Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing ALL of you out there a VERY Happy Thanksgiving.

Here are a few of your latest comments ... along with one more reminder about The Top 50 All-Time Favorite Instrumentals Countdown running this weekend on WRCO, courtesy of Phil Nee. Those of you in the Richland Center area of Wisconsin can tune into AM 1450 and hear the show LIVE this Saturday Night (the 28th) ... be sure to check the website on Sunday (the 29th) to SEE the final results ... and keep watching this page for information as to how you'll be able to listen to an archived podcast of the program in the very near future.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to vote ... when all was said and done, we received just over 14,000 votes ... so this truly is YOUR countdown, representing YOUR All-Time Instrumental Favorites.

Meanwhile, here are a few other thoughts and comments, as sent in by our readers:

re: ROCK AND ROLL ROOTS, VOLUME 11:
Hi Kent ...
Just wanted to thank you again for helping me obtain this cd. I've played "Face The Autumn" by Family on my last show, and got a good reaction.
Dave The Rave heard it, and asked what CD it was on. I told him that you made it possible for me to have that cd. He might be contacting you about getting a copy.
Thanks again!!! I enjoy your website very much.
Cheers,
Glenn Sauter
Producer and Host of HITS OF YESTERYEAR
http://www.hitsofyesteryear.com
"Face The Autumn" was a #12 Hit here in Chicago back in 1967 ... amazingly, it never even "bubbled under" in Billboard. If Dave The Rave ... or anyone ELSE on the list for that matter ... would like to obtain a copy of this hot new CD, just drop me a line and we'll set everything up. (I just mailed four other copies yesterday as a matter of fact to some of our out-of-state readers!!!) For a complete track listing, simply scroll back to the November 8th posting ... or visit The Drive Website here (kk):
Click here: Rock 'n Roll Roots Vol. 11 - WDRV - THE DRIVE





re: THE MAGIC LANTERNS:
"Shame Shame" is one of my favorite songs by the Magic Lanterns.
Carrie
One of MY favorite songs of the '60's!!! We featured this one, too, not too long ago ... Click here: Forgotten Hits: It's A Shame - Part 3 ... along with a brief bio on the band.
Here's the track again for those of you who may have missed it ... or simply enjoy hearing it as much as I do!!! (kk)



re: DICK CLARK BIRTHDAY BASH:
Ryan Seacrest is now a part of the Dick Clark Birthday Salute with Jimmy Jay. Ryan and I recorded bits together last week and we had a great time. This will be the Broadcast Event of the Year. I am so sorry that we could not get all the stars on the show that wanted to be because we were full almost a week ago. I should have done 4 hours instead of 3.
When will it air? Many stations are going with it at different times but here is what I know off the top of my head.
95.9 FM WATD in MA will run it Saturday Night November 28 from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EASTERN TIME (They Stream also www.959watd.com). WLNG 92.1 FM in New York will run it Monday Night November 30 at 9 PM – 12. They also stream (www.wlng.com). There are many more but I can’t remember them again from the top of my head. I am lucky I have a head after interviewing all the stars below in the past two weeks.
Some of The Stars that will be on (In No Particular Order, just from memory): Huey Lewis, Neil Sedaka, Bobby Vee, Tony Orlando, Bobby Vinton, Dobie Gray, Chris Montez, Mel Tillis, Steve Alaimo, KC of the Sunshine Band, Betty Wright, Andy Williams, Connie Francis, Marshall Lytle from the Comets, Bobby Curtola, Martha Reeves, Bill Medley, Bobbi Smith of the Spinners, Paul Revere, Brenda Lee, Freddy Cannon, Joe Terry (Danny & The Juniors) Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars), Joey Dee, Ruth Pointer, Beach Boy Al Jardine, Ben E King, Richie from the Rip Chords, Billy Vera, Barbra Lewis, Fabian, Brian Hyland, Bobby Lewis, Chubby Checker, Dee Dee Sharp, Colonel Abrams, Earl Lewis (The Trammps) Paul Peterson, Bobby Goldsboro, John Ford Coley, Little Anthony, Judy Craig Mann (The Chiffons), Maurice Williams, Ron Dante, ? & The Mysterians Kool of Kool & The Gang, Tommy James, BJ Thomas, Paul Evans & ... hmm ... I think I am missing somebody.
Grammy Award Winning Producer of BB King, Trade Martin recorded all the jingles for this special broadcast.
If you know of a station that should run this show or the 1 hour condensed version, have them contact me 617-773-0690 or by e-mail JimmyJay@RewindShow.com
The One Hour Special will feature only hits from 64 plus but with drops from the older stars. The 3 hour show does it all (the way it should be).
But we all do what we have to in order that we keep the music alive.
Be sure to contact your local radio stations the show is good for both music & talk stations.
Dick Clark has heard most of it already and has sent me a very special e-mail. The ad banner is atached.
Happy Thanksgivng and Keep Rockin!
Jimmy Jay
www.RewindShow.com






re: FROM DICK CLARK TO ED SULLIVAN:
Kent ...
I think everyone will like this book as much as i did ... "Sundays With Sullivan,"
by Bernie Ilson.
How The Ed Sullivan Show brought Elvis, The Beatles, and culture to America. Lots of behind the scenes information. On most shows the star act was put on at the end of the show. Ed Sullivan thought you had to grab the audiences attention, right away. Elvis & The Beatles opened the show and were brought back two more times during the show.
Frank B.
I've gotta STRONGLY disagree with you on this one, Frank ... I was REALLY looking forward to this book when it came out ... and it SHOULD have been a much-more-detailed, behind-the-scenes accounting of The Sullivan Show, a television landmark series that was our connection to what was happening in the entertainment world at the time ... in SOME cases, literally the MOMENT it was happening. I was EXTREMELY disappointed in the way the book was written. For some reason, Ilson felt the need to share some of the same meaningless tidbits about Sullivan's social habits two, three and even four times within these scant less-than-two-hundred pages. (That in itself was a huge disappointment ... how do you work with this guy for 20-something years and then cover the highlights in only 200 pages???) The stories I wanted to hear ... about Sullivan breaking some of the biggest acts in the music business ... and show business all together ... were barely there. Even the aforementioned Beatles and Elvis appearances were condensed into a few brief pages. (How sad that the most interesting new factoid that I took away from the book was the time Sullivan was eating an ice cream cone backstage when the performing bear ON stage noticed that Ed was sampling his reward treat ... and nearly mauled him for doing so!!!) SO much more could have been covered ... even a show-by-show recap, stating the guests and what they performed would have made for an EXCELLENT addendum. (You can find THIS kind of information over at TV.com ... a little bit of research, ESPECIALLY by a guy who was there for most of it, could have GREATLY enhanced this book's value to its audience.) My score on a 1-10: 2. (kk)

... and, speaking of The Beatles ...

re: THE BEATLES:

Beatlemania is alive and well at Collectors’ Choice Music. The new boxed sets have been dominating our top sellers list as well as our CD players and they are truly something to behold (especially those mono tracks)! As we get ready to take a little Thanksgiving break and look forward to a nice dinner and a long weekend with family and friends, we’re also looking forward to a couple of Beatles-related specials set to air in the coming days. On the evening of Wednesday the 25th, the History Channel presents “On Record With The Beatles,” a brand new documentary from director Bob Smeaton, who also did the acclaimed Beatles “Anthology” series and the new mini-documentaries included on the new remastered stereo CDs. “On Record…” is being touted as featuring over 60 songs with rarely seen footage and never-before-heard outtakes, so obviously, we are psyched to check it out.
ABC will follow that up on Thanksgiving night with a new one-hour Paul McCartney special highlighting his 2009 concerts at New York’s Citi Field. That special will also flashback to the Beatles’ legendary 1965 Shea Stadium show. You can pick up the new 2 CD / 1 DVD set that this new McCartney special is based on right now! Just visit our site for the full details on that and all of the new Beatles releases!
Meanwhile, both Mono and the Stereo Beatles Box Sets are back in stock and available for immediate shipment. You can check all of this out here (along with all kinds of OTHER great new releases):
Click here: Collectors' Choice Music

I knew about the Citi Field concert special ... but wasn't aware of The History Channel Program ... that'll make for some GREAT TV viewing tonight after "Glee"!!! (kk)

