Brian's Music Musings

School Belles

2010-10-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

I discovered a record on Ebay, that I just couldn't resist. Is it rare? The word rare is so overused I don't know what it means anymore. Is it difficult to find? Maybe, but probably not so much. But is it odd or a little different? Yes. I tend to think so. The record is by the School Belles. My first indication that I really needed to buy the record, was what I thought could be the actual flip side. It has three tracks and each one listed a different dance type. I thought maybe it was an EP of sorts. I am correct, sort of. It did have three songs on that side. The flip side listed the same bold title that the EP side had, but then I started reading a little closer. It said, "Which Dance Will Play? What? When I got the record, I was able to figure it all out.

First, it was a promotional copy, which makes a difference in the story. A stock copy has one different side to it (Swing Swang). I listened to and examined the side with the three tracks. Each one was the same song, but they had a different beat to it. The dances all signified the tempo and style of the track. So why put three versions of the same song on your record? It's because the flip side had all three versions on the same track. So, how does that work? Simple. When you play the cut, you never know which actual version of the song will play. At a certain point in the grooves, the needle goes to one of the three tracks. You never know which one you will get. Therefore, the DJ copies had the three tracks listed on the flip so that less adventurous platter spinners could confirm exactly which version they were going to play. The record was issued around June of 1959 and this could be the same School Belles that recorded "Waiting For My Date" on Dot in 1958. If so, according to Billboard, they were from Dallas, and included Diana and Leta Moore. See a picture of them here!

I know there were a few LP's in the 70's 80's like Monty Python, Rush and I am pretty sure there were was a kids Golden record that I have actually seen that played more than one track depending on the way it tracked. It's a fairly unique concept that has not had phenomenal success. Anyway, it's the fun of record collecting with at least in this case, a minimal investment.

Pharaoh,Sa-Shays

2010-10-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

Pharaoh records of McAllen Texas appears to have released 50 or so discs from the early to late 60's. I am hardly an expert on the label and only have two of their issues. The first is perhaps an association with the name , as the group is also called the Pharaohs. If I Had The Power/Come To Me. I bought it because my former supervisor at work remembered listening to them when he was in Texas. They may have gone to his high school. That was from 1961. My other release is their first for 1962, and possibly the label's third release called My Twistin Mexicali Baby by Robert Burney. It just happens to be on red plastic and is a promotional release. As I started digging a little, I realized that Major Bill Smith was associated with the label. He had a boatload of labels that he was associated with in Texas, including the Le Cam label that had original issues by Bruce Channel, Jr Frank Wilson and more. You could also tie him to Charay, Viva, Shalimar and a lot more. There is a label that I would love to see a CD release of, with some really classic south Texas rock and ballads. A few sides have turned up on various compilations, including the best of Texas Doo Wop, V1 and 2.

Sometimes with as much research that you do as an avid record collector, you (I) run across stuff all the time that I never realized....and should have. No harm done of course, but you go away wondering what you really do know about records, and then tuck it away for future use. Such was the case with the record below. A record I remember hearing on the radio in Los Angeles during the late 60's early 70's oldies revival, the Sa Shays. The first press in on the Alfi label, but when it was first pressed on the Zen label, it was on a pink label, before they pressed it on the more familiar black label. One interesting note is that when the record was reviewed in Billboard, December 1961, they listed the Alfi label instead of Zen.

Decastro Sisters, fun flip, KVMR

2010-10-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever run across a record that has taken you years to find, and wonder why? You look at the records books, and it the value shown is generous by showing 10-20 bucks. Then you wonder, if that's so, where are all the records? Why have I only seen one in 5 years of searching? Is everybody keeping their copy just so I can't buy one? I know they are out there.
Such is the case with a record I bought about a year ago. Still have not added it to my site, but thought I would at least add the picture here. The De Castro Sisters are probably not the world's most collectible artist, but they had a great sound. "The Wedding Song" just does not show up for sale much. I bought the one copy I saw. They put the previously issued I'm Bewildered on the flip Abbott 3002). I wonder if the DJ's saw that side, thought it was the plug side, and tossed it.? After all, they already spun I'm Bewildered earlier. Maybe that would explain the sticker on the promo copy shown, so the DJ's would play the intended side. Who knows? I do know there are other copies out there, they just don't come up for sale much. If you had a mint copy, I'd buy it for 10-20 bucks.

I love listening to the flipsides of records. Sometimes you know it's a filler, and not much thought went into the song. Even some of those can surprise you. Then you have the records that really didn't have another side by the artist on the "A" side, and they either put a different artist on the flip, or they just slapped an instrumental on by either the label house band or maybe the band from the A side. There are a lot of gems out there. I am rediscovering them all the time. The latest for me is the flip of Russian Bandstand. A great instrumental called Brass Wail, is on the flip.

I'm on a small hiatus from my radio show this month, or at least most of it. Next week John Rumsey hosts, and the following week it's Little Angel B at the controls. Always good to take a break every now and then.

Victors, Virtues - Blues in the ????

2010-10-03T07:42:00.001-07:00

In a couple of days I will have a new page on my website with some great pictures and a stories concerning Hugh Barrett and the Victors. The info comes from an original member of the Victors, Richard Mayer. I mentioned the interview in last week's blog and shared the interview links there. Richard has allowed me to use some great pictures of the group, and all of them will be seen for the first time on the WWW. Richard lost track of the other members of the group, so I am hoping that some of them will see themselves and contact me. Go to www.colorradio.com for the link.

I have always been a bit confused by a record that the instrumental group, the Virtues ,released in 1959. The "A: side was Vaya Con Dios, per the Billboard ads that were promoting it. The original issue was on the Hunt label, and then issued on ABC for the wide distribution. My issue was on the flip side. My Hunt label has it listed as Blues In The Night. One of the writers included Frank Virtuoso, who was the man behind the Virtues. It was not the Harold Arlen composed song, but in fact their own composition. I suppose that is not so unusual to have two different songs with the same name, there are likely hundreds of examples. What was interesting to me is that ABC sent out promotional copies with "Blues In The Night" and they erased out the word night, and used a stamper to add "Cellar". Stock copies appear to all have Night on them. Sooo, how many promotional copies got out without the correction? Or did they fix them all?

The Victors,Ribbon records, the Mark IV

2010-09-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

Last night on my radio show at KVMR-FM, I featured segments of my interview with Richard Mayer, former member of the Victors which featured Hugh Barrett. He was on the recording of Fungus Among Us on the Madison label, in 1962. You can listen to the first hour of the show or you can listen to the entire interview. Terry Noland first recorded the song in 1958 for Brunswick, and then re-released it in 1961 to coincide with the Victors issue, which gained popularity in the Midwest. Also played was the follow up "Devils Love", a song by Chuck Baker who was a member of the group, and an instrumental by Bobby Angel and the Hillsiders called Submarine Race.

My interest in the Ribbon label is probably unfounded and accidental. The best known group on the label were the Fireflies, but there were a number of really great artists/songs including Berlin Perry and the Gleams, the Scott Brothers, and a pretty decent teener by Frank Gari. That was actually my latest acquisition in my now apparently finish to running the label. There are two Ribbon numbers that are not accounted for - 6907 and 6912. All 4 of my sources show these "empty", but I also realize sometimes sources and publications tend to borrow information from one another. In any case, unless those numbers are shown with a legitimate release, I will figure I have all known issues on Ribbon. Still, that only means a total of 12 records.

Always on the lookout for odd 78's, or at least odd to me. The Mark IV had a fun two sider that featured Make With The Shake and 45 RPM. Originally released on the Cosmic label, they pressed a bunch of 45's in March of 1958, and certainly as shown on the right, some 78's. Canadian issues were on Reo - both 45 and 78. Probably not considered a real late 78 by most, but certainly a fun one that doesn't show up all the time.

First and second titles, group names.

2010-09-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

I have a new page, well, not exactly new, but I never put a link to it on my home page. It is a small page in comparison to some of my artist pages, but is fun. It shows records that had two different titles. Usually the first title was only pressed for a short time because someone had a problem with it. Maybe it was misspelled, said the wrong thing, or they deemed a different title more appropriate. I have a lucky 13 examples on the page, though I'm sure I will add a few as time goes on. "Church Bells Are Ringing" is probably one of the best known examples of title changes. It was clearly an incorrect title based on the lyrics of the song. Both 78's and 45's were pressed with this boofoo, and Melba records quickly fixed the error. A couple I have listed are not quite as well known. The Royal Teens "Shamrock Hop" is an odd one that I accidentally discovered, and the Bill Smith/Charlie and the Jives was another accidental discovery which is fairly interesting. In my future, I will create a page or split this one and add groups that had two names, with the same song. Perhaps a few liberties will be taken.

Speaking of such, one of the record that fits the above criteria is the 5 Chanels. Their song "The Reason" was issued first as the Chanels, then as the 5 Chanels. Based on my limited information so far, the group was from Harrisburg PA, and Sharon Scott was the lead singer. They were also known as Virgil and the Four Channels - Waiting / Don't Keep It To Yourself (Deb 508) -"The Reason" was released in 1958 and just got to #98 on the Billboard charts. The appearance was brief as it only stayed one week.

Also on my agenda is to post a few Chubby Checker pictures from last week's concert, and put on his first 3 records.

Chubby Checker,Big John T-Bone, Rebels

2010-09-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

After about one year exactly, I am returning to my blog. I guess I ran out of ideas, and had several time consuming projects that just got in the way. I started using our studio "B" at KVMR-FM on my weekly radio show, and decided to get a load of music on my hard drive. About 25,000 songs later, I decided I had a load, but of course, never enough. I will start updating my web site pages (Lot's to do!) and I plan to start submitting corrections and additions to Osborne's Rockin Records before the end of the year.

In my absence, the blog with the most response, is the one concerning Roy Tan. Seems the mystery of Roy Tan continues. I'm still looking for credible information on who he is.

Last night, Chubby Checker came to my town, Grass Valley. Yep, we may be a small town on the map, but Chubby came and rocked the joint. An amazing and energetic show, he kept us entertained, worked the crowd and had amazing interaction. His band, the Wildcats, were top notch. Oh yeah, I got the chance of a lifetime - I introduced him to the crowd!

The first page on my list to update, was the Rockin Rebels et al. To the left, is a picture of the other label that the Russ Hallett trio recorded on, Vim records. I had the Phitom issue, but added this one. Vim was distributed by Clock, and both Vim and Phitom have the ZTSP Columbia products number on them. Which one came first? An argument could be said for both, but in reality, there are a lot more of the Phitom's then Vim's floating around. Aldo Brozzetti seemed to think he had a box of both labels when the record was issued. I am going with Vim first, until I can be proven incorrect. And that does happen sometimes! Also added were a Sparton recording of Big John Little, another record by him with Fern Dauth on the Spurline label, likely issued in the 1980's. Two different Thunderbirds records from the W&G label out of Australia were added. One is the later release of their "Wild Weekend" and the other is an original 6 song EP also on W&G. Finally, a nicer copy of the Bubbles record- also a copy that actually plays the Rockin Crickets record (See web page for details) and a Pye label release of Rockin Crickets. And yes, I know I am still missing some records on this page, it keeps me looking for them!

What's next? I don't even know for sure.

John Goeke Interview, Jennell Hawkins, 1st and 2nd titles

2009-09-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a fairly productive summer, and busy as usual. Lots of updates to share, most of which actually need to be updated on my site!

I had the chance to interview John Goeke, original member of the Slades. He was very informative, and truly a nice guy. The Slades actually still get together to sing and socialize, and live somewhat close to each other. The interview is available of my web site on the entry page or on the Slades page.

Jennell Hawkins had a number 50 record on the Billboard charts in 1962 called Moments. She was from Los Angeles, and had previously done a duet with Richard Berry as Ricky and Jennell on Flair records in early 1954. Though not a big seller, Each Step and This Time It's For Real was pressed.Maxwell Davis was the producer on the sides. Moments was released on the local Titanic label first, but contrary to many web site reports and publications, it was not titled "Moments To Remember. On the Titanic label and most of the Amazon label 45's, it is simply "Moments". When Amazon decided to issue an LP of Jennell Hawkins, they titled the LP "Moments To Remember, and then pressed 45's with "Moments To Remember" and made a reference to the LP. It's a great record, a great voice and her only entry into the Billboard charts. She did have other records, though.

I have launched a new page called first and second titles. Many records were initially pressed with a title that was quickly changed for a variety of reasons. One common fault was that the title was wrong! I have about a dozen records on the page, a couple that are a little scarce, a few very common examples, and possibly a couple you had never heard of. Check it out HERE!

Larry Hall on Evergreen,Marketts, Ebay

2009-07-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

I think I have the mystery solved for the recording by Larry Hall of Sandy. At least it was to me. The big hit of his spent 15 weeks total on the charts, rising to a peak of #15 on the Billboard pop charts in 1959. Most copies were pressed on the Strand label. I also actually own a few copies on the Hot label. I have both promo and stock copies on Hot. I had read about an Ever Green release, and actually saw a really bad picture of one on Ebay. Now that I have it, and you can see it, there is a tag that says
"Notice Not For Sale. Discontinued on Ever Green. Only available on Hot."
The sticker is on both sides of my copy. The likely scenario is that it was released on Ever Green, and perhaps it was discovered that there was another label with the same name. I do show an Evergreen label in 1958 that was issuing International records, mainly LP's. They issued it on Hot which was a label that also had been taken in 1958, issuing Freddy Cannon and the Spindrifts as #1000. Oops. Strand picked it up and though they were already established, this was their first big hit.
If my memory serves me correctly, I recall seeing a picture sleeve of sorts for the Ever Green release. I don't recall too much about it, but I saw it once, and the seller wanted a grand for it. Clearly out of my price range, but I doubt many survive today. I will be updating my page this week. Anyone seen that Ever Green sleeve?

I continue to add radio shows to this page on my web site. I include about the first 75 minutes of the show. N ext week I am pre-empted by the live broadcast of the World Music Festival.

As I have watched bay and tracked trends, at least in my mind, I have seen a lot of interesting things. Too numerous to bore you with in a blog, but interesting enough to occasionally share my opinion. There are certain records that sold really well, or perhaps a dump load of records were pressed, sold originally, or placed in the bargain bins after the fact. One of those is by the Wheels on Premium, "Heart's Desire". I see that record all the time for sale, anywhere from 3-80 bucks. I think it's worth about 10 in VG+ shape, regardless of any book prices that show substantially higher pricing. Without doubt, Ebay has shown the availability of some discs are much more plentiful than originally imagined.

Another very cool aspect of Ebay is the increase of sellers providing audio clips. It's a good chance to hear what the record sounds like and compare it to the grade that they assigned. It gives you a good chance to decide if their grade is accurate, and you can also make decisions about buying records from the seller, based on how they grade. For me, it's not all about a visual grade. That is only part of it.

Though certainly not rare, I had to buy the Marketts "Outer Limits". This is the first title of their hit "Out Of Limits". They changed it, if I have the story correct, because of complaints from the then current Outer Limits TV show. It was issued on promo and stock copies. I suspect a good amount were released before they were forced to make the title change. Some records I just have to have, no matter how common they seem to be.

Performance Royalties,Ebay,Travelers

2009-06-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

The performance royalty legislation appears to be blocked in the house. NAB says they have enough members (220) which is two more than need to block scheduling a vote. Good news for Internet radio stations and others, especially small stations which include College and community radio. Every time a song is played, the composer or song writer receives a copyright royalty payment. The proposal was to have the artist receive a payment every time the song was played. Currently Sirus XM radio pays the performance fees, and I know we do at our local community radio station, for the Internet broadcast. We are also limited to 100 Internet "streams" at a time. I have always sided with NAB, and still do. One of the issues that is not often mentioned, is that the record labels are also left out of the payment scheme. I also don't have major issues with that either. But, what if........
What if the record labels decided to only debut their "records" to just XM, and organizations that paid that fee? I have seen the argument, but can't see why the labels would do that. They still need the airplay to sell the music. And they certainly have not stopped servicing the radio stations with promotional material.

Got a record set sale list from a very prominent record store near the east coast. There was not a record on the list under a hundred bucks. And there was several hundred records on the list. It got me to thinking, once again, about record prices. And then I start comparing, again, to Ebay, and to think about how Ebay has affected record prices in general. There are certainly a few well established record dealers that charge big bucks for their discs, and several of them can get that price from a small group of hard core collectors. This dealer is very respected, and I have had nothing but great experiences with him in the past, though I have not purchased super expensive vinyl.
One particular examples is the Gaytunes on red wax Timely. His price is 2,000. My last book showed 600.00 and it may be a little more right now, but he is likely double the high book. Fortunately, it's a free country and he can ask whatever he wants. Currently, the same record has the minimum on Ebay right now, which was 199.00. Condition is reportedly the same, and I will be curious to see where it ends up. The point is, that on Ebay right now, during the current economic times, prices are going even lower than they had been, in general. Some of the super collectibles are still getting the big bucks, but low to mid range records are just not selling anywhere near the prices of the record dealers. Again, not rocket science, but the trend is there. Price books have always been a guide, as are dealers lists (sort of), but selling prices are a pretty good indicator of what people will actually spend. The amount of unsold records on Ebay has never been higher. Several reasons for that. Many are boots, but the sellers don't know, it many are over-priced based on some of the previous issues stated, and some just read the guides wrong, many are priced as a mint record, but is VG, and one last reason - some sellers don't realize that hard core collectors are interested in what the label looks like! You can't sell a VG+ sounding record that has a G label. At least most of us won't purchase it as VG+. Ebay has it's issues, and grading is one of them. But Ebay also is a great indicator of record prices people are willing to pay.Super Rare collectibles by the usual suspects will probably continue to fetch amazing sums of money to the small percentage of us that can afford them. But prices for many records have gone down.

I finally managed to get the 4th record by the Travelers on Andex. Katie the Kangaroo/I'll Be Home For Christmas. A so-so record, not nearly as good as their other secular records on the label. My favorite of theirs might just be Teenage Machine Age. They did a bunch of gospel recordings as the Pilgrim Travelers, which are also quite good. That group included Lou Rawls. They also made a great LP called "Look Up", which I have.

Possessions,Rebels,Checkers

2009-04-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

Added to my Vito and the Salutations page, is the Possessions on Britton, with a twist. It is the original blue wax copy. This is an original record and not a boot. Seems that the Britton label pressed some of their copies on blue grooves as well as the standard black. I first learned of it some 20 years ago when I saw Frank Fox's copy, who was a member of the group: also of Vito and the Salutations. The record was then pressed up for Parkway records. Britton red wax copies are boots, and unless you read the dead wax numbers, there are a dump load of black wax boots out there. If you see "unc. vrs." on the left side in the middle between the lines, you are the proud owner of one of those fakes.

Additions coming up this week are relatively minor. In yet another foreign press of Wild Weekend, Holland will be making it's appearance. I know there are more, and I will find them!

Also, I will be adding the Checkers to my first and second labels page. White Cliffs Of Dover was an R+B chart hit for them for King records, but it was reissued on the Federal label in 1960. Neither are tough to find, but documenting the fact is really the goal. And for a rousing, blasting and rollicking version of White Cliffs Of Dover, it's tough to beat the Checkers. The Robins on the Lavender label, however, does come close!

Buddy Knox,radio shows, Big John Little,Rebels

2009-03-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Just added to my website, on the pages that show first and second pressings, is Buddy Knox. Buddy Knox had a number one hit with Party Doll in 1957. Legend has it, he and his band, and a few others, cruised over to Clovis New Mexico. There they spent 60 bucks on three all night sessions with Norman Petty at his studios. They returned to Happy Texas with some tapes and acetates. A local record was pressed up on the Triple D label, named after Dumas Radio station KDDD. The original press actually was done in late 1956, and the publishing on the left center of the record was Blue Moon. In January, it changed to Oliver and Son. The actual amount of records that were pressed seems to range from 1500 to 2500. It was reported first played by Dean Kelley of KZIP radio in Amarillo, Texas. An interesting article about him with Elvis is HERE. It was then that Morris Levy issued it on his newly formed Roulette label, and it hit number one on the Billboard charts.

I have added MP3 files to my radio shows page. You can subscribe to the RSS feed and also find the shows now on Itunes. Go to podcasts and search for doo wop.

On a page that keeps going and going, just like the energizer bunny, I have added a picture of the Rebels on the Canadian Quality label, that is autographed by all four original members. The label shows the "Rebels" but one of the four wrote "Buffalo Rebels" on it. In any case, it's a cool addition. I also added a current picture of Big John Little. There is a website under construction for Big John, and I will let you know when it is finished. Also of interest is a youtube video of Big John performing a few songs.

Wanna buy a boot? At this writing, you can buy a copy of the Rockateers on MJC, red wax, right now for 1500.00 on Ebay! Never issued on red wax until probably the 70's , the record in it's original black groove glory is fairly valuable on 45 and on 78. He may figure it out before you read this. That is certainly one of the troubles with buying records on Ebay. There are many boots for sale. Some are clearly marked, and some are either disguised or not mentioned. Always ask the seller for the dead wax numbers if you have any doubt.

