Tuesday This And That

>>>A Brand New, King-Sized Weekend Comments Page Awaits You  (kk) 

Holy Cow! Thank goodness it’s Saturday! It took two cups of coffee and a leisure morning to get through it all.

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

I’ve been trying to balance multiple projects all month long but find myself falling behind on each of them!  As such, it has allowed me to “stock pile” a few things to finally be able to run a new Weekend Comments Page.  (I would love to be able to do that every week this year … but even in my heart of hearts, I don’t believe it’s possible!!!  There’s just WAY too much going on here right now.  So enjoy them when you can … sort of an All Day Sucker for the weekend!)  kk

Good Afternoon,

Between Jack providing them and you posting them, I've been able to have some great music to listen to while I work.  I set up a playlist from the big top 3333 countdown, and the charts that you post as well. I'm finding myself more and more wanting to revisit the oldies.  I hear songs that I was too young to appreciate the first time and more importantly, I can dance to them.

Keep up the good work!

Nikki

We’ll be posting a brand new (as in fifty year old!) WCFL chart every week this year as we continue to salute 1970 … so stay tuned!  (kk)

There's  more than a little bit of David Clayton-Thomas in that Don Young feller, Kent ... we need to do some more diggin' into him.

Bob Frable
Easton, PA

I actually did a lengthy interview with Don many years ago that never ran because it was lost in one of the many computer crashes we were faced with in the early days of Forgotten Hits.  Too bad because he offered some very insightful information and background on his career … and even sent me photocopies of many projects he had worked on to use in our piece.

Unfortunately, the email address I have for him is no longer valid … so I’m not exactly sure how to reach him at this point.  Then again, he spotted our first piece on this tune way back when (you just NEVER know who’s reading Forgotten Hits!) so maybe he’ll see it again and contact me.  (Don, if you’re out there, MY email address has changed, too … use kk@forgottenhits.com if you want to reach me!)  
I do remember that Don sang at one time with both The Fireflies and Vito and the Salutations.

If I’m not mistaken, FH Reader Tom Diehl was also in contact with Don (real name Albano) so if you have more current information than I do, maybe you can let him know, too, that his song is once again being covered in Forgotten Hits.  Thanks, Tom!  (kk)

Kent –

With all due respect to Don Young, I much prefer the fully-produced, sublime harmonies of the 1969 version by the post-doowop Tokens.

Clive Topol

A lot of artists covered this song, which originated as part of a Clairol television commercial.

A quick YouTube search brought up versions by Don Young, The Tokens, Bobby Sherman, Gene Pitney, a beautiful instrumental version by Bert Kaempfert, a deceptively altered soulful, R&B version by Ben E. King, our buddy Ron Dante (as The Cuff Links) and more.

Below you’ll find the hit by The Tokens (#59, 1970 vs. Don Young’s #104 national showing) as well as one of the Clairol ads that kicked the whole thing off.  (kk)

https://www.youtube.com

UPDATE:

I did find this via the FH Website Search Engine.  (Try it … you’ll like it!!!)  Just type ANY topic into the search box in the upper left hand corner of the page and you’ll be AMAZED by how much information comes usp!!!)

Anyway, we did this update piece in 2009 … so the ORIGINAL piece probably dates back to 2003 or 2004 or so.  Obviously, a VERY popular song with our readers, who all remember it for (at least) the Clairol hair commercial.  (I see that this 2009 piece says it came from a Breck commercial … but as you can see from the clip above, this isn’t the case.)

For some reason, songs used in television commercials in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s have always been a “hot button” topic with our readers … so we’re expecting to hear more from you on this … and other commercial favorites.  (kk)  

Hi Kent: 

I saw the list of 2020 inductees going into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

I think it is really time to shut it down. It's gotten pointless.

Ken Freck

That’s not going to happen … and, unfortunately, as time moves on, all of the focus will continue to be on the new “eligible” rather than the numerous deserving but overlooked artists from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s, who helped to develop new branches on the Rock And Roll Tree.

But I think the REAL truth is that most people stopped paying attention to The Rock Hall’s choices a long time ago.  I was hopeful that a new change in management might change the philosophy that has continued to alienate them from knowledgeable music fans for the past two decades … but apparently this isn’t the case.

And I believe it was a HUGE mistake to overlook the top two vote-getters in the fan poll in favor of others who finished ___ and are being inducted instead.

