The Best Concerts of 2016 (Part One)

We see a lot of shows ... 

Upwards of 30 this past year alone ...

And we're already making our list of new shows that we wanna see for 2017!

Here is our annual list of the Best Concerts of 2016 ...

A few quick notes ...

We still have one show left to see this year ...

That's The O'Jays with The Chi-Lites and Comedian Damon Williams on New Year's Eve at The Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN.

I am anticipating this to be an incredible show ... but while technically still 2016, our review of this concert won't appear until 2017 (and only via email as by then the website will be fully committed to our new 1967 Series).

As such, we'll be pushing this one into the 2017 rankings.

There were a couple of MAJOR acts that didn't make our list this year ... which gives you some idea as to how stiff the competition was.  (Sorry, Eric Burdon, Brian Wilson, Steven Wright and Dr. Demento!)

Also, please note that you will find that MOST of these concert events (16 out of the Top 20 shows!) took place at The Arcada Theatre ... THE place to see a show in Chicagoland these days.  We are forever indebted to CEO and Host Ron Onesti for his continued support and generosity in allowing us to cover these concert events.

And finally, for the first time EVER, a "second generation" band tops the list ... yes, they were THAT good ... so we strongly suggest you check them out when you get the chance.  (And since Jeff Lynne STILL hasn't committed to a full-fledged US Tour, it may be the closest you'll come to seeing an ELO show in concert.)

And now, on with the countdown!

#20 - Bobby Rydell - The Arcada Theatre
We had the privilege to interview Bobby earlier this year ... in fact, we ran a week-long tribute to this late '50's / early '60's Teen Idol.  It was during our interview that his show at The Arcada Theatre came around to being booked ... so we couldn't wait to see it and finally say hello in person after the concert.
Several fans complained that Bobby didn't do enough of his own hits during the concert ... in fact, he only did four ... preferring instead to concentrate on what he calls "The Great American Songbook".  He did tributes to both Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra as part of his act, backed with a full orchestra ... but Bobby Fans wanted to see him perform HIS hits instead.
Even so, he totally nailed the "Big Band Sound" of the era ... and, as such, it still ranks as our 20th Best Concert of 2016.
You can read the full review here:
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/11/bobby-rydell-concert-review.html

#19 - Rita Coolidge - The Arcada Theatre 
You'll find a few acts near the bottom of this list that concentrated on music other than their own hits for the bulk of their concert performance ... Rita Coolidge was another one.  That doesn't mean what she DID perform didn't captivate the audience ... it did.  Rita was in fine voice throughout the show and it was a real pleasure to finally catch her act after all these years.  (I loved the way she referred to Kris Kristofferson as her "favorite ex-husband" while updating the audience on his recent health issues.)
You'll find our Rita Review as part of this posting below.  (We had the chance to see a couple of shows that same weekend and opted for Rita over Foreigner, knowing that we were going to see Lou Gramm's performance at The Arcada later in the year.  In hindsight, I regret not being able to see Foreigner WITHOUT Lou Gramm ... as HIS show was SO loud I found it impossible to enjoy the concert.  In fact, we left early ... we just couldn't take it anymore.)
As such, Lou (who I have waited 35 years to see) didn't even make our Top 20 Year End List.
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/07/weekend-concert-review.html

#18 - The City Lights Orchestra - Centennial Park West, Orland Park
Who?!?!?
Every year we try to get to one of their shows ... usually an outdoor "in the park" event that takes place way out on the south side.  That's OK ... because it's well worth the ride.    Conductor Rich Daniels and his stable of revolving vocalists always provide a VERY enjoyable afternoon / evening of music, encompassing a WIDE variety of pop and show tunes.
Bruce Mattey has been a long-time participant and this year (with a little bit of encouragement from us!) he persuaded the rest of The New Colony Six to join him on stage for a short set that featured not only a few of their biggest hits but also a quick medley of hits of many of the other Chicagoland artists that ruled the charts here in the late '60's and early '70's.
We didn't do a formal review of the show on the website because they don't really qualify as an "oldies act" ... but that doesn't mean that we didn't thoroughly enjoy their performance ... we did ... and are already looking forward to next year's show ... ALWAYS the perfect way to cap off the summer!

#17 - Dionne Warwick -  The Arcada Theatre
Dionne is another artist we have longed to see for decades.  (I have been trying to get Dionne booked for a Chicagoland appearance for the past 2-3 years ... and was SO glad that Ron Onesti finally landed her for The Arcada.)
It was an interesting show, to say the least.  
Dionne performed exactly a one hour set ... and reprimanded the audience on a couple of occasions for not following her earlier instructions about no videotaping, even stopping the show at one point and making one fan "put the camera away".
Still, she was in great voice and did a wide assortment of her greatest hits (although a couple were new "contemporary" arrangements that didn't quite measure up to the originals.)  Regardless, an artist worth seeing if you get the chance.
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/11/dionne-warwick.html 

#16 - Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. - The Arcada Theatre
I'm starting to sound like a broken record here!
Another act we have waited decades to see ... and another act that filled half their set with material other than their own, leaving out many of the songs the audience came to see and hear.
It's a shame ... because they put on a class act every step of the way ... they just didn't give us what we really wanted and expected in a concert setting.
I have to say that Billy's voice has aged better than Marilyn's, which was a real shocker to me, as I have always felt she had one of the greatest voices in pop music history and never really got her due.
Again - an enjoyable show - but disappointing more for what WASN'T there than for what they performed.
Without giving too much away (we've already let the cat out of the bag in our preamble!), this review encompasses both Marilyn and Billy's show as well as the one put on by The Orchestra, the concert we're calling The Best Show of 2016!
(As such, the link will appear again tomorrow when we count down The Top Ten.)
But that's OK ... these guys deserve an extra round of kudos for the excellent show they put on at The Arcada Theatre this year.  We loved it!
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/05/tuesday-this-and-that_17.html 

