1.31.2011

NCRS WINTER CORVETTE NATIONAL CAR SHOW PHOTOS



Hey gang! I just met this ultra cool photographer/blogger this weekend named Luke. Luke was interested in my Harry Bennett stories for his cool page which I really enjoyed perusing! So all you Detroit automotive freaks and history buffs check out Luke's fantastic blog about Vintage Ford Facts

Luke mentioned he was shooting a Corvette Show and I freaked out! So I begged him to send me his photos and he was ever so kind to send some along for all of us to enjoy..... YAY


This black 57' vette is to die for.... my colors!


Check this awesome red Corvair Monza ragtop (top right). My step mother had one just like it and I rode in the back seat blowing in the wind all the way to West Virginia! What a blast...





Yes this is just the best in American engineering no? NCRS is coming to Novi, MI this summer! Stay tuned!

These were taken at the NCRS (National Corvette Restorer's Society) Winter National held at Old Town In Kissimmee, FL. Attendance was down but there were still probably 150-200 cars and 250 or so flea market vendors. I suspect the economy had a lot to do with the lack of show cars & spectators. The first 2 cars are 1961 Vettes, then a '72, the blue car is a '54, the black & silver with red upholstery is a '57. I had a good time, got to catch up with a couple friends I haven't seen in a while and trade tall tales and the like. Luke

THANKS LUKE THESE ARE KILLER PHOTOS!

1.27.2011

THE DETROIT BAND: DEAD MAN'S HAND MP3 DOWNLOADS!



Fabulous Bassist Ron Cooke of the band "Detroit" called to let me know CD Baby is featuring convenient mp3 downloads of their album "Dead Man's Hand". I own this cd and I can tell you it is a hot one! Check the songs out HERE

VETERAN DETROIT POWER HOUSE FABLED MITCH RYDER SIDEMEN THAT HAVE PLAYED ON SOME THE HOTTEST ROCK AND BLUES RECORDING FOR DECADES ARTIST INCLUDE SONIC RENDEZVOUS BAND DETROIT WHEELS ALICE COOPER CACTUS

DENIZ TEK COMING TO ANN ARBOR: THE RON ASHETON TRIBUTE


Deniz Tek

STATEMENT FROM IGGY:
My very hunky friend Deniz Tek famed guitarist and founding member of Radio Birdman will be in town for the upcoming Ron Asheton Tribute Show April 19th at the Michigan Theater on Liberty St in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Deniz and Ron were very good friends for tons of years so it should be a very special night for Deniz.

This Monday January 31st Deniz and Ron Asheton's sister Kathy Asheton will be live on the air with Larry Newman on his Under The Radar show. The show opens with Deniz at 845pm Eastern Kathy Asheton at 8 pm. They'll be discussing the big benefit show for THE RON ASHETON FOUNDATION (Homeless Kitties which Ronnie loved dearly...)

Listen Live Monday night or stop back here on Tuesday and I will post the interviews.



Here is one of my favorite videos of Deniz....

GLADYS HORTON OF THE MARVELETTES PASSED AWAY


One of my favorite lead singers was the lovely Gladys Horton. I had the pleasure of working with her at Hart Plaza in Detroit around 1990. She was such a classy one.. I loved her so much and her voice carried such emotion. Songs like " Don't Mess with Bill", Too Many Fish in the Sea", and "My BAby Must be a Magician" top my favorites list of Motown golden hits. It was a joy to be backstage watching the awesome Ms Horton and the Marvelettes perform. RIP Ms H



The Marvelettes in 1963. Clockwise from top left: Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, and Wanda Young.

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Gladys Horton, lead singer of Motown girl group the Marvelettes whose hits included "Please Mr. Postman" -- the Detroit label's first No. 1 -- has died at the age of 66, her son said Thursday.

Motown founder Berry Gordy led tributes to Horton, who died Wednesday in a nursing home north of Los Angeles where she had been recovering from a stroke. "I am so saddened to hear of the passing of another Motown great, one of our first, Gladys Horton, who with the Marvelettes, recorded our first No. 1 hit, 'Please Mr. Postman,' and many others," Berry said.

