Just Another Manic Monday

Manic indeed!

So here’s how this is gonna work …

Right now you’re reading our latest post … which is a batch of comments received from our readers over the past couple of weeks …

Once you complete today's post you've got to scroll, scroll, scroll your boat (or MOUSE, in this case, I guess!) to time-travel back with us and make everything right again!

Keep scrolling back after you finish today’s page and you’ll find the batch of Chubby Checker comments that went out yesterday by email … expanded to include our original review, some photos and a couple of tracks that were discussed.  (These now show as a Sunday post.)

Keep scrolling back after that and you’ll find a greatly expanded version of the very first Saturday Survey for 1968, covering the state of Virginia … now posted in its proper place of Saturday.

And ... keep scrolling back after THAT (yes, our plan is to keep you here on the web page for the entire day!) and you’ll find (split between Thursday and Friday) the complete list of our picks for The Top 20 Concerts of 2017.

Hopefully from this point forward, things will return to normal (Normal?  What’s THAT?!?!?) now that our 1967 Calendar Series has ended.  (And, of course, we’re still planning on moving THAT series … completely intact … to our other 1967 web page over the course of the new year. And you thought YOU were busy!!!  Whew!)

Meanwhile, enjoy this new Super-Sized batch of Manic Monday Comments …

kk …

I'm going with kk in 2018, instead of writing out your whole name.

I have nothing to say ... I just wanted to record your new address so I wouldn't forget it.

Hold on … I just thought of something to say …

I'm watching Ed Sullivan and listening to Martha & The Vandellas. 

My review is better than yours. 

Of course I'm reviewing a 1960's performance.

FB

LOL … I actually gave this some thought …

Maybe this year I'd just go with "k" instead of "kk" …

Think about how much time I'd save over the course of the year by not having to type that extra letter!

(It's scary sometimes … but THESE are the kind of things I think about!!!)

Nah … I'm just gonna stick with "kk" as today that's pretty much the way I'm always address … "kk" or "double k" … they both work … (still dreaming about "The Double K Ranch" … but again that's just the way my mind works … that's why it's best to stay busy writing Forgotten Hits or I'll second guess myself to death!)

I missed SO many of these great artists when they were performing during their prime … I was just too young at the time … so I have to go with the "current" version.  All I can say is it's become really easy to weed out the ones who've still got it … and the ones who don't.  Overall, I've gotta say that MOST of these artists continue to impress the hell out of me … which just shows you how much true, genuine talent they all had in the first place.  (We've been blown away by the best of them ... another one who is still in top voice that comes to mind is Little Anthony ... I've seen him twice now these past few years and he's put on a GREAT show each time!)

Thanks for writing … and bookmarking the new email address … you made me laugh this morning!  (kk … or double k … whichever you prefer!)

Kent!!

Happy New Year!

I'm just seeing this now - congratulations on 18 Years of Forgotten Hits! 

We got a new, 2017 Kia Soul this year and it's armed with SiriusXM radio (free for three months.) I've had it pretty much glued to the Beatles channel, but I also go over to Bluesville, which is hit or miss as they play the classics that I love as well as the modern, blues rock crap. Another station that's very interesting is Deep Tracks, which I've told Diana a few times is how radio SHOULD be! 

I went ape shit buying CD's last year - somewhere over 200, including stuff that I never thought I'd get since they're out of print, which brings me to a band I knew about but never actually heard and they're now one of my very favorites: MOBY GRAPE!  Have you ever done anything on them?  I purchased the 2007 Sundazed reissues with bonus tracks of their five Columbia albums,  two of which were pulled off the market less than a month later.  At this point in time, they're ALL GONE. I got 'em, having paid some $40 to $60 for each disc through various sellers via Amazon. I told Diana that I'm not buying anything in 2018 except for some new Zeppelin release(s) that Jimmy Page is working on to mark the band's 50th anniversary.

Ed Parker

Hi Ed … great to hear from you … LONG time indeed!

Yes, I'm totally lovin' The Beatles Channel, too … still got about six weeks to go on my free Sirius / XM package but I'm sure I'll renew it (even though it sounds like The Eagles Channel will soon disappear) as long as the price is right.

I've never done a piece specifically on Moby Grape but they've certainly come up numerous times over the years … quite a few of their original fans are still out there … plus new folks like you discovering their music all the time.

Who would have ever thought about doing this for eighteen years?!?!  I remember you and I talking at the time about how neither one of us thought we could keep our series going for more than five … nor even wanting to … yet I can't even imagine what life would have been like these past eighteen years were it not for the opportunities and experiences that doing Forgotten Hits has given me.

I'm also now on the Board of The Chicago Music Hall Of Fame … and you know what a rich heritage Chicago has for The Blues and Early Influence Artists … so this should make for a brand new exciting adventure as well!  (I'm hoping that we can get to the point of running monthly updates as this project moves forward … and who knows, by year's end maybe even be able to entertain some of our readers at a Chicago Music Hall Of Fame event or two!)

All I can say is "Stay Tuned" … because there always seems to be something new and exciting going on here at Forgotten Hits!

Best to Diana …  (kk) 

Kent –

Sometimes the Beatles channel throws me a curve ball that’s just irresistible. Last night after overdosing on the NFL, I heard Fats Domino cover “Lovey Rita, meter maid.” That fat man had a ball with the song. It’s hardly a Grammy winning effort but you will die laughing when Fats bellows “when are you free to have a drink with me.”

Chet Coppock, author: “Otis Wilson - If These Walls Could Talk.”

Hey Kent,

Despite all the monster hits that Chubby charted, I still (at least once a quarter) will default play Lovely, Lovely from 1965, (barely charted at # 70 Billboard) as my favorite.  Must have been the time, the situation and the station. This is another outstanding reason why I was never a music director!

BOB MAYBEN

“Bobaloo”

For those of you keeping score, today would have been Elvis Presley’s 83^rd Birthday.  I’m sure we’ll spend a fair amount of time listening to Sirius / XM’s Elvis Channel to and from work today … they broadcast live from Graceland on a daily basis … but honestly feature FAR too many obscurities for my taste.  (Since Elvis barely exists anymore on regular radio, other than the daily spins of “Suspicious Minds” and a precious few others, I’d be happy if they just concentrated on his legitimate hits and best-known album and live cuts … because they barely get ANY recognition at all anymore … and this is the guy who changed the face of music FOREVER!!!)

Here are three of MY favorites … not likely to make the play list ...

>>>Thanks to all the stations which ran the 2017 edition of our ten hour radio countdown, "The 100 Greatest Christmas Hits of All Time."  The show, hosted by Wink Martindale, ran in over 100 markets in the U.S. alone and was heard internationally in more than 75 countries plus Armed Forces Radio and the Music of Your Life chain of stations.  As each edition does, the countdown generated a lot of kind comments plus suggestions for new additions for 2018.  Wink and I are now sifting through all the e-mail.   (Gary Theroux)

>>>I actually listened to quite a bit of it, too … in fact, this was the background music featured while we opened our gifts on Christmas Morning this year.  (kk)

Oh, Kent …

How dreadful and what a crying shame that you had to open your Christmas presents on Christmas day listening to them when what you should have been opening your present to is so obvious.

