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DEAR JERRY:The modern jazz station in our area just played a tune that really caught my attention.
As is often the case, they didn't give a title, but they did say it was “music from Diana Krall.”
I would buy the album it's on, but only if you help by identifying it.
The theme seems to be her ordering food at a diner, yet she does not want French fried potatoes, stewed tomatoes, pork chops, bacon, fish cakes, rye bread, and other common items.
What she craves in this song is flim flam sauce, with what sounds like awecenfay and shefafa.
Who wants just sauce as the main course? What are those other things? Cajun or Moroccan perhaps? Does any of this really exist?
—Donna Dorfman, Vincennes, Ind.
DEAR DONNA: All of the things Diana does not want to eat are real. Unfortunately, not a one of her preferred choices are likely to be found on anyone's menu — unless concocted specifically to tie-in with “The Frim Fram Sauce.”
Yes, that is the correct title, though it may also be shown as just “Frim Fram Sauce.”
Just to get her order straight, Diana, and everyone else who recorded this song, asks for “frim fram sauce with ossenfay, and chifafa on the side.”
In the original hit version, by the (Nat) King Cole Trio, the waiter is understandably unfamiliar with these delicacies. Nat, now a disappointed customer, ends the track with: “Now if you don't have it, just bring me a check for the water.”
The King Cole Trio's record (Capitol 224) came out in December 1945. In February '46, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald joined forces and crafted an excellent version (Decca 23496), which also became a big hit. Not really a vocal duet, Louis sings the first half and Ella the second, meaning they do not sing together on this number.
In March, Les Brown and His Orchestra, with vocal by Butch Stone, gave “The Frim Fram Sauce” the big band treatment (Columbia 36961), though the Brown-Stone waxing did not chart.
There are three easily available Diana Krall albums with “Frim Fram Sauce”: “Stepping Out”; “All for You (A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio)”; and “The Very Best of Diana Krall.”
Being a personal favorite, Diana's often includes “The Frim Fram Sauce” in her concert sets.
DEAR JERRY:It's been at least a year since I heard Susan Boyle being talked about in the entertainment media. Is her singing career in a sophomore slump?
—Samantha Charles, St. Paul, Minn.
DEAR SAMANTHA: Anything but. As of this writing (December 22), Susan's “The Gift” is the No. 1 title on both the Billboard and Cashbox Top Albums charts, and No. 1 on both of their Christmas album surveys.
Meanwhile, Boyle's debut collection, “I Dreamed the Dream,” the No. 1 album exactly one year ago, is still on the charts and even among the Top 70.
Susan may not be the big news story she became in 2009, when she flabbergasted everyone via Britain's Got Talent, but she sure is ringing up the sales.
If Susan Boyle's “The Gift” holding the No. 1 position on both the Pop and Christmas Albums charts seems quite extraordinary, it certainly is.
However, Susan is not the first to accomplish this feat.
In December 2007, Josh Grobin's “Noel” simultaneously topped those two charts.
IZ ZAT SO? Susan Boyle is not the only familiar name, from TV's talent competition shows, on the current Top 200 Albums list.
Here are six others, some of whom you may have even voted for: Jackie Evancho (“O Holy Night”); Crystal Bowersox (“Farmer's Daughter”); Carrie Underwood (“Play On”); Lee DeWyze (“Live It Up”); Fantasia Barrino (“Back to Me”); and (Chris) Daughtry (“Leave This Town”).
Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net Visit his Web site: http://www.jerryosborne.com/
All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.
Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission
ZOO MUSIC is proud to present a limited edition "Badlands" 12" vinyl record available on March 29 from Montreal minimalist Dirty Beaches. Pressed in a limited edition of 500 vinyl records, "Badlands" features eight exclusive unreleased tracks coated in noise, echoed vocals and layered distortion.
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Jack White reveals vinyl innovations, Captain Beefheart Sub Pop singles
In honor of the late Captain Beefheart, Third Man is re-pressing the White Stripes single of Captain Beefheart covers "Party of Special Things to Do," "China Pig" and "Ashtray Heart." The tracks were originally released in 2001 via another legendary label vinyl and new release collective, the Sub Pop Singles Club. Not only is it in honor of the recently passed Don Van Vliet, but also for Sub Pop executive Andy Kotowicz, who died in a car accident in October.
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The Strokes’ Fourth Album Due in March
It's been five years since the Strokes released their last album 'First Impressions of Earth,' but the New York quintet have confirmed that they'll drop their fourth record in March. The still-untitled release is in the mixing stage. Bassist Nikolai Fraiture revealed in an interview with the BBC that the new LP will have a "classic sound" similar to the group's second and third releases
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QUEENSRŸCHE, ALICE IN CHAINS, VELVET REVOLVER Members To Perform At Seahawks Vs. Saints Game
Catch a special live musical performance by Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo (QUEENSRŸCHE), Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS) and Ben Smith (HEART) this Saturday, January 8 at the Seattle Seahawks playoff game (half time) against the New Orleans Saints at Seattle's Qwest Field.
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THE BRONX CASKET CO.: 'Antihero' Details Revealed
THE BRONX CASKET CO., the side project of OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni and SEVEN WITCHES guitarist Jack Frost, will release its new album, "Antihero", on January 25 via eOne Music.
It's been five years since THE BRONX CASKET CO. last released an album and has been well worth the wait. Verni states, "This BRONX CASKET record is the best we have done, and we are looking forward to getting out on the road and doing some shows."
THE BRONX CASKET CO.'s follow-up to 2005's "Hellectric" will be the band's first release with D.D. handling all of the vocal duties.
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Gerry Rafferty Dies Following Long Illness
The singer-songwriter, from Scotland, died peacefully at his home following a long illness (age 63). His daughter Martha was at his bedside. Rafferty began his music career as a busker on the London Underground before going on to form the acclaimed band, Stealers Wheel.
The group enjoyed a series of hits, including ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ and ‘Baker Street’ in the 1970s.
Rafferty also battled a drinking problem and had spent time receiving treatment at a Bournemouth hospital for liver failure.
After the holiday, another week with a short list of new music releases. Look for more exciting new releases in the upcoming weeks. As always, CVR Blog picks are in red:
Abigail Washburn - City of Refuge
Adam Faith - What Do You Want?