Again … seriously … Whitney Houston over Pat Benatar in THE ROCK AND ROLL Hall Of Fame???  What on earth is the logic there?  (The ONLY motivation I can see is to please Clive Davis.  When the announcement was made, Davis told Billboard Magazine "I'm delighted with the news, ecstatic.  Her official recognition and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is unique, special and really cherished.  It's very important to Whitney's legacy and fully deserved. She and Aretha Franklin have influenced more young artists than any other artists I know.  She'd be touched, grateful. There's no question. She never took anything for granted. I always asked her, 'Are you pinching yourself?' She truly would be touched by this unique and special recognition. It would be very important to her.")  kk

Hi Kent ...

Good question from Will ... the question being, how do you define "bubblegum" music?

When I think of the "bubblegum" genre, I think of it as loosely based with a wide range of possibilities. Like Will said, summer songs, Tommy Roe's songs, Buddha label, psychedelic, etc. For some reason, I think of goofy and silly songs from the 50's and 60's more than any other era.

I think of "Surfin’ Bird" by the Trashmen, any songs by the Monkees, a lot of one hit wonder bands ie, Pappa Oom Maw Maw, One Eyed One Horn Flying Purple People Eater, Chubby Checker's The Twist, (I remember footage of dancers actually chewing bubblegum with their bee hive hair-doos), and the Peppermint Twist, Sugar Shack … maybe 96 Tears, Down in the Boondocks by Billy Joe Royal, etc.  While these songs weren’t really the top classic hits of their time, they were memorable. They were more novelty type songs than anything.  They were just a fun and silly song to sing along and dance to. And yes, chew bubblegum to.  

That's my impression of "bubblegum."

Compare these fun songs to the later more "serious" songs like Bob Dylan's philosophical music, protest music, sexual tension music, breaking up music, rock operas and more sophisticated stuff, and the druggie music that would follow. To me, the bubblegum was a lot more fun!!!  It brings me back to a much more simpler and easier time. Hope this helps give perspective.

Sandy

FH Reader Frank B. tells us about a new Neil Diamond biography musical coming to Broadway …

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/neil-diamond-musical-broadway-853994/

Hi Kent,

Speaking of the Moog Synthesizer, do you remember this song from 1969?

Peace,

Tim Kiley   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fZU5yff4Fc
"The Minotaur" was a #29 hit for Dick Hyman (and his Electric Eclectics) in 1969.  Hyman also recorded a Top Ten version of "Moritat (A Theme from 'The ThreePenny Opera'" in 1956.  ("Moritat," as you probably aleady know, evolved into "Mack The Knife" and topped the charts for nine weeks for Bobby Darin in 1959.  (kk)

Any of our readers who live near Three Oaks, Michigan, would do themselves well to attend The Chicago Experience concert there on Saturday, February 15^th, at The Acorn. 

These guys are incredible … and every ticket to the show also gets you a copy of their brand new live cd, “A Tribute To Rock With Horns.”

More information below …

(Tell ‘em Forgotten Hits sent you!)  Seriously, they are our very favorite cover / tribute band … and you will NOT be disappointed!!!  (kk)

Chuck Buell sent us this fitting, feel-good closer for today –

A clever idea, brilliantly executed. 

Enjoy … and share.  (kk)

Lou Christie ... Billy J. Kramer ... Lesley Gore ... and Instant Karma!!!

One of the greatest and most meaningful things about doing Forgotten Hits for the past 20+ years has been the opportunity to meet and get to know several of the artists whose music we have loved and admired throughout the ‘50’s, ‘60’s, ‘70’s, ‘80’s and beyond. 

It's funny in a way … 

There’s a part of me that wishes we could have built a 50 year friendship and kinship over the years … shared a bigger part of our lives together than what we actually experienced from one side of the television set to sitting on the floor at home watching … from one side of the stage to sitting in a seat in the audience … 

But those dreams aren’t really very realistic. 

For one thing, these artists were virtually unapproachable at the time … 

Fans weren’t let in the way they are today with meet and greets after the show … and enthusiastic fan clubs that keep us posted about all of their upcoming events and new releases.  

For the most part, artists virtually lived in a bubble back in the day, rushing from one appearance to the next, whether it be a live concert, a television appearance or a recording session, with only their closest handlers having access, insulated from all outsiders. 

Sure, there were the disc jockeys and trade reporters who got to know them … many of whom have maintained the long-standing type of relationship I’m describing and so envious of … 

But the reality is, no matter how much I may wish it so, it couldn’t really have happened anyway … 

Back in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 when all of this was going on, I was only 10-13 years old … and NEVER would have had the opportunity to fulfill such a dream.  Truth is, I hadn’t even been to my first real concert yet!!!  But I SURE loved this music ... and that love has stuck with me ever since.

So, since this was simply not to be my reality, I’ve made the most out of the relationships I’ve made since devoting Forgotten Hits to the artists and music that has meant so much to us instead … and in this sense, I mean the collective “us” … ALL of us that grew up living it and loving it ... that continue to share these memories together all these years later through our pages here in Forgotten Hits. 

