August 13th, 1965

60 YEARS AGO TODAY:

8/13/65 – The Beatles arrive at Kennedy International Airport in New York to begin their second North American Tour

Also on 8/13, Mike Smith, lead singer of The Dave Clark Five, suffered two broken ribs when he was pulled off the stage by overzealous fans. The group was performing at the Arie Crown Theater in McCormick Place in Chicago, and this was their first concert, kicking off a brand new US tour.

Also on 8/13, Jefferson Airplane made their live debut at the grand opening of San Francisco's Matrix Club. The photograph of the members of Jefferson Airplane that was featured on the front cover of their best-known album, Surrealistic Pillow (1967), was taken inside the Matrix.

Another TWO FOR TUESDAY Concert Review from Shelley

Noel Paul Stookey

There was Peter, Paul and Mary … singing at rallies, singing in coffee houses, singing for peace, singing for change. We lost Mary Travers, and I wondered if this was it. Is it over? No. Peter and Paul continued with concerts even when Peter became ill and the concerts needed to be lessened. Then we lost Peter Yarrow. Is my enjoyment of their live music over? Is that feeling of coming together and love for the future done? NO WAY! Noel Paul Stookey came to the beautiful Katherine Hepburn Theatre to a full house on July 27th. I was so surprised and pleased to see all these people together and smiling, waiting for him to lead them in song again. 

We did an advertisement for Old Saybrook before the show began. The camera was turned on and we yelled, "Visit Old Saybrook". Please do. It is a beautiful seaside town. And then Noel Paul steps onstage to a rousing round of applause.

He is so laid back. He says he is nervous, but it does not show at all. I am reminded of Chad Stuart, who always seemed as if he were performing in his living room while we were all having coffee. The whole performance flows. A cellphone ringing, a bad note, waiting for the manulenjo to be tuned ... somehow it all fit and just made sense.

An usher gives me her phone that has a picture of the set list on it. GREAT! I copy it and only need to be aware of last minute changes. There was only one. One song was deleted, but the show was still almost two hours long. Song and memories. Tributes and songs written and/or recorded by Noel Paul. I spent an afternoon marveling at what I have been witness to in my life thus far and wondering what is coming forward.

1. In These Times

2. Not That Kind of Music

3. Weave Me the Sunshine - by Peter Yarrow and used as the motto by Paul's charity, Music To Life

Weave me the hope of a new tomorrow ... Fill my cup again

4. My Turn Now - this was a tribute to Peter. The title tells it all, but some of the lyrics have been changed so that they refer specifically to Peter.

5. Puff the Magic Dragon - Peter would have stopped the show and yelled, "Who said you could sing?" Oh wait! Paul gave another tribute to him. He stopped the show and laughingly asked us who said we could sing?

6. Love In The Upper Case

7. Playing Right Field - I love this song. A memory for anyone who is not the best at an activity but ends up being the star at least once. It happened to me, my brothers and my children.

8. One and Many

Intermission

9. How Can I Keep From Singing

10. Dance to the Manulenjo - an instrument that is a combination of mandolin, banjo and guitar.

11. Asparagus - an ode poem

12. Garden Song

13. Cue The Moon

14. Wedding Song - lyrics exactly as he sang them at Peter's wedding.

15. For the Love Of It All

16. Revolution

17. Blowin' In The Wind / If I Had A Hammer

Standing ovation but of course an encore.

18. America the Beautiful - YES! The America you learned in school, with a couple stanzas updated to make the song as relevant today as it was "for heroes proved in liberating strife."

Not knowing the new lyrics, we sang along on the choruses and all walked out of the theatre smiling on a cloudy Sunday afternoon.

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

NE Correspondent

Forgotten Hits

****** 

Boy, I needed that!

In retrospect, I am sure I WANTED it, but the aftermath helped me realize that I truly NEEDED it.

Yes, I went to see the Happy Together Tour for the second time. My original plan was to attend a show at the beginning of the tour and then see what, if anything had changed by the end. It is actually not the end of this year's tour, but it is the end for me. They will be traveling out of my driving area.

So, Shelley, tell us. Did anything change? Absolutely! And not at all! Let's me take you through this with my captions added to their performance at The Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT on August 2, 2025.

The line-up did not change this year as far as the groups advertised. There had been changes in previous years. The line-up of people was slightly altered, but it had been advertised as such. The musical numbers did not change. The videos and the video timings did not change. Music interludes were added between acts as there was only one stage roadie changing the set-ups between them. Let me revisit my night for you.

