Ronnie Allen hosts oldies-related interview shows exclusively for this website.
They are archived here and subsequently broadcast on several radio stations.
You can write to Ronnie at RonnieOldiesGuy@aol.com.
THE NEWEST "RONNIE REMEMBERS" SHOWS
STANLEY J. BLITZ, author of the book "Bandstand, The Untold Story"
MIKE CLIFFORD, singer of the memorable 1962 hit "Close To Cathy"
SUSAN JACKS, former lead singer of the Poppy Family and now a solo artist
TOMMY JAMES, hitmaker with his group the Shondells and best-selling author
GEORGE TOMSCO and JIMMY GILMER of THE FIREBALLS
DODIE STEVENS, the "Pink Shoe Laces" girl
FRANK BUSSERI, founding member of THE FOUR LADS
TRINI LOPEZ
The "Ronnie Remembers" Theme
written and sung by the Delicates
Please use these links or scroll down to view descriptions and listen to the shows.
Ronnie Allen (the other)
Herb Oscar Anderson
Archies
Ginny Arnell
Bruce Belland
Stanley J. Blitz
Gary U.S. Bonds
Teresa Brewer
Jim Ed Brown
Frank Busseri
Freddy Cannon
Castells
Mel Carter
Gene Chandler
Bruce Channel
Don Cherry
Chordettes
Jimmy Clanton
Mike Clifford
Clay Cole
Coasters
Carol Connors
Jill Corey
Bob Crewe
Cuff Links
Sonny Curtis
Ron Dante
Delicates
Detergents
Tracey Dey
Diamonds
Dick and Dee Dee
Dicky Doo
Kenny Dino
Dixie Cups
Ronnie Dove
Dr. Elmo
Duane Eddy
Paul Evans
Fireballs
Fireflies
Fleetwoods
Frankie Ford
Four Lads
Four Preps
Frank Gari
Chuck Girard
Bobby Goldsboro
Anthony Gourdine
Charlie Gracie
Gerry Granahan
Gogi Grant
Janie Grant
Barbara Harris
Larry Henley
Clarence "Frogman" Henry
Hondells
Islanders
Susan Jacks
Wanda Jackson
Tommy James
Peggy King
Beverly Lee
Dickey Lee
Barbara Lewis
Gary Lewis
Trini Lopez
Peggy March
Al Martino
C.W. McCall
Robin McNamara
Tony Middleton
Jody Miller
Chad Mitchell Trio
Chris Montez
Murmaids
Newbeats
Linda November
Roy Orbison
Paris Sisters
Paul and Paula
Paul Petersen
Dee Dee Phelps
Pixies Three
Platters
Playmates
Poni-Tails
Poppy Family
Eddie Rambeau
Herb Reed
Jimmie Rodgers
Billy Joe Royal
Sam The Sham
Artie Schroeck
Shirelles
Jay Siegel
Dave Somerville
Randy Starr
Dodie Stevens
Shawn Swords
Teddy Bears
Nino Tempo and April Stevens
Sue Thompson
Tokens
Carolyn Travis
Gary Troxel
Paul Vance
Bobby Vee
Joel Whitburn
Willows
Maurice Williams
Ginny Wright
Kathy Young
Two Vintage Radio Interview Shows
-
Roy Orbison
HALF-HOUR: I constructed this half-hour show from a private 1975 interview I did with
the legendary Roy Orbison while I was working for Casey Kasem as the East Coast writer-researcher-interviewer
for the internationally syndicated radio show "American Top Forty." Because I realized the
historical significance of this interview, I asked Roy if I had his permission to use this interview publicly
if I chose to do so in the future. He told me that this would be fine with him. I did not get around to doing
that about 22 years later.
The purpose of this interview was to gather information that Casey could use on the show for a "whatever
happened to feature" and perhals other features as well.
I originally created two 15-minute "mini-shows" based on this interview. Whenever Roy and I talked about a
particular song -- whether it's one he recorded or wrote for someone else -- I inserted a portion of it.
These two "mini-shows" have been on the "Small Talk" page for some time but I suspect that many who visit
this page are not aware that they have been on that other page. I plan to leave them there for a while.
I decided to combine those two mini-shows into this single 30 minute show. Roy and begin by discussing how he
got into music. The show covers the period from his first charted hit "Ooby Dooby" (from 1956) through his
biggest hit, the chart-topping "Oh Pretty Woman" (from 1964).
It was truly an hour to interview this man and I, like his millions of fans throughout the world, miss him
so much.
This half-hour show features my private 1975 interview with Roy and covers the period of 1956 through 1964:
from "Ooby Dooby" to "Oh Pretty Woman."
-
Teresa Brewer
40 MINUTES: This show is one I will always treasure and that is putting it mildly. And I'd like to share
briefly the story behind it.
Back in 1990, I hosted a weekly Saturday morning radio show at WDVR-FM in Delaware Township, NJ.
It was called "The Oldies Shop."
One of my favorite singers has always been Teresa Brewer. I found out she had a fan club and I
wrote a letter to her fan club president, Bill Munroe, telling him that my lifelong dream would be to do
an interview with Teresa. I provided my home phone number and the phone number of the radio station.
I did not hear back from Bill so I assumed that it was not going to happen. Then one Saturday
morning, while I was doing my show, the phone rang. I took the call off the air. The guy said "Is this
Ronnie Allen" and I said "Yes" and he said "This is Bob Thiele, Teresa Brewer's husband. When would you
like to do the interview?"
You could have knocked me over with a feather. I continued doing my show without revealing to
my listeners what was happening. But, to make a long story short, I recorded an interview with Teresa
a few days later and ran it on my next show.
That is what's here. I did not edit it. This is exactly what aired on that Saturday in May of 1990.
Teresa and I talked about and played all of her biggest hits: "Music! Music! Music,"
"Till I Waltz Again With You," "Ricochet" and five others.
Note: at the time of this interview, neither Teresa nor I could recall who had written "Waltz."
It was, in fact, Sidney Prosen.
Teresa died in October 2007 from the same neuromuscular disease that claimed Dudley Moore.
To me she was one-of-a-kind and so very special. I can't describe the depth of sadness that I felt.
This 40 minute show features a 1990 radio interview that I did with this beautiful, exuberant
and beloved singer whose recordings always sparkled and shined and earned her
millions of fans throughout the world.
Current Radio Interview Shows
"Ronnie Remembers"
-
Stanley J. Blitz
50 MINUTES: If you asked a random sampling of music followers who was the creator and original host of the
"Bandstand" show which originated in Philadelphia, most would undoubtedly say "Dick Clark." And they would
be wrong. The correct answer is Bob Horn. And if you told them that correct answer, almost all would say
"Bob Who?"!
In an attempt to set the record straight and to document an important part of music and TV history that has
all but been lost, author Stanley J. Blitz wrote "Bandstand, The Untold Story." It is the focus of this
interview show. The notes which follow here are condensed from the information on the inside back cover of
his book.
