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Classic Urban Harmony
Newsletter #44
Happy New Year and welcome to Classic Urban Harmony Newsletter #44. We'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a healthy and prosperous 2020. Here at CUH Headquarters we've been working through the holidays to sum up the past year and prepare for the year ahead. Our FREE email newsletter doesn't follow any regular schedule but we do try to publish every month or so. In this issue you'll see the good and the sad of 2019, through our eyes. As always, there's a lot here, not in any particular order. So please keep reading until the end.
Quote of the month: "I was singing doo-wop on the corner under the streetlight with four other guys when it wasn't called doo-wop. We just got together and sang, so that music is inside of me." - Al Jarreau
Classic Urban Harmony LLC promotes the legacy of Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Soul and Gospel Vocal Group Harmony through multimedia presentations, historical research, interviews, magazine articles, museum exhibits & displays, radio guest appearances, lectures, college courses, concert production and emceeing, consultation for documentaries, vocal group bookings, our website, www.classicurbanharmony.net, and this free newsletter. Here you'll find news of important events relevant to our music as well as updates to our website and summaries of our Classic Urban Harmony activities and projects. To read more about and see more photos from the articles in this newsletter, check the What's New Page of www.classicurbanharmony.net. We hope you'll enjoy this issue of the newsletter and again find it entertaining and informative. Please continue passing the word on to others who might want to receive it. They can sign up by sending their names and email addresses to CUH@att.net. - Charlie & Pamela Horner - January 1, 2020. |
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Wishing all our readers a health, happy and prosperous New Year! May the year 2020 exceed all your expectations. - Classic Urban Harmony's Pam & Charlie Horner
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Counting down Classic Urban Harmony's Best Moments of 2019
The year 2019 was certainly an exciting one for us here at Classic Urban Harmony LLC. Our 11th year in existence may have been our best, but then we say that every year. Here are the Top 15 of the brightest moments of the past year in reverse order.
#15 - Competing the writing of our soon to be published book, "Springwood Avenue Harmony: The Unique Musical Legacy of Asbury Park's West Side (1871 - 1945).
#14 - Our four articles published in Echoes of the Past Magazine, "Joel Katz: The Voice of Jersey Doo Wop - Part 4," "How One Concert in 1979 Brought Back Acappella to Philadelphia," "The City That Banned Rock & Roll," and "The Discoloration of Colored Vinyl Records," The first three articles can be read at our Articles Website Page.
#13 - Sammy Strain's 80th Birthday Surprise Party. It was such an honor to be able to speak at a party honoring our good friend from the Imperials, O'Jays, Fantastics, Chips and Impacts. Watch Sammy's surprise as he enters the room by clicking Birthday Party.
#12 - Willie Winfield's Retirement Party. While none of us wanted to see the legendary lead of the Harptones retire, this party was a memorable tribute to one of the world's greatest voices and a wonderful man. For me (Charlie) to speak about Willie's impact on our music was a thrill and an honor.
#11 - The release of the CD sound track to "Soul Harmony: The Story of Deborah Chessler, Sonny Til and the Orioles." We (Charlie & Pam) were in this ground breaking phenomenal musical. Can't wait until it resurfaces again on stage. BTW, you can order the CD on Amazon. It's $24.99. Just click "Soul Harmony"..
#10 - All of our Roxy & Dukes and library acappella doo wop concerts with the Vic Donna Group, Joel Katz & the Dynamics and Quiet Storm.
#9 - The world premier and release of the documentary, "Asbury Park: Riot Redemption, Rock N' Roll,". I (Charlie) appeared in the film that ran in theaters all around the world.
#8 - Our twelve days touring Spain. Not really music related but we had a very memorable time. And we did meet up with Juan Ibanez Mateos from the doo wop group, the Velvet Candles, and look for records.
#7 - Doo Wop Explosion 4 Acappella Concert in West Chester PA, with De'Sean Dooley, Quiet Storm, Nostalgia 5, Joel & the Dynamics, the New Re-MemberThen and the Quin-Tones Quartet.
#6 - Editing and publishing Earl Lewis' book, "How D'Ya Like Me Now: The Story of Earl Lewis & the Channels." This is the first book published by our subsidiary, Classic Urban Harmony Press. It's available on Amazon by clicking Earl Lewis & Channels.
#5 - Receiving the Asbury Park Historical Society's first ever "Distinguished Historians Award". This was quite an honor from an organization that has done so much to preserve the history or Asbury Park NJ. Click here to hear my acceptance speech, one of my best ever.
