Vinyl Record Newsletter
(VIP Club)

The golden age of vinyl records and all things retro are the highlights of my Newsletter. Writing stories about my vinyl record memories with added content from my collection is my way of sharing memories and keeping the oldies alive.

I do hope that you enjoy these little stories, I write. They are short, they will not win any prizes for literature, but it’s all about the music and our vinyl record memories.

We wish you lots of fun on this journey to the time of Drive-In Movies, Pizza Parlors, Malt Shops, and those memorable Friday & Saturday night school dances. 

Issue #127 - December, 2023

In This Issue:

  • Christmas Gift Suggestions.
  • Country Doo Wop Christmas Spotlight Songs.
  • Elvis and Martina McBride Return To The 1968 Special.
  • Dale Klee Classic Car Art & Wes Klee Digital Art Canvas.
  • A Grandpa Gift For That Special Grandchild.
  • Can't Afford To Retire? A Solution For Our Senior Friends.
  • File Conversion Made Easy - Zamzar Online File Conversion.

What's New?

At a loss for what to give this Christmas?  This month we offer suggestions on Christmas gifts from hand painted classic car art to custom digital art work of your personal ride, from model trains to vinyl records, best online business startup, and FREE online music 5 days a week on the Country Doo Wop show.
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My DJ buddy, Ned Ward, kicks off the Holiday spirit with two great Christmas Spotlight songs played on his popular Country Doo Wop Show during the month of December. Producer for the show, Mr. Barney, has created another great Christmas play list for this month.
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Martina McBride travels back to the 1968 Elvis TV special and performs this Blue Christmas duet with Elvis.  The way Elvis looks at her some may believe this actually took place. 
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Dale Klee art is back with a great recommendation for a favorite Christmas gift which includes some Custom Digital Art Work for your special ride. Don't forget the classic car art calendars. They don't last long so better hurry. I purchased five this year.
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Hard to believe that many adults reading this did not ask for a train set during those make-believe years when mom and dad would tell you to simply ask Santa for one. Trains had a nostalgic magnetism that was undeniable, even for many who’d never even been on one.
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Can't Afford to retire? Do what I did and never work another day in your life. Is it possible. It is for me, and can be for you too.
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Zamzar - File conversion made easy. My personal favorite choice for file conversion. No software to download. Just select your file, pick a format to convert to and away you go.
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Vinyl Record Memories and
The Original Country Doo Wop Show.

A trip down memory lane with with the original classic oldies show - Monday thru Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, all times Pacific, on KNCP Newberry Mix 107.3 FM.  Ned Ward turns music into memories playing yesterday's country favorites and the classic hits of the 50's and 60's Doo Wop style.

Original Country Doo Wop Show

Let's Get Started...


Nothing evokes the memories of Christmases past like music. It captures the warmth of family and friends reunited for a few days at least. It gladdens the heart with familiar melodies, and lifts the spirits with its timeless message of peace, love, and goodwill toward all. Here's a couple of our favorites I'd like to share with you.


Country Doo-Wop Spotlight Songs.
(All I Want For Christmas Is You & Christmas Cookies)

Its been 30 plus years since I first discovered, "All I Want For Christmas is You." It's a favorite played regularly during the holiday's each year on Ned Ward's Country Doo Wop show.

We all have our favorite Christmas songs, among mine are, Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree," and Bobby Helms, "Jingle Bell Rock." But from the moment this song began to play I was overwhelmed with nostalgia.

The song remains at the top of my list of favorites. As I recall, when the DJ introduced the song my initial thought was this song must be from the late 50s or early 60s, and somehow I missed it the first time around.

To my surprise the song was actually released in September, 1989. For all of our long time oldies visitors, please enjoy the above video I put together just for you.


Merry Christmas Strait To You.

San Antonio native and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, Aaron Barker Sr., shaped George Strait's catalog over the years as the writer of several sentimental chart hits. One of our favorites by Barker is Christmas Cookies released on the 2016 album titled "Strait For The Holidays."

Strait's recording introduced us to Barker's whimsical story about having a Texas-sized hunger for holiday baking (and an ulterior motive for wanting the kitchen timer set for 15 minutes). Enjoy this Holiday classic.

