Tuesday This And That

And a JUMBO Edition at that!!!


Hi Kent, 
Though I haven't written in some time, I still read Forgotten Hits religiously (and even when I'm not feeling religious)!  It is still the best music publication on the market!  Keep up the GREAT work for all the legendary music stars, performing artists, composers, managers, road managers, agents, and those of us that appreciate all of them.
Please sign me up for a Forgotten Hits lifetime subscription.  As I said, IT IS THE BEST! 
Kent, I hope you & your family are all doing GREAT!
All My Best,
Tim Kiley
Thanks, Tim! 
Have the rest of you guys out there signed up for the list?
For the most part, we expect you to check the website on your own on either a daily basis or whatever fits your schedule … but from time to time, we also send out periodic reminders and special features to those folks who have signed up for our mailing list.
And, if you live in the Chicagoland area, we also have a “Locals List” where you’ll receive notification of upcoming shows and special discount ticket offers … even free give-aways from time to time.
If you want on the list, just drop me a note at kk@forgottenhits.com and we’ll add your name to the list.  Please provide the best email to reach you and your real name … and use the above email address to contact us.

Thank you!  (kk)  

Hi, Kent -

That Drew Carey "Five O'Clock World" clip became an instant favorite of mine the moment I saw you'd posted it in Forgotten Hits.  To help celebrate the life and career of The Vogues' lead singer Bill Burkette, here are a couple "History of Rock 'n' Roll" episodes which illuminate the two phases of The Vogues' hitmaking career.

Gary Theroux

"The History of Rock 'n' Roll"  

Hi Kent,

This week in NYC's WABC 770 AM chart shows Simon Says at position #2, the highest it ever reached due to the massive popularity of Paul Mauriat's Love Is Blue instrumental.  Here's a link a to that chart:

http://www.musicradio77.com/Surveys/1968/surveymar568.html 

WABC along with WMCA were the top AM radio stations in the NYC area before the advent of FM.

Sorry to hear about Bill Burkette.  We did many shows with him and he was a very nice guy and quite the gentleman.  He will be missed.

Yesterday we did two great shows at the American Music Theater in Lancaster, PA.  Interestingly, the shows were doo-wop themed.  On the bill with us were The Tymes, Sonny Turner (lead vocalist of the Platters), The Toys (featuring Barbara Harris) and Johnny Farina of Santo and Johnny. Chris Montez was also scheduled to appear but he had travel issues.

FYI, Here are links to charts from WABC and WMCA”

http://www.musicradio77.com/Surveys/surveys1968.html

http://www.musicradio77.com/wmca/surveys/surveys1968.html 

Take care,

Frank

Hey, Frank, great to hear from you.

If anybody out there happens to have a copy of the WPGC Survey dated February 16, 1968, showing “Simon Says” by The 1910 Fruitgum Company at #1, original band member Frank Jeckell sure would love to get a clean copy that he could post on the band’s website.

Please send me the cleanest scan possible and I’ll send it right off to him.  Thank you!  (kk)

Kent,

Proud to see “Susan” on top in Boston (Go Bucks!)

But surprised (shocked, really!) to see the Beach Boys’ “Darlin’” at #5!

In retrospect, this is one of several unheralded but great singles The Beach Boys produced during this period that was ignored only because they were deemed “uncool.” They produced truly great music post “Good  Vibrations” into the 70s.

Phil

PrayForSurfblog.blogspot.com 

It’s always been one of my favorites! (kk)

Before they were the Farquahr "Brothers," they were the McGowen Boys and, in 1965, had a great 45 that should have stood with the best folk trios of the mid-60's with this VERY Irish sounding folkie, "Daddy I've Tried."  It sits in the pile of my fave 45s!

Clark Besch

Well, Charlie will appreciate this one if he hasn’t heard it before!  Seems like he’s a REAL Farquahr Fan! 

This Saturday we return to the Midwest to visit WKNX in Michigan … be sure to stop back and check it out!  (kk)

And, speaking of the charts, people are loving the fact that we’ve brought back The Saturday Surveys.

