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Leo Jackson Commits Suicide
NASHVILLE - George "Leo" Jackson - a guitar player who's appeared on recordings by
Country Music Hall of Famers Jim Reeves, George Strait and Tom T. Hall - died Sunday,
May 4, 2008 at
his home outside of Nashville from an apparent suicide.
Leo, who was 73, had been diagnosed with cancer in 2002. Two years ago, he was told he had
cellulitis, a rare skin ailment, in his thumb, preventing him from playing guitar again.
He had undergone minor surgery last week and was on medication for a persistent back pain
that flared up again the day he shot himself.
"On top of the operation, I guess it was just too much for him," son Leo Jackson told The
Tennessean.
Leo played two stints as a member of Jim Reeves' Blue Boys. He was, in fact, a guitarist
in the band at the time Jim died in a famous plane crash in 1964. The Blue Boys went on to
make four albums on their own in the next four years. Leo would also become a
well-regarded session musician. Among the hits that have featured his work are the George
Strait singles "Right Or Wrong" and "Let's Fall To Pieces Together," Jim Reeves'
"Distant Drums," Moe Bandy's "It's A Cheating Situation" and Moe's duet with Joe
Stampley, "Just Good Ol' Boys."
Leo Jackson on YouTube
"Hee Haw's" Jim Hager Dies
NASHVILLE - Jim Hager, 66, one half of the Hagers duo, died Thursday after an apparent
heart attack. He was found collapsed in the parking lot of the Frothy Monkey coffeehouse
and was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center around 6 p.m., May 1, 2008.
With his twin brother Jon, Jim Hager rose to national fame in 1969 when they
joined the cast of a new variety show featuring country music and a satirical
take on country living.
Hee Haw went on to become a top-rated syndicated program. And, when the Hager
brothers left it in 1988, they were the recipients of more fan mail than any
other cast members in the show's history.
Famous Bakersfield Studio Closes
April 30, 2008 - One of Bakersfield's claims to fame will close it's doors for good.
At midnight Wednesday, Fat Tracks recording studio on North Chester in Oildale will no
longer be used as a studio.
The studio became famous after country music legends like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and
Dwight Yokum used it to record hits.
The original "Streets of Bakersfield" was recorded there back in 1972, by
singer-songwriter Homer Joy.
It has been more than 30 years since Joy has been in the studio.
Wednesday, he took one last look at the place that put his song on the road to becoming a
chart topper.
Singer, songwriter Homer Joy said, "'Streets of Bakersfield" just made everything all
right. It was all right for everyone. It has been such a blessing over the years to Buck.
Just a whole lot of people who can remember back or do remember to the time and that song
we have really, really good memories."
The "Streets of Bakersfield" became a country hit after Buck Owens heard Joy's original
recording and added the song to his album several years later. - KGET-TV
Billy Hancock Featured
in "Blue Suede News"
"Blue Suede News" magazine (Spring 2008; # 82) features Ripsaw's Billy Hancock on its
cover and in the first of a two-part article chronicling Hancock's musical career. Blues
band leader Terence McArdle (Big Trouble; www.terencemcardle.com) wrote the article.
Hancock, whom the Washington Post called a "musical treasure," has been a rhythmic
force, primarily in the DC area, for over 40 years. Best known as a versatile singer,
Hancock fronted and played bass for Danny & the Fat Boys (led by guitar whiz Danny
Gatton), sang and played guitar for his own world-renowned rockabilly band, Billy Hancock
& the Tennessee Rockets (on Ripsaw), and co-led the No Neck Jazz Band with trumpeter Clyde
Hunt. In 2006, the Washington Area Music Association. ("WAMA") (www.wamadc.com)
awarded Hancock its Root Rock vocalist award and in 2005 WAMA presented the Virginia-based
singer, musician, songwriter, producer, promoter, teacher, and record company entrepreneur
with a Special Recognition Award.
"Blue Suede News" (www.bluesuedenews.com), which calls itself "The House Organ of the
Church of Rock 'N' Roll," is devoted to rockabilly, rhythm and blues, and other 1950's
American roots music and has been published since 1986. Marc Bristol and Gaby
Maag-Bristol are its co-editors. The newsstand price of each issue is $5.50. Email
ShakinBoss@aol.com or write BSN, Box 25, Duvall, WA 98019.
The BSN issue coincided with the April 8th release of "Out of the Darkness," a 10-song
Hancock CD from Turkey Mountain Records (TM 2108), at a Hancock gig at DC's Blues Alley.
Ripsaw affiliates Southern Crescent Publishing and Sugar Mama Music each published a song
on "Out of the Darkness," which is Hancock's first strictly blues album.
Reviewers and radio stations wishing promo copies of "Out of the Darkness" should contact
Turkey Mountain Records, 2010 Dartmouth Drive , Alexandria, VA 22307; (703) 401-7409;
http://myspace.com/billyhancockmusic;
turkeymtn@aol.com or
billyhancock@msn.com.
Promoters, agents, clubs, festival organizers, and others wishing to engage Hancock may
contact Ripsaw's Jonathan Strong at: (202) 362-2286; email-ripsawrecords@aol.com;
mail-#805, 4545 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Ripsaw has released well-received recordings, not only by Hancock, but also by The Uptown
Rhythm Kings, Martha Hull, Bobby Smith, Kid Tater, and Tex Rubinowitz.
Chris Gaffney of the
Hacienda Brothers R.I.P.
Chris Gaffney of the Hacienda Brothers passed away Thursday morning (4/17)
after battling liver cancer. (On the death anniversary of Eddy Cochran's passing).
Gaffney had a long career as a solo artist, and also recorded and toured extensively
as a member of Dave Alvin & the Guilty Men.
The Hacienda Brothers was a collaboration between singer/songwriter Gaffney
and Dave Gonzalez, best known as the guitarist, singer, and songwriter with
the blues/rockabilly combo The Paladins.
Country Music HoF Honors
Guitarist Reggie Young
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will recognize session guitarist Reggie
Young with a performance and interview on May 3. Young was part of the rockabilly
explosion in the mid-1950s, Memphis' hit-producing American Studio in the 1960s
and the expansion of Nashville's recording scene in the 1970s.
His guitar work can be heard on Dobie Gray's "Drift Away," Waylon Jennings'
"Luckenbach, Texas," Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind" and Reba
McEntire's "Little Rock," among hundreds of others.
Update on Eddie
Cochran Session Pages
Courtesy Antoon van Olderen - With the upcoming Bear Family box set it seemed like a good idea to update the Eddie
Cochran Sessions pages. For this I cross checked most of the available documentation such
as books, magazines, published interviews, Records, CD booklets, etc. After the
additions and corrections I think at this moment this is the most complete (published)
picture of Eddie Cochran's sessions work.
Included is all the new information from the latest Rockstar and Stampede releases as well
as Spencer Leigh' Things Do Go Wrong and Derek Henderson' Gene Vincent - A
Companion which proved invaluable to correct all the UK 1960 dates . Additions are among
others Hank Hammer, EKKO artists Riley Crabtree and Al Dexter, more Ray Stanley demos, Don
Deal' Cash single and early 1954 session with Eddie. Also included are updated
biographies and pictures of many of Eddie Cochran' session men and women as well as 10
new label scans and many more improved.
Of course there is more Eddie Cochran output than mentioned in these pages but as long as
conclusive evidence is missing they will not be included.
Please feel free to mail your comments, ideas and additions so we can make this the
definite Eddie Cochran Sessions pages.
Many thanks to you all for supporting the site and sending your input.
Kind regards and ... don't forget the great Eddie Cochran!
Antoon van Olderen - antoon.van.olderen@orange.nl
http://www.eddiecochran.info/Sessions/Updates.htm
Reminder to start planning your summer holiday for 2008
UK's American 2008
If you live in the UK, America, Europe, Asia or the antipodes and you are a music lover,
why not consider spending your 2008 Summer break checking out the best Summer Music
Festival the UK has to offer?
http://www.americana-promotions.co.uk/
http://www.jacksonville-americana.piczo.com/?cr=1&rfm=y
THE EVENT
Americana International 2008 promises to be one of the biggest and best in its long
history. Chris Jackson and his hard working team are putting together a star studded cast of
artists from the world of Country, Rockabilly and the Pop Charts, some new and some
legends.
THE ARTISTS
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, USA, Nine times grammy winners
THE MANFREDS with PAUL JONES & MIKE D'ABO, UK
WAYNE HANCOCK, USA
JACK EARLS, USA
JAY CHEVALIER, USA
RAY CAMPI, USA
ROSIE FLORES USA
DARTS, UK
NICK WILLETT, USA
HAYDEN THOMPSON, USA
RIP MASTERS, USA
ROBERT GORDON USA
VINCE EAGER, UK
BUCHANAN, UK
SHANNAH, UK
ALMABOOBIES, UK
Thirty other great artists to be confirmed in due course...
Keep up to date with the latest bookings at
http://www.americana-promotions.co.uk/
or at
http://www.americana-international.co.uk/news/item0110.htm.
http://www.americana-international.co.uk/americana/next_bar.htm
THE DATES
The dates for the 2008 festival are Americana International July 11-13th 2008,
so get planning your trip now.
THE VENUE
Americana International 2008, as usual will be held at the Newark Showground, Nottingham:
http://www.newarkshowground.com/.
The Newark Showground offers one of the best and most sought after venues in the Country.
Set in over 80 acres of fully serviced flat fenced land serviced by mains electricity and
water. With 7 acres of covered space, in 10 separate halls.
ACCOMMODATIONS
A List of several local hotels can be found at:
http://www.americana-international.co.uk/news/accommodation_list.htm
The Newark Tourist Board
http://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/pp/gold/viewGold.asp?IDType=Page&ID=6539
Nottingham Tourist Board
http://www.visitnottingham.com/nottingham-hotels.html
Lincoln Tourist Board
http://www.lincoln.gov.uk/tourism_det.asp?id=2607
And
http://www.touristnetuk.com/em/lincolnshire/accommodation/ac-serviced/lincoln.htm
Gainsborough Tourist Board
http://www.a1tourism.com/uk/gainsborough.html
http://www.americana-international.co.uk/news/item0115.htm
Gene Vincent's First Wife,
Ruth Ann Hand, R.I.P.
"Hello, I am Tammie Holloway, the oldest daughter of Ruth Ann Hand.
Just wanted to get the word out that Ruth Ann passed away Wednesday April 2, 2008.
I grew up hearing stories of her short time with Gene. She will be missed."
Tammie
Improved Audio on Rockin' Radio
Listen in this week to my show "Rhythm Blast" on
http://www.djzone.co.uk/Dave_B.htm
going out at a blistering 192Kbps 44100Hz only for Broadband listeners using the MP3
option.
Dialup listeners and other broadband listeners can use the Real player option streaming at
32Kbps.
This is a trial broadcast only this week and may revert afterwards to the previously low
24Kbps streaming.
For those that may not understand what all this means, it's basicly the Higher the Kbps
(Killobytes per Second) the better the audio (Sound) quality, the lower the Kbps means
less buffering (cut outs or no sound)
For anyone listening to the 192kbps stream , please ensure you are not running other
programs on your PC at the same time, close all previous programs or else they may cause
buffering problems.
As far as I am aware there are no other stations playing Rockin' music at this high
quality at present. Meanwhile here is some other Radio Information.
- Dave Brighton
For a one stop web page visit www.bop2b.webs.com'
relating to the information below.
