Claude’s Commentary.10

Claude’s Commentary.10

April 12, 2014

By Claude Hall

 

About a ton of emails circulating regarding the 50^th anniversary of Don Graham in the music business.  Nothing left for me to say except “Great on You, Don!”  I would hate to think of a world without Don Graham.  Especially my world.

 

Bob Walker:  “Claude, your mention of Stan and Sis Kaplan fired up a few memories… but I don’t remember if it was George Wilson or David Moorhead that brought me to Charlotte and ‘Big WAYS’.  In any event, when I arrived at the airport there was a jock there to greet me and give me the keys to Stan’s new sports car.  Well, I didn’t know Charlotte, so I refused the keys and gave them back to the jock on the condition that he pick me up at the hotel, take me to the station and, following our recording session, return me to the airport.  Here’s where the stroke of two years ago comes in … I cannot remember his name, but he went on to become a star of radio, played Carla’s husband on ‘Cheers’ and frequently visited with Letterman.  I guess nothing was spared in giving me a driver that weekend.  It just came back, George and I shared a breakfast orange juice in Miami, so it must have been David that sent me to Big Ways.  I emailed Warren Brown that you had included his attendance at David’s funeral while David’s ashes had been shipped to Chicago for internment – which was the service I attended.”

 

Anyone not know the name of the WAYS jock mentioned?  If not, send me a three-dollar bill and I’ll email his name to you.

 

Morris Diamond:  “Thanks for your Commentary.9.  You help stirrup the memory parts of my brain when you take me on the Jazz trip to Greenwich Village and come up with such great talent as Paul Butterfield.  W O W.  Speaking of the Kentucky Derby, in the early 70s I hung out quite a bit with Telly Savalas ... since the-mid 50s when he was a young producer of a late night DJ show on WJZ in NYC.  He and film producer, Howard Koch, each shelled up $3,000 to purchase a horse that they renamed Telly's Pop.  Of course, in those days, Telly was hot with his ‘KOJAK’ TV show.  The horse was winning races all over the place.  After winning the California Triple Crown for 2-year-olds, there was no question that Telly's Pop will be the west coast entry for the Kentucky Derby.  Except that 3 months before the derby, Telly's Pop came down with a chipped hoof ... ran a few races that way ... came in 6th & 7^th ... and there went his chance for the Derby.  However, Telly was still invited to the Derby to be the grand marshal and asked me to join him.  This is like going to the Grammy's, The Emmy's, The City of Hope Gala and every notable affair in our industry.  I was in 7th heaven.  We were treated like royalty.  All the mint juleps at parties ... in our box at the Derby was the Governor of Kentucky.  I cherish those days.  At that point, Telly's Pop was sent out to pasture ... no more races.  It is estimated that the horse, excuse the expression, in his hay days, earned close to a half million dollars.  It was fun while it lasted ... most of the fun being in the fotos that were taken in the winner's circle.”

 

Normally, I’ll touchup a word here and there, but, Morris, I do love your use of the word “stirrup” while talking about Telly’s Pop.  Touch of a genius!  Great on you!

 

Lyn Stanley:  “Thank you, Claude!   So kind of you.

Love the stories today!  You have had such an interesting career ... and your political commentary is so right ON!!  :))

Have a great week.”

 

Lyn, you’re absolutely correct.  I’ve had a great, wonderful life.  I suppose I was in the right place at the right time and got very, very lucky!  Guys like Don Graham and Frank Mancini and George Furness and Juggy Gales helped me immensely.  George Wilson and Harvey Glascock and Frank Ward, too.  The legendary radio man George Wilson used to take a thermos of coffee and go to Disneyland and sit on a bench.  Watch people.  His methodology of keeping grounded.  I used to take Barbara and the kids and go camping in the Sequoias.  You stare awhile at a tree 2,000 years old and it sorta puts you back in perspective.  Once, Bobby and Karen Vee and kids went with us.  We camped at Lodgepole along the stream.  Karen made some great s’mores.  As you grow increasingly famous, Lyn, I recommend those Sequoias.  Big time!  Can’t help you on the s’mores, though.

 

Joe Collins:  “Claude, you mentioned Don Graham in today's column.  In the Summer of 1964, I went to San Francisco for a visit, while working at KVEC AM in San Luis Obispo.  I visited Jack Carney, who was doing noon to 4 p.m. on KSFO.  While in the booth with Jack, he introduced me on the air as a ‘young man, starting out in radio down in San Luis Obispo’, then proceeded to hand me a sheet of ‘live’ copy for one of KSFO's clients, and asked me to read it cold, right then, so I somewhat nervously read it thru, and made no mistakes, on the air in San Francisco at 18, WOW ... I could have passed out.  Then, while visiting Jack, a local record promoter came into the booth, and started hyping Jack on some single he was promoting.  The ‘local’ promoter was Don Graham, who called on me years later when I was programming Album Rock KBOS-FM in Fresno.  I would often remind Don of that first time we met at KSFO some 18 years earlier.  Also enjoyed you mentioning Chico Hamilton.  When I was doing my jazz program, I used to play ‘Conquistador’ with Chico and Gabor Szabo on Impulse a lot.  Bobby Dale used to play Chico late at night on KSFO, and once in awhile, he'd play it on KSAN during the times he helped Tom Donahue out on Saturday nights.  Thanks for your column.”

 

Joe Collins later: “ I didn't mention this, but when Harve got out of Chino, for 2 weeks, right after his release, David Morehead gave him a job as a board operator on the KMET side of Metromedia, when we were on Wilshire Blvd. across from the tar pits.  Harve was my board engineer for my show for about 2 weeks, then he shows up at KKDJ, working for Rick Carroll.  Harve used to laugh at all the Bobby Dale stories I told him, (never told him the KSFO story about the night the police were out looking for him, and Bobby's remark), but many other Bobby stories.  Bobby Dale was probably one of the 3 or 4 greatest air talents I'd ever heard in my life.  I delivered one of the eulogies at his memorial service in San Rafael in 2001.  p.s. You mentioned that Bobby had an affection for Cutty Sark, and lots of cigarettes.  He used to light one off the end of the last one he was smoking.  The only other person I knew who smoked that much was Steven Clean at KMET.  But, Bobby didn't have one drink or cigarette over the last 10 years of his life, due to health issues and his doctor's advice.  One night, shortly before he passed, we spoke over the phone, and I asked if he missed cigarettes, and his answer was, ‘every day’.”

 

LAWRENCE MATTERS

I’m going to talk of Steve Lawrence and his new CD “When You Come Back to Me Again” on Curb Records.  Lawrence’s voice hasn’t aged a bit and I recall my years in New York City when Steve Lawrence and his late wife Eydie Gorme were the darlings of WNEW, one of the greatest show business radio stations in the world.   Beautiful music on this new CD.  Dream music.  Something to relax by.  Love by.  Loved everything, especially “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “I Was a Fool to Let You Go,” and my favorite “Our Day Will Come.”  Ron Dante has accomplished an outstanding producing job.

