|
|
Classic Urban Harmony Newsletter
Issue # 56: April 2021
With this, our 56th issue of the Classic Urban Harmony free email newsletter, we remain hopeful the the pandemic is easing and live music is gradually returning. Regardless, we continue publishing this newsletter, now on a monthly basis, to keep you up on the latest news about or music. And our regular features are back again this month. So set aside a couple hours to again immerse yourself in what's going on in the world of Classic Urban Harmony.
Quote of the Month: "Music is the glue that holds us together when we're falling apart." - author unknown.
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 - April 24, 2021 |
|
Bob Abrahamian’s Soul Collection acquired by the Stax Museum in Memphis
While we’d been listening Bob Abrahamian’s radio show and corresponding with him by email, we first met him in person in Chicago in 2009 as part of SoulTrip, USA. SoulTrip USA Chicago was a British excursion organized by Kev Roberts. Like many soul music fans, we got to meet and hear great soul singers from Chicago. We also made field trips to Record Row on South Michigan Avenue. We visited the Chess Museum but unfortunately, the Vee Jay Records building was boarded up and for sale at the time. There was also a record convention held and that is where we met Bob. Like us, Bob was selling double copies of 45 RPM's. Sadly, we lost Bob in 2014. Bob was an extraordinary historian, record collector, and a disc jockey. His radio show was called “Sitting in the Park” as a tribute to the late Billy Stewart. His record collection consisted of more than 35,000 45 RPM soul and R&B singles and LP’s. Bob’s collection also contained related high school yearbooks of artists, photographs and scrapbooks. His research and interviews were meticulous. You can still listen to Bob’s archived radio show and interviews at http://www.sittinginthepark.com/. These shows featured Chicago soul groups from the 60’s to the early 70’s. There is also a 16 track Sitting in the Park tribute to Bob that can be ordered at Sitting in the Park CD.
We now hear that Bob Abrahamian’s collection id headed to the Stax Museum in Memphis. Some are sad to see Bob’s work leave Chicago but it seems no other place had a building to hold his collection. At the Stax Museum, there will be exhibits, listening stations, and they will make music artifacts available to students, researches and other interested people.
Our write up on SoulTrip USA Chicago was on our old Classic Urban Harmony website that froze up in 2015. We’ve now started transferring articles from that to our current website. If you’d like to see our detailed review of SoulTrip USA Chicago along with close to 100 photos and label scans of some of Chicago’s greatest soul artists, click CUH at SoulTrip USA Chicago . Thanks to Colton Thomas for telling us about this.
Pamela Horner
|
14 Karat Soul’s Glenny T is Recuperating after Kidney Transplant
Glenny T, founder of the phenomenal acappella group, 14 Karat Soul. is recuperating after a long-awaited and much-needed kidney transplant. He would love to get back singing in a year or so. In the meantime, he’s continuing his day job in real estate. We at Classic Urban Harmony wish Glenny T. a smooth, quick recovery.
14 Karat Soul was originally from East Orange, NJ. The group started the late 1970’s when Glenny T. who was the founder went to look for the best voices he could find. Those voices were called by The Village Voice “The best teenage singing group in America.” They were initially a doo wop acappella group but later got into other genres. Their first recordings were for Stan Krause’ Catamount label. Stan brought them to Ronnie I’s UGHA where they became instant favorites. Over the years, 14 Karat Soul performed in Sister Suzie Cinema and made appearances on Sesame Street, NBC’s Saturday Night Live, among other shows. They did a 5-month US tour with Brian Seltzer & the Stray Cats and backed Brian on “I Won’t Stand in Your Way.” They also did a European tour with Whitney Houston. In the mid-1980’s, 14 Karat Soul began performed in Japan where they would eventually release more than a dozen CD’s where they would appear often on radio and television. This article barely scratches the surface of their accomplishments.
