A Monday Morning Quickie

Looking over the new Ed Sullivan YouTube videos list, I have to say that Bobby Goldsboro's "Can You Feel It" is a huge fave of mine.  Glad it was put up, even tho he fakes it, which is odd. 

Also, if you haven't seen the "Games People Play" video, it's worth watching, too.  How odd to have three big stars doing this Grammy winner of Joe South's. 

Clark Besch

I was quite surprised to see this clip come up the other day in FH and wondered what occasioned the circumstances of bringing together three great '60's artists together for an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show! (I honestly don't remember ever seeing it before ... quite a unique performance as it had already been a couple of years since Joe South had his Top Ten Hit with this one.)

I asked Tommy Roe about it, as I thought it might make for an interesting story for our readers … and also wondered if he had any new recording plans.  (Boy, looking at the state of the world's health these past two years, it sure looks like he picked the right time to retire from the road!!!  Who knew!)  kk

 

Hi Kent ...

Hope all is well with you and family. 

This Ed Sullivan appearance was the kick-off to our tour in the spring of 1971.

Joe, Billy Joe and I were very close friends and worked together for many years. Joe produced some of my early recordings, "Much More Love," which was the B side of "Sweet Pea," and "The You I Need," which was the B side of "Dizzy." "Much More Love" was a big hit outside of the USA, especially in South Africa where it went to #1 in their charts. 

When I was still in high school, Joe was already making a name for himself in Atlanta, and around the south east. I was a big fan of his rock 'a' billy sound and would go to all of his concerts. One of his early recordings was a song he wrote called, "I'm Snowed," still a favorite of mine, and one of the first records I ever bought. 

Joe was famous for always playing his red Gretsch guitar in his shows. I never will forget hanging out at the stage door at the Georgia Jubilee in East Point waiting for a chance to meet Joe after his show. I could see his red Gretsch in the case next to the entrance, and I walked up to get a closer look. Well, about the time I was getting ready to take a closer look, Joe saw me and yelled for me to get away from his guitar. Needless to say, my first encounter with my idol was not as planned.

When I finally started getting my legs in the record business, I met Joe for the first time at Lowery's studio in Atlanta. For me, at that stage of my career, it was like meeting Elvis. Next thing I knew, I was in the studio making music with my idol. For me this was unbelievable and the beginning of a long friendship. Great memories indeed!

Both Joe and Billy Joe passed away a few years ago, but their legacy of great music will live on. To me, Joe South is one of the greatest songwriters to come out of the South. His lyrics in all of his songs are absolutely incredible, and his melodies will be forever etched in our minds. To me, he is sadly overlooked and underrated in the music world, but not surprising. As you and I know, that is a whole ‘nother story.

Kent, as for me, I am slowly recovering from the loss of my wife and partner of 43 years. It is helping tremendously for me to still be able to go into the studio and do what I love after all these years. Music heals a broken heart and brings much happiness to life. That's what it's all about for me right now.

I am in the process of signing with a major label with my first LP release scheduled for early 2022. Once all the negotiating is over and everything is signed, sealed, and delivered, you and all of your faithful followers, will be the first to know.

As always, thank you for what you do.  You are helping all of us stay relevant and informed about this crazy business we all love.

Keep it going, my friend ...

Your Pal,

Tommy

 

Man, what a GREAT show that would have been … THREE top notch entertainers all sharing the stage on the same bill.  (And how cool is it that Ed Sullivan would showcase you guys prior to kicking off the tour?!?!)

That’s also some GREAT news about the new recording deal.  As you know, I’ve said many times your new stuff sounds great … and IS relevant, which is why we are more than happy to let others know about it and where to find it.  Hopefully, a major label will push to make this music more visible to a mass audience.  Please do keep us informed about any new releases … and congratulations again.

Bob Lind and I had a conversation last week about how music has always been a great healer … and boy, we sure have needed it more than ever lately.  Take care.  (kk)

 

Also from Clark …

 

>>>It's a Fractious Friday, as my man, the Real Don Steele would holler every Friday on KHJ! And fractious it is - Just wanna tell everyone that Joel Whitburn and the gang at Record Research have REALLY outdone themselves with their new edition. 

