re: OUR LOCAL HEROES:
>>>A good writer and reporter publishes both sides of a story ... why haven't you interviewed or written about the other Chicago music originals ... like Jim Peterik, Nick Fortuna, Carl Giammarese ... Ronnie Rice is not an original New Colony Sixer ... he joined after the early releases (Democracy Fading)
Hi Kent -
I have enjoyed your E-mag and check it out every time it shows up on my screen. Seems Democracy Fading may have a point, even though he seems a bit overboard about how you report the Chicago Band Scene from the old days. I watch and see how well you cover all the great bands from the Sixties and you do a great job doing it.
Yes, Democracy Fading, you are correct ... Ronnie Rice was not an original member of the NC6 ... but I was.
It was a fantastic time of my life and an experience that anyone would love to have happen to them.
So, to give you some insight from the lost and gone Craig Kemp of The New Colony Six, just know this ... the early days of this band were very exciting and an experience I will never forget. These days I reminisce about all the good things that I enjoyed about those days ... concerts at the Arie Crown ... traveling on the road around the midwest ... and I still have 8mm film of the band when we went to California in 1965. Yes, Ronnie was a replacement ... a replacement for me ... but you know Ronnie and I are friends and what it is, is what it is.
Ronnie made a fantastic addition to the band and made them what they are today.
So, Democracy Fading, it would be good if you get ALL the facts together before you criticize Kent about his reporting. He is the best at this and YOU, sir, need to read more often.
Craig Kemp - The New Colony Six
Thanks, Craig ... I really appreciate that. The New Colony Six were really TWO bands in one ... and successful in BOTH genres of music. They were one of the pioneer "Garage Bands" from the mid-'60's and early classics like "I Confess", "Love You So Much", "You're Gonna Be Mine", "Cadillac" and "I Lie Awake" dominated the Chicago charts during this era and helped pave the way for some of our OTHER local bands (like The Cryan' Shames and The Buckinghams and The Ides Of March) to earn some airplay on our AM giants, WLS and WCFL. This early incarnation of the band is STILL being recognized today, as witnessed by The New Colony Six's recent invitation to perform at Cave Stomp in New York a couple of years ago ... in fact, it is their earliest material that has most often seen the light of day via CD reissues that are capturing the hearts of brand new garage band fans today. When Ronnie Rice joined the band, they took on a whole new persona, scoring their biggest national hits with ballads like "I Will Always Think About You", "Things I'd Like To Say", "I Want You To Know" and "I Could Never Lie To You" ... not to mention "Can't You See Me Cry", a tune written by NC6 founder Ray Graffia, Jr. It was THIS genre of music that earned them their greatest national attention, including television appearances and tours with artists like The Beach Boys. (I suppose on a much grander scale there are music cynics out there who will criticize the Michael McDonald era of The Doobie Brothers and the addition of Joe Walsh to The Eagles as not being true to the original focus of these bands ... but the statistics bear out the fact that, regardless of any personal opinion, THESE were the most successful records either of those bands ever made, too!) We've been very fortunate that many of our Local Heroes continue to perform and entertain us here during the summer months ... we can still go out to see The New Colony Six or Ronnie Rice solo if we choose ... we can go see The Buckinghams or check out Dennis Tufano at one of his solo gigs ... we can go see The Cryan' Shames with original lead singer Tom Doody ... or enjoy a special guest appearance by Bob Stroud on lead vocals. The Ides Of March (with all of their original members intact) sound better TODAY than they did when their records were peaking on the charts ... and Forgotten Hits has always been VERY loyal to these artists who won our hearts over so many years ago ... NOT simply because they were local Chicago talent ... but, as I've said COUNTLESS times over the years, because their music stands up against the BEST music being released at this time. So thank you, Craig, for taking the time to write. (Now when can we get together and check out those 1965 / 8mm California "home movies"?!?!? lol) kk
Kent -
I discovered your column a few months ago and it gives me great joy to read it.
A few weeks ago you mentioned how it would be so great to have all the 60's Chicago groups appearing on one stage.
It did happened quite a few years ago (my memory is hazy but I would guess about 10-15 years) at Holiday Star Plaza. The show had the Ides of March, Shadows of Knight, Cryan' Shames, Ronnie Rice (but not the NC Six) but the real coup was getting Dennis Tufano (first time he appeared in ages!!! ... and I know he has recently surfaced last year back performing again) and catch this the AMERICAN BREED (I BELIEVE IT WAS ALL THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS). It was a great show to say the least!!
A couple of comments: I thought this would be the start of shows maybe every year as the place was packed. But I guess it was not meant to be. Also, I contacted the person at the time who run the Taste of Chicago for the city about having something like this, but never received a response.
What a shame the city does not care about its own stars I had to go Indiana to see a show of this magnitude.
Regards,
Mike De Martino
President of the Lovejoy Music Club
A show like this would be a GREAT annual attraction. (Even I personally have never seen The American Breed perform live ... didn't think Gary did that anymore. I met him AGES ago at his Pumpkin Records Recording Studio ... this was even before he started working with Styx on their albums!) It would be awesome to see a TRUE "Chicago Gold" Concert featuring ALL of the artists of this era ... or, better yet (as I suggested before), do a TRUE Chicagoland Tribute and film it for all posterity by building a Soundstage Program around appearances by ALL of these artists together on the same bill ... give everybody a chance to come up and do three or four songs and record the thing for generations to come to enjoy. Get somebody like Stroud to host the thing ... put ALL the egos and personal frustrations aside for one night ... and just go out there and have fun one more time as a way of saying "Thank You" to all the Chicagoland Fans who have supported these acts for some 40 years now. It's a sure-fire hit if we can just pull it all together ... plus it'll give folks around the country to see just how much good music came out of our fine city back in the '60's. (kk)
re: MORE ON THE CHICAGO SCENE:
How about devoting some time about Jim Lounsbury (the Dick Clark of Chicago Rock and Roll). Wonder what happened to some of the "regular dancers" he had on his Record Hop Show???
Keep up the great work!
Carolyn
I can honestly say that I never watched this program!!! But maybe somebody out there on the list would have an interest in putting a little something together??? (kk)
re: TWO BY SIX:
Here's one tune each from the two different eras that define The New Colony Six.
First, from 1966, their very garage-sounding "I Lie Awake", which "bubbled under" in Billboard at #111 ... but went all the way to #19 here in Chicago. This is the one that Ray Graffia, Jr. told us (during our exclusive Forgotten Hits / New Colony Six series a couple of years ago) was based on Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue", which some of the band members had just been studying in school. (You may ALSO recognize those opening notes from all of the United Airlines commercials that have been running these past few years!) And then one of their great, over-looked ballads, "Can't You See Me Cry", from 1968. This one rose to #52 on the national charts but made Chicago's Top Ten. It was released right in between the band's two biggest national hits, "I Will Always Think About You" and "Things I'd Like To Say". It certainly deserved a better fate ... and still sounds great today. A perfect example of the diversity offered by these Chicagoland Local Heroes.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A Short Dose of "Helping Out Our Readers"
re: HELPING OUT OUR READERS:
Boy does your copy of Loop De Loop need to be upgraded! Leave it to the Diamond record collector to set you on the path to the perfect copy!
Trivia: Those are the Bobbettes (of Mr. Lee fame) on background vocals! They had several releases on Diamond records around the same time. Also sending you their Diamond release, Sandman.
Tom Diehl
Actually, David Lewis sent that clip in with his comment so I just used his copy ... but thanks for the upgrade ... and the trivia lesson! (kk)
Kent,
You will, of course, remember the hit "Betty Davis' Eyes." One day, while listening to the local college station, WCWM, Williamsburg, VA, I heard a parody called "Marty Feldman's Eyes." I was unable to call the station, and I never heard the record again anywhere. But it was unforgettable. Do you know who recorded "Marty Feldman's Eyes?"
Chris Astle
WGH-AM-FM1964-83
Sure do ... "Marty Feldman Eyes" was a clever novelty parody done by comedian Bruce "Baby Man" Baum. Although it never officially charted, it did get a bit of airplay for a few weeks back in the early '80's ... and was a regular feature on Dr. Demento's program, too! (Naturally, we've got it to share with you again today!!!) kk
I logged onto Hit Parade Radio to hear Larry Lujack but he was nowhere to be found. Do you know in what time slot he appears? I miss hearing him!
Steve Davidson
Lujack won't officially be on the air until September ... right now they're just getting the stream up and running in the hopes of lining up radio stations around the country to carry the programming. Stay tuned to these pages and we'll keep you posted as things develop further. (kk)
re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR PAUL!!!:
Wow! It's already been three years since Paul McCartney was 64!!!
We told you yesterday in our Leftovers Page about Macca's upcoming concerts at Citi-Field in New York City next month. Now comes word of another one of those awesome Liverpool Tours offers. Sounds like they've secured some of the highest price tickets for Paul McCartney's Saturday Night Show at Citi-Field. (July 18th)
They've packaged it together with a New York City Walking Tour of Beatles Sites, one night's deluxe hotel accomodations and a souvenir gift. Their note reads:
Along with the premium concert tickets to Paul's historic return to the NY Mets' (new) baseball field, you will also get to see many famous sights related to Beatles history including: Strawberry Fields and the Imagine mosaic in Central Park, the Dakota, Plaza Hotel, Ed Sullivan Theater, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Manny's Music, former U.S. Apple offices & much more.
You will follow in the Beatles' Manhattan footsteps! Visit the places that link Paul, John, George & Ringo with the Big Apple! This 2 1/2 hr tour is professionally guided, and is filled with historic & fun important Beatles facts along this long and winding road walking tour. There are also trivia questions and prizes along the way, so plan on spending a few Fab Four Fun hours in New York City. For
further information, email LiverpoolTours@aol.com.
Sounds like a blast! (Heck, I'll bet scalper ticket prices are going for two to three times what these guys want for the entire tour package!!!) Meals and transportation are not included ... and there are only 20 spaces available ... but if this sounds like Macca Mecca to you, drop them an email for all the details. (kk)
Boy does your copy of Loop De Loop need to be upgraded! Leave it to the Diamond record collector to set you on the path to the perfect copy!
Trivia: Those are the Bobbettes (of Mr. Lee fame) on background vocals! They had several releases on Diamond records around the same time. Also sending you their Diamond release, Sandman.
Tom Diehl
Actually, David Lewis sent that clip in with his comment so I just used his copy ... but thanks for the upgrade ... and the trivia lesson! (kk)
Kent,
You will, of course, remember the hit "Betty Davis' Eyes." One day, while listening to the local college station, WCWM, Williamsburg, VA, I heard a parody called "Marty Feldman's Eyes." I was unable to call the station, and I never heard the record again anywhere. But it was unforgettable. Do you know who recorded "Marty Feldman's Eyes?"
Chris Astle
WGH-AM-FM1964-83
Sure do ... "Marty Feldman Eyes" was a clever novelty parody done by comedian Bruce "Baby Man" Baum. Although it never officially charted, it did get a bit of airplay for a few weeks back in the early '80's ... and was a regular feature on Dr. Demento's program, too! (Naturally, we've got it to share with you again today!!!) kk
I logged onto Hit Parade Radio to hear Larry Lujack but he was nowhere to be found. Do you know in what time slot he appears? I miss hearing him!
Steve Davidson
Lujack won't officially be on the air until September ... right now they're just getting the stream up and running in the hopes of lining up radio stations around the country to carry the programming. Stay tuned to these pages and we'll keep you posted as things develop further. (kk)
re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR PAUL!!!:
Wow! It's already been three years since Paul McCartney was 64!!!
We told you yesterday in our Leftovers Page about Macca's upcoming concerts at Citi-Field in New York City next month. Now comes word of another one of those awesome Liverpool Tours offers. Sounds like they've secured some of the highest price tickets for Paul McCartney's Saturday Night Show at Citi-Field. (July 18th)
They've packaged it together with a New York City Walking Tour of Beatles Sites, one night's deluxe hotel accomodations and a souvenir gift. Their note reads:
Along with the premium concert tickets to Paul's historic return to the NY Mets' (new) baseball field, you will also get to see many famous sights related to Beatles history including: Strawberry Fields and the Imagine mosaic in Central Park, the Dakota, Plaza Hotel, Ed Sullivan Theater, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Manny's Music, former U.S. Apple offices & much more.
You will follow in the Beatles' Manhattan footsteps! Visit the places that link Paul, John, George & Ringo with the Big Apple! This 2 1/2 hr tour is professionally guided, and is filled with historic & fun important Beatles facts along this long and winding road walking tour. There are also trivia questions and prizes along the way, so plan on spending a few Fab Four Fun hours in New York City. For
further information, email LiverpoolTours@aol.com.
