The Sunday Comments ( 05 - 10 - 15 )

re:  Gino Vannelli:  
One of the best shows we saw last year was Gino Vannelli at The Arcada Theatre.  (My wife's been a lifetime fan ... and I liked all of his hits ... so I figured if Gino did his job right that night ... in his sexy, sultry, enticing way ... it'd be a win/win for everybody!!!  lol)  
Fact is, he blew me away!  Exceeded my every expectation. GREAT show ... GREAT storyteller ... and his band is out of this world.  
He'll be back at The Arcada for TWO shows later this month ... Saturday Night, May 16th, with the full band ... and then a BONUS show on Sunday afternoon (2 pm) performing an all acoustic set.  
We're so excited about this that we're offering a special 20% discount on tickets to BOTH of these shows through the Arcada box office.  Order your tickets online at www.oshows.com and punch in the special code FH2015 ... and you'll get 20% off your order.  
This is a show we think you'll really enjoy and we'd love to see you out there.  
(By the way, after the acoustic set on Sunday, grab dinner and then come back to see Paul Revere's Raiders ... their first Chicagoland appearance since the passing of Paul Revere.  This, too, is always a great show ... and you can pick up tickets for this one through the Arcada website, too.  Sorry, the 20% discount only applies to the Gino Vannelli show.)  kk  
Read our review of last year's show here: http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2013/11/gino-vannelli-live-at-arcada-theater.html

re:  George Benson:

We caught the George Benson show at The Arcada Theatre Wednesday Night ... what a class act! 

Benson, a ten time Grammy winner, has mastered the art of making it all look seamlessly smooth and effortless.  Of course that's what decades of honing your craft will do for you ... but I swear he just gets better with age.  (A true testament to the respect he has earned for his skills ... sitting right up front were two of Buddy Guy's daughters, who were clearly raised on this music ... and had the utmost respect for George's talents.  And these girls KNOW a thing or two about good music ... and the skill it takes to play it!!!)

He kicked off his set with one of my favorites, the smooth jazz classic "Breezin'", a #63 Billboard Hit from 1976.  He continued to warm up with more guitar magic before finally cranking out his first vocal ... and from there the hits just kept on coming.  He did 'em all ... including "Love X Love", "Love Ballad", "Give Me The Night" and my personal favorite George Benson tune, "Turn Your Love Around" ... although I've gotta be honest with you ... based on a couple of gestures he made at the beginning of this song, I couldn't help but wonder aloud "Does this mean he wants to do it in the butt???"  Let's just say that this performance gave WHOLE new meaning to turning your love around!!!

Best song of the night for me, hands down, was his killer rendition of Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why", on which he displayed an understated yet perfectly executed guitar vibe that was supplemented by sporadic vocal bits and pieces, courtesy of his percussionist Lilliana De Los Reyes, who also handled background vocals and high harmonies throughout the evening.  (I swear she looks all of sixteen years old ... but is a VERY talented and valuable asset to the sound of George's incredible band.)
Speaking of which, George's on stage line-up also includes Stanley Banks on bass, Michael O'Neil on guitar, David Garfield (Musical Director and keys), Khari Parker on drums, the aforementioned Lilliana de los Reyes on percussion and vocals and Thom Hall, also on keys ... ALL accomplished musicians who compliment each other very nicely on stage. If there was one misstep during the night it was when he performed the unexpected "Wichita Lineman", praising the talents of the young man who first recorded it and made it a hit back in the late '60's.  However, when George said " ... and his name was Glen Campbell", I immediately and instinctively reacted with "IS!!!  His name IS Glen Campbell ... he hasn't left us yet!!!"  George immediately corrected himself and then performed the song to perfection, making it sound just as relevant as a mellow, bluesy piece as it did as a country hit all those years ago.

After wrapping things up (to a rousing standing ovation), George returned to the stage, where his encore went on nearly as long as his entire set!!!  He came back out and talked about the man who most influenced his career, Nat "King" Cole, and then performed an extended version of "Nature Boy", one of Nat's most familiar tunes.  Other songs followed, wrapping up with his first big radio smash, Leon Russell's "This Maquerade" (#8, 1976) and a VERY lengthy version of "On Broadway" (#5, 1978), which featured a solo spotlight by each of the players up on stage.

His last US show for a couple of months is tonight (the 9th) in Pittsburgh ... after that he's all over the globe, making stops in Russia, The Ukraine, France, Switzerland, The United Kingdom and Austria.  He returns to the States in mid-August with dates on both coasts through the end of the year.  You can find the full tour itinerary here:  http://www.georgebenson.com/all-tour-dates/

(One report I read said that George hasn't performed in the Chicagoland area for 27 years!!!  So catching him at The Arcada was a real treat!  In fact, Ron Onesti, who just this past week celebrated his 10th Anniversary since saving The Arcada from demolition, told us that he's been trying to book George for all ten of those years ... and this was the first time they could make it happen.)  That coup was to the benefit of each and every one of us in the audience that night.

I would be remiss in reviewing George's concert without mentioning his hysterical opening act,  comedian Damon Williams.  He had us laughing from start to finish with his rapid-fire take on some of life's typically taboo topics.  And it was clear that Damon was having fun up there, too.

If you have the chance to catch this night of all-around, exceptionally good entertainment, please do so.  A VERY enjoyable evening awaits you.  (kk)

Photos copyright 2015, Luciano J. Bilotti - 
For exclusive use on The Forgotten Hits Website
THANK YOU, LOU!!!

re:  The Drive's 14th Anniversary Birthday Party:

Once again, The Drive, Chicagoland's Premier Classic Rock Station is throwing themselves a birthday party ... and, once again, the presents go out to their loyal listeners.  (Wow, 14 years already ... and I've been their since Day One!!!)

This year's concert event will take place on Friday, June 12th, at The Rosemont Theater, and will feature Dennis DeYoung, performing the hits of Styx along with Heart.

But you can't buy tickets to this concert ...

That's because The Drive is GIVING THEM AWAY!!!

The ONLY way to get a ticket is to WIN it ... and they're giving you several opportunities to do so.

Visit The Drive's website for more details ...

There will be random ticket give-aways at disclosed locations ...

You can win by being the 14th Caller any time The Drive plays a song by Styx or Heart on the radio ...

And you can register to win tickets on line each and every day for random drawings throughout the broadcast day.  (And believe me, I'm trying ... I have never seen Heart and would LOVE the chance to see them in concert.  I've been to most of The Drive's Birthday Bashes ... and this one sounds like a real fun event.)

More details here on The Drive Website:   http://wdrv.com/ 

re:  The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame:

Legendary DJ Dick Biondi took issues with (in his words) "those A-Holes at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame" for ignoring groups like Chicago and The Ides Of March (not to mention most midwestern groups in general) during his appearance at The Marty Grebb Benefit Concert Thursday Night.

