Leading R&B drummer Earl Palmer, best known
for his New Orleans recording sessions with the likes of Fats Domino
and Little Richard, died on Friday, Sept. 19th at his home in Los Angeles at age
84, his family said. Palmer, who died after a lengthy illness, played on hundreds of hits
during a career that ran from the 1940s through the 1970s and earned
him an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The following shows can now be heard each week on Rockabilly Radio:
The Bop2B Show presented by Dave Brighton (UK)
The Rockabilly DJ Show presented by Bill Smoker (UK)
The WildKat Mike Show presented by Mike George (UK)
The Preacher Rocks! Show presented by The Preacher (UK)
The DJ Spy Show presented by DJ Spy (Germany)
Rhythm Blast presented by Dave Brighton (UK)
The Rock & Roll Show presented by Don Freeman (US)
Please check
http://www.rockabillyradio.net for
broadcast times.
CHARLIE WALKER DIES
9/13/08 - Longtime Grand Ole Opry member and famed disc jockey Charlie Walker, whose
shuffling, twinkling "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" remains a country
music standard a half-century after its recording, died Friday in
Hendersonville. Mr. Walker was 81, and had recently been diagnosed
with colon cancer.
In 1958, Mr. Walker decided to record "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down,"
from the pen of an aspiring songwriter named Harlan Howard who was a
forklift driver at a California printing factory. The song became Mr.
Walker's signature hit and it was Howard's first commercial writing
success. (Howard went on to write more than 100 Top 10 country hits
and to become a Country Music Hall of Famer.)
(UK) - BOOK EARLY for next year's Americana Festival at Newark from July 9 to 12,
and you can get
tickets for Saturday or Sunday at just £25 each, 16 and 17 year olds £10. 15s and under
go free.
The Americana Festival is the biggest music festival in the area, with live music on two
large outdoor stages and three indoor venues, with more than 40 artists from the USA, UK,
Australia and Europe with a mix of country music, rock 'n roll and rockabilly.
There are jive and dance classes, thousands of American vehicles dating from the early
1900s, with hundreds of trade stands and amusements. On site weekend camping is available.
Amongst the artists expected to appear next year are - Rodney Crowell, James Intveld, Levi
Dexter, Danni Leigh, Peter Donegan and the Lonnie Donegan Band, Matchbox, the Jets and the
Hicksville Bombers.
Full details on the
Americana Website.
ROBERT GORDON and CHRIS SPEDDING
An amusing newsitem from
Danish television about Robert Gordon and Chris Spedding
recording a new back-to-the-basics rock 'n' roll album in that country. The newscrew
caught them right in the middle of some serious technical problems. Nevertheless, the
results are amazing, and both men agree that this album may well be their best album in
years. "The recording is just coming out fantastically", Gordon says. Robert and Chris
selected some great rock 'n' roll songs for this album, associated with artists like Eddie
Cochran, Gene Vincent, Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Ral Donner and Little Richard. "I think
some of it is pretty good", Spedding adds with typical British understatement. Info:
www.robertgordon.dk.
SPECIAL DAY HONORING JANIS MARTIN
The induction of Janis Martin, "The Rockabilly Queen," in to the Danville, VA Museum of Fine
Arts & History's Hall of Fame. 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2008 at the museum.
UPDATE ON GLEN GLENN
July 13, 2008 - "I spoke to Glen today, and he's doing well.
He played the
Hootenanny in southern
California on July 5th, and on July 7th he went in for surgery on his left kidney.
The doctor said a surgery of this type could last as long as four hours, but it
went well and only lasted two and a half hours. Although we won't know for
sure what was wrong until the pathology report comes back in a few days,
the doctor said that it looked like Glen had cancer in the kidney. However,
it looks like it was caught at a fairly early stage so that it may not have
spread and that Glen probably won't need chemotherapy or radiation.
Right now he's recuperating at home and is up and walking around.
He'll have his stitches out next Wednesday and then will follow up with
his doctor the following Wednesday. On July 30th, he'll go to a kidney specialist
to make sure that his right kidney is functioning well enough. If not, Glen might
have to have dialysis later on.
For now, Glen says that he appreciates everyone's good wishes. By the way,
Wednesday, July 16th, is also his wife Mary's birthday. Please continue to
keep them both in your thoughts and prayers."
Dianne Duran - rhofgal@yahoo.com
Unsung: CHIPS MOMAN is one of the key figures in the history of Memphis music.
So why hasn't he been given his due?
LORRIE COLLINS / RICKY NELSON
"Fans of the Collins Kids might want to take note of a new DVD release in
North America (Region 1). "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet: Best of Ricky
and Dave" is a 4-disc set that was released last week by Shout Factory, and
the set focuses on some of the major episodes in which Ricky performed. Fans
of Lorrie and Larry Collins will also recall that Lorrie also guest-starred
on a couple of episodes in 1958, which led to her becoming Ricky's real-life
girlfriend.
One of those episodes is included in the set: "The Picture in Rick's
Notebook", in which she actually plays a dual role as twin sisters. One of
them just happens to own a guitar with the name "LORRIE COLLINS" on the neck
and performs "Just Because" in duet with Rick. Not bad, though somewhat more
subdued than the way the Collins Kids usually performed it. I'm actually
surprised that Lorrie didn't make more TV and film appearances and I think
she makes a better impression in her 5 minutes on screen than Tuesday Weld
does in her guest-starring gig on Disc 2! Then again, according to the
latest issue of "Paranoia" magazine (a real publication - check your
newsstands), Weld was busy being High Priestess of the Illuminati at the
time so maybe she wasn't concentrating ... LOL!
This seems to be the only Lorrie episode in the set, however the set does
include an episode called "Who is Betty?" which aired about a month later --
and sure enough (not to be outdone), Larry Collins has a small role (if
you'll pardon the expression)! Cheers!"
Alex F-H - alexfh@shaw.ca
ROBERT GORDON: NEW ALBUM, LANDMARK PERFORMANCES
Robert Gordon is a busy man these days. Following the success of the recent Elvis album,
he will be back in the studio in July for a back-to-the-basics, tough rock 'n' roll
record, in the spirit of his early RCA albums. His musical partner and close friend Chris
Spedding will be playing on the album, as well as Detroit session- drummer Todd Glass and
renowned Helsinki slapbass player Lasse Sirkko.
Gordon will be using the same band, which he usually refers to as his "A Team", for
two special concerts in Germany; at the FZW in Dortmund on July 11th and at the
Kulturfabrik in Kassel in July 12th. "I've always enjoyed performing in Germany", he
says "I used to play there often. The last time I played there was in 2002. That was in
Berlin. I look forward to performing in Dortmund and in Kassel since I haven't been in
that part of the country since the early 90s".
They will also be appearing at the Americana Festival in Newark (U.K.) on July 13th.
"I am really looking forward to playing in the U.K. this time around", Robert says.
"Ilove performing in front of large audiences. 'Huge' would be a better way to describe
the audience expected at this 'Americana' Festival. At least 60,000 I believe. See you
there!".
Record labels are invited to contact management for more information about the new album, at
deelen@elvis.dk or through their website at www.robertgordon.dk This is also how you
can contact for booking info.
ANOTHER GREEN BAY FEST?
"Marc Mencher and Phil Doran currently have no plans to hold any more Rockin' '50s Fests
in Green Bay. I'm sure you agree that this would be a big loss to the rockabilly
community. There is a petition circulating to save the Fest. Mr. Mencher has said that
if the petition accumulates a few thousand signatures, they may revive the event. The
petition link is:
www.petitiononline.com/rockin50/petition.html".
Adrian Mazar, RHOF member - ADRIANMAZAR@comcast.net
ED. NOTE: Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Gail Lewis & Wanda Jackson Live at the
Forum, London - Tuesday 28 October 2008 -
JERRY LEE LEWIS & THE KILLER BAND
+ LINDA GAIL LEWIS
with Darrel Higham and the Enforcers
+ very special guest (flying in from the US for this one show) WANDA JACKSON
with Wes McGhee & The London Party-Timers Bobby Fuller Story ... Keepin' the "Holly Sound" Alive.
Music Review: Reverend (Norton Heat) Organdrum - Hi Fi Stereo
MISSISSIPPI CELBRATES ITS GRAMMY LEGACY
with a Star-Studded Gala hosted by Governor Barbour.
The event, set for the evening of Thursday, May 29th at the Jackson, MS Marriott's Windsor
Ballroom, is a follow-up to Mississippi's salute last year to the GRAMMY 50th Celebration.
The evening's program relates to the contributions of Mississippians to America's musical
heritage and GRAMMY recognition thereof on multiple levels. Participating artists include
country music songwriting legend Paul Overstreet; R&B/Pop star Brandy; Gospel music greats
The Williams Brothers, joined by guitar icon James Burton; the incomparable Mavis Staples;
blues guitar slinger Eddie Cotton; and a trio of Swedish divas: Beatrice, Anorah and
Hannah Holgersson. The event will be hosted by actress Joey Lauren Adams, with a ballet
interlude by Kathy Thibodeaux. The
Williams Brothers who will be joined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Rockabilly Hall of Fame
inductee James Burton, the guitar great who toured and recorded with Presley as part of
his TCB Band.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers,
engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural
condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the
GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most
credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking
professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services
programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing
musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music
remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please
visit www.grammy.com.
JERRY WALLACE R.I.P.
Jerry Wallace Jr. and he said that his Dad has passed away on 5/5/08 from congestive heart
failure. Considered a pop act during the late '50s with a pair of huge hits, Jerry Wallace
successfully migrated to the country field during the '60s and '70s. Wallace began
recording in 1951 and burst onto the pop charts in 1958 on the Challenge label with "How
the Time Flies" and the even bigger "Primrose Lane" a year later. His focus became more
country-oriented with "Shutters and Boards" and "In the Misty Moonlight" in 1963-64, and
he made a full-fledged switch in 1965 after switching to the Mercury label. A move to
Liberty in 1968 didn't pay off, but in 1972, soon after he began recording for Decca, "If
You Leave Me Tonight I'll Cry" topped the country charts (as did the LP
Get to You). During the
next year, "Do You Know What It's Like to Be Lonesome" and "Don't Give Up on Me" both
reached the Top Five, but Wallac e only managed one more Top Ten, 1974's "My Wife's House"
(for MCA). He charted continually until the end of the decade, though, while recording for
MGM, 4 Star, BMA, and Door Knob.
- Howard Judy Thomason
EDDY ARNOLD, Arnold, country music's "Tennessee Plowboy" whose
rendition of "Make the World Go Away" was an international hit in the 1960s, died on
Thursday at age 89 in Nashville after a lengthy illness.
