BRC Record Show
We’re making final preparations for our upcoming record & cd show. Just 2 months to go. There is a job for you. We’ll need help at the door, in the kitchen, at the food counter, setting up Friday, and many other various jobs that help make the show successful. You can contact one of the officers, email me or while at our monthly meeting sign up to volunteer.

Dealer Information
Dealer Set-Up is Friday, August 17, 2007 ... 12:00 NOON and Limited early admission (MEMBERS ONLY) 2:00 p.m. . For info on reserving dealer table(s), contact Ben Saxon.

Here are the answers to last month’s trivia questions.

1) In 1957, what group had 3 songs on the charts at the same time while the songs were found on 3 different labels?

THE DEL-VIKINGS

2) What were the above songs and the labels?

COME GO WITH ME---LUNIVERSE (also on Dot)

WHISPERING BELLS---DOT

COOL SHAKE---MERCURY

3) What was the first HIT record showcasing the phrase “DOOWOP”?

WHEN YOU DANCE-----THE TURBANS

4) Many people credit Philadelphia and the east coast as the “birth place” of DOOWOP. However, one of the all-time classics, “Earth Angel” was recorded by the Penguins who were from where?

LOS ANGELES

DOOWOP show in Birmingham. Saturday, July 14th at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center located on the UAB campus. Show times are at 2:30 & 7:00. Acts include The Drifters featuring Charlie Thomas, The Crystals, Jay Siegel (Tokens), Larry Chance (Earls) and The Toys featuring Barbara Harris. Ticket prices range from $40 – $300. 1-800-239-4000.

MUSIC THEME FOR JUNE: BRITISH INVASION

**********MEMBER PRESENTATION**********

Club member, Andy Millard, a native Brit, will be giving his perspective of the way things were “over there” during this crazy time in music history. What was music in England like just before performers like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Gerry & The Pacemakers & DC5 made such a big splash and what was it like to see all this hullabaloo over these British kids? Bring a friend and hear his story.

The British are coming! The British are coming! 1 if by land, 2 if by sea, 3 if by 45, 4 if by LP. And come they did starting in earnest in February 1964. Who were these people and where did they come from? I don’t remember where I was when I first heard “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, but I do remember hearing the Stones, “Heart Of Stone” for the first time on my new transistor radio I got for Christmas in 1964. This was a magical time for music although some weren’t pleased with it.

Let’s go back to the music scene of the 50’s and early 60’s in the UK and what effect it was having in the USA. The craze of the 50’s was the Skiffle Bands sound. This was what we might have called jug bands or folk. Jazz also had a big following during this time. The King of Skiffle was Scottish born Lonnie Donegan. He had 3 songs hit the US charts between 1956-61. “Rock Island Line”, # 8, and “Lost John”, # 58, both charted in 1959. His highest chart record was “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor”, which reached # 5 in 1961. The Chris Barber Jazz Band hit # 5 in 1959 with “Petite Fluer.” 13 year old Laurie London’s recording of “He’s Got The Whole World (In His Hands)” reached # 1 in 1958. 16 year old pop singer Helen Shapiro had a # 100 song in 1961 with “Walkin’ Back To Happiness Listen.” Mr. Acker Bilk scored a # 1 hit in 1962 with “Stranger On The Shore.” Over the next year he had 3 more songs crack the Top 100 but none higher than # 59. Also in 1962, The Tornadoes hit # 1 with “Telstar.” They never had much success after that having only one more song go to # 63 in 1963. The Springfields (Dusty) had a # 20 hit in 1962 with “Silver Threads & Golden Needles Listen Your browser may not support display of this image..” They had 3 other songs that hovered around the # 100 position. Frank Ifield had a #5 hit in 1962 with “I Remember You” but then never cracked the top 40 again. Cliff Richard had the longest lasting success on the American charts but never made a big splash during this time charting 3 songs from 1959-1963 and only twice during 1964. His highest ranking was # 25, “It’s All In The Game Listen.” His biggest success came much later with 13 songs in the Top 100 from 1976-1983. But in the UK and Europe he was a sensation. His 1958 recording of “Move It” is considered by some as the first British rock classic. British performers had 3 #1 hits from 1958-1962. Compare that to the years 1964-1966 when the Brits topped the charts 28 times. 12 of those being by The Beatles.

So the British music of the 50’s and up until 1963 had very little impact on the states. Then came the influence of American blues, rock, country and even Motown. UK teens were listening to Chuck Berry, Elvis, Little Richard, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, James Brown and Muddy Waters. Another big influence was the music of 30’s blues singer Robert Johnson who Eric Clapton called “the most important blues musician who ever lived.”