"Stanley J. Blitz was born, raised and educated in Philadelphia when and where the untold story of BANDSTAND
occurred. Too young to be a dancer on the early days of BANDSTAND, he watched the show develop from outside
the studio. He admired the show and the man who was its creator and first host. He did get into that studio
on Saturdays, however, to appear frequently as a "whiz kid" kind of guest on a weekend Sports Quiz show at
WFIL-TV. There he got to see the BANDSTAND set and the floor where the kids did their dancing. ... He liked
the music, he liked the host, he liked the whole show, everything about it. ... Then, one day, all of a sudden,
the show's host and creator were no longer there. The newspapers were filled with stories about that host
being a bad man, when Stan didn't think he could all that bad.
"For a couple of months the BANDSTAND producer, Tony (Mammarella), came on as host for the afternoon show and
that was okay because Stanley knew him too. But then, after but a few months, a new young guy came on to host
the show.
"Stan ... resolved to someday find out why the WFIL-TV managers and owner had "really" railroaded out
BANDSTAND'S creator and first host. Fourteen years ago Stan commenced seeking the answers. His findings are
in the pages of this book."
Stanley is the author of "Bandstand, The Untold Story."
-
Mike Clifford
45 MINUTES: Mike's big hit 1962 recording of "Close To Cathy" remains one of the most memorable "girl's name"
songs of the rock era. But it wasn't his first recording. That distinction goes to a single which he
recorded with Patience and Prudence of "Tonight You Belong To Me" fame. Both sides of that are included
on this show.
Mike has recorded over 50 singles and he was and still is very popular in many different countries. He's
done several movies and TV shows and has worked with various entertainers from many different areas of
show business. He's also done theater and was in the first touring company of "Grease" in which he played
Teen Angel and Johnny Casino. He's been singing for over 50 years and most recently has been working
at clubs with his sometime partner Sandy Zacky. They recorded a CD called "Love Is Everything" and we
close the show with a track from that.
Oh yes, Mike appeared on a couple of Murray The K live stage shows and tells a most interesting story
related to that involving him and one of the Delicates.
And yes, he was thinking of a certain female singer while recording "Close To Cathy." Maybe you can
guess who she is, maybe not, but you'll have to listen to find out for sure who this mystery lady is!
It was a joy doing this show with this most friendly and versatile musical talent.
What singer was Mike thinking about while recording his smash hit "Close To Cathy"?
-
The Poppy Family (Susan Jacks)
ONE HOUR: I first interviewed Susan back in 1986 when I hosted a country music radio show on WTTM in
Trenton, NJ. At that time she was living in Nashville, pursuing a country music career. So this interview
enabled me to get re-acquainted with this artist who has been a major recording star and entertainer in Canada
for over 40 years.
Susan and her then husband Terry were the nucleus of the Poppy Family, the group that recorded the memorable
hit from 1970 called "Which Way You Goin' Billy." That single reached #2 on the U.S. chart, #1 in Canada
and was also a hit in many other countries, selling over 3 million copies. The group stayed together only
briefly after that and then Susan and Terry divorced and she embarked on a solo career. She provided all the female backup voices
on Terry's #1 hit "Seasons In The Sun."
The song "Which Way You Goin' Billy," written by Terry, was originally titled "Which Way You Goin' Buddy" but that didn't seem exactly right. One of Susan's brothers is named Billy and he stepped in and provided the NAME that made the song work!
Recently Susan's life changed drastically for health reasons and that same Billy stepped in and provided Susan with something else that was far more important than that hit. During this interview show Susan describes the series of events and brings us up to date on everything. Those who want to know more background can visit her website: http://www.susanjacks.com.
Susan is such a sweet lady and I know you will love hearing many of her other songs in addition to the one named for her brother.
Susan said this about her brother in an email to me:
"First he gives me a hit record and now he saves my life!"
-
Tommy James
70 MINUTES: Who would have thought that a recording artist who became an overnight success with with an infectious
but borderline novelty song called "Hanky Panky" would go on to sell 100 million records, be awarded
23 gold singles and nine gold and platinum albums? I don't think that even HE ever could have imagined that
happening. The billing was Tommy James and the Shondells. The story is even more unbelievable because by the time that record hit #1 in the nation -- about two years after it was recorded -- there no longer were any Shondells. He had to go find a new group!
Tommy has had an amazing career including another #1 hit ("Crimson and Clover") and the top ten hits
"I Think We're Alone Now," "Mirage" "Mony Mony," "Crystal Blue Persuasion," "Sweet Cherry Wine," and
"Draggin' The Line" (a solo effort) with an overall total of 32 charted singles.
He has recently added "best-selling author" to his resume. His book, entitled "Me, The Mob and the Music:
One Helluva Ride With Tommy James and the Shondells," tells in graphic detail the intimate story of the complex and sometimes terrifying relationship between Tommy and the record company execs that he had to answer to and he devotes most of his attention to one well-known individual in particular.
This show focuses on the book (soon to be a Broadway musical and a movie) and includes all of Tommy's biggest hits.
Tommy had an incredible public career as leader of the Shondells and an incredible private career dealing with
his record company superiors. It's in his book and that's the focus of this show.
-
The Fireballs (George Tomsco and Jimmy Gilmer)
ONE HOUR: Because I have loved the music of the Fireballs for so many years, this show was a piece of cake,
a walk in the park. It was so much fun. In fact I was so excited about interviewing group founder
George Tomsco and Jimmy Gilmer that I messed up my introduction!
(I decided to leave my blooper in just to show that I'm human!)
This group took their name from a monster Jerry Lee Lewis hit. Can you figure out which one?
Originally hailing from Raton, New Mexico in the late 50's, the Fireballs were New Mexico's first rock and roll
recording band to become internationally known. They got their big break in 1958
when they auditioned for Norman Petty. The legendary producer was overwhelmed by their style, simplicity and
the musical feel in which the group performed original guitar instrumentals and vocals written
by group founder/guitarist George Tomsco and lead singer Chuck Tharp. Norman signed them and in
January of 1959 they released their first record on Kapp records, titled (appropriately enough) "Fireball."
That record achieved regional success and set the stage for several instrumentals which hit the
national top 40, namely "Torquay," "Bulldog" and "Quite A Party."
That in turn set the stage for their blockbuster hit, "Sugar Shack," which was #1 for five straight weeks
in 1963 and was the biggest record of the entire year. They had acquired a new lead singer and their
billing on that hit featured his name: "Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs."
There's more to the story (including another huge top ten hit) but I'll leave it to George and Jimmy
to fill you in on all the details. And there are many amazing ones.
These guys enjoy what they do immensely and have deservedly achieved international success
and have been popular for over 50 years. This is truly a class act in every way!
"Sugar Shack" was an incredible smash. So why did George and Jimmy think that producer Norman Petty
had ruined it?
-
Dodie Stevens
ONE HOUR: Dodie, born Geraldine Anne Pasquale, was a singing prodigy at the age of four and she is still
singing today.
In 1954, at the age of eight, she recorded her first song, "Merry-Go Merry-Go Round" and then performed it
on Art Linkletter's "House Party." She wasn't "Dodie Stevens" then. She was using the name "Geri Pace."
