Last month we told you about a hot new video release spotlighting the appearances of The Rolling Stones on The Ed Sullivan Show. The initial release featured FOUR of the band's performances on the program and this version of the disk has been available now for about a month.
But on Tuesday, November 1st, the DELUXE version of this series comes out on DVD ... an incredible set featuring ALL SIX of The Rolling Stones' performances on The Ed Sullivan Show ... that's right ... EVERY single performance in full program format, complete with original commercials.
Here's more on this hot new release (available through EdSullivan.com as well as all of the usual outlets):
The Ed Sullivan Show Starring The Rolling Stones is being released on November 1st. And, speaking of important dates, October 25th marked the 47th anniversary of the band's very first appearance "right here on our stage."
Tomorrow in Forgotten Hits we'll have an exclusive "Top Ten List" of the best Rolling Stones appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show (as selected by Andrew Solt, curator of the Ed Sullivan Video Estate ... in fact, on Wednesday, November 2nd, our Tribute To The Ed Sullivan Show kicks off in earnest with our interview with Andrew, who truly is "The Keeper Of The Castle" when it comes to the complete Ed Sullivan Video Library.)
Meanwhile, here's the scoop on the new DVD Deluxe Edition:
The Ed Sullivan Show, the legendary live Sunday night variety show with a viewership of more than 35 million, was the unwitting catalyst that helped ignite music’s British Invasion. That musical assault kicked off a new sound that would change the world forever. One of the most significant and enduring forces in that invasion was a group of young upstarts who called themselves the “Rolling Stones.” They offered their own brand of gritty, rhythm and blues-inflected, down-and-dirty rock ’n’ roll that would eventually conquer the music world, making them one of the all-time greatest bands in history. In fact, they came to be universally known as “The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”
The Rolling Stones, the bad boys of rock ’n’ roll, first performed on The Ed Sullivan Show, as part of their introduction to the American public in 1964. The Ed Sullivan Show gave the Rolling Stones a national platform by broadcasting them into millions of living rooms across America and, in turn, helped catapult them to the top of the music charts.
The Ed Sullivan Show Starring The Rolling Stones (DELUXE EDITION) - features 6 full episodes starring the Rolling Stones and includes:
The Rolling Stones’ very first appearance on October 25, 1964, with the band whipping the audience into a frenzy with the Chuck Berry classic “Around and Around,” and their Top 10 hit, “Time Is On My Side.” This show captures the excitement and hysteria of their fans in the Sullivan Theater as they nearly drown out the Rolling Stones’ performances. The screams lasted throughout the entire performance, continuing after they finished and the curtain had dropped with Sullivan’s futile attempts to calm the crazed teenage crowd as he tries to say a few words to Mick.
The Rolling Stones making their triumphant return to the Ed Sullivan stage on May 2, 1965, performing an early original composition by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards - the Top 10 hit “The Last Time”; a rendition of the Willie Dixon blues classic “Little Red Rooster”; a cover of Solomon Burke’s “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love”; and closing out the show -- the rarely performed instrumental homage to Chess Records, “2120 South Michigan Avenue.”
Their February 13, 1966, Ed Sullivan Show appearance, presented in gorgeous CBS color,performing their No. 1 smash hit “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” against a backdrop of screaming fans and a touching rendition of their hit “As Tears Go By.” Performed as a duet, the song features the vocals of Mick Jagger and the soft chords of Keith Richards’ acoustic guitar. They end this Sullivan appearance with their newest hit, the manic “19th Nervous Breakdown.”
The Rolling Stones returning to the Ed Sullivan stage on September 11,1966, after being chased by a mob of fans down Broadway following the dress rehearsal, with a unique performance of their No. 1 hit “Paint It, Black” with Brian Jones sitting and playing the signature riff on his sitar; their hit “Lady Jane,” featuring Jones on dulcimer as the band showcases their versatility by closing the show with their smash Top 10 hit “Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadows?”
The Rolling Stones final appearance on the Ed Sullivan stage with founding member Brian Jones was on January 15, 1967, performing their No. 1 hit “Ruby Tuesday” which was followed by their now historic version of “Let’s Spend The Night Together” with the lyrics changed to, “Let’s Spend Some Time Together” by CBS network’s standards and practices department. This was a memorable moment of TV censorship. In true Stones’ fashion, the chorus is defiantly delivered with a sarcastic roll of Mick Jagger’s eyes as he looks into the camera and lets the audience at home know he’s fully aware of the absurdity of the situation.
Their November 23, 1969, appearance which marked their final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show where the band introduced their newest member, guitarist Mick Taylor, who replaced Brian Jones had left the band was soon thereafter found dead in his swimming pool. The Stones performed “Gimme Shelter,” a song that summed up the tumultuous period of the late ’60s; the Robert Johnson blues classic, “Love In Vain” and their latest No. 1 hit, “Honky Tonk Women.”