 Gladys Horton Obituary

MOTOR CITY SPECIAL: VALENTINE'S PRESS RELEASE



My friends Kevin and Kirk are hosting: Motorcity Special's continued promotion of our Detroit music scene with 4th Recording & Vinyl Release Concert.

Motorcity Special #4
“Detroit Ladies Live” Live Recording & Vinyl Release Concert
Saturday February 12th 7pm-2am
Small’s Bar 10339 Conant St Hamtramck MI

Confirmed Musical Lineup:
Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
Betty Cooper
Old Empire
MYDOLS
Rachel May

This special event will be hosted by comedienne Julia Saboda (aka Citizen Kate) and spinning Detroit vinyl in between sets will be Laura The Boom! (DUENDE!).

This live recording will be pressed to limited edition RED vinyl only. Presale Vouchers will be available to reserve a copy of this limited vinyl pressing.

*LIMITED RELEASE*

MOTORCITY SPECIAL LIVE VOLUME 3 will be available the night of the show. Recorded live at Northern Lights Lounge on October 16th, 2010, this psychedelic colored vinyl record (plus show poster) will be available for limited purchase for the first time.

*Motorcity Special #3 Artists*

HAFLIFE -THE HIGH STRUNG- TROY GREGORY- THE MELTDOWNS
THE BROADCAST, THE MAKE & THE FUSS
(SCHOOL OF ROCK St. Clair Shores)

Don't miss the biggest MOTORCITY SPECIAL event yet!

VISIT: www.motorcityspecial.com
CONTACT: info@motorcityspecial.com
THE MOTORCITY SPECIAL FACEBOOK PAGE:

MAX'S KANSAS CITY BOOK!


Since 2008 I have met so many musicians that have played Max's and what a vast history this club has. Ivan Kral filmed parts of his cool film THE BLANK GENERATION, Scott Morgan played Max's.

It will be cool to get Max's book to check out the behind the scenes photographs. I never was able to see a show here back in the day but this book will be the next best thing.



At no other time in history has there been a more exciting collision of art, music, and fashion than at Max’s Kansas City from the 1960s to the early 80s. Max’s was the place where you could stare at Andy Warhol, argue about art with Willem de Kooning or John Chamberlain, discuss literature with William S. Burroughs, and get a record deal just by showing up.

If downstairs the artists were paying their tabs with original art, upstairs was home to the iconoclastic New York music scene, with performances by Max’s house band, the Velvet Underground; the irreverent New York Dolls; and undiscovered musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Blondie, Iggy Pop, and Madonna.

A luminous collection of photographs that captures the exuberance and decadence of the coolest club of all time, as well as essays by Lou Reed, Lenny Kaye, Danny Fields, and Steven Watson, Max’s Kansas City is a stun­ning souvenir of one of New York City’s most important cultural landmarks.




Read More on RK

Ivan Kral's Blank Generation Film Premiere

1.25.2011

OPENING OF THE GRANDE BALLROOM: THE WHA?




THE WHA?

The Wha? played the Dick Clark "Carnaby Street" shows at the State Fair Grounds and Ann Arbor's fabled Fifth Dimension club (opening for the Yardbirds), and shows with other emerging area talent such as The Rationals, The Underdogs and The Woolies.

Most significantly, the band grabbed a spot in the opening weekend lineup at the Grande (October, 1966) following a chance meeting between O'Connell and "Uncle" Russ Gibb.

Following that, the Wha? became a regular opening act at Grande shows, frequently for the MC5 and Scot Richard Case in the early days of the Ballroom."We could do the Yardbirds fairly accurate, also the Stones covers and...we looked good."

1.23.2011

THE HOWLING DIABLOS: MADHATTER'S LOVE FEST

Stanley T. Madhatter (RIP)

Wow what a fantastic turnout last night for the Howling Diablos show at Guy Hollerins! That place was standing room only and it is a huge place. I walked in about 8:30p and it was already smokin...


The Howling Diablos and I planned ahead to give a short testimonial for Stanley T. Madhatter. This was the perfect opportunity as so many friends and fans were onsite. I almost chickened out but Tino Gross talked me into it. Yikes! Between songs Tino gave a wonderful speech about the Hatter and then introduced me...