Elvis & Martina McBride
'68 Christmas Special Duet.


When Elvis filmed his 1968 "Comeback" TV Special, Martina McBride was not quite 2 years old.  Forty years later the country singer steps back in time to join Elvis in one of the coolest videos of Elvis and Marina together on stage.

Notice how there's a spot between (guitarist) Scotty Moore and Elvis that's open. Producer, George Flanigen said..."It was like somebody should have been sitting there."

"We're like, We could probably figure a way to put her with Elvis." And they did...Martina walks out of the audience and sits right down next to him....How cool is that?


Dale Klee Art - For Our Classic Car Friends.

Dale Klee Art Copyright

Another year and more fabulous paintings from my friend, Dale Klee, and his great artistic creations.

Dale paints all my favorite hot rods, classic cars, motorcycles, and trucks from a time in history when I was growing up. Accurate detail is crucial to his work, so don't overlook every automotive art scene Dale has painted.

His paintings are perfect examples of exactly how these classics looked at the time.
I know...I was there.

A special gift from Dale Klee Art for that good car buddy you've been friends with since back in the day. And don't forget to add Dale's 2024 Calendar to the list.

Wes Klee Digital Art Canvas -


And for all who currently own a piece of automotive history, or your every day driver, you can now turn your favorite photo into a piece of timeless art! Each art piece is custom created by Wes Klee from the photo of your choice. View samples and special pricing here. Another great and unique Christmas gift.

Wes Klee 55 Chevy

Building A Model Railroad Empire.


As a parent or grandparent if you love trains your search is over! Here is the perfect place to visit anytime, but especially during Christmas. My friend Greg Wrath and his Building Your Model Railroad will certainly bring a smile to that special child on Christmas morning. If you are a train lover, Greg's model train haven should be at the top of your Christmas list. I have provided links below to help you find that perfect train gift.

Build Model Railroad Greg

"It’s been my experience that many who ride trains could care less where they’re going. For them it’s the journey itself and the people they meet along the way. That’s why trains are so popular with kids and adults at Christmas. No matter how fast we feel we have to go, shouldn’t there be room for a train, where you can just sit back, take a breath, and be a kid for a little while? Just for a little while? Is that so bad? People don’t rush on a train, because that’s not what trains are for. How do you put a dollar value on that?" ― David Baldacci, The Christmas Train

If you are a model railroader or like to learn more, visit Building Your Model Railroad and let my friend Greg Wrath  put a smile on the face of that special child this Christmas morning. A perfect gift from a reliable source. You can also add Greg's Resources and References page relating to model trains and railroads, many of which are credible, interesting, educational, and fun to review. And it also contains a nice added review on what Greg has to say about our Vinyl Record Memories train songs and stories. 


Can't Afford To Retire?
(A Little Help For Our Senior Friends)


Ready to turn your knowledge into a business you can run from anywhere? You have a lifetime of experiences. Think about all the skills, qualifications and wisdom you've gained in your life! Why not use them to generate income in a fun and profitable way? Do what you love and you will never work another day in your life.

Even if you don't see yourself as the entrepreneurial type, starting a retirement business ONLINE today is possible for anyone. Learn more here.


You may also like these stories...

  • Elvis was the soundtrack to my life throughout my teenage years. Many of the things I did for the first time - going on a date - kissing a girl - driving a car - I did with Elvis in the background. And to those few girls I dated at the time, I'll Remember You...
  • I remember the song lyrics to "What's Your Name" quite well as I was interested in a cute girl when this song was on the charts but didn't know her last name. Read the story of this wonderful old Doo-Wop Classic from sixty years past. What's Your Name...
  • We practiced in a subway, in a lobby, or a hall, crowded in a doorway singing "doo-wops" to the wall. If you're a fan of 50s-60s style street corner singing and have never heard Kenny Vance and the Planotones, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Looking For An Echo.

I hope you find time to visit more great stories about growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s.You can start here.... 


Looking for that special song, artist, or group on this site?


What's Next?

