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Ronnie Allen (the other)  Archies  Ginny Arnell  Bruce Belland  Jim Ed Brown  Browns  Castells  Gene Chandler  Don Cherry  Chordettes  Jimmy Clanton  Coasters  Carol Connors  Jill Corey  Toni (Cistone) Costabile  Bob Crewe  Cuff Links  Sonny Curtis  Ron Dante  (debut show)  Detergents  Diamonds  Dick and Dee Dee  Dicky Doo  Dixie Cups  Ronnie Dove  Duane Eddy  Lynn Evans  Paul Evans  Terry Fischer  Carol Fischer  Fireflies  Frankie Ford  Four Preps  Carl Gardner  Veta Gardner  Chuck Girard  LaVerne (Novak) Glavac  Charlie Gracie  Gerry Granahan  Gogi Grant  Janie Grant  Barbara Harris  Barbara Hawkins  Rosa Hawkins  Ray Hildebrand  Hondells  Islanders  Jill Jackson  Peggy King  Kaye (McCool) Krebs  Mike Kublok  Beverly Lee  Dickey Lee  Barbara Lewis  Gary Lewis  Paul and Paula  Peggy March  C.W. McCall  Chad Mitchell  Chris Montez  Murmaids  Margie Needham  Midge (Bollinger) Neel  Albeth Paris  Sherrell Paris  Paris Sisters  Paul Petersen  Dee Dee Phelps  Pixies Three  Poni-Tails  Eddie Rambeau  Jimmie Rodgers  Billy Joe Royal  Shirelles  Jay Siegel  Dave Somerville  Randy Starr  Teddy Bears  April Stevens  Nino Tempo  Sue Thompson  Tokens  Paul Vance  Bobby Vee  Bonnie (Long) Walker  Ginny Wright  Kathy Young

Clicking on any of the alphabetical "show locator" links above will instantly display a screen that includes that show's title and description; usually it will be the first one listed. If you prefer you can view the shows by scrolling down.

Placing your mouse pointer over a show's title will highlight it and will also provide you with a brief description of its contents. To listen to a show, simply click on its title.
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Chris Montez HALF-HOUR: Ezekiel Christopher Montanez, aka Chris Montez, hit the jackpot in 1962 with his exciting recording of "Let's Dance." Shortly thereafter an promising but relatively-unknown act called the Beatles was opening shows for him and Tommy Roe. For the next few years Chris was pretty much not heard from. That changed when Herb Alpert heard him and offered to record him but insisted that Chris change his style to something completely different. That was a great career move but it had a side-effect: his second hit, "Call Me," was so different from "Let's Dance" that several deejays who saw the name "Chris" and were unaware of his previous hit called him "Miss Montez"! (The subsequent release of an album cleared things up for all.) The versatile MISTER Montez is a very active performer today, both in Europe and the United States. Question: did John Lennon REALLY pour beer over Chris's head in a bar, as has been widely reported by several sources? I asked him and he did not take the fifth. Doing this show with him was "some kinda fun" for me.
The successful rocker and soft-style singer whose first soft hit was MISSunderstood by many deejays!
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Paul and Paula ONE HOUR: Paul and Paula became overnight successes with their 1963 #1 smash hit "Hey Paula." These two Texas natives had several other charted records which took their fantasy romance a few steps further, all of which are included in this show. Inquiring minds want to know: (1) Did Paul (Ray Hildebrand) really write "Hey Paula" for Paula (Jill Jackson)? (2) What blooper did Dick Clark commit when Paul and Paula appeared on "American Bandstand"? (3) Why did Ray suddenly leave the Dick Clark tour and leave Paula without her Paul? These questions and many more are asked and answered during this show. It was such a joy for me to interview this delightful duo whose music I have loved for so many years.
On records and in performances they were singing sweethearts.
In real life they were good friends Ray Hildebrand and Jill Jackson.
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Peggy March HALF-HOUR: She was billed as "Little Peggy March" back in 1963 when her second single for RCA Victor, entitled "I Will Follow Him," zoomed to the top. She was only 15 years old and she became the youngest female vocalist ever to hit #1 on Billboard's national chart, a record that still holds today. She followed with several more chart records and then went on to become a popular recordinig star throughout the world, most notably in Germany. She is still a very active active performer, both in the States and overseas, and she recently celebrated her 60th birthday. And it was on that day, while she was in Germany, that she accepted my email invitation to record this show with me when she returned to the U.S. She is a total delight and, 45 years later, her biggest hits still sound as wonderful as ever.
