothers-mythology-tour/8568453/

Thanks for the Alan Parsons concert write-up, Kent.  I wish I had been there!

Clete

It was a GREAT show!  I've been listening to them in the car ever since ... and today we ordered the "Live In Madrid" DVD that everyone's been talking about.  I'd love to see them again ... tonight!  (kk)

After reading Jim Foster's review of the concert he saw in Jackson, TN, I asked him if he knew what the line-up was for the next show ...

The next show in Jackson has not been formally announced yet and subject to change. However it was announced that Terry Sylvester (Hollies, Swinging Blue Jeans), Dickey Lee, Rex Smith, Henry Gross, Kyle Vincent (Bay City Rollers). Jimi Jamison (Survivor) so far ... I will keep you updated. As soon as I get the letter, I will let you know.  I love your blog and appreciate what you do.

Take care,

Jim 

I've seen SO many great reviews about The Cowsills lately that I had to check and see if they were performing anywhere else in the area anytime soon ... but apparently nothing booked anywhere right now.  We'll keep you posted when more tour dates are posted.  (kk)  

Meanwhile, brother John Cowsill is still drumming with The Beach Boys Band.  In fact, the Mike Love / Bruce Johnston version of The Beach Boys have just announced an extensive touring schedule that'll take them through the end of the year.  (They've even squeezed in a "special guests" edition for the 4th of July Weekend.)

VNN reports:

The Beach Boys (a.k.a. the Mike Love and Bruce Johnston band) have set an extensive tour of North America and Europe for this summer.
Included is a special show on July 5 at Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY, where they will be joined by Al Jardine and David Marks who are two of the three remaining Beach Boys, bringing together the band that toured behind the band's 50th anniversary minus Brian Wilson.
The rest of the current lineup of the Beach Boys is Tim Bonhomme (drums), Randall Kirsch (bass), John Cowsill (drums) and musical director Scott Totten.
The dates:

• 05/23 – Petoskey, MI – Odawa Casino Resort
• 05/25 – Louisville, KY – Belvedere Park (Abbey Road On The River)
• 06/06 – Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center
• 06/07 – Fort Yates, ND – Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
• 06/08 – Moorhead, MN – Bluestem Center For The Arts
• 06/13 – Richfield, UT – Sevier Valley Center
• 06/14 – West Wendover, NV – Peppermill Concert Hall
• 06/21 – Laughlin, NV – Edgewater Casino
• 06/22 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Co. Arboretum
• 06/24 – Surrey, UK – Hampton Court Palace
• 06/25 – Surrey, UK – Hampton Court Palace
• 06/26 – Londonderry, UK – Millennium Forum
• 06/27 – Zurich, Switzerland – Kongresshaus Zurich
• 07/01 – Rattvik, Sweden – Dalhalla
• 07/05 – Wantagh, NY – Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
• 07/10 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center
• 07/12 – Peachtree City, GA – Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
• 07/17 – Surrey, UK – Epsom Downs Race Course
• 07/18 – Newmarket, UK – Newmarket Racecourse
• 07/19 – Newbury, UK – Newbury Racecourse
• 07/21 – Madrid, Spain – TBA
• 07/23 – Marbella, Spain – Auditorio Marbella La Cantera (Starlite Festival)
• 07/25 – York, UK – York Racecourse
• 07/26 – Ocean Grove, NJ – The Great Auditorium
• 07/27 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Stage At Bayside
• 07/28 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre
• 07/29 – Columbus, OH – Celeste Center (Ohio State Fair)
• 07/31 – Ventura, CA – Ventura County Fairgrounds (Ventura County Fair)
• 08/01 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
• 08/02 – Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort Casino
• 08/06 – Sioux Falls, SD – W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds (Sioux Empire Fair)
• 08/09 – Williams Bay, WI – Ferro Pavilion (Music By The Lake)
• 08/10 – Sterling Heights, MI – Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
• 08/12 – Pomona, NY – Provident Bank Park
• 08/13 – Aston, PA – Sun Center Studios
• 08/14 – Stamford, CT – Columbus Park
• 08/15 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
• 08/16 – Newport, RI – Newport Yachting Center (Newport Concert Series)
• 08/17 – Webster, MA – Indian Ranch
• 08/21 – Princeton, IL – Bureau County Fair
• 08/26 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival At Ravinia Park (with The Temptations)
• 08/27 – Livermore, CA – The Concerts At Wente Vineyards
• 08/28 – Jacksonville, OR – Britt Pavilion (Britt Festivals)
• 08/30 – Snoqualmie, WA – Snoqualmie Casino
• 08/31 – Ferndale, WA – Silver Reef Casino
• 09/01 – Salem, OR – Oregon State Fairgrounds (Oregon State Fair)
• 09/04 – Grand Rapids, MI – Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
• 09/07 – Wooster, OH – Wooster Fairgrounds (Wayne County Fair)
• 09/18 – Paducah, KY – Carson Center
• 09/19 – Belleville, IL – Belleville Public Square (Bicentennial Octoberfest Celebration)
• 09/20 – Dubuque, IA – Mississippi Moon Bar
• 10/03 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show At Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
• 10/04 – Las Vegas, NV – Casablanca Event Center At Eastside Cannery Casino
• 10/05 – San Diego, CA – Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay
• 10/08 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
• 10/09 – Houston, TX – Arena Theatre
• 10/10 – Biloxi, MI – Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
• 10/11 – Biloxi, MI – Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
• 11/21 – Paris, France – Olympia
• 11/22 – Frederikshavn, Denmark – Arena Nord

