George Jones and Gene Pitney Unlikely Pairing

Interesting angle on George Jones passing... 'the world's greatest country singer.' George just happened to record at the same record label, Musicor, as Gene Pitney,   rock and roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter but who really defied categorization. What seemed like an unlikely pairing recorded over 20 songs and an album together... and it worked... witnessed by this sampling. George called Gene his younger, 'little friend,' and ironically the hard-living Jones outlived Gene by 15 years. More @ http://oldiescountry.blogspot.com/

http://youtu.be/amQjP9B0LPY

Gene Pitney & George Jones - I'm A Fool To Care

A nice country song by th

MORE ON GEORGE JONES... ARTIST PAY TRIBUTE TO
'WORLD'S GREATEST COUNTRY SINGER'...

click here

By Matthew Diebel, NBC News
Opinion: Johnny Cash had a stock answer to that oft-asked question, “Who is your favorite singer?” “You mean,” he teased, “apart from George Jones?”
Yes, there’s pretty much universal agreement among country singers that Jones, who died Friday at age 81, was the greatest of all time. From the oldies – Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard – to the relative newbies – Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis – all were of one mind.

******************************

GEORGE JONES FUNERAL WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC...

'That's the way he would have wanted it,' says wife Nancy....

from Grand Ole Opry May Thursday May 2

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Vince Gill: ”There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.”

Garth Brooks: ”The greatest voice to ever grace country music will never die. Jones has a place in every heart that ever loved any kind of music.”

Alan Jackson: “Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.’”

Hank Williams Jr.: “Today is a sad day in Country music. We have lost another piece of history. George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend. He will be missed by many.”

Merle Haggard: ”The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen.”

Legendary KABL , KYA Radio Live On Starring Legendary Bill Moen, Gary Mora - K

http://kabl960.COM

Legendary KABL Radio Lives On Starring Legendary Bill Moen
http://KABL960.com     https://www.facebook.com/KABL960

        It's nice to see some of my past is still around. Was pleased to see Bill Moen's letter to the editor in San Francicsco Chronicle     the other day....  Moen was the lead broadcaster / DJ / Announcer on San Francisco-Oakland's KABL 'MOR' (middle of road) radio during the 'Golden Era' 1950s-60s right on up to not that many years ago when the station was, unceremoniously,  sold / changed - and never replaced (How could it be?)... So, what did Moen do but put his new digital  technical skills to work and keep the station on the air at KABL960.com. Give a listen! You'll be glad you did...


         Funny , growing up as a kid I didn't appreciate this kind of music as I do now..  Great variety, from big band to '50s crooners to even some of the better later music - and lots of Moen humor and trivia thrown in.... Didn't realize KABL was broadcast out of the legendary Cliff House Restaurant at Land's End, overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean (next to the old Sutro Bath House!  )


     We'll be doing some more features on KABL and Bill, I'm sure, in the future... San Francisco - Oakland had so many great stations during THE ERA... KSFO, KEWB, KYA, KDIA, KOBY along with KABL with legendary DJs or broadcasters like Don Sherwood, Russ The Moose Syracuse, Al Jazzbeau Collins, Bobby Dale, Gene Nelson, Tommy Saunders, Jumpin George Oxford, Roscoe, Big Daddy Tom Donahue -and many more.. Even legendary Gary Owens and Kasey Kasem (who celebrated a birthday recently) came through town (KEWB)  for a 'cup of coffee,' as they say.  KYA , we're happy to say, still LIVES much like Moen's KABL. You can listen to it here thanks to long time KYA DJ Gary Mora .  Gary's got some nice
airchecks linked from the San Francisco Radio Museum so you can listen to your favorites again ...