 

I’m positive that I caught a Steve and Eydie live performance together at some point.  Probably reviewed them for Billboard.  Too many years have passed for me to remember if it was at a WNEW private taping of an hour special at the Blue Room or some other venue.  And, of course, this act was always on television or in some movie.  They were literally an important part of the American life.

 

Thus I’m so pleased at the staying power Steve Lawrence expresses.  And not just staying power, but a certain magic.  This guy has done it all and yet on this CD presents a damned good show.  What a delight.  What great entertainment!  If I might display a disappointment, it’s that Steve stayed within his musical realm and my wish is that he explored more … a different kind of song, different arrangements, a couple of exciting young musicians to back his excellent vocals.  But, more than likely this particular CD was the one aimed for … sort of a tribute to his late wife.  But this, good people, is THE Steve Lawrence.  Thus, I expected more.  Something which would set my hands clapping, my feet stomping and my soul soaring.  Yes, I realize that you’ve been feted by kings and queens, Steve.  What a magnificent career!  My compliments.

 

I’m “stealing” an email or two that’s been circulated, which was written to Don Graham.  Just to show what someone currently in show business might think of the Lawrence CD.  There were many such emails, by the way, written to Don, all praising Steve as if he were some kind of god.  Which, I guess he actually is.

 

Barb Bailey to Don: “Thank you for sending along Steve Lawrence's new album.  I am old school. So is Steve Lawrence & this record proves that old school is very much alive & well!  Great song choices & arrangements & he is still singing great!  I'll be listening to it in my car today while in gridlock on my way to a meeting!”

 

Charlie Barrett to Don:  “A half century of 5 years before I 1st met you sweetheart ... congrats to U ... is it 45 years ago since we were working BLUE THUMB RECS. w/Bob K at Capitol circa 1969? ... yes ... tempus fugit.  All my best to you and so glad we both met our pal Jack R ... and all the goodness he spread and left us all with.”

 

I tried to send Barrett a note that I’d added them to my mailing list so they could read this Commentary, but got a questionnaire and I’m too old to mess with filling out questionnaires just so someone can read this column.

 

Joey Reynolds:  “Don is one of the brightest men I have ever known, he is a star behind the spotlight, an entertaining hit show when the event fails, a smart ass before there was Howard Stern, and a compassionate person in real life, you gotta love the guy.  The only time I ever had an issue with Don was at Martonis where they guarded the grated cheese like the Holy Grail.  When Sal took over from Mario and Tony he kept the cheese in a vault.  One day I reached for Don's cheese at another table and he flipped out.  I had an easier time dealing with cocaine than the Pecorino Romano stinky feet cheese. You know how it is when you can't have something you really want?  I am clean and sober 40 years from cocaine but have a cheese addiction thanks to Don Graham.”

 

Brad "Martini" Chambers, who does the Internet show “Martini in the Morning”:  “To my good friend, Don Graham -- I wanted to add one more voice to the chorus of praise for Steve Lawrence and this fabulous new album.  Back in mid-February, I received the attached email from Ron Dante.  That the lead singer of the Archies, the Cufflinks and producer of Barry Manilow hits like ‘Mandy’, ‘Copacabana’ and ‘Could It Be Magic’ thought he had to explain who he is speaks volumes about the guy who produced this great comeback album for Steve Lawrence.

 

“We started playing Steve's incredible rendition of Barry Manilow penned ‘I Was a Fool to Let You Go’, from the MP3  Ron attached to the email.  I couldn't wait for the CD!  I remember playing the song from Barry Manilow's ‘Even Now’ album, but hearing Steve's very contemporary delivery is pure Steve Lawrence, and perfect for ‘Martini in the Morning’. Reaction to this song and several others we're featuring for our worldwide audience has been nothing short of amazing.  Thanks, Don, for your efforts to make this great album a must-buy for every music fan.  Thanks also to Ron Dante, and thanks most of all to Steve Lawrence for coming back to us again.”

 

Lord, but I remember the Archies!  My youngest son, Andy was a mere babe and he was into “Sugar Sugar” and wore out an 8-track featuring the Archies in that little MG that I drove at the time.  You know, I sorta liked the 8-track.

 

OTHER MATTERS

Frank Jolley at Liberty Pictures, Hollywood:  “Hi and thank you for your column.  Congratulations for keeping us alive.  I'd like to extend greetings (through your column) to names from my past who have both inspired me, encouraged me and competed with me in various markets namely: Red Jones, Woody Roberts, Bob Wilson, Danny Davis, Bob Walker and Johnny Barger, just to mention a few.  I'm still alive and kicking, too. At this time we are in the process of reviving both ‘John R's Radio Show’ and Bill Drake’s ‘History’ via ROCKHOUSE.mobi. Soon the net will be airing both Rockhouse and other fine oldies shows for worldwide consumption.  Hope I don't let anyone down with my brand of Rock and Roll.”

 

Frank, play a Connie Francis for me, will you?  Just FYI, that photo you gave me of you and other KBOX staffers with the McLendon banner still crops up on my desktop.  Gets a good chuckle every time!  And, just FYI, I guess we ought to mention the name of Ron Jacobs in connection to “The History of Rock and Roll.”  More than Drake, I think.

 

Ted Cramer:  “Bob Robin was ‘Bobbin' With Robin’ on WHB in Kansas City for several years.  His real name (if this is the same one and I think it is because he worked for Storz) is Bob Sticht and when I was at WSM in the early 90s, Bob was at WAMB in Nashville playing ‘Music of Your Life’ type stuff.  He remained there for several years.  Hope all is well with you.”

 

And then Ted sent an email:  “Cancel what I said.  This was obviously not the same Bob Robin!”

 

Ted, you can’t imagine how many times I’ve had guys tell me, “I was such and such back on so and so.”  The funniest time was when a guy in a nice suit and tie and wearing gold-frame spectacles passed by at a meeting – in Texas, I think -- and said “Hi” and I said “Hi” and he walked on and then he stopped, turned, and came back and said “I’m Woody Roberts” and I almost fell out of my chair.  Recognize him?  Not a chance!  Last time I’d seen him was in Hartford, CT, and he was wearing something like blue jeans, a sweat shirt, and sandals.  He was programming WPOP at the time.  And that’s the great tale Bob Weisbuch has written about in his book “Hitbound,” as yet unpublished.  When Woody and Lee Baby Simms went up against WDRC and Charlie Parker and Joey Reynolds and Bertha Porter.  May the good lord bless and keep Bertha Porter.

 

Read in LARP.com of the passing of Dave Diamond … later had emails from Timmy Manocheo and Ken Levine.  This, I hated to see.  Just about the time he finished his KHJ stint in Los Angeles, Dave was hanging around the West Coast Writer’s Conspiracy, an avant garde literary magazine that Barbara and I published out of our living room in Bel Air.  He had a short story published in the quarterly.  And, about the same time, had a book of short stories published.  That book, autographed, is probably still around the house somewhere.  This is a recent email I had from Dave that I thought you’d like to see.