Ann Peebles - Tellin It
Billie Holiday - Icon Love Songs
Billy Fury - Rocker
Brutus - Murwgebeukt
Cher - Icon Class Actress - Journal of Ardency (Vinyl)
Cliff Richard & the Shadows - Move It: The Best of the Early Years (3 CDs)
Deadhorse - Deadhorse
El DeBarge - Icon
Ella Fitzgerald - Icon Love Songs
Ella Fitzgerald - Twelve Nights In Hollywood: Volumes 1 & 2 (2 CDs)
Ella Fitzgerald - Twelve Nights In Hollywood: Volumes 3 & 4 (2 CDs)
Elvis Presley - Wooden Heart (3 CDs)
Gregory Isaacs - Night Nurse
Imogen Heap & Frou Frou: Icon - Imogen Heap & Frou Frou
Jake Shimabukuro - Peace, Love, Ukulele
Jeavestone - 1+1=OK
Jerry Clower - Icon
Jim Croce - All Time Classics (3 CDs) Joe Glazer - Folk Songs of the American Dream
Joe Glazer - Sings Labor Songs
Joe Glazer - Songs of Joe Hill
Joe Glazer - Textile Voices: Songs & Stories of the Mills
Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor (Vinyl)
Lee Ann Womack - Icon: Lee Ann Womack
Louisiana Red - Sweet Blood Call
Marsha Ambrosius - Late Nights, Early Mornings
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Icon Love Songs
Redondo Beat - Meet Redondo Beat (Vinyl)
S.O.S. Band - Icon
Schiller - Breathless
Sheryl Crow - Icon: Sheryl Crow
Swim Party - There Is Too Much Wood In My Coffin
The Ian Fays - Jensen’s Camera
The Windupdeads - Army of Invisible Men
Tin Cup Gypsy - Calico
Tiny Tim - Lost & Found 1963-74 (Rare & Previously Unreleased) Uriah Heep - The Singles Collection (Vinyl)
Various Artists - Circus Days: Pop Psych Obscurities 1966-1972 (6-CD box set)
Various Artists - Faster (soundtrack)
Various Artists - Kitsuné Maison 10: The Fireworks Issue (2CD)
Various Artists - Oh Boy! (TV Soundtrack)
Willie Mitchell - It's Dance Time Wolves and the Radio - Wolves & the Radio
Remember, if you are a record company and have new releases or know of any I missed (especially vinyl), please email me and I will add your music to the list. I also do reviews of new vinyl, email me for more information.
New Music Releases are put together from a variety of sources by blog owner Robert Benson
Rockers Bon Jovi have scored the highest-earning tour of 2010 with their Circle Jaunt Tour, which took $201.1m worldwide.
AC/DC came in at number two for the second year in a row, earning $177m, while U2 were third with ticket sales of $160.9m. Lady Gaga, who played a total of 138 gigs - almost twice as many as Bon Jovi - took $133.6m at the box office, according to Pollstar.
Other notable entrants inside the top-10 included Michael Buble at number six with $104.1m and Paul McCartney at eight with $93m.
Norm & Jane over atVinyl Record Talk Store and Vinyl Record Talkhave been very busy with some great new inventory, the holiday season and the 'various hackers, viruses and power outages' that they have been busy with. So here, Norm posts his "Vacation Catch-Up" of the Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales; picking up where we left off in December. Thanks to Norm for catching us up to date and be sure to stop by their weekly radio show (Vinyl Record Talk) for some chatter about vinyl, music news and whatever else they have in store for us!
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 12/11/2010
UK based power metal outfit Power Quest have completed their new album 'Blood Alliance' and are ready for an ambitious and busy 2011. The 6-piece band has its 10 years anniversary coming up, and 'Blood Alliance' is scheduled for release in early 2011 (released in Japan first on January 19 via Marquee/Avalon). The European release is expected by the end of March, with the USA release in early April.
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Chuck Berry Collapses During Chicago Gig
The legendary Chuck Berry had to cut short his performance in Chicago after collapsing on stage. The 84-year-old became ill during a performance on Saturday night at the Congress Theater in Chicago, IL. The rock n roll legend, whose hits include "Johnny B Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven," was unable to continue his gig. However, Berry returned to play 20 minutes later but told fans he had no strength to continue. The singer is said to be fine after receiving medical attention.
Berry had earlier performed two New Year's Eve shows at B.B. King’s Blues Club and Grill in New York City.
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DEATH - Cover Artwork For Reissue Revealed
Relapse Records has revealed the cover artwork for the February reissue of DEATH's final studio album, 'The Sound Of Perseverance.' The first in a series of reissues planned for 2011, follows digital releases of the band's catalog in 2010 and will coincide with the 10th anniversary of guitarist CHUCK SCHULDINER's passing in 2001; following a battle with cancer. 'Sound' will be issued in a variety of deluxe editions with bonus material, new liner notes, and revamped artwork. Full details will be coming soon.
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R.I.P. BOBBY FARRELL (1949-2010)
BOBBY FARRELL, the energetic frontman of the disco/soul outfit BONEY M has passed away. The 61 year-old performer was found dead in a Russian Hotel room after failing to respond to a wake-up call. Farrell had been battling health problems in recent years and had complained of breathing problems prior to his band's performance in St. Petersburg on Wednesday night.
BONEY M had widespread success primarily in Europe during the 1970's after forming in Germany.
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Ultra-deluxe music box sets carry big prices - and risks
By Randy Lewis • Los Angeles Times • January 2, 2011
Scanning the upper stratosphere of this year's end-of-the-year holiday-centric music releases, it's tempting to think some record company execs decided it's time to head into full kamikaze-dive mode.
Despite so much news revolving around the record industry's struggles to sell 99-cent singles and $9.99 album downloads, several labels have recently cooked up ultra-deluxe box sets for Miles Davis, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams and others priced at $200 up to $1,200.
PATHOLOGY “Legacy of the Ancients” (Victory Records)
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After 20 Years, the Vinyl Still Spins -- And Sells -- at Groove Merchant Records
By Tomas Palermo
Chris Veltri stands behind the cluttered wood counter at Groove Merchant record store. Dressed in a navy peacoat and Levis, with sandy blond bangs draped over his blue eyes, he watches three customers browse his small Lower Haight shop. "Not bad for a Tuesday night," he says casually, his tone suiting his nickname, "Cool Chris," as the customers browse bins filled with vintage jazz, rare soul, disco, hip-hop, and collectible Brazilian records.
Like the vinyl rarities that fill the shop, Groove Merchant is rare survivor -- dozens of old San Francisco record retailers have either closed for good or retreated to largely online sales. But Groove Merchant celebrates its 20th anniversary this year......
Interview with Rock Photography Icon Robert M. Knight
By: Rick Landers
First and foremost, Robert Knight is an artist in the fine art of photography. His photographs of rock performers have helped to define many iconic moments in rock ‘n’ roll. Whether his subjects are on stage performing or artfully posed for their publicity needs, album covers or personal interests, every picture captures the essence of what defines these people as musicians and legends in their own right.
A considerable inventory of Knight’s work boldly portrays the explosiveness of the young Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, as well as the poignant beauty of Joni Mitchell. Check out Robert’s work in his book, Rock Gods: Forty Years of Rock Photography and enjoy the glamour and drama of Alice Cooper, Little Richard and dozens more.
The white suit John Lennon wore in the iconic photograph that graced the cover of the Beatles' 1969 'Abbey Road' album sold for a cool $46,000 at New Year's Day auction Saturday.