He encouraged everybody in the audience "who owns a computer" to email the Hall and demand that some of these artists be recognized.

Unfortunately (as we've said time and time again), these efforts are meaningless ... The Rock Hall has their own agenda and are not influenced or swayed in any way by what the majority of the public things ... we've seen petitions with 10,000 names on it completely ignored in the past.  (Unless, of course, Elton John makes a personal pitch for Leon Russell, who then gets in on the very next ballot!)

And you know, for the most part, I'm OK with that ... let the inducted artists have some say in the whole selection process ... after all, THEY know who influenced them to pursue a career in music.  I guarantee you they'll come up with a FAR better list than Jann Wenner and his nominating committee will!

I still say they need to hold a special ceremony ... run it on PBS (where the right audience WILL tune in to see this happen) ... and mass-induct a dozen "deserving and denied" artists that have unjustly been ignored by the committee thus far.  Or, as one FH Reader suggested, assemble a Veterans Committee of artists, deejays and journalists who were THERE in the '50's and '60's and let THEM come up with a list of worthy artists.  Because, quite honestly, MOST people out there cannot take The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame seriously until the right these wrongs.  (kk)   

Hey Kent -

The RRHOF voting process reminds me of a New York or Paris fashion show where designers create clothing to impress each other, instead of showing anything the general public would ever wear. In other words, their voters go out of the way to be too hip for the room, looking down condescendingly and imposing their arrogance upon the unwashed masses. "We know better than you!" Very pompous and dismissive of the early days of rock and roll, and of what the people really want. I just ignore what Jann Wenner has to say about anything, especially when his rag slandered an entire frat at U.Va. Thanks!
- Larry Cave
  50yearsagoonthehot100.blogspot.com   

re:  THIS AND THAT:  
Kent ...

50 Years Ago The British Nearly Took Over The U.S. Charts

Do you remember?
Frank B. 
http://radio.com/2015/05/08/50-years-ago-the-british-nearly-took-over-the-u-s-charts/

Do I remember?  Well, let's see ... since I ran a 52-Week Salute to The British Invasion last year in Forgotten Hits, pointing out their U.S. chart domination on a weekly basis ... and continue to run our Monday Morning Surveys each week, I'd have to say we've covered this topic pretty well ... better than most, in fact!  But it's cool to see that some of the new, young turks over at Billboard are now discovering this phenomena, too.  (kk)

Of course NONE of that means ANYTHING if you believe this load of crap, also sent in by Frank B ...

http://wcbsfm.cbslocal.com/2015/05/06/study-hip-hop-more-important-than-the-beatles-british-invasion/   

Just like he did with The Billboard Charts of the '50's, '60's, '70's, '80's, '90's and 2000's, Joel Whitburn is now starting to publish the weekly Cash Box Charts.

First up, the 1970's ... featuring EVERY chart published by Cash Box Magazine from 1970 - 1979 ... full page reproductions (in black and white) in an 8 1/2 x 11 format.

Books are in stock now and available for immediate shipment.

And, for a limited time only, you can get $10 off the cover price.  (kk)

Visit The Record Research Website now to order your copy ...

https://www.recordresearch.com/billboard_chart_collections/cash_box_top_100_charts_the_seventies.php

And, speaking of cool new releases, The Wrecking Crew DVD and BluRay edition will FINALLY be available on June 16th.  Producer Denny Tedesco tells us that's been nearly 19 years to the day since he first started this project.

Fans have been waiting for this one for a long, long time.  Magnolia Pictures wanted to do a theatrical release first ... but the discs will FINALLY begin shipping next month to all of those who have long been waiting to get their hands on a copy.

PLUS there are over SIX HOURS of bonus material that will accompany the release.

If you were a Kickstarter contributor, you will receive your copy automatically.

Anyone else interested in preordering a copy should visit the official website now and get on the list.

http://store.wreckingcrewfilm.com/

This has been a LONG time coming, people ... and I can assure you that it was well worth the wait.  Order your copy today!  (kk)   

Here's a cool shot of Micky Dolenz and Jack Black, sent in by FH Reader David Salidor ...  

BLACK & DOLENZ AT THE D TRAIN:

Jack Black (half of Tenacious D) welcomed Micky Dolenz to the NY premiere (at The Landmark Sunshine Cinema) this week of his new movie The D Train.

>>>I don't know if there is any truth to this, but a long time ago, I heard that J. Edgar Hoover actually pressured the record companies to "manufacture" new squeeky-clean teen idols, like Avalon, Rydell, Boone, Fabian, and others, because he thought Elvis was such a threat to the security of our country. Do you or your readers know anything about this? (John LaPuzza)  
>>>First time I've heard this one ... do we know if Hoover was wearing a dress when he said it???  (kk) 

Kent,  

Not that I was ever a supporter of J. Edgar Hoover, but I am on a never-ending crusade to dispel urban myths, and the one about him wearing dresses seems to be just that. J. Edgar was active in Scottish Rite Masonry. This also holds true of people like John Glenn, Gene Autry and Bob Dole. There are ceremonials and plays within the Scottish Rite where the garb worn is similar to that worn by cardinals, bishops, emperors, kings, monks, etc. Obviously, someone who saw one of these pictures, seeing Hoover wearing a garment not typical of 20th century accepted male, attire drew this conclusion, a conclusion doubtlessly fueled at least partially by the fact that J. Edgar Hoover wasn't exactly Mr. Popular.  

Does this me we can say for certain that Mr. Hoover never engaged in kink in the aforementioned or other veins? Of course not! But the fact is the photograph or photographs viewed by whoever don't support the premise. Hence we have an urban myth that's on par with the one about Dick Biondi being fired from WLS in 1963 because of telling a dirty joke, that punch line of which has yet to be heard on a replay.  

While we're on the subject, anyone hear the news that Paul McCartney is really dead? (He hadn't noticed that the lights had changed.)  

Bill Fortune   

Kent ...

Listening to "Wild Wayne's Memory Machine."  He just re-played his 1988 interview with Ben E. King.  

Here are the highlights of the interview:

Like so many others, he started in Gospel Music.
Before the Drifters, he tried out for The Moonglows.  Didn't like the Moonglows ... they had strange difficult harmony.

---  Charlie Thomas was supposed to sing lead on "There Goes My Baby."  He couldn't learn the lyrics fast enough so they asked Ben E. King to sing lead.

---  "Save The Last Dance For Me. " He recorded the song after he left the group.

---  "Spanish Harlem." Snow storm prevented other group members from getting to the studio. The start of his solo career. I heard that it was because of a money dispute.

---  "Stand By Me." He wrote this song while listening to Sam Cooke sing "Lord Stand By Me." Even though he was not in the group, he took this song to the Drifters. They didn't want it so he recorded it solo.

--- John Lennon's recording of "Stand By Me" surprised him.