Sounds like a blast! (Heck, I'll bet scalper ticket prices are going for two to three times what these guys want for the entire tour package!!!) Meals and transportation are not included ... and there are only 20 spaces available ... but if this sounds like Macca Mecca to you, drop them an email for all the details. (kk)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Assorted News and Comments
re: ANOTHER RECENT PASSING:
Bob Bogle, original lead guitarist and co-founder of the Ventures, died Sunday (June 14) in a Vancouver, Washington hospital, where he had been admitted after falling ill over the weekend. He was 75. Bob had been suffering from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Bob was working in construction in 1958 when he met Don Wilson at a Seattle car dealership where Don worked.The two began to play music together, soon adding Nokie Edwards and Howie Johnson (replaced on drums by Mel Taylor after Howie's serious 1962 auto accident). An unsuccessful first vocal single on tiny Blue Horizon Records led to an all-instrumental sound that quickly yielded a #2 hit in 1960 -- "Walk - Don't Run" (re-made later as the #8 hit "Walk - Don't Run '64"). The Ventures became known for their "surf" sound that gave us the top 40 hits "Perfidia" (#15 - 1960), "Ram-Bunk-Shush" (#29 - 1961), "Slaughter On Tenth Avenue" (#35 - 1964) and "Hawaii Five-O" (#4 - 1969). They also appeared 38 times on the album charts and, all told, have sold over 110 million albums wordwide. The group was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame last year, though Bob was too ill to attend.
-- Ron Smith
re: AND A VERY BELATED PASSING:
I have for the longest period of time wondered about whatever became of Barbara Evans, the lady who recorded "Souvenirs." That record, though it only Bubbled Under in Billboard, is one of the most beloved recordings of the late 50s by a solo female artistBarbara Evans has been #1 on the Top 100 of my Record Page with "Souvenirs" (1959) for the past several weeks and in our top ten for almost as long with "Charlie Wasn't There" (1961). There are 231 records currently on my page that are "eligible for charting" (my records are not) and "Souvenirs" has continued to beat all the others in terms of listenership. Other than the titles of several of Barbara's recordings, there is no information on the web about her. I found out some very sad news yesterday from her son. He informed me that Barbara passed away in April of 2000. The "Jersey Girls" (Denise and Bernadette) and I are planning on doing a special tribute to Barbara and her music in the near future.Those of you who wish to listen to "Souvenirs" and "Charlie Wasn't There" can do so by visiting my Record Page.
http://www.jerseygirlssing.com/RonnieRecordPage.html
Ronnie Allen
re: JAN AND DEAN:
Dean Torrence was the first celebrity I looked up after moving to L.A. in 1973. I remember driving up to his office on Sunset (Kittyhawk Graphics) in my little blue Pinto with the California custom license plate SURF C-T. Although he had no idea I was coming or who I was, he could not have been more gracious – inviting me in, chatting for a few hours and even giving me a copy of the rare Jan & Dean LP “Save For A Rainy Day” he produced independently after Jan’s accident (an album later stolen from me while I was working at KRLA). I’ve always been a big Jan & Dean fan and was with them quite a few times, including the night their “Dead Man’s Curve” TV movie debuted. Long after Dean has closed Kittyhawk Graphics down, I, as the Music & Entertainment Editor at Reader’s Digest, became the last person to hire him to create an album cover – which, as you’d expect, was excellent. You can see it on the Jan & Dean website. Please enter my name in the drawing for a copy of the book “When I Get To Surf City."
Gary Theroux
Will do ... and if you have gotten YOUR entry in yet, NOW is the time to do so ... seems kinda fitting if we draw the winners over The Fourth Of July Weekend, doesn't it?!?!? Just drop me an email and we'll add YOUR name to the list ... and have author Bob Greene pick the winners in just a couple of weeks! (kk)
and, speaking of Bob Greene ...
re: BOB GREENE:
One of the things that got me through two four-and-a-half hour flights back and forth to San Francisco last week was reading Bob's 1993 book "All Summer Long", the tale about the reunion of three high school friends who decide to take one last summer's journey across the United States in the hopes of perhaps rediscovering their youth. (If there's such a thing as "coming of age" ... TWICE ... this is probably it!!!) I can't even begin to tell you how many parallels to my OWN youth and "shared memories" Bob relates along the way ... although supposedly a work of fiction, there's no question that many of his own recollections must have slipped out between the covers ... if Forgotten Hits has taught us anything over these past ten years, it's the amazing fact that so many of us were experiencing the EXACT same feelings across the nation at exactly the same time ... and, despite being literally THOUSANDS of miles apart and COMPLETE strangers to one another at the time, we all still have these memories in common to share all these years later. It's one of those jolts that reminds you about a far more innocent time (as well as why a TV Show like "The Wonder Years" hit such a strong chord with me way back when) ... if you grew up in the '60's, you'll live reminiscing as you watch these characters "coming of age" for the second time in their lives. I believe the book is now out of print, but I found my copy for a couple of bucks (in paperback) at Amazon.com. There must be at least a dozen musical references contained here that fit PERFECTLY in our Forgotten Hits Forum ... maybe I'll find a way to relate a few of them in these pages somewhere down the line. Highly recommended ... in fact, I'd go so far as to say that reading it is the next best thing to having a good time. (kk)
re: THE RIP CHORDS:
And thanks again to The Rip Chords for donating copies of their latest CD, "Cobra Beach", to two lucky Forgotten Hits Winners!!!
Hi Kent,
I received my Rip Chords CD today. I love it. Many thanks to the Rip Chords and to you.
Carrie
Kent ...
You were kind enough to send me The Rip Chords new CD, "Cobra Beach." The least I could do is review it for you. All of the songs are good. My favorites are "Beast Of The East," " Hello Summer," "Cobra Beach," & "Lights Out," from 1959 is an oldie but a goodie. It will be a great
addition to my Summer CD Collection.
Frank B.
Forgotten Hits Readers can order their own copy of the new Rip Chords CD through CDBaby.com. Mitch Schecter tells me that it will also be available soon on I-Tunes, Rhapsody Music and Yahoo Music as well as other online Download sites. (With all that's been going on here lately, I haven't even had a chance to listen to MY copy yet!!! Hoping to be able to do that this week.) kk
re: LEFTOVERS MUSIC:
Forgotten Hits Subscribers received the latest edition of our "Leftovers Page" (#53!!!) by email this morning. Here is some of the music discussed and featured in that newsletter. Didn't receive YOUR copy?!?!? Then Get On The List!!! Just drop me an email (forgottenhits@aol.com) and ask me to Put You On The List!
The Last Waltz by Engelbert Humperdinck
Rings by Cymarron
Turning Japanese by The Vapors
Let It Be Me by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell
Runaway (The "Crime Story" Version) by Del Shannon
Bob Bogle, original lead guitarist and co-founder of the Ventures, died Sunday (June 14) in a Vancouver, Washington hospital, where he had been admitted after falling ill over the weekend. He was 75. Bob had been suffering from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Bob was working in construction in 1958 when he met Don Wilson at a Seattle car dealership where Don worked.The two began to play music together, soon adding Nokie Edwards and Howie Johnson (replaced on drums by Mel Taylor after Howie's serious 1962 auto accident). An unsuccessful first vocal single on tiny Blue Horizon Records led to an all-instrumental sound that quickly yielded a #2 hit in 1960 -- "Walk - Don't Run" (re-made later as the #8 hit "Walk - Don't Run '64"). The Ventures became known for their "surf" sound that gave us the top 40 hits "Perfidia" (#15 - 1960), "Ram-Bunk-Shush" (#29 - 1961), "Slaughter On Tenth Avenue" (#35 - 1964) and "Hawaii Five-O" (#4 - 1969). They also appeared 38 times on the album charts and, all told, have sold over 110 million albums wordwide. The group was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame last year, though Bob was too ill to attend.
-- Ron Smith
re: AND A VERY BELATED PASSING:
I have for the longest period of time wondered about whatever became of Barbara Evans, the lady who recorded "Souvenirs." That record, though it only Bubbled Under in Billboard, is one of the most beloved recordings of the late 50s by a solo female artistBarbara Evans has been #1 on the Top 100 of my Record Page with "Souvenirs" (1959) for the past several weeks and in our top ten for almost as long with "Charlie Wasn't There" (1961). There are 231 records currently on my page that are "eligible for charting" (my records are not) and "Souvenirs" has continued to beat all the others in terms of listenership. Other than the titles of several of Barbara's recordings, there is no information on the web about her. I found out some very sad news yesterday from her son. He informed me that Barbara passed away in April of 2000. The "Jersey Girls" (Denise and Bernadette) and I are planning on doing a special tribute to Barbara and her music in the near future.Those of you who wish to listen to "Souvenirs" and "Charlie Wasn't There" can do so by visiting my Record Page.
http://www.jerseygirlssing.com/RonnieRecordPage.html
Ronnie Allen
re: JAN AND DEAN:
Dean Torrence was the first celebrity I looked up after moving to L.A. in 1973. I remember driving up to his office on Sunset (Kittyhawk Graphics) in my little blue Pinto with the California custom license plate SURF C-T. Although he had no idea I was coming or who I was, he could not have been more gracious – inviting me in, chatting for a few hours and even giving me a copy of the rare Jan & Dean LP “Save For A Rainy Day” he produced independently after Jan’s accident (an album later stolen from me while I was working at KRLA). I’ve always been a big Jan & Dean fan and was with them quite a few times, including the night their “Dead Man’s Curve” TV movie debuted. Long after Dean has closed Kittyhawk Graphics down, I, as the Music & Entertainment Editor at Reader’s Digest, became the last person to hire him to create an album cover – which, as you’d expect, was excellent. You can see it on the Jan & Dean website. Please enter my name in the drawing for a copy of the book “When I Get To Surf City."
Gary Theroux
Will do ... and if you have gotten YOUR entry in yet, NOW is the time to do so ... seems kinda fitting if we draw the winners over The Fourth Of July Weekend, doesn't it?!?!? Just drop me an email and we'll add YOUR name to the list ... and have author Bob Greene pick the winners in just a couple of weeks! (kk)
and, speaking of Bob Greene ...
re: BOB GREENE:
One of the things that got me through two four-and-a-half hour flights back and forth to San Francisco last week was reading Bob's 1993 book "All Summer Long", the tale about the reunion of three high school friends who decide to take one last summer's journey across the United States in the hopes of perhaps rediscovering their youth. (If there's such a thing as "coming of age" ... TWICE ... this is probably it!!!) I can't even begin to tell you how many parallels to my OWN youth and "shared memories" Bob relates along the way ... although supposedly a work of fiction, there's no question that many of his own recollections must have slipped out between the covers ... if Forgotten Hits has taught us anything over these past ten years, it's the amazing fact that so many of us were experiencing the EXACT same feelings across the nation at exactly the same time ... and, despite being literally THOUSANDS of miles apart and COMPLETE strangers to one another at the time, we all still have these memories in common to share all these years later. It's one of those jolts that reminds you about a far more innocent time (as well as why a TV Show like "The Wonder Years" hit such a strong chord with me way back when) ... if you grew up in the '60's, you'll live reminiscing as you watch these characters "coming of age" for the second time in their lives. I believe the book is now out of print, but I found my copy for a couple of bucks (in paperback) at Amazon.com. There must be at least a dozen musical references contained here that fit PERFECTLY in our Forgotten Hits Forum ... maybe I'll find a way to relate a few of them in these pages somewhere down the line. Highly recommended ... in fact, I'd go so far as to say that reading it is the next best thing to having a good time. (kk)
re: THE RIP CHORDS:
And thanks again to The Rip Chords for donating copies of their latest CD, "Cobra Beach", to two lucky Forgotten Hits Winners!!!
Hi Kent,
I received my Rip Chords CD today. I love it. Many thanks to the Rip Chords and to you.
Carrie
Kent ...
You were kind enough to send me The Rip Chords new CD, "Cobra Beach." The least I could do is review it for you. All of the songs are good. My favorites are "Beast Of The East," " Hello Summer," "Cobra Beach," & "Lights Out," from 1959 is an oldie but a goodie. It will be a great
addition to my Summer CD Collection.
Frank B.
Forgotten Hits Readers can order their own copy of the new Rip Chords CD through CDBaby.com. Mitch Schecter tells me that it will also be available soon on I-Tunes, Rhapsody Music and Yahoo Music as well as other online Download sites. (With all that's been going on here lately, I haven't even had a chance to listen to MY copy yet!!! Hoping to be able to do that this week.) kk
re: LEFTOVERS MUSIC:
Forgotten Hits Subscribers received the latest edition of our "Leftovers Page" (#53!!!) by email this morning. Here is some of the music discussed and featured in that newsletter. Didn't receive YOUR copy?!?!? Then Get On The List!!! Just drop me an email (forgottenhits@aol.com) and ask me to Put You On The List!
The Last Waltz by Engelbert Humperdinck
Rings by Cymarron
Turning Japanese by The Vapors
Let It Be Me by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell
Runaway (The "Crime Story" Version) by Del Shannon
Friday, June 5, 2009
Helping Out Our Readers
re: HELPING OUT OUR READERS:
Hello there.
I just can't figure who did this one! Can you?
Here are the lyrics:
Take another ride and then I promise we'll be more than friends
Come with me, I love you.
My machine is guaranteed to satisfy your every need.
Come with me, I love you.