Johnny Flamingo, Roy Tan, web site updates

2009-02-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

Finding (new to me) records by Johnny Flamingo is getting harder all the time. Just recently added to my Johnny Flamingo page is the 45 shown on the Diadon label, "If You Say Please Go Now". It is one of what I believe are two issues on the label by Flamingo. The other one I have seen documented as Diadon 138 "No More Doggin" and "All Aboard. The later has shown up on a few different CD packages, and the former is certainly on the Johnny Flamingo CD. Anyway, this Diadon 45 shown was issued in late 1961 based on the delta date code in the dead wax. Both sides of the Diadon 45's have songs not released on Johnny Flamingo's LP on the same label. The only other Diadon release I know of is by Ray Park and the Canucks. The label logo is different, but the street address is the same. If you like rock and roll, a decent guitar solo mixed with some animal sounds, you would like the Canucks record.

Interesting comments on my last blog about Roy Tan (Tann). One said it must be a play on the Roi Tan cigar brand. That certainly could be true. The other comment pegs him as Eddie Daniels from the Ebb label. I have yet to see any documentation to that effect, but I am still looking. No hint on the Tan label to where it was from, which makes the puzzle pieces that much harder to put together.

Several new updates to some artist pages have occurred over the last week or so. Most of them have been records I just couldn't find, but really not rare or valuable. For the Rockin Rebels, a stock copy of "Another Wild Weekend" on Swan, and for the Innocents, "Pains In My Heart" on Indigo. Just stubborn records I couldn't find, but knew they were fairly common.

Last night on my radio show, it was back to the normal program, after last week's membership drive. Since yesterday was Valentine's day, I was swamped with dedications. That is just one of the reasons why community radio so much fun.

Crescendos,Roy Tan,Tune Weavers

2009-01-18T06:15:00.000-08:00

One of my last web page updates was for the Crescendos page. I still feel there is at least one more 78 out there that I don't have. Still, true, even after finding the latest one. That "latest one" is their second release called "Crazy Hop" backed with "School Girl" on the Canadian Sparton label. I had seen it once before, so I knew they were issued, but finally bought one. Now, the questions still remain: Was there a US 78 for "Young And In Love on Nasco 6021?I know for sure that the Monorays "It's Love Baby" on Nasco 6020 was pressed. Was it issued on Reo as a 78? My page has the Reo 45. The related Janice Green was issued on a Reo 45, I wonder if it was also on a 78? Too many questions, not enough answers. I suppose it's just the usual for me!

Here's a 78 that I hope to add to my website in the next week or so. Roy Tan had his first regional hit with Isabella. It originally was issued on the Tan label in 1957. Though I really don't have much information on Roy Tan, I can just imagine it was pressed by him out of frustration that no record companies would sign him. Back then, it was not a bad alternative. Then all you had to do is flash a little cash at a few DJ's, and WALA! You're on the air. It was picked up by Dot and had good sales in certain regions, but not enough to get on the Billboard charts. Incidentally, it was paired with "Hey Sugar" and issued again in 1964 by Dot. The original 1957 flip was "I Don't Like It". His second release for Dot was "Hot Rod Queen"/Acapulco, and finally on Dot, "Your Drivers License Please, with the first release of Hey Sugar. You can find a CD with Isabella on it from the fine folks at Ace. You can't find too much information on Roy Tan, however.

Another scheduled update on my site is the 78 RPM of Checker 880. That is the copy of the Tune Weavers "Old Man River", the fabulous flip of "Happy Happy Birthday Baby", paired with the Paul Gayten instrumental 'Tough Enough". I love the fact that it lists the Tone Weavers on the label. Check out my Tune Weavers page for a good visual history of their record labels.

One additional note concerning a previous blog and the value of the 78 by Johnny Dee on Colonial. "Sittin In The Balcony" I mentioned was up on Ebay for 69 bucks, for the 78 in nice shape. I thought it was terribly over priced and the second release would be more valuable. The same seller listed it yet again, but not before another seller listed it for 14.99 just before him. It didn't sell either. You have to do your research on Ebay, or you will unknowingly help to support our economy, without monetary benefits for yourself.

Johnny Dee 78, Five Stars, Christmas Show

2008-12-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

Pictured on the right is Johnny Dee's second release on Colonial called "Teenage Queen". You may notice it's a 78, and I will be adding it to my Johnny Dee page this next week. My page is only the Colonial label recordings, as trying to find every disc he has recorded, or even more difficult, that he wrote or was involved with, would be a daunting task. I have seen at least one web site that attempts to at least document the information, though with very few pictures. Back to the 78. If you believe price guides as gospel, this 78 is much more common than his big hit on 78, "Sittin In The Balcony". At least they recognize "Teen Age Queen" was on 78, and it's the first one I have actually seen for sale. I have seen many "Balcony" 78's for sale including one that continues to pop up on Ebay for a measly 69.00. After at least four listings, it still has not sold. My belief is that the prices are reversed in Rockin Records. 100-125 for "Balcony", is what "Teenage Queen" should be, and 50-75 for "Balcony" is more correct, but both are still too high. Neither is what I and many collectors call a Late 78. They were both released in 1957. Though even more difficult to find, "School Girl" by the Crescendos on 78 is another example of a follow up recording that was pressed on 78, but in very limited quantities. The idea was that they hoped that second record was as big as the first and worthy of release on 78 RPM.

There have been just a few interesting records that have appeared at my door over the last month. I have been giving the post woman a break. That and my wallet. For my web site, I will be adding Johnny Flamingo on Caddy 114, "I'll See You In My Dreams" and "My Girl", and Dottie Fergerson with the Five Stars, "Slow Burn",and "You And Me And Love" on the Kernal label. The latter will be put on my Five Stars page.

I did the annual Christmas show last night on KVMR. I certainly look forward to the program every year. It is the only time I play the songs, so it is just plain fun. I feel the same way with the Halloween show, but was unable to do it this year, due to station scheduling.

2008-11-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday on my radio show, I had the pleasure of interviewing Randy Williams of the vocal group, the Doodlers. That was the mystery artist I mentioned in my November 9th blog. They made two discs for the Jones record company, based in Houston.though on the company sleeve, it lists Beverly Hills as well. "Linda Sue got the most airplay and sales for the group. Their follow up, The Dangerous Dangeroo, was not as successful, but was a fun song. The subject was intended to scoop up a little of the business that the Purple People Eater was getting, with their 1/2 dragon and 1/2 kangaroo creature. The idea was great, but the sales were not quite what the group, and William T Jones had hoped for. The Doodlers had a nearly three year run, before they called it a day. They performed all over the country and even shared the stage with Elvis once, in their home state of Texas. Check out my new page on the Doodlers. You can also listen to my interview with Randy Williams for more really interesting information on their career. Two of the Doodlers members are missing with whereabouts unknown Jay Hoyle and Mike Perkins

I have added a few things to the web site. The first hour of my 11/15/2008 radio show is now available for listening at your leisure. A 78 by Gene Forrest under the Gene And Eunice page, and a load of playlists through Novemer 1st 2008.

Also added to the Rockin Rebels et all page, was a promotional copy of the second Marlee label variation with the ShanTood publish misspelled. I was unaware they made one for the second variation.

Big John Little, KVMR,The Emeralds

2008-11-09T06:59:00.000-08:00

The Big John Little interview is now available on my Rockin Rebels page or from the main page. I ran the interview last Saturday and played a few of his records.

Last night's radio show signaled a small change in my format. Hard to explain, but I am certainly having a bit more fun, and of course when I make changes, it is always a little harder to make it sound like it should. I have also changed from the Champs Midnighter as an opening theme, to the instrumental called Big Bad Train. The artist is listed as Lee Castle along with Jimmy Dorsey. Don't let that fool you! It's a really nice hard driving record, with a certain touch of pop. You may have heard it before on air checks or the CD of Mad Daddy. He used to play it on his radio show in Cleveland when it first came out.

An interesting first and second pressing has arisen with Luther Bond and the Emeralds. They had a song that is commonly seen the the Showboat label called "Gold Will Never Do". I believe that was the first press of the disc. The second pressing does not show up as much, on the Briar International label. It has a different flip side, "Should I Love You", as opposed to "Jitterbug Jamboree" on the Showboat record. Briar International does not appear much, except for some bluegrass recordings.

I have another interview in the works, and hope to do it on Monday. It is the type of interview I really like: A group that just made a couple of records, had some regional popularity, but no huge success. Keep tuned to this blog and I will tell you all about it. I also plan to make a small web page featuring the group. One hint: They are actually already on my web site!

Voxpoppers,Fran-Cettes, KVMR/Big John Little

2008-10-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Things have been a little slow over here. The mailman has actually been happy since there have not been so many boxes of records to deliver. Still, I have found a few assorted discs that I couldn't live without.

The Voxpoppers. Everyone has probably heard "Wishing For Your Love". A very nice late 50's ballad indeed. Recently, I acquired the Voxpoppers EP on Mercury and the release on the Versailles label. A nice group that had a short 15 minutes of fame.

Also interesting, is the group called the Fran-Cettes. I have just the one 45 on the Besche lable, though the group recorded several records in their short career. Frances Gray is listed as one of the members, and has writing credits on both sides of this release, with "Cradle Love" being the plug side. An unusual label name to be sure, it came from the combination of names of the producers listed on the record, Scherman and Besman. I do believe it is the same group that backed the Perez Brothers on Offie's and the Wolfie labels.

We had a membership drive last night on KVMR-FM, but next Saturday, back to the usual. I should have the Big John Little interview on the agenda, providing I can get a few of his newer songs to play. What a great talent he is, still. He has come a long way from Rockin Crickets. The following week, I plan to make a few changes to the show, including a new opening theme. It should be fun, and could take a few weeks to get in a slightly different groove.

Carl Dobkins Jr.,Don Durant, Russell Bice

2008-10-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

Brand new page alert! I have uploaded Carl Dobkins Jr. to my website and have several of his records you can see and hear. There is also an interview you can listen to at your leisure. He seems like a great guy and was really enjoyable to speak with. He had a great career and a lot of records that should have charted that didn't. He also has a new CD out which is shown on my page, and can be ordered HERE!

I mentioned some air checks at Rockit Radio in a previous blog. I have had the opportunity to listen to several of them, and create playlists/running orders of events, so that Rockit Radio can add them to their store. Some of the Mad Daddy air checks have been tough, and I have even resorted to buying a few records to confirm what I heard. Yes I know. It's a sickness. One of those records is a lesser known tune by a guy you may have heard of. Mad Daddy actually spun a song called "Seal Rock". It was complete with seal barking sound effects. The artist was Don Durant, who is known for his short lived series called "Johnny Ringo". He made a few records, and my copy is on Fabor, though it was also released on Challenge.

Without a doubt, I have some of the strangest tangents when it comes to record collecting. Occasionally I can't even attempt to explain why I bought something, other than it seemed like something I needed. Thus the addition of two 78's on the Vinatone label. One is blue wax, the other is clear. The records are basically organ music that was played in skating rinks. In this case, they are by a well known organist by the name of Russell Bice, and as I research it, he was based in Detroit. He is also featured in a book called "Skate Crazy". I just had to have them.

Returning from my last adventure from Nova Scotia, you can see some of the pictures that were taken at http://www.sandyspictures.com/travelfriendscanada01.htm

Big Bad Train,Big John Little, Incense and Peppermints

2008-09-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

I answered my own question from my September 7th blog. The instrumental called "Big Bad Train" was recorded by Lee Castle and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. It's on the Epic label, #9324. The only place I have heard it is on the air checks of the Mad Daddy show.

I had a great conversation with Big John Little yesterday. He was on the record "Rockin Crickets" and many others. He was fun to talk to and had some great information from his long and great career. He is still actively performing and has CD's available at http://www.weatherbysound.com/JohnLittle.htm He is really now known as T-Bone, which he explains in my interview. I hope to have that on my website next month. The Rockin Rebels page is a monster, but his contribution is important, and I think he is another artist that deserves a lot more credit than he has received.

A new first and second pressing will go up this week. It is definitely out of the normal time frame that I have, but is without doubt one of my absolute favorites from 1967. The group featured Ed King, who would also play with Lynryd Skynyrd. The group was from the west coast, and hit several records that got to the Billboard charts. The first issue was on the All American label, and then it switched over to Uni. I always loved the record - maybe it was the harmony, the fact it was different, or maybe the name of the group. In any case, I am adding it to my first and second pressings page. The group has a web site that is under construction at http://www.strawberryalarmclock.com/

Aquatones,Rusty Bryant,Rockit Radio

2008-09-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

One of just three - now two - releases needed for my Aquatones page has now been added. This record was the follow-up to their biggest hit called "You". "Say You'll Be Mine" is not a difficult record to find in it's standard light blue aqua Fargo 45. However, pressings on the dark blue label are a bit more scarce. They seemed to have a good run of dark blue "you"'s, but with this release shown on the right, there were significantly less. The other issue with this color variation is that the paper was very cheap and it tended to flake, tear and rub off. This particular copy does not have those issues, but the few I have seen in the past have been rough. I don't believe any other Aquatones 45 came in this color except these two mentioned. Had it just been "You" I would have thought that they might have run out of paper, a la the penguins with "Earth Angel". All the dark blue copies of "You" I have seen show the ABC distribution on them, so the record was not an early issue. Since they used the paper with their follow-up, I have to think that it was just filler for some apparent reason. I am still missing two Fargo label Aquatones promos. 1015, "There's A Long Long Trail". It may be an orange promo, but I'm not certain. 1022, another issue of "Say You'll Be Mine" with a different flip, would likely be a white label.

I've mentioned Rusty Bryant in a previous blog. I still find myself looking for his records. "All Nite Long", Pink Champagne", "Back Street", "Moonlight Garden Stomp", and the list goes on. Those are titles I have bought, along with his early LP. I will stop my collection in the 1950's and before he started playing jazz. I always have to set boundaries. It's just sometimes ...OK often, I don't stick to them.

Looking for vintage airchecks of some of the great DJ's? Rockit Radio has a boatload of them in their store. Alan Freed, Mad Daddy, Jocko,Bill Balance, etc. They are all on CD, and very enjoyable. Check em' out! I don't have any current shows going, as the production studio I have been using at KVMR is undergoing reconstruction and the addition of a top notch engineering board.Maybe I can get more shows for October.

Frogmen, Mad Daddy, My Home Town

2008-09-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Not exactly doo wop or a vocal group, the Frogmen made just a few records in their short instrumental career. The biggest hit by far was called Underwater. It was a smoking instrumental picking up on the surf scene in southern California, and peaked at number 44 in 1961. You could easily find it a lot higher on west coast local radio station charts,but I could understand why the Midwestern states might have trouble visualizing it. The first issue was on Scott, though it appears it was the Frogmen's second release for the label. Reportedly, the group was a four piece band from Culver City, California, and Rockin Records list the FIVE members as: Jim Young,Dennis Fowley, Mike Anderson, Raymond Sulivan and Larry Bartone. Adding the "guiro". a Spanish percussion instrument, gave it that croaking hook. Scott records was a short lived small independent label from the Los Angeles area, not to be confused with several other labels of the same name, mostly on the east coast. The record was quickly moved to Candix records, and proved to be one of the biggest hits on the label. It should be noted that the Beach Boys certainly had a strong hit on Candix with "Surfin".

So I have been re-visiting some airchecks of mine lately. An aircheck in my collection is defined as an original radio broadcast of a vintage rock and roll music show from the 1950's or early 1960's. Last night I plugged in Mad Daddy. He was an amazing DJ with unbelievable creativity. He could rhyme everything - in fact he did. One of the things he didn't so quite as well as many DJ's was announce his songs. Thus my question for you. One of the great instrumentals he played on more than one show, was clled "Big Bad Train". I don't have a clue who it was by. He had a habit of playing some obscure and very local records to his place of employment at the time, WHK in Cleveland, Ohio. His story has a sad ending. He was on top of the world in Cleveland, went to New York and was not accepted by the listeners. He went from number one to generally not listened to. He committed suicide in 1968. Here is a link where you can hear 30 seconds of Big Bad Train. If you know who the artist is, email me. brian@colorradio.com

I am always a sucker for radio station related records. Whether it's a LP with the radio call letters and their then current pick hits, or a 45 related to that radio station's on air talent, I love them. My latest was called WISM (Wisconsin) "Madison Madison, That's My Home Town". Sung by the WISM Hit Paraders and featuring Miss WISM. Who was she, anyway? Also, I may be mistaken but I think there was a series of My Home Town records for different cities in the USA.

Pastels,Aquatones,Vince Castro

2008-08-31T06:58:00.000-07:00

I always liked the Pastels song "Been So Long". It's a great ballad that got to number 24 on the Billboard pop charts in 1958. Two releases later they had a song called "So Far Away" which is every bit as good. In fact, I like it even more. It didn't see Billboard action, but was a wonderful 45 and hit many local charts. The Pastels included Dee Irvin and were not the same group that recorded on the United label. "Been So Long" was recorded for the Hull records subsidiary, Mascot. Once it started flying off the shelves, they leased it to the Chess subsidiary, Argo records. Since you seem to only hear top 10 records on oldies stations these days, this record is one I call a long lost oldie on my radio show. It never used to be that way!

What should be the last CD of vintage Aquatones material will be out for sale soon. Relic records in Hackensack NJ started this "whole thing" when they issued an LP of Aquatones recordings in the 1980's. As a collectors note, they pressed some on red vinyl with a blue cover, and the normal black wax with a green cover. They also sold a CD in the 1990's with one minor problem. They included a few takes that were unreleased, yet didn't note it on the CD. They may not have realized what they did. The latest CD rectifies that, and takes it a step further. It includes the records the Aquatones sang back-up on which includes Vinnie Monte and Bob E. Lee (No relation). There is also some demo's, LP cuts and songs from an obscure cassette. Good liner notes help you sort out what you are listening to. It is on the Vinyl Reproductions label, catalog number 3001. Look for it soon!

I finally obtained a stock copy of the Vince Castro song "Too Proud To Cry", and will update my website soon. In fact I have now seen three of them for sale within a month. Up to this point, I had seen maybe 8 or 9 promos and just one stock copy. This makes me feel that there are still more promos than regular releases as a general rule. What I often wonder is why the record was not successful. It had some of the same elements as Bong Bong without sounding like it. It's a great record that was certainly more worthy. I suppose there were a lot of those "worthy" records that never got the attention they deserved.Vince Castro is still alive and well, and is singing! You can see/hear some of the new songs for Vince, on Youtube.

Dick and DeeDee,Carl Dobkins Jr. Ahmet Ertegun

2008-08-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

I think I could spend the rest of my natural life hunting down first and second pressings of records. Hmm, seems I am doing that as we speak! Some of them are obvious and well known. Others, not so much. I think of the Tri Lads on the Perspective label with "Cherry Pie" before ending up on Bullseye, Dart Ward, Bobby Jackson, and others. One obvious first and second pressing that totally got by me is Dick and DeeDee's "The Mountain's High" first on the Lama label, before finding it's way to Liberty. Pictured to the left, I will add that to my pages this week. There were also two other Lama issues for the Duo, including "Tell Me" and "Goodbye To Love. Original pressings of "Mountain" should look like the one pictured, and no distributed by Liberty mentioned on the label, like I have with my "Tell Me" issue. So how did I find out about this? I have to rewind to the Rockit Radio BBQ, and talking with Steve Propes and DeeDee herself, found out about it's existence.

Last night I aired my interview with Carl Dobkins Jr. He's a really nice guy with lots of great stories, and he has a brand new CD out. I played several of his vintage recordings and three from the new CD called "Cruising With Carl". Just click on the CD sales link. Eventually, I will get a page together for him, though it will take a while to get to my "complete" stage. I am starting to believe that a decent representation is much better than none at all.

With sadness we all learned about the passing of Jerry Wexler, Atlantic records producer, and collaborated with Ahmet Ertegun to become an amazing production team and had a great eye for talent. And that is an understatement. Atlantic records importance in the history of R+B, and music in general, cannot be stressed enough. A nice, but brief article can be seen here.

I am really backlogged with web site updates. I have some nice first and second pressings, and other artist records that I couldn't live without. Keep checking back for updates!

Chiffons,Carl Dobkins Jr.,Aquatones

2008-08-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about the Internet is the amazing amount of information that is available. One of the bad things about the Internet is the amazing about of mis-information that is available. Let's see if we can clear up the mystery of the Chiffons on the Big Deal label. Shown is the record label, with the address listed from Chatsworth, California. Most people forget that it was actually a Billboard chart record that debuted the same week as the ultimately more popular version by the Shirelles. But back to the Chiffons...

The Chiffons are an east coast group that also recorded a couple of records as the Four Pennies on Rust. They had 12 Billboard chart records with the combined two names, or was it 11? They were High School classmates from the Bronx, and made good with a great sound and fine material to sing. A not so quick check on the Internet shows an overwhelming amount of sites that insist the "Big Deal" Chiffons were the same as the Laurie label Chiffons. In fact it was difficult to find anyone who didn't say that. Most of my books show them as the same group. Rockin Records even shows a price for the top 100 single as 75-100 bucks. For a chart record?