Russ "The Moose" Syracuse Emperor Gene Nelson Johnny Holliday The legendary 1260 KYA was the radio home of many of the most talented announcers in the history of the industry. Bay Area listeners were entertained over the years by stars such as Emperor Gene Nelson, Johnny Holliday, Tommy Saunders, Russ "The Moose" Syracuse, "Big Daddy" Tom Donahue,Jim Stagg, Chris Edwards, Tony Bigg, Peter Tripp, Gary Schaefer, Bwana Johnny, Norman Davis, Bob Mitchell, Casey Kasem, Ed Hider, Mike Cleary and Bill Holley, and legendary newsmen like Tony Tremayne, Larry Brownell, Brad Messer and John Ferriss. Learn more about these and other illustrious KYA alumni! Chris Edwards Mike Cleary Tom Campbell

Vintage Radio Store

Vintage Radio

And, while we're at it.. check out the Bay Area Radio Historical Museum @ http://BayAreaBackroads.blogspot.com(scroll to the last story)

American Bandstand Video - 30 Year Special features Anka, Avalon, Sedaka, Gore, Supremes Clark, Nelson

American Bandstand Video  - 30 Year Special  features Paul Anka, Frankie Avalon,Checker, Neil Sedaka,Leslie Gore,Supremes,Petula Clark,Rick Nelson and more

American Bandstand videos- 30th Year Renunion (1982) features over an h our of the top rock and roll artists including chubby checker, neil sedaka, rick nelson, supremes, leslie gore, petula clark, james brown, three dog night   VISIT http://www.OldiesCountry.com/american-bandstand-dancers-kenny-arlene-justine-and-bob During the 50s, Americans had their own version of "Dancing With The Stars." A few years back, the two couples featured on "American Bandstand" reminisced about their time on the show, this before the passing of Dick.. Would be good to hear their thoughts and memories of Dick... (CBSNews.com)  VISIT http://www.OldiesCountry.com/american-bandstand-dancers-kenny-arlene-justine-and-bob ***************************************************************

American Bandstand Collectables

and Memorabilia

AMERICAN BANDSTAND STORE

***************************************************************

Chubby Checker Remembers Dick Clark

"We danced to the music that Dick Clark played," says Chubby Checker. "The king of the disc jockeys has died and, because of him, we will never be the same." In 2008, Billboard named Checker's iconic smash "The Twist" the No. 1 song of the Billboard Hot 100's first 50 years. The song remains the only title to have logged two separate runs to No. 1, reigning the week of Sept. 24, 1960, and again the weeks of Jan. 13 and 20, 1962, after the song - and its revolutionary dance - experienced a second wave of pop culture fanfare. Checker might never have recorded the song, however, had it not been for Clark. The original version by the song's writer, Hank Ballard, won praise on "American Bandstand," but when Ballard was unavailable to perform it on the show, Clark suggested that Checker cover it to expose it further to "Bandstand" viewers. How did Checker get such a career-making nod? "I had worked with Clark on a recording session of 'Jingle Bells,' singing the song through impressions of other acts of the time," Checker recalls.


    


Clark is, in fact, even not-so-indirectly responsible for Checker's famed recording name. "Clark's wife was in the studio when I was recording that holiday project," Checker remembers. "I'd  had the nickname Chubby since I was 11 years old, and I was doing a Fats Domino impression. Mrs. Clark said, 'His name is Chubby, like Fats?' Well, then, his last name should be Checker, like Domino'." Checker says that the reach of "Bandstand" and the dance that "The Twist" inspired combined to change music forever. "Before 'The Twist,' you danced in rhythm with the song. With 'The Twist,' suddenly you're dancing apart from the beat, and not with your girl. Now, you see a girl across the floor that you've never seen before, you're nodding your head, you're seeing her dance ... By the time the song is over … whew," Checker says, chuckling at the song's impact on not only the development of early rock & roll and dance, but perhaps also on relations between the sexes ever since. "'Bandstand was around before 'The Twist," Checker says, "but, it was Clark's suggestion for me to record the song that caused an explosion for both the show and my career." "Just think," marvels Checker, "the No. 1 song of all-time … all because of Dick Clark and 'American Bandstand'."  

American Bandstand Video  - 30 Year Special  features Anka, Avalon,Checker, Sedaka,Gore,Supremes,Clark,Nelson

Dick Clark Remembered - Stars Remember Him, American Idol, Game Show Network, Hollywood Star

    

Hard to believe the self-proclaimed 'world's oldest teenager'  is gone...

and so is another piece of our youth...but his spirit and extensive catalog of great video,  music and memories   live on and continue to bring great pleasure to millions...

