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SPECTROPOP - Spectacular! Retro! Pop!
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There are 22 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: "Image" and Spotlight; Oscar Brown, Jr.; David Marks
From: Country Paul
2. Re: It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!
From: Mick Patrick
3. Re: Cameo-Parkway (Dee Dee and Chubby)
From: Peter Andreasen
4. Re: Cameo Parkway Box
From: Clark Besch
5. Re: Slip On Through
From: Gary Myers
6. Re: "Easy Evil" demo / Boots Walker returns?? / Cell phone music???
From: Clark Besch
7. Re: It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!
From: John Black
8. Re: Oscar Brown, Jr., R.I.P.
From: Mike Rashkow
9. Re: labels "all in the family"/Oldies Only?
From: James Botticelli
10. Re: Keith's "I Can't Go Wrong"
From: James Botticelli
11. Re: It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!
From: Will Stos
12. A tale of two songs: I'm Counting On You
From: Lyn Nuttall
13. Re: new Monkees book/ MONTANAS....Help!
From: Clark Besch
14. A Whiter Shade Of Pale
From: Unsteady Freddie
15. Lee Hudson & Cara Stewart
From: Gary Myers
16. Beatles novelty?
From: Andres
17. Re: It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!
From: Jim Allio
18. Keith Miller RIP
From: Dave Heasman
19. Re: Easy Evil
From: Alan O'Day
20. Re: Philly Project, The Dantes, Kit Kats Reminder
From: S.J. Dibai
21. Re: Oscar Brown, Jr., R.I.P.
From: Norm D Plume
22. THE!!! Beat TV Show.
From: Skip Woolwine
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Message: 1
Date: Thu, 02 Jun 2005 00:55:26 -0400
From: Country Paul
Subject: Re: "Image" and Spotlight; Oscar Brown, Jr.; David Marks
Me, earlier:
> Image Pt. 1 was my theme song on my first radio program!
> It's now used by Bob Brainen on WFMU (www.wfmu.org,
> Saturdays 6-8pm Eastern Time. If you find it in stereo,
> please let me know. (Was it ever on an LP? If so, that
> might be a stereo source.)
Jimmy Botticelli:
> It did appear on a Kent UK LP, from about '85, of reissued 6T's
> soul hit and misses. I believe the LP was called "Shoes". I'm
> not sure if it was stereo, though. But what a tune, and what a
> great theme! What year did you start doing your first program?
1963, when WBRU at Brown was still a closed-circuit carrier-current AM (it
went FM in 1966). "Image Part 1" was my opening theme and talk-over music --
until i realized that I talked too much utilizing background music! I did a
show called "Spotlight" on Sunday nights I inherited the name from the guy
who had it before me, John Gabree, who became an early and fairly well-known
rock critic) which featured various artists, styles, etc. which I was
discovering in WBRU's extensive record library. I also wound up creating
a sort of progressive-pop style on that show, primarily down-tempo, of
softer-textured rock-flavored records -- no, not the generic "soft rock," but
a variety of things including straight-ahead mellow pop, plus a little folk,
Nashville country, r&b and jazz. I called it the Spotlight Sound after the
show (real creative, eh?); wish I had some airchecks around to hear if it's
as good as I remembered it. Lots of obscure tracks; some that leap to memory
that got a lot of play:
- Travelers 3, "Turn Around" (Elektra, an unusual early 45 release for that
label at the time)
- Gene Vincent, "The Night Is So Lonely" (Capitol, his beautiful ballad)
- Don Randi, "Our Last Dance" (Mark-X, a pretty instrumental ballad on a
label better known for Buchanan and Goodman 45s)
- Don Robertson, "What A Day" (RCA Victor, my closing theme)
I haven't thought a lot about the show in a while -- but I should, as we're
having a 1960s-personnel WBRU reunion at the end of this month!
Mike Rashkow:
> Oscar Brown, Jr., a songwriter, singer and performer who, in the
> 1960s was a shooting star of some consequence, died Sunday at 78.
"That There" (or "Dat Dere" as I remember it on a Columbia 45) was a "hit"
at WBRU on our "Destination Jazz" programs (which carried over into our
progressive FM days from the on-campus AM). "But I Was Cool" was another
frequently-played item, although it got a bit too cute on repeated
listening. There were so many more. He was an amazingly talented man,
definitely cool, and worth rediscovering.
Phil X Milstein:
> * Was McKenzie Phillips named after Scott McKenzie?
As I remember, yes.