#15 - Toto - The Arcada Theatre
One of Frannie's all-time favorite bands, she saw them back in their hey-day of the late '70's and early '80's.  We've seen former vocalist Bobby Kimball a couple of times now but had yet to see the rest of the band.
Musically, they were outstanding ... if a bit self-indulgent. 
As mentioned in my original review, if they had cut the concert time in half, they very likely would have been voted The Best Concert We Saw In 2016 ... but it was just too much of unfamiliar material and long, self-serving extended jams that eventually wore us out.
As such, they come in at #15 instead ... and that's a shame ... because they were considerably better than that ... and deserved more ... but so did WE as a audience.  (Or would that technically be less???)
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/08/toto.html 

#14 - Felix Cavaliere's Rascals - The Arcada Theatre
Prior to this show, we felt we may have seen Felix Cavaliere too many times to truly enjoy whatever it was he was going to present this evening.  And, quite honestly, after seeing the full-blown Rascals Reunion (albeit, short-lived) a few years ago, what was the point of going again ... the sum of all the parts was always going to outweigh any individual performance.
But I've got to say that I was pleasantly surprised.
Felix seemed rejuvenated for this performance ... and he really made it a fun show to watch.  HE was having fun ... and it was infectious.  Without question, the best solo show I've ever seen him do ... totally enjoyed it!

#13 - Tommy James and the Shondells - The Arcada Theatre
Tommy sells out The Arcada Theatre every time he performs there ... and this show was no exception.  Chicago has ALWAYS loved Tommy James ... and that love continues to this day.
While he essentially did the same show he did the last time we saw him, he's just such a fun performer that you can't help but have a good time.  (Again, infectious, feel-good pop music ... Tommy belongs in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame far more than half the artists that are already in there!)  And he is a genuinely appreciative artist, too, who loves giving the crowd his very best each time he takes the stage.
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/09/tommy-james-and-shondells.html

#12 - The New York Bee Gees (Peter Mazzeo, Tom Flyntz and Manny Focarrazzo) with special guest Rainere Martin as Donna Summer) - The Arcada Theatre   
Another surprise addition to the list this year ... a "cover band" devoted to preserving the music of The Bee Gees ... and, just to make sure the disco years are aptly covered, they've also got Rainere Martin doing her Donna Summer impression, which is good enough to headline a show of her very own!
They opened up the seating area to create a disco dance floor ... and it was packed throughout the evening's performance.  And let me tell you, watching these couples get up there and strut their stuff just like they did some 40 years ago was every bit as much fun as the show itself!
After the show, I got to visit with Fake Barry and Fake Donna and just had to tell them that they REALLY know how to throw a party.
It was a last minute decision to go to this one ... but I'm glad we did.  Fun for the whole family ... and highly recommended!  We were thoroughly entertained.
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/08/fun-night.html

#11 - Little Anthony and the Imperials - The Arcada Theatre
I saw Little Anthony and the Imperials a couple of years ago and was blown away by the show ... so had to go back again this year so that Frannie could experience it, too.
It's hard to believe that Anthony is about to turn 77 years old ... his voice is still incredible, hitting all the original high notes ... and he is powerful and moving as ever.
Another one that's highly recommended if it ever comes your way.
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/10/little-anthony-and-imperials-concert.html

Please join us tomorrow as we count down our Top Ten Concert Events of 2016 

A Monday Morning Quickie

Merry Christmas 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Chuck Buell and Kris Erik Stevens!

In the late 60s while at the Big 89, WLS in Chicago, I was the Early Evening On Air Personality from 6 to 10 followed by Kris Erik Stevens from 10 - 2. We heavily targeted our shows to the Radio-Listening Youth of Chicago every week night for eight big hours playing the current Hit Songs of the time, a few of which did become the Forgotten Hits of Today!

As a special year-end promotional thrust in 1969, I conceived, designed and staged this Classic WLS Holiday Photo featuring both me (left) and Kris (right) in a simple Christmas setting. We then sent an autographed version of this photo, accompanied by a personal "Happy Holidays!" message from the both of us, directly to numerous Chicagoland and surrounding area High School Student Newspapers in the months leading up to the Holiday Season with an offer that they could insert it in any such a manner as they saw fit. It ended up appearing in countless high school publications during the last couple of months of the year and was a timely and resounding promotional success for The Big 89's two fun-lovin' On-Air "Nighttime Kids!"

It was just one of many signature elements he and I did that made Radio so much Fun in those Golden Days of Contemporary Hit Radio!

 
Chuck Buell and Kris Erik Stevens Wishing You Happy Holidays! 

Chuck and Kris are heard every night from 6 PM to 2 AM on WLS, The Big 89 in Chicago! 

Thank you for featuring "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Vince Vance and the Valiants.

Vince Vance's real name is Andy Stone, so yes, he wrote the song.

mblandford 

And how's this for a last-minute Christmas gift giving idea???