I have always felt that the Brits brought back rock & roll if not saved it. They CHERISHED the early American R&R records they could find. They paid tribute to American performers and their music by covering so much of the music that many Americans took for granted. Look at the names they chose for their groups. Did The Beatles name come from the name “Crickets” of Buddy Holly fame? The Rolling Stones name came from a Muddy Waters record title. The Searchers came from the John Wayne movie of the same name, Sherman of Bullwinkle fame was where Herman’s Hermits derived their name and Bo Diddley’s song, “Pretty Thing” was where The Pretty Things got their name. Talk about being influenced. One writer said that the British borrowed American rock music and returned it- restyled and refreshed - to a generation largely ignorant of its historical and racial origins.

Then on May 27, 1963 a record entitled “From Me To You” was released that made # 116 during August, 1963. The Beatles had cracked the US charts but no one really noticed. Del Shannon had met the Beatles in 1963 and heard this song, recorded it and his version reached # 77 during the same time period Listen. Then with a mighty push and maybe on a “wing and a prayer”, British performers headed over here. The Dave Clark 5 was the first British group to begin a tour of the states, then The Beatles. In November, 1963, Dusty Springfield’s recording of “I Only Want To Be With You” was released making its debut in the charts in January 1964 and climbing to # 12. All three of these performers would make appearances on The Ed Sullivan show during the early part of 1964. A new sound that the British and the Europeans had been experiencing for 1-2 years would now be exported to the states and would be here to stay.

Yes, the British may have given us Herman’s Hermits and Freddie & The Dreamers but remember, we gave them Slim Whitman.

Now let’s hear some of the music and performers that have been mentioned.

Lonnie Donegan:

Mr. Acker Bilk:

Tornados:

Frank Ifield:

Cliff Richard: (is that Buddy Holly on guitar?)

Cliff Richard: (see any Elvis influence?)

Dusty Springfield:

Beatles: (at the New Music Express awards 1964)

Beatles; (Ed Sullivan 1964)

Beatles: (recorded in London for Shindig)

Rolling Stones: (covering Arthur Alexander)

Rolling Stones:

Them: (great version of blues song. 1964)

The writer’s version of the above song. Had to add it.

Dave Clark 5:

Some of my favorites from 1964-66.

Moody Blues:

Them:

Animals:

Kinks:

Yardbirds:

Nashville Teens:

Pop test time. Get out a pencil and a piece of paper.

1. Dave Clark and his band mates formed the Dave Clark 5 to raise money for what purpose?
2. Chas Chandler, bassist for The Animals, took what American guitarist to London that soon became a superstar?
3. What American performer was sometimes called the “Fifth Beatle?”
4. The Yardbirds, through personnel changes, became what hard rock super group of the 70’s?
5. Name the British performer that had a # 1 hit in 1964 that was singing on the radio at age 9, had her own TV show at 15, made over 500 appearances during WWII to entertain the troops, had her photos plastered on UK and USA tanks for good luck and became known as “Britain’s Shirley Temple?” By the way she will be 75 this year.
6. This duo’s first 3 hits were written by Paul McCartney.
7. Although never together at the same time, what group had guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page as members?
8. What was the first song The Beatles sang during their first appearance on Ed Sullivan February 9, 1964?
9. Which of these groups was not from England?

1. Sir Douglas Quintet
2. Troggs
3. Nashville Teens
4. Spencer Davis Group

Want to hear British music, 1962-1966? Try this internet radio site http://nanker.podomatic.com/

JULY MEMBER PRESENTATION
Next month’s music theme will be car songs. Did you buy or ever want a particular car because of a song? Americans do have a love affair with their cars and many songs paid tribute to many of them. I’ve asked Johnny Powell to bring some pictures of his hot rod, a 1930 Ford, to add to the festivities. Got any LP’s or picture sleeves that have a special kind of car on them? Bring ‘em. What about some car song you’d like to share. Bring ‘em.

Jerry Garmmer shares more stories “from the road”

Diamond Tie Tack vs. Screwdriver

Another time with Jerry Woodard in Hotlanta. Jerry picked me up for work. Driving down the freeway he noticed a diamond tie tack that I was wearing. Let me see that! OK, I took it off and handed it to him. Wrong thing to do. Jerry said; I like this, then threw it out the window.

Later I got even. (Right) We were once again heading for a gig and I rambled through his glove box. Wow, a brand new screwdriver. I said; I like this, then threw it out the window. Jerry got so upset! I got even. A $200.00 tie tack and a 50c screwdriver. It took a long time for him to get over my throwing his screwdriver out!

The Hole In The Wall

While living on Saint Simons Island I left Woodard for about a year and started my own group.