The last time we saw 14 Karat perform was at the Bickford Theater in the Morris Museum as part of the 2011 Jersey Rocks exhibit. We helped Paul Ressler produce that concert. To watch an incredible video of 14 Karat Soul from that show, click " Jump Children." We can say, they still have the chops. [ Thanks to Paul Ressler for input on this article.] - Pamela Horner |
New Soul Harmony Singles Book in the works
We hear that Jeff Beckman, co-writer of the 1998 book, "Soul Harmony Singles 1960-1990" (see above photo) is working on a new edition. The first edition of this discography of 45 rpm recordings with a black vocal group sound has been a valuable resource to those of us who follow soul music. This book will incorporate the soul collection of the late Bob Abrahamian’s 45 RPM’s. Abrahamian’s collection consists of 35,000 45 RPM and R&B singles (see article above.) [Thanks to Colton Thomas for this info.]. - Pamela Horner
|
Discovered in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden
This from our friend Ellen Coleman who discovered a stone in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden honoring the Persuasions! We just did an internet search and found that the stone was part of Celebrity Path, where stepping-stones are inscribed with names of famous Brooklynites past and present. There are about 150 such honorees but the Persuasions are the only vocal group. Thanks Ellen. Good find!
|
Bob Porter dies. Broadcaster, writer, record producer, music historian.
Bob Porter, much respected broadcaster, writer, record producer, discographer, and music historian died April 10, 2021 at the age of 80. .Well known for his syndicated radio program on WBGO in Newark, New Jersey, Porter produced over 200 albums of jazz, R&B and blues music, first for Prestige Records, then Savoy, Atlantic and many other labels. He had five Grammy Award nominations, winning in 1980 for his liner notes for The Complete Charlie Parker on Savoy and in 1986 as reissue producer for Atlantic Rhythm & Blues. Bob Porter was known for his superbly researched liner notes. We have Bob to thank for the reissue of so many great R&B artists' albums including the .Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974 series.. Still, my favorite would be the Ravens album on Savoy. I only met Bob Porter once, when he accepted Atlantic Records' UGHA's Hall Of Fame Award in place of Ahmet Ertegun. I wish I could have gotten to know him. He contributed so much to our music's legacy. - Charlie Horner
|
Glen Fisher's Remembering Ronnie I Video
Many of our readers also subscribe to Glen Fisher's "Doo Wop Rambling Newsletter." If you don't, scroll father down and you'll get a link to do so. Last month, Glen produced a 22 minute video honoring Ronnie I, founder of the United in Group Harmony Association. The video contains clips of Ronnie I in Clifton Music, on the radio and on stage along with lots of acappella singing. Glen did an outstanding job and the video brought back a lot of memories for us. I (Charlie) joined UGHA in 1978 and Pam joined in 1986. In fact, Pam and I first met at UGHA and Ronnie I deejayed our wedding as a gift to us. I used to drop by Ronnie's Clifton Music store about once a week and served on UGHA's Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Watching the video was emotional for us, as we see many of our friends who are no longer with us. You can watch the video on YouTube by clicking "Remembering Ronnie I." Great job, Glen. Many thanks. - Charlie & Pam
|
Joe Long of the Four Seasons dies at 79.
Joe Long, a former member of The Four Seasons, died of COVID on April 21, 2021. He was 79. Born Joseph LaBracio in Elizabeth, NJ, Long was a classically trained musician who studied with Alfonse Strazza, the principal bassist for the New York Philharmonic. A severe hand injury forced Joe to give up playing classical bass and switch to the Fender bass guitar. He then turned to rock & roll music and became a bass player for several local New Jersey rock bands before joining the Four Seasons in 1965 as a replacement for Charles Calello, who temporarily replaced Nick Massi. Long continued to record, perform and tour with The Four Seasons until 1975. The Four Seasons scored several hits while Long was with them, including "C’mon Marianne," "Tell It to the Rain" and "Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ’bout Me)," After leaving The Four Seasons, Long played with LaBracio, a rock band, as well as a jazz group called Jersey Bounce. A street in Elizabeth, N.J. was renamed Joe Long Way in his honor in 2014. - Pamela Horner
|
Record Company Sleeves: Aardell / R-Dell Records
Continuing our look at some interesting record company sleeves.. Bob Ross' Aardell Record Company label started in 1955 but a year later in 1956 the name of the company was changed to R-DELL. Bob Ross owned a disc transcription business out of 6130 Selma Avenue, Hollywood, CA when he decided to get into the record business.