Sinatra – Exclusive Limited Edition Centennial Book  

"His camera was a constant companion from his early teens. My daughter, his granddaughter, unearthed these gems and they are seen here for the first time." 
- Nancy Sinatra
To commemorate Sinatra's photographic legacy, his granddaughter Amanda Erlinger and noted author Robin Morgan curated the luxurious book SINATRA. Amanda compiled a wealth of rare and unseen images from the family archives for inclusion in the book along with an incredible array of stars to contribute words and imagery. Undoubtedly, SINATRA forms a wonderful, personal memory of Ol' Blue Eyes.
The 400-page book - which comes in luxury clam-shell case - contains a signed certificate of authenticity by Nancy Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr., and Tina Sinatra and features an exclusive rare and unpublished signed print of a photograph of Frank Sinatra taken by Nancy Sinatra Sr. This spectacular edition is limited to 1000 copies.
With contributions from an incredible all-star cast including Nancy Sinatra, Martin Scorsese, George Clooney, Billy Joel, Neil Sedaka, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, and Elvis Costello and the work of photographers Herbert Gehr, Milton H. Greene, Bob Willoughby, Dezo Hoffmann, Ken Veeder, Ted Allan, John Dominis, Ed Thrasher, John Bryson, and Terry O'Neill. SINATRA also features photos from the Capitol Records and Warner Bros. Records archives, unpublished family photos of the Sinatra family and, most excitingly, photos taken by Frank Sinatra himself, including several self-portraits. From now until December 31st, take $500 off when you enter the code Sinatra500 at checkout.

This And That
Hey, Kent, 
Please subscribe me to the new comments / 1967 list.

Thanks for your great site. I must admit lately most of my 'new' music (new to me, but from decades ago) comes from Youtube recommended videos. But I do enjoy reading more on your site about the folks who made the music I already know ... and lots that I don't.

Carl

PS I love 'Summer Laughter' and 'Nobody's Baby Now' by Reparata and the Delrons but google search didn't reveal them on your site. They're worthy of some notice, I think.

Reparata and the Delrons - Summer Laughter (1968)

Reparata and the Delrons - I'm Nobody's Baby Now 1966

Nationally, Reparata and the Delrons only had one Top 40 Hit ("Whenever A Teenager Cries, #35 in 1964) ... but they did a little better here in Chicago with that one (it peaked at #15) and "Tommy", the follow-up single, which reached #22 in Chicago ... but only #50 nationally.)

The two you mentioned barely made a blip ... "Summer Laughter" didn't chart at all ... and the best that "I'm Nobody's Baby Now" was able to do was to "bubble under" at #128 in Cash Box ... the other national trades didn't chart it at all.  (kk)

Hey Kent,

I'd like to be added to the subscriber list. I don't want to miss any comments - a year without the Sunday Comments would kill me!

Thanks so much for putting this all together. Looking forward to the things you have in store, too!

Thanks,

AJ Karolczak

Thanks, AJ.  I've emailed Jeff James and Jim Shea, too, hoping that they'll participate from the deejay side of things.  Even if they weren't personally on the air yet, I'm sure this music was VERY influential in their decision to pursue a career in broadcasting.  Plus, I know they LOVED playing this music on the old Y103.9 ... so hoping they'll share some of those memories with us ... and maybe some personal insight to the artists, too!  (kk)

Thanks for the mention of CRM Kent!

It's a shame that the Sunday comments is going on an online hiatus, though.

Larz

It'll still be available (sporadically anyway) through email throughout next year ... but obviously MOST of the focus will be on new 1967 comments as they pertain to our special year-long series.  I'm hoping many of the artists and deejays will continue to share their memories as the series unfolds as most of the calendar has already been prewritten for posting.  Also hoping for a BIG turn-out in the way of readership and memory sharing from all the folks on the list.  (kk)

kk -

Thanks for all your hard work keeping the music memories alive.  

I just read your piece on Bill Hengels in today's Forgotten Hits.

Well done, and thanks for getting the news out to all of the FH subscribers.

Bill was a big Forgotten Hits fan.  You're right ... he struggled with brain tumors for quite a few years and sadly passed away in late November. A memorial was held last Saturday and the church was full. 

Bill was the king of Silver Dollar Surveys, as you most likely recall. I knew Bill through our careers together at Sony for many years.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Kent, and let’s all stay healthy in 2017!
Best,
Mike Stineman  

Bill's wife / widow Mary, Bill, Ingrid Croce (Jim Croce's wife / widow) and AJ Croce (their son)

The Sunday Comments ( 12 - 18 - 16 )

The Sunday Comments  
You are reading what will be the last edition of The Sunday Comments that we will publish on the website for the next 54-55 weeks!  
That's right!  
There won't be a Sunday Comments next week on Christmas Day ...  
And by the following Sunday (January 1st) we'll already be into our 1967 Salute ... which will run for 369 consecutive days (kicking off on December 30th).  
That means that any future comments pages that we generate for the next 13 months will ONLY go out via email ... 
So if you don't want to miss a single issue, you MUST subscribe NOW to our brand new 1967 list.

Email me now at either forgottenhits@aol.com or kk@forgottenhits.com and get on the list!  (kk) 

Meanwhile, for ALL of the latest oldies news, served up daily, may we suggest Vintage Vinyl News ... which is also available by subscription.  They'll keep you up to date with the the current news while we continue to live in the past!  (lol)  http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/ 

Carl Giammarese

Carl’s a super nice guy; wish we had known each other better “back in the day” but at least we get to connect now through Cornerstones.  Looking forward to hearing his solo work as well as Bucks’ stuff in the upcoming ’67 series! 

Ray Graffia, Jr.  

Kent, 
Thanks for giving Carl Giammarese some love. I had the chance to meet him a few years ago to work on a podcast with him and share a meal. What an ace guy and a terrific musician -- someone any Chicagoan should be proud of. 
Best,
Stu Shea

Nice review / preview of Carl Giammare's new album, Kent -- it definitely convinced me to order a copy.  I always appreciate your honesty in the periodic concert and disc reviews that you post, even when your opinion might ruffle the feathers of the artist being profiled.  Criticisms are measured and I never feel that you are hyping something that you like, so something that gets a hearty thumb's from you definitely tweaks my interest.

