Vinyl Record Lovers Newsletter.
Welcome to my monthly Newsletter. Thank you for subscribing.
The
golden age of vinyl records and all things retro are the highlights of
my Newsletter. Writing stories about my vinyl record memories with
content from my collection is my way of sharing memories and keeping the
oldies alive.
I do appreciate your valuable time reading my newsletter.
Issue #107 - January, 2022.
In This Issue:
- Ned Ward's Country Doo Wop Show.
- Country Doo Wop Spotlight Song.
- Remembering Ronnie Spector & "Be My Baby."
- Doo Wop Legend Fred Parris Has Died.
- Forgotten Oldies Classics - Back To The Fifties - A Trip Down Memory Lane.
- Best Cover Songs. A Hot Remake of This 1962 #1 Song.
- Can You Believe It...Elvis Turns 87!
- What's Next?
Vinyl Record Memories and
The Original Country Doo Wop Show.
Each month we give a little shout-out to our favorite radio program, Ned Ward's Country Doo-Wop show. Our friend, Ned, along with producer, Mr. Barney, airs the show from out Oregon way and if you tune in you just might hear Ned talk a little about Vinyl Record Memories. Listen in Monday thru Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, all times Pacific, on KNCP Newberry Mix 107.3 FM.
Let's get started...
Country Doo-Wop Spotlight Song.
Our Country Doo-Wop Spotlight Song for this month highlights two fifties-sixties icons who died this month within one day of each other. My friend, Ned Ward, plays both records on his daily show so we wanted to give special attention to each song in memory of Ronnie Spector of "Be My Baby" fame, and Fred Parris, the author and lead singer on the classic doo wop great, "In The Still of The Night."
Ronnie Spector - "Be My Baby"
Ronnie Spector, the cat-eyed, bee-hived rock ‘n’ roll siren who sang such 1960s hits as “Be My Baby,” “Baby I Love You” and “Walking in the Rain” as the leader of the girl group the Ronettes, has died.
The lead singer of the 1963 smash, “Be My Baby,” was born Veronica Bennett in New York City on August 10, 1943. In her teens, she formed the Ronettes with her older sister, Estelle, and her cousin, Nedra Talley. Phil Spector signed them to his own label in 1963 and they soon released several hits including their biggest hit, “Be My Baby.”
The Ronettes’ sexy look and powerful voices — plus songwriting and producing help from Phil Spector — turned them into one of the premier acts of the girl-group era. They began singing and dancing in clubs as Ronnie and the Relatives, becoming noteworthy for their liberal use of eyeliner and mascara. "The louder they applauded, the more mascara we put on the next time," she wrote in her memoir.
“Nothing excites me more than just being onstage, having fun and flirting and winking to the guys and stuff like that,” she told People magazine in 2017. “I just have so much fun. It’s just the best feeling when I go out and they say, “Ladies and gentlemen…” —my heart stops for a minute—"…Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes! "Then I just go out there and the crowd reacts the way they react and I can go on singing forever." Nearly 60 years later this is the song that started it all for Ronnie Spector and the Ronnettes. Ronnie Spector died on January 12, 2022, at age 78.
Doo-Wop Legend Fred Parris Has Died.
Our friend, Tom Sokira, producer and audio engineer on the 1956 classic, "In The Still of The Night," contacted me with the sad news that Connecticut doo-wop legend Fred Parris has died.
Fred Parris formed The Five Satins in 1954 in New Haven, Connecticut and soon recorded what would become the group’s signature song, “In The Still of the Night,” with members Al Denby, Ed Martin, Jim Freeman and Nat Mosley.
Original Ember Records #1005. The doo-wop classic sold over a million records and defined the doo-wop genre. It’s had staying power — the only song to chart on Billboard's Hot 100 three separate times (1956, 1960, 1961), by the same artist with the same version each time.
Fred Parris, the founder and longtime leader of the ’50s vocal group, and writer of their most memorable song, died on January 13, 2022. Fred Parris was 85. Read the Five Satins story here...
Back To The Fifties
A Trip Down Memory Lane!
Come with me and let's take a trip with Bowzer down memory
lane to that special place on your radio dial that transcends to your own
personal jukebox. It will seem like yesterday that you were snuggling
up with someone to the Fred Parris penned classic, "In The Still of The Night,"....singing along with Dion & the Belmonts to "A Teenager In Love"...and slow dancing to "Twilight time" by The Platters.
Who could forget the turbulence of the teen years while playing "16 Candles" by The Crests....the bravery of the troops as the Shirelles' "Soldier Boy" is selected on the jukebox...the sheer pleasure of cutting loose to the grooves laid down by Ritchie Valens on "La Bamba"?
Come with me and relive the times, the music, the golden age of vinyl
records....You're gonna love this memory filled trip back to the
fifties.
Best Cover Songs
(Where the best version isn't always the first version.)
We've all been there. You hear a song, take it to heart and love it as your very own. And then comes the day you learn this special song you adore is actually something else, a remake or cover of the original recording. I've come to realize that some songs do turn out better with a different artist and new arrangement, and have many examples to showcase on the Best Cover Songs pages where you can judge for yourself.
For all our male "senior" visitors, grab a cold one (and your blood pressure medicine) and watch as Kylie Minogue performs this classic remake of the original hit single by Little Eva from 1962. Be sure to tell your friends to visit our January newsletter special edition so they too can test out their heart strength. For my two cents; Kylie is a fabulous talent and great eye-candy, but nothing beats the #1 Little Eva original from 1962. Read our Locomotion story here.
Happy Birthday Elvis!