All I remember is saying... "ARE YOU READY TO ROCK N ROLL?" The same words that Hatter always used to begin his band introductions. The standing room only crowd roared YEAH!!! Now I understand why Hatter loved that gig! Gee what a thrill to hear that huge crowd cheer for him!


The Howling Diablos never disappoint! No matter how many times I have watched them perform it is always fresh and funky... Here is the line up of tunes signed by the boys last night.

My Handycam was working but I just was having so much fun that I forgot to use it. So I had three short clips and put them together as a video snapshot of the energy of love last night for Hatter. It was a giant hug fest last night so work was out of the question...



Rick Ruiner his gal Nina Friday were there when I arrived and it was so great to see them. Hatter just adored them and we saw them play often. We met them for the first time together when Hatter and I went to see Detroit bassist Ron Cooke's band Dead City Prophets at Paychecks. We fell in love with them that night...


Rick Ruiner was really having fun last night as was the packed house! Standing room only and the huge dance floor was mobbed. Fabulous! Rick was assisting Tino and Bee drumming on a beer keg! We loved it!

Ivan Kral and his girl Cindy Hudson were all grins watching the Diablos rock the room. It was great to see Hatter's pal Greg Charles in the audience too.

Rick Ruiner and Lovely Nina Friday

So happy to see all my friends come out to honor Hatter and enjoy a fun night of entertainment which is what Hatter lived for. He loved to hear the crowd cheer and cheer they did..

Bee was in a great mood like always and we had fun before the Diablos took the stage. I dropped by their room to deliver a tee shirt to Tino. I haven't seen the guys in a few months and we were all happy and sad at the same time. They were really sad over Hatter's passing as was everyone last night. Even people who did not know Stanley felt the vibe in that ABSOLUTELY PACKED room. I think we had 500 peeps in there. The room was perfect with a glow of love and throngs of young and old alike dancing their buns off to THD.

Rick and Nina put on a fantastic dance exhibition! Splits and everything. We all enjoyed that from afar! Too old for that stuff... Boy were they fantastic to see.

Thank you to everyone who came out last night and cheered for my friend Hatter. It was a beautiful night to remember such a beautiful man and Hatter's kind spirit will never be forgotten...

1.21.2011

STANLEY T. MADHATTER VIDEO TRIBUTE




Made this fun video tribute for Stanley T. Madhatter night before last....

1.20.2011

ELVIS SINGS WITH FRANK SINATRA 1960


Frank Sinatra Elvis Presley 1960

Elvis appeared with Frank Sinatra on his TV show after he left the Army in 1960. The show was billed as Called Welcome Home Elvis. Frank and Elvis sang a duet which featured Elvis singing Witchcraft and Frank singing Love Me Tender.

This was radical for a couple of reasons. One, that Frank was thought as not "cool" enough to sing an Elvis tune. Two that Elvis most likely couldn't croon a tune like Witchcraft. Elvis ran away with Witchcraft and Frank... well he will be forever cool no matter what he sang...


Frank Sinatra Elvis Presley 1960

Found this fantastic video of two Elvis songs and then the duet. The audience waited a long time for this show to begin and naturally completely freaked when Elvis kind of wandered onstage while Frank was still talking to the audience. You really feel the energy of Elvis in his prime.

Welcome Home Elvis was a 1960 television special on ABC starring Frank Sinatra and featuring Elvis Presley in his first televised appearance since coming home from his military service in Germany. The special was officially titled It's Nice to Go Traveling, but is more commonly known as Welcome Home Elvis having featured Elvis on his first TV appearance in three years. This was also Frank Sinatra's fourth and final television special that he did for sponsor Timex.

The special also featured Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Nancy Sinatra, who later starred with Elvis in his 1968 film Speedway.

Elvis performed Fame and Fortune and Stuck on You, which were the two sides of his first post-Army single. He also performed a duet with Sinatra. Elvis performed Sinatra's classic Witchcraft while Frank performed the Elvis classic "Love Me Tender".

None of these performances were released on record until the 1980s. Presley also sang a verse during the opening production number, "It's Nice to Go Traveling", which has yet to be commercially released. The remainder of the special consisted of performances by the additional guest stars.
The show was a great success grabbing 41.5 percent of the ratings.