*****

One of Clark's many performers on 'Bandstand,'  Johnny Burnette may have 'Kept The Train a 'Rollin'  but Dick Clark kept The Rock  'a Rollin'  long after they said it would never last...  Play one more for me Mr. DJ, Dick Clark!

"Dick Clark was a pioneer, entrepreneur, showman, icon, legend. The first to truly integrate music and TV. We will march on with his vision."

-Ryan Seacrest

@RyanSeacrest great memories of Dick can be found at facebook.com/americanbandst… &facebook.com/NewYearsRockin…

about 2 hours ago 

American Bandstand shared a link.

April 16, 1958

Today Dion & The Belmonts performed ‘I Wonder Why’ on American Bandstand.

...And I'll give that one a '99'- Great music, great beat to dance to!

http://dickclark.com/news/how-will-you-remember-dick-clark/

FACEBOOK AMERICAN BANDSTAND

Dick Clark tributes planned on

'American Idol,' Game Show

Network

Dick Clark's death Wednesday is prompting near-instantaneous tributes from two television venues where his influence was strongly felt: "American Idol" and the Game Show Network."Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, Clark's heir apparent, who co-hosted the "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" specials for the past few years, announced on Twitter on Thursday that the upcoming "Idol" show would contain a tribute to Clark."We're putting together a tribute for Dick Clark on @AmericanIdol tonight...just talked to @dizzyfeet ["Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe]," Seacrest wrote.A visibly emotional Seacrest made brief mention of Clark's passing on Wednesday night's "Idol" by noting, "Without Dick, a show like this would not exist."Meanwhile, some of Clark's greatest nonmusical moments will be replayed over the weekend on Game Show Network, where original remembrances of the man also known as the host of "The $25,000 Pyramid" will be played during reruns of the game show on Friday at 3 a.m., 10 a.m. and during a 10-episode run from 7 p.m. to midnight. Additionally, two more episodes will air Saturday from noon until 1 p.m. (all times Eastern). Clark began hosting the show, then called "The $10,000 Pyramid," in 1973 on ABC. The title was changed to "The $20,000 Pyramid" in 1976. It was canceled in 1980 but returned in 1982 on CBS with a higher top prize, "The $25,000 Pyramid." Clark hosted until 1988. RELATED: Q & A: Dick Clark on 40 years of 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' Dick Clark: Chaperone to generations of music-loving teens Dick Clark: From 'American Bandstand' to 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' [video] 

Stars pay tribute to American TV

icon Dick Clark

By Hollie McKay Published April 18, 2012 FoxNews.com

In the wake of news that Dick Clark, 82, passed away on Wednesday, legions of stars and fans expressed their condolences and shared their fondest memories of the iconic American television personality. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life,” tweeted Ryan Seacrest, who worked closely with Clark for “New Years Rockin’ Eve.” “My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also prompt in expressing his gratitude toward Clark for making Times Square the prime destination to ring in the New Year. "Times Square is considered the crossroads of the world in no small part because Dick Clark's New Years Eve celebrations there were beamed across the globe,” he said in a statement. “I remember one New Years Eve, he and I stood in Times Square marveling about how much the area - and the City - had improved over the years. But Dick Clark never had to change - he was a great entertainer who stood the test of time. Generations of Americans grew up with Dick, and yet he seemed forever young. His spirit will always live on in Times Square, and in hearts of millions of New Yorkers."


        Debbie Gibson, a former guest on “American Bandstand,” referred to Clark as a “gentleman,” and tweeted that things “won’t be the same without him.” Fellow bandstand alum Sheila E offered “prayers to (her) friend Dick Clark.” “Dick Clark to sensor Sheila E’s wardrobe for American Bandstand. He told the network to let me do my thing… I loved him from that day!” she added. Marie Osmond went on to tweet that “In 1974, my first time on BandStand, I thought Dick Clark was the most handsome man in show business,” and Joan Rivers tweeted: “Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed!” Janet Jackson also took to twitter to convey her thoughts and prayers. “Dick Clark changed the face of musical television,” she wrote. “He was wonderful to many artists including our family. We will miss him. God bless.” Roseanne Barr tweeted a “RIP,” adding “he was always nice to me,” famed baseball player and manager Tommy Lasorda noted that he was “always a gentleman” on the occasions they met, Blake Shelton tweeted: “so proud I had the chance to shake hands with Dick Clark in my lifetime... Great man,” while Scott Baio tweeted that he “had the pleasure of meeting him. What a huge loss.” And according to Larry King, Clark was a man of many talents. “Dick Clark was a great friend, true legend, & a master journalist. Nobody did what he did better,” he tweeted. “It was a pleasure to be in his company.”