(Mike Markesich)

I gotta agree with Mike M.  I got the flyer and it really looks impressive. Like Kent, I bought my first book (the 1955-69 book) when I was in Junior High some fifty years ago!  While we were having Junior Achievement assemblies, I was leafing thru that book aghast at what I DID NOT know about Hot 100 hits.

Anyway, I took the flyer to my brother and he was enthralled, too.  Not sure if he will buy one, but I have MUCH of the same information in many books.  STILL, this is nice for having MORE coverage and the writer credits, too.  IF I didn't have so much now, THIS would be the go to book for me.  It looks awesome and at present,, the sale price is right around $65.

IF you don't have a Record Research book yet, THIS is the ONE to get!

Clark

I can’t wait.  And I totally agree that between this new volume and the Chart Comparison book, I’ve got ALL of the information I need covering the music era that means the most to me.  (Plus, of course, the weekly Billboard and Cash Box chart reprints.)

Actually, I’ve got dozens and dozens of Record Research books in my collection and they are amongst the most prized possessions when it comes to music history.  (Joel has been EXTREMELY kind by donating copies not only to Forgotten Hits, but also to give away to our readers from time to time … and we are forever grateful.)  kk

 

And then this …

 

Who knew there was a Bob Irwin BEFORE there was a Bob Irwin?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/vinyl-restoration/zvm2cqt

Clark Besch

 

We’ve been all over 1971 this year (which is, once again, coming to a close much faster than I ever expected!!!)

Best Classic Bands has just run a list of every #1 Single according to Record World Magazine for that year … and you can review them all right here:

The #1 Singles of 1971: Maggie May, Shaft and Jeremiah | Best Classic Bands

 

Big concert dates coming up here locally in October include …

Christopher Cross at The Genesee Theatre on October 14^th

Tommy James and the Shondells at The Arcada Theatre on October 17th

Brian Wilson at The Genesee Theatre on October 23^rd

America at Rialto Square on October 30^th 

 

And former Van Halen front man David Lee Roth made headlines last week when he formerly announced his retirement … ironically, just DAYS after also announcing his upcoming short residency (kicking off New Year’s Eve, December 31^st and running thru January 8^th) at The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

His statement was brief and to the point … “I am throwing in the shoes. I’m retiring. This is the first, and only, official announcement. You’ve got the news. Share it with the world.”

So we are.  (kk)

Harvey Kubernik’s 50th Anniversary piece on Frank Zappa’s “200 Motels” includes an interview with Flo and Eddie!!!

Kubernik: Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels Golden Anniversary | Music Connection Magazine

>>>Other Top 40 movers of note this week include "Women's Love Rights" by Laura Lee, which climbs from #40 to #31.  (I honestly don't think I've ever heard this song!)  kk
Being from Invictus / Hot Wax, it's got "that sound" that folks came to know quite well (like it or not) ... https://youtu.be/uuVSj83oKYk

--BF

OK, so playing this clip just now was absolutely the first time I have ever heard this song.  It never charted here in Chicago ... and nationally, while it DID peak at #20 in Cash Box Magazine, it only made it to #36 in Billboard ... so also not on my radar there ... and certainly not one that has made the cut over the past fifty years.

That being said, to use your ratings system, I guess I would have to vote "or not" ... nothing at all memorable about this one in my opinion.  (kk)

1971 SUPER CHARTS: Week Ending October 9th

Donny Osmond has both the #3 and the #4 song this week as "Go Away Little Girl" slips down a notch from #2 to #3 and "Yo Yo" (by The Osmond Brothers) continues to climb, moving from #6 to #4.

Rod Stewart holds on to the #1 spot with "Maggie May" while The Carpenters' "Superstar" climbs up a couple of spots from #4 to #2.

Other Top 40 movers of note include The Fifth Dimension's version of "Never My Love" (up eight more spots from #33 to #25), "Gypsys, Tramps And Thieves" by Cher (up twelve places from #39 to #27) and "Women's Love Rights" by Laura Lee, which climbs from #40 to #31.  (I honestly don't think I've ever heard this song!)