It was a local TV show that she performed on a couple of years later which led to the record that made her
an overnight star. "Pink Shoe Laces" was, of course, a silly novelty song but it became a huge hit and,
51 years after peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, it remains one of the most memorable novelty hits
of the rock era. With its success at the age of 13, Dodie became the youngest female vocalist to have
a million-selling record and she still has that distinction today.
In addition to that record, Dodie had four others make the Hot 100 and you'll hear all of them on this
show. One of those was the title song of a major motion picture starring the great comedian Danny Kaye
in the role of a legendary bandleader.
In addition to having hits, she appeared in three movies, did commercials, recorded three albums as part
of Sergio Mendes and Brasil '77 and worked for several years as a singer-dancer for Mac Davis.
She also recorded two albums with her daughter Stephanie. We play tracks from each of those and you will
truly be amazed at her versatility. The two still are performing together.
Dodie is much more than simply "Pink Shoe Laces" and was a total delight to interview.
She's the youngest female singer to have a million seller. It was, of course, that silly novelty song
about "Dooley"!
-
The Four Lads (Frank Busseri)
70 MINUTES: For years I have wondered: who are the two uncredited girls on the Four Lads' biggest hit
"Moments To Remember"? I'm talking about the one who opens the record with "January to December,
we'll have moments to remember" and the one who, midway through, utters the words
"the drive-in movie where we'd go and somehow never watched the show." Well, I need wonder no more.
I got the answer from Frank, one of the four founding members of the group who, like the other three,
sang on all of their 27 charted hits.
The members of this group, who in 2009 were inducted into the Hit Parade Hall Of Fame,
grew up together in Toronto, Canada. They were Jimmy Arnold, Connie Codarini, Bernie Toorish and
Frank Busseri. They started their incredibly-successful recording career in 1951 when Mitch Miller recurited
them to do backup for a then-unknown singer named Johnnie Ray on two sides of a single. "Cry" (#1) and
"The Little White Cloud That Cried" (#2) sold over two million records and opened the door for the
Four Lads to became major stars on their own.
Three of their big hits in the pre-rock were in the novelty vein and you'll hear them on this show:
"Istanbul (Not Constantinople)," "Gilly Gilly Ossenfeffer..." and "Skokiaan."
But in the rock era they changed their musical direction and became more successful than ever.
In 1955 they recorded their classic "Moments To Remember." Subsequently they had hits with other ballads
including "No, Not Much!", "Who Needs You" and "Enchanted Island." Showing amazing versatility,
they had also had big hits with uptempo songs such as "Standing On The Corner" (that's Frank singing lead),
"There's Only One Of You" and several others.
There's much more to their story and I'll save it for the listening. Their fantastic recordings are timeless
and Frank is the epitome of the word "classy"!
This classic group started out as The Otnorots!
-
Trini Lopez
70 MINUTES: Trini's story is truly a rags to riches saga. And as he admits during this show, were it not for
a well-deserved spanking that he received from his father, his career might not have ever happened!
From his official website (www.trinilopez.com): "Trini was a poor boy from the barrio of Dallas, Texas.
He remembers barely enough food for the family, the amount always determined by his parents' ability to get
whatever work they could. 'They worked and struggled together just to survive,' he recalls.
'They plowed fields together. My mother washed clothes in the neighborhood for extra income.
You cannot imagine how hard it was.' Trini has made 'lemonade' from a life that began with nothing but lemons!"
After Buddy Holly died, Trini was offered the chance to become the lead singer of the Crickets! But, as he
told me, he had no choice but to walk away from that opportunity.
It didn't really happen overnight but he became an "overnight sensation" and catapulted to international fame
after being discovered by Don Costa, signing a long-term deal with Frank Sinatra's company Reprise Records and
recording a live album at a nightclub where he had been working for many months. That album was "Trini Lopez
At PJ's." His single "If I Had A Hammer," a remake of the Peter, Paul and Mary Hit, reached #3 on the
American chart and #1 in 36 countries. It was the start of a very successful career in which he had many more
hits, both in America and overseas, and recorded an almost unbelievable total of 85 albums!
He is one of the most exciting musical performers on the horizon and also one of the nicest guys in show
business.
The poor boy who "hammered" his way to international stardom!
-
The Platters (Herb Reed)
75 MINUTES: This show was a joy for me on so many levels. I grew up listening to and loving the music of
the Platters and followed their career with anticipation and awe. Their legendary hits have more than merely
stood the test of time: they are classics.
"Only You" and "The Great Pretender" and "The Magic Touch" and "Twilight Time" and "My Prayer" and so much
more.
The original five Platters who sang all those hits were lead singer Tony Williams, tenor David Lynch,
baritone Paul Robi, contralto Zola Taylor and bass singer Herb Reed.
The recent passing of Zola left Herb as the only surviving member of the original hit-making group.
It was an honor and a thrill to do this super-sized show with Herb, the man who founded the group,
came up with the name "Platters," and sang on every single one of the group's 45 charted hits including
all those in the late 60s with new lead singer Sonny Turner. And he's STILL a Platter,
touring with a group called "Herb Reed and the Platters."
I don't want to give too much away. There are many surprises during this show and I want all of you to be
surprised as I was! But I'll throw a few teasers your way:
(1) What was the connection between "Only You" and Zsa Zsa Gabor?
(2) What hit recording session did their producer/songwriter/manager Buck Ram storm out of because he was
not happy with what the group were doing?
(3) What is the ONLY song that Tony Williams felt that he could REALLY sing? Hint: it was NOT one of
their big hits.
(4) How does Herb feel about the bogus "Platters" groups that have been a thorn in his side for years?
(5) Will you be able to figure out what I felt it necessary to bleep out toward the end of the show?
Thank you Herb Reed for your generosity, your warmth, your sense of humor and your total honesty.
I enjoyed spending the time with you so very much.
The founder, namer and last surviving original member of the legendary hitmaking group.
-
Robin McNamara
45 MINUTES: It was such a joy doing this show with this man who is a kid at heart and describes himself as
"Ol' Hippie"!
You might say that in Robin's case art imitated life. Because he appropriately landed a major starring role
on Broadway as one of the two male leads in the smash ground-breaking Broadway music "Hair."
He played Claude Hooper Bukowski. And, forty years later, he amazingly can still sing one of the most popular
tunes from the show, "Manchester, England," fantastically as he proves in his a capella performance here!
If you're wondering if Robin participated in the famous nude scene from that show, I will tell you that
"Claude" did NOT participate in that but I will also tell you that what I just said is NOT necessarily a "NO"!
Robin gives the complete lowdown on what he either did not do or did!
Broadway success was only one of his accomplishments. Shortly before performing in "Hair," he had landed
a recording deal with Jeff Barry and Steed Records. And, while he was starring on Broadway,
that came to fruition as Robin climbed the chart with a big hit that he co-wrote with Jeff called
"Lay A Little Lovin' On Me."
Robin is an immensely versatile singer and songwriter and we feature several of his other recordings during
this show.
And, among other interesting tidbits, Robin tells an amazing story about a cross-country trip that
he made with his wife and Jeff Barry and the late Bobby Bloom. I would describe that as a
"hair-raising" experience with pun surely intended.