A slew of stars also credited Clark for inspiring themto pursue careers in entertainment and praised him for his vast contributions to show business. “REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir,” said rapper Snoop Dogg, as Loni Love thanked him “for helping black artists to get the exposure they needed so we could ALL enjoy their music!” Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, stated that “Dick Clark was an entertainment icon, bringing music into the homes of millions of Americans over his nearly 60-year career.” “Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends, fans, and all who have enjoyed his great contributions to music and entertainment,” Portnow continued. “He will be terribly missed, and his legacy will live on forever." Others remembered Clark for more than just his youthful love of music and fanfare. “You may remember Dick Clark as the world's oldest living teenager,” wrote Danny Bonaduce. “I'll remember him as the man who beat me in a pushup contest – he was 74.” Dick Clark, New Years Eve, American Bandstand and even Ryan Seacrest all became top trending topics on Twitter as news of his death circulated, with hundreds of thousands of fans joining celebrities in sharing their favorite Clark-related moments. But for some, the most fitting way to pay tribute was by retweeting one of his most memorable quotes. “If you want to stay young-looking, pick your parents very carefully,” thousands tweeted on Wednesday.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/04/18/stars-pay-tribute-to-american-tv-icon-dick-clark/#ixzz1sX0qL3ks

American Bandstand Studios Reopen ! Bandstand Memorabilia, Collectables

Original American Bandstand Studios Reopen ! Former Bandstand Dancers Are Back

Former 'Bandstand' dancers take

to floor of old Philly studio in

Clark tribute

By Kristin E. Holmes Inquirer Staff Writer

1 of 5

View images

RELATED VIDEO

American Bandstand

Teens forever, they came to dance

Dick Clark, 'Bandstand' put Philly on cultural map

         Former American Bandstand dancer Tommy "Crazy Legs" Davis leaned in to examine the enlarged pictures on the walls in Studio B, looking for himself in the photos that captured the Philadelphia heyday of the rock-and-roll dance party hosted by Dick Clark. Back then, Davis was a thin, 129-pound teenager from Roxborough with curly blond hair. On Saturday, he was an older version of himself with less hair and a few more pounds but the same love for the TV show and Clark, who died Wednesday in Los Angeles at 82. "My biggest thrill was dancing with Patti Page," said Davis, 70, of Jenkintown, who was a regular on the show from 1955 to 1957. "Dick pulled me down from the bleachers." Davis was among the hundreds of formerAmerican Bandstand dancers and fans who flooded Studio B at the former WFIL-TV station - the original home of the dance program - to bop, stroll, and twist in Clark's memory. The building at 4548 Market St. now houses the Enterprise Center, a nonprofit group that helps minority and disadvantaged entrepreneurs start their own businesses. Studio B is rented out for events such as parties and wedding receptions. The center opened for public tours Saturday because officials had received so many requests to visit the building since Clark's death, said Della Clark (no relation), who is president of the center.



      From the speakers, the sounds of Chubby Checker, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the Beatles provided music with good beats that were easy to dance to. Arnold Jones, a retired bus driver from North Philadelphia, twirled Grace Short, who works in food service. Jones, 69, danced on the show twice in the late 1950s. Short, 64, of West Philadelphia, was a regular in 1960 and 1961. "I saw a few black dancers who I watched [on TV], so I figured the show was for anybody who wanted to come," Short said. At the show, she saw James Brown perform in person, and even danced with a white partner. The first-floor studio is lined with plaques, posters, and other Bandstand memorabilia that the center obtained when Clark auctioned off some of his possessions in 2006. The building, one of the first to be built as a television station, was the home of American Bandstand until the show moved to Los Angeles in 1964. It later housed WHYY Studios, but fell into disrepair when the public-TV station moved in 1979. MORE