There is only one album with a rather remoter number 2 that should even be considered for playing on Christmas day. Please make sure you amend your ways and next year the one and only album you should be playing is the fantastic first version of the Elvis Christmas album and, if you have lots of presents and run out of music, then the easy thing to do is play it again … or, if you really want something different, then the second Christmas album to play has to be the Phil Spector album.

It is strange … I would have thought that after all these years listening to music, the Christmas album should have become a ritual to someone so educated in music, like it has been in my household since I bought it in 1958 on a ten inch LP.

Have a happy and more importantly healthy new year, Kent …

Regards from me over here to all your family over there, along with the extended family readership, wherever they may be.

Take care,

Rockin’ Lord Geoff (in England)

And the happiest and healthiest of new year to you and yours as well!  (kk)

This is probably old news but Judy In Disguise With Glasses was a satire of The Beatles’ Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.

Anna Borrocks

And perhaps stranger still … on January 20^th, 1968, “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” knocked The Beatles’ “Hello Goodbye” out of the #1 spot on The Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart after spending three weeks at #1!  (kk)

And, speaking of surveys, Ken Freck sent this in after he saw Jack Levin’s list of The Top 100 Hits of 1967 based on the Chicagoland Charts …

Hi Kent: 

Here are the Top 10 Milwaukee hits combining both WRIT & WOKY:

1.      Windy

2.      The Letter

3.      Come Back When You Grow Up

4.      Never My Love

5.      Ode To Billie Joe

6.      Little Bit ‘O Soul

7.      Daydream Believer

8.      Kind Of A Drag

9.      Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron

10.   I’m A Believer 

That’s all the Chart items I have for 1967.

Happy New Year and what a great series you ran all year for the

50^thanniversary of ’67. Congratulations! 

Ken

And this from Clark Besch, who’s helping me put together our weekly Saturday Surveys Series, spotlighting the hits from literally ALL over the entire country this year … 

In my opinion, 1968 is third only to ‘67 and ‘66 in importance to my music history.  Since Gary Theroux was nice to want to rewrite history with his terrific Cryan’ Shames comments, I offer up my 1967 year end chart.  It is NOT a rewrite as this was how I actually made my chart based on my 1967 weekly personal charts with my pretend KOON radio station.  It is in line with Gary to a major extent, of course!  I even did a UK year end chart based on my weekly UK chart which was always based on Ron Riley's WLS Brit Billboard show and Billboards' "Hits of the World" chart every week. 

I'll toss in my last weekly chart of the year 67.  This is the first page of a chart that had 115 songs this week in ‘67 followed by a top 25 Brit chrat with the great Bee Gees 45 "World" at #1.  That song was bypassed as a 45 here for "Words."

Still I have to wonder … how did MY #1 song of ‘67 only rank #42 on WLS?  Hard to figure that one out.  Clark Weber … any answers for how a 4-week #1 song to rank #42 for the year???  #7 on WCFL's year end is better, but 
sstill not really right, IMO.

Clark

Hi Kent.

Wishing you the best of the new year, bud.

Looking forward to seeing you this summer.

All the best,

Ron Dante 

PS. Love your year end reviews of the best live shows.

We caught up with Ron after the Happy Together show last year (for about a second!)   
Here’s a photo …

Have a great year!

Hope to see you May 4^th at the Arcada …

BOX TOPS and CHUCK NEGRON

RICK LEVY

We’ll be there!  See you then.  (kk)

Hi Kent,

Happy New Year! Wishing you a successful 2018!

I’m not sure if you ever saw this video I did for the Decades TV Network.

Carl

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

VERY cool …

We just happened to be seated with Neal Sabin (who runs Me-TV and The Decades Channel … as well as the Me-TV-FM radio station that we’re always raving about) at the Herb Alpert / Lani Hall show at The City Winery last year and he told us that he would LOVE to get Herb to tape a segment for The Decades Channel this year. 

Here’s hoping that he can pull that together.

Meanwhile, how VERY cool to hear you talking with Bill Kurtis on here … two Chicagoland legends to be sure!  (kk)

Hey Kent.

I am amazed and at a loss for words that you included the Cryan’ Shames’ Songs and Stories Concert as number eight in your top 20 list for concerts of 2017. 

The night of that concert. I was determined that we were going to do the very best that we could given the circumstances that we were facing. We rehearsed the night before for a few hours. I know for certain that the majority of the reason it sounded so good was because the guys who are in the Cryan’ Shames live performance group are excellent, excellent musicians who are dedicated to replicating the original feeling of those songs. 

I want to specifically point out the guys in the band ...

On lead guitar, vocals and keyboard there is Paul Wood.  On bass guitar,  vocals and lead vocals is Greg Bruckers. On lead guitar, vocals and lead vocals is Jeff Rutter. On vocals and keyboard is Dave Rice. On drums, vocals and lead vocals is Rocky Penn. On percussion is our Berkeley School of Music graduate, Michael Ayres. I count myself lucky to be able to sing with these guys. 

I also want to give  special recognition to the audience we had that night. Great fans … appreciative and, most importantly, they got me through a difficult night. 

Thanks again. I really am humbled.

I hope we can do some more shows this year with the Cryan’ Shames band. As you mentioned they are outstanding and it is a shame that we don't play more. 

Blessings –

Toad

A band THIS good deserves to be heard … you guys earned your placing on our Best Concerts List.  Please share our accolades with all the guys in the group … you all did an OUTSTANDING job that night under the most adverse conditions … so each and every member deserves major kudos for kicking it up a notch.  I hope we have many more opportunities to see the band in the future.  (kk)

Hi Kent ... and all the readers of FH!

We are just hitting land after another incredible Moody Blues Cruise. It was epic for the Ides and a bonanza to see some of our favorite bands.

(I got to catch Richie Furay, Jefferson Starship featuring my dear friend Cathy Richardson, and Alan Parsons. Oh yeah, and the reason we are here, the Hall of Famers … the fab Moody Blues.  

Just as I was deboarding we were greeted by the great news that the Ides ranked #4 by FH in this year’s  best shows for our Christmas show at the Arcada.  This means even more looking at the amazing company we are keeping. 

This makes us wanna raise the bar even higher each year so we can stay on this honored list.

On behalf of all the Ides of March, Thanks, kk and Clark and all at Forgotten Hits for keeping the flame of great music alive. As you might say - great commitment to Rock & Roll is never forgotten.  

Rock Steady.

Jimbo

Kent:

I always enjoy when reader Shelly Sweet-Tufano reviews one of her concert trips; however with her recap of the 60s concert she saw in Tarrytown, NY, I wanted to make one modification so that Vogues’ fans are up-to-date.