And, speaking of The Beach Boys, Tom Cuddy just sent us THIS report, stating the Jeffrey Foskett is leaving Brian Wilson's band to rejoin The Beach Boys!!!  (Now THAT'S a shame ... as the Musical Director of Wilson's outfit, Jeffrey really shone.  I cannot help but wonder what brought this turn of events about.)  It sounds like he's replacing Mike Love's son Christian.  Here is the full report:  (kk)

The Beach Boys will embark an extensive tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of their hit song “Fun, Fun, Fun” later this month. The only original member of the group that will be touring with the band is Mike Love, though longtime keyboardist/singer Bruce Johnston will be joining them on the road. Additionally, the band will teem up with original members Al Jardine and David Mark for a special gig at Jones Beach in Long Island, NY on July 5.  
The Beach Boys will make their way to over 50 locations the United States and Europe over the course of the year. The tour will also feature singer/guitarist Jeffrey Foskett, who will be replacing Love’s son Christian in the band. Foskett was a touring member of The Beach Boys in the ’80s and has steadily worked with Brian Wilson since his comeback in the ’90s.  
The surviving classic members of The Beach Boys — Love, Jardine, Marks, Wilson, Johnston and Foskett — have not performed together since the band’s 2012 50th anniversary tour, which featured stops at Bonnaroo and The Hollywood Bowl. The group also released That’s Why God Made The Radio, their first album of original material in 20 years. Jardine, Marks and Foskett all toured with Wilson last year and even surprised fans with a complete performance of Pet Sounds at New York’s Beacon Theatre in October.  

And, speaking of cool up-coming shows, the Star Plaza has just added The Four Tops and The Stylistics to their schedule for June 14th.  If you're going to see The Stylistics (which we have ALWAYS wanted to do), THIS is the version you want to see.  Billed as Russell Tomkins, Jr. and the New Stylistics, Tomkins is the guy who sang all those incredible hit records back in the '70's ... and he's still in top form today.  (We've seen him on a couple of those PBS specials recently and he still sounds great!)  More information at the Star Plaza website:  
Click here: Tickets | The Four Tops - Merrillville IN at Ticketmaster    