Kent,
I am enjoying another Sunday session with your newest Comments page from today. As always thanks for all the interesting stories to peruse and think about. I have a question about the new Disney production about The Beatles that maybe you can answer or find out for me. I notice that a "Steve Starkey" is listed as one of the Producers of it. Do you think he might be a relative of Ringo aka Richard Starkey? It would be interesting to know. I think I remember Ringo's son's name is Zack. Maybe he had more than one son and this is one of his boys. Also, do you know what Zack is doing? Maybe he's doing some music like Julian Lennon. If so that would be a great group to put together, along with George's son and also I believe that Paul had a son too. Do you know anything about the Beatles kids? It would be interesting to know what they all are doing, if anything, with writing and performing music these days.
Thanks for any info Kent, and for providing a great forum for us old rockers,
Veeder Van Dorn
The Moonrakers
Each of The Beatles has at least one musically-inclined offspring. To date, Julian Lennon has been the most successful in his musical ventures, scoring four Top 40 Hits (including a couple of Top 10's) in 1985 and 1986 ... but he hasn't made much of a musical impression since. Sean Lennon (John's son with Yoko) has also released a number of recordings but none of these have ever really taken off in a very big way. Paul McCartney's son James has performed on some of his father's recordings ... (no, Teen Idol Jesse McCartney is NOT related) ... and George's son Dhani was a featured player at the Concert Tribute to his Father ... and I believe he was somewhat instrumental in helping to put together the "Rock Band" deal. Zak Starkey has maintained the greatest presence amongst rockers, playing the drums for artists like The Who and the VERY Beatles-influenced Oasis. (I thought he may have sat in with Led Zeppelin a time or two, too, but I couldn't find anything on this online.) I, too, wondered about Steve Starkey ... so I asked Charles Rosenay, who sponsors all those Liverpool Tours (and the upcoming Beat Expo) if HE could fill in some of the blanks regarding your questions ... and this is what he had to say:
It seems that most, if not all, of the Beatles offspring are musically inclined. Julian Lennon, who had the most hits and recognition dating back the 80's, is preparing to release a new album for the first time in years. His catalogue of work ranges from quite good to brilliant. Sean Lennon has also released albums and toured, but his material seems to be less commercial than Julian's. He has most recently toured behind his mom, Yoko.
Ringo's son, Zak Starkey is a well-established drummer in his own right. For years, he has been The Who's drummer. His brother Jason is also a musician, but has not had the success of his brother. Ringo's daughter, Lee, never had any musical aspirations. Steve Starkey is a well-known Hollywood producer, and you could also find a Steve Starkey playing guitar on YouTube, but they are not related to Ringo.
George's son Dhani has released an album, "You Are Here," under his duo / band's name "thenewwho2" and it's very good. He has toured, and - of all the Beatle boys - seems to be most proud of his Beatles heritage. He was very instrumental in the release of the Beatles Rockband game.
Most recently, Paul McCartney's son, James, is the latest of the Beatle babies to make music, and he just did some low-key shows with a band just a few weeks ago.
We'd love to see a band with the Beatles sons, but only they can make that happen. We don't even know if they're friends. If they ever did "come together," it would be quite interesting, and we would honored to have them play at one of our Beatles conventions! At this point, none of the Beatles sons or daughters have ever made a convention appearance.
I must throw in a plug for my next convention, because it's this weekend! "BEATexpo 2009" takes place Saturday night, November 28 (doors open at 8 pm) and Sunday, November 29 (doors open at Noon, with an early-bird VIP optional 11 am admission) at the Downtown Stamford Holiday Inn, 700 E. Main Street in Stamford, CT. Although none of the Beatles kids will be there, John Lennon's recording engineer (Dennis Ferrante) will be here along with Peter Tork, Spanky McFarlane, Butch Patrick and many others. For more Info, check out the website here: www.ToursAndEvents.com.
Charles

... and, speaking of BeatExpo, check out what sounds like a KILLER performance by Monkee Micky Dolenz, who joined Peter Tork on stage for a recent show!!!

re: MICKY DOLENZ:
As a prelude to his appearance at the BEATexpo 2009 convention(www.Toursandevents.com/BEATexpo.htm) this weekend at the Downtown Stamford Holiday Inn, Peter Tork was a guest star at the Boston area Mega-Fest convention this past weekend. He sprinkled his live set with old Monkees favorites and some choice blues and bluegrass tunes. He also pleased the crowd with a rousing "Lady Madonna." But the highlight came when, toward the end of the set, Peter shouted to the back of the ballroom, paging a Mister "George Michael." After several attempts and no response, he shouted "Micky!" and from the rear of the room came Micky Dolenz onstage to join him. Dolenz told the audience of the time he met "British royalty" - not the Queen - but The Beatles! He went on to tell of his Abbey Road experience, and how The Beatles were all dressed in jeans, but that George Martin was in a suit. And he said that the following came out of the speakers, before he ripped into a scorching "Oh Darling," which is perfectly suited for Micky's vocal range. They ended with Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode." Davy & Mike were missed.
Don't miss Peter Tork's very special appearance at BEATexpo 2009 THIS WEEKEND in Stamford, CT. He performs solo and with a backing band on Saturday night (Nov. 28, doors open at 8pm), and he talks onstage + meets fans + signs autographs (no charge for autographs, photos and other souvenirs will be on sale!) on Sunday (Nov. 29, doors open at Noon, with an optional early-bird VIP admission at 11am). Ticket Information can be found on the website: "BEATexpo 2009" - TicketLeap
And, you can read the complete article with photo of Peter & Micky here: http://www.examiner.com/x-2082-Beatles-Examiner~y2009m11d22-Monkees-minireunion-features-Beatle-talk-and-Fab-Four-songs-at-Boston-area-celeb-convention?cid=examiner-email
Charles Rosenay / Liverpool Tours
Sounds like a GREAT show. (I tried to find a clip of this on YouTube but didn't see anything posted yet. Put "Micky Dolenz Oh Darling" into the YouTube search engine and you'll find ALL kinds of recent appearances of Micky performing this song live on stage. Be sure to give us the full scoop on your convention this weekend, Charles!!! (kk)

re: DIGGIN' FORGOTTEN HITS:

Hello Kent,

I hope things will slow down a bit for you this week after all the tabulating that has gone on to come up with the Top Instrumentals listing. I look forward to hearing them on Phil Nee’s show on WRCO this Saturday. Keep up the great work, a lot of great stuff in the Forgotten Hits newsletter.

Mike Ogilvie
Mississauga, ON


Howdy! From Austin, Texas.
I enjoyed the psychedelic list, though I thought it was awfully wordy. And maybe that was unavoidable with the contest winners and commentary about the contest entries.
(Yeah, I know - EVERYBODY's a critic!)
Anyway, THANKS!!!
I'd like to get on your mailing list, just for grins. I don't really spend much time with the oldies, as my musical interests run more to blues and "folk" music, and next year will be my 35th season working on the volunteer staff at the Kerrville Folk Festival: http://www.kerrville-music.com/.
I do recall being pretty well blown away by several of the tunes on your top 20 list - and there were some I do not recall at all (at all ... ). One of my faves back then was "Hot Smoke and Sassafras", which got a fair bit of airplay in my home area of Southeast Texas (Beaumont - Port Arthur market) which is where I had an eight year stint as a DJ. The four years as Music Director, then Program Director of KVLU at Lamar university was the high (!) point, but I was exploring non-commercial music and pimping "Progressive Country", which Texas Folkie Steven Fromholz referred to as "The great Progressive Country scare of the 70's"!!!
Anyway, I noticed that you said that "Hot Smoke & Sassafras" had gone A.W.O.L. from your archives. I just happen to have one. If ya need a digital copy I can probably dig it out of one of the boxes of promo 45's in the back room. There are some other "Gems" in there, too.
The first rock concert I ever went to (1962, I think) featured Dick & Dee Dee (The Mountains High), Gary (U.S.) Bonds (his hit just came and went thru what passes for a memory these days) and the "unforgettable" Piltdown Men!!! Do ya need a copy of "The Brontosaurus Stomp"???
The mentions of "In a Gadda Da Vida" brought back this blast from the past:
I was medically evacuated back to the Naval Hospital at Corpus Christie, Texas, on December 23rd, 1968, and sent home for the holidays on the 24th. The guy that took me to the airport in Corpus had a 4-track (yes!) player in his car (the first car audio I had seen besides the AM radios of the time. He played "I.A.G.D.V." and when it faded down in the middle of that mind bending drum solo, I decided I would never own a device that mangled music that way. I never owned a four or eight track player, but bought an under-dash Sony cassette player in 1970.
Anyway, that's enough for now! It's late and I'm tired. I look forward to hearing from you, and getting the newsletter - and digging through those old singles again ...
All The Best -
Bob C
P.S. My username (64RagTop) refers to my pristine '64 Dodge Dart Convertible. I recall drawing pictures of the new Darts in my high school art class, but it took me 40 years to get to own one!
Welcome aboard, Bob C ... great to hear from you!!! (lol ... and he called ME wordy?!?!? Just kidding, Bob!) Actually, that Psychedelic Series that you just read (over on The Forgotten Hits Website ... Click here: Forgotten Hits - Top 20 Favorite Psychedelic Songs) originally ran spread over an entire MONTH!!! What's up on the site is the "condensed" version of a month's worth of postings ... so it probably IS an awful lot to digest in one sitting!!! It is ALSO the most-read article on the website so I'm glad you found it interesting.
I'm sure that Bubble Puppy were quite popular in your neck of the woods ... they hailed from Texas, too! (Actually, I still have their big hit ... what's missing from the archives is a lengthly in-depth piece we did on the band back in 2000 ... a similar piece on The Iron Butterfly is now also forever lost thanks to one of numerous PC crashes since then!!!)
Anyway, I hope we DO stir a memory or two along the way ... and remember, your thoughts and comments are always welcome here! (kk)