Rising from a poverty-stricken childhood in Henderson, Tennessee, Arnold connected with
the Pee Wee King Band as a singer and went on to a career in which he was named to the
Country Music Hall of Fame and received the County Music Association's first entertainer
of the year award.
He won many other awards as he moved from pure country into pop-oriented arrangements that
attracted a wider audience. In addition to "Make the World Go Away" he scored 16 other
consecutive hits in the 1960s. His concerts sold out in New York's Carnegie Hall and he
performed in Hollywood's Coconut Grove and top clubs in Las Vegas.
Arnold starred on the Grand Ole Opry in 1943, signed with RCA the following year but did
not have a hit until 1946 with "That's How Much I Love You."
Coming under the management of Col. Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's manager, Arnold quickly
scored a string of hits and graduated from radio to television.
Among others, his hit singles include "Cattle Call," "Just Call Me Lonesome," "After
Loving You," "I Want to Go With You" and "Tennessee Stud."
Arnold's wife, Sally, died earlier this year. Music Review: Ronnie Hawkins - Mojo Man / Arkansas Rockpile
BILL BURK,
publisher of Elvis World magazine passed away. He had been a staple in the Elvis
community since his reporter days for the Memphis Press Scimitar in the '50s. His books
and research about Elvis had been used and quoted by many other subsequent publications
like Peter Guralnicks 2 part biographies in addition to his contributions to Scotty Moore's
website. (posted April 25, 2008).
MY TRIP IN THE USA."
Dominique Anglares reports on his visit to USA April, 2008 (that included Viva Las Vegas #11).
He met "so many wonderful persons that everybody had to be mentioned. Many of my friends now beg me to write a book
... it seems I have started." - Dominique Anglares - anglares.dominique@wanadoo.fr
Floyd M. Ramsey, 82, passed away April 16, 2008 at his home in Phoenix. He was
born in Phoenix on March 22, 1926, to Clay and Virgie Ramsey. Floyd served in the Army
Air Corps from 1943-45 as a radio repairman. Upon his discharge he joined his father's
business, Ramsey's Radio Repair, on the corner of Seventh Street and Weldon Ave. The
two built a small recording studio next to the repair shop and a barber shop. The
building later expanded to include television sales and repair and the Valley's first
self-serve record outlet, Recordland.
The small studio area grew in the mid 1950s to become Audio Recorders of Arizona, where
the worldwide hits "The Fool" (56) and "Rebel Rouser" (58) were created. By 1963, the
company was successful enough to invest in a large, state-of-the-art recording
studio at 3830 N. Seventh Street. Recording music, tape duplication and
advertising clients continued to grow the company. The the early 70's Floyd became
a Sony video equipment distributor and the business name changed to Audio Video Recorders
of Arizona.
Floyd's musical clients over the years included stars Duane Eddy, Wayne Newton, Waylon
Jennings, Sanford Clark, Skip & Flip, Donna Fargo, Elton John, Marty Robbins, Phil
Spector and hundreds more, many of whom first released records on Floyd's own Liberty
Bell, MCI, Rev and Ramco record labels. In 1991, Floyd and Mary sold their successful
business and enjoyed their remaining days together traveling far and wide as well as
spending lots of time with family and friends in their second home in Prescott.
Floyd was a kind, generous and caring man. He loved his family and friends and was
respected and admired by all who knew him For his contribution to Arizona popular
culture, he was inducted into The Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame in 2005.
He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 64 years Mary Faye, son Tim, daughter
Dorenda (Misencik) both of Phoenix, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to Hospice Of The Valley,
1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 530-6900.
NEW CHARLIE GRACIE CD WITH SPECIAL GUESTS:
Graham Nash, Al Kooper, Peter Noone and many more ... in the works for LANARK MUSIC.
CHARLIE returns to the studio with producer QUENTIN JONES next month to continue the
first U.S. cd-recordings in 8-years! Many of the artists inspired by Philly's
First Rocker will contribute their talents: AL KOOPER (founder of Blood, Sweat
and Tears and Bob Dylan's organist), GRAHAM NASH (of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash),
PETER NOONE (British Invasion Pop/Rocker) and MORE.
SCOTTY and DJ were consulted and video taped sometime last year talking about some of the
songs they recorded with Elvis and along with instructors teach subscribers to this new
site how to play them. The service will likely be of interest to musicicans. Its kind
of neat because you can't imagine the number of requests Scotty has had for stuff like
this. http://scottymoore.net/ivideo.html Ace Cafe, London: MAY MUSIC
Thu 1st - 8pm - 11pm - Mod n' Mini Night with DJ LITTLE DIANE - Entry Free
Sat 3rd - 8pm - 11pm - RUBBERNECKIN' Record Hop with DJ Bill Guntrip - Entry Free
Sun 4th - 9pm - 2am - SLIM JIM PHANTOM TRIO (From USA) + DJ Bill Guntrip - Entry - £15.
Sorry No Under 18s
Wed 7th - 8pm - 11pm - Hot Rod Night Executioners Spring Riot with THE
HUMDINGERS + DJ Little Carl - Entry Free
Fri 16th - 8pm -11pm - Rockers n' Classic Bike Night with DJ BIG BEAT KRIS - Entry Free -
Sorry No Under 18s
Sun 25th - 9pm -2am - London Debut of PAUL PATERSON & His Rockin' Band
(playing all his dancefloor fillers including his No.1 Blues Bopper "I Got
It Hard" + DJ Little Carl - Entry ¬ £10. Sorry No Under 18s
Mon 26th - Noon - Margate Seafront (The Margate Meltdown) with CARLOS &
THE BANDIDOS with special guest on guitar DARREL HIGHAM + THE
UNKNOWNS + DJ Bill Guntrip - Free
Sat 31st - 8pm - 11pm - Rockin' Record Hop with DJ TRACY DICK - Entry Free
Please check website for regular updates: www.ace-cafe-london.com
Ace Cafe London
Tel: ++44 (0)20 8961 1000
Fax: ++44 (0)20 8965 0161
Ace Corner
North Circular Road
Stonebridge
London
NW10 7UD Solute from Russia! GAGARIN BROTHERS
The Gagarin Brothers refer to their style as "A Neo Retro Alliance",
a description fitting for their talent of taking popular melodies
from Soviet and American music of the 1920's through 1960's and
giving them new life in very unexpected rockabily, gipsy jazz, folk
and zydeco arrangements.
During its formation, the group saw many 'artists' come and go before
it reached the stable collective.Today, however, these professional
musicians have found in each other similar tastes in music, common
ideas, and vital homogenous orientation where this music is concerned,
traits which give Gagarin Brothers the deep personal connection that
comes across so clearly on stage.
The Gagarin Brothers are:
Sergei Kalinin - drums (formerly of Rattlesnakes http://www.myspace.com/therattlesnakesru,
Red Elvises http://www.myspace.com/redelvises) --
Alexei Andreev - guitar
(formerly of Lampa Ladino http://www.lampaladino.ru) --
Sergei Zaslavskii - accordion
(formerly of Amigos de Corazon http://www.amigosband.narod.ru,
Melnitsa http://www.melnitsa.net) --
Dmitry "D-Jazz" Ilyin - upright bass
(formerly of Meantraitors http://www.myspace.com/themeantraitorsfanpage,
Rattlesnakes http://www.myspace.com/therattlesnakesru) --
Alexei Cekatskii - vocals
(formerly of Jazz Dance Orchestra http://www.jazzdanceorchestra.ru ,
Oleg Lundstrem's Jazz Orchestra http://www.lundstrem-jazz.ru/ ,
Ygor Butman Big Band http://www.igorbutman.com/)
Performing in clubs and concert halls, Gagarin Brothers bring
esthetic and emotional satisfaction to audiences throughout Russia
and abroad with their excellent music and original stage costumes.
Russian Rock and Roll Evolution!!
Alexander "Alex" Golubev
e-mail: kap-club@mail.ru
+7 916 153 5322
Moscow, Russland
HIGH-TOME SHUTS DOORS, SELLS
CATALOGUE TO SHOUT! FACTORY
Monday, March 31, 2008 ÀÜ HighTone Records, the one-time home of Dave Alvin, Robert Cray
and Dale Watson, is shutting its doors, an apparent victim of the economic downturn hitting
the music business. HighTone is selling its catalogue to Shout! Factory Records, a California-
based label that is home to Solomon Burke. That deal happened Friday.
No one could be reached at HighTone. The phone number at the Oakland-based label was
disconnected.
HighTone was the first label for bluesman Cray. The label expanded into country and roots
music, releasing artists including Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Tom Russell. The label cut
back on releases in recent years, opting for repacking and reissuing material from its catalog.
"We got the whole label," said Shout! Factory spokesperson Lauren Gaffney Monday. "We're
still gong through all the titles and deciding what we're going to do. Some of the titles are no
longer in print. Some are in print."
As for future plans by Shout Factory for the HighTone music, "there will be some best of
titles, and they'll start hitting later this year," said Gaffney. ROBERT GORDON: 61 CANDLES
Posted March 29, 2008 - As Robert Gordon celebrates his 61st birthday today,
the thought of retirement is still far from his mind: "Man, are you kidding? I'm
feeling great and my voice is better than ever. Besides, performing is my whole life -
I really can't imagine ever quitting this business’" he says. Robert will be doing
several shows in Norway and in Finland together with the Marco DiMaggio band, and he's very
excited about that: "I always have a lot of fun on the road with those guys.
The bassplayer, Matteo, is a riot - he really kills me every time with his Bee Gees
impersonation!".
Robert also has some shows coming up in May and July together with Chris
Spedding, and in October with the Redhots from Finland. For booking info or
birthday greetings just write to
robert@robertgordon.dk. But right now,
our birthday boy has a busy day ahead of him: "My grandchildren are in town for
the weekend. I'll really need their help to blow out that many candles! (Photo: Frankie Ford with Robert Gordon)
BILL TURNER is still smokin' after strumming with the best of them.
New Gene Summer's CD
Posted March 16, 2008 - Gene has just informed us that he has a brand new CD titled
"Reminisce Cafe", just released on Seduction Records #110. This is Gene's
50th Anniversary Album released in 2008 on the exact date of his first 45 release,
"School Of Rock 'n Roll", which was issued
on February 1, 1958! "Reminisce Cafe" contains (15) NEWLY RECORDED tracks in the rockin'
50s style. This is Gene's first U.S. studio album since 1981! Tracks include: "Reminisce
Cafe", "She Bops A Lot", "Just Together", "Rockin' Fever", "Crazy Cat Corner", "I Won't
Take Any Less", "(It's Love Baby) Twenty Four Hours A Day", "Do A Little Roll",
"Heartbreak City Limits", "Love Me Tender", "Gonna Drive 'Em Up A Wall", "Be-Bop City",
"Hot Rod Baby", "I'm Flyin' In" and Little Lu Ann (a James McClung composition)!