 

Dave Diamond:  “So glad hear from you and to know you are well and happy.  When I left KFI and LA I had a teaching gig in Iowa for 16 years and I have been here at Black Hills State University, in the mountains here in Western South Dakota, I live a couple miles from the Wyoming line.  I was born and raised in South Dakota.  I have been at BHSU 17 years.  I am semi-retired, prof. emeritus.  I had a novel come out a couple years ago – ‘COOL HAND IN A HOT FIRE’, published by Daniels and Daniels in California. It is still available in Amazon.  My best to you and Barbara.”

 

We come, we do, we go.

 

Then:  “I'm Dave Diamond's assistant, Amanda Goetz.  Some of you may not have heard that our Diamond has passed on earlier this week.  I'm so sorry to break the news like this to some of you, but felt a need to write this after hearing the word of mouth rumors that some have come forward to me with.  Know that Dave passed peacefully in his home, and is now just ‘at a higher frequency’ as Steve Babbitt would say and wrote in the recent printings for Diamond in the BHPioneer.  Once again, I'm so sorry for each of your losses. We all have a special place in our hearts for Diamond.  If you have any further questions, you may contact me at amandaraegoetz@gmail.com. I believe a memorial will be planned to happen in Spearfish in about a month or so. He would so love you all to come, drink, be merry, and share your favorite Diamond tale.  Keep spreading the good karma for Diamond, and lots of love from me.”

 

It was a hectic week.  Still haven’t gotten to “Forgotten Hits,” a link sent to me by Ed Salamon.  My thanks, Ed.  Soon, I promise.  Your review, too, Doc.  If you jazz buffs haven’t discovered the writings yet of Doc Wendell, let me know and I’ll put you in touch.  I discovered Doc through the late Jack Roberts, for which I’ve been ever grateful.

 

Alvin Herskovitz:  “Claude, you write about great musical moments.  I recall one that occurred in your house!  Bobby Vee and Johnny Tillotson sitting together on your living room floor singing and playing dueling guitars!”

 

Bobby Vee is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.  Last time he and wife Karen were by the house, he gave my son Andy a private guitar lesson.  Of course, he’s known Professor Andrew C. Hall, poet, since Andy was in diapers.

 

Just saw a picture of Bobby and Karen Vee on their daughter Jenny’s Facebook page.  Karen was just out of ICU, smiling.  New lung, according to my son Andy.  Bobby in a hospital mask and baseball cap.  Hospital in Phoenix.  In two weeks, they expect to transfer her back to a hospital in Tucson, a “winter place” for the Vees who actually live on a lake in Minnesota.  Karen was not a smoker.  Just got handed some weak lungs.  Go get ‘em, girl!

 

Danny Davis: “Hey-dere, The Ol' Hall of Memory! Just got off a 55-minute phone-marathon with Buzz Curtis! (As funny as he always was!)  Remember Post Records ... did all dem' Gold Albums, for all dem' Top Forty 'giants'!  Buzz hears from Al Hershkovitz in Bradon(?), Florida. I've got the number, Claude, in case you ain't!  Lemme know.  I'll get it to ya'!  If ever a life lift is called for, Buzz 'doctors' that scenario real well … and amplifies the 87 hospital days, and 5 (that's 5) operations he just went thru!!  No, good humored as I think I am, I can't duplicate a 'Buzz delivery'!  Best to you and every 'hall' in the house!”

 

Our best to you, Buzz.  Get better!

 

More Danny Davis: “Claude-ie: Fund of Knowledge dat' you is: Has any reader told you that 'legendary' Butterball /WDAS, Philly, Now broadcasts from the right arm of The BIG GUYS couch! Died a couple days ago! A good friend and a lovable 'eating machine'! Useta' plan trips to many more than one restaurant/deli/bakery, at any time the stomach growled and he could set up an entourage to go along to all of 'em!! (Me and my bloat is gonna miss 'im!)”

 

Later, Danny wrote about the weekly show business luncheon out around Palm Springs:  “Sad, but true! Shecky was absent, but Buzz Curtis let us know about a Vegas stunt Buddy Hackett pulled on the Scheck when he ordered Vanity Auto License plates, and had 'em attached to a Vegas trash truck ... goin' all over town, the plates reading 'Shecky'! (Only a thing from a funny mind like Hackett, equal to Mr. Greene.) And plenty kudos for Jimmy Rogers (yeah, Jimmy Rogers!) at the Dolly Sinatra Lodge Wednesday night! (Nah-h, Jimmy doesn't really sing much, anymore!) but his performance 'talk-singin', sez everybody, was 'dynamite'! Moishe Diamond termed it as "sensational'! (Thursday, as I've written before, Claude, is a 'kick'! I wouldn't trade Thursday for two Tuesdays!) John Doumanian brought me up-to-date on Steve Tyrell's 'alliance' with Janine Sharell! It's for real!  And their happiness together is boundless! John Doumanian was a promo rep, for Capitol, out of Chicago!  Long time friend of Steve Tyrell and Woody Allen!  John once traded the entire (almost!) Capitol catalogue for a brand new Volkswagen (the 'beetlle')! (I gotta' finish MY book, Authorman!)”

 

Dick Summer:  “Hi, Claude, Great bit about the Butterfield Band. He was huge in Boston too while I was at WBZ.  I didn't know you were into Greek music. You never even gave us a veiled hint you were a patron of the dancing ladies ... all in the pursuit of your thorough understanding of the music of the world, of course.  I thought you might get a kick out of this story about a lady from my book, ‘Staying Happy Healthy And Hot’.”

 

“I got to know a cigar-smoking, truck-driving, witchy woman at WNBC.  Man, what a woman.  Her real name is Lisa, but her friends call her Olga. Olga the Witch has long black hair, a voice like a purr with fur, and a long slow-motion smile. I didn’t see Olga walk into the studio. I just looked up, and she was suddenly standing there in studio 2b at WNBC Radio a lot of years ago. The idea that she just ‘appeared’ was probably just my imagination. Maybe.  The 10 p.m.-to-midnight portion of my show was music, and midnight-to-2 a.m. was talk. I always liked to have ordinary people who did extraordinary things as guests on the talk portion.  So just before Halloween, I asked for mail from folks who figured they qualified, and Olga’s note said, ‘I’m a witch’. It was a slam dunk.  The lights at the WNBC studios were New York neon, and Olga purred something about how comfortable we’d be if I turned off the overheads and did our interview by the light of a candle she’d brought. Olga worked well in the dark with just a candle. She liked candlelight; it was enough light so you could just see a person’s face and especially a person’s eyes. If it weren’t for the Federal Disc Jockey Act’s regulations, plus the fact that my crack NBC tech/accomplice Vic Lombardo was only one heavy-breath away — and, of course, the certain knowledge that my Lady Wonder Wench was listening — things could have gotten a little out of hand right there.  Olga was fascinating. I mean in other ways, too.  She was a follower of the ancient pagan religion called Wicca.  It’s about love of nature, gentleness toward humans and animals, and very ancient legends about tall trees, shadow creatures, and the moon. No devil worship, no broomsticks, and no haggle-tooth hags. Olga was beautiful, smart, sensitive, and loyal. I invited her back for several shows and eventually got to know her pretty well. As a matter of fact, she became a real friend to my Lady Wonder Wench, our son Mark, and me. Mark was fourteen when Olga came into our lives. He often came to the station with my Lady Wonder Wench and me on Friday nights. Friday nights were ‘Mouth vs. Ear’ nights on my show.  ‘Mouth vs. Ear’ was a quiz show.  We always won, because we cheated.  It was a lot of fun. On Olga’s first night as a member of the Mouth quiz-show team, she was lively, happy, and braless. And that’s how she threw her armsaround Mark and gave him a loud, juicy, bouncy kiss smack dab on the mouth. Mark was big with the girls at fourteen. But Olga was all woman. Mark’s ears wiggled, his hands stuck out from his arms at a strange angle, and I think he didn’t start breathing again until sometime late Saturday afternoon.  That was lots of years ago, but when I asked Mark yesterday if he remembered, he said something like ‘Oooooh yessss’.  And his eyes turned a little purple.  Olga fell in love and moved away with her guy a few years ago.  I wonder if you might know her.  I don’t want to give you her last name, for obvious reasons. But that wouldn’t be necessary anyway because there’s only one Olga like this warm and wonderful witchy woman.  If you know her, I’d appreciate it if you’d ask herto drop an e-mail to dick@dicksummer.com.  Lady Wonder Wench, Mark, and I really miss that cigar-smoking, truck-driving, fur-purring, witchy woman.”

