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Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – The Jukebox Series #42 – The Flamingos: “I Only Have Eyes For You” b/w “Love Walked In” – Roulette Golden Goodies Series 45 RPM Single GG20 (C5/D5)

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Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – The Jukebox Series #42 – The Flamingos: “I Only Have Eyes For You” b/w “Love Walked In” – Roulette Golden Goodies Series 45 RPM Single GG20 (C5/D5)

“The Jukebox Series” focuses on the 80 records that inhabit my 1963 Seeburg LPC1 jukebox. I’ve had my jukebox (or as I like to call it “the prehistoric iPod”) for a little over twelve years and in that time I’d like to think that I’ve perfected the mix of 45s within.

You’d be hard pressed to find a sweeter, more sumptuous doo wop classic than today’s Grammy Hall Of Fame recording by The Flamingos, a group that Billboard called “one of the finest and most influential vocal groups in pop music history.”

Cousins Jake and Ezekial Carey grew up in Baltimore hailing from the same neighborhood as Sonny Til of The Orioles. They relocated to Chicago where they formed The Flamingos in 1953. After numerous personnel changes and stints recording for record labels like Chance, Parrot, Checker (a Chess subsidiary where they scored their first big hit “I’ll Be Home”) and Decca, they signed to George Goldner’s End Records in 1958.

At the time, the group consisted of Nate Nelson, Jake Carey, Paul Wilson, Tommy Hunt and Terry “Buzzy” Johnson.  Goldner’s modus operandi was to steer the group away from recording original material in favor of recording standards, which is how they came to record today’s dreamy jukebox classic “I Only Have Eyes For You.”

The song was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1934 film Dames. It became a hit by Ben Selvin reaching the #2 position on the charts in 1934 and The Flamingos recorded it in 1958 sending it up to the #11 position on the pop charts and #5 R&B in 1959. The recording comes from a long line of records whose production enhancements (like the reverb on the background vocals) are equally as important as the performance, in creating a perfectly plush celestial atmosphere.

The song was from The Flamingos’ 1959 album Flamingo Serenade that also featured their one-of-a-kind takes on such standards as “As Time Goes By,” “Where Or When,” “I’m In the Mood For Love,” “But Not For Me,” “Love Walked In” (the flip of today’s single), “Begin the Beguine,” “Music, Maestro, Please!,” “Time Was” and “Goodnight Sweetheart.”  While “I Only Have Eyes For You” was by far their biggest hit, their other hits included “Mio Amore,” the Doc Pomus song “Your Other Love,” “Nobody Loves Me Like You” (written by Sam Cooke) and “I Was Such A Fool.”

There have been literally hundreds of cover versions of today’s song by the likes of Eddy Duchin, Al Jolson, Billie Holiday, June Christy, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Dinah Shore, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Lester Bowie, Carmen McRae, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, The Lettermen, Jerry Butler, Toni Tennille, Bette Midler, Kenny Rogers, Art Garfunkel, George Benson, Mark Eitzel, Carly Simon and Rod Stewart, but The Flamingos’ version reigns supreme. The group’s opulent harmonies had a profound influence on the Motown and Philadelphia soul sound, and their stage choreography was a major influence on The Temptations and numerous other doo wop and soul groups.

By 1960, Hunt left for a solo career on Scepter Records and Nate and Terry split to form The Modern Flamingos in 1961 who recorded an album for Atco Records who forced them to change their name to The Starglows. The Flamingos were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2001 and Tommy Hunt, Terry Johnson and Johnny Carter performed together at the ceremony. Terry Johnson owns The Flamingos name and still tours today, recently releasing The Diamond Anniversary Tour CD in 2013 featuring the current lineup of Terry Johnson, Starling Newsome, Stan Prinston and Theresa Trigg.

RadioActive SmorgasBoogie

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I’m Uncle Marty as we wrap up the Summer of Boogie on the 551st gathering of The 3D RadioActivity. As I noted last time, we have managed to listen to 160 different Boogie numbers since The 4th of July with close to 300 different tracks in the earlier shows on this topic along with those we played in other chapters along the way. It’s been one of the most popular features we have undertaken, as we started with close to half a thousand cuts. We have a veritable smorgasbord of leftovers to choose from for you this time as we prepare to Rock That Boogie one more time.