'American Bandstand' studios   reopen for tours  in Wake of Dick Clark's Passing

April 20, 2012, 3:58 p.m. CDT

McClatchy/Tribune - MCT Information Services

PHILADELPHIA _ For seven years it was a hot spot of teenage American pop culture. From 1957 until 1964, Dick Clark hosted "American Bandstand" at the West Philadelphia studios of WFIL-TV, where thousands of teens dreamed of appearing on the hit show. But few actually got the chance to dance inside the nondescript building in the shadow of the Market-Frankford El at 46th and Market streets. If you were one of those teens who yearned for your "Bandstand" moment, here's your chance. On Saturday between noon and 3 p.m. the current owners will open the former Studio B for three hours of tours, reminiscing, and perhaps, one last Twist on the dance floor. "We'll put on some music and let people have their moment," said Jeff Wicklund of the Enterprise Center, a nonprofit business incubator which purchased the building in 1995. "We're just trying to be good stewards of the 'Bandstand' legacy." ***************************************************************

AMERICAN BANDSTAND STORE

 

American Bandstand Dancers Kenny, Arlene, Justine and Bob, American Bandstand Memorabilia, Collectables

*************************************************************** Fans of the show have flocked to the building, dropping off flowers and cards since Clark's death on Wednesday, Wicklund said. "There have been a lot of people coming through asking to take a few pictures in studio," he said. "It's fairly well preserved with photos, mementos and a mural on the wall." When the Enterprise Center bought the structure, it had been abandoned for almost 20 years. It's now on the National Register of Historic Places. Wicklund said the Center has established an endowment to maintain the "Bandstand" studios, which now play host to private parties, high school proms, weddings and fashion shows. To fund the endowment, the Center is asking for a $20 contribution for admission on Saturday. "If you can help us out it would be great," Wicklund said. "But we're not going to turn anybody away who can't afford it."   ___ (c)2012 The


Philadelphia Inquirer  

  VISIT AGAIN WITH KENNY, ARLENE, JUSTINE AND BOB @ http://www.OldiesCountry.com/american-bandstand-dancers-kenny-arlene-justine-and-bob See original American Bandstand Dancers get together a few years back to reminisce about their days on American Bandstand in the fifties and sixies. This was before the passing Dick Clark. would be good to get them back and share their thoughts and memories of Clark... Here we have a 30 Year Tribute to Bandstand (1982), featuring a montage of artists, one for each year beginning about 1958 including great videos of Paul Anka, Rick Nelson, Neil Sedaka,Leslie Gore, Supremes, Petula clark, Mommas and Papas, Aretha Franklin, SimonThree Dog Night etc... More Bandstand memories @ http://www.OldiesCountry.com/american-bandstand-dancers-kenny-arlene-justine-and-bob

American Banstand Dancers - Originals Kenny, Arlene, Bob, Justine Reminisce, James Brown

American Bandstand Dancers Kenny, Arlene, Justine and Bob, James Brown

During the 50s, Americans had their own version of "Dancing With The Stars." A few years back, the two couples featured on "American Bandstand" reminisced about their time on the show, this before the passing of Dick.. Would be good to hear their thoughts and memories of Dick... (CBSNews.com)

 


Dick Clark interviews James Brown on American Bandstand. Clark playfully asks Brown to show his "inimitable" way of walking. After that, Brown talks about his work in Paris and thanks Clark for helping him when he was beginning his career.

see MORE DICK CLARK - AMERICAN BANDSTAND @ http://OldiesCountry.com
 

American Bandstand Dancers Kenny, Arlene, Justine and Bob, James Brown

Dick Clark, American Bandstand Remembered

Dick Clark, American Bandstand Remembered in Tribute Videos

Dick Clark and American Bandstand were given nice sendoffs on several national programs including American Idol, 'Pyramid' game show (created originally by Clark) and Daytime Emmys... Many of us have weighed in with their own video tributes, including thorugh the 'magic' of video and Youtube. Here are a couple we found on You Tube that we liked. Credits to M2Productions and Stevie Wonder with some touching background music and luvjrnyfovever for the second. Featured are a lot of the artists that cut their teeth at American Bandstand, such as Chubby Checker, Sam Cooke, Frankie Valli and Barry Manilow, who wrote the theme to American Bandstand, which plays in the background of the second video. Thanks!