There are leaders and there are followers.
Back in 1963 this little girl with a big voice was very happy to be a follower.
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Teddy Bears (Carol Connors) ONE HOUR: She was Annette Kleinbard when she sang lead on the Teddy Bears' #1 hit from 1958 entitled "To Know Him Is To Love Him." The other Teddy Bears were its songwriter and producer Phil Spector and the late Marshall Leib. Annette proved in a big way that there was musical life after the Teddy Bears. She began using the professional name of Carol Connors and went on to co-write numerous hits, three of them being: the Rip Chords' "Hey Little Cobra," Bill Conti's #1 "Theme From 'Rocky' (Gonna Fly Now)" and Billy Preston and Syreeta's "With You I'm Born Again." She has received 10 major entertainment award nominations: two Oscar, five Emmy, one Grammy and two Golden Globe. For this show, in addition to the above mentioned hits, Carol chose several other songs that are the most special to her. Both the songs and the stories behind the songs are great. According to Carol, her first boyfriend was a famous singer with the initials of E.P. During the show she displays an amazing ability to do a dolphin call: I am certain that you will FLIP OVER it; you must hear it to believe it and, even then, maybe you won't!
To know her voice is to love her 1958 chart-topper. (Or vice versa!)
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Diamonds (Dave Somerville) ONE HOUR: The Diamonds, from Canada, were an incredibly successful pop rock group from 1956 through 1961. Their biggest hit, "Little Darlin'," spent eight weeks in the number two position while the King Of Rock and Roll was all shook up. Their second biggest hit, "The Stroll," was one of the biggest teen dance records of all time, even though the guys who recorded it were not teenagers at the time. All told they placed 15 recordings in the national top forty. Lead singer Dave Somerville is a fascinating fun guy with many interesting stories to share about his group, whose other original members were Phil Levitt, Ted Kowalski and the late Bill Reed. Those of you who only know the group from the aforementioned two hits will be surprised at some of the other musical gems that are included in this show.
It was "that dang Elvis" who kept this group from hitting #1 with their classic recording, the one with the indelible "la la la la la la" and "ha oopa oopa oopa" hooks.
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Poni-Tails ONE HOUR: The Poni-Tails were a trio from Lyndhurst, Ohio (a suburb of Cleveland) who hit the big-time in 1958 with their incredibly-popular teenage lament entitled "Born Too Late." Lead singer Toni and high harmony singer LaVerne were two of the singers on that record. Though it overshadowed everything else they ever released, they did chart with several others. If you have only heard that one song by them, you will be quite surprised at how versatile they are: you will tap your toes to their great uptempo songs. Though their musical career was short-lived, they were seasoned entertainers who performed with some of the top names in the business. Toni and LaVerne seldom do interviews, so doing this show was a special joy for me. They are two delightful talented ladies who are full of fun and who appreciate so much those who love their music. We dedicate this show to Poni-Tails fans throughout the world and also to the loving memory of the third Poni-Tail on "Born Too Late," Patti McCabe, who passed away in 1989.
Poni-Tails appearing on this show are Toni (Cistone) Costabile and LaVerne (Novak) Glavac. Their girl group classic was one of Elvis's favorite recordings.
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Murmaids HALF-HOUR: The Murmaids, a trio from Los Angeles, achieved instant stardom late in 1963 with their recording of "Popsicles And Icicles," the first big hit ever written by eventual Bread founder David Gates. (He "appears" briefly at the start of this show via my 2003 interview with him.) The Murmaids' career lasted all of about six months. Terry and Carol re-formed the group 40 years later and recorded a brand new CD entitled, appropriately, "The Murmaids Splash Back!" The sisters come from a long line of musical people, including their late father Carl Fischer, who was Frankie Laine's pianist-arranger-conductor for several years. I first interviewed Terry and Carol in 2003 and that was their first radio interview ever. It was so much fun to touch base with them again.
Murmaids appearing on this show are sisters Terry and Carol Fischer. Their girl group classic was the first big hit written by David Gates.