I was booked for a 6 month 6 nights per week Gig on St Simons with the "Jerry Grammer Three". The club was an upscale club named “The Hole In The Wall.” We were supposed to play Society Music all night. I was running out of stuff so I started sneaking Tony Joe White stuff in every now and then. We were playing it soft. Well after about a week the Owner told me to knock it off. A few nights later Ladies in Diamonds and Furs would come up to me and say; play that Polk Salad thing! I would tell them I wasn't allowed. They swamped (no pun intended) the owner and I won. I ended up playing the rest of the contract what I wanted and more and more people started pouring into his place. He offered to double my salary to sign up for another 6, but I needed to get on down the road!!

Get well soon, Bo. Bo Diddley suffered a stroke recently causing him to be hospitalized in Iowa. He was to have been one of the headliners at The Rockin’ Fifties Fest in Wisconsin. The good news is that he has been released from the hospital and is recuperating at his home in Florida.

This week in music history:

June 9, 1951: “Rocket 88”, an Ike Turner production featuring Jackie Brenston on vocals hits # 1 on the R&B charts. The backing band, The Delta Cats were actually The Rhythm Kings, a band Ike Turner formed while in high school.

June 5, 1956: Elvis appears on the Milton Berle show. His rousing rendition of “Hound Dog” appalls many adults and press members.

June 1, 1964: The Rolling Stones arrive in the US.

June 5, 1961: Roy Orbison earned his first #1 song with “Running Scared.”

June 2, 1967: The Beatles LP, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is released in the US.

Don’t forget to go to the BRC website and see what’s new.www.birminghamrecord.com. Check out volume 24 & 25 of The Heart & Soul Of Rock & Roll. Great music.

Questions, comments, ideas???? Send them to me. cbailey@bsc.edu

See Ya,

Charlie

"Dedicated to the collecting of music, its preservation, and lasting friendship"

Part 1
Stupid Cupid Connie Francis
Mule Skinner Blues The Fendermen
Three Steps To Heaven Eddie Cochran
Wake Me, Shake Me The Coasters
Sweets For My Sweet The Drifters
Here I Stand Wade Flemons
Toy Bell The Bees
M.T.Y.L.T.T. The Swingin’ Medallons
A-Knocking At My Baby‘s Door Titus Turner

"Dedicated to the collecting of music, its preservation, and lasting friendship"
Part 2
Church Key The Revels
I Done Got Over Irma Thomas
It’s All Over Now The Valentinos
Tonite Tonite The Mellokings
That’s When I Cried Jimmy Jones
The Teacher The Falcons
More Than I Can Say Bobby Vee
This Little Girl Dion
Hurt Timi Yuro
I’m Hurtin’ Roy Orbison

"Dedicated to the collecting of music, its preservation, and lasting friendship"
Part 1
That’s Why Jackie Wilson
Just A Little Too Much Ricky Nelson
I Cried A Tear LaVern Baker
Just Ask Your Heart Frankie Avalon
Lipstick On Your Collar Connie Francis
Step By Step The Crest
A Million To One Jimmy Charles
(If You Cry) True Love, True Love The Drifters

"Dedicated to the collecting of music, its preservation, and lasting friendship"
Part 2
Walking Alone The Diamonds
Twisting Matilda Jimmy Soul
Shake Your Money Maker Elmore James
Aztec Bo Diddley
Love You So Ron Holden
What’s So Good About Goodbye Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
When Will I Be Loved The Everly Brothers

Our Monthly Club Meeting will be this Sunday,
May 6th at the Homewood Public Library.
2:00 PM
RECORDS & CD’S-----MUSIC------FOOD------FRIENDSHIP
GOOD TIMES-----GUEST SPEAKERS
MEMBER PRESENTATIONS

**********NEXT CLUB MEETING WILL BE JUNE 10th, THE 2ND SUNDAY**********

We’re another month closer to our record & cd show. Just over 3 months left to be exact. Some things have already been completed or are underway but there’s still plenty to do. Your help will be needed to help make it another successful show. Ten people can’t do it all. Even 20 people can’t cover all the areas adequately. Can you cover the door for 1-2 hours? Can you help in the kitchen 1-2 hours? Do you work for, have connections with or just know of a company that might be able to donate something for the show. Food, refreshments, door prizes, advertising or anything that might help will be appreciated. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

Again let me remind those club members that plan on having a table at the show, get your name on the list as soon as possible. Tables are already being requested from dealers and you don’t want to wait too long.
Here are the answers to last month’s trivia questions.