Happy Holidays to you and the entire FH crowd!

Scott Paton

That's one thing we've never compromised here in Forgotten Hits ... we've got to call 'em as we see 'em ... and that policy has probably earned us more respect than any other amongst our many fans and readers.  I've always said ... if all you want is a puff piece, get your publicist to write it ... if you want the real deal, then I'm your guy.  (It's funny because even Carl acknowledged that he knew when he sent it to me that I was going to give the CD a serious evaluation ... which is always risky as an artist ... it can go either way ... but I genuinely do like this CD ... it's well done and I love the fact that you get to hear a side of Carl that never has a chance to come across on stage by only cranking out the hits.)  That being said, I try to temper EVERY criticism I give with some constructive suggestions regarding what might have made it better.  I have NEVER set out to write a negative review ... it's just not in my nature ... but there is a certain expectation with the fans so we do our best to represent "the silent majority" when approaching these situations.  Glad you ordered the CD ... you'll enjoy it!  (kk)

I ordered Carl Giammare's new CD after reading just Part One of your feature - now that I've heard a couple of samples in Part Two I know I made the right decision.  Can't wait to hear the whole thing.  Another review ... and interview well done.

Rick

Kent, 
Thank you so much! I love the way you put this together and how you put across the meaning and significance of each song. All I could say is I appreciate that you took the time to get into and reflect on each song. I cannot put into words what it means to write a song and have those you respect give you such positive feedback. I always thought of you to be honest, saying what you think. When I first gave you the album I was hopeful you would really enjoy it, but I was prepared and willing to accept whichever way it turned out.  
I have it up on both the Buckinghams and my personal Facebook page. We are getting a ton of likes already. We have 39,000 Facebook friends and the likes are piling up. Once again, much appreciation. 

I appreciate how in depth you were. It is so complete and well done that I am inspired to move forward with some solo possibilities. I look forward to talking again soon.   Please make sure you join us for the Cornerstone show. 

Merry Christmas!
Carl 
THE BUCKINGHAMS 
www.thebuckinghams.com
www.facebook.com/thebuckinghams 
www.facebook/carlgiammarese

I am happy to report that Part Two of our interview with Carl Giammarese received the highest number of views in the past six months ... hopefully some of you have already ordered his new CD for your personal collection!  (kk)

FH Reader Jack Levin sent in this vintage Buckinghams ad ...

And Gary Theroux, the creative mind behind "The History Of Rock And Roll", sent us this Buckinghams feature from his new daily series, currently running on Rewind Radio ... 

1967:

Am I obsessing about our new 1967 Series???  Well, maybe just a little bit. Last weekend when we drove down to ISU to see our daughter Paige starring in two one-act plays, I couldn't resist snapping this photo of the building next door when we parked at the campus bookstore ...

But mostly I'm just really exciting about sharing all of this with you ... hoping you'll start your day with Forgotten Hits every morning to catch up on the events of exactly fifty years ago ... relive the memories ... and subscribe to our "1967 Extras" that will go out ONLY as emails to registered subscribers.  (Subscribe now by sending an email to either forgottenhits@aol.com or kk@forgottenhits.com and ask us to put you on the list!)

And, above all else, I'm hoping you'll share YOUR memories with US so we can share them with the group.  Counting on major participation for this one ... fans, deejays, artists ... the whole deal.

Remember, it all kicks off on Friday, December 30th, with a year-end recap of 1966 ... and then runs straight through till January 2nd, 2018 (yes, we've already added a day!!!)  kk

Here are some 1967 "Forget Me Nots" ...

LITTLE GAMES - Yardbirds

THE AIRPLANE SONG (MY AIRPLANE) - Royal Guardsmen

YOU'VE GOT TO PAY THE PRICE - Al Kent

EVEN THE BAD TIMES ARE GOOD - Tremeloes

FELICICAD - Sally Field

I WAS KAISER BILL's BATMAN - "Whistling" Jack Smith

MORE LOVE - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

I'M WONDERING - "Little" Stevie Wonder

ALL YOUR GOODIES ARE GONE - Parliaments

I TAKE IT BACK - Sandy Posey
OUT AND ABOUT - Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart

DO IT AGAIN (JUST A LITTLE BIT SLOWER) - Jon & Robin

YOU'RE MY EVERYTHING - Temptations

HEY! MAMA - Flaming Ember

PATA PATA - Miriam Makeba

SKINNY LEGS AND ALL - Joe Tex

I LIKE THE WAY - Tommy James & The Shondells

SOME VELVET MORNING - Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL - Soul Brothers Six
TRAMP - Otis & Carla
INDESCRIBABLY BLUE - Elvis Presley
CHILD OF CLAY - Jimmie Rodgers
WHO WILL ANSWER? - Ed Ames
MONTEREY - Animals
STEP OUT OF YOUR MIND - American Breed
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL & FEEL SO GOOD - Bunny Sigler
SHE IS STILL A MYSTERY - Lovin' Spoonful
SIX O'CLOCK - Lovin' Spoonful
TWELVE THIRTY - Mamas & The Papas
SOCIETY'S CHILD - Janis Ian
WILD HONEY - Beach Boys
DEAR ELOISE - Hollies
NO MILK TODAY - Herman's Hermits
DON'T GO OUT INTO THE RAIN - Herman's Hermits
ANYTHING GOES - Harper's Bizarre
BLUE AUTUMN - Bobby Goldsboro
WATCH THE FLOWERS GROW - Four Seasons
EPISTLE TO DIPPY - Donovan
THERE IS A MOUNTAIN - Donovan
DON'T BLAME THE CHILDREN - Sammy Davis Jr.
WALKIN' IN THE SUNSHINE - Roger Miller
MARY IN THE MORNING - Al Martino
THE HUNTER GETS CAPTURED BY THE GAME - Marvelettes
WHEN YOU'RE YOUNG AND IN LOVE - Marvelettes
LOVE BUG LEAVE MY HEART ALONE - Martha & The Vandellas
HONEY CHILE - Martha & The Vandellas
THE DIS-ADVANTAGES OF YOU - Brass Ring
DANDELION -  Rolling Stones
SHE'S A RAINBOW / 2000 LIGHT YEARS FROM HOME - Rolling Stones
TOMORROW - Strawberry Alarm Clock
HOMBURG - Procol Harum