Additional highlights on this collection include:
·Tom Jones singing “Watcha Gonna Do When Your Baby Leaves You.”
·The legendary Louis Armstrong performing “Cabaret.”
·Petula Clark giving us “Elusive Butterfly” and “Color My World.”
·Standup comedians Phyllis Diller, Stiller & Meara (featuring Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara), Robert Klein and Rodney Dangerfield doing one of his classic “I Don’t Get No Respect” routines.
·Two routines by Jim Henson’s Muppets.
·The legendary Ella Fitzgerald performing “You’d Better Love Me” and “Open Your Window .”
· Bonus material - 24 page booklet featuring lines notes, rare documents, contracts and photos.
Also, included in each Deluxe Collector's Edition set is a 1966 replica ticket for entry to The Ed Sullivan Show.
Each episode hais been fully restored and presented in its historical entirety, complete with all of the other performers as well as the original commercials.For the first time, these historic shows featuring classic Rolling Stones’ performances will be officially available in a single collection.
The Ed Sullivan Show changed the landscape of American television and music history. Sullivan’s stage was home to the most iconic performances by groundbreaking artists, bringing people and families together every Sunday evening. It is the longest-running primetime variety show in TV history, and an institution in American pop culture.
Andrew Solt, executive producer of these releases and president of SOFA Entertainment, also produced “25 x 5: The Continuing Adventures of The Rolling Stones,” documenting the band’s phenomenal career from the earliest days through their “Steel Wheels” tour (1989-1990).
Here's an article from the Wall Street Journal in which Smokey Robinson reveals how he wrote The Temptations' #1 Hit "My Girl" ... David Lewis
Just weeksafter it was released on December 21, 1964, the Temptations' 11th single began racing up Billboard's Hot 100 chart, becoming the group's first No. 1 hit in March of 1965. Over time, the song — written and produced by Smokey Robinson — has become a pop-soul anthem and arguably Motown's best-known and most successful hit.
Mr. Robinson, who continues to actively tour at age 71, recently reflected on "My Girl"'s inspiration and creative evolution — and talked about how the song's famous guitar lick nearly was discarded.
I didn't set out to write "My Girl" for the Miracles and me to record. My wife at the time wasn't the inspiration, either. And "My Girl" wasn't conceived as an answer to "My Guy" — a No. 1 hit I had written for Mary Wells earlier that year. I wrote "My Girl" in 1964 specifically for the Temptations, with hopes they would make it a hit.
Months earlier, I had written "The Way You Do the Things You Do" for them — with Eddie Kendricks singing lead. But after the song became the group's first big hit, all of Motown's staff writers and producers began trying to duplicate my success by writing songs for the Temptations, with Eddie singing lead. I had to come up with something different. Fortunately,Eddie wasn't the only one in the group with a fine voice. I had heard David Ruffin sing lead while we were all on the same bill at a series of Detroit clubs. So while everyone else at Motown focused on Eddie, I sat down at my piano in Detroit and composed a song for David.
But unlike Eddie, David had this gruff, tough baritone voice. You know, "Come here girl and let me love you" — that kind of thing. I figured that if I he sang something sweet and sincere, the contrast would connect with girls who listened to the radio and bought records. To bring that out, I imagined a pulsating, heartbeat tempo. I already had the key and chord changes in mind. The melody just came.
A short time later, we [the Miracles] were out on the road again with the Temptations. At New York's Apollo Theater, we went down to the stage and I played them "My Girl" on the piano. Then the Temptations gave it a shot. While David sang lead, the rest of the guys in the group began to add things. They made up their own background vocals, like "hey-hey hey" and a series of "my girls" echoing David's vocal. The Temptations were the greatest background maker-uppers ever [laughs]. When we were finished, they said they loved the song.
That September, I went into the studio to produce the instrumental tracks. All of the Funk Brothers [Motown's studio band] were so great at adding little touches, provided you had the music's basics down. We did two rundowns of "My Girl" to get comfortable.
At the start of the third rundown, guitarist Robert White stood up and started walking around the studio playing a riff [sings the song's signature line]. But halfway in, Robert cut it off, saying "No, no, no, no, no." He didn't think what he had was right. I said, "No, no, no, my butt. That's going to be in the song." Now, of course, that line has become one of the most famous guitar riffs ever recorded.
The Temptations' vocal tracks were overdubbed in November. [Arranger] Paul Riser added the strings, which highlighted David's sweetness and the sincerity of the words. Then the single was released.