1) What was the first girl group song that hit # 1 on the US charts?
The SHIRELLES' “WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW”

2) What girl group was Dusty Springfield the lead singer for?
THE LANA SISTERS

3) What girl group recorded “Candy Kisses” and had a 9 year old lead singer? FAITH TAYLOR & THE SWEET TEENS

The other names more notable girl groups used to record under are now matched

1. Charlettes were the e. Toys
2. Clickettes were the c. Jaynettes
3. Masterettes were the g. Exciters
4. Mirettes were the i. Ikettes
5. Primettes were the f. Supremes
6. Cinderellas were the a. Cookies
7. Ginger & The Snaps were the h. Honeys
8. Ronnie & The Relatives were the k. Ronettes
9. Darnells were the j. Marvelettes
10. Del-Phis were the b. Martha & Vandellas
11 Four Pennies were the d. Chiffons

Going back to previous music themes for just a moment. I found another teen tragedy song that might outdo all the rest. Cathy Brasher recorded a song titled “The Hero”. She loves the star football player. She gets a phone call from a friend on game night telling her the team bus crashed and EVERYONE was killed. Top that. Sorry, I can’t find a clip or sound bite to share.

Also, I’ve got another answer song. Pearline Caesar recorded a song entitled “Go”. What song did it answer? I’ll be playing it at this month’s meeting.

MUSIC THEME FOR MAY: DOOWOP

**********MEMBER PRESENTATION**********

Keeping with the DOOWOP music theme, at this month’s meeting, Jack Wilson will be spinning some tunes we are all familiar with but there is one catch. These recordings are done by other artists in DOOWOP style. Some of the tunes are “All You Gotta Do”, a hit by Brenda Lee, “Jennie Lee”, a Jan & Arnie song, and 2 instrumentals in a DOOWOP version, “Sleep Walk” and “Canadian Sunset.” Do you have a DOOWOP song of interest? One that might stump us all. One that is very unusual. Bring ‘em.

1. Sounds made by a singing group as they provide harmonic background vocals for a lead singer.
2. A form of R&B based harmony vocalizing using phonetic or nonsense syllables (like a repeated “doo wop”) for rhythm and intricate harmonic arrangements.

The 2 definitions above are for the music known as DOOWOP. Did it start on street corners, school hallways, living rooms, the subways or in a recording studio? What group was the first DOOWOP group? Who knows? It was and still is just great music. All we know is that the sound caught on over 50 years ago and still has a very strong following. Did you enjoy The Spaniels, The Five Satins, The Clovers and The Del Vikings? Did you listen to B’ham DJ Dave Roddy sign off with the Flamingos’ “Lover’s Never Say Goodbye” nightly? The number of groups that had DOOWOP hits is numerous but the number of DOOWOP groups that had recordings that were never played on the air waves would be countless. You’ve heard of The Orioles, The Drifters, The Cadillacs, The Penguins, The Moonglows, The Marcels and of course The Platters. But do you know The Calvanes, The Rockin’ Ducks, The Fawns, The Bracelets or Noland Strong & The Diablos? It goes on and on with many good recordings heard by very few. There’s no doubt this genre of music played an important part in the music of the 50’s & 60’s.

Here are some video clips of some DOOWOP groups. Some early, some new.

2 from The Platters

Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers (first national TV appearance)

A medley from The Cleftones

Gene Chandler

Del Vikings
http://youtube.com/watch?v=a7J2pj0UPQ8

A song some consider the DOOWOP anthem. The Five Satins.

How about some DOOWOP trivia?

1) In 1957 what group had 3 songs on the charts at the same time while the songs were found on 3 different labels?
2) What were the above songs and the labels?
3) What was the first HIT record showcasing the phrase “DOOWOP”?
4) Many people credit Philadelphia and the east coast as the “birth place” of DOOWOP.” However, one of the all-time classics, “Earth Angel” was recorded by the Penguins. Where were they from?

For more info on DOOWOP try these sites:
http://www.thedoowopjukebox.com (over 5,000 songs you can play)
http://www.alldoowop.com
http://www.palmsradio.com/doowop.html

DOOWOP show in Birmingham. Saturday, July 14th at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center located on the UAB campus. Show times are at 2:30 & 7:00. Acts include The Drifters featuring Charlie Thomas, The Crystals, Jay Siegel (Tokens), Larry Chance (Earls) and The Toys featuring Barbara Harris. Ticket prices range from $40 – $300. 1-800-239-4000.

NEXT MONTH THE MUSIC THEME WILL BE MUSIC FROM THE BRITISH INVASION. CLUB MEMBER, ANDY MILLARD, A NATIVE ENGLANDER, WILL BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER. WE KNOW THE PERSPECTIVE FROM THIS SIDE OF THE “POND” SO ANDY WILL GIVE A BRITS PERSPECTIVE OF THIS TIME IN MUSIC HISTORY.

Here’s this month’s article from Jerry Grammer. As promised last month, he has another remembrance of Hoyt Johnson.