Rockabilly Radio and Destination Doo Wop NEWS:
Destination Doo Wop
Listen in to Daves Rhythm Blast on
www.destinationdoowop.com Mondays, this features upbeat
doowop plus rockin' Jump-Blues and RnR mainly from the 50's in a two hour program. Go
to their website and click on the real player icon and after a few adverts and station
ID's you will hear the currently playing DJ' show. Check the website also for program
times that are listed as USA Eastern Standard Time. Listeners in the UK and Europe need to
be aware of the global time difference. (e.g. = 9pm in UK)
Rockabilly Radio
Dave B, as always, has been providing some excellent shows. You can hear Dave daily, with
a new weekly show broadcast each Monday Lunchtime in Europe and Thursday Evenings at 8pm
UK time.
ATTENTION ARTISTS!
I get many, many requests from artists to listen to their music on Myspace or their
individual websites. I try my very best to comply but sometimes situations come up and it
creates a backlog that makes it very difficult to honor those requests. It's not that I
don't want to play your music!
If you have music that you want played on Rockabilly Radio, there are two good ways to
get it played:
1) Send a CD or mp3 ('s)to:
Dave Brighton
55b Occupation Lane
Sheffield
S12 4PS
United Kingdon
www.bop2b.webs.com
2) Send a CD to:
Rockabilly Radio
PO BOX 5046
Baltimore, MD USA
3) For those artists who don't have a CD,
attach an mp3 file to an email and send it to
don@45rpm.net with the subject "New Music".
Please only attach 1 song to each email otherwise I may not get it.
We are now back to over 80,000 tlh (total listening hours for
the last 30 days) and anticipate finishing April with over 100,000.
Our dailiy listener hours are well over 20,000 now and we are getting close to 400
simultanious listeners again. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.
After reading the suggestion about sponsorships, I'm completely sold on the
idea that the best suggestions come from our listeners.
I have cut the larger expenses into smaller, more affordable sponsorships, to give more
listeners an opportunity to participate.
The following are the new rates for the remaining expenses:
Our 128k streaming provider - 2 sponsorships @ $25.30 monthly each.
Our Licensing through Loudcity - 3 sponsorships @ $24.59 monthly each.
We have added a new requests server because of the problems encountered
last month. The expense is $5.99 monthly.
Don Freeman
Northern Broadcasting -
You can hear the Rhythm Blast shows again each week on
www.northernbroadcasting.co.uk any day any time
in any one week before a newer one is available for the following week.
Friday 23rd May Gig -
Wes Pudsey & the Sonic Aces from Australia plus the Revolutionaires in the UK will be at
the Dale Tavern, West Street, Worsborough Dale, Barnsley S70 5PG on the above date,
admission is £5 on the door which opens at 8pm . Rockin' DJ's are Jimbo, Sean &
myself visit www.bop2b.webs.com or phone 079 144 15986 for
further details.
Rockin' gigs will take place on the 4th Friday Monthly thereafter.
As allways, on the Complete UK Rock n Roll Gig Guide you can keep updated by visiting
www.thisgigguide.fsnet.co.uk
Thank you for your support
Dave Brighton
Charlie Gracie's 2008
British Performance Dates
JULY 3-7 CHARLIE PERFORMS IN GREAT BRITAIN: Charlie headlines the
ULTIMATE 50'S ROCK 'n' ROLL WEEKENDER: Pontins Seaside
Villiage, LOWESTOFT, ENGLAND. Info:
www.tennesseeclub.net
CHARLIE TOURS GREAT BRITAIN: Nov./Dec. 2008
NOV. 28TH: WELLINGBORO (Northampton) , ENGLAND (Railway Club)
NOV. 29TH: EASTCLIFFE (Bounemouth), ENGLAND (Heathland Hotel)
DEC. 4TH: NORTH YORKSHIRE (Whitby) ENGLAND (Whitby Pavillion Theater)
DEC. 6TH: DERBY, ENGLAND (Rolls Royce Club)
DEC. 13TH: MACCKSFIELD, ENGLAND (Broken Cross Club)
DEC. 14TH: BRISTOL, ENGLAND (Bawa Club)
DEC. 20TH: MELKSHAM (Gloucestershire), ENGLAND (Assembly Hall)
DEC. 21ST: LONDON, ENGLAND (Music Palace)
* MORE DATES COMING - and don't forget to check Charlie's Websites for details on all gigs:
www.charliegracie.com and
www.myspace.com/charliegracie
Friday June 13th & Saturday June 14th
Rockabilly Run 2008
Hot Rod and Rockabilly Music Weekend.
In conjunction with the Flying Aces Motorcycle Club
470 ROCKPORT RD.
WEATHERLY. PA. 18255
Six miles off I-80 White Haven exit (#273)
Campers welcome. Hookups available - first-come basis
HOT RODS. KOOL CARS. MOTORCYCLES. BANDS. FOOD. PIN-STRIPING. VENDORS. BEER.
BURN-OUTS. FLAME THROWERS. PIN UP GALS. GREASER BOYS. CONTESTS. AWARDS. TATTOO
ARTIST ON SITE.
Cars or Spectators: $15 for Weekend PRE-SALE ONLY or $10 per day
Camping additional $15 per site (includes Friday and Saturday night)
Friday Night Entertainment starts at 7pm - Bands and Pre-Party go all night long.
Rockabilly Hall Of Famer Ronnie Sando with his Rockabilly Legends Band known for his GOLD
RECORD "ROCKING ON THE MOON" don't miss the only singer that worked with the former Elvis
Presley Band and the Jordanaires after ELVIS's untimely death
Saturday Car show starts at 11am. Bands play all day. Awards at 5pm after headlining act.
We welcome Jessie Lee Miller hailing from Austin TX.; cover of Winter 2008 Blue Suede News
and Sean Mencher; member of the former rockabilly great’ High Noon and Legendary Rosie
Flores.
PERFORMANCES BY:
ROSIE FLORES
THE BUZZARDS
THE ULTRA KINGS
DANNY KAY AND THE NIGHTLIFERS
SEAN MENCHER
JESSIE LEE MILLER
THE YOUNG WEREWOLVES
RONNIE SANDO
All information subject to change, keep up to date on the following sites:
www.rockabillyrun.com
jamieconstantine@msn.com
www.myspace.com/rockabillyrun
Jason D. Williams Performs at
Kenny Chesney's 40th Birthday Bash
Memphis, TN, March 28, 2008: Memphis Based Rockabilly Artist Jason D. Williams received
a personal request from Kenny Chesney to perform for his private 40th Birthday Bash in
Nashville, TN. The exclusive event was held at Cabana on Nashville's renowned Music Row
and was attended by more than 200 well wishers. The guest list was filled with fellow
artists and sports stars that included Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kix Brooks, Sugarland
vocalist Jennifer Nettles, Kellie Pickler and Dierks Bentley to name a few. Also in
attendance were representatives from three different professional sports: Ex-New York
Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens, NASCAR driver Sterling Marlin and New England Patriots
linebacker Junior Seau all on hand to celebrate the evening.
"Jason D. Williams is one of the best entertainers I've ever seen and he was the first
person I thought of to help celebrate such an important milestone in my life" said Kenny
Chesney who made a personal phone call to Jason D. Williams with his request just days
before the event was to take place. "You rocked the house" Chesney told Williams
after his performance, which at one point included a raucous rendition of "I'll Fly
Away" with Faith Hill, Kellie Pickler, Kenny Chesney and Con Hunley all joining Williams
onstage.
"I'm having the time of my life and see no end in sight, I always consider it an honor
when a fellow musician asks me to perform, it's the purest of compliments for anyone in
the music business, you always wonder who would the Entertainer of the Year have to
entertain them, I guess now I know" said Jason D. Williams.
Another of Jason's recent performances included a special appearance at the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH for an American Music Masters Celebration for music legend
Jerry Lee Lewis. "I travel everywhere, all over the world, not just here in the United
States, and everywhere I go I hear the same thing, energy, people love the energy behind
my music, and I love sharing it".
Jason D. Williams is a former RCA and Sun Records Recording artist, and now with
Rockabilly Records, LLC based out of Olive Branch, MS, performing more than 120 shows a
year.
Les Paul Documentary on YouTube
"Wizard Of Waukesha" came out in 1981 or so. It's in 5 chapters,
approx. 10 minutes each.
Jesse McReynolds on the Air
In case you haven't heard, the "Ironman of Bluegrass", Jesse McReynolds, has his own
radio show that we broadcast live out of our "Pick Inn" right here on our family farm in
Gallatin, Tennessee.
But... the really BIG news is that our radio station, WHIN 1010AM has taken us
worldwide!!! This Monday, and every weekday, from 8 to 9 AM CST, you can hear Jesse's show
on the internet streaming live from the Pick Inn!
Jesse remembers how it was in the golden days of radio. The Pick Inn Party Radio Show is
built around the way he remembers radio used to be. Live and real!!! Jesse's more than
able co-host is the great Harv Mason. These two share a friendship and camaraderie that is
truly wonderful. The show features live music, phone call-ins, guests, our wonderful local
sponsors and the commercials Harv does for them that are always spontaneous and heartfelt.
The show is filled with more surprises than we can tell you. Why can't we tell you?
Because it's live!!! The "Pick Inn Party Radio Show" might just as well be called new
old-time radio. And we'd like for you to be part of our radio family..
The Pick Inn Party Radio Show: Jesse, Lyle Cook, Glen Thompson & Larry Stephenson.
Please tune in and listen to the live stream of Jesse's "Pick Inn Party Radio Show" every
weekday morning from 8 to 9 AM Central Standard Time. Just go to www.whinradio.com and
you're there!
For information & pictures about the "Pick Inn Party Radio Show", please go to our
website, www.jimandjesse.com
May your holiday be truly blessed,
Jesse & Joy McReynolds
PO Box 1385 Gallatin, TN 37066
(615)452-7321
jimandjesse@bellsouth.net
www.jimandjesse.com
the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
www.youtube.com/group/conwayauditions
Conway Twitty Musical Announces
OnLine YouTube Auditions
Posted March 19, 2008 - Randy Johnson, creator and director, announced the launch of an online
audition process in the continued search for talent to be cast in the musical production
IT'S ONLY MAKE BELIEVE the musical journey of American Music Icon CONWAY TWITTY.
"It is much better to audition in person," adds Johnson. "But if you can not make
it to one of the three casting calls, we will be seriously considering those auditions
posted on our YouTube audition site."
IT'S ONLY MAKE BELIEVE is Conway Twitty's story told through the eyes and heart of his
children. It is a loving musical scrapbook of memories that is honest, touching, funny,
heartbreaking and sincere. This production will be a musical journey of his heart, from
humble beginnings to Rock and Roll Idol and all the way to a pure Country Legend.
The musical production will be created and directed by Randy Johnson, produced by Conway
Twitty United, and Executive Produced by Scott Welch Management.
IT'S ONLY MAKE BELIEVE will be touring across the country make stops at venues of all
sizes, including Performing Arts Centers, state fairs, and theaters. The show will be
exclusively booked through Buddy Lee Attractions in Nashville, Tennessee.
Visit
www.conwaytwittymusical.com for additional information.
Conway Twitty was an American Icon. He was a rock star, a country music legend and a
loving father of four. Conway Twitty's career began in Rock and Roll and landed squarely
in the heart of America as the leading Country performer of his time with an all time
record of 55 number one hits.
"The Wages of Spin"
New Documentary, First To Take Honest, Comprehensive Look At Music Industry During
"American Bandstand" Era, Coming Soon! The producers who brought you the popular 2006
made-for-PBS documentary: "Charlie Gracie: Fabulous" are coming back with with another
project sure to raise some eyebrows: "THE WAGES OF SPIN!" The program will primarily
focus on Dick Clark and the Philadelphia Music Scene during the era of "American Bandstand."
This will be a no holds barred look at how the system worked ... the rules of the game -
how careers were created or shattered, depending on one's willingness to play!