re: HAPPY THANKSGIVING:
Hey KK!
Been out of touch for awhile, but enjoying your current issue. Without taking up too much "real estate", I just want to wish you & your readers a blessed & peaceful Thanksgiving. We have much to be grateful for, & music's near the top of the list!
Alan O'Day
Right backatcha, Alan ... and Thank YOU for all the great music you've given us over the years!!! (kk)

Of course not ALL of our Thanksgiving memories are HAPPY ones ... here comes a reminder from Clark Besch ...
Kent,
You mentioned Uncle Lar coming back to the internet radio waves soon. I have to say that he and Ron Riley are my all time heroes of radio. Being that it is nearing Thanksgiving, I thought I'd pull out this classic Lujack / Dahl battle tape that was a bit more "real" than WLS' 10 years earlier Riley / Weber feuds were. It was Thanksgiving of 1985 (and only a year plus until WLS would pull the plug on their "Music Radio" format) when Steve Dahl and Garry Meier's on air "antics" would boil over into a confrontation of strange results. Steve had been mouthing off at Larry for some time and eventually, Larry decided to have Steve "put up or shut up." Neither happened. But, Larry decided to "drop in" on Steve's show and ask Steve to explain or discuss his "problem of animosity" towards station employees and all. Once the VERY awkward moment ended and Larry left the studio, Steve commented that if he ever did that again, he'd be walking on one leg. Lujack, on his next show, would comment back about Steve, saying he would be starting a new segment called "The Truth About Steve Dahl" on his program. He decided to hang around until Steve's show came on and go in and hope Steve "would swing and I would break every bone in his body." SO, Lujack DID walk in on Steve's show AGAIN and the results were much less than Larry had hoped for. You can hear it on the enclosed attachment.Thanksgiving on WLS, 1985. I guess we all miss WLS for more reasons than just the great music and top 40 DJs we heard in the 60's. BUT, not much after 1987!! Haha. WLSClark
I remember listening to every bit of this exchange live on the air as it happened ... eventually Dahl and Meier walked out, leaving Larry to finish the program by himself. Larry's "The Truth About Steve Dahl" aired for a few days ... it was NOT a pretty site ... hardly a glowing moment in EITHER of these mega-talents' careers ... pretty embarrassing for the station, too ... but it was shock radio at its very best (or should I say WORST) to hear this all unfold live and unexpected. The strangest part is I think Garry Meier TRULY respected Lujack and his radio legacy but was egged on by Dahl to the point of no return. So sad to see legends fall. I have no idea if the two of them have ever spoken to each other again ... or if any apologies were ever rendered. Let's just say it's NOT the kind of memory EITHER man would look back on and laugh at today ... and definitely NOT one of their finest radio moments. (kk)





re: AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!:
It's amazing. I've been telling you for years that this thing is bigger than you gave it credit for, and now look atcha. Mitch and I came up with an idea for another vote ... have you ever done the most recognized song intros? We go to our local Aurelio's pizza here and there, and they always have on 60s on 6 satellite station ... but it's really hard to hear. So we make it a game with each other, and every so often you'll hear the big twang right before Hard Day's Night, or something like that. There's my vote for the next vote.
Kristy
We're receiving LOTS of ideas and suggestions as to what our next countdown should be ... this one might be a bit too easy ... I think most of our readers fall into that "I can name that song in one note" category!!! (How does the All-Time Favorite Polka strike you?!?!?) kk

This is one of the best websites ever, and I don't mind AT ALL visiting the website with all the good information and great music it provides, not to mention the millions of times it has provided me with that "walk down Memory Lane" -- a place where I love to walk.
Kudos to you!! Keep up the good work!!! Thanks again, Kent, and all the Forgotten Hits Readers!
Anita

Thank you for all the memories and smiles!!
Lea Mea

Hi Kent,
Happy 10th Anniversary! Keep up the good work.
Diana
Bloomfield Hills, Mi

Hi Kent,
Congrats on 10 years. That's a lifetime in Internet time!
Take care -
Art Munson

Happy 10 years!! (and happy wedding anniversary last week :)
Here's to many more forgotten hits!
Beatle Princess

Congrats on your number of visitors and length of tenure. Good stuff.
I'm at live365 counting down the top 800 oldies with countdown extras [source - various radio station top 500s and the like from the year 2000] as well as playing almost every charted oldie [1955-1979] alphabetically by title.The live365 show just began this week.
Get there by going to live365, going to listen and search MTS.
Take Care
Mark
Sounds like OUR kind of show!!! Thanks, Mark! (kk)

Dear Kent -
Happy Anniversary! I don't know how you do it, but I always look forward to your Forgotten Hits emails.
When you love what you are doing, it is fun. May we have many more Anniversary years to celebrate!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too.
Carolyn

>>>This Thanksgiving Weekend officially marks our Ten Year Anniversary (kk)psst ... do what I did for RIP Renfield ... 1 issue past the 10 anniversary?I call it ... "NOW IN ITS 11th YEAR!!!"
oh ... congrats!
Renfield



Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!!! Be sure to check back this weekend to see the OFFICIAL List of Your All-Time Top 50 Favorite Instrumental Hits!!! (kk)

More Stories Behind The Songs

re: DEAD MAN'S CURVE:
The other day we ran a short piece (courtesy of Artie Wayne) reflecting back on songwriter Artie Kornfeld's memories surrounding the writing of the Jan and Dean classic hit "Dead Man's Curve" ... which has since sparked quite a bit of dialog on this topic! Here's a recap ... and the latest! (kk)

Kent ...
Long before he became known as the Father Of Woodstock, Artie Kornfeld was a hit songwriter / producer (“The Pied Piper”, “The Rain, The Park, and Other Things”) When I went to Los Angeles for the first time in 1968 there were three places I wanted to see: Malibu Beach, MacArthur Park, and “Dead Man’s Curve”. Now 40 years later, I asked my longtime friend and sometime collaborator to tell me the story behind Jan and Dean’s “Classic Hit”, and how he co -wrote “Dead Man’s Curve”, with Brian Wilson and Jan Berry.
-- Artie Wayne

One day, Brian and I were chilling and trying out this tiny Honda that the company had sent him as a thank you for writing the Hondells “Hey Little Honda.” We were cruisin’ about 3 miles from his ex-wife, Marilyn’s mom’s house. Brian, as he was known to do, was pushing two hundred pounds way over what a 60 cc Honda could handle. I said 'Bry, you should slow down', as in Santa Monica there is a lot of sand on the streets. We went over and both the bike ... and us ... were torn apart. We carried half a Honda each 3 miles, bleeding like crazy, to an open door in an empty house.We noticed a piece of blank paper on the piano and Bry sat down and I pulled up a chair and, I guess because of recent events I wrote down the words, “Dead Man's Curve”. Brian started a two four piano rhythm but I didn’t have any idea for the lyric … except I always envied Jan’s Corvette, sang to Brian’s chords” I was crusin’ in my Sting Ray late one night and an XKE pulled upon the right…” Brian repeated what I wrote down with the melody and I almost finished the lyric in about 30 minutes with me writing the words, some with Brian, as being a New Yorker after I put us on Sunset Blvd.I had no idea what landmarks we would pass to that curve after Doheny where it turns right and heads into Beverly Hills..."
-- Artie Kornfeld

FOR THE COMPLETE STORY WITH RARE PHOTOS AND VIDEO! http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/artie-kornfeld-and-the-true-story-behind-dead-mans-curve/
Regards,
Artie
http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/about-artie-wayne/

