FORGOTTEN HITS

Friday, November 17, 2023

A Super-Sized Edition of The Friday Flash

Cal Lynch wraps up his Top 100 Biggest Two-Sided Hits Of All-Time Countdown tomorrow night …

(What number are we up to, Cal???)

Hi Hot Waxers -

This Saturday night I will be airing the final 15 of the “TOP 200 BIGGEST TWO SIDED HITS OF ALL TIME.” Listen to more Two Sided Hits from Connie Francis, The Monkees, The Beatles and, of course, Ricky and Elvis.

Once again, many thanks to Kent Kotal and Randy Price over at Forgotten Hits for graciously allowing me to air this knockout “Best of” list … It’s obvious a lot of research work went into the making of this list-great job (see the full list and the ones that didn’t make the cut at https://www.forgottenhits.com/the_top_200_two-sided_hits_of_all-time)

Following the best of the Two Sided Hits, stick around for a selection of awesome tunes from One Hit Artists … the only criteria used in this selection is the artist only recorded One Top 40 tune as listed in both Billboard and Cashbox charts starting in 1955.

Listen to great memories from Johnny & Joe, The Safaris, The Cascades, The Teddy Bears and lots more.

These are all familiar tunes that are sure to jog your memories and are the makings of an incredible night of the music we grew up with … Don’t miss it!

Join Host DJ Cal this Saturday, November 18^th, 2023, at Hot Wax & Doo Wop Memories

7 pm Pacific, 10 pm Eastern with special re-airs the following week as follows:

Monday 2 pm Pacific, 5 pm Eastern

Wednesday 8 am Pacific, 11 am Eastern

Friday 9 am Pacific, Noon Eastern

All you have to do is set your browser to best station for oldies on the internet:

www.memorylaneoldies.com

To check out interviews I’ve conducted with well over a hundred well known artists and celebrities, go to http://www.hotwaxdoowopmemories.com/

See you there!

Cal

MARK BEGO'S CHURCH -- Mark Bego's launch for his Joe Cocker: With a Lot of Help from His Friends (Yorkshire Publishing) this weekend at The Church Studio in Tulsa was a major success. Bego also visited the two Barnes & Noble stores in Tulsa and an in-store signing is expected at each shortly.

Per Yorkshire's Kent Denmark, the crowds kept coming and Bego commented that everyone had a great Joe Cocker story to tell - be it a Woodstock memory or a favorite Cocker song like "The Letter" or "Up Where We Belong."

The book is out November 16.

Here's a photo from the event - L-R: Laura and Kent Denmark, Yorkshire Publishing; Mark Bego; Nancy Ruth and Teresa Knox from The Church.

We have THREE copies of Mark Bego’s Joe Cocker book to give away.

For the first time EVER, we had no clear-cut winners in our Joe Cocker Trivia Contest.

(I will admit that had I not already read Mark’s book, I wouldn’t have guessed the last two questions correctly either!!!)

And apparently we had no online “cheaters” surfing for answers either … which is really a good thing (and makes the whole idea of a trivia contest a whole lot more fun!)

So, we picked THREE random winners and books will be sent to each of them.

In the meantime, here are the correct answers to the questions posed:

What Joe Cocker song won the Academy Award?

Virtually everybody got this one right …

“Up Where We Belong,” recorded with Jennifer Warnes, from the 1982 film “An Officer And A Gentleman”

What Record Label launched Joe Cocker’s career in the 1960s and 1970s?

MOST people got this one right. (A few dug much deeper and found earlier releases … or British releases) … but the answer we were looking for was A&M Records, where Joe enjoyed his first 14 Billboard chart hits between 1968 and 1975. (Three of these were two-sided hits) The biggest: “You Are So Beautiful” (#5, 1974), “The Letter” (#7, 1970) and “Cry Me A River” (#11, 1970)

What was the biggest selling album with Joe Cocker music on it?

This is the one that threw everybody … and NOBODY got it right.

(As I told David Salidor, the PR Guy handling Mark’s book, and Mark Bego, I myself would have gotten this answer wrong had I not read the book.)

The most obvious choices were the “Woodstock” soundtrack and the “Mad Dogs And Englishmen” soundtrack … those were by far Joe Cocker’s biggest focal points during his career.