re:  The Saturday Surveys:  
Kent,
Going over KYA's survey, here in OKC another version of UP,UP AND AWAY was played in addition to the Fifth Dimension's. That was by the Johnny Mann Singers on Liberty records and is some ways, I always liked their version better.
Ray Charles' flip of HERE WE GO AGAIN, SOMEBODY OUGHT TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT IT, was the 'A' side of the record here in OKC and did eventually make it to number one.
On WLS's survey in 1962, VILLAGE OF LOVE by Nathaniel Mayer did chart but really wasn't all that big a record. I do remember when the record came out that some of the DJ's didn't really know how to pronounce his last name. Some said it as May-or and some pronounced it as My-or. It kind of reminded me when Petula Clark came out with DOWNTOWN. Some DJ's pronounced her first name as Pet-ula and some pronounced it as Pe-tula.
WE GIRLS by Jan Bradley never made our survey but somehow, I do have a copy of it.  She did record that on your local label there in Chicago.
KDWB's survey showing a high chart position for R. & D.'s LOUISIANA MAN, It also was big here in OKC though it didn't chart that high. Arthur Lyman's YELLOW BIRD was big and also his 1963 tune LOVE FOR SALE.
Always enjoy the records which made other surveys but didn't make it here in OKC. I enjoy looking them up on you tube and playing them. I guess you could say it evens itself out with those records that made it here in OKC but didn't chart anywhere else.
Larry  

Hi Kent - 

Thanks so much for Ron Onesti's website for concert tickets! A lot of GREAT shows coming up this year!!
Your old surveys reminded me of allot of tunes you NEVER hear anymore. I especially like "Village of Love" and "Louisiana Man".
Fortunately, I have "Village of Love" in my juke box, but I am still looking for a 45 rpm record of "Louisiana Man".
Keep up the GREAT work.
Carolyn
Rusty and Doug's version of "Louisiana Man" was a Top Ten Hit here in Chicago back in 1961 ... nationally it peaked at #97.  Now THAT'S quite a spread!!!  (kk)


re:  This And That:   
See Kent,we've been right all along ... Science Proves: Pop Music Has Actually Gotten Worse!  
This is why we had better tunes in the 60's -- we got to hear more styles etc., so melodies were better. If you don't hear more types, how can you write something that doesn't sound like everything else?  
Bill
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/science-proves-pop-music-has-actually-gotten-worse-8173368/?no-ist  

We gave Forgotten Hits Readers the scoop on this one a month ago ... but Robert Feder finally caught up to us with this cool chance to meet two Chicagoland broadcasting giants from WLS' hey-day in the '60's ...

Clark Weber and Ron Riley, two legendary personalities from the golden era of WLS AM 890 in the 1960s, will reunite for one night only to reminisce about the Beatles, the British Invasion and Top 40 radio. 

The former rock ’n’ roll disc jockeys will appear together at a benefit June 24 for the Lotus Foundation, the nonprofit founded by Ringo Starr to support charitable social welfare projects. Sponsored by WLS FM 94.7, the event at Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe will be in conjunction with the Ringo Starr Art Show With a Little Help From His Friends.   

Free and open to the public from June 21 to 28, the exhibition will feature the former Beatle’s art work. Customers purchasing a signed print can meet him at a special pre-concert event before the June 28 performance of Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at the Chicago Theatre. 

Though always friendly off the air, Weber and Riley staged an epic show-business feud for years, first at competing stations in Milwaukee and later at WLS, where Weber hosted mornings and Riley hosted evenings. Together they introduced the Beatles at Comiskey Park in 1965. 

Weber enjoyed a long and successful run in Chicago radio and operated an advertising consulting firm, Clark Weber Associates, while Riley went on to a second career as a TV weatherman in Baltimore. 

Of their upcoming reunion, Weber quipped: “Riley will be released from the ‘The Old Radio Announcers’ Home for the Bland’ in Washington, and Sears has offered me a Die Hard battery to get my pacemaker started just for this event.”