Recently Robin recorded a remake of "Lay A Little Lovin' On Me" which was produced by Ron ("Archie and
Cuff Links") Dante; I've included it as a bonus track. He also recently did several recordings in Florida,
one of which (about two rock and roll legends) closes the show.
Suffice to say that the "Ol' Hippie" is not at all ready to retire!
"Hair" today, hit tomorrow!
-
Freddy Cannon
ONE HOUR: Freddy is, purely and simply, one of rock and roll's most exciting and memorable recording stars
and has been one of my musical heroes since the day that I first heard this man back in 1959. The sound of his
hit records is truly unique and I personally have never tired of any of them: to me they represent
the best elements of good time 50s and 60s rock and roll that I loved back then and still do now.
Freddy was born Frederick Picariello in Lynn, Massachusetts. He initially got his musical start by fronting
a band called Freddy Karmon and the Hurricanes. But it wasn't until he met producer-songwriters Bob Crewe
and Frank Slay that he became an "overnight success" with "Tallahassee Lassie," a song written by his mom
and originally called "Rock and Roll Baby." That hit, with the title about a girl "down in F-L-A" and
produced by Crewe and Slay, zoomed to #6 on the chart.
All told Freddy had 23 top 100 entries including eight which made the top 40 and two, in addition to
"Tallahassee Lassie" which made the top ten, both peaking at #3: namely "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans"
and "Palisades Park." And, believe it or not, every one of his top 100 entries was uptempo!
During this show we play seven of his top 40 hits (and an excerpt from the eighth one)
plus some of his other charted records and Freddy shares the stories behind each of them.
He has two personal favorite records among his top forty hits and one of them is "Tallahassee Lassie."
Can you guess what the other one is?
And he reveals that there were certain records that, even though they became successful, he personally was not
crazy about recording. However being a "good soldier" paid off. He also tells how his trademark "Whoo!"s and
his nickname "Boom Boom" came about.
It was such a joy spending an hour via phone with this delightful talented man whose last charted record
(it's with the Belmonts and it closes the show) represents both his philosophy and mine as well:
"Let's Put The Fun Back In Rock N Roll."
Whoo!!!
-
Mel Carter
45 MINUTES: Mel made his first recording at the age of four in a penny arcade: it cost his grandmother
25 cents. That not-quite-polished performance wasn't exactly the "start of something big"
but it was a hint of what was to come.
The emphasis on this show is on Mel's pop music career. But before his commercial success in that genre,
he was an active gospel singer, performing with many of the top artists in the field including
the great Mahalia Jackson.
His ultimate destiny was pop music and he owes a debt of gratitude to Sam Cooke who took him under his
wing as his protege. Sam signed Mel to his own label, Derby Records, and wrote Mel's first hit record which
was released on that label called "When A Boy Falls In Love." Mel switched to Imperial Records and
in 1965 hit the top ten with his revival of "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," a recording that is one of
the most beloved of the rock era. Right after we played that song, he told me what he really thought of
that it: what he had to say may surprise you!
Mel continued to chart by reviving old hits. The executives at his record label dubbed him the
"Bring 'em Back Alive Kid," a reference to those "lucky" songs that came back into the public concsciousness
thanks to Mel's winning interpretations. All told he had seven Hot 100 hits, six of which were revivals:
the only exception was his debut hit, the Sam Cooke song mentioned above.
In addition to having a very successful career as a singer, he's also acted in
dozens of TV shows and commercials.
Mel still performs today and recently recorded an album called "The Heart & Soul of Mel Carter" in which,
true to form, he "brings back alive" several more chestnuts: we end the show with two songs from that album.
"Multi-talented" is a great word to describe this gifted man and doing this show with him was a total delight.
What did the "Bring 'em Back Alive Kid" REALLY think of his signature song?
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Frank Gari
ONE HOUR: Frank Gari broke into the music business in 1960 as a solo singer and had three national top 40
hits in succession: "Utopia," "Lullaby Of Love" and "Princess." He got married and, after being on the road
for three years, he landed a job as a songwriter for Bobby Darin. He recorded a well-known summertime song
called "Beach Ball with Roger McGuinn on guitar and Bobby Darin on drums, billing themselves as the
City Surfers; though not a national hit in the US it became popular around the world and made #2 on my
Record Page chart.
Frank's biggest success was to come beginning in the late 60s when he founded "Nitondo" Productions, a jingle
company which became one of the most popular in the country and serviced more than 450 radio and TV stations.
Frank and his company created the very first TV image campaign ever and that campaign, for Channel
5 in Cleveland, led to his company becoming one of the most successfu radio-TV production companies in the
country. Nitondo evolved into Frank Gari Productions, Gari Communications and currently the Gari Media Group.
Frank's company created "Hello Milwaukee" which was and still is the most successful TV image
campaign in the history of broadcasting, having been syndicated to 110 cities in the country and also
overseas. And, oh yes, for good measure Frank wrote, produced and sang the very first Wendy's commercial
ever. Remember it? (It's included in the show.)
I won't tell you here the amazing story of how I first heard about Frank Gari and met him but it's at
the beginning of the show. And, very important, Frank credits legendary TV personality Clay Cole for
CHANGING HIS LIFE and it wasn't simply because he appeared on his show. That story is simply incredible!
Frank's story is inspirational and this was such a fun interview in every respect.
From teen recording star to incredibly successful radio and TV production entreprenaur!
-
Linda November and Artie Schroeck
[Click the above link to listen to the entire show or click "part 1" or "part 2" below to hear
either part by itself.]
80 MINUTES: Linda November and Artie Schroeck may not be household names but they are two of the most
respected people in the music business. This super-sized show covers a lot of ground but it barely scratches
the surface in conveying the extent of what they've accomplished. I may suggest that we do a second show or
even a mini-series some time in the future!
Linda has recorded 22,000 advertising jingles and was the "Meow Meow" cat on the legendary Meow Mix
commercial. She compiled a top 25 list of her most popular commercials and performs them live during this
show. But that's only a part of her story. She's sung on dozens of hit records. We sample some of them
during the show including "Love Me With All Your Heart" (she was a Ray Charles singer!), "The World We
Knew" (she was the soprano voice singing underneath Frank Sinatra, "Do You Know The Way To San Jose"
("wo-wo-ing with Valerie Simpson on the Dionne Warwick smash), "After The Lovin'" by Englebert Humperdinck,
"Stoney End" by Barbra Streisand and a legendary disco hit called "Baby Face." And she was one of the
anonymous voices of Dawn (along with Tony Orlando) on their first two smashes "Candida" and
"Knock Three Times."
Artie has written songs and arrangements for a veritable "Who's Who" of the top names in the business.
Just to name a few: Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka, Neil Diamond, Liza Minnelli, Petula Clark, Sammy Davis Jr.,
Barry Manilow and the Cowsills. He was the co-writer of one of the most admired Frank Sinatra songs
entitled "Here's To The Band." Possibly his most famous arrangement was by an artist that I have yet to
mention: he arranged "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" for Frankie Valli and did other arrangements for the
Four Seasons as well.