Charlie Gracie, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston (Beach Boys), Len Barry, Fabian,
Connie Francis, Chubby Checker, Joe Terry and Frank Maffei (Danny & the Juniors),
Marc Stevens (Dovells), Stephen Caldwell (Orlons), Dick Boccelli (Comets),
Dave Appell, Bob Marcucci, Andy Williams, Artie Singer and scores of other will appear.
WAGES OF SPIN TRAILER
"A Little Bit of Lefty Left in Me"
Posted March 13, 2008 - F.H.M label group has just announced the official release date
of the highly anticipated
Allen Frizzell "A Little Bit of Lefty Left in Me" disc will be March 18, 2008.
The 12 song collection will include recordings such as: Saginaw Michigan, She's Gone
Gone Gone, Long Black Veil, Mom and Dad's Waltz and I Never Go Around Mirrors
(duet w/brother David).
Pre-orders will be available soon at
www.allenfrizzell.com.
It will also be available for download on the web at a number of sites including
myspace.com/allenfrizzell, iTunes and CD baby.
FYI for those in the Nashville area: March 22, 2008-2:00 ... there will be a
Tribute to Lefty show at the
Country Music Hall of Fame Museum Store.
Eddy Arnold's Wife Dies in
Williamson, TN County Hospital
Posted March 12, 2008 - By Beverly Keel - Sally Gayhart Arnold, the woman who gave meaning to husband Eddy Arnold's love songs, died Tuesday in a Williamson County hospital. She was 87.
For more than 66 years, the couple had one of the greatest romances in the
history of country music. The news of Mrs. Arnold's death came late Tuesday
afternoon as her country music legend husband, now 89, remained in a Davidson
County hospital after undergoing hip replacement surgery last week.
The two met in Louisville, Ky., where Mr. Arnold was playing with Pee Wee
King, said Don Cusic, author of Eddy Arnold: I'll Hold You In My Heart. "I
think she might have asked for his autograph after a show," he said. Arnold, who
is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, has sold more than 85 million
records and had hits such as "Make the World Go Away" and "Bouquet of Roses."
The day after the couple married, he departed to join the Camel Caravan
Tour. The bride was kept company in her new home by her mother-in-law.
While Mr. Arnold toured, Mrs. Arnold ran the show at home, where she raised
their son and daughter. She also donated her time to help local charities,
including the Fannie Battle Day Home. "She kept him grounded," Cusic said.
"Stars can lose perspective so easily, but he was always down to earth, and she
was a major reason for it.
The Arnolds' last few days were spent apart as they underwent treatment at
different hospitals in different counties. In the end, after all of the
success, money and fame, the only thing that mattered was being with each other.
Mrs. Arnold is survived by her husband; their children, Richard Edward Jr.
of Nashville and Jo Ann Pollard, of Brentwood, TN; and four grandchildren.
Bo Diddley's Website
Celebrates 10th Birthday
This Friday (March 14th) marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the BO DIDDLEY-The
Originator website, the most detailed and accurate source of information about BO DIDDLEY
on the Internet.
Special thanks are due in particular to the following for their assistance, advice and
kind messages over the past 10 years:
Sam Andrew, Carmine Appice, Charlie Apple, The Association, Robin Bachman, Paul Barrere,
Benny & The Jets, Black Oak Arkansas, Eric Burdon, Bishop Solomon Burke, Canned Heat,
Freddy Cannon, Keith Caton & The Accelerators, Bob Corritore, Carl Cunningham, Dick Dale,
Andy Davis, Bob Davis, Albert J. DeGroft, Jack de Keyzer, Rick Derringer, Bennie Dingo,
The Dovells, Carlos R. Duque, The Electric Prunes, Entrain, Paul Evans, Harry Fink, The
Five Americans, Gary Fletcher, Foghat, Robert Fontenot, Frankie Ford, Peter Frampton,
Scott Free, Faith Fusillo, Gary Gordon, Francis Goulet, Graham Central Station, David
Gross, Wolfgang Guhl, Debby Hastings, Ronnie Hawkins, The Hi-Risers, Mike Hugg, Iron
Butterfly, Tommy James, Gloria Jolivet, Patricia T. Jones, Patrina Jones, Paul Jones,
Carol Kaye, Bob Keane, Dave Kelly, Chris Kinman, Al Kooper, Lady Bo, Alan Lakey, Margo
Lewis, Wally Malone, The Marcels, Mike Marti, Roger McGuinn, Tom McGuinness, Andy McKaie, Barry Melton, The Mills
Brothers, Anna Moo, John Moore, Charlie Musselwhite, Richard Nader, Chuck Negron, Carla
Olson, Stan Perkins, The Platters, The Priests, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Elliott
Randall, Tommy Roe, Emperor Rosko, Nick Savage, Duke Shanahan, Sha Na Na, Pat Shediack,
Sheena & The Rokkets, Sly & The Family Stone, Peter Stitt, Barry Tashian, Kingsize Taylor,
Bob Timmers (Rockabilly Hall of Fame®), The Treniers, Moe Tucker, Chris Tuthill, Vini & The Demons, George R. White
and Steve Winwood.
The webite has been recognised and listed by a number of major on-line education
resources, including the US Institute of Museum & Library Services' Librarians' Index to
the Internet (LII), the BUBL Information Service Catalogue of Internet Resources located
at the Centre for Digital Library Research at Strathclyde University in Scotland, the MSN
Encarta Encyclopedia and the on-line version of the Encyclopedia Britannica.
We are also delighted that the website has maintained strong links over the past decade
with Allexperts.com, the oldest and largest free Q&A service on the Internet, answering
many questions from fans and students relating to BO DIDDLEY, his life and music.
Here's to the next 10 years... let it roll!
Encyclopedia Britannica On-line - one of the world's most trusted sources of information:
http://www.britannica.com/
MSN Encarta On-line Encyclopedia: http://encarta.msn.com/
US Institute of Museum & Library Services' Librarians' Index to the Internet - Websites
You Can Trust: http://www.lii.org/
BUBL Information Service's Catalogue of Internet Resources - Selected Internet resources
covering all academic subject areas: http://www.bubl.ac.uk/index.html
Allexperts.com - the oldest and largest free Q&A service on the Internet:
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/2124-23725/Bo-Diddley/David-Blakey.htm
Cliff Thomas, 66, R.I.P.
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Cliff graduated from Provine High School in Jackson,
Mississippi and Georgia Institute of Technology, "Georgia Tech", with a degree in
Industrial Engineering. However that degree would soon fall to the wayside as Cliff
pursued his true love, music. While attending Georgia Tech, he formed several bands and
singing groups. It was his passion for music that produced several nationally recognized
groups. Cliff, along with his brother and sister, were known as "The Cliff Thomas Trio".
They recorded on the Sun Record label out of Memphis in 1957. The group made the national
scene in 1958, appearing on American Bandstand. Cliff succeeded in having several of his
songs make the national charts. He was also nominated for a Grammy in 1968.
While on active duty as a commissioned officer in the United States Army, Cliff was called
home due to the death of his mother. It was then that he began working in the family
business, Norman Shirtmakers in Jackson, Mississippi, where he oversaw manufacturing
operations, but, he continued to have a hand in the music industry. He was the owner of
radio stations and a recording studio, where he continued to write and perform music. His
collaboration with his brother, Ed, and Bob McRee produced a gold record, "Pickin' Wild
Mountain Berries". In 1996 he moved to Gulfport where he was very active in commercial
real estate.
Cliff had a song in his heart, a bounce in his step and always a smile to give. His love
of family and friends was undeniable and his love of life and music unceasing.
Hep Cat Records - Available April 22nd
Stray Cats' '80s Reunion
Recordings to be Reissued
Posted March 7, 2008 - Bassist Lee Rocker wrote the notes on the two albums: Rock Therapy,
recorded at historic Capitol Studios, and the Dave Edmunds-produced Blast Off
The Stray Cats put rockabilly back onto the charts after a two-decade absence with their
sly "Stray Cat Strut" and series of early '80s recordings. The Long Island-weaned combo of
Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom were influenced by the likes of Gene
Vincent, Gene Cochran and Elvis Presley, and had not just the sound but the look down pat.
Slim Jim married Britt Eckland and Setzer performed with superstars like Robert Plant and
Stevie Nicks. But then the strut halted as the Cats went their separate ways.
The band's two comeback albums - Rock Therapy and Blast Off, recorded for EMI in 1986 and
1989 respectively - will be reissued by Hep Cat Records, sibling of Collectors' Choice
Music on April 22, 2008. (Hep Cat recently reissued James Hunter's acclaimed original
pre-Rounder recordings.) Liner notes on the reissues were penned by standup bass slapper
Lee Rocker, now a solo artist on Alligator Records.
Rock Therapy was the Stray Cats' fifth album, recorded in the summer of 1986 at Capitol
Records' historic Hollywood & Vine studios, home to recordings by everyone from Gene
Vincent to Frank Sinatra. Rocker says in the notes, "Rock Therapy is an intense record
with some of the best playing in the band's history. I consider it the lost Stray Cats
record." The album was recorded mainly live in the studio, with "Reckless" foretelling the
future solo career of Brian Setzer.
For the 1989 release Blast Off, the Stray Cats were reunited with their original producer,
the legendary Dave Edmunds. As Rocker tells it in the liners: "Brian, Jim and I decided
that the time had really come to work and throw everything we had at this record ...
What we hit on redefined the rockabilly music of the time: The slamming bass, caveman drum
beats and stinging guitar were as raw and dangerous as anything we had ever done. On Blast
off, psychobilly was reborn." The album contains "Gene and Eddie," a tribute to Vincent
and Cochran, plus "Gina," which Rocker describes as "Buddy Holly on steroids."
"When I put this record on," Rocker continues, "I can still feel the sweat that we all
poured into this recording. We wanted this record to count, to mean something."
21 and 18 years on, these two recordings show that the band's energy and ability went on
far beyond "Stray Cat Strut." Information contact: cary@conqueroo.com
Less than 3 months to go!!
www.screaminfestival.com/infoeng.html
Screamin' combines incredible music, unbelievable top DJs and the sea and sun of Spain.
Imagine beach parties all day long and Rockin' music till the wee hours.
A week-long vacation that transports you into a relaxed yet wild world of like-minded
people from all over the globe.
Where else can you hang-out on the beach all day listening to fantastic music with free
BBQ and then dance and drink the night away at any one of many shows.
Or, you can lounge by your hotel pool and enjoy all that the town of Pineda de Mar has to
offer, then come out to hear great bands, see friends and have a spectacular night out.
During the week the parties are at the local clubs and at the now legendary Beach Bar (all
easy walks or short taxi rides) on the thursday, friday, saturday and sunday nights, the
BIG SHOWS are held at the main hall. That's where countless bands have performed. Record
hops all night long keep you boppin' and jivin' till the sun comes up.
The spirit of the festival is one of "All are welcome." Bring your cat clothes, drape or
Hawaiian gear or your vintage tee-shirts and Levi's. Bring your children and your
swimsuits. This is the festival where you can be yourself. Tatoos or topless, the warm
welcome is the same.
Pineda de Mar is small town that is focused on hospitality while still having a thriving
local scene. Its not far from either Barcelona or Girona airports. Your hotel is clean,
comfortable and convenient whatever your price range. When the wild, wonderful week has
sadly come to an end, you won't want to return home.
Screamin' has vendors of music, clothing, art and of course hair products. Car show? Of
course! 25+ bands? Of course! Burlesque, exotica and hula dancers? Of course! Retro,
vintage, modern - it's at Screamin'. Rockabilly, R&B, Doo-Wop, Western Swing - its at
Screamin'. So are your new friends, old lovers and a hell of a lot more. Screamin' is a
vacation that you will want to repeat year after year. It's not just a weekender, it's not
just a holiday. It's a place full of the world's best music, clean sandy beaches and the
warmest welcome.