-- Robert Feder

I wouldn't dare miss this one!  And who knows ... maybe they'll even let me come up and plug Forgotten Hits!  Or get a picture with these two legends!  Or get invited to see Ringo's show at The Chicago Theater!  Oh well ... probably not ... but still a great chance to order a $12 hamburger!  (kk)  

And, speaking of "on the radio" ... 

Kent ...

From yesterday's newspaper ...

If you're wondering how Scott Shannon has adjusted to his new home at WCBS-FM  (101.1), the answer is just fine.

In the latest Nielsen audio numbers, Shannon's show ranked third in total audience (12+),
fourth in adults 25 - 54, seventh in women 25 - 54 and fourth in men 25 - 54.
Meanwhile , Shannon's former on - air partner, Todd Pettengill over at WPLJ-FM (95.5) finished 17th in March in total audience.

By the way, Uncle Floyd has been added to Scott's "Blast Off To Summer" lineup.  John Cafferty and Tommy James will also be appearing on 5/23/14.

Scott's going to Virginia this weekend for his daughter's graduation on Sunday.  He said that two days after her graduation, she starts studying for the Bar Exam.

Frank B.

Congratulations, Scott ... on both the excellent ratings AND your daughter's graduation!  (kk)  

Hey kk!!!

I am the original drummer for the ORIGINAL “Ides of March” and we communicated a couple of years ago. I thought I’d send you an update of a recent fluke that has happened with me and my career.

I am currently the Host of a brand new 60 minute radio show being “broadcast” around the internet on various internet radio shows that feature “new recording artists”.  (Half my career was spent as a Disc Jockey working in nightclubs and for private corporate events. I NEVER did LIVE radio since it never paid more than $10 an hour.)

Here is a list of internet locations where my “Golden Dulcet Voice” can be heard introducing lots of new recording talent from various genres of music: 
http://www.artistfirst.com/hot-trax.htm

http://www.prlog.org/12321056-hot-traxcom-radio-hour-goes-live-at-artistfirstcom-network-with-range-of-trending-musical-artists.html   

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=173838   

http://www.play.fm/player   

http://www.topix.net/tv/american-bandstand   

http://hot-trax.com/about-hot-trax   

I guess there’s another inning of baseball left in this ol’ dinosaur drummer - singer from the 1960’s!!! LOL!!!

Hope you’re doing great! I just went back and re-read some of our older communications. I’m thinking of inserting some of my “Ides of March” comments and historical notes onto Wikipedia. If I do so, it would make sense to connect a link to you and your website since you and I kind of unearthed this “ancient mystery” from the grooveyard of 60’s garage bands!  Heck … I might even want to eventually host a radio show featuring all the classic garage bands from the 1960’s – but with my input and “colorful”, first-hand experiences. I have been in touch with the infamous “Dick Wagner” in the past  year (who came out of the bowels of Saginaw Michigan, along with me). A quick keyword search of Dick Wagner would bring you up to speed on who he is in case you haven’t tripped over all his history on the internet. (Dick is a prolific songwriter and lead guitar player who started out along with my band in Michigan during the mid-1960’s. Only HIS SONGS and quality of bands towered over our little garage band!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Wagner .  

Hope you’re doing great!  

Peace Love!

Scott Ebright  

Ebright Entertainment Enterprises

Hey Scott!  Great to hear from you, too.  Congrats on the radio gig ... will have to tune in and listen!

I say go for it regarding the Wikipedia Page.  (I can't remember ... did I hook you up with Mike Dugo of 60sGarageBands.com???  If not, let me know and I'll be happy to make the introduction.  Your story is EXACTLY the kind of thing he's looking for for his site!)

Keep us posted on your latest goings-on!  (kk)  

I've gotta tell you I'm REALLY liking the new Michael Jackson / Justin Timberlake track from Michael's forthcoming new album.  And have you seen the video yet?  Pretty cool, especially since the whole world already knows every single one of these Jackson moves by heart!  A nice bit of editing.  (Can you believe the origins of this track date back 31 years?!?!  Incredible to think that this has been sitting in a vault all this time!)  kk

Kent ...