> http://www.3rdearmusic.com/hyarchive/hiddenyearsstory/turtletour.html
> --- the website of South African folksinger, songwriter (including
> "Master Jack" and "Mister Nico") and sound engineer David Marks. The
> link goes directly to the start of his tales of working the final
> Turtles tour (of the U.S.), in 1968, but the rest of the site holds
> a lot of interesting stuff, as well.
Despite the spelling and grammar errors, a very entertaining page! Thanks.
Country Paul
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Message: 2
Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 00:57:29 +0100
From: Mick Patrick
Subject: Re: It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!
I wrote:
> Any 1960s Brit Girl fans out there? Those of you who remember the
> 10-volume "Here Come The Girls" series might be interested in a
> new project on which my pals Sheila, Samski, Malcolm, Neil and I
> have just finished work -- "It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!", a
> 50-track double CD due for release on Sanctuary in a couple of
> weeks. An e-card has been designed to promote it. It's kinda cute,
> with sound samples. Take a look, why not:
> http://www.sanctuaryrecords.co.uk/itssofine/
Mark Maldwyn:
> This collection looks good! Any previously-unreleased stuff not
> included on the other "Here Comes The Girls" CDs?
Of the 10 volumes of "Here Come The Girls" CDs, only #s 1 and 10
remain in catalogue. "It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!" contains no
tracks that are on those two volumes. Of its 50 tracks, about two-
thirds were never on any of the HCTG series. It's selling for under
£9 on Amazon, I see.
Let me know if you'd like to see a full track list.
Hey la,
Mick Patrick
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Message: 3
Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 12:45:24 -0000
From: Peter Andreasen
Subject: Re: Cameo-Parkway (Dee Dee and Chubby)
I too am happy with the Cameo/Parkway box, although I was a bit
surprised by the small size -- I had imagined a LP-sized box. Also I
don´t care much for the instrumentals.
I agree that Dee Dee Sharp's version of "Gravy" sounds a lot different
from what we are used to hear, especially the background vocals are a
lot more up front.
Re "Slow Twistin`," I found out that the version I have on a bootleg
starts out with Dee Dee as the lead singer before Chubby joins in. On
the box set the track starts with Chubby. Maybe they did a "Dee Dee"
version and a "Chubby" version to put on albums.
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Message: 4
Date: Tue, 31 May 2005 15:35:50 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Re: Cameo Parkway Box
Tony Waitekus wrote:
> I love the C/P box...but, last night listening, I found some
> errors. "Slow Twistin'" by Chubby Checker & Dee Dee Sharp is not
> the single version. The sax break is missing. And there are some
> extra lines where the sax break would be. I compared it to my
> original 45 to verify. The song starts off sounding right. It's
> like they used an early tape before edits were made for single
> release.
>
> Second, Gravy by Dee Dee Sharp doens't sound right to me. I believe
> it's a totally different take. I don't have the original single,
> but was able to compare it to the Rock-O-Rama album. The whole take
> sounds wrong to me, but the giveaway is right at the end of the sax
> break, Dee Dee sings extra "yeah yeah yeah yeahs" on the box set
> version. Does anyone have the original single to compair it with?
Tony, you may be correct on these songs, which are not as important
as many others on this box. Let me say that this box is INCREDIBLE
in my opinion. I think the most amazing sounding was the Tymes' "So
Much in Love"--great sonic improvement. Is it just me or did
everyone else hear stuff they never heard on vinyl before? I was
amazed by the clarity on these songs, even if by today's standards,
the sound was well below what most oldies songs sound like on Cd
now. I was also amazed by all the great songs I had never heard
before! I'm sure I have the Kinks tracks somewhere, but had never
listened to them before. They are really quite well done! Another
amazing this is all the differnet kinds of music. Brit invasion,
soul/RnB, novelty, rock, girl group, easy listening, doo wop, teen
idols, tons of dance songs. Really a great hodegpodge of Cameo
classics and rarities. I'd love to see a rarities package with the
Fabulous Flippers' "Harlem Shuffle" (you REALLY missid the boat here,
guys) or the Teddy Boys or the recent mentioning of "Happiness Is" by
Bobby Sherman, the Boys Next Door's "There is no Greater Sin" (altho
available on Sundazed) and more that I cannot think of at the
moment.
Still, "96 Tears" is incredible and oh those great Seger tracks!
Can't wait for the clean package of his Cameo tracks! The Rationals
sounds superb also!
Reminds me that whoever is doing the Philly project, can you get the
great Jamie Records track, "Can't Get Enough of Your Love" and "80-
96" by the Dantes?? Would love to hear that clean too!!!