It's not often that I recommend CD's, however, this collection is by far the best collection of Brubeck favorites and one of the reasons I love jazz music.....read on:
Dave Brubeck Celebrates 90th Birthday as Critically-Acclaimed Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend Two-Disc Collection Tops CMJ Jazz Charts
NEW YORK, Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Released in advance of jazz legend Dave Brubeck's 90th birthday on December 6, Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend, the artist's recently released two-disc compilation of tracks from 1954-1970, bulleted 18 positions, from #19 to #1, on the CMJ Jazz Top 40 chart as the album garnered critical acclaim and coast-to-coast airplay.
Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend has reached #13 on the Billboard Top Jazz Album chart and #8 on the Traditional Jazz Album Chart. Brubeck has played on albums charting in every decade since the 1950s.
Dave Brubeck: Legacy of a Legend, a commemorative collection of tracks hand-picked by the artist, featuring extensive annotation and anecdotal liner notes written by his son Darius, was released through Columbia/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, to all physical and digital retail outlets on Tuesday, November 16.
Compiled by Brubeck himself, Legacy of a Legend distills the artist's Columbia Records output from 1954 to 1970 into 21 essential tracks and includes signature recordings such as "Take Five" and "Some Day My Prince Will Come." Also included is an unreleased live take, "Three To Get Ready," from the Dave Brubeck Quartet's final concert in 1967.
"....hearing this music assembled in this way offers startling proof of Brubeck's truly iconic genius for the musical depth and range he displays as a composer, arranger, and pianist, both live and in the studio," wrote Thom Jurek for AllMusic, "He revisits the haunting (and now legendary) 'Thank You (Dziekuje)' ...with its gorgeous tribute to Chopin that is still provocative. The harmonic interplay between the pianist and Paul Desmond showcased on 'Camptown Ladies' and 'Something to Sing About' (to mention just two places) is furthered by the subtly insistent but utterly innovative rhythm section of Eugene Wright and Joe Morello...the quirky picks by the pianist provide a solid introduction for new listeners."
It's been a year of accolades for Brubeck, who received Kennedy Center Honors in December 2009, and who, along with his ensemble was named the Jazz Group of the Year in the 2010 Downbeat Reader's Poll.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) celebrated Brubeck's birthday milestone with the premiere of "Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way," a full-length documentary executive produced by Clint Eastwood.
Brubeck's current "commemorative season" was celebrated in a concert review in the New York Times (November 28, 2010) of his recent three-night run at the Blue Note, noting that "His stylish Columbia Records output has been repackaged for two new boxed sets and a two-CD compilation," while praising the master's musicianship, "...he had softened his pianism, replacing the old hammer-and-anvil attack with something almost airy. Here he often held his fingers splayed flat against the keys, barely touching his sustain pedal. His playing was the picture of judicious clarity, its well-placed chordal accents suggesting a riffing horn section....And in one of the set's finer stretches he stirred up a gentle rustle, as if to renounce percussivism altogether. It was the second movement of 'Dialogues for Jazz Combo and Orchestra,' composed by his brother Howard Brubeck and originally recorded with Leonard Bernstein. Mr. Brubeck stated the melody unaccompanied, fluid and florid, before the ensemble shifted into medium swing for a solo by Mr. Militello. What followed was a contrapuntal piano-bass interlude, then Mr. Brubeck alone again. He smiled to himself as he brought the theme home, a captain firmly steering into port."
We lost many talented and iconic musicians in 2010, here is a list (in alphabetical order)
Solomon Burke - a pioneering Soul singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, died October 10th, 2010 at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport after a flight from Los Angeles. He was 70 years old
Alex Chilton - the lead singer for The Box Tops on their Billboard Top Ten hits "The Letter" and "Cry Like A Baby", died after experiencing heart problems on March 17th, 2010. He was 59
Corrado "Connie" Codarini - an original member of the Canadian vocal group The Four Lads, died of undisclosed causes on April 28th, 2010 at the age of 80. The quartet is most often remembered for their million-selling hits "Moments to Remember", "Standin’ On The Corner" and "No, Not Much"
Jimmy Dean - a Country-crossover artist most often remembered for his two US Top Ten hits, "Big Bad John" in 1960 and "P.T. 109" in 1962, died June 13th, 2010 at his home in Varina, Virginia. Along with placing eight songs on Billboard's Top 40 between 1958 and 1976, Dean was also elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in February, 2010
Ronnie James Dio - the powerful voice for Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell, lost his battle with stomach cancer at the age of 67 on May 16th, 2010
Kenny Edwards - an original member of the Country / Rock band The Stone Poneys, died of cancer at the age of 64 on August 18th, 2010. The group, lead by vocalist Linda Ronstadt, reached #13 in late 1967 with "Different Drum"
Mike Edwards - founding member of The Electric Light Orchestra was killed on September 3rd, 2010 while driving in southwest England when a 600-kilogram bale of hay rolled down a field and crushed his van. The 62-year-old cellist died instantly
Doug Fieger - the lead singer for The Knack on their 1979 hit "My Sharona", died February 14th, 2010, after a six-year battle with cancer. He was 57
Dave Fisher - who formed The Highwaymen with four university pals in the late 1950s, died at the age of 69 after a battle with a bone marrow disorder on May 7th, 2010. The quartet topped the Billboard chart in 1961 with "Michael (Row The Boat Ashore)"
Eddie Fisher - whose 11 Billboard Top 40 hits were often eclipsed by his scandalous personal life with Elizabeth Taylor, died of complications from hip surgery on September 22nd, 2010 at the age of 82. He cracked the Top Ten with "Count Your Blessings" (#5 in 1955), "Heart" (#6 in 1956) and "Dungaree Doll" (#7 in 1956) and was also the father of Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy
Dale Hawkins - a Rockabilly artist most often remembered for his 1957 hit "Susie-Q", lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 73 on February 14th, 2010
Richie Hayward - drummer and co-founder of Little Feat passed away at the age of 64 on August 12th, 2010 after contracting pneumonia as he battled liver cancer
Bobby Hebb - whose 1966 classic "Sunny" reached #2 on the Billboard Pop chart, died of lung cancer on August 3rd, 2010. He was 72
Marvin Isley - who joined The Isley Brothers in 1973, in time to record their huge hit, "Who's That Lady", died of undisclosed causes on June 6th, 2010. He was 56
General Norman Johnson - the lead singer of the Chairmen Of The Board passed away on October 13th, 2010 at the age of 67. The Detroit vocal quartet placed four songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Give Me Just A Little More Time", a number 3 hit in 1970
Ted Kowalski - a member of the Canadian quartet The Diamonds, died of heart disease on August 8th, 2010 at the age of 79. The vocal group had a string of hits in the late 1950s including "Little Darlin'", "Silhouettes" and "The Stroll"