#4 - Receiving the East Coast Music Hall Of Fame's "Best Music Historian's Award." As voted by the organization's membership, we are deeply appreciative. Thank you all.
#3 - Asbury Park Museum's temporary three month exhibit on the Asbury Park Boardwalk and all the events we had there including book signings by Tommy Petillo and Billy Terrell plus a jazz concert and presentation on the Sand Hill Indians.
#2 - The Acappella Reunion: Memories of UGHA Concert at the Morris Museum in Morristown NJ with the Cliftonaires, Sheps, Choice, Patty & the Street-Tones/Mixed Company and Grand Central Echoes with John Kuse of the Excellents. In addition it was our pleasure to present Willie Winfield with a Classic Urban Harmony Lifetime Achievement Award. See the video of Willie greeting the award by clicking Willie Winfield.
#1 - The East Coast Music Hall Of Fame first ever Awards Gala in Wildwood NJ. We (Pam & Charlie) hosted the VIP Reception and got to present Willie Winfield an ECMHOF Lifetime Achievement Award.
There were other highlights of the year, including our acquiring the trademark for Classic Urban Harmony™. We'd like to thank all of you for your support throughout the year.
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Unique program pairs doo wop concert with artist interviews on stage in New York City
Get ready to rock 50s style! Doo-wop vocal legends Louise Murray & Joel Katz perform accompanied by Hal Keshner’s HK Combo, with jazz/gospel/soul powerhouse Crystal Spivey. Get to know the artists personally through your Audience Q&A & interviews by Charlie & Pam Horner of Classic Urban Harmony. Louise Murray’s hits include The Hearts’ “Lonely Nights” & The Jaynetts’ “Sally Go Round The Roses” She is in the Doo Wop Hall of Fame. Joel Katz has recorded 50 singles & 5 albums & recorded with Aaron Neville, Johnny Maestro, Eugene Pitt & Sharon Jones. It all takes place on Saturday afternoon, January 18, 2020, at the Triad Theatre, 158 West 72nd Street between Broadway & Columbus Ave, New York, NY. The Triad is a cozy intimate Off-Broadway theater of only 100+ seats. The theater is on the south side of the street on the 2nd Floor above a restaurant called Seven Hill and located next to the Acker Merril Wines store. Doors open at 2 PM, show at 2:30. Tickets are $35, sold in advance. Please Note: The Triad has a 2-beverage minimum person. This is a unique concept where you’ll get to hear these doo wop legends sing plus learn about them through on stage interviews and audience Q&A. We (Pam & Charlie Horner) will be emceeing and conducting the interviews. For more info visit www.triadnyc.com or call the theater at 212-362-2590.
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"Prisoner To You" Rarest Louise Murray Record?
Preparing to interview Louise Murray of the Hearts on January 18, made me recall one of her rarest records - "Prisoner To You" by Enalouise & the Hearts ( Argyle #1637). If there are more than 10 copies of this still in existence I'd be surprised. In fact, I only know of 4. I first heard the record as a youngster on Jerry Blavat's radio program. Back then all my fellow collectors in Philly were searching for it. My friend Don Leins and I were in a short-lived record store in Trenton NJ when he found a copy. A week later, we went back there and I found a second copy. Once I was a guest on Ronnie I's radio program and I played the record, suggesting it might be Louise Murray on lead. Ronnie called Louise and though she didn't immediately recall the side, she did mention recording the flip side, "A Cap And A Gown". We've just put the song on YouTube so you can hear it. To listen, click " Prisoner To You". Will Louise Murray sing it at the Triad Theatre on January 18? Breaking News...We just sent Louise Murray the song and she's agreed to sing it. Going to be a fantastic afternoon! |
Our Songs in TV Commercials - Part 5
Is it true that much of today’s music cannot be used in commercials because of profanity in the lyrics and edgy topics not suitable for the general population? Perhaps this is why TV producers have gone back and used the 1950’s and 1960’s songbooks as well as some later songs. The commercials target people who will most likely take notice of their product and have the money to spend.
Here's some more info on the Range Rover commercial with the dog I wrote about in Part 4. "I Found A Place In My Heart" is not an old song. It just has an old style. It's a new song by Emma Smith of the British trio, the Puppina Sisters. The Puppina Sisters sing close harmony, modeled after the Andrew Sisters. While the song has never been released. the attention it's gotten in the commercial may lead to its release soon. Click A Dog's Dream to watch the commercial.