Clark
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Message: 5
Date: Tue, 31 May 2005 06:41:31 -0700
From: Gary Myers
Subject: Re: Slip On Through
Clark Besch:
> Bobbidazzler had a nice 45 version of "Slip On Through" on A&M in
> 1975, retitled as "Can't You See?
Now there's another name I haven't heard in a long time. Our band
alternated sets with Bobbidazzler for about 2 wks at the Basement in
Marina del Rey in late '75. And I went out a few times with a friend
of their manager.
gem
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Message: 6
Date: Wed, 01 Jun 2005 05:27:10 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Re: "Easy Evil" demo / Boots Walker returns?? / Cell phone music???
Alan O'Day wrote:
> Hi again, S'poppers, At Artie Wayne's suggestion, I have uploaded
> my original 1970 demo of "Easy Evil" to musica.
Alan, REALLY loved this version! Loved the story about all the
recording too. You worked quite hard on this demo. Obviously, with
over 50 covers, it was worth it! John Kay's version may be #2 fave
version now!
Two other things I wanted to bring up. With a new "War of the
Worlds" movie remake, if this were the '60s we'd see the classic
Boots Walker summer of 67 hit, "They're Here" back on the market to
capitalize on the subject! Hell, I'd gladly welcome it today since...
I just read that Britain's new #1 song is called "Crazy Frog Axel
F". What's so odd about this is that the song is based on a cell
phone ringtone based on a man imitating revving mo-peds in a
reworking of the old "Axel F" theme song. WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST
WRITE?? and, NO I DON"T WANT TO HEAR IT PLAYED TO MUSICA!!!
Just give me the demo of "Easy Evil" and "They're Here" and the
orginal "War of the Worlds" and I'll be OK. I suppose the new
version of the movie cut the funniest scene from the first 15
minutes: Star of movie at a party after odd thing starts happening:
"Hey, anyone got a pocket compass?" Another partier: "Yeah I do!" as
he pulls a pocket compass out of his shirt pocket.
That always killed me. That someone was at a party and had a pocket
compass in his shirt pocket. Them was the good ole days!
Clark
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Message: 7
Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2005 18:28:36 EDT
From: John Black
Subject: Re: It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!
Mick Patrick wrote:
> Any 1960s Brit Girl fans out there? Those of you who remember the
> 10-volume "Here Come The Girls" series might be interested in a
> new project on which my pals Sheila, Samski, Malcolm, Neil and I
> have just finished work -- "It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!", a
> 50-track double CD due for release on Sanctuary in a couple of
> weeks. An e-card has been designed to promote it. It's kinda cute,
> with sound samples. Take a look, why not:
> http://www.sanctuaryrecords.co.uk/itssofine/
Mark Maldwyn:
> This collection looks good! Any previously-unreleased stuff not
> included on the other "Here Comes The Girls" CDs?
Mick:
> Of the 10 volumes of "Here Come The Girls" CDs, only #s 1 and 10
> remain in catalogue. "It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!" contains no
> tracks that are on those two volumes. Of its 50 tracks, about two-
> thirds were never on any of the HCTG series. It's selling for under
> £9 on Amazon, I see. Let me know if you'd like to see a full track
> list.
I'm definitely a fan. I'm always looking for tracks by Christine
Quaite and Valerie Mountain. I've never seen a Christine Quaite
track on CD, however.
John Black
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Message: 8
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2005 17:05:50 EDT
From: Mike Rashkow
Subject: Re: Oscar Brown, Jr., R.I.P.
Dear DJ Jimmy - thanks for the Oscar Brown, Jr. lyric. It's wonderful.
I'm pleasantly surprised to find how many other people were aware of
and appreciated Oscar Brown, Jr.
A great song of his that we all failed to mention was his lyric and
recording of "Work Song".
I'm not sure--but I think that was either a Julius (Cannonball)
Adderley or Nat Adderley tune.
Di la,
Rashkovsky
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Message: 9
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2005 16:46:50 -0400
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: labels "all in the family"/Oldies Only?
S J Dibai wrote:
> There's a trend that I find rather distressing: it seems a lot of
> these companies that produced what we now know as oldies are
> deciding to stick to oldies and not bother with contemporary music
> anymore. I'm 98% certain that's where Jamie/Guyden's at these days,
> and I heard a news item about Philadelphia International stating
> explicitly that it's focusing on its back catalogue now. Yes, in
> many ways this is good: the oldies will stay in circulation (or be
> put back into circulation), the vaults will be cleaned out, etc.