My machine was designed, with especially you in mine.
Fairy tails can come true, ______ me and you.
I heard it on WPGC out of Washington DC. I don't think it's "Small Faces" or "People." This one is driving me crazy.
Thanks!
Mike Boyle Sr.
AKA Spirit Sound
Not ringing any bells with me, Mike, so let's put it out to the list and see what THEY come up with. Hopefully we can not only solve the mystery but also find you a copy of the tune! (kk)
By the way, if you're a fan of The Psychedelic Era of Rock Music, be sure to check out our series on the web page ... it is now our MOST-VIEWED PAGE!!!
Click here: Forgotten Hits - Top 20 Favorite Psychedelic Songs
For me, the period from around 1964-1970 was a great time for music. Of course the Beatles arrived, and there were the Stones, The Young Rascals, all the wonderful Motown artists, besides The Jefferson Airplane, The Buffalo Springfield, Vanilla Fudge, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Blood Sweat and Tears, The Byrds, Jimi Hendrix. I mean, what other period included such an acceptance of such a diversity of styles, sounds, along with great song writing.The group that became The Fruitgum Company started out not only covering a wide variety of artists but also began doing original songs. My Uncle Sol (my dad's twin brother) had hits with songs he had written, including "Till Then" by The Classics and The Mills Brothers and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" by Nina Simone and later, The Animals. My Dad put up the cash and my uncle, along with his partner, Bennie Benjiman, took us to Dick Charles' studio in NYC. We recorded four of my originals. Jeff Katz and Jerry Kasenetz got hold of the demo and came to see us. They of course liked the band, but already had a hit with "Little Bit Of Soul" by the Music Explosion, so they had different plans for us. We didn't set out to be a Bubblegum band. We weren't those kind of kids, but after negotiating with Jeff and Jerry we decided to take the ride. Like other successful producers of that era, Super K had a good plan. They knew the market. Parents didn't want their 12 year old kids listening to Hendrix, The Stones, or Dylan. Jeff and Jerry knew their market. "Simon Says", "123 Red Light" and "Indian Giver" all achieved gold. Remember when a gold record was at least 1 million record sales? With all the 'heavy' music out then, talking about drugs, sex and rebellion, it made parents uncomfortable. Most parents were aware of what was going on. Remember the older entertainers like Sammy Davis wearing Nehru jackets and beads and some letting their hair get a little longer? Bubblegum music became an alternative to the serious, political, sexual, drug music of the period. A certain part of the public was ready for music that was just fun, without thought provoking content. That's what Bubblegum music represented. A departure from that music.
Floyd Marcus (original member of The 1910 Fruitgum Company)
Hi Kent,
Thank you for your interest.
Goody Goody Gumdrops is a very happy song. Frank Jeckell does the lead on it these days and we re-recorded a number of the hits with a little more energy than the originals. We are doing well and performing wherever we can. We will be heading to Vegas again soon and have a number of gigs lined up for this season. The act consists of original member and founder, Frank Jeckell, his friend and partner Mick Mansueto on lead vocals, Glenn Lewis, Bass player and vocals, Bob Brescia, keys and vocals, Oscar Dominguez on keys, and Phil Thorstenson on Drums and vocals. We are alive and well and looking to get to the UK for a tour ...
Thanks so much for the help.
Mick,
WWW.1910FRUITGUMCOMPANY.COM
A revamped version of The 1910 Fruit Gum Company (with original member Frank Jeckell) are still recording and performing today. You can find ALL of the latest information on these guys at their official website: Click here: 1910 Fruitgum Company During their hey-day, The 1910 Fruit Gum Company toured with big name acts like The Beach Boys and Sly and the Family Stone. (Remember ... this was a time when ALL this great music was heard side-by-side on the radio! And really, why not??? These guys had three Top Five million selling hits under their OWN belts!!!) We also found a great bit of trivia that's sure to make you smile in an interview that Floyd Marcus did with Carl Wiser, our buddy from Songfacts:
Before we became the Fruitgum Company, we used to do everything from Hendrix and Cream and The Rascals, and Motown, and Steppenwolf, and The Stones, Marvin Gaye. We did all of that. We did Vanilla Fudge, for instance. And there was a time when we came to a town and Vanilla Fudge was supposed to be playing at this venue, and they cancelled, and who do they put in there but The 1910 Fruitgum Company. So when the local DJ announced that we were going to perform, there was a lot of booing. They didn't like the fact that Vanilla Fudge "You Keep Me Hanging On" was going to be replaced by us. But the DJ was a nice guy, and he happened to go out and he said, "Well, give these guys a chance. You know, really." And we decided to do "You Keep Me Hanging On" because we had done it a long time. And by the time we got through that and did a few other songs, we really surprised the audience. We won them over and they were really on our side.
(You can read the COMPLETE Songfacts / Floyd Marcus interview here):
Click here: Songfacts Interviews: Floyd Marcus (1910 Fruitgum Co.)
DIDJAKNOW?: The 1910 Fruit Gum Company first formed as "Dr. Jeckell and the Hydes". It makes sense ... since the guitarist / founding member's name was Frank Jeckell!!!
re: THE DIAMONDS:
I recently picked up a batch of 45s on ebay, included was a later one by the Diamonds (and i believe Dave was out of the group by this point), called Woomai-Ling ... it sounds very very similar to one of their earlier hits (you'll recognize what it sounds like IMMEDIATELY) ... and take a look at the name of the guy that wrote the song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeWx2D6ala8
I'll attach an mp3 to this message of another later Diamonds record that i do not have the 45 of -- and have been looking for one for over two years now! Another one of their later mercury 45s (in fact the one released right before Woomai-Ling) called You Short Changed Me -- if any Forgotten Hits readers have You Short Changed Me on 45, i would be willing to purchase the disc from them for a reasonable price...alas, i'd rather not turn Forgotten Hits into Oldies Music Classifieds...so people should contact me directly at tomd1685@aol.com.
-- Tom Diehl
After all the help you've given us helping to track down songs, it seems like the LEAST we can do is try to find one for you!!! Anybody who may have a lead on this should contact Tom direct at the email address given above. (kk)
re: HIT PARADE RADIO:
John Rook just sent us word that Hit Parade Radio is now up and streaming ... and Wink Martindale joins Larry Lujack as part of their broadcasting staff. (And word has it that noted Dallas DJ Chuck Brinkman isn't far behind!) You can Listen Live here: Click here: Hit Parade Radio
Effective today Hit Parade Radio is streaming a sample of the music we will be providing starting in September. More than 3,000 hits, many from the 50's through the 70's not heard on radio today will be heard 24/7. Visit our www.hitparaderadio.com website, click on "Listen now" and enjoy.
John
EARTHWORKS ENTERTAINMENT’S HIT PARADE RADIO SIGNS WINK MARTINDALE
Addison, TX – (Market Wire) June 2, 2009 – Earthworks Entertainment, Inc. (EWKS-PK), announced today that it has signed an agreement with Wink Martindale whose radio / television career is among the most celebrated in the entertainment industry and has earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hit Parade Radio’s John Rook said, “As a radio personality Wink inspired many young broadcasters during his successful stint on KFWB and KMPC in Los Angeles and his nationally syndicated radio broadcasts. As a host of numerous game shows, Wink also had success as a million selling recording artist. His personal friendship with many of show businesses biggest names and appearances on many of the nation’s top TV shows, including Jay Leno’s Tonight Show provides Hit Parade Radio with a wealth of entertainment value.”
Earthworks Entertainment’s Steve Humphries adds, “Wink Martindale is one of a kind with a unique style that will be heard as the afternoon drive personality on our 24/7 Oldies Radio Net scheduled to debut in September of this year”
“In the first 12 to 18 months, we expect more than 100 stations will affiliate with Hit Parade Radio and will generate more than $5.0 million in revenue.” www.hitparaderadio.com
Adults 50+ represent seventy million people - 28% of the entire population. Demographic trends associated with the aging of Boomers, plus gains in longevity will grow this market to over 106 million by 2015.
The demographic of today that supports talk radio hungers for the songs and recording artists who provide memories of better days. This music is only available from Hit Parade Radio!
The only 24/7 satellite-delivered radio format that targets the 50+ audience … with the greatest hits of the '50s through the '70s.
This is EXACTLY the demographic that we keep talking about that traditional terrestrial radio is ignoring ... it'll be interesting to see how all of this catches on ... there are some VERY big names attached to this new format ... and John promises that you'll hear some songs on THIS radio station that you haven't heard on the air in 30 or more years! With an initial playlist of something like 3100 songs (as opposed to most other radio stations with 200-300 ... or the rare exceptions that program 1100-1500) that's almost a certainty! Stay tuned for more details ... but you CAN "Listen Live" now for a taste of what is to come. I tuned in for just a little while the other night and heard The Everly Brothers followed by Bill Withers followed by The Temptations ... followed by "In The Middle Of An Island" by Tony Bennett and "I Wanna Get Next To You" by Rose Royce ... now THAT's variety!!! (lol) I LOVE IT!!! (kk)
And then just that fast comes the official Chuck Brinkman Press Release! Larry Lujack has a HUGE built-in audience and will be a welcome addition back to our morning routine ... and Wink Martindale sounds EXACTLY the same ... man, has this guy aged at all?!?!? Brinkman was HUGE in Dallas for YEARS ... sounds like he'll be maning the shift between Uncle Lar and Wink ... as The Hit Parade Radio schedule starts to take shape.
EARTHWORKS ENTERTAINMENT’S HIT PARADE RADIO SIGNS CHUCK BRINKMAN AS PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF 24/7 OLDIES RADIO NETWORK
Addison, TX – (MarketWire) June 3, 2009 – Earthworks Entertainment, Inc. (EWKS-PK) announced today that it’s Hit Parade Radio, Inc’s. 24/7 Oldies Radio Format has signed an agreement with veteran Oldies Programmer Chuck Brinkman, which is scheduled to debut from Dallas in September 2009.
Hit Parade Radio, Inc’s President John Rook said “Chuck is one the nations top programmers at the highly successful KLUV-FM in Dallas for Steven Humphries (then EVP/COO of TK Communications the owner of KLUV), now the CE0 of Earthworks and then later with owner CBS/Infinity. In one of the more competitive radio markets, for 15 years Brinkman kept KLUV-FM in a dominant position in the Dallas market.”
Earthworks CEO Steven Humphries commented “I’m delighted to be working with Chuck again, as we did incredible things together at KLUV. Chuck is perfect to head up the Programming of Hit Parade Radio. In addition to the programming duties, Chuck will also hold down the mid-day on-air position at Hit Parade Radio” following Superjock Larry Lujack and preceding Wink Martindale.
Brinkman’s career spans 40 years of broadcasting experience. He first worked with Hit Parade’s John Rook at ABC’s KQV in Pittsburgh in the 1960’s. Chuck and Rook were instrumental in introducing the Beatles to America in 1964 when together they toured, became friends with and vacationed with the British sensations in the Bahamas’s.
Company management expects to sign more than 100 stations in the first 12 to 18 months, which will generate more than $5.0 million in revenue for the Hit Parade Radio Network.
And so it grows ... keep us posted, John!
re: BOB LIND:
I'm sending this to the more cultured, refined and sophisticated people on my email list. If you're getting it, either that describes you, or you have me buffaloed into thinking it does.
Some of you know this; some of you don't.
My publisher Lulu Press, just selected my novel, EAST OF THE HOLYLAND for a featured spot on Amazon.com. This means somebody's taking me seriously -- as an author, not some guitar player who wrote a book.
Based on only a few reviews, it's currently enjoying a five-star rating (the highest a guy can get)!
That's good news to me because it means more people are going to be able to get their paws on it and become aware of what a heavy-duty literary lion I am. It's an honor and I'm proud of it.
The bad news is that in order to make a profit, Amazon has to elevate the price into the stratosphere.
So the bottom line is this: I know a lot of you are supportive of my work. Some of you have already bought the novel and others have told me you're planning on it. If you ARE planning on it, I urge you, please don't pay those Amazon prices. It's expensive enough on Lulu. The online publishing business is tricky. Like Burger King, they fry up the books to order, so they have to charge considerably more than bookstores do. That can't be helped. But I don't want to see anyone pay more for it than he / she needs to.So if you do decide to buy it, go directly through Lulu (http://www.lulu.com/content/hardcover-b ... nd/5953502)
You'll still be paying more than you would for a novel at Barnes and Noble, but the Lulu price is a little more humane.If you've already read HOLYLAND and have strong opinions about it one way or the other, please post a review on the Amazon board. Or at least read the reviews others have posted. Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/EAST-HOLYLAND-Bob-Lind/product-reviews/B002ACKLWI/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
And BTW, don't feel you have to say all sweet and gooey stuff about it. Even bad reviews help because they promote exposure and online debate.
Just read it first.
Anyway, this Amazon posting comes at just the right time. Sales were slowing down and I was beginning to think it was dead in the water.