Dick Clark, American Bandstand Remembered in Tribute Videos



 AND... A LITTLE LATER WE DID THIS OFFBEAT TRIBUTE TO CLARK...


  1/1/13

Dear Dick Clark,

Turn over in your grave if you haven't already.  We really missed you for the New Year's Ball drop this year. 

Not that your past few New Year's shows were anything to write home about but  at least you were there and you probably would have never let on that Korean rapper who features x-rated lyrics and expressed desire to kill Americans.  Of course it was ok for  President Obama to watch him perform ,recently, so I guess it was ok for the new powers who be to have him on the show  . There was also something named Pitbull and that known slut, if you will, who liplocked any man in sight, looking like she was going to strangle the mild-mannered,  diminutive Ryan Seacrest. No body of the values we grew up with in sight. Seacrest we thought to be a decent guy in the Dick Clark mold, but maybe now he, too, has gone off the moral cliff, as it were. Other than some nice words about you, he certainly dropped the ball in this first performance without you around - or maybe he has no choice with today's programming as it is.  We can't give you any further review since we had to change the channel right after that display following the ball drop. Dick Clark at least added a little sanity to what's left of New Years Eve and TV viewing.  Appropriately named Twilight Zone marathon on SciFi helped to wipe out the  otherwise nightmare for us New Years Eve, not to be remembered. -JB,  http://www.RoadToSuccess.us/blog

 Dick Clark Please Come Back

FREE MOVIE NIGHT at Bay Area's Last DRIVE IN MOVIE...Hurry Over!

 

NOT  TO LATE TO GET OVER TO see FREE Movies at the Last Bay Area Drive In Movie - the SOLANO DRIVE IN, 1611 Solano Way, Concord - 925-825-1951

      Solano Drive in as it was in 1959[/caption]   As we've noted before, Solano is the last remaining Drive In movie in the Bay Area... and one of  few in the nation... There were nearly 5,000 such theaters in the 1950s and today only a few dozen ...  Obviously, Solano is doing this FREE Movie to help boost sales. If things don't pick up we may lose our last Bay Area drive in movie!  So, try to make it out there and /or support it!      

Rachelle Spector - A Reason to Reconsider Phil Spector Case

 http://www.jazzwax.com/2013/04/interview-rachelle-spector.html

A new story develops behind the Phil Spector Case and Saga. I thought that when Spector lost his case and was sent to prison for all practical purposes the rest of his life that he was through. In fact, I wondered if a man of his split personality and small and somewhat frail stature could survive in a prison of murderers.  Perhaps Spector HAS a chance - and it may be because of a devoted wife. Laugh if you will... as many have already in the articles we've seen.  



Interesting story coming out  about Rachelle Spector, the wife of the infamous Phil Spector. She's been with Spector off and on for about 10 years and has most recently wrote a song for him, 'P.S. I Love You,' which she is promoting in what we see in a fairly quiet, tasteful way. Limited interviews and with something to say, in our opinion.  One such recent interview appears here, from Jazzwax.com



   One has to at least have an open mind about what Ms. Spector is doing...basically a one person publicity effort to change public opinion about the man, from that of an abusive, ego-maniacal husband and producer to someone with a charming and softer side if it is allowed to come out.  I personally saw some of this latter side in the rare , movie -interview,Agony and Ecstacy of Phil Spector,which is available thru normal video channels. I suggest skeptics watch this and keep an open mind re Spector. His case resulted in a hung jury first time and then a non -unanimous jury; his is not a simple closed case.  I haven't seen lawyers or publicists speaking for Rachelle Spector. She seems to be doing it all her own.  Whatever you think of her, I hope she can maintain her dignity,   composure - and sanity amongst the TMZ's of the world  and stay clear of papparazi who may want to tarnish her and and Phil Spector's reputation further. The man's already in jail, essentially for life; what more do you want from him? 