The liner notes were written by legendary DJ Ron Chapman and the album was produced by
3-time Grammy winner Phil York. CD has a 6-page, full color, fold-out with some never
before published, personal pics from the early years to the present!
(Cover Photo: Gene & Dea Summers, Dallas, 1962) [UPC663525221727] CD in stock.
Immediate shipping, order from:
http://siliconmusic.us/.
Autographed copies are available upon request.
MAKE YER RESERVATIONS NOW! ;-)
The Elvis Presley Memorial Dinner will be held at the Peabody Hotel on Thursday, August
14, 2008 in the grand ballroom.
Our guest list includes the famous and fabulous Jordanaires, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Kevin
Mills, Vince Anthony, Gary Coleman, Will Debley , Gary Britt and others. As an added
bonus we have Kevin Adams doing his great impersonations and he is really something and if
you've never seen him perform he will have you in stitches. We have another bonus for you
- we will allow three names to be drawn - on stage - for any amateur present who might
like to come on stage and sing - bring your own CD!
For tickets ($75.00 each) please make checks payable to EPMD and mail to Marian Cocke @
784 Pecan Gardens Circle East, Memphis, TN 38122 and please enclose a SASE for tickets to
be returned to you.
Attire is nice casual - all tables are reserved and for those of you who have specific
folks that you would like to sit with - you must send your checks together in order for
your request to be honored. Children under 10 will be served a childs plate at no cost
to parents but must know the count for proper table seating.
March, 2008 -- Our sister web site: That Bakersfield Sound Website
is celebrating it's 10th Anniversary BILL WOODS
... from Bakersfield.
Bill was the source of inspiration
to start this website back in 1998.
Bill is known as the "Grandaddy of the Bakersfield Sound.
He passed away April 30, 2000.
RIP dear friend.
CRY-BABY READIES TO ROCK BROADWAY.
The latest John Waters film to make the leap from the silver screen to the Broadway stage,
Cry Baby, prepares to rock Broadway audiences at the Marquis Theatre beginning March 15th.
AN OPEN E-MAIL FROM BOBBY CROWN TO A FRIEND Posted March 4, 2008
Laurent, Just got back from Finland. Had a great time. I went on stage about
1:00 o'clock Sunday morning. Was supposed to play about an hour. I wound up playing almost
one and a half hours. They kept wanting more. I did 4 encores and they were still wanting more.
I was running out of songs and I finally just told them that was all and thanked them and J.J.
and the boys played an instrumental and I walked off stage.
You know that Wildfirewillie is really a hard act to follow. They put on such a great show.
But I am very fortunate to have them playing for me. Personally, and I know you do to, feel
that they are the best rockabilly band anywhere. Once again, I have to thank you for talking
me into going to Europe and helping getting me get connected with Wildfirewillie and The Ramblers.
I could have done this show in September, but the band wasn't available so I put it off until they were.
I just won't play a rockabilly gig without them. I don't have to.
I had a guitar player named Buddy Webb that played with me for about seventeen years until about 1990.
Recently Buddy told me that he enjoyed making me look good and he did. I feel the same about Wildfirewilly.
Jan knows my songs better than I do and they are there to catch me if I falter.
They make me feel young again even tho I can't hop up on stage like I use to. I have to use the steps.
Anyway, after the show, I started up to my room to change clothes and there was one of the other bands
having a jam session in the hall way with a couple of guitars, a small amp, a snare drum and a harmonica player.
There was quite a few people listening and they wanted me to sing a couple of songs, so I did.
I changed clothes, came back down. I had a couple of beers and something like jambalaya with rice and stuff.
I sat with Alf, the bass player, who is a real character and some more people.
They closed up the restaraunt and I headed back to my room because I had to get up at 8:00 o'clock
to get ready to catch a plane in Helsinki. Guess what, The jam was still gong on, and Jan was singing.
They wanted me to sing some more. I sang everything I thought they might follow me on including Big Blue Diamonds.
I am going to forward this mail to some other people that might be interested including Gene Summers.
I have told him several times thru E-mail how much I like Big Blue Diamonds.
Anyway I told them that I had to get some sleep and got back to my room about 4:30 A.M.
I had a wake up call at 8:00. Had a shower. ate some Breakfast. I think I had some kind of fish for part
of my Breakfast and I am not sure if it was cooked or not. It was kind of rolled up. A guy told me it was very Nordic.
It didn't taste bad. I never was a picky eater. That is something that my Mother taught me.
Anyway the manager of the hotel took me to the airport . I think he was the only one that wasn't hungover.
Someone told me that the beer was about seven dollars each and they drank a lot of it. The manager said it was an
exceptional crowd and he was very happy. He was a nice man as were all of the people there.
Big Beat magazine did a nice article on me. I can't read it 'but it has several pictures that had never
been published before. It was a race to get the pictures to them and our Gandson, Jordan Adams, helped me
E-mail them because he is pretty sharp on computers and a lot of electronic stuff. Now that I have told
everything I know,I guess I will go. I wish you could have been there Laurent, You would have fit right in.
Thanx again, Bobby Crown
NOEL HAGGARD backstage at the Fox Theatre in Bakersfield Feb 13, 2008.
Noel was the opening act for his father. He's a fine singer in the family tradition.
VISITING BO DIDDLEY, Bo Diddley recovering from his stroke.
Photos taken 1-28-08.
LITTLE RICHARD IN NASHVILLE
It was a standing ovation for rock 'n' roll pioneer Little Richard - and he didn't even perform.
He was seated at the rear of the Ryman Auditorium Sunday (Feb. 17, 2008) night attending a concert by
1960s Motown stalwarts The Temptations and the Four Tops.
Introduced by Otis Williams, an original member of The Temptations, the
75-year-old Little Richard got the extended ovation from the sold-out
crowd of about 2,400.
"We've done some shows together," Williams recalled. Richard, a Macon, Ga., native,
now lives in Tennessee and recently performed with Jerry Lee Lewis and John Fogerty on the Grammy Awards.
WORTH A CLICK: WARREN SMITH Article by "Dominique ANGLARES" - anglares.dominique@wanadoo.fr
ROCKABILLY RAVE USA
Coming to Las Vegas OCTOBER 2nd-6th 2008
Posted, Feb. 15, 2008 - Coming soon is the ROCKABILLY RAVE USA. This will be held every
October in The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. It is organised by JERRY
CHATABOX (of The Rockabilly Rave) and Tom Ingram (of Viva Las
Vegas). This group is for you to discuss the Rockabilly Rave USA, to
connect with other attendees and to post information and news
about this event.
The official event website is www.rockabillyraveusa.com and will be
up soon.
http://groups.myspace.com/rockabillyraveusa.
RE: "Crazy" Joe
"We are pleased to announce that the brand-new issue of
Guitar Player magazine features a three-page article on our very own
nerd-a-billy pal, "Crazy" Joe Tritschler! In the article, appearing
in the March 2008 issue and featuring two rather large pictures, Joe
elaborates on such subjects as recording techniques, amplifier
construction, string gauges, and Rigs of Death! Go get yourself a
copy at your local newsstand, or visit international retailers such as
Barnes & Noble!" Sincerely yours, Ed Sinnicky, Press Manager.
For more information, please visit www.madriveroutlaws.com!
Posted Feb. 3, 2008 - Click to Enlarge Visit the Rockabilly Hall of Fame's BUCK OWENS page Ricky Nelson - Greatest Love Songs CD
WORTH A CLICK: JOE BROWN, one of Britain's first pop stars, has just kicked off his 50th-anniversary tour.
He talks to Helen Brown about being supported by the Beatles, the day he upset Johnny Cash,
and how he was almost in the car crash that killed Eddie Cochran.
FYI ... MUSIC HISTORY ARTICLE:
Here's a interesting, no-holds-barred article on the way the music industry
has worked over the past forty years, written by Simon Napier-Bell, ex-manager of
the Yardbirds:
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,2241544,00.html The More You Cry (The Matchbox Blues Blues, Two Parts)
Daydream Believer Songwriter Dies
John Stewart, who wrote the Monkees hit Daydream Believer in 1967 and was a member of folk group The Kingston Trio,
has died.
The 68-year-old suffered a massive stroke or brain aneurysm in San Diego on Friday, according to The Kingston Trio's
website.
Stewart joined the group, one of the most successful and influential groups in popular folk, in 1961.
He wrote Daydream Believer, a global hit for The Monkees the same year he left The Kingston Trio.
He went on to record more than 45 solo albums and his biggest solo success came with a US top five single, Gold,
in 1979.
LEE HARRELL R.I.P.
Lee Harrell, wife of Jimmy Harrell (Alton & Jimmy) passed away Friday, 28
December 2007 after a courageous nine month battle with cancer.
Folsom Prison Johnny Cash Tribute Concert Scrapped
FOLSOM, CA - A concert marking the 40th anniversary of Johnny Cash's famous concert
at Folsom State Prison has been scrapped, with the prison and the promoter blaming
each other for the cancellation.
The tribute concert, scheduled for Sunday Jan 13th, was to have been staged in
the same prison cafeteria where Cash performed before inmates on Jan. 13, 1968.
That breakthrough performance became a popular live album.
R.I.P. - Rockabilly Hall of Fame Inductee #299, Wally Willette, 1929-2008.
Wallace D. Willette, age 78, passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2008. Wally was born in Bangor, Maine on July 2, 1929.
He was a member of The First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola, Florida.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Etta Willette, his daughters, Linda Lowe and Marleah
(Tom) Klingler; his sons, Terry (Debbie) Willette, and Timothy Willette; his grandchildren, Candi,
Terry Jr., Hope, Destiney, Summer, Little Tim, Shiloh and Lily; his seven great-grandchildren;
his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jack and Rachel Daughrey, his sister, Carolyn Brebue,
his brothers, Gene of N.C., Stanley and Mike Brebue of N.C.
Book: THINGS DO GO WRONG
tells the story of the 1960 rock 'n' roll tour starring Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran.
GROUCHO PLAYED THE GUITAR?
Although poor, Minnie Marx required all her boys to learn to play musical instruments.
Groucho played guitar and was a remarkable singer. Chico mastered the piano and
Harpo played everything, but loved the harp.
If Groucho Marx didn't exactly invent rock and roll, he nonetheless embodied its irreverent, rebellious spirit in every medium he came to conquer. He and his brothers would make only 13
feature films, yet in 2000, five of them were honored by the American Film Institute as among the top 100 comedies of all time. Such was Groucho's influence across the generations that he
became an unlikely youth icon in his mid-80s, mobbed like a rock star at rare personal
appearances, and inspiring thousands to pack what's now Los Angeles' Gibson Amphitheater
to view a slate of Marx Brothers films made decades before most in the audience were even born.
See full size flyer
"BOP STREET"!