Shelley references original lead singer Billy Burkette as currently being with the Vogues.  I wish that was true, but I, too, was at that Tarrytown concert and Billy was absent.  I did some investigating and discovered some sad news.  Billy has taken a leave from the Vogues to concentrate on his health.  Vogues singer and the Vogues trademark owner Troy Elich told me Billy was diagnosed with lung cancer this past Spring.  He missed his first show in May when the band performed at Westbury Music Fair (Long Island, NY).  I can certainly understand why she was under the impression that Billy was there because the official website still lists him as active.  And hopefully he will be again in the near future.

That said Troy and the two other singers that night (all non-originals) did a more than respectable job being loyal to the great harmonies of the Vogues and the original arrangements.  I’m sure Shelley wasn’t the only concert-goer that night that wasn’t aware of who was in the group. 

If you haven’t seen the Vogues 2011 appearance on a PBS-TV fundraising concert, this link is worth clicking.  On the night of this taping, there were two originals on stage (Billy Burkette and Hugh Geyer).  They delivered a spot on performance on their # 7 Billboard 1968 hit “Turn Around, Look at Me.” 
-- Tom Cuddy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VtEs-vS7ik

Yes, and it’s a classic performance.  (Earlier on Tom had sent me a video of The Vogues complete performance that not, not just the edited portion that aired as part of the PBS special … and they were nothing short of outstanding.  We would LOVE to see them should they ever head out our way.  (Are you listening, Ron Onesti???)

Thanks for the clarification, Tom.  (kk)

In the center of the photo is original lead singer of the Vogues, Billy Burkette.  On the right, is Troy Elich, the leader of the current Vogues and the owner of the group’s trademark. Royce Taylor is on the left.

- - Tom Cuddy
I can only tell you that from what I've seen and heard, these guys still look and sound great ... we would LOVE to have them come to Chicago!  (kk)

Happy New Year from Chuck Buell!

My younger Son came across this Special New Year’s Ornament and immediately knew it would be fun for me!  He was right!

Even though this commemorates ringing in a New Year several years ago, I wanted to share it with you this year anyway because I thought you might find it fun too!  (What makes it more fun is that pushing a hidden button activates the voice audio from within!)

And besides, D.C. is NOT a Forgotten Hit!

Happy New Year :30!

Also included in this New Year’s email to you is another “Chuck Buell Minute Medley Mash Up!”  Only this New Year's version is extra special and is actually a couple of minutes long!  It began with my wanting to share my favorite New Year’s Song by Nancy Wilson with you because it actually hit Number 17 on Billboard's Christmas Singles Chart in December of . . . 1967!  

Then I found a version Johnny Mathis recorded a couple of years later on his "Give Me Your Love for Christmas" album, which charted and remained at Number One for a month on Billboard's Christmas Albums Chart.  I thought they might sound good together!  So, I edited them together!

Hope you enjoy both the video and the audio!

Chuck

This is MY favorite New Year’s Eve song, too … although I’ve always been partial to the version cut by Donny Osmond (who sounds a whole lot older than he probably was on this recording.)  Still I think it’s worth listening to!  Check it out …

Osmond does sound great singing this!  Yes, very mature.  I wouldn’t have been able to identify him on a blind audio test! 

Meanwhile, as we say here in Broncos Country after such a dismal football season this time around ~~~ “Unhappy New Jeers!”

CB

“The Who and I” by Tony Klinger

Box Set, Book and Memorabilia Now Available For Pre-Order
Pre-order Limited Edition Box Set Signed & Numbered by Tony Klinger at  https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/the-who-and-i

Tony Klinger, renowned producer of The Who's “The Kids Are Alright” film, has started a PledgeMusic campaign for “The Who and I” Box Set, Book and Memorabilia. The Box Set contains Tony's new book “The Who and I,” an audio book / CD, reproduced memorabilia, and a reproduction of “The Kids Are Alright” press kit and photos!
“Angry management, crazy people, women jumping naked out of giant cakes, fireworks going off in your hand, trips to the Pleasure Chest, run ins with Steve McQueen, afternoon teas with Ringo Starr, drunken sessions with Rick Danko of The Band, hotels demanding money up front before we checked in, travelling, constantly travelling, all the while trying to juggle schedules, money and egos, that's what I remember from my time with the Who when I was making a film, 'The Kids Are Alright' with, for and about them.
“The packaging of 'The Who and I' project accurately and faithfully represents the flavour of our project and the time we originally created the film, 'The Kids Are Alright,' and that forms the central themes of this project.
“I want to tell this story because there are so many of us, you and me included, who love rock music and film, who should know what really goes on, and this book tells it like it is. 'The Who' are the icons of both the sight and sound of My Generation. They sounded and looked angry and it wasn't an act. 'The Who' were among those who invented Mod England, which forced the world look up and pay attention. Their energy demanded your focus, whether it was Townshend's duck walk borrowed with love from Chuck Berry, his skinny whirling arms bashing out the chords, or Roger Daltrey swinging his microphone, more a weapon as he marched to the beat punched out by the bass played with metronomic intensity by the Ox, John Entwistle or the only drummer I ever saw who could lead a melody line, the maniacal Keith Moon.
“And then when you got past the image there was the music, that brilliant, original and fantastic music. How could such sounds spring out of such chaos? The answer is that it's the chaos that creates those sounds, that environment which enables a different view, a special sideways on look at our world that is so dynamic, true and genuine that we all have to take notice.
“'The Who,' maybe more than any other group epitomise that special rock lifestyle of danger mixed with brilliance to create a bubble of such power that we all want to see and listen and share.
“'The Who and I' was originally known as 'Twilight of the Gods.' So I am qualified by dint of knowledge about the group. More especially I know the men who make up the band and the originals who no longer get to go on stage because they're playing bass and drums with the celestial choir.
“Like most of you I am a fan, I remained a fan despite sometimes wanting to wring their collective necks! It’s well known and I documented the fact that we didn’t always agree with each other, in fact it would be more accurate to report that we hardly ever did so.” - Tony Klinger

To pre-order Tony Klinger's “The Who and I”  Box Set, Book and Memorabilia: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/the-who-and-i
Also available “The Kids Are Alright” Film Screening and a one off original Tour Jacket!

And, speaking of new releases, here’s some info about a new release by long-time Forgotten Hits reader and contributor Merrell Fankhauser …   

Surf Rock Guitar Icon MERRELL FANKHAUSER Brings

The Magic Of His Long Running TV Show TIKI LOUNGE To CD!