The two big Top 40 break-out hits this week belong to Cat Stevens ("Peace Train," #50 to #37) and "I'm Comin' Home," the new one by Tommy James, which climbs from #47 to #40.

And just outside The Top 40, James Taylor's "Long Ago And Far Away" climbs from #67 to #44 (a move of 23 places) in only its second week on the charts.

Playing Favorites:

The Grass Roots debut at #72 with "Two Divided By Love," always one of my favorites by them. 

I also like The Lettermen's version of "Love," a John Lennon tune included on his "Plastic Ono Band" album.  It's new on the chart at #80.

And while this was never an especially big hit, "Do I Love You" by Paul Anka just happens to be one of my all-time favorites by him.  (Here in Chicago, it only charted on WCFL.)

Meanwhile, "I'm A Man," the B-Side of Chicago's single "Questions 67 and 68) premiers at #85.

This Week In 1971:

October 3^rd – Kevin Richardson of The Backstreet Boys is born.  (OMG … a Backstreet Boy is turning 50!!!  Like I didn’t already feel old this morning!!!)

October 4^th – 7^th – Pink Floyd are filmed and recorded at The Amphitheatre of Pompeii for what will become their groundbreaking film, “Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii.”  The documentary film will be released the following year.

October 9^th – John Lennon celebrates his 31^st birthday at wife Yoko Ono’s “This Is Not Here” exhibition at the Everson Art Museum in Syracuse, New York.  Also attending Yoko’s first major art show were Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa and Phil Spector, as well as numerous Hollywood actors who were on hand to view the exhibit.

THE FRIDAY FLASH

It's a Fractious Friday, as my man, the Real Don Steele would holler every Friday on KHJ! And fractious it is - Just wanna tell everyone that Joel Whitburn and the gang at Record Research have REALLY outdone themselves with the forthcoming (copies printing late October) new Top Pop Singles book - the 17^th (!!!) edition just looks to be spectacular, judging by the flyer I received in the daily mail yesterday.  The flyer itself is amazing, my highest praise to the team and or person who designed it! Always a pleasure to receive news and flyers from Record Research.   I will be ordering my color print (worth the price, IMO) copy very soon. The color pic sleeves really pop off the sample page. Highlight book purchase of the year!

I still have my first Whitburn book purchase, Top Pop Hits 1955-1978.  It's falling apart, the hardcover is nearly shot, but hey, I was 15 when I saved my allowance money and my lawn cutting 'round the neighborhood proceeds to buy it.  I faked being too sick to go to school the next day after it came in the mail, just so I could stay home all day and read the "bible" and duly annotate my 45rpm collection - it truly WAS a religious experience for a teenaged pop music chart geek!

Mike Markesich

I have owned every updated copy since the 1972 edition.  (I found the 1969 book at The Rosary College Library, which had a 1970 addendum.  They wouldn’t sell me a copy so I would stop by every day at lunch and write the info into a notebook.  This was in the day days before scanning or phone cameras or internet or any of this stuff we take for granted today!)

We have been singing the praises of Joel’s new book, too.  (In fact, I ordered both a black and white AND a color copy for my own collection!)

I believe this will become the definitive book covering the era of music we feature most here in Forgotten Hits (coupled with Joel’s Comparison Book, too, showing the peaks of every chart hit, 1954 – 1982, in all three major trade publications, side by side … a book I have used religiously EVERY SINGLE DAY since it was first released … also available on the Record Research website.)

The new book can’t come fast enough as far as I’m concerned.  (And when the 1990 – 2022 edition comes out next year, I’m sure I’ll still order it, just to have some point of reference of those chart years as well.)  kk

 

And, since we’re talking about the music that most appeals to our Forgotten Hits Readers, I’m sure you’re ALL super excited about the just-announced Super Bowl Half-Time Show coming up on February 13^th …

Acts we all know and love …

Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar …

Now THAT’S a kick-ass line-up!!!  (Think I’ll be watching “Leave It To Beaver” reruns that night!!!)  kk

 

Yesterday, we told you about the new John Mellencamp / Bruce Springsteen collaboration … and today we’ve got a new Elton John / Stevie Wonder due to share, recorded during Elton’s lockdown sessions.  (Of course the two also shared vocals on Dionne Warwick’s 1986 #1 Hit “That’s What Friends Are For,” which also included Gladys Knight.)