This interview show is chock full of fun and surprises and I hope that it gives long-overdue well-deserved
public recognition to two class acts who are unsung heroes in the music business.
Linda, the "Jingle Lady," has recorded 22,000 jingles (including the legendary "Meow Meow Meow Meow")
and has sung backup on dozens of hit records.
Artie has written hundreds of songs and arrangements for many of the top recording artists in the business.
Individually and collectively this married couple makes wonderful music!
part 1
part 1 of the Linda November and Artie Schroeck show
part 2
part 2 of the Linda November and Artie Schroeck show
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Elmo 'n' Patsy (Dr. Elmo)
HALF-HOUR: Some people like "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" a lot. But others don't feel the same
and, in fact, the record that opens this show expresses a decidedly different point of view.
One thing's for certain. Like it or not, the one thing that record has NOT been over the past 30 years
is IGNORED! Just about everybody on the planet has heard it and it is one of the relatively few Christmas
records issued during the rock era that has become a true holiday classic.
Dr. Elmo Shropshire was a practicing veterinarian in 1979 when he and his wife Patsy, who performed as
the Homestead Act, first recorded this novelty song as "Elmo 'n' Patsy." The man who wrote it was
Randy Brooks. It took four years before their record became an overnight success.
There's a bit of confusion because the record has become a charted hit on two different labels
with two different versions: first on Soundwaves and then on Epic. For openers the Soundwaves version
was Billboard's #1 Christmas hit in 1983 and the Epic version was their #1 Christmas hit in 1984 and 1985.
Dr. Elmo tells the story of this amazing and unlikely success, filling in most of the missing pieces that
you've all probably been wondering about, including Patsy's initial involvement and subsequent lack of
involvement.
And his own story is amazing as well. Apart from the 15 minutes of fame that he achieves in December of
every year, Dr. Elmo is proud that back in 1956 he was the exercise boy for a horse named Needles which
won the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes and came thisclose to winning the Preakness and (what would
have been) the Triple Crown.
Dr. Elmo and I had loads of fun doing this show and sharing a few other recordings as well. He was a total
delight.
That "Grandma" song is now 30 years old!
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Herb Oscar Anderson
ONE HOUR: Herb Oscar Anderson at one time thought of being an opera singer. That didn't happen.
What did happen was that he became the "Morning Mayor of New York" and, during his 8 years as the drive time
air personality on 77-WABC in New York City, was listened to and beloved by millions in New York
and several surrounding states.
He was on from 6 till 10 each morning once PD Sam Holman put the "Swingin' Seven" format together.
And he wasn't merely a TALKING deejay. He was also a SINGING deejay who opened each hour of each show
with his memorable "Hello Again" with lyrics that he wrote. This show includes that as well as some
other well-known songs that he made more famous by singing them on his shows.
And, especially for this interview show, HOA provided me here with a world exclusive that you will be
the FIRST to hear. It is guaranteed to make many of you "feel happy."
HOA was surely not your typical top 40 deejay. He was charming, gentle, low-keyed and came across as much as a
FRIEND to his listeners as he was an air personality doing a performance.
Many may have believed that he was an overnight success. But, as he made clear during this show,
that was hardly the case. He worked at several radio stations before coming to the Big Apple and his 60s stint
at WABC was actually his second at that station: he was there in the late 50s, then moved to WMCA
and then came back to WABC and -- the second time around -- became a radio superstar before that term
was even used.
This show is a celebration of this man's remarkable career but also kind of a history lesson about
the evolution of radio, which changed dramatically just as music was changing, going from the big band era
to the pop singers era to the rock era. Herb was an integral part of these changes and he tells his remarkable
story with wit and humor and even some homespun philosophy.
I am amazed that his voice sounds exactly as it did during his reign as New York's "Morning Mayor."
HOA is truly a winner and I am so grateful for this man's wonderful generosity.
HOA was New York City's "Morning Mayor" for eight years and a broadcasting legend.
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Joel Whitburn
ONE HOUR: This show is both a celebration of Joel's unbelievable career as well as a celebration of his 40th
year "in the business"!
Joel, who founded his comapny Record Research in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (where he still lives) is
considered by many to be the most authoritative historian on the subject of charted music in the entire world.
His website is www.recordresearch.com.
Over the past 40 years Joel has authored and published 122 reference books based on chart data
from various popular music charts, almost all being from Billboard Magazine. But his work is not limited
to that publication. Joel published one book called "Pop Memories: 1890 to 1954" using charts from other
publications that predated Billboard. Although we did not discuss that book during this interview show,
I alluded to it during my introduction of him at the outset of the show by pointing that Joel has,
in fact, chronicled charted music for the past 120 years!
He's published 122 Record Research reference books and, in adition, has also written several
Billboard books published by Watson-Guptill Publications. These are the ones you see on bookshelves
and include various editions of "Top 40 Hits," "Top 40 Albums" and "Top 40 Country hits." And he's also
produced over 150 CD compilations of hits for Rhino Records.
Joel owns one of the world's largest record collections. He has over 200,000 singles (that's 200 thousand!)
and also the largest collection of picture sleeves in the world: 18,000.
During this show he tells us what the worst record in the history of the world is!
It was such a joy spending one hour with this amazing man who assured me that there's plenty more to come in
the near future!
This renowned author, researcher and musicologist personally owns every charted pop single going back to
1936 and every charted pop album going back to 1945.
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Bobby Goldsboro
ONE HOUR: Bobby is a multi-talented performer and also one of the most influential singer-songwriters
of the rock era. He will always be best-remembered for his huge #1 hit "Honey" but that is just one of his
many extraordinary accomplishments.
He started out in the early sixties as a guitarist with Roy Orbison, traveling with that musical legend
all over the world for three years and even touring with the Beatles. His first hit single was a
"Honey"-like tearjerker called "Molly" but it was his next hit, "See The Funny Little Clown,"
that really launched his successful recording career, reaching the national top ten and becoming the first
of his 11 national top 40 hits. This show focuses primarily on his pop hits but Bobby also placed
24 hits on the country chart as well including "Honey" which duplicated its pop success by making #1.
In 1973 he hosted his own nationally-syndicated television show, which ran for three successful seasons
and became the highest rated variety show in syndication in the 70's.
As a songwriter he's received 27 BMI awards and his compositions have been recorded by such diverse artists
as Aretha Franklin, John Denver, Paul Anka, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Dr. John and Bette Midler.
Recently the tireless Bobby chose to pursue another lifelong passion: oil painting! He has over the past few
years gained a reputation as a world-class artist whose works are featured in one-man art shows at galleries
around the country.
Oh yes, doing this interview show with this super talented and super nice guy was loads of fun!
Singer, songwriter, musician, TV producer, children's author, world-class painter and frog impersonator:
they are all on his resume.
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Clay Cole
90 MINUTES: One of my blessings of the past couple of years was becoming a long-distance friend of this man
whom I have admired for so long. He is beloved by hundreds of people whose careers he helped launch and
continue prospering and by the multitude of fans who so fondly remember his glory days hosting several
different TV shows on New York City television from 1959 through 1968.