One of the true innovators of surf rock music, Merrell Fankhauser, has been a mainstay on the music scene in both California and Hawaii for decades not only performing live but also producing a much-loved TV variety show “The Tiki Lounge.” Now, fans of all ages can discover the magic Fankhauser creates with this live concert album, Tiki Lounge Live, set to be released on January 12 via Goldenlane Records. Enjoy performances by Fankhauser as well as special guests Ed Cassidy of Spirit, The Brymers, Lindsey Ikeno, and more!
Merrell Fankhauser’s career began in the 1960s with the instrumental surf rock group The Impacts whose hit album Wipe Out is now revered as one of the era’s best surf rock albums. He later formed two other bands, Merrell & The Exiles and H.M.S. Bounty, before embarking on a formative move to the island of Maui in 1973 with his group MU. Later projects found Fankhauser collaborating with everyone from drummer Gary Malabar of Steve Miller Band and John Cipollina of Quicksilver Messenger Service.
Track List:
1. Merrell - Fair Winds Blowin
2. The Brymers - Love Of Rock N Roll
3. Lindsey Ikeno - My Ipo
4. Tim Fankhauser - Witch Doctor
5. Merrell - Jungle Lo Lo Band
6. Merrell - Sweet Janeita
7. Merrell - Nawiliwili With You
8. Merrell - Feelin Ok
9. Merrell & Ed Cassidy - Out Of The Town
10. Big John - Rockin Country
11. Merrell - California Cosmic Jam
12. Merrell - Tiki Lounge

Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/merrell-fankhauser-tiki-lounge-live-cd/
Buy the digital version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tiki-lounge-live/1327811810

Merrell Fankhauser's official website: http://www.merrellfankhauser.com/

SO much Bobby Darin stuff going on lately … how can we possibly NOT post it?!?!

Our Bobby Darin series was such a huge success that we’ve just GOT to let our readers know about the recent resurgence of interest in Bobby’s music … (Dennis … time to strike while the fire’s hot!!!) 

All of this from FH Reader Frank B …

Kent ...

More on the Bobby Darin Musical.
Frank B.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBobbyDarin/photos/a.689406587778128.1073741828.689385574446896/1681221751929935/?type=3&theater

This clip is from the 1/3/1960 Ed Sullivan Show.

Bobby Darin and Connie Francis – performing You Make Me Feel So Young
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0hqQ0QVn7c

And here comes word about another Bobby Darin Show …

Bobby Darin Who? Jonathan Groff Gets It Now - The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/theater/jonathan-groff-bringing-bobby-darin-back-to-theatrical-life.html?_r=0

And, of course, you can always re-read our piece here :

http://forgottenhits.com/the_bobby_darin_story

So sad that Ray Thomas of the Moody Blues passed away,

Do yourself a favor and take a minute and listen to Ray sing "For My Lady" on you tube … a totally beautiful song!
MIKE DE MARTINO
Ray retired from the band a few years ago ... but still sad news in light of  The Moodies Cruise just ending ... and their Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame coming up right around the country.  (kk)

Now that your email blasts are going away with your A-oh-hell account,

I've got the reminder program in my computer set to open FH at the same time every morning!

No more letting days lapse between reading your fabulous reports!

BOB FRABLE,

Easton, PA

You can do that?  VERY Cool … tell us how so that others can do it, too!

We typically try to post at 6 am Chicago Time (much easier when we pre-program advance posts, which isn’t always possible … but we do it when we can.)  Typically a little bit later on the weekends (when I actually have the chance to catch up on some sleep!) … but this would be a GREAT way to program yourself not to miss a single posting!

Please tell us more, Bob!  (kk)

I got this particular program many years ago (2009; it was released in 2007), and the best I can tell you is that its host site is still running, and that, at least for me, it still works.
http://www.kanasolution.com/products/kana-reminder/
Yes, it is free.
There are other ways to get your system to put out reminders. This (not as old) site shows one way to do it with Task Scheduler, which is standard in pre-8 versions of Windows:
https://www.howtogeek.com/136894/how-to-create-popup-reminders-with-no-additional-software/
BF
Definitely worth a shot … thank you!  (I think there’s also a way to sign up for reminders directly thru the website … but that’s managed by the “host”, not me.  I’m still working with Yahoo about allowing us to send SOME type of bulk emails to the list when certain situations arise.
Another thought is to break the list into more “specialized” versions … deejays, artists, locals (for things like special ticket offers and give-aways), and subscribed readers.  But for right now I don’t have ANYTHING set up … so all I can do is ask folks to bookmark the sites and check back often (if not daily) for new features.
Thanks, Bob!  (kk)

Lovin' Chubby!

We received so many great new comments after our review of the Chubby Checker / Martha Reeves / Mary Wilson concert ran last weekend ... we just HAD to share them with you!

(And watch for these ... along with the complete concert review ... to be re-posted on The Forgotten Hits Website tomorrow after our Top 20 Concerts of 2017 feature wraps up!)  kk

Kent,

Sorry to hear that Martha and Mary were lost in space. It’s heartbreaking when artists you revered while growing up can’t accelerate any longer.

I am not surprised that Chubby Checker had the house rocking.  I’ve seen Chubby  a number of times over the years and always marvel at how good he looks and how strong his pipes remain.

It’s murder 1 that this giant doesn’t have a spot in the rock n roll hall of fame. I guess Jan Wenner and the eastern establishment are still worshipping the Ramones.  

Chet Coppock 

>>>I wish he would have done “Harder Than Diamond,” a track that got some FM Rock Radio airplay back in the ‘80’s.)  kk

"Harder Than Diamond" is a great song.  In fact, the entire LP it's from is excellent.  Are you familiar with his song from that album "Running"?

 (I can send if you wish.)

If you like "Harder Than Diamond"… you're gonna like this little gem from Mr. Ernest Evans.

Brad

Please do … I don't know if I've ever heard that one before or not … and check out his latest track, "Changes," available on iTunes … it's a GREAT song … and sounded OUTSTANDING when they performed it live.  (I think Chubby continues to look and sound young because he continues to surround himself with musicians who "get" his music … there are more than a handful out there who would find it "beneath them" to have to play Chubby's "worn-out play list" … but the truth is, these guys REVELL in it … and every song sounds new and exciting again!  A show definitely worth seeing!  (kk)

Hola Kent,

2018 ! Who’d of thunk it ? Continued success in your incredible blog.

Why do you think Chubby is in such great shape?

Perhaps it is his love of movement and dance!

Influenced by the great music we naturally move to the beat and that ,my friends, will keep us all young … so let’s all “Twist Again” …  ‘Return to those wondrous days of yesteryear’ … Oldies Music lives on!

Keep moving and reminiscing about our carefree innocent days when hearts were light, hopes were high and we embraced things to come … the best is yet to be !

Thank you, incredible Kent,

Charlie Fraser OFD

I can assure you that Chubby works at it … and I’m sure he works very hard … this doesn’t just happen.  (He’s got at least a dozen years on me and there are days when I find it hard just getting out of the car!!!  Lol)

And I’ll tell you what … Chubby could make MILLIONS by loaning out his plastic surgeon to the THOUSANDS of female beauty queens out there who had THEIR facelifts botched at the hands of lesser talents.  Chubby looks amazing!!!  (Little Richard is no longer the prettiest man in show business!  Lol)  kk

I saw Chubby back in the late 80's or early 90's and he was fabulous.  Glad to know he was just as great now. His band was incredible. He even did a Joe Jackson tune.  He indeed does deserve to be in the Rock Hall. 

The Twist was definately one of my first 45's. I was three years old when it was big the first time, but I remember buying the record at my local record store.

My Mom always loved telling that story to people because the clerk asked if it was buying it for my older brother or sister and I said, No, it's for me."