His most prolific group was the Jaguars. The Jaguars were a racially integrated quartet from Freemont High School in Los Angeles. They had previously recorded as the Miracles on John Dolphin's Cash label. Their first recording was the second record on the label. It was called “Rocket Davy Rocket," a take off on Davy Crockett. It was led by Bob Ross’ daughter, Patty Ross (some say his wife) but the Jaguars were uncredited on the label. For the Aardell label's next release, the Jaguars re-recorded the song without Patty Ross. The Jaguars' low-rider R&B, doo wop harmony finally landed them a hit in 1956 with. the classic song, “The Way You Look Tonight." By then the label was called R-DELL. Listen to the song by clicking Jaguars. We know of no record company sleeves for Aardell Records but we do have the one shown above for R-DELL. The record sleeve is a colorful yellow and dark red letters with R-DELL written in different fonts. It matches the yellow and red first pressings of "The Way You Look Tonight." (Second pressings had a black label.] By the way, "The Way You Look Tonight" also came out in very limited quantities in red vinyl. - Pamela Horner
|
Spring is here!
|
Artifact from our CUH Archives: Rare Sheet Music of the Month. British print of The Platters "Twilight Time"
Our newsletter feature, rare sheet music of the month is "Twilight Time" by the Platters. More common is the American issued sheet music of the song, but this is the British printed sheet. It is smaller sized (8+1/2" x11") while the American sheet is 9" X 12". Of course, Platters songs were popular all over the world. Our Classic Urban Harmony Archives holds Platters records from France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Denmark and the United States, as well as the UK. We're sure there are Platters records made in places like South America and Asia but we can't collect everything! The Platters' "Twilight Time" on the Mercury label reached #1 on the U.S. Pop Charts in 1958. In the U.K. it reached #3. Though well known, it's still a great records. Watch the Platters lip sync the song on Bandstand by clicking " Twilight Time." |
More, "Our Music in Commercials"
We heard from two people John Mattei and Angela, about this month's spotlighted commercial. They both mentioned a Western Union commercial titled “Dance Lesson." The song playing in it is “Look Up To the Sky” sung by the Kodaks (Kadaks). The song was originally recorded in 1960. The commercial script is that a daughter wants her father to dance with her at her wedding. She sends money by Western Union so he can attend. He takes dance lessons and ultimately dances with her to “Look Up To the Sky.” This is a commercial that one could watch again and again. To watch the commercial click Dance Lessons. To hear the whole song, click Kodaks.
The Everly Brothers song “All I Have to do is Dream” is heard constantly in an ADT commercial. It’s not the Everly Brothers singing but was nice to hear nevertheless. If you hear any new TV commercials using our music, drop us an email at CUH@att.net - Pamela Horner
|
Rare Record of the Month: The Crazy Eddie Commercial Record
The granddaddy of all doo wop commercials is, of course, The Crazy Eddie commercial. Can’t help but hum along to this tune, “When You Think You’re Ready, Come Down to "Crazy Eddie.” For those who didn't grow up in the New York City - Northern New Jersey area, Crazy Eddie's was a consumer electronics chain started in 1971 in Brooklyn by businessmen Eddie Antar and his brother, Sam, For the next 17 years Crazy Eddie bombarded the New York area with radio and TV commercials featuring a frenetic, "crazy" character played by radio DJ Jerry Carroll. But one commercial stands out among the rest for fans of doo wop music. The scene opens with a picture of Lafayette High School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. From there it shifts to a group of young men singing acappella in a Mens Room. The song sounds vaguely like “Sunday Kind of Love” the fast Del Vikings version. We've read that the fellows in the video are just lip syncing and that the song was written, arranged and recorded by Larry Weiss, with his friends and fellow musicians Jeff Gottschalk and John Russo at Dawn Recording Studios in Farmingdale, LI. This commercial is unique in that it is an actual record (well, almost one) and along with the video. The record is pressed on a square sheet of flexible plastic and comes with a picture sleeve. Someone wrote on the Internet that the record is "an extremely rare, Impossible to find gem!" Our copy came from Bobby Diskin many years ago so we called Bobby for the whole scoop. Bobby told us that back in the day, someone told him Crazy Eddie's was giving out free copies at the store near where he lived. He went there and talked the salesman into giving him 25 copies. Bobby has since sold the extras to other collectors, including one to Charlie. Every record in our CUH Archives has a story connected to it. This is one of the more interesting stories. To watch the video of the commercial, click " Come Down To Crazy Eddie's.". [Thanks to Bobby Diskin for help with this article.] - Pamela & Charlie Horner |
Kenny Mitchell dies, singer with Patience, Johnny Angel & Halos, Marcels
Sad to hear if the passing of Kenny Mitchell who died on April 15, 2021. Kenny grew up in Pittsburgh, singing with the Junior Savoys, and Affairs before moving to California, There he joined the soul harmony group, Patience, who recorded "This Is All I Can Say" on the Sounds On Solid Ground label in 1980. [To hear the record click Patience.] After returning to Pittsburgh Kenny sang with the Sinceres from 1990 - 1995 before joining Johnny Angel & the Halos. Kenny joined the Marcels in 2011. You can watch an outstanding video of Kenny leading the Marcels in 2011 by clicking " Goodbye To Love."