Cool story, Artie ... we ALWAYS love hearing the stories BEHIND the songs!!! Thanks for sharing this with our readers. (kk)

Great story on the origins of "Dead Man's Curve", a 60s classic to be sure. This is what sets Forgotten Hits apart from any of the other oldies fanzines on the web -- or anywhere else for that matter!
Dave
Thanks, Dave ... but read the email below and you'll see that our public demands that we be "spot on" every single time ... or we're going to get called on it! This is why we adopted the slogan "The Most Accurate Truth" ... and when we get it wrong, we own up to getting it wrong. (kk)

Artie's story on "Dead Man's Curve" sounds interesting, but I'm not sure it makes sense. The day they were tooling around on the Honda for the success of "Little Honda" is at least 6 months after "Dead Man's Curve" was already a hit! Something doesn't add up right there.
Ken
You know, he's right ... "Dead Man's Curve" debuted on The Billboard Charts on March 7, 1964 ... "Little Honda" didn't premier on the chart until September 12th. (In fact, even The Beach Boys' own version of this tune wasn't released until August of that year.) Interesting story? Yes. Completely accurate? Not exactly. (kk)

When we find a discrepancy like this, we always try to go back to the source to clear things up ... and, thanks to our FH Buddy Artie Wayne, we got THIS final word from Artie Kornfeld regarding the possibility of scrambling this timeline (kk):
Kent …
How ya’ doin’?
After I got your e-mail about Dave questioning the timeline in Artie Kornfeld’s story on when he wrote “Dead Man’s Curve”, I got in touch with him.
He e-mailed me three times today in an effort to get the facts right.
Artie Wayne
When Brian wrote and presented the song, it was WAY before the hit and he was given that 60cc bike. The story, except not for knowing exactly when the Honda was received, is Golden. 40 plus years later and 96 chart songs, I can assure you that we were on the Honda and, looking back at it, I assumed as Brian wrote it he was given it. WE WERE ON A HONDA AND DID WIPE OUT. WHY AND WHEN BRY GOT THAT BIKE IS NOT CERTAIN, BUT EVERYTHING ELSE IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED.
WHEN JAN AND I REUNITED AFTER HIS PARTIAL RECOVERY AT A COCAINE - ANON MEETING AT CEDARS SINAI IN BEVERLY HILLS, HE APPROACHED ME AND I HAD TEARS IN MY EYES AND SAID "HELLO, JAN." HE LOOKED AT ME PUZZLED AND SAID, “Artie Kornfeld you wrote “Dead Man’s Curve.” I replied, "No, Jan, WE did." He stared puzzled and for months he called four times a week. We met and tried to write but in his freebase smoking mind he just could not connect. It hurt so bad to see an ex best friend like this, as my Daughter had just died in 83.
Artie Kornfeld
I gained even more respect for my old friend when Artie e-mailed me again, and told me he contacted songwriter P.F. Sloan (“Eve of Destruction", “You Baby”, “Secret Agent Man") for further verification of the event.
Artie Wayne
P.F. Sloan, who taught Brian Wilson how to write and record, remembers the Honda story as I wrote it. He thinks BRY wrote the song for a commercial, as he remembers the session just days after we wrote “Dead Man’s Curve”.
Artie Kornfeld
I want to thank Artie Kornfeld for clearing this up … and look forward to hearing more stories behind the “Classics” that he co-wrote, which I’ll pass along to Forgotten Hits.
Artie Wayne
And, it sounds like Artie Kornfeld's got a WHOLE lot more stories to share, too ... his new book, "The Pied Piper Of Woodstock", is chock full of Artie's early memories ... from his earliest days as a hit songwriter ("The Pied Piper", "Dead Man's Curve", "The Rain, The Park And Other Things") on up to the planning and execution of the Woodstock Music Festival, here's a guy who has seen it all ... with a front row seat. We look forward to Artie Kornfeld sharing more of his memories with our Forgotten Hits Readers. (kk)
You can check out Artie's remarkable history here:
http://www.artiekornfeld-woodstock.com/

HERE COMES ANOTHER CURVE TO THE "DEAD MAN'S CURVE" STORY!!! ---> In the liner notes for the recently released Jan and Dean collection "The Complete Liberty Singles", yet another version of the story is told:
"For the next Jan and Dean disc, Jan reworked a 'Drag City' album cut, 'Dead Man's Curve,' into a California car crash of epic proportions. After an opening fanfare of alarming horns, the Greek tragedy builds on a pounding drum track underpinning Jan's lead which was framed, in turn, by a heavenly high-toned chorus in a breathtaking arrangement crafted by Jan. Roger Christian had lobbied for a less deadly conclusion, but Jan insisted that the song end catastrophically. The fourth credited writer (then Screen gems writer and future Woodstock producer) Artie Kornfeld, had recently collaborated with Jan on 'I Adore Him' by The Angels, and they teamed up again when Artie temporarily moved into Jan and Don's Occidental Blvd. apartment. Don Altfeld recalls how Art, Jan and Roger wrote the song on a restaurant napkin, and then left it on the table, returning later to dig through the trash for it."

For more on the "Little Honda" timeline, here are a few words from Fred Vail, who was promoting The Beach Boys' concerts in 1963 - 1964:
Good evening, Kent,
WOW! What a story. I was not on the 60cc Honda -- but wish I was there when it all came down. You know what really struck me? Artie referred to Brian as "Bri," (or Bry), a name seldom used when referring to 'the maestro.' That's what I still call him and that's also what Marilyn (Rovell Wilson Rutherford) called him in the old days.
We did three concerts at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium in 1963, including the December 21 concert that was recorded for their first #1 album -- and first "Gold" album, "Beach Boys Concert." We did a second concert in May of '64 and the two shows were combined for the Capitol album. I emceed the first Dec 21 concert and it was my introduction that Bri used for the album. I vividly recall 'the boys' including "Little Honda" on either the Dec show or the May show and Bri rode a Honda out on to the stage to the roar and delight of the crowd.
(Note: if you have a copy of the Capitol 'gatefold' "Beach Boys Concert" album (not the Pickwick re-issue, "Wow, Great Concert,") you can check the photos and see if Brian is pictured in one of them riding the Honda. My copy is on a record shelf in my cluttered office with about ten or fifteen boxes in front of it:)
I will forward Artie's story to Dean and try to get his remarks 'for the record.'
As they sang in "Little Honda," ..... hang on tight.:)
Fred

DIDJAKNOW?: If Brian Wilson originally wrote "Little Honda" to be used in a television commercial to promote the hot new cycle, it also was the recipient of the exact OPPOSITE effect. When The Beach Boys performed "Little Honda" on The Andy Williams Show in 1966 (with Andy singing along no less ... and The Beach Boys chanting "Andy, Andy" in the background!) they were told to change the lyrics to "Little Cycle" so as NOT to promote what could otherwise be construed as a "free advertisement" for Honda Motorcycles!!! (I finally found this clip on YouTube to share with you today ... DEFINTELY worth a viewing or two!!!)

Click here: YouTube - Andy Williams and The Beach Boys - Little Cycle (Year 1966)

And, speaking of Brian Wilson, THIS looks interesting:

re: ENDLESS SUMMER QUARTERLY:
The Winter 2009 edition of ESQ is now available; it features another great article from Craig Slowinski on the Beach Boys TODAY! session outtakes (including "All Dressed Up For School"); a reflective article on the Beach Boys transitional single releases from 1968-1970 by Phil Miglioratti; and fan accounts and images from ESQ's Pet Sounds Safari; news & reviews; more!
David Beard

And, you can order YOUR copy today on the ESQ Website:
Click here: :: Endless Summer Quarterly - The Beach Boys' Fan Magazine ::

And here's ANOTHER Great Story Behind The Song!!!

re: MIDNIGHT MARY:

Yesterday, of course, was the 46th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination. And since today's issue seems somewhat Beach Boys-centric, it seems only fair to remind you that last year we told you what The Beach Boys were doing on the night of the Kennedy Assassination ... for the benefit of those who may have missed it, you can find THAT story here:
Click here: Forgotten Hits - The Story Behind The Beach Boys' Classic "The Warmth Of The Sun"

Meanwhile, here's ANOTHER great Kennedy Assassination Weekend story, courtesy of Artie Wayne, who gave us permission to run his entire article on The Forgotten Hits Website ... thanks, Artie!!!