Here are a few, courtesy of FH Reader Larry Neal, that pre-date 1968 … from a bunch of different cities!  (kk)

Kent,

I have got some miscellaneous radio surveys here at home and really can't remember where I got them through the years. Of the many I have, I am sending you these four because each one had something that stuck out with me.

The KTLN Denver survey is not only small in size but records marked with an asterisk are those records that were "forced" to be played on "brand x" radio, as indicated at the bottom of the survey. Never saw that before on a survey, maybe you have.

The survey KFJZ from Fort Worth, Texas, has probably the most records I have seen listed on a weekly survey, that includes, of course, the records listed as Klimers, Instrumentals, etc.

The KAKC survey from Tulsa and this is something I already knew, is that their #1 record never charted here locally in OKC as far as I know without checking. I do, however, have a copy of the Bobby Lee Trammell record.

Finally, the WIBG survey from 1958 is the oldest survey I have. And again, I cannot tell you how I got this. There is some writing on it which is apparently that of Joe Niagara indicating which picture is he.

Larry

Hi Kent,

Absolutely loved reading your personal history with the Record Research books.  Since posting my video, I’ve heard similar stories from all over the world!  It’s funny, but I think each and every one of us chart fanatics thought we were just about the only ones with such a deep, abiding passion for the charts.  The internet has allowed many of us like-minded individuals to come together and I’ve made numerous new friends as a result.  As I stated in the video, working at Record Research has been a dream come true for me.  Two of my biggest heroes growing up were Joel Whitburn and Casey Kasem.  I never got to meet Casey in person, but I’m so fortunate to count Joel as not only my boss, but also a good friend.  Some of my favorite moments are when it’s just me and Joel, sitting in his home office, talking music and charts.

Paul Haney

Record Research

That’s kinda how I feel about Forgotten Hits … we’ve been able to connect with SO many people over the years who share a passion for this music … and even cooler still, now hear from some of these artists, too, who gave us this music.

As for the charts, I’m sure there are THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of us out there who have devoted countless hours to this “hobby” … another tip of the hat to Joel Whitburn, who kicked off a trend that is often imitated these days … he has set the standard for all “record research” books to follow.  (kk)

Just got this from one of our ‘70’s WLS Heroes …

Hey Kent …

I always enjoy your site and amazing information.

BTW, I just did a fun Voiceover / On-Camera gig in Amsterdam for McDonalds ... major production ... fun stuff. 

Kris Erik Stevens

www.kriseristevens.com

I love it!  Thanks so much for sharing with our readers.  (kk)

Here’s something you’ll want to take part in …

It’s Rich Appell’s Annual I.R.S. Countdown …

Music fans from all over the globe send in their choices for records that should have been a bigger hit than they were.  (You’ll see one of our choices below!

Anyway, here’s the complete information on how to fill out YOUR ballot and cast your vote(s) …

The Annual I.R.S. Countdown (as in It Really Shoulda Been a Bigger Hit!)

Help build that thing's 2018 I.R.S. 10-99 countdown!

That's I.R.S. as in ..."It Really Shoulda" been a bigger hit!

Tell us what songs "Really Shoulda" been bigger hits by filing your I.R.S. form at https://www.thatthingshow.com/irs now until MARCH 21st, and qualify to win the new DVD release of BANG! The Bert Berns Story. LIST AS FEW AS 1, OR AS MANY AS 100 SONGS - it’s up to you.

Then tune into that thing the weekends of March 31st through April 14th, as we count down this year's I.R.S. 10-99, based on the songs you declared, and award BANG! DVDs to randomly selected listening filers. Stations and start times at

https://www.thatthingshow.com/listen-guide.

(Note: On Saturday, March 31, Don Tandler hosts the “Countdown to the Countdown,” playing back songs 200-110, leading up to Part 1 of the I.R.S. 10-99, on http://popgoldradio.com/.)

And listen each weekend in March leading up to the countdown, for I.R.S. hours and lots of songs that "Really Shoulda" been bigger hits.