Titled “Finish Line,” it’s got a bit of a gospel feel to it.  (Man, Stevie sounds just like old Stevie on this one, doesn’t he?  And, of course, he’s got to slip in his trademark harmonica bit again, too!)  kk

 

You can check it out here:

 

And speaking of new releases … 

 

‘Official Bootleg’ Label Offers Expanded Vinyl Edition of Legendary 1967 Performance

Dagger Records is proud to release Jimi Hendrix Experience: Paris 67 for Record Store Day (November 26). This 150-gram red-and-blue colored vinyl LP presents the original Jimi Hendrix Experience lineup--Hendrix, bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell in peak form at the famed Olympia Theater in Paris on October 9, 1967. 

This live recording documents Hendrix’s triumphant return to Paris almost one year to the date of their 1966 showcase as a burgeoning support act for Johnny Hallyday. Now in place of Hallyday’s audience were more than 14,000 screaming Jimi Hendrix Experience admirers. In his own inimitable fashion, Hendrix graciously acknowledged his audience for their early support. “Thank you very much for last year, for letting us play here,” prefaced Hendrix before starting “The Wind Cries Mary.” “Instead of booing us off the stage you gave us a chance, so thank you very much.”

Hear “The Wind Cries Mary” from Paris 67: https://youtu.be/a3kYJy7mcsM

These recordings capture the verve and exuberant spirit displayed by the group.  Jimi kicks off the performance with a rousing “Stone Free,” known to his fans as the flip side of his debut single “Hey Joe”.  “The Wind Cries Mary” finds Jimi in fine voice, showcasing his deft touch with slow ballads. The raucous “Catfish Blues,” Jimi’s unique hybrid of Muddy Waters’ classic “Still A Fool,” was another early-stage favorite of the Experience.

For the first time, tracks from this Paris concert that were previously only available on The Jimi Hendrix Experience box set from 2000 (aka the purple box) are re-integrated with several other tracks recorded that night, making Jimi Hendrix Experience: Paris 67 the most complete official release of the October 9, 1967 set to date. 

Dagger Records was founded by Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. in 1998 as an ‘official bootleg’ label, providing fans throughout the world with additional live performances, home demos and studio recordings not issued on commercial albums. With over a dozen vinyl and CD titles to date, the imprint is an invaluable resource for devotees who want to dig deeper than the standard Jimi Hendrix catalog. Apart from special, limited edition vinyls such as this release, Dagger titles are not available in retail stores or via digital services such as Amazon Music, Spotify and Tidal but only via jimihendrix.com.

Titles in the Dagger series are intended to provide Hendrix’s fans with new appreciation and insights for his songwriting explorations, found on each of Dagger’s Morning Symphony Ideas (a collection of 1969 and 1970 demo recordings), Hear My Music, and Burning Desire.  The live albums in the series include historically significant events such as his final concert at the Isle Of Fehmarn on September 6, 1970 and March 1968 Capitol Theater performance captured on Live In Ottawa that Jimi himself recorded.  Dagger also offers a peek into Jimi’s pre-Experience days as a member of Harlem-based R&B musician Curtis Knight’s band with Live At George’s Club 20 1965-1966 and No Business: Curtis Knight & The Squires: The PPX Sessions, Volume 2. 

These informative ‘bootleg’ releases are properly annotated, complete with photos, liner notes and the best possible sonic quality available and offer invaluable exposure to Hendrix’s musical mastery. 

The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Paris 67 track list

Side One

1)    Stone Free

2)    Hey Joe

3)    Fire

4)    Catfish Blues

5)    The Wind Cries Mary

Side Two

1)    Rock Me Baby

2)    Red House

3)    Purple Haze

4)    Wild Thing

Compilation produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer & John McDermott for Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.