Tal Hartsfeld

You'll find MOST of these featured in our brand new series ... remember, we're unveiling the entire year EXACTLY as it happened ... so get onboard and enjoy the ride!  (kk)

Hi Kent -

Really looking forward to this new 1967 series.

I know its a labour of love for you but it does take a lot of research and hard graft. So well done you!

I was not on the air personally in 1967 ... my time started in 1974 but I remember every year in the sixties.

Indeed these days on my syndicated worldwide radio show Solid Gold Sixties I have a feature called "the summer of love".

Looking at current CD's I have, these are just six songs that struck me:
Moby Grape - Omaha
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Chambers Brothers - Time Has Come Today
Buckinghams - Kind Of A Drag
Beach Boys - Heroes and Villians
Hollies - King Midas In Reverse
These are just the start!!
Most do not get airplay today in UK.
Regards
Geoff 

www.softrockshow.co.uk

Kent,

Here's another tale from the DJ days ...

In October, 1967, Red Foley was making his last tour of the western states.  He had picked up two Country & Western performers who were operating out of California at the time ... Lynn Anderson, who was still three years away from "Rose Garden" but had made her first country Top 10 hit earlier in the year and Glen Campbell, who was already a known factor in the country genre. 

We had earlier charted the John Hartford version of "Gentle On My Mind" so when Glen's release of the song arrived, we had it on our playlist right away.  We had also charted his "Burning Bridges" as well as the Oak Ridge Boys release of Glen's "Less Of Me".  At that time, KMOR-AM was the #2 station in the market, so we did have an impact on sales. 

The concert hall was an "in the round" venue, so got my seat on the aisle right where the artists came up to go to the dressing rooms.  Lynn led off and did her set of about eight songs.  When she left the stage, she walked up the usual aisle so I stood up and introduced myself. 

She shook my hand and we exchanged the usual pleasantries.  Then she asked if she could sit with me because she wanted to hear Glen's songs.  That was fine with me, so we chatted a another minute or so until Glen took over the stage.  That's when the great memories began. 

Glen was about halfway through his second song when Lynn started quietly singing harmony with Glen and I was the only one in the hall who could hear her.  She kept it up through Glen's whole set, so I had my own private stereo concert.  I did note that she was darn good, too. 

After the show, I made my way back to the dressing rooms.  There, Herb, the local Capitol Records rep saw me and invited me to join their party that was heading for a local nightspot.  That sounded good to me so I joined Glen and his trio, Herb and another DJ and off we went to the Squire Lounge.  As soon as we got seated, Glen asked the leader of the house band if he could sit in with their group.  The leader looked a little puzzled but then told Glen to come on up.  Needless to say, as soon as Glen started pickin', the whole group came alive.  Glen did about five numbers and then thanked the guys and rejoined us.

Glen was still wide awake so he suggested we hit a local all night diner for a snack and some visiting.  So off we went to the "Rodeway Inn" coffee shop. 

I sat next to Glen in the booth and proceeded to enjoy the best all-night shift in my life.  As it happened, one of the guys in Glen's back up trio had also been in the Hondells (of "Little Honda" fame), so he had some good stories to tell.  Glen was absolutely a great guy to hang out with.  He'd already been a top studio cat (the Wrecking Crew) so he'd played with and talked about all kinds of Hollywood folks.  He laughed easily and joked and jived with all of us.  He also mentioned that he'd been in discussion with the Smothers Brothers to start his own TV show.  I can also say that the conversation never let up and I didn't get tired at all! 

Finally, at 5:30 AM, I had to bail out and get to my morning shift at the radio station.  I thanked everyone and shook hands all around. 

Glen later sent me some autographed albums and a few letters thanking me for playing his music.  What a thrill it was. 

Jim Southern

Gladstone, OR

 

This And That

The polls are closed on this year's fan ballot for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
After extending the deadline to December 12th, here's how your favorite finished up ...

ROCK HALL: Journey Comes Out on Top in Fan Vote
The fan voting for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2017 is complete, and the Top 5 vote-getters, in order, are: 1. Journey 
2. Electric Light Orchestra 
3. Yes 
4. Pearl Jam 
5. The Cars  
Each of these artists will receive an extra vote in the overall Class of 2017 induction tally. But this doesn't guarantee induction, nor does it exclude the other 14 nominees. The ballots from the members of the music industry are due today (Friday), and the results will be announced on Tuesday morning at 8:00 ET.  
This year's other nominees are (ranked in votes earned order):  Steppenwolf, The Zombies, The J. Geils Band, Joan Baez, MC5, Jane's Addiction, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, Bad Brains, Tupac Shakur, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan, Chic and Joe Tex

Hey Kent -

Our writer Roger Catlin interviewed Peter Noone recently. They covered a lot of ground, including his passion for stamp collecting and also the benefits of being British in 1965, when Herman's Hermits landed two #1 hits.

http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/peter_noone_of_herman_s_hermits/  
Be Well,

Carl Wiser

www.songfacts.com

Speaking of new interviews, check out this one with Micky Dolenz and Noise 11 ...

http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2016/12/interview-noise11-talks-with-micky.html

Look at these show coming up at Vegas' Gold Nugget - interesting grouping - looks like Ron's bookings!