You won't want to say goodbye. It's simply a Rock and Roll oasis in sunny Spain.
"It's Only Make Believe"
Musical About Conway Twitty
Posted March 4, 2008 - IT'S ONLY MAKE BELIEVE - Is so much more than a tribute show to
American Music Icon CONWAY TWITTY whose untimely death in 1993 left a void in the world of
Country Music. IT'S ONLY MAKE BELIEVE is Conway Twitty's story told through the eyes and
heart of his children. It is a loving musical scrapbook of memories that is honest,
touching, funny, heartbreaking and sincere. This production will be a musical journey of
his heart, from humble beginnings to Rock and Roll Idol and all the way to a pure Country
Legend.
The musical production will be created and directed by Randy Johnson, produced by Conway
Twitty United, and Executive Produced by Scott Welch Management.
"I have listened to every recording that Conway Twitty ever released. I read, watched and
listened to almost every interview he ever gave. Countless hours (and great meals) with
the wonderful and gracious Twitty Family. I have come to know Conway Twitty in a rare,
intimate, unique and extraordinary manner - I could almost feel his presence as I was
writing the musical," says creator and director Randy Johnson. "Conway Twitty is an
American Musical Legend and at the same time a loving family man who never forgot his
humble beginnings. That is the truth and that is the musical I have created. I am honored
and grateful to be chosen as playwright and director of the new musical IT'S ONLY MAKE
BELIEVE. It is a high point in my career."
IT'S ONLY MAKE BELIEVE will be touring across the country make stops at venues of all
sizes, including Performing Arts Centers, state fairs, and theaters. The show will be
exclusively booked through Buddy Lee Attractions in Nashville, Tennessee.
Visit
www.conwaytwittymusical.com for additional information.
Line up of the 4th edition (August 28-31 2008 - Montreal)
Montreal's Red Hot & Blue
Rockabilly Weekend
Jeudi / Thursday
The B-Side (b-side bands projects)
Matchless (side project of Flipper-GutterDemons)
Southern Bad Ass (side project de Devil's Hot Rod)
And one more act TBC!
Vendredi / Friday
Nate Gibson and the Gashouse Gang, MA www.nathandgibson.com
Ace Brown and the Ohio Valley Boys, OH www.ohiovalleyboys.com
Roy Kay Trio, WA www.roykaytrio.com
The Silvertones, ONT www.myspace.com/silvertonescanada
DJ John & Jenny, ONT www.rocknrollparty.com
Samed / Saturday
Pete Worden, NY www.peteworden.com
The Honeybees, IL www.rockabilly.net/honeybees
Sleepy Labeef, TX www.sleepylabeef.com
Royal Crown (tbc), ONT www.theroyalcrowns.com
DJ Turky, France
Dimanche / Sunday
Tiki Party / carshow
The Howlin' Hound Dogs, QC www.myspace.com/thehowlinhounddogs
Battle of the DJ's (DJ's TBC)
More news to come soon on their new website (that will be up to date
soon too! www.rockabillyjam.com)
Lee Rocker's
"Rumble & Twang" Show
Lee is now programing and hosting his own radio show, "Rumble & Twang," on XM Satellite
Network's X-Country channel (XM-12). The show airs the first Monday of each month at 11
a.m. EST. It will replay the following Thursday at 7 p.m. EST and Saturday at 11 a.m. EST.
The program is part of "The Slip Stream Special" series, where each week a different
musician hosts his own show. The other artists hosting shows are Brophy Dale, Robert Earl Keen, Dave
Alvin and Robbie Fulks.
According to XM's X-County program director Jesse Scott, "We are proud to welcome Lee to
the XM family. Lee's vision of rockabilly with an Americana twist is a marvelous addition
to 'The Slip Stream Special.' The show acknowledges the fertile ground of all the musical
styles that helped create rockabilly, mixing R&B and country to create something new."
And Rocker couldn't agree more, saying, "'Rumble and Twang' is a labor of love for me, and
it's something that in a way, I've always done. Being a musician is all about sharing
music and telling stories. Having my own radio show gives me another chance to share the
American music that rumbles, twangs, echoes, and slaps."
www.rumbleandtwang.com
for more information.
"Hot Rod Lincoln" Writer
Charlie Ryan Dies
SPOKANE, WA. - (Feb 19, 2008). He grew up in Polson, Montana, and he co-wrote the hit song
"Hot Rod Lincoln." His name was Charlie Ryan, and he died at age 92 after a long battle
with heart disease.
Ryan diedin Spokane, where he'd lived for more than 60 years. Ryan and W.S. Stevenson wrote
"Hot Rod Lincoln" and Ryan recorded it in 1955. It was recorded many times since.
Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen made it a hit in 1972, and it's been a mainstay
of popular culture for decades. The song passed the 1 million-play mark in the summer of 2000,
according to Broadcast Music Inc. Ryan was born in Graceville, Minn., in 1915.
He grew up in Polson and moved to Spokane in 1943.
YouTube Video
Hot Rod Lincoln: The Song
Art Greenhaw (Light Crust Doughboys)
Demos Signature Guitar Line at NAMM
Grammy Award-Winner Art Greenhaw of the classic western swing band, The
Light Crust Doughboys, was the special guest of America Sejung Corp. at
the 2008 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, the global gathering of the
music products industry. Art was on-hand to demonstrate the new Sejung
model guitar and piano offerings and particularly The Light Crust
Doughboys Signature guitars, bass, mandolin and banjo.
Fans, friends and show attendees from around the world had the
opportunity to jam and visit with the multi-music-Hall of Famer while
experiencing the latest in innovation, quality and prestige that
represents America Sejung Corp. One of the highlights of the 4-day show
came when surf guitar legend and Leo Fender collaborator, Dick Dale,
sang and played piano with Art in an impromptu, multi-piano jam session
at the Sejung exhibit. Dick is known throughout the world for hit songs
including "Miserlou" and for pioneering "power rock" electric guitar and
amp-playing in the 1950s and 1960s.
Art Greenhaw's 2008 NAMM appearance is fresh on the heels of
Greenhaw-produced albums on which he also played guitars and keyboards
being distributed around the world. These include The Ventures' ROCKY!
album on EMI Japan and Art's LONE STAR SITAR album on Times Square
Records of India. For a full catalog of Art Greenhaw and The Light Crust
Doughboys' music and Signature guitars, visit www.artgreenhaw.com or
write The Light Crust Doughboys, 105 S. Broad St., Mesquite, Texas
75149.
New Book and DVD with Rare Clips ...
Marshall Lytle Update
From Marshall, January 22, 2008 - "Hi everyone, I have been chilling out here in Floridaaa
for the last 5 weeks. I have finished dictating my new book about my life and my years
with Bill Haley & The COMETS. It is now being edited and transcribed into a manuscript,
by my publisher, Michael Rush in Philadelphia. He and I are very excited about this book.
We are going to include a DVD with some never before seen home movies taken in 1952 thru
1957. there will also 100's of photos from my collection and even film video clips of The
Original Comets for the past 20 years up to and including, Branson MO. My publisher is
wanting the book released by June 2008.
"We are starting next week on a new tour that starts the busiest year in Comets history, It
starts in San Francisco, Ca. where we do two shows, then to Virginia Beach Va. where we
will watch the Superbowl and do a show for the ABA (American Bus Association) These are
the people who bring bus loads of people to Branson to see shows.
"Then we fly to Malaga, Spain, starting a tour with Klaus Kettner,
looks like 8 Shows then 2 more in April 19-20 that we managed to squeeze in from our
Branson schedule which starts on March 14th thru Dec. 14th. every day but Monday. I do
hope that many of you will come see us in Branson. I LOVE YOU ALL,"
- Marshall Lytle
Supporting his latest, acclaimed Black Cat Bone CD ...
Lee Rocker Tours US / Europe
Lee Rocker's latest effort, "Black Cat Bone,"bears musical muscle from his road-tested
band (guitarists Brophy Dale and Buzz Campbell, and drummer Jimmy Sage) "Black Cat Bone"
is an amazing collection of 10 Rocker originals (with one co-written with guitarist Brophy
Dale), one song by guitarist Buzz Campbell, and reinvented covers from Bob Dylan ("One
More Night") and Leon Payne ("Lost Highway," made famous by Hank Williams). The CD's
scorching rockabilly, roadhouse romps and straight-ahead, old-school rock 'n' roll, create
by far the strongest set of songs of Rocker's solo career.
See Lee's Tour Schedule Here.
Scott Preston's Interview with Lee Rocker
BIG TRIBUTE AND CD RELEASE PARTY SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY JANUARY, 25TH 2008, IN HONOR OF
MR. CEDRONE'S CD RELEASE TITLED: "DANNY CEDRONE, GUITAR VIRTUOSO"
Danny Cedrone Tribute / CD Party
Yes, it's a Danny Cedrone Tribute and CD preview party at the birthplace of
Rock & Roll ... featuring Danny's grandson; Dan Vanore and members
of his band, The Business. Plus very special musical guests: The
Billy D. Light Trio. Broadcasted LIVE on WNJC 1360 AM by Danny's very
own son-in-law King Arthur.
Date: Friday January, 25th 2008
Time: 9pm to 1am
Place: Jack's Twin Bar
200 S. Broadway (@ Market St)
Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Media Contacts:
Danny Vanore (215) 336-5101
Cell (215) 847-2883
Janet Cedrone (215) 925-5795
From a small row home in South Philadelphia to The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland
where Danny Cedrone's guitar has been enshrined for the past 10 years, to a little
neighborhood bar in Gloucester City, NJ, where it all began over 55 years ago.
The festivities start at 9pm and go on through 1am at Jacks Twin Bar. The legendary night spot
was specifically chosen by the Cedrone family because of the local landmark's history. In
case you are not familiar with its claim to fame, it's where Bill Haley & The Saddlemen
wrote, and performed for the first time, what many rock historians claim to be the first
record of Rock & Roll, "Rock The Joint". It is also the song where Danny Cedrone first
aired out his now legendary guitar solo in "Rock Around The Clock".
Danny played at The Twin Bar many times with his own band, The Esquire Boys before his
untimely death back in 1954.
So please join us for this once in a lifetime event. Guest performers include
Danny's grandson Dan Vanore with members, and past members of his band, The Business; Tom
Nataloni on vocals/trumpet, Andrew Carrozza on saxophone, Jimmy McCloskey on Drums, Manny
Capizzi on bass, Kenny Kirby on keyboard, Eric Howarth on guitar, Justin Gonzalez on
vocals/trombone, Erica Gagliardi on vocals, Bob Jackson on guitar and Greg Carrozza on
Keyboards. Also, performing all night long, our very special guests, and the baddest rock
& roll band in the land; The Billy D. Light Trio.
The entire evening will be hosted and
broadcast live on WNJC Radio 1360 AM, by Danny's son in law and radio personality; King
Arthur. Many more surprise guests expected, so please join us for a night to remember.
Long Live Rock & Roll!
E-mail:
danny@thebusinessproductions.com
MySpace:
www.myspace.com/danny_cedrone -
www.myspace.com/dancedroneandtheesquireboys
125th Anniversary of
That Great Gretsch Sound!
Gretsch,
the iconic musical instrument company that has been at the forefront of popular
music since 1883, yesterday (Monday, January 14, 2008) officially announced the 125th
anniversary of "That Great Gretsch Sound!"
Gretsch was founded by Friedrich Gretsch in 1883 in Brooklyn, NY and is currently being
helmed by Fred W. Gretsch. Over the past 125 years, Gretsch has created legendary and
unmistakeable guitars for some of the world's most well-known and groundbreaking artists,
including Bo Diddley, Eddie Cochran, Chet Atkins, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones,
U2 and ZZ Top.