Richard "Scar" Lopez - a founding member of Cannibal and The Headhunters, the East Los Angeles vocal group that scored a #30 Billboard hit in 1965 with "Land of 1000 Dances", died of lung cancer on July 30th, 2010. He was 65
Johnny Maestro - the lead singer for The Crests on their seven US Top 40 records, including the 1959, #2 hit "Sixteen Candles" as well as The Brooklyn Bridge on "The Worst That Could Happen" in 1969, died of cancer on March 24th, 2010. He was 70
Teddy Pendergrass - an American soul singer who first rose to fame as lead vocalist for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes in the 1970s before enjoying a successful solo career at the end of the decade, died of colon cancer on January 13th, 2010. He was 59
Pete Quaife - the original bassist for the Kinks, who played on such early hits as "You Really Got Me", "All Day and All of the Night" and "Tired of Waiting for You" before leaving the British band in 1969, died of kidney failure on June 23rd, 2010. He was 66
Gary Shider - guitarist for Parliament-Funkadelic who was featured on their hit "One Nation Under A Groove" died from complications of cancer on June 16th, 2010. He was 56
Lolly Vegas - lead singer and guitarist for Redbone, died of cancer on March 4th, 2010 at the age of 70. The band is most often remembered for their 1974, Billboard #5 hit "Come And Get Your Love"
Robert Wilson - bassist for The Gap Band, passed away on August 15th, 2010 at the age of 53. In a career that started in the late '70s, the group has had four platinum albums and fifteen Top Ten hits, including four that made it to number one
Tom "T-Bone" Wolk - who played bass for nearly 30 years with Daryl Hall and John Oates and also recorded with Elvis Costello and Billy Joel, died February 27th, 2010 of an apparent heart attack. He was 58
Ali-Ollie Woodson - who led The Temptations in the 1980s and '90s and helped restore them to their hit-making glory with songs including "Treat Her Like A Lady", "Sail Away" and "Lady Soul", died of cancer at the age of 58 on May 31st, 2010
Norman Wright - vocalist for The Del-Vikings on their hits "Come Go With Me", "Whispering Bells" and "Cool Shake", passed away on April 23rd, 2010 at the age of 73
I have been doing this feature 'This Date In Music History' for two years now (every other day) and now have done every day in the year. So, that said, this will be the last installment of this feature. I hope that everyone enjoyed the fascinating facts presented and please, feel free to look back if you have any interest in a specific date.
Birthdays:
Andy Summers - Police (1942)
Burton Cummings - Guess Who & solo (1947)
Donna Summer (1948)
Tom Hamilton - Aerosmith (1951)
Fermin Goytisolo - KC and the Sunshine Band (1951)
George Thorogood (1952)
Paul Westerberg - Replacements (1960)
Scott Ian - Anthrax (1963)
Joey McIntrye - New Kids On The Block (1972)
Bob Bryar - My Chemical Romance (1979)
They Are Missed:
Songwriter and producer Bert Berns died of heart failure in 1967 (age 38). He wrote many classic songs including "Twist And Shout," "Hang On Sloopy," "Here Comes the Night," "I Want Candy" and "Brown Eyed Girl."
In 1985, Ricky Nelson was killed along with six others, when his charted light aircraft crashed in Texas. Nelson had played himself on his parent's US TV The Adventures Of Ozzie and Harriet.' Early press reports erroneously suggested that drug use, namely freebasing, might have played a role in the crash that killed Rick, his band, and his fiancée Helen Blair (the pilot and co-pilot survived). In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board's 1987 report determined that the fire began in a malfunctioning gas heater.
Born on this day in 1943, Henry John Deutschendorf, (John Denver), singer, songwriter. Killed in a plane crash on October 12, 1997.
Pianist Floyd Cramer, who scored a Billboard number 2 hit in 1960 with "Last Date", died of lung cancer in 1997 at the age of 64. As a session musician, he played on many major hits for a variety of artists, including Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel." In 2003, Cramer was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Kevin MacMichael, guitarist with Cutting Crew, died of lung cancer in 2003 (age 51).
Pete Quaife - the original bassist for the Kinks, who played on such early hits as "You Really Got Me", "All Day and All of the Night" and "Tired of Waiting for You" before leaving the British band in 1969, died of kidney failure on June 23rd, 2010. He was 66.
History:
In 1929, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played "Auld Lang Syne" as a New Year's Eve song for the first time.
In 1940 - As a result of a dispute between the radio networks and ASCAP (the American Society of Composers and Publishers), the radio industry was prevented from playing any ASCAP-licensed music. The ban lasted for ten months.
Based on sales from stores, radio and jukebox plays Billboard named "Unchained Melody" by Les Baxter the number 1 US song of 1955.
The Connie Franscis movie 'Where The Boys Are' premiered in New York City in 1960.
The Beach Boys made their live debut using their new name in 1961 when they appeared at Long Beach Civic Auditorium, California.
John and Michelle Phillips get married on New Year's Eve in 1962. The pair would later co-found The Mamas and Papas.
The Kinks made their live debut in 1963 when they played at the Lotus House Restaurant, London.
The Beatles single "I Feel Fine" and album 'Beatles '65' were certified Gold in 1965.
The Monkees started a 7-week run at #1 on the US singles charts in 1966 with the Neil Diamond song "I'm A Believer."
In 1966, Ray Charles appeared at the City Center Arena in Seattle Washington, tickets cost $4.50 on the door.
In 1967, Sonny and Cher were barred from Pasadena, California's Tournament of Roses Parade for speaking out in support of the 2,000 demonstrators who protested a year-long campaign by sheriffs and police to clear the Strip of 'loitering' teenagers. Known as "the Sunset Strip rioters", the group mainly consisted of 15-year-olds with long hair and acne who were confronted by several hundred riot-helmeted sheriff's deputies.
In 1968, Joe Cocker, Amen Corner, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, the Small Faces, Free and Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band all appeared at Alexandra Palace, London. Tickets cost $3.00.
Also in 1968 - For the first time ever, Americans spent more than $1 billion on records. According to Billboard magazine, album sales were 192 million units and singles sold 187 million units.
At a New Year's Eve concert at the Fillmore East in New York City in 1969, Jimi Hendrix introduced his new side men, bassist Billy Cox and former Electric Flag drummer, Buddy Miles. The concert was recorded for the live album, 'Band of Gypsys,' which will reach #5 in the US and #6 in the UK.
In 1970, Paul McCartney filed a suit against the rest of The Beatles to dissolve their partnership. With Melody Maker magazine reporting that The Beatles were looking for a new bass player, Paul McCartney files suit to dissolve the Beatles' corporation. It would take until 1974 for the split to become final.
Dick Clark's first Rockin' New Years Eve aired on ABC-TV in 1972, starring Three Dog Night, Al Green and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
The MC5 play their farewell show at a New Years Eve bash at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit in 1972. Their take for the night was $200.