--- He was honored that Aretha Franklin recorded a couple of his songs.

--- He knew that "Stand By Me "was going to be in a movie.  He was shocked when he found out that it was the title of the movie and that it was a serious movie. The song was back on the charts
in 1986, because of the movie.
Frank B.   

Speaking of Ben E. King, Tom Cuddy just sent us this recently posted YouTube clip of King singing his big hit "Stand By Me" with Paul McCartney and James Brown!  all that musch more unusual when you consider that it was John Lennon who recorded his own version of this tune for his "Rock And Roll" album.  (Actually I've heard John's version several times since King's passing ... something I haven't heard played on the radio in YEARS!)  kk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqKyBupminE

I just interviewed Jay Siegel on my show this past Friday.  If you missed it, it is now on our website at number 68.  It runs about 30 minutes and is a great interview.

First go to the station website ... then go to interviews, number 68.

http://oldiesyourway.com/Oldies_Your_Way_Radio/Interviews.html

DJ Stu  

Kent,

On the next edition of my Top Shelf Oldies show, I will be featuring songs from this year's IRS104 (It Really Shoulda been a Top 10 hit), as compiled by Rich Appel. And, I'll be giving away a copy of the 5-CD set containing all 104 songs on this year's IRS104 survey that I put together for Rich. The show streams on Wednesday, May 13, 8:00 p.m. ET on Top Shelf Oldies (www.topshelfoldies.org), and will also be available in the Randy on the Radio Archives (http://ramtownlive.com/randyontheradio.html). The CD set will be awarded by a random draw from email submissions with the correct answer to a question I will ask during the show concerning one or more of the songs I play. The deadline for entries is the following Wednesday, May 20, at 8:00 p.m. ET.  
– Randy (Price)   

Errol Brown, lead singer of Hot Chocolate, the London-based quintet that gave us "You Sexy Thing" (#3 - 1976), "Emma" (#8 - 1975) and "Every 1's A Winner" (#6 - 1979), died of liver cancer at his home in the Bahamas Wednesday (May 6). He was 71. Errol was born in Jamaica but moved to England when he was six. Though the group split in 1986, Errol continued with a solo career that culminated in a farewell tour in 2009. The Queen made him a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his musical success in 2003.

-- Ron Smith   

Congratulations to our buddies over at WRLR ...   

WRLR 98.3 FM RELEASES IT'S VERY OWN RADIO PLAYER APP 

WRLR 98.3 FM is very excited to announce the release of the station's very own radio player app. The app developed in house by Michael 'TechTalk' Kastler has just finished beta testing by the WRLR Engineering group. The app allows listeners to get the station on their smartphone no matter where they are. Listeners will see the name of the song and artist currently playing, a list of the last few songs played, and be able to rate the song or program with a thumbs up or down. Icons are conveniently located on the screen so the user can get to the WRLR website or email the station. A small banner message highlights sponsors who support WRLR operations. [Screen shot attached] 

Initially the app will be available only for the Android operating system. The radio player app is available from the Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore. It's a free app. WRLR encourages everyone to download the app, try it out and let the station know what they think of it so it can keep improving it to their liking. 

See the links below to get it: 

PLAY STORE :  https://goo.gl/nXsKgO 

AMAZON APP:  http://goo.gl/aPHZQM 

Amazon.com: WRLR 98.3FM Radio Live!: Appstore for Android Amazon.com: WRLR 98.3FM Radio Live!: Appstore for Android Read more...

WRLR 98.3 FM is a community radio station based in Round Lake Heights, Illinois (approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago). It has been on the air since 2005 and is run completely by over 70 volunteers. More than 40 different programs are produced locally. The station is Arbitron monitored and reaches a potential listening audience of more than 250,00 people throughout central and western Lake County, and parts of McHenry and Kenosha counties. WRLR 98.3 FM is an IRS recognized 501 (c)3 non-profit organization.   

From FH Reader Tom Cuddy ...

http://www.northjersey.com/news/teaneck-resident-and-singer-ben-e-king-laid-to-rest-in-englewood-1.1328266

And some Santana news from FH Reader Alex Valdez ... 

http://musicofourheart.me/2015/04/25/santana-iv-reunion-update/   

Congratulations to our FH Buddy John Madara ... his song "You Don't Own Me" (one of my all-time '60's favorites) just won a Logies award this past week for Australian singer Grace.

The official report reads like this:

PRECOCIOUS teen singer and songwriter Grace was the accidental winner of the Logies, thanks to those relentless promos for the return of Nine’s Love Child tomorrow. The 18-year-old artist has just released her cover of the classic 60s girl power anthem You Don't Own Me and Nine snapped it up to soundtrack the campaign for Love Child's imminent second series.  The song debuted at No. 14 on the ARIA charts on the weekend thanks to radio airplay but it was the relentless flogging of the Love Child ads which spearheaded to No. 2 on iTunes on Monday.  
Not a bad version either ... but then a great song is a great song is a great song.  Give a listen here ...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DosIvd-FdhI  

THE YARDBIRDS 2015 TOUR KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR 
~ RENOWNED GUITARIST EARL SLICK ON BOARD ~  

New York (May 4, 2015)—The Yardbirds, the pioneering band that boasted three of the greatest guitarists of all time – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page – will now welcome longtime David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick. Founding Yardbirds member and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jim McCarty has also recruited bassist Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Brian Setzer, Mick Taylor), Myke Scavone (singer, Ram Jam & Doughboys) on blues harp, vocals, and percussion, and guitarist/singer John Idan, who appeared on the The Yardbirds’ critically acclaimed 2003 album Birdland. Founding member Chris Dreja is not able to join the band on these dates, but remains with them in mind and spirit. 
After postposing a brief North American tour earlier this year, The Yardbirds are back on track to perform those and additional dates this fall. Confirmed tour dates thus far are listed below. Additional dates are being finalized.  
The Yardbirds served as an integral part of rock history. Co-founded by McCarty in London 1963 with singer Keith Relf, rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja, bassist Paul Samwell-Smith, and lead guitarist Top Topham, the band melded heavy rock, wild jams, and an improvisatory feel that influenced generations of musicians. Their strict allegiance to the American blues & R&B standards struck a chord with American audiences that were missing out on this sound.  The result of The Yardbirds’ versions of Bo Diddley’s “I’m A Man,” Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack Lightning,” and Chuck Berry’s “Too Much Monkey Business” led to these original artists finally getting airplay on white radio in the U.S.A. The band also earned a chart-topping hit with their single “For Your Love.” 
Electrifying, eclectic, and way ahead of their time, The Yardbirds’ continue their unbreakable legacy. The Yardbirds’ train keeps a rollin’ !!! 