We just heard from Mary Cheek of the Contessas on WGW who has a good ear for music and songs. She mentioned the McDonalds commercial of The Coasters “Searchin” as well as Bank of America's use of “Rubberband Man” by The Spinners. In addition, Mary told us of Jeep's Gladiators 2020 using “Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin and Extrade.com using “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton. How about Office Max commercials using “Rubberband Man” by The Spinners. The list is endless! There is a commercial on German TV for a Facebook using the song “Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin also. Expedia Travel Services is using Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s song “But I Do." As we prepared this newsletter, we just heard a commercial for Applebee's with "I Can't Help Myself" by the Four Tops! When you begin to listen to the commercials instead of a ignoring them you can discover more. I could go on but enough is enough. - Pamela Horner
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Contessas song in soundtrack of current Netflix series
This just in from Mary Cheek, member of the Contessas who recorded for the WGW label back in 1968. It seems that one of the songs they recorded back in the day that was only released last year, has now found its way into a Netflix series out of the UK. The song "Broken Heart" appears in a scene of Series 2, Episode 6 of the series, "The End Of The F***king World." [Sorry for the profanity, but that's the name of the series.] "Broken Heart" was recorded by the Contessas back in 1968 but just released on an outstanding double vinyl LP and CD box set called "Basement Beehive: The Girl Group Underground" by the Numero Group. See our review in an earlier newsletter. [Classic Urban Harmony helped put the Numero Group in touch with the Contessas to release the song.] To read our article on the group, click Contessas. To hear "Broken Heart" on YouTube, click Contessas
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Rare Record of the Month
Each newsletter we pick out a rare record from the Classic Urban Harmony Archives to spotlight. This issue we picked the first record by the pioneer group from Baltimore, the Four Buddies. Released in December of 1950, the first pressings listed the group by their earlier name, the "Four Buds." This is strange because by the time the record came out, the group had already changed their name to the "Four Buddies". Maybe the labels had already been printed. We don't know how many copies were made with "Buds" instead of "Buddies," nor if the record was recalled. But all subsequent pressings listed the Four Buddies. The copy you see here, from the Classic Urban Harmony Archives, is considerably rarer than later pressings. To listen to the song, click " Four Buds/Buddies." |
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Acappella group, Grand Central Echoes to appear at Roxy & Dukes, Dunellen NJ, February 9
We are thrilled to announce the return of the outstanding acappella doo wop group, Grand Central Echoes, to Roxy & Dukes on Sunday evening, February 9. Those who caught GCE at our Acappella Reunion Concert in Morristown last October, or recall them from our other past concerts know how great this group is! This will be our 42nd acappella show at Roxy & Dukes, as we strive to keep acappella alive in the New Jersey area. We can only do it with your support. You know you’ll have a great time and hear some wonderful harmony so come on out. Doors open at 7 PM, first of two acappella sets at 8. Roxy & Dukes is located at 745 Bound Brook Rd, (Rt. 28) in Dunellen (central) New Jersey. There’s food and drink available for purchase and there’s free parking in the adjacent lot. Email us at CUH@att.net for reservations. Admission is $ 20 at the door. Here's a video of Grand Central Echoes singing acappella at our Acappella Reunion Concert last October 4. Click "Hey Little School Girl".
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Changes in store for Roxy & Dukes?
For four-and-a-half years and 41 shows, we've been bringing acappella doo wop to Central Jersey at a unique and magical place called Roxy & Dukes. It's been said that "Without Charlie & Pam Horner, acappella would be on life support," and that may well be true. Roxy & Dukes continues to be our home base for acappella and we could not be happier there. A recent post to Roxy & Duke's FaceBook page reads as follows.
"…the time has come for things to change here at Roxy & Dukes. For us, R&D's has been a labor of love that has expanded our lives in many ways. When the decision was made to "move on" and the word started to leak out, we came to find that others were very interested in taking the helm and steering Roxy & Dukes in fresh new directions. We have had the pleasure of discussing potential plans with a few interested parties who approached us and now I'm extending that option to "you". Some of you may also be interested in continuing what we have begun so that R&D's can continue to help artists and entertain patrons for years to come. If you feel that you are someone that would be interested or know someone else that would, please reach out to us at: roxyanddukes@yahoo.com .“
If and when changes come to Roxy & Dukes we will see what the future brings. In the meantime it is business as usual for acappella there and we will see everyone on Sunday February 9 with Grand Central Echoes. Our sincere thanks to Roxy & Dukes for all you've done for us and the music. - Charlie & Pam
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Classic Urban Harmony website and newsletter in the running for East Coast Music Hall of Fame award.
