“Louie, Louie” … the Rock Standard for most Musicians!
What musician that started playing in the late 50’s, early 60’s or even 70’s didn’t play the song “Louie, Louie?” It’s a Rock standard, a Rock Classic, a Rock Masterpiece! The man who wrote and originally recorded the classic was Mr. Richard Berry. Tomorrow, April 11th is his birthday. I had the honors of spending … Read more
Motown … message heard ’round the world!
“Sound of Young America!” … the battle cry of the 1960’s … the Motown Sound! Growing up as teen in the 1960’s I experienced a lot of change. I watched Rhythm n’ Blues (the so-called Devil’s Music”) grow into Soul Music, a Man on the Moon, an atomic threat to end all of mankind, a … Read more
Smithton Street Revisited
Yesterday was my childhood best friend’s birthday, his name is Willie, we called him “Nut”. Not only were we neighbors as kids, hung out together throughout our juvenile days, laughed together, fought together, played ball together, married our childhood sweethearts and had children who called us Uncle. Willie’s son married my daughter which was the … Read more
From the Hill to Jazz Royalty … George Benson!
You’ve heard me talk about great singers that came out of the Hill District of Pittsburgh, the likes of Tommy Hunt and Chuck Jackson and some even became Jazz Royalty like George Benson. George was not only a legendary guitarist/musician but an established vocalist that began singing at the early age of nine. George Benson … Read more
Halos, Hamlisch, Heinz Hall … Sedaka!
Over our long 55+ year career (Johnny Angel and the Halos) we have performed in clubs, bars, Concert Halls, Festivals, on Television, live radio shows, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Stadiums, National Anthem for the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers, on the street corner and even at Heinz Hall. Speaking of Heinz Hall, … Read more
Memories of a Supreme Lady … Mary Wilson!
Today, March 6th is the Birthday of an old friend and one of my favorite singers… Ms. Mary Wilson. We lost Mary four years ago … today I started reminiscing about her music and some good times. Although I have many memories of my friend there two in particular that come to mind. I have … Read more