But the RIGHT answer was the soundtrack to “The Bodyguard,” the Whitney Houston / Kevin Costner film, from 1992.

Joe has a duet on this album called “Trust In Me,” recorded with Sass Jordan and this album sold over 45 million copies worldwide.

It was the unlikely answer … and the royalties from this album covered Joe’s livelihood for the rest of his career.

How many Beatles-composed songs did Joe Cocker record in his career?

Another toughie … most people got at least three of four correct titles …

But the CORRECT answer was NINE!!!

They are (in order of release):

1 - I’ll Cry Instead (Lennon and McCartney), 1964

2 - With A Little Help From My Friends (Lennon and McCartney), 1968

3 - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window (Lennon and McCartney), 1969

4 - Something (George Harrison), 1969

5 - Let It Be (Lennon and McCartney), 1981

6 - You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away (Lennon and McCartney), 1991

7 - Maybe I’m Amazed (Paul McCartney), 2005

8 - Jealous Guy (John Lennon), 2005

9 - Come Together (Lennon and McCartney), 2007

Give a listen to Joe’s early version of “I’ll Cry Instead” …

You’d never even know it was him!!!

Congratulations to our three winners:

Timmy Manocheo in California; Sam Tallerico in Florida and Colin Donahue in Iowa. (Yeah, we’re bad, baby … and we’re nationwide!!!)

Each wins a copy of Mark Bego’s new book: “Joe Cocker: With A LOT Of Help From His Friends”

Order YOUR copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/Joe-Cocker-LOT-Help-Friends/dp/1960810170/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UF8HI5AGL3RH&keywords=joe+cocker&qid=1699812705&s=books&sprefix=joe+cocke%2Cstripbooks%2C85&sr=1-1

By the way, it sounds like a Joe Cocker biopic may be in the works …

Noise 11 is reporting that Lisa Saltzman has acquired the rights to Mark Bego’s book and is making a film of Joe’s life and career. (The Noise 11 article gets the name of Mark’s book wrong … so I’m not sure if “With A Little Help From My Friends” or “With A LOT Of Help From My Friends” will be the title of the film or is just the “working title” for now.

Ironically, Mark’s whole book project came about because HE was asked if he would be interested in writing a screenplay about Cocker’s life. He did … but it really never went and further than that. When it came time to do his next book, he decided to use all that research as a biography instead. Now he gets to share in the joy of BOTH realities!

It sounds like plans are just getting under way so we may not see this film for a while … (heck, we’re STILL waiting for the Tommy James movie to come out!!!) … but it’s great to see that others will soon be discovering and learning more about the music of these great artists in the years to come. (kk)

https://www.noise11.com/news/joe-cocker-biopic-in-the-works-20231113

And, speaking of books ...

>>>Still, I think it could have been SO much more positive and informative as to how much joy this music brought people around the world … and STILL is some sixty years later. (kk)

Oh, I agree, but I don't know this author nor the criteria for Golden Books biographies. I would like to read the other biographies (Bee Gees, Queen Elizabeth II, Beyonce, Dolly Parton, Julie Andrews, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and The Pokey Little Puppy are advertised on the back cover ... that pokey puppy is still getting into trouble) to compare.

As far as children connecting with death and divorce, I see it daily in my school. A child who is in a similar situation will spring on that fact and hold it tight, knowing they are not the only ones and that someone who was successful could relate to them. I had a fifth grader tell me once, "John Lennon would understand." Feeling understood by someone kept him going.

Shelley

I also ordered The Bee Gees biography, which covers more of their career and how they built it, first as children on the radio, then their move to Australia where they became a successful local recording act, then their move back to England where The Bee Gees launched their worldwide career. It covers their early hits, their regrouping as a disco phenomenon and even the deaths of twins Maurice and Robin … so yes, once again covering territory not usually reviewed within the grasp of The Pokey Little Puppy. (Did you notice he appears on one of The Beatles’ pages as well?)

Not sure about these others … or what the selection process was as to who was worthy of Golden Book status … and I DO think it’s a HUGE step in the right direction to update this series. (Little Golden Books date back to the 1940’s … and I’m sure each and every one of us … and our children … and our GRAND children have read a few of these over the years.) Injecting a more “modern” feel can only be a good thing … and, as I’ve said here in these pages thousands of times in the past, ANYTHING to help keep this great music alive is a good thing. (kk)

http://www.littlegoldenbooks.com/

Hey, Guys, imagine living the Swinging, Romantic Lifestyle of a Handsome Fairytale Prince!