In celebration of this 125th anniversary milestone, Gretsch Guitars have created a great
new "Show Us Your Gretsch!" on-line photo gallery, located at
www.gretschguitars.com/fangallery/main.php.
If you have a photo of yourself or a family member with a Gretsch guitar, simply e-mail it
along with your name, location and a blurb with anything
you'd like to say about yourself and your beloved Gretsch guitar(s).
RIP: Maila Nurmi aka VAMPIRA
One of our 50s icons, Maila Nurmi, who became synonymous with her character, Vampira,
passed away in her sleep yesterday at the age of 86. She was born Maila Elizabeth
Syrjaniemi on December 21, 1921, in Petsamo, Finland - now Pechenga, Russia.
Maila came to America and started her career as a model, actress and dancer in Hollywood,
but her life was forever changed when she attended the Ball Caribe Masquerade Party in
Hollywood in 1953. She attended dressed as a vampish character based on the Charles Addams
drawing of Morticia from the New Yorker magazine cartoons. She beat out 2000 contestants
in the costume contest and won first prize! She also won the attention of ABC channel 7
producer Hunt Stromberg Jr. who hired her to host the station's new late-night horror
show, called what else? The Vampira Show!
The show premiered in 1954 and Vampira quickly got national attention. Fan clubs and
magazine articles followed. Soon she was jet setting with Hollywood icons like James Dean
and Marlon Brando. Unfortunately, she was fired from the studio after only just a year and
a half. Why? Vampira claims she was blacklisted from Hollywood because she didn't
cooperate with the Hollywood factory.
Despite Vampira's short-lived television career, the character was to set the standard
for an entire legion of horror hostesses, actresses, and even cartoon characters to
follow. "Maila Nurmi" film oeuvre includes the Ed Wood-directed cult classic, Plan 9
From Outer Space, Sex Kittens Go To College and The Beat Generation.
A documentary, Vampira: The Movie, was released late last year and can be found here:
http://www.oldies.com/product-view/1033D.html
Robert Gordon Update
On February 19, they will embark on a major European tour, their first in
almost two years. "I'm thrilled to be working with Chris again", Robert
says. "Something very special happens when we perform together". Chris adds
that, "We'll be reprising some of the well-known favorites from our old live
show, plus a few songs that Robert and I recorded together over the years
but never played live. There'll be some new surprises, too. I'm really
looking forward to it - and I know from past experience how wonderful the
audiences are in Europe". The tour itinerary is as follows: Feb.19- The
Musician, Leicester (UK); Feb.20 - C.C.Club, London (UK); Feb.22 - The
Cluny, Newcastle (UK); Feb.23 - The Legendary TJ's, Newport (UK); Feb 26 -
The Roxy, Prague (Czech Republic); Feb.28 - Droskan, Umea (SE); Feb.29 -
Katalin, Uppsala (SE) and the Mejeriet in Lund (SE) on March 1st. They will
also perform a special one-off concert in Spain on May 24th, at the "Murcia
Hot Rally" in Lo Pagan / San Pedro Del Pinatar, as well as at the Americana
Festival in Newark (U.K.) on July 13th.
Last October, Robert did a tour with the tremendous Marco DiMaggio band, and
due to the success of that tour, he has decided to do another tour with
Marco and his boys in April '08. Shows are planned in a.o. Norway, Sweden
and Finland, including an April 18th gig in Kongsberg (NO) and an April 23rd
concert in Kuopio (FI).
Promotors that are interested in booking one of these two combinations can
contact us directly at: robert@robertgordon.dk or through the official
MySpace: www.myspace.com/rockbillyboogie. Let's make this another "Red Hot"
year!
Memphis Overton Park Shell Renovations
Memphis, January 8, 2008 - Renovations are in full force at the Overton Shell. The
Mortimer Levitt Foundation is funding the project along with the city of Memphis. The
project cost is 1 million dollars and is expected to be done by the spring of this year.
The Levitt Foundation will then provide an additional 1.75 million to operate the Shell
for 5 years. It will be renamed The Levitt Pavilion For The Performing Arts at Overton
Park. The new Pavilion will have 50 free concerts a year featuring local talent and
special guests.
The new Shell will have handicapped bathrooms and a special seating area for the
handicapped as well. The benches have been removed and there will be no seats replacing
them. Rather, people can bring lawn chairs or blankets for shows. The fencing around the
Shell has been removed and donated to a local shelter.
On each side of the stage will be a 6 foot screen with 24 bit surround sound. The Shell
itself will be painted completely gold, the rainbow removed and across the top will read,
Levitt Pavilion At Overton Park. The Shell opened in 1936 and closed in 2004. It will
reopen just months from now.
The Rockabilly Hall of Fame® hosted two shows at the Shell
in recent years: Ricky Nelson Induction Show in 2003 and a
"50 Year Anniversay Show" honoring Elvis' first appearance in July, 2004.
Bigsby Vibratos
Vibratos come and vibratos go, but Bigsbys live forever. This most ancient of whammy bars
has been with us since the early 1950s, and was first offered by inventor and guitar- and
steel-guitar maker Paul Bigsby around the time that Gibson offered its first solidbody
electric model, the Les Paul, in 1952. Despite its heritage, however, the Bigsby unit
tends to elicit a "love it or loath it" response from many players: those who don't work
well with the device find it just gets in the way, or throws their guitar out of tune when
they do try to use it, whereas those who get it wouldn't want their wobble from anything
else.
The Bigsby has proliferated because it is one of the only, and by far the most popular,
vibrato tailpieces that can be retrofitted to a wide range of guitars without major
modification other than the drilling of a few small holes for its mounting screws. As
such, it often proves the best vibrato for use on classic Gibson and Epiphone models such
as Les Pauls and SGs, where it partners perfectly with a Tune-o-matic or wrapover bridge.
It is still available as an option on models such as the Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul
Custom VOS and Epiphone ES-295. The keys to getting the most from your Bigsby lie in
understanding its limitations, and in setting it up. -Gibson Guitars
Reminiscing with
Music Legends
Radio Interviews, Vol. 1, by Dr. Ken "The Rockin' Rev" Haskins. 40+ interviews with such
artists as: Fats Domino, Jerry Allison, Sonny Burgess, Wanda Jackson, Glen Glenn,
Collins Kids, Narvel Felts, D.J. Fontana, Charlie Gracie, Etc.
Copies of this book may be purchased on E-bay under the name songs4ever.
Dr. Ken may be reached at 775-544-0395.
OTTO FUCHS would like to inform you about the publication of his book "Bill Haley"
(Wagner Verlag ISBN 978 3-86683-351-7) - if you have a website or any other media where
you could use - please help Otto to inform the public about the book. Otto Fuchs sites:
www.rocknroll-magazin.de
www.stompinnews.de
www.ukrock.net
www.wagner-verlag.de
Hey Blues Fans
The 2008 Chicago Blues Festival
Be sure to mark your calendars for the first weekend in June 2008. It will mark the 25th
anniversary of one of the biggest and best Blues events on the planet, The Chicago Blues Festival.
This FREE four day Blues extravaganza in downtown Chicago's Grant Park is the Mecca for Blues fans,
musicians and international visitors from all over the globe.
Of course if you make it to Chicago you are in one of the BEST places on the face of the earth for
live Blues music. In a nod to the rich Blues Music heritage of this fine city, the Mayor of
Chicago's office has created a multi-media website that offers us a virtual tour of Chicago
Blues History narrated by Chicago's favorite son of the Blues, Buddy Guy!
Audio versions of the tour can be downloaded
in 5 languages! To see this historical video tour in English,
CLICK HERE
BLUES BASH MAGAZINE website
Mark Your Calendars: Sat., Jan. 19, 2008
Deke Dickerson's
Guitar Geek Festival #5
Posted December 5, 2007 - Here's first warning on a big shindig happening January 19th - with
THE COLLINS KIDS first return to the Los Angeles area since a show at
the Palomino in 1993, and before that not for decades!
The best guitar festival in the entire world comes back to Anaheim
for the NAMM convention weekend featuring your host and MC Deke Dickerson.
Mark your calendars and we'll see you
there!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2008
at the Jolly Roger Hotel Ballroom
640 W. Katella, Anaheim, CA
STARRING:
THE COLLINS KIDS - LARRY AND LORRIE! Straight from the stage of "Town
Hall Party" we present Larry and Lorrie Collins, in their first
Southern California appearance in 15 years, and their first show in
Anaheim in decades! Singing their big hits such as "Mercy," "Rock
Boppin' Baby," "Let's Have A Party," "Whistle Bait" and others, the
show also includes Larry Collins playing the snot out of his double-
necked Mosrite on such tunes as "Rockin' Gypsy" and "Hurricane!"
Larry and Lorrie never fail to put on an amazing show, and we feel
this will make the most exciting Guitar Geek Festival headlining act
yet!
TESICO DEL REY - KING OF THE GUITORGAN featuring Paul "Mr. Moto"
Johnson! Many remember Teisco Del Rey as the columnist for Guitar
Player magazine for many years. Many more remember Teisco Del Rey
from his astounding instrumental albums, where he tackled everything
from surf to soul, channeling the spirit of Duane Eddy. Even more
will remember him as the only man to seriously play the "Guitorgan"
in the last 3 decades! All this and more will be revealed in Teisco
Del Rey's first ever Southern California live appearance, with an all-
star band featuring Paul Johnson of the Bel-Airs (who came and rocked
his song "Mr. Moto" at last year's fest!) and Pete Curry of the
Halibuts and Los Straitjackets! A set not to be missed.
DEKE DICKERSON & CRAZY JOE - TWIN GUITAR SPECIAL! See your host team
up with the King of Nerd-A-Billy from Enon, Ohio in a special set of
guitar duets! Don't think this will be two guys sitting down with a
couple of acoustic guitars though - this promises to be EXTREME and
DANGEROUS!
BRIAN LONBECK - THE BARN BURNER OF BAKERSFIELD! In a dangerous
attempt to see how many Mosrite doubleneck players we can fit onto
the bill, we bring back the perennial favorite Brian Lonbeck of
Bakersfield to tear down the house with more Maphis-inspired mayhem!
MAESTRO ALEX GREGORY - MAESTRO OF THE HEAVY METAL MANDOLIN! If you
haven't heard of this guy go to the internet and look up his name.
What you see is hard to believe with your own eyes! English born
Gregory was given the title "Maestro" by the H.M. Queen Elizabeth
government in 1983. After years of studying classical music, he
entered the field of rock music, where he has mastered such
inventions as the 7-string guitar (Gregory holds two patents on the 7-
string guitar!) and finally the electric mandolin. His last CD shows
Gregory holding an electric mandolin while urinating on the graves of
Steve Vai and Yngvie Malmsteen! We think this will make for an
interesting set!
JUNIOR WATSON - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLUES KING! We're excited to get
"Junior" Watson on the Guitar Geek Festival bill. Junior has been
playing around Southern California for the last three decades, first
as a founding member of the Mighty Flyers with Rod Piazza, after
which Junior did a ten-year stint with Canned Heat. Since then he's
played with just about everybody in the blues world, and has amassed
a cult following as the blues cat with "THE TONE!!!!"
THE "ALL-BIGSBY BAND!" - FEATURING JEREMY WAKEFIELD & T.K. SMITH! It
is rare to see an instrument made by Paul A. Bigsby, inventor of the
Bigsby vibrato. Many people know that Bigsby was an important
instrument maker who invented the first modern solidbody electric
guitar for Merle Travis, but many people have never seen one of these
instruments in person! For one evening we will have a band on stage
playing exclusively instruments made by Bigsby. The band will be led
by festival stalwarts Jeremy "J.W." Wakefield on steel guitar and
"T.K." Smith on electric guitar, along with a slew of other older and
younger players - all living Bigsby owners have been invited to
participate! This will be a photo opportunity never to be repeated
ever again! Several vintage guitar dealers have already been rushed
to the hospital!