As of Monday January 7th, listen every Monday to "BOP STREET,"
Big Joe's 50's Rock and Roll Show from 8.30 pm to 21.30 pm on
www.couriradio.com
There's a great story about Gene Maltais in the book:
"The Sounds of Our Town, The History of Boston Rock and Roll." The book can be purchased on the Barnes and Noble Book
Store Web-site for 24.95.
Visit this link.
BROPHY DALE FEATURED IN GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE
Brophy (co-lead guitarist for Lee Rocker's band) is featured in the January issue of Guitar Player Magazine.
Brophy is humbled, proud and excited to be the great magazine that he's been reading for years.
His contact: brophydale@charter.net
This weekend on LatiNation TV we celebrate all things Rockabilly!
Rockabilly revelers will get their kicks this weekend (12/15-10/16) as LatiNation
goes on set with vintage and modern pin-up photographer Jorge M. Vargas, then twists and
shouts to the sounds of legendary rockabilly musician, Big Sandy. Next, LatiNation gives
viewers a retro wardrobe and home makeover with the designs & decor of My Baby Jo and
Spitfire Interiors. Viewers are invited to discover Los Angeles, Calif.'s oldest underground
music scene with the documentary, "Rebel Beat: the Story of L.A. Rockabilly," and lastly
a dose of psychobilly sickness with Mexican punk mainstay, Calavera!
This special episode of LatiNation also features interviews and footage from the top
heavyweights of the Rockabilly and Psychobilly scenes, including L.A.'s Black Cat
Entertainment and Austin, Texas's "Rockabilly Magazine," and many more! For a short
teaser of the upcoming episode, check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOnIUco8ZWA
RONNIE SANDO
a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame®, has finalized contract negotiations and has signed to
open shows for "The Branson Country Music Showcase" at the God and Country Theatre, located on
historic Highway 76, close to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and Dick Clark's American Bandstand
Theatre, March 22-28, 2008 in beautiful Branson, MO.
The Showcase is being billed as the "Entertainment Event of the Year" where country and bluegrass
contestants can show their talents on the same stage as the legends perform.
The winner will receive a Nashville recording contract, among other prizes.
It's a show where every contestant will be a winner by receiving some type of prize.
"Turn your talent into a career" -
bransoncountrymusicshowcase.com".
Toll free 1-866-592-7469
Memphis Mike Suffers Heart Attack
On Friday, 9 November 2007, rockabilly guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, Memphis Mike suffered
a massive heart attack. After a brief stay in hospital, Memphis Mike is now recuperating
at his home in Pittsburgh. All shows for the remainder of 2007 have been cancelled.
Memphis Mike, born Michael Metzger, is best known for his work with his bands
Memphis Mike & the Legendary Tremblers, The Rowdy Bovines and The Swingin'
Cadillacs as well as session work with the likes of Alan Leatherwood (US),
Christina Louise (Aus.) and many others.
Memphis Mike' s signature song, "Diamonds & Cadillacs" has been recorded
by numerous artists, including legendary SUN rockabilly, Hayden Thompson.
Memphis Mike has worked with the likes of Sleepy LaBeef, Hayden Thompson,
Billy Poore, LesLee "Bird" Anderson, Big Al Downing, and many more.
Those wishing to send Get Well cards, etc. may do so at this address:
Memphis Mike, c/o Rusted Records, P.O. Box 53, Pittsburgh, PA 15116
A remix of the Sun classic "Baby Lets Play House".
It sounds rather interesting without drastically altering the tempo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmTvYpH75sM Rockabilly Show Benefits Linden, TN Middle School
Sat., Nov. 10, 2007 - Among the performers who participated were Art Adams and his band and Mandy Marie
(pictured above). Also appearing on stage were: Leslee "Bird" Anderson, Billy Poore,
Willie Redden, Stacy Evans and Bob Timmers.
The Reverend Horton Heat's Jim Heath forms Reverend Organdrum
From Jim Heath, the man who brought us the perennial sell-out-show-playing,
psychobilly-genre-defining, world-famous Rev. Horton Heat, comes Reverend Organdrum. The
RHH side project features five-time Grammy Award-winning keyboardist Tim Alexander and
Texas local Todd Soesbe on drums to form this soon-to-be-legendary organ trio. Just think,
the chops of a vintage jazz organ trio and the attitude of Reverend Horton Heat at their
pomade-flinging best.
The group's upcoming release, Hi-Fi Stereo, covers the pantheon of hipness, dosing out
greasy soul, funk, blues, lounge, rockabilly and just about everything else that sounds
best dripping from a 45 rpm in the wee hours. Look for the album in stores on January 8th.
Rosanne Cash Has Surgery
November 9, 2007 - Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash has canceled the four remaining dates on
her "Black Cadillac: In Concert" tour so she can undergo brain surgery.
Cash's upcoming recording session has also been postponed while she has
the operation at New York Presbyterian Hospital to treat a rare, but
benign condition.
The daughter of country music icon Johnny Cash is expected to make a
full recovery and will return to the studio to complete the recording of
her debut for Manhattan Records, the label said in a statement.
Cash also plans to resume her live performance schedule in the spring
and complete a new book to be published by Viking in early 2009.
Elvis is Forbes' Richest Dead Celebrity
Oct 31, 2007 - Elvis Presley is still the King. Presley, who earned an estimated $49
million in the past 12 months, has reclaimed the No. 1 spot on Forbes.com's list of
Top-Earning Dead Celebrities. He last topped the list in 2005.
John Lennon ranks second with earnings of $44 million, followed by Charles M. Schulz ($35
million), George Harrison ($22 million), Albert Einstein ($18 million), Andy Warhol ($15
million), Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) ($13 million), Tupac Shakur ($9 million), Marilyn
Monroe ($7 million), Steve McQueen ($6 million), James Brown ($5 million), Bob Marley ($4
million) and James Dean ($3.5 million).
Presley died in 1977. His estate continues to generate millions from music royalties,
DVDs, licensing deals and tourism at Graceland, the rocker's mansion in Memphis, Tenn. Starfires' Publicity Photo
For information of these Pennsylvania Cats contact
John Hall
FATS DOMINO with MATT LUCAS
October 24, 2007 - "We're in New Orleans right now. Had such fun with Rick Coleman and
Fats Domino yesterday. First we had lunch with Rick who was delighted to let us know us
that he'd just been given the ASCAP award for 'Best Biography' for his book BLUE MONDAY
about Fats which is a great read if you haven't read it yet. After lunch we drove into
New Orleans to Fat's house and were invited into his bedroom by his charming daughter
Adonica. I've met and gotten to know many famous people through Matt but being
entertained in Fat's bedroom by Fats and Matt, with Fats in his PJs, was a real 'hoot'.
We spent the whole afternoon with Fats and his son and he didn't seem to want us to leave
... even asked us what we were doing tomorrow ... ha, ha. It was an experience we won't
forget. Fats and his daughter and son were so down to earth. He loves that 'Fat Man From
New Orleans'. Matt sang along with his CD while Fats played the piano." -Barbara
Lucas
BO DIDDLEY'S HOME TOWN TRIBUTES
October 24, 2007 - Bo Diddley is eagerly awaiting next week's tributes planned for him
in his home town of
McComb, MS. The City is hosting the first Camellia City Festival, Friday and Saturday
November 2nd and 3rd, and the event has been specially timed to coincide with the
unveiling in McComb of the Bo Diddley Blues Marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
The Festival will begin at 9.00am on Friday November 2nd, with a bus tour beginning at the
McComb Railroad Museum on Railroad Boulevard, then heading to the renovated State Theater,
the new Hampton Inn, the McComb Tiger Activity Complex, McComb's new Sports Park and then
on to view Bo Diddley's childhood home.
All are then invited to the unveiling ceremony for the Bo Diddley Blues Marker, taking
place from 12.30pm to 2.00pm, with the popular local blues and jazz guitarist/singer Jesse
Robinson performing a historical medley of songs. The City of McComb will present
Bo with a proclamation and City officials are asking the State Senate and House of
Representatives to introduce a similar measure.
Local artist Pat Legg has also donated an acrylic painting of Bo Diddley to the City and
prints of the portrait will be sold during the Festival.
The Festival also coincides with McComb High School's Homecoming. The Homecoming Parade
will be kicking off at 4.00pm, with Bo Diddley this year's Grand Marshal riding in a
convertible from Legacy Ford in McComb. The McComb High and Junior High bands will be
joined in the parade by the Hazlehurst High School and South Pike High School bands in
playing a selection of Bo Diddley's songs.
The McComb High School Homecoming Game in the evening will be followed by a free "Singing
The Blues" concert at the Railroad Depot Pavilion, beginning at 9.00pm.
The second day of the Festival begins at 10.00am Saturday November 3rd, on the grounds of
Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.
Mississippi Blues Trail website: http://www.msbluestrail.org/blues_trail/
Johnny Cash Christmas Show From 1976 and 1977 - Found, Reissued
Lost since 1977, the famous and wildly popular Johnny Cash Christmas Specials from 1976 and 1977 were recently
found in the vaults of ABC Television in Hollywood. These Christmas Specials feature a personal, heart-warming
look at Christmas through the eyes of Johnny Cash, one of Country's Biggest Stars. In addition to an unbelievable
list of guest stars, Cash delves into the meaning of Christmas for himself and talks about the traditions
he enjoyed as a boy growing-up in rural Arkansas. These stories, coupled with the joyous Christmas Music,
and Carols make this a show one you'll watch over and over again.
Through a special arrangement with a Hollywood Studio, Country Music Greats is taking pre-orders for
these shows. The show will be available for shipment November 13, 2007. The Christmas Shows are
available individually (1976 DVD or 1977 DVD) or, as a 2 DVD set. Catalog Music Corporation, PO Box 159297,
Nashville, TN 37215. help@purecountrymusic.com - 1-800-591-2968
ROY HEAD and The (original) Traits were inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of
Fame® at 7:00 PM , Oct 20, 2007 at the LBJ Center's Main Ballroom at Texas State
University in San Marcos, TX. 512-392-2100. RHOF founder/curator Bob Timmers was
on hand to make the presentations.
The Rockabilly Hall of Fame, established more than a decade ago, presents early
rock 'n' roll history as well as information about the artists and personalities
who pioneered this uniquely American music genre. The Hall, which is headquartered
in a former recording studio some 30 miles west of Nashville, has honored performers
such as Gene Vincent, the Everly Brothers, Tom Parker and Elvis Presley, Buddy
Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Bill Haley and the Comets, and
many others.
A corresponding CD, "Golden Anniversary: Rockabilly Hall of Fame Album" is being issued.
See http://myspace.com/royheadandthetraitsfor more information on the band and show.