For instance, Prince Charming was dating the Stunning Snow White, the Beautiful Sleeping Beauty and the Totally Disarming Cinderella at the same time.

What a Life!

Until he got caught!

Whoo-o-ops! Maybe not so much!

CB ( which stands for "Chronicler Boy!" )

Kenny Loggins wrapped up his final “This Is It” tour with a star-studded event in Santa Barbara, California, on November 4^th.

Loggins was joined on stage by special guests including Michael McDonald, Richard Marx, The Blue Sky Riders, Jake Shimabukuro, several family members, the Adderley School choir and The Bacon Brothers. It was a truly incredible lineup!

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Tom Cuddy's Summer Concert Photo Album

Tom Cuddy sent us these awesome shots from some of the shows he was able to see this past summer and is letting us share them with our Forgotten Hits Readers!

Here's Sergio Mendes at the Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT.

Sergio's current singers, at left, his wife Gracinha Leporace and Katie Hampton

And here's Christopher Cross at the Ridgefield Playhouse

And here are Rascals Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish at The Ridgefield Playhouse

Also at The Ridgefield Playhouse ...

Original AMERICA members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell

The Tokens featuring original lead singer Jay Siegel at the Westbury Music

Fair in NY

And Beach Boy Al Jardine at the Ridgefield Playhouse

Original members of the Association at the Tarrytown (NY) Music Hall: Jules Alexander (l) and Jim Yester (r)

Moody Blues vocalist Justin Hayward on a solo tour at the Ridgefield

Playhouse.

Don McLean at the Ridgefield Playhouse

And check out Original Stylistics lead singer Russell Thompkins, Jr., who now tours with his own band "Russell Thompkins, Jr. and the New Stylistics, appearing at the Paramount Theatre in Peekskill, NY.

At age 72, Russell can still deliver those smooth and beautiful ballads in the same key as his 70s Philly hits!

Man, what a summer you've had!!! GREAT shows!

(And SO cool to see the commitment to booking our vintage acts on such a regular basis!)

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Tom!

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Shelley's Concert Reviews (cont'd.)

Meanwhile, on the next night, back at The Milford Performance Center, I arrive to watch Gary Lewis and The Playboys with Mitch Ryder. The Playboys will be the backing band for both Gary Lewis and Mitch Ryder. Being the band for two such diverse entertainers must be a fun opportunity to stretch your skills. They are accustomed to Gary's fun, light, romantic numbers and for several concerts now they play the edgier, beat-driven rockers that Mitch Ryder performs. This is the last concert for this duo on this run and so they have decided to do a live taping for cd release. When it comes out, buy it and you will hear me in the audience. Just tell yourself it is me that you hear, and if you meet up with me ... lie to my face and tell me you heard me clapping and singing "BOW WOW WOW WOW".

Mitch performs first and by the time he finishes with 'Devil With a Blue Dress,' he proclaims his joy at being able to leave the stage and sit down. Mitch has had three back surgeries in the last year and a half. He walks slowly and seemingly in pain but when he picks up that tambourine and sings into the mic, you would swear you had just put the record on your stereo. As he tells us: "I am still singing because I WANT TO." I have heard Mitch in live concert six times and each time has been the same vocal energy. He cannot dance around as he used to, nor jump and slap his leg but that voice screams 'I am forever young.'

Mitch tells us NOT to stand to clap no matter what, because, "Once one topples over, you all fall." Some of us risked it, and I haven't heard of any medical after-effects from the show.

During the intermission, a Gary Lewis scrapbook of his childhood to adult growth plays on the back screen. He opens his show with a video of he and his father performing 'Sonny Boy' when he was 10 years old. Given all the animosity that has been reported by the press and all the Lewis family members about the discord between them and Jerry Lewis, my heart is warmed to see this. It appears that healing on Gary's part is happening, and he now seems to enjoy watching the old clips as they pepper throughout the show.