His book, "Sh-Boom! The Explosion Of Rock 'N' Roll" has been long-awaited and, now that it's out,
has been critically-acclaimed. I can think of no better way to describe this man than to quote directly
what it says on the back cover of that book:
"Clay Cole's SH-BOOM! is the pop culture chronicle of that exciting time, 1953-1968, when teenagers created
their own music, from swing bands and pop to rhythm and blues, cover records, a cappella, rockabilly,
folk, and girl groups: from the British invasion to the creation of the American Boy Band. He was first
to introduce Chubby Checker performing the 'Twist;' the first to present the Rolling Stones, Tony Orlando,
Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond, Bobby Vinton, the Rascals, Ronettes, Four Seasons, Dion, and dozens more;
the first to introduce music video clips, discotheque, go-go girls and young unknown standup comedians
Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Fannie Flagg to a teenage television audience.
"After his 'fifteen years of fame,' Clay reveals, for the very first time, his reason for walking away from
his highly-popular Saturday night shop at 30-years old, and remain out of the spotlight for over forty
years. Clay has been called 'the missing link to the Sixties.' Well, he's missing no longer; he's back
with a remarkable story to tell. And what a story it is!"
Clay: thanks for the memories and for being so generous to allow me to do this extended interview show
with you talking about your career and your book.
The legendary TV and film star is the talk of the music world with his critically-acclaimed book
"Sh-Boom! The Explosion of Rock 'N' Roll."
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Al Martino
ONE HOUR: What a career this man had. He hit the charts with more than three dozen singles and 24 albums.
He played the role of "Johnny Fontane" in the blockbuster Oscar-winning Best Picture "The Godfather."
He hit #1 on the national chart in 1952 with his very first single, "Here In My Heart,"
which defied all odds because it was on a small label based in Philadelphia. He thanked Mario Lanza for
his generosity which enabled him to accomplish this feat.
In 1963 he re-invented himself by switching to a country music sound and scored a major comeback hit,
peaking at #3 with his rendition of Leon Payne's great song "I Love You Because." That proved to be just
the tip of the iceberg as Al followed up with hit after hit after hit.
We talked about his biggest hits and play them. And we also talked about "Johnny Fontane"! You'll hear a clip
from "The Godfather" in which Marlon Brando (in the role of Don Corleone) gives Al ("Johnny") a good
old-fashioned tongue lashing and a hard slap in the face to boot. Al told me something very interesting
about that particular scene which really surprised me.
Al was a world class singer-entertainer and a world class gentleman as well. I can't thank him enough for
doing this show with me. Sadly our interview turned out to be one of his last.
Al's multitude of fans "loved him because" he was one of the most talented, versatile and tireless performers
in the business, and also one of the nicest.
We recorded this interview show on July 24.
Al passed away apparently unexpectedly on October 12 at the age of 82.
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The Playmates
HALF-HOUR: The Playmates are best-known for their 1959 national #4 smash "Beep Beep," the novelty hit
about the Cadillac and the little Nash Rambler. But they also had four other national top-forty hits,
all of which are included in this show.
They were a vocal and instrumental trio originally from Waterbury, Connecticut. The three members were
lead singer Morey Carr and harmony singers Donny Conn and Chic Hetti. Sadly Morey passed away approximately
18 years ago.
Before they became the Playmates they called themselves the Nitwits!
They became the first act directly signed to Roulette Records and, believe it or not, they were signed as a
CALYPSO act! Their first album, of calpyso songs (mostly self-penned), was released just as soon as that fad
had died! Fortunately the guys recovered from that setback and were able to chart with pop hits including
the five which made the national top forty. In order they were "Jo-Ann," "Don't Go Home," "Beep Beep,"
"What Is Love" and "Wait For Me." One of the most interesting things about their success is that though they
were not teenagers, many of their recordings were embraced by the teenage market.
It was a joy doing this interview show with the two surviving members, Donny and Chic. Their music sounds
so fresh today, close to 50 years after they recorded these songs. Their sound was unique and yet all of
their five biggest hits are so different from one another.
I know you'll agree that what is presented here is a musical delight!
Donny Conn and Chic Hetti participated in this show. Their career was much more than just "Beep Beep."
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Carolyn Travis
ONE HOUR: If you have ever enjoyed listening to rock and roll radio, be it AM, FM or satellite, I am sure
that you will enjoy this interview show in which Carolyn and I talk about this incredible documentary
which took her and her husband Chris Fox Gilson (both award-winning filmmakers) ten years to complete!
This is a no-holds-barred true story -- covering approximately 56 years -- told by America's best-loved
deejays and people close to them. Carolyn personally conducted all the interviews seen in the film and
this show contains several airchecks and videos from it of our most beloved deejays over the years doing
what they do best and also, in several cases, talking about their careers and the evolution of rock and
roll radio.
Some of the deejays appearing in the film are, alphabetically: Dick Biondi, Jerry ("The Geator") Blavat,
Tom Donahue, Alan Freed, Jocko Henderson, Arnie (Woo Woo) Ginzburg, Dan Ingram, Martha Jean (the Queen),
Wolfman Jack, Murray the K, Casey Kasem, Jim Ladd, (Cousin) Bruce Morrow, Scott Muni, Phlash Phelps,
Rufus Thomas ... and that's just a partial list. The show includes touching comments
(from the film) from Alan Freed's son Lance and Murray The K's son Peter Altschuler.
The film will soon be available for everyone to see. I had so much fun doing this show with Carolyn
and I know that this ten-year "labor of love" for Carolyn and Chris is destined to be a huge hit.
You can visit their website to check out future developments: www.travisty.tv.
This filmmaker, along with her husband, co-produced and co-directed the outstanding documentary
"Airplay: The Rise And Fall Of Rock Radio," which tells the story of how that medium evolved and changed
our lives over a period now approaching 60 years.
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Jody Miller
ONE HOUR: She was born with the name Myrna Joy Miller but her fans throughout the world know her as
Jody. Like Wanda Jackson, who was my previous interview subject, Jody is from Oklahoma and has had a
very successful career singing many styles of music.
She was initially inspired to try to become a professional singer after hearing
a record by the legendary Italian-American tenor Mario Lanza! She started out as a folk singer before
forging a tremendously successful career singing pop, country, gospel and patriotic music.
It was actor Dale Robertson who helped Jody to get her foot in the door and it was her
Grammy-winning recording of "Queen Of The House" (an answer to Roger Miller's "King Of The Road")
that opened that door very wide.
Jody then scored with the totally-different-sounding "Home of the Brave" and
ultimately became a pioneer crossover female vocalist, paving the way for Linda Ronstadt, Anne Murray
and Olivia Newton-John and others as a pop vocalist who recorded with a large country influence and
found huge success in both genres. In the 70s, after changing her label and record producer,
Jody's main focus was country music and she had a total of 27 charted country hits.
Her middle name is Joy and that descibes my feelings about this show.
Call her the "Queen Of The House" and also call her a music pioneer!
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Wanda Jackson
ONE HOUR: She's rockabilly, she's country, she's gospel. And now she's one of the latest people to be
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
Legendary country singer Hank Thompson sensed that Wanda was someone really special when he heard her on
an Oklahoma City radio show and invited her to record with his band, the Brazos Valley Boys.