Tour Dates:  
October 30 - Infinity Hall / Norfolk CT   
31 - Musicfest Café / Bethlehem PA 
November 01 - Newton Theatre / Newton NJ 
02 - BB King’s / NYC 
06 - Harrah’s Casino / Phoenix AZ 
07 - Harrah’s Casino / Lake Tahoe NV 
10 - Harrah’s Casino / Loughlin NV

The new flick on Brian Wilson appears to be a much deserved indictment of Eugene Landy, Brian's shrink and Svengalie ... I have a feeling that John Cusak just nails it in this flick as an aging Brian Wilson 
Chet Coppock 
We can't wait for this one to open next month ... the trailers look amazing!  (kk)   

Get ready for some music!

Pick a decade, pick a year, pick a song.

Enjoy the fun and the memories.     

http://thenostalgiamachine.com/years/1960.html   

Here's one we can't wait to read ...

http://www.popcultureclassics.com/bobby_hart.html

After interviewing Bobby for Forgotten Hits a few years ago, he will definitely have some interesting stories to tell. (I've already got my copy on pre-order at Amazon!)  kk
Catch our interview with Bobby here:
http://forgottenhits.com/forgotten_hits_interviews_bobby_hart    

re:  Laughs Of The Day:

FH Reader Ken Voss reports ... 

Moans In Britney Spears Song Stolen, Sound Co. Says

By Jody Godoy

Law360, New York (May 04, 2015, 3:06 PM ET) -- Songs by pop star Britney Spears and hip-hop group Travis Porter ripped off recordings of "a woman seductively moaning," a sound effects company claimed Sunday in a copyright infringement suit filed in California federal court targeting Sony Music Entertainment Inc. and RCA Records Inc.
Spears' "Piece of Me" and Travis Porter's "Ayy Ladies" included samples of a woman saying "uhh," "oooh" and "oh yeah," clips that were created by Bangin-Beats.com, a company that sells sound samples to musicians, according to the suit.

Another FH Reader wrote in this week (after reports that Spears fell on stage while performing her act in Las Vegas ... and then extended her residency there shortly afterwards) that we can no longer refer to Britney as a new, modern act ... her first hit, "Baby, One More Time" came out SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO!!!  Man, time sure flies when you're talking crazy!!! (kk)   

And former WLS / WCFL / WJJD / WIND / WMAQ deejay Clark Weber tells us ... 

A man walks into his doctor's office and says, “Doctor, I can’t stop singing '“The Green Green Grass of Home!'

The Doctor says “That sounds like the 'Tom Jones Syndrome!'” 

"Is it common?", he asks.

And the Doc replies, “Well, it’s not unusual!”

Ouch!  Take two aspirin, stick a sock in your pants, and call me in the morning.  (kk)

More Of Your Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Comments

re:  The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame:

I agree wholeheartedly with your list of artists deserving of induction yet not found worthy of consideration by the powers that be. I would also like to add to that list another artist who rarely gets credit for contributions and creativity. Tony Burrows had a string of great hits ... one (Melanie Makes Me Smile), a great, catchy tune ... even bore his own name. He had hits in his other incarnations as White Plains (My Baby Loves Lovin'), First Class (Beach Baby), Brotherhood of Man (United We Stand), The Pipkins (Gimme Dat Ding), and, of course, Edison Lighthouse (Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes). Sheeesh, what's a guy have to do?    

Dube

 

Kent, 

My two centavos: 

When in Cleveland, check out a Cavs, Indians or Browns game; the nice collar parks, Coventry, the Cleveland Museum of Art, etc., and skip the RRHOF. As one reader pointed out, it not relevant. It's run by and has been permanently tainted by idiot / bureaucrat / dictator / asshole Jann Wenner, the great inventor of phony gang-rape stories. Don't reward deplorable behavior with your dollars or time.  

Bill Fortune

 

Once and for all:
Forget about The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame altogether.
Let's just simply listen to the music and get all our information from Joel Whitburn.
Everything one needs to know to keep the "Rock and Roll era" in perspective is in his books.
Not to mention parts of Rock and Roll's history is in some of our memories as well.
That is: whatever portions we caught while growing up (and beyond).
Chubby Checker and Freddy Cannon are still NOT in the R&RHOF?
And still no Tommy James and the Shondells or The Guess Who?
(Yes, ELO and ELP would then follow accordingly ...)
WOW!
Tal Hartsfeld 

 

Hola Kent,

The list of Deserving and Denied artists would constitute the beginnings of an entirely new RRHOF. The fact that it exists is testament to the ridiculousness of the current hall.

I had a chance to visit the RRHOF a few years ago and decided against it specifically because of who wasn't in there.

It would surely be a hoot to see all the artists that are enshrined and the memorabilia representing them, but I don't think I could enjoy myself knowing that some of my favorites have been excluded, while some artists that literally disgust me are represented. Yes, they may have a large following but many should not be classified as Rock N Roll artists as they deserve a Hall of their own, which I feel would be untenable since they have such a small supporters that they could not sustain themselves, which is why they have been afforded space in the highly supported Rock N Roll Genre.

The innocence and beauty and angst of true Rock N Roll (along with a lot of country) endures while the "Parental Advisory" Genre attracts only the very immature and rebellious youth who abandon it once they mature. 

My Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is intact in my own mind and it differs from anyone else's, although I suspect that most, if not all of my contemporaries, would share almost the same listing. I needn't concern myself with what others do ... I step to my own beat (sorry Mr Thoreau) as I expect most people do.

My Oldies Music will forever enrich my life and I haven't time to worry about what others try to promote.

You know, Kent, I haven't seen too many "Rap" or "Hip Hop" downloads on your wonderful site.  That's because they belong to another blog as well as another Hall of Fame.

Regards,

CharlieOFD

While we've yet to visit it (maybe this summer [???] ... although I'm kinda starting to feel like The Cubs with that whole 'maybe next year' attitude), I hear it's beautiful and definitely worth seeing.  And the museum is NOT tied into the nominating or voting committees that ultimately decide who gets in.  (In fact, we spoken to several people from the museum over the years who are just as baffled as we are over some of the ridiculous picks these committees continue to come up with.)

I might not feel as disgusted by The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame process as I do were the public in any way, shape or form somehow involved.  As you say, we all have our favorites and our own ideas as to who does and doesn't belong ... but at least if put to a vote by the MASSES, I could justify it by saying "well, the people have spoken ... and, even if I don't agree with all the choices, I can accept this."  Instead, we have a narrow-minded nominating committee of just a select few who give the voting a committee a list to choose from each year ... and I also happen to know that some of these voting members scratch their heads as well ... some don't bother to vote at all ... because they don't feel the list is worthy enough of such an honor.  Fact is, we're never going to change it or fix it ... which is why most of us have given up on caring about any of this a long, long time ago.  Based on the list Rolling Stone published of who THEY feel would be worthy candidates for next year's ballot, I can't even imagine watching the ceremony on TV ... nobody there that interests me at all. (kk)

 

Hi, Kent:

Being from another generation is a lot like being from another planet. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame means nothing to me so I can speak as an alien life form.