(Here's the "teaser" that first came out ... from Artie's blog)
Kent ...
From Nov. 22, 1963, to Nov. 24, 1963, the weekend of the Kennedy Assassination, I had to record the Joey Powers “Midnight Mary “album. Together with musicians that included Paul Simon, Al Gorgoni, Jeannie Thomas, and Roger McGuinn, we managed to make it through!
Here's the story:
http://artiewayne.wordpress. com/2009/11/21/president- kennedy-and-midnight-mary/
Regards,
Artie Wayne
http://artiewayne.wordpress. com/about-artie-wayne/

Thanks, Artie ... this makes the PERFECT ending to today's "Stories Behind The Songs" feature!!! (kk)

It was November 22, 1963 and I had been preparing to record the entire “Midnight Mary” album during the four day weekend. I’d been flying to Columbus, Ohio every week to rehearse Joey Powers, who was going for his Masters Degree at Ohio State.

That night, as Al Gorgoni put some finishing touches on the arrangements, Jeannie Thomas polished the background parts for her and Lettie Hamblet. Our usual crew of musicians, augmented with Paul Simon and Roger McGuinn on 12 string guitars, was going over the charts for the first session, due to start in a half-hour.

Joey Powers and I were riding into the city from the airport, listening to a new record by the Beatles, “I Want To Hold Your Hand!” on the radio. Suddenly, the announcer interrupted with a terrible unconfirmed report from Washington. By the time we walked into the studio, we could see the tears in everybody’s eyes and we knew that it was true ... “President Kennedy had been shot!

Joey Powers recalls, “You met me at LaGuardia and had a cab waiting to go to the city. You were very nervous and kept looking away from me. The cab driver was listening to the news on his radio, but I was so preoccupied with studying the music, that I was not paying much attention.

Then you finally said that something had happened to the President. It occurred during my flight so I was completely in the dark. I was in such shock that I didn’t think I could do the album!”

Joey Powers

The mood in the entire nation was somber, and the collective grief in the studio over the next few days was overwhelming, but we had a deadline to meet. Al Gorgoni kept the session moving, while Jeannie Thomas comforted us all.

What a sad day it was. It took the wind out of all of us and it took us a while to get back to working. Even when we did, it was with a very heavy heart. but we finished the tracks over the next three days.

Gorgoni recalls, “I guess concentrating on meeting the deadline was a good way for me to avoid the emotion evoked by such a tragedy. After one of the sessions, I recall a conversation with Roger McGuinn about where Folk music was heading. He predicted the whole Electric Folk Rock thing that blossomed a while later when he formed The Byrds.

"Imagine being in the studio with Roger McGuinn and Paul Simon, who had started to record the “Wednesday Morning 3 AM album”. They were about to help establish a whole new stream of Pop music. Artie certainly could recognize talent. Even through all the sadness, I was happy to be there.”

Amy Records promotion man Freddie DeMann dropped by, but even his usual “Shtick”, couldn’t lighten things up. The CEO of Amy Records, Larry Uttal came by as well, but he couldn’t even make it in to the studio, breaking down in the hall. He said, just before he left, “I don’t know how you guys can do it.”... and, quite honestly, neither do we.

*************************************

In between the tracking and overdubbing sessions, Joey and I went down to WPIX TV, where Joey taped the Clay Cole Dance show. Clay is an old friend of Joey's, who once worked with him as an NBC page. In between takes, the mood is dark and apprehensive, while we watched all the footage of the assassination as it came into the newsroom unedited.

Clay Cole

As we watched the surreal events unfold, I have images forever etched in my memory, including the entire 8mm Abraham Zapruder home movie clip of the Presidential Procession, in which the President is getting his head shot off! The entire staff keeps watching the tape over and over again, getting more and more depressed. I don’t know how they’re ever going to be able to show this to the public. Finally, we decided to call it a night, and arranged for Joey to come in the next day to finish up his segment with Clay.

It’s hard not to think about this history changing event, and stay positive the next day. As soon as Joey is finished lip synching “Midnight Mary”, and doing an interview with Clay, we all went into the control room. Everyone was crowded around a monitor as we watched the assassination of alleged JFK killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, by Texas night club owner, Jack Ruby!

Stunned by another history altering day, everyone wondered what could happen next? Joey and I rushed back to the studio to finish up his vocals before he had to catch a plane back to Ohio. Exhausted, I fell asleep in the cab on the way back home to the Bronx, while on the radio, Murray the K played “This Boy” by The Beatles.

-- Copyright 2009 by Artie Wayne from his forthcoming book, “I Did It For A Song” http://artiewayne.wordpress.com/about-artie-wayne/

After sending my friend Clay Cole my account of the events of 45 years ago, he e-mailed me back, “Damn, Artie! Thanks for the refresher. I blanked out on that memory …. that JFK nightmare dooms any good memories of that day”
FOR MORE ON CLAY COLE: http://www.claycoleshow.com/

The Sunday Comments ( 11 - 22 - 09 )

re: BEATLES AND BEE GEES:
A few weeks back we told you about a Bee Gees reunion of sorts ... Barry and Robin have been rehearsing to begin performing as The Brothers Gibb again. If you happened to be watching "Dancing With The Stars" the other night on ABC, you were lucky enough to catch a performance of "You Should Be Dancin'", their #1 Hit from 1976. (If you missed it, I've included the clip from YouTube as a means to view this historic occasion.) We'll keep you posted as tour dates are announced. Click here: YouTube - Bee Gees - You Should Be Dancing - DWTS

Meanwhile, here's a chance to catch some of the brand new Paul McCartney concert video DVD / CD release that we've been telling you about ... highlights from Macca's CitiField show are being broadcast over free TV on Thanksgiving Night (also on ABC!) at 9 PM Central Time on the 26th!!! (kk)

And, speaking of The Beatles ...

re: HOW'D YA LIKE TO BE A BEATLE???:
And I'm not just talking in a "Let's Play 'Rock Band'" kind of way. Check THIS out ... a OPEN CASTING CALL to actually PLAY one of The Fabs!!!
*OPEN CASTING CALL*
FOR AUDITION, PLEASE CHOOSE THE ROLE THAT YOU BEST EMBODY:
[JOHN] 20-45, British Accent (Liverpool).LEAD ROLE
[PAUL] 20-45, British Accent (Liverpool).LEAD ROLE
[RINGO] 20-45, British Accent (Liverpool).LEAD ROLE
[GEORGE] 20-45, British Accent (Liverpool).LEAD ROLE
BE A BEATLE IN A MOVIE!
"BEATexpo 2009," coming to the Downtown Stamford Holiday Inn in Stamford, CT on November 28-29, currently boasts a wonderful guest-list, some fine tribute bands, a memorabilia marketplace + other worthy convention attractions. Now the event has one other amazing element to it: a motion picture casting call! But not just any casting call, this is the national audition for the upcoming Fab Four film being produced by Disney. They are not looking for singers, as the film is using 16 original Beatles tracks, but they are seeking four actors to play the leads who resemble or can imitate, or have the mannerisms and idiosyncrasies of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr. Aspiring actors and hopefuls are invited to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a Beatle in what will undoubtedly be the biggest animated film of the year (it was previously reported that this was the 3-D remake of "Yellow Submarine").
The official casting call takes place at the hotel's "Shippan Point Room" on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday, Nov. 29 from 12 noon - 8 pm as part of the convention. Below are the casting details ...
UNTITLED FAB 4 PROJECT - Feature Film / Motion Capture / Comedy
STUDIO: Disney / Prod. Company: ImageMovers Digital
PRODUCERS: Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke
DIRECTOR: Robert Zemeckis
CASTING DIRECTORS: Victoria Burrows / Scot Boland
CASTING ASSOCIATE: Toby Guidry
CASTING ASSISTANT: Juliet Seniff
START DATE: September 2010
NOTE: [Previz footage shooting Feb. 2010 for 1 week]
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
AUDITION INFO:
Location: BEATexpo 2009 / Holiday Inn Stamford
At 700 E. Main St., Stamford, CT *Shippan Point Room*
Dates: Saturday 11/28 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday, 11/29 12 noon - 8 pm
*please come dressed appropriately for the late 60's era
*actors should come in character with the accent & mannerisms
This film will be done in the Motion Capture technique that has been used in features such as BEOWULF, THE POLAR EXPRESS, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and MONSTER HOUSE. The human characters will resemble the Fab Four and not the particular actor playing the role. For all of the characters, we will capture not only the actor's voice but also physical performance in incredible detail. The captured performance then drives the computer-generated character in the final screen image. The actor's actual performance is very non-technical and liberating and is rehearsed and performed in a studio like a play.
Those auditioning will be portraying characters between ages 20-45. Actors should come dressed appropriately for the late 60's era and come in character with required accents and mannerisms. For research material and audition scenes, visit the blog: http://fabfourcasting.blogspot.com.
This casting call for the four leads is just one element, albeit a unique and exciting one, of this special event for fans.
For further information on BEATexpo 2009 (not on the casting call itself),
visit www.ToursAndEvents.com/BEATexpo.htm.