 

Bob Levinson:  “Lovin' your weekly column and how it gets me up to date with so many old friends and industry acquaintances. Cheers!  A photo you and other reader regulars (like me) might enjoy, taken earlier this year at the launch party for my eleventh crime novel FINDERS, KEEPERS, LOSERS, WEEPERS at Skylight Books in LA. From left: the one and only wonderful ice cream king Dandy Don Whittemore; Joe Sutton, ex-MCA Records exec, talent manager, PR guru, host of his long-running ‘Heart of Hollywood’ radio show; Jay Lowy, ex-Jobete Music honcho and past Record Academy two-term prez; Me; Macey Lipman, best of the best indie music marketing and promotion guys, who's now doing (and selling) his marvelous oil paintings and limited-edition lithos.”

 

Thanks for the picture, Bob

Claude’s Commentary.9

Claude’s Commentary.9

May 5, 2014

By Claude Hall

 

When you’re hungry for music, like I was in the 60s, New York was a great mecca.  Not as exciting as Sixth Street in Austin -- not as funky, not as dangerous – in but alive and you had a wide choice of musical menus.  Jazz at the Jazz Gallery at No. 8 St. Marks Place, all kinds of Greek over on Eighth Avenue around 32 Street, folk and the beginnings of progressive rock in Greenwich Village.  Before I joined Billboard in 1964, I mostly enjoyed jazz and Greek.  It was a friend I first met while working on American Druggist magazine – Jim Houtrides -- that introduced me to “the belly clubs.”  I fell in love with Greek music immediately, as well as, of course, those curvaceous ladies with their swirling veils.  After a while, one of the girls would dance on my table while I wrote short stories, dropping her veils on me because she knew that I would give them back.  I heard “Never on Sunday” long before it reached the American market.  The bazouki player in the Kaphesia was called Bebi and he was phenomenal.  He could set your soul on fire.   Which contributed, I suspect, to the fact that I was able to sell those stories to the cheap girlies such as Escapade and Gentlemen.

 

One player that I heard in those days was Paul Butterfield and His Blues Band.  I’m reminded of him now as I listen to a CD fetched over by my son John … “The Original Lost Elektra Sessions,” from 1995.  I believe I first heard Butterfield at Town Hall, a mecca for music fans in central New York.  When we were just dating, Barbara and I went there a few times.  The tickets were low in price.  I was working on Cavalier magazine at Fawcett which didn’t pay well … none of the magazines, even the glamourous ones, paid much.  She wanted me to hear the Weavers.  But one evening, I believe we caught Paul Butterfield when his band featured a guitar player named Mike Bloomfield.

 

I do love funky blues.  What do I mean by the word “funky”?  A performance when the music is telling your something and the main artist is willing to sell his or her soul to make sure you understand.  As a rule, this music is live.  Often, it doesn’t happen but one night when, as the cliché goes, the act is “in the groove” and something magical happens.  In retrospect, this is a participatory emotion.  The act has to feel it … so does his or her audience.  One gives feedback to the other.  The result is sometimes explosive, but can also lead to tears or just a soulful experience.  I’ve caught many live performances when I literally felt like shouting and jumping up and down.  One night at Ambassador’s West in Los Angeles – I can’t recall the name of the club (the Coconut Grove?) – I caught a show by Chico Hamilton, just beautiful!   And I had to rush backstage and tell him.  Happened once with Segovia.  And Cream’s first performance in the Café au Go Go in Greenwich Village hit me hard.  By then, I was working on Billboard and I had Barbara with me and she felt nothing.  So, this “excitement” is perhaps an individual thing.  Long before my Billboard years, I and Bill Pearson drove all of one night in order to catch Jim Reeves do “Danny Boy” on stage at the Grand Old Opry and it was worth it.  Just FYI, Reeves broke the ban against drums at the Opry … just a small snare drum for “Danny Boy,” which was, of course, a huge hit at the Opry and on record.

 

I’ve also caught Paul Butterfield at the Café au Go Go in Greenwich Village, perhaps my favorite music place outside of the Palomino in Los Angeles where I’ve heard acts ranging from Hoyt Axton to Linda Ronstadt, Neil Diamond, and Marty Robbins.  Others, too, of course.  Here, you might find a Bob Dylan in the audience.  The night Linda was there, so was John Sebastian and when we chatted backstage he mentioned he’d recently written a tune for a TV sitcom called “Welcome Back, Kotter.”

 

This CD has some good music.  A bit raw sometimes.  But Butterfield on harmonica is great at selling a song.  You can feel the music.  Best:  “Help Me,” “Spoonful,” “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” “And Love Her With a Feeling.”  Shortcomings:  Another performer or two to fill the songs out, modern recording techniques, better mixes.  But for the day and the time, this is a CD I’ll be able to hear time and again.  A treasure to have in my collection.

 

OTHER MATTERS

Lyn Stanley: “Thanks for your Commentary.8 today.  You gave me an idea … and I have already acted on it!  So, thanks!  As you suspected, my album, ‘Lost in Romance’, has been a pretty big success.  I have already sold over 5,000 albums worldwide.  I have been ‘adopted’ by the audiophile community and I am just beginning to enter the European market with the album.  So far, it just keeps on selling ... and I now have distribution channels in Europe, Asia and the USA.  The album has received several awards including Album of Choice May 2014 issue of HiFi News (UK's largest hi fi audio publication) and Audio Art- August 2014 issue ... the largest audio pub catering to Hong Kong, China and Taiwan markets. I have been selling quite a bit to this group.  I am beginning a new project, calling it ‘Potions’, and it will be a tribute to 1950s-composed music.  I have 18 musician tracks recorded at Capitol with Al Schmitt as the recording engineer and beginning my vocals soon.  It will have jazz standards and POP tunes from the decade.  I think it is going to be a good one!  I have my NYC debut on May 7th at Metropolitan Room and then off to Munich, Germany, for an audiophile show.  Just before that, I have been asked to present my music in Salzburg, Austria, at a dealer conference with over 40 countries represented.  Think I am on my way.  Thanks for all you do.  I am so glad happy to get your commentaries and grateful for your continued involvement in our musical family!”