Australian band AC/DC made their live debut in 1973 when they appeared at Chequers Bar in Sydney.
Journey made their live debut at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom in 1973.
In 1974, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were invited to join Fleetwood Mac, marking the band's tenth line-up change since 1967.
In 1975, Elvis Presley performed a New Year's Eve concert before 60,000 fans at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. He earned $800,000 for the night, a then world record for a single show by a solo artist.
In 1976, the first Cars concert was held in Portsmith, New Hampshire.
In 1978, the Grateful Dead performed for the 48th and final time at Bill Graham's Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. Also appearing were Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, who took their Saturday Night Live characters on the road as The Blues Brothers.
At a New Years Eve concert in Cleveland in 1979, Bruce Springsteen's cheek was ripped open by a fire-cracker thrown onstage from the audience.
Max's Kansas City in New York City closed down in 1982. The venue had been a launching pad for such artists as The New York Dolls, Bruce Springsteen and The Velvet Underground.
Van Halen’s epic LP '1984' was released in 1983.
In 1984, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen, crashed his Corvette Stingray, on the A57 outside Sheffield, Allen lost his left arm in the accident. Allen was on his way to a New Year's Eve party at his family's home when a Jaguar passed him. The driver had been egging Allen on and would not allow him to pass. In his rage to pass this driver, he did not see a turn up ahead and lost control of his car. He was thrown from the car, with his left arm severed due to the seatbelt not being properly fastened.
In 1991, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers all appeared on the same bill at the Cow Palace, San Francisco, California.
Alos in 1991, Ted Nugent donated 200 pounds of venison to a Salvation Army soup kitchen in Detroit with the message 'I kill it, you grill it'.
Garth Brooks started a seven-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1994 with, 'The Hits.'
Paul McCartney became a Sir in 1996 after he was listed in the Queens New Year's Honours List.
There’s Rock all over the world to ring in Y2K (1999): Aerosmith – Osaka, Japan, the Eagles and Jackson Browne - L.A., B-52s and Hootie & The Blowfish – Orlando, FL, Goo Goo Dolls and No Doubt – New York. And the killer show of the evening... the Bay City Rollers in Edinburgh, Scotland (kidding!).
In 2004, for the first time in the last 32 years, Dick Clark wasn't in New York's Time Square to celebrate New Year's Eve. The 75 year-old TV host and producer was forced to watch the show from his hospital bed after suffering a mild stroke on December 6th. A spokesman said that Mr. Clark had been doing some rehab and that doctors were encouraged with his progress.
In 2005, Tom Jones was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony than Jones later described as " a great and humbling honor."
Also in 2005, the John Lennon song "Imagine" was voted the nations favorite song a quarter of a century after his death. A UK radio station conducted the poll of 7,000 listeners. The Beatles were voted into second and third place with "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be."
Mötley Crüe's Mick Mars was rushed backstage to receive medical attention at the end of a New Year's Eve concert in Detroit in 2005. A fan pulls the guitarist into the audience. "I am fine, I am undamaged, " Mars later claims. "To the girl that pulled me in, I hope she got my pick."
Lenny Kravitz performed from Times Square in 2007 as part of NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly. Meanwhile, MTV's Tila Tequila's New Year's Eve 2008 with Kid Rock was also live from Times Square.
It was announced in 2008 that Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant has been named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire as part of Queen Elizabeth II's annual New Year Honours List. Plant is acknowledged "for services to music" in the United Kingdom.
In 2009, U2’s 360 Tour, in support of their album 'No Line On The Horizon, was named the year’s most successful by concert tracker Pollstar. U2 sold 1.3 million tickets grossing $123 million. Following U2 are Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band ($94.5 million) and Elton John & Billy Joel ($88 million). AC/DC are 5th on the list with the Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac and Metallica coming in 8th, 9th and 10th, respectively for the year.
In 2009, Green Day made a holiday appearance on NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly, live from Times Square in NYC.
DEAR READERS: This feature debuted December 26, 1986, meaning we have just begun the 25th consecutive year in syndication of MR. MUSIC columns.
Perhaps most amazing to see is how, week after week, we continue to get fresh inquiries covering topics not previously asked. This week is no exception.
Thanks for all the fun questions ... thanks for reading what we have to say ... and let's continue meeting like this!
DEAR JERRY:Throughout the second season of “Damages,” we were treated to many carefully edited teaser scenes, making viewers think that Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) shoots Patty Hewes (Glenn Close).
Of course, in the season finale, we discover she pulled the trigger but did not aim directly at Patty.
Accompanying these scenes each time is the same jazz-style song. Its lyrics mention things being a thrill, probably to tie in with Ellen seeking revenge. After all, Hewes just confessed to having someone try to kill Parsons, an associate at Patty's law firm.
I've heard snippets of this “thrill” song so many times, and now I want to find it and have the complete recording, without the talking.
If you watch “Damages,” you'll know the one I mean. —Doris Winchell, Cudahy, Wisc.
DEAR DORIS: I know, and you will be thrilled to know that of all the inquiries we received about this “thrill kill” song, we chose yours.
Kudos to “Damages” music editor, Robert Cotnoir, for picking “Just for a Thrill,” by Ray Charles, and weaving it in and out of the most compelling moments in the series, at least so far.
This beautiful piece came out in 1960 on both LP, “The Genius of Ray Charles” (Atlantic 1312), and 45 rpm (Atlantic 2055).
Brother Ray's single cracked the R&B Top 20, but no one has ever known the thrill of making the Top 100 Pop charts with “Just for a Thrill.”
Numerous other versions exist, by a diverse group of recording artists. Some of those are: Peggy Lee; Ink Spots; Ray Brown & Milt Jackson; Aretha Franklin; Ronnie Milsap; J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding; Nancy Wilson; Don Shirley; Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra Featuring Helen O'Connell; Hank Crawford; Shirley Horn; Boilermaker Jazz Band; Jim Byrnes (a convincing Ray Charles sound-alike); Lettermen; Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones' bassist) & His Rhythm Kings; and Phil Humphrey with the Fendermen (of “Mule Skinner Blues” fame).
You'll never again hear this tune and not picture Ellen twirling her pistol around, keeping viewers in suspense.
DEAR JERRY:One of my all-time favorite holiday songs is “Cool Yule,” by Louis Armstrong.
When I first discovered it online, just last year, I was blown away. The orchestration is fabulous, and the lyrics right on point. Did Armstrong write it?
Was it issued as a regular record? If so, when, and why have I never ever heard this treasure on the radio?
Tell me all about “Cool Yule,” and also have one. —Barry Jorgen, Manchester, N.H.
DEAR BARRY: I will, and I did. Thank you!
Written by legendary TV star Steve Allen, “Cool Yule” is one of five tracks Louis and his band, the Commanders, recorded at Decca's New York studio, on October 22, 1953.