New York rockabilly fan Larry Shell co-wrote
FISHHEAD, the graphic novel along with Michael H. Price (Prowler,
Forgotten Horrors) which is illustrated by Mark Evan Walker is now being
serialized at ComicMiz.com! A new portion will be posted EVERY Monday
until the complete book is up.
Rockabilly Hot Rod Show at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The fourth annual
Rockabilly Rod Reunion will be taking place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday,
October 6. The reunion will be an all day event and will feature live music, drag racing, pin-up
girl contest, and more.
Trophies will be awarded to pre-1965 custom cars in three contest brackets during the car show.
The event will happen alongside the Bugorama, which will start on Oct. 4.
Don't miss the 10th Screamin' Festival!
27th May - 2nd june 2008 - 7 nights ...
Festival: Thursday 29th to Sunday the 1st of June - 4 nights.
Where and line up (30 + BANDS) - coming soon!
We are working on a new website; in the meantime please visit:
http://www.myspace.com/screaminweekender -
Carlos @ El Toro - jumpblues@gmail.com
BOBBY CROWN, FORT WORTH'S ROCKABILLY CAT, BACK ON VINYL
Bobby Crown, an original Rockabilly cat who staged with the Big D Jamboree in 1959,
has a new single for 2007. Some vinyl records died long time ago,
so you'd better take note of this new waxing produced by Bobby Crown himself. Bobby's record
issued in 1959 on Felco records is a long time collector item that sold for over $400 each
when an original copy could be located.
Bobby, who played recently in Sweden and France, found a pressing plant and made a new
pressing of those legendary sides. 500 copies, with a neat picture sleeve, are offered
for sale to worldwide Rockabilly die hard fans. In a few weeks 200 copies were quickly gone
so it's last call for that single that will be soon as rare as the original release.
You can secure an autographed copy of "One Way Ticket" / "Your Conscience" directly from
Bobby at the follwing address:
Bcrown5@aol.com.
It's pure Rockabilly from Texas and, for sure Bobby's got, in 2007, ...
his return ticket! Dominique "Imperia" ANGLARES - houstonring@wanadoo.fr
2nd ANNUAL DOO WOP CONVENTION IN VEGAS
It is coming close and tickets are going fast -- The Cool Bobby B 2nd
Annual Doo Wop convention in Las Vegas. This November 15th and 16th.
Original Doo Wop bands, An amateur Doo Wop Contest, Vendors and Much
More. Please if you plan to attend to stop by the Rock-it Radio Booth and
say Hello!
For more information check out our webpage at:
http://www.rockitradio.net/doowopconvention.html
You can hear the Cool Bobby B Doo Wop Show as well 24 hours a day on
demand via Rock-it Radio Online -- Just look for his show and click to
the speaker at: http://www.palmsradio.com/rockittext.htm
WORTH A CLICK:
FATS DOMINO: Walkin', Talkin' and Hopin'
Slim Jim Phantom and others "The Make Climb for Cancer Research".
On October 13th, forty legendary musicians, mountaineers, artists, cancer survivors and
supporters will embark on the most momentous climb of their lives - "Everest Rocks" - a
fourteen-day trek up Mount Everest, culminating with the first-ever rock concert at Base
Camp. The climb was designed to bring awareness to and raise money for the Love Hope
Strength Foundation (LHSF), founded by two-time cancer survivor and rock icon, Mike Peters
of the UK band "The Alarm" and fellow cancer survivor James Chippendale, president of CSI
Entertainment, one of the country's largest entertainment and sports insurance brokers.
Joining Peters and Chippendale on the 18,000 foot climb will be musical legends Slim
Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats, Squeeze's Glenn Tilbrook, Nick Harper, The Fixx's Cy
Curnin and The Fixx's Jamie West-Oram. Following long, strenuous hikes each day, the
musicians will create acoustic recordings that will be fed directly to iTunes from the
mountain. Once reaching Base Camp on October 23, they will perform together - a Mount
Everest first - and will then hike four days down the mountain to play a finale concert in
Kathmandu on October 29. Each day, people all over the world will be able to watch and
listen to video, live recordings, photos and read a daily blog, and even send text
messages to the rockers via www.lovehopestrength.org
MAC CURTIS DVD
Emcee Music Ventures proudly presents this collaboration between the Texas rockabilly legend
MAC CURTIS and young rock 'n roll artist PHIL FRIENDLY. The disc features 21 songs
and a few bonus clips.
www.maccurtislivedvd.com.
Light Crust Doughboys NEA American Masterpieces Artists
The Texas Commission on the Arts has announced that The Light Crust Doughboys have been designated NEA American Masterpieces Touring Artists for fiscal year 2008. According to the Commission, The Light Crust Doughboys are one of 12 outstanding Texas artists from the current TCA Touring Artists and Companies Roster chosen for inclusion in the American Masterpieces program.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has placed a priority on touring and presenting the best in the arts this year, and the Twelve Texas American Masterpieces artists and companies are centerpieces of this initiative. Says Doughboy member Art Greenhaw of Mesquite, Texas: "We're extremely honored by this designation since we're so committed to live performances by professional musicians in all regions of Texas, and we especially wish to thank Texas Senator Bob Deuell for his continued support of our touring in communities of every size, small and large, throughout the great State of Texas."
The Light Crust Doughboys are one of the world's top, historical western swing bands with inductions in many Halls of Fame. The Light Crust Doughboys have recently re-opened a historic showroom on the downtown Mesquite, Texas square to promote music and western arts including The Light Crust Doughboys Model guitars, bass, banjo and mandolin. For further information on this Grammy Award-Winning band, visit www.thelightcrustdoughboys.com -
contact Frank W. Greenhaw, (972) 285-5441.
BOB LUMAN in TEXAS MUSIC HALL of FAME
The 10th annual Texas Country Music Hall of Fame welcomed three new members to their galaxy of stars
this week in Carthage. Red Steagall, Bob Luman and Johnny Rodriguez were honored for their
contributions to Texas and country music.
Red Steagall, a native of Gainesville, who found stardom as a performer, songwriter and actor,
kicked off the entertainment for the standing room only crowd. Melissa Luman represented her dad,
rockabilly star Bob Luman, at the ceremony. Luman died at the age of 38 in 1975. Johnny Rodriguez,
who burst onto the music scene during the 1970's as the first Chicano artist, performed a number of
his hits including Lonely Women Make Good Lovers and Desparado. Rockabilly Hall of Fame volunteer staff member, JOHN HALL,
on stage with Los Straitjackets at one of the workshops at their Summer Camp.
John was one of 25 attendees.
Since they wore no masks, the band was asked to block their faces, and Steve,
who took the photo, got a little creative.
The folks who put on the event are Jake and Connie of 2Jakes Management.
WORTH A CLICK:
CARL BARAT as GENE VINCENT in the set of the movie TELESTAR",
currently being filmed in London and based on the life of legendary producer Joe Meek.
Charlie Gracie on stage at the Lincoln Center in NYC.
This summer the famed Lincoln Center has paid tribute to
"Americana Roots Music" and some of the artists that made it famous.
Over 5,000 attened the outdoor ampitheater to see the August show that featured:
The Dixie Hummingbirds, Roy Head, Dale Hawkins, Karry Johnson and The Comets and others.
Charlie was backed up by the Sleepy LaBeef band.
Photo: Larry Penny
WORTH A CLICK:
HERSHEY PARK AMPITHEATER.
Philly's Pioneer Rocker Charlie Gracie on August 5, 2007 before 1,800 rock 'n' roll fans tears into "Guitar Boogie"
at Jon Bowzer's Rock 'n' Roll Concert.
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows - USA Tour! Sun 2nd September 2007 12pm - Summer Strummer Festival - Santa Monica, California.
Monster Energy Stage alongside the Rezurex, Duane Peters Fight Club, Zeke, Battalions
of Saints, Deadbolt and heaps more. Check the full line up:
http://www.myspace.com/thesummerstrummer Tues 4th September 2007 8pm Dante's - Portland, Oregon
The Rezurex,
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows Wed 5th September 2007 8pm - El Corazon, Seattle, Washington
The Rezurex,
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows Thurs 6th September 2007 8pm - Hell's Kitchen, Tacoma, Washington
The Rezurex,
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows Fri 7th September 2007 8pm - Fritz's Bar Reno, Nevada.
The Rezurex,
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows Sat 8th September 2007 8pm - Sawtooth Ridge Cafe Tahoe City, California.
The Rezurex,
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows Sun 9th September 2007 8pm TBA, Bakersfield California.
The Rezurex,
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows Wed 12th September 2007 8pm - Safari Sams, Hollywood, California.
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows Sat 15th September 2007 8pm - Route 66 After Party -
http://www.myspace.com/route66afterparty -
Neon Kross, Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows
Fri 21st September 2007 8pm - Showcase Theatre **ALL AGES** , Corona, California
THE QUAKES,
Stellar Coprses (Santa Cruz),
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows,
The Astounding Roy Gorbisons,
National Hotrods,
Glen or Glenda.
Doors Open at 7:00 p.m. Get There Early Limited Capacity $15.00 Presale;
$17.00 Day of Show! Get Your Tickets NOW before they're Gone! www.ShowcaseTheatre.com
Sat 22nd September 2007 8pm - The Key Club **ALL AGES** Hollywood, California
THE QUAKES,
Henchmen,
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows,
Gamblers Mark,
The Howlers,
Those Rockin Bullets.
Get There Early Limited Capacity Reserve You Dinner Full Bar for 21+.
Best Club in LA Best Lights and Sound,
$17.00 Presale; $19.00 Day of Show! Get Your Tickets NOW before they're Gone! www.KeyClub.com
Sun 30th September 2007 8pm - The Blue Comet Bar and Grill - Glenside, Pennsylvania,
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows
More Dates to be announced!
HANK WILLIAMS, JR. RETURNS TO ESPN'S MONDAY NIGHT
FOOTBALL WITH BRIAN SETZER AND NEW ALL-STAR BAND
Hank Jr. to Sing MNF Anthem for 19th Year; New Open Debuts Sept. 10 ...
The names of the NFL superstars who have performed on Monday Night Football the past two decades are
constantly changing, but one name has remained constant since 1989 Hank Williams, Jr. The
legendary singer has earned four Emmy awards (1991-1994) and national acclaim among fans for singing
the anthem that kicks off the NFL's weekly primetime showcase game. That legacy will continue for
the 19th year when Williams will perform the opening theme to ESPN's MNF this fall with a new
all-star band featuring singer/songwriter Brian Setzer and other popular artists.