Hoyt Johnson and THE RIDE
It is difficult to remember many details of this ride to Montgomery! The most important part of the story might lie in the fact that none of us were booked as an important act, but, we were all going to be paid very well. The gig was at Maxwell Air Force Base in the Officers club. The group (The Cavemen) consisted of J.C Raynor, Scotty Moore, Mabron McKinney, Hoyt Johnson and me, Jerry Grammer. The year was quite unforgettable except for the fact George Wallace was running for Governor.
We packed an 8 x 12 boxed rental trailer with most of the equipment. The rest was in the trunk and over the hat rack of Hoyt’s Oldsmobile. There wasn’t anything unusual about this until the return trip.
Our manager and booking agent at the time was Buddy Couch. He preceded us, in a vehicle, with George Wallace stickers and an overhead swivel banner on his automobile. This proved to be a bad choice!
After the shows, that were accepted well, Scotty (James Moore) asked for a pitcher of beer to go. This was embarrassing to me, for I knew, it was not allowed. More excitement followed. We loaded equipment and noticed our manager’s car was vandalized! After summoning base MP’s and being told we shouldn't have visited a Military facility, with politics, we all proceeded home.
Between Montgomery and Birmingham, Hoyt's “OLDS” started steaming. So did Hoyt! He ranted and raved, asking that everyone buy him a new car. He had agreed to pull the trailer loaded with equipment, for a percentage higher than the rest of us. We fought on the side of the road until everyone started laughing about how ridiculous it looked. We managed to find enough water in a creek to get us to a service station, where we replaced the thermostat and antifreeze-coolant. We all made it home and remained friends.

Here’s a site to go to for memories of B’ham radio and Dave Roddy. Thanks to Paul Osburn for sending this to me.
http://www.birminghamrewound.com/features/roddy1.htm

UPCOMING RECORD/CD SHOW
Atlanta Record & CD Show. Sunday, May 20th At the Marriott Century Center Hotel located at I-85 & Clairmont Rd (exit 91). The hotel is on Century Blvd 1/4 mile from I-85.

We’ve lost 2 more performers from the golden age of music.
Bobby “Boris” Pickett, whose recording, “Monster Mash” hit #1 in 1962 died on April 25, 2007 due to leukemia. “Monster Mash” also charted in 1970 and 1973. Trivia: Leon Russell played piano on the recording.

Zola Taylor, the only female singer with The Platters from 1954-1964 died on April 30, 2007 due to pneumonia following a series of strokes. Zola came to The Platters from the group, Shirley Gunter and the Queens. She was 16 when she joined The Platters. Although she had no documentation, she claimed to have been married for a while to Frankie Lymon.

BRC 2007 Record & CD Show
Date/Time: Saturday, August 18, 2007 (9AM-5PM) and Sunday, August 19, 2007 (10AM-4PM)
Location: The Cedars Club, 301 Green Springs Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 Admission: $3.00

Dealer Information
Dealer Set-Up is Friday, August 17, 2007 ... 12:00 NOON and Limited early admission (MEMBERS ONLY) 2:00 p.m. . For info on reserving dealer table(s), contact Ben Saxon.

Questions, comments, ideas???? Send them to me. cbailey@bsc.edu

See Ya,
Charlie

"Dedicated to the collecting of music, its preservation, and lasting friendship"
Part 1
Flip Flop and Fly Joe Turner
Smokey Joe’s Cafe The Coasters
The One Who Really Loves You Mary Wells
Goodbye Baby Goodbye Jack Scott
Stand By Me Junior Parker
Pouring Water On A Drowning Man James Carr
I Lost My Baby The Darvels
When I Fall In Love The Flamingos

"Dedicated to the collecting of music, its preservation, and lasting friendship"
Part 2
Little Chickee Wha Wha Huey “Piano” Smith
How Far Chris Kenner
Whip It On Me Jessie Hill
Mother In-Law Ernie K-Doe
Chapel of Love The Dixie Cups
Lipstick Traces Benny Spellman
Fortune Teller Benny Spellman
In The Same Old Way Tommy Ridgley

The Birmingham Record Collectors
Monthly Newsletter
www.birminghamrecord.com
P.O. BOX 59533 Birmingham, AL 35209
Our Monthly Club Meeting will be this Sunday,
April 1st at the Homewood Public Library.
2:00 PM
Be sure to bring 45’s, LP’s and CD’s to the meeting to sell or trade. Come and eat lunch with your friends at the BRC Club Meeting. Call another music lover and bring them with you to this meeting.

NEXT CLUB MEETING WILL BE MAY 6th THE 1st SUNDAY
********************************************************************************************
CLUB MEETINGS FOR APRIL & MAY WILL BE ON THE 1ST SUNDAY INSTEAD OF THE 2nd.

We’re just 4 months away from our record & cd show. Your help will be needed to help make it another successful show. Ten people can’t do it all. Even 20 people can’t cover all the areas adequately. Can you cover the door for 1-2 hours? Can you help in the kitchen 1-2 hours? Every little bit helps. Thanks.