About three weeks later, this tune, and the other seasonal number from that session, “Zat You, Santa Claus,” came out back-to-back on a single, both 45 and 78 rpm (Decca 28943).
Preposterous as it seems, “Cool Yule” did not become a hit of any degree, not even regionally, not even on the easy-to-make Christmas favorites list, not that year or any other.
In their November 21, 1953 issue, Billboard's new release reviewers gave “Cool Yule” a 72 rating, ranking it in the “excellent” category, along with this glowing comment: “This Jazzy Christmas greeting from the fabulous Louis is quite a production, one his fans will want.”
Possessing the components to practically guarantee a hit record — big name artist; extraordinary recording; major label; good press and reviews; and perfect timing — one might be left with nothing but the fickle finger of fate to blame for a pick to click that didn't click after being picked.
IZ ZAT SO? Satchmo's first recordings, under his own name and fronting his own combo (Louis Armstrong's Hot Five), were made in 1925 for the Okeh label.
Louis didn't have to wait long to see his name on the charts. In the summer of '26, his third record, “Muskrat Ramble,” backed with “Heebie Jeebies,” (Okeh 8300) ranked among the 10 best-selling singles.
From then to early 1999, when a remixed “What a Wonderful World” (Arista 13710) made the Adult Contemporary chart, makes for a 73-year chart span r— a seemingly unmatchable feat.
Among consistent hit-makers, the two runners-up, Bing Crosby (48 years: 1927-1975) and Frank Sinatra (44 years: 1940-1984), are far behind in this event.
Not included in our calculations are the infinite revivals of this pair's Christmas catalog.
Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com
All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.
Copyright 2010 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Permission
Not much this week, as always CVR Blog picks are in red:
Alfie Boe - Bring Me Home Alvin Lee -Detroit Diesel
Andrew Gold - All This & Heaven Too
Billy Lee Riley - Rock With Me Baby
Bing Crosby & Louis Armstrong - Bing & Satchmo
Bobby Vee - Rarities Bon Jovi - Live On Air
Cadillacs - Fabulous Cadillacs / Crazy Cadillacs
Charlotte Gainsbourg - Live & Inedits (2 CDs)
Cocteau Twins - Treasure (Vinyl) Dio - Dio - The Legend: Live (DVD)
Earl Hines - Electrified
Ella Fitzgerald - Mack the Knife: Ella in Berlin
Elvis Presley - Remix Collection (2 CDs)
Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There
George Michael - December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)
Jay-Z - All Black Everything
Jesse McCartney - Have It All
John Gary Williams - John Gary Williams
Johnny Cash - I Walk the Line
Louis Armstrong - Hello Dolly
Michael Jackson - Hold My Hand (Single)
Motorhead - The World Is Yours (Classic Rock Magazine Edition - UK)
Professor Longhair - No Buts No Maybes
Ray Charles - Dedicated to You / Genius Sings the Blues
Ray Sharpe - Gonna Let It Go This Time
Rufus Thomas - Crazy About You Baby
Sanford-Townsend Band - Smoke From a Distant Fire
Sarah Vaughan - Three Classic Albums
Shackleton - Fabric 55: Shackleton
Remember, if you are a record company and have new releases or know of any I missed (especially vinyl), please email me and I will add your music to the list. I also do reviews of new vinyl, email me for more information.
New Music Releases are put together from a variety of sources by blog owner Robert Benson
Charlie Spinosa - John Fred and His Playboy Band (1948)
Yvonne Elliman (1951)
Neil Giraldo - Pat Benatar Group (1955)
Jim Reid - The Jesus and Mary Chain (1961)
Mark Day - Happy Mondays (1961)
Bryan Holland - The Offspring (1966)
Glen Phillips - Toad the Wet Sprocket (1970)
They Are Missed:
Orchestra leader Paul Whiteman died in 1967 at the age of 76.
Singer, songwriter Tim Hardin died of a heroin overdose in 1980. Hardin also appeared at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
Born on this day in 1947, Cozy Powell, drummer, Whitesnake, ELP & solo. Powell was killed in a car crash in England on April 5, 1998.
History:
In 1955, Barbra Streisand made her first recording (at age 13).
On his first visit to the UK in 1962, Bob Dylan performed at The Troubadour in London.
The Weavers, who at one time were America's most popular folk group, gave their farewell concert at Orchestra Hall in Chicago in 1963. The group had hits in the late 40s and early 50s with songs like "Goodnight Irene" and "On Top of Old Smokey."
In 1964, the Liverpool Youth Employment Service announced that some applicants were finding it difficult to get jobs because their Beatle style haircuts and clothing were unacceptable to employers.
In 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made their debut on the UK TV show 'Top Of The Pops' performing "Hey Joe."
Working at Abbey Road studios in 1966, London, Paul McCartney began work on his new song "Penny Lane," recording six takes of keyboard tracks and various percussion effects.
Guitarist and singer Dave Mason quit Traffic in 1967 after differences of musical opinion.
The Doors appeared at The Family Dog, Denver, Colorado in 1967.
The first big rock festival held on the east coast, The Miami Festival, got under way in Hallandale, Florida in 1968. Tickets sold for six and seven dollars and 100,000 people turned out for the three day event. Those appearing included the hottest acts of the day, Jose Feliciano, Procol Harem, Three Dog Night, Chuck Berry, Fleetwood Mac, Marvin Gaye, The Turtles, Canned Heat and Joni Mitchell.
Jim Croce scored his second #1 US single of the year (1973) when "Time In A Bottle" went to the top of the charts. Croce was killed in a plane crash on the way to a concert on September 20, 1973.
In 1982, sets of commemorative stamps in memory of Bob Marley were issued in Jamaica.
In 1994 - Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes pled guilty to arson charges for setting fire to and destroyed boyfriend Andre Rison's $1 million Atlanta mansion.
In 2001, Aretha Franklin was suing a US newspaper which alleged that the star had alcohol problems. The singer's lawyers filed a federal lawsuit against the Florida-based Star claiming she was defamed by an article in the paper in December 2000 and were seeking $50m in damages.
Linkin Park and the American Red Cross create Music For Relief in 2004, to assist victims of the tsunamis that flooded southern Asia. "A lot more people are going to die from being homeless and the problems with the water and diseases," says Linkin Park guitarist Brad Delson. The group donates $100,000 to the cause.
Pearl Jam wins a legal battle in 2005 over the rights to the domain name pearljams.com. The band filed a complaint with the National Arbitration Forum saying the site's domain holder, Vertical Axis Inc., was using it to link to commercial sites that were unrelated to Pearl Jam.
Marilyn Manson's wife of one year, model/burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese (Heather Sweet), filed for divorce in 2007. Irreconcilable differences are cited as the reason along with Manson's heavier than usual drinking. His reported dating 19-year-old actress Evan Rachel Wood probably didn't help either. "She loved him so much, but he has too many demons," says one of Von Teese's friends. The couple are also locked in a custody battle over their pets. They allow him to have pets?
Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) was sued for copyright infringement in 2009. Vedder recorded "Hard Sun" for the soundtrack of Sean Penn’s film Into The Wild. Composer Gordon Peterson claims Vedder’s lyric changes are "eroding the integrity of the composition." Wonder if Peterson has cashed the royalty check?
Here is the month in review of the top selling ebay vinyl record sales, on a weekly basis, for October of 2010. First and foremost, a special thank you to Norm and Jane atVinyl Record Talk Be sure to listen to their popular radio show for more information about the weekly top 5, vinyl record news and as well as weekly guests.
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 10/02/2010
A Beatles "Please Please Me" revisits the top of the list. For the first time in many months two Northern Soul records make the list, and a little known Psych record from 1970 rounds out the Top 5.
1. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $3,750.00
2. 45 - Frankie Beverly and The Butlers "Because Of My Heart" / "I Want To Feel I'm Wanted" Fairmount - $2,850.00
3. LP - Sonny Clark "Cool Struttin'" Blue Note 1588 - $2,701.99
4. 45 - The Royal Imperials "This Heart Of Mine" / "Keep It Up Baby" Mello Town - $2,590.00
5. LP - Tripsichord "Music Box" San Francisco Sound - $2,555.00
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 10/09/2010
It's a Beatles sandwich this week, with a one-of-a-kind acetate on the top of the list, and another "Please Please Me" at the bottom. The Beatles acetate contains recordings of songs that ended up on "A Hard Day's Night", but reportedly with several alternate takes available nowhere else.
1. LP - The Beatles IBC Studio Acetate - $7,966.00
2. LP - Hailu Mergia & The Walis Band "Ethiopian Instrumentals" Kaifa Greek Pressing - $4,250.00
3. 45 - Jimmy Burns "I Really Love You" / "I Love You Girl" Erica - $4,216.00
4. 78 - Charley Patton "Shake It And Break It But Don't Let It Fall Mama" / "A Spoonful Blues" Paramount - $4,083.00
5. LP - The Beatles "Please Please Me" Parlophone UK Gold Black label 1st Stereo - $3,259.69
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 10/16/2010
For the first time in many months a Butcher Cover makes the list at the #5 spot, with a prog classic on Vertigo fetching thirty dollars more. A Northern Soul 45 makes the list again, and classical LP box set gets the #1 spot.
1. LP - Mozart a Paris Oubradous Pathe 7 LP Box Set - $6,999.00
2. 12" - Madonna "Erotica" UK Picture Disc withdrawn - $3,966.17
3. 45 - Lynn Terry "I Got A Good Thing Goin'" / "Till" - $3,716.00
5. LP - The Beatles "Yesterday and Today" LP Butcher First State Mono Promo with recall letter - $3,331.58
Top 5 eBay Vinyl Record Sales - Week Ending 10/23/2010
My favorite 45 makes the list this week; Mixed Feeling's "Sha La La" gets a little over $3k. This is the only stock copy to have ever made the Top 5 list, the others being white label promo's. Two classical box sets make the list, and a Beatles UK box set gets over $4k. A rare Psych LP on the Deram label rounds out this week's Top 5.
1. LP - Johanna Martzy "Bach: The unaccompanied Violin Sonatas" Columbia Box set UK - $5,756.90
2. LP - The Beatles "Let It Be" UK Box Set PXS 1 - $4,465.67
3. 45 - Mixed Feeling "Sha La La" / "Love Will Find A Way" United - $3,250.00
4. LP - Michele Auclair "JS Bach Sonates pour clavier et violon" Les Discophiles Francais - $3,150.00
5. LP - Room "Pre-Flight" Deram - $2,742.08
More on this month's top sellers on Vinyl Record Talk, Tuesday 8:00PM Eastern / 4:00PM Pacific on Radio Dentata.
UnCovered Interview - James Brown's Original Disco Man album cover by Bill Levy
Subject - the making of the cover of the James Brown album titled Original Disco Man, released in 1979 on Polydor Records.
After enjoying a career powered by a never-ending run of smash-hit singles and sold-out live shows, by the early 1970s, many members of James Brown’s classic line-up had left to start up their own acts (only Bobby Byrd remained) and so Mr. Brown set out to add some new life to his own career. He began this effort by putting together a new backing band called The J.B.’s, which included new musical director/trombonist Fred Wesley and musicians Bootsy and Catfish Collins. After releasing the hit single “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” in 1970, Brown took the band and his record catalog to a new label and distributor, Polydor Records, in 1971.
Brown also launched his own imprint – People – as a way to promote the talents of a number of his band-mates, including Lyn Collins, Hank Ballard and Fred Wesley & The J.B.’s, and he also demonstrated another aspect of his talents by scoring the 1973 film Black Caesar. More hits followed, including The Payback in 1973 and Funky President (People It’s Bad) in 1974, but when Fred Wesley left to join Parliament-Funkadelic and disco slick dance beats became the most-wanted style of popular music, record buyers began to lose interest in Brown’s hard funk focus and, as a result, his star power began to fade a bit.
Now, if you would ask any musician (or music critic) at the time about their feelings about The Godfather of Soul/Hardest-Working-Man-In-Show-Business, they would undoubtedly tell you that he was a major influence on their music/song-writing efforts, with composers from many genres – from jazz, rock, disco, world beat and others – all citing JB as one of their principal influences. His success and stature inside the record business made him both a desirable and precious commodity and one that his record label wanted handled with the same professionalism and respect he expected from all those who worked with him. To that end, they asked Art Director Bill Levy to bring his considerable talents, experience and ability to manage the sometimes-delicate egos of the musical acts he worked with to the table when it came time to produce the cover image for JB's 1979 release titled Original Disco Man. It is that story of creative endeavor and the mutual respect between two artists that is detailed here today in this UnCovered interview.
In the words of our subject, Art Director Bill Levy (interviewed in September and October, 2010) -
In 1979, I was the Creative and Art Director at Polydor Records. Our offices were at 810 Seventh Avenue in New York City and we had the 33th and 34th floors, linked via a circular stairway. James Brown and his People Records company had a production deal with Polydor and a suite of offices in the same building, a few floors below. Although James and his staff pretty much kept to themselves, we’d routinely have combined staff meetings to discuss any product that might be in the pipeline, etc. Prior to my arrival, James relied on his staff to work with various design studios for packaging.
Before coming to Polydor, I had worked with many artists and managers at Columbia and Decca / MCA, a highlight which included working hands-on creating the packaging for Jesus Christ Superstar with Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, along with a full-blown multimedia presentation for an 8-city radio/press tour we did to promote Superstar. We booked time in churches in each of these cities to present the new rock opera in its proper classic context.