I heard a lot of good music growing up in the 1940s but none of it was ever enshrined, to my knowledge, in some kind of Hall of Fame. The fame didn't need enshrining or some official coronation as royalty. We knew who the great ones were.

When some organization creates a Hall of Fame what it really creates is the notion that somebody or something is worthy of enshrinement;  that this form of entertainment, athletics, etc. is so important that a hallowed temple should be built to pay homage to it. It also creates a group of people who are self-appointed to tell whoever is willing to buy into it what is great, what is significant, what is shrine-worthy. Side effects are controversy, record sales and TV shows. For me, the best part is the controversy, because it makes for interesting dialogs that I can read on your website. It's like those fascinating discussions about which movie won an Oscar for best picture vs what many feel should have won. The object of any movie maker should be to make a good movie, not some damned award. The same can be said of the music makers.

We still know who the great  ones are, don't we?

Hil

 

Sadly, the day that Mariah Carey (and her screeching tires and brake noise down a mountain road -- also known as her voice) gets inducted into the Rock Hall before even a tenth of the people on your listing of the more deserving artists get in, it will be GAME OVER for me.  And she will be eligible next year.Be afraid.  Be very afraid.T. Jay Dexter

There are certain "givens" and Mariah will likely be inducted on her first round of eligibility.  Sadly, so will Britney Spears, who has probably graced the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine more times than The Beatles!!!  Go figure THAT one out!!! (kk)

 

Interesting comments, to be sure ... but hardly anything I haven't been saying / thinking for more than 15 years.

I've visited the R&R HOF four times over the years.  The building and experience itself is wonderful ... the process by which inductees are chosen sucks bilge water.

'Nuff said ...

Brad

And that's an important distinction that needs to be made and that we HAVE made numerous times over the years.  The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame MUSEUM is a glowing tribute to the artists who have provided the soundtrack to our lives ... you'll find hundreds of artifacts here by folks who haven't been enshrined by the nominating committee.  But it's the nominating committee (led by Jann Wenner) that has made a mess of things.  Off the record, several folks connected to the museum have fessed up to their own embarrassment at some of these selections ... but they have absolutely NO say so in the matter ... and simply carry on because they've got a museum to run.  Until there is a shift in power within the organization itself, we're doomed to just keep repeating ourselves.  I mean all you have to do is look at their list of who THEY believe the next "most likely candidates" should be.  Seriously?!?!  How CAN we take you seriously!!!  (kk)

 

The R&R HOF Committee is a sham ... it's all politics ... and Jann Wenner is a pompous jerk.

Half the inductees don't belong there. 

~ Bob

 

Hi -

Rick Levy here ...

I am attaching letter I have sent to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Foundation on behalf of TOMMY ROE.  He obviously should be inducted, but maybe because his hits were AM, and maybe because he didn't live a life of excess and self indulgence (which they seem to love), he is constantly overlooked.

But fans know ... Tommy is a songwriter, singer, artist, who survived and succeeded though the British invasion while most other American acts vanished.

THANKS -
RICK LEVY

Rick's letter:

To The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Foundation

Hello friends,

I am manager and bandleader for pop rock legendary songwriter and artist TOMMY ROE.

Yes, I have written in the past to have Tommy considered for induction into the Hall Of Fame, as he is already in the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame, Hit Parade Hall Of Fame, Songwriters Hall Of Fame and Rockabilly Hall Of Fame.

Why you have not inducted him, I do not know.  Perhaps because his music is pop,feel good, AM radio MONSTER HITS, perhaps because he actually is monikered the King Of Bubblegum, or perhaps because he lived and lives a relatively normal life.

Fact is Tommy Roe had The Beatles as his opening act ... the last time the fab four ever performed as a support act (UK, 1963).  They then asked Tommy to open for them on their first North American Concert, February 11, 1964, at the DC Coliseum.  Tommy will be featured interviewee in the upcoming Ron Howard directed docu-film on the Beatles touring years.  The Beatles actually performed "Sheila" in their early touring days.

Fact is, Tommy Roe is one of the very few American solo acts to survive and THRIVE throughout the onslaught of the British invsaion ... but "inventing" his good time pop music.  He wrote and recorded SIX Top Ten Hits during the '60's, more than any other American Solo Artist ... SIX Top Tens!

Fact is, Tommy has 23 Billboard chart singles, 11 Top 40, 6 Top 10, 4 Certified GOLD ... and, of course, with "Sheila" and "Dizzy", two international giants.  His 2012 album DEVILS SOUL PILE earned TWO Independent Music Network awards as well.

So while Tommy Roe is just an all around great guy ... and perhaps hasn't left a trail of destruction behind him ... but smiles, happiness and great memories ... and one HELLUVA track record ... I would hope Tommy, at 73 years old and still performing, will be considered for induction.

Thank you.

Rick Levy

I wish you all the luck in the world but as we've seen time and time again, The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominating Committee pays absolutely NO attention to letters or petitions from fans.  (Several years ago a petition with over 10,000 signatures on it supporting Pat Boone was completely ignored and discarded.  Several other major petitions ... The Monkees and Neil Sedaka immediately come to mind ... were similarly disregraded without so much as an acknowledgement that they had been received.)  They simply don't CARE what the music fans think and operate on their own agenda.  (kk)

 

Kent,

Regarding your Rock And Roll Hall Of ShamMMM list ...

Your 52 artists all have one thing in common (except for the Spinners -- they will be on next list, likely).  I don't think any of them recorded for Atlantic Records at one time or another.  I'd bet that 60-80% of those in the Fame DID record for Atlantic, right?  Favoritism??  Slightly. 

The Kingsmen should be in for ONE record and their national appeal as the ultimate original garagers, but we get one time Atlantic artists MC5 instead.

Jack Ely and the Kingsmen inspired SO many garage bands.  Sad to hear Jack passed the other day at 71.

Clark Besch

While Ahmet Ertegen was still alive there is NO question that a little bit of favoritism was applied by Jann Wenner to please him ... once you get past the obvious nominees of the first few years, just the list that followed.  Hey, Atlantic Records turned out some stellar talent over the years ... and MOST of those inducted deserve their spot in The Hall ... but when Atlantic artist Percy Sledge is scratching his head over his own nomination, I've got to believe that some better choices could have been made along the way. 