I read one site that a guy had actually talked to a couple of the Chiffons, just a few years back. They said they didn't recall the record and felt it certainly wasn't them. If I knew the interviewer, I could put complete stock in that answer. What confirmed that they are two completely different groups is that Steve Propes interviewed the actual Big Deal Chiffons. In his book LA R+B Vocal Groups 1945-1965, it is obvious that the two groups were different. Besides that, they were on two seperate coasts. That latter fact alone would not convince me, but all the information together is overwhelming evidence that they are not related.

I had a chance to chat with Carl Dobkins Jr the other day. I hope to air an interview later this month. A really nice guy, he had quite a history with rock and roll, and he just released a new CD with some fine songs on it. "Cruising with Carl" is now available.

Speaking of new CD's, the Aquatones are now represented with a definitive CD called "The Aquatones The Authentic Releases". What really sets the CD apart is that it explains all the different iterations of releases. The original Relic CD from some 15 years ago, did not issue all the originally released records, and accidentally included alternate takes. This CD sets that straight and as I mentioned, explains the process. Also included are the Chord'r Notes, Bob Lee and Vinnie Monte issues where the Aquatones backed up the name artist, and as in the Chord'r Notes, it was Dave Goddard and a different group of guys. At this point, I don't think there is any of the Aquatones material that could be unearthed.

Fay Simmons,Rebels,Jerry Lee Lewis

2008-07-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Updated on my Fay Simmons page is the record you see on the left. The Tuffy release appears to be her last recording, and you can see both sides of it on my page. At the moment, I am listing it as a 1964 issue, even though it does not have a date code, and the flip side is "And The Angels Sing". The record does come up for sale occasionally, but is certainly not as difficult as the Rainbow, Grand, Piney or even the Sharp discs. This one also reinforces the fact that she recorded many records in the Philadelphia area, as shown by the Tuffy address near the top of the label. The Tuffy record acquisition now leaves me four records to find for Fay Simmons. Not to mention finding some credible information on Simmons herself. The mystery continues.

I will be adding pictures of the Thunderbirds (Australia) version of Wild Weekend, to my Rebels page. I currently have the sound clip, but will be adding the photos. I also have a little text to add as well, concerning the beginnings of the whole story. I mention that the page is a living document, and it is so true. There is so much information on the groups I have associated with the Rebels, that it is just amazing. The big thing for me is NOT to add any more related artists!

So maybe I'm a little late with this next item. That comes from a guy who never sees movies in the theater because I am happy to see them when they come out on TV. And I have commercial breaks to get up and raid the refrigerator. Certainly cheaper than the 10 dollar popcorn. I digress. I just got the great Time Life/Rhino three CD box set of Jerry Lee Lewis called A Half Century Of Hits. OK, so I am two years behind, but still, It's a great collection. Night Train To Memphis is one of a few cuts I had not heard before, and that one will be on my next playlist. It was released on a LP in 1959, and is a dandy. Nice pictures are included in the booklet, and both sides of his first recording from 1952 are included on disc three.

Echoes, KVMR,Oscar McLollie, Hi Tones.

2008-07-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

Out of Brooklyn, New York, The Echoes cruised onto the Billboard charts with Baby Blue in early 1961. An upbeat song, it reached number 12 on the Billboard charts, and staying on the charts for 12 weeks. It also blew into the top 10 on the R+B charts. The producer was Jack Gold, who worked with several other groups including the G Clefs. It was originally issued on the SRG label. The initials? They stand for Jack Gold's son, Stephen Richard Gold. Gold and his SRG label then leased it to Seg-way and it was a smash hit. This is another of the first and second pressings you can see on my website. They are separated into two different pages. Scroll down to the bottom for my latest updates.

Friday and Saturday we celebrated "Thirty Years In Your Ears" at KVMR-FM radio. An amazing number of musically diverse acts performed to a very enthusiastic crowd at our local Miners Foundry. I have been with the station broadcasting my radio show for 21 of the 30 years.

A couple of updates for this week include a blue modern label of Oscar McLollie, and Roll Hot Rod Roll/Convicted. OK, so those are reversed as Convicted was the hit, but that is one flip I like better than the "A" side. Also I will be adding a nicer picture of the Hi Tones on Fonsco. The current picture is one of the few records I don't actually own on my site, and I will rectify that soon. As mentioned on the page, the Fonsco label is actually a light gray.

Party, Sanford Clark, Rockit Radio

2008-07-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

After a small hiatus, I'm back with more updates.
Had a chance to be in the Los Angeles area and meet some great radio and entertainment folks. Billy Vera, Dee Dee of Dick And Dee Dee, Freddy Cannon, Johnny Hayes, and Steve Propes. It had been about 24 or 25 years since I met Steve when he taught a history of rock and roll course in Long Beach. I also bought his first book in the early 1970's and it was my best reference book, and frankly the only book of it's kind. I also did some record shopping and saw some sights. It was all in the name of Rockit Radio and their 10th anniversary. A great milestone indeed.

Continuing with my first and second pressings page, I will be adding the following record you see pictured by Sanford Clark. The Fool, was a huge hit for him, and got up to number 7 in 1956, spending 21 weeks on the Billboard chart. The record started out on a small label based in Phoenix Arizona called MCI records. Once it started selling, Dot records picked it up for national distribution. It came out on the maroon label 78 and 45, then pressed on the black label. The record featured Al Casey on guitar. MCI released around 20 records through 1961, though nothing was as big as The Fool.

Speaking of Rockit Radio, I have a show currently posted on-line and though it is all pre-recorded, it is still a kick to be involved with the fine folks in Ventura, including the founder, Bennie Dingo. If I wore a hat, I would certainly tip it to him.

Jim Lancaster,Ronels,Hugh Barrett,Terry Noland,Johnny Flamingo

2008-06-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

I love Christmas records. Especially from the rock and roll era of the 1950's into the early 1960's. I often branch out a little and even run across novelty records that I just can't live without. It seems to be something about the time of the season, and the creative ways people celebrate the season. Christmas commercials are also darn interesting to me. Whether it's a car wash, a department store, or my latest - yes, even in June I am looking for these - "Jim Lancaster as Santa Claus on Fable 1000. It's red plastic and 1:12 minutes long on a one sided record. Produced in Los Angeles for the Chevrolet show rooms scattered around the state of Indiana, it ultimately was asking for everyone to come stop by their local showroom to look at the 1959 Chevrolet's. Fun stuff!

Also just recently making a new home in mine, is one of my top ten Christmas songs of all time. The Hepsters had a tune in December of 1955 called "Rockin' N' Rollin' With Santa Claus", on the Ronel label out of Chicago. They had one additional release in 1956 called "I Gotta Sing The Blues"/"This A Way". I know of just 5 or 6 issues for the label, and I only have this one by the Hepsters. You have to love the line "Little Boy Blue come blow your horn, rhythm and blues gonna make you warm". Anyway, the records on Ronel were fairly limited in their releases, but I can speak for the sound of the Hepsters, and it was great.

You may have heard the song called "There Was A Fungus Among Us". Hugh Barrrett and the Victors had a version on the Madison label from 1961, and I have owned that record for quite a while. It's a good version of the song and a nice two sider with "Got The Bull By The Horns" on the flip. The original version appears to have been written by and released by Terry Noland on Brunswick 55092, in 1958. That was the version I recall hearing on the Dr. Demento show a billion years ago. It is also a great two sided disc, with the Sonny Curtis penned "Sugar Drop" on the other side. I now have that 45, and also discovered that it was issued again in 1961 on the Coral label. Maybe in response to the previously mentioned High Barrett waxing? Great! Another record I need to buy!

I just added a page for Johnny Flamingo to my web site. I have been meaning to do that for quite a while, but just now finished it. And to be clear, it's not finished! I have several records that are missing and have included a few sides by Jeanette Baker, but the most important thing is that he (and Jeanette Baker) are recognized, even if I don't have all the discs.

Kuf-linx, Johnny Flamingo,Casa Grande, DJ Earl

2008-06-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have added a page for the Kuf-linx. The group had only had three releases using the name, but they were all great records. I have never seen a picture of the group before, so I used an old picture of members in a different group called the Jubalaires from the 1947. That is the first page I have added in quite a while, as other projects have gotten in the way.

Speaking of new pages, I am currently working on one for Johnny Flamingo. I am missing several records but have decided to go forward anyway. It's a page that I have wanted to do for a couple of years, and am just now making it happen. In the process, I am adding a couple discs by Jeanette Baker and Huggie Boy's record on Caddy. I will also include one of his LP's to the page.

There are a lot of radio shows out there playing the music of the 1950's and early 1960's. Mine happens to be on Saturday evenings from 4-6PM Pacific time on KVMR-FM. There are many shows on the east coast, but one of exceptional note is located in Florida. Check out DJ Earl (and Kristi) at talkstar 840. They are live at 1PM eastern on Sunday's, and it is repeated at 8PM eastern, also on Sunday's, streaming over the net. Earl knows his stuff, keeps the show moving, and plays some amazing records. Great radio!

I have always enjoyed the Tune Weavers on the Casa Grande label. Looking at a discography, I never realized just how many records the label made, likely in an effort to repeat their success with the Tune Weavers "Happy Happy Birthday Baby". I have a few of the other issues, and see there is a wide variety of music. From the great group sound of the Blends, to the pop stylings of Cu Beth, to the country twang of Don Hamilton and the Grandees. Something for everyone on the label, but they never scored as big as they did with the Tune Weavers.

Shows, Cliff Butler, Jackpot

2008-05-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Graffiti Nights is coming up at the end of May, and is happening in Modesto, CA. Music by some local groups including Frankie and the Fabletones - Frank Fox formely of Vito and the Salutations - that is his group. An appearance by Candy Clark, who was Debbie Dunham from American Graffiti, and lots of other guests and events. It's all centered around the movie. Of course there are the cars, too! Check out the schedule of events.

Speaking of fine shows, Las Vegas is the home to a great concert on July 19th, 2008. Put on by the folks at Doo Wop In The Desert, Kenny Vance and the Planotones is the headliner. The Teenagers, Chiffons, and Al Sanchez with the Storytellers, are also scheduled to appear. For more information on the event, visit doowopinthedesert.com

There are some really great records that are listed as single artists, but actually have groups. In Jeff Kreiter's Vocal group Record Guide,8th edition, he mentions that an attempt was made to try and include them. It's always fun to find and listen to those records. One I found is by Cliff Butler on the Nasco label called Devoted To You, and backed with That's How I Go For You. Not a rare record by any means, but fun to hear the group sound.

I added one more record to my Jackpot label discography. Jackpot # 48018 by Jan August is pure country, and leaves me three records away from completing the label. It was a subsidiary of the Challenge label, and had quite a variety of releases with different types of music.

Rex Garvin, Rockitradio, Vince Castro

2008-04-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Last night I aired the Rex Garvin interview on my radio show. I think the most fun was breaking out of my mold a bit, and playing a few of the recordings he made with the Mighty Cravers. Although Emulsified, Sock It To Em JB, and Go Little Willie are not records I would normally play, they sounded good last night. I may just play them in the future. After all, I may have set a precedent last night. Rex Garvin was interesting, and very proud of the accomplishments he made. And well he should be. I will be posting the interview this week on my web site.

Look for my next shows on rockitradio soon. I usually can't seem to get those made as often as I would like, but every couple of months I send off two shows and they get posted. You can listen to them anytime you want to, and the shows rotate through. There are a bunch of DJ's with just as many different styles of presentation and musical tastes. Also, if you love the vintage radio airchecks, you can purchase them at rockitradio, and help support them.

Vince Castro continues to upload music to youtube. He has not had a computer for all that long, but he has done some really good work. Just type in his name and you can see a bunch of videos where he has put vintage pictures to the music. He has recorded some new material, but there is no commercially available CD yet. You can check out my page on Vinny along with the Tonettes HERE!

Glenville, Carl Dobkins Jr.,Rex Garvin

2008-04-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Not too much new and of interest in the way of records this week, at least that would be interesting to most people. I always look for variations on some of the records on my web site, and even a different color on the label is interesting to me. I always thought the Jimmy Charles/Johnnie And Joe reissue on Glenville was just issued on an orange label, but it was also pressed up in pale blue. I suppose when things like that are important to me, I will never have everything, or even be close! The one exception to my "rule" is the Colonial label out of North Carolina. I have never seen so many variations of promo and stock issues on any label. And the order they are in is mind boggling.
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Be on the lookout for a new Carl Dobkins Jr. CD in the next couple of months. I hope to interview him and help promote the disc on my radio show. I am excited to hear how it sounds and to know that Carl is still active with music.
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Speaking of interviews, next Saturday on my radio show, I will air my interview with Rex Garvin. He is an interesting guy that is very proud of his history - and should be. He currently is not involved with music much, but is still actively working in another profession and is very happy. He was in the middle of everything back in the mid 1950's, and lived in Harlem.

Gallahads,Wolfman Jack,Rosie/Starlite

2008-04-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

The story of the Gallahads has lot's of twists and turns, and ends up as a great group that should have been successful, not really getting the attention they deserved. Lead singer Jimmy Pipkin was raised in the Seattle area, and the group first recorded on the Nite Owl label. They ended up down in Los Angeles, and recorded for the Delfi and Donna labels, amongst others. Somewhere in the mix of being dissapointed with the direction the group and music was going, they went back to Los Angeles. Another Gallahads group was formed by taking a local group called the Chants, and changing their name to the Gallahads. They released Sad Girl and Keeper Of Dreams on the local Beechwood label, before it was picked up by Art Laboe's Starla label. There was one other release that stayed with Beechwood, but not long after that, another incarnation of the Gallahads with Pipkin recorded I'm Without A Girlfriend. It was a local hit in Los Angeles and a few other regions as well. They continued to change personel, and recorded a few more records before the end of the line. Shown is the original first label for Sad Girl, and I will add that one along with the Starla label, for the unofficial Gallahads.
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I have been listening to some Wolfman Jack reel to reel tapes this week. They were part of a syndicated show that he must have produced in the mid 1970's. They say "Gold" on the tape box, but during the shows, he just says "The Wolfman Jack Show". They were set up especially for radio stations and included cue sheets showing where the breaks where. In fact, the idea was to let the tape roll, and when the break came up, the station engineer would just insert an ID that was the correct amount of time and the tape would continue on. As I have listened to 6 parts of the show, I have found a few interesting things, at least to me as a fellow DJ. Some of the music sources are direct from scratchy 45's. Heck, that was a common source back then. I just thought he could have found slightly cleaner copies. Then again, did it really matter? He played a wide range of music, and I would think the tapes could have been played years later and still sounded good. Maybe even today? He inserts a few funny bits, and has that Wolfman persona. They sometimes sound a little rushed or slapped together, but still - it's the Wolfman!
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I finally got a copy of the Rosie and the Original 45 on the Starlite label, issued in the 90's, I believe. It was actually not Rosie and the Originals, in spite of what it said on the label. It doesn't sound like her either. When Ace contacted Rosie before they compiled her songs for two different CD's they produced, the writer asked her about the record. It was the first time she had ever heard about it. Anyway, I plan to add that to my Rosie and the originals site just so people are informed. A quick Google check using the artist name and Starlite didn't bring much to light.

Dave?5,Crescendos,web updates

2008-04-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

So, every now and then I laugh because of a typo on Ebay. I probably shouldn't because I make enough of them myself. It's true, I would be lost without spell check. Even on this blog. Two different sellers both with Dave Clark 5 records, posted within an hour of each other. As of this writing, Clock and Clack are still showing, and just made my day. Doesn't take much, eh?
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Just a few minor updates this week to the color radio site. A 78 of Oscar McLollie's "All That Oil In Texas" was added to my page on him. I have quite a few of his records, but still not all of them. He certainly is one of my favorites, and if you have heard much of his music, you would understand why. He was a very prolific recording artist, mainly for the Modern and Class labels. He could croon a ballad, and belt out a jumper, with no problem. The Popular Five, who can be traced back to the Chords (Sh Boom), had a final recording on the Mister Chand label, and I added that promotional record. The label was a subsidiary of Mercury, but had the smiling face of Gene Chandler on it. Mister Chand - ahh, that's the connection. Of minor note, I added pictures of the red vinyl release of the Blue Jays record on Classic Artists. You just click on the label pictures. As was the case with most of the classic Artists releases, they were available in black and red vinyl versions.
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I have gone back to researching my Crescendos page. I have two sources that show they backed up Lowell McGuire, so I will be adding that record soon. I have listened to most of the Nasco material for the label, and to my ears, Bobby Jenkins, "My Baby's Gone" sounds like it could be them. There only a few of the Nasco issues that had vocal groups backing a single artist, and the reason they used the Crescendos for McGuire was that they were available and I'm sure cheap. There is a vocal group backing Billy Fortune on Trapped, but does not really sound Crescendos-ish. I suppose I should also start looking (listening) at the Excello sides as well.

Gingersnaps,Lafayette/LaSabres,Pearls

2008-03-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Gary Meyers, he identified the Gingersnaps from last weeks blog. They are Maryann Wimmer, Judith Meyer, Jeanne Oehler, and Mary Gottsacher. Confirmation was made that they also recorded on Jupiter. Gary has a website with a book called "On That Wisconsin Beat", an amazing history of music and groups in Wisconsin. Without doubt, he is quite an authority, as he told me there were over 700 interviews that he conducted to make the book possible. Certainly a real labor of love.

Added to my website this week was another of those first and second pressings that I can't 100 per cent be certain of. Though I have two sources that do confirm it, I prefer not to rely on them completely. The record is by Lafayette and the LaSabres called "Cure For Love". It features Lafayette Yarbrough who had at least one other release on the Bart label. I'm sure you have seen "Cure For Love" on the Port label, both stock and promotional. I have it shown on the Your-Pick label as the first issue. I have no definitive information on Your-Pick, except it is number 1005. That could indicate previous issues of some type on the label. Based on this one example, it is not a reissue label. It could be fooling me. I think of the Casinos on Buccaneer which I thought was a first press but was later shown it was a reissue. Anyway, at this point I believe it is an original first issue for the record.

I always have enjoyed listening to the Pearls. I was somewhat unaware of the group until I bought the Relic LP in the 1980's that featured the groups on the Onyx label. I actually enjoy most of the records on the label, but especially the Pearls. I may never collect all their records, but I added their rendition of Hank Williams classic of "Your Cheating Heart" to my collection. Not a bad version at all, unless you can't get past Hank's version or the group treatment to it. What I really need by the pearls is "Ice Cream Baby" That one is next!

Savage Rockin Girls,Rex Garvin,Gingersnaps

2008-03-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

I gave the mailman a break this week, and packages with records inside were few and far between. That actually translates into no packages whatsoever. Of course, that doesn't stop me from looking. I go through periods of time where everything seems too expensive and I just don't buy anything. I did finally purchase a CD called Savage Rockin Girls. I was a little disappointed in the package as a whole. It had a few of the 35 cuts that were very good, but many were hard to figure out how they ever got on a record in the first place. For my ears, there is a difference between raw and hard to listen to. I do like the booklet which has pictures of many of the 45's featured on the package. If you still are thinking of buying it, I wouldn't spend more than 10 bucks on it.

Last night after my weekly radio show, I came home and interviewed Rex Garvin. He started with the Hearts on Baton in early 1955, was with "Miss Sanders" (Zell) at J+S records, and eventually had his own group, the Mighty Cravers. Interesting guy, but seems to talk about everybody but himself. He is proud of his work, but seems very humble. I hope to air that interview in April on KVMR-FM.

Has anybody ever heard of a group called the Gingersnaps - all one word? This girl group recorded Bald Headed Papa on the Wisconsin based Window records, and it appears to be the same group on the Jupiter label, also from Wisconsin. They are a little on the pop side, but very enjoyable. Maybe someone from the cheese state knows the skinny on that great girl group. See the picture below.

Nasco 78's and Bullmoose Jackson

2008-03-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

I added a few label shots to my Crescendos page that I find quite interesting. Not everyone collects 78's, and in my case, I certainly have far fewer than my 45's, but I am still an avid collector of them. It's just that I have a very selective list. I was able to find two, well actually three Nasco 78's that I didn't know existed. I'm sure If I can find them, there has to be a few more out there. It's safe to say that production was limited. It was mid to late 1958, so the hits were still being pressed on that fast format. How the record companies decided which artists were going to be included on 78 is not an easy answer. Was their last record big? Is this record showing some real promise, and are the juke operators needing some copies for their machines that still use 78's? Maybe the answer is all the above. I think the latter reason is why companies actually continued small runs of the 78 into 1960. On the left is the Crescendos follow-up to Oh Julie on a 78. I am also aware that a Candian press on Sparton was also made in limited quantities. Further, if you look at my page, you can see Janice Green's only Nasco record, Jackie, on a 78. I have not seen that one before either. Lastly, I bought the Monorays Nasco release, number 6020. I can't speak to how many were issued on 78, but now I wonder if the Crescendos last Nasco record, Young And In Love - issue 6021 - was also on a 78? It certainly was showing early signs of great airplay and sales, so...... maybe?
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So I'm not a Bullmoose Jackson expert. I have some of the King singles, and have seen one on Queen. He also has a few issues on some other assorted labels like Warwick. I couldn't help getting a 78 on Encino called "Watch My Signals" backed with Understanding. It is one of two by him on the label. I have no immediate plans to collect all his recordings, but certainly like the ones I have. I think the first radio show I heard his work was on Dr. Demento in the early 70's. He really did have some funny songs. A basic site is at http://www.bullmoosejackson.com/

Johnny Flamingo, Sylvia promo, Gene Forrest

2008-03-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

On my quest to collect all of Johnny Flamingo's records (Mel Broxton/Melvin Moore), I recently found the LP that he made on Diadon It's full of mostly smooth, slow ballads that really showcase his voice. He was performing at a club called the Den, in Norwalk California at the time. I believe there was also a 45 released from the LP. So far, I have not seen an accurate, complete listing of all his records, but at some point I will assemble what I have and go forward with the most complete discography available to this point.