We’re hearing LOTS of Rolling Stones music these days (seems to be everywhere you turn!) … between the band now being here in The States, the new expanded reissue release of their “Tattoo You” album, the passing of Drummer Charlie Watts … and now Mick Jagger turning up at a bar in North Carolina … and then on The Howard Stern Show … much like Chickenman, They’re Everywhere, They’re Everywhere!!!

Some of these expanded Stones releases are long overdue.  (Far less revolutionary bands have been enjoying their new day in the sun for YEARS now … and I’ve got to tell you that I’ve really enjoyed hearing the expanded editions of “Goats Head Soup” and “Sticky Fingers” … and am really looking forward to “Tattoo You,” coming out next month … and this coming from a guy who didn’t typically BUY Rolling Stones albums at the time they were released.

It’s interesting to trace the evolution of some of these songs (and listen to different ways they once considered interpreting them) … and, quite honestly, I have enjoyed some of the tracks left on the cutting room floor more than the ones selected for commercial release at the time.

The Stones have always gone back to their archives when new material was needed for an album … and they have dusted off some unfinished gems that really shined once they pumped some new juice into them.  (Even “Start Me Up” was a reject the first time around … before it became a #2 smash.  It’s still one of my all-time favorites by them … and is also my current ringtone!  Lol)  kk

 

Who knew Dave Grohl had such great taste in music?!?!

The former grunge Nirvana drummer (and now front man for The Foo Fighters) revealed earlier this year his love of The Bee Gees’ music, even releasing his version of a few of their tracks as “The DG’s” on a special Record Store Day release …

Now, in an interview on BBC Breakfast, he’s raving about the new music just released by ABBA, even offering to drum for the group should they decide to perform live again!  (You know what I mean … in a non-avatar sort of way!)

Grohl just continues to impress and amaze me … and he’s not ashamed to admit that he likes the same music that I do!!! (lol)  Hey, I’ve never been a closet Bee Gees or ABBA fan … good music is good music … and you won’t find more endearing melodies than from these two groups!

Grohl says he was overwhelmed with emotion when he heard ABBA’s new track “I Still Have Faith In You” …

“Oh my God, I’m such a big ABBA fan.  When I saw that they were coming back and they had a record, I shot that link to 100 people I knew, then listened to the new song and wept like a baby. I cried like a baby. Oh man!  It almost sounded like time hadn’t passed. Plus it was such a beautiful, romantic, melancholy, bitter-sweet retrospective. Ugh, it’s amazing. ABBA can do no wrong.”

When asked during the interview if he’d be willing to play drums for the band, he replied: “Listen, I will get up and play drums at the opening of an envelope. Show me a drum set and I will sit down to it. So yes, I would play with Abba.”

Noise 11 is reporting that when Foo Fighters appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” three years ago, Grohl was wearing an “old school band shirt” with ABBA’s name on it, and explained to Kimmel that he was excited about the long-awaited return of the group.

Grohl told Kimmel, “I heard ABBA was doing more music, there’s an ABBA comeback, and I flipped out.”

When Jimmy asked if he is a fan, Dave replied: “Who doesn’t love ABBA?! Everybody loves ABBA!”

Me, too.  (kk)

Kent,

Thanks for the lengthy info on the passing of singer Sue Thompson. I always did like her JAMES (HOLD THE LADDER STEADY). I wouldn't have known of her passing if you hadn't had the info in FH. Here is OKC, none of that info is never mentioned either by radio, television or newspaper. That's why I am always sure glad that FH keeps us updated on items like this.

In regards to the passing of singer Barry Ryan, I had to play the record again to remember what it sounded like. It did make our local top 40 radio station's survey ... and I do have a copy of the record (MGM), though the only one by him I have.

Larry

I think we were one of the first to break the story of Sue Thompson’s passing … and actually she died earlier than what was first reported … back on the 23^rd of September.  As mentioned, my all-time favorite of hers was “Paper Tiger,” a #18 hit in 1965.  (kk)

 

A few new Ed Sullivan performances of interest are being added to the YouTube Ed Sullivan Channel … especially if you’re an Everly Brothers fan.

Remember, these are the full-length performances as they originally aired, and not the edited clips that have been circulating for decades.  Most, if not all, have not been seen in their entirety since the original air dates shown below.