Get in on the fun via the links above.  Like we say in Chicago, Vote Early … and Vote Often!  (kk)

Michael Nesmith took to Social Media to talk about what he expects to come out of his tour with Micky Dolenz this June … the first ever for these two Monkees bandmates …

Heading to LA tomorrow for meeting and a hang with Mick. Have to cook up the M&M shows. Right now no clue what to do other than Monkees songs -- which are of course a lock.
I didn't expect to go out again singing Monkees songs -- but here I am looking at dates with Mick for the month of June -- the beginning of Summer, I think -- dates are posted at most of the Monkees sites and here -- but the set list doesn't exist yet.
M and I will sit around and sing try to find out what makes sense with the two of us -- maybe the occasional guest.
As I write this I put on Chris Smither's "Live As I'll Ever Be" and its lifting me up into the skies of songs -- opening up settlements where we might perch and gaze out for miles and miles and sing and play the Music.
If all goes as planned, I think we will put together a fine show.
I love singing with Mick -- this will be the first time an M&M show will be realized -- after all these years.
As I say, I suppose we will play the deep cuts from the Monkees catalog -- and songs M&I have written over the years – and, as we are blessed, we will find the space that the great live players find over the years -- those deep and real places that are undeniable, that leave no question unanswered -- and to me that is a definition of Smithers concert and his magic acoustic guitar. So I am listening closely to him -- learning what I can.
Maybe M&M can "Kill the Blues" like Chris --
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the trip and to seeing Mick appear singing along beside me in the same room. One of my life's gifts and blessings.

-         - Michael Nesmith

MIKE and MICKY TOUR DATES:

• 06/01 - Chandler, AZ - Chandler Center For The Arts 
• 06/02 - Los Angeles, CA - The Orpheum 
• 06/03 - San Diego, CA - Humphrey’s
• 06/05 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove 
• 06/06 - Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery 
• 06/08 - Stockton, CA - Bob Hope Theatre 
• 06/09 - Stateline, NV - Harrah's Lake Tahoe 
• 06/12 - Denver, CO - Paramount 
• 06/14 - Chicago, IL - Copernicus Center 
• 06/15 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center 
• 06/16 - Cleveland, OH - Cain Park 
• 06/18 - Toronto, ON - Sony Center 
• 06/19 - Kitchener, ON - Centre In the Square 
• 06/21 - Philadelphia, PA - Keswick Theatre 
• 06/22 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre 
• 06/25 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theatre 

	We're Going To See The Beatles by Garry Berman Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this ground-breaking book! This month marks ten years since the release of Garry Berman's book We’re Going to See the Beatles!  (Santa Monica Press). It’s an oral history of Beatlemania, as told by over forty fans from across the country whom Garry had the pleasure to interview, and hear their stories. Garry has always felt a little odd referring to himself as the “author” of this book, since most of the words are those of the interviewees, who told him of their first-hand experiences as teens during the Beatlemania era and the years beyond. They are the true stars of the book.   As the first Beatles oral history from the fans ever published in the U.S., this book was a ground-breaker. Since this book's release, many writers have used the same format for their own books about the Fab Four, but nothing has compared to Garry's collection. In celebration of this landmark, Garry is giving away three signed copies of We're Going to See the Beatles! on his blog. Click to enter:   Garry Berman's Blog Garry and I have become pretty good friends over the years – sort of a “mutal admiration society” if you will. I first interview him for Forgotten Hits when this book was originally released ten years ago … and we had a bit of fun putting the whole thing together. Here it is again for those of you who weren’t with us yet back in 2008 … http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2008/05/were-going-to-see-beatles.html http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2008/05/introducing-garry-berman.html

Hi Kent, 

Veeder Van Dorn from the "Denver Rock and Roll 60's" here. 

Your Newsletter is always fun to read and always gives me memories and smiles. 

I was singing with my guitar in a local Convalescent Hospital the other day and suddenly, in the middle of the song "Don't Worry Baby," I remembered that my old friend and manager, Roger Christian (a prolific songwriter for The Beach Boys), had been there many years ago, and I had visited him there. 

It was fun for me to be singing a couple of his songs for the residents there, and to be able to tell them about him and the fact that he had been there. 

Many of them remembered his songs, and so my story brought out some smiles.  One of them asked "Did he recover?" and I said "Yes, and you will, too."   

Then EVERYONE smiled, and under my breath, I thanked Roger for that moment of his positive energy flowing through the room. 