I added a promo 78 of "A Million Tears" to my Mickey and Sylvia site. It is unusual in my collection as it is a promo that has the same song on both sides from the early 1950's. In my collection of vinyl, I don't have an earlier example of a two sided promo 78, though I'm sure there are instances I am unaware of. I still have many Sylvia records to find, to make that page complete.

Also new to me is a 78 from Gene Forrest on the RPM label. Aching And Crying along with the flip can now be seen on my page for Gene And Eunice. He actually made a total of at least 5 records before Gene And Eunice. Three were on John Dolphin's Recorded In Hollywood label, and the other was on Aladdin showing the Four Feathers.

Hopefully, later this month I will have some news on some Nasco label records that should be interesting. Until they arrive at my house safely, I will keep you guessing. Come to think of it, they were supposed to be here a month ago, so I am actually still guessing!

Ebay,Charms on Rockin/Deluxe

2008-03-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

I'm back from a couple weeks on vacation, and set to bring you more information in my weekly blog
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A two week withdrawal from Ebay made me take another hard look at the type of listings that continue to be added. Although there are a lot of great records being offered by some very reputable sellers, there is a lot of junk and inconsistencies. That is not new news by any stretch of the imagination, but I think it's getting worse. The bottom line is that if you are a serious collector, you better know what you are looking for, and what it should look like.
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Here is a funny listing that said doo wop, but was an instrumental.
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This next one is from a not so great seller that not only offers crap, but has a hard time with facts. On this listing he has a supposed promo LP from the Innocents, with no cover, and a picture of Cathy (Kathy) Young, which is the wrong artist, and not "With The Group". I think it was the other way around, but there were close ties. As for the cover, which is not really addressed, and shown as blank, I have quality label promo LP's and they all came with covers. And how does a promo never get released? I bet there is a quality LP on a stock label out there. In fact, the one pictured appears to be stock, in spite of the likely intentionally blurred picture.

This one just keeps coming up. He wants 20K for the lot based on 235K "Book value". It is a list of mostly common stuff that really should be in the VG+ or mint range that he lists 85% of the records to be. Since stuff does not sell at book, as he points out, I think he will be listing it for a long time. On the positive side, it would be a good starter collection for a new collector.....for about 1/2 the price.

Coming this week to my first and second pressings is the Charms first record on the Rockin label called Heaven Only Knows. It then became the first issue on the Deluxe label, number 6000. The Rockin label was based out of Miami, though a sub of King records. The disc started selling well enough that King decided to issue it on the Deluxe label. They had actually acquired the Deluxe catalog within the previous year - it was originally based in New Jersey - and they revived it with # 6000. They continued to issue records by the Charms, and they helped sell a lotof records for Sid Nathan at King. As a side note, the Charms also recorded for the Florida based Chart label. So, look for the Deluxe/Rockin 78's later this week here!

Ace CD, Johnny Standley, Patty McCoy

2008-02-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

A brand new Ace CD has been released, and It's another good one. It is a slight variation on the Golden Age Of American Rock And Roll. It's called "The Follow Up Hits", and it has 30 more great tracks which were, as the title suggests, artists follow up hits, though they are not necessarily the NEXT release by that artist. I had the privilege of contributing a small amount to the project, and I think it turned out quite well. The booklet is full of great artists and record information, and has some great pictures as well. Check out the track listing HERE, though you might want to find another site to purchase it at.

I seemed to have given the postman a break this week, as not much new vinyl has been transported to my record room. One oddball record that is probably not worth much more than the .99 cents I paid for it, is an alternate version of Johnny Standley's "It's In The Book". Originally on the Magnolia label, it was picked up by Capitol and became a huge hit in the early 1950's. It is on my first and second pressings page, but shown in the original 78 to the left. The record I bought was a 45 on the Glo label of Tennessee. I know nothing of the label, but am wondering if they issued alternate takes of records, similar to what the Lana label did with doo wop and rock and roll records in the early 60's.

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Another interesting record I ran across is by Patty McCoy and the Renegades. It is her first of two on the Counsel label, and released in 1963, Stranger backed with Goodbye. According to an email correspondence I had with Bill Schallert, she was from Fox Senior High School in Arnold MO. She had a second release for the label called Double trouble, but from there, the trails gets cold. The label was apparently located in south Philly according to Schallert. The label had a small run of around 13 records or so, and that was it. Where is she now?

Joyce Harris, Oscar McLollie, Rebels

2008-02-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

I have a few new records to put up on my website this week. The first is another record by Joyce Harris. I have the Dot label issue of Hey Pretty Baby on Dot, backed by He's The One. Appearing soon is the Seville label issue #101 of Hey Pretty Baby backed with Rock And Roll Kittens. I am still doing some research on the Seville label record. It is a straight yellow background with black lettering, which is completely different then the Seville label that had Ernie Maresca on it. That label was black and multicolor with a design. Playing the records, they appear to be the same take, both labels have dead wax numbers stamped, but different numbers, and the Seville label stamp of Joyce Harris, is a completely different string then what the "other" Seville labels used as a stamp. It's listed in the discographies as the same label, but I certainly can't prove that it is. The earliest Seville label I have is by the Casals on # 105, which is the label described above with multicolor and different dead wax format. The only record by Joyce Harris I have left, is the toughest one, on the Fun label. I will post a picture later today.
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Also finding it's way to my record room, is the odd press on the Los Angeles based Modern label, by Oscar McLollie. The Honey Jump was the first record he waxed for the label, but apparently under two different record numbers. Pictured on my site is the number 902 release, which follows the numbering scheme for the label. New to me, is a 45 with the record number and dead wax number of C-3004. A quick check on my 78 that has 902 on it, sure enough, C-3004 was in the dead wax. It could have been a press before the 902, an error if you will, which makes some sense though the wrong move by Modern, and it was certainly corrected.
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Also added to my Rebels site was a promo of the third Marlee style release. I figured there would be a promo for that later release, but just had not run into it yet. Also, another version of the Big John Little LP on the Rusticana label. My Rebels page is a monster, but I am trying to stay within some boundaries, though the temptation to keep branching out is always there. Though it may not seem possible, I do hope to add a few more pictures in the near future.

Kuf-Linx, Double A, Gator Tail

2008-01-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

There were a couple of groups with the same basic name, spelled a little differently, that even had the same song. The less popular group was on the Dootone label, and they actually changed group members to make the story even more confusing. But the group in the spotlight today is the Challenge label artist called the Kuf-Linx. They had the west coast hit of So Tough, while the Casuals/Original Casuals had an east coast record on the Houston based Backbeat records. So Tough by the Kuf-Linx can be found on several variations of the previously mentioned Challenge label -blue, green, and the standard maroon. It was also pressed up as a 78. Their follow-up was a great two sided disc called Service With A Smile/Eyeballin. One side of their third and final Challenge disc is shown to the left. All That's Good is done uptempo, just like their previous plug sides. Listen to it HERE! The flip is a great ballad called Climb Love's Mountain. This is by far their least common record, and it didn't light up the charts as they hoped.
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Have you seen or heard recordings on the Double A record label? I have one by Teri Stevens, a Dick Roman waxing, and just got another one by the Skyliners. No, it's not the Jimmy Beaumont group that sang Since I Don't Have You, but a different white group that sings "Rock And Roll Ruby". It's a pretty decent effort, and the Teri Stevens record is good, too. I played it on my radio show once, and I may need to revive it again on a future program. Double A is another label I will be researching and trying to collect in the future.

I have many elusive records on my want list. I suppose there are so many because it is actually the cash that is so elusive, and not the record. Willis "Gator Tail" Jackson had a record called the Shake Dance on Atlantic, and I finally located a 78 of the disc. It seems the compilations I have bypass this rockin instrumental, and I don't know why. It's a great mover, and should be on the must have list of any fan of Jackson.

Impaks,more on the Velvetones and Pixies

2008-01-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

I finally added the Impaks interview I did last year. I aired it last night on my radio show, and had really hoped to be able to play some of their unreleased records, but that was not to be. An interesting group, with some great history. I have always said that the stories from groups that only released one or two records can be every bit as interesting as a group with 10 records, or maybe more so. Check it out and listen to the interview. At the moment, I don't have any additional interviews scheduled or in the can. I suppose I need to get busy and find someone that wants to talk about themselves.
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As mentioned last week, I did add the Velvetones "Glory Of Love" on my first and second pressings page. I pictured the Aladdin 78 and the Imperial 45. There were actually several variations of the Aladdin 45, and for that matter, a second Imperial release on a different record number. Trying to keep up with every variation, release, and style is tough, but the exact reason the hobby is so much fun. On the same general subject, I will be adding a nicer picture of the Royal Teens "Short Shorts" from the Power label. The one I have currently has several autographs on the label. It was nice to get a clean copy, finally!
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I mentioned the Pixies record on AMC and Don Dee in last week's blog. For a record that had local play in the DC area at best, I am amazed at the variations of the Don Dee record. It was mostly pressed on the gold label, less on the black label, and I just obtained the promo on the standard white label. Could there possibly be more variations? It can't possibly have as many as the Shytones/Hi Tones on Fonsca!

Pixies,Jo-Ann Campbell,Ronney Scalair

2008-01-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

Just added to my page of first and second pressings is the record shown by the Pixies. From what I know, they were a Washington DC group that had two releases on the AMC label, and this one shown was also issued on the Don Dee label - both on gold and an all black label. According to an interview I had with Kaye Krebs of the Pixies Three, they were planning to list themselves as the Pixies, until they found this group after performing an artist search. The record was largely unsuccessful, but a very good effort. You can also see some of the latest additions to my first and second pressings, if you have not visited the page in a while. Artists like Johnnie and Joe, the Tazmen, and the Tri Lads are the most recent. Next on my list to add is the Velvetones Glory Of Love, first issued on Aladdin and then Imperial.

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From the pop oriented Point label, I found what appears to be Jo-Ann Campbell's first record called Where Ever You Go. It was issued on both promotional and regular stock copies, and is not a bad record. She went on to record a ton of records, including a few LP's. She performed on many New York area shows, and was a regular on Alan Freed's programs as well. The point label is interesting, but I suppose I find all labels that way. There were at least 11 issues in it's short life. The Pony tails, Marlena Karr, and Jeri Rene are discs in my collection. I actually have a video performance of Jeri Rene singing Go Way Joe on the Milt Grant show from 1957. It is quite an interesting performance that has to be heard/seen. As with many guest performances of the era, it was a live performer lip syncing their record.
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Anybody ever heard of Ronney Scalair? I have a 45 on the Grand label of Philadelphia with the songs Lost And Found backed with Sylvy. The Grand label is part of a new series, and this has record number 2000. It was autographed to his "Buddy and sparing partner Rocky". Best I have found so far is from a CD titled Teen Town Volume 3, with a cut from a different record on the Dominant label, number 3000, called Ponytail. That was released in 1964. So, I gather he was a boxer and was likely from the Philadelphia area.
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Mad, Ray Stevens

2008-01-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

I have certainly enjoyed listening to records on the Mad label. Unfortunately, I only own one record on the label, so have relied on a great CD to make u for my shortfall on the label. There is a wide variety of musical styles and artists. Freddie and the Freeloaders, Red Holloway, Mad Man Jones, and my record by Lefty Guitar Bates, called Back Ground. Check out the tracks on the CD.
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I have always been a fan of Ray Stevens. I enjoy his comedy records, but also like some of his early recordings. prep, Capitol and NRC have some unStevens sounding records and are fun to listen to. My latest Capitol record is School backed with The Clown. It was his last release on Capitol in the 195o's. Ray Stevens is an artist that I have accumulated records as opposed to secifically going on an all out, no holds barred search, where I don't sleep at night until I'm done.
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Cutting the blog a little short today. We have had some wild weather in Northern California, so I have not had time to research items this week.

Elgins,Five Stars, Doctor and the Monks

2007-12-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you have to have a record to understand why things are the way they are. The Elgins released a record on the Los Angeles based Titan label called Extra Extra. They flipped it with "My Illness". Apparently, the title was a little rough, so they pressed the record again with Heartache,Heartbreak (My Illness). Same song, just a more friendly title. Until I actually got the record,I didn't realize that just the title had been changed. The Elgins released several records, including one as the Elements, and several of the discs can be seen on my Elgins page. They are still active, with the original members that are still with us. They do perform in Northern California on occasion and have also been know to travel to Modesto for a show or two.
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I also added a picture of another Five Stars group to my page of the same title. There are so many groups with that name, that I may never find them all. The latest addition is an early 70's gospel/funk band from Maryland. Sound files will be added soon. Check out my page and watch the video of the Five Stars group that recorded on the Blues Boy Kingdom label.
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If you are a Chipmunks fan like I am, maybe you have heard of the Doctor And The Monks. That is the title of the song on the Tip Top label, and the artist is listed as simply the Tip Top Band. It is a straight rip-off of the well know Chipmunks, and instead of Alvin, they use Elvis. It is certainly not as well produced, or too original, but is one of several records that used the then familiar high speed voices, once the Chipmunks turned out to be so popular. Although I have no sales figures to prove it, the disc is probably one of the tougher "Chipmunk imitation records" to find.
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Have a safe and happy New Years celebration, and I look forward to sharing my music musings with you in 2008.

Rockin Rebels S. Africa,Sylvia,Ray/Len Johnson

2007-12-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

There are a few artists that I need to collect every recording known to man, and then some, until I will be happy. OK, happier. Shown is what I think is the only South African record that is in my collection, and this happens to be the Rockin Rebels. Issued on the "His Masters Voice" label, there is no mention of RCA whatsoever. I am certainly not an expert on which American records were pressed in that country, but Bob Matthews of Mickey Hawks and the Night Riders told me that he was under the impression that Bip Bop Boom was issued on that continent. I doubt that I will get too far into collecting records from South Africa, but it seems OK to do it when trying to complete an artist's output. Now, I wonder if it was ever released in South Africa as just the Rebels?

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I understand some of the reasons that record companies issued multiple flip sides to their records, For me, I first think of the Chords with Sh Boom, and the original flip of Cross Over The Bridge. Though the story is long, the short version is that the Cat label (Atlantic) had a strong flip side - maybe too strong - and replaced it with the forgettable Little Maiden. It certainly left the DJ's with an easy choice of what side to spin on the air. With the Jubilee recordings of Little Sylvia, it seems they could not make up their mind on what to plug and have the DJ's play. Drive Daddy Drive had two flips. I Went To Your Wedding, is the most common. I Found Somebody To Love is the tougher issue, and although it appears to the second issue, except there is not enough information to prove it. Her follow-up was called A Million Tears backed with Don't Blame My Heart. Though I have not seen it yet, it was also issued with the previously mentioned I Found Somebody To Love. That side is a very strong, uptempo rocker, and could have easily competed with either "A" side. On my Mickey And Sylvia page, you can see some of the early Sylvia only sides, and I should have the I Found Somebody To Love side loaded in a couple of days.
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I am a big fan of Ray Johnson, and his earlier works from the 50's. My collection is not complete enough to create a page, but I am always on the lookout for items I don't have. I was intrigued by a record I bought that was listed as by Len Johnson and the Hi Liters on the Hollywood based "Vended" label. It is a soul sound on the plug side with "Nobody But You". The flip, Duck With The Wolfman, is an instrumental that is heavy on the horn section. Unless it is an amazing coincidence, I suspect it could be Ray's son or a relative. Rockin Records lists it as 1961, but it sure sounds later than that. There is also another release shown in that guide, of "Sweet Thing" on Ray Co from 1963.

Hippo news, Christmas, more Christmas

2007-12-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Ebay alert: Anybody want a hippopotamus? You can buy it now for 224.75. Wait a while, and you can steal it for 199.75. The Gayla Peevy (Peevey) record in question is on a Columbia 45. Just when I thought that must be a misprint, I saw this guy selling it for 350.00 In my opinon, this record is worth about 10 bucks. I have seen them sell in the range in years past. I think this is an example of a seller or two mentioning how rare the record is, "impossible to find" and buyers believing it. It was also featured on a commercial in Canada for Internet service, and got increased airplay. It reportedly sold over 300,000 copies originally, so if you need a copy, wait for the frenzy to die down. What I would like to know is what label was it issued on locally in Oklahoma City, before Columbia picked it up?
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Tis the season, for Christmas records. And yes, I am still looking at Halloween records. Be that as it may, the latest Christmas record I purchased was the Blue Notes on Val-ue. Not a difficult record to find, but just another one on my list - now off that list. If you look through Christmas listings on Ebay, you will see thousands. I have a search string that looks for specific key words, and my list was around 4500 results returned. If nothing else, it keeps me very busy, checking out all that information. I have always insisted that besides buying records, I learn a lot about records I don't buy, whether it's on-line or in a record store.
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Run Rudolph Run, has always been a Christmas favorite of mine. Copies of the 45 are pretty easy to find, whether it's the original Blue Chess, or later pressings that were made to keep up with the seasonal demand. My favorite press is the red and yellow "Review" copy, that is one of those later issues. It seems somewhat Christmasy with it's colors and green lettering. If they had only added a few Christmas graphics like some of the RCA Christmas issues, it would have really stood out.

Next week on KVMR, it's the annual Christmas show. If I have done my math correctly, this will be my 21st holiday radio program. I usually go back to my previous two play lists, and make sure I play some discs that were not on them, along with some of my favorites. I also have a Christmas show running right now on http://www.rockitradio.net

Hi-Tones, Johnnie and Joe, the Rebs

2007-12-09T07:18:00.000-08:00

It seems as though there must be an unlimited number of variations of the Shytones / Hi-Tones record called Lovers Quarrel and flipped with Just For You. Without doubt, this release had the most copies pressed, yet it's hard to tell how big of a seller it was on the east coast. My latest addition to the Shytones page is another white label promotional copy. The difference this time is that the label reads "Promotion Copy" instead of "Radio Station Copy". All the other label information seems identical. Go figure. This hobby of record collecting is "difficult", especially when you need to collect all the variations know to man - and some that are unknown.

I admit to having a long road ahead with my Johnnie and Joe page but it is a journey worth taking. There were a lot of records that were issued by the duo - in a few different iterations - and the range of release dates started in 1956 and continued into the 1970's. I have found very few 78's that were pressed. Shown on my page are two on the Chess label, and one so far on J+S. I suspect there may be a couple more, but they are limited. I recently added the 45 on J+S of their first recording of "Feel Alright" backed with "I'll Be Spinning". It's not a difficult record to find, just elusive. I don't know for sure if there was a 78 of record. I suspect not, only because I think Zell Sanders had her hands full trying to fund the demand for the 45 edition, so that may be the only format she could afford before making an agreement with Chess. At Chess, they waxed up a 78, as shown on my page. I may never get all the Johnnie and Joe records, but I plan to have a really good representation by the end of 2008.
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I mentioned a great instrumental by Rusty Bryant in my last blog entry, this time I need to mention a group called the Rebs. They recorded "Bunky" flipped with my preference called "Renegade". The only reason I bought it, besides the price, is that the flip featured Jackie Kelso on sax. Kelso played sax on a bunch of recordings in the Los Angeles area, and worked with Johnny Otis as well. He has a great style and is very enjoyable on this two sided instrumental. My copy is on Capitol, and I know it was issued on Capitol for the UK. My books only list this one recording by the Rebs, so I will need to dig and find out if there are more

Barny Tall, Rusty Bryant,Connie Conway

2007-12-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

I just posted the second of two Barny Tall releases on my Domino records page. For some reason, I never caught that there was no "E" in Barny, and have corrected that over-site. I believe this to be the last Domino label release I need for the page. I am still missing a few inserts, but have a fairly complete representation of the label output. The plug side for the record is called "I'm Only Human". It is an old Texas country classic of sorts, and is played quite a bit by other artists, especially those playing old time country material. The flip is actually very good as well. "Fleeting Love" is a song that probably could have had airplay on most any station back in the early 1960's. After all, many of the rock and roll stations played quite the variety back then - pop, R+B, some blues, rock and roll, etc. Fleeting love is not heavy on the country twang, and I think the record should have been flipped. What is it that say about hindsight and 20/20?
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Although it seems he just had a few smokin' hot rock and roll instrumentals, Rusty Bryant is certainly too often overlooked. While shuffling through a stack of vinyl last week, I was reminded of just how good he was. Hot Fudge/Ridin With Rusty on the Dot label, makes me want to find more of his early work on Dot and a release on Carolyn (Castle Rock). There is a big gap in his recorded output after the late fifties, which took him to 1970 with a considerable amount of jazz records he recorded on the Prestige label. Not to mention all the sessions he was blowing on for other artists.
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I always find it interesting to talk to an artist about their experiences, and have them drop a name that I have never heard of. That happened when I spoke to Ruth Elliot, who was one of the voices behind Ted Newman on his recording of Plaything. She did a lot of recording with local artists, and commercials that were aired locally. One of the artists she mentioned was the late Connie Conway. Naturally, I have to go on a search to learn about him, and found he recorded at least five singles and an LP. In that same stack of records previously mentioned, one of his two 45's on Jamie showed up, and I had that "light bulb" moment of recognition. "Can It Be" backed with "Nothing Is Forever" is definitely a pop song, but pleasant to hear. Even if I don't search out the rest of his discs, it is so much fun to make the connections.