|
The CUH Newsletter Inbox
After each issue of this news letter, we get interesting feedback from out readers. We'd like to share a few emails with you.
[In reference to the Time Capsule Discoveries article.] Hi Charlie & Pam, Thank you for yet another excellent newsletter, and also for the great plug for the Time Capsule Discoveries Show! I really appreciate it very much! I hope 2021 is all well for the ECMHOF organization and for you and Pam personally. - Stay well and stay safe, - Joe Marchesani.
Thanks Joe. As always it was another great Time Capsule Discoveries show. Hope our readers already listened to it. If not, click Time Capsule Discoveries.
[In reference to our Charlie Brown sheet music article..] “Spitballs and all...”. Love it Charlie and Pam! Ha ha. Thank you for always helping me learn the true history of this great music. I would be pretty ignorant and lost if it weren’t for your informative and entertaining newsletters. Hope you are both well. Best regards" - Larry Graber, Night Roads Entertainment , Manager - The TeeTones.
Thanks, Larry. Hope you and the Tee Tones are doing well. Can't wait until live music fully returns. - Charlie & Pam
[In reference to our article on Jackie Nunez’ Latin Music Podcast] “Thank you so much Charlie and Pam. My radio show is on rememberthenradio.com every Friday 2 pm ET, 11 AM PT and then on podcast after its aired. Thanks again.” – Jackie Nunez
[In reference to the picture discs articles] "I’m lucky to have some of those Collectables pic disc LPs you were mentioning. I have the Dreamlovers, Lee Andrews & Hearts, Channels & Del Vikings (the Joe Lopes group). I have them framed in hi quality LP frames and they look SO COOL on the walls of my record room. If I remember correctly, did some come out on 10 inch discs also? I also have two other very cool items from Collectables; they are wooden box sets of Lee Andrews & Hearts & the Heartbeats. The wood box has a color photo of the group on a slide off cover. The box contains Collectables issues of every 45 the group recorded. There may have been box sets of other groups also but not sure. Again, beautiful additions to the record room! PS I also have a nice Buddy Holly pic disc lp & the 45 by the Crystalaires you mentioned. ( got a nice Pat Benetar 45 also. Very hot pic! Lol). Best always" - Jon Ryder. Hi Jon. The 10" collectables LPs you remember might have been the red vinyl numbered limited edition LP's. Not picture discs but very cool themselves. Wishing you well. - Charlie & Pam .