Thanks for all the "positive energy" YOU give us, Kent.

Stay Well,

Veeder Van Dorn

Hey Veeder!  Good to hear from you … it’s been awhile

Wow!  Thanks for the kind words … it means a lot.

I’ve always loved the way you’ve “given back” by doing these little shows for some of the folks who otherwise cannot get out to hear and enjoy music.  It truly is “the universal language” … and a great healing tool.

Thanks for sharing your story with our readers.  (kk)

Toto, one of our favorites from the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s, is releasing a massive box set … 17 CD’s covering their entire career (along with a few new cuts and some previously unreleased live material!)

You can read all about it here:

https://theseconddisc.com/2018/03/update-massive-toto-box-set-all-in-to-also-include-all-albums-on-cd/

I don’t think we’ll be adding this one to our collection any time soon, however … for $500, I think Toto should come and perform in your living room!!!

Besides, we’ve already got the ones we want, so what would be the point?  (Then again the other day we saw a 10-CD Garth Brooks package being sold for $14.98 … now THAT’S the way to reward your fans who have stuck with you for all these years!!!)  kk

kk …

This was the finale on last night’s "Doo - Wop Generations." 

Fred Parris came out of retirement amd returned to St. Bernadette's Church -- where he recorded this song 62 years ago. 

FB

Yes, I remember covering this when it happened.  SO hard to believe 62 years have passed.  It may be the #1 Doo-Wop Classic of All-Time … yet only went to #24 when it was released in 1956.  (Keep in mind that this was still a time where black artists weren’t always crossing over to the pop charts … and this genre of music was brand new … folks were getting hit with a LOT of new choices all of a sudden … Elvis’ first #1 Record “Heartbreak Hotel” had only first begun to chart two months earlier!

Still it was great to see these guys sing in again … in the same spot where they first recorded it, trying to get the echo and ambience just right back in ’56.  (kk)

Kent,

At the end of Sunday's FH, you mentioned it was National Peanut Month. I did not know that but appreciated the tune you posted by Little Joe and the Thrillers. The first record that came to my mind was that novelty record out of 1970 called WHAT TIME IS IT by the Pea-NUT Gallery on Buddah. Haven't heard that one in years. Also, remember PEANUTS from 1961 by Rick and the Keens.

And how could one forget PEANUT BUTTER by the Marathons or possibly the PEANUT BUTTER SONG by Gabriel and the Angels?

Larry

You’ve come to the right place!

It was actually released as the P-Nut Gallery and went to #54 on the national charts in 1971.  (It topped out at #62 in Billboard … but here in Chicago it went all the way to #8!!!)

It was a salute to the old Howdy Doody Show (where the kids sat in the P-Nut Gallery)

As for the Rick and the Keens’ version of “Peanuts”, I believe that that one’s just a remake of the Little Joe and the Thrillers record, if I’m not mistaken.  As I recall, The Four Seasons cut a version of this tune, too … which sounds like a PERFECT match for Frankie Valli’s voice!  (kk)

And, finally, here’s another example of radio at its very best … sent in by Radio’s Best Friend, Art Vuolo!

Hey Kent ...

Don't let me fall off the list.  You have great stuff!  LOVED the Drew Carey clip with Five O'Clock World.  FYI, there's a (real-name) Drew Carey who works at WFBQ in Indianapolis and manages the affiliates on The Bob & Tom Show Network.  On Wednesday, it will mark 35 years since B&T premiered on Q95 in Indy.  They came from WJML in Petoskey, MI, and took the city by storm.  Even though Bob retired at the end of 2015, it's still kickin' ass ... and takin' names!
Don't know if you advise readers about PODCASTS, but a few years ago, I did a couple of short podcasts and it was fun, but this was a major deal with pro-podcaster Matt Cundill in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Matt does these for audiences mostly with an interest in broadcasting, and specifically RADIO.  It was recorded on Saturday, the 10th of February,  2018, and personally what I feel makes it entertaining is the insertion of numerous audio clips.  This way it's not just two guys talking for 67 minutes.  I hope you'll learn something about me that you might not have known.  Feel free to post this link in Forgotten Hits so others can enjoy listening, too.  Please let me know what you think of it .... good or otherwise.  I can take it.
My WRKO 50th Anniversary Reunion video is also a mind-blower because ALL five of the 1967 original jocks are still alive and were all there!  A clip of it is on the home page of my website, www.vuolovideo.com.
Thanks ...