 

Lyn, I’m so pleased for you!

 

Don Graham, Los Angeles:  “Thanks for the tip on Dick Robinson … we have known Dick for some time and used to send him our new release CDs at the Conn. School of Broadcasting, Hartford.  At that time he was broadcasting from sea aboard his yacht, which he sailed from Boston to Palm Beach!  We sent the Jurmaane CD to him in Palm Beach Gardens and it hasn’t come back yet.  Miss talking him.  A terrific guy and a great music lover!  Don’t know John Barger, however, I would like to service him and his station.  Also, you’re absolutely right.  Lyn Stanley is truly ‘a nice person’.  Her genuine dedication to excellence is remarkable … with any knowledge of the recording biz, she, on her own, recorded her first album, contracted the musicians, secured the arranger, booked the studio, and obtained the award-winning studio mixing-engineer talents of Al Schmitt!  Then, upon completion of her CD “Lost in Romance,” researched and obtained the finest manufacturing, to create audiophile vinyl pressings!  (Which have become an international sales success!)  Her persistence and talent is a winning combination.  Thank for all do, Claude.  Be well.”

 

I complimented Jon Scott on his recent get-together of people in Los Angeles and got this back:

 

Jon Scott:  “The event I organized is open to ANY one in the music industry, not just for my friends.  I have used Facebook and word-of-mouth to spread the word.  At the first event last October about 75 friends showed up.  Due to popular demand, last December, I gave the world notice.  I picked last week, April 23rd as the next one.  About 150 people showed up.  It was a fantastic turnout.  This is not about my friends, it's about seeing people that you may not have seen in 20 years or so.  When I organize the next one, you will be the first to know.  It's not a BYOB, it's a no-host bar.”

 

Whups, the Kentucky Derby is history by now!  Again.  Wicked Strong, at one point 8-1, came in fourth. Thought, albeit briefly, of racing down to Sam’s Town and “investing” five bucks.  Didn’t.  I’m so chicken anyway that I probably would have bet to show.  In 1946, when Paul Cassidy was a kid, he got his first taste of horse racing by sneaking into Saratoga Race Course.  This past Saturday, the 79-year-old Cassidy, radio general manager extraordinaire, bought a ticket into historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, to watch Wicked Strong.  He owns a piece of the 3-year-old colt.  Probably the left hind hoof.  Great on you, Paul!  Remember, it’s not whether you won or lost, but how many parties you got to attend.

 

Bob Wilson: “Just to add info about Bobby Dale. Sadly, Bobby loved Cutty Sark to the point that it assisted in his having a broken ankle in Omaha.  Bobby had been living in a second-floor 'walk-up' and our employer was not about to let an injury like that keep Bobby from doing his morning shift.  So i was elected to help Bobby down the stairs each morning at 4:30 a.m. ... into my car and drive him to the station.  Needless to say sober, Bobby was even funnier.  I remember laughing for the full six weeks it took for his bones to heal.  After he left Omaha and had become a 'celebrity' in LA, he stopped by to see me at KOIL.  Being more interested in creating commercials, I asked Bobby what it was like out west. His reply was something like ‘I don't know, I do look into the studio every once in a while and there were people in there doing something’.  Bobby fell asleep at a party in my home and my (now ex) wife asked all the females to put on a heavy coat of lipstick and leave 'kisses' on Bobby’s bald head.  After he woke up and saw the result he told me that he must have had a great time, but he didn't remember it.  The situation of his passing was heartbreaking.”

 

I’ve just been honored.  Jack Gale sent me a copy (third printing) of his book “Same Time, Same Station.”  I’m sure I reviewed this book at some point along the way.  It’s great!  Real radio.  I recommend it most heartily.  Don’t know the price.  Write Jack at Playback Records, 7317 Sparta Rd., Sebring, FL 33875 and promise him a new Cadillac if he has a copy left he’ll part with.  If he gives you a price cheaper than a white Cadillac, snap it up.  This is what radio used to be about.  It’s funny, it’s fantastic, it’s about a great many of the radio people you and I knew.  I just noticed the name of Fred Robbins, one of the people I met in my early days on Billboard (Jack worked with him at one station).  Good lord!  There are so many names, both radio performers and record artists, mentioned here – tales and tales – that this book has to be considered an important part of our history, yours and mine, the music industry and radio.  I love Jack Gale.  Known him for a lot of years.  He is one of the great voice-trackers, he was a great radio personality and program director including at WAYS in Charlotte during its history with general manager Stan Kaplan and wife Sis, and he produced records.  Including with Johnny Cymbal, a youngster who later wrote some of the music for the movie “Tender Mercies.”  Sad tale.  But a great book!

 

Danny Davis:  “Once again, Writer Extraordinaire, to live in Las Vegas and be overwhelmed with every gambling techno advancement available, yet saddled to the last standing 'pony express' stable, must present some criticism! I'm STILL indebted to Don Whittemore every Monday! ( ... and his email, your Commentary!)  All of that to note, again, the ponies ain't runnin' to Palm Desert!  Could ya, Please! Or must I seek out the shift-bosses that useta' tender me those long-ago 'comps'! (Ah, Claudie!  Thems were the days!) Has anybody related the appearance of Michael Nesmith at 'Stagecoach Festival' here, over the weekend! Headline was 'Monkee to Country'! Today's paper wasn't to Mike's liking I'm sure! Claimed Asleep at the Wheel was 'more exciting' than 'the Woollhat'!”

 

Heard from Scotty Brink.  He’d talked with Bobby Vee, suffering from Alzheimer’s, and said Bobby sounded good.

 

Robert E. Richer: “I’ve sent your essay on Jumaane Smith to my old pal Dick Robinson, who recently put a new station on the air in Palm Beach.  Should fit his format perfectly.” 

 

Michael Cleary:  “I was delighted to receive your latest commentary and thrilled when I read about my recent email exchange with Don Graham.  When Ben Fong-Torres wrote about him, so many memories came rushing back, all of them vivid. San Francisco in the mid-to-late sixties and early seventies was huge fun.  I hope I stay on your mailing list.  Many thanks.”

 

As long as I’m here, you’re here, Michael.  Great to have you aboard.

 

Woody Roberts, Austin, TX:  “Thank you, another fine edition of Commentary.  I have a format suggestion: consider putting your replies to correspondence in blue so it's easier to distinguish them up front, or perhaps bold.  Sterling?  I'm not a spectator sports watcher but it seems to me Blacks should stop going to the LA games and Blacks should leave the team.  Wife should file for divorce and take the big settlement instead of waiting for him to die.  Morbid topic on this absolutely perfect Central Texas Day.”