The East Coast Music Hall Of Fame has opened nominations for the 2020 awards gala and our website, www.ClassicUrbanHarmony.net along with this newsletter have been nominated for "Best Music Maker Publication / Website". Voting will begin soon. To vote for us, you need to be at least a Supporting member of the organization with a donation of $25. Ambassador members ($50 donation) also get to nominate. To join the East Coast Music Hall Of Fame and keep up on all their events visit www.ECMHOF.org.
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Book Review: "The North American Vinyl Record Guide" by Jan Lisewski (VRG, 2019).
If you're a record collector. you look for vinyl records wherever you go. In the olden (pre-Internet) days, when I'd drive from state to state in search of records, I had to stop at a phone booth in each little town to look up what record stores were there. Half the time, the page with the record stores had been torn out by some ruthless collector who'd been there before me (I never did that). Then came the Internet and I could look up record stores in advance. But it still wasn't easy because I never quite knew where the road would take me. Well, now here's a book that lists all the sources of vinyl records in North America (U.S. and Canada) by state. I'll carry this with me next time I travel. The book (paperback) is 385 pages long (small print). Each listing gives addresses, phone numbers, emails and websites. Also listed are all the record shows, which is nice. Sadly, a percentage of stores are listed as "CLOSED". A sad fact of life, I guess, but a good thing to know before trying to go to them. This is a good reference. The only negatives are that there's no distinction between stores that carry new vinyl (like Barnes & Noble) and used record stores. But then you can call the stores and ask. Entries are listed alphabetically by store within each state. I would have liked them to be further broken down by city. But that's not a major issue. All in all, this is worth getting if you're a collector who travels. Available on Amazon for $24.99 by clicking Record Store Guide. |
"Springwood Avenue Harmony, Vol. 1 (1871 - 1945)" book writing and indexing complete.
Volume 1 of our two book series, "Springwood Avenue Harmony: The Unique Musical Heritage of Asbury Park's West Side" is inching nearing publication. Above is our new cover design. Indexing is now complete. This volume covers music from Asbury Park's West Side from 1871 to the end of 1945. It includes Spirituals, Ragtime, Brass Bands, Stride Piano, Jazz, Black Vaudeville, Blues and Gospel. It details the many venues along Springwood Avenue and puts the music in context with the historical, social, economic and racial issues of the times. Volume 2 will be completed sometime in 2020 and will cover Asbury Park West Side R&B, Doo Wop, Gospel, Jazz and Soul music from 1946 - 1980.
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Visit our website.
If you haven't visited our website in awhile, you're in for a treat. The Articles By Us page lists our many articles from Echoes of the Past, which you can click on and read. And don't forget to check out the Events Page for a listing of what's going on. For more about Classic Urban Harmony's activities, along with news, articles, photos and videos, please visit our website, www.classicurbanharmony.net.
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Musical talent in your genes?
“Apparently genes have an important role to play in determining musical ability.” So says an article from My Heritage which is a company that uses your DNA to find your ethnic origins. One study looked at identical twins vs. fraternal twins. They discovered that if one identical twin practiced significantly more than the other twin and the musical ability was more or less the same. The twins were tested in their ability to detect differences in pitch, distinguish melodies and recognize rhythms.
Think of all the family singing groups. The Mills Brothers are a perfect example. The original Mills Brothers were brothers John, Harry, Herbert and Donald. Their grandfather, William H. Mills sang with the spiritual group, the McMillen - Sourbeck Singers. When John died, their father, John Sr. joined the group. Donald's son, John Mills is still singing. That's four generations of singers in the family. [For the complete story of the Mills Brothers, see Douglas E. Friedman's book, "Four Boys and a Guitar," available on Amazon by clicking Mills Bros. To name a few more - The Jackson 5, The Five Stairsteps, The Osmonds, Sister Sledge, The Bee Gees, The Pointer Sisters, and The Winans Family. I could name several more but these names say it all. I guess if you can’t sing or play an instrument you could always blame it on mom and dad? – Pamela Horner
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Well that's it for this issue. Again, Happy New Year!