Singing responsibilities are shared between Gary and the Playboys:

Mike Gladstone - Lead Guitar

Nick Rather - Bass Guitar

Willy O'Riley - Keyboards

Bobby Bond - Percussion

All of the songs tonight Gary has recorded, though some were covers of other bands' hits. Gary's description of himself is that he does not have the best singing voice, but his enthusiasm and showmanship make the delivery of each song upbeat and bring back memories for each of us.

A story I have heard many times before is about the press interview Gary did in which the interviewer told Gary she liked his songs very much, and that she also liked his father, especially his father's song 'Great Balls of Fire.' Great research, lady. I can't imagine why the press gets the criticism it does. I say this after watching this morning's weather video which states that this Tuesday, on election day, the weather would be beautiful. Election Day was last week.

This Sunday matinee was so much fun. I saw some friends who are new to our city's oldies performance schedule. They are now buying tickets to the rest of the shows. For those who are now saying, "SHELLEY, WHAT WAS THE SET LIST?," here it is

Mitch Ryder - Everybody Shake

Sock it to Me

Bow Wow Wow Wow

Jenny Take a Ride

When You Were Mine (written by Prince)

Shake a Tail Feather

Devil With a Blue Dress

Gary Lewis - Count Me In

Love Potion #9 (this was recorded by many groups)

Sure Gonna Miss Her

Mustang Sally - sung by Mike Gladstone

Save Your Heart For Me

I'm A Believer - sung by Willy O'Riley

This Diamond Ring

Little Miss Go-Go

Wooly Bully - sung by Nick Rather

Sealed With a Kiss

Palisades Park

Green Grass

Everybody Loves a Clown - written by Gary and Leon Russell

Brown Eyed Girl - sung by Willy O'Riley

She's Just My Style - also written by Gary and Leon Russell

Two concerts in one weekend AND there is one next weekend. Life is GOOD!

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

NE Correspondent

Forgotten Hits

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Shelley's Latest Review ... Doin' It HER Way!!!

At 82 years old and a little less than five and a half feet tall, Paul Anka is a giant on stage. To accentuate this fact, he stands with a HUGE grin in a Superman pose as he absorbs the applause from the audience. The Mohegan Sun Arena is a sports arena and as such, is vast and seemingly unfit for solo entertainment.

The stage set is Las Vegas style neon and strobe lights with an incredible large video screen that is playing a retro video of Paul at 16, touring with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars and other early tours that culminates with the live musicians and Paul singing 'You Are My Destiny'.

Wait a minute ... our star is not emerging onstage. Oh, THERE he is, walking from the back of the arena to the stage with security and audience (ok, women members of the audience) swarming around him. How can he be singing through all this? He never misses a note, never gets cut off by people trying to manhandle him, never skips a beat. He finishes onstage and strikes the Superman pose.

Paul Anka is known for singing the songs that he has composed, but I never realized that he is truly a songwriter who performs some of his songs. So many others were written for other people. Why? Because they asked him to.

I have been listening to Paul Anka compositions far more than I knew. Kent and I had a conversation about a particular song written by Paul Anka that I had never heard him perform and I doubted that he would use it in his own shows. Well, there are several performed tonight that I never expected to hear from him.

From 'Destiny' we go to 'Diana'. Every time the audience is asked to participate in song, Paul follows up, and tops us, never missing a high note. Asked how he manages to jump around the stage and keep performing at 82, he states that "I want to. I stay fit, exercise and diet, diet, diet. I am on Jenny Craig more than Mr. Craig."

All Of Me

Let Me Try Again ... Frank Sinatra requested a song from Paul in 1973 to help put him back on the charts. Here we are.

Tonight My Love, Tonight

Having My Baby ... Not a favorite of mine now. Loved it when it came out. Probably several political and personal aspects that now make it less to me than before. However, he did dedicate it to a couple in the audience who were having their first child.

That brings up a question for me. Paul thanked the audience for their requests tonight and stated that 'Having My Baby' was a request from this husband. Maybe so, but it is hard to fathom how people get requests to him or anyone else on the day of the show. Perhaps social media helps.

Papa

Put Your Head on My Shoulder ... This created a frenzy among women in the first few rows as Paul descended into the audience again. One woman took over and kept putting Paul's hand on her shoulder as she turned her back to him. I wondered if she had the lyrics wrong. Paul did explain before this song how special it was to slow dance with a girl's head resting on your shoulder. So, he wrote about it.