[Regarding the Golden Gate Quartet Article] Hi Charlie & Pam. Thanks once again for your Newsletter. Attaching a photo taken March 14, 2015 – 6 yrs ago "exactly to this date today" when my friend Graham Martindale and I met Paul Brembly and the Golden Gate Quartet and enjoyed our lovely music event in Bordeaux. Enjoy our photo and thanks for the highlight in the Newsletter of the 50th Anniversary!" - Wynona Bradwell. . Hi Wynona. Glad our newsletter makes it to France. Loved the photo. Spoke to Paul Brembly a few weeks ago. The Gates are doing fine. Warmest regards, Charlie & Pam
[Regarding our Reggae article] Hi Charlie & Pam, - Big fan of the ska/early reggae sound. I didn't realize that "Wailin' with the Wailers" LP was missing these 2 gems which really accentuate their roots in the doo wop sound.. I'm sure you're familiar. Super melodic sax break on " Do You Remember" also. " I Don't Need Your Love. I like what they did with " Teenager in Love" too. Thanks," - John Mattei Thanks John. We're huge fans of Ska, Rock Steady and Reggae harmony. "Teenager In Love" is classic. Didn't know the other cuts but they are great. I've added links so our readers can click on all three. - Charlie & Pam
[Regarding the Vinyl City Broadcasting article] "Charlie & Pam, Marie and I want to thank you both for such a nice posting on your newsletter in reference to
the Vinyl City Broadcasting interview we did with Terry Johnson and Theresa Trigg. Every month or two we interview a different doo wop legend," - Rico & Marie
Vinyl City Broadcasting.
You're welcomed Rico & Marie. Always glad to promote what's good for the music. Keep us informed on future interviews. - Charlie & Pam |
Visit our website.
If you haven't visited our website in awhile, you're in for a treat. We're nominated for East Coast Music Hall Of Fame Music Maker Best Website / Publication. The Articles By Us page lists our many articles from Echoes of the Past, which you can click on and read. Unfortunately our Events Page for now is sparse as the pandemic has postponed many events. But when the lock down is lifted you'll be able to see the new dates for all your favorite events. For more about Classic Urban Harmony's activities, along with news, articles, photos and videos, please visit our website, www.classicurbanharmony.net.
|
|
The East Coast Music Hall Of Fame Gala rescheduled to June 6 - 7, 2022 in Atlantic City.
The great news is good things are happening. The not-so-great news is that they don’t always happen exactly when we’d like them to happen. Since its inception, the East Coast Music Hall of Fame has been dedicated to building a community of fans around the artists who crafted and sustain the East Coast music scene. At our 2019 Gala event, fans had the opportunity to come face-to-face with the artists they revere, tell them how much their music means to them and even give them a hug and snap a selfie. The memories of those encounters that night live on in our hearts (and on our Facebook pages) as an indelible reminder of how fulfilling our events can be when they are properly produced and presented.
With that in mind, we have arrived at the (temporarily) heart-breaking realization that we could not possibly exceed your expectations in 2021 as we did in our Inaugural year. Our concern for the safety of all involved, as well as the restrictions that are in place, dictate that we must move our Gala and all associated events to June 6 and 7, 2022. We are optimistic that, at that time, we will be able to celebrate in a safe and secure environment. This morning, we sent a personal e-mail to all ticket-holders and supporters. At this time, all originally scheduled events are simply re-scheduled to the new dates. We do not have any reason to believe that any of the honorees, originally-scheduled entertainers or special guests will not appear as planned. We are grateful to Caesars Entertainment for their cooperation in ensuring that all of our previously-planned activities will take place as intended at Harrah’s Resort & Casino in Atlantic City. Ticket-holders may simply hold their tickets or log in to our ticketing portal to view or print their tickets online. The ticketing portal is accessible through our website at www.ecmhof.org. If you have a room reservation at Harrah’s, unfortunately, they have to cancel your existing reservation and there will be a brief pause before you will be able to book a new reservation. We have inquired and we regret that there is no better system to handle this. (No action is necessary for those who booked a ticket package that includes a room.) Questions or concerns may be e-mailed to ecmhof@gmail.com. Why not join now and become a voting member? Visit https://eastcoastmusichalloffame.org/ for details.
|
An Oral History of the Sound of Philadelphia now available to read on line
Fifty years after founding their legendary Philadelphia International Records, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, with friends and collaborators from Thom Bell to John Oates to Patti LaBelle, look back on the musical partnership that came to define the city. It's all contained in a long article by Victor Fiorillo in Philadelphia magazine that is now available on line. Read the story of Philadelphia International Records in the words of those who created it. To read click Sound of Philadelphia.
|
Willie Schofield of the Falcons dies.