- DIS

They're calling it "52 FRIDAYS" ... every Friday at 8 PM at The Golden Nugget ...

Bookings thru March include:

December 30th - Morris Day and the Time

January 6th - John Waite

January 13th - Blood Sweat And Tears

January 20th - Micky Dolenz

January 27th - Felix Cavaliere

February 3rd - Tommy James and the Shondells

February 10th - Blue Oyster Cult

February 17th - David Cassidy

February 24th - Jefferson Starship

March 3rd - BJ Thomas

March 10th - Marshall Tucker Band

March 17th - Eddie Money

March 24th - Taylor Dayne

Tom Cuddy tells us about the upcoming tour featuring Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey.  (To tell you the truth, I was SHOCKED to hear that Mariah is the opening act on this one!)

More details via the link below ...

Read it on people.com

Tom also tells us ...

Beginning in late February, CMT will broadcast Sun Records, an eight-episode series about the label that gave Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins their starts. Newcomer Drake Milligan has been cast as Presley. Billy Gardell (from Mike and Molly) will play his manager Colonel Tom Parker.

We lost a good friend of Forgotten Hits recently when Bill Hengels passed away the last week of November.

I've known Bill personally for about ten years and can honestly say I've never met ANYONE in my life that has battled back the way he did. 

Diagnosed at least six or seven times with brain tumors, Bill had the surgeries, had them removed, only to have new ones materialize later ... but in between, he continued to enjoy life as best he could ... especially the music.

We'd hear that Bill was laid up again, only to run into him at an outdoor concert that summer ... whenever he could, he always made it to the shows.  And he LOVED the music, too.

While at Harper College in the '70's, he recorded a Jim Croce concert that later came out on CD after he approached Jim's widow Ingrid with the tapes.

A few years back his daughter was working at The Metropolis Theater and Bill got a bunch of friends and relatives together to see a Bee Gees Tribute Show they were hosting.  Whenever it came to music, his passion shone through ... and he always tried to include us in these ventures.

He was an avid chart collector (and even used the screen name WLS Survey) ... MANY times over the years he supplied us with mint, vintage copies of these and other Chicagoland charts.

Many times, when inspired by a particular series we ran in Forgotten Hits, he would make me a compilation cd of songs from our various countdowns and special features.

I know that he was a HUGE fan of Forgotten Hits and really enjoyed and respected what we do ... but he was also a friend and someone you could just talk music with.

Music was his passion and I truly believe it helped keep him going no matter how difficult the time may have gotten every now and then.  When the music plays this big a role in your life, the passion is obvious ... and overwhelming factor ... and Bill LOVED the music and the memories.

He was a fighter and he will be missed.  Our condolences go out to his wife Mary and their family.  (kk)

And, speaking of recent losses ...

Jim Lowe, the New York disk jockey also remembered for "The Green Door" (#1 - 1956), died Monday (December 12) at his home in East Hampton, Long Island, New York, after what was termed a long illness. The Springfield, Missouri-born Jim was 93.

A graduate of the University of Missouri, he worked briefly in radio in Springfield, Indianapolis (WIRE) and Chicago (WMAQ) before moving to the Big Apple, where he was heard at various times on WCBS, WNEW and WNBC. He is also known for "Close The Door" (#27 - 1955) and his version of "Four Walls" (#15 - 1957). Jim retired from broadcasting in 2004 and served on the board of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

-- Ron Smith

George Michael “Mac” Mantalis, Age 81 of Canonsburg (Pa), passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 10 2016 in Allegheny General Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born December 22, 1934 in Canonsburg a son of the late Miltiathes and Artemis Pangadakis Mantalis. Mr. Mantalis was a graduate of Canonsburg High School class of 1952 and served with the United States Army. He was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church and AHEPA lodge 156 of Canonsburg. He had been owner of ALMAC Communications and during the 1970’s the former George and Jean’s Restaurant.
Mr. Mantalis was an original member of the Four Coins, a world famous singing group of the 50’s and 60’s who traveled the world playing the most famous clubs and venues such as the Copa Cabana in New York and hotels in Las Vegas. Over the years, they sold numerous records, four albums and appeared on many television shows. These appearances included The Perry Como Show, The Tonight Show, The Steve Allen Show, The Patti Page Show, Ed Sullivan, Mike Douglas many times and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand eight times. Their biggest record was SHANGRI LA, which was the most played record of 1957. The Four Coins also appeared in the Warner Brothers movie JAMBOREE. Mr. Mantalis was a fantastic tenor whose voice gave the Coins their distinct sound He was a showman on and off the stage with his humor and funny stories.
On November 25, 1957, he married his beloved wife Jeanne Bell Mantalis who survives. Also, left to cherish his memory are his son, Michael (Beth) Mantalis of Canonsburg, two daughters; Tamara (Sam) Achille of West Palm Beach Florida and Darcy (Danny) Fraizer of Canonsburg two grandson’s George and Michael Fraizer, his brother Gus (Rose) Mantalis of Canonsburg, two sisters Mary Karavelis of Canonsburg and Ann Koutavis of St. Augustine Florida, several nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Deceased, in addition to his parents, is his sister Frances Loustion.
 