In February, 1965, the Miracles and I were out touring. After we returned to Detroit, Berry [Gordy, Motown's owner] called me into his office and handed me a $1,000 bonus check. He said, "You've got a No. 1 record coming." I thought he was talking about something the Miracles had recorded. When I asked which one, he said, "My Girl." I couldn't believe it.
Today, I sing "My Girl" in every one of my shows, and audiences know what's coming from the opening bass notes. It's every songwriter's dream to compose something that touches so many people like that for so long. "My Girl" is my dream come true.
-- Edited from an interview by Marc Myers
Motown Monday???
I'm waiting for Tamla Tuesday!!!
Jersey John
You know, that's actually not a bad idea!!! (lol) kk
re: THE WRECKING CREW:
Before they were The Wrecking Crew ...
They were "The Phil Spector Wall of Sound Orchestra"?
Jersey John
Yep, sure were ... and that's the way most of the industry insiders referred to them, too. More and more I'm thinking that "The Wrecking Crew" were self-christened by Hal Blaine!!! (kk)
By the way, regular Forgotten Hits contributor Bob Rush (aka Dr. Robert of "The Beat", a British publication that focuses on good old American rock and roll, too!), recently did a piece on The Wrecking Crew for this publication ... and he's just given us permission to rerun it in Forgotten Hits. So watch for THAT to pop up soon (after our Ed Sullivan Series runs its course!) kk
re: THE BEACH BOYS:
SO much cool Beach Boys stuff going on right now ... Brian Wilson's new Disney album ... the release (FINALLY!!!) of the "SMiLE" album on CD (in ALL kinds of deluxe editions) ... talks about the 50th Anniversary Reunion Tour ...
Here's just SOME of the latest buzz:
If you’re anything like me you’re counting down the seconds until The Beach Boys SMiLE Sessions are released on November 1 domestically (October 31, internationally). And, like me, you’ll probably disappear for weeks … This collection goes deeper into the sessions than any bootleg has ever gone before. These sessions explain away a lot of misconstrued ideas about what Brian intended, or was thinking at the time as hypothesized by historians through the years. Let each session speak for itself, and enjoy the multiple surprises in the “Heroes and Villains” sessions, and the sheer brilliance of each little musical minuet … no matter how short or unrealized. (more)
I recently picked up a copy of Harvey Kubernik's brand new book "A Perfect Haze: The Illustrated History of the Monterey International Pop Festival" ... and what a BEAUTIFUL book it is ... over 250 pages of amazing photos and stories. In fact, I just saw my first review for this ... (the book officially becomes available on Tuesday, November 1st) ... and I may even write a review myself (if I can ever find the time to sit down and actually read it!!! lol Yep, between 65 hour work weeks and the brand new Ed Sullivan Series, virtually EVERY spare minute of my day has been taken up for weeks now ... but once life returns to semi-normal, I can't wait to tear into this one!!!)
Meanwhile, check this out ... it looks like something that would be right up our readers' alley!!! (kk)
A Perfect Haze: The Illustrated History of the Monterey International Pop Festival
Harvey Kubernik and Kenneth Kubernik.
Santa Monica, $45 (288p) ISBN 978-1-59580-060-2
Before Woodstock, thousands of hippies descended on Monterey for the first ever International Pop Festival. At the height of the 1967 summer of love, many were unaware of the part they were about to play in the forthcoming "cultural explosion." Decorated producer Lou Adler cheerfully recalls the conception of the groundbreaking event, which gathered artists who represented the festival's harmonious principles. The authors provide sumptuous documentation through telegrams, contracts, newspaper clippings, line-up posters, and other rare paraphernalia. The work of celebrated photographers captures the atmosphere of this terrific spectacle: the rawness of Janis Joplin; the audacity of (then relatively unknown) Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar alight; the showmanship of The Who; and the "cultivated relaxation" enjoyed by the crowd spacing out to The Grateful Dead and Ravi Shankar before being blown away by Otis Redding. The Kuberniks's combined knowledge and passion make for a thoroughly entertaining retrospective. As David Crosby says: "What happened at Monterey was the flowering of an entirely different set of values." Festival organizer Michelle Phillips closes proceedings with reflections on this genuine happening, and the dawn of a far out philosophy that keeps on giving. (Nov.)
A Perfect Haze: The Illustrated History of the Monterey International Pop Festival.
By Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik
The sights and sounds of one of the most famous music festivals in history, held in June 1967. Come to life in this compilation of photography, memorabilia, and firsthand accounts from the Summer of Love’s biggest event.
This could be the definitive book on the unprecedented gathering of folk, pop, soul and jazz music icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Who and Otis Redding.