Puppy Love ... written by Paul for Annette. Who does it better, Paul or Donny Osmond? YES! Just can't go wrong either way.

Lonely Boy ... Paul takes a phone from a woman and sings, "You couldn't come to this concert. So you are getting it all for free."

Eso Beso

Goodnight My Love ... He performs this while standing on a chair in the audience. Pretty risky.

She's A Lady ... written for Tom Jones and finished with the Superman stance onstage.

Do I Love You ... he recently recorded this with Dolly Parton and had a difficult time concentrating ... "Working with the three of them."

Italian Song ... arrangement made specially for Paul to appease his fans. DO AN ITALIAN SONG. Strange request to make of a Canadian Greek.

It Doesn't Matter Anymore ... written, of course, for Buddy Holly. Paul seemed to pause and almost tear up talking about Holly, his requesting Paul to write him a song and his untimely death while on one of "our" tours.

Lonesome Me

Bye Bye Love ... One for the Everlys

My Way ... Another one requested by Ole Blue Eyes. It is intricately matched with a portrait of Frank Sinatra on the back screen, mic in hand that sings the last two words: MY WAY as Paul flourishes a dance ending with a resulting standing ovation.

ENCORES!!! Yes, there are two of them!

New York, New York ... large and bold

Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On

My friend turns to me and says, "Well, what did you think?" I am silent because I cannot come up with the words I need. In a way, Paul Anka seems to be utilizing Sinatra and Vegas, BUT it is all uniquely performed HIS way. Every pause, tempo and emotion are his, and do not always reflect the recordings. That is enticing to me. His stage presence is super. His voice is totally unbelievable. Jenny Craig has done a lot for him.

What a weekend! It's not over yet though. Tomorrow night, I have another concert closer to home. Talk later.

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano

NE Correspondent

Forgotten Hits

Yes, that's it ...

But with a black suit!

Monday, November 13, 2023

Holiday Shopping

Normally, we have a very strict "No Rap" policy here in Forgotten Hits ...

But Chuck Buell presented such a compelling argument to run today's piece ...

And was just bubbling over with pride about it ...

So really, how could I say no???

Therefore, as we kick off yet another new week in November, it is important to note that the Year-end Holidays will be here before we know it.

And our Special Forgotten Hits “Shipping Magnate Mail Boy,” Chuck Buell, has this story for shipping your personal Holiday Packages!

It’s time to keep mailing deadlines in mind and to think about packing and shipping presents to Friends and Family so that they arrive in one piece in time for the upcoming Festive Holidays.

And one of the handiest, light weight and most versatile packing materials is the sheets of clear plastic known as “Bubble Wrap.” But as universally popular as it is, that was not what it was originally designed for back in 1957.

Created by trapping air in small bubbles between two shower curtains, the original intention was for it to be used as a . . . “modern-design, textured wall covering!”

Well, that idea was a Big Bust. Or a Prodigious “Pop!” The concept did not “compute” with homeowners.

Wait! “Compute?!” Bubble Wrap was then presented to IBM as a possible packing material to replace their current protective shipping box fillers like newspaper, straw and such. IBM gave it a try. It was an improvement and soon after “Bubble Wrap” became the shipping industry standard for protecting delicate electronics!

And, of course, there’s also the simple, Happy Satisfying Joy and Pleasure of just popping the bubbles!

But maybe if, besides tiny bubbles, they had offered a couple of other small air-filled bubble “designs,” like “Flowers” or a “Brick” Pattern for their wall covering idea, people might then take a look and say, “Whoa! Hell-lo Walls!”

( Of course, when one mentions “Bubbles” to Kent, here’s what immediately comes to his mind! )

So, to "wrap" this all up, here's my "Chuck Buell Bubbles Wall Covering Minute Medley!"

Sunday, November 12, 2023

THE SUNDAY COMMENTS ( 11 - 12 - 23 )

LOTS of Billboard chart information in this Sunday’s edition …

Billboard Magazine ran a tally of the top artists with the most combined #1 Hits on both their Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart AND their Top 200 Albums Chart. Now THIS is a pretty hefty list of achievements right here!!!