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East Coast Music Hall Of Fame planning program honoring Pioneer R&B Groups at 2020 Awards Gala
The East Coast Music Hall Of Fame is planning an afternoon program honoring four of the great pioneer R&B vocal groups, to be held as part of their 2020 Awards gala in Atlantic City. The ECMHOF board of directors felt that it is critical to honor the pioneers and innovators who paved the way for many of the Hall's Lifetime Achievement Award recipients and on whose shoulders many of today's top recording artists stand. These four groups - the Ravens, Dominoes, Clovers and Five Keys - whose body of works pre-dates rock and roll itself, laid the foundation and provided the inspiration for countless singers and vocal groups that followed. Despite their enormous contributions and immeasurable impact, all four of these artists have been overlooked by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The pioneers honors program will be held on June 10 and will be hosted by Charlie & Pam Horner. While details are still being finalized and are subject to change, we expect to have a multimedia presentation on the development of Rhythm & Blues harmony; a half hour of rare vintage video clips of the four pioneer groups; a panel discussion with Clovers' Harold Winley and several music historians including Todd Baptista; and possible even some live singing.
The ECMHOF 2020 Awards Gala is set for June 9 and 10 at Harrah's Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. It will be even bigger and better than last year's event with numerous music related activities over the two days. Details to follow. Tickets will go on sale shortly. If you're not already a member pf the East Coast Music Hall Of Fame, you're missing a lot. Joining is easy. Just go to the ECMHOF website. Ambassador Membership is $50 annually and includes the right to nominate and vote for our Legends and Music Makers categories. Supporter Membership is $25 annually and allows you voting privileges.
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Lost Luminaries of 2019
With all the positive things that happened with our music last year, we'd be remiss if we did not touch on some of the heartbreaking losses to our musical family. Most of these passings were covered in past newsletters but this is a time for looking back and remembering. We hope we haven't left out anyone. To all we've lost, we thank each for their dedication and contributions to our music culture. We'll miss each of you.
January 1 - Shelly Buchansky (Vito & the Salutations, Grand Central Echoes and more). Age 76.
January 2 - George Valentino (Still Around, Five Creations). Age 75.
January 7 - Clydie King (Little Clydie & Teens, Raelettes, back singer and soloist). Age 75.
January 8 - Denise LaSalle (soul and blues soloist). Age 78.
January 10 - Larry Cunningham (Floaters soul group). Age 67.
January 15 - Ronnie Walker (soul singer, songwriter).
January 26 - Bill Woodruff (Del Vikings on ABC, Alpine labels)
January 28 - Larry Busseri (Four Lads). Age 86.
January 29 - James Ingram (R&B soloist). Age 66.
January 29 - Tommy Camuti (later Teenchords)
February 9 - Alan Smith (Soul Cruisers). Age 49.
February 13 - Earl Shuman (noted songwriter). Age 95
February 19 - Linda Jansen (Angels). Age 74.
February 21 - Peter Tork (Monkees). Age 77.
February ?? - Eddie Whitfield (later Coasters, Neighbors Complaint). Age 71.
February 21 - Gus Backus (Del Vikings). Age 82
February 24 - Al Lancellotti (Illusions, Nostalgia 5)
March ?? - Joe Malaro (Fabulous Four, Four Jays)
March 11 - Hal Blaine (musician with the Wrecking Crew). Age 90..
March 16 - David White (Tricker) (Danny & Juniors, Spokesmen, songwriter). Age 79
March 16 - Dick Dale (surf guitarist with Deltones). Age 81.
March 17 - Andre Williams (Five Dollars, Don Juans, soloist), Age 82.
March 25 - Scott Walker (Walker Brothers). Age 76.
March 28 - William Carvan Ives (Mascots, O'Jays). Age 78.
April 6 - Roy Daniels (disco & soul group, Street People). Age 71.
April 14 - Joe Terry (Terranova) (Danny & Juniors). 78.
April 20 - Salvadore Mondrone (Sparrows Quartet) - Age 78.
April 30 - Jerry Scholl (Mellokings)
May 5 - Elmer Hopper (Paul Robi's Platters, Mills Brothers). Age 65.
May 6 - Leda Jiles (soul group, Apollos)
May 8 - Joe LoCicero (Riffs on Riff label, Lenny Cocco's Chimes)
May 11 - Junior Gigliatti (Juke Box Serenade)
May 12 - Larry Lawrence (Fantastics, RCA label)
May 13 - Doris Day (pop and big band singer, actress). Age 97.
May 15 - Chuck Barksdale (El Rays, Dells). Age 84.
May 18 - Melvin Edwards (soul group, After 7). Age 65.
May 28 - Willie Ford (Dramatics)
May 28 - John Gary Williams (Mad Lads). Age 73.
May 30 ? - Dexter Tisby (Penguins). Age 84.
May 30 - Leon Redbone (singer songwriter). Age 69.