I sat on my rocking horse rocking out to what was ever played on Bandstand at the time.

Too bad about Martha and Mary.

Happy New Year, Kent, and thanks for all you do to remind us how wonderful the music  we grew up with was, and still is.

Bill Scherer

In her defense I believe Martha Reeves put her all into giving the best show she was capable of giving … her “gifts” just aren’t there anymore to brighten and lighten the load … but she made a valiant effort.

I doubt if Mary Wilson, on the other hand, remembers a single thing about the show!  I was surprised to see both of these Motown Legends out in the lobby after the show signing autographs … Mary needed to head right home to bed … and really shouldn’t have been there at all … much less shaking hands and contaminating her devoted fans!!!  (kk)

Hi Kent,
Hope you had a super New Year.   Ya know, it seems like these "electors" for the hall of fame bunch run a parallel system to Hollywood’s nominees and winners as well.  It took forever to recognize Lucas and Spielberg for their work ... almost like a jealousy thing.
Hmmmmm.
Anyway ... Chubby more than deserves it. 

Looking forward to more good stuff in 2018.
Later my friend -
Barry Winslow

Kent,

Loved your review of the Chubby Checker concert.

Larry Neal

Hi Kent –

Happy New Year and thanks so much for the great concert review … you call ‘em like you see ‘em and I love that. I’ve seen these acts over the (many!) years and Chubby almost got me out to the Genesee in the frigid weather!

Please reinstate the Saturday Surveys … we’ve missed this feature for too long.

Clive Topol

I have a team of hand-picked experts working on The Saturday Surveys feature right now … it really all boils down to whether we can pull it all together in time or not … but I will say this … if you’ve got 1968 Top 40 Surveys from around various parts of the country, we’d love to hear from you.  Drop me a line at kk@forgottenhits.com and we’ll see if we can’t find a spot for a couple of yours!  (kk)

Hey Mr. Music,   

Just wanted to thank you for your great  (and honest) review of the Chubby Checker show. I love Martha Reeves and highly respect Mary Wilson and wish them all the best, but was saddened to think they can no longer "carry the load" as they once could. I've been playing music for over 55 years and I do understand - I am NOT the player I once was - it's only natural. But along comes Chubby and shows us all it can be done and is being done on a regular basis. 

Blessings on all of them and on you for bringing us the story.

Jim R. Hill

I’m glad you enjoyed Chubby. I’ve never seen him do a bad show, and yes, he should be in the Rock Hall. He’s also a really nice guy.

I interviewed him several years ago for my “Wildwood Days” documentary. He invited us to his (beautiful) house in Pennsylvania, and couldn’t have been nicer or more gracious. I ran into him and his wife (a former Miss World) a year later in Wildwood and got a warm greeting and a hug. It’s nice when your teen idols live up to your expectations. 

As for the sing-a-longs ... I think most stars “of a certain age” use them as a little break.😀

Have a wonderful 2018!

Carolyn Travis

So I’m thinking you’ve already got some footage we can use in a brand NEW documentary spotlighting and profiling this whole era and the impact it had.  Awesome!!!

Gary Theroux is also putting together a television special that will feature home movies of some of our favorite artists, relaxing at home or out on vacation … away from the stage, just “living life” as regular people.  Let us know if you might have some of this to share … or some contacts that might put us in touch with some of the Wildwood set!  Thanks, Carolyn!  Happy New Year to you, too!  (kk)

KENT,

YOU’RE RIGHT ON CHUBBY … HE SHOULD BE IN THE HALL. 

I HAVE KNOWN HIM FROM THE BEGINNING … HE IS A GREAT FRIEND OF MINE.

SOME ACTS HAVE IT AND SOME DON’T!

SEE YOU SOON … LET’S ROCK!

FREDDY “BOOM BOOM” CANNON

Looking forward to it, Freddy … see you at The Arcada Theatre in July!  (kk)

I have met Chubby Checker before and he is one of the nicest, most down-to-earth celebrities you’re ever going to meet.  I hope he sees your review and gets in touch with you – especially over this documentary idea.  I agree that he has been LONG overlooked for The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and is one of the most deserving artists out there.  Please keep us posted as this moves forward.

Dana

Hi Kent ... 
Happy New Year!
I’m not sure if you met Chubby Checker at the concert, but you were so generous with your review of his performance, I bet he would love to read it.  This could create a good chance for you to kick off a relationship with him, if you don’t have one already.  When Chubby realizes how sincere and knowledgeable you are, I bet he initiates a dialog with you.
Tom Cuddy
iHeart Radio
New York City, NY
I would love to start a dialog with him and have him participate with Forgotten Hits from time to time.  I’ve just heard that he’s pretty well “guarded” and have not succeeded in the past when we were campaigning for his inclusion into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.  (In fact, you may recall that at one point we were told by his Official Fan Club to back off … “because The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame would take care of itself.”)
Well, that was about 12 years ago now … and he STILL hasn’t made the ballot … and I just think that’s wrong.  I’m serious about wanting to do some type of documentary drawing attention to this era.
Think about it … he re-recorded a Hank Ballard B-Side in virtually the exact same style as the original and turned it into an overnight, international sensation.  The guy OOZES charisma and comes across as down to earth and likeable as an artist can be.  I would LOVE to help put together some type of deserving tribute to his contribution to The History Of Rock And Roll!  (kk)

Kent,

There WAS a documentary made about the Twist in 1992 by Canadian filmmaker Ron Mann.  It was called "Twist" and featured 1992 performances by many artists, including Chubby Checker, Hank Ballard, Gladys Horton of The Marvelettes and many more.

Doug Thompson

Twist- a film by Ron Mann (trailer)

Hi Kent,  

I'm disappointed that Mary Wilson's performance was sub-par that night. I have never seen her perform, but I did have the pleasure of meeting her back in '89 when she was on a book tour. I arrived at the bookstore early with my video camera and Mary was seated at a table with her assistant and no one else around. I asked if she would mind if I videotaped her a little and she was very nice, telling me that she had just bought a video camera also and asked if she could try mine. She videotaped me as we chatted! I was thrilled that she was so nice and thanked her, then I left before the book signing began. I haven't seen that tape in many, many years and I'm not sure if I still have it. Maybe someday I'll find it stashed away in a box somewhere.

Chubby Checker - I have seen Chubby three times back in '73 - '74 and he was usually the headliner of some oldies shows that had 4 - 5 acts on the bill! He always did a high energy performance, told stories and interacted with the audience, a great performer!

I'm glad that you got to see him and his show was so entertaining!

Thanks Kent

Eddie, Ashley, PA

Kent –

Happy New Year to you! 

Thank you for the great review about the show with Chubby Checker.  You know my feelings on this ... every time I see the new list of nominees and look at some of the people who have been inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, to see this total injustice is appalling.  I am very willing to help with anything we can to do get him in the R&RHOF.