But it wasn't all a bed of roses. At an early point in her career Wanda asked Capitol Records to sign her,
but she was turned down by producer Ken Nelson who told her "girls don't sell records." (She signed with
Decca instead). She eventually did get signed with Capitol and Ken became her record producer for 18
years. I assume that Wanda forgave him for his initial comment and also that, in light of her incredible
success, he changed his mind!
In the early 60s Wanda had big pop hits with "Let's Have A Party," "Right Or Wrong" and
"In The Middle Of A Heartache" and in a period spanning 21 years -- 1954 through 1974 -- she had 30
charted country hits. In the early 70s she discovered Christianity and began recording many gospel albums.
Wanda's recordings are so varied and so wonderful.
The Queen Of Rockabilly and one of the latest Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame members.
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Gary U.S. Bonds
ONE HOUR: Okay, everyone now knows that Gary U.S. Bonds is NOT a group but rather a solo performer.
However, back in the 60s when he started having hits as "U.S. Bonds," deejays would say "there's a great
sound by The U.S. Bonds"! So the artist decided to call himself "Gary U.S. Bonds" figuring that would
solve that problem. But deejays then started calling him "Gary AND the U.S. Bonds." Most people with gimmicky
names don't have too many hits. But, based upon his national top 40 charted records,
including his #1 smash "Quarter To Three,"
Gary is a NINE-hit wonder! All of those hits are on this show. After a chart absence of 19 years, Gary had
an incredible comeback in 1981, spearheaded by none other than "The Boss" himself. This man has been rockin'
and rollin' for 50 years and it was so much fun doing this show with him. Come on in, the music's fantastic!
He added "Gary" to his name so that deejays wouldn't be confused.
It didn't work.
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Kenny Dino
HALF-HOUR: "Your Ma Said You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night" from 1961 is one of those oldies which,
because of its long title and its riveting hook, you just can't get out of your head once you've heard it.
Interestingly the first time Kenny heard it, he sure TRIED to get it out of his head!
He did NOT want to record it and his record label didn't want him to do so either.
Yet, after some arm-twisting and finding a new record label that believed in the song,
he wound up doing it and it became a national hit.
Born and raised in New York City, Kenny began singing in the late 50s while in the Navy stationed in Iceland.
His first guitar player was Doug Sahm, who eventually formed the Sir Douglas Quintet.
Up until the time of his unexpected death on December 10, 2009,
Kenny had been an active performer for 50 years, sharing stages
with some of the top names in the music business.
This interview show contains many great stories from Kenny and many fine recordings
in addition to "Your Ma Said...".
Kenny sang the national hit "Your Ma Said You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night."
He passed away on December 10, 2009.
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Vicki Spencer
75 MINUTES: I did this interview show especially for Clay Cole and up until now it has only been available
on his website: http://www.claycoleshow.com.
Vicki's dad, Lou Spencer, was universally-acclaimed as one of the top dancers in the world. At the age of
16, Vicki appeared as a featured singing performer with Chubby Checker and Dion in two motion pictures:
"Teenage Millionaire" (starring Jimmy Clanton) and "Twist Around The Clock" (starring Clay Cole). She sang
two songs in each of those films. She eventually did some modeling and commercials and was a semi-finalist
in The Miss Teenage America contest. Then she was in many bands with her brothers, doing extensive recording
and touring. Through a series of fortunate events, I was able to locate her and she graciously agreed
to doing this interview show. Her daughter, Jamie Perlow, is a professional singer
and she appears toward the end of this show. There's also a surprise call-in appearance by
someone very famous but I can't say who it is!
At the age of 16 she was the only featured female singing performer
in the most famous movie ever devoted exclusively to The Twist.
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The Doughboys
80 MINUTES: I did this interview show especially for Clay Cole and up until now it has only been available
on his website: http://www.claycoleshow.com.
In the mid-60s this New Jersey-based group released two singles,
"Rhoda Mendelbaum" and "Everybody Knows My Name," which are mid 60's NJ-American pop rock classics.
They performed with the top acts in the business and were the house band at Greenwich Village's legendary
Cafe Wha? in 1968. They recently reunited and released a CD called "Is It Now?" which is getting a
tremendous amount of attention on FM and the Internet.
I interviewed lead singer Mike Scavone and bass player Mike Caruso
in the studio while drummer Richard X. Heyman was on the phone;
a week later I spoke by phone with Gar Francis and that conversation is also part of this show.
(Gar replaced the recently deceased original member Willy Kirchofer,
the founding member of the Doughboys.) It was a joy to do this show with this group who are hotter now
than they have ever been.
They started rockin' and rollin' in the 60s. Now, forty years later, they are still rockin' and rollin' and
burning up FM radio and the Internet!
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Tracey Dey
ONE HOUR: Nora Ferrari, a pretty young blonde, was attending Fordham University when famed record producer
Bob Crewe heard a demo tape that she had recorded. He quickly signed her to his production company
(aptly named Genius, Inc.) and gave her a brand new name: "Tracey Dey." Her first recording, produced by
Bob (of course!), was "Jerry (I'm Your Sherry)," an answer record to the Four Seasons' first #1 hit.
Tracey charted nationally with subsequent singles, including "Teenage Cleopatra," "Here Comes The Boy" and
"Gonna Get Along Without You Now." These and other releases by Tracey are considered by her fans throughout
the world to be as some of the best recordings of the "girl group" era. For more than 40 years, she's been off
the radar screen. I'm so glad that, in response to so many requests, I was able to find her and that she
agreed to do this show with me, her first radio interview ever. It was so much fun walking down memory lane
with her, reliving so many wonderful memories. Note: a special thank you to Jack Raymond for his help in
making this show possible.
Here comes the girl ... doing her first radio interview ever.
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Shawn Swords
ONE HOUR: "Wages Of Spin" is a revealing and critical documentary about the Philadelphia music scene from
1952-1963, focusing on the history of "American Bandstand," Dick Clark, payola and the teen idols of the day.
Director Shawn Swords and producer Blake Wilcox were in the studio with me as we discussed the film. Many
music personalities appear in it including radio personality Jerry Blavat, producer/songwriter Artie Singer
and rockabilly great Charlie Gracie; it focuses among other things on the fact that Dick Clark did not merely
play the hits, he also made the hits and in many cases owned all or part of them. The film was recently
exhibited at the Philadelphia Film Festival and will soon be on national TV and possibly in select movie
houses. You will probably be surprised by the revelations contained in this interview, which are presented in
much more detail in the film itself.
This filmmaker directed the eagerly-awaited and much-talked-about documentary "Wages Of Spin,"
which focuses on the Philadelphia music scene from 1952-1963, primarily on "American Bandstand"
and Dick Clark. Producer Blake Wilcox also participated in the show.
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The Delicates
85 MINUTES: The three Belleville (NJ) belles -- alphabetically by first name ARLEEN Lanzotti Gonnella,
DENISE Ferri and PEGGY Santiglia Davison -- are one of the most popular and enduring girl groups of the
pre-Beatle era. They also answer, respectively, to the nicknames LEE, DEE and PEG!