We will continue to add our Kenny Rogers albums for the "Album Cover Art of The Month" feature. January will showcase Kenny Rogers album, "We've Got Tonight" originally scheduled for December, 2023.


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Popular Articles


Golden Oldies

A Sentimental Journey Back in Time.

Doo-Wop Originals

Your Personal Time Machine to Youth & Innocence.

Best Oldies Cover Songs

Remakes of Favorite Oldies where the Best Version isn't always the First Version.



Flooded With Memories...


Danny, I could not believe the content of your website. It is just amazing to recall so much we lived through just by checking out so many old posters & album covers.

Your site floods me with memories & reinforces my belief that it truly was a great time to be a teenager. Good work, Danny, please stick with it.

Sincerely Dale
dalekleeart.com



A True Story...
"Darling Lorraine"


Danny, Great job !!!! I can't express enough how much my mother would have been so happy with your work on her song. As for myself and the rest of my family, we really appreciate your time & effort to let everyone who is interested in her song know the true story behind it.  Read more...

Thanx so much, Bob



"Duke of Earl" Homecoming


I just read your article on Duke of Earl/Vee Jay Records. My father was Randy Wood, President of Vee Jay at the time.

I'm doing some research on the company and am learning how influential Vee Jay was in shaping the future of music.  Nice to see your web page.

Michele Marotta
February 15, 2015

Read the Duke of Earl story.



Memories, Memories


"Thank you so much for all the work you have done on these pages.  I found my way here, and spent the next two hours in absolute bliss. Memories, memories...thank you for rekindling them."

Bob Douglass,
VA



Love Your Comments!


"Just stumbled onto this site and decided to stay and visit for a while. You have it laid out so wonderfully. Easy to get around and love your comments. Thanks for my trip down memory lane. Really, really enjoyed it."

Priscilla Hernandez,
Arkansas



An Old Song
A New Friend


"I don't usually contact doo wop article authors as I rarely find much value in the articles, but your article struck me as sincere, genuine and respectful."

Tom Sokira,
Producer, Audio Engineer
"In The Still Of The Night" (1956)

Read the story here.



A kind reply
From a grateful family.


Danny, I think you did a great job and my family enjoyed it as well. I have had some more time to go through your site and find it to be fantastic, and your personal story is great as well. 

You truly are a blessing to all of Us. Thanks for sharing your memories with us. I look forward to seeing and hearing more from you.

Paul Giacalone

The song "You Were Mine" was written by Paul Giacalone. Read the story here.



Keeping Old Vinyl Music Alive.


Congratulations on an outstanding site. I am from old school. I was 13 when Rock & Roll erupted in 1955. I would literally run home from school to watch Bandstand every day. I lived outside Philly and grew up with all the Philadelphia music scene and its performers. Keep up the good work and I thank you for your time and effort in keeping the old vinyl music alive for us and future generations.

Bill Moore,
Lugoff, SC
Deceased 2020

Bill was our first newsletter subscriber.
Rest easy, my friend.



American Graffiti...
Where Were You In 62?


Read more about America's last age of innocence at vinyl record memories.com

Classic coming-of-age story set against the 1960s backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins and rock and roll...and is considered one of the best teen movies ever made. A cool trip down memory lane.



An American Treasure


A Brian Wilson Classic - Good Vibrations.

Brian Wilson is an American Treasure and Good Vibrations is without a doubt one of  Wilson's greatest songwriting accomplishments. Read more...



Growing Up With Elvis.



Elvis was the sound track to my life throughout my teenage years. So many of the things I did for the first time, I did with Elvis in the background. Read my story.



The Marcels
Blue Moon



Step back in time and relive those Blue Moon vinyl record memories with this unique cover of a Doo-Wop classic from 1961. You're gonna love this performance.



Back To The Fifties
Burgers and Fires.



It was simple and good back then never thinking it would end. Cruising the drive-in restaurants where guys with duck tails met gals with pony tails. It was Burgers and Fries and Cherry Pies in a world we used to know.  Read the Burgers & Fries story here.



A Dreamy Duet
All I Have To Do Is Dream



It's not often we have the pleasure of hearing a cover song outshine the original, but this song sure comes close. Read more...