IGGY POP DRUMMER ALEX KIRST KILLED IN HIT AND RUN!



Alex Kirst, member of The Nymphs and later Iggy Pop's The Trolls, has died at the age of 47 after dying in a hit-and-run accident.

Read more:



Alex Kirst, a former drummer for Iggy Pop, has been killed in a hit-and-run accident in Cathedral City, California, according to The Desert Sun newspaper. Kirst was 47.

Reports indicate that the drummer was hit by a white truck while he was out walking on January 13. Kirst’s brother Wiley, who played guitar for Pop, said Alex “just went to the store to get a pack of cigarettes,” before he was killed.

Kirst played on two of Pop’s recent solo albums, 2001’s Beat ’Em Up and 2003’s Skull Ring. He was also a member of alt-rockers The Nymphs from 1985-92.

Sad news indeed... RIP Alex

BRINGING DOWN THE MOB: FBI BUSTS 110 CRIME SUSPECTS!



NEW YORK (Reuters) – Authorities arrested 110 organized crime suspects in the northeastern United States and one in Italy on Thursday in what the FBI called the largest single-day operation against the Mafia in history.



The roundup, conducted with the helped of former mobsters turned informants, demonstrates not only that the Mafia remains a threat despite decades of crackdowns that have sent its hierarchies to prison, but also that its famed "omerta" code of silence is now largely a myth, officials said. Full Story HERE


Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents arrest more than 100 organized crime suspects in New York, in this still image taken from WNBC-TV video footage from early January 20, 2011. REUTERS/WNBC-TV

More than 500 members of the FBI, New York Police Department (NYPD) officers, State Police, U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement agencies worked to carry out the raids, said Loretta Lynch, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

“Some believe organized crime is a thing of the past; unfortunately, there are still people who extort, intimidate, and victimize innocent Americans. The costs legitimate businesses are forced to pay are ultimately borne by American consumers nationwide,” said FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III.

Read More on RK Sam Giancana and Phyllis McGuire Hit on Joey Gallo Mob Museum in Las Vegas

1.19.2011

TINO GROSS AND THE HOWLING DIABLOS IN ANN ARBOR!

Tino Gross and The Howling Diablos

GUY HOLLERINS
THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!
www.hiannarbor.com
3600 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2660
(734) 769-4323
Booking
howlingds@aol.com

This Saturday night the Howling Diablos are coming out to my neck of the woods to play. So great to see this fun and musically gifted band play so close to home. They will be appearing at Guy Hollerins at the Holiday Inn on Plymouth Rd at US 23 in Ann Arbor.

Opening the show will be former Urbations leader and Ann Arbor resident,Chip Reed and his Funky Bunch. Should be a blast... First time we ever had an opener at Guy Hollerins God Bless
Tino

Kimmer and Tino Gross

I have to say that I absolutely adore Tino Gross and Ms Lexy. There were truly never two lovelier people in my acquaintance. Great fun to dance with and watch on stage. The entire band is so funky and fun. Johnny Bee will be on drums Saturday so don't miss this night...

If you have never been to this lounge, you'll be delighted to see how large and wide open this room is. I love seeing bands here. So relaxing and fun for dancing too.

This will be my first show in 2011 and sadly my first gig without my pal Stanley T. Madhatter. Hatter passed away earlier this month. So I will be missing him but the one thing Hatter loved the most was seeing his friends and watching a great rock n roll band from DETROIT.


Detroit's 'Finest' the Purple Gang

Betcha didn't know that The Diablos' roots started with the Motorcity Mob. Tino Gross' Uncle Harry was whacked with Purple's Leader Harry Millman--1930s

Barrett Strong and Tino Gross

Tino Gross is such a consummate musician and everyone has worked with him. Recently Tino worked with Motown Legend Barrett Strong ("Money").

Last year I went to see The Diablos and tried to stand still and film their signature song "Go Gene (Krupa) Go". There was this terrible black fencing around the stage so I got up on the stage and while standing beside Johnny Bee Badnajek's drum kit I began filming. The Rah Rahs were stanind around me and I was dying to dance too! Well this is not the greatest video job by me , but the energy is captured and you can see how much fun the audience and I were having!