Kent,

I did some checking here at home on that William Allen & his Orchestra tune you posted. 1961 was the year it came out ... Laurie records pressed it and released it two records after the Jarmels' LITTLE BIT OF SOAP and eight records before Dion's RUNAROUND SUE. I'd never heard of it either.As you probably know, the comedy record by Bill Dana you posted was an edited version. The entire record (A and B sides) comes to 8 minutes, 10 seconds. If I remember right, both sides were played here in the OKC area which was a lengthy record to play back then. Also if memory serves me correct, the Bill Dana record peaked at #2 here in the OKC area. Quite good indeed for a comedy record. I believe Larry Verne's comedy record MISTER CUSTER peaked at #2 as well.

One final thing. You mentioned the Astronauts BAJA.  I haven't heard that instrumental in years.

Larry

Well here it is.  A minor hit in 1963 (#92 in Music Vendor, #94 in Billboard) ... but big in California from what I'm told.  (kk)

By the way, it was Chicago DeeJay Chuck Buell who sent us the original clip and info on the William Allen record, who sends in more details this week.  (I asked him where he grew up and heard this o the radio since I can't find ANY record of it charting ANYWHERE!!!  Chuck had said he was inspired enough after hearing it to run out to his local record store and pick up a copy!)   

Well, let's see . . . I don't really remember on what station I heard it . . . and there were only two radio stations in my town then, both AM ... one was a CBS block programmed station KOTA, and the other was an AOR, "All Over the Road," KRSD!  Both in Rapid City, South Dakota!  City Motto: "Where You Hear the Hits You Won't Hear Anywhere Else!" {:~} 
The tune in question here actually came out before John Glenn's Flight. It was inspired a year earlier by Allan Shepard, who had renamed his space craft "Freedom 7" for his suborbital flight in 1961 (hence the "Freedom" reference in the title of the song). Glenn flew his orbital mission the following year, in 1962, and he renamed his craft "Friendship 7." So in reality, there were two "F-7s" within a short period of time!

Both Shepard and Glenn were among the first 7 original American astronauts which probably has a lot to do with their choosing the Number 7 for their spacecraft numbers!

And I do I admit, I have a tough time telling those 7 guys apart here much less keeping their two different F-7 spacecraft's names apart!

The Original 7 American Astronauts

-- CB (which stands for "Clarification Boy!" aka Chuck Buell!)

I don't know if you had a chance to see any of that short-lived, limited ABC Series "The Astronauts' Wives", but it depicted our fascination with the space race as it happened in the early '60's ... quite well done, actually ... and made me want to read more about the "real deal" (and "the right stuff") after seeing it.  Unfortunately, it's not available on DVD, which I think is a real shame as this might make for an interesting keepsake of the era ... along with some of the major articles that appeared in places like "Life Magazine" along the way.  (The wives literally became celebrities themselves ... as each private detail of their personal lives was aired publicly ... kind of a precursor to those goofy "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" shows that are on today ... where the housewives actually CRAVE all of the bad publicity they can drum up!)  

You'll find a couple of NASA-related stories in our upcoming 1967 Series as well ... which I'm hoping you'll participate in from a deejay's perspective of the constantly changing trends in music that captivated the airwaves weekly!  Thanks, Chuck!  (kk)

 
Hi Kent,

Every Christmas season I think I should mention one of my favorite forgotten Christmas carols, but never get around to it.  The Cryan’ Shames' “Carol for Lorelei” is an overlooked classic and always takes me back to the Midwestern Christmases of my past.  Just wanted to take the time to remind my fellow readers of this forgotten tune.

Thanks.

Tom

This one's not as familiar to me ... but certainly worth featuring as the big day gets closer and closer ... although I'm not entirely certain it was the Christmas season that inspired this one ... maybe some of The Shames can chime in on this one. Meanwhile, it's great excuse to showcase their incredible harmonies once again!  (kk)

According to Chicagoland Radio and Media Guide, Me-TV-FM will be airing "The 100 Greatest Christmas Hits Of All-Time" (put together by FH Regular Gary Theroux and hosted by the legendary Wink Martindale, beginning at 8 am on Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24th).  It will then air three more consecutive times throughout Christmas Day and into Christmas Night.  The program runs ten hours and, in addition to The Top Greatest Christmas Hits, also features a number of very rare surprises.

Program Director Rick O'Dell  told CRMG  "The countdown show blends tried-and-true favorites with ear-catching surprise selections, songs that haven't been heard on Chicago radio in many years. Where else are you going to get a mix of holiday music that can take you from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to the Crystals to Ray Coniff to Paul Harvey in the same hour?"'

Chicagoland Radio and Media Guide is also talking about a special hosting appearance by Oscar Winning Actor Tom Hanks.  (Hanks will be in town next month on January 12th to record his guest-host appearance on "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!", subbing for Peter Sagal, who'll be on vacation the following weekend.)

Sagal offered this excellent tongue-in-cheek perspective on things ...

 "I was excited to find out that in my absence, one of the stars of the classic sitcom 'Bosom Buddies' would be hosting the show. I was disappointed to find out that it wasn't going to be Peter Scolari, but I'm sure this Hanks fellow will do fine. I hope he's been doing some useful preparation since 'Bosom Bodies' went off the air in 1982, because this is a pretty high-profile gig."