Coming in at #1 was The Beatles, with a combined to total of 39 … 20 #1 singles + 19 #1 albums

#2 was Drake, with 26 (It is important to keep in mind that Elvis Presley was short-changed in this review as Billboard now only counts rankings achieved AFTER their Hot 100 Chart debuted in August of 1958, meaning that all of Elvis’ biggest early hits are no longer eligible for consideration. As such, he only shows 17 combined #1’s on this list … when, in fact, if you went back to his very first #1 Record in 1956, he would have 11 more, or a total of 28, which would have been good enough for second place. Instead, he is ranked in a tie for 8^th place with Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, each with 17 combined #1 hits. By the way, that means that Paul McCartney, in his combined solo career and his career with The Beatles, actually has 56 total #1 hits, a total no other artist can even come close to touching.)

Rounding out the list:

#3 = Mariah Carey (with 25)

#4 = Taylor Swift (24 … and likely to add to this total … especially if she keeps re-recording and re-releasing her own catalog!)

#5 = Madonna (21)

#6 = Michael Jackson (19)

#7 = Jay-Z (18)

#8 = tie: Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones (17)

You can review the complete list here:

https://www.billboard.com/lists/acts-with-most-billboard-200-hot-100-number-ones-combined/39-the-beatles/#recipient_hashed=fa7e92da6f6e66bffcf0bcbf863670c6eb37d7159eb4d0ea1e44fecd5ec87eeb&recipient_salt=3a1d6b09af3b92ad7e38f8327cf18febeb049fd1c9a251b66957a07d9375735c

(It also lists the titles of each #1 hit on both their Pop Singles and Top Albums charts) kk

Tom Cuddy sent us this story …

The Beatles & The Rolling Stones Together Again in the Top 10 of a Billboard Chart, 59 Years Later
https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/beatles-rolling-stones-billboard-chart-top-10-1235468927/

Pretty frickin’ incredible! (kk)

And, speaking of Billboard Magazine, three Halloween classics re-entered their Hot 100 Chart Halloween Week thanks to mega-streaming.

Michael Jackson’s 1984 hit “Thriller” came in at #21 for the week with 14.5 million streams, 10.9 million airplay impressions and 5000 downloads.

Dipping back even further, Bobby “Boris” Pickett re-entered the chart at #38, thanks to 11.9 million streams, 4.4 million airplay impressions and 4000 copies sold.

Finally, it was Ray Parker, Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” bringing up the rear with a #45 showing, thanks to 11.1 million streams, 5.9 million airplay impressions and 4000 downloads. (kk)

Lots of talk about the new Rolling Stones documentary profiling Brian Jones …

Here’s a Variety film review:

https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/the-stones-and-brian-jones-review-nick-broomfield-1235786508/#recipient_hashed=cb1fa0032addcfdb730f717f527f301d7f591bddae516591375953126c7fa463&recipient_salt=fdcde0102878ab3c1e53ecbcfbb0eaba79c60c270580241efc15cc4c9850dd7f

Meanwhile, our buddy Spud tells us that Surf’s Up again on Sirius XM …

The Beach Boys Channel is back, offering up all sorts of Good Vibrations!

Hi everyone!
The Beach Boys Channel is back on SiriusXM on Channel 503
More info: https://blog.siriusxm.com/beach-boys-channel-good-vibrations

Let SiriusXM know you’d like it to stay all year long: https://shorturl.at/EGU15
Have a beachin’ Winter!
Spud

The 2024 line-up for The Happy Together Tour has been announced …

And it looks like they’ve shaken things up a bit for next year.

Naturally, The Turtles are still the headliners (which these days means Mark Volman and Ron Dante) … also on the docket are The Vogues, The Cowsills, Jay and the Americans, The Association and Badfinger. Sadly, not many of the original members on stage anymore these days … but there is absolutely no denying the hit-making legacy of these six acts.

Counting Ron Dante’s hits with The Archies, The Cuff Links and The Detergents, these acts have had SIXTY Top 40 Hits between them, including eleven each for The Turtles, Jay and the Americans and The Vogues. (kk)

I pre-ordered The Beatles Little Golden Book and just received it. A quick glance showed me many words on each page, which is not the best idea for a Golden Book reader. The first few pages also made my eyes widen as they spoke about John and Paul's loss of their mothers at a young age and the hardships connected with that. As I read along, I wondered why the authors hadn't mentioned 'this' or 'that', and why didn't they add more explanation in certain areas?