Them featuring Him, WNYS and the Tri-Lads

2007-11-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Them featuring Him. Whaaaat? It seems a 45 and 78 was released in 1956 with that odd sounding group name. It came out on the HEG label, #501, and featured the same song pairings as The Youngsters/Tempters songs on the Empire label. Both were at least partially written by George Motola. HIM is listed on the label as Al Cava. The songs use the same identical musical tracks as the Empire label records previously mentioned, and feature a pop sound group giving a much easier listening treatment to the songs. I plan to add it to my Youngsters web page this week, but have just scant information on the group and Al Cava. Definitely a Los Angeles area record, I just don't see any other releases for HEG, an apparent one shot deal.

Here is a mostly undocumented issue of the Tr-lads recording of Cherry Pie. Most widely known on the Bullseye label based in New York, it was not a huge nationwide hit. It did however, get substantial play in some regional markets. The original Cherry Pie was sung by Marvin and Johnny on the Los Angeles based Modern label. It was actually the flip of Tick Tock, which is somewhat forgotten now, as Cherry Pie later was revived and became the side played, at least on Los Angeles radio. It was also included on a ton of Oldies but goodies LP's which further enhanced it's status. The Tr-Lads record appears to have been released in late 1957/early 1958 on Bullseye, but here is what I believe to be the first pressing on the Oklahoma based Perspective sound label. This label had a few other issues like the Vibes and the accents

And the Halloween records keep coming! Here is one from the New York area. It must be since the record label has WNYS "9" on the label Baron Daemon and the Vampires "sing" The Transylvania Twist and Ghost Guitars is on the flip. I have seen this artist listed as a Syracuse Horror Host. Since I was in Los Angeles, I have to figure he hosted a regional scary horror show with the monster movies! Interesting note, that it shows to be a Seneca label production which just happens to be the name of a record label that Fay Simmons recorded on. Just another shameless plug in my never ending search for information on Simmons and her recordings.

Phitom, Easter Parade, Frank Fox

2007-11-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

The latest Buffalo record in my collection is on the Phitom label - yes the Tom Shannon/Phil Todaro label, by Two Jacks And A King. "Tell Me Today" is a pop sounding record while "Say Baby" is a nice uptempo bluesy sounding record. Probably one of the easier titles to get on the label.
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I couldn't help myself when I bought the 1961 Easter Parade of Stars "concert" tour program. The hosts included Murray The K and Clay Cole. It has some great group and single artist pictures, including lesser known artists like the Landon Sisters and Bobby Bongard. An advertisement on the inside back cover touts Maurice William's LP called Stay, and his latest 45 "Come Along".
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I have had several different types of shows on KVMR as of late. We had a membership drive, I did the Halloween show, and then there was last night. I had the chance (Again) to interview Frank Fox of Vito and the Salutations. It had been at least 15 years since we sat down to talk in the KVMR FM studio. He lives in Davis, California, about 1:45 minutes from Nevada City. This time, I let him "Run" the show. He had a program pretty much thought out and connected the dots as we listened to lots of music associated with Vito and the Salutations. And, yes, we did play a few of at least 14 sides Frank recorded with the group! Frank is still singing, and currently his group is Frankie and the Fabletones. I will be getting the whole interview posted this week, along with a picture of us in the studio. The interview will be on the celebs page that I have for the group, and on my home page.
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Halloween,Johnny Flamingo, Lin records,Travelers

2007-11-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Even though it is after Halloween, I am still buying a few additional records that fit the theme. A few have been what I consider somewhat standard, if you are a hardcore collector. The Upperclassmen/Cha Cha With The Zomies, and the Johnson Brothers with Zombie Lou. Not so standard is Paul Peek with the Riddle of The Papahoos. A bit of a stretch, but seems to fit in. Also not as common is Baron Daemon on the WYNS New York TV label with the Transylvania Twist. Gathering Halloween records is a year-round job.

In my continuing effort to collect Johnny Flamingo, I came up with United/I Just Cry on Malynn. There is at least one or two other labels those songs came out on. I'm still looking for the Dub Tone and Donna records, and probably a couple of others I don't know about. Actually, if you use Rockin Records as a guide, they are short several listings, so I will need to update them.

One of my many record collecting "problems" is that I have too many interests. I just can't keep up with all the directions I want to go. One of those interests includes upstate New York records. That includes Rochester and Buffalo. The latest add to the Rochester collection is the Key Notes, with a great instrumental called Tuff E Nuff Baby, on the Rochester Lin label. That Lin has nothing to do with the Gainesville Texas Lin outfit. Texas Lin spanned 1956 to 1964 and issued around 50 records. Rochester Lin had 4 or 5 releases that I know of, in 1958. I suspect they could have shut down when they discovered the other Lin label. I don't know that for sure, and let's face it - there were no easy Internet searches in 1958 to confirm your label name was unique!

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I bought my third of four releases by the Travelers on the Andex label. They were also the Pilgrim Travelers on the same label, and had a bunch of issues as that well known gospel group. This record, as do the other two I have, exhibit a definite gospel influence on a secular record. Although both sides, "I Go For You" and "I'll Always Be In Love With You" are good sides, I think I prefer the other two discs. The last one I need to find is "I'll Be Home For Christmas / Katie The Kangaroo. It is their last one for the label as the Travelers. Did I mention I am also a Christmas record collector?

Halloween,Tazmen, Fay Simmons

2007-10-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Next week is my annual Halloween show on KVMR FM. I usually go beyond the call of just Halloween, and play a few very odd records, as well as some of the usual holiday 45's. Of course, I play many out of the ordinary songs, too. Every year I add a few more to my collection, in spite of the statement in last weeks blog about the discs becoming more expensive.
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Who are the Tazmen? I found a nice instrumental called "The Chicken" on the Taz label. It appears to have also been issued on ABC, and there are a couple of additional Taz releases. I see a reference about Joe Rumoro on guitar, but that's it. The Taz label was out of Chicago.
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I see a new CD of Fay Simmons has been issued. No info on her is known, or at least made known to me yet. I have not even been able to find a picture of her. The CD says R&B Mystery woman, and I couldn't agree more.
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I finally have another radio show on Rockit Radio. I just don't get them produced as often as I would like. When I do, I send two shows, and it is usually a couple of months before the next shows are posted. Rockit Radio now has an agreement with a radio station in Belleville, Illinois (Metro East), where the shows will be re-broadcast. That should be interesting. And, to have an AM radio station playing some fairly obscure tracks, is a step in the right direction for the medium. We hope to also get some exposure for Rockit in the Metro East area.

Ruth Elliot, Jimmy Smith, Red Foley

2007-10-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to talk with Ruth Elliot this last week. Ruth was one member of the trio that backed up Ted Newman on Plaything. She is a staple of the music scene in Phoenix, Arizona, and currently has a big band that she she is in charge of and plays piano for. A wealth of information, she accidentally ran into Ted Newman at his 50th high school reunion. I have updated my Ted Newman page with some interesting information she provided.

Another week without too many additions to my record collection. I did find an early Jimmy Smith instrumental. It was released on the Power label (112), and may be the first issue on the label. It was part of the Bruce label, and the releases before and after it, are Bruce label records. I would then date it from 1954. It pre-dates the Blue Note issues of Smith, but I can't confirm if it was his first record as a single artist shown on the label. I only have a few Power releases in my collection, which includes the Royal Teens and the Shytones. The latter is not related to the doo wop group, and is an instrumental.

The Firebirds, a group from the UK, sent me another CD of their material. Previously, they sent Doo Wop volume 1, which is a really great CD, and mostly uptempo - just the way I like it. This CD is a mixture of several styles, and is called Dance Girl Dance. The last track, Crazy Little Guitar Man, is shown on the booklet as unknown. I associate it with Red Foley, though I'm sure others have recorded it. I saw a great vintage clip of it on Youtube, and even though it's Red Foley, known for classic C+W, the record flat rocks!

So I am a Halloween record collector. Well, I thought I was. The records are getting so expensive to buy, that it may be pricing me out of that collector category. The only way to buy them now is to try and find them buried in 45 RPM lists on the internet. Ebay has just too many collectors willing to fork over a ton of dough. So, it's time to get creative!

G Clefs, Yed Newman, Jenny Wolfe And The Pack

2007-10-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

This week, just a couple of uploads to the color radio pages. The G Clefs second and final release on the Regina label, Angel Listen To Me / Nobody But Betty, from 1964, is on my G Clefs page. It is nothing like their original hits for Pilgrim, but the G Clefs evolved as time went on, and continued to try and make music that was current with the times. Their last recordings were done in 1966.
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Also added was the 1980's LP that Ted Newman recorded on the Continent label called I've Been To Town. You can hear some of Ted's current work on CDBaby. He is another artist that has evolved in a completely different direction than what he started out playing. His current folk/cowboy/country recordings are quite good, and deserve a wider audience.
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Speaking of new music, I had a CD given to me at the radio station that is amazing. It's a new group that is singing some old songs, along with a few new ones. It's basically a rock and roll album, but is quite good. When I read the liner notes and found out they were all 13- 16 years old, I was amazed! The female lead is on the lower end of the age scale, and belts out the best female led version of Shakin All Over, that I have ever heard. The name of the group is called Jenny Wolfe And The Pack. You can hear clips of a few songs at their website. Check out room 51, too. That is a band that needs some exposure.
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By now you probably saw the report concerning the woman that was found guilty of illegal downloads. She was using kazaa, the file sharing program, and got popped for 220K. One of the reports I read mentioned she could have settled out of court for around 5K, but refused. I doubt this really puts a damper on the illegal downloads, but It might make people think a little harder about using some of the file sharing programs to do it. Here is one of many articles that have covered the event.

More on the Orchid label, Nic Nacs, Impaks

2007-09-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Fred had a good comment on last week's post about the Orchid label. There is the (G-601) at the bottom of the label, and it does have a Gone label feel, at least for the first few issues on the label. Here is my response to Fred, though I am still looking for more information:

There were at least 4 Orchid labels that were different. Cities included Hollywood, Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit, and apparently New York. The label that is shown, is actually distributed by Gone, though no mention of that is on the label. There are at least 5 issues on the short lived label, 5001-5005. That includes the Rockin Ronald and the Rebels that was also pressed on end. The dead wax on Orchid label is the same as Gone, which makes me first believe that Gone could very easily be the first issue, but I can't come up with a good reason why.

Could Gone have used Orchid as a label to test records and then issue them on Gone or an associated label if they showed promise? I was unable to find "Inga" or Anne DeMarco who each had an Orchid release, on the Gone label. Jimmy Pemberton's Orchid release was also on Mark X, which was also associated with Gone. Jimmy Pemberton? He was associated with the Orchid label that Vince Castro was on. The logo and numbering system changed, but I now believe they could very well be the same label. Here is why. The Castro record number is 660, which then fits in with the dead wax numbers Gone was using at that point in time. And that number is skipped on the Gone discography/master numbers.

What I can't understand is why Gone would have the Orchid label to reissue records that for the most part never sold much. So I am leaning towards Orchid being first.

I added the Story Tellers page, as promised on last weeks entry. You can view it HERE.

I do collect Christmas records, and for that matter, Halloween related novelties. Though certainly not "rare", I found a 78 of the Nic Nacs on a RPM 78 called Gonna Have A Merry Xmas - 313. I knew about the record, but just finally got around to buying it. The group is mostly the Robins, with Mickey Champion as the voice that is similar to Little Esther. What I didn't realize is that it was issued twice, and the second time was the following Christmas season (1951), and on a different RPM record number of 342. I suppose I need to find that one now. Just for reference, The flip, Found Me A Sugar Daddy, was also issued without the Xmas flip, at the beginning of 1951 as RPM 316. They paired it with You Didn't Want My Love.

My next project involves another group that released just one record, though actually recorded more than that. They are from New York and called the Impaks. I am working on an interview and web page at the moment, and should have that one on-line in October.

Story Tellers, Joey Norman, Richard Barrett, Poni Tails

2007-09-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, today I will have a web page on-line for the Los Angeles group called the Story Tellers. They made just one vintage record with the original group, and I have two of the three they cut for the Classic Artists label in the late 80's early 90's. The page may be short, but the history will be there along with an interview with leader Al Sanchez. Their record You Played Me A Fool, got some airplay in the Los Angeles area, but was not a major hit.
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One of the very few remaining records that are not in my personal collection, has dropped by one, and I think totals three now. Joey Norman's release of Heart Of Mine backed with The King Of Fools, was added to my stacks. For my website, I actually borrowed the label shots from Joey Norman himself. It is all part of my Altones/Beverly Hills Painters page. It is an interesting story of music from the Los Angeles area.
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I have a new first and second pressings record to add to my page. It is Richard Barrett singing the Fleetwoods record Come Softly To Me on the Orchid label. It was soon taken over by Gone records, but still only got to the charts in limited markets. This is not the same Orchid label that Vince Castro recorded on, in the Bronx. Barrett's record came out in late 1958, and the Castro record showed up in 1960. This should be added to my page this week.
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From the Homer Simpson "Duh" department, I finally realized that the Poni Tails that sang Born Too Late, were actually called the PONY tails, when their record first came out. I have the stock ABC copy that is spelled that way, and have seen the promo showing it too. It happens to be their second release, the first being It's Just My Luck To Be 15. My copy of their first record uses Poni, so it appears to be an error just on Born Too Late, that was quickly corrected. I suppose if I was a young kid singing in a group, I would not want to have my group name associated and shown as near the rear of a horse!

Orioles,Fay Simmons and Timely

2007-09-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

I have just added a new page on my website,featuring the supergroup, the Orioles. It features many of their Jubilee 78's and about 50 sound files. Sonny Til and the Orioles were an awesome group that enjoyed tremendous success and were voted into the hall of fame, as well they should have been. Check it out.
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I will be adding a stock copy of Fay Simmons record on the Palm label, It's A Sin To Tell A Lie/Where Is My Love. It's not a rare record, but I have seen so many promotional copies, and this is the first yellow stock issue that I have run across. I hope to add more information about Simmons to the page in the future.

OK collectors, I need some help. Well, it's more that I am very curious about an ebay listing I saw the following write-up and am doubting it's authenticity. i just can't completely prove it. The text in the listing says:

In late 1954 (November/December) the Timely record label issued the Charmers’ I Was Wrong/The Mambo (Timely 1009) on 78 and 45. In late spring of 1955 Timely released their last record by the Charmers’ The Church on the Hill/Battle Axe (Timely 1011) on 78 and promo red vinyl 45s. The Apollo record label bought the independent Timely label in the summer of 1955 and the stock commercial copy of the 45 was cancelled due to Apollo’s ownership of the label.
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I have seen dead wax info for many Timely label records and have just one of them myself, but the common theme is that there is a 3 digit number that starts with the number 5, in some configuration, in the dead wax. The red vinyl releases were not promotional, and in fact in the case of #1002, it was only issued on red vinyl. 1011 I thought was just on black wax. I think the info in the listing is a pipe dream, and someone bought a $200.00 boot. Anyone have an opinion on that?

I'm working towards an interview with two members of the New York group, the Impaks. They made just one record that was released, and of course, there are stories. I hope to have that interview towards the end of the month or beginning of October. It was released on the express label, which was part of the Fargo "Empire".

A couple of additions. Here is the link to hear the other side of the record from last week's post called Rock Candy Baby.

Also, another radio show segment has been added for you to hear. It's located here.

Allan Copeland, Debra records, Story Tellers, Janis Martin

2007-09-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

So, how many Arwin 78's are there? I think most people know that Jan and Arnie's, Jennie Lee from 1959, came out on a Arwin 78, number 108. Pictured to the left is Allan Copeland and the Hot Rodders with a song called Crack The Whip. I get the feeling the song may not be completely appropriate today, it is an interesting mix of sounds. There is an orchestra along with a somewhat pop sounding lead, and a group that is trying to sound like a rock and roll group. There is also a nice saxophone in the break, along with some great "whip" effects. It actually sounds pretty good. It must have sold a few copies to have been issued as a 78. Anyway, now I wonder how many different 78' record numbers the Arwin label pressed? I will post the flip side on next week's blog. You can hear more of the big band influence.
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Back in July I mentioned some of the variations of the Debra release of Chapel Bells. Related, the Debra release of "Sweet Dreams/Stop Leading Me On also has a promo copy, and is posted on the Debra records page. I don't automatically make the assumption that any record label sent out clearly marked promotional copies, until I see them or have good evidence they were pressed. In this case, the label was white, it was clearly marked "Promotional Copy", and had a sticker on the label.
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Last night I ran the interview with Al Sanchez of the Story Tellers group from Los Angeles. I played the record they had originally - You Played Me A Fool -, and then played most of his Classic Artists label sides. What a great sound that group has, and continues to enjoy. I hope to have a small page on my site this month of the Story Tellers, and the interview.
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Janis Martin passed on last Monday. You have probably heard the news. She was billed as the next Female Elvis. Maybe she didn't quite get to that status, but she did issue a ton of great records. I still think my favorite is "Barefoot Baby". I need to see about getting a CD of all her work. Here is a site run by her granddaughter, and is informative.

Vince Castro, Stepheny, So Young

2007-09-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

A small update to my Tonettes page this week. The record label shot you see to the left is Vince Castro's Bong Bong. Not a hard record to get, at least on the black and rainbow APT label. After All, those were the original colors. The Elegants Little Star was the same way. What makes this a bit more unique is that it is the all black label, which does make it a second press. The Elegants record was also pressed on an all black label. Anyway, I added this to my Tonettes page as another variation. Not super rare as values go, but harder to find then the first press. The ultimate first press is on the Doe label.

I ended up with a copy of Clyde Stacy's So Young. It was issued on the Candlelight label in 1957. You can also find it on the Argyle label which was released in 1959. I have the Robert Wagner version as well. Talk about a difference in presentation! Wagner's is just a basic pop record that doesn't get much play on my turntable. The Stacy record borders on audio porn, especially when you consider the subject matter. Whew! And his record actually charted, though quite briefly. It was also banned from many radio stations playlists. Stacy found himself on several smaller labels including Bullseye, G&H, Len, and the previously mentioned Argyle and Candlelight. I have the tendency to play Baby Shame on my radio show.

Speaking of my radio program, next week I will run my interview with Al Sanchez of the Los Angeles group, The Storytellers. They had one record, but as always with groups that had limited releases, Al is a very interesting person with a varied background. Everybody has a story, and Al with the Storytellers, is no exception.
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I'm not a huge country fan, but in a pile of country records was Alvadean Coker and the "Cokers" with a country bopper "We're Gonna Bop". Decent record to my ears, it was issued on the Abbott label. She had another record with Jim Reeves on the same label. She was likely on records listed by the Coker Family and Sandy Coker, as well as having another single issue on the Decca label.
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I seem to be interested in a record label called Stepheny records. It was located in Evanston, Chicago, and issued mostly pop, some novelty, and even a few rock and roll records. They pressed just over 40 different 45's, and the label owner, Norman Fogue, was also involved with the Spinning label. No real R+B or doo wop classics, but an interesting assortment of artists. They were apparently searching for the next big hit, just as all records labels did. I will never run the label, but hope to have a good selection of 45's that were issued.

New (old) records, Soundexchange, more

2007-08-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Finally added to the Rockin Rebels page, is the Russ Hallett release of Frosty, on the Phitom label. It took a while to find it, and now you can see both sides of the record as well as hear them both. It was certainly a local hit, as it was spun on the Tommy Shannon show on WKBW in Buffalo. Now, if I can find the copy released on Vim records.....

Also added to the page is the stock copy of Monday Morning/Flibbity Jibbit on the "black" swan label. Though certainly not difficult to find, it is probably the record that comes up the least when you are talking about the non-original Rockin Rebels sides.

While we are in Buffalo, I got a copy of another classic band on the ARP label. Billy Lehman and the Rock-itts had at least three records. Two on ARP and one on Prime. I actually prefer the side Black Derby to the flip, Lollie. I think I have a couple additional records from the Buffalo area, but more research needs to be done.

I am definitely an Earl Bostic fan. I have a dozen LP's and many singles. I will never come close to collecting everything he made, but am always on the lookout for something interesting. A couple of years ago I ran across what is considered to be his earliest and only 45 on Gotham, 8:45 Stomp. According to Rockin Records, it was issued in 1951. The record actually came out in 1948, but maybe the 45 was then released in 1951. I have seen where labels got into the 45 RPM market by issuing records that had been on 78, onto 45, after the fact. I recently came across another Gotham 45, Apollo Theatre Jump. It was definitely pressed in 1951, for the first time, on 45 and 78. This copy happens to be on red vinyl. I never knew it existed. Maybe there are more Gotham red vinyl records by Bostic? I know some of his King label releases were on colored vinyl.