Yes, I'm a fan of Spector's music, and , with that, I've taken the time to learn about the man, his difficult background and problems he's had 'fitting in.'  He's not the first.  Phil Spector is an interesting character of whom many people have come to appreciate after looking at the whole man. Sure, it's easy to laugh him off as some  crazed and wigged-out reclusive music producer from another era .  Perfect fodder for an insensitive  media today  that will make life-threatening  fun of people  at the drop of a hat . Bullying can happen to older folks, too.  It's no wonder we're  moving more and more to a homogenized society that no longer allows for unique personalities, that can easily make fun of  talented people because they don't look or act the part that we're 'supposed to'.  So much for that caring, 'transparent' society they try to tell us we're living in. No wonder suicide rates are skyrocketing as is violence in America..  Maybe the 'intolerant ' 1950s that allowed for real characters wasn't all that intolerant  after all. (al be it , in the South).  just ask older folks today who've lived through it all and they'll tell you more and more why they call it 'the good old days.'




Here's what would appear a decent woman, Rachelle Spector, who has known Spector well for 10 years. She's sacrificing the prime of her life to support him . She could certainly find another rich man who could do more for her now than   Phil can do from behind bars.  It was a terrible thing that happened to Lana Clarkson. But to automatically write off Phil Spector as a crazed murderer based largely on past reputation is wrong, triial or no trial. Rachelle Spector has a long, uphill battle.   Many would have walked away years ago but she hasn't.  At the very least let's try to appreciate this person who HAS stood by her man through thick and thin. How much longer she can do it must be in question. Without her still in his life, Phil Spector could easily become yet another   victim of not only our out of control prison system but of our increasingly intolerant culture.

ROY ORBISON Birthday ! (4-23) Retrospective,Tributes from Bruce, Neil Diamond,Wilburys and Elvis Surprise!

Beatles John and Ringo , along with Roy's first wife, Claudette (dark hair) celebrate Roy's 27th in UK 50 years ago today. Pictured below is one of Orbison's two sons who would later die in housefire in 1968.

        Cheers on what would be his 77th birthday to the man, Roy Orbison, who Rolling Stone Magazine once wrote off as an 'insignificant' figure in rock and roll - that before all the big names schmoozed him on Black & White concert,etc on the big comeback (not that Roy had really ever gone away)!  



 
      

  

 Bruce Springsteen and 10,000 fans Sing Happy Birthday to Roy





 

 'Pretty Woman,' Roy Orbison's blockbuster hit from 1964, here in a Spanish presentation combining Orbison's  first big national appearance, on Ed Sullivan in 1965, along with interspersed background scenes from the movie, 'Pretty Woman,' which would help Roy, even in death, continue his new found popularity. Producers of the movie had originally wanted a younger voice to sing the song, but Roy won out as nobody could sing it like Roy.






 

The eerily, beautiful video from the movie, Blue Velvet, 1986, which raised eyebrows for using Orbison's 'innocent, sweet song' In Dreams  in such a strange, violent movie, but
a key factor in propelling Orbison back into the spotlight in late Seventies and Eighties. It's the most popular Roy YouTube video with over 5 million viewings!   Today Orbison is the second most popular and top selling artist next to Elvis from the pre-Beatles rock and roll era (1955-63). As a barometor of today, his facebook page has over 600,000 fan 'likes'; by contrast, Jerry Lee Lewis , who is alive, has  130,000 .








   

 ROY ORBISON still in the national spotlight witj one of many appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand, lipsynching 'Oh Pretty Woman' before an enthusiasic throng of teenagers. Includes an interview, where Orbison talks about his upcoming movie.





   


 And, here's Roy in a medley of songs and scenes from his only movie 'Fastest Guitar Alive,' beginning with an impressive flamenco presentation by Roy on 'Pistolero.' Other songs include 'Good Time Party,' and the beat balad, 'Whirlwind.'