From his rise to fame in the 1950's, to his death at the age of 42 in 1977, through to the present-day; the world is still fascinated by everything that is Elvis.
On January 8th, 2022, Elvis would have turned 87 years old. For this reason, we look back on our two favorite Elvis movies from 1957 with our "Elvis Presley Birthday Special."
The movie Loving You opened nationwide on July 9, 1957, and was a box office success. Composed by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Presley's single "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear", backed with "Loving You", was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
The song topped the pop charts on July 8, 1957, the day before the movie's release, where it stayed for seven weeks.
The songwriters took advantage of Elvis's accidental reputation as a teddy-bear lover after a false rumor of his penchant for the stuffed animals spread to his fans, who promptly flooded him with hordes of cuddly pals. The day after Christmas, he donated the collection of thousands to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.
Aside from dominating the pop charts, this also topped the R&B Best Sellers List and the country charts.
Elvis Defines Cool - Jailhouse Rock 1957.
Jailhouse Rock premiered in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 17, 1957, and was released nationwide on November 8, 1957.
The dance sequence, choreographed by Alex Romero, drew applause from Gene Kelly, who just so happened to be visiting the set, and is often cited as "Presley's greatest moment on screen".
AFI's list of the top 100 songs in American cinema has "Jailhouse Rock" listed at number twenty-one. Read our Jailhouse Rock story here...
Ever thought of having your own website? I built Vinyl Record Memories "from scratch" with SoloBuildIt! Click below to find out more....
What's Next?
February will continue the "Rock'n'Roll Timeline" with special dates from the year 1957.
Another Classic Framed Album Cover Art from Vinyl Record Memories.
Baby's Gone
Didn't say goodbye, didn't tell me why, just left me here to cry, with nothing but a memory.
Read the true story behind this treasured memory.
Lonely Blue Boy
Song originally written for the Elvis movie, "King Creole." It would be Conway's last Top Ten song from his Rock-n-roll years.
"My name should be trouble
My name should be woe
For trouble and heartache
is all that I know...Read more...
The Buddy Holly Story.
If you grew up in the Buddy Holly era, this 1978 biography
profiles the lives of someone who helped change forever, the music in
the 50s and beyond. The Roller Rink medley and The Crickets at the
Apollo looks back at this special time in history and how it all began. Read more...
An American Treasure
Brian Wilson is an American Treasure and Good Vibrations is without a doubt one of Wilson's greatest songwriting accomplishments. Read more...
I Can Hear Music
Beach Boys Cover Song
This cover is simply incredible. Kathy's vocal is strong and true, such a beautiful collaboration with Kathy Troccoli and the Beach Boys. A really nice "Feel Good" love song.
Ronnie Milsap 1973
"I Hate You"
Milsap had a warm, friendly croon and an easy delivery to his music. The song, "I Hate You" shows the way and delivers a solid country foundation. Read more...
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.
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.
Best Train Song Ever?
The City of New Orleans is a well-written train song with a beautiful message. If you love the song you probably like trains. If you like trains, this song is sure to delight you. Come with me and Ride That Train.
Carl Perkins & Friends
A Carl Perkins Rockabilly Session with the legends of Rock & Roll who admired him and followed his music. Read their story...
Vinyl Record Memories
(VIP Club Newsletter)
A Little Bit of Nostalgia in your inbox each month.
Can't Afford to Retire?
Here's a solution to keep both your mind and budget happy!
More Details Here
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.
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
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
The Duke of Earl Story
Vee-Jay records was responsible for some great music in the 50s and 60s and "Duke of Earl" was one of their mega hits. However, Gene Chandler almost prevented this from happening until Vee-Jay stepped in and offered him a choice. Read more ...
Classic Golden OldiesThe
50's, 60's & 70's
Three unforgettable decades, full of musical magic, incredible artists and songs, and memories that will last forever. Read more...
The Fireflies 1959
"You Were Mine."
The true story of a teenage crush and how a young man was inspired to write his song about the girl he left behind. Read the Fireflies story...
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.
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
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
One Classic After Another...
Thanks for an excellent musical experience. I found your website by accident and just kept enjoying one classic after another. Great job! Like yourself, I'm still enjoying my vinyl collection. We share many of the same favorite artists.
Regards, Jim Miles
MD
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
Key Largo
A Love Story
If there were ever a song with perfect lyrics you just wanted to share with others it would surely be this classic love song, Key Largo.
Just The Way You Are
This song started it all for Billy Joel as he noted... "I dreamt the melody, not the words. It took me maybe two or three hours to write the lyrics. We almost didn't put it on an album. We were sitting around listening to it going... naaah, that's a chick song." Learn more...
Nora Jones
A Music Tribute to Elvis.
Of the many Elvis Presley love songs, Norah Jones adds her personal touch and sings one of the best covers of this original by Elvis. Read more...
'68 Comeback Special
Elvis did some great things after this special, but nothing that captures the raw power of his performances on this '68 Comeback Special. You'd be surprised how good he really was on the guitar. Read more ...
"Blue Suede Shoes"
From Carl Perkins to Elvis.
A Rockabilly Classic Returns.
"You can burn my house...Steal my car...Drink my liquor from an old fruit jar...Do anything that you want to do...But uh-uh honey lay off of my shoes." Read more...
Andrew Gold
That's Why I Love You
"It's the smile on your face, It's your style and your grace... And that's why, that's why I love you."
A man with this much talent should certainly be entitled to more than this one simple page that I have provided and not just because I enjoyed one particular song of his more than his others. Check out his Guitar Riffs in this song.