 

Came close!  I believe a great many teams were about to walk.

 

Bob Walker:  “Claude, I do recall that our Bob Robin here on WTIX in N.O. told me that he did work briefly in PA back in the early 60s.  He passed away a couple of years ago, a dear friend of mine from my 40-year career mostly at WTIX.  Bob Robin is included here (pink shirt) from 2010 at one of our reunions:  THE WTIX ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Kenny Petrie, Bob Walker, Robert Mitchell, Bob Robin, Todd Bauer, Ray Fisher, Bobby Reno, Ya Pal Al, (seated) Otto Goessl (see photo below)

 

John Barger, San Antonio:  “You are correct about Bob Robin.  His real last name was Echols, and he was Bob Mitchell's brother-in-law.  They were together at WTIX.  Later he was an indie record promoter out of suburban New Orleans (Eunice).”

 

I corresponded a few times with Bob Robin.  Wasn’t aware of his passing.   We come, we do, we go.

 

Jim Clements, Atlanta:  “Claude … a big AMEN to your thoughts and words about Donald Sterling.”

 

Kal and Lucile Rudman, Philadelphia (Cherry Hill), have donated $1 million to Temple University’s TV station TUTV.  Previously, the Rudman’s gave $1 million to the TV station.  Rudman worked on local radio, earned a master’s from Temple, published and edited the Friday Morning Quarterback, a music tipsheet.

 

Red Jones, Atlanta:  “I know there are a number of internet stations and sites such as Pandora; but, Carl Peeples in Douglasville, GA, has, I think, one of the better

oldies stations on line.  Carls Gold Radio.  A mix of absolute hits from the 40s through the 80s, plus history of songs and other bits that are interesting.  If you've been involved with music of the past 40 years, see what you think.  And ‘the hook’ is the presentation of station jingles from the great stations all over the country and an occasional  commercial for Lucky Strike, Pall

Mall, and other bygone classics.  It is different.  And coming soon Carls Country Gold.  I'll be voice-tracking it.  Even in retirement, there's a little ham left in all of us.”

 

Bob Skurzewski:  “Let John Barger know that Lucky Pierre (WBNY AM in Buffalo) left here around 1960 to go west. LA, in fact.  He did radio work there  trying to break into movies. He is covered as best as it was in our book, ‘No Stoppin This Boppin - Let the Good Times Roll’.  Arnie and Pierre (Pete) go way back and Arnie hung his hat at WBNY as PD. It gets involved but last time I talked to Pierre he was doing well. I suppose I should give him a call. You know how radio people are, they don't have money to make long distant calls.”

 

This, from Bob Sherwood, was sent to a few of his buddies and I thought you’d find it interesting.  Bob Sherwood:  Great Horny Toads!  It recently occurred to me that I received my first A&M 45 stamped ‘Thanks!’  Don Graham’ (plus, 'promotional use only') when I was a runny-nosed kid just out of USC at my first radio station--KMYC in Marysville, CA in 1964.  I just checked with a friend (who went to Stanford) and he confirmed that was 50 years ago.  And it appears that you're starting to be pretty good at it.  Just kidding!  But seriously folks ... the fact that you and CDs stamped ‘Thanks’ etc. are still around is by itself amazing. The fact that you're obviously still at the top of your game -- in a business that certainly isn't -- is all the more amazing.  Jumaane Smith is a wonderful talent but he's also damn lucky he found you to represent him.  Sincerest congratulations and warm personal regards.  Ps -- in honor of your 50th I'm re-adding the Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 record.  Or have they moved into the '70s?  And as soon as I get back downstairs, I'm facing westward and raising a flagon of Jack (on the rocks) to you.  Maybe two.  I presume Mr. moss is taking you to Le Dome for lunch. And maybe a ride on one of his ponies?” 

 

POLITICAL MATTERS

About the only “potential” GOP presidential candidate with an IQ above 70 is Jeb Bush.  So, wonder of wonders, the GOP is making attempts to revive Benghazi.  Chris Christie sunk himself with a bridge.  The GOP believes, mistakenly, that they can stick a few ancient, rusty pins in Hilary Clinton and thus improve the outlook for old Jeb.  Not.

Bob Walker:  “Claude, I do recall that our Bob Robin here on WTIX in N.O. told me that he did work briefly in PA back in the early 60s.  He passed away a couple of years ago, a dear friend of mine from my 40-year career mostly at WTIX.  Bob Robin is included here (pink shirt) from 2010 at one of our reunions:  THE WTIX ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Kenny Petrie, Bob Walker, Robert Mitchell, Bob Robin, Todd Bauer, Ray Fisher, Bobby Reno, Ya Pal Al, (seated) Otto Goessl

Claude’s Commentary.8

Claude’s Commentary.8

April 28, 2014

By Claude Hall

 

I love music.  But sometimes I’m in the other room and not paying attention.

 

Jumaane Smith and his beautiful trumpet will bring you back.  “Georgia on My Mind” is soft and mellow, like a dream, and “Dream” with vocal will haunt you.  This is music for the mind.  Jazz has never had it so good, so pleasant.  I want to use the word “charming,” but that doesn’t exactly fit either.  That trumpet comes from the soundtrack of an old and favorite black and white movie with gangsters and pretty blondes or from a party held by Frank Sinatra for his personal friends or, yes, from a great CD … as this CD most definitely is.

 

Jumaane, you have done yourself proud with this album. My compliments … especially on “What a Wonderful World” (one of my favorites on this CD) and “Stardust,” a song that will live in the hearts of men as long as there are men.  But fresh and inspiring!  Superb trumpet technique, superb imagining.  Takes you away.  I’ve never enjoyed the trumpet so much outside of one played by a good Mexican in a good mariachi band in a bar in Juarez, a couple of shots of tequila under my belt.  I would believe that there are musicians from the back alleys of New Orleans to the great music halls of Europe who are envious as hell when they hear this trumpet by Jumaane.

 

“Stardust” is a mellow masterpiece, but “What a Wonderful World” should be played maybe once a day by radio stations aiming for 30-plus demographics.

 

“Please Sent Me Someone to Love” is jazzy and upbeat.  “La Vie en Rose” features a trumpet that penetrates the mind with vocals in English and French … nice!  “Come Rain or Come Shine” has a funky barroom atmosphere.  “I Only Have Eyes for You” is the push tune on this CD, but I frankly liked everything else much better.  Jumaane Smith is a masterful musician.  And he has phenomenal staying power.

 

Copout:  I’d more than likely give any CD with which Don Graham is connected a good review.  I owe him going back to my early days on Billboard when he introduced me to Bill Randle, later to become a good friend, and told me, as I recall, that Mitch Michaels was coming into New York to replace Ruth Meyer at WMCA.  I’ve told that story/scoop and maybe I will someday again.  But, in this particular case, all I have to tell about Jumaane Smith is just the truth.  Great on you, Jumaane.