Love to you all,
Bob Lind
Meanwhile, in addition to his new "Successful Author" title, Bob is also still writing and producing some great NEW music ... there are about a dozen recent demos and samples on his website ... we recently featured one of OUR favorites, "Wrong Again" as part of our "Brand New Music From Some Of Your Old Favorites" feature ... (and his manager recently sent us another brand new track ... but, unfortunately, wouldn't give us permission to share it with our readers!!! What a jyp!!!) That's OK ... you can check out some of the OTHER new stuff right here: Click here: Bob Lind Playlists - Songs & Lyrics Page (kk)
re: DIGGIN' FORGOTTEN HITS:
"Forgotten Hits" is, for me a "must have", and one of the best websites ever. I will look forward to your posts whenever you are able to get them out. Thanks so much for what you do.
Anita
Kent,
I'm am so very sorry you are having emotional pains in your life. But be aware that you have thousands of Forgotten Hits family members here for you. Be assured, my prayers are with your, brother, you and your family.Your Forgotten Hits blog is GREAT! Through it, I feel like I know you. Your blog fills a HUGH hole in the universe. I know your heart is hurting, but sometimes doing something like Forgotten Hits is just what it takes to get you through each day.
John Conatser
Thanks, John ... and to all the others who continue to write. We'll do what we can to keep in touch ... we all share a common bond with our love for this music ... and I've never found anything stronger than the music to keep me going. (kk)
>>>My feeling is that anybody coming to MY page is part of the team of folks we've put together to help keep this great music alive ... and it's going to take each and every one of us to make that happen. (kk)
I appreciate you so very much and, in fact, you are mentioned very prominently in our Links page in the Jersey Girls Sing website ... and have been for the past couple of months. Here it is: Links to Our Music Family
But I intend to do more. When I promote shows my shows in the future, I will mention both privately and publicly. You are so right, it is a community. And without people who share our passion then music would not continue to thrive.
I appreciate what you do and will do all that I can to help the cause. My Record Page is getting a lot of his, I am sure, from your readers.
Ronnie
Thanks, Ronnie, and please know that I sincerely appreciate that. My point was more that I would have been happy to run a link to this guy's new site in our next Leftovers Page (and, in fact, had already planned to do so) ... it really wasn't necessary to poach OUR list and make it look like we were passing along subscribers' names. (As it was, I received a couple of angry emails from readers to this effect.) I would MUCH rather prefer to put the link out there and then if folks on the list are interested in checking it out, let them go there for themselves and see if it might be something they like ... no differently than the links to MY sites that you have up on your web page ... hopefully, some of your visitors will be interested enough in the oldies community to see what we're all about, too ... and then make their OWN decision as to whether or not they want to subscribe or come back for another visit. (kk)
Hi!!!
Big KISSES allllllllllllllllllllllllllll over you. MWAH!!! Mwah!!! xxooxoxoxo!!!
Thank you so much for putting back "I've Got a Never Ending Love For You" by Delaney & Bonnie, you are the best. I appreciate this so much. This song touches my life.
X O,
Pat H.
You're welcome ... glad I could make your day. (Gee, I'm used to getting this kind of lovin' from the dog when I walk in the door but not for posting a song!!! lol) kk
Hello there.
I just can't figure who did this one! Can you?
Here are the lyrics:
Take another ride and then I promise we'll be more than friends
Come with me, I love you.
My machine is guaranteed to satisfy your every need.
Come with me, I love you.
My machine was designed, with especially you in mine.
Fairy tails can come true, ______ me and you.
I heard it on WPGC out of Washington DC. I don't think it's "Small Faces" or "People." This one is driving me crazy.
Thanks!
Mike Boyle Sr.
AKA Spirit Sound
Not ringing any bells with me, Mike, so let's put it out to the list and see what THEY come up with. Hopefully we can not only solve the mystery but also find you a copy of the tune! (kk)
By the way, if you're a fan of The Psychedelic Era of Rock Music, be sure to check out our series on the web page ... it is now our MOST-VIEWED PAGE!!!
Click here: Forgotten Hits - Top 20 Favorite Psychedelic Songs
WHO ARE THE TWO ORIGINALS IN THE 1910 FRUITGUM CO.? IS THE ORIGINAL LEAD SINGER IN THE GROUP? ANY IDEA WHAT HAPPENED TO MARK GUTKOWSKI? WASN'T HE THE LEAD SINGER FOR 1910? I'M SEEING THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME ON SATURDAY.
THANKS ...
MIKE
As far as I know, the only original member currently performing with the band at this time is Frank Jeckell. (Drummer Floyd Marcus was with them until just recently but no longer tours or performs with the band.) The 1910 Fruitgum Company have a number of appearances coming up and are performing as part of some of these oldies / bubblegum package tours, too. Let us know what you think of the show. We've got a couple of these guys on the list and they recently contributed to a piece we did spotlighting their 1968 Hit "Goody Goody Gumdrops". (I probably hear most often from Floyd and Mick Mansuelo, who I believe is their current music director.
Here in '60's FLASHBACK style is a brief excerpt from that piece:
The 1910 Fruit Gum Company were one of the PREMIER Bubblegum Bands of the late '60's. Unlike many of the other artists signed to the Buddah Record Label, these guys were, in fact, a complete band and (for the most part anyway) played on their own records. (Many of you will recall that it was Chicago's own Shadows Of Knight who performed much of this material as Buddah's "House Band" ... with Joey Levine on lead vocals.)
Artists like The 1910 Fruit Gum Company, The Ohio Express and The Lemon Pipers regularly hit the top of the charts in the late '60's with "Feel Good" pop songs like "Simon Says", "1, 2, 3 Red Light", "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy", "Down At Lulu's", "Chewy Chewy" and "Green Tambourine" under the guidance of bubblegum whiz-kids Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz. The 1910 Fruit Gum Company consisted of Frank Jeckell on Guitar, Floyd Marcus on Drums, Mark Gutkowski on organ, Pat Karwan on Lead Guitar and Steve Mortkowitz on Bass. While all of the guys sang and wrote their own music, studio musicians (and guest vocalists) were used on some of their later recordings.
In quick succession, the band scored five Top 40 Hits: Simon Says (#2, 1968); 1, 2, 3 Red Light (#3, 1968); Goody Goody Gumdrops (#31, 1968); Indian Giver (#4, 1969) and Special Delivery (#31, 1969). May I Take A Giant Step and The Train just missed, peaking at #45 and #52 respectively. In addition, THREE of these hits ... Simon Says, 1, 2, 3 Red Light and Indian Giver ... sold over a million copies each ... rare for a bubblegum group back in the day! We are fortunate to have both an original founding member of The 1910 Fruit Gum Company on our list ... Floyd Marcus ... as well as a member of the CURRENT band, Mick Mansueto. Each of these guys have agreed to share a few words with our FH Readers today!For me, the period from around 1964-1970 was a great time for music. Of course the Beatles arrived, and there were the Stones, The Young Rascals, all the wonderful Motown artists, besides The Jefferson Airplane, The Buffalo Springfield, Vanilla Fudge, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Blood Sweat and Tears, The Byrds, Jimi Hendrix. I mean, what other period included such an acceptance of such a diversity of styles, sounds, along with great song writing.The group that became The Fruitgum Company started out not only covering a wide variety of artists but also began doing original songs. My Uncle Sol (my dad's twin brother) had hits with songs he had written, including "Till Then" by The Classics and The Mills Brothers and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" by Nina Simone and later, The Animals. My Dad put up the cash and my uncle, along with his partner, Bennie Benjiman, took us to Dick Charles' studio in NYC. We recorded four of my originals. Jeff Katz and Jerry Kasenetz got hold of the demo and came to see us. They of course liked the band, but already had a hit with "Little Bit Of Soul" by the Music Explosion, so they had different plans for us. We didn't set out to be a Bubblegum band. We weren't those kind of kids, but after negotiating with Jeff and Jerry we decided to take the ride. Like other successful producers of that era, Super K had a good plan. They knew the market. Parents didn't want their 12 year old kids listening to Hendrix, The Stones, or Dylan. Jeff and Jerry knew their market. "Simon Says", "123 Red Light" and "Indian Giver" all achieved gold. Remember when a gold record was at least 1 million record sales? With all the 'heavy' music out then, talking about drugs, sex and rebellion, it made parents uncomfortable. Most parents were aware of what was going on. Remember the older entertainers like Sammy Davis wearing Nehru jackets and beads and some letting their hair get a little longer? Bubblegum music became an alternative to the serious, political, sexual, drug music of the period. A certain part of the public was ready for music that was just fun, without thought provoking content. That's what Bubblegum music represented. A departure from that music.
Floyd Marcus (original member of The 1910 Fruitgum Company)
Hi Kent,
Thank you for your interest.
Goody Goody Gumdrops is a very happy song. Frank Jeckell does the lead on it these days and we re-recorded a number of the hits with a little more energy than the originals. We are doing well and performing wherever we can. We will be heading to Vegas again soon and have a number of gigs lined up for this season. The act consists of original member and founder, Frank Jeckell, his friend and partner Mick Mansueto on lead vocals, Glenn Lewis, Bass player and vocals, Bob Brescia, keys and vocals, Oscar Dominguez on keys, and Phil Thorstenson on Drums and vocals. We are alive and well and looking to get to the UK for a tour ...
Thanks so much for the help.
Mick,
WWW.1910FRUITGUMCOMPANY.COM
A revamped version of The 1910 Fruit Gum Company (with original member Frank Jeckell) are still recording and performing today. You can find ALL of the latest information on these guys at their official website: Click here: 1910 Fruitgum Company During their hey-day, The 1910 Fruit Gum Company toured with big name acts like The Beach Boys and Sly and the Family Stone. (Remember ... this was a time when ALL this great music was heard side-by-side on the radio! And really, why not??? These guys had three Top Five million selling hits under their OWN belts!!!) We also found a great bit of trivia that's sure to make you smile in an interview that Floyd Marcus did with Carl Wiser, our buddy from Songfacts:
Before we became the Fruitgum Company, we used to do everything from Hendrix and Cream and The Rascals, and Motown, and Steppenwolf, and The Stones, Marvin Gaye. We did all of that. We did Vanilla Fudge, for instance. And there was a time when we came to a town and Vanilla Fudge was supposed to be playing at this venue, and they cancelled, and who do they put in there but The 1910 Fruitgum Company. So when the local DJ announced that we were going to perform, there was a lot of booing. They didn't like the fact that Vanilla Fudge "You Keep Me Hanging On" was going to be replaced by us. But the DJ was a nice guy, and he happened to go out and he said, "Well, give these guys a chance. You know, really." And we decided to do "You Keep Me Hanging On" because we had done it a long time. And by the time we got through that and did a few other songs, we really surprised the audience. We won them over and they were really on our side.
(You can read the COMPLETE Songfacts / Floyd Marcus interview here):
Click here: Songfacts Interviews: Floyd Marcus (1910 Fruitgum Co.)
DIDJAKNOW?: The 1910 Fruit Gum Company first formed as "Dr. Jeckell and the Hydes". It makes sense ... since the guitarist / founding member's name was Frank Jeckell!!!
re: THE DIAMONDS:
I recently picked up a batch of 45s on ebay, included was a later one by the Diamonds (and i believe Dave was out of the group by this point), called Woomai-Ling ... it sounds very very similar to one of their earlier hits (you'll recognize what it sounds like IMMEDIATELY) ... and take a look at the name of the guy that wrote the song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeWx2D6ala8
I'll attach an mp3 to this message of another later Diamonds record that i do not have the 45 of -- and have been looking for one for over two years now! Another one of their later mercury 45s (in fact the one released right before Woomai-Ling) called You Short Changed Me -- if any Forgotten Hits readers have You Short Changed Me on 45, i would be willing to purchase the disc from them for a reasonable price...alas, i'd rather not turn Forgotten Hits into Oldies Music Classifieds...so people should contact me directly at tomd1685@aol.com.
-- Tom Diehl
After all the help you've given us helping to track down songs, it seems like the LEAST we can do is try to find one for you!!! Anybody who may have a lead on this should contact Tom direct at the email address given above. (kk)
re: HIT PARADE RADIO:
John Rook just sent us word that Hit Parade Radio is now up and streaming ... and Wink Martindale joins Larry Lujack as part of their broadcasting staff. (And word has it that noted Dallas DJ Chuck Brinkman isn't far behind!) You can Listen Live here: Click here: Hit Parade Radio
Effective today Hit Parade Radio is streaming a sample of the music we will be providing starting in September. More than 3,000 hits, many from the 50's through the 70's not heard on radio today will be heard 24/7. Visit our www.hitparaderadio.com website, click on "Listen now" and enjoy.
John
EARTHWORKS ENTERTAINMENT’S HIT PARADE RADIO SIGNS WINK MARTINDALE
Addison, TX – (Market Wire) June 2, 2009 – Earthworks Entertainment, Inc. (EWKS-PK), announced today that it has signed an agreement with Wink Martindale whose radio / television career is among the most celebrated in the entertainment industry and has earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hit Parade Radio’s John Rook said, “As a radio personality Wink inspired many young broadcasters during his successful stint on KFWB and KMPC in Los Angeles and his nationally syndicated radio broadcasts. As a host of numerous game shows, Wink also had success as a million selling recording artist. His personal friendship with many of show businesses biggest names and appearances on many of the nation’s top TV shows, including Jay Leno’s Tonight Show provides Hit Parade Radio with a wealth of entertainment value.”