And The Kingsmen is another EXCELLENT example of where The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame has failed us.  They're simply NOT living up to their own credo.  How many thousands (and maybe even hundreds of thousands) of bands were inspired to give music a shot thanks to the raw, elementary sounds of "Louie Louie"?  When I look at the lists of nominees from the past decade, I cringe to think that these folks, who represent themselves as the most knowledgeable music people on the planet, continue to overlook the obvious in favor of the trendy.  (kk)

 

Hi Kent - 

Please include my top five list / requests for artists deserving to be the in R&RHOF:

YES - With the following members, IMO - Steve Howe, Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Alan White (and mainly for the artistry during the YES “main sequence” which included the timeframe - The YES Album through Going For The One - as described by author Bill Martin in his book, Music Of YES from 1996)

POCO - Legend has it that The Eagles sat at the feet of POCO in their rehearsal space and listened, watched, dreamed and formed their band around the style of these “country rock” pioneers (Members most deserving, IMO - Richie Furay, Jim Messina, Rusty Young, George Grantham, Timothy B. Schmit and Paul Cotton)

The Moody Blues

Chicago

Todd Rundgren

Thanks,

Mike Stineman

Countless artists over the years have acknowledged the inspiration provided to their own musical careers by Poco ... should of the knowledgeable, previously inducted artists have SOME say as to who else belongs up there with them in The Rock's Hallowed Halls?  It's where the system breaks down the most ... giving the inducted artists some say goes well beyond voting only for their friends and comrades ... it gives them a voice into the whole process of insuring that the proper people are credited and inducted. (kk)

 

I really appreciate your top 50 "Who's Not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" list. 

Chubby Checker should be nearer the top of this list as "The Twist" changed the face of how people dance (without contact with their partner) that has been a cultural change along with musical change.

How about The Tokens?   From their original Doo-Wop beginning as with lead singer Neil Sedaka, to many chart records throughout the 1960's as well as the long-standing #1 record The Lion Sleeps tonight, Margo, Margo, Medress and Siegel were Bright Tunes Publishing, BT Puppy Records (responsible for their own hits and all the hits of the Happenings) to producers for The Chiffons (how about He's So Fine?), one of the first artists to perform commercials that became "hits" (Great Shakes and the Clairol commercial "She Lets Her Hair Down")  The popularity of The Lion Sleeps Tonight reached a whole new audience with the making of The Lion King.  This group affected Doo Wop, Pop, R&B and Childrens music over the last 50 years. 

Clay Pasternack
Rocky River, Ohio

Believe it or not, when we ran our first Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame expose series, The Chubby Checker Fan Club told us to back off with our push for Chubby ... they felt his induction would come in good time ... "Don't worry about Chubby ... the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame will take care of itself" was the exact message they sent me.  (I've always wondered how an artist's fan club is doing that artist any service with an attitude like this!)
Now, all these years later, he still hasn't even so much as made the ballot.  Recently, Chubby's been telling the media that they'd better induct him soon while he's still around and able to get up on the stage and "twist again".  No question in my mind that he belongs just for the incredible impact he made on pop culture in general.

The Tokens have been on and off our list numerous times over the past eight years ... they just don't seem to have the support of the masses as worthy candidates.  Again, they did SO much more than record "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" ... but with Neil Sedaka also long overlooked, I don't think we'll be seeing these guys inducted any time soon.  (kk)

My suggestion, for what it's worth, is that they need to do something similar to what baseball has done and have a veterans committee to consider acts from the early days.  Let's say 1955 - 1970 or so.  It would be independent of the regular voting and maybe add two or three older names a year.

Mark (GoHawksGo)

We've made a similar suggestion over the years ... and I think it's a great idea.  But then staff that committee with knowledgeable music people who were there at the time and can make a meaningful contribution to the selection process.

I've also suggested a mass induction ... fess up to these oversights and induct a dozen overlooked, deserving and denied artists in a special ceremony independent of their regular, annual event ... no, it probably won't give them the tv ratings they want by marketing this thing to HBO ... so run it on PBS where there is a HUGE audience for this sort of thing and these "vintage" artists.

Another thought is to have the inducted artists themselves come up with a list of nominees ... acts that influenced THEM to get into the business of rock and roll and carve out a successful career.  Who would know better than THESE guys?!?!  There is SO much that COULD be done, were the strings not so tightly controlled by the people at hand.  (kk)

 

 

Tonight's The Night!

And we can't wait!!! 

(Hope to see several of our readers there at the show tonight!)

Here are some final words by some of the artists participating in tonight's Benefit Concert For Marty Grebb ...    

Dennis is doing a good thing by putting on this benefit concert because you always try to help those around you and people you grew up with and even people you don't know.  I don't know Marty all that well but I have known him for fifty years now and I think he's a great player and a great guy ... I hate to see this happen to anybody, whether you're in this biz or just your next door neighbor.  Hopefully I'll escape ever having to need one of these for myself one day, but you never know. 
Anyway, here's a story from the old days: 
Back 1966 / 1967, the name of every girl you met depended on whether The Buckinghams came to town first or The Shadows.  If we got there first, they were all named Gloria ... if Dennis Tufano got there first, they were all named Susan. 
-- Jimy Sohns / The Shadows Of Knight

This is going to be a fun event ... it'll be fun to see Marty ... I haven't seen him in SO long. 
I remember seeing The Exceptions many years ago - and it probably was The Club Laurel - 
And all I remember about that whole night, besides how great they were - and they were exceptional, The Exceptions - was this guy playing keyboards ... and all of a sudden he steps up on his bench and picks up his sax, and he's blowing the sax all the while playing the Hammond with his feet ... with shoes on!  I didn't understand HOW that could happen. 
The minute that Dennis called me back in January about doing the show, I immediately said yes - I told him that as long as I could get the band together, we're there.  There was never a doubt - who knows, they might be doing one of these for ME soon!  But it'll be fun seeing all these guys again and hopefully everything goes right and we can get some of Marty's bills paid. 
-- Jim Pilster (Hooke, The Cryan' Shames)

Well, here's the thing - I didn't really know Marty all that well - I think Marty kinda came in as a second keyboard player right - I mean, wasn't there already another keyboard player in the band and I didn't know if he got sick or died - only that Marty was now in the band. 
(For the record, original keyboard player Dennis Miccolis, is still alive and well ... Marty was simply his replacement.  Original Drummer Jon Jon Poulos, who started the band with Dennis Tufano, died in 1980, several years later -- kk)
So I met Marty after that but even then I really didn't get to know him, but I hear he's a real good guy.  So when I got the call to do this, I  thought it would be a great thing to do, you know, a really good idea to do something nice for Marty and to see a bunch of old friends.  I had just done the 50th Anniversary thing with The Ides and it went over real well and a lot of this was going to be the same group of guys, so I said "sure" - I mean, how you gonna say no? 
I know for me, and I'm sure a lot of the other guys like Marty, it's like the late '60's and you're having the time of your life and it's like a competition ... I don't mean a competition because we all liked each other and wished each other well, but we all wanted a part of that same spotlight ... and all I can tell you is for me, a 22 year old kid, it was great -- and if afforded me a lot of the things I still have today.  We looked out for each other and to see The Bucks be the #1 Band on Bandstand was a big thing, just to see them on TV and they were on everything there for awhile.  To me, they were always good guys and Marty being a part of that group, I think it was great.  
I feel bad that he's going through this whole thing - I wish that we were doing this show for a different reason - it would have been nice just to get all of us together. 
-- Ronnie Rice

Me and the Ides of March are totally pumped about joining the team on May 7th to raise the roof and funds for the immortal Marty Grebb.  I remember being blown away by his talent many times through the years ...  first by his soulful vocals on Mercy Mercy with the Bucks, then at the Wild Goose in Schererville, Indiana, when the Ides shared a bill with the Fabulous Rhinestones.  