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(the other) Ronnie Allen ONE HOUR: This is a strange show and that's putting it mildly. My guest and I have a few things in common: both of us released rockabilly records (I had one single on Dapt, he had three singles on San); both of us are deejays who have interviewed country singer Gene Watson; and both of us are named RONNIE ALLEN. Unlike me, this OTHER Ronnie Allen, from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, has performed live with many of the top rockabilly stars in the world and has had his records played on "American Bandstand." His recording of "Juvenile Delinquent" is a rockabilly classic. And his singles, if you can find them, go for 50 to 100 dollars a pop. That has been true of my one single, "Flip Over You," but only because most record collectors have believed that I am HIM! Now that this show is posted and the truth will be known to many if not all who are interested, I expect the value of my record to plummet. So be it! My namesake is an unassuming guy with a great sense of humor and also a great talent. It was my pleasure to do this show with him and to give him some recognition, which he so richly deserves.
Actual email message:
"Hello Ronnie Allen, this is Ronnie Allen from WDXE Lawrenceburg.
I am the Ronnie Allen that you thought was dead."
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Barbara Lewis HALF-HOUR: In 1963 Barbara became one of the few solo female vocalists to write her own top three hit single: it was "Hello Stranger." Her backing group was one of the best groups in the business; if you don't know who they are, just imagine a mythical group of "singing computers" and you may figure it out; if not, Barbara will tell you! She followed it up with four more top forty singles, all of which are included in this show. Interestingly, and this is hard to believe, she absolutely did not want to record one of those latter four hit songs! Barbara is an extremely versatile singer and an active one as well; she did this interview show right after performing on a cruise.
Her biggest hit was inspired by her dad and did not start out as a love song.
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Toys (Barbara Harris) HALF-HOUR: The Toys, a trio from Queens, NY, charmed us in 1965 with their wonderful recording of "A Lover's Concerto," which remains one of today's most-played oldies. And it was co-written by a legendary classical music composer! The opening to their follow-up "Attack" was written by another legendary classical music composer. Barbara, the lead singer on both of those hits, was a joy to interview and their music is a joy to listen to.
What legendary composer wrote the music to "A Lover's Concerto?"
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Gene Chandler HALF-HOUR: Gene Chandler achieved regional success as lead singer of a group called the Dukays. Then he hit the jackpot with his first solo recording, the #1 smash "Duke Of Earl." He appeared in the movie "Don't Knock The Twist," then went on to have many other hits. The Duke is still walking proud today and remains an active performer. He's also a very nice guy, having forgiven my embarrassing slip-up in the closing seconds of the show; I left it in to prove that no matter how hard much effort I put into what I do, I'm not ferpect!
The one and only Duke Of Earl.
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Paul Vance ONE HOUR: In late September of 2006 songwriter Paul Vance received an unwanted 15 extra "minutes of being famous" when news media throughout the world erroneously reported that he had died. Happily he is very much alive and well! The first song he ever wrote in his life was "Catch A Falling Star," a #1 hit for Perry Como. Paul also wrote the legendary "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini," a #1 hit for Brian Hyland, and many hits for Johnny Mathis and others. This interview is fascinating, informative, humorous and, at the end, very serious and poignant, as Paul shares the stories behind several of his hits and also some very personal stories about his own life. By the way, see if you agree that he sounds a lot like Joe Pesci!
"I'm not dead! I'm ALIVE!"
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Shirelles (Beverly Lee) ONE HOUR: The legendary Shirelles, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 1996, consisted of Shirley Owens Alston, Beverly Lee, Doris Coley Kenner and Addie "Micki" Harris. Between 1960 and 1963 they had twelve US top-forty hits, six of which made the top ten, including their two chart-toppers "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Soldier Boy." Beverly, who did this interview, is now celebrating her 50th year as a Shirelle and actively touring. This delightful lady shares some very interesting stories about all of their biggest hits and several lesser-known hits that are played during this show.
Beverly was one of four girls from Passaic, New Jersey who helped define what has become known as rock and roll's "girl group" sound.
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Bob Crewe 85 MINUTES: If Bob Crewe had produced and written songs for the Four Seasons and nobody else, his enduring place in pop music history would still be firmly established. But he also produced and/or wrote so many hits for other artists including the Rays, Billy and Lillie, Freddy Cannon, Diane Renay, Mitch Ryder, Lesley Gore, Oliver, and even the outrageous Monti Rock III! In this super-sized show, many of Bob's stories about the artists and the hits are as fascinating and entertaining as the hits themselves. The unbelievable success of the Four-Seasons-based show "Jersey Boys," the hottest ticket on Broadway and wherever else it is playing, is icing on this man's proverbial cake; he wrote many of the hit songs from that show. He's an incredible talent and, just as important, a true gentleman with an engaging sense of humor. It was truly an honor to do this show with him as a tribute to his prolific body of work.