Williams will again perform "All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night" based on his hit song
"All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight." This year's version will offer a "boogie-woogie" and
big-band music flare with the addition of Setzer and 13 members of the horn section from the Brian
Setzer Orchestra. ESPN introduced the all-star band concept during its inaugural MNF season a year
ago, and this year's diverse collection of musicians is scheduled to feature new artists
representing rock 'n roll, pop, country and funk, including:
Guitarists Brian Setzer (Stray Cats/Brian Setzer Orchestra), Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), country
music sensation Gretchen Wilson, and young phenom Drake Bell, the 21-year-old
actor/singer/songwriter from the popular Nickelodeon series Drake and Josh; Keyboardist John
Ondrasik (Five for Fighting); Funk bassist Bootsy Collins (Parliament Funkadelic); and Drummer Cindy
Blackman (drummer for Lenny Kravitz).
Sun blocks sale of vintage recordings by Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins.
Sun blocks sale of vintage recordings by Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins
August 16, 2007 - Master tapes were to be sold at auction this spring ...
Sun Entertainment Corp. of Nashville said today a federal judge has permanently blocked
the sale of master recordings by former Sun Records artists including Johnny Cash,
Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.
Creative Sounds Inc. had planned to sell the tapes this spring through the
Chicago auction house Ocean Tomo as part of a larger auction of 30,000 master
recordings by artists from Frank Sinatra to Willie Nelson.
Sun sued to block the sale of the Sun masters, however, claiming ownership of
the recordings, which date to the 1950s.
Ocean Tomo pulled the recordings from the auction, and on July 23,
a federal judge in Chicago issued a permanent injunction preventing
Creative Sounds from selling the tapes, Sun said today. Ronnie Hayward, Art Adams & Steve "Mr. Happy" Kelemen.
Many miles, heat waves and beers later.
BOBBY CROWN REUNION PHOTOS.
Date: Friday, 3 Aug 2007. Courtesy: ramseykeith@sbcglobal.net MANDY MARIE & the Cool Hand Lukes, from Indianapolis, appeared
at the Douglas Corner in Nashville, Thursday, August 2nd. Mandy and the band
did a super charged set. The show's theme was built around the "Outlaws" and
many of Waylon Jenning's former band members showed up to back some of the
other fine talent featured that evening. ROC LaRUE recently made a guest appearance at a rockabilly show
in Jacksonville, FL. "He's still got it!". Brian Setzer with Detriot Rockabilly DJ Del Villarreal.
Photo taken backstage at the recent Stray Cats concert in the Motor City.
READER COMMENT, July 26, 2007: Colonel Robert & Irene Morris, goldenpen@bellsouth.net, Senatobia, MS. USA
We enjoyed hosting a get together at our home in Mississippi last Friday
July 20, 2007. Pasty Andersen who was a part of Elvis Presley Enterprise for twenty two
years and Bob Timmers the prez of the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame joined us in eating pizza,
singing songs and a photo session that was crazy man crazy!
We talked about Elvis and Rockabilly. And discussed how we could work together to bring
more awareness to both.
I sang a few songs I had written then Bob started picking and I got on my drums and a
party was happening.
We covered songs from the 50's through the 80's to the enjoyment of both Pasty and my wife
Irene.
The party ended with promises to do this again. And all agreeing we couldn't wait to see
each other at the Memphis Elvis Gospel Show on Aug. 12th of this year.
With lots of hugs and a handshake or two Pasty and Bob went back to their busy world.
WORTH A CLICK:
Hot 13th Annual Hootenanny Report MERLE HAGGARD DRIVE
Finally after many years the city of Bakersfield pays homage to Merle Haggard by
erecting a sign in his honor. Known as Merle Haggard Drive the road is two and a half
miles long connecting Hwy 99 to North Chester Avenue in Oildale which is the town
Merle grew up in.
FRED FOSTER, is the man who founded Monument Records and re-started Roy
Orbison's career. Fred appeared at a public interview at the Nashville Country
Music Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 21st. He was very informative and entertaining. Rockabilly Hall of Fame photos
Jerry Lee Lewis's Complication -
A Recognised Medical Condition!
We've just been received the following from Scottish Jerry Lee Lewis fanatic and friend
of the Killer himself, Graham Knight: "A doctor friend was looking up references to
"pain relief" in a Medical Dictionary when he noticed that there is a condition
that has been known as "Jerry Lee Lewis's Complication". It was first detailed in the
medical journal "Anaesthesia" in 1997."
It turns out that the doctor in question, Dr Notcutt is a Jerry Lee fan himself. Shaun Mather - July 2007.
TWO ELVIS DRUMMERS ... TOGETHER
Elvis had two incredible drummers: DJ Fontana met and worked with Elvis on the Louisiana
Hayride 1955. He performed on 460 RCA recordings and played drums and appeared in five
movies. Ronnie Tutt met Elvis in Las Vegas in 1969 and was selected as Elvis' drummer as part of
the TCB Band. He is still playing for Elvis today up on the big screen in "Elvis in
Concert".
Now imagine this! Elvis' two incredible drummers FOR THE FIRST TIME on stage performing
Elvis songs TOGETHER! Never before, never again!
It is well known among Elvis fans worldwide that since 1989 the Good Rockin' Tonite
concerts have consistently been the most entertaining, most nostalgic and the most fun
Elvis concerts in Memphis each year.
August 14th at the Peabody Hotel at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. shows, it's up close and
personal with the TCB Band, DJ Fontana, the Jordanaires, Millie Kirkham, and Terry Mike
Jeffrey.
For information and ticket orders call 818 991-3892 or e-mail: elvisint@aol.com
Last Drifter, Bill Pinkney, Dead at 81 Bill Pinkney, the last survivor of the
original members of the musical group The Drifters, died Wednesday, July 4, 2007. He was
81. Pinkney was found dead at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort,
Daytona Beach Police spokesman Jimmie Flynt said. The death was not
considered suspicious.
Bill recorded one single for Sun Records in 1958. "After The Hop" / "Sally's Got A Sister"
was released on Phillips International under the name Bill Pinky.
The Drifters, whose hits include "Under the Boardwalk," "Up on the Roof,"
and "Save the Last Dance For Me," still performed Wednesday night. An
announcement about Pinkney's death was made after the show.
Pinkney, born in Dalzell, S.C., wasn't with The Drifters when they recorded
their biggest hits. He left in the band in 1958 because of an argument over
cash. His distinctive bass voice can be heard on the group's version of the
holiday classic "White Christmas."
Even though he left the group, Pinkney didn't let go of The Drifters' name.
He fought for laws allowing performers or bands to claim an affiliation with
a classic group like The Drifters or The Coasters only if at least one
member recorded with the original group.
WORTH A CLICK:
A Candid Behind-the-Scenes Recollection!
The July issue of "The Lance Monthly" has been posted and the featured article is a very
candid recollection of the life and times of
The Cavaliers of "Last Kiss" fame, written entirely by founder and original
guitarist, Sid Holmes. Although the recall is quite controversial (it'll be presented in
two parts), it is an excellent, well-written read.
GENE SUMMERS
will be in France on August 17th-19th along with Doug Kershaw.
For details go
here and click on "Programme".
The Essential Waylon Jennings Releases July 24th
Co-produced by Waylon's youngest son, Shooter Jennings, this 42-song on two-CD collection
spans his career from 1964 to 1987. Included are a dozen #1 Country hits and another 14
that reached the Top 10. With the exception of the opening track ("Big Mamou" recorded at
JD's night club in Phoenix) and closing track ("Rose In Paradise" his final #1 single, on
MCA), the balance of the 40 songs celebrate Waylon's two decades on RCA Victor Records
one of the longest (and stormiest), most productive (and most combative), most gratifying
(and most often frustrating) and most talked-about partnerships in Country Music history.
With his extraordinary litany of signature cuts among them Gordon Lightfoot's "That's
What You Get (For Lovin' Me)" (learned from Ian & Sylvia Tyson); "Only Daddy That'll Walk
The Line"; Kristofferson and Shel Silverstein's "The Taker" and Kris' "Lovin' Her Was
Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)"; Lee Clayton's "Ladies Love Outlaws"; Steve
Young's "Lonesome, On'ry And Mean" Willie's "Pretend I Never Happened"; Donnie Fritts and
Troy Seals' "We Had It All"; Billy Joe Shaver's "Honky Tonk Heroes"; Bob McDill's
"Amanda"; he and Willie's "Good Hearted Woman"; "Luckenbach, Texas" by Chips Moman and
Bobby Emmons; Ed and Patsy Bruce's "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys"
(all three with guest vocals by Willie Nelson), Neil Young's "Are You Ready For The
Country"; Rodney Crowell's "I Ain't Living Long Like This"; and many others Waylon's
place in American music history is secured forever.
Adding a small sample of Waylon's own list of original compositions among them "That's
The Chance I'll Have To Take" (penned when Waylon's nom de plume was Jackson King); "You
Ask Me To" (co-written with Billy Joe Shaver); "This Time"; "Rainy Day Woman"; "Bob Wills
Is Still the King"; "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way"; "Waymore's Blues"; "I've Always
Been Crazy"; "A Long Time Ago" (co-written with Shel Silverstein); "Don't You Think This
Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand"; "Theme >From The Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)";
and "Storms Never Last" (co-written with Jessi Colter) and THE ESSENTIAL WAYLON JENNINGS
earns its title.
Guitar maestro James Burton taken at the Gamla Club in Oslo, Norway on the
26th of May 2007.
James played for nearly two hours and not one time did he repeat himself.
He was backed by norwegian band The Beatnicks.
Photo is taken by Dag Bogeberg (rockabilly-editor in norwegian Backstage magazine).
http://www.musikkavisen-backstage.com/ - dag@tgn.no
London England's Terry Lee & The Rockaboogie Band
"An International Piano Pumpin' Sensation" ...
Terry Lee & The Rockaboogie Band is a high energy, first class show
band built around the lightning fast piano pumpin', rockaboogie
playing of London England's Terry Lee.
Popular with all age groups, Terry Lee & The Rockaboogie Band is right
at home in a small venue, private party, corporate event, casino or a
large outdoor festival.
Terry Lee and the Rockaboogie Band will take you back to the golden
era of Rock-N-Roll when stars like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee
Lewis were making history in Memphis TN. with a new sound that was
sweeping the nation, a sound filled with raw energy and driving rhythm!
www.rockingterrylee.com.
THE "LOST" JOHNNY CASH PERFORMANCE
Johnny Cash fans will soon have access to a new recording of the Man in Black,
the 16th since his September 2003 death.
"The Great Lost Performance," a 1990 Cash concert featuring duets with June Carter
Cash and with singer Lucy Clark, will hit stores July from Universal Music.
The 18-song banter-filled live album was recorded July 27, 1990, at the
Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, N.J. Cash classics like "I Walk the Line"
and "Folsom Prison Blues" are present and accounted for, the disc also
features Johnny and Carter dueting on "Jackson" and "The Wreck of Old '97"
and tracks "What is Man" and "Forty Shades of Green" with New Jersey native Clark.