Here is a little video I was lucky to shoot while standing right next to Johnny BEE I am really campaigning to get all my friends off the couch this Saturday night and join me on that dance floor and celebrate our beloved band THE HOWLING DIABLOS!

1.17.2011

TED'S CAMPUS DRUGS OWNER PASSED AWAY


Ted Tangalakis 1916-2011

One of my favorite people I have ever met passed away this past week, Ted Tangalakis. None of us kids knew Ted's last name. We just called him Ted. He was the owner of a very cool retro style drugstore located right behind my grandmother's home in Ypsilanti.



Ted's store was not large but it was crammed full of the coolest stuff! He had an old fashioned style soda fountain. We spent all our allowance money there on cherry cokes and ice cream.We would sit in those wooden booths at Ted's, have a sundae and chatter away with Ted. We loved him so.


Ted's Store on Cross St. at Normal Ypsilanti, MI

My favorite area of his drug store was just inside and behind the door to the right. This was the magazine and book stand. He carried my favorite reading materials in the early 60's. Mad Magazine, Archie Comics and Peanuts/Snoopy paperback books were my passion in elementary school.


My grandmother Dorothy Stinson was a good friend of Ted's and they were very similar people. Kids loved them both so much. All the kids in the neighborhood knew Ted and my grandmother they called "Nanna".

Ted lived a very long life and helped countless people that were lucky enough to meet this man. He was so kind and jovial. You know, he always got our names right! All these kids and yet Ted always called us by our correct name. Who knows your name now in any store?


Ted opened a cool bar on campus for the students called Theos. It was a fun place and tons of kids hung out there. Ted made a huge impression on me of the proper way to do business and how to be a friend to all. RIP Ted and thanks so much for all the kindness you showed so many... xxoo

Theodore G. Tangalakis, 94, business and community leader and long time resident of Ann Arbor, known to many simply as "Ted", passed away on January 13, 2011. He was born in Blissfield, MI, the son of George and Kaliope (Karabatsos) Tangalakis on April 1, 1916 and grew up in Saint Louis, MI.

Obituary

Ted served as a Captain with the U.S. Army Medical Corps during WWII in the European Theater from 1942 to 1945. He served in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central European campaigns and was attached to General Patton's division during the Battle of the Bulge. Distinguishing himself there, he was awarded the Soldier's Medal by General Patton for saving wounded men from a MASH unit hospital tent set ablaze by enemy fire.

At great danger and personal risk, he repeatedly entered the blazing hospital to save wounded soldiers, carrying them out to safety. It was an act of bravery that he simply considered to be his duty to his fellow man. Ted was the first American medical officer to enter and liberate the infamous Bergen-Belsen concentration camp toward the end of the war, giving aid to victims of the Holocaust - an event which affected him deeply and which helped to mold his life-long commitment to helping people. Read full Obit Here

DETROIT'S KILLER ARTIST: NIAGARA


Niagara Detroit is one dangerous woman. Brains, endless beauty and talent, always a dangerous combination... Niagara defies all categories. Fascinating to watch on stage or sitting at the rail in a corner bar. It is impossible to ignore this woman. Niagara causes a scene where ever she goes.


When I first met her at a gig we did last year at The Blind Pig, I witnessed her magic in person. From the second she walked in the door the room lit up. Buzz began to spread and people rushed over to let me know she had arrived...

It was exciting to finally see Niagara in person. I wanted to meet her, I wanted her autograph and most of all I want to shoot photos for my blog.


Most of my readers know that I have met tons of my favorite rock icons of late. They have followed my travels with Dennis Thompson, Stanley The Madhatter, and other companions. But what I never disclosed is how nervous I was meeting Niagara. Dumbstruck and wordless aptly describes that moment.


Since that meeting I began a folder saving photographs of this artist and I thought it would be fun to share a slideshow of Niagara. She is one of the most unique and undefinable women I have ever encountered. Not to mention how much I love her art and her stage persona. Niagara and I share a love for our favorite pets. We also have quite a few friends in common.


Her husband Colonel Galaxy kindly sent me some cool recent photos of Niagara on tour in Australia with Chris Klondike Masuak and the Hitmen. Finally this Christmas I received the Veronica Lake giclee from Heather Harris and love it so much! I am a huge Niagara fan!
Read More on RK

1.16.2011

1960'S CLASSIC MUSIC LIVES ON...