Co-authors Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik feature a wealth of previously unpublished material from the producer’s archives, rare items from collectors, personal photographs from concert-goers, and dozens of new interviews with musicians involved, including Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Ravi Shankar, and Canned Heat.
Through hundreds of photographs taken from notable artists alongside ephemera and memorabilia, such as programs, posters, and album covers, the book evokes the magic moment of the festival as the epicenter of a groundbreaking movement showcasing it in all its kaleidoscopic glory.
Harvey's other recent book is playing to rave reviews, too ... I wanna check out THIS one!!! (kk)
"Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon." (Sterling Publishing)
Author Harvey Kubernik Book Review By Chris James, editor SHAKE! Magazine Fall 2011 Volume 8 November 1 Hendersonville, Tennessee www.shakemagazine,com Written by long-time L.A. resident, Harvey Kubernik, "Canyon of Dreams" is a personal tribute based on exclusive interviews with musical giants. Kubernik has long-time connections with most of the stars. He has been a writer and PR man in L.A. for decades. This insider’s look at 80 years of music and culture in Laurel Canyon is loaded with beautiful, and in many cases previously unreleased photos. We get improved insight into The Doors, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Monkees, The Turtles, Canned Heat, Jackson Browne, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Sonny & Cher and Carole King. The three surviving Doors talk about Jim Morrison. Randy Meisner reminisces about the Eagles first gig. Graham Nash describes writing "Our House," Lou Adler discusses his legendary Sunset Strip venues-the Whisky a Go-Go, Roxy Theater, Rainbow Bar & Grill. He and Michelle Phillips recall the Monterey International Pop Festival. Slash, raised in Laurel Canyon, describes Guns N’ Roses beginnings. Longtime friend of Kubernik, Ray Manzarek write the foreword. Then, after we look at the early days of films and jazz, moving chronologically, Harvey focuses on the rock icons who lived in Laurel Canyon like Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell and Micky Dolenz. Visitors such as Eric Burdon, Donovan and John Mayall, were drawn by the powerful allure. The book portrays the Monkees in a new light. They were part of the scene. This residential area was the center of rock music for nearly a decade. Interviews with Andrew Loog Oldham, Mark Volman, Henry Diltz and many others tell what it was like during this era. Every aspect of Laurel Canyon and the Sunset Strip area is remembered, the clubs, the bands, the record companies, the radio stations. Jazz artists of the fifties and sixties. Who lived in the area are mentioned too. Myths are supported or dispelled. The superb photographs display the times. Their visual impact is as important as the script. Henry Diltz started as a folk singer and tells how his career morphed into that of an iconic rock photographer. He shot The Doors’ "Morrison Hotel" album cover. Doug and Daryl Dragon, whose father was symphony conductor, Carmen Dragon, lived in a house bought by TV star Wally Cox, then Peter Tork, then Stephen Stills and even later used by the Rolling Stones to rehearse for a tour. It was known as the ultimate party house when Tork was there. So many famous people lived in Laurel Canyon; H.B. Barnum, Harry Houdini, Tom Mix, Tex Ritter, Jackie De Shannon, Robert Heinlein, Tim Buckley, the Firesign Theater. Kim Fowley, Pamela Des Barres, Glen Campbell, Rick Rubin, Danny Hutton, Billy James, Arthur Lee, Paul Rothchild… Harvey draws from a lifetime of experience. "My roots go back to the mid-Fifties in this town. I was born at Queen of Angels Hospital, overlooking the Hollywood 101 Freeway. I graduated from Fairfax High School." The people in this book are dear to him.
And in other book news ... PublishAmerica is proud to announce the recent release of Mark Bego's new book: Where the Action Is!! Here's what the author says about the book: FREDDY CANNON is the talented singer of some of the most memorable '50s and '60s rock & roll hits including: "Palisades Park," "Tallahassee Lassie," and "Action!" His exciting 1960 debut album, The Explosive! Freddy Cannon, hit Number One in England and he was featured on all of the top television shows including Shindig!, Hullabaloo, Midnight Special, and Where the Action Is. Freddy was such a hit with Dick Clark, that he became the most frequent guest star on American Bandstand. Freddy was also one of the stars of the films Just For Fun and Village of the Giants. Where the Action Is! is Freddy Cannon's fascinating story of what it was like to become a teenage star during rock's greatest era! "A rock & roll original!" -- Chuck Berry "Freddy Cannon inspired 'Brown Sugar!'" -- Mick Jagger "I loved 'Tallahassee Lassie!'" -- Robert Plant "Cannon is one of the greats!" --J erry Lee Lewis
We are offering you an opportunity to secure your personal copy of Mark Bego's exceptional book today. Please click here: http://www.publishamerica.net/product45383.html to secure your copy of the book*, then click Add to Cart. For an introductory discount of 20%, use this coupon code: Discount20.