I wish we could get two hundred more artists to participate in our pages, sharing THEIR memories and special stories with our readers.  It's a real good, feel good, all the way around ... and keeps them in close contact with their fans.  We truly have become "the great connector" of the music of our past to the fans of today who still love it so.

We have been very fortunate to have been able to provide a forum where artists, disc jockeys, record producers, managers, promotional people, road managers and, most importantly, FANS, have been able to share these memories side by side in our pages.  It is having been the one to present that forum that makes me most proud of what Forgotten Hits has meant over the past 20+ years. 

All of that being said, two of the absolute nicest artists I have met during this time are Lou Christie and Billy J. Kramer.  Both are just genuinely nice guys … who appreciate the loyalty and love that their fans have shared over the years, sticking with them through it all … 

So I was especially pleased to receive an email the other day from Lou Christie’s camp that read … 

Lou thought you might enjoy listening to his latest edition of his site "It Should Have Been A Hit"

It Should Have Been a Hit !   

Now we’ve plugged Lou’s site any number of times over the years … one of the things I love most about it is that it gives Lou Christie the chance to be a fan, just like us, of some of the great music that may have missed its mark along the way.  (Let’s face it … an awful lot of good music never got the chance to be shared and appreciated … for any number of reasons.)  

What’s so special about THIS particular issue is the fact that Lou is saluting our OTHER buddy, Billy J. Kramer ... and that he knew that I'd want to share in it!

Billy is still recording and performing to enthusiastic crowds.  We’ve reviewed his book, “Do You Want To Know A Secret,” covering his career in his own words and had the chance to visit with him at some of the Fests For Beatles Fans when they’ve passed through Chicago.  Again, just another super nice guy who is humbled by the fact that he’s been able to maintain a career doing what he loves best.

https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Know-Secret-Autobiography/dp/1781793611/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=billy+j.+kramer&qid=1579991503&s=books&sr=1-1

https://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2016/08/forgotten-hits-interviews-billy-j-kramer.html

Give a listen to Lou’s pick via the "It Should Have Been A Hit!" link above.

And, since I had Lou’s attention … and since Lesley Gore’s name has come up SO many times recently in Forgotten Hits … and since I know that Lou and Lesley both toured and recorded together numerous times over the years, I asked him if he might share a few words about this incredible singer.  

Here is what he sent me …  

Lesley Gore was a teenager from New Jersey ... 

Her songs captured the moment of time when girls were just starting to find their wings ... 

Her songs stood for women everywhere to stand up for and assert their rights. No one was gonna push Lesley around. 

She was at the forefront of the feminist awareness movement and I am proud and happy to call her a true friend of mine. 

Here is the B-side of one of her biggest hits ... and, in my humble opinion, it's the better song ... 

What say you? 
-- Lou 

Scroll down to #64 on Lou’s same “It Should Have Been A Hit!” website to listen to Lesley’s “The Old Crowd,” flipside of her 1963 Top Five Hit “She’s A Fool.” (Personally, I don’t know if it’s better … I have always loved “She’s A Fool” … but I also love nearly every record Lesley ever made … so it’s still definitely worth a listen.) 

Lesley had one of the most distinctive voices in popular music ... and I TRULY regret the fact that I never had the chance to see her perform live.  Check out some of her biggest hits on YouTube via the Hit List below ... she was simply amazing.

Browse around Lou’s site to find any number of other “undiscovered gems” you may have missed along the way.

And thanks Lou … and Billy J. … and Lesley … for providing the music and memories that helped to make this the most exciting period in pop music history.  (kk)

 me and Lou

me and Billy

On a side note, I cannot state it clearly enough ...

Lou Christie is just one incredibly nice guy.  

He has sent me copies of the radio show he used to do for Sirius / XM’s ‘60’s Channel … and Christmas gifts every year since we first met … (which already makes him a far nicer guy than me!!! Lol)  

I appreciate his support and friendship … and remain a devoted fan of his music.  As I’ve said countless times over the past 20+ years, I will ALWAYS be a fan first … and view this music through those eyes, right along with each and every one of you who grew up with it … or came to know and love it … just as I did.

Since the link above provides The Billy J. Kramer Hit List, it seems only fair to also acknowledge Lou’s … and Lesley’s hits as well … so here goes!