By the way, did not know that Mitch Margo of the Tokens had passed away.  When The Lion Sleeps Tonight was a hit, he had just had his bar mitzvah, so was 13 in 1961.  I know the whole family and Mitch was a great guy - yet another act that deserved to be in the R&RHOF more than the likes of Bill Withers! 

Clay Pasternack

I think a lot of people would agree with you about The Tokens … not only for their own great recordings but also for the way they took other artists under their collective wing and helped to build their successful careers as well.

The more time that passes, the less likely it is that some of these most Deserving and Denied Artists will ever get their due … the younger generation seems far more focused on inducting the most recent, trending artists instead of many of the ones who laid the whole foundation in the first place … and it’s a REAL shame … because that’s what The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame was SUPPOSED to be all about.  (kk)

Chubby Checker deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  The fact that he is being ignored is a disgrace.  Aside from his chart activity during the first decade of rock and roll, the popularity of The Twist was an integral part of changing the culture of our world, particularly how we dance.  The Twist allowed dance partners to dance without touching their partner. 

Checker had 31 chart records on Billboard with Parkway Records, many of them Top 10 records and three #1 records (actually two since The Twist was # 1 two different times). 

As with the song Louie Louie, there was a book written specifically about The Twist and its cultural impact.  Anyone who grew up watching American Bandstand during its heyday in Philadelpha knew the impact of the songs that made the teenagers dance.  I think there is a negative stigma attached to artists whose success was assisted by performing on this show, and a stigma of being on one of the Phladelphia labels (Duane Eddy not withstanding), too. 

I do not wish to name names, but there are many far less deserving artists of more recent years who have less credentials than Chubby Checker that have been inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.   Any organized way to get him voted in I would support.

Clay

Kent,

While I've never seen Mary or Chubby, I did see Martha Reeves in the mid 80's. She signed her Dancing In The Street album for me, and we did small talk for a bit. I wish I could recall the actual show. Oh well. These days I'm lucky if I can recall what I did 30 minutes ago, let alone 30 years.

Jack

Mary Wilson would have done better to cancel her appearance and get the rest she clearly needed … than go out and give a poor performance and disappoint her fans … if, in fact, all that was wrong that night can be attributed to her poor health.  Sure, fans would have been disappointed if they were unable to see her ... but they all went away disappointed anyway because she was incapable of giving a good performance feeling as lousy as she did ... and now they're talking abou THAT instead.  At least a "no show" is better than a BAD show!

The thing about Martha Reeves is that I think she gave it her all … and I’m sure after years and years of performing, she has come to expect some loss in her vocal abilities … it was tougher for me, having never seen her before.  Sure, you expect ALL of our favorites to have lost a step or two but then I see artists like the Cornerstones guys and Paul Anka and Burton Cummings and B.J. Thomas and on and on and on and see that they still sound JUST as good today as they did back then … so it’s a bit more disappointing when you see someone who hasn’t been able to keep up their game.

But there’s more to it than that.  Martha just seems to have “dated” herself rather than make any attempt to improve or update her act.  I’ll give you a perfect example.

At one point when she was trying to rouse the crowd up on to its feet for “Heat Wave” she made the comment that “I know it’s gotten harder as we’ve all gotten older to get up and dance a little bit … but I’ll betcha if Richard Simmons asked you to get up, you’d ALL be up on your feet dancin’!”

See what I mean?  I’m not sure that joke would have been funny thirty years ago … much less today!

Chubby Checker, on the other hand, continues to evolve as an artist … he doesn’t just settle for that mentality of “Well, this is all they came to see so that’s all I’m going to give them” … he continues to record new music (and GOOD music, too!) … and genuinely seems to be having fun up there, appreciative of the long-lasting career his success has afforded him.

Simply put, Chubby just charmed the crowd … he took us all along on a journey back thru time … and think about it … Chubby Checker wasn’t of MY era … by the time The British Invasion hit and I discovered rock and roll music, Chubby’s career was all but over when it came to the pop charts … yet here he is … some 55-60 years later, still entertaining as hell!  THAT’S the difference I’m talking about. (kk)

We Love Ya, Chubby!

kk

Kent Kotal

Forgotten Hits

OUR ORIGINAL REVIEW:

Here is a copy of the review we ran after we saw Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves and Chubby Checker at The Genesee Theatre on Saturday, December 30th ...

This is a difficult review to write … 

Presented as Three Legendary Voices of the '60's, the concert performed at The Genesee Theatre on Saturday Night, December 30th, lived up to its promise in name only … and that’s a shame … as I was REALLY looking forward to this show … not only our last concert of 2017 … but also the chance to see three legendary artists that I greatly admire but had never seen before.

The highlight for me all along was the opportunity to FINALLY see Chubby Checker in concert.  We have LONG been advocates of Chubby’s rightful place in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and for as long as we’ve been doing Forgotten Hits, Chubby’s name comes up near the top of every “Deserving But Denied” list.  This was our chance to show our support.  (I’ve heard that he still puts on a great show … and wanted to see him for myself.)

Opening the show on Saturday night was Mary Wilson, original member of The Supremes, who throughout her career has had to take a back seat to the dynamic Diana Ross … but still sung her way into The Top Ten 22 times with #1 Hits like "Where Did Our Love Go" (1964); "Baby Love" (1964), "Come See About Me" (1964); "Stop! In The Name of Love" (1965); "Back In My Arms Again" (1965); "I Hear A Symphony" (1965); "You Can't Hurry Love" (1966); "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (1966); "Love Is Here And Now You're Gone" (1967); "The Happening" (1967); "Love Child" (1968); "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" with The Temptations (1969) and "Someday We'll Be Together" (1969).

I mentioned this show as being difficult to review and I will now tell you why.  (However, I feel it is my duty to accurately report on the events witnessed that night … and then find SOME positive thing to say about the performance if only because of the TRUE amount of respect I have for all of these artists.)

That being said, I must tell you that if Mary Wilson sang a single note in tune and on key the entire evening, I must have missed it.

She missed her cue to take the stage during her opening number and, somewhere in the middle of her first three songs, stopped singing all together, leaving a bewildered look on the faces of her musical arranger and male and female background singers.

Finally, after song number four (and after blowing her nose into a Kleenex now positioned next to her on a bar stool), she explained to the audience that she was sick and suffering from the flu … and had been heavily medicated prior to coming on stage by not only members of her own band but also by The Vandellas … and was literally “floating right now.”

That explains part of her incredibly poor performance (and won her a little bit of sympathy from the audience who were also questioning her condition at that point) … but throughout her abbreviated set (due to not feeling well), she stopped singing on several other occasions, forgot the lyrics to songs as well as the set order … and had to be reminded on cue about what she was supposed to be doing next … almost like an actor in rehearsal asking “Line?”  The big difference, of course, is that she’s been performing these songs for decades now … and really should have her show down pat at this stage of the game.