Thank you for your interest in our author's wonderful achievement.
Have a great day!
PublishAmerica www.publishamerica.com Sounds like a great deal to me!!! Be sure to check it out! (kk)
re: SHEBA:
>>>I nominate this as best Instrumental of the century! (John)
"Sheba" (Johnny & the Hurricanes) -- I'm crazy about it too!!! I rarely spin "Down Yonder" because I like "Sheba" so much more!!!
Bobster
re: MONKEES NEWS:
Kent ...
Here's my version of "Love Is Only Sleeping" ... coming out on "Garage Band Tribute To The Monkees" on Collectables Records in November. This great series is put together by Pat Horgan, and I'm proud to be a part of the series.
I also did another track ... "You Told Me" (from The Monkees' "Headquarters" album.)
Just a side note ... I'm playing all of the instruments on both of the songs that I did ... and I had a lot of fun doing them. Both of the songs are my tribute and thanks to Mike Nesmith, who I always admired greatly. (Nesmith was always My Favorite Monkee!)
Once again, my thanks to the great Pat Horgan for asking me to be a part of the "Garage Band Tribute" series. And thank you Kent, for asking about it!
Hope you like the tracks.
Mitch Schecter/ The Rip Chords
Annual 'James River Jam' - Saluting the Military on Veterans Day
New York - Monkee-lead singer MICKY DOLENZ will join the all-star band on the first annual James River Jam, which will be held Friday, November 11, 2011, at Busch Gardens' Royal Palace Theatre in Williamsburg, Virginia. The charity jam session, put together by producer Jeffrey Forskett, is presented by Tempus Jets and Busch Gardens, and will benefit An Achievable Dream Academy, Folds of Honor Foundation and Eastern Congo Initiative, organizations dedicated to improving educational opportunities for children and young adults. Dolenz,who is in the midst of a solo tour (after touring with the re-united Monkees this past summer) was contacted by producer Foskett, who produced his solo album from last year, KING FOR A DAY (Gigatone). Says Dolenz, "A great cause, a great band, on a great day. A perfect event." Event organizers chose the Veterans Day holiday in honor of the local military personnel living and working in the region. A portion of the concert tickets will be given to local military bases for complimentary admission to the James River Jam.
The following artists will appear at the James River Jam on November 11:
Joe Don Rooney, Rascal Flatts' lead guitarist Don Felder, former Eagles guitarist John Oates, singer/songwriter and co-founder of Hall & Oates JD Souther, legendary singer/songwriter Micky Dolenz, lead singer of The Monkees Jerry Eubanks, former member of the Marshall Tucker Band Sam Bush, musician, vocalist and Father of Newgrass Joe Horowitz, musician and Canadian professional golfer Special video appearance from actor and Eastern Congo Initiative founder Ben Affleck
And, speaking of Micky Dolenz, here's a GREAT shot of Micky on stage at B.B. King's in New York City, courtesy of dis company:
Kent,
A "Happy Together" Tour 2012 date has surfaced on Pollstar. There are a couple of inaccuracies in that it references 2011 and lists The Monkees as one of the acts instead of Micky Dolenz.
State Theatre - New Brunswick, NJ
Wednesday, 06/20/12
The "Happy Together" Tour 2011
The Grass Roots
The Buckinghams
The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
Gary Puckett & The Union Gap
The Monkees
Steve Epstein
I heard about this from a couple of readers this week ... not sure how they screwed this up, but it's just Micky solo. He did the tour a couple of years ago and was a GREAT concert draw! (kk)
Kent,
According to Pollstar, one date for the Happy Together Tour 2012 has already been booked: June 20, 2012 in New Brunswick, NJ. Interestingly, the lineup for the tour date lists The Monkees, instead of just Micky Dolenz. Now that would be something! Anyhow, I wanted to pass on this info so Howard Kaylan can put the date in his appointment book!
Ian Berger
LOL ... yes, Howard Kaylan gets ALL of his Happy Together Again Tour information FIRST right here in Forgotten Hits!!! (lol) kk
re: BUDDY HOLLY:
And here's word on a brand new, live concert all-star tribute to the music of Buddy Holly, airing on PBS Stations nationwide beginning this December ...
We've been telling you about the recent tribute albums put together honoring Buddy's incredible legacy of music ... well now you get to see the whole thing, up close and personal. Check out this promo video clip, courtesy of Forgotten Hits Reader Tom Cuddy:
Kent;
How oft do I read this stoooooooooooopid story, and why do the facts not connect to those writing.
"Love Me Tender" -- the lyrics changed from a song "Aura Lea", by two men who lived during the
American Civil war and a favorite tune of the troops, on both sides.