My role at Polydor /Mercury initially included working with artists such as John Mellencamp and a young Billy Joel - along with his manager/producer, Artie Ripp - when they were readying Billy’s first album, Cold Harbor, for release. I remember casually asking Billy how he was feeling, and he answered with an eye-rolling, “How would you feel being re-mixed for the thirty-somethingth time?” Artie had a production deal with Polydor /PolyGram for so many releases per year so, needless to say, he would grind them out for the production money, referring to some of the releases as “slices of salami.” Since I wondered why he'd want to spend so much time promoting "salami slices" - as opposed to music he was really proud of - I suggested to Artie, "how about if we use a little code to let me know if you consider a release 'real music' or merely 'another slice of salami'. Since record labels at that time included an “M” for mono and an “S” for stereo, I said, why couldn’t that be a code: “M” for music and “S” for salami? Instead of getting pissed at me for being sarcastic, we shook hands and developed a good working relationship.
The roster of artists I’d work with later on at Polydor would grow to include Bon Jovi (and his manager, Doc McGee), Kool & The Gang and Yoko Ono, and I also worked on a lot of soundtrack packages, including Tommy for The Who and movies such as Chariots of Fire with Vangelis, A Chorus Line and two records for The Godfather, including one built around the wedding music they used in the original score. My team regularly included such talented people as Fred Marcellino, Bob Heimall, George Cursillo, Ernie Cefalu and John Kosh.
Anyway, when I came on board at Polydor, I was asked by our president, Bill Farr, to offer James packaging assistance and to try and earn his respect in this effort. I knew this would not be an easy task because, by James’ own direction, he was known to everyone at Polydor as “Mr. Brown” and he in turn would refer to everyone, all the way up the corporate pecking order, the same way.
When it came to packaging the Original Disco Man, I offered to personally take over the project, and he agreed. I brought in two colleagues of mine – Bob Heimall, the well-known designer, and top photographer Joel Brodsky. We booked a photo session, using a vacant NYC disco house as our set, and when I say "vacant", I mean during the day when a disco’s in its 'empty resting mode'.
The concept for the Original Disco Man way pretty basic. With James being a well-known personality trying to sort of reinvent himself by taking advantage of the disco craze, we thought that having a "throne" - which was actually a retro-fitted wingback chair - on the dance floor would be a nice touch. The shot would not necessarily show him sliding into action, but rather relaxing as the “man in charge” that he was. The session itself went pretty quickly.
When it came to final approval of the cover image, it was my style to show an artist or manager a tight comp with lettering done on a full-sized color print, etc. My thinking here was not to leave anything up to the imagination of those approving the cover. This approach had worked for me, over and over again, but when I showed Mr. Brown the finished Disco Man art and mechanical before releasing it to the printer for separations, he made it clear that he had his own idea of something he wanted added to complete the package.
'Mr. Levy,' he said, 'this is what I want. Because this album is going to be so big, I want to have a promotional 'belly band' around every copy that will say, ‘This will be the first hundred-million-selling album!’' I went on to list the reasons why we could not do what he was asking - first and foremost that it would be so obviously misleading that we’d be giving dealers a reason not to carry the album! He thought about this for a moment and added, 'Okay, then how about if we say 'This could be the…etc., etc.' I held my ground and explained further why I felt that it wouldn’t work. After a few moments of silence he stood up and I figured that was his way of saying that the meeting was over and it was time for me to leave. Instead, he came around to my side of his massive desk and put his hand on my shoulder. 'Mr. Levy,' he said, 'from now on, you’re ‘Bill’ and I’m ‘James.’'
I've been told that I'm the only one he ever extended this courtesy to, and I'm proud of that distinction to this day.
About the subject of this interview - Bill Levy (in his own words) -
As for some bio points - I started my career at Columbia Records after having been introduced to the GM there, Bill Gallagher, by a mutual friend. I was brought on as a trainee, which meant I was expected to help out any way possible. Since the company was still small at the time, I did a bit of everything - A&R work, writing, graphics and also producing a regular mailer to give our promo teams information on all of our new releases. Soon after, I was moved to a job in the promotions department, where I worked as the Creative/Art Director for Special Products, where I had clients such as Goodyear and American Airlines.
I then spent time at MCA (where I lead the project on Jesus Christ Superstar) and then followed Bill Gallagher to Gulf + Western's record group. This is the company ultimately morphed into Mercury/Polygram/Polydor Records, and I worked there until 1989, when I left the Isle of Manhattan for the Oasis of Scottsdale, Arizona.
I have been nominated 4 times for Grammy Best Package awards (in 1973, 1984 and twice in 1986). In fact, there’s a story there - in 1971, I tried to lobby the Grammy office to recognize JC Superstar as a candidate for Best Cover. They felt it was too ‘classical’ looking - which was the whole point - but resulted from this meeting was for the Academy to take my suggestion and change the term “Best Cover” to “Best Package.” It was at that same meeting that the famed music historian John Simon (of the Carly Simon family) that John asked me if I’d run for President of the NY NARAS Chapter. To quote John, he said, “Bill, you bring creative stability to a meeting.”
Since moving here, I’ve written a baker’s dozen of screenplays and novels, mostly in the entertainment / humor genre, and a basketball humor book for the Phoenix Suns. I also wrote a treatment for a TV game show based on everyone’s love affair with the movies (we pitched this to Blockbuster and there was serious ‘conference call’ interest…).
I've also served as the Production Designer on a full-length movie called Desert Snow, and am currently consulting on a documentary about J.C. Superstar.
I’m also producing a series of old world art reproductions based on manipulated images of Tuscany (printed on hand-made paper) and have also started to sell limited-edition prints of the many photos I've taken of musical acts I've worked with, including concert and studio shots of Janis Joplin/Big Brother & The Holding Company and The Who during performances of Tommy live at the Fillmore East.
For more information or just to say "hello", you can contact me via email at createzone@aol.com
Photo of Bill Levy in his studio in front of a copy of his Jesus Christ Superstar cover, signed by Rice & Webber.
About UnCovered -
Our ongoing series of interviews will give you, the music and art fan, a look at "The Making Of" the illustrations, photographs and designs of many of the most-recognized and influential images that have served to package and promote your all-time-favorite recordings.
In each UnCovered feature, we'll meet the artists, designers and photographers who produced these works of art and learn what motivated them, what processes they used, how they collaborated (or fought) with the musical acts, their management, their labels, etc. - all of the things that influenced the final product you saw then and still see today.
We hope that you enjoy these looks behind the scenes of the music-related art business and that you'll share your stories with us and fellow fans about what role these works of art - and the music they covered - played in your lives.
All images featured in this UnCovered story are Copyright 2010 Bill Levy - All rights reserved - and are used with his permission. Except as noted, all other text Copyright 2010 - Mike Goldstein & RockPoP Gallery (http://www.rockpopgallery.com) - All rights reserved.
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