> But to think that these companies that were once innovative,
> cutting edge powerhouses are now resigning themselves to their past
> glories is depressing.
But there's also the argument that what these companies did and still
do is show a specific blip on the pop radar screen, that blip being
the 'state of the art' at that moment in time of songwriting craft,
lyrical sensibility, arrangements, instrumentation, recording
technique, overall sound & groove, the zeitgeist as it were. To many
of us, even well crafted songs today are recorded using equipment
that emphasizes things I don't care about in pop music, things like
excessive bass, electronica and too intense studio sound in general.
Why would Philadelphia International want to sound too modern?
I like house music and other forms of electronica, but not for their
pop sensibility. Likewise I wouldn't want to listen to house music
recorded at Del-Fi!~
JB/dismounting pulpit
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Message: 10
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2005 16:48:53 -0400
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: Keith's "I Can't Go Wrong"
Artie Wayne wrote:
> Jerry Ross and I wrote both the lyrics and the music for "I Can't
> Go Wrong", as well as "The Teeny Bopper Song" and "Candy, Candy"
> for Keith.
Artie, How are YOU doin'? And can you tell us more about what got
left off the Jerry Ross discussion recently? Mainly just how prolific
he was? I've seen his name on all kinds of rekkids, yet somebody
mentioned something from 1959 and the only reply was that he also did
something or other in '66 or so. There was a whole lot more, right?
JB
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Message: 11
Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 15:15:34 -0000
From: Will Stos
Subject: Re: It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!
Mick Patrick wrote:
> Any 1960s Brit Girl fans out there? Those of you who remember the
> 10-volume "Here Come The Girls" series might be interested in a
> new project on which my pals Sheila, Samski, Malcolm, Neil and I
> have just finished work -- "It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!", a
> 50-track double CD due for release on Sanctuary in a couple of
> weeks. An e-card has been designed to promote it. It's kinda cute,
> with sound samples. Take a look, why not:
> http://www.sanctuaryrecords.co.uk/itssofine/
Mark Maldwyn:
> This collection looks good! Any previously-unreleased stuff not
> included on the other "Here Comes The Girls" CDs?
Mick:
> Of the 10 volumes of "Here Come The Girls" CDs, only #s 1 and 10
> remain in catalogue. "It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!" contains no
> tracks that are on those two volumes. Of its 50 tracks, about two-
> thirds were never on any of the HCTG series. It's selling for under
> £9 on Amazon, I see. Let me know if you'd like to see a full track
> list.
Is there a track listing on the site anywhere? Do you have any plans
to release any single artist best of comps or will Castle/Ace/Westside
stick to various artist offerings?
Will : )
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Message: 12
Date: Sat, 04 Jun 2005 04:17:08 -0000
From: Lyn Nuttall
Subject: A tale of two songs: I'm Counting On You
Petula Clark's version of "I'm Counting On You" is included on the
Phil Spector Wallpaper of Sound album because it is a version of a
song first recorded in 1961 by Johnny Nash, on an ABC-Paramount 45.
(The source is impeccable: the album is compiled and annotated by Mick
Patrick: see Spectropop Recommends
http://www.spectropop.com/recommends/index2002.htm )
There are two well-known songs with this title.
Song (a): A hit in Australia by Johnny O'Keefe (1961), later recorded
by Petula Clark. Johnny Nash's record appears to have been released a
few months before Johnny O'Keefe's, which would make it the original
version. (In Australia the song is usually attributed to Alicia
Evelyn, whom JO'K met in NY before recording the song. Pet Clark's
version is attributed to Charles Kipps, and such a song does appear in
his repertoire, though not in Alicia Evelyn's. But that is another
mystery.)
Song (b): Written by Don Robertson, recorded by Elvis Presley and
Kitty Wells.
The only catch is that songwriter Don Robertson, at his own website,
lists Johnny Nash as having recorded Song (b), Robertson's "I'm
Counting On You". http://www.donrobertson.com/music/imcounting.htm The
Nashville Songwriters Foundation does the same:
http://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/fame/robertson.html
There are explanations: maybe Johnny Nash and/or Petula Clark recorded
both songs at some stage. Or Don Roberson is mistaken about his song
being recorded by Johnny Nash...
It would interesting, for the record, to know how the label of Johnny
Nash's 45 (ABC Paramount 10230) credits the songwriter. Evelyn? Kipps?
Robertson?