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE:  She WAS in good humor, however, throughout the night, relating well-rehearsed stories of her illustrious career.  She talked at length about her best selling book “Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme,” which would be for sale in the lobby after the show.  (It actually is a very good biography) and then about the play / musical / movie “Dreamgirls” which, she explained, MANY people believe is the story of The Supremes.  “But it is NOT,” she told us, “about The Supremes … even though the name of my book was ‘Dreamgirl’ … and the reason that I know for a FACT that this play / musical / movie ‘Dreamgirls’ is NOT about The Supremes is because I was never PAID!”

(She then proceeded to sing one of the tracks from the film, ”I Am Changing,” which probably would have been a pretty powerful performance had she been able to hold the melody and hit the notes.) She raved about how well Flo would have sung that song and what a beautiful voice she had … and then mentioned something to the effect of “that girl who sang it … didn’t she win an award or something?” without ever really acknowledging Jennifer Hudson’s Academy Award winning role or the brilliance of her performance.

She also talked about getting together regularly with her “girlfriends,” Brenda Russell and Rita Coolidge, who got together often to talk about “men … and how the songs today just don’t measure up to the songs from years back when they were all out on the road.”

She amended that point by saying that there WAS a great song that came out a little while ago but then had to be prompted again my her musical arranger in order to be able to identify it as being by Norah Jones … and, specifically, her Grammy Winning Hit “Don’t Know Why,” which the band played beautifully while Mary mangled the lyrics, later admitting “I don’t know what that song is about.”

She also had a bit of fun joking about how all she and Flo ever did was provide the “ooh’s” and “ahhs” and “baby, baby’s” in The Supremes’ hits … and the well-rehearsed choreography that went into each performance.  She then asked for volunteers to come up on stage and become her back-up singers and dancers while she sang a short Supremes medley.

Now please understand that I am NOT in ANY way implying what happened next in ANY derogatory fashion … but I am telling you that the stage was quickly occupied by the most flamboyantly gay male singers and dancers I have ever seen … COMPLETELY over the top … I mean you just KNEW that each and every one of these guys had dreamed their ENTIRE lives of actually BEING a Supreme … and believe me, they knew EVERY move, every dance step, every expression, every hand signal … these guys had it DOWN!!!  It was, without question, the highpoint of the evening when Mary Wilson made her way through The Supremes’ #1 Hit “Stop! In The Name Of Love.”

Next up was Martha Reeves, who led The Vandellas to FIFTEEN Top 40 Pop Hits between 1963 and 1968, including  Top Ten Smashes like "Heat Wave" (#3, 1963); "Dancing In The Street" (#2, 1964); "Nowhere To Run" (#6, 1965) and "Jimmy Mack" (#6, 1967).

She opened her set with what seemed to be about a ten minute gospel song that then went into the Jackie Wilson hit “Higher And Higher,” after which she explained how she had been born again in 1977.  (Did this mean we weren’t going to be treated to the hits we all came out to see?  It was a BITTERLY cold night and yes, I mainly wanted to see Chubby, but still … Martha and the Vandellas had some great hits, too!  And I wanted to hear them!)

At this point, she launched into several of them, including their first chart hit, “Come And Get These Memories” (#20, 1963).  Much like Mary Wilson did, Martha brought up the point a few times about now being in her 70’s (she turned 76 last year … and Mary Wilson is 73) which, in all fairness, SHOULD cut them some slack for simply still being out on the circuit, helping to keep this great music alive … but the question was raised again recently in Forgotten Hits as to when an artist should hang it up … and truth be told, neither Mary Wilson or Martha Reeves look OR sound anything at all like they used to during the hit years.  Mary could barely carry a tune and Martha Reeves’ voice has become so deep and throaty that you literally could have pulled ANY two black women off the street and asked them to sing these songs we know and love and they wouldn’t have sounded any less like the record that these two recording stars did Saturday Night.  (Harsh ... but true)

She did a few more hits … “Jimmy Mack,” always one of my favorites, was fun, as Martha joked that it’s been fifty years now and she’s STILL waiting for him to come back in his flashy suit and fancy hat with the big feather in it.  She also did “My Baby Loves Me” (a song I first discovered when I heard Barry Manilow and his girl background singers … who he dubbed “The Oreos” because two were black and one was white and the white one always stood in the middle ... do it on a PBS Soundstage Special back in the mid-'70's!), “Nowhere To Run,” a song used in numerous movies over the years and, of course, her two biggest hits, “Heat Wave” and “Dancing In The Street,” both of which had the whole crowd up on its feet shaking and dancing along.

When Martha first started her set, they brought out the Mayor of Waukegan, who presented her with … no, not the key to the city … but his brand new 2018 calendar!  When he went to hug his first Vandella, she turned and walked away … but the OTHER Vandella was more than happy to give the Mayor a couple of nice hugs!

Martha also thanked Mick Jagger, the late David Bowie, “all of the Mamas and all of the Papas,” Van Halen and David Lee Roth and several others for covering their #2 Hit “Dancing In The Street,” and then explained that as much as she appreciates all of the people calling the radio stations and asking them to play her songs, she doesn't earn ANY money from airplay anymore … that deal ran out a LONG time ago ... so the ONLY way that Martha and the Vandellas get paid is if you BUY the music … so please BUY their CD’s or download their tunes instead and own them for yourselves.  (Naturally some of THAT music would also be out in the lobby on sale after the show, too!)

A quick intermission to allow for a set chance was next.  (Martha Reeves and Mary Wilson essentially shared the same back-up musicians, save a few that swapped out between sets to keep the show moving … but Chubby Checker was bringing out his own, self-contained band … and let me tell you something … Chubby has got himself a REAL rock band … these guys were smokin’ and not in ANY way, shape or form slighting the presentation of Checker’s music … these guys ROCKED with some incredible guitar and sax solos thrown in throughout the performance.

Chubby Checker turned 76 years old last October and I swear he looks, sounds and moves like a man less than HALF that age on stage.  (He has obviously taken VERY good care of himself!!!)  Truth be told, he looked and sounded AMAZING and, paired with this killer back up band, COMPLETELY turned the show around in all the ways I truly hoped he would.

His set moved rapid fire, at first with very little conversation, as he ran through a few of his hits and other hits from that era (including a nice tribute to Fats Domino, who recently left us.  By now I’m sure you’re all familiar with the story of how Dick Clark’s wife renamed former chicken plucker Earnest Evans “Chubby Checker,” making a play on Fats Domino’s name and the rest, as they say, is history.)

Checker was a HUGE part of the Philly scene and, thanks to Dick Clark and shows like “American Bandstand,” was quickly piped into living rooms all over America.  (Even today the bulk of his back-up band hail from Philadelphia as Chubby remains true to his roots some sixty years later!)

Early on in the set, Chubby ventured out into the audience to sing and twist with a few of the spectators while he performed "Slow Twistin'" … and he held court over the crowd throughout the evening, having us sing the missing lines in at least a dozen tunes … everything from his biggest hits … to the closing theme of The Mickey Mouse Club!!!

It made for a fun night of entertainment (although for me the sing-along thing wore a little thin pretty quickly … as stated here before, we came to hear YOU sing … not provide half the vocals for you!!!)