ART

The story below is from the 2-14-18 edition of Jockline Daily by Don Anthony.

[LISTEN] How Video Thrilled The Radio Star

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 14TH, 2018 –– Radio's eternal best friend, Art Vuolo, takes the spotlight in an in-depth podcast hosted by Sound Off's Matt Cundill (R). In the hour-plus long feature, Vuolo explains the entire evolution of his beloved 'Video Air-Chex,' how they got started, who inspired him and which shows, to this day, won't allow him to film them. Among other highlights includes who coined the term "Radio Best Friend." Credit here would go to none other than legendary programmer and morning host, Scott Shannon, of Entercom's WCBS-FM New York.   

Cundill says Art is radio's biggest advocate and shares audio from some his career's biggest highlights, including the infamous take-down - 'Don Rickle's style - by the late Jay Thomas during a Morning Show Boot Camp; 'Art, do your parents know what you do?' Art tells Cundill of the greatest moments of his life was gaining an exhibit in the Museum of Broadcast Communications at the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago.  Cundill shares that Art's latest DVD feature, the WRKO 50th Anniversary Reunion, is now available and five dollars of each sale go to the most worthy Broadcasters Foundation of America - Check out the catalog HERE. - LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

And finally FH Reader John LaPuzza sent us this photo of rock and roll crayons … I love it!!!  (kk)

The Sunday Comments ( 03 - 04 - 18 )

Here’s my tribute to the late Bill Burkette and The Vogues …

Man, I love this clip!!! (kk)

Hey Kent, 

Hope you are doing well, my friend.  So sorry to hear about Bill.

I pray his family peace. 

We had a great time playing their music for them many moons ago when they came to Ocala.  Great guys ... and even cooler, we saw them again when the Royal Guardsmen played the Cannery in Vegas.  They rocked the place.

I'd love to be able to see ya, Buddy ... just not sure how my schedule

is.  The Royal Guardsmen are doing a gig in St Pete, FL, on April 29th for Billy DeYoung.  He has completed a book about Phil Gernhard ... "Record Man" … well done,   I might add. 

Be safe, mi Amigo, and please shout anytime.

Barry

Hi Kent -

Thank You So Much for finding the Survey with my Photo on it.

And Thanks to Ron Smith too!

It was so much fun seeing it again! 

When in doubt I always say, ask the master!!!

Carolyn

How on earth did you find that picture of Carolyn on the survey?  I can see how you might have a copy of the front because that’s the chart information you would need …. but on the BACK???  That’s pretty amazing that you found it … and that Carolyn was featured on it at all way back then!

Ed

I have a copy of EVERY WJJD / Top Tunes of Greater Chicago Survey ever made (well, except for survey #2, that is, dated June 18, 1956, which nobody can say with 100% certainty actually exists because over the past 40+ years of collecting these, NOBODY has ever actually seen one … or so much as a copy of one!)

But you’re right … as a general rule, I am only interested in the chart information on the front … and a good majority of mine are just Xeroxed copies that I have collected over the years.

However, I do have a good stretch of REAL surveys from this timeframe and can see that these Coca Cola Top 40 Queen Awards had been going on for quite some time … in fact, some weeks as many as 4, 5 or 6 girls would be featured.  I just didn’t happen to have the one on hand that featured Carolyn.

So it was Ron Smith to the rescue … I contacted him to see if by some chance he had it … and he did.  Congratulations (55 years late!) to Carolyn for making the chart!  And all these years later, she’s STILL lovin’ the oldies.  (Hey, that’s what we’re here for!!!)  kk