Those who listened to Murray The K's legendary "Swinging Soiree" show on 1010-WINS in New York City knew
them as his original "Dancing Girls": they wrote and sang his "Submarine Race Watcher Theme" and show
jingles and appeared with him on the radio and made many in-person appearances with him and other deejays at
major stage events with the top recording acts in the nation and at local venues.
They made so many delightful recordings including "Flip Flip," "Meusurry" and "Black And White Thunderbird,"
which, over the years, has become one of the most popular car songs throughout the US and around the world.
Just as important to them as their recording career is the fact that they have remained lifelong friends since
meeting each other at their elementary school in Belleville, NJ. You can find additional information, of
course, on this website.
For several reasons, no interview that I have done to date has been more fun than this one!
The first full-length interview ever with all three of Murray The K's ORIGINAL "Dancing Girls"!
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The Willows (Tony Middleton)
HALF-HOUR: "Church Bells May Ring" was one of the first 45s that I ever bought. So for that reason alone, this
interview was already very special to me even before the "tape started rolling."
Talking to Tony and learning (for the first time) about so many great
recordings that the Willows have done in addition to that one was both educational and enjoyable. This group,
originally from Harlem, is a splendid example of wonderful group harmony singing.
If you only know them from "Church Bells May Ring," you will be amazed by their versatility.
And, if you don't know this person's identity,
you might be surprised when you find out in this interview what famous rock and roller
played the chimes on that legendary Willows recording. Doing this show with Tony was a total delight.
"Church Bells May Ring," with Tony on lead, is one of the most remembered and beloved doowop and R&B
recordings of all time.
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Little Anthony and the Imperials (Anthony Gourdine)
ONE HOUR: I first spoke privately to Anthony on January 8, 2009, which happened to be his birthday.
He sounded real happy and now I know why: he had just been told that he and his group, the Imperials,
had been voted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Class of 2009.
I recorded this one-hour phone interview show with Anthony exactly two weeks later, on January 22.
Members of his group who were inducted with him in Cleveland on April 4 include
Clarence Collins, Ernest Wright, Sammy Strain and the late Tracy Lord.
Anthony and his group are not only wonderful recording artists but consummate (and very busy) entertainers
as well and they are constantly re-inventing themselves. This fun interview is chock full of surprises,
musical and otherwise, and Anthony is one of the classiest guys it's been my pleasure to meet via
long distance!
What a birthday present: "You're IN!"
The group was officially inducted on April 4, 2009.
Congratulations!
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Maurice Williams
HALF-HOUR: "Stay" is the title of Maurice Williams 1960 chart-topping hit and it can also refer to his
own musical durability: he has STAYED as one of the most popular artists in the history of classic
rhythm and blues and rock and roll music for over 50 years. He first achieved prominence in 1957 as the leader
of the Gladiolas: their version of his composition "Little Darlin'" rode the pop and r&b charts; then the song
became a rock and roll classic when the Diamonds covered it and took it to #2 on the pop chart. Three years
later he and his group, renamed the Zodiacs, hit #1 on the pop chart with the aforementioned "Stay": at 1:37,
it remains the shortest record ever to hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Those songs, as well as several
other goodies, are on this fun show with the man who is still out there making great music and pleasing his
multitude of fans.
He wrote and sang the shortest hit ever to hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
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The Fleetwoods (Gary Troxel)
HALF-HOUR: Gary Troxel was the guy in the Olympia, Washington trio that was originally called "Two Girls And
A Guy." The girls were Gretchen Christopher and Barbara Ellis. Thankfully they changed their name to the
Fleetwoods. Their magical 1959 recording "Come Softly To Me" established them as overnight successes, zooming
to #1 on the national chart and remaining there for four weeks. Later in that same year they earned their
second national #1 hit with "Mr. Blue," a song which Gary tells me he didn't like at all! (He has changed his
mind!) From 1959 through 1963 they had a total of nine national top-forty hits, pretty amazing when you
consider that Gary was in the Navy for a good portion of that time. Their sound is unique and wonderful. By
the way, do you know what Gary REALLY sings at the beginning of "Come Softly To Me"? Listen and find out.
For close to 50 years their legendary "soft" hit has remained one of the most beloved recordings of the rock
era.
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The Newbeats (Larry Henley)
HALF-HOUR: Larry Henley was the falsetto lead singer of the trio called the Newbeats, who hit #2 on the
Billboard Hot 100 with one of the most memorable oldies of the mid-60s called "Bread and Butter." The other
Newbeats were brothers Dean and Marc Mathis. That hit was the first of four national top-40 records by the
group. Larry went on to write successful country songs. But probably his most notable musical accomplishment
was having co-written (with Jeff Silbar) one of the most loved songs of the past quarter century:
the best-known version of that song, which was "Wind Beneath My Wings," became a #1 hit for Bette Midler.
Note: there is a surprise guest appearance on this show by a very popular singer who had pop hits in the 60s
and country hits in the 70s.
The falsetto singer who wrote one of pop music's most enduring classics.
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Bruce Channel
HALF-HOUR: Bruce Channel became an overnight success in 1962 when a song that he co-wrote and recorded called
"Hey! Baby" zoomed to #1 on the chart. That song has become a classic and was also recorded in charted
versions by Jose Feliciano, Ringo Starr and Anne Murray, who took it to the top ten of the country chart.
Bruce also charted with several other recordings and then embarked upon a second career as a very successful
country music songwriter. Listener's advisory: this show includes a surprise guest appearance by someone very
near and dear to Bruce, for obvious musical reasons!
Hey, baby, it's pronounced shuh-NELL!
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Clarence "Frogman" Henry
HALF-HOUR: Clarence Henry, born in New Orleans where he has lived all his life, came to national prominence by
singing as a boy, a girl and a frog on his legendary 1956 hit "Ain't Got No Home." That success gave him the
nickname of "Frogman." In 1961, without using the frog voice, he had his biggest chart success with
"But I Do," a recording originally released as "I Don't Know Why." In 1964 he opened for the Beatles on 18
concert dates. Clarence, who has retired from performing, is a true gentleman who obviously enjoys life so
very much. His music, a quintessential example of the fabulous New Orleans sound, is earcatching and memorable.
The renowned New Orleans hitmaker with the three singing voices!
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Sam the Sham
HALF-HOUR: Domingo Samudio (aka Sam the Sham) and his group took the country by storm in 1965. "Wooly Bully"
by Sam The Sham and the Pharaohs, which everyone loved even though it made little or no sense, was the #1
record for that entire year according to Billboard Magazine. They had another huge hit in 1966 with "Lil' Red
Riding Hood," as well as several other chart records. And Sam even won a Grammy Award and you'll never guess
what the category was. (A clue: he beat out Miles Davis!) I could say more here but I think it would be more
appropriate to let you be surprised and delighted by this man. Even with several power failures during our
recording session, I found this to be one of the most enjoyable interviews I've done.
A combination of "Wooly Bully" and assorted fun and a healthy heaping of wonderful homespun philosophy!
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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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The 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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