Let's consider these thoughts of mine. It is a children's book. We can't expect it to include everything WE know of The Beatles. It is an introduction to help children understand who these four lads from Liverpool are and why they are and will continue to be important. As for any hardships (loss of family, childhood illnesses, practicing till fingers are sore), these just may inspire kids to see that roadblocks can be overcome and sometimes the worst parts of our lives lead us into the best parts. Success can come even in difficult times.

The idea of the book is truly not to give a complete biography or tell them they must like Beatle music. It is to open a door and to allow each child the opportunity to continue with their search for information or at the very least, know who these people are.

I am not sure I could have done any better. And if just one child relates to them through hardship and decides that they too can follow their dream no matter what, then ... it is a winner.

Shelley

I agree that it is a lot to digest for a young child … and unnecessarily so. I never really thought about any hidden meanings as to a youngster coming to terms with the deaths of one’s parents within the context of a Little Golden Book other than one designed specifically for that purpose … and certainly not within the pages of what should have been an uplifting introduction to the music of the biggest group the world has ever known.

But without being able to HEAR any of that music, a book like this can only go so far. (Odds are any parent or grandparent buying this for the little ones in their family have already exposed these kids to the music by playing it at home. My kids … and grandkids … were dancing and singing along to the music of The Beatles and The Beach Boys by the age of two!)

No, a book like this can’t be all encompassing … nor should it be. (By the same token, I don’t think pages regarding all their drug use or John’s comments on Jesus would have helped present a broader picture to these yungins ... so I guess we should be thankful they didn’t take THAT route!!!)

Still, I think it could have been SO much more positive and informative as to how much joy this music brought people around the world … and STILL is some sixty years later. (kk)

Another review of Mark Bego’s new Joe Cocker book …

https://tulsaworld.com/life-entertainment/local/music/mad-dogs-and-tulsans-joe-cockers-life-explored-in-new-book/article_afd0ede4-7cef-11ee-a367-23bf426db354.html

Have you registered to win your copy yet?

Today is the last chance to get your entries in …

What Joe Cocker song won the Academy Award?

What Record Label launched Joe Cocker’s career in the 1960s and 1970s?

What was the biggest selling album with Joe Cocker music on it?

How many Beatles-composed songs did Joe Cocker record in his career?

Good luck! (kk)

Herb Alpert has more money than God and will turn 89 years old next year … so he certainly doesn’t have to put out new albums and go out on tour anymore …

Yet that is exactly what he is doing …

And with the career he’s had (and all the good he has done along the way in sharing those riches), all we can say is “We Salute You, Sir … You Truly Are One Of A Kind.”

Alpert has given back in so many ways it’s impossible to count …

And this Best Classic Bands profile barely scratches the surface.

We saw Herb and his wife Lani Hall at The City Winery a few years ago and it was a very entertaining show. If you get the chance to see him on this next excursion, I hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity. (kk)

https://bestclassicbands.com/herb-alpert-2024-album-tour-wish-upon-a-star-11-10-23/

2024 Tour Dates (so far):

January 26th – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theatre
January 27th – Northridge, CA – The Soraya
January 28th – Orange County, CA
January 30th – Del Mar, CA – The Sound
January 31st – San Luis Obispo, CA – Cal Poly Arts
February 24th – Palm Springs, CA – Annenberg Theatre
March 24th – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center
March 25th – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre
March 26th – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
March 28th – Amarillo, TX – Globe News Center for the Perf. Arts
March 29th – Albuquerque, NM – KiMo Theatre
May 16th – Richmond, VA – The National
May 17th – North Bethesda, MD – Strathmore Music Center
May 18th – Philadelphia, PA – Kimmel Cultural Campus
May 20th – Nashua, NH – Nashua Center for the Arts

OK, now THAT'S a toughie!!!

Take a crack at the latest Me-TV-FM Poll ...

https://metv.com/quiz/what-is-the-best-cover-song-of-all-time

(If you could pick your Top Five, I could probably do this ... but to pick just one?!?! Hey, give it your best shot ... and see how your vote compares to all the others they've received!) kk