May ?? - Mike Regan (Camelots)
June 1 - Walt Taylor (Durhams, Uptights, Philly Gumbo).
June 6 - Dr. John (Malcom Rebennack Jr) (R&B R&R singer, musician). Age 77.
June 17 - Dave Appel (Pittsburgh dee jay)
June 23 - Dan Elliott (Belmonts),. Age 69.
June 23 - Dave Bartholomew (pioneer R&B musician, arranger, composer). Age 100
June 23 - Paul "Beans" Albano (Five Discs). Age 78.
June 23 - Billy Surmolian (Larry Lee & Serenaders, Legacy). Age 76.
July 6 - Ed Grillo (Frankie & Fashions). Age 68
July 10 - Jerry Lawson (Persuasions, Talk Of The Town). Age 75.
July 12 - Dick Richards (Boccelli) (Nill Haley's Comets). Age 95.
July 14 ? - Theresa Lindsey (soul singer). Age 75.
July 15 - Lord Hiram (Walker) (Cavalcades, Lord Hiram & Walkers). Age 73.
July 22 - Art Neville (Neville Brothers, Meters). Age 81.
July 29 - Walter Crump (Heartbeats). Age 76.
August 5 - George Pounds (Cherokees on Grand label)
August 7 - Bruce Dunbar (soul group, Coalitions)
August 12 ? - Lou Tavani (Contenders on Java label, Five Scripts, Zeppers)
August 17 - Tony Russo (Frankie & Fashions, Tony & Traveleers, Variations, Duprees,JT's Emeralds, Destinations, Street Corner 5). Age 71.
August 26 - Leroy "Ding" McCray (acappella group, Choice).
August 26 ? - Milton "Dickey" Riley (Crown Imperials)
September 4 ? - Kevin Lucas (acappella group, Charm)
September 5 - Jimmy Johnson (Muscle Shoals guitarist and engineer). Age 76.
September 6 - Clay McMurray (Motown songwriter).
September 13 - Eddie Money (singer, songwriter). Age 70.
September 21 ? - Margie Clarke (Jewels (ABC label), Four Jewels, Impales (Checker label).
October 2 - Carlton Black (Duvals (Boss label), Drew-Vels, Naturals (Smash label). Age 75.
October 8 - Malcolm Duncan (Average White Band). Age 74.
October 12 - George Chambers (Chambers Brothers). Age 88.
October 19 ? - Paul Irvin (soul group, Vanguards)
October 20 - Nick Touches (writer, music historian). Age 69.
October 25 ? - James Davis (soul group, Vanguards)
October ?? - John Anderson (UK record dealer and Northern Soul authority).
November 11 - Jackie Moore (soul singer). Age 73.
November 18 - Gene Arnold (Philadelphia radio personality). Age 78.
November 19 - Roy Hitcznko (Nick & Nacks (Barry label)).
November 23 - Dwight Dasher (Diz Russell's Orioles). Age 67.
December 2 - Jimmy Cavello (R&R pioneer). Age 92.
December 7 - Herb Cox (Cleftones). Age 80.
December 12 - Jack Scott (R&R, Rock-A-Billy soloist). Age 83.
December 18 ? - Bobby Penn (Pen-Pals, Emerald Dream).
December ?? - Mike Sagginaro (Hollywood Knights).
December 25 - Maurice Newton (Fidelitys)
December 26 - Sleepy LaBeef (Rock-A-Billy musician). Age 84.
December 27 - Don Imus (radio personality). Age 79.
December 28 - Robert "Chilly" Chisem (Climates on Sun label).
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Herb Cox, lead of the Cleftones passes.
So sad to learn of the passing of Herb Cox on December7, 2019, at the age of 80. Herb, of course, was the iconic lead of the Cleftones, one of the most popular doo wop groups of all time. Who can forget such great tunes as "You Baby You," "Little Girl Of Mine," "Can't We Be Sweethearts," "String Around My Heart," "Heart And Soul" and "Why You Do Me Like You Do?" Herb had been in a Memory Care facility recently with Alzheimer's. Herb was born in Cincinnati in 1939, but his family relocated to New York and it was at Jamaica High School in Queens that started the group that would become the Cleftones. Their first record, "You Baby You" became a hit. Herb Cox wrote "Little Girl of Mine" and "Can't We Be Sweethearts."