Enjoy!!!

 

You Tube

Premier Date     Artist          Song                                                    Original Air Date

FRI 10/1	The Grass Roots	Temptation Eyes	December 6, 1970
FRI 10/1	The Everly Brothers	This Little Girl Of Mine	January 5, 1958
SUN 10/3	The Everly Brothers	Bye Bye Love	June 30, 1957
SUN 10/3	Sheb Wooley	The Purple People Eater	July 27, 1958
THU 10/7	The Everly Brothers	Wake Up Little Susie	June 15, 1969
SUN 10/10	The Everly Brothers	Bye Bye Love	August 4, 1957
SUN 10/10	Bobbie Gentry	Medley: Papa, Won't You Let Me Go To Town With You?/Ode To Billie Joe	March 29, 1970
SUN 10/10	Sonny and Cher	I Got You Babe, Where Do You Go, But You're Mine	September 26,
MON 10/11	The Everly Brothers	Bowling Green	June 15, 1969
WED 10/13	Mary Hopkin	Love Is The Sweetest Thing	May 25, 1969
WED 10/13	Peggy Lee	Something	March 1, 1970
THU 10/21	The Cowsills	Medley: Little Drummer Boy/The Christmas Song/Deck The Halls	December 24, 1967

 

Other recent adds of interest include …

 

THU 9/2	The Lovin' Spoonful	Only Pretty, What A Pity	October 15, 1967
THU 9/2	Nina Simone	I Loves You Porgy	September 11, 1960
FRI 9/3	Roger Williams	St. Louis Blues	July 26, 1959
FRI 9/3	Sonny James	Tennessee Waltz	October 11, 1970
FRI 9/3	Buck Owens, The Buckaroos	Tall Dark Stranger	March 29, 1970
SAT 9/4	Teresa Brewer	Music! Music! Music!	February 5, 1950
SUN 9/5	Jackie Wilson	Alone At Last	December 4, 1960
SUN 9/5	Tony Bennett	I Left My Heart In San Francisco	November 22, 1964
WED 9/8	Tiny Tim	A Smile Will Go A Long, Long Way	October 6, 1968
THU 9/9	Jackie DeShannon	Put A Little Love In Your Heart	February 1, 1970
THU 9/9	The Searchers	Ain't That Just Like Me	April 5, 1964
SUN 9/12	Nancy Sinatra	Sock It To Me Sunshine	May 26, 1968
SUN 9/12	Ray Charles & The Raelettes (feat. Billy Preston)	What'd I Say	December 3, 1967
WED 9/15	Joe South, Tommy Roe, Billy Joe Royal	Games People Play	November 15, 1970
SAT 9/18	The Platters	Darktown Strutters' Ball	August 2, 1959
SAT 9/18	Tony Bennett	I'll Begin Again	October 18, 1970
SAT 9/18	Bobby Goldsboro	Can You Feel It	February 8, 1970
SUN 9/19	Nancy Sinatra	I Love Them All (The Boys In The Band)	March 8, 1970
SUN 9/19	Harry Belafonte	Matilda, Matilda	October 11, 1953
WED 9/22	Connie Francis	Goldfinger	March 21, 1965
FRI 9/24	The Grass Roots	Medley: I’d Wait A Million Years/Midnight Confessions/Let’s Live For Today	December 6, 1970
SAT 9/25	Paul Anka	It Only Takes A Moment	March 2, 1969
SUN 9/26	The New Seekers	Look What They’ve Done To My Song, Ma	October 25, 1970
SUN 9/26	The Everly Brothers	Bye Bye Love	February 28, 1971
SUN 9/26	The Four Seasons	Big Girls Don’t Cry	December 9, 1962
MON 9/27	Bobby Vinton	Long Lonely Nights	March 28, 1965
MON 9/27	Roger Williams	Mas Que Nada	May 10, 1970
TUE 9/28	Billy Joe Royal	Cherry Hill Park	November 15, 1970
TUE 9/28	Jane Morgan	Fascination	December 28, 1958
WED 9/29	Thelma Houston	Save The Country	December 28, 1969