This legendary producer-songwriter was originally a "Jersey Boy."
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Paul Evans ONE HOUR: Paul Evans has had many reasons to be happy. He sang the hits "Seven Little Girls (Sitting In The Back Seat)," "Midnight Special" and his self-penned "Happy-Go-Lucky Me." He wrote several hits for other artists, including "When" by the Kalin Twins, "I Gotta Know" by Elvis Presley, and the #1 smash hit "Roses Are Red (My Love)" by Bobby Vinton. Paul recently appeared on the Conan O'Brien show as part of his own vocal trio, backing up rocker Robert Gordon, who sang Elvis's hit "(You're The) Devil In Disguise"; Paul called his trio the Gordonaires! This is one creative individual and an all-around fun guy!
A genuine happy-go-lucky individual!
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Gerry Granahan ONE HOUR: Multi-talented Gerry had hits as Dicky Doo and the Don'ts ("Click Clack"), as himself ("No Chemise Please") and as a member of the Fireflies ("You Were Mine"). He founded Caprice Records and discovered and produced on his label Janie Grant, the Angels and the late James Ray. On this show you'll hear an unreleased duet by Janie and Gerry ("Gimme Gimme"), the Angels' heavenly version of "'Til" (their very first hit) and James's original version of "I've Got My Mind Set On You," a song which George Harrison eventually took to #1 on the chart. The aforementioned three recordings are from a new CD called "Caprice! The Story Behind Gerry Granahan's Caprice Label 1960-'63." For good measure, after he became head of A&R at United Artists Records, Gerry produced Jay and the Americans' "Cara Mia"!
This show includes a major surprise (sent from heaven?) for the guest of honor!
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Eddie Rambeau ONE HOUR: This was a fun show all the way. Eddie co-wrote Diane Renay's top-ten hit "Navy Blue" and Mark Valentino's "The Push and Kick" and had his own hit with "Concrete and Clay." He has recorded over 500 songs and you will hear every one of them on this show. If you believe that then Eddie will be glad to sell you a bridge and will even throw in a tunnel. Come on in, the music's fine! That includes his debut recording called "Skin Divin'," his vocal recording of "Summertime Guy" (Chuck Barris's song which, as an instrumental, became the theme song of "The Newlywed Game") and Eddie's original recording (with kids) of "Good Morning Starshine" from the Broadway musical "Hair."
"Call me Eddie or call me Ed, just don't call me late to bed!"
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Four Preps (Bruce Belland) ONE HOUR: Bruce Belland was and still is the lead singer of this endearing quartet who sang the top ten hits "26 Miles" and "Big Man" and also charted with several others. Their repertoire ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous and you'll hear some of each during this show. In addition to writing hits for his group, Bruce has written around 200 songs for other artists, ranging from the Mousketeers to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He was also the TV executive who coined the legendary phrase "I can name that tune in three notes." And oh yes, the 40 kilometers mentioned in their hit really equals 24.8548 miles (or 24 miles and 1504.531 yards), but somehow "25 miles across the sea" wouldn't sound quite right!
40 kilometers? Maybe the Preps should have sung "25 Miles"!
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Nino Tempo and April Stevens ONE HOUR: Twelve years before becoming "overnight sensations" by hitting #1 with "Deep Purple," April was enjoying her own top ten record and Nino was portraying a legendary bandleader in a very famous movie. As recording artists both have done extremely well, collectively and individually. Their catchy 60s duet recordings with that unique unmistakable "Nino and April" sound are still very much remembered and loved today by record fans in the United States and throughout the world. This was a fun interview show all the way and the music is very diverse and wonderful. "Deep Purple" is very important but their fascinating careers include so much more.
This is the first and only radio interview that this Grammy-winning brother-sister duo have done in the 21st Century!
