Memories

Sam Cooke was a singer, a songwriter, producer, businessman, a civil rights icon and a hero to many …me included. A man who used his talent and fame to help others and to create a much-needed social change. (Listen to his song … “A Change Is Gonna Come”). With that said … today is the … Read more

Melvin and Mervin Steals, twins from Aliquippa, PA just a few minutes out of Greater Pittsburgh. They attended Cheyney State College in Philadelphia, PA where they started their first singing group, the Four Perfections, met Eddie Holman (of “Hey, There Lonely Girl” fame) who introduced them to the Philadelphia Music Scene, and began their song … Read more

The Four Aims … a singing group that named themselves to describe their goals of achieving something great! At their first recording session for Chess Records they changed their name to the Four Tops, not to be confused with the Ames Brothers, a popular group at the time. Their early sound was more Jazz than … Read more

Since I was a young man, I have been a fan of the great Johnny Otis. Maybe because of his lifestyle, his love of music, Rhythm n’ Blues, Rock n’ Roll and Soul Food! I admired this man who is identified as a SINGER, DRUMMER, COMPOSER, ARRANGER, BANDLEADER, TALENT SCOUT, DISC JOCKEY, RECORD PRODUCER, TV … Read more

The first time I saw Len Barry was on either Shindig or Hullabaloo and I remember the Dovells (Len was the lead singer) made an appearance on the Rock n’ Roll Movie … “Don’t Knock the Twist”. It wasn’t until I actually worked with Len Barry at the Emerald Room Theater that I realized his … Read more

I Remember the first-time seeing Lou Rawls on television, I believe it was the Ed Sullivan Show. His voice was mesmerizing and had a soulful, calming effect. Little did I know that one day I would meet and become friends with the Soul Singing Icon. I, we, Johnny Angel and the Halos, were performing for … Read more