Soundexchange has come to an agreement with the Digital Media Association - DiMA, but from my vantage point, it looks like an agreement that just covers the big stations that have huge numbers of channels. It basically sets the cap at $50,000.00 for an unlimited amount of streams. The simple math shows that at $500.00 a channel, you would need more than 100 channels to take advantage of this special "deal". The agreement also takes the burden of "stream ripping" off the broadcasters, where it never should have been. I get the idea that corporate Internet radio with mega channels is happy, but the small broadcaster is still paying high fees, and their situation has not been addressed. Did I miss something? Here is a link to an overview.

Tradewinds, and other recent records

2007-08-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, I come across a record that is a surprise. A pleasant one. Taking a chance on buying records you don't know, is an interesting business. Most really don't turn out the way you hoped, and it's not for the lack of trying to put all the information together beforehand. Maybe it's the label, the writer, or the song title that sparks your interest. Since you can't find out enough to know what it sounds like, you end up forking over the dough and hoping you found a good one. OK, so this is not the Flamingos, Orioles or any of the other amazing harmony groups, but it has a great sound. Who would have guessed it on the Magnolia label. That label is best know by me as the one that launched Johnny Standley's "It's In The Book", a comedy record from the early 1950's. Anyway, I can't confirm the exact release date, but it's a very pleasing record. If anything, I wish the vocals on the background group could have been brought up a little. If you have ever heard 8 O' Clock Date by the Gorman sisters, that is another record where the group should have been recorded much higher. Take a listen to "What Can I do", by James Austin and the Tradewinds, and I think you will like it.

I have been in a buying mood as of late. The Quarternotes on Bison will make the first and second pressings page this next week. Other items of interest include the Colts on Antler. This is the Guiding Angel/Shiek Of Araby recording. That is certainly the toughest Antler of the two they recorded for the label. I suppose my collecting habits are scattered at best, and many may never appear on my pages. I continue to collect a few records from the Lin label out of Gainesville Texas. "The Fickle Chicken" is a very cool instrumental by the Atmospheres. Next week I will list several additional records that I couldn't live without!

I finally got the chance to hear "You", not by the Aquatones, but Gale Storm on Dot. It sounds about like you think it would. I just had to buy the record to listen to it. OK, so I do have odd buying habits, besides being scattered as previously mentioned.

Got a CD in the mail from a group based in the UK. They are called the Firebirds. Maybe you have heard of them? I love the uptempo rock and roll, and that is what they seem to specialize in. The CD I was sent is called Doo Wop Volume one. It has some great recordings on it, though not all exactly Doo Wop. Nonetheless, I didn't think there was a bad one - or even mediocre track of the 16 included on the CD. Check out their website here.

I have not read anything amazing in the Soundexchange battle over Internet radio. I did read an interesting article about a lady in Oregon that was sued by the RIAA for illegal downloading. The RIAA lost, and now that lady is counter suing. It's the second part of the article here.

Soundexchange, Joyce Harris, the Caddy label

2007-08-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

As negotiations stall with Soundexchange, the Congress has now said that resolve needs to be made between Soundexchange and Internet radio before Congress returns to office on September 6th. They expect the two parties to find common ground, and make major progress. I bet the fine folks at Soundexchange had no idea what they would run up against when the new rates were "Announced". I have to wonder if it would be in Internet radio's best interest to stall the talks and let Congress step in. I think it may be their best bet. A short article can be read here.

I added the Serock release for Joyce Harris, plus the audio clips. It's a great two sided record, with the nod going to the "Don't Knock It" side. I still have a couple of records that I need to complete her page. The hardest - make that the most expensive disc, is on the Fun label. That one is just out of my price range. I will find the others! Frankly, I think a nice CD package of her records, both solo and with her sister(s) would be very cool.

There seems to always be a bunch of records I buy that really have no place on my web site. My motto has always been a record collector first, then radio, and then the web site. Of course, those lines can get fuzzy. I have several issues on Dick "Huggy Boy" Hugg's Caddy label. The latest is Jeanette Baker and the Dots Johnny/I Lost You. There is just something I like about the variety of musicians and artists that graced the label. I'm also a big fan of the late Johnny Flamingo, who had releases on the label.. I just don't quite have enough of his releases yet to justify a page.

The Virtues are one of those instrumental groups that I have always enjoyed. They recorded a huge quantity of 45's and several LP's, and tracking them all down is an on-going project. While I am at it, that collecting binge has to include records by main member Frank Virtuoso recorded as other groups or names. The fun part is trying to find all the records that are listed in the books, and then looking for the ones that are not.

Internet radio, Tonettes

2007-07-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Snags in bargaining have occurred between Soundexchange and the webcasters. Seems that Soundexchange offered the reprieve, but it's goal was to create a few sticking points, one which is called "Streamripping". That is the act of ripping live radio streams and then slicing the streams into songs. There is software than can do that easily, and the bottom line is that Soundexchange wants more security. Funny, I don't recall that being one of the topics when that said reprieve was offered. It can certainly be said that both sides are still not happy, and webcasters appear to be putting much more hope in the congressional bill that will reverse the decision. The Internet Equality act is not only backed by well over 100 organizations, but most recently, the powerful NAB threw their hat into that ring. As far as negotiations go, it seems a bit quiet right now. An interesting article, and even more interesting responses to the whole subject of Internet radio, can be found here.

I added two new pictures to the Tonettes page. One is the promotional picture for ABC and the other is an action shot from the same show that I have a posed picture of, on my site. It's interesting that there always seems to be more "stuff" out there for any artist you can think of. It's just a matter of finding it. These latest pictures came from Vince Castro, who was fairly close to the source.

Added this week to my website was the two sided workout by Joyce Harris, as Sinner Strong. Don't Knock It and Nobody But Me were issued on the Hollywood based Serock label. Don't Knock It is an amazing record, but was probably very tough to figure out which radio stations would be able to play it. It is uptempo, wild, gospel, and frantic, all on the same disc.

I have not had too many records that I have updated my site with, but I'm always buying records that I want. One that will probably make the Rockin Rebels site this week, is one of those that is not the same group, but is listed as Ray Fournia and the Rocking Rebels. If for nothing else, I will add it so there is no confusion in the fact it is not the same group. It's actually a pretty darn decent record. You done me wrong is a ballad with a minor group in the background. In retrospect, they could have done the song as a full-on doo wop. Still, a very pleasing record. The flip, Settle Down, is an uptempo rock and roll record with a nice sax break.

Precisions, Internet radio and......

2007-07-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

If you are familiar with Dick Plotkin's Debra label CD releases by the Aquatones, and other groups, you may or may not know that there was a Debra label in the late 1950's. From the Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania, Near You was the first record as by Dick And The Halos. They re-formed as the Precisions with Sweet Dreams, and then a female group called the Gales did Tommy for the Debra label. It's somewhat complicated, but the Precisions became the Palisades, and recorded Chapel Bells as Debra 1003 in 1962. The problem was that someone already had that name, so it was unavailable. Apparently the research was done after they pressed a small initial run that was reported to be 100 copies. The first thing they did was print some new labels - of which I have only seen as DJ typed on them - and pasted them over the labels that said Palisades. They didn't get them all, as the picture shows, but on their next pressing, they were all stock copies showing the new name, the Magics. Several thousand of those were made, and the record had some good regional action including airplay on WKBW in Buffalo New York. So there are three ways to find the record. First as the Palisades, next with a Magics label pasted over it, and lastly as the Magics. See my page for a couple Debra records. The Palisades will be there soon.

A reprieve for Internet radio. But only a stay while details are worked out. I don't read it as a total win, as the amount of royalties to be paid still has to be negotiated. No doubt in my mind that Soundexchange blinked. Over the next 3 months talks will continue to hammer out the rates, and the question(s) remain, just what triggered the decision? Could it have been that Congress, though no that close to proposing a bill, was attempting to draft a bill that would be fair? Did Soundexchange catch a clue and realize that when 1000's of stations stopped broadcasting, they would certainly be considered the bad guy? I'm not sure it's either of those. By granting a reprieve, it allows the talks between the two parties, which could really get heated. It also allows Congress to continue either working on their legislation, or at the very least, watching those said negotiations. Now is not the time to remove pressure from your Congressman, since this is far from over. Internet radio broadcasters and listeners can breathe easier, but it's just temporary until this plays out -all the way.

An interesting side note to Internet radio: I have seen several articles published TODAY where the authors did not o their research, and had no idea about the temporary agreement that was reached. I would be fairly embarrassed to publish an article about a Major event, without realizing the latest news.

I was pre-empted on my radio show last night. Our station broadcasted the Worldfest, live, for the day. I'll be back next week for sure. I'm also hoping to have an interview air in a couple weeks. I had the pleasure to talk to Al Sanchez of the Storytellers of Los Angeles. They made just one record that was pressed on two different labels.

Fleetwoods, Slades Rosie

2007-07-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

Updates on my Fleetwoods page: Several pieces of sheet music now have been placed near the 45's that match.

The sheet on the left is one that you will see, and is an alternate picture, as it is specifically for the accordion. The Fleetwoods had a couple for records that actually had sheet music for both sides of the 45.

I have read nothing new on the impending July 15th deadline imposed by Soundexchange on Internet radio. Mostly, just re-hash has been written, along with the reality of what will happen with no intervention by congress.

The Concert for Rosie Hamlin takes place in Anaheim, later today. I wish the best for Rosie, and the success of the concert to raise the funds needed for Rosie to pay her bills. What a nice gesture by so many musicians and groups. Info is at http://www.therosieproject.com/

Just a few updates to my pages, most of which had been mentioned in previous posts. i also added the Slades "You Gambled" on the Canadian based Reo label. Now I wonder if they also issued a 78? You can see on my web page that Sparton had a 78 of You Cheated.

My radio show takes a week off next Saturday, and is pre-empted for a live music event. It happens one show a month in the summertime. I will be back on the 21st for my next radio show.

Internet Radio, Rebels, and the Ultimate Doo Wop Show

2007-07-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

The day of Internet radio silence has come and gone. Tuesday, June 26th, many Internet radio stations went silent. Some had static, others ran announcements protesting the "decision" by soundexchange to hike the fees for on-line broadcasters to outrageous levels. The event received substantial publicity, and though they made a point, time marches on. July 15th is right around the corner, and the bill in congress is, well, still in congress. Friday Soundexchange made a concession to cap the fees for some larger stations, but it does not speak to the smaller broadcasters. The saga continues......

The Rockin Rebels page has now been updated with more information, a few more pictures and interviews with some key people. Although Tom Shannon's opinion is noticeably absent, it can certainly be found on many other websites. A big project, it is still like the rest of my pages, works in progress. My website is never done!

The latest first and second label I have is Johnny Aragon "There Was A Girl" and Someone". Released on Airlok and then 20th Century. Don't know much about him, but I should have that on my site this week.

I just got a flyer for the "Ultimate Doo Wop Show". The location is Merrillville, Indiana, and you certainly have advanced notice. The show is in September and features the Flamingos, Randy And The Rainbows, Capris, Volumes, Contours, and more. It's put on by Canterbury productions, and the tickets start at 45 bucks. Since Canterbury is involved, the group Stormy Weather is scheduled to sing. I have a CD from about 10 years ago by Stormy Weather, and it is very good accapella. After a Google search, it seems they are putting on several of these shows, and the line-ups vary by city. Check out http://www.canterburyproductions.com/upevents.htm

The Rosie Project

2007-06-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my last post, the Rosie project is in full gear. They have also added a couple of CD's to the mix that will be available at the show. I'm sure they will be available on-line soon. It's a great event, and has a high level of energy behind it.

I interviewd Al Sanchez last week and will air that interview towards the end of July. He and the Story Tellers have a great doo wop song they recorded for Rosie, and I can email you a MP3, just let me know. Considering the line-up, the ticket prices are more than reasonable and it goes to helping Rosie Hamlin in paying medical bills in her continuing fight with fibromyalgia.

In the continuing saga of Internet radio and the impending July 15th doom?, many internet radio stations will go dark on Tuesday June 26th. Some of the big name stations include Live 365, Yahoo, KCRW, KQLZ, and what I expect to be hundreds if not thousands more. It will send a message and make a point, but will it be enough? The general attitude is that all the internet stations are just waiting for a stay and eventual reversal of the current ruling. Will it happen?

The Red Coats, the Colts, or the Grundy Brothers? Which one was it that had the 45 on Delco called Oh When You Touch Me/I Never Knew. If you answered all three, you are correct. And, if you answered that there were three 45's that each had one of those names listed, with the same songs, you are also correct. My latest aquesition was a copy showing the Grundy Brothers, with a small title underneath "The Red Coats". Until this point, I thought just the other two had been issued. I can't imagine there would be a 4th. Now, all I have to do is figure out the order of release.

Kathy Zee is planning to open a website that will have autographed pictures, key chains, t-shirts, etc. Besides the interest in Kathy and her music in the USA, there is tremendous appreciation in Europe. I will let you know when it opens.

More Russ Hallett Trio

2007-06-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

In the continuing gathering of information for the Rebels page, I just finished an interview with Aldo Brozzettii of the Russ Hallett Trio. I tried to cover several things that were not talked about in my interview with Russ Hallett. I'm looking at the end of June for those updates and interviews to be available. I never thought I would cover such controversial topic. Then again, it's not controversial at all to Hallett, Brozzetti, and Mickey Kipler.

Seems like I will need to start creating a misc. page. I run across so many things that would be fun to show, but are certainly not worthy of a page by themselves. Most are not a huge deal, but just are interesting to record collectors and historians. I have seen a bunch of the compact 33's that feature Sam Cooke, the Browns, Neil Sedaka and Rod Lauren. I am now wondering how many different covers they came with? The latest one I have has verbiage for Dr. West's Germ Fighter Toothbrush. Hmm.

Remember all those twist records of the early 60s? It seems like 1000's of them came out. Especially those generic LP's. They had some group you never heard of, but had an interesting picture to try and get you to purchase it. So many of them were cheesy, and not worth much. Many big stars issued a twist LP, just to get in on it. Sometimes they were old songs just re-titled. I found a 45 called the Southwest Bowl Twist, and it is definitely cheesy. The label lists it as "Instrumental with vocal". It has 2 instrumental breaks, and the last one is really pretty good. It takes it to the end of the record. The group is called the Southwest Trio. Does anyone have information on this group? Oh - what appears to be the "A" side, is a "song" called "We Call It LA.

My next interview scheduled is with Al Sanchez of the Storytellers. They made just one record, but some of the most interesting stories come from groups that just had one or two records that were released.

As mentioned in my last blog, there is a benefit for Rosie Hamlin on July 8th, at PEARSON PARK AMPHITHEATRE in Anaheim, CA. Check out this link to see the great lineup:

http://www.therosieproject.com/

Russ Hallett, Roy Tann, Rosie Hamlin

2007-06-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

I had an entertaining discussion by telephone with Russ Hallett of the Russ Hallett trio. They are the guys that created the first jingle for Tom Shannon's show on WKBW. Though I am working on a website update to my Rockin Rebels page, it may not be done until the end of this month. This interview combined with the Mickey Kipler interview, certainly paint a different story than most people are used to. I am planning to have the Kipler interview on my radio show June 23rd.

Another take on the soundexchange fiasco, and projections of how much money they stand to make is here. And yet another (short) article that is very interesting. It makes you realize the power of Soundexchange over all artists.

I have to do a little research on Roy Tann. He has a distinctive voice, and besides Isabella, he made a few other records including Hot Rod Queen and Your Drivers License Please. His first record was on the Tan label before Dot picked it up. I wonder if there were others on a different label besides Dot? I just show those three on Dot.

I came up with a somewhat different design of the Scarlet label. For my website, the Crescendos had two records on the label. Strange Love/Let's Take A walk is on a white and red label, instead of the red and black colors as show on my Crescendos page. I will add that one soon.

This just in: A show is being put together for the benefit of Rosie Hamlin of Rosie and the originals. It is scheduled for July 8th at Pearson park in Anaheim from 5 pm to 8 or 9 with acts like Jewel Akens, Tony Allen, Virgil Johnson of the Velvets, Jimmy Pipkin of the Gallahads, Al Wilson, Thee Midniters and many more. The Storytellers have released a recording called "Rosie" as a tribute to her, and I am trying to get my hands on a copy.

Record passions and the Tonettes

2007-05-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

A few posts back, I talked about record values, their worth to you and prices in general. There was a good post by Fred that you should read, if you have not done so yet. There is certainly another aspect that drives this whole hobby, and that is the passion. There are many groups on my website that I have a passion for. You can see them fairly easily when you look at the content and can see that I have most of their records. Groups like the Aquatones, Rosie and the Originals, Gene and Eunice, and the Tonettes. I love the Tonettes/Vince Castro recordings. I have some good documentation and a fair representation of their records. Or do I?

One of the things that has always bugged me about my collection of thier records, is the lack of any Canadian recordings. Most likely for the Tonettes, it would be on the Canadian Sparton label, since ABC (Oh What A Baby) already had an established program in place with them. And it didn't have to be a huge hit already, or an established artist. I believe that it was a decision made quickly, depending on the sales figures available and distributor reports for many regions. And then the question arises, if they pressed it on Sparton, were there 78's and 45's? I have not seen a complete discography for Sparton, which would make these questions easily answered. OK, so I think I have actually answered both of them.. Click this link

Sparton had a pattern of releasing late 78's and records on 78 that were only on 45 in the USA. So, if there is a 78, there must be a 45. That's my theory on this one. I have never seen the Tonettes on Sparton, so it's certainly new to me. Now the search is on for the 45. And to throw another consideration into the mix: The Sparton 78 has the "second" version of the song, per my website info and sound bytes. I don't know that it was released second, but is just a point of reference. Is there also another Sparton pressing with the first and most common version? Ooyyy. Just the time I thought I had a handle on it..........

I had a good interview with Mickey Kipler of the (Rockin) Rebels. I will need to start editing that and plan to air it on my June 16th show. I am scheduling an interview with Russ Hallett of the Russ Hallett trio, and should get that going early next week.

I'm still keeping tabs on the Internet radio issue. July 15th seems to be the drop dead date, and is not too far off. A fairly balanced article can be seen HERE.

NPR is also getting into the act.

Savenet Radio, Bo Diddley

2007-05-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

In the ongoing battle of Internet radio, it seems Soundexchange offered to defer new copyright-payment rates for small Webcasters who claim the new payments would bankrupt them. Savenet radio rejected the plan, citing that the big broadcasters would be "Thrown Under The bus" and the small webcasters would never be able to be a major broadcaster, since that would incur the higher fees. Several blogs ago, I had mentioned that Soundexchange would need to come up with a compromise and that it might look good when compared to the outrageous plan they have currently. It's interesting and appropriate that Savenet radio rejected it. Here is a brief story with a summary. Just in, there is a new bill on the horizon with a good story here. legislation has been introduced to set up a system that is fair.

Another slow week here for records. The Fay Simmons stock release on Popside, the Virtues Guitar Boogie Shuffle on Sure, and Kenny Vance's Looking For An Echo on Atlantic, from 1975. The record collecting hobby is still good even when I'm not trying to give the mailman a hernia.

I did get in touch with Mickey Kipler of the Rockin Rebels. If all goes well, I will be interviewing him on Monday. Very interesting guy, and very informative in the brief conversation i did have in setting up the interview. I also am back in touch with Russ Hallett, and am asking a few more questions about his group and history. All in an effort to update the Rockin Rebels page.

You may have read that Bo Diddley had a stroke about a week ago. He seems to be doing better, but does have some speech issues. I have know a few people that had strokes, couldn't speak well, but were able to sing with no problem at all.

Blue Notes and the Rebels

2007-05-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Not too much new on the copyright/Soundexchange/Internet broadcasting fiasco. I read a lot of arguing and discussion of facts, but not much movement. I also don't see many Internet broadcasters halting that aspect of their station. This one could drag out for a while.

Not too many new records over here, I suppose because I have not seen many I thought I needed. Well, OK, a lot I thought I needed but few that I was moved to part with the cash for. I did finally get a copy of My Hero on Val-Ue, but that was long overdue. I have had the one on Jalynne, and probably should get the 2nd press Val-ue with the different PO box, along with the Red Top issue. The Val-ue was also pressed on blue wax.

I was sent a picture of the ultimate first press of Wild Weekend by the Rebels. It had the stamp from "Phil and Tom", which was their way of calling it a promotional copy. I am trying to get a few more facts on the Rebels, to update my page. Anyone know how to get in touch with Mickey Kipler, one of the original Rebels? Tried to go through his work with email, but to no avail. It would be nice to get his take on the Rebels and their history.

Record values - going down?