The 1960's began with musicians costumed in dresses and suits and ended with head bands, fringed vests and bell bottom jeans. What an evolution in just 10 short years!


One of my favorite retro legends is Frankie Valli. I loved him as a kid and in the disco age too. When he appeared on the Sopranos as mobster Rusty Millio they wacked him like they did everyone else.... Black screen here... Frankie made a great mobster. Of course he must have brushed up against a few wiseguys in Jersey and NYC...

"The Four Seasons and the Beach Boys were virtually the only American groups whose successful careers were not derailed when the Beatles and the British invasion bands hit the States in 1964," according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum web site HERE.


Motown Records founded in 1960. Its first Top Ten hit was "Shop Around" by the Miracles in 1960. "Shop Around" peaked at number-two on the Billboard Hot 100, and was Motown's first million-selling record.


The Marvelettes scored Motown Record Corporation's first US #1 pop hit, "Please Mr. Postman" in 1961. Motown would score 110 Billboard Top-Ten hits during its run.

The Four Seasons with Frankie Valli released 4 straight number Ones. The Beatles came to America and played Ed Sullivan on February 9, 1964 (my birthday YAY), spearheading the British Invasion.


The Supremes scored TWELVE(!!!) number one hit singles between 1964 and 1969, beginning with Where Did Our Love Go.


The Beach Boys release Pet Sounds in 1966, The Beatles were so jealous of that album. Nancy Sinatra's song "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" became very popular In February 1966. The Supremes A' Go-Go was the first album by a female group to reach the top position of the Billboard magazine pop albums chart in the United States.

Jefferson Airplane release the influential Surrealistic Pillow in 1967.The Velvet Underground release their influential self-titled debut album The Velvet Underground and Nico in 1967.The Doors release their self-tilted debut album The Doors.The Jimi Hendrix Experience release two successful albums during 1967 Are You Experienced The first Hendrix song I ever heard was Fire. The Beatles release Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in June 1967.

The Moody Blues release the album Days of Future Passed in November 1967. But my friends and I didn't discover this album until 1973. Pink Floyd releases their debut record The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. The Bee Gees release their international debut album Bee Gees 1st in July, 1967. Love the old Bee Gee playlist the best. The Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 was the apex of the "Summer of Love".

Johnny Cash releases At Folsom Prison in 1968


Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham and John Paul Jones called themselves Led Zeppelin and Robbie Robertson and The Band released the roots rock album Music from Big Pink in 1968.

Big Brother and the Holding Company, with Janis Joplin as lead singer, becomes an overnight sensation after their performance at Monterey Pop in 1967 and release their massively successful second album Cheap Thrills in 1968.


Sly and the Family Stone revolutionize black music with their massive 1968 hit single Dance to the Music.
The Who release and tour the first rock opera Tommy in 1969.

The Mighty Motor City 5 release their killer live album Kick Out The Jams recorded live at the Grande Ballroom Halloween weekend in 1969. The Stooges released their debut album in 1969.

1.15.2011

BYE BYE LOVE: THE EVERLY BROTHERS


Phil and Don Everly

Just recentl;y I have finished reading a ton of books on the history of rock n roll. Books about the Rolling Stones in particularly Life: Keith Richards and Marianne Faithfull's Autobiography.

Keith goes into great detail on the admiration and respect the Stones had for the Everly Brothers. The Everlys were big stars in the late 50's early 60's. The young Richards and the Stones opened for the Everly Brothers. Keith wrote about really loving their music. So do I...

Phil and Don Everly

In 1960 The Everly Brothers signed a ten-year contract with Warner Bros. and recorded a ton of hits for the next 10 years.Their influence continues to spread.



Both brothers were pretty good guitarists, they used a style of singing close harmony in which Phil and Don both sang a tune that could have been a plausible melody line. The Everly style of close-harmony singing influenced so many of the American and British Invasion musicians including the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, the Hollies, Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby Stills and Nash and the Byrds.


