Just what was Jack Ely singing when The Kingsmen recorded Louie Louie? Today in 1964, the controversial classic was No.1. The song was written and composed by Richard Berry in 1955 and first recorded by his group The Pharaohs. The Kingsmen made it their own 9 years later. It’s a recording that became one of the most controversial tunes of its time, ultimately the subject of a two year investigation by the FBI. What was lead singer Jack Ely really saying in those hard to understand lyrics? This cool New Yorker piece from 2015 explains.
Will the Pandemic impact another television season? The competition for shelf space is as hot as ever, even more so with last year’s green lights still waiting for a vaccine and a return to production.
Actress Verna Bloom had many great roles on film. But she will be most remembered for her iconic performance as Marion Wormer, Dean Vernon Wormer’s sex starved wife in the film “National Lampoon’s Animal House“. Verna Bloom passed away on January 9th, 2019, at age 80. Perhaps as repentance for her tryst with Tim Matheson,’s “Otter”, Her final film appearance was as the mother of Jesus in the 1988 film “The Last Temptation of Christ“. We imagine her entering the pearly gates, saying, “Cut the crap. Get me a drink.”
There are many unsung heroes in the music business. Ron Hicklin and his band of backup singers are perhaps the best known. Clydie King, is another. the woman Bob Dylan called his “ultimate singing partner” passed away on January 9, two years ago. A few of her backup credits include Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good,” Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans,” Graham Nash’s “Chicago,” and Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back.” She also with Steely Dan, Humble Pie, Joe Walsh, Phil Ochs, Carly Simon, Neil Diamond and Ringo Starr. Here’s Rolling Stone Magazine’s remembrance.
Pick a number between 1 & 10. What one did college kids picked most? It’s “7”, according to CollegePulse.com
Were you a fan of the ABC TV series “Love American Style“? Today in 1974, the final episode aired. The light hearted anthology series was an early precursor to “The Love Boat” and was a place where many stars appeared to keep their brand in front of eyeballs. Today’s trivia question: Who sang the theme song? Answer: The Cowsills. (Video)
Much More Music:
Today in 1963 Los Angeles night club and music venue The Whiskey A-Go-Go opens. It becomes the first bar to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Jonny Rivers recorded several iconic hits there including our featured tune of the day, “Secret Agent”. (Video)
Today in 1964, “Ring Of Fire The Best of Johnny Cash” became the first No.1 album when Billboard Magazine debuted their Country Album Chart. In 2004, co-writer Merle Kilgore, who shares a writing credit with Cash’s wife, June Carter-Cash on Ring of Fire proposed licensing the song for a Preparation H hemorrhoid cream commercial. The family vetoed that idea. (Video)
No. 1 today in 1970. “Venus” by Holland’s The Shocking Blue. It was a tune that popped up again in the Summer of 1982 when another Dutch studio band, Stars on 45 put it in front of a medley of faithfully recreated hits. Both “Stars” and Shocking Blue had a very brief prime, but their ability to leverage catchy musical hooks to sell records is still the holy grail of every modern day pop wanna be. (Video)
Today’s Quote Worth Re-quoting:
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie
Happy Birthday to: Alexander Hamilton, 1755 (d. 1804); Rod Taylor (Actor), 1930 (d. 2015); Clarence Clemons, 1942 (d. 2011); Tony Kaye (Yes), 1946; Lee Ritenour, 1952; Mary J Blige, 1971
Here’s the Stars on 45 Medley that included “Venus”. It’s one of those novelty records you enjoy listening to…. once.
Thanks for listening!
Scott Westerman
Host and Producer – Rock and Roll Revisited
Author: Motor City Music – Keener 13 and the Soundtrack of Detroit