Lyn
at http://www.PopArchives.com.au
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Message: 13
Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 05:43:56 -0000
From: Clark Besch
Subject: Re: new Monkees book/ MONTANAS....Help!
Andrew Sandoval wrote:
> Hello Spectropop people, Andrew Sandoval here. Fifteen years in the
> making, my book on The Monkees will finally be available in the
> U.S. on July 5 (and a bit sooner in the UK). It covers the group's
> day-by-day activities from 1965 to 1970, including breakdowns of
> all their recording sessions with musician listings, plus my
> interviews with Neil Diamond, Neil Sedaka, Boyce & Hart, all four
> Monkees and many more.
Andrew,
Hey, another tidbit of Neb rock. An Omaha World Herald story on page
15 of 12/23/66 issue says that KICS (Hastings) Dj Ken Goodman is the
BROTHER of Monkee Mike Nesmith! Wonder if that's true or if the Dj
was trying to get publicity?? Have you found this to be a fact or
just a bandwagon jumping routine?
Also, I need help with finding any way of getting the Montanas' "Run
to me" on a stereo master tape. The song is licensed already for a
Cd, but I am trying to find a way to get the stereo master for the
Cd. ANYONE have any contacts????
Thanks, Clark
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Message: 14
Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 11:20:32 -0000
From: Unsteady Freddie
Subject: A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Uh oh let the games begin. If you go to www.matthewfisher.com, this
is all that's posted there:
Announcement:
Jens Hills & Co., specialist media and entertainment litigators, have
issued proceedings in the Royal Courts of Justice, Chancery Division
on behalf of Matthew Fisher against Gary Brooker and Onward Music
Limited for inter alia a declaration that Matthew Fisher is the co-
author of the music in the song entitled "A Whiter Shade of Pale".
The Royal Courts of Justice served the Claim Form and Particulars of
Claim on Gary Brooker and Onward Music Limited on the 31st May 2005.
My good buddies from PROCOL HARUM are in a battle royale! Hope it
doesn't get too ugly!
Skipping an extremely light fandango over here.....
Fingers crossed.....
Unsteady Freddie
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Message: 15
Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2005 00:02:30 -0700
From: Gary Myers
Subject: Lee Hudson & Cara Stewart
Phil Milstein may have asked this question sometime before I joined
this group (last year), but although Phil has ended his song-poem
research, I'm still interested in this particular couple. Lee Hudson
ran a song-poem business with a Northridge, CA address throughout the
60's, and Cara Stewart was his female vocalist. No doubt both names
are fictitious. Does anyone know who they really were?
gem
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Message: 16
Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 08:16:35 -0000
From: Andres
Subject: Beatles novelty?
Hi,
What do you think about this item? Is it Beatles related?
http://www.gemm.com/ddc/search.pl?&a_refno=GML703596113
Regards,
Andres
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Message: 17
Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 09:14:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jim Allio
Subject: Re: It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!
Mick Patrick wrote:
> Any 1960s Brit Girl fans out there? Those of you who remember the
> 10-volume "Here Come The Girls" series might be interested in a
> new project on which my pals Sheila, Samski, Malcolm, Neil and I
> have just finished work -- "It's So Fine: Pye Girls Are Go!", a
> 50-track double CD due for release on Sanctuary in a couple of
> weeks. Of the 10 volumes of "Here Come The Girls" CDs, only #s 1
> and 10 remain in catalogue. "It's So Fine" contains no tracks that
> are on those two volumes. Of its 50 tracks, about two-thirds were
> never on any of the HCTG series. It's selling for under £9 on
> Amazon, I see. Let me know if you'd like to see a full track list.
> An e-card has been designed to promote it. It's kinda cute,
> with sound samples. Take a look, why not:
> http://www.sanctuaryrecords.co.uk/itssofine/
Full track list, please!
Jim Allio
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Message: 18
Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 20:05:11 +0100
From: Dave Heasman
Subject: Keith Miller RIP
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, ex St Louis Union/Sniff n the Tears,
died last week of a brain haemorrhage. Hasn't made the national
papers but got a good obit in our local paper, but it's the only obit
this week not to be online.
http://www.sniffnthetears.com/pauls/news.html
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Message: 19
Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 21:17:40 -0000
From: Alan O'Day
Subject: Re: Easy Evil
Joop, you mentioned several versions of Easy Evil that I don't have.
Do you feel generous enough to share mp3s directly with me?
Re who first cut it, unfortunately I don't remember, neither does
Artie. Once I presented the demo there was a flurry of activity on
the song, some of the releases were almost simultaneous.