One of the most successful rock duos broke up somewhat acrimoniously in 1973, (Don was very serious and Phil not so much) only to come together ten years later at an emotional reunion concert on the stage of London’s Royal Albert Hall. Subsequently, they resumed their partnership onstage and in the studio. This is in contrast to classic harmony lines which, while working well alongside the melody, would sound strange if heard by themselves. One of the best examples of their close-harmony work is their recording of “Devoted to You”. In 1997, they were awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004


The Everly Brothers have had a total of 26 Billboard Top 40 singles. They were among the first 10 artists (!!!) inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 1986. The Everlys still perform occasionally, despite having "retired" more than once. Recently the Everly Brothers joined Simon and Garfunkel as the featured act in the Simon and Garfunkel reunion tour of 2003 and 2004. They were not the opening act, rather Simon and Garfunkel opened their own show and had the Everlys come out in the middle for three or four songs.


For Paul Simon, it was not the first time he had performed prominently with his heroes. In 1986, The Everlys sang background vocals on the hit title track of Simon’s landmark album Graceland. Top Hit Singles 1957 "Bye Bye Love" "I Wonder If I Care as Much" "Wake Up Little Susie" "Maybe Tomorrow" "All I Have to Do Is Dream" "Claudette" "Bird Dog" "Devoted to You" "Problems" "Love of My Life" 1959 "Rip It Up" "Poor Jenny" "('Til) I Kissed You" "Oh What a Feeling" 1960 "Let It Be Me" / "Since You Broke My Heart" "Cathy's Clown" "When Will I Be Loved" 1961 "Walk Right Back"

Sadly like so many other rock legends, the Everlys were affected by drug addiction and alcohol abuse. Drug addiction by both brothers and Don's nervous breakdown were among factors leading to increasing acrimony between them. But the final straw came during a concert at Knotts Berry Farm in California--their last scheduled show together. Apparently, Don had gotten so drunk before the show that it had to be stopped midway through. Phil stormed off in anger and Don finished the concert by himself. Resources Musician Guide/The Everly Brothers The Everly Brothers Rollingstone page The Everly Brothers Wiki  

1.14.2011

THE VIOLENT YEARS AND THE MOTOR CITY MAFIA....


Whereas the Purple Gang was a predominantly Jewish group, the crime organizations covered in this volume all come from different ethnic backgrounds. Each gang covered provides insight not only into their crime organization, but also into the ethnic origins of the region.

For instance, the chapter on the Giannola/Vitale Mafia covers the origins of the war between the two gangs, which lasted from 1918 to 1921. It also covers the origins of the Italian Mafia-including the history of the dreaded "Black Hand"-and its enclave in the Detroit area. Among other famous area gangs included is the predominantly Irish "Legs" Laman mob and the "River Gang" whose leaders became the founders of Detroit's modern Mafia family.

Kavieff's first book, The Purple Gang, stayed on the Detroit bestseller list for months after its release. With this title Kavieff once again captures the flavor of the era and the region marvelously and is sure to captivate readers across the country

Declares G. Robert Blakey, a Notre Dame Law School professor who drafted the 1970 RICO law now being used so effectively against organized crime: "It's the twilight of the Mob. It's not dark yet for them, but the sun is going down." Full Story Here

The Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Of 1970
Organized crime is defined as any group that has an organized structure of bosses, advisors, and committed working members whose key goal is to obtain money and property through illegal activities. Organized crime groups thrive on supplying goods and services that are not legally available but for which a large number of people are willing to pay. Gambling, prostitution, pornography, and dealing in illegal drugs have long been moneymakers for organized crime.


Motor City Mafia: A Century of Organized Crime in Detroit chronicles the storied and hallowed gangland history of the notorious Detroit underworld. Scott M. Burnstein takes the reader inside the belly of the beast, tracking the bloodshed, exploits, and leadership of the southeast Michigan crime syndicate as never before seen in print. Through a stunning array of rare archival photographs and images.

Motor City Mafia captures Detroit's most infamous past, from its inception in the early part of the 20th century, through the years when the iconic Purple Gang ruled the city's streets during Prohibition, through the 1930s and the formation of the local Italian mafia, and the Detroit crime family's glory days in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, all the way to the downfall of the area's mob reign in the 1980s and 1990s.