Earthworks Entertainment’s Steve Humphries adds, “Wink Martindale is one of a kind with a unique style that will be heard as the afternoon drive personality on our 24/7 Oldies Radio Net scheduled to debut in September of this year”
“In the first 12 to 18 months, we expect more than 100 stations will affiliate with Hit Parade Radio and will generate more than $5.0 million in revenue.” www.hitparaderadio.com
Adults 50+ represent seventy million people - 28% of the entire population. Demographic trends associated with the aging of Boomers, plus gains in longevity will grow this market to over 106 million by 2015.
The demographic of today that supports talk radio hungers for the songs and recording artists who provide memories of better days. This music is only available from Hit Parade Radio!
The only 24/7 satellite-delivered radio format that targets the 50+ audience … with the greatest hits of the '50s through the '70s.
This is EXACTLY the demographic that we keep talking about that traditional terrestrial radio is ignoring ... it'll be interesting to see how all of this catches on ... there are some VERY big names attached to this new format ... and John promises that you'll hear some songs on THIS radio station that you haven't heard on the air in 30 or more years! With an initial playlist of something like 3100 songs (as opposed to most other radio stations with 200-300 ... or the rare exceptions that program 1100-1500) that's almost a certainty! Stay tuned for more details ... but you CAN "Listen Live" now for a taste of what is to come. I tuned in for just a little while the other night and heard The Everly Brothers followed by Bill Withers followed by The Temptations ... followed by "In The Middle Of An Island" by Tony Bennett and "I Wanna Get Next To You" by Rose Royce ... now THAT's variety!!! (lol) I LOVE IT!!! (kk)
And then just that fast comes the official Chuck Brinkman Press Release! Larry Lujack has a HUGE built-in audience and will be a welcome addition back to our morning routine ... and Wink Martindale sounds EXACTLY the same ... man, has this guy aged at all?!?!? Brinkman was HUGE in Dallas for YEARS ... sounds like he'll be maning the shift between Uncle Lar and Wink ... as The Hit Parade Radio schedule starts to take shape.
EARTHWORKS ENTERTAINMENT’S HIT PARADE RADIO SIGNS CHUCK BRINKMAN AS PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF 24/7 OLDIES RADIO NETWORK
Addison, TX – (MarketWire) June 3, 2009 – Earthworks Entertainment, Inc. (EWKS-PK) announced today that it’s Hit Parade Radio, Inc’s. 24/7 Oldies Radio Format has signed an agreement with veteran Oldies Programmer Chuck Brinkman, which is scheduled to debut from Dallas in September 2009.
Hit Parade Radio, Inc’s President John Rook said “Chuck is one the nations top programmers at the highly successful KLUV-FM in Dallas for Steven Humphries (then EVP/COO of TK Communications the owner of KLUV), now the CE0 of Earthworks and then later with owner CBS/Infinity. In one of the more competitive radio markets, for 15 years Brinkman kept KLUV-FM in a dominant position in the Dallas market.”
Earthworks CEO Steven Humphries commented “I’m delighted to be working with Chuck again, as we did incredible things together at KLUV. Chuck is perfect to head up the Programming of Hit Parade Radio. In addition to the programming duties, Chuck will also hold down the mid-day on-air position at Hit Parade Radio” following Superjock Larry Lujack and preceding Wink Martindale.
Brinkman’s career spans 40 years of broadcasting experience. He first worked with Hit Parade’s John Rook at ABC’s KQV in Pittsburgh in the 1960’s. Chuck and Rook were instrumental in introducing the Beatles to America in 1964 when together they toured, became friends with and vacationed with the British sensations in the Bahamas’s.
Company management expects to sign more than 100 stations in the first 12 to 18 months, which will generate more than $5.0 million in revenue for the Hit Parade Radio Network.
And so it grows ... keep us posted, John!
re: BOB LIND:
I'm sending this to the more cultured, refined and sophisticated people on my email list. If you're getting it, either that describes you, or you have me buffaloed into thinking it does.
Some of you know this; some of you don't.
My publisher Lulu Press, just selected my novel, EAST OF THE HOLYLAND for a featured spot on Amazon.com. This means somebody's taking me seriously -- as an author, not some guitar player who wrote a book.
Based on only a few reviews, it's currently enjoying a five-star rating (the highest a guy can get)!
That's good news to me because it means more people are going to be able to get their paws on it and become aware of what a heavy-duty literary lion I am. It's an honor and I'm proud of it.
The bad news is that in order to make a profit, Amazon has to elevate the price into the stratosphere.
So the bottom line is this: I know a lot of you are supportive of my work. Some of you have already bought the novel and others have told me you're planning on it. If you ARE planning on it, I urge you, please don't pay those Amazon prices. It's expensive enough on Lulu. The online publishing business is tricky. Like Burger King, they fry up the books to order, so they have to charge considerably more than bookstores do. That can't be helped. But I don't want to see anyone pay more for it than he / she needs to.So if you do decide to buy it, go directly through Lulu (http://www.lulu.com/content/hardcover-b ... nd/5953502)
You'll still be paying more than you would for a novel at Barnes and Noble, but the Lulu price is a little more humane.If you've already read HOLYLAND and have strong opinions about it one way or the other, please post a review on the Amazon board. Or at least read the reviews others have posted. Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/EAST-HOLYLAND-Bob-Lind/product-reviews/B002ACKLWI/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
And BTW, don't feel you have to say all sweet and gooey stuff about it. Even bad reviews help because they promote exposure and online debate.
Just read it first.
Anyway, this Amazon posting comes at just the right time. Sales were slowing down and I was beginning to think it was dead in the water.
Love to you all,
Bob Lind
Meanwhile, in addition to his new "Successful Author" title, Bob is also still writing and producing some great NEW music ... there are about a dozen recent demos and samples on his website ... we recently featured one of OUR favorites, "Wrong Again" as part of our "Brand New Music From Some Of Your Old Favorites" feature ... (and his manager recently sent us another brand new track ... but, unfortunately, wouldn't give us permission to share it with our readers!!! What a jyp!!!) That's OK ... you can check out some of the OTHER new stuff right here: Click here: Bob Lind Playlists - Songs & Lyrics Page (kk)
re: DIGGIN' FORGOTTEN HITS:
"Forgotten Hits" is, for me a "must have", and one of the best websites ever. I will look forward to your posts whenever you are able to get them out. Thanks so much for what you do.
Anita
Kent,
I'm am so very sorry you are having emotional pains in your life. But be aware that you have thousands of Forgotten Hits family members here for you. Be assured, my prayers are with your, brother, you and your family.Your Forgotten Hits blog is GREAT! Through it, I feel like I know you. Your blog fills a HUGH hole in the universe. I know your heart is hurting, but sometimes doing something like Forgotten Hits is just what it takes to get you through each day.
John Conatser
Thanks, John ... and to all the others who continue to write. We'll do what we can to keep in touch ... we all share a common bond with our love for this music ... and I've never found anything stronger than the music to keep me going. (kk)
>>>My feeling is that anybody coming to MY page is part of the team of folks we've put together to help keep this great music alive ... and it's going to take each and every one of us to make that happen. (kk)
I appreciate you so very much and, in fact, you are mentioned very prominently in our Links page in the Jersey Girls Sing website ... and have been for the past couple of months. Here it is: Links to Our Music Family
But I intend to do more. When I promote shows my shows in the future, I will mention both privately and publicly. You are so right, it is a community. And without people who share our passion then music would not continue to thrive.
I appreciate what you do and will do all that I can to help the cause. My Record Page is getting a lot of his, I am sure, from your readers.
Ronnie
Thanks, Ronnie, and please know that I sincerely appreciate that. My point was more that I would have been happy to run a link to this guy's new site in our next Leftovers Page (and, in fact, had already planned to do so) ... it really wasn't necessary to poach OUR list and make it look like we were passing along subscribers' names. (As it was, I received a couple of angry emails from readers to this effect.) I would MUCH rather prefer to put the link out there and then if folks on the list are interested in checking it out, let them go there for themselves and see if it might be something they like ... no differently than the links to MY sites that you have up on your web page ... hopefully, some of your visitors will be interested enough in the oldies community to see what we're all about, too ... and then make their OWN decision as to whether or not they want to subscribe or come back for another visit. (kk)
Hi!!!
Big KISSES allllllllllllllllllllllllllll over you. MWAH!!! Mwah!!! xxooxoxoxo!!!
Thank you so much for putting back "I've Got a Never Ending Love For You" by Delaney & Bonnie, you are the best. I appreciate this so much. This song touches my life.
X O,
Pat H.
You're welcome ... glad I could make your day. (Gee, I'm used to getting this kind of lovin' from the dog when I walk in the door but not for posting a song!!! lol) kk
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A Year Has Come And Gone Since We Last Talked About Billie Joe
OMG ...
Can it REALLY already be The Third Of June ...
AGAIN?!?!?
Soon Soon?!?!?
As we ALL know by now, just another sleepy, dusty Delta day.
Last year, inspired by a series of comments that ran on Ron Smith's EXCELLENT www.oldiesmusic.com website, we revisited this Bobbie Gentry classic ...
In fact, we even tried to track Bobbie down ... without success ... the people "in the know" that we WERE able to come across pretty much told us that she doesn't necessarily WANT to be found ... whatever THAT means!!!
But I thought we'd revisit this topic again today ... so please join us on what just may become our annual pilgramage to Choctow Ridge ... y'all remember to wipe your feet!
Frannie
YOU ARE THE BEST!
SCOTT SHANNON
High tide too!
Austin Roberts
If I remember right, 43 years ago today was just another sleepy delta day.
Mark
Actually, it was DUSTY, too!!! (lol) kk
I knew there was another adjective that went in there but couldn't think of anything but sh***y!
Mark
LOL ... yeah, that'll work!!! (lol) kk
and I STILL hate that song!
Clay Pasternack
you have toooo much extra time on your hands ………….. Stan Burkat
Kent -
I used it as a Quick Drop - Thanks - I know it wasn't meant solely for rockandrollheaven - but used it anyway - hope it goes well - Mason
Go for it, MASON ... as you can see, we hit on a nerve again with this one ... this truly has become Billie Joe McAllister Day today!!! (kk)
Check out the email below … Chris --- aka Chuck Adams --- was one of the jocks at Virginia’s WGH when I was the AM Newsman back in the 60’s.
-- Eric AuCoin
"It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty, Delta day. I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was bailin' hay" .... "A year's come and gone since we heard the news 'bout Billy Joe ..." which means that today would be the 43rd anniversary of Billy Joe McAlister's jump off the Tallahatchie Bridge. And whatever happened to that Nice Young Preacher Brother Taylor? ... or Bobbie Gentry, herself? Didn't she marry a millionaire and go into early retirement? Four Grammys for 1967: Best female vocal performance, Best contemporary female performance, Best new artist of 1967, Best Accompaniment Arrangement (for Jimmie Haskell). I was on my honeymoon in August, 1967, driving up the Maryland, Delaware, NJ coast, listening to WABC-AM, and that song got so much air play, I swear we heard it once an hour!
Chris Astle
Between our two AM powerhouses (WLS and WCFL) I think we really DID hear it at least once an hour back then!!! It was so COMPLETELY different than ANYTHING I'd ever heard before ... it REALLY stood out. One of the reasons this song worked so well is because Bobbie Gentry was the "real deal" ... born in Chickasaw County, Mississippi and raised in Greenwood, Mississippi. As I recall, Gentry had a couple of minor chart hits (including a couple of duets with Glen Campbell) and then, if I'm not mistaken, later married novelty singer Jim Stafford ... a pretty wild relationship from what I've heard!!! One of MY favorite Forgotten Hits was Fancy, a #31 Pop Hit in 1970, which was later covered (and QUITE well, I might add) by Country Superstar Reba McEntire. (kk)
Is Bobbie Gentry still living?
Tim Kiley
Yes, she is ... but I believe she's been "retired" for quite some time now. And, apparently, wants absolutely NOTHING to do with ever discussing this song again! Through our last tribute to this song, we were able to track down a few associates, friends and relatives of Bobbie Gentry ... ALL of whom pretty much told us that she does not WANT to be found. (kk)
Hey Kent,That's my kind of email. -- Guy
lol ...
it WAS the 3rd of June, another sleepy dusty delta day. I was out shopping for cotton clothes (and my husband was pitching a fit) oh by the way
shar
I DO remember. I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was baillin' hay.
-Chet
Hey Kent ...
I always loved that Bobbi Gentry!
Her hair style really got to me when I was a kid!
I'm sure many other future musicians back then had her album cover hung up on the wall like I did!
Mitch
You KNOW it!!! Yep, she was HOT!!! (lol) kk
Every year, on June 3rd, I mention to a few friends that "It was the 3rd of June" ......