The Cowsills are still running on Ever Ready batteries. Even if they have switched to Duracell, the energy is still on high. Kudos to Bob, Paul and Susan.

The Rain, The Park and Other Things

We Can Fly

Indian Lake 

Love American Style

Hair

Is it the sound at this theatre or some other quality that has made their harmonies stronger and clearer? Maybe the band? They have always been a together group, but they are snappy, clean and tight tonight. Whatever it is, the audience is enamored. "That's the Cowsills?" "Wow, listen to them."

The audience listens to the recorded introduction and start clapping as soon as they realize The Vogues are coming out. Troy Elich, Sean Moran and Royce Taylor.

5 O'Clock World

You Are My Special Angel

Turn Around, Look at Me

You're the One

The audience acts as if each of these songs has been written for them. They start holding hands, smiles breaking across faces and holding hands. Maybe it's the audience that is the reason the show is so good tonight?

There are a couple sons who brought their mothers around me and when Gary Puckett emerges, I hear "Wow, I didn't know HE was going to be here!" from the sons and "He is my favorite!" from the mothers. Gary's voice is strong; no shakiness and he is full of self-confidence. He turns to the band at least three times and says, "You guys are great tonight." or "Boy, you guys are really great tonight." He is absolutely correct. It IS as if they are wired together so they cannot be anything but tight in performance. Is the band the reason the show is so good tonight?

Lady Willpower

Over You

This Girl is a Woman Now

Woman, Woman - OK Gary, I know this is your favorite, but why does a song about cheating rank highly? Is it the musicality? Someday please explain.

Young Girl

He closes the first act, and the audience has been up and down in standing ovations so far. Show-offs! So proud that they can still get up and down so easily. Audience, I apologize. Whether it was easy for you to stand or not, they all deserved it. 

Gary has dedicated his performance to our Veterans and declares his faith as he leaves the stage. Is this the reason the show is so good tonight?

After intermission I run back to my seat so as not to miss anything. This is a hot night. (Actually, the temperature is cool outside) But inside this theatre, heat is emanating from musical instruments and vocal cords.

Again, as soon as the audience realizes who is being introduced, they applaud and Little Anthony, Johnny Britt and Dale Herr stroll onto the stage. I am well aware that the musical styles change tonight with the varying artists, and that was the 60s! You were not limited to one genre or style. Is this why the show tonight is so good?

Tears On My Pillow - more "Awwwwwwws" from the audience

Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop - the "stupid" song that sold millions. As stupid as Anthony says this song is, he still does a mean Shimmy Bop dance. 

Is this why the show is so good tonight?

Hurts So Bad

Going Out of My Head

Sandy Deanne is back! So good to see him along with Darren Dowler, Jay Reincke, and Lenie Colacino as Jay and the Americans enter from both sides of the stage. Is Sandy being back the reason the show is so good tonight? 

Only In America

Let's Lock the Door

Cara Mia

Come a Little Bit Closer

This Magic Moment

Sandy talks about the thrill of being 84 and still standing on stage with all the talent that is here. He calls the show "a party."  Jay Reincke thrills the people around me as he proves he is able to sing 'Cara Mia' with its ridiculous vocal range. 

Is seeing original performers, no matter how old, back on stage that is making this show so good tonight?

Is the camaraderie of these units instilling "party atmosphere" the reason this show is so good tonight?

All of the songs have been performed in A+ fashion. Is this the reason the show is so good tonight?

We know Mark Volman is not able to tour this year, and I will be very surprised if he is able to do so in the future. What will happen to the sponsorship of the Happy Together Tour I do not know, but tonight Ron Dante and Godfrey Townsend give the crowd a run for their Turtles with the closing act.

She'd Rather Be With Me

You Baby

It Ain't Me Babe

Sugar Sugar

Elenore

Happy Together

Both Ron and Godfrey tell us of their musical affiliations with other groups, however they both have histories with The Turtles so is the fact that they both know what they are doing as "Turtles" the reason the show tonight is so good?

Manny Focarazzo, Greg Smith, and Chris Camillari join Godfrey Townsend in bringing all the acts back on stage to a rousing standing sing-along finale.

The finale can't be the reason the show is so good tonight! WHAT IS THE REASON THAT THE SHOW IS SO GOOD TONIGHT?