Read More on RK

TIMELINE:TOP 4 SONGS OF 1964-1965


The Beatles "A Hard Day's Night"

A Hard Day's Night" is a song by English rock band The Beatles. Written by John Lennon and was released on the movie soundtrack of the same name in 1964. It was later released as a single, with "Things We Said Today" as its B-side.

The song featured prominently on the soundtrack to The Beatles' first feature film, A Hard Day's Night, and was on their album of the same name. The song topped the charts in both the United Kingdom and United States when it was released as a single. Featuring a prominent and unique opening chord, the song's success demonstrated that The Beatles were not a one-hit wonder in the United States.

The American and British singles of "A Hard Day's Night" as well as both the American and British albums of the same title all held the top position in their respective charts for a couple of weeks in August 1964, the first time any artist had done this.



Petula Clark "Downtown"

Downtown rocketed to number 1 in the USA, launching Petula's American career and earning her a Grammy in 1964. She quickly followed with I Know A Place which went to number 3 and earned Petula her second Grammy in 1965. Numerous top 40 hits followed. All told, Pet has had 15 top 40 hits in the USA (two #1 hits). Internationally, Petula Clark has charted in the top 40 with 159 recordings!



The Rolling Stones "Satisfaction"

(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is a song by The Rolling Stones released in 1965. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and produced by Andrew Loog Oldham. The song is famous for Keith's three-note guitar riff which opens and drives the song, and for the lyrics (by Mick), which include references to sexual intercourse and a theme of anti-commercialism.

"Satisfaction" was a big hit, giving the Stones their first number one in the United States. In Europe, the song initially played only on pirate radio stations because its lyrics were considered too sexually suggestive...



Roger Miller "King of the Road"

Roger Dean Miller (January 2, 1936 – October 25, 1992) was an American singer, songwriter, musician and actor, best known for his honky tonk-influenced novelty songs. His most recognized tunes included the chart-topping country/pop hits "King of the Road", "Dang Me" and "England Swings", all from the mid-1960s Nashville sound era.

His songs continued to be recorded by younger artists, with covers of "Tall, Tall Trees" by Alan Jackson and "Husbands and Wives" by Brooks & Dunn, each reaching the number one spot on country charts in the 1990s. The Roger Miller Museum in his home town serves as a tribute to Miller.

INAUGURATION OF JOHN F KENNEDY 1961



Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." This was President Kennedy's challenge to Americans as he was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States on Friday, January 20, 1961.




His speech lasted just under 14 minutes, making it one of the shortest inaugural address/speeches ever delivered. Undoubtedly the most remembered...CNN Story HERE

WAR PAINT: ELIZABETH ARDEN - VS- HELENA RUBINSTEIN

Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein

Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein were two most fabulous divas, and their business lives are fascinating. The author describes the rivalry between these two women in great detail.

Illustrating how their mutual animosity fueled their empires. The story is even more interesting because of the times in which they lived


Elizabeth Arden used modern mass marketing techniques to bring her cosmetic products to the public. She also opened and operated a chain of beauty salons and beauty spas. Her birth name was Florence Nightingale Graham (!!). Full biography HERE

 Elizabeth Arden December 31,1884 - October 18,1966

Only "working" girls and performers wore face and eye makeup before Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein invented the modern age of cosmetics in New York in the early years of the last century. For 50 years these bitter rivals never met, though they lived and worked only blocks from each other.



Helena Rubinstein December 25, 1870 – April 1, 1965

Rubinstein was born Chaja Rubinstein full biography HERE

Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein were both conflicted emotionally and perhaps fictional enemies. They both understand the saying that there is no such thing a bad publicity.

Their personalities were very opposite... Arden loved the refined, quiet country club life; Rubinstein was citified and edgy. But they were fixated on the exact same concept: Enhancing a woman's appearance was not vanity it was necessity!

Their war between competitors changed the corporate structure of American business forever and improved the woman's place in decision making of spending in the US.

Why did these two titans who never met carry so much animosity towards one and other? Did they understand the motivation that each provided the other? I would hope they were that intelligent. Competition is a very strong motivator and nothing feels as energizing as putting your competitor in the dirt. They needed the other to succeed and succeed both women did!

Fabulous story on Elizabeth Arden on The Painted Woman Blog



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