Check out this clip from 54  years ago  this week.

Frank B.  
Click here: Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra - May 12, 1960 - YouTube

One of my favorite Elvis tunes, "Fame And Fortune" ... but the highlight of this appearance was the "dueling" versions of Elvis and Sinatra each singing each other's songs.  (More Elvis below ... read on!)  kk

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ELTON JOHN - THE MILLION DOLLAR PIANO - FILMED DURING HIS LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY AT CAESARS PALACE

~ON DVD AND BLU-RAY JULY 1, 2014~

New York, NY (May 14, 2014) — On July 1, 2014, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release The Million Dollar Piano by the inimitable Elton John.  This amazing show was filmed in high definition and will be simultaneously released on Blu-ray and DVD [Pre-book Order Date June 6, MSRP $19.98 Blu-ray, $14.98 DVD]. The Million Dollar Piano is packed with Elton John classics including: “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Your Song,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Circle Of Life,” “Blue Eyes,” “Bennie And The Jets,” “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” “Crocodile Rock,” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” and many more.  
The Million Dollar Piano was filmed over multiple nights in 2013 at Elton John’s residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The show has been running since September 2011, with the most recent leg spanning 16 shows between March 29 and April 26 2014. The concerts are the culmination of Elton John’s decades long partnership with Yamaha pianos. This film features classic Elton John tracks from across his extraordinary career performed either with his band, solo, or with percussionist Ray Cooper. The multimedia staging is phenomenal with vast screens behind the stage illustrating the songs and the piano itself acting as a screen for graphics and animations. As well as 19 songs from the residency set, the DVD includes as a bonus “The Making Of The Million Dollar Piano”, a feature which tells the story behind the concerts.  In addition, there are four extra tracks filmed in Kiev in 2012: “Candle In The Wind”; “Sacrifice”; “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” 
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. He has achieved 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time. Over the five decades since his career began in 1969, Elton has played almost 4000 concerts worldwide.  He has been awarded  numerous accolades including five Grammys, twelve Ivor Novello Awards, an Oscar, a Tony, the BRITs Icon Award, induction into the Rock‘n’Roll Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Center Honor. He is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. 
Elton John is the ultimate live showman, with live dates scheduled in June, and more to come in November [see eltonjohn.com]. The Million Dollar Piano is the definitive Elton John concert experience. 
TRACKLISTING 
1) The Bitch Is Back   
2) Bennie And The Jets 
3) Rocket Man   
4) Levon  
5) Tiny Dancer 
6) Your Song  
7) Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters 
8) Better Off Dead 
9) Indian Sunset 
10) Blue Eyes 
11) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road  
12) I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues 
13) Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me  
14) Philadelphia Freedom  
15) I’m Still Standing  
16) Crocodile Rock   
17) Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting  
18) Circle Of Life  
19) Song For Guy (credits)  