I can remember picking up a 45, yearsssssssss ago, and checking out the AUTHORS and wondering who the blazes, PUBLIC DOMAIN, was / is.
Vera Matson was the wife of the musical director of the movie LOVE ME TENDER and, due to copyright stuff, Ken Darby had his wife's name and Elvis's put on the label.
In the movie there are four songs. SOMEHOW I figure we'll find out that there were even more songs filmed, but cut.
For recording release, "Love Me Tender" was on both a 45 and a 78 ... and then on the 45 WITH the other three songs. FOR all these issues, the back up musicians were STUDIO GUYS with the vocals by the Ken Darby Trio ... and the studio guys again for the two song in the movie.
That STORY that is ridiculous! Elvis's regular musicians and the Jordainaires were NOT wanted by HAL WALLIS.
Can those who perpetuate this wonky story NOT connect, the dots????????????????????????
Yep, Hal was the guy who signed Elvis to a movie contract. Thing was, HAL had no projects on hand and so, I imagine to make a buck and see how his purchase would do at the box office, ol' HAL RENTED Elvis to 20TH Century Fox, who made Love Me Tender.
As such, Hal Wallis had zero input regarding who sang what, etc.
IF Wallis did feel as such about Scotty Bill D.J and the Jordanaires, then WHYYYYYYYYYYY were they all there in his next few movies?????
LOVING YOU ... KING CREOLE ... G.I.Blues????????????
'Nother story I heard that is quite plausable is, that no matter how well Elvis's records sold, RCA, hated the fact that Elvis seldom if ever entered a studio PREPARED.
THIS COST $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Sam Philip's advice to RCA: "Give the boy a longgggggggggggggggg leash" ... and to Elvis:
"Don't let them TELL you what or how to record."
HEY, more 'n' more GREAT STUFF getting on YouTube.
What I do not look forward to is how soon the radio stations begin spinning CHRISTMAS stuff ... sammmmmmme songs by the same people. 90% of them cut the music for sales, FEW MEAN the lyrics and, if they sing about JESUS, it's ONLY a REASON, for the season!
For anyone from the US coming to the Toronto area whenever, we got one great oldies station at 740 and one from Hamilton at 1150. (How many radio listeners, if a station is id'ed, by a number, CAN'T figure out if you're talking AM or FM??????????????
What or Who is THE WRECKIN CREW????
Yours,
Robert Black;
Kincardine and Willowdale
Ontario, Canada ...
REAL home of the STANLEY CUP
ALWAYS an entertaining read ... thanks for writing, Robert!
To address a few of your comments above ...
Because of the guaranteed hit potential of ANYTHING Elvis Presley recorded back in 1956, shrewd manager Colonel Tom Parker was able to negotiate songwriting and publishing credit for many of Elvis' earliest recordings. (Elvis himself admitted that he never wrote a song in his life ... but Parker was able to "strong arm" a publishing deal earning his artist an additional paycheck in royalties ... and the songwriters themselves never really complained because even 50% song-writing credit on an Elvis Presley hit could STILL make one a very, very rich man!) As such, you'll find Elvis' name listed as co-writer on many of his earliest hits, including "Love Me Tender".
I don't know why ANYBODY would object to The Jordanaires singing on an Elvis record ... they were absolutely part of his "sound" back then ... and a very successful sound at that!
As for The Wrecking Crew, we've been writing about them for YEARS now ... in fact, scroll up to the top of today's piece and you'll find them listed again. We'll be reprinting Bob Rush's recent article on these artists from "The Beat", a British publication that also published our interview with Peter Noone several years ago. These guys played on HUNDREDS of hit records in the '60's ... and the documentary is a glorious tribute to their artistry ... a must see if you get a chance. (It's still playing at film festivals and special screenings around the country ... check out their website for more details.) kk
I listen to Scott Shannon on the TOC and hear him speak of you frequently :-) . Also, I LOVE reading all of the opinions on your website - most esp. the 50's one - and always ELVIS!
Thanks for all that you do to keep our Memories alive.
Always TCB'ing in Huntsville, AL
Jennie Carpenter
Thanks, Jennie ... we love Scott Shannon's show, too! You'll find some cool Elvis memories above ... and also coming up in our Ed Sullivan Series (naturally!) ... hoping you'll share some of YOURS with our readers, too! (kk)
Maybe the Swingin' Medallions can get back together and record a song called Double Dose Of Forgotten Hits. They can have a clean recording and a suggestive recording.
Rock And Roll Never Forgets
Hmmm ... thanks for your suggestive suggestion! (kk)
Kent!!!
You guys are awesome!!!