The most recent Cash release was "American V: Hundred Highways," the Rick
Rubin-produced collection of Cash's final studio sessions, which made it to No.
1 on the Billboard 200 in July 2006. Here is the track list for "The Great Lost Performance":
"Ring of Fire"
"Life's Railway to Heaven"
"Wonderful Time Up There"
"Folsom Prison Blues"
"Sunday Morning Coming Down"
"What Is Man"
"Forty Shades of Green"
"Come Along and Ride This Train"
"Five Feet High and Rising"
"Pickin' Time"
"A Beautiful Life"
"Hey Porter"
"Ragged Old Flag"
"Tennessee Flat Top Box"
"Ghost Riders in the Sky"
"Jackson"
"The Wreck of Old '97"
"I Walk the Line"
B.B. KING, LES PAUL & OTHERS ROCK!
Here is a really unbelievable Youtube clip showing B.B. King, Les Paul, and Stanley
Jordan doing rock and roll. They are doing Blue Suede Shoes:
Eddie Van Halen, Steve Miller, Waylon Jennings, Jan Hammer, and David Gilmour of
Pink Floyd. The Stray Cats kick it off. They are definitely doing the Carl Perkins' original version of the
song. This is great because here we have B.B. King and Les Paul doing
rock and roll and playing rock and roll licksl. And Jazzman Stanley Jordan
is playing along too. Here is the link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyR3PlP3qRs.
MERLE HAGGARD'S NEW CD / "TRUE DISCOGRAPHY"
More about Merle Haggard's new "Working Man's Journey"
CD and The Hag's "True Discography" can be
found here.
RAY CAMPI AT THE AMERICANA
Ray Campi will be playing in the U.K. at the big Americana International
music festival (http://www.americana-promotions.co.uk/) on Saturday, July 7th, at
the The County Showground, Winthorpe Nr. Newark, Nottinghamshire. The band
will include Ray's longtime lead guitarist Kevin Fennell, so it's gonna be a hot
show!
SPARKLE & TWANG:
MARTY STUART'S AMERICAN MUSICAL ODYSSEY
Shake, Rattle and Roll on down to the Tennessee State Museum at 5th and Deaderick to see
the new FREE exhibit entitled SPARKLE & TWANG: MARTY STUART'S AMERICAN MUSICAL ODYSSEY.
Noe open, this exhibition features treasures from the late Johnny Cash, Hank Williams,
Sr., Patsy Cline, Elvis, Lester Flatt and other notable celebrities in the field of
country, rockabilly, bluegrass and Southern gospel. This uniquely American premiere
collection illustrates the impact of fashion and music on popular culture in the U.S. as
revealed through performance costumes, accessories, hand-written lyrics, personal letters,
instruments and unpublished photographs. Continuing through Nov. 11, 2007, the exhibition
is a culmination of Stuart's nationwide celebration of the past, present and future of
country music.
The Museum is in downtown Nashville and is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM
and on Sunday from 1 until 5 PM. For more information, please call (615) 741-2692.
WANDA JACKSON FILMINGMbr>
Posted June 1, 2007 - "The Nice Lady With the Nasty Voice??? was produced by K.P.I. Film of New York.
Film crews along with an independent film producer from Los Angeles, Joanne Fish,
followed Jackson and her husband, Wendell Goodman, from Hollywood to Helsinki,
Finland, for footage.
Crews filmed her concerts, recording sessions and travels, and interviewed
fans for a feature-length documentary that is in the final editing stages,
the release said.
The Smithsonian Institution-sponsored film will be screened at the
Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., in August.
The first deadCenter Film Festival screening will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday on Screen 4 at
the Harkins Bricktown Cinemas 16, Okla City. The second showing will be 7:30 p.m.
June 9 at the same location.
Jackson is on a tour of Australia and France until June 22.
SHOW: ERVIN TRAVIS "TRIBUTE TO GENE VINCENT"
26 JUNE 2007 AT MERIDIEN ETOILE - PARIS
Since 1975, the jazz club Lionel Hampton (MERIDIEN ETOILE - PARIS), recieve the most
greats names of the US' music: LIONEL HAMPTON, BB King, FATS DOMINO, SCREAMIN'
JAY HAWKINS ... and recently IKE TURNER. These artists who are built the history of JAZZ,
RHYTHM AND BLUES, R 'n' R and the club's reputation when the last 30 years.
THE TUESDAY 26 JUNE 2OO7, ERVIN TRAVIS WILL BE THE SPECIAL GUEST FOR THE SHOW
"TRIBUTE TO GENE VINCENT". Single event in PARIS, for revival the torrid atmosphere of
the unforgettable ROCKER into a mythical place.
At this occasion we would be glad to invite you (please confirm your presence).
SINCERELY, Serge NEYER Directeur AssociŽ - Tel : +33(0) 1 49 38 13 42
- Port : +33(0) 6 60 49 50 00
BO DIDDLEY UPDATE
We are delighted to be able to report that BO DIDDLEY was transferred on May 21st
from the intensive care unit to a regular room at the Creighton University Medical Center
in Omaha, NE.
In time, it is expected that he will return to his Gainesville, FL home, where he is
expected to continue treatment at Shands Medical Center at the University of Florida. It
also appears that he has suffered no long-term, physical damage from the May 13th stroke.
Fans are asked not to contact the hospital, but can continue to send their well wishes to
him at postmaster@tciartists.com or to TCI (Talent Consultants International, Ltd.), 105
Shad Row, 2nd Floor, Piermont, NY 10968 or via the BO DIDDLEY-The Originator website at
surfsinkorswim@yahoo.com or via the website's Guestbook, located at
http://members.tripod.com/~Originator_2/guestbook.html
We thank each and every one who has e-mailed in with their messages of love, encouragement
and support in recent days. Freda Adams - Wife of Rockabilly Pioneer Billy Adams Passes
May 14, 2007 -- Freda Adams, wife of rockabilly pioneer, and gospel music
recording artist, Billy Adams, passed away on Friday, May 11, 2007 after a long battle with
uterine cancer.
Freda Louise Riffe and Willie Murray "Billy"Adams were married in Flatwoods, Ky., on July
9, 1961. For the last 46 years, the two shared an inspiring and romantic fairy-tale love
story. Three daughters were born to the union; Tina Maria, Teresa Louise, and Janetta
Darlene. Mrs. Adams was a devoted wife and mother who loved cooking and caring for her
family. She also enjoyed crocheting, reading, and working crossword puzzles. After her
husband gave his heart to the Lord in 1965, she worked tirelessly for the remainder of her
life to support his ministry. Together they founded and revived many churches across
Kentucky and Tennessee. As their ministry grew, the family formed a musical group, which
featured Freda on piano and organ, and they spent many years traveling across the United
States to help spread the word of God.
Billy Adams, still an active writer and performer, is best known for his 1957 rockabilly
classic, "Rock, Pretty Mama,"and his gospel song, "I Saw The Man,"both of which he wrote
and recorded. The latter was also a chart-topper for The Happy Goodman Family in 1974.
NEWS FROM DEMPSEY LAND.
May 11, 2007 - We have exciting news involving The King of Rock N' Roll and The
Dempseys. We have been invited to play at Elvis In Concert, wich is
a concert featuring Elvis via Video screen in some of his best 70's
performances with his original TCB band playing live to his
isolated vocal. The event is remarkable due to the technology that
reunites Elvis with his original band mates. We will be backing
Elvis during his 1950's television performances in the same way the
70's footage is used. Elvis' original drummer, DJ Fontana will be
playing with us during this portion of the show. In 2002 we played
at the same show and this year we are honored to be asked back,
considering we're the only musicians on the bill who weren't
actually there with Elvis during these historic performances. For
more information on how the concert is fused together log onto
www.elvis.com and for pictures of us at the last concert log onto
www.thedempseys.net. The concert will be held on Thursday August
16th at the Fed Ex Forum in downtown Memphis.
The Dempseys, 4880 Mendenhall Pl, Memphis, Tennessee 38117, USA -
thedempseys@midsouth.rr.com
ZOLA TAYLOR, of the Platters, Dies.
Ms. Zola Taylor, an original member of the classic Platters
lineup who scored international hits with their smooth vocal
group harmony sides in the 1950s, died Monday morning, April 30,
2007, in Los Angeles County, California at age 69. Additional
details have not yet been made available, although she had been
in ill health for some time. Ms. Taylor, whose date of birth was
given as March 17, 1938, had reportedly suffered a stroke several
years ago.
An attractive contralto, she recorded and toured internationally
with the Platters from 1954-1964 and was heard on the group's
biggest hits including "Only You", "The Great Pretender", "My
Prayer", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", and "Twilight Time". Taylor
was featured as the lead vocalist on a number of the Platters'
recordings including "Indiff'rent"recordings including "In
and Ball", "Someone To Watch Over Me", "I Don't Know Why",
"Maggie Doesn't Work Here Anymore", and "Mean To Me".
Before being recruited into the group by manager Buck Ram as a
15-year old in March of 1954, Ms. Taylor had recorded for RPM
Records ("Make Love To Me", RPM #405) and had worked with Shirley
Gunter and the Queens. Taylor and the Platters appeared in
several of the genre's early films, including "Rock Around The
Clock" and "The Girl Can't Help It". At one time, Ms. Taylor was
married to the late singing star Frankie Lymon, and was portrayed
by Halle Berry in the 1998 motion picture "Why Do Fools Fall in
Love".
During the 1970s, she worked with other former originals Paul
Robi and David Lynch in a touring Platters group and was inducted
into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Ms. Taylor was preceded in death by her former singing partners,
Tony Williams (1928-1992), Paul Robi (1931-1989), and David Lynch
(1929-1981). Today, original founder and bass singer Herbert
Reed, is the classic group's sole survivor.
COLIN WINSKI R.I.P.
APRIL, 2007 - Colin Winski died at his home in Phoenix, AZ at the age of 50.
Born in Hollywood in 1957 he became
interested in Elvis
which eventually lead him to explore the music of Gene Vincent, Roy Orbison
and others. In 1970 he met Ronnie Weiser and became part of Ray Campi's
Rockabilly Rebels.
You can read more about Colin at
http://www.rockabillyhall.com/ColinWinski1.html. A
full discography is included there.
"MONSTER MASH" MAN DIES
April 26, 2007 - Bobby "Boris" Pickett, whose Monster Mash hit in 1962 made him one of the biggest one-hit wonders in
the history of pop music, has died in Los Angeles at age 69. Picket died on Wednesday after a long
battle with leukaemia.
The novelty song, which featured an impression of horror-movie actor Boris Karloff, was an instant
hit when it was released before Halloween 1962, with the chorus: "He did the monster mash ... It was
a graveyard smash".
It charted again in August 1970 and May 1973.