Download or play here:
https://archive.org/download/The3dRadioactivity/3dradio_20200906-RadioActiveSmorgasBoogie.mp3

We have been having fun all summer doing a variety of leg shaking tracks, and I want to extend some gratitude for inspiring this feature to my friends Captain Dan and Commander Walt in Pennsylvania who do their radio programs from The Bunker of Boogie. Moving forward, we will look into some of the notable studios and companies like Chess, Stax, Sun, Vee-Jay Records and others who have put out artists that are so well known that they only need one name to be recognized, like Elvis, Muddy, Koko, Mavis, Etta, Fontella, Lowell, and Elmore. Please tell me your suggestions by sending email, or with a message on our Facebook page which has links to the archives of all the earlier episodes and graphics in the photo section.  Look for us on Denver’s  MileHiRadio,   Theacidflashback.com,   TuneIn and  InternetFM dot com, because the best FM radio is now on the Internet.

Until we meet again, Remember that Radio Dave always says Keep Rockin’ On!

…Uncle Marty

“It’s not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on.”

…Marilyn Monroe

Boogi3D People

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Uncle Marty here with you on our 550th gathering of The 3D RadioActivity, as we continue our Summertime Seconds of Boogie, and delve into those who do and truly are Boogi3D People!

Click to download or play:
https://archive.org/download/The3dRadioactivity/3dradio_20200830-Boogi3DPeople.mp3

Let’s look at some numbers as we finish up show number 550…  Over 730 hours of programming, within a gnat’s eyebrow of 10,000 individual recordings, and over 7,500 different selections! For example, this show is one shy of twenty tunes averaged out to over fifty years old per song. Over this Summer of Boogie, we’ve managed to get 160 different tracks to you, that’s close to 17 per week. We still have one more to go next time as our big Hollywood finish to this epic endeavor has spanned close to 300 different tracks in 14 specific shows along with those naturally occurring in the other chapters. There’s still some choice cuts to be spun, so we will round out the merriment with a Smorgasbord of Boogie to finish the feature next time. Then we will get into a look at some of the smaller yet notable studios and companies like Chess, Stax, Sun, Vee-Jay Records and others who have put out some of the best of all time selections ranging from Acoustic to Zydeco. I have tried mind reading, however it is much easier to get your suggestions in writing, so send your email, or with a message on our Facebook page which has links to the archives of all the earlier episodes and graphics in the photo section.  Look for us on Theacidflashback.com, Denver’s MileHiRadio,   TuneIn and  InternetFM dot com, because the best FM radio is now on the Internet.

Until we meet again, Keep Rockin’ On!

…Uncle Marty

“It’s not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on.”

…Marilyn Monroe

Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “Daddy’s Home” by Shep & The Limelites

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Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “Daddy’s Home” by Shep & The Limelites

Shep & The Limelites consisted of James “Shep” Sheppard, Clarence Bassett and Charles Bakersfield. They formed in Queens, New York in 1960 and are primarily remembered for their signature hit (and today’s Song Of The Day) “Daddy’s Home.”

Sheppard was originally a member of a group called The Heartbeats that signed with the Hull record label in the late 1950s. The group scored several minor hits on Hull including “Your Way,” “Baby Don’t Go” and “A Thousand Miles Away.” It was while a member of The Heartbeats that Sheppard co-wrote and recorded an early version of “Daddy’s Home” as their last single on Hull.

The Heartbeats met the demise of so many groups of the day and called it quits in 1959 after being ripped off by managers and not paid for their shows by promoters.

Two years later, Sheppard formed The Limelites with Bassett and Bakersfield and were once again signed by Hull Records. Their first single as The Limelites was “Daddy’s Home,” which soared all the way to the number two position on the charts in 1961 and was covered by the likes of PJ Proby, Jermaine Jackson, Toots & The Maytals and Cliff Richard. The group scored several other hits including “What Did Daddy Do,” “Ready For Your Love” and “Our Anniversary.”

The group continued until 1966 before breaking up. Sheppard was found shot to death in his car on the Long Island Expressway in January of 1970. He had just reformed The Limelites and was beginning to tour the rock and roll revival circuit.