David Lewis
Far more significant for me, I guess, was the third of September ... THAT day I'll ALWAYS remember!!! (kk)
HAHAHHAHAHAA
Eileen
lmao
CPass
No WAY it could be that long ago!! That is just SICK!!! lol But - thanks for the info, Kent. Unbelievable. lol
Shirley
OH MY .............. I hadn't heard because I WAS OUT CHOPPIN' COTTON AND MY BROTHER WAS BALING HAY!!!!
Gerri
I'd help you celebrate ... but I'm too busy passing the biscuits.
Jack
Kent,
Great to hear from you ... It is good to know someone is keeping the Oldies spirit alive.
George
Why do I think of Robbie Benson when I hear this song? Didn't they make a movie out of this song or something?
CGals
Yes, he starred in it ... and, although I personally have never seen the film, I believe he did full-frontal nudity!!! (kk)
I wouldn't have seen that .... I was watching it on pre-cable TV, like ABC or something. Nooooo nudity there!
CGals
And that was the song that knocked the Cryan' Shames out of the number 1 slot on the Chicago charts after weeks of being there! Jim Pilster still mentions it!
Marlene
There was NO way of stopping THIS record ... it had MONSTER HIT written all over it! (kk)
Here's some of the dialog posted on Ron Smith's Oldies Music Website last year:
Reminds me of the time a frog was put down my back at a picture show .... I think I'll go get me some biscuits -- Chuck Pattillo
A year has come and gone since we heard the news 'bout Billie Joe. I think I'll pick some flowers up on Choctaw Ridge and throw them into the muddy water off the Tallhatchee Bridge. Ironically, the real Tallahatchee Bridge -- which collapsed in 1972 -- was over water so shallow people routinely jumped off without drowning. But then, Billie Joe never had a lick o'sense. -- Ron
Right, Ron. Pass the biscuits please. -- Ronnie Allen
And Ronnie I'll think I'll have another piece-a apple pie. :) -- Linda G
Get it yourself. There's five more acres in the lower forty I got to plow ...
-- Ron Smith
Well, I think it's just a dang shame about Billie Joe anyhow ... Linda G
Hey, I saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge ... Lorne
Well now nosy Brother Taylor, you must've seen me and Billy Joe throw somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge ... ;) -- Linda G
Well, I'll be pleased to keep quiet about it if you make me a nice dinner on Sunday ... -- Brother Taylor
The ubiquitous question yet again ... Somewhere along the way since 1967, did Bobbie Gentry ever hint as to what she had in mind that they threw off the Tallahatchie bridge? I know they made a movie that really trashed the song and the mystery, and I'm surprised she let that movie fly. But somewhere in 41 years did she hint? Or was it just a Stanley Kubrick salute where she had nothing in mind and let guessing go on forever? -- Centerfield
I don't believe she's ever said for sure, but she had something in mind. Because Bobbie has pointed out that the song is really about how the girl's uncaring family never notices her relationship with Billie Joe and how his death affects her. Personally, I think Billie Joe "had her several years ago when she was still quite naive"-- oops, wrong mystery. -- Ron Smith
This is something that I've thought about SO many times over the years ... and I wonder if anybody else out there heard it and remembers it ... it has been etched in in my memory since the day of its original broadcast back in late summer / early fall of 1967 ... Jim Stagg (on WCFL) had Mark Lindsay (of Paul Revere and the Raiders) on his show (via telephone) one afternoon ... "Ode To Billie Joe" was the biggest song in the country ... it was ALL everybody was talking about ... and Stagg asked Lindsay what HE thought had been thrown off The Tallahatchie Bridge. Mark responded that he thought it was flowers ... and the rest of that day ... and for a few days afterwards ... whenever Stagg would play "Ode To Billie Joe" on his show he would play a tape loop of "It was flowers ... flowers" after Bobbie Gentry sang that line!!! In all these years, I've yet to meet ANYONE who remembers hearing this ... but it is clear as day in my mind ... because NOBODY knew for sure what it was (even the movie didn't make it clear!!!) ... so for Jim Stagg to proclaim this to be the answer to the mystery was HYSTERICAL!!! (It was simply Mark Lindsay's interpretation ... at best!!!) I was hoping that perhaps Clark Besch had a copy of this conversation in his massive tape collection but we never heard anymore about it. Does this ring a bell with ANYBODY out there?!?!?!? (kk)
Kent,
Very cool story! Altho I had heard it might be flowers, I do not have a tape of the Raiders item you talk of. I do have Stagg mentioning they would be on "The Stagg Line" in a day or two when playing "Too Much Talk", but that would be the next year. It would be fun to have. In the summers, WCFL did not come in well in Dodge City.
Good luck,
Clark
Can it REALLY already be The Third Of June ...
AGAIN?!?!?
Soon Soon?!?!?
As we ALL know by now, just another sleepy, dusty Delta day.
Last year, inspired by a series of comments that ran on Ron Smith's EXCELLENT www.oldiesmusic.com website, we revisited this Bobbie Gentry classic ...
In fact, we even tried to track Bobbie down ... without success ... the people "in the know" that we WERE able to come across pretty much told us that she doesn't necessarily WANT to be found ... whatever THAT means!!!
But I thought we'd revisit this topic again today ... so please join us on what just may become our annual pilgramage to Choctow Ridge ... y'all remember to wipe your feet!
***
Incredibly, it has now been exactly 43 years ago since Billie Joe McAllister jumped off The Tallahatchie Bridge. Hopefully many of the jocks on this list will honor this anniversary by spinning Bobbie Gentry's HUGE #1 Hit sometime today. (Hey, wouldn't it be cool if we could get EVERY radio station in the country to play "Ode To Billie Joe" at EXACTLY Noon today ... so that no matter WHERE in the world you were at that given moment, you could click on your radio and hear it?!?!?) Actually, quite a few of the jocks picked up on this last year and featured this very special musical anniversary on their programs ... I mean, this song was HUGE ... literally EVERYBODY out there was trying to analyze (and over-analyze) the meaning ... we wouldn't see anything like this again until Don McLean came up with "American Pie" a few years later!
Here are just a few of the comments we received last year (along with a few updates):
It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day ... Ron Smith
Yep, here in Chicago I was out bailing cotton and my sister was bailing hay. -- Chicago Mike
Y'all remember to wipe your feet ... --Ron Smith
haha!! a few of us will get that ... love it!Frannie
YOU ARE THE BEST!
SCOTT SHANNON
High tide too!
Austin Roberts
If I remember right, 43 years ago today was just another sleepy delta day.
Mark
Actually, it was DUSTY, too!!! (lol) kk
I knew there was another adjective that went in there but couldn't think of anything but sh***y!
Mark
LOL ... yeah, that'll work!!! (lol) kk
and I STILL hate that song!
Clay Pasternack
you have toooo much extra time on your hands ………….. Stan Burkat
Kent -
I used it as a Quick Drop - Thanks - I know it wasn't meant solely for rockandrollheaven - but used it anyway - hope it goes well - Mason
Go for it, MASON ... as you can see, we hit on a nerve again with this one ... this truly has become Billie Joe McAllister Day today!!! (kk)
Check out the email below … Chris --- aka Chuck Adams --- was one of the jocks at Virginia’s WGH when I was the AM Newsman back in the 60’s.
-- Eric AuCoin
"It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty, Delta day. I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was bailin' hay" .... "A year's come and gone since we heard the news 'bout Billy Joe ..." which means that today would be the 43rd anniversary of Billy Joe McAlister's jump off the Tallahatchie Bridge. And whatever happened to that Nice Young Preacher Brother Taylor? ... or Bobbie Gentry, herself? Didn't she marry a millionaire and go into early retirement? Four Grammys for 1967: Best female vocal performance, Best contemporary female performance, Best new artist of 1967, Best Accompaniment Arrangement (for Jimmie Haskell). I was on my honeymoon in August, 1967, driving up the Maryland, Delaware, NJ coast, listening to WABC-AM, and that song got so much air play, I swear we heard it once an hour!
Chris Astle
Between our two AM powerhouses (WLS and WCFL) I think we really DID hear it at least once an hour back then!!! It was so COMPLETELY different than ANYTHING I'd ever heard before ... it REALLY stood out. One of the reasons this song worked so well is because Bobbie Gentry was the "real deal" ... born in Chickasaw County, Mississippi and raised in Greenwood, Mississippi. As I recall, Gentry had a couple of minor chart hits (including a couple of duets with Glen Campbell) and then, if I'm not mistaken, later married novelty singer Jim Stafford ... a pretty wild relationship from what I've heard!!! One of MY favorite Forgotten Hits was Fancy, a #31 Pop Hit in 1970, which was later covered (and QUITE well, I might add) by Country Superstar Reba McEntire. (kk)
Is Bobbie Gentry still living?
Tim Kiley
Yes, she is ... but I believe she's been "retired" for quite some time now. And, apparently, wants absolutely NOTHING to do with ever discussing this song again! Through our last tribute to this song, we were able to track down a few associates, friends and relatives of Bobbie Gentry ... ALL of whom pretty much told us that she does not WANT to be found. (kk)
Hey Kent,That's my kind of email. -- Guy
lol ...
it WAS the 3rd of June, another sleepy dusty delta day. I was out shopping for cotton clothes (and my husband was pitching a fit) oh by the way
shar
I DO remember. I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was baillin' hay.
-Chet
Hey Kent ...
I always loved that Bobbi Gentry!
Her hair style really got to me when I was a kid!
I'm sure many other future musicians back then had her album cover hung up on the wall like I did!
Mitch
You KNOW it!!! Yep, she was HOT!!! (lol) kk
Every year, on June 3rd, I mention to a few friends that "It was the 3rd of June" ......
David Lewis
Far more significant for me, I guess, was the third of September ... THAT day I'll ALWAYS remember!!! (kk)
HAHAHHAHAHAA
Eileen
lmao
CPass
No WAY it could be that long ago!! That is just SICK!!! lol But - thanks for the info, Kent. Unbelievable. lol
Shirley
OH MY .............. I hadn't heard because I WAS OUT CHOPPIN' COTTON AND MY BROTHER WAS BALING HAY!!!!
Gerri
I'd help you celebrate ... but I'm too busy passing the biscuits.
Jack
Kent,
Great to hear from you ... It is good to know someone is keeping the Oldies spirit alive.
George
Why do I think of Robbie Benson when I hear this song? Didn't they make a movie out of this song or something?
CGals
Yes, he starred in it ... and, although I personally have never seen the film, I believe he did full-frontal nudity!!! (kk)
I wouldn't have seen that .... I was watching it on pre-cable TV, like ABC or something. Nooooo nudity there!
CGals
And that was the song that knocked the Cryan' Shames out of the number 1 slot on the Chicago charts after weeks of being there! Jim Pilster still mentions it!
Marlene
There was NO way of stopping THIS record ... it had MONSTER HIT written all over it! (kk)
Here's some of the dialog posted on Ron Smith's Oldies Music Website last year:
Reminds me of the time a frog was put down my back at a picture show .... I think I'll go get me some biscuits -- Chuck Pattillo
A year has come and gone since we heard the news 'bout Billie Joe. I think I'll pick some flowers up on Choctaw Ridge and throw them into the muddy water off the Tallhatchee Bridge. Ironically, the real Tallahatchee Bridge -- which collapsed in 1972 -- was over water so shallow people routinely jumped off without drowning. But then, Billie Joe never had a lick o'sense. -- Ron
Right, Ron. Pass the biscuits please. -- Ronnie Allen
And Ronnie I'll think I'll have another piece-a apple pie. :) -- Linda G
Get it yourself. There's five more acres in the lower forty I got to plow ...
-- Ron Smith
Well, I think it's just a dang shame about Billie Joe anyhow ... Linda G
Hey, I saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge ... Lorne
Well now nosy Brother Taylor, you must've seen me and Billy Joe throw somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge ... ;) -- Linda G
Well, I'll be pleased to keep quiet about it if you make me a nice dinner on Sunday ... -- Brother Taylor
The ubiquitous question yet again ... Somewhere along the way since 1967, did Bobbie Gentry ever hint as to what she had in mind that they threw off the Tallahatchie bridge? I know they made a movie that really trashed the song and the mystery, and I'm surprised she let that movie fly. But somewhere in 41 years did she hint? Or was it just a Stanley Kubrick salute where she had nothing in mind and let guessing go on forever? -- Centerfield
I don't believe she's ever said for sure, but she had something in mind. Because Bobbie has pointed out that the song is really about how the girl's uncaring family never notices her relationship with Billie Joe and how his death affects her. Personally, I think Billie Joe "had her several years ago when she was still quite naive"-- oops, wrong mystery. -- Ron Smith
This is something that I've thought about SO many times over the years ... and I wonder if anybody else out there heard it and remembers it ... it has been etched in in my memory since the day of its original broadcast back in late summer / early fall of 1967 ... Jim Stagg (on WCFL) had Mark Lindsay (of Paul Revere and the Raiders) on his show (via telephone) one afternoon ... "Ode To Billie Joe" was the biggest song in the country ... it was ALL everybody was talking about ... and Stagg asked Lindsay what HE thought had been thrown off The Tallahatchie Bridge. Mark responded that he thought it was flowers ... and the rest of that day ... and for a few days afterwards ... whenever Stagg would play "Ode To Billie Joe" on his show he would play a tape loop of "It was flowers ... flowers" after Bobbie Gentry sang that line!!! In all these years, I've yet to meet ANYONE who remembers hearing this ... but it is clear as day in my mind ... because NOBODY knew for sure what it was (even the movie didn't make it clear!!!) ... so for Jim Stagg to proclaim this to be the answer to the mystery was HYSTERICAL!!! (It was simply Mark Lindsay's interpretation ... at best!!!) I was hoping that perhaps Clark Besch had a copy of this conversation in his massive tape collection but we never heard anymore about it. Does this ring a bell with ANYBODY out there?!?!?!? (kk)
Kent,
Very cool story! Altho I had heard it might be flowers, I do not have a tape of the Raiders item you talk of. I do have Stagg mentioning they would be on "The Stagg Line" in a day or two when playing "Too Much Talk", but that would be the next year. It would be fun to have. In the summers, WCFL did not come in well in Dodge City.