UPDATE:  On the back side of another Top Tunes Of Greater Chicago Chart there's an ad for a potato chip company (Krun-chee) that shows a photo of the "Meet The Beatles" album on its package along with teaser copy in its ad that reads "Get The Beatles FREE! with Krun-chee Brand Potato Chips Twin Pack."  Obviously, there has to be a whole lot more to this story than that, as a Beatles album wouldn't fit inside a bag of potato chips (not even a twin pack!) nor would it be safe to do so with all the grease collected in that same bag!  I'm guessing there must be some type of entry form (either inside or on the other side of the bag) that the consumer would then mail in for a chance to win a copy of The Beatles' new LP.  (The first survey this ad ran on was dated March23, 1964, where The Beatles had six titles charted ... "Twist And Shout," #1, "I Want To Hold Your Hand," #2, "She Loves You," #3, the two-sided hit "Please Please Me" / "From Me To You," #4 and, premiering this week at #27, "Can't Buy Me Love.")  I've never heard another word about this promotion anywhere (nor can I find any mention of image of it online) and remember writing to Beatles Guru Bruce Spizer about it years ago to see if he had ever run across one in all his searches and Beatlefest appearances.  At the time he said he hadn't ... but since this ties in nicely with our survey piece above (and the promo for New York's annual Fest For Beatles Fans below), I thought it might be a good time to mention it again in case any other reader could shed some light on this subject.  (kk) 

 

Hi Kent!  

Thanks so much for mentioning my upcoming date at the Chicago Street Theater in Valparaiso.  I’m hoping that some of your readers can make it out to see the show.

Please let them know that I am looking forward to seeing you at my March 11th show at Chicago Street Theater. I’m presenting an intimate show featuring the songs from my The Songs cd with the some of the amazing players I’ve been touring this project with:  the Storm Chasers - Colin Peterik and on keyboards and vocals, Andy Ohlrich on fiddle and vocals, and Garrett Degnan on upright bass and vocals.  

The set reinvents many of my biggest hits. We are also premiering some new songs from the upcoming Songs Two release. 

Stories behind the songs will be told and the feeling will be relaxed. 

Hope to see you there.  

It’s a 7 pm Show … Sunday night … March 11^th … at Chicago Street Theater in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Thanking you in advance for helping to spread the word about this show.

Rock on!!  

Jimbo 

As I mentioned before, this is an entertaining night of music … music you already know and love, presented in a whole new way.  (I wish we could check it out again, especially if there is a “Songs Two” release coming!!!  Didn’t know about that one!)

Complete ticket information can be found here:   www.chicagostreet.org/peterik2018

Believe it or not, we’re signed up for Grandparents Classes that day … with a new grandson on the way, due April 13^th.  (I can’t believe we need to take classes for this!!!  We raised one of the parents!!!)

I guess there are always new things to learn … and technology has certainly improved … but the one thing I DO remember about those days that I’m sure HASN’T changed is this …

If the diaper box says 6-8 pounds … that’s about the MOST poop it can hold without spilling over and making a terrible mess.  (OK, so maybe I do need this class after all.)  kk

kk –

Look for this show on PBS.  I'm watching it now. GREAT!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrADLcz_a-0

FB

Yep ... check out my review from a year and a half ago ...

After I watched it the first time, I had to watch it three more times again!!!

kk

The Everly Brothers - Harmonies From Heaven

Here’s what I learned watching this documentary -

"Bye Bye Love" = Everly Brothers first Billboard Hit (1957) -

Writer Boudleaux Bryant got the idea for guitar intro after listening to his windshield wipers on a rainy day. 

"Take A Message To Mary" (1959) –

Writer Felice Bryant got the sound she wanted after listening to the thumping sound of her vacuum cleaner. Archie Bleyer told Boudleaux Bryant to tap an empty coke bottle with a screw driver to create the sound.

FB

This is definitely a program worth seeking out … HIGHLY recommended.  (kk)

As mentioned above, East Coast Beatles Fans will be enjoying The Fest For Beatles Fans next weekend (March 9^th, 10^th and 11^th) at The Hyatt Regency Jersey City On The Hudson … and man, what a line up of acts they’ve got coming to this event (many of whom are Forgotten Hits readers and contributors!)

Check this out: 

In addition to authors Jude Kessler and Bruce Spizer, Billy J. Kramer … Peter and Jeremy (as in Peter Asher and Jeremy Clyde, each one half of the ‘60’s Dynamic Duos Peter and Gordon and Chad and Jeremy!) … Randy Bachman … Gene Cornish (of The Rascals) … Mark Rivera … Neil Innes and, of course, Liverpool, the Beatles sound-alike band who perform at nearly all of these fests will all be there.  (A splendid time is guaranteed for all!)