It will be great to see and jam with many of our favorite contemporaries from the then-emerging Chicago rock scene.  

Our thanks go out to Dennis Tufano for his vision and stamina to see this to fruition.  

Expect the unexpected tonight at Ron Onesti's fabulous Arcada Theatre.  

Truly hope to see you there.  
I can't wait!

In Rock we Trust!!!

Jim Peterik- Ides of March


Folks interested in bidding on some of the silent auction items would do themselves well to get to the theater a little early tonight, where many of these pieces will be displayed on exhibit.

Some truly one-of-a-kind items will be available, so if this is your thing, you will definitely want to check it out. (Unfortunately there will be no online auction ... winners will be notified that night during the intermission.) 

Check out all of this cool stuff!!!

********SILENT AUCTION UPDATE!!!!**********
 

Marty's stage / photo / tv clothes from the 60s!!!

1)  Marty's suit made in Chicago at Fox Bros. Tailors 1967

2)  Marty's Beatle boots made in England

3)  Grey suit jacket designed by Dennis Tufano for the group

Other items for the silent auction so far:

Carl Giammarese has purchased and is donating a Black Epiphone GC Les Paul Style guitar which will be signed by the artists in sliver sharpie

Two tickets to the Neil Sedaka concert at the Arcada
 

A Pair of really good seats for Chicago White Sox
 

Gift Card Basket
 

A "Box of Bucks" Signed Buckinghams collection
 

Many cool items from musicians and actors
 

Silent auction details:

Bids will be taken before the show at "The Auction Station" in the lobby - Cash and Checks gratefully accepted and preferred ... credit cards will also be accepted.

Other items will be available for purchase at the concession tables, including many more rare and autographed pieces of memorabilia, gift baskets, specialty items and more.

And check out these EXCLUSIVE photos from Tuesday Night's Rehearsal, courtesy of Jack Mongan.
NOTE:  ALL photos are copyrighted / Jack Mongan Photography (2015) 

The multi-talented, mega-talented Marty Grebb ... 

Carl Giammarese and Dennis Tufano, who'll be sharing and trading off lead vocals tonight ... the voices of The Buckinghams  (and wait till you hear them!!!)

Danny Seraphine on Drums ... original drummer and founding member of the legendary band Chicago ... so good, they actually named a city after these guys!!!

Bassist Nick Fortuna (who'll also take you for a ride down the Expressway To Your Heart tonight)

Thanks again to Jack Mongan Photography for use of these photos in Forgotten Hits!

 

Prepare Yourselves To Be Blown Away!!!

When Dennis Tufano first talked to me back in January about putting together a benefit concert to help raise funds to offset some of Marty Grebb's mounting medical bills, I thought it was a great idea and was all in to help support his efforts in any way I could. 

As he explained to me, "This could have been any one of us" ... so pulling something together like this for Marty touched the hearts of a lot of people who were quick to lend their support.

Marty looks at it this way ...  

Hi Everybody -  

What does this concert mean to me?

For myself, it shows me personally, that there are a lot of people that care about me, by agreeing to make the effort to appear -- It's quite beautiful -- 

Beyond that, it's an opportunity for several things -- varying healings, not just my own -- reaching out in this manner means more water under the bridge where it belongs for many people -- letting go -- musically, spiritually, (which most all music is, except that which intends to be otherwise) -- joyfully, emotionally, passionately, excitedly, humorously, and many other possible "lys" -- 

I know there will be quite a powerful vibe in the room, and the spirit will come down --  

God Bless ALL!    
Marty

Thanks, Marty ... let's hope for universal healing at every level ... if we can't lean on each other, what else have we got?  I am SO glad that I could help out in ANY small way to help make this happen.  See you at the show!  (kk)

*****

Last night I was invited to attend the rehearsal for "The Buckinghams' Greatest Hits And More" set which will close The Benefit Concert For Marty Grebb tomorrow night at The Arcada Theatre and let me tell you ... it was nothing short of OUTSTANDING!!!

 

I don't care WHEN you've seen The Buckinghams ... WHERE you've seen The Buckinghams ... or in what CONFIGURATION you've seen The Buckinghams ... you have NEVER seen The Buckinghams look and sound like this!!!

 

There was electricity in the air ... and the buzz will continue throughout the night as a list of Chicago Rock Legends take the stage ... Ronnie Rice (formerly of The New Colony Six) ... Jimy Sohns and The Shadows Of Knight ... The Cryan' Shames (featuring Tom Doody and Jim Pilster) ... Jim Peterik and The Ides Of March ... The Chicago Experience (whose rehearsal we ALSO caught last night ... absolutely AMAZING!!!) ... and, capping it off, Nick Fortuna, Carl Giammarese, Marty Grebb, Danny Seraphine (original drummer and founding member of Chicago) and Dennis Tufano, performing The Greatest Hits Of The Buckinghams and More.

 

LOTS of one-of-a-kind auction items ... concessions stands filled with all kinds of cool, autographed memorabilia ... and an INCREDIBLE night of music.

 

It all happens tomorrow night ... FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ... at The Arcada Theatre. 

 

The Benefit Concert For Marty Grebb.  

 

Ticket information here:  www.oshows.com

 

(And let me tell you, Marty looks and sounds FANTASTIC in every way!!!  Man, what a talented musician and vocalist he is.  Let's hope the magical healing powers of music can lift the spirits in each and every one of us ... and help drive away ... or at least suppress ... that which ails us. Come on out tomorrow night and celebrate the music ... celebrate the cause ... and have a good time.  You'll be glad you did!) 

And The Blitz Just Keeps On Comin'!!! (Man, I Am SO Ready For This Show!!!)

Great news ... The Benefit Concert for Marty Grebb has legs!!!

A second fund-raiser has been scheduled for May 27th in California ... featuring headliners Bonnie Raitt, Leon Russell and Ivan Neville.  Dennis Tufano will also be on board and several special "guest" musicians are also expected to attend and perform.

Vintage Vinyl News is reporting ...

The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA will be the home of three music greats on May 27 as they put on a benefit for legendary studio musician Marty Grebb.