Sad to hear of the passing of Willie Schofield March 30, 2021 of acute kidney failure at the age of 81. Willie was a member of one of our favorite groups, the Falcons. While singing with the Falcons, Willie wrote their hit songs, "You're So Fine," and "I Found A Love." Willie was the original bass singer for the Detroit based Falcons, joining the group in 1956 in time for their first release, "Baby That's It" on Mercury. Schofield was the one who brought Wilson Picket into the Falcons. The Falcons would spin off other great soul singers in Eddie Floyd and Mac Rice,
|
Lenny Rocco Dies, South Philly Doo Wop Singer
Lenny Rocco, South Philadelphia singer known for the ultra rare doo wop recording of "Sugar Girl" on the Delsey label passed away April 6, 2021. Lenny and his group, the Rocks, also recorded "We Had a Quarrel" as by Robin & His Merry Men on Delsey Records. Lenny wrote and sang background on “Bon Bon” by Sandy Powell (Lenny's wife) on Impala. Classic Urban Harmony is fortunate to have an original copy of "Sugar Girl." We finally got a chance to meet Lenny Rocco at the South Philly String Band Club. He was amazed that we had all of his records. Lenny told us that "Bon Bon" was the name of his wife's dog. You can read the story of Lenny Rocco in Bob Bosco's article in Echoes of the Past magazine (Issue # 45, Autumn 1998). To listen to some of Lenny Rocco's recordings click "Sugar Girl," "We Had A Quarrel" and "Bon Bon." [Photo courtesy of Bob Bosco.]
|
Book Review: "Chips Moman" by James L. Dickerson (Sartoris Literary Group, 2020) 346 pages.
Lincoln Wayne “Chips” Moman was an American record producer, guitarist Grammy award-winning songwriter, and recording engineer. In the 1960’s Moman worked for Stax Records before founding American Sound Studio in Memphis and later in Nashville. He is known for recording Elvis Presley “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto.” He also worked with B J Thomas, Bobby Womack, Carla Thomas, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, and many more. He made Willie Nelson’s “Always on my Mind” a signature song. He has several hundreds of hits to his name. He had the ability to recognize a hit when he heard it.
Fans of Memphis music have undoubtedly read “Memphis Boys” by Roben Jones, which remains the definitive reference book on American Studios. However, “Memphis Boys” is a difficult read because of the wealth of details packed into 400 pages of small print.
On the other hand, Dickerson’s “Chips Moman” is an easy read that concentrates more on Chips’ personal story. It still covers much of the significance of American Studios without going into detail on every recording artist. While we're disappointed to not see any mention of important American Studio artists like the Masqueraders and others. While the book is well referenced, there is no index.
“Chips Moman” is a story written from a James L Dickerson’s long friendship with Chips along with numerous interviews, books, articles and documents. It’s well-researched and makes a good companion to Jones’ “Memphis Boys.” “Chips Moman” is available on Kindle, Hardback and Softback by following the link to Amazon. - Pamela Horner |
Stormin’ Norman Seldin Eleven Piece Band at Bar A, Lake Como, June 19
As we endeavor to complete work on Stormin' Norman Seldin's autobiography, live music is beginning to open up again. The entire “Stormin’ Norman Seldin Band” with all eleven members hits the stage this coming June 19th, 2021 for a very limited concert/show at Bar Anticipation (Bar A) in Lake Como, NJ. “Dueling Pianos” w/ Ryan Gregg, Pam McCoy, very special guest “Mr. Blues” Chuck Lambert, along with his amazing five saxophones, drums, and bass. You’ll love the classics of New Orleans, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Big Joe Turner, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, John Prine, and much more. Early shows at 4:30/ Door 4:00pm. Ticketing by Table Groups (book a table of 3 through 6) thru BarA, Box Office online https://bar-a.com/box-office/ so don’t miss the show of the year!
To see a video of Stormin' Norman's band rocking at the Wonder Bar, click " Flip Flop and Fly." |
Book Review: "Spencer Taylor Jr: A General Becomes A Legend" by Spencer Taylor Jr with Noah Schaffer and Dr. Veryl Howard. Strive Publishing, 2021.