Again let me remind those club members that plan on having a table at the show, get your name on the list as soon as possible. Tables are already being requested from dealers and you don’t want to wait to long.

More BRC Internet Radio CD’s. Copies of Volume 22 & 23 will be available this Sunday for $5 each. Take this great music with you anywhere.
Sing along with me, “Thank heaven for little girls, because without them there would not have been the Crystals, Chiffons, Angles, Shirelles, Ronettes, Shangri Las or Supremes.” Isn’t that the way it went? Well anyway, what a great time we had listening to the girl group sounds of the late 50’s & 60’s. Their songs played an important part in music history and the number of websites remembering them testifies to that.
Did you know there were over 1500 girl groups recorded and that between 1960-66 over 750 girl groups had a song on the US & UK charts? Of course years before these groups there were girl groups like The Lennon Sisters, The McGuire Sisters and the Andrews Sisters but the sound and energy changed in the late 50’s with groups like The Bobbettes and The Chantels. Two other girl groups had recorded earlier with some success and can be credited as having the first girl group tunes. These groups were The Hearts which recorded “Lonely Nights” and Shirley Gunter & The Queens which did “Oop Shoop”. One of the members of The Hearts was “Baby” Washington. This group, after a few personnel changes, evolved into The Jaynetts.

These teenage girls made a big splash on the music scene and inspired many of the girl groups of the 60’s. Here are some other groups you probably remember.
Martha & The Vandellas

The Cookies
The Marvelettes

The Jelly Beans
The Ikettes
The Poni-Tails

The Paris Sisters
The Toys

Here are some more that did have some success you may never have heard of or forgotten.
Dixie Cups….One you probably remember. Did you go to the “Chapel Of Love” because of this one? These girls were from New Orleans and started out as Little Miss & The Muffets. They were discovered by Joe Jones of “You Talk Too Much” fame. Their hit, Chapel Of Love” was a Barry, Greenwich, Spector song that was already recorded by The Crystals and The Ronnets but not released until The Dixie Cups recorded their version. Enjoy.

Goldie & The Gingerbreads…The first all female band to hit the charts. They were an American band that were in some minds as famous in the UK as the Beatles were in the US. While in the UK they toured with the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Kinks and The Hollies. Their first recording, “Can’t You Hear My Heart Beat?” stayed on the charts for weeks in the UK before Herman’s Hermits version was recorded for the US.

The Beattle-Ettes….Where did that name come from? I wonder. In fact does anyone know who these girls were? Some people have suggested they were the Shagri-Las due to the fact that both had the same producer. But most say they were not the same girls. They had a record on the Jubilee label entitled “Only Seventeen.” Here it is for your enjoyment.

Reparata & The Delrons….Another US group that had more success in the UK. The girls formed The Del-rons in 1962 while in high school in honor of the Dell-Vikings. As with most groups there were many changes in personnel over the years. They had a #60 hit with “Whenever A Teenager Cries” in the states but hit
#18 with “Captain Of Your Ship” in the UK. Here’s a clip of it for you to enjoy.

The Honeys….A group formed by The Beach Boy’s Brian Wilson. They were the first all girl surf music group. Brian’s girlfriend and future wife, her sister and their cousin were the members. The groups’ name came from a line in the Beach Boys song, Surfin’ Safari…."Early in the morning we'll be startin' out, some Honeys will be comin' along…”

http://www.amazon.com/Honeys-Collection/dp/B00005J6ZD

Murmaids….Another group that had sisters in the line-up. The Fischer sisters and a neighbor were a one hit wonder with “Popsicles & Icicles” in 1964. The song was written by David Gates that later would have many hits with his group, Bread. The group has been on the oldies tour recently and even released a new CD in 2002.
http://www.amazon.com/Popsicles-Icicles-Murmaids/dp/B0000008VS/ref=sr_1_...

Jaynetts…..One of many groups that no one really knew who would be members from recording to recording. Their big hit was the dark sounding “Sally Go ‘Round The Roses.” Reading about the personnel changes makes a person dizzy. Some music historians say as many as 8 girls took part in the recording.

Chantels…..I know I have already mentioned this group and most of you probably have a 45 by them but I am always amazed at lead singer Arlene Smith’s voice knowing she is 15-16 years old. Give a listen to “Maybe.