Bonnie Raitt, Leon Russell and Ivan Neville will perform to raise money for Grebb, who has been fighting cancer for some time. The show is in conjunction with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund with proceeds used for medical bills and living expenses.

According to a show announcement, Grebb "has already undergone numerous cancer-related medical treatments and surgeries, and the charges that are not covered by Medicare have exhausted his ability to pay with his income as a working musician."

Also on the bill are James "Hutch" Hutchinson, Jim Keltner, Johnny Lee Schell, Rick Braun and a number of others plus more special guests are expected to be announced.

Grebb was raised in Chicago and took up piano at eight, saxophone at ten and, later, guitar. In 1966, he joined the Buckinghams as their keyboard player and went on to play with the Fabulous Rhinestones, Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield. 

As a session musician, Grebb has played with a who's who of artists including Raitt, Russell, Olivia Newton-John, Roger McGuinn, Maria Muldaur, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash and Buddy Guy. 

Regarding this week's Chicagoland "kick-off" concert, Dennis Tufano adds ...

Getting together on stage for one night with all of Chicago’s legends of the 60’s is truly a gas! 

It will be a “live jukebox” of Chicago 60’s hits and for the first time ever, I believe, all on the same show! 

It’s a gift back to the fans in Chicago to get a taste of every song they helped make popular and it will generate much needed funds for a very special Chicago Musician and friend, Marty Grebb.  

The most exciting moment for me was when we saw "Kind Of A Drag" in Billboard at #1 with a BULLET!!!!! Everything that followed was super cool, too, but that moment was FAR OUT, GROOVY and OUT OF SIGHT! And the beginning of a long and wild ride in music.  

Chicago musicians, fans, friends, family and Ron Onesti have all stepped up to make this an historic event for Chicago music lovers. It’s all hard work from many people … but WHAT A PAYOFF!!! 

Thank you for your support on this event. You rock hard, my friend!  

See you all there!!! 

Dennis Tufano  

Carl Giammarese concurs ... man, what a night this is going to be!!!  

Hi Kent, 

When Dennis Tufano contacted me to participate in the benefit for Marty, immediately I was all in.  We were all like brothers back in the day ... we shared a common goal, with all its success and failure, and experiences ... like I said, we were brothers. I am confident the May 7th concert will help Marty so that he can get all the medical treatment he needs.  

On a happy and positive note, it will be an exciting evening to bring so much Chicago talent together on the same stage. As far as I'm concerned, there was nothing like the Chicago music scene in the 60's, with so many great bands and talented musicians. Our concert will be special for me to once again share the stage with Marty, Dennis and Nick for this one time only concert. Also special is to have Danny Seraphine joining us on drums ... he is a tremendous talent.

Thinking back to I believe it was the end of 1966 when we asked Marty Grebb to join The Buckinghams. At the time, he was in a band called the Exceptions with Peter Cetera when we asked him to join us. The Exceptions were an exceptional band. They covered everything from The Beatles and Beach Boys to James Brown and everything in between. The Buckinghams already had a # 1 hit with Kind Of A Drag, so I think it was a no brainer to join us, ha. Marty immediately added a dimension to our sound. His musicianship was far ahead of the rest of us, so it was a welcome addition. When you look back through the years at his accomplishments and who he has performed with, you understand how great a musician he is.  

I could ramble on, but I'll stop by saying its gonna be an exceptional and special evening without losing sight of what this night is all about, and that is we all hope and pray for Marty's health. He has a lot more music to give us, God willing. 

Carl Giammarese  

Do NOT miss this concert!!!  A limited number of seats are still available through The Arcada Theatre Box Office ... order your tickets online at www.oshows.com!!!

And this just in!!!

FH Reader Clark Besch tells us that he's been working with Cary Mansfield (ALSO a Forgotten Hits list member) of Varese Sarabande Records ... and that together, they're putting the finishing touches on what promises to be the ultimate Buckinghams Hit Singles package right now  ...

Kent, 

A new exclusive for Forgotten Hits Readers!  
Over the last two months, I've worked with Varese Sarabande Records' Cary Mansfield on a project that could be announced before the benefit for Marty Grebb this week.  It's been awhile since the Buckinghams' singles have all been in print on CD, but that will change soon.   
Varese will be releasing "The Buckinghams:  The Complete Hit Singles" on CD early this summer.  Taken from the original master tapes, this CD will have all 15 original "A" sides of the band's USA Records and Columbia Records singles.  Not only will it include all of the national hits by the band, but also the local Chicago hits that were released on USA Records as well as the later Columbia singles that were just as exciting as the big hits, but lost out to the psychedelic music generation.  
Cary Mansfield has LONG been a fan of Chicago 60's music and has veteran Steve Massie mastering the project that will include a booklet featuring new previously unpublished photos of the group in their heyday.  For me, it will be a full circle occurrence.  Cary asked me to write the liner notes for Varese Vintage's very first 60's compilation CD in 1993, "Bend Me, Shape Me:  The Best of the American Breed."  He's letting me reprise the role 22 years later for the Buckinghams CD.  These Chicago bands have always been my greatest loves in music and I am thrilled to be a part of this project. 
I know the Marty Grebb tribute will be a great event and I wish I were going to be with you all.  Marty was a phenomenal part of the Bucks' success.  During their time with Columbia, Marty wrote or co-wrote more of their recorded songs than anyone else.  Many will know Marty only for his work with the Buckinghams, but his work previously with the super group, the Exception, as well as his work with the Fabulous Rhinestones in the 70's are well worth seeking out, as well.  Good luck to Marty in the future and I hope all have a great time at this event.

-- Clark

 

  

50 Year Flashback - May 4th, 1965

Here is yet another survey that shows the Them version of "Gloria" at #1 ... pretty amazing when you consider that this record charted for exactly ONE WEEK on The Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Survey ... and peaked at #93.

Sam The Sham and the Pharaohs jump from #30 to #2 with their very first chart hit, "Wooly Bully" ... that's quite a leap!  Although it never officially hit #1 on The Billboard Chart, the magazine ranked it as the Biggest Single of 1965 on their Year-End Chart ... ahead of "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones, "Downtown" by Petula Clark, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers, "Help!" by The Beatles, "My Girl" by The Temptations and several other far more-likely candidates!

Another great track on this week's survey is "Concrete And Clay" by Unit 4 + 2.  I also liked the Marvin Gaye record "I'll Be Doggone".  Elvis' gospel hit "Crying In The Chapel" is at #17, up eleven places from the week before ... and the Freddie and the Dreamers record, "Do The Freddie" finally shows up on the list instead of the far-inferior Chubby Checker record by the same name.  (Are you ready to do your jumping jacks???)

The novelty hit "Queen Of The House" by Jody Miller, based on the Roger Miller smash "King Of The Road" is at #13 ... while Roger has this week's "Hillbilly Hit" with "Engine Engine Number Nine"!!!