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CUH Multimedia Presentation on 1956 Asbury Park "Rock & Roll Riot"
For those who enjoy our multimedia presentations, we’ve been invited to speak at the Asbury Park Historical Society’s annual reorganization meeting about the 1956 aborted Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers concert at that city’s Convention Hall. The “riot” following the canceling of the concert led Asbury Park’s City Council to ban Rock & Roll from the Boardwalk venues. This is an amazing story and we’ll lay out the details for you along with photos, music and film clips. It all takes place at the Asbury Park Library, 500 1st Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ, on Thursday evening, January 16, beginning at 7 PM. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. You don’t have to be a member of the Asbury Park Historical Society to attend – all are welcomed. Of course, if you’d like to join or renew your yearly membership to the Society, you can do so there and we’d encourage you to do so. It’s a wonderful organization. [Note: For those not close enough to attend this event, we've now posted our Echoes of the Past article of this "Rock & Roll Riot" to our website. Click City That Banned Rock & Roll.
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Maurice Newton, lead of the Fidelity's passes.
We are saddened to report the passing of Maurice Newton, original lead singer of the doo wop group, the Fidelity's. As reported to us by his friend and manager, Glenn Fisher, Maurice died on Christmas night. He had recently been battling cancer and kidney problems. Maurice was 81. The Fidelity's were from Albany, NY. In the late 1950's and early 1960 the recorded a number of gems for Sol Rabinowitz's Baton and Sir labels. Songs like ""The Things I Love" and "Memories of You" were standards when I (Charlie) was growing up in Philadelphia. Glen Fisher recently assembled a CD of the Fidelity's songs which is available on his Doo Wop Ramblings Newsletter (see below). Glen also has put together a moving tribute YouTube clip for Maurice's family that you can watch by clicking "Maurice Newton".
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Are you receiving the Doo Wop Ramblings newsletter?
If you're enjoying reading this newsletter, there's another great free email newsletter we know you'll enjoy and this one comes out weekly! Doo Wop Ramblings hits your inbox every Sunday. You can subscribe by visiting Subscribe Now.
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Yet, Another Great Newsletter you should be receiving!
In addition to the newsletter above, you need to check out the New England Doo Wop Society's free email newsletter. Published by our friends Bob Belniak and Gary Jones the NEDWS is quite active in keeping our music alive in New England but their newsletter covers music news from all over. Click Subscribe to email Bob and get on their mailing list. |
Book Review: "Shake Your Hips: The Excello Records Story" by Randy Fox (BMG, 2018).
Just got a copy of this book and it's fabulous. It details the history of Nashville's Excello label and associated sister labels like Nashboro, Crescent, Creed, Nasco, etc. Operating out of Ernie's Record Mart, Excello partnered with radio station WLAC to become one of the most important record labels of the 1950's and 1960's. Excello excelled in R&B and Blues music while Nashboro was a prolific issuer of great Gospel records. This book is well researched and well written. It's the kind of book music fans won't be able to put down. Some great photos in the center of the book. The only thing missing is a label discography and these can be found on line. Definitely a must read for music fans of R&B, R&R, Blues and Gospel. Only $ 15.48 at Amazon. To purchase visit the link, "Shake Your Hips" - Charlie Horner |
Musical being developed about Richie Valens
“Come On Let’s Go” is described as the story of Richie Valens, a Chicano boy who grew up on the wrong side of town in California’s San Fernando Valley. At 17 he was at his peak which lasted eight months with such hits as “La Bamba” and “Donna.” Tragically, he died in a small plane crash with JP “The Big Bopper” Richardson and Buddy Holly, a day that has been dubbed “The day the music died.” The Broadway musical is being developed with Los Lobos’ Louie Pérez and David Hidalgo providing original music alongside Valens’ hits. Tony Taccone will direct. To watch a vintage clip of Richie Valens singing click "Come On Let's Go". - Pamela Horner
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ABBA Museum opens in Stockholm, Sweden
The ABBA Museum in Stockholm, Sweden is open and its slogan is “Walk In Dance Out”. To music museum people like us, this sounds intriguing. The Museum is officially sanctioned and owned by the band, Abba. Since we are going to Stockholm in 2020, I think this will be a place to check out while we're there. We saw the ABBA Musical Mamma Mia! twice and we definitely know all the songs. The Museum has all the memorabilia from the group including costumes and gold records plus lots more. You can add yourself to the official video of “Dancing Queen.” The video can then be sent to you via a link. Another display has a stage where you can walk up and perform next to life-size holograms of the band. You can keep this video too. - Pamela Horner