More details here:  http://www.thefest.com/2018-fests/new-york-metro-march-9-10-11-2018/

Forgotten Hits Reader Frank B sent us that interesting link last week telling the story behind “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” … this is evidently a new feature by Professor Of Rock.  Today’s feature tells the story of “The House Of The Rising Sun,” as recorded by The Animals.  (kk)

https://www.professorofrock.com/portfolio/house-of-the-rising-sun-the-animals/
(And if you missed that clip on The Righteous Brothers' song, scroll back and check it out ... it is DEFINITELY worth seeing!)  kk 

We found a nice profile of our FH Buddy David Salidor posted on The Mac  Wire this week …

http://www.themacwire.com/the-macwire-interview-with-dis-companys-pr-pasha-david-salidor/

Hi Kent, 

About a week ago, I made a video discussing my journey from Record Research customer to employee.  I posted it on YouTube and have received some nice feedback.  I thought you and your readers might be interested. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxDt3qRv-jk

Hard to believe it’s been 26 years.  That’s exactly half my life!

Paul Haney

Record Research

I think that most of us who grew up addicted to the charts have similar stories to tell ... that magical moment when we first discovered all of our painstaking, tedious research had already been done for us by The Chart Master, Joel Whitburn.  (For me, it was like moment in "The Wizard Of Oz" where suddenly the whole world was in color for the very first time!  lol)
When I was about the same age (13-14 years old, which would have put it right at the beginning of my favorite year in music, 1967) it was the WLS and WCFL surveys that I obsessed over each week, combining the chart data into what I considered to be the “ultimate local chart” and then typing and printing my own surveys every week (as well as doing my own weekly countdown for an audience of one in my bedroom.)
Again, I didn't understand how two radio stations broadcasting essentially the exact same music in the exact same city could possibly come up with different chart results ... and I've been fascinated by these discrepancies ever since.)

You have to remember that, as far as I knew, the ENTIRE world of music existed based on what I heard here in Chicago back then ... I had never even heard of Billboard Magazine or Cash Box or Record World … or considered that the music we heard in Chicago wasn’t necessarily the same music that everybody else was listening to all over the country … my whole world at the time was focused solely WLS and WCFL, which were my only source of information and entertainment.

The next step for me was to enter each song on its own index card, listing every chart position for every week it charted … soon I had to buy multiple large book cases just to house the never-ending volume of cards.

Once I learned of Billboard Magazine many years later, I sought out copies to compare their chart lists to my own … but it was difficult to find copies dating back to the era that mattered the most to me, which would have been 1964 – 1970.  In a story similar to yours, I eventually discovered that The Chicago Public Library Downtown Branch had copies of EVERY issue of Billboard Magazine available on microfilm!!!  So every weekend I could, I would take public transportation downtown and my girlfriend and I would man two different microfilm machines, scroll thru every page of every magazine until we found the charts, and then print out that week’s Hot 100 List.  (To this day, some 40 years later, I can still remember the smell and the pounding headaches I would have after doing this from the blur of the rapidly flashing pages as they would zip across the monitor screen.)  But eventually between the two of us, numerous trips downtown and probably hundreds of dollars in photo copies spread out over several months, I was able to collect a complete collection of every blurry  Billboard Hot 100 Chart from 1963 – 1975 they had on file.

Working at Rosary College at the time, I was eating lunch in the library one day when I found a copy of Joel Whitburn’s very first book, recounting The Billboard Top 100 Charts from November of 1955 thru 1969 … I honestly don’t know if this volume was ever even offered for sale to the general public or if it was published as strictly a reference manual ... thus the name, Record Research.  In fact, this particular edition that The Rosary College Library had had a 1970 addendum added to it.  Same thing … I would begin eating my lunch there every day, bringing my spiral notebook with me each time, and jotting down the titles of every song by every artist who mattered to me and recapping each hit with its peak position.  (Keep in mind this was WAY before computers … and ballpoint pen, paper and cramped fingers were the only option!)  I have often thought about going back to the library to see if by some miracle they still had a copy of this “first edition” as I would love to purchase it as a memento for my own private collection … as I have owned a copy of EVERY updated volume ever since … and still have them all packed away in boxes somewhere, keeping the most current volume within reach at all times on my computer desk.)
I remember seeing Joel's address in the back of the book ... the same one he still uses today some 45 years later ... in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and writing him a letter asking if there was any way that I could purchase a copy of his book.  As I recall, I never got an answer to my letter.