 

OTHER MATTERS

Joe Collins: “Claude, thank you for your commentary on ‘format jocks’ and Lee Baby Simms ... I worked with ‘the great’ Bobby Dale when I started in 1966 at KFRC in San Francisco.  Bobby, doing the Drake format, was a ‘fish out of water’ and never sounded comfortable working a tight format.  Bobby was a musical genius and was one of the great ad-lib guys on the air when he was at KFWB, KEWB in Oakland, and KRLA, Los Angeles.  But, he never really felt right doing the Drake format, keeping his talk to around 7 seconds.  I first met him in April of 1964, when he was doing 4p-8p at KEWB, and at times he was so good, it would almost make you cry hearing him try to do the tight format at KFRC.  I'm grateful that I got to hear him at his best, and still to this day, count him and Mike Phillips as my true radio mentors.”

 

All of that bit about format jocks came from Lee Baby Simms and Woody Roberts, to whom I doff my hat.  I consider both of these gentlemen great sages.

 

Johnny Holliday: “Can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy your Commentaries … just like the bygone days when you were the guy we all turned to for info on every aspect of the broadcast medium. I'm sure Jack Roberts is smiling down on you for carrying the torch. I'm sure that I echo the sentiments of every broadcast personality, especially the guys who made Radio what it was during its heyday, when I say ‘Thanks’."

 

John Barger: “What ever happened to my friend and co-worker Lucky’ Pierre Gonneau?  He and I were working under ‘The Bopping Bird’, Bob Robin at WFEC in Harrisburg, PA, for a moment in time in 1963, and were joined by some super talent (and later management kings), Burt Sherwood, Tom Bigby (‘Buddy Karr’), and the clown prince, Robert Leslie ‘Buzz’ Long.  Prior to working with Pierre, I remember hearing him while sailing aboard the USS Benner D-866 out of Long Beach as we cruised around Catalina Island 11 times on a Saturday dependent's outing.  It was 1961 and he was starring on KHJ, having been ‘discovered’ by PD Arnie Schorr.  Last time I heard about ‘Lucky’, he was on KGFJ and doing work as an extra in gangster movies in Hollywood.  ‘Pete’ as we called him, was an agricultural exchange student from France at Cornell University when he got the radio bug.  Also that Summer of 1961 in So. Cal., while on Liberty (as the Navy called it), I walked up a flight of creaky stairs, pushed open a door, found myself in the control room of KDAY, and was greeted by a talkative guy in shorts, an old pizza-stained guayaberia, and flip-flops.  He was trying to a PM drive oldies show which was being repeatedly interrupted much to his dismay by delayed broadcasts (which he had to pre-record) of five races from the horse track at Caliente Downs in Tijuana.  His name was Art Laboe, and he gave me copies of his first three albums in a series known as ‘Oldies But Goodies’.  Volumes 1, 2, and 3 went back in the bottom of my duffle bag back to KNOW, Austin, following my two-week Naval Reserve assignment at the Port of Long Beach.  Thanks for helping all of us remember how it was in the era of false IDs, reverb, and Corvairs.”

 

I wonder if that’s the same Bob Robin down in New Orleans.  Once promoted a rock concert at Lake Ponchartrain featuring, among many, Bobby Vee.

 

Random thought:  I sometimes feel that Art Laboe is one of the major unknown heroes of the music/radio industries.  Has a book been written about him yet?

 

Now and then a newspaper column pops up on my MacBook Pro desktop by the late Joe Delaney.  Any of you guys remember him?  Joe Smith should have a memory or two about Delaney.  Maybe.

 

Another hero of mine is Don Barrett.  A recent LARP.com had a note from Vanessa Larsh.  She was seeking photos of her late father, Jack Armstrong.  I quickly dropped her a note that while I had no photos of Jack Armstrong, I remembered him fondly and always considered him a great Top 40 personality.  I told her a tale going back to the 60s.  Vanessa Larsh: “Wow, Claude, that is hilarious!  Haa. Yes, my father loved the Denver days. I'm sure you did meet. Did you ever work with Rollye James? Another great family friend.”  So I blind-copied her note to Rollye James: “Yes, she's one of my favorite people. If you're talking about Rollye James Cornell. Right now, she and hubby live in Arizona. I'll copy her on this note.” And Vanessa responded: “She is in little words one of the best spirits that my family has ever met. What an unconditional person. My father loved her so much as a great friend.”

 

One of my sons – Andy – mentioned that Karen Velline has been granted a bed for a hospital in Phoenix.  I think this means that Karen, the wife of performer Bobby Vee, may soon receive another lung transplant.  Or something similar.  She is also the mother of drummer Jeff Vee, rock musician Robby Vee, who has his own band and performs throughout the Midwest; bass player Tommy Vee, and art designer Jenny Vee.  If you have an extra prayer this week, Karen is special people.  The Vees lived up the street in Los Angeles and I think it could be said that Karen half raised my kids.  As well as Barbara.

 

Jay Lawrence is one of the great Top 40 radio personalities who could tell us some great stories  … if he’d remember them.  Jay: “I enjoy your commentary.  I get to hear names I haven't heard in years.  Scotty Brink and I do communicate occasionally,  I read a name Moorhead, any relation to David?  He was really instrumental in my moves. To KFI from Buffalo, then to WNEW from KLAC.  He once had me move to Indianapolis, WNDE … had a show idea, relive the Arthur Godfrey years.  Gulf broadcast group, going network. Had a staff band, singers, etc.  Did shows from shopping malls.  David wanted to be Tony Marvin, he'd show up every day

wearing an ascot.  This is just one story, there are many.  One day he said I needed a vacation, Take a week and relax he'd do the show.  He brought in acts from everywhere, cost was not in the way. I came back after a week, budget was gone. I wound up doing Salvation Army and Lt. Governor. I could do a David/Guy Williams book.  So could you.”

 

True, Jay, about the book.  But I’d much rather read the book you’d write than the one I would write.  I wrote a longish short story about L. David “Guy Williams” Moorhead for the eBook “Radio Wars” which is now being sold via Amazon.com/Kindle Books and George Wilson called as soon as the book came out and asked it it was really true and I said, “Yes, George, I’m afraid so” and George said, “Okay,” and hung up.  I’ve been thinking about doing a story about George, but I haven’t been able to do it yet.  The Rob Moorhead featured in the past three or so Commentaries is L. David’s son.  A very bright, very knowledgeable person who is married to Terry, one of George’s daughters, who is also very bright and very knowledgeable.  I would suppose that Rob loved George Wilson as much as I did.  But, unfortunately, neither Rob nor his sister, appreciated L. David Moorhead as much as I did.  Rob’s sister ended up with a law degree and has three daughters.  The day he died, L. David knew nothing about the law degree nor his three grand daughters.  She brought them to his funeral service in Las Vegas, but David’s body wasn’t even there … just me and Mikel Hunter and an engineer named Brown and a musician from down around San Diego.  Can’t remember his name.  Later, Mikel and his friend wanted me to establish contact for them with someone at Billboard and I did.  They sought to market No 1 rings to anyone who’d made No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

 