The program is nationally syndicated and airs on its home station of WBEZ-FM on Saturdays at 10:00 am and Sundays at 5:00 pm.  (kk)

CNN Films Premieres ‘NOW MORE THAN EVER: The History of Chicago’ on New Year’s Day   

Legendary rock group’s origins, hits, and challenges makes TV & streaming debut on Jan. 1, 2017   

CNN Films will premiere Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago, about the rock super group, on Sunday, Jan. 1, at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm Eastern on CNN / U.S., the network announced today.  The film’s debut presentation will be offered with limited commercial interruption.  

In 2017, the band will mark 50 years of pop music success that includes 36 albums, yearly tours, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2016, two Grammy^® award wins (including one for the band’s first album, Chicago Transit Authority, for the Grammy^® Hall of Fame in 2014), 21 Top 10 singles, five consecutive No. 1 albums, an incredible 25 certified platinum albums, multiple American Music Awards, and more. 

Band founders Robert Lamm (keyboards and vocals), Lee Loughnane (trumpet and vocals), James Pankow (trombone), and Walt Parazaider (woodwinds) remain from the original crew, making Chicago America’s rock band with the most longevity in history.  

Now More Than Ever was directed and edited by Peter Pardini.  Pardini’s unique access yields deeply personal reflections the band’s origins, successes, and struggles.  Pardini weaves archival and contemporary interviews, footage from the band’s DePaul University college days and tours, and contemporary interviews with band members and managers through the years to reveal Chicago’s chart-topping, pop culture iconic history through intimate layers.  Bandmates discuss their early days of peace rallies with Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the stories behind their hit, 1969’s ‘Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?,’ to ‘If You Leave Me Now,’ to ‘You’re The Inspiration,’ and many more with colorful insights into how the band members were growing as people, and sometimes feuding, as artists and bandmates.  

Throughout, Pardini’s deeply personal interviews tell the backstories to ‘Just You ‘N Me,’ which was written by Pankow, following an argument with his fiancée, and ‘Hard to Say I’m Sorry,’ which introduced Chicago to a whole new generation of fans as well as some new creative tensions, when the song became part of the soundtrack to 1982’s Hollywood romantic comedy, Summer Lovers.  And, movingly, Pardini examines the band’s wild years while living and recording at Caribou Ranch, and the devastating and emotional loss of gifted lead guitarist Terry Kath, to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot.  

In addition to the premiere broadcast, NOW MORE THAN EVER: The History of Chicago, will also stream live for subscribers via CNNgo beginning Jan. 1 (at www.CNN.com/go and via CNNgo apps for AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and iPad).  The film will also be available the day after the premiere (Monday, Jan. 02) on demand via cable/satellite systems and CNNgo.  NOW MORE THAN EVER will also encore on CNN/U.S. on Saturday, Jan. 07 at 8:00pm and 10:00pm Eastern.  

CNN will explore the band’s incredible music legacy through the experiences and reflections of their superfans in interactive pieces for CNN.com.  Video excerpts from the film, and photographs from Chicago’s tours, will also be available via CNN’s mobile platforms and online at www.CNN.com/history-of-chicago closer to the time of the broadcast premiere.  Viewers can interact with CNN Films about NOW MORE THAN EVER by using the hashtag #HistoryOfChicago via Twitter before and during the premiere.  

-- Tom Cuddy 

Here is a list of more film festival screenings of the new documentary "Bang! The Bert Berns Story", playing to rave reviews ... if you're able to see it in a city near you, we'd love to hear from you!  (I still don't see Chicago on the list!)

Dec. 17 - Hartford CT Wadsworth Atheneum – special screening plus performance by Betty Harris backed by The Mighty Soul Drivers

Dec. 29 - Jerusalem, Israel - Jewish Film Festival

Jan. 17 - Miami FL - Jewish Film Festival

Jan. 26 - Atlanta GA - Jewish Film Festival

Feb. 3 - Atlanta GA - Jewish Film Festival

Feb. 11 - Atlanta GA – Jewish Film Festival

Mar. 7 - Cleveland OH - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Special Screening

Mar. 23 - Portland ME - Maine Jewish Film Festival

Apr. 24 - Port Jefferson NY - Documentary Series

May  4 - Toronto Ontario - Jewish Film Festival

Hola Kent, 

Perhaps Ups & Downs is too broad a subject, and as the Oldies frame of reference enlarges each decade, it becomes harder to focus on songs that appeal to that growing demographic. 

So speaking for the older, oops, more mature segment of your vast audience, might I offer "Up on the Roof" and "Down In The Boondocks" ... I'll stop there since many more are coming to mind.

That may explain why the upcoming tribute to '67 is so anticipated by your readership as it allows us to focus and appreciate a specific segment of the Oldies Era.

Today may have been a good day to highlight weather related songs I.E. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" ... ha ha ... man it is freezing!  

Merry Christmas to you and all the readers and supporters,

CharlieOFD

As I type this, the forecast calls for ACTUAL temperatures as low as 18 degrees BELOW ZERO tomorrow ... with wind chills into the Minus 30's ... so I can relate.

Then again, tying it all together, perhaps "It's Cold Outside" by The Choir (a group that eventually morphed into The Raspberries) was a 1967 as well!  (kk)

Hi Kent ... 

Have a rockin' good new year!

Chet 

We're kicking it off with The Chi-Lites and The O'Jays at Star Plaza on New Year's Eve ... and have already earmarked at least half a dozen shows at the Arcada for the first quarter of 2017 ... and you just know the list is going to get even better from there!!!  (kk)

One last concert note ...

Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana, presents "A Salute To The '60's" featuring The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone ... I can't even begin to tell you how cool it is to have members from all three of these legendary '60's group on our list as active participants in Forgotten Hits.  More ticket information here:
http://www.starplazatheatre.com/index.php/get-tickets/upcoming-events/129-salute17