The New York / New England regional Beatles-themed festival billed as "Danbury Fields Forever" has expanded to two days this Summer in celebration of The Beatles 50th Anniversary. It will "come together" on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2014 at Ives Concert Park in Danbury, Connecticut. 
The widely-popular, family-friendly Beatles Music, Foods & Arts Festival is in its third year, and will feature 10 bands per day playing the music of The Beatles, solo material and songs from the 60s. Acts include The Hofners, The Oh Nos, The Mystery Tour, Fools On The Hill, Rotary, Studio Two, Beatlehead, Genetic Control, AfterFab, the Way-Back machine and the national touring group Beatlemania Again. In additional to the bands, there will be live tributes to George Harrison by Pete Santora (formerly of Broadway's "Beatlemania"), Sir Paul McCartney by Mike Miller's "One Sweet Dream," John Lennon by Dave Pal in his "Lennon Legacy" show and to Elton John by Bill Connors.  Additionally, students from School of Rock in both Westchester, New York and Connecticut will have their star pupils performing sets of Beatles classics. 
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles' U.S. arrival in 1964, one-day "Ticket to Ride" admissions to the Fab 4 Music Festival start at only $19.64. There are also V.I.P. tickets available, discounted two-day passes and hotel packages. Discounted early-bird advance prices are currently in effect; all admissions will be higher at the door. Advance ticket available at: https://danburyfieldsforeveriii.eventbrite.com. 
Ives Concert Park is located at 43 Lake Avenue Extension on the campus of Western CT State University in Danbury, CT. Along with the expansion of the festival from one day to two, there will be more Beatle and memorabilia dealers and vendors, exhibitors, attractions, kid-friendly activities, along with a larger variety of food options available. For guests staying overnight, there is a reduced rate hotel package which includes accommodations and breakfast.  There is also a festival after-party on Saturday night at the hotel. 
"Danbury Fields Forever lll" is presented by Charles F. Rosenay!!!'s Liverpool Productions, the same company that presented "NYC FAB 50," The Beatles' 50th Anniversary Celebration in New York City in February. The show is hosted by Gary Theroux of RewindRadio.com's "History of Rock 'n' Roll" and Ken Michaels of the "Every Little Thing" radio show.  
With two full days of fab 4 fun, 20 bands and music in the air, as The Beatles sang, "It's Guaranteed to Raise a Smile."

For further info, visit website www.Fab4MusicFestival.com or call (203) 795-4737. 
DANBURY FIELDS FOREVER lll: BEATLES MUSIC FESTIVAL

DATES: Saturday, July 26 - Sunday, July 27, 2014

HOURS: 12:00 pm NOON - 8 pm daily

LOCATION: Ives Concert Park, 43 Lake Avenue Extension, Danbury CT 06810

TICKETS START AT: $19.64   
https://danburyfieldsforeveriii.eventbrite.com

INFO: www.Fab4Musicfestival.com

EMAIL: info@Fab4MusicFestival.com

PHONE: (203) 795-4737

Media Contact: International Tours & Events, 315 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT 06477

(203) 795-4737  

Joe Walsh told Billboard Magazine last week that The Eagles have "new music in the can" ... here's hoping we'll all be treated to a brand new album in the near future.  (kk) 

Kent,
Last night on television a commercial ran (whether it was a local one or national one, I don't know.)  I don't even remember what the product was that they were advertising. All that I noticed was the music being played in the background and it was Robert Parker's 1966 BARE FOOTIN' When was the last time you heard that one on the radio? Ain't Got No Shoes On!
Larry
The one that shocked me was the brand new Heineken commercial where a pumped-up version of "Bossa Nova Baby" is playing in the background.  An ELVIS song?!?!  In a television commercial?!?! Selling BEER?!?!?  Who would have EVER thought?!?!?  (Actually, the song sounds REALLY good ... they did a VERY nice remix of this track ... once again proving that this music is timeless ... my guess is a whole new generation of beer drinkers will discover this vintage Elvis tune ... only to forget it moments later after drinking too much!!!)  kk
 

re:  A Touch Of Sadness:
Just prior to going to press with this week's issue of The Sunday Comments we received word that one of our oldest Oldies Music Friends has passed away. Heartfelt condolences to our Oldies Brother Sev's wife Kat, who lost her husband Pasquale Severino earlier today.
Sev founded the AOL Oldies Music Room's "Mystery Lyrics" Newsletter, and early on Frannie and I were regular participants in his daily games.  (In fact, Frannie ... as Cherricat ... was quite often the HOST of many of these games.)  You touched a lot of our lives, Severino ... and you will be missed.  (kk)

Me, Frannie and Sev, photographed in what now seems like EONS ago at one of Roc'n'60's BBQ get-togethers.  Sev represented the East Coast Sanction of Oldies Music Trivia while Steve (Roc'n'60s) held down the West Coast front, hosting an annual Oldies BBQ that we frequented on several occasions.  We'll miss you Sev!  (kk)