Good luck,
Clark
TODAY'S MUSIC:
Can't spend the whole day talking about "Ode To Billie Joe" and then not PLAY it!!! Here's Bobbie Gentry performing one of the BIGGEST (and most talked-about hits) of the '60's!!!
(And a great YouTube clip, too, of Bobbie performing the song on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour!!!)
Click here: YouTube - Bobbie Gentry - Ode To Billy Joe
BTW: Just to show you how serious we are about today's anniversary, this Forgotten Hits feature was posted at EXACTLY 6:03 AM this morning!!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A Couple Of Quick Updates
Just a quick dash-off this morning ...
re: THE NEW COLONY SIX:
Last night's New Colony Six appearance at The Schaumburg Public Library was cancelled due to stormy weather ... the date will be made up THIS THURSDAY NIGHT (June 4th), same time, same place ... just wanted to pass this information along to any list members who may have been planning to attend.
... and, speaking of upcoming shows, it sounds like you can catch some REALLY good ones here ... check this out!!!
re: UP-COMING SHOWS:
Hey Kent ...
Here's some very cool info I thought the readers of Forgotten Hits would be interested in.
There's a small town in New Jersey called Bordentown. In this beautiful town of Bordentown is a great oasis called "THE RECORD COLLECTOR". This is not only the finest record store around for Vinyl, CD's and collectibles ... it's also a great showplace. The owners John & Sue have been producing amazing live shows ... in the store ... with the help of great local DJ, Randy Now. They call it "The Living Room Concert Series".We recently saw Peter Tork and his band perform there ... and last Friday night I took in an amazing performance by Kate Taylor and her fine Guitarist Bill Derby.
Here's a link to their website: http://www.the-record-collector.com/
There are some great shows coming up there and some of the F.H. readers in the PA, NJ, Delaware, NY area may want to check out their upcoming schedule.
As a matter of fact, we're playing there on Saturday October 3rd and we're planning a great "Beach Party" that night ... complete with Palm trees!!!
Mitch Schecter / The Rip Chords
Sounds like a GREAT place to see a show ... and a VERY interesting line-up coming up ... please keep us posted ... and if any of you ARE in the area, check it out and let us know what you think! (kk)
re: JIMI HENDRIX:
A forthcoming book by a former roadie for Jimi Hendrix claims Jimi's 1971 death was not accidental. James "Tappy" Wright says Jimi was murdered by his own, soon to be ex-manager. Tappy says Michael Jeffery confessed the crime to him while drunk a year later (two years before Feffery himself died in a plane crash), saying, "we went round to [the] hotel room, got a handful of pills and stuffed them into his mouth... then poured a few bottles of red wine deep into his windpipe." Jeffery reportedly collected on a 1.2 million pound life insurance policy after Jimi's death.
Ron Smith
There has been SO much speculation about Jimi's death over the years ... but this is the first time I've heard THIS version!!! (Saw this on PopEater yesterday, too ... of course as with so many of the facts surrounding Jimi's life and death, there are VERY few insiders left around to prove or disprove any theories ... and even some of the closest to him who have spoken out over the years have changed their stories from time to time ... but all this press SHOULD help fuel book sales ... and hey, that's the name of the game, right???) By the way, our Forgotten Hits Salute to Jimi Hendrix is now posted on The Forgotten Hits Web Page for the whole world to see ... you can find it here (kk):
Click here: Forgotten Hits - Jimi Hendrix
... And here's one to get the wheels turning this morning ...
re: THE GREAT DEBATE:
Kent,
How would you describe the difference in oldies and classic rock? My guess is that oldies are mostly singles, and classic rock more the FM album cuts. Classic rockers probably consider themselves more sophisticated than oldies fans. There are also a lot of people who use the term "classic rock" because it sounds better. Who defines what songs are "classic"?
Dwight Rounds
Interesting topic ... so I'm going to put this one out to the list ... I have a hunch we'll get some interesting answers both from oldies and classic rock music fans ... as well as from some of the jocks on our list who play BOTH varieties of this music! (I've told the story of being at the Soundstage taping a few years back when America performed ... after playing their "Classic Rock" Hit "Sandman", Gerry Beckley announced, "That's not oldies ... that's Classic Rock" ... and then the band launched into their wimpy hit "Muskrat Love" ... after which Beckley remarked "Note to self: do NOT use the Classic Rock line and then perform 'Muskrat Love'" lol) Yes, there IS a difference ... and America is one of the many acts that "cross over" to both genres. It'll be interesting to get your guys' take on all of this! (kk)
re: PHIL SPECTOR:
I was trying to remember where I'd seen that Phil Spector booking photo before - now I think I got it figured out ...
Diana
re: THE NEW COLONY SIX:
Last night's New Colony Six appearance at The Schaumburg Public Library was cancelled due to stormy weather ... the date will be made up THIS THURSDAY NIGHT (June 4th), same time, same place ... just wanted to pass this information along to any list members who may have been planning to attend.
... and, speaking of upcoming shows, it sounds like you can catch some REALLY good ones here ... check this out!!!
re: UP-COMING SHOWS:
Hey Kent ...
Here's some very cool info I thought the readers of Forgotten Hits would be interested in.
There's a small town in New Jersey called Bordentown. In this beautiful town of Bordentown is a great oasis called "THE RECORD COLLECTOR". This is not only the finest record store around for Vinyl, CD's and collectibles ... it's also a great showplace. The owners John & Sue have been producing amazing live shows ... in the store ... with the help of great local DJ, Randy Now. They call it "The Living Room Concert Series".We recently saw Peter Tork and his band perform there ... and last Friday night I took in an amazing performance by Kate Taylor and her fine Guitarist Bill Derby.
Here's a link to their website: http://www.the-record-collector.com/
There are some great shows coming up there and some of the F.H. readers in the PA, NJ, Delaware, NY area may want to check out their upcoming schedule.
As a matter of fact, we're playing there on Saturday October 3rd and we're planning a great "Beach Party" that night ... complete with Palm trees!!!
Mitch Schecter / The Rip Chords
Sounds like a GREAT place to see a show ... and a VERY interesting line-up coming up ... please keep us posted ... and if any of you ARE in the area, check it out and let us know what you think! (kk)
re: JIMI HENDRIX:
A forthcoming book by a former roadie for Jimi Hendrix claims Jimi's 1971 death was not accidental. James "Tappy" Wright says Jimi was murdered by his own, soon to be ex-manager. Tappy says Michael Jeffery confessed the crime to him while drunk a year later (two years before Feffery himself died in a plane crash), saying, "we went round to [the] hotel room, got a handful of pills and stuffed them into his mouth... then poured a few bottles of red wine deep into his windpipe." Jeffery reportedly collected on a 1.2 million pound life insurance policy after Jimi's death.
Ron Smith
There has been SO much speculation about Jimi's death over the years ... but this is the first time I've heard THIS version!!! (Saw this on PopEater yesterday, too ... of course as with so many of the facts surrounding Jimi's life and death, there are VERY few insiders left around to prove or disprove any theories ... and even some of the closest to him who have spoken out over the years have changed their stories from time to time ... but all this press SHOULD help fuel book sales ... and hey, that's the name of the game, right???) By the way, our Forgotten Hits Salute to Jimi Hendrix is now posted on The Forgotten Hits Web Page for the whole world to see ... you can find it here (kk):
Click here: Forgotten Hits - Jimi Hendrix
... And here's one to get the wheels turning this morning ...
re: THE GREAT DEBATE:
Kent,
How would you describe the difference in oldies and classic rock? My guess is that oldies are mostly singles, and classic rock more the FM album cuts. Classic rockers probably consider themselves more sophisticated than oldies fans. There are also a lot of people who use the term "classic rock" because it sounds better. Who defines what songs are "classic"?
Dwight Rounds
Interesting topic ... so I'm going to put this one out to the list ... I have a hunch we'll get some interesting answers both from oldies and classic rock music fans ... as well as from some of the jocks on our list who play BOTH varieties of this music! (I've told the story of being at the Soundstage taping a few years back when America performed ... after playing their "Classic Rock" Hit "Sandman", Gerry Beckley announced, "That's not oldies ... that's Classic Rock" ... and then the band launched into their wimpy hit "Muskrat Love" ... after which Beckley remarked "Note to self: do NOT use the Classic Rock line and then perform 'Muskrat Love'" lol) Yes, there IS a difference ... and America is one of the many acts that "cross over" to both genres. It'll be interesting to get your guys' take on all of this! (kk)
re: PHIL SPECTOR:
I was trying to remember where I'd seen that Phil Spector booking photo before - now I think I got it figured out ...
Diana
TOOOO funny .... and eerily true!!! (lol) kk
Phil has asked his wife, Rachelle, to place the Alhambra, California mansion where he shot Lana up for sale. She will also place his rock 'n' roll artifacts in storage. The home, once worth $1.3 million (he paid $1.1 million), is now only worth about $800,000, though its notoriety might fetch it more. The money will be used for pay for his appeal.
Ron Smith
Phil has asked his wife, Rachelle, to place the Alhambra, California mansion where he shot Lana up for sale. She will also place his rock 'n' roll artifacts in storage. The home, once worth $1.3 million (he paid $1.1 million), is now only worth about $800,000, though its notoriety might fetch it more. The money will be used for pay for his appeal.
Ron Smith
Monday, June 1, 2009
Dave Somerville and The Diamonds
A month or two back we were discussing the fact that one of our readers had seen The Diamonds in concert ... and whether or not this was, in fact, the REAL Diamonds performing that night.
After a number of comments and conversations surrounding this topic since then, I was pleased to receive a phone call from Dave Somerville, the original lead singer of the band, who explained the legalities of just what's going on here!!!
Dave explained to me that several years ago he sold the rights to the name "The Diamonds" to the artists who are currently out there performing under that name these days. (In fact, he ALSO told me that at one time there were as many as FIVE different groups performing in concert as The Diamonds ... talk about confusing the public!!!)
The group our reader saw is the group who currently has the LEGAL use of the name ... generally, fourth and fifth generation members of the group. (Somerville also mentioned that things might be a little bit less confusing ... and misleading ... if the group performed as "Gary Owen's Diamonds" instead, making it clear that he is NOT a member, as it sounds like any number of times each year fans in the audience are screaming things out like "Where's Dave?" or "Where's Diamond Dave"!!! lol)
Quite honestly, it shouldn't be too hard to find Dave ... he's been performing non-stop for 55 years now. During our phone conversation, he told me:
DAVE SOMERVILLE: I haven't had a day job in 55 years. I just shared the bill with Bobby Rydell ... and this is after coming back from Hawaii where I performed mid-ocean shows for two weeks. In recent months, I've been to Hawaii, Australia, Spain, South Africa and then back to Vancouver, performing literally all over the world ... and it seems like it's getting BIGGER. This music isn't fading out ... it's more popular than ever."
FORGOTTEN HITS: Sounds like a tough way to earn a living!!! (lol)
DS: Yeah, it is ... but SOMEBODY's gotta do it! (lol)
Dave also did over 400 shows in Branson where he performed for two years ... and he's having the time of his life. It seems like NOTHING gets this guy down!!!
DS: "You know, NONE of the original members of The Diamonds owned the name ... that was something our manager screwed us out of ... but you don't want to hear THAT story ... it's too depressing."
As for his original singing partners, bass singer Bill Reed passed away a short while back and tenor Ted Kowalski and baritone Phil Levitt are both retired electrical engineers living in Toronto, without any further musical aspirations.
DS: The original group didn't play any instruments ... we just went up there and sang. The NEW version of The Diamonds are up there playing instruments and singing and dancing."