2007-05-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting call from a listener to my radio show last week. Not only is he a listener, but a friend and fellow collector. He said "Brian, what have you heard about record values going down with the music of the 50's and early 60's?" I told him I hadn't really heard that, but that I knew that "Northern Soul" was hot and has been for several years, and that many dealers mention that it sells better than anything else they have. It is especially true for European and Japanese buyers where in many cases the exchange rate is good vs. US dollars. He said" Many of the sellers I deal with are actually LOWERING their prices - and Brian, the 800 dollar Little Richard record I have didn't go up in value from last year's price to the new book price." That was quite a series of statements, with the possibility of quite a few discussions that I could have with him, but not while I was doing my radio show! And by the way, I want to know your dealers that are lowering their prices!

Let's take high end seller John Tefteller. I get his monthly auctions sent to my home, and the asking prices don't appear to have gone down any. I suppose I would need to ask him if they all were sold and the realized prices, to get the most accurate picture. However, he has increased his Ebay presence by selling more and more records on the famous auction site that he all but trashed a few years ago with his bottom feeder remarks. He does have a series of 78's up for auction at the moment with a reasonable opening bid of 9.99. Go figure.

The trends on Ebay at the moment do make it appear like some of the mid value records that run between 50 and 100 bucks, are showing starting bids around 30.00 with minimal bidders. Conditions and desirability vary, but in the last few months, I have noticed this. The flip side is Chuck Higgins 78's at 200.00 and outrageous asking prices for some other common records, and naturally they don't sell.

One very interesting by-product of Ebay and other auction sites, is that some records thought to be fairly scarce, turn up so often that it's obvious they sold more than collectors and price guide publishers realized. Subsequently, the price paid for those records is declining as I type. A clairification here is that maybe they didn't sell more, but there were more pressed than originally thought.

LP's are another interesting story. The bottom fell out on LP's several years ago, at least according to Ebay sales results, and it is tough to get anywhere near book value for 90 per cent of them. That trend continues today. A great example is when I bought a stereo copy of the Fireflies on Taurus for about 20 bucks. The book value is over 200, but I doubt you find many buyers willing to spend half that.

So what about that Little Richard record that didn't go up in value? Well, not all records do. There are plateau's even with high end mint records. But, another increase could be right around the corner. Or are the records pricing themselves so high that just the ultra wealthy will be able to afford them? As you mature in the record collecting hobby, you are looking for some of the rarer records because you already have some of the common records in your specific interests. or you might be branching out into other areas, and find you have another set of hard to find records that need to be purchased. Time to re-finance the house!

There will always be high end sellers and there is always the auction sites like Ebay. Then there all things in-between. I have several sources for records and continue to look for more. I never have an issue with paying a reasonable price, but there in lies the rub. What is reasonable? That could be discussed until the cows come home. For me, I take many things into account. The condition, the pressing, how bad I want it, and what I think it's worth based on what I know and think I know, along with the trends I currently see. Then I set a price and see if i can buy one for that amount.

The rest of this month, I am out searching some additional details on the Rockin Rebels. I have an upcoming project and am trying to fill in a few gaps.

Chuck Alaimo, Platters, Internet radio

2007-05-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

As promised, the Chuck Alaimo record on Ken was added to my first and second labels page. While I was at it, I also put the Ken/Dot labels of Frank De Rosa's record below it. Both great instrumentals.

Check out the comment from Gino on the last post. He provides a link to contact your representive of Congress concerning the new fee structures on Internet radio. Here is another bunch of comments, showing May 15th as D-Day - though here, it has now been extended. There is no doubt that payment for royalties needs to be made on Internet radio, and is being paid by many legitimate broadcasters and stations. The organizations that are not paying, should be. But, not at the outrageous fees proposed.

No major record purchases over the last week, but a couple of possibilities on the horizon later this month.

I was sad to learn of the passing of Zola Taylor of the Platters. She sang lead on several songs including "He's Mine", Bark, Battle and Ball, and certainly a pre-Platters record, "Maggie Doesn't Work Here Anymore". I played a small tribute on yesterday's radio show, but wished I had played more songs.

Back to Chuck Alaimo. Besides the Ken release and the four on MGM - including Leap Frog that was on Ken, does anyone know of other releases for the group on MGM or other labels in the US? I have MGM 12449, 12508, 12589, 12636. Let me know what you know!

Aquatones, updates and Internet radio

2007-04-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months, the Aquatones have released some CD's. One contains songs that were originally recorded by the group, but all have been re-sung with the new group. They do a really great job with them, and included on the CD is a version of The Star Spangled Banner. The other is a mixture of old and new songs, some written by Dave Goddard, original Aquatones member. Both CD's are a lot of fun to listen to. I still have not gone through the liner notes, but there are a few spelling issues.

A few updates to my website include the later stereo LP by the Teen Queens on Crown, A promo of Johnny Dee for Sittin In The Balcony. It was actually issued in the 3rd style label configuration. You can check that out here! Though certainly not super difficult to find, I added the Lifeguards "Everybody Out Of The Pool" on it's original label, Casa Blanca, to the first and second pressings page. It later came out on ABC, though it was not a national chart hit. This week I hope to add Chuck Alaimo's "Leap Frog" on the Ken label, before MGM pressed it.

I hope to add my interview with Little Willie G of Thee Midniters this week as well. I had a much different radio show last night and played a lot of Latino East Los Angeles music, through about 1967. I played about 10 songs of Thee Midniters, and was really taking myself back in time as I grew up listening to some of there songs on the radio in Whittier, CA.

The 200.00 VG 78 of Chuck Higgins is back on Ebay! I wish someone would list one for about 20 bucks - which is about what it's worth in that condition.

Although the bidding has ended, here is a new approach to listing a common record on Ebay. First, mis-spell the name of the group and then tell everyone what it would be worth if it was on the original label in mint condition.

It looks like congress is getting involved with Internet radio. To me, it's not a surprise that they

are introducing a bill to make the rates more affordable. I imagine they got more than a few emails on the subject. At the moment, the latest short article is HERE. It will be interesting to see if it goes through and all the details of what the bill looks like. Something has to be done, and I would prefer anyone but Sound Exchange to make the rules. I'm sure this story will continue to evolve.

Misc info and new internet radio ruling

2007-04-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Updates: I now have both the Paris 78's for the G Clefs on my page, for all to see. A great sounding group,and for some reason, the issue on Regina called "Angel Listen To Me" has still eluded me.

Added Hey Lolly Lolly to the Oscar McLollie site. I still have two records to get for his site, but I'm sure I will keep searching until all 78's and 45's are shown. I had an email from someone that said they were a long time "Family Friend" and mentioned he lived in Oakland. Seems reasonable to me, as my information was the San Fran bay area.

I will be attempting to interview Fred Romaine of the Native Boys in the near future. I had one other interview that unfortunately has fallen through at the moment. Maybe I will have better news in the future, along with identification.

Thanks to a suggestion from Fred, and a project that was on my list already, I split the first and second pressings page into hits and not quite as big hits. If you are on dial-up like me and Fred, those pages might load a little easier. My goal is to continue to add records to those pages, so i could run into the same issue on the future.

Also in the works are updates on my playlists. Maybe I can add those by the end of the month. It's funny just how many artists type their names or group names in a search engine, and then see themselves on a playlist. I have a least one and a half years of lists to add!

I have been following the recent upholding of the ruling concerning Internet radio and how they pay royalties. The ruling is that the fee structure will be based on a "per song per listener" basis. Effectively, that will put most Internet radio into silence. A company called Soundexchange is a real motivating force behind the fee structure, and had quite an interesting comment after the ruling. They said "It looked forward to working with Internet radio companies in order to ensure that the industry succeeds". What industry? There won't be any left after this goes into effect. It appears that the new fee structure will take place starting in 2008, though adjustments for 2006/7 seem to be in place and are retroactive. Some stations are estimating fees of around 200K for 2007, which is astronomical. Some non commercial stations don't even have a yearly budget that high. Most others are scraping to get by on the donations from their beg-a-thons, and can't even dream of coughing up that much dough. Non Commercial stations do have an exception if they fall under the set amount of listener hours, so that may save some stations, But, it's at the cost of not growing your on-line audience. Go over the maximum and you pay the commercial rates.

So, what will happen? I can't believe that Soundexchange is this stupid. And i don't think they are. Some compromise will need to be reached. You know the old game of telling somebody really bad news, and then say you are joking, but here is the real "Not So Bad News" and it seems so much better? Could happen. Most small and medium market stations won't be able to justify the current rate, but might consider an increase after seeing the initial outrageous expectations of Soundexchange. Large market stations might be able to absorb it. But those are not the stations most people want to stream, and are not the stations with the varied playlists and new alternative music. More on this subject in my next blog along with a small discussion on royalties/payments, etc.

1000 stars/Four Flickers/Rockit

2007-04-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

Looking for "A Thousand Stars" by Kathy Young? Click here for the $45 version. I have an extra copy or two that I would love to sell at that price. If you have seen some of my past entries, you know I am interested in over-priced records and wonder how they can ask the prices they do. Maybe......someone believes it and buys it. If they research and look on Ebay, they can find other copies cheaper. Oh well. I am always on the lookout for $100 Chordette 45's. If you see anything good, let me know!

I have a new radio show on Rockitradio. The last show for me was a Christmas program from 2006. There will be another one posted when the current show "runs out". Shows are rotated every 7 to 10 days. It's a lot of fun to produce the Rockit shows, but it's not quite like live radio on KVMR. It is certainly the next best thing!

I finally bought the Four Flickers record on the Lee label. I suppose the label name had something to do with it, but I was hoping for at least a good song. "Is There A Way" is a little too pop sounding for my taste, but the "B" side, "Yo Yo" is a fun record. All is not lost!

Just a couple blogs ago, I mentioned a later black label Class 78, and am certain that they were not produced in huge quantities. I recently found a copy of Little Star on Apt, on a 78. I don't think they are as hard to find as some books reflect in the value, but I have always been fascinated with the 78. I have not personally seen any other Apt 78's, but I imagine they would be quite difficult to find.

I have had some quality feedback on Last Kiss by J Frank Wilson. I bought an obvious reissue on a Le Cam label 45, that paired it with "Kiss And Run". It's a light blue label with a scrolly logo. Oddly, it's labeled as "The Original Last Kiss".

Delmar Goggins and More

2007-03-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

Cruising around on Ebay , I bought a record by Delma(r) Goggins on the Vibro label. Not a bad record at all, and it does have a group background on it. Maybe the V Eights? Leave Me If You Want To/I Thank My Lucky Stars from 1961. I love the V Eights, especially "Everything That You Said"!

I had a great interview with Joyce Harris on my last radio show. I played about 10 of her records, and many for the first time on my show. Nice person, and she had some great experiences in her recording career. Check out the interview and some of her records on my web page.

I will start editing my interview with Little Willie G of Thee Midniters" fame this next week. I hope to have a mostly Latino show in late April, that will include the interview, a bunch of their songs, and many others from that community in Los Angeles. Now, if I can just find a way for him to do an in-studio appearance someday......

Another interview is in the works with a female group from Watts, in the Los Angeles area. More info on that in an upcoming blog. Don't you hate these mysteries?

I am presently working on a couple of Rockit Radio shows. These will be the first of this year. I never meant to have such a big gap between shows, but it has all been timing and priorities. Hopefully the next two won't take so long.

I have not seen too much outrageous on Ebay as of late. I did see a Harptones EP go up for sale. That is one rare puppy. Seems the seller pulled it off Ebay, and rumor has it, accepted an offer of $7,000.00. That is not only amazing, but way out of my price range. I don't even have that much money to spend in a year. I should get into another line of work. Anybody have a connection at Fort Knox?

Class black label 78

2007-03-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have a few Class label 78's. The label from Los Angeles started near the end of 1952, and had a ton of great artists in it's roster, including Oscar McLollie. Some of the later releases on 78, can be a bit tough to find. Eugene Church and Pretty Girls's Everywhere, is one, and certainly his follow-up, Miami, is difficult to find. I show the Oscar McLollie maroon 78 in his duet with Jeanette Baker, "Let Me Know, Let Me Know" on the McLollie page, and I will be adding a black label 78 this next week of the song.

Sometimes it's really easy to think too hard about first and second labels. What actually constitutes a second label? What if that label was a few years after the original? I think it is still the second label. Case in point: The Rivileers had a great record on baton 200 called "1000 Stars". The original was backed with "Hey Chiquita" and actually got some good regional play for the Rivileers in several major markets. That was 1954. The same label brought it back again as Baton 241 and flipped it with "Who is That Girl" in 1957. The 3rd incarnation was on the "Dark" label, which also used number 241, which technically is the second label, but the third issue of the record. It also carried the same baton numbers - like BA-5301/5306. Anyway, I will be adding it to my first and second label page.

I have added 2 new shows to the radio shows page. I may add last week's show when I get a chance. Speaking of shows, tomorrow will feature an interview with Joyce Harris. She has some great records, did some writing and is alive and well. I will also be updating my page with some new information.

On it's way in the mail to me, is a later pressing of the J Frank Wilson recording of Last Kiss on Lecam. Again, referencing my first and second label page, I have the original Lecam and then the second label shown. This odd one is a light blue lecam with scrolly fonts and they title it "The Original" Last Kiss. Definitely a later issue, but I'm not certain what the exact story is....Yet!

raining,pouring,and some work to do.......

2007-03-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes "Stuff" happens all at once. It seems to go that way with me and interviews. I had a relative of Joyce Harris (No Way Out + Others) contact me, and then Joyce emailed me. Next thing I know, I'm on the phone interviewing her. She's got the voice. If you have ever heard the unreleased "I Got My Mojo Working" and the top 100 "No Way Out", you know what I'm talking about. I have some editing to do on the interview and some updating on my site to do as well. She's a very nice person, and was informative.

Then I got a call from Little Willie G. OK, actually I called him first after getting his phone number from a listener to my radio show. Time for another interview and my mind had to completely switch gears. Little Willie G, AKA Willie Garcia, was the front man of the East LA band Thee Midniters. A legend in those parts, and frankly, many other parts - not to mention, my stomping grounds. Cruising Whittier Boulevard, Jacks, and Bob's Big Boy have Lot's of memories for me. We had a short, but great interview. The problem was that there was nowhere near the time to cover as much as i wanted to. Not even close. I was just honored to get the time he gave me. I don't think 2 hours could have done justice to the subjects. Little Willie G is a really nice guy, personable and loves to talk about his history and current gospel outreach ministries. I have this feeling that he is an encylclopedia on the Los Angeles sound of the 50's and 60's, and I bet we could find even more common ground. I will probably push that out into April for the radio program, but it will be a fun show to feature his records along with some other great Latino rockers from the time period. I tried to convince him to come up to northern California to do a live show. He didn't exactly say no.

Speaking of Los Angeles, I have a nice copy of Pachuko Hop by Chuck Higgins, on a 45. On Ebay, this is the second week I have seen the 78 listed for 200 bucks! Seems outrageous to me, especially in "Good condition for it's age". I would think there are more 78's than 45's on that 1953 release. At least the bio information that is included in the listing is a good read. Only thing is, it is obviously a cut and paste job from other websites, and no credit is given to the authors. I actually had a guy from Germany do that to my whole PAGE on the Chords, label shots and all! Yep, it was an Ebay listing. And, it didn't sell!

Do I dare bring up the subject of variations on the Music City label? Talk about a million variations, a ton of flipside combinations, several vinyl colors and at times, no rhyme or reason, THAT is Music City. I will probably never construct a page just because of the cost to obtain all that stuff. The page would never be adequate no matter what. One record I have constantly been on the lookout for is the classic, WPLJ. I've seen or have the maroon label and black label, both on 78 and 45. The multi-color label is also on 45 and 78. Flipsides include Mr. Undertaker, and Kary Maeson. A bit lesser known is the flip with the Gaylarks and Doodle Doo. That came on black, green, and I believe yellow as well as red vinyl. Maybe more. I should work toward a page with all the variations of just the Four Deuces, similar to my Eternals site. I'll put that on my list.

Tommy Dee, Tuneweavers, and more

2007-03-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

I think Tommy Dee only recorded tribute songs, teenage death songs, and an occasional story song. I thought I had a winner in the teenage death tragedy department. On the Pike label, it says "Look Homeward Dead Angel" An obvious death song, right? Wrong. Listening to the 45, it is not dead, but DEAR! OK, well that sucked, or did it? Missing On A Mountain is the flip. A tribute song to Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas. It was done in the same style as "Three Stars" about the Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, and Mr. Valens. I suppose I am happy.

I know that there are several Johnnie and Joe 78's out there. Over The Mountain is the most common, on Chess. I doubt it was ever a 78 on the J+S label. Another on my site is the J+S label recording of It Was There. I hope to add Feel Alright from the Chess label, on 78, to my site this next week. I know there are more. It is similar in some ways to the Tuneweavers. "I Remember Dear" is on a Casa Grande 78 and was the follow-up to Happy Happy Birthday Baby. I figure "Happy Birthday" must be also be on a Casa Grande 78, but I have just not seen one to date. The other scare variation is the Casa Grande promo 45 of Happy Birthday. I have just seen one, and it's on my site.

It's always fun to take a chance on a record, when you have no idea what it is. The process of deciding why you should buy it is most of the fun. More times than not, it's not quite what you expected, but that dangling carrot that says maybe it's a gem, is always a possibility. I saw one on the blue colored "Haven" label. There was no city on the label, but it has the block style printing of the company from West Haven CT. The Hi Tones are the backing group, and the lead is Johnny Cordo. The year was 1955. I thought it had all the elements until the needle hit the wax. Turns out it is more pop/jazz with a beat, almost trying to be rock and roll. It just never makes it there. There were a couple of other recordings for the label that had the Hi Tones, and had very "Rock And Roll Type Titles". A similar record I have is the Manhattans on the Piney label. It combines R+R with jazz and it really works. This one, well, I'm glad I only spent 5 bucks on it.

No new big pages are in the works. I do hope to put a short page together of the Pixies. i have 3 or 4 Pixies records that are likely unrelated and have nothing to do with the Pixies Three. I seem to have all these crazy ideas..........

New show posted

2007-03-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

I posted a new radio show, and you can hear it here! This is from my radio show on KVMR-FM, from February 24th. I seemed to have just a little bit too much fun on that one. Everything seemed to flow well, and I think you will enjoy it.

I finally got a copy of Sunglasses, by the Shades and featuring the Knott sisters. Cool song in the style of the coasters. I suppose when I think of songs about sunglasses, I automatically start singing (to myself of course) Dwight Pullen and his amazing Sunglasses After Dark. The flip, "Undivided Attention" is OK.

The Eternals "Rockin In The Jungle" may be the one song in my record collection with the most variations, but I have always enjoyed the Fashions, "I Am Dreaming Of You". It was released twice on the orange label - second press - with two different flipsides. Lonesome Road was first, and I Love You So was second. The first release was on the blue Vtone label. Mine is the block letters with no graphics. I imagine it is also available with the graphics on the blue label. I will find that one next. Maybe there is a black label? Promo? Still may not get the variations like the Eternals record!

Anybody ever heard of Johnny Corvo and the Hi Tones, on Haven records? It looks like the West Haven,CT label. A bit pop sounding, it looks like the Hi Tones made a couple of records for the label, and the year was 1955.

Updates to my site

2007-02-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

Several updates are finally done on my website. I added the pink Ribbon label for the Fireflies "You Were Mine", and another Ritchie Adams 45, this on Ribbon too.

The Eternals site was reworked with a different order of the labels and an addition of a 7th variation. I still wonder if there are even more!

The Fleetwoods have also been reworked, as well as adding a couple more label shots of their first record. It's a bit confusing and I may still not have it perfect. I am still thinking the Liberty label issues came very last due to the lawsuit that the original Dolphin label threatened them with, thus the change to the Dolton label. Anyway, it seems sorted to me.

Lastly, I ended up adding 18 new first and second issues. It was about twice the amount I had intended to do, but I was having sooooo much fun! I also included Johnny Standley and Andy Griffith.

I got a couple of cool 78's on the Allen label. One was the Five Willows first recording on the Allen label from New York. The other was a different Allen from Richmond VA, and is the Four Jacks/Allen Trio. I also have an opera record on Allen which is a third different company. I believe there were at least two more.

Of minor note, I have another Rebels record on Reo to add to that growing page. That whole story just gets more interesting as time goes on. I am trying hard to contain the information to the Rebels and closely related groups. I suspect I could find tie-ins to many groups from the Buffalo area without trying too hard.

Ebay fun links:

Donna Fargo 70's LP for almost 50 bucks?

235 records for 2500.00? Over $10.00 a record! When he calls Frankie Lymon, Jimmy Jones and Bill Haley amongst his rare records, I knew there was trouble. Remember that blog I posted the 4 Chordettes records for 100.00 ? This is the guy that listed them. He even mentions it in the text! Never said they sold - and they didn't. Never grades the records, just says how good they are and gives the grading scale just to prove it. The best deal on the page is probably the shipping charge of only 20.00 for the lot. The best record is probably the Gladiolas on Excello, but it's cracked!

Have you seen an amazing Ebay listing? Send me the link!

Not so rare....

2007-02-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Finally! Someone on Ebay decided that one of their records was "Not So Rare"! They are correct, it is a common record by the Earls. Of course, that didn't stop them for determining two of their other discs were rare, but be that as it may, there just may be hope! I have actually noticed a slew of fairly high priced records on Ebay, at least right now. For Ebay, that price point of what I deem expensive actually depends on the record and asking price. It could be said that anything over $15.00 might be considered a high price for Ebay, but that could be discussed at great length.