Here it is:

The band, the acts, the audience, the sound and lighting crew, EACH and ALL were in top form TOGETHER. Why? I DON'T CARE WHY OR HOW! People stopped me in the theatre and as I was walking to my car to tell me about their music memories, to smile at me, to tell me how much they loved the show, and to tell me how many more times they want to see this show. And not one person already knew me. The air was just that sweet.

Yes, I needed that!

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

NE Correspondent

Forgotten Hits

 

And this from Sandy Deanne of Jay and the Americans:

This is me, Sandy, going on record to address all the concerns and misconceptions about my health and touring info.

I am well and merely being intelligent about doing 60 shows in 90 days. Like last year, I am only doing the amount of shows that will allow me to continue the rest of our busy touring schedule for many more years. So, in the Brooklyn way of putting it, “ I ain’t goin’ anywhere, folks, and thanks for your concern.”

Sandy Deanne

A Monday Morning Quickie / 60 Years Ago Today: August 11th, 1965

Tom Cuddy sent us this news clip from last April when it was first announced that Chubby Checker was being inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year …

As I’ve said before, I think Chubby was genuinely hurt by the fact that The Rock Hall had ignored him for so many years.  (He’s been eligible since the organization founded in 1985 … and never once made the ballot in 40 years until now!)  So he told his manager to book him the night of the live ceremony so that he didn’t have to be there … but could instead be out there doing what he loves best … entertaining his fans who have stuck with him for the past 65 years.

Ron Onesti asked him about it after the show and ceremony at The Des Plaines Theatre on July 27^th …

“C’mon, Chubby, it’s The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame!”  But Chubby didn’t seem fazed by it.  He wanted to be able to tell The Hall that he had a gig that night … and couldn’t make it to the ceremony … and instructed his long-time manager to make sure that that happened.  (No location for this performance currently shows on his tour schedule for November 7^th … but it will be soon.)

Chubby Checker on Finally Twisting His Way Into the Rock Hall of Fame: ‘Everybody’s Made a Whole Lotta Money Off Chubby. Give the Man Some Credit!’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Source: Variety:  https://share.google/vzq4pTM75TRR9CYXK

David Salidor sent us these pictures from Micky Dolenz’s appearance at The Des Plaines Theatre’s 100^th Birthday Party on August 9^th …

One of Ron Onesti, Micky and Priscilla Presley …

And one of Micky and Priscilla alone

And Jim Roup sent us a few pictures of Jane Morgan, too … who passed away a little over week ago at the age of 101 …

Remembering popular singer Jane Morgan who passed away at 101 years old on August 4, 2025. I caught her at Spago in Hollywood with friends like singer/songwriter Carole Bayer-Sager and First lady Barbara Bush. She made the hip Roxy scene, too! 

 

From Noise 11, Brian Wilson is finally laid to rest …

https://www.noise11.com/news/the-legacy-of-brian-wilson-finally-laid-to-rest-20250809

Bobby Whitlock, a founding member of Derek and the Dominoes, passed away on Sunday, August 10^th.  From his manager and publicist Carol Kaye:  “With profound sadness, the family of Bobby Whitlock announces his passing at 1:20 am on August 10th after a brief illness. He passed in his home in Texas, surrounded by family.”  He was 77 years old.

Whitlock bears the distinction of having played on three of the most important albums in rock and roll history: “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,” “All Things Must Pass” (the foundation of Derek and the Dominoes was built during George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” sessions) and (uncredited) “Exile on Main Street.”  He also toured with Delaney and Bonnie and Friends (which is where he formed his friendship with Eric Clapton and George Harrison) as well as playing on several Stax recordings made in the late 1960’s.

Whitlock is credited with songwriting co-credit on seven of “Layla”’s fourteen tracks.  (kk)

Some confusing news about British rocker Dave Edmunds, who made The Top Three with his 1971 remake of “I Hear You Knocking.”

Back on July 29^th, it was reported (by Dave’s wife) that he had “died in my arms” from cardiac arrest.  Several times during her post she referred to her husband as “dead.”  However, Edmunds was actually revived by a nurse who had performed “heavy duty CPR” … making him NOT dead!!!

His wife Cici took to posting again on August 8^th, this time stating that her husband had a “operation/procedure” the day before that “went really well” and “will help him in case he has another cardiac arrest.”  (Maybe the knocking Dave was referring to was on heaven’s door!)