For more info on this music try the following sites.
http://www.girl-groups.com
http://www.geocities.com/williamstos/main.htm
http://www.history-of-rock.com/girl-groups.htm
http://www.spectropop.com/gg/hgirlgroups.html

Also if you want to hear more of the girl group sound try Spectropop’s Girl Pop on live365.com radio. Girl groups 24/7.
http://www.live365.com/stations/50132

Yes, “Thank Heaven For Little Girls…..” and the music they gave us. Even with names like Three Blond Mice, The Tran-Sisters, The Bootles, Eight Feet and Jessica James & The Outlaws they did their best to have fun and entertain us. And don’t forget girl groups that had one or more guys in them. Groups like The
Essex, The Sapphries and The Orlons. Thanks girls, and guys, for all the fun.

Trivia questions. Answers at this month’s meeting and in next month’s newsletter.

1) What was the first girl group song that hit # 1 on the US charts?

2) What girl group was Dusty Springfield the lead singer for?

3) What girl group recorded “Candy Kisses” and had a 9 year old lead singer?

Try these. Match the girl group with another name used to record under. In some cases personnel may be slightly different.

1.Charlettes a. Cookies
2.Clickettes b. Martha Reeves & Vandellas
3.Masterettes c. Jaynetts
4.Mirettes d. Chiffons
5.Primettes e. Toys
6.Cinderellas f. Supremes
7.Ginger & The Snaps g. Exciters
8.Ronnie & The Relatives h. Honeys
9. Darnells i. Ikettes
10. Del-Phis j. Marvelettes
11 Four Pennies k.Ronettes

CLUB MEMBER PRESENTATION AT THIS SUNDAY’S MEETING
To keep with the “girl” theme, at this month’s meeting club member Doug Roberts will bring some of his “cheesecake” & “cheesecake plus” LP’s (I hear tell he’s the “KING OF CHEESECAKE”). What are “cheesecake” LP’s? These are LP’s that have glamorous ladies on the cover. This is a type of LP cover art that many people collect. If the covers of LP’s are something that attracts you, I think you will enjoy Doug’s presentation.
Here is this month’s article from Jerry Grammer

“A True Fishing Tale”

I spent a lot of weird times with Jerry Woodard (Long Tall Texan).
And this tale is straight from the fishes Mouth!

We were playing at a late night club in Atlanta, Ga. Woodard had a snoot full of scotch and kept insisting that I go fishing after we finished the nights gig. I had been suffering all night with a tooth ache and kept saying no! You didn’t say no to a jug of Cutty Sark.

Finally I gave in and we proceeded to a bridge over some river around the Atlanta area. By the time we got to “The Spot” I was really hurting. To appease Woodard I leaned against the rail and helped him bait the hook. I finally fell asleep and awoke when the bright, morning sun, was hitting me in the face. Have you caught anything? No, but I am getting a lot of bites! I have used about all of my bait.

Looking over the bridge, I discovered that his line wasn’t long enough to reach the water! It had been birds eating his bait!
Needless to say, I got a lot of mileage from that incident, and he never asked me to go fishing again!

“Another Fish Story”

During the middle 1960’s I was Averaging 3 to 4 shows daily, days a week. I eventually became very fatigued. It was no less tiresome on 2 other entertainers: Bill Burnette and Zeke “The Hayseed” Phillips. We decided to go to Panama City for a few days of relaxation and “Deep Sea Fishing“. After arriving in P.C. and checking into a large Hotel Room we called for reservations on a Charter Boat. We were to be there at 4:00AM the following morning. We eventually found a nice restaurant and ate.

Later we decided to sit around, shoot the bull, have a toddy and watch TV. Bad mistake! The front desk called at 3:00 AM for wake up and one of us answered and went back to sleep. At 12:00 noon we awoke and was mad as could be. We had missed our Charter. I called the office to find out why we wasn’t given a 3:00 wake up. Mr. Grammer someone answered and said thank you. We had to reschedule the charter, for the following morning.

Déjà Vu! (Same routine same result.) This time I personally went to the front desk and enquired as to why we had no wake up call. Mr. Grammer I called and someone answered, saying who cares (expletive) if it’s 3:00!

Third day! Same Song! The lady at the front desk thought this was hilarious and so did I! This time we decided we had better go home. Zeke said; My wife will kill me if I go home with this story! We stopped at a seafood market and purchased several whole fish, iced them down and headed for Birmingham. I couldn’t believe how excited Zeke’s wife was, over the fish we had caught. (chuckle)

No one ever told Zeke’s wife. Bill, Zeke and his wife have long passed on to that great fishing boat, but I still have an occasional smile over the adventure!