He poked fun at his early 1964 Hit “Hooka Tooka” when, after singing a couple of choruses, admitted “That’s a dumb song.”  (It is … but he made it fun all over again!)

Since it was the week between Christmas and New Year’s, I thought he might bring out his version of “Jingle Bell Rock” out of the mothballs again but that didn't happen.  He did, however, offer words of encouragement to  the audience as one year ends and another one begins to “fight the Devil every day … every time you see him in the mirror,” suggesting that rather than “turn over a new leaf” for 2018, “FIX the leaf you’ve currently got … and make things right.”  It wasn’t done in a preachy way and truly felt sincere.  Chubby is a very “likeable” character … and I do believe he may have gotten thru to a few people in the audience.

He brought a young girl up from the audience to “shake what you’ve got” during his version of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” (although I think she was willing to do a WHOLE lot more shakin’ that Chubby may have bargained for!) and a couple of other times, pulled girls from the front row up on stage to dance with him.

It was a great show (which even featured a new track called “Changes” that really showcased Chubby’s voice and the band’s ability as musicians … I downloaded it immediately as soon as I got home.  With a rock band that strong, I wish he would have also done “Harder Than Diamond,” a track that got some FM Rock Radio airplay back in the ‘80’s.)

Naturally he closed the show with “The Twist,” which he then rolled into “Let’s Twist Again,” a solid one-two punch to end the show.

The crowd loved him … and when he went out into the lobby to sign autographs and pose for pictures, the line of fans was ridiculous!  EVERYBODY wanted to meet and shake hands with Chubby Checker, who promised he would stay till the very end … “until EVERY fan got what they wanted in the way of a picture or an autograph” … “I’ll be here till they lock the doors ‘cause that’s what I do for my fans” … and I believe he did just exactly that.

This was a GREAT show that easily could have stood alone without the disappointing downer of the two opening acts.  Chubby's still got it ... and he knows EXACTLY what to do with it.  Highly recommended if he happens to be coming out your way!

*****

Coming into the show, I knew I had an issue with one thing … and all I can say again is WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE???

Martha and the Vandellas were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1995 … The Supremes in 1988 … but the guy who HEADLINED the show … the ONLY guy in the history of The Pop Charts during the Rock And Roll Era (now 60+ years strong) to hit #1 on the charts TWICE with the same record … the guy who launched a National Dance Sensation … ALSO TWICE … has never even been nominated.

Now how can that be???

Of course I'm talking about Chubby Checker … who had 24 Top 40 Pop Hits of his own (including his comeback “duet” with The Fat Boys) and Five National #1's … has never even made the ballot!!!

Watching this show, the wheels started turning … we have GOT to get this guy the recognition he deserves … somebody like Bruce Springsteen needs to come out on stage with him and do a couple of tunes (much like he did several years ago with Gary “US” Bonds) and let the rest of the "modern world" know who this guy is ... and what he has done!

Radio has to start playing his biggest hits again now that they’re FINALLY back in print.  Several of these (“The Twist,” “Let’s Twist Again,” “Slow Twistin’,” and “Limbo Rock” still sound great today.)

A documentary needs to be made … not only showcasing Chubby Checker but explaining the whole phenomena of how his hit, “The Twist” launched “The Discotheque Era” here in America back in the early ‘60’s, catching on first with the kids and then again with the hip, club elite who pushed it back into The #1 Spot all over again when anybody who was anybody was out trending at all the hot clubs, doing The Twist.

Places like The Peppermint Lounge and dozens of others just like it sprang up to accommodate the demand for a place where young, hip adults could hang out and dance the night away.  Joey Dee and the Starliters also hit #1 with their “Peppermint Twist” and dozens and dozens of “twist” songs soon filled the charts … it just may be the single biggest dance sensation in history, Macarena be damned!  (Hell, even The Four Seasons first asked “Sherry” to come out to their twist party … and The Beatles covered an old Isley Brothers song and made “Twist And Shout” their very own!)

Chubby seems pretty humble about it all ... Billboard Magazine has declared "The Twist" to be the Biggest Song In The History Of Popular Music, simply for reaching the top of the charts on two separate occasions.  Chubby simply says, "Well, SOME song had to be #1 ... had to be the biggest record of all time ... and it just so happens that it's mine."  When you consider every other fad and phenomena that has passed thru music over the past 65 years, it's a pretty incredible feat indeed.  (Think about it ... all Chubby did was rerecord a Hank Ballard B-Side in essentially the same manner that Hank had done it ... and it lit the world afire.  Fueled by the likes of Dick Clark and American Bandstand and DeeJays across the country, the dance craze took off and make Checker an overnight superstar.  But the record speaks as much to Chubby's charm and charisma as it does to the innocence of the era ... this was nothing short of an overnight sensation ... a phenomena personified.

So I’m appealing to guys like Shawn Swords and Paul Russo who have dedicated a good portion of their lives to preserving this era of music and The Sounds of Philadelphia … other Bandstand-Era folk like Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Fabian and more who were THERE at the time and LIVED this experience … Danny Tedesco who put together that GREAT Wrecking Crew documentary … Carolyn Travis who did the excellent “Airplay” documentary … Pam Pulice, who is putting together the new Dick Biondi documentary … publicist Bob Merlis and Jody Klein (who controls the rights to Chubby’s Cameo / Parkway catalog of music) … Gary Theroux, who co-wrote The History Of Rock And Roll … and deejays and radio programmers like Scott Shannon and Tom Cuddy and so many others that have graced our list over the years …

Let’s make this happen … in Chubby’s lifetime … let's pool our efforts and get him the credit he deserves … get him into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame … and preserve this very special moment in music history when the latest dance craze was something EVERY kid in America wanted to learn!

*****

It sounds like Forgotten Hits Reader Tom Apathy saw essentially the same show we did back in July of last year.

Here he supplies the set list … and some awesome pix.  (Chubby may have mixed up the running order a little bit for his Genesee Theatre appearance but it was essentially the same song line-up.)

Thanks, Tom, for these great pix!  (kk)

Hi Kent -

Hoover Auditorium in Lakeside OH was rocking Saturday night to Chubby Checker and The Wildcats !

At 75, Chubby can still sing and TWIST !

If he wasn't getting the audience to sing along, he was dancing with them - in the audience, up on stage - a really fun show!

Here is the setlist :

1.    Good Good Lovin'

2.     Twist It Up

3.    Dancin' Party

4.    I'm Walkin'

5.    Blueberry Hill

6.    Changes

7.    Hooka Tooka

8.    Loddy Lo

9.    Pony Time

10.                       Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On  

11.                       Limbo Rock / Mickey Mouse Club / Limbo Rock

12.                       Blue Suede Shoes / Rock Around the Clock

13.                       Peggy Sue

14.                       The Hucklebuck

15.                       I Heard It Through the Grapevine 

16.                       My Girl  

17.                       Shake, Rattle and Roll  

18.                       Twist and Shout 

19.                       The Twist  

20.                       Let's Twist Again

Tom Apathy

Thank you very much ... and a Happy New Year To All!!!