Best as we can tell, he is now in recovery and doing very well.  Cici also reports that this new procedure “prevents him from being so affected by it and gives him support. A defibrillator and shock wave in case it’s needed. Beyond delighted, he got these devices put into him. He is recovering really well, considering what he’s been through. If that works well, they’ll discharge him. I’m beyond words with excitement and gratitude. Thank you, everyone, for your support and lovely posts. It means the world to myself and to Dave. I’ll show him [your] posts when he is ready. It will help his recovery greatly.”  Hopefully Dave’s next comment will mirror his follow-up single to “I Hear You Knocking” … “I’m Comin’ Home.” (kk)

Bill Carroll thanked us for our review of his new “Ranking The ‘60’s 2.0” book …

And teased that a ‘50’s book may also be coming!

Kent:

What a wonderful review.  It touches exactly what I was trying to accomplish: All the information, cut every way a music aficionado would want to see it done, with enough interesting other stuff that it wasn't just a lookup book, it was an interesting read.

You've made the point consistently over the years that these are contemporaneous rankings, and you're right.  In fact, the process is designed to determine how much a record stood out from its peers in time, and compare overachievers in different eras.  

 

I did add a couple of tables this time about how the '60s hits have held up in the streaming era, realizing there's a bit of apples-to-oranges there.  But 50-60 years later, only 11 of the top 100 Spotify streams are from pre-1964. (p.201-202)

What you do with Forgotten Hits is remarkable, and I find myself recommending it to everyone I interact with on the books.  It's great work.

Not the last in the series ... the '50s are uncharted territory.

Best regards,

Bill

And that’s going to be quite a task!

A ‘50’s book would be great - and a bit more challenging since Billboard published multiple charts for most of the decade.  (And would it be the WHOLE decade?  Or just “The Rock Era” after “Rock Around The Clock” changed everything in 1955?)

The Best Sellers In Stores charts along with their Top 100 charts that began in late 1955 are probably the best representation of any given record’s popularity before the Hot 100 began in August of ‘58 - more so than the Jukebox and Disc Jockey charts – but this will require a different weighting system for sure! 

But I’d sure love to see it.  Good luck!  (kk)

You are absolutely correct.  The 50s has to be two books in one: 1950 - 1954 and 1955 - 1959.  I've broken my pick on trying to harmonize them.

And you didn't mention that a 20-record chart could have five versions of the same song ...

Bill

Yikes!  That’s true.  (I wish you patience!)  kk

In FHs, Chris Darrow triggered what, revealed over the years, is a fairly well known and common, yet only occasionally mentioned favorite memory of nighttime radio listening experienced by so many of us when we were just kids when he wrote  ~~~

>>>"Late at night I would have to listen to ( the radio ) under the covers of my bed in my room."

It's interesting to me that this singular thread in the fabric of so many of us during our younger years, only gets a quiet, but well-deserved, attention in semi-regular rarity!  If a survey was taken of who each of us listened to like that back then, I would imagine it would make quite an impressive list of many well, and perhaps some even lesser known, Air Personalities of that time who contributed to the History of Rock Radio as we remember it! I know I have mine!

Chuck Buell!

When I first started doing Forgotten Hits some 857 years ago I mentioned that I used to listen to my radio under my pillow every night long after my parents thought I had gone to bed (and was supposed to be asleep.)  It became a nightly obsession.

At the time, I thought I was the only one ... but the amount of mail I received afterwards blew me away ... seems like EVERYBODY did this.  (And here I thought I was so clever and unique!)

I've come to the conclusion that ANY and ALL of us who grew up during the Top 40 Rock and Roll Era likely did the same ... and I don't think our parents ever knew.  (Because let's face it ... before rock and roll, what would THEY have listened to till damn near midnight?!?!)

It is a common bond or thread as you suggest ... and the proof is in the volume of kindred spirits I've encountered in all these 857 years since.  (kk)  

 

60 YEARS AGO TODAY:

8/11/65 – The Beatles’ movie “Help!” opens in New York, two weeks after its London premier

Also on 8/11, Bobby Goldsboro is a special guest on Shindig! The ABC show's line-up also features Glen Campbell, The Righteous Brothers, Sonny and Cher, The Ronettes and Billy Preston, who performs Hound Dog.

Also on 8/11, riots break out in Watts and will last for six days