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Springsteen Exhibit at Monmouth County Historical Association Museum in Freehold NJ
Talking about music museum exhibits, we had the opportunity to visit the Springsteen exhibit now running at the Monmouth County Historical Association Museum in Freehold, NJ. This is the same museum that hosted our "Spirituals to Soul" exhibition for five months back in 2015. “Springsteen: His Hometown”, is a historical exhibit that provides a comprehensive look of how Monmouth County, NJ has been thematically woven into Bruce Springsteen’s music and art throughout his career. The exhibit displays over 150 unique items related to Springsteen’s music career. As students of Asbury Park’s music scene we were especially impressed by the amount of material relating to his early years. There is also a fascinating short video to watch. Fans of Bruce Springsteen and music fans in general should definitely check this out! The MCHA Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 am – 5 pm and will be there until next Fall.. It’s located at 70 Court Street, Freehold, NJ. The exhibition is presented by the Monmouth County Historical Association in cooperation with The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University. To see a short video of the exhibit click Springsteen. |
Vocal Group Profile of this issue: The Coolbreezers
Our vocal group profile this issue is on the Coolbreezers out of Washington DC. We picked them this time for their seasonal recording "Hello Mr. New Year" seen above. The group began as a Gospel group but soon moved into R&B harmonies. The Coolbreezers consisted of Joe Reuth (lead), William Primrose, Bob Armstrong, Richard Stewart and brothers E.J. and Sonny Williams. The group was managed by the Williams brothers sister, Bea Tibbitts. Tibbitts cut some demos of the group and sent them to major record labels. One of them, "My Brother" b/w "You know I Go For You" caught the attention of and was released by ABC-Paramount in 1957. Tibbitts then started her own record label, Bale, and released two more records by the Coolbreezers - "The Greatest Love Of All" b/w "Eda Weda Bug" and "Let Christmas Ring" b/w "Hello Mr. New Year. Bea Tibbitts would release several other records on her Bale label by the Phantones and Andre Maurice. A subsequent demo, "Just Room For Two" was issued later on Roadhouse Records. To hear "Hello Mr. New Year," click "Coolbreezers." |
Memorabilia From Our Vaults: Souvenir Program from 1950 Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Golden Gate Quartet, Harmonizing 4, Marie Knight concert
Digging through the wealth of artifacts in the vaults of the Classic Urban Harmony Archives, we came across this treasured piece of music memorabilia we'd long forgotten about. It's a 70 year old souvenir program from the First Annual Spiritual Pilgrimage and Fireworks Display at Griffith Stadium in Washington DC. Held on Sunday night, July 2, 1950, the event featured performances by Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Madam Marie Knight, the Golden Gate Quartet, the Harmonizing Four, the Sunset Harmonizers from Washington DC and others. The booklet has bios and full page photos of all the artists plus photos of local radio dee jays and record ads.
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Another Great Gospel Program coming to Portsmouth VA, February 23.
Speaking of the Golden Gate Quartet, current members Paul Brembly and Frankie Davis will be in Portsmouth, VA, Sunday February 23, for Re. Dr. Brenda Boone-Smith's annual Black History Month program and what a line up it will be this year! Paul and Frankie will be singing with the local band, the Mighty All Stars. Also singing will be 92-year old Gospel legend, Rev. Spann, & his Brooklyn Allstars. Plus Pastor Luther Barnes & the Sunset Jubilaires, Elder Ronald Harper & the Harmonizing Echoes, God's Boys, the Word Singers, Danny Hill & Group Determination, the Gospel Travelers, Amelia Sears Goodman, Willie O. and the Higher Praise Community Choir. It starts at 4 PM (Doors open at 3 PM) at The Mount on Portsmouth Blvd, 900 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth. VA. For tickets and info, call 757-477-3828 or 757-227-2200. Donation is $25.
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Past Issues of the CUH Newsletter Now viewable on our website!
Want to catch up on any past issues of this newsletter that you may have missed? Now you can. Just go to the top of this newsletter and click on "View it in your browser". Then you be able to click on "Past Issues" on the upper left of your screen. You can also see all 42 of our past CUH email newsletters (going back to 2012) from the link on our website's Articles Page. here's a Direct Link. |
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Our YouTube Channel, chorner1, is still going strong!
Our YouTube channel, chorner 1, is still going strong with over 520,000 views of our 300+ videos. We now have 745 subscribers. The most popular video of late is the "*0th Birthday Surprise Party for Sammy Strain" which has garnered 466 views in the past couple weeks. But there are plenty of other great videos posted, most of acappella performances. Check out the channel by clicking chorner1. |
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