This book covers the great journey of Spencer Taylor Jr. who has been singing lead for the Highway Q C’s for 75+ years. The Highway Q C’s are a gospel quartet that formed in Chicago in 1945. Past singers in the group include Sam Cooke (who left to join the Soul Stirrers before Spencer joined them) and Johnnie Taylor. [The gospel groups are known as quartet singers because they sing four-part harmony, not because of the number of singers in their group.].
Spencer Taylor began singing with his family’s group The Taylor Family in Indianola, Mississippi, where he grew up with B. B. King. After moving to Chicago he sang with the Holy Wonders before joining the Highway Q.C.’s. To this day Spencer Taylor continues to lead the Highway Q C’s with a new generation of singers including his two sons. He is active in the groups’ songwriting and arrangements.
While the book is only 140 pages long, it is a fascinating read. It begins with an introduction by Dr. Veryl Howard and a 5-page evolution of the Highway Q.C.’s by out friend, Noah Schaffer. The next 50 pages are a captivating autobiography of Spencer Taylor Jr’s life in gospel music. The rest of the book contains other members of the Highway Q.C.’s detailing their encounters with Spencer, a complete discography taken from Hayes & Laughton and plenty of black & white photos of family, events and album covers. “Spencer Taylor Jr., The Godfather of Quartet Music” is the story of a life well-lived and definitely worth reading. If you’re a fan of gospel music and the Highway QC’s like we are, pick this one up! The book is available by clicking Amazon for $ 20. - Pamela Horner |
Joanne Bevacqua Owens of the Heartaches dies at 69
Sad to hear that Joanne Bevacqua Owens of one of our favorite acappella groups, the Heartaches has passed away. Joanne died March 25, 2021 at the age of 69. From Jersey City, Joanne joined the Heartaches in 1968. She sang background on the Heartaches' Catamount label album, "Lamp Post Love Songs." To read the whole story of the group visit Heartaches. To hear a cut from that album, Click " Pennies From Heaven." [Our thanks to original Heartaches member, Joe Calamito for help with this obit.] |
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.
|
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 New England Doo Wop Society 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.
|
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 most of our past CUH email newsletters (going back to 2012) from the link on our website's Articles Page. Here's a Direct Link. |
More great acappella on Our YouTube Channel
Looking for something to do while you're in lockdown? Our YouTube channel " chorner1" has nearly 350 acappella doo wop and R&B video clips from our past concerts. That's over 17 hours of great acappella. Our channel has had over 650,000 views from acappella fans in 37 countries. Over 960 people subscribe to our channel. We'll be posting more videos shortly. |
Mike Volpe dies. Vocalist and musician.
Sad to report the passing of of popular Philly / South Jersey area vocalist and musician, Mike Volpe. Mike died on or around April 13, 2021. Through his career, Mike played and sang with numerous groups including Danny & the Juniors, Anthony & the Sophomores and Mike Arnone's Duprees. He also was part of the groups Abbey Rhode and the Stone Eagle Band. More recently Mike had been singing with the current Philly area doo wop group, the Belaires.
|
Oswalds Mill Audio's $300,000 Turntable. "Music is an Event Not the Wallpaper"
If you’re looking to upgrade your stereo system, this is a company to look into. I must warn you that Oswalds Mill Audio is a very high-end manufacturer. They produce speakers, amplifiers, turntables, cables and audio furniture. All are precisely built, however; you could pay $300,000 for a turntable. The tube amplifiers are so beautiful, and the horns look like old timey horns. They have new division called Fleetwood Sound Company which is a more affordable venture. Everything is built with the same care. Loudspeakers have the same hardwoods solid wood hand rubbed natural finishes.
Charlie already has a custom built turntable with a long tonearm for playing 16” transcriptions. I have a Sota Sapphire turntable with 2 Arcan Amplifiers for bi-amping. For now, I’m very happy with my system. But if I ever want to trade up, I’ll go to https://oswaldsmillaudio.com |
Songwriter, Ted Daryll dies at 81.