Shortly thereafter, I started reading Billboard Magazine on a somewhat regular basis and saw an ad for Joel’s book … “perfect for deejays and record fans” for sale.  It was at the time a small, paperback edition that now covered all of the chart data from 1955 – 1972 and I immediately ordered a copy.  (I swear to this day that it was MY letter that inspired him to market it to the masses ... but he'll never admit to that!  lol)  That original copy has been opened and closed so many times now I have to keep a rubber band around it just to hold all the pages together, which are so filled with writing and personal notes to render most of the pages useless by now anyway!  Lol  As torn and tattered as it is, I wouldn't dream of ever parting with it as obtaining it was such a significant moment in my life, even if it is held together by chewing gum and duct tape today!  (It was nice because it was portable enough to bring with me to record shows to help me fill in some of the holes in my collection.  The books today are nearly four times the size, both in overall dimensions and page count!)   

In fact, being of "like minds," I even ran into Joel once (for the very first time) at a small used record store in Oak Park, IL, where he was looking for a bunch of obscure albums that made The Billboard Top 200 Chart that he needed for his own collection.  He had been scouring all of the used record stores in the area in an effort to scratch some titles off of HIS want list.)

It’s a hobby – it’s an obsession – it’s been a way of life for SO long now that I can’t imagine life without them.  There is not a single day that has passed in the past 48 years that I haven’t referred to at least one of them for one reason or another.  (How’s that for a “celebrity endorsement”???)

And I love the way the books have continued to improve with each new printing, offering more and more information … B-Sides, songwriters, other chart positions, more detailed biographies, many for artists never heard from again after their first “hit” bubbled under in Billboard!  Truly an AMAZING amount of research and information … and they continue to be updated and corrected as new information comes along.

My understanding is that Joel has a copy of EVERY record ever charted.  (Although I’ve been invited, I still haven’t made it out to see “the vault” … I'm hoping we can finally do that this summer as even in my wildest imagination I can’t grasp what this must look like … to have EVERYTHING right there in one spot.  Amazing!)

And then, just when I thought it couldn't possibly get any better … the DREAM book … the one I’ve waited for for YEARS … The Chart Comparison Book, listing the peak position for EVERY record to chart in Billboard, Cash Box and Record World, all in one volume.  (Joel and I talked about this book for YEARS and I think we both felt it would never happen … there was NO way these three “competitors” would ever allow their proprietary information to be shared in a “side by side” fashion … yet Joel made it happen.  Plus you could still buy the individual books for each trade publication, too, dedicated to their own chart history.) 

And I could finally throw away all my microfilm xerox copies once Record Research published copies of each and every weekly chart in sharp, clear black and white.  Honest to God, it was like my life had come full cycle.  (Sound a bit dramatic???  Then you don’t release what a HUGE part of my life all of this research truly has been.)

So thank you, Paul, for sharing your recollections with us … I know a number of FH Readers will be able to relate (and have their own similar stories to tell.)  And thanks for indulging me while I told mine.  These books are such a HUGE part of my life and I feel forever indebted to Joel Whitburn and Record Research for all they’ve done.  Thanks again to Joel for helping me in some small way to fulfill MY purpose in life by bringing this information to the fans who appreciate it the most.  (kk)

UPDATE:  Joel's new "Top Pop Albums" book is scheduled for release later this spring ... and his Top Pop Hits Singles book (as well as the Chart Comparison book mentioned above) are ALL available thru the Record Research Website:  https://recordresearch.com/

And finally ...

kk –

Did you know that March is "National Peanut Month?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJmhyAA2vZE

FB

I did not!  (But what a GREAT way to end this week's Sunday Comments Page!)  kk