Here is a snippet of the road to Hoyt Johnson!
Memories sometimes takes me to my music days. I oft times think of the Group "The Dixie Travelers", I started in high school. We did a demo "Train To No where" and "Ditto". After driving to Nashville we were allowed to visit Ralph Emory while on the air. We were hoping to get a record deal. Ralph was kind enough to play the tape for 2 weeks on his show, but, no record deal was ever offered. We played numerous gigs at school auditoriums, Musgrove Country Club and other jobs and parties.
This led me to meet Hoyt Johnson, at the Musgrove Country Club in Jasper, Al.
This fellow came to the bandstand, sat a guitar case down, opened it and said: I am sitting in. I stated we don’t allow sit ins. He says: I am sitting in. He began playing and singing. We had no choice but to follow. When time came for a break he packed his guitar and I followed him to the door, Telling him I loved his voice and style. He stretched out a hand for a handshake and said; I am Hoyt Johnson, call me and we will record some country with horns. I did keep up with him and we started performing together for a short period. Hoyt and I later went to Memphis and laid down some tracks. I was paid and didn’t see Hoyt for a few years, later discovering the songs were released with The Four recorders as credit for backup. I do know for sure I played drums.
(More about Hoyt next month)

Doo Wop Show in Birmingham at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Saturday, July 14, 2007. Show times are 2:30 & 7:00. Acts include The Drifters featuring Charlie Thomas, The Crystals, Jay Siegel (Tokens), Larry Chance (Earls) and The Toys featuring Barbara Harris. Ticket prices range from $40 - $300. 1-800-239-4000

Doo Wop show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, April 14, 2007. Performers include Gene Chandler, Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, The Crystals, The Original Spaniels, Jack Scott, The Contours, The Reflections, The Soul Stirrers and The Rama Lama Big Band. Show starts at 7:00 pm (eastern time). Tickets are $39.95, $49.95 & $59.95. Go to www.foxtheatre.org or call ticketmaster at 404-817-8700.

Upcoming record/cd shows
ARCA………Friday, April 13, 4 pm-9 pm & Saturday, April 14
9 am- 5 pm.
$3 admission or free with BRC membership card
Early Admission Friday 2 pm-4 pm $10 (no free BRC admission)
Bessemer Civic Center

For sale:

Local husband and wife want to sell their "record collection." It consists of 341 Albums (33 1/3 rpm) and 239 45s and 4 song EP 45s. They also want to sell two walnut record cabinets as part of the "deal." They prefer to sell the collection and the cabinets together as a group, and not individually. Terrell Lindsey will bring a copy of the list of records for sale to the meeting, along with pictures of the record cabinets, for those interested in contacting the sellers. From what he understands, all of the records are in excellent condition. Contact him if you are interested.

Walter Ward, the founder and lead singer for the black American vocal group the Olympics, died after a seizure on December 11, 2006. He was 66 years old.
The Olympics will long be remembered for their best selling novelty hit " Western Movies” in the 1950s. Against the sound of gunfire and ricocheting bullets, and with references to many of the popular TV westerns of the day in the lyrics, the record caught on with DJs on both sides of the pond and quickly climbed the charts, reaching number 8 in the US and No 12 in the UK. Ironically, Olympics group member Charles Fizer was killed by a ricocheting stray bullet in 1965 during the Watts riots in Los Angeles.
The Olympics' first release was on the tiny Melatone label in 1956, " I Can Tell ". This record caught the ear of L.A. singer and talent spotter Jesse Belvin. Belvin brought the Olympics to producer-songwriters Fred Smith and Cliff Goldsmith, who had just written " Western Movies ".
Following the success of " Western Movies " the Olympics released several novelty records including " Dance With the Teacher ", " Private Eye ", and " Big Boy Pete ". Before Charles Fizers' death in 1965 the group released the original version of " Good Lovin' " on Loma Records. While the Olympics' version stalled at No 81 in the charts, a cover version by the Young Rascals went all the way to No 1 one year later.
The group, with Mr. Ward still in place as lead singer, carried on recording until 1973. After that they found an enduring niche on the Oldies circuit. Ward, who had been ill for some time, continued to perform with them, last appearing at a Doo Wop spectacular on Long Island, NY on November 12. He is survived by a son.

BRC Record Show

2007 Record & CD Show
Date/Time: Saturday, August 18, 2007 (9AM-5PM) and Sunday, August 19, 2007 (10AM-4PM)
Location: The Cedars Club, 301 Green Springs Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 Admission: $3.00
Dealer Information
Dealer Set-Up is Friday, August 17, 2007 ... 12:00 NOON and Limited early admission (MEMBERS ONLY) 2:00 p.m. . For info on reserving dealer table(s), contact Ben Saxon.
Don’t forget to go to the BRC website and see what’s new. www.birminghamrecord.com

Questions, comments, ideals???? Send them to me. cbailey@bsc.edu

See Ya,
Charlie

The websites mentioned in this newsletter are intended for you to be able to click on them and be taken to the site. I realize that some of you might not be able to do so due to how some email servers receive such items. I also add pictures in the newsletter that some are not getting either. I apologize to those members and hope one day I can become computer literate enough to work out the bugs.