re: THE NEW BILLBOARD ALBUM CHART:
>>>Too bad it's now really too late to TRULY represent just how HUGE of an impact the recent sales of Michael Jackson's and The Beatles' work has really had on an otherwise quite dormant industry. (kk)
Actually, it's not "too late" ... Billboard has been compiling a "Comprehensive Album Chart" for the past six years (available to subscribers of its Billboard.biz online site), which has included all album sales, regardless of age. That chart has indeed chronicled the recent surges in the sales of Beatles and Michael Jackson albums. For example, for the chart week of Sept. 26, Beatles albums occupied 14 of the top 34 positions on that chart, and for the week of July 11, Michael Jackson albums occupied 9 of the top 41 positions (including one Jackson 5 compilation). The change that will take place with the Dec. 5 issue of Billboard is simply that the Comprehensive Album Chart will become the new Billboard 200 (although the weeks-on-the-chart column might be a continuation from the current version of the Billboard 200).
– Randy Price
Interesting ... and good to know. Although NOT the album chart viewed by the "masses" ... at least there is SOME documented history of these recent life-changing events. (kk)

And, of course, you can't talk about Billboard Magazine and NOT mention Joel Whitburn!!!

re: JOEL WHITBURN:

We've been very fortunate to have Joel Whitburn participate with us here in Forgotten Hits from time to time ... and one of our list members just sent me a link to a GREAT interview that Joel recently did with Larry LeBlanc. You can check it out here: Click here: ENCORE: The Standard in Live Entertainment News

And, speaking of Joel Whitburn, our FH Buddy Ronnie Allen has ALSO just posted an interview with the chart guru on HIS website ... you can access it here:
http://www.jerseygirlssing.com
Read Ronnie's instructions on how to maneuver around the site ... and his take on what it was like to talk to this chart expert ... below. (kk)

I had the distinct pleasure of doing a radio interview show with the celebrated Joel Whitburn this week and I am pleased to announce that I have just posted it on my Radio Page. I think you will find this show interesting on many levels. There's at least one true confession from Joel (an amazing one!), controversy, plenty of humor and the revelation from Joel as to what he is convinced is the worst record in the history of the world! Of course the show is primarily about what his endeavors have been over the past 40 years. I came away from this show with a very positive impression of the man and a huge admiration for what he has accomplished. Here's a brief "Joel Whitburn 101" course!

Joel, who founded his company Record Research in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (where he still lives) is considered by many to be the most authoritative historian on the subject of charted music in the entire world. His website is http://www.recordresearch.com. Over the past 40 years Joel has authored and published 122 reference books based on chart data from various popular music charts, almost all being from Billboard Magazine. But his work is not limited to that publication. Joel published one book called "Pop Memories: 1890 to 1954" using charts from other publications that predated Billboard. Although we did not discuss that book during this interview show, I alluded to it during my introduction of him at the outset of the show by pointing that Joel has, in fact, chronicled charted music for the past 120 years! He's published 122 Record Research reference books and, in addition, has also written several Billboard books published by Watson-Guptill Publications. These are the ones you see on bookshelves and include various editions of "Top 40 Hits," "Top 40 Albums" and "Top 40 Country hits." And he's also produced over 150 CD compilations of hits for Rhino Records.

Joel owns one of the world's largest record collections. He has over 200,000 singles (that's 200 thousand!) and also the largest collection of picture sleeves in the world: 18,000. It was such a joy spending one hour with this amazing man who assured me that there's plenty more to come in the near future!

P.S. This is my external comment on the radio page. Just think how amazing this is! "This renowned author, researcher and musicologist personally owns every charted pop single going back to 1936 and every charted pop album going back to 1945."

To access this Joel Whitburn radio interview show or any of my previous ones, please visit the "Jersey Girls Sing" website at http://www.jerseygirlssing.com When that home page comes up, please click the "Ronnie Allen Theater" (the name has a yellow background) in the picture on the right-hand side. That will bring you to my index page. Please click on "Ronnie's Radio Page" and you will then be able to access the show (it's the first one listed under the blue heading "Current Radio Interview Shows") or any of my previous ones, which are listed in reverse chronological order.

Ronnie Allen

re: ON THE RADIO:
Hi, Kent ... In the last few months I've had to take a drive on a Saturday morning early and I found that one of my usual oldies radio station is running "American Top Forty" from the seventies with Casey Kasem. They play an actual broadcast from the same week in one year of the seventies as when you are listening. I was amazed by the number of songs that I heard that I either never or rarely hear on the radio. They are songs that may have come in number 5 or 10 on the charts, but were definitely big. For example, a couple of weeks ago I heard "Don't Expect Me to Be Your Friend" by Lobo, "Pieces of April" by Three Dog Night and "I've Got a Name" by Jim Croce ... all from 1973, which they NEVER play on the so-called "Oldies" station, at least not where I live. Others I've heard recently: "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" - Joan Baez; "Stoney End" - Barbra Streisand; "The Air That I Breathe" - Hollies; "Sweet Seasons" - Carole King; and "Hurting Each Other" - the Carpenters. When do you hear these played? And yet ... all in the top 40 charts. From what I can see this show is syndicated, so if your readers get a chance to catch it on their local station, it's worth a listen. Debbie in PA
I know XM70s has been running Casey's "American Top 40" reruns for a while now ... and we've heard from other readers who are also enjoying these nostalgic rebroadcasts if only because so many songs from The Top 40 DON'T receive any airplay anymore. Here in Chicago, we hear Jim Croce's "I Got A Name" and The Hollies' "The Air That I Breathe" fairly often ... but you're right ... for the most part artists like Lobo (other than "I'd Love You To Want Me") and Carole King (other than "It's Too Late" and "I Feel The Earth Move") have pretty much fallen off the oldies radar. (kk)

>>>Be sure to check THIS one out ... lots of cool stuff to look at and listen to! (kk) Click here: HITS OF YESTERYEAR
Hits Of Yesteryear is one of those shows you can hear on Topshelf Oldies -- truly the best music on the internet ... different DJ's every night with lots of cool music, a large portion of it you likely have never heard (but that does NOT mean it is not good -- it just means there was too much music released at the time for things to get noticed when they were new).
-- Tom Diehl

I just read a great interview with Chicagoland DJ Connie Szerszen in Rich Appel's "Hz So Good" publication ... if you're interested in reading it, too, just drop me a line and I'll forward a copy off to you! (kk)

And, speaking of good interviews ...

re: ALICE COOPER:
I've also got one with Alice Cooper, done by Dr. Rock ... good stuff. Again, just let me know and I'll shoot it off to you! (kk)

re: DIGGIN' FORGOTTEN HITS:
Kent,

I would just like to tell you that I'm really enjoying Forgotten Hits. Keep on keepin' on!

Rob Frankel

Great Sunday comments and great work. Hope you can keep it going but don't know how you have the energy or time.
Roy in Salt Lake City
Thanks, Roy! It's been getting tougher and tougher with so many work and family commitments lately ... and the holidays coming up ... but we're doing what we can, when we can ... it's the loyal, patient readers like you that help to provide the fuel to keep this whole thing going ... and, of course, our shared love and appreciation of all of this great music. Forgotten Hits celebrates its TENTH ANNIVERSARY this Thanksgiving Weekend ... the very first issue went out to a list of 35 subscribers Thanksgiving Weekend, 1999. (Guess you could say we've grown a little bit since then!!! lol) So thanks again to EVERYONE out there for your continued support! (kk)