LESTER PEABODY WITH SPECIAL GUEST MARTI BROM! Hailing from Finland,
Lester Peabody is a double threat to be reckoned with - not only as a
great Chet-styled finger-picker on the guitar, but also as a great
steel guitar player as well! Bonus for all the lonely guitar fans
will be an appearance by sultry-voiced Texas singer Marti Brom, who
will sing a number or two with Lester on his great set!
JAMES CALVIN WILSEY - THE GUITAR BEHIND CHRIS ISAAK! Jimmy Wilsey has
an impressive resume, not only is he the guitarist who played on
Chris Isaak's breakout hit "Wicked Game," with it's haunting
atmospheric guitar parts - he was also in the seminal punk band The
Avengers, who can say they actually shared a bill with the Sex
Pistols, at their very last show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco
in 1978! Jimmy Wilsey has a brand new band called "Wilsey" with a
new album out, and they will be showcasing their exciting brand of
tunes at the Guitar Geek Festival!
OPENING SET - BREAKOUT TALENT SHOWCASE! The most difficult thing
about putting together the Guitar Geek Festival each year is that we
have so much phenomenal talent and not enough time on the festival to
get everybody involved that we'd like to, so this year we're going to
have a bunch of great guitarists open the show with one tune each to
get the evening rolling! Guaranteed you'll want to be there from the
opening bell as these guitarists are every bit as talented as our
featured acts!
All ages! Full bar available! Booths from Hallmark, TNM Custom and
more! Deke's Amazing Guitar Museum with a special Bigsby exhibit!
DJ Dan Moses! Guitar Raffle courtesy Fender/Gretsch guitars!
Early show! Doors at 3 pm, Show at 4 pm sharp!
Tickets are $35 advance - $40 day of show and only $35 with NAMM pass!
Buy advance tickets at www.guitargeekfestival.com or
www.dekedickerson.com
New Dates, New Location
Red Hot & Blue Rockabily Weekend
The 2008 edition of the Red Hot & Blue Rockabily Weekend will take
place August 29-31 (labor day weekend) and Yep! We are moving the
festival to Montreal so you have no more excuse for not coming!
LINE UP:
We are now completing the line up for RHB 2008.
To play at the festival, contact Nathalie Lavergne at:
info@rockabillyjam.com
PRICING FOR THE WEEKEND:
* Be one of our 25 lucky buyers! Book before December 31 and pay only
50$ for your wristband!
* For bookings received between January and July 30th '08- 75$ CAD
* At the event 90$ CAD or, per night, 35$ CAD
ADVERTISEMENT:
Take an ad in the program for only 160$/page
or 350$ for the back program full colored page.
info@rockabillyjam.com
BOOTH:
Wanna have a booth? The price is 250$ and you get 2 wristbands for
the weekend. Plus; the vendors are located in the showroom so you
won't be missing any concert!
info@rockabillyjam.com
CARSHOW:
For informations regarding the carshow, contact Rejean Gauvin at:
rejean_gauvin@yahoo.ca
See you in Montreal!
Nathalie
Just Released From Bear Family Records
Buddy Knox and Jimmy Bowen
With the Rhythm Orchids
[BCD 16872-AR] - Following their national emergence in 1957, the achievements of two small town Texas boys
would shake the music world for decades to come. Still remembered for the enduring classic
Party Doll, Buddy Knox was the first rockabilly singer-songwriter to score a number one
pop hit, and enjoyed more follow up successes than many of his peers (Hula Love, I Think
I'm Gonna Kill Myself and several others). Jimmy Bowen, whose Roulette waxing of I'm
Stickin' With You was a solid Top 20 hit, later produced major smash hits by Dean Martin,
Frank Sinatra, Mel Tillis, Reba McEntire, and George Strait. In the process, he
revolutionized the Nashville sound. Knox and Bowen began their careers in the Rhythm
Orchids, a freewheeling quintet that rose from college fraternity parties to national
prominence virtually overnight. 'Those were the pioneer days of rock,' Knox said in an
interview, 'most of us won't trade those days for anything.' The complete story is told
here by Johnny Vallis. Every hit and every rockin' single from every significant label
affiliation.
Party Doll - Maybelline - Mary Lou - I'm Stickin' With You (Jimmy Bowen) - Cause I'm In
Love With You - Rock Your Little Baby To Sleep - Devil Woman - My Baby's Gone (Jimmy
Bowen) - Rockabilly Walk (instrumental) - Rockhouse - Rock Around The Clock - Warm Up To
Me Baby (Jimmy Bowen) - Hula Love - Whenever I'm Lonely - Swingin' Daddy - Money Honey
(Jimmy Bowen) - C'mon Baby - That's Why I Cry - Somebody Touched Me - Can She Kiss (Jimmy
Bowen) - I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself - All For You - Long Lonely Nights - Stick With Me
(Jimmy Bowen) - Storm Clouds - The Girl With The Golden Hair - Lovey Dovey - I Got You -
Ling Ting Tong - She' s Gone - Good Lovin'
Wilburn Brothers News
November, 26, 2007 - Thought I'd update ya'll on Wilburn Brothers information. First,
they have a website run by the family at www.myspace.com/thewilburnbrothers.
Secondly last years' Wilburn Brothers Tribute was held in Hardy, Ark Memorial Day Weekend.
Don Helms was the headlining artist with the Malpass Brothers. A Blvd and Bridge were
both named in honor of the Wilburn Brothers and the family attended. Mrs. Geraldine
Wilburn Grisham was given the key to the City. They are raising money in Hardy to build a
Wilburn Brothers Museum. The event will become an annual event with the next one
scheduled for May 24, 2008.
-Susan Brant, maggdoodle@yahoo.com
Steel Guitarist John Hughey Dead at 73
John Hughey, who made his musical reputation as a steel guitar player for Conway Twitty
and Vince Gill, died Sunday evening (Nov. 18) in Nashville. The native of Elaine, Ark.,
was 73. According to details posted on his website, Hughey got his first guitar-a Gene
Autry model from Sears-when he was nine. In the seventh grade, he became friends with
classmate Harold Jenkins, who would later adopt the name Conway Twitty. Inspired by the
sounds of Little Roy Wiggins, Eddy Arnold's steel player, Hughey persuaded his father to
buy him a lap steel. While still in high school, he and Jenkins formed the Phillips County
Ramblers and briefly starred in their own radio show on a small local station. In 1953,
Hughey joined Slim Rhodes & The Mother's Best Mountaineers out of Memphis. For the next
several years, Hughey alternated between playing in Rhodes' band and performing in
nightclubs. In 1968, Jenkins-by then appearing as Conway Twitty and aspiring to switch
from fledgling rock star to country crooner-drafted Hughey into his band. Hughey toured
and recorded with Twitty for the next 20 years. After that, he worked with Loretta Lynn
for nearly two years before joining Gill's band, where he remained for 12 seasons. He was
inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 1996. In recent years, he was a member of
the Time Jumpers, an ad hoc band of studio and touring musicians that plays each Monday
night at Nashville's Station Inn bluegrass club. An active session musician, Hughey's work
was also featured in movies, television series and specials, commercials and music videos.
Lee Denson R.I.P.
Posted Nov. 13, 2007 - Lee passed away last week and was buried Saturday. November 10th.
A rockabilly singer who reportedly taught Elvis Presley how to play the guitar,
Lee Denson is one of rock's little-known pioneers. Active between 1956-1965, Denson,
who also recorded under the name Jesse James, is best-remembered for the stellar
cast of musicians and vocalists that he featured on his recordings, including
Eddie Cochran, Sam "The Man" Taylor, Dorsey Burnette, and Kenny Burrell &
the Jazz Guitar Band. Two songs - "Mississippi Bridge" and "Sixteen States" -
featured the harmonies of Richard and Karen Carpenter, the only commercial recording
with Karen singing background vocals. Denson had his greatest success as a
songwriter when Elvis Presley recorded his hymn "Miracle of the Rosary."
Fundraiser At Trouts Nightclub
Inez Savage has organized a double headed event at Trouts Nightclub, 805 No.
Chester Ave, Oildale, CA on Sunday December 2, 2007 from 12:30pm-2:30pm. This will be a
fundraiser for The Alliance Against Family Violence as well as a tribute to Bakersfield's
First Ladies Of Country Music. Live music will be provided by The Oildale Shadee Ladies
(plus 2) with surprise guest artists. They will be selling raffle tickets for many donated
items as well as door prizes to raise funds. The tribute will be to the following ladies
Carolina Cotton, Wennel Crapo, Anita Cross, Eyvonne Gathings, Jeanne King, Rose Maddox,
Lori Malone, Dorothy Maynard, Jo Ann Miller, Marcia Nichols,Jeanne O'Neil, Bonnie Owens,
Delores Shaw, Coylou Shepherd and Sandy Thomas. All of these ladies at one time or the
other performed in and around Bakersfield in past years and are an integral part of what
became The Bakersfield Sound. If you cannot attend and wish to donate you may send a check
made out to Alliance Against Family Violence and mail to 1921 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA
93301. For more info call Inez at at (661) 399-3981.
Roy Head & The Traits 50th Anniversary/RHOF CD
Contact royheadandthetraits@yahoo.com
Lee Rocker On Tour,
On Air, and Online
As Lee Rocker and Company promote the latest "Black Cat Bone," fans have the opportunity
to catch Lee Rocker on tour across the United States during 2007, and in Europe during
March 2008. In the meantime, Lee's recent performances
are now available online, including a National Public Radio appearance
(click here to listen). Lee was
also recently featured on Rockabilly Magazine's Rockabilly TV.
leerocker.com.
CHARLIE (far right) presented with street sign and gold star plaque (actual sign was placed
at OAK and ATLANTIC AVES, next to the BOLERO RESORT HOTEL). PRESENTERS: MAYOR ERNIE TROIANO,
COMMISSIONER, BILL DAVENPORT and CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: LAURIE ROACH and
PRESIDENT TRACEY DUFAULT. HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!
Charlie Gracie Avenue
Over 7,000 people witnessed the special street dedication in WILDWOOD, NEW JERSEY -
awarded to CHARLIE GRACIE - Philly's Pioneer Rocker to commemorate the 50TH ANNIVERSARY
of his performing at that great U.S. family resort. CHARLIE, who ushered in the "Philly
Sound" back in 1957, performed 3-times this past weekend at the "FABULOUS FIFTIES
FESTIVAL" along with his South Philly buddy, BOBBY RYDELL, the CADILLACS, LITTLE
ANTHONY, the CHANTELLS and Cornell Gunther's COASTERS. All were FABULOUS!
Bill Haley Museum Opens
Its Doors October 27, 2007
Schleissheimerstr.321, 80809 Munchen, Germany -
"We're Gonna Party" at the museum from 3 to 5 pm with special guests
including Bill Turner (Bill Haley's Comets), Mike Berry,Paul Wurges,.... and
from 7.30 pm at the "Max Emanuel Brauerei", Adalbertstr. 33, Munchen with a
live show including Bill Turner (USA), Mike Berry (UK), 45 RPM (D) and Marty
& The Rocking Comets (D).
After our pre opening with the Original 1955 Comets in March this year,
we?re proud to have another Comet opening the museum - Bill Turner who
was touring with Bill Haley around the world in the 1970s.
For many years now, Hydra Records has been in the forefront of promoting the
rockin' music and influence of Bill Haley and his Comets. To take this a
logical step forward, we are proud to announce the establishment of a museum
devoted to all matters relating to Bill Haley.