   


With the Boston tragedy still on our minds, here's the associated song, Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline,' performed by Orbison in Australia in the 1970s





 

 Orbison surprises Neil Diamond at a concert and sings 'Sung Song Blue ' together with Diamond and then performs 'Running Scared' solo (Pretty unusual for an artists to be brought on to sing
one of his own songs, unplanned, in someone else's concert !  (2-19-76)  ) 









 


 There were so many things that helped cement the Roy Orbison Comeback, which effectively began the night of Elvis' passing, August 17, 1977 when Roy managed to perform without a dry eye in the sold out Santa Monica auditorium before over 10,000 folks.  Orbison hadn't been appearing much in the 1970s - an RV show in Cincinatti before 600 in 1976 was pretty typical .  This would be a springboard for Orbison, who would  continue  to perform  regularly now and appear on TV more than ever , but his appearance with his old and new found adoring music associates that came together in the 'Black and White Night' tribute performance at Los Angeles' Coconut Grove might have been the single biggest contributing factor to his 10 year long comeback that culminated with the Traveling Wilburys and Mystery Girl top five album.  



Here Roy sings on an 'extra,' BLUE ANGEL -not included in the regular Black and White Night program footage that has been seen around the world thousands of times since first aired in 1987 on PBS TV. Backed by the likes of kd lang, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, James Burton and more, this is the tribute performance of all tributes, coming after Roy's Hall of Fame induction.  







 

 Orbison singing the Star Spangled Banner at a Los Angeles King hockey game, October 1988






 

 ROY ORBISON on top of the Rock World again with new Top Ten song, ' You Got It ', here performing the song live at an awards reception in Holland shortly before his passing in 1988.
It was the lead song from his new, comeback solo album, 'Mystery Girl' . The song would reach number nine  on the charts and the album number five. Sadly , Orbison passed before the album
was released and this was the only live performance of an album cut.










 


Intimate back stage footage of Roy working on his last album, .  'Mystery Girl,'  including
footage of 'leftover' songs used on subsequent, posthumous LP, 'King of Hearts.' (West 57th)









 

 TRAVELING WILBURYs Remember Roy






 


 More recent tributes, from Hollywood Walk of Fame presentation two years ago with Roy's wife , Barbara, and three living sons, Wesley, Alex, and Roy Kelton Jr, T Bone Burnett, Dan Akroid and others








And, now get read for a Big Surprise!
Ever wondered what Roy and Elvis might be doing today if they were still alive?
Well... here is it!
ELVIS PRESLEY and ROY ORBISON Together Again !  Amazing but true.   Elvis and Roy had long talked of doing a duet together. And, now, through   powers unbeknownst   to us... a dream
come true... the duet, 'Together Again.' 
  
We are told through  mysterious sources  that Roy and Elvis want  to return to Earth for a project -  and this is their first effort from their proposed 'Where Spirits Fly'  .  We will hope to channel them again , soon, and let you know if and when we do




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FREE Movies Thursday @ Bay Area's Last Drive In Theater

West Wind, which owns the historic Solano Drive In  in Concord, CA, announced that Solano will be presenting totally FREE  movies and  car entrance on  this Thursday night , April 25.  Not only can you   experience the last of a breed - the drive in movie that was so popular in the 1950s and has all but gone the way of Pee Wee Golf Courses and Roller Rinks with increased land values and the modern times - but it's   FREE  for now.   Perhaps if there's a big turnout they'll keep running the promotion.

THE SOLANO DRIVE IN as it appeared in the late 1950s.

There were over 3,000 drive in movies during the height of their popularity in the 1950s. Today, there are literally a handful left

The  old drive ins, where kids were known to watch the 'submarine races' (ask your folks what that means) sometimes more than the movie itself , have fallen on hard times. With the advent of digital movie houses and increased land values - and people's busy lives - the experience of putting the family in the car and spending the night at the drive in movies has become pretty much a thing of the past, except in Concord, CA and few other , mostly suburbs.    There are pitifully few drive in movies in the rest of the country - and pretty much limited to the warm weather states in the south.

Remaining Drive ins like Solano are used as Swap Meets during days due to increased costs

So, if you're lucky enough to live in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Who knows how much longer even the Solano will stay in business. We've lost most of our big city bowling alleys along with roller rinks, pee wee golf palaces and food drive-ins, so enjoy it while you can!

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