While The Diamonds are probably BEST remembered for their 1957 #2 Hit "Little Darlin'", they actually hit The National Pop Charts eighteen times and scored Top 40 Hits with their versions of Why Do Fools Fall In Love (#16, 1956); The Church Bells May Ring (#20, 1956); Love, Love, Love (#30, 1956); Soft Summer Breeze (#34, 1956); Ka-Ding-Dong (#17, 1956); Zip Zip (#36, 1957); High Sign (#21, 1958); Kathy-O (#37, 1958); Walking Along (#19, 1958); She Say (Oom Dooby Doom), #12, 1959; One Summer Night (#22, 1961); and their #1 Cash Box Hit, "The Stroll" back in 1958.
Somerville says he started singing "serendipitously ...how's THAT for a word" in the hallways, never dreaming it would turn into a life-long career. He also directed me to YouTube, where a number of Dave Somerville videos are posted. (Check out the one called "Dave Does The Diamonds"!!!)
Click here: YouTube - Dave Does The Diamonds
All in all, a very nice, happy and humble man who has been able to enjoy life to the fullest doing what he loves to do the most. (Yes, we agreed that it's sometimes a drag when REAL life gets in the way ... but all in all, "I've been able to live my dream ... and I don't know TOO many people who can make THAT statement!!!")
For a REAL enjoyable listening experience, be sure to check out Dave's CD, "On The 1957 Rock And Roll Greyhound Bus" ... it's a fun look back at what it was like to be out on the road in the earliest days of Rock And Roll, alongside some of the biggest stars of this golden era. And Dave's in fine voice as he covers not only some of The Diamonds' biggest hits (Why Do Fools Fall In Love, The Stroll, Silhouettes, Church Bells May Ring, Ka-Ding-Dong, Zip Zip, High Sign, Daddy Cool and Little Darlin' are ALL here) but also shares some fascinating tales (along with some musical tributes) to Chuck Berry, The Drifters, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers and many others. Man, we would LOVE to see this show live ... but it also makes for some GREAT listening entertainment ... more details are available on Dave's website:
Click here: Welcome to Diamond Dave Somerville's Rock & Roll Greyhound bus
Meanwhile, here's a track ... and a musical history lesson ... from the CD ... proving once again how Dick Clark helped to write The History Of Rock And Roll!!!
After a number of comments and conversations surrounding this topic since then, I was pleased to receive a phone call from Dave Somerville, the original lead singer of the band, who explained the legalities of just what's going on here!!!
Dave explained to me that several years ago he sold the rights to the name "The Diamonds" to the artists who are currently out there performing under that name these days. (In fact, he ALSO told me that at one time there were as many as FIVE different groups performing in concert as The Diamonds ... talk about confusing the public!!!)
The group our reader saw is the group who currently has the LEGAL use of the name ... generally, fourth and fifth generation members of the group. (Somerville also mentioned that things might be a little bit less confusing ... and misleading ... if the group performed as "Gary Owen's Diamonds" instead, making it clear that he is NOT a member, as it sounds like any number of times each year fans in the audience are screaming things out like "Where's Dave?" or "Where's Diamond Dave"!!! lol)
Quite honestly, it shouldn't be too hard to find Dave ... he's been performing non-stop for 55 years now. During our phone conversation, he told me:
DAVE SOMERVILLE: I haven't had a day job in 55 years. I just shared the bill with Bobby Rydell ... and this is after coming back from Hawaii where I performed mid-ocean shows for two weeks. In recent months, I've been to Hawaii, Australia, Spain, South Africa and then back to Vancouver, performing literally all over the world ... and it seems like it's getting BIGGER. This music isn't fading out ... it's more popular than ever."
FORGOTTEN HITS: Sounds like a tough way to earn a living!!! (lol)
DS: Yeah, it is ... but SOMEBODY's gotta do it! (lol)
Dave also did over 400 shows in Branson where he performed for two years ... and he's having the time of his life. It seems like NOTHING gets this guy down!!!
DS: "You know, NONE of the original members of The Diamonds owned the name ... that was something our manager screwed us out of ... but you don't want to hear THAT story ... it's too depressing."
As for his original singing partners, bass singer Bill Reed passed away a short while back and tenor Ted Kowalski and baritone Phil Levitt are both retired electrical engineers living in Toronto, without any further musical aspirations.
DS: The original group didn't play any instruments ... we just went up there and sang. The NEW version of The Diamonds are up there playing instruments and singing and dancing."
While The Diamonds are probably BEST remembered for their 1957 #2 Hit "Little Darlin'", they actually hit The National Pop Charts eighteen times and scored Top 40 Hits with their versions of Why Do Fools Fall In Love (#16, 1956); The Church Bells May Ring (#20, 1956); Love, Love, Love (#30, 1956); Soft Summer Breeze (#34, 1956); Ka-Ding-Dong (#17, 1956); Zip Zip (#36, 1957); High Sign (#21, 1958); Kathy-O (#37, 1958); Walking Along (#19, 1958); She Say (Oom Dooby Doom), #12, 1959; One Summer Night (#22, 1961); and their #1 Cash Box Hit, "The Stroll" back in 1958.
Somerville says he started singing "serendipitously ...how's THAT for a word" in the hallways, never dreaming it would turn into a life-long career. He also directed me to YouTube, where a number of Dave Somerville videos are posted. (Check out the one called "Dave Does The Diamonds"!!!)
Click here: YouTube - Dave Does The Diamonds
All in all, a very nice, happy and humble man who has been able to enjoy life to the fullest doing what he loves to do the most. (Yes, we agreed that it's sometimes a drag when REAL life gets in the way ... but all in all, "I've been able to live my dream ... and I don't know TOO many people who can make THAT statement!!!")
For a REAL enjoyable listening experience, be sure to check out Dave's CD, "On The 1957 Rock And Roll Greyhound Bus" ... it's a fun look back at what it was like to be out on the road in the earliest days of Rock And Roll, alongside some of the biggest stars of this golden era. And Dave's in fine voice as he covers not only some of The Diamonds' biggest hits (Why Do Fools Fall In Love, The Stroll, Silhouettes, Church Bells May Ring, Ka-Ding-Dong, Zip Zip, High Sign, Daddy Cool and Little Darlin' are ALL here) but also shares some fascinating tales (along with some musical tributes) to Chuck Berry, The Drifters, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers and many others. Man, we would LOVE to see this show live ... but it also makes for some GREAT listening entertainment ... more details are available on Dave's website:
Click here: Welcome to Diamond Dave Somerville's Rock & Roll Greyhound bus
Meanwhile, here's a track ... and a musical history lesson ... from the CD ... proving once again how Dick Clark helped to write The History Of Rock And Roll!!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Every Once In A While We Get It Right
EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE WE GET IT RIGHT:
It doesn't happen very often ... but every once in a while we get a potent reminder of just how powerful this music that we love really is. It touches us in different ways ... and sometimes it speaks directly to us ... we may interpret a song one way on any given day based on our mood at that moment in time ... and at another time ... in another mood ... that same song may cut through to our very soul.
One of our Forgotten Hits Readers shared such a story with us this past week. Our point here is certainly not to capitalize on, exploit or sensationalize someone else's grief ... and we share this with you only because the parties concerned
gave us permission to do so ... but rather our intention is to simply prove again why music is such an important part of our lives ... it can provide the soundtrack to memories that will never leave us ... it can heal us when we're down and need it most ... it can make us laugh, smile and dance ... or cry. It is when it speaks to us personally that it is the most powerful ... and THAT is the purpose of today's piece.
It doesn't happen very often ... but every once in a while we get a potent reminder of just how powerful this music that we love really is. It touches us in different ways ... and sometimes it speaks directly to us ... we may interpret a song one way on any given day based on our mood at that moment in time ... and at another time ... in another mood ... that same song may cut through to our very soul.
One of our Forgotten Hits Readers shared such a story with us this past week. Our point here is certainly not to capitalize on, exploit or sensationalize someone else's grief ... and we share this with you only because the parties concerned
gave us permission to do so ... but rather our intention is to simply prove again why music is such an important part of our lives ... it can provide the soundtrack to memories that will never leave us ... it can heal us when we're down and need it most ... it can make us laugh, smile and dance ... or cry. It is when it speaks to us personally that it is the most powerful ... and THAT is the purpose of today's piece.
Last week, after we had a little fun with Alan O'Day's #1 Hit "Undercover Angel" ... and featured the title track from his brand new CD, "I Hear Voices", I received this very moving email from one of our Forgotten Hits Readers:
Kent,
We lost our little granddaughter two weeks ago. Alan's "I Hear Voices" is just what we needed to hear this morning. I'm sharing this delightfully uplifting song with her grieving parents.
Please pass this on to Alan and let him know there are no coincidences. This tune arrived at just the right time.
Thank you, Alan, for all the music; and thank you Kent for Forgotten Hits!
David
Naturally, I was touched ... it turns out that David and I have granddaughters about the same age. After my response to him, I forwarded his note on to Alan O'Day, whose track, "I Hear Voices", we featured the other day on The Forgotten Hits Website along with what we considered to be a pretty humorous response to another reader's question about Alan's #1 Hit "Undercover Angel." We could have NEVER known or even suspected that that tongue-in-cheek piece could have led to something like this.
***
David:
What does one even say at a time like this??? There really are no words.
Don't EVER underestimate the power of music ... it touches us all in different ways ... and sometimes, when it's really magical, it speaks directly to us ... If somehow, someway ... even in the SMALLEST way ... and if only for a matter of seconds ... Forgotten Hits helped to relieve some of your pain today ... it makes everything else we do seem that much more worthwhile.
I know it's personal ... and naturally I'll respect your wishes ... but your little note today speaks VOLUMES as to just how powerful music really is. I passed along your email to Alan O'Day ... and I'll forward his response to you when he replies. Just know that your letter touched each and every one of us today.
kk
Kent,
Your email forward from David, and your own comments, made me feel proud and humble. Just as he feels my song was a timely gift, his sharing, through you, is a gift to me at a time I'm facing some personal challenges. May I ask you to share this with him, including:
David, I never had children of my own, so sometimes I see them with a "songwriter's perspective", as beautiful visitors sent to teach us about life, as we teach them. I've been lucky to write songs for other people's kids (the Muppet Babies TV show and National Geographic's Children's Videos). I don't know you or your family, but I do know loss; of course that was part of the reason for the song. I send my heartfelt condolences to all of you, & please know that your note touched me deeply.
Gratefully,
Alan O'Day
***
Thanks, Kent.
There truly are no words. Bad stuff is happening all around us. Our daughter and her hubby are getting through their tragedy slowly; it'll take a long time for sure. They've shown strength and maturity I know I didn't possess at their age.
75% of the people you meet on the street have stories of tragedy and pain happening either now or in the past. The other 25% just haven't had theirs hit them yet.
The music and the stories you share on FH help me, and others, get through this middle-age muddle. Many thanks for choosing that particular track today. I saw an online article today that mentioned Alan had done a gig here in Nashville just a few weeks ago. Hopefully he'll do another soon, since it seems he's in and out of town pretty regularly these days. The music is always touching us with great power ... and Alan is so right about kids. They are sent as our guests for just a short time. We don't own them. They teach us an awful lot if we're paying attention.
David
***
>>>75% of the people you meet on the street have stories of tragedy and pain happening either now or in the past. The other 25% just haven't had theirs hit them yet. (David)
Incredibly, three days after receiving David's last email I got a call from my brother Mark out in San Francisco. He had spent ten days in a hospital there about a month ago where they ran a battery of tests trying to figure out why he was having such bad abdominal pains. After being released for three weeks only to have the pains worsen, he went back in, where THIS time they diagnosed him with pancreatic cancer! How on earth they missed this a month earlier is beyond ALL of our wildest imaginations ... but THEIR take on it is that what was believed to be just a small cyst on his pancreas has now developed into a massive-sized, inoperable tumor. The prognosis is not good ... only about 2% of patients recover from this stage of cancer. Untreated, life expectancy is about 8-12 weeks ... with successful chemotherapy, that could stretch to 8-12 months ... but still an INCREDIBLY short amount of time when weighed against the fact that they didn't even know that this existed a month ago.
Many of our readers have come to know Mark in some fashion through our Forgotten Hits Newsletter. We don't ask for your prayers often, but we ARE asking for them today. We recently reran the article about Jimmie Rodgers' miraculous surgery from two years ago ... a success his whole family believes to be a result of all the prayers they received from Jimmie's many fans around the world. Maybe between all of us we can pull off another miracle. Mark's daughter is scheduled to get married this August ... and he really needs to be there for that. Perhaps we can rally together and inspire him to fight this as best he can in order to best enjoy whatever time he has left. And who knows ... Mark just may prove to be one of those 2% that rebounds from this horrible thing. (And why shouldn't he be??? SOMEBODY's gotta fill those spots!!!)
Meanwhile, I know that you'll all understand that I'll be cutting back on Forgotten Hits for a while. I just feel that my heart's not really in it to give you a quality product at this time. I'll post what I can, when I can ... but most of my energy is going to be spent in other areas for a while.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our cause over the past ten years ... you'll never know how much it has meant to me. I appreciate each and every one of you ... and need your support more than ever today.
maybe through your prayers I can help him with an even bigger challenge today.
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