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Don Cherry ONE HOUR: Singer-golfer Don Cherry is the only person in history to have had both a national top ten record and a top ten finish in one of golf's four "major" tournaments. Besides "Band Of Gold" he had two pre-rock-era top ten hits, "Mona Lisa" and "Thinking Of You." But his biggest hit ever was not a charted record: it was his legendary Mr. Clean commercial which ran for nine years! Don's autobiography is called "Cherry's Jubilee" and we talk about it during the show. Oh yes, I just HAD to ask him about Buchanan and Goodman's "Flying Saucer" record; they "honored" Don by including "Band Of Gold" in their groundbreaking novelty classic!
Don Cherry, the famous singer. Don Cherry, the famous golfer.
The name's the same. So is the person!
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Coasters (Carl and Veta Gardner) ONE HOUR: In 1987 the Coasters became the first group (three or more members) ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. In this show Carl and Veta discuss their riveting book entitled "Yakety Yak I Fought Back." The title refers to Carl's struggle against, among other things, unauthorized bogus Coasters groups and his own serious illnesses. Music historian Harry Turner hailed the Coasters as the greatest comedy singing group of all time and a couple of guys named Leiber and Stoller were somewhat responsible for that! Carl and his unique group are surely in a wonderful class by themselves. He is the only surviving member of the "classic" Coasters who took "Yakety Yak" and "Charlie Brown" to the top of the charts.
Carl Gardner formed and named the legendary Coasters in 1955 and sings on every one of their hits. He and his wife Veta collaborated on a most honest and revealing book describing Carl's life with the group.
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Dick and Dee Dee (Dee Dee Phelps) ONE HOUR: The main focus of our discussion is "Vinyl Highway: Singing As Dick and Dee Dee," which is Dee Dee's fascinating no-holds-barred book about her musical career in the 60s. Dee Dee was a delight to talk with and her memoir is a captivating and honest behind-the-scenes description of the way it was back then when most popular songs were vibrant, melodic and fun. Dick and Dee Dee's "The Mountain's High" was an accidental smash hit! Now this is interesting: they had exactly five national top-40 hits, and they occurred -- one per year -- in 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965 respectively. [Note: Dick St. John passed away in December of 2003.]
Dee Dee was the female half of the duo of Dick and Dee Dee.
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Paris Sisters ONE HOUR: This show, to me, is as poignant as any that I have ever done. The Paris Sisters are three lovely ladies with heavenly voices whose soft beautiful recordings have touched hearts around the world for close to 50 years. Their legacy is so much more than merely their best known hits: the top ten smash "I Love How You Love Me," "He Knows I Love Him Too Much" and "Be My Boy." It's hard to believe that the three sisters were dancers before they were singers. With my heartfelt appreciation to Albeth and Sherrell for their kindness, I dedicate this show to the loving memory of Priscilla Paris.
Sisters Albeth and Sherrell participated in this show.
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Frankie Ford HALF-HOUR: Frankie's immensely popular water travel hit "Sea Cruise" is one of the most memorable oldies of the late 50s: it's a quintessential example of the New Orleans sound and, according to him, it's on 220 compilation albums. He played himself (supposedly recording his hit) in the 1978 Alan Freed biopic "American Hot Wax."
All aboard the "Cruise Ship Frankie Ford"!
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Tokens (Jay Siegel) HALF-HOUR: Jay sang lead on all of the Tokens' hit recordings, including the chart-topping "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" which, according to him, hit #1 in 36 different countries. Over the years his group has worn many hats as recording artists, producers, songwriters, publishers and commercial jingle singers.
Jay has been the lead singer of the Tokens for nearly 50 years. And that mighty lion may be sleeping but he's still roaring as loud as ever!
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Ginny Wright HALF-HOUR: Ginny, a country star of the early 50s, had a smash hit duet with Jim Reeves called "I Love You," his first-ever duet hit with anybody. She was a member of the Louisiana Hayride and did shows with many country music greats including an up-and-coming singer named Elvis Presley.
This delightful country singer starred on the Louisiana Hayride show in which Elvis made his first appearance.
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Browns (Jim Ed Brown) HALF-HOUR: Jim Ed Brown was the lead singer of the Browns, who had pop and country hits with "The Three Bells" (#1 on both charts), "Scarlet Ribbons" and "The Old Lamplighter." He also had a very successful career as a solo singer and as a duet artist with Helen Cornelius.
The Browns consisted of Jim Ed and his two sisters, Maxine and Bonnie. On their #1 pop and country hit, "Jimmy" Brown sang about a different Jimmy Brown!