All the best,
Melanie<3<3<3
re: THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW:
It's already shaping up to be one of our biggest series ever!!!
Please help us to spread the word ...
However you communicate!!!
Post it on your website!
Announce it on your radio program!
Facebook -- Twitter -- My Space (does anybody do My Space anymore?!??!)
Just help us to get the word out ...
(Word of Mouth is the KEY to pushing this series over the top!)
And let's face it ...
EVERYBODY watched The Ed Sullivan Show!!!
Share your memories with our readers ... If you've never written in before, we want to hear from you! Doesn't matter if you were a kid camped out in front of the tv set, diggin' all the latest sounds ... or if you were an artist performing "right here on our stage" ON The Ed Sullivan Show ... We want to be able to tell EXACTLY what it was like from BOTH sides of the screen!!!
Everything will kick off THIS MONDAY, October 31st, with a special Rolling Stones DVD Preview Issue ... by mid-week, we'll be running our EXCLUSIVE Forgotten Hits Interview with Andrew Solt of SOFA Entertainment ... Andrew owns the rights to the ENTIRE Ed Sullivan Video Library. And, by Week Two, we'll not only be sharing READERS' memories ... but also those of many of the artists who appeared on the program. Along the way, we'll also be telling you how you can pick up copies of some of these great videos for your very own music library collection.
It's all coming up RIGHT HERE in Forgotten Hits ... so tell a friend ... or two ... or TWENTY!!! We want your input on this one! (kk)
So we're putting them all out there with this special "Double Whammy" Edition of Weekend Comments.
Be sure to join us Saturday AND Sunday for commentary on all the latest topics ...
And then please make it a point to check back EVERY DAY FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS as
FORGOTTEN HITS REMEMBERS THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW!!!
re: WAYNE COCHRAN:
Hi Kent:
He was the White Knight of Soul and the pride and joy of the "Happy Medium" back when Rush Street was about boy - girl attraction and dancing until 4 A.M. Back when Rush Street was
training ground for the Chicago Transit Authority.
What's the book on Wayne Cochran? The last I heard he was running a ministry down in Miami.
I would kill to hear him sing "You Don't Know Like I Know" just one more time.
At his peak, Wayne had a 14 piece band with synchronized drums and a kid named Chester Mass who played the baddest jazz bass guitar you could ever hope to hear.
Yes, I was a Wayne "groupie" ... followed him all over the Midwest.
There was never a better lounge act.
Chet Coppock
Dailycoppock.com
WLS Radio
I tried to contact Wayne Cochran when I did my "Last Kiss" series several years ago ... despite repeated attempts, I never got a single response. (Oddly enough, during the course of that series, I also received several emails from people supposedly "in the know" claiming that Wayne did NOT write "Last Kiss" ... but rather stole it (or at least the majority of it) from other writers ... all the MORE reason I wanted to talk to him for Forgotten Hits to put this story to bed once and for all. Despite the five decade success of that song (which most would consider his greatest career achievement), Cochran seems best-remembered for his frantic live shows of the '60's. (And, if I'm not mistaken, YOU were not only one of his biggest fans but ALSO perhaps the very first Wayne Cochran Impersonator, right?!?!?) Cochran was HUGE in Chicago and Miami ... and made numerous appearances on the old Jackie Gleason television show ... yet he never really had a chart hit of his own. We'd LOVE to talk to him ... let me try again ... maybe we can do a special edition of Coppock On Sports with a musical twist ... get Wayne on the program, show some vintage clips and talk about the good old days ... and then have you two guys do the whole "Dueling Waynes" thing, ala Belushi and Joe Cocker on SNL!!! (kk)
Here's Wayne's official story, told in his own words (albeit quite a few years ago!)
People involved with the career of J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers at the time have said it's the most honest ... and accurate ... story ever portrayed of the band and this #1 Hit. (kk)
re: JOHNNY AND THE HURRICANES:
>>>I bought a Johnny & The Hurricanes CD and clicked through the songs with some excitement ... but when I hit the (1960) song, "Sheba", I must have played it three thousand times! Anyway, I nominate this as best Instrumental of the century! (John)
>>>I don't know about "best instrumental of the century", but this short clip DOES make me want to hear the whole thing! "Sheba" was the non-charting B-Side of their "Down Yonder" single from 1960 (#31). kk To me, it's like one of those songs that some DJ would have flipped the plug-side 45 over and that flip-side song achieved charting success!
Thank you for the non-charting info. Disappointing news :-(
p.s. The people who own the rights to Johnny & The Hurricanes' material said the master tapes were lost or destroyed. I believe my snippet was mastered from something other than tape (maybe a record stamping master), but they (private record label) did a fine job at mastering it!!