With the song 'Rock Around The Clock', Bill and his Comets not only launched
a musical revolution but changed youth culture forever. All in all, the
outfit has sold in excess of 150 million records and are still rock 'n' roll
leaders. It is not exaggerating to state that they are one of the most
important bands in musical history.
In their Bill Haley museum, Hydra Records has on display a never before seen
quantity of their records, original documents, music instruments, gold
records,
awards, movie posters, pictures and much more relating to the genius that
was Haley. There are also additional exhibits concerning Bill's musical
contemporaries and the musical styles involved. In short, this is a breath
taking in-depth overview of one of the leading figures of rock 'n' roll. It
has all been carefully set up to entertain and be of interest to anyone who
has an interest in music, both past and present.
The legend and importance of Bill Haley and his Comets cannot be over
estimated and should be preserved in our memories forever.
Museum concept: Dr. Winfried Grundel / Klaus Kettner
Bill-Haley-Museum
Schleissheimerstr. 321
80809 Munchen
Germany
Tel: +49/89/3113918
rockithydra@t-online.de
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 12 - 6 pm / Saturday 10 am - 3 pm
Tony Wilkinson's
Mini Review of Hemsby #39
October 15, 2007 - Just back from Hemsby. Reasonable crowd and overall, a lot better than I
had anticipated.
* Alvis Wayne was unable to make it. Apparently he had caught an
infection in his leg from a bite by a dragon fly and this turned serious. He has
had to have one leg amputated at the knee.
* Erwin Travis was two members of his band short due them having ben
involved in a serious car crash in France on the way to Hemsby. However, with
stand in UK musicians and some of his own, put on an excellent Gene Vincent
show.
* Nick Willet has improved greatly since I last saw him. Much more
his own person now as opposed to being an Elvis copyist. Very entertaining.
* Art Adams once again gave 110% of himself. Very enjoyable
rockabilly come rock 'n' roll. I like this man. Nice to see Bill Stewart back with
him after a successful battle with cancer
* James Intveld was bloody marvellous. Somewhat in the same vein as
Dwight Yoakam but with a more pronounced harder rockin' edge. Superb showman
who knew how to work the stage and had three brilliant back up musicians with
him
* Mischief. A fine Dutch rockabilly trio who, once again, were good.
They were deputising for Kick 'Em Jenny whose Italian backing band had also
been involved in a bad car crash.
* The Keytones had to play four encores but, personally, I am unsure
about this trio who seemingly are better known on the Continent than here in
the UK. Song selections ranged from 'Mr. Sandman' through 'Volare' and
'Marie' to 'Slow Down' and 'The Train Kept A Rollin' with 'Miserlou' also thrown
in. For me, they were the rockabilly revival's answer to the Four Freshmen or
The Hi Los or The Gaylords.
* The Slapbacks ware an Australian Rockabilly trio (without a
drummer). Adequate but are not going to set the world on fire.
Regards,
Tony Wilkinson
Actor Matt Dillon in Chess Movie
Fans may be interested to know that Oscar-nominated actor Matt Dillon, star of movies
including "There's Something About Mary", "Crash" and "You, Me and Dupree", is in final
negotiations to play the role of Leonard Chess, the co-founder of Chess Records along with
his brother Phil, in the new Sony/BMG Films musical biopic "Cadillac Records".
The period piece follows the rise and fall of Chess Records, which launched the careers of
blues and rock & roll greats including BO DIDDLEY, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Little Walter,
Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin' Wolf.
The script and direction is by Darnell Martin, (2005's "Their Eyes Were Watching God"),
with Sony/BMG's Sofia Sondervan and Andrew Lack producing. Filming is set to begin in
January in Chicago and New Jersey.
New Gene Vincent Book
"Just a short note to tell you about a new book covering Gene Vincent short life in cartoon. The 70 page book is just out and is a great tribute to the "Screaming End" who left us in October 1971. The book is in French but can be easily understood by english readers. You can find it on Amazon or Virgin web sites. I promise you they don't give me any money for this plug. I just bought my copy for 13.50 Euros. The book cover Gene's whole life from childhood to his sad passing. If, like me, you miss Sweet Gene Vincent ... This book is for you!" - Dominique "Imperial" ANGLARES (France)
Charlie Gracie Heading for France
Philly's first rocker prepares to cross the Atlantic for shows in Leon, France: Oct. 10-16.
This will mark the 3rd time Charlie will play "LA FRANCE" where "roots rock" is still
very popular. He comes home to play the Fabulous Fifties Festival in Wildwood (Oct. 20/21)
where the city fathers will dedicate "Charlie Gracie Blvd" in the heart of town.
Charlie begins a BRITISH TOUR on OCT. 24 which ends NOV. 20. Details, go to:
www.charliegracie.com.
Whole Lotta Shakin':
The Life and Music of Jerry Lee Lewis
CLEVELAND - 2007 series will mark the FIRST time the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors a living master - 1986 Inductee
Lewis will join celebration.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University will celebrate the legacy of one of
the founding fathers of rock and roll, the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis, during the 12th Annual American Music Masters
series this November. The weeklong event begins on Monday, November 5, and will feature panels, films, educational
programs, a daylong conference at Case and a tribute concert at Playhouse Square's State Theater.
The tribute concert will take place on Saturday, November 10 at 8 p.m. at Playhouse Square's State Theater.
The concert will feature an all-star lineup. Tickets for the tribute concert are $30, $40 and $50.
Tickets are on sale through tickets.com and at the Playhouse Square box office (216) 241-6000.
Artists performing in the Tribute Concert include George Thorogood, Shelby Lynne; Kris Kristofferson;
Terry Adams from NRBQ; Wanda Jackson; Narvel Felts; Billy Lee Riley; Cowboy Jack Clement; and Jason D. Williams.
The program will also feature appearances by Jerry Lee Lewis's cousin the Reverend Jimmy Swaggart and sister
Linda Gail Lewis.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Gets a Place to Call Home
NASHVILLE - Red top, black miniskirt, high heels, pink highlights and lots of flashbulbs:
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Dolly Parton entered the room at the old Columbia
Records building and proclaimed herself quite glad to not be homeless anymore.
She was referring to the Mike Curb-owned building at 34 Music Square East, where the
Songwriters Hall of Fame - previously a virtual entity that could be accessed by computer
but not on foot - will be housed.
The building is where Kris Kristofferson used to sweep up during his pre-fame job as a
janitor. Now, he, Parton and the other 160 members will be honored there, thanks to a
partnership between the Mike Curb Family Foundation, Belmont's Mike Curb College of
Entertainment & Music Business and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation.
The building sports the famed Quonset Hut Recording Studio, where Kristofferson, Johnny
Cash, Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline and thousands of others recorded. That studio and the
rest of the building will be used by Belmont University students seeking a songwriting
major at the school. That major was made available beginning this semester, and its
instructors include hit writers Thom Schuyler and Bob Regan.
The Quonset Hut is being renovated with assistance from notables including session
musician great Harold Bradley. And Nashville Songwriters Foundation board chairman Roger
Murrah said he expects that the physical Songwriters Hall will be ready by the end of
2008. - Courtesy: Peter Cooper, The Tennessean
Albert Lea's Cochran Days
Celebrate Legend, Oct. 6th
ALBERT LEA, MN - A birthday party for rock music legend Eddie Cochran will be held
Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Albert Lea Civic Theater.
The concert begins 7:30 pm. Oct. 6.
Eddie Cochran Days are celebrated in Albert Lea each June.
He achieved music fame after his family moved to Bell Gardens, Calif. First, he played
country, then rockabilly and finally rock n' roll.
"Sittin' in the Balcony," "Comon Everybody" "Something Else" "My Way" and "Nervous
Breakdown."
Musicologist say his biggest hit "Summertime Blues" had a lasting effect on rock music
both lyrically and musically. He died in a traffic accident in the United Kingdom in 1960
when he was only 21. His biggest hit in the UK was "Three Stars" a recording released posthumously that was a
tribute to Buddy Holly, J. P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) and Richie Valens all killed in
a 1959 plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and is also honored in the
Rockabilly Hall of Fame®.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.
Reserved seat tickets may be purchased at Doyle Hallmark, Northridge Mall and Apold Music,
Austin.
The special Cochran birthday bash is sponsored by Power 96 Classic Rock, Sundal Instant
Printing and KOWZ 100.0 FM. For more information or to make reservations, call (507) 377-4372.
Linden, TN Rockabilly Show
Saturday, November 10th
Click to see enlarged poster
"Rockabilly Radio" Update:
September 17th, 2007
Hi All,
Our scheduled relaunch date is still October 1st but I have a few items that I would like
to share with you.
I've added a new, more secure forum. Please feel free to use it for informal Rockabilly
related postings.
A new chat room has been added. I plan on being in there on Thursday evenings. Drop in and
say hi.
There has been a new Rockabilly events calendar added. You can list any Rockabilly related
events or artist schedules there.
I have received 14 new CDs from artists in the last 2 weeks. If you want your music played
on Rockabilly Radio, send your CD to:
Rockabilly Radio
PO Box 5046
Baltimore, Md. 21220
I would like to thank those listeners who have donated to Rockabilly Radio. We remain $77
short of our goal for October 1st. If those funds can't be raised the station will launch
on Live365 instead of independently through Loudcity. The important thing to me is that we
broadcast, if it's through Live365, that's fine. Live365 poses a 100 free listener limit
and will only allow a maximum 64k stream.
On the subject of station finances, I honestly think it's unfair to rely on the same
people to support the station. I have added a new subscribe button for those who would
like to contribute $5 a month. If you enjoy the station, please consider this.
Thanks,
Don Freeman
Rockabilly Radio
Hank Thompson Honored
Information: Contact: David Stallings 936.569.8650
To set up interviews, please e-mail: athompson@hankthompson.com
Tickets to the event: phone 254.776.1660
Country Music Legend Hank Thompson will be honored in his hometown whenhe performs at 5:30pm on October 8th at The Heart O' Texas Fair in Waco. Governor Rick Perry and Mayor Virginia DuPuy have declared October 8, 2007, "Hank Thompson Day" in The State of Texas and in The City of Waco.
Few country music artists can claim a longevity and track record to equal that of Hank Thompson. Between 1948 and 1974 he scored no less than twenty-nine Top Ten hits, with another nineteen in the Top Twenty, and continued to chart into the 1980s. Many of these, including "Green Light," "Whoa Sailor," and "Waiting in the Lobby of Your Heart," he penned himself, thus proving his stature in country music's great singer-songwriter tradition. Along the way Thompson forged a potent blend of honky-tonk and western swing that has long served as a source of continuity amid country's experimentation with rock and pop sounds.
Like many country stars, Henry William Thompson took an early interest in music, winning several amateur contests on the harmonica. After he became enthralled by cowboy movie idol Gene Autry, however, the guitar became Thompson's instrument of choice. With a Christmas present from his parents, a four-dollar guitar bought at a secondhand store, young Hank was on his way. By the time he finished high school he was broadcasting over radio station WACO as Hank the Hired Hand, sponsored by a local flour company.
After graduating, Thompson enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in San Diego, he persuaded his superiors to let him play area clubs, and after putting out to sea, he entertained his shipmates as well. He kept on broadcasting, too, over a network of small stations organized by American military personnel in the South Pacific. While in the navy he also took advantage of training programs and studied electrical engineering at Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas, and Princeton University‹making him one of country music's better-educated stars.
Although he pondered an engineering career after his navy stint was over, radio work and his first hit record, "Whoa Sailor," kept him on a show business track. Assisted by prominent DJ Hal Horton of the 50,000-watt KRLD in Dallas, this Globe Records release became a minor regional success. Thompson also recorded four sides with the Blue Bonnet label before Tex Ritter, then a prominent star on Capitol Records, helped him gain a contract with this larger, major label. During 19481949 Thompson justified Ritter's faith in him with hits such as "Humpty Dumpty Heart" (based on the children's nursery rhyme), "Green Light," and a remake of "Whoa, Sailor."