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Sonny Curtis ONE HOUR: Sonny wrote and sang the legendary "Mary Tyler Moore Show" theme called "Love Is All Around." He also wrote the Everly Brothers' "Walk Right Back" and the Bobby Fuller Four's "I Fought The Law" and several other hits, more than I can say here. (Oh yes, he wrote THAT one too!) He also has played guitar as a member of the Crickets. This soft-spoken gentleman is truly a gentle man who has accomplished quite a lot!
This masterful singer-songwriter turned the world on by writing and singing one of the best-known TV theme songs of all time.
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Bobby Vee ONE HOUR: Bobby's #1 record "Take Good Care Of My Baby" and #2 record "Run To Him" were but two of his 14 national Top 40 and 38 Hot 100 hits. His stories about the biggest ones are fascinating and sometimes humorous. These days he is one of rock and roll's most active performers.
His successful career was born on a fateful night that lives forever in the annals of rock and roll.
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Chordettes ONE HOUR: The legendary Chordettes, famous for their incredible barbershop harmony, had hits with the chart-topping "Mr. Sandman," "Lollipop" and many others. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame in 2001. Words can hardly describe their wonderful sound. Their music is timeless and this interview show was fun on so many levels.
Chordettes appearing on the show are Lynn Evans and Margie Needham.
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Billy Joe Royal HALF-HOUR: Billy Joe sang the pop hits "Down In The Boondocks" (sounding incredibly like Gene Pitney) and "I Knew You When" and later became a very successful country singer.
Did you think it was Gene Pitney singing that hit song about the boondocks?
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Jimmy Clanton HALF-HOUR: Jimmy sang the hits "Just A Dream" and "Venus In Blue Jeans" and starred as "Johnny Melody" in the Alan Freed motion picture called "Go, Johnny, Go."
Call him a dreamer and call him a great rock and roll artist.
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Dickey Lee HALF-HOUR: Dickey had pop hits with "Patches" and a very strange song about a girl with a sweater. He also has been a successful country singer and songwriter; he wrote the classic country song "He Thinks I Still Care," popularized by George Jones, Elvis Presley and (as "He Thinks...") Anne Murray.
"Strange things" indeed happen on one of this man's two biggest hits dealing with the subject of what comes after life.
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Chad Mitchell Trio HALF-HOUR: The Chad Mitchell Trio were "slightly irreverent" and were one of the most popular pop-folk groups of the 60s, masters of both the satircal and the serious. Mere words cannot do them justice, they must be heard to be appreciated. So hear here!
Trio members appearing on the show are Chad Mitchell and Mike Kobluk.
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Peggy King ONE HOUR: Peggy King" was the girl singer on the wildly-successful "George Gobel Show" for three seasons (1954 through 1956) and recorded the legendary Hunt's Tomato Sauce radio jingle, just two of her many credits. This multi-talented singer-actress worked with many of the biggest recording and motion picture stars in the business. And, oh yes, she is a very funny lady!
"Pretty Perky" Peggy was in the radio studio with Ronnie.
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Gary Lewis ONE HOUR: Gary Lewis and the Playboys was the only recording act in the 60s to have its first seven releases each reach the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The first of those was the #1 hit "This Diamond Ring." Like his legendary dad Jerry, he can be a wild and crazy guy, judging from this interview!
By the way, his dad is also a singer.
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Janie Grant HALF-HOUR: Janie Grant (born Rose Marie Casilli) charted with her self-penned hits "Triangle" and "Romeo" and with That Greasy Kid Stuff." She has warm memories of her "Janie Grant" career but, admittedly, nowadays she prefers being "just Rose Marie."
Her haunting hit, which she wrote and recorded at the age of 16, won the hearts of record fans throughout the world.
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Paul Petersen HALF-HOUR: Paul, who played Jeff Stone on TV's "Donna Reed Show," had hits with "My Dad" and "She Can't Find Her Keys." He was also one of the original Mousketeers. (Very briefly!)
He was fired by Walt Disney for "conduct unbecoming a mouse"!
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Duane Eddy ONE HOUR: Duane is the most successful rock and roll instrumentalist of all time. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994. "Twangin' Eddy"'s biggest successes were "Because They're Young" and "Rebel Rouser," two of 29 charted hits in the U.S.
The King of Twang.