Here is a confused Ebay'er. Sounds like he sold Wynn Stewart's "School Bus Love Affair", and now he has "Open Up My Heart" on the same label, Jackpot. The former is fairly rare, but the latter is probably a 15 dollar record that he would like 100 bucks for. I actually have at least one extra copy that I would love to get half that for.

This weeks plans are to add about 10 examples to my first and second pressings page. It's always fun to add records to that page, as I sure do get some great feedback from surfers stopping to take a look.

Just a few new records to report over here. A cool instrumental from Jody Reynolds. Remember Endless Sleep? This one is much different and is a great one called Thunder on the Indigo label. Also got a decent copy of Little Star by the Elegants on Apt. The difference is that this one is on a 78. I have at least 3 label variations on the 45 - black, rainbow, and white. This 78 is black, and a bit tougher to find than the 45.

I actually had a great time on my radio show last Saturday. It was a membership drive, which is not always so pleasant, but the premiums we had were top notch. The doo wop Box set got a lot of action, as did what I call the hot rod box, both from Rhino. For a person just starting to enjoy doo wop, the four CD doo wop box set is a dandy. Even though all the songs can't be considered doo wop, there are enough great doo wop and rock and roll songs for everyone's taste. The hot rod box has great car related songs covering several decades, and even comes with fuzzy dice! Tonight, it's back to the usual format and some great R+B, Doo Wop and R+R!

Ramble on!

2007-02-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

I finally got those updates on my website that I mentioned in the last blog. You can also view the latest on my Updates Log. The next minor updates are the Pink label Fireflies on Ribbon, also on Ribbon is the Ritchie Adams single "Lonely One". Thanks to Fredpoet, I will make some adjustments to my Eternals site and the order of the labels.

Future updates include a couple of comedy records that I always thought were fun to hear. Andy Griffith, What It Was Was Football, originally came out on the North Carolina based Colonial label. Then Capitol picked it up and sent it for a ride. Another funny one was Johnny Standley and It's In The Book. Some folks refer to it a Grandma's Lye Soap. It first saw the light of day on the Los Angeles based Magnolia label. The 45 turns up somewhat often, but I think I will display the Magnolia 78. Look for both of those towards the end of the month.

At the risk of bidding against you, I sure have been enjoying the 2 records I have by the Travelers on Andex. Teenage Machine Age, is just fun. The latest in my library is Green Town Girl and He's Got The Whole World In His Hands. The lead is distinctive, sounds great, has some gospel feel to it, and I WILL get the other two on Andex. One of the two is up on Ebay right now, but it's beat and I will wait for another one to get listed. This is likely the same group that included Lou Rawls. I also believe this is the same group as the Pilgrim Travelers who also recorded for Andex. I have "Go Down Moses" by them as well as their LP for Andex. No wonder I like them! More research is in order for this group.

I almost made a buying mistake on Ebay. And then almost made it again. I saw a scopitone of Freddie Bell for sale. I bid and was outbid. I thought, well, that would have been nice to have, but... Then I got a second chance offer. Finally, reality set in and I admitted to myself that playing it would be quite difficult. I refused the second chance. I did find a third chance at a cool site where there are tons of scopitones on DVD's. Maybe I will put this on my Birthday list. Hmm. That's a long way off.

I was going to update.....

2007-02-02T18:36:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it was supposed to happen, but I still am trying to do that this weekend. Doesn't seem so hard - scan or take a picture, crop, dump and upload. Geez I'm slow.

Anybody have an interest in Freddie Bell and the Bellboys? I seem to and am sure sometime in the future I will create a page. Just curious to see if there are other fans. I know he has and may be appearing at the rockabilly fest in Greenbay in a few months. He is quite an interesting story in himself. No Billboard action, but local spins on a couple of records, a headliner in Vegas, and huge in Europe. Bear Family did a CD about 10 years ago. It's not bad, but I need my facts in a bit more organized fashion. They list 3 tracks from Mercury as original, but in parentheses, they list overdub. I make the assumption that there was an original release without that overdub. I suppose I will have to track the record and CD to see what they meant. The sound is good, the liner notes are otherwise good, and the price was right at Overstock.com. Cool place to find discounted "stuff". First time for me.

Tomorrow night (Saturday) I will feature Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Mr. Valens on a tribute show on the 48th anniversary of the crash that killed them along with the pilot. Should be fun with a few facts that some people may not know. That starts at 4PM PST on KVMR-FM where you can listen live. The following week is our first membership drive of the year. Thank You gifts include the doo wop box and Hot rods and custom classics. Should be fun.

Have you seen my web page on Fay Simmons? I keep thinking someone knows her whereabouts or if she has passed on. Anybody?

Oscar McLollie and more

2007-01-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well, the new Oscar McLollie page is now on-line and available for viewing. As mentioned last week, I have a bunch of his records, but not all. You can get some light history and hear some of the great sounds of Oscar Mclollie - with and without the Honey Jumpers.

There will be a few updates for the week ahead. I have a mickey and Sylvia Stereo 45 on RCA, One of the two Paris 78's by the G Clefs, and a release on Quality by the Buffalo Rebels. Also, I own the Devotions first record on the Delta label, and I should be getting the first release on Roulette, so I can add it to my first and second pressings page.

I'm working towards a tribute to the "Three Stars" on my Feb. 3rd radio show next Saturday. I think I will include a lot of their music, but play other recordings as well. I love totally focused shows, but I also like variety. It should be fun and i will announce it on the air this evening.

Hopefully next month I will get a couple of additional shows over to Rockitradio. be watching their site for those. I always enjoy recording those shows, even though they don't have the feel of live radio. The audience is potentially bigger, and it can be done at leisure.

I may not have any new additions to my website for a while. I have some other Internet related things that I need to focus my energy on. I know, "What am I thinking?" Anyway, a few updates will always be in order, but no additional artist pages for a time.

Glen Glenn, Chordettes, more

2007-01-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

The Glen Glenn show was really good. He is quite a character, and still sings well. He's 72, and still loves the stage. The back-up group, Sticky Vicky and the Pine Cones were excellent. They had a guest guitar player by the name of Albert lee. He has won many awards, and it shows. After one particularly blazing song with an amazing guitar solo, the regular guitar guy said to the audience pointing to Lee, "That's what I meant to play". They actually had so much firepower when Glen came out, he just stopped playing his guitar. Still, A great show. I think he will be in Green Bay for the annual rock and roll show that fine city puts on.

How much would you pay for 4 Chordettes 45's? They are all near mint or better.....They all have stamped dead wax numbers..... Seems you can buy them now on Ebay for 150.00. Check out the blurry photo and decide. I was thinking a package price of about 7 bucks would be about right. If the bidding got wild and crazy, it could close at 9.50. Even worse, he has a lot more records for sale.

I have not purchased any real exciting records of late. I should have a G Clefs Paris label 78 on my site soon. I was actually thinking of doing a page of what groups are not the Pixies three, and there were many groups called the Pixies. I did buy a Johnny Flamingo 78 on Caddy. "So Long" is probably the most common one out there.

Pookie Hudson passed away last week. He was the lead for the Spaniels. While everyone else was naming their groups after birds, they picked a dog! They also picked a huge hit in Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight. They had many other great records, and I featured a mini set on tonights radio show.

I'm working on another page! This time I will tell you what it is, just in case you are interested. Oscar McLollie. As with most of my pages, I don't have everything, but i have enough of a selection to make it really worthwhile. There are a ton of audio files, so it will take some time, but I am shooting for the end of the month.

More Last Kiss, Lisa Mychols? and more

2007-01-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

Fred wrote to me and took me to task on Last Kiss by J. Frank Wilson. He was right. I re-listened to my Josie label version and the Tamara, and they were different takes. That famous "vocal failing" you hear on the hit, is not present on the Tamara label. There are a few other differences also. Further, the Le Cam version is different still. The first 3 seconds are whacked off and it does not have that vocal falter either. Interesting.

Around Christmas, i was doing some research on a Johnny Lee (no relation) that sang a song called Santa's Ride on the Diva label. i also have it on the Little Apples label, which also mentions Diva. Both labels are from Chicago, and the latter is Johnny Vanelli. Same guy. Speeded up version. Anyway, I found John in Missouri who had a cassette tape that was made from the radio, and it had the tune on it. i offered to send him a CD of it. In return, he sent me a Christmas CD that had a great mixture of old and new Christmas songs. These were not your run of the mill, tired, ho-hum songs, but some rather unusual and refreshing recordings that I rather enjoyed. One cut in particular took me right to the Spector "Wall Of Sound". problem is the recording is just o year old. Lisa Mychols with "Listen To The Bells Ring ", is a great waxing. Check it out if you get the chance.

The Orioles 78 of It's Too Soon To Know in VG condition, is now down to 189.00 if you buy it now. When it started, I think it was about twice the price. Must be a fire sale that i didn't know about!

I am hoping to catch Glen Glenn in concert here in the foothills. An RAB hall of famer, he sure has his roots. I have certainly seen more than one picture of him with Elvis, back in the day. Should be a great show. I just need to go get a ticket before they are sold out.

Crescendos, the Eternals, and more

2007-01-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I will be updating my Crescendos page. What more could I possibly put on it? Al the records are accounted for in one form or another. That is actually the key - "One form or another". I have a U.K. London 78 and a London Australia 78. I figured they were made, but now I have them so you can take a look.

I will also be adding the Eternals, part one. The group made only 3 records, but the first one came out in at least 7 variations, six of which are shown. I only have the first record listed until I get similar copies of the second one. I briefly teased you about this next page last month, and it should be up by tomorrow. A great sounding group, the Eternals had a few bad breaks. I will add to the page with more pictures and stories during the new year.

A few odd updates this weekend include the missing Galaxy label record for the Sevilles. It's a promo on black wax. I have seen green wax Galaxy promos, and I think they exist for the Sevilles. What a fun group they were to listen to. I once got an email from someone claiming to be the real "Charlena" they sung about, but she declined to expand any further.

An upcoming update will be the Buffalo Rebels on Quality. I am amazed at how much was released for the group in Canada. I never knew this one was produced on Quality until I bought it.

No amazing deals on Ebay have been spotted lately. I am constantly amazed and the wide range of prices for the same item in comparable condition. Many factors can certainly affect it, but to see an LP be listed for$20 and 150$ is wild. Not only should you do some research, but you have to understand a little bit about asking prices on Ebay. Then throw it all out the window when somebody breaks the unwritten rules!

R+B Indies (Again)

2006-12-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well the Holidays are over.... Almost. Christmas has come and gone, but not before Santa dumped off volumes 2 and 3 of the R+B Indies to add to my first volume that I already had. How did he know that I needed/wanted those, anyway? The books originally came out as a two volume set, and now they have been re-written and expanded to four volumes. Each book is almost as big as the original two, making for a huge expansion in the numbers of labels showcased. They are pricey, but if you are into labels, you can't be without them. I have 3 volumes, and the fourth and final installment should be out in 2007.

Speaking of Santa, I got a couple of DVD movies. Jamboree, I have seen before, but will be a good thing to see again, and it has some bonus features I have not viewed before. Carnival Rock is the other one on my possession, and I have not seen it before.

As I mentioned in my last blog posting, I expanded the Johnnie and Joe page. I think I must have doubled it, but I realize how many records I am still missing. I have a few audio files to add, but as all pages, it is a work in progress.

If you are into creating CD's of old records like I am, there are some really cool blank CD's you can buy. They are the same size, but they look like a record. The outside of the CD actually is black and looks like record grooves. The middle is set up to look like a record label, but the thing to do is buy some special labels so you can print out an actual label picture. Check out this new product on the verbatim site. It is available in printable CD's (Middle for the label) or you can get the labels at picturegear.com As soon as I do one of these, I will post a picture.

WPLJ on the Music City label, has always been a favorite of mine. I have always wondered how many original vintage releases/combinations were issued. I know of the maroon label and the black label with Mr. Undertaker on the flip. It was also issued on the multi color label with Kary Maeson on the flip. I just found it on multi black with the Gaylarks and Doodle Doo on the flip. I bet there are others.

How do you quote book price?

2006-12-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's just me, but I am seeing a trend on Ebay of quoting book prices incorrectly. Sure, we can all discuss the true value of a record 'till the cows come home, but, at least we need to understand the very basics of book value. The issue I see are sellers quoting high book value for their VG or less record. If you are insistent on quoting the high book, your record needs to be worthy of that high book. Folks, it's not apples and oranges. To reverse the idea, if you have a VG record, don't quote what it WOULD be worth if life was sweet and it was mint. That gives a false impression of what you really have. It just seems to annoy me, and is another way to mislead potential buyers.

Reissues have always been very interesting to me in theory, but not so much in collecting vinyl. i certainly have my share, but normally I don't go looking for them. Many are difficult to trace, as they were low production and often very shady on origin. Frankly, some were just this side of being boots. But what fun they are to trace. Anyway, Wham records of New Jersey was one of those mid 60's reissue labels. I finally got a copy of the Hollywood Arglyes Alley Oop on that label, with the picture sleeve. It sold for 98 cents back then, and had Phil Flowers on the flip. To me, records like this are what continues to make record collecting fun and at a decent price. Just like the VG records discussed in the last post.

Now that the Johnnie And Joe CD has been released by ACE, I think I will work on adding some additional label shots to my page. I still have a ways to go, as they had quite an output of recordings into the 70's and on Ambient sound in the 80's.

Buying VG records, value etc

2006-12-15T20:58:00.000-08:00

So, you love the music, but when it comes down to it, you ARE a record collector. Well, I Am, so maybe that is what I assumed you might be. If you have been around the hobby long, you know that values are always tied to condition, and the range of values has increased between, say a VG record and a Mint- disc. The Mint - disc could easily sell over the high book price on a desirable slab of wax. In years past, the VG record would fetch 50 % of book value, but no more. It often comes in around 30 % or slightly higher. The gap continues to widen. What to do?

I AM a collector. I want the record! So I buy nice VG records. I rarely go below that grade, as I don't want to collect beat up crap. If it is exceedingly difficult to locate (Some folks overuse the "R" word here - Rare) then I will shake a few coins loose if the price is right. I will not pay exorbitant prices for the mint grade. I actually do play my records!

That of course begs the question, are you hoarding for the sake of owning the vinyl, or are you collecting for investment value and future resale? Maybe both? I think I lie somewhere in the middle of the two. I would love to have the resale value in the records, but I am driven to collect. And, since I rarely sell much except duplicates, someday those records will be in the hands of my estate. No worries for me!

I have not bought too much lately. Well, I always say that. I got a nice copy of the Bellboys LP on Mercury. I obtained my second record on Mercury by the Miller Brothers. "If I Had A Car" has been a favorite of mine for years. "Let Me See You Smile is the "B" side of a double sided ballad. After adding the Jackpot Page, I actually found another record by Biggie McFadden. Real pop sounding, but there's a great voice behind the microphone. Vido Musso blowin' the sax on Crown, Thunderbirds with a fair outing on G.G. , and a missing 78 for my Gene and Eunice page. I need to add that this weekend.

Just uploaded a Christmas show on RockitRadio. A regular show will follow that, likely in the last week of December. On KVMR, I plan to play a few Christmas songs this Saturday, and an all Christmas show on the 23rd. I just love that show. maybe because it's just once a year. There really were a bunch of great Christmas songs made, and many I still have never heard.

Updates,Updates,Updates!

2006-12-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

If you have cruised through my web site, you may have seen a bunch of updates. I have added new CD's to the Aquatones page, photocopies to the Shytones, the Scarlet release for the Crescendos, a couple records to the Fleetwoods, and many more. No new pages since the Jackpot Label discography, but lots of updates. You can always see the Updates log for all the pages affected and when they were updated.

I also got answers for my Unreleased demo page. It turns out to be a couple of New York based groups on the same label. I had answers within 24 hours!

Ace has just released a new CD of Johnnie And Joe. I was able to make some significant contributions to the project. Besides using my record label shots, they also have a picture of me with Joe Rivers.

I am finally getting 2 more shows ready for Rockit Radio. The Christmas show should start airing by the end of the week. I hope to be a little more consistent with shows in 2007.

One of these days I will be putting together a Christmas record page. By the time December came around, there wasn't enough time. I may have to start in summer, to get it ready for the next season. For now, you can check out Jim Koenig's (Mr. 78) labels of the month page that has a Christmas theme.

Got a new CD in the mail from the Mighty Echoes. I know they have released at least two CD's and probably more. They are a great Accapella group, and this release is all Christmas songs. "Doo Wop Around The Christmas Tree" has some classic Christmas songs done in their unique style.

Last Kiss - Last Word

2006-11-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

OK, so Last Kiss by J Frank Wilson came out on three labels. The first, which I now have, was on the Texas based Le cam. The second was Tamara and the third was Josie. Josie sold a ton, Tamara reportedly pressed 1000, and I suspect Le Cam was half that. The Le Cam version is actually different then Tamara, which is the same as Josie! The running time is less, and the intro is shorter. Tracking both records at the same speed, they play slightly different, so It's hard to tell if the track is actually different or if they just kept more material in. Unfortunately, dead wax numbers don't reveal anything substantial. Interesting stuff!

Over the last weekend, I added Jackpot Records It has 17 of the 21 issues and is a very diverse body of work by several different artists. I also added an unreleased demo page, but after only one day, I have several updates to add. Sometimes I feel like a real bonehead! I can always count on fellow record collectors to fill me in without making me feel too bad.

Remember the link I had on my Vito and the Salutations page? It was to a video of them performing on bandstand, and Dick Clark interviewing Frank Fox at great length. It had been on Google videos, but Dick Clark productions found out and had it yanked. Too bad as that may be the only video of that performance anywhere. But, Clark owns it, even if they don't have it!

Now I have to figure out which page is next for the website. Easier said then done! The next one may be a bit boring in comparison to most of the pages, but it has always fascinated me. The only hint I will give is that it is one record from one group.

Ebay, Aquatones and demos

2006-11-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

I keep watching an Ebay listing that doesn't seem to go away. It started out at closer to 2700.00 for 300 records. the crux of it that they are in nice shape and you could sell half of them and (break even). With a few exceptions, they are fairly low dollar items, very common. This must be the 10th listing for it, now at a steal for a minimu of just under 2000.00 bucks! I'm thinking it's about a 200 dollar lot at best. What do you think?

The Aquatones Christmas CD is officially out...for the 3rd Christmas in a row. This time it has the graphics and nice booklet. The Aquatones Sing It's Christmas, can be ordered on the aquatones site at www.aquatones.us
They have a good group and still enjoy making great music.

I finally got a copy of the Rockin R's "Walking You To School". Released on the Stepheny label, I had expected another blazing instrumental ala the Tempus issues. Not so. This was a vocal!

Have you ever heard Malinda, by Bobby Mandolph on Specialty? It sounds like he is about 6 years old, but it's a really fun kiddie lead song. His age reminds me some of Sugar Chile Robinson, and some of the vocals he did for Capitol.

I came across a few demos on the New York based Soundcraft "label". The plug song was called The Party Hop. Not a really good song, but there are a couple of the others that are not too bad. I will have more information on those recordings and a page on my web site, eventually.

I hope that you and your families have a safe Thanksgiving Holiday. And don't forget, Christmas is right around the corner. Got your shopping done yet?

Blue Belles on Peak, Ted Newman on Quality

2006-10-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

Just when I think I know something about music, I find out I don't...and may be the last one on earth to know about the Blue Belles. If you have heard I Sold My Heart To The Junkman by the Blue Belles, well, it's really the Starlets. They had a minor early 60's hit with "Better Tell Him No". Thinking I was straight, I realized I had more to learn. The Starlets had a 1957 record on the Peak label, though I have not confirmed it was the same group. A label looking like the same Peak organization, issued the Blue Belles song. with a picture sleeve on a different number series, and was # 7042. My guess is that the record on Peak is a second label, and the Newtown release was the first. Why Peak released it is hard to say, especially with the picture sleeve. Maybe it was the same method that Tap records had with the Crescendos, and other Power records with the Penguins.

I found a 78 of Plaything by Ted Newman. This was on the Canadian Quality label. I know I have seen the 45, so I will hunt it down next.Ted recently sent me a CD copy of an album he did called "I've Been To Town". It's a folk album of sorts, and as is much of his later material, much different than his rock and roll records.

In the mail (To Me, Of Course) is an interesting LP that will go with my ever expanding Rockin Rebels page. An LP by Big John Little and the Hot Toddies, will get a picture of at least Big John Little who was associated with the song Rockin Crickets. Check out the linked page above to get the current full story.

Last night was the Halloween show on my radio program on KVMR. All the weird stuff came out and I got it out of my system....once again. I am constantly amazed at just how strange some records are, even dating back to the late 50's. I'm not talking about the flying saucer records, but odd records like Randy Luck's Cave Man, which probably could not be aired today. Graveyard Rock, by Tarantula Ghoul is just bizarre. Next week: Back to the vocal group, oldies and straight ahead rock and roll on KVMR-FM!.