During the 1950s Thompson's songwriting talents, smooth baritone, precise diction, and powerful combination of western swing and honky-tonk sounds helped him continue his string of hits. The year 1952 brought his first #1 disc, "The Wild Side of Life," a song that inspired the hit that launched Kitty Wells's career: "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky-Tonk Angels." Subsequent Thompson chartmakers of the 1950s included "Waiting in the Lobby of Your Heart," "Rub-A-Dub-Dub," "Yesterday's Girl," "Wake Up, Irene," "Honky Tonk Girl," "Most of All," "The Blackboard of My Heart," and "Squaws Along the Yukon," all in the Top Ten.
During these years Thompson also made inroads into television, hosting a variety show on WKY-TV in Oklahoma City from 1954 to 1957. In addition, he was one of the earliest country performers to entertain in Las Vegas showrooms, and he recorded one of country's first live albums, Live at the Golden Nugget, there in 1960. Meanwhile, he brought his engineering knowledge to bear on his stage show and built top-flight sound and lighting systems that heightened his drawing power at the more than 250 show dates he typically played each year. Thanks to his musical and technical leadership, his Brazos Valley Boys were Billboard's top-ranked band from 1953 to 1965, a record that has yet to be equaled.
Into the 1960s and beyond, Thompson's easy manner made him a welcome guest on network TV variety shows, as did a dynamic stage presence magnified by his size (he stands six feet, two inches tall); a rough-hewn, handsome appearance; and custom-made western outfits for which he became famous. But following "A Six Pack to Go" (#10, 1960) and "Oklahoma Hills" (#7,1961), he didn't make the Top Ten again until 1968's "On Tap, in the Can, or in the Bottle" and "Smoky the Bar," both recorded early in his association with Dot Records, which he began after a brief stay at Warner Bros. in the late 1960s. Two more Top Ten hits came in 1974, but the 1970s belonged to country pop, and Thompson's chart success dwindled to the point where he pared down his road schedule and spent more time hunting or tending to his various real-estate, broadcasting, and music publishing interests.
In the 1980s, however, as harder-edged sounds enjoyed renewed popularity, Thompson hit the road again in earnest, playing dates in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America as well as in the United States. He also kept recording, and he signed with Nashville's Step One Records in 1987. In 1997 Curb Records released Hank Thompson and Friends, a critically acclaimed collection of duets pairing Thompson with Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill, George Jones, Kitty Wells, and others. Thompson's 2000 HighTone Records album Seven Decades featured his sure handling of both new material and classic country songs he'd never recorded before. Thompson's hard-core honky-tonkwestern swing sound‹marked by a strong rhythm section of piano, bass, guitar, and drums; lead and fill parts supplied by twin fiddles, electric guitar, and steel; frequent shifts from 2/4 to 4/4 time, and above all his powerful vocals‹continues to influence country artists such as George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, Asleep at the Wheel, and others among country's newer generation.
Hank Thompson was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989. He still performs throughout the world. He and his wife of 37 years, Ann, reside in the Fort Worth area.
For ticket information to the event, please contact the Heart O' Texas Fair ticket office at 254.776.1660
BO DIDDLEY: I'm A Man/The Chess Masters, 1955-1958
Early Bo Diddley 2-CD Set
Fans may be interested to know that "I'm A Man/The Chess Masters, 1955-1958" is the title
of a major new BO DIDDLEY 2-CD compilation set released by Hip-O Select.
Currently Hip-O Select's Featured Release, this CD Edition is limited to 5,000
non-numbered limited edition copies and comes complete with a free guitar magnet while
stocks last.
The 49 tracks (see the complete track listing, below) comprise every master recorded for
Checker Records by BO DIDDLEY during the years 1955 to 1958, plus 12 alternate takes.
There are 8 previously unreleased tracks, highlighted by a pair of alternate takes of "Bo
Diddley", a ballad titled "Our Love Will Never Go" and a take on the Mickey & Sylvia hit
"Love Is Strange".
The music comes with complete discographical information compiled from the Chess files,
tape boxes and with the input of BO DIDDLEY's biographer and discographer, George R.
White. The set also includes comprehensive liner notes by noted journalist/critic/disc
jockey Chris Morris and was produced by three-time Grammy Award-winning reissue producer
Andy McKaie.
These are among the most important rock & roll recordings ever and this is the first time
that they have been released in this fashion.
Hip-O Select is an Internet-only retail site specializing in reissues of hard to find and
out of print titles from the Universal Music Group. Selling directly to customers through
its website, the label has released close to 200 projects featuring such diverse artists
as The Animals, James Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Etta James, Peggy Lee, The Supremes, DJ Shadow,
Suzanne Vega and Joe Walsh.
DISC 1
1. Bo Diddley (alternate - 1)
2. I'm A Man (alternate)
3. Little Girl (alternate)
4. Bo Diddley (alternate - 2)
5. Bo Diddley - master
6. I'm A Man - master
7. Little Girl - master
8. You Don't Love Me (You Don't Care)
9. Diddley Daddy
10. She's Fine, She's Mine
11. Pretty Thing
12. Heart-O-Matic Love (partial/alternate)
13. Heart-O-Matic Love - master
14. Bring It To Jerome (unedited version)
15. Bring It To Jerome - master
16. Spanish Guitar
17. Dancing Girl
18. Diddy Wah Diddy
19. I'm Looking For A Woman
20. I'm Looking For A Woman
21. I'm Bad
22. Love Is Strange
23. Who Do You Love
24. Cops & Robbers
25. Down Home Special
DISC 2
1. Hey! Bo Diddley
2. Mona
3. Say Boss Man (undubbed alternate)
4. Say Boss Man - master
5. Run Diddley Daddy (early version)
6. Before You Accuse Me
7. Say Man (alternate)
8. Say Man - master
9. Hush Your Mouth (alternate)
10. Hush Your Mouth - master
11. Bo's Guitar
12. Dearest Darling (alternate)
13. Dearest Darling
14. The Clock Strikes Twelve
15. Willie & Lillie
16. Our Love Will Never Go
17. Bo Meets The Monster
18. I Love You So (first version)
19. The Great Grandfather
20. Crackin' Up
21. Don't Let It Go
22. I'm Sorry
23. Oh Yea
24. Blues, Blues
Hip-O Select website:
http://www.hip-oselect.com
Bo's Feelin' Good
We are delighted to be able to report that BO DIDDLEY has now left the medical center in Gainesville, FL where he was admitted after suffering a heart attack last month.
With his health greatly improved, BO DIDDLEY is now resting at home and happy to be back with his family. His family and friends would like to thank his fans for the outpouring of cards, letters and good wishes that followed his stroke last May and lastmonth's heart attack.
Robert Gordon & Marco Di Maggio:
A Dynamite Collaboration
October 17, 2007 will mark the beginning of yet another major Robert Gordon
tour, and this time it will bring him to countries like Finland, Estonia,
Spain and Denmark. Gordon, whose career is enjoying a genuine revival
lately, is very excited about this tour: "The audiences in Scandinavia and
Spain always bring out the best in me, and I look forward to returning to
Europe in October. This is where some of my most loyal audiences are, and I
really want to give them my best".
A nice scoop for this tour is the fact that Robert will be backed by the
great Marco DiMaggio and his band. Though Robert has done one-off gigs
together with the DiMaggio band in the past, this will mark the first time
that they tour together. It's also interesting to note that for DiMaggio,
one of the brightest names on the current rockabilly scene, this tour will
be the first time that he performs in Scandinavia.
The present tourdates are as follows: Oct 17 - On The Rocks, Helsinki (FI);
Oct 18 - 45 Special, Oulu (FI); Oct 19 - Hotelli Ellivuori, Vammala (FI);
Oct 20 - Rock Café, Tallinn (EE); Oct 25 - Club Nasti, Madrid (ES); Oct 26 -
Sala Wah-Wah, Valencia (ES); Oct 27 - Orihuela Alicante Fiesta Concentracion
Motorista (ES); Sala Be Cool, Barcelona (ES); Oct 30 - Juelsminde Golfklub
(DK); Oct 31 - Stengade 30, Copenhagen (DK); Nov 2 - 100 Club, London (UK).
For more info, please go to www.robertgordon.dk or visit our MySpace at:
www.myspace.com/rockbillyboogie
Carl Perkins Screenplay
When rockabilly legend Carl Perkins died in 1998, he left behind a musical legacy rich with hits
including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Matchbox" and "Honey Don't." Among those recording songs he'd written
were The Beatles, Elvis Presley and The Judds.
But it wasn't until Perkins was on his deathbed that he shared what some say is his greatest story
of all: The Thinkin' Place, his view of heaven.
Perkins' daughter Debbie Perkins Swift, his business associate Rick Korn and Nashville songwriter
Randy Moore spent the past several years adapting Perkins' account of The Thinkin' Place into a
screenplay of the same title reflecting the guitarist's life. With financing of $30 million to $40
million secured (Johnny Cash's Walk the Line cost an estimated $28 million to make), and production
company Fastlane Entertainment in place, The Thinkin' Place is expected to be in theaters nationwide
no later than 2009.
The script starts with Perkins at the end of his life. He's sitting in his living room in West
Tennessee holding a snow globe encasing a pair of blue suede shoes. When he goes to sit the globe
back on the table, it shatters and time travels back to his early years in the cotton fields and
follows throughout his life. The screenplay isn't an exact retelling: Facts and situations are
accurate, Korn said, but the writers took some creative license in further developing the theme of
the thinkin' place into the story. - Cindy Watts, Tennessean
New Studio Album Out October 23, 2007 On New West Records
Dwight Sings Buck
Multiple Grammy® Award winner and
entertainer Dwight Yoakam is set to release Dwight Sings Buck, a one-of-a-kind new album
honoring the legendary Buck Owens, out on October 23, 2007, as both a CD and a
Limited Edition 180 gram vinyl record, from New West Records. "After his death, it was the
clearest way I could express my love for him and acknowledge the depth of our friendship"
said Yoakam on why he chose to record an album of Buck Owens songs. A portion of the
proceeds from sales of the album will be donated by Dwight Yoakam and New West Records to
the "Buck Owens American Music Foundation" a charity devoted to the preservation of
the Bakersfield sound and the Buck Owens legacy. The emotional "Close Up The
Honky Tonks," will be released as the album's first single which incidentally was
written by Bakersfield legendary singer/songwriter Red Simpson.
Dwight and Buck's profound initial musical connection turned into a
life-long friendship.
Yoakam demonstrates the enormous amount of love and respect he had for his
friend with
this special album honoring Owens' legacy and showcasing his many hits. The
Bakersfield
sound was developed in Bakersfield and throughout California in the 1950s
and 60s by the
likes of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. Bakersfield country
was an
alternative to the Nashville country sound of the late 1950s. It was a sound
that added
electric instruments and other stylistic elements, borrowed from rock and
roll. Buck Owens
was one of the first to bring this Bakersfield sound to mainstream audiences
and his music
also influenced later country stars. Yoakam pays tribute to this amazing
artist and his music
with Dwight Sings Buck , a fifteen track collection of many of Owens' most
memorable
singles including 11 top five hits, eight of which reached #1 on the country
charts; "Act
Naturally," "My Heart Skips A Beat," "I Don't Care (Just as Long as You Love
Me),"
"Only You (Can Break My Heart)," "Love's Gonna Live Here," "Your Tender
Loving
Care," "Think of Me," and "Together Again."
Hailed as a "Renaissance Man" by Time Magazine, this Kentucky native, who
was raised in
Ohio, mi | |