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Charlie Gracie HALF-HOUR: Charlie, a rockabilly pioneer, hit #1 with "Butterfly" and followed-up with a "Fabulous" hit! One of the most active oldies performers in the business, he is still entertaining audiences throughout the world.
Charlie's been "butterflyin'" high for 50 years.
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Archies/Cuff Links/Detergents (Ron Dante) HALF-HOUR: Ron Dante, as lead singer of the Archies, hit #1 with "Sugar, Sugar" and as all the singers in the Cuff Links hit the top ten with "Tracy." He also sang dozens of commercial jingles.
Ron was the anonymous lead singer of the Archies, all the anonymous singers in the Cuff Links and also one third of the Detergents.
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Ronnie Dove HALF-HOUR: Ronnie had 11 top 40 hits, including "Right Or Wrong" and "One Kiss For Old Time's Sake." But it is one of his NON-HITS that is one of the most valuable singles of all time on the collector's market.
You can call him the "four thousand dollar record" man! You can also call him one of rock and roll's best-loved balladeers.
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Kathy Young HALF-HOUR: Being injured in a pool may have resulted in Kathy getting her big break! Her heavenly hit called "A Thousand Stars," sung with the Innocents, is one of the most enduring and most played oldies of the past 50 years.
This lady, along with her group, sang the memorable hit that may well be the starriest of the rock and roll era.
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C.W. McCall HALF-HOUR: C.W. sold 30 million copies worldwide of his legendary hit "Convoy." On this show you'll hear that as well as several other very unusual recordings!
"Uh breaker one-nine, this here's the Rubber Duck. You got a copy on me, Pigpen? C'mon."
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Ginny Arnell HALF-HOUR: Ginny recorded duets with an unknown Gene Pitney and then recorded her fondly-remembered hit "Dumb Head"; shortly thereafter she recorded it in Japanese!
This lady is anything BUT a "Dumb Head"!
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Dixie Cups HALF-HOUR: The Dixie Cups hit #1 with their enduring girl group classic "Chapel Of Love," which has been heard in many motion pictures. They had many several other hits as well and are still active performers.
Dixie Cups appearing on the show are sisters Barbara and Rosa Hawkins.
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Gogi Grant HALF-HOUR: Gogi had big hits with "Suddenly There's A Valley and her chart-topper "The Wayward Wind," which remains one of the most-played oldies of the 50s. She also sang on the soundtrack of "The Helen Morgan Story."
She was born to be a wonderful singer.
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Jimmie Rodgers ONE HOUR: Jimmie's string of hits including "Honeycomb" and "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" was IMPRESSIVE. His story of his own survival is TRULY INCREDIBLE. And, oh yes, with the totally-unexpected surprise opening of this show, his dogs achieved their 15 minutes of being famous!
Jimmie, the Miracle Man.
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Pixies Three HALF-HOUR: The Pixies Three, originally from Hanover, PA, sang the hits "Birthday Party" and "442 Glenwood Avenue."
Pixies appearing on the show are Midge (Bollinger) Neel, Kaye (McCool) Krebs and Bonnie (Long) Walker.
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Castells/Hondells (Chuck Girard) HALF-HOUR: Chuck, a born-again Christian, sang lead on the Castells' hit "Sacred" and the Hondells' hit "Little Honda."
Chuck was the lead singer of both the Castells and the Hondells.
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Jill Corey HALF-HOUR: Jill sang the hits "I Love My Baby (My Baby Love Me)" and "Love Me To Pieces" and in the late 50s was a regular on "Your Hit Parade."
"Small-Town Girl Gets New Name and a New Career"
(Life Magazine cover story: November 9, 1953)
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Randy Starr HALF-HOUR: Randy sang the hit "After School." He was part of the instrumental duo The Islanders, who had the hit "Enchanted Sea." He also wrote songs for Elvis including the top-ten hit "Kissin' Cousins."
Known by many as "the singing dentist," Randy was also half of the instrumental duo called The Islanders.
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Sue Thompson ONE HOUR: Born Eva Sue McKee, this delightful lady with the "little girl voice" sang memorable hits including "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)," "Norman" and many others.
"Sue Thompson always makes me smile."
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debut show with special call-ins ONE HOUR: This show contains call-ins from Eddie Rambeau and Paul Evans and also brief pre-recorded interview snippets with Lou Christie and Bobby Vee. Incidentally the artist on the opening recording, "Swanee River Rocket," was the fabulous Jimmy Elledge.

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