Thanks, again!
Best,
Jersey John
re: ROCK AND ROLL OLDIES SET LISTS:
Kent,
I was happy to read Glenn Barton's New Invaders set list. Terrific! Hope to one day hear those guys live.
I haven't been on the concert circuit since leaving The Rip Chords as re-founder and musical director about 5 years ago, but I have been playing non-stop and having a wonderful off-the-road time. My new band, The Way Back Machine, specializes in songs we love but don't hear much on the radio or live. For Glenn and all, here is our list so far. Suggestions for National rarities from your discerning readers are always appreciated.
All the best,
Dr. Robert (Bob Rush, DC), The Beat Magazine
THE RAPPER
YOU CAN’T DO THAT
MR. MOONLIGHT
JUST ONE LOOK
A WORLD WITHOUT LOVE
GET TOGETHER
THE WEIGHT
GOOD OLD ROCK AND ROLL
GREEN TAMBOURINE
TOBACCO ROAD
NY MINING DISASTER
MASSACHUSSETTS
A MILLION YEARS
GYPSY WOMAN (Bob’s version)
BOOGALOO DOWN BROADWAY
NOBODY BUT ME
GIMME GIMME GOOD LOVING
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I NEEDED YOU
19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
ELEANOR
SEE FOR MILES
ITCHYCOO PARK
The U.S. Beat, by Dr. Robert
(Dr.) Bob Rush, U.S. Correspondent
forThe Beat Magazine
Kent,
Thanks for running the Forgotten Hits site. I'm a Baby Boomer, a huge fan of 60s rock, an occasional rock journalist and a sometimes bass player in cover bands (Preservation, a tribute to the Kinks, and Ironics, who began as a sort of tribute to the Bonzo Dog Band). As you can imagine, I love hearing from such a variety of fellow Boomers and / or musicians, especially about relatively obscure bands that deserve to be celebrated and / or about tribute acts. Anyway, I've been meaning to thank you for all your work, but today I also have a question.
You list an entry from someone named Glenn Barton, who has a cover band called "The Shreds of Evidence." I love just about every song on their set list and would love to either listen to them or jam with them sometime. However, I don't know if the Arlington Heights at which he says the band played recently is the Arlington Heights near me (just outside Boston) or somewhere else. Can you either let me know where he's from or give me a way to email him or both? Also, in general, how does one post to your site, if I ever get inspired to do so?
Thanks again and keep rocking!
Tom Reid
Well, Tom, you just posted ... it's that simple!!! (lol) Send me an email and we'll take care of the rest. (We get a couple hundred a day and eventually weed thru each and every one. If we find something that we feel will be of interest to the majority of readers out there, we'll run it on the site ... doesn't get much easier than that!)
Glenn Barton's band is based out of Arlington Height, Illinois ... so no, not right around the corner from you ... but I've passed your note along and perhaps he'll give you a shout! Meanwhile, we've posted another interesting set list above from our FH Buddy Dr. Robert! (kk)
Check out this video clip of Kathy singing "A Thousand Stars", an impromptu live version, accompanied by The Earth Angels and The Quotations ... an incredible a cappella version!
>>>It sure is!!! If Kathy Young turned 66 last week, I've got to say that she still looks and sounds GREAT! (kk)
She simply refuses to age, doesn't she? When the video of her singing this song at age 60 appeared on YouTube a few years ago, she appeared to be 40. In the hotel lobby impromptu video she looks like she might be 42. What's in that glass?
David Lewis
I have to assume the person who is very disappointed with the way the recording is going is The Innocents' producer, Jim Lee. However, if anyone knows differently, I'd appreciate knowing.
Today In Music History: Buddy Holly makes his last major television appearances ...
Buddy Lip-Syncs two songs on American Bandstand. http://wcbsfm.radio.com/2011/10/28/today-in-history-buddy-holly-makes-his-final-major-television-appearance/#photo-3
Frank B.
re: TOMMY ROE:
Tommy Roe is back out on the road performing again. Here's a quick look at what you can expect. (Is there anybody out there willing to bring Tommy to Chicago??? I'd LOVE to see him!!!) kk
HALLOWEEN HAS BECOME THE VALENTINES DAY FOR ALL YOU BOYZ AND GHOULS, SO I'M GONNA' GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANT ... SAX, BLOOD AND ROCK AND ROLL!
THEME FROM THE EXORCIST, BOBBY "BORIS"PICKETT, the Addams Family, HERE COME THE MUMMIES, Disturbia, MUSE, screamin jay hawkins, WARREN ZEVON, blue oyster cult ... HIGH QUALITY, UNEDITED ... UNCENSORED ... "THRILLER" BY MICHAEL JACKSON.