Pickett never recreated the success of Monster Mash but remained in demand for Halloween
performances, continuing to perform until his final gig in November 2006. Rockabilly Boogie 4, 31 August - 3 September
Reservation Form
From Italy ... THE ASTROPHONIX "Suspended Time" CD
Thunderball Rec. 2007 (Neorockabilly, Neosurf, Rock) 10 Tracks Contact
DAVID POZOLINSKI R.I.P.
Who is Dave "Puzzle" Pozolinski from Menasha, Wisconsin? He was a great drummer back
in the late '50s,
and a long time close personal friend of Bob Timmers. Dave was the drummer on
"Rock 'n' Roll Saddles". The song was the first rock "45" recorded in the state of
Wisconsin, released January 1, 1957 and was featured on American Bandstand.
Dave had a large collection of early rock records at his home, all in mint condition.
He was instrumental in getting Bob into the music game back when they were
freshmen in high school. Dave died April 19, 2007 at the age of 66.
Thanks Dave - Bob
April 14, 2007 - Hail, Hail, Rock and Roll!
Some music aficionados argue (quite
convincingly) that rock music was born 53 years ago today, at 4:30PM
in a Manhattan sound studio, when Bill Haley recorded the inspired
and immortal words, "One-two-three o'clock, four o'clock ROCK!"
establishing the song "Rock Around the Clock" as rock's international
anthem. Rock is still alive and well, but Bill died of a heart
attack at just 55.
Bill Haley, July 6, 1925 - February 9, 1981, Cremated.
Hey BO DIDDLEY fans,
The popular AOL Music website has added a collection of photos of BO DIDDLEY taken on-stage
recently in Australia by James Green and Paul Kane of Getty Images Asia Pac. This new AOL
Music BO DIDDLEY Photo Collection is located at
http://music.aol.com/artist/bo-diddley/57518/photos/.
TRAVIS LaDOYT USA SHOW
Friday, May 18 - CLEVELAND TN - Allied Arts Council - 5633 Lexington Place NW -
Two 40-minute shows at 6:30 pm and 8 pm - Contact Connie Gatlin 423-472-0167
Mike Vincent, Dickie Harrell, Jay Chevalier, Glen Glenn, Billy Lee Riley, Bob (Git It)
Kelly, Chan Romero and Art Adams at the VLV Rockabilly Hall of Fame 10th Anniversary Show
April 6 2007. (from Bob Kelly's camera, taken by Sandy Vincent)
Donnie Brooks' Family and Friends Tribute Video
MOVIE: "Walk Hard"
March 28, 2007 - Jack White is to appear in a new film as Elvis Presley, according to
reports. The White Stripes and Raconteurs star will feature in a forthcoming parody of
the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic "Walk The Line".
The movie is called "Walk Hard", and is expected to focus on a fictional rockabilly
musician in the vein of Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, played by John C. Reilly.
A spokesman for Jack, who has previously appeared in both "Cold Mountain" and "Coffee
And Cigarettes", yesterday confirmed he would play Elvis in the film.
Obituary: Paschall Parsons, drummer for the
Strikes
Cmdr. Walter Paschall Parsons, USN Ret., 68, of Norfolk, Va., died Friday, March 9, 2007,
at his residence. He was a native of Graham and a resident of Hampton Roads for more than
30 years. He was the son of the late George Edwin Parsons and Margaret Stovall Parsons.
Commander Parsons retired from the United States Navy after 35 years of service to his
country. He also retired from Verizon Virginia Inc., as supervisor of engineering after
12 years of employment. One brother, George Edwin Parsons Jr., preceded him in death in
March 1995.
He is survived by his wife, Shigeko Parsons of Chesapeake, Va.; two sisters; Margaret K.
Gallegos and her husband Seferino of Graham and Martha A. Thetford and her husband Ron
of Flower Mound; one half brother, John Edwin Parsons and his wife Josephine of
Lafayette, La; and seven nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend,
Brian Rone of Jackson, Miss.
A MESSAGE FROM BILLY HANCOCK
March 23, 2007 - I would like to say that on Sat. March 17th, I attended a stage
performance of the Buddy Holly Story at the Wayside Theatre in Middletown, VA and
what a stellar performance it was. The cast, the music and story followed
everything we have come to know or read about Buddy's short life and career.
As most of my fans already know, Buddy was one of my major influences, so
I have come to know a good deal about him and his band of Crickets. It is
at this time, I would like to set the record straight on one of the most
misunderstood gigs Buddy Holly & The Crickets ever played.
On or about the same time that Buddy formed his group of Crickets,
there were another bunch of guys with that same name, only they were a
black group called "The Crickets". The Crickets featuring Dean Barlow, to be exact.
The black R & B Crickets were actually breaking up as Buddy's group was
getting recognition. When the booker for the Apollo Theatre booked Buddy
& the boys, he thought he was getting the Black Crickets. So it never was an
issue that Holly's voice sounded so black that he was mistakenly booked
into an all black music venue. However, all's well that ends well,
and the audience that night at least accepted Buddy's efforts and
all was forgotten, at least until some Hollywood screenwriter decided to change
history.... well enough of that. - Billy - cslark51@msn.com TAKE NOTE: WANDA TO VISIT AUSTRALIA ...
"Big Al Downing Live At XM Radio Washington, D.C."
Albe Music proudly announces the March 1st, 2007 release of "Big Al Downing Live At XM Radio.
The two CD set contains the Live Concert recorded at XM Radio on August 6th,
2003 and the interview with XM Radio's Country Dan Dixon recorded at the Country Music Hall of Fame
on May 6th, 2005. "Big Al Downing Live At XM Radio Washington, D.C." represents Big Al's first
release of previously recorded but unreleased material since his death on July 4th, 2005.
Order online at http://www.bigaldowning.com or
www.aldowning.com.
John Beland Goes to Norway
John, renown guitarist for Ricky Nelson, and leader of the legendary band The
Flying Burrito Brothers, will perform at the Ose Country Music Festival on July 19
in Setesdal, Norway. John will perform with fellow Burrito (and writer for Carl Perkins)
Larry Patton as, THE BELAND / PATTON BAND. John & Larry will appear as a trio along
with longtime drumming partner Will Roberts. All three once made up Bobby Bare's
touring band, appearing worlwide with Bare during the mid 80's.
This is rare chance to see Beland in action, as most of his time is now spent exclusively in the
studio where he produces acts in the USA as well as Australia.
Beland will be playing his famous Fender BBender Telecaster and will also perform a few of
Nelson's rockabilly numbers. John was instrumental in helping Rick Nelson with his comeback
in the late 70's. He and Rick recorded Nelson's critically acclaimed album THE MEMPHIS SESSIONS in
1979, which yielded Rick his last chart single, "Dream Lover."
Since then, John has written and played on many hit records from Garth Brooks to the Bellamy Brothers.
The duo is currently in the studio recording their debut album "THE BELAND / PATTON BAND "THE BAR IS OPEN!"
Set for release this summer.
If you're in the Norway area ... don't miss John & Larry. Rockin country blues with a taste of west coast
rockabilly. For more info click onto. www.johnbeland.com www.myspace.com/flyingb56
or... www.myspace.com/belandpatton
R.I.P: DONNIE BROOKS
Donnie, a singer with rockabilly roots who sang the hit song MISSION BELL in 1960, has died. He was 71.
Brooks died on Friday, Feb. 23, 2007 of congestive heart failure in Panorama City, California. In the 1950s
and 1960s, Brooks appeared at El Monte Legion Stadium, a popular venue for rock concerts featuring
such performers as RAY CHARLES and STEVIE WONDER. Recording under the name JOHNNY FAIRE in the
late 1950s, he released the single BERTHA LOU, which became a rockabilly favourite. Among his
hits were DOLL HOUSE, MEMPHIS and his most famous song, the top 10 pop hit Mission Bell.
In the 1970s, he began producing and appearing in revival tours featuring musical acts
from the 1950s and 1960s and continued to perform until he was injured in a car accident in 2003.
Brooks was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in Burns, Tennessee in 2003.
COMET JOHN LANE HAS DIED
"Drummer John "Bam-Bam" Lane, a member of the Comets
during the 1960s and who for the last 20 years or so has run his own Comets
group, passed away on February 18.
I'll be posting an RHOF 'Extra' column update with more information soon." - Alex, alexfh@shaw.ca
THE ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME will be celebrated on the music television
network CONCERT.TV from March 1st March 31st. CONCERT.TV is a FREE to view on demand
television network that programs memorable performances, compelling documentaries
and unique originals for subscribers of Comcast, Cox, Insight, Charter
and many other digital cable services. To check for availability of CONCERT.TV
on your local cable service, look in the on demand listings or visit them
online at www.concert.tv.
"EVERY NIGHT IS SATURDAY NIGHT:
THE STORY OF WANDA JACKSON" Message to RHOF readers: My name is Jeff Meltz and I work for a documentary production company in New York called KPI.
I'm currently working on a feature length documentary about Wanda Jackson, the queen of rockabilly
and the first lady of rock and roll. It follows Ms. Jackson's musical career that includes
hits in the country, rock 'n' roll, gospel and rockabilly genres.
We have been filming on the road, at home, and in the studio with Wanda - getting her story every step
of the way. Our working title is "EVERY NIGHT IS SATURDAY NIGHT: THE STORY OF WANDA JACKSON".
Our goal is that this documentary is not just to give this female pioneer her due, but also will
act as a catalyst for her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This film will shine a
light on the immeasurable impact Wanda Jackson had on the birth of rock 'n' roll.
It is because of Wanda's influence that I'm trying to find footage/home movies or photographs
of modern kids doing the rockabilly look. You know what I mean. The cars. The hair.
The furniture. The guitars. The lifestyle. I'm trying to illustrate the resurgence that's
happened in the past 10 years in regard to the new styles of psychobilly and roots musical
groups and fans. Anything you can think of to send to me for inclusion in the documentary
would be most helpful. We'd be glad to give a special thanks credit in the film to whomever
submits material to us. Please let me know if you know of someone or if you yourself
are interested in helping out. Thanks so much!! Jeff Meltz - jmeltz@kpitv.com
MARCO DI MAGGIO the DI MAGGIO CONNECTION in CHINA!
Feb 27 2007 - JAZZ CLUB SHANGAI
Feb 28 2007 10:00P - CLUB 288 SHANGAI
Mar 1 2007 10:00P - Yu Gong Yi Shan PEKING/BEIJING
Mar 2 2007 10:00P - Traveller Club HANGZHOU
Mar 3 2007 8:00P - JAZZ Club Hangzhou HANGZHOU
FIFTIES in FEBRUARY at the SURF BALLROOM, Iowa
"This year was one of the best Fifties in February I have been to at the Surf Ballroom
Except for Friday night they only had two Bands then they had a sock hop they should have
those sock hops in the afternoon a lot of people left when that started.
T