Danny Davis, California:  “Hey'y dere. Authorman! Sure didn't take you long to fit into The Robertsman's shoes! I ain't a true 'religiouso', but I do believe in 'that Big Fella' up there, and to my way of thought, HE's knockin' down a few, with Jack Roberts, close at hand, and Jack peppered up with the same enthusiasm he seized the day Don Graham voiced over the idea of Hollywood Hills. . .and 'their' comments, laudatory as they must be, carve new respect for the newest entry on Claude Halls resume! Whatta' send-up for The Robertsman! Quote-in' you, Mr. Hall, "good on you"! Whatta' kick, all the names indigenous to the 'grandest bizness that useta' was' ... looking to live it all over again, from the mighty Authorman!  And about my gambling 'fetish' (my wife's word? ain't so!) I wouldn't push you for my habit!  Maybe just an 'ace' ($1) on the 17-20 split, when ya' gotta' get to the commode, on those 'research rounds' for your next tome! Goes without saying, with the numbers abounding for Mr. Smith, I gotta' take a look at Joesy's telephone book and see if Lois Lerner gets a mention! (Only kidding, Joe!) Claude, if I had the capability to really identify what makes the games of chance so-o appealing, you'd understand 'where I'm coming from'!  At the Riviera, on a road trip with Cap'n and Tennille, I take the Cap'n to the crap table! Try teaching him the game with no result!  But the laughs we enjoyed, the crowd we attracted, the fall-down hysterics we were in, brings Tony Orlando to the table, who says "Danny, if you can make him laugh, you can open for me!" See, Claude, if only Marie would wanna' live in Branson ... I wouldn't have a chance to tell that tale!  And there are no casinos in Branson ... and Bob Sherwood and I would still be friends! (Story put on hold!)

 

“Yes-siree, Claude! Lay my e-mail out, and wouldn't I be grateful? I ain't been getting those treasured words, unless my friend Whittemore is taking the credit for lookin' out for me … and wants me in his permanent debt ... which I already am, and can't get a 'smidgen' of the 'flavor of the week'! mandddavis@verizon.net!  (Incidentally, the oconologist tells him he's 'much improved'!  Don's a Dandy!)”

 

You know one of the major physical ailments of Vegas craps dealers?  Back.  So very, very many suffer from back problems.  Including one of my sons, Darryl, who spent a few years trying to make a living on the Strip in Vegas.

 

My son John Alexander Hall, Esq., has done the Pasadena Swapmeet with such as the late Jack Robert and Timmy Manocheo.  Investing on used CDs.  Via Timmy and John, I just heard of a “Legends of Music Industry Reunion” April 23 by Jon Scott at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas.  Last year’s meeting was in October and drew a few dozen people.  Joey Reynolds once lived in that area.  Chuck Blore and Gary Owens live not too far away.  Jon’s event was sort of a BYOB and buy your own food event.  Jon has done promotion for MCA Records, etc.  Once was a disc jockey.  Maybe he’ll give the world a little advance notice next year.  On the other hand, maybe he doesn’t want anyone there other than just a few close friends.  jonpaulscott@gmail.com.

 

I think John was going, but had to chicken out.

 

Just FYI, the late Larry Shannon wished to have an annual get together of some radio/music legends.  Focus was to be on a panel session featuring a few legends.  And the late Jack Roberts had the same idea in the back of his mind.  If ….

 

Michael Cleary wrote Don Graham:  “Don, you may not remember me, but in the mid-60s, I was at KYA for a year plus and we got a chance to know one another. In fact, I flew to LA with you one time to visit the A&M studios and we ended up having Tacos with Herb Alpert across the street from his offices.  It was quite an experience.  I have fond and vivid memories of you and Bud, Lou, Jack, Pete Marino, et al.  I went on to spend 28 years at KNBR, most of it doing the morning show with Frank Dill.  We had quite a nice run. Truthfully, it's nice being out of radio which just isn't the same business it was.  I turned to writing and just published my first novel.  It's called ‘Spiritual Mischief’.  I don't know if LA bookstores carry it but all e-tailers do and Amazon has a Kindle edition.  How are you?  I do hope well. At our age, we're often in need of repair but so far so good on this end.  I wish the same for you.  The reason for this email is Ben Fong-Torres wrote about you today in his Sunday Pink Section column. I'm sure it's online.  Check it out.  Thanks for giving me some wonderful memories.”

 

Don Graham, Los Angeles, immediately responded to Michael Cleary and a few others.

 

 “Hi ya, Michael!  Of course, I remember those tacos across the street from A&M Records.  Some of the best on the planet! … that taco place is now a strip club!  I, too, have some terrific memories of those very special days in the SF bay area ... and good of you to mention the Ben Fong-Torres story in the SF Chronicle ... I tried to access it, and got to his byline.  However, then it stated I had to be a Chronicle subscriber to get the entire story!  So I called Dick Forster in Fairfax who gets the paper and he read it to me!   Congratulations on the publication of your novel ‘Spiritual Mischief’ and I intend to go to a local popular book store called Book Soup and see if I can buy it.  (By the way Book Soup is the last time I saw Ben, he was doing a book signing with Gary Owens!)  And if you are getting the weekly online Commentary by Claude Hall you, too, are enjoying reading some of his very popular writing … if not, send Claude an email at: claudehall@yahoo.com  ... it’s good stuff, Michael.  And many thanks for the good wishes … all is well here, and we wish the same for you ... good health!”

 

Bob Sherwood, one of the “others,” came back with a note to Don, Michael, Ben, Dave Sholin, and Tom LiPuma.

 

“Don, I'm going to use your email to say ‘Hello’ to Mike Cleary.  I've been a fan since I first heard him in Sacramento (KXOA?), where I also worked now and then in The City.  To be somewhat trite, he was 'as smooth as a baby's bottom'.   His one-on-one communication was up there with Arthur Godfrey and Jack Carney.  Whatever he was sellin', you were buyin'.  In my view it's quite sad that de-regulated radio has devolved to the point

that such a talent has no desire to be part of it.  Mike, I hope your book is a big success.  Since true book stores have joined true music retail, locally-programmed radio (except Sholin's station in Bend) and Pterodactyls -- and are nowhere to be found in No. Westchester Co., NY, I'll order it through Amazon.  And even pay retail!”   

 

SERIOUS MATTERS

The probability is quite high that when Lucy felt from that proverbial “tree,” she was caught by others like her … but in reality we, the masses, came initially from a very few.  We are alike.  Thus, nothing else matters.  Skin, eyes, hands.  Whether you believe in the big bang theory or the little bang theory, we are all the same.  True, not all of us are quite human yet.  This includes a guy named Donald Sterling who owns the Clippers basketball team.  What a total idiot!  He has placed a terrible taste in my mouth.  And Barbara and I love the Clippers.  Needless to say, we no longer love all of the Clippers.  Sterling should be sent to Hooker or Enid, OK, and his money taken away.  Give him a job of some kind.  Picking up garbage, perhaps.  Not that I mean to insult garbage men of America.  Too, it is difficult to wish ill upon a human being.  The exception, perhaps, is someone like Hitler where the crimes are too many and too vast to permit mercy of thought.  Yet, Barbara says she will pray for Donald Sterling.  I’m not sure that I wish to make the effort.