Songwriter Ted Daryll (real name Theodore H. Meister) died peacefully in his sleep on March 14, 2021 in Akron, Ohio. He was 81. Ted wrote or co-wrote the songs "She Cried" (Jay & Americans, "Country Girl - City Man" (Billy Vera & Judy Clay). "Good Times" (Jerry Butler), "The Magic Touch" (The Bobby Fuller Four), "The Shadow of Your Love" (The Five Stairsteps), "Tommy" (Reparata & the Delrons), "I Had A Dream I Lost You" (Angels) and many others. His songs were recorded by many artists including Dusty Springfield, Peggy Lee, and Sarah Vaughan. Ted produced for RCA and Polygram including Zager and Evans' album, "In the Year 2525" and Rare Silk's Grammy nominated album, "New Weave."
|
Neal Sharpe of Brothers 7, Drifters, Archie Bell & Drells dies at 73
Neal Sharpe, age 73, of Temple, Texas, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the age of 73. Neal was born and raised in Chicago where he sang as a teenager in various groups. in and around Chicago. After serving in Vietnam he relocated to Texas. where he joined the singing group the Brothers’ 7.. The Brothers’ 7 opened for renowned artists like the Whispers, Chi-Lites, Al Green and War. Neal also opened solo as for Little Anthony and the imperials, O.C. Smith and Billy Eckstine. Neal toured with The Drifters from 1975 till 1977, singing 2nd tenor and did lead on several tunes. In 1980, Neal started his own production company that released one album and three singles, one of which was received very well in London, England. During the 1990’s Neal toured with the Grammy winner Little Joe Hernandez. In 1999 Neal toured with Archie Bell, as one of the Drells. If you're not familiar with Neal's group, the Brothers 7, click and listen to " Only A Dream." (Tee Town 101). It's a great soul ballad. |
Just saw the poster that describes my life perfectly. - Charlie. [Poster available from Teerabbit.net.] |
Rare Northern Soul Record of the Month: The Adventurers
As I say every issue, I'm amazed at the auction prices of records, especially northern soul records. Our Classic Urban Harmony Archives houses quite a few rare items, most of which I happened to have picked up years ago for a song (excuse the pun).. I just saw that today's Northern Soul Record of the Month, "Easy Baby" by the Adventurers recently sold on auction for $ 1,010. It's from 1967 but I don't know anything about the group. I'm very happy to have a copy. It's a great record. If you enjoy Northern Soul, give a listen by clicking " Easy Baby." |
Volume 1 of our book on black music from Asbury Park (1871 - 1945) is available on Amazon.com
Haven't yet ordered Volume One of our new book, " Springwood Avenue Harmony: The Unique Musical Legacy Of Asbury Park's West Side, Volume 1, 1871 - 1945"? What are you waiting for? It's a great read if we do say so ourselves. We're working hard on Volume 2 (1946 - 1980) which covers the R&B, Doo Wop and Soul music years as well as Gospel and Jazz. But if you only buy Volume 2 you'll miss what led up to that era. Visit Amazon.com to pick up your copy now. - Charlie & Pam |
Follow Us on FaceBook
We have a FaceBook Page that we post to - "Classic Urban Harmony". Please like and follow our FB Page to keep up on all of our latest activities
|
Lezli Valentine dies. Member of the Jaynetts, recorded first version of "Love On A Two Way Street"
Sad to report the passing of Lezli Green She can be heard singing lead on Valentine, member of the Jaynetts of "Sally Go Round The Roses" fame and the first to record "Love On A Two way Street" (before the Moments). Lezli died on March 11, 2021. Lezli first started singing with the Hearts on J&S from 1957 to 1963. She can be heard singing lead on the Hearts' recording of "There's No Love At All." The Jaynetts evolved out of the Hearts in 1963. In 1966, Lezli joined Joe and Sylvia Robinson at first at Joe's secretary. In 1968 she released two singles. One was "Love On A Two Way Street" on All Platinum. The song later became a huge hit for the Moments. Lezli eventually left the music business to join the ministry in Ohio. [Some info from John Clemente's book, "Girl Groups."]
|
James Cleveland bio due out November 2021
Fans of gospel music, our friend Bob Marovich's bio of James Cleveland is due out in November 2021. We'll keep you informed.
|
That's it for this issue. Thanks for reading. Until next issue, stay safe! - Charlie & Pam Horner
|
|
|
|
|
|