re: THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT:
Hey Kent --
In regards to your comments on long versions of late 60’s early 70’s tunes, I had to laugh. “Crimson and Clover” long version is my favorite ever. I admit the song sounds complete without it, but I love every extended section as the guitar takes on new sounds and attitudes. Fuzz, wah-wah – I love it! A good example of one I don’t like much is “And When I Die” by B, S &T. That rodeo-style solo breaks up the mood created in the song.
Speaking of B, S and T, which “Spinning Wheel” solo do you prefer - the horns on the album version or the guitar on the single? Or “Let It Be” – the Leslie speaker solo on the single or the fuzz – drenched solo on the Spector album version?
Fun stuff to talk about. Keep up the great site.
Greg F. / Renditions
Honestly, I like BOTH versions of "And When I Die" and "Spinning Wheel" ... it's always interesting when these songs start playing on the radio, trying to guess which version they're going to play ... kinda like watching the opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show and screaming out "Trip" or "No Trip"!!! (lol) I think both versions of these stand alone just fine as complete pieces. As for "Let It Be", that one holds a special place in my heart. Because I was familiar with the song nearly a year before it was officially released (through all kinds of "Get Back" bootlegs albums), the first version I heard had a pretty tame guitar solo ... probably closer to the one shown in the actual film. By the time the single came out, I remember commenting to several friends (and fellow Beatlemaniacs at the time) how that powerful guitar really broke up the tenderness of the song ... kinda cool in a way as we hadn't really heard that done before. (McCartney would use a similar treatment on "My Love" when that guitar solo just comes in out of nowhere with the loud fuzz.) Then when I heard the LP version, I thought "You have GOT to be kidding me!!!" I figured Macca probably didn't care for THAT version at all ... and I'm thinking that I'm probably right on that, as the "Let It Be ... Naked" version returns us to the much more subtle George Harrison lead. (kk)

re: SEE THERE, IT HAPPENS TO THE BEST OF US!!!:
'Hello, Ohio!' (Psst! Boss, We're in Michigan!)
AP, Nov 15, 2009
The curse of Friday the 13th struck Bruce Springsteen in a most unusual way: it made the 60-year-old rock legend forget where he was.
The Boss bellowed "Hello, Ohio!" to his fans at the Auburn Hills Palace in Michigan. Springsteen referred to the neighboring state several times in the following 30 minutes until E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt whispered in his ear.
A visibly embarrassed Springsteen grinned and said such a mistake was "every front man's nightmare."
The Detroit Free Press says Springsteen rocked the forgiving audience for nearly three hours Friday night with new and old hits including a complete performance of his album "Born to Run."

re: DICK CLARK:
Jimmy Jay of the Rewind Show will host the Broadcast Event of the Year! The Dick Clark Birthday Salute. This show will run not only on all of the Rewind outlets around the world but many stations have added him for this Special Event. The True Oldies Channel with Scott Shannon will run a one hour special edition geared for the format of the station. Times vary depending on the station. Some of the acts that have joined Jimmy on this special include Neil Sedaka, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Spinners, Johnny Rivers, Brenda Lee, The Rip Chords, Freddy Cannon, Andy Williams, Connie Francis, Bobby Vee and the list goes on & on. BB King's Grammy Award winning producer Trade Martin did all the jingles. Jimmy and Trade did a special opening song for this show. Dick Clark has already heard the first two hours of this show. If you have a station that would like to run with this 3 Hour Broadcast Event contact Jimmy Jay at 617 - 773 - 0690. More stars are being added every day.

Jimmy Jay

re: THE "FAVORITE INSTRUMENTALS" COUNTDOWN:

It's coming!!! But first a few other cool instrumental tidbits!

Click here: YouTube - Chet Atkins - Mr. Sandman (TV 1954)

submitted by Fred Vail

A GREAT version of an old classic ... and, with over a millions views, it would seem many folks out there would agree!!! Thanks, Fred! (kk)

And, while you're there, you've just GOT to devote a couple of minutes to THIS one ... TOTALLY cracked me up!!!

Click here: YouTube - Mr. Sandman

Well, OK. Here are a few that are probably not on the list already (but do turn up on YouTube):
IN THE MOOD Glenn Miller & his Orchestra (1939)
HEARTACHES Ted Weems & his Orchestra; Elmo Tanner, whistler (1933)
IT'S A GAS - Alfred E. Newman (c. 1962) [the only lyric: the spoken title at the beginning]
THE WALLACE & GROMIT THEME (from the "Revenge of the Were-Rabbit" soundtrack CD)
THEME FROM "POLICE SQUAD" a/k/a THE "NAKED GUN THEME" ("Naked Gun" soundtrack CD)
SOUPY'S THEME (from the LP "The Soupy Sales Show")
THEME FROM "FRACTURED FLICKERS" Dennis Farnon & his Orchestra (1961) [the only lyric: the spoken words "one, two" at the beginning]
Gary Theroux

Nope ... NONE of these are gonna make the countdown ... but I have always LOVED "It's A Gas" ... and have featured it a few times before in Forgotten Hits. (lol) kk

On another note, I was quite surprised that NOBODY had nominated and/or voted for the Jimi Hendrix version of "The Star Spangled Banner" as a favorite instrumental ... granted, it wasn't a HIT single ... and had it been nominated, I doubt that it would have earned enough support to place in The Top 50 ... but it TOTALLY escaped my mind (and, evidently, everybody ELSE's mind, too!) until FH Reader Charlie Fraser brought it up ... honestly, I hadn't even noticed that it wasn't nominated ... until somebody DID nominate it!

Memory is a funny thing as you get older, compiling my list I may have left out some songs I truly enjoyed in the past, I am a Big Band fan but primarily I enjoy vocals. (My musical tastes go further back than most of my contemporaries, my older brother by 10 years was a band member and built his own stereo equipment in the 50's so I was listening to music at a very early age)
The Star Spangled Banner is a touchy subject to many, and to many baby-boomers the influence of parents who participated in WWII held the song in great reverence and rightly so. Jimi being an artist had warts and flaws, but his rendition was an act of patriotism and he put his all into it although it was downplayed by society. I personally think it was a display of what makes America such a great country. Ray Charles' God Bless America is similar but no to the degree of separation from the accepted norm.
Thank you for telling me I was the only vote, it strokes my ego, and reinforces my self assessment of marching to a 'Different Drum'
PS Have a great Thanksgiving, and how come there is no 'Favorite Thanksgiving Songs' list ? ha ha ty Kent
Charlie

We covered some of the controversy that surrounded Jimi's version when we put The Forgotten Hits Spotlight on Hendrix a few years back. Here's a short snippet of that piece ... along with a link to the whole article, now posted on The Forgotten Hits Web Page: Click here: Forgotten Hits - Jimi Hendrix

One of JIMI HENDRIX's greatest (and most famous) performances has to be at the WOODSTOCK festival in 1969. He moved to the area a few months in advance to rehearse and problems began almost immediately. Someone was breaking into the house and guitars came up missing ... drugs were being put into people's food ... and it all culminated with a shootout at the front gate! (To say the least, it made things a bit strained while the band tried to rehearse!)
Signing JIMI to do the gig was a real coup. The promoters had already decided that the most they would pay an act was $15,000. The week before, JIMI had earned $150,000 for a gig in California. HENDRIX said he wanted $30,000 but was told that the only way he could earn that much money was to perform twice: on the first and last day of the festival. Eventually, they settled on $18,000 and JIMI closed the show. And what a performance it was. To a nearly empty, open field, JIMI announced "You can all leave if you want to ... we're just gonna jam" and then wailed on his version of THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER (which he then segued into PURPLE HAZE). Performing THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER at a time when there was so much controversy regarding the War in Viet Nam made for a pretty poignant moment. Guitarist LARRY LEE said the stage conditions were horrendous. Between the way the amps were set up and the fact that rain at saturated the stage, "On a lot of my solos there's feedback and when it ain't feeding back, I was actually getting electrocuted."The guitar effects on JIMI's performance of THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER were electrifying ... he made you feel "the rocket's red glare" and "the bombs bursting in air" ... and it was even more revolutionary coming almost exactly one year after JOSE FELICIANO infuriated a nation by his "sacrilege" performance of our NATIONAL ANTHEM at the 1968 WORLD SERIES.
DIDJAKNOW?: Although JIMI's performance of THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER at WOODSTOCK is considered by many to be one of the highlights of the festival ... especially the way it climaxed the ending of the theatrical release of the film ... this was NOT the first time he had performed this song. In fact, he had been performing it (and perfecting the incredible guitar sound effects) for nearly a year ... perhaps MOST famously at a performance that April at the Memorial Auditorium in Dallas, Texas. Handler RON TERRY says that when HENDRIX arrived at his dressing room that night, there were five thugs blocking the entrance. TERRY was told by the apparent gang leader "You tell that fuckin' nigger if he plays 'STAR SPANGLED BANNER' in this hall tonight, he won't live to get out of the building. Did you hear what I said? No one does that in Dallas, Texas, and lives to tell about it. We'll start a riot and if he don't make it out of the building, that's just the way it fucking goes." HENDRIX performed THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER that night ... without incident. (kk)