I just want to thank everyone for their responses to my demo & post,
it's such a kick to hear from you!
Alan
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Message: 20
Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 21:52:05 -0000
From: S.J. Dibai
Subject: Re: Philly Project, The Dantes, Kit Kats Reminder
Clark Besch wrote:
> Reminds me that whoever is doing the Philly project, can you get
> the great Jamie Records track, "Can't Get Enough of Your Love"
> and "80-96" by the Dantes?? Would love to hear that clean too!!!
Hi, Clark. I was the one who talked about doing a "Philly project,"
however I should clarify for you and everyone else that this
particular project is not a commercial CD. I'm gathering music, info,
and resources for a historian friend of mine who teaches Philly
history and would like to develop a course about Philly music.
But never fear! I know Frank Lipsius, and he definitely likes to get
input from the fans. So I will pass on your request to him, and who
knows? If Jamie still owns the rights to those recordings, they may
show up on a future compilation. Meanwhile, please fill me in on The
Dantes. The name sounds just vaguely familiar.
Along these lines, there IS a commercial CD of Philly music that I've
been working on (with Frank): the Kit Kats follow-up compilation. If
you missed the chance to give us some input before, it's not too
late. E-mail me ( sjd37@yahoo.com ) with your suggestions. And don't
forget my Kit Kats group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kitkats_newhope
Thanks,
S.J. Dibai
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Message: 21
Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 14:58:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: Norm D Plume
Subject: Re: Oscar Brown, Jr., R.I.P.
Mike Rashkow wrote:
> A great song of his that we all failed to mention was his lyric and
> recording of "Work Song".
It was Nat Adderley who wrote and recorded it originally. This song
was a staple of so many 60's R&B bands as a vocal and instrumental.
It even gets "sampled" by Bert Jansch in his version of Davey
Graham's "Anji" (also recorded by Paul Simon) - the bit that goes
"Breaking up big rocks on the chain gang..."
I first really picked up on Oscar Brown Jnr from the sleeve notes of
Bob Dylan's "Freewheelin'" album. Dylan cites a conversation between
himself and OB Jnr as the inspiration for his song "Bob Dylan's
Dream".
And thanks for the Musica posting; I've not heard that wonderful song
before. Great, timeless lyrics.
Norm D.
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Message: 22
Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 18:02:36 -0500
From: Skip Woolwine
Subject: THE!!! Beat TV Show.
William "Hossman" Allen, the legendary R&B DJ on WLAC-AM/Nashville,
was the host of The Beat. I knew him very well during my time at
WLAC (1984 thru 1990). I was production director at the time and had
the pleasure of recording and producing many, many commercials and
promos with his smooth, baritone, nicotine-seasoned southern voice.
He had sooo many stories about his days with "John R" Richbourg in
the 1950's and 60's on the 50,000-watt clear channel R&B beacon of
the south. Many stories can't be told in mixed company. Hossman was
also the talent coordinator for the show. Where you see the credits
mention "Talent Provided By Rogana Productions", that was his
company... named after his son Rogan (who today is a respected high-
end Nashville homebuilder). Hossman's daughter Bebe Evans is Charlie
Daniels' manager. His granddaughter Marcie (former baby sitter for
my children) owns Mad Booking, an Atlanta-based live music promotion
company... It runs in the family. I was able to snag 2 episodes of
The Beat on Betamax tape in 1985 or 1986, when Hoss asked me to tape
them off the air (no cable) on UHF 17 WZTV here in Nashville. It was
a one-time airing by Multimedia (the TV show's owners, and station
owners of a number of independent UHFs) to satisfy some sort of
copyright protection requirements to avoid slipping into public
domain. Last year, I transferred them to DVD and presented copies to
his surviving family, who were ecstatic because these episodes hadn't
seen the light of a CRT since they originally aired in 1966. Although
the production was all Nashville people, they all had to go to Dallas
and WFAA to tape, because Nashville had no color TV production
facilities. This is truly a great find... To have color video of R&B
artists this early in time. Much of it is lip-sync, but on the 2
episodes I have, there are a number of songs that were recorded live
in the Studio. Hossman's family will again be ecstatic to learn that
the whole series is commercially available. (Politically incorrect,
but true: It's not often that white men try to pass for black, but
that's exactly what Hossman and John R did nightly on 1510/WLAC,
selling Royal Crown hair pomade, White Rose Petroleum Jelly, "little
baby chicks", and "Zoom"... A product guaranteed to help men with
"nature problems".) This is a classic, folks!
Skip Woolwine
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