THE LOU CHRISTIE HIT LIST

1963 – The Gypsy Cried  (#15)

1963 – Two Faces Have I (#3)  and #1 here in Chicago

1963 – How Many Teardrops  (#41)

1966 – Lightnin’ Strikes  (#1)  also #1 here in Chicago

1966 – Outside The Gates Of Heaven  (#45)

1966 – Rhapsody In The Rain (#16)

1969 – I’m Gonna Make You Mine (#5)  #2 here in Chicago

Honorable Mention … my all-time favorite Lou Christie recording, “Beyond The Blue Horizon,” #72, 1974

THE LESLEY GORE HIT LIST

1963 – It’s My Party (#1)  also #1 here in Chicago

1963- Judy’s Turn To Cry (#4)

1963 – She’s A Fool (#3)  #2 here in Chicago

1964 – You Don’t Own Me (#2)  and #1 here in Chicago

1964 – That’s The Way Boys Are (#12)

1964 – I Don’t Wanna Be A Loser  (#37)

1964 – Maybe I Know (#10)

1964 – Hey Now (#40)

1965 – Look Of Love (#20)

1965 – Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows (#13)

1965 – My Town, My Guy And Me (#32)

1966 – Young Love (#40)

1967 – California Nights (#11)

1967 – Summer And Sandy  (#49)

Honorable Mention:  “You’ve Come Back,” next to “You Don’t Own Me,” my all-time favorite Lesley Gore track

******

1970:  January 27^th – John Lennon writes and records “Instant Karma” all in the same day – it will be rush-released a week later … “instant” indeed!

January 26th, 1970

After their huge leap up the chart last week, it really comes as no surprise that Sly and the Family Stone have taken over the #1 Spot on this week's WCFL Survey.

"No Time" by The Guess Who, "Hey There Lonely Boy" by Eddie Holman, "Without Love" by Tom Jones and "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" by Dionne Warwick all continue to climb within this week's Top Ten, while big moves by The Temptations' "Psychedelic Shack" (#21 to #9) and Mark Lindsay's first solo hit, "Arizona" (#24 to #10) make their Top Ten debuts. 

Joe South continues to climb with his latest hit, "Walk A Mile In My Shoes," up a dozen places from #23 to #11, placing him just outside The Top Ten.  (I'm sure he'll be there next week!)

After topping the chart with their hit "Venus," The Shocking Blue are joined this week by another group from The Netherlands making big leaps and bounds up the chart ... The Tee Set move from #25 to #14 this week with "Ma Belle Amie."  (Could this be the start of The Dutch Invasion?!?!)


Jay and the Americans move up 16 places with their latest, "Walkin' In The Rain," which climbs from #35 to #19 ... and The Hollies are back on the charts with what looks to be a big hit ... "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" moves from #37 to #23, a leap of 14 spots. 

Now that Neil Diamond has jumped ship from Bang Records to Uni, Bang is mining the vaults by releasing "Shilo" as a single.  (It'll actually do pretty well against Neil's newer stuff.)

And closing out The Top 40 is the Don Young version of "She Lets Her Hair Down."  This was another one of those songs used in a commercial and, although this record only had limited national success, it still seems to be a HUGE favorite with our Forgotten Hits Readers ... it has come up numerous times in the past.  (We tracked Don down for an interview many moons ago ... Donny Albano (real name) was a recording artists for many, many years ... but this is probably his best known hit ... especially among fanatics like us here in FH! 


And one of this week's Hit Bound picks is by a new group signed to The Beatles' Apple Records, Badfinger.  It's actually the B-Side (and a great rocker) to their soon-to-be Top Three Hit "Come And Get It" ... but THIS is the side WCFL started playing first.  (Unbeknownst to us at the time, Badfinger was actually The Iveys, who scored a minor hit last year with "Maybe Tomorrow."  They had simply been renamed by John Lennon after a tune he had been working on called "Badfinger Boogie" ... which evolved into "With A Little Help From My Friends."  With the help of Paul McCartney's composition "Come And Get It" (a tune used in Ringo's "The Magic Christian" movie soundtrack), I guess you could say these guys had some pretty solid support behind them!  (George Harrison would go on to produce their "Straight Up" LP the following year ... and even had Badfinger join him onstage for The Concert For Bangla Desh ... thus completing the full cycle of Beatle-involvement!)

*****

1970:  January 26^th – Mick Jagger is fined 200 pounds for possession of cannabis.

*****

By the way, I'm only half joking about The Dutch Invasion ...

In rapid succession, Shocking Blue, The Tee Set and The George Baker Selection all scored Top 20 Hits on The American Charts.  All were from The Netherlands and signed to the Colossus record label.

"Venus," of course, went to #1 for Shocking Blue ... "Ma Belle Amie" peaked at #4 for The Tee Set and "Little Green Bag" was a #16 hit for The George Baker Selection.  "Little Green Bag" did even better on the WCFL chart, peaking at #3!