Well, I must admit I wondered to myself how the instrumentals would come across. But you were right. Several times over the weekend I found myself turning up the volume asking myself now what was that song? They were great. Atlanta was rocking over the weekend to the great oldies on 106.7. Thanks for leading the charge on this one.
Chris Jones
Roswell, GA
I heard from Scott Shannon who told me that his Instrumentally Yours Weekend was a rousing success ... lots of phone calls and email requests from our Forgotten Hits Readers, so thanks to all of you guys for that! Meanwhile, the polls are closed ... the ballots have been counted ... and we now know the results of our Top 50 Countdown ... Your All-Time Favorite Instrumentals.
DeeJay Phil Nee will be counting down the results NEXT SATURDAY NIGHT, November 28th, on WRCO, AM 1450, in Richland Center, Wisconsin ... and then we'll publish Your Top 50 Favorites on both Forgotten Hits web pages on Sunday, November 29th (along with a COMPLETE set of lyrics so that you can sing along with your favorites!!!) Beginning on Friday, December 4th, the show will also be available for rebroadcast through our new "Forgotten Hits on the Radio" Podcast site. (More info to come!) Thanks again to EVERYONE who voted ... when all was said and done, just over 14,000 votes were tabulated ... so we truly do have a very fair representation of the opinions of the oldies nation at heart here. (kk)

re: HELPING OUT OUR READERS:
>>>Elvis did a version of an Ink Spots' song called " A Fool Such As I".
(Bob Hughes)
We've been looking for a copy of The Ink Spots doing the Elvis Presley tune "(Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I" ... and so far, no luck. I got this from one of our readers, who checked an Ink Spots Music site (kk) ...
Can you ask the requester if they know a site that lists this song? Because at this site it doesn't show it: http://inkspots.ca/ISALPHAZ.htm
Enjoy your Sunday.
Cookie
I couldn't find a listing for it in any of the sources that I checked either ... then I got this from Hil (TheOneBuff) kk ...
I found Tommy Edwards via youtube singing A Fool Such As I. Maybe this is what was heard and supposed as The Ink Spots. Worth a shot, I figured.
TheOneBuff

Worth a spin ... I found early '50's charted versions by both Jo Stafford and Hank Snow, too ... but nothing on this one by The Ink Spots. (kk)

>>>I am looking for a song by "Just Us" called "I Can't Grow Peaches on a Cherry Tree". Nancy Sinatra does it as well, but I think this was the original. Can anyone help? (Sharon)
Let's see ... last week we featured the Just Us version (which was the "hit" version of this song) ... and then a version by The Browns, that "bubbled under" on the Billboard Chart back in 1965. Now comes word of yet ANOTHER version ... this time by The Tradewinds! (kk)

Here is the song you are looking for. I have it by both Just Us and the Tradewinds. This is a good version, too.
Carrie

>>>The Just Us version, which first charted in the Spring of 1966, was FIRST released as a single on the Minuteman Record Label the year before, where it went virtually unnoticed ... which I suppose COULD mean that THEY, in fact, recorded it first. (kk)
The master of this record was purchased by Colpix and reissued on Colpix in 1966 #803.
Clay

And then this from Sharon, who had the original inquiry in the first place. (kk)
Hi Kent ~
I never imagined there would be such feedback from my request for the "Cherry" song. I wanted to thank Chascot59 {Charlie} for jumping right on that and now I have it, too. And thanks to you, Kent, Bobaloo, Doug ... for all the information about the song. I know exactly where to go now, when I am looking for something particular. I'm sure someone out there on the FHs readers list will have what I'm looking for. Still not sure where I'm supposed to look for songs on the FH website, aside from what you post about specific groups but, I'll get it some day. :o) Peace everyone and remember ... in the famous words of Kasey Kasem...."Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars" :o)
~ Sharon {Tokeitwo}
And now you've got yet ANOTHER version for your collection ... thanks to Carrie, The Tradewinds' version is posted below! (kk)



>>>Next you are going to mention Baby, You Come Rollin' Cross my Mind I guess. (Bobaloo)
>>>LOL ... which version of "Baby, You Come Rollin' Cross My Mind" are you referring to?!?!? (Didn't we just feature the John Beland version a month or two ago?!?!?) Personally, I've always liked Rick Nelson's version of this tune, too!!! (kk)
In my opinion THE version is The Peppermint Trolley Company. The only version I know of that actually charted, although not too well. Funny, AFN "wore it out" in Germany back in '68.
BOB MAYBEN
I'm not familiar with that one ... it didn't chart here in Chicago ... but did reach #45 on The Cash Box Chart ... so we can give it a listen today. (kk)



Meanwhile, here's the John Beland version again from a few weeks back:



HELLO DERE! A QUESTION FOR YOU ... DO YOU THINK INDIVIDUAL CD COLLECTIONS OF THE SWINGIN MEDALLIONS, MAGIC LANTERNS OR J.J. JACKSON ARE WORTH PURCHASING BEYOND THE OBVIOUS HIT? CURIOUS FOR YOUR INPUT. THANKS ... MGB
Personally, the only one I'd be curious to hear would be The Magic Lanterns, as I heard they had several hits that didn't chart here ... as for the others, I'm not even remotely curious!!! (lol) But that's just MY opinion ... let's see what the rest of the list thinks ... maybe there are some lost "gems" out there that we don't even know about! (kk)

Hi Kent!
Still enjoying all the great Forgotten Hits newsletters and postings.
I heard this song on Chicago radio stations somewhere around the mid-1960s. I have no idea who sang it and the only help I can give you is a little portion of the verse.
"Well, it's heads I win, tails you lose, you won my heart and you broke it in two". "All the boys told me when they saw you riding again and again in a car with my very best friend".
Not much to go on and at the same time at my 60 something age I'm not sure if I asked you this before. Any help will a appriciated. Looking forward to our fuinal listings of our alltime instrumentals. Maybe some time in the future we can do an all time listings of our favorite TV themes. Take care.
Jerry Kamper
Lol ... TV Themes WOULD be a good one ... although you'll find a few of these on The Top 50 Instrumentals List as well! Let's see if anybody can solve your lyrics mystery. Thanks, Jerry! (kk)

And we never did get an answer to THIS one ... anybody able to help out our FH Buddy Tony Hatch???
Hi Kent,
I was wondering if anyone would know where I can contact Joe Smith? He was with Warner Brothers Records in the mid-60's and, I gotta tell you, he was the guy who picked Petula Clark's DOWNTOWN for a hit for Warner when UK's Pye Records didn't really know what to make of it. He also picked MY LOVE (another #1 and recorded in LA) when even Petula wasn't sure about it. Both she and I would have to say that we owe a lot to Joe Smith. What a great music exec!TONY HATCH

Thanks folks! Be sure to check back tomorrow ... we've got a GREAT "Stories Behind The Songs" segment planned for your enjoyment!!! (kk)

THANK YOU!

Well, we asked for 'em ...

And we GOT 'em!!!

Over 2000 Votes were cast yesterday for your All-Time Favorite Instrumentals ...

And they're STILL coming in this morning!!!

So Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for your on-going support!

In fact, as of this morning we're now a little bit over 13,000 votes strong ... a pretty good representation of what the oldies nation considers the best of the best ...

And we'll keep tabulating all of the votes we receive through 6:00 tonight ... so don't stop now!!!

TONS of tie-breakers yesterday ... and some MAJOR resurgence of some otherwise rather dormant titles ... making this whole countdown all that much more interesting and exciting right down to the wire!

(In fact, we've now got FOUR clear-cut contenders for the top spot ... and EACH one of those titles spent at least a few minutes leading the pack yesterday ... now what could be more exciting and nail-biting than THAT?!?!?)

Hang tight ... we'll be tabulating all of your votes this weekend and then counting them down on The Phil Nee Show NEXT SATURDAY NIGHT (November 28th) on WRCO in Wisconsin.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to vote ... this is YOUR countdown and we appreciate your support!

Voting Reminder

Just a quick reminder ...

Tomorrow is the voting deadline for your favorite instrumental hits!

Please send your votes to forgottenhits@aol.com.

We'll be tabulating the winners this weekend ...

And then NEXT Weekend, Phil Nee will be counting down Your Top 50 Favorites LIVE on his program on WRCO.

You can HEAR the results on Saturday, November 28th ...

And then SEE the results on The Forgotten Hits Web Page on Sunday, November 29th ... Click here: Forgotten Hits - Top 40 Instrumentals, 1955 - 1979

The Countdown Show will also be available for your listening enjoyment as a podcast beginning on Friday, December 4th ... more details and links to come.

Meanwhile, let YOUR voice be heard ...
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES NOW!!!