Second 3D Stop

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I’m your Uncle Marty, with our 541st 3D chapter, as we evaluate what STOPs to make during this pandemic thing that is going around. Social distancing can be difficult in both dance and romance, so we’ll consider those sub themes within this halting feature for you this time on The Award Winning RadioActivity!

Download or play here:
https://archive.org/download/The3dRadioactivity/3dradio_20200628-Second3DStop.mp3

We hope you continue to be careful in these isolating times, as we have provided numerous chapters of Quarantine styled STOP, STAY & ALONE themed music along with a few more honoring those who have checked out due to corona cooties. You may recall that we Boogied and Woogied a year ago or so, and believe it or not we’ve played over 125 tunes along those lines, yet there are well over 300 more that have not graced our airwaves and are ready to roll out. For our Summertime Seconds, we could Boogie Woogie our way into Fall, so that is just what we are thinking of doing! If you or your dog have any suggestions, be sure to let me know via email, or with a message on our Facebook page which has links to the archives of all the earlier episodes and graphics in the photo section.  Look for us on Denver’s MileHiRadio,  Theacidflashback.com,   http://www.villageconnectionmagazine.com/ Long Island, New York,  TuneIn  and  InternetFM dot com, because the best FM radio is now on the Internet.

Until we meet again, Keep Rockin’ On!

…Uncle Marty

“It’s not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on.”

…Marilyn Monroe

Stay 3D 1ce More

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It’s your Uncle Marty here on our 540th get together as we go back to our quarantined themed stylings with another show advising all to keep a sensible distance while you STAY together one more time with  The Award Winning 3D RadioActivity.

Download or play here
https://archive.org/download/The3dRadioactivity/3dradio_20200621-Stay3D1ceMore.mp3

We’re nearing the finish line for this STAY, the plan is to STOP one more time on our next quarantined audio adventure as we continue to offer sage Corona advice to all who have ears.  If you have any suggestions, tell me by messaging me on our Facebook page which has links to the archives of all the earlier episodes and graphics in the photo section, or by email .  Remind your circle of best friends and family to look for us on Theacidflashback.com,   http://www.villageconnectionmagazine.com/Long Island, New York;  Denver’s MileHiRadio,  TuneIn and  InternetFM dot com, because the best FM radio is now on the Internet.

Until we meet again, as Al always says, “Rock On!”

…Uncle Marty

“It’s not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on.”

…Marilyn Monroe

Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “Think” by The 5 Royales

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Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “Think” by The 5 Royales

If ever a group deserved to be in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame, it should be The 5 Royales.

Not only were they a pioneering R’n’B and Doo Wop vocal group, but they had one of the greatest songwriters of the era in Lowman “Pete” Pauling as a member. Pauling wrote most of the Royales’ material and many of their songs went on to be big hits for others.

The 5 Royales were formed in North Carolina in the early 1950s and consisted of Lowman “Pete” Pauling, Jimmy Moore, Obadiah Carter, Otto Jeffries and Johnny Tanner. They recorded for King Records and had chart success with songs like “Monkey Hips And Rice,” “Baby Don’t Do It” and “Somebody Help Me.” But it was the songs that were penned by Pauling and recorded by others that really made them legends.

The group was responsible for introducing today’s Song Of The Day that later went on to be a big soul hit for James Brown. They also recorded the original versions of “Dedicated To The One I Love” made famous by both The Shirelles and The Mamas & The Papas, and “Tell The Truth” which was originally recorded by Ray Charles.

Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “Graduation Day” by The Beach Boys

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Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “Graduation Day” by The Beach Boys

The Four Freshman took this song to the top twenty back in 1956 and the Wilson brothers were listening. And while The Beach Boys certainly were influenced by the Freshmen, the Freshmen were in turn influenced by vocal groups of the Big Band Era like The Pied Pipers and The Modernaires, as well as the close harmonies employed by numerous Barbershop Quartets that came before them. The song celebrates a rite of passage that many are embarking upon as we speak. I was torn between choosing this vocal group gem, or to let it all hang out and go with “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper.

3D Radio Fever

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I’m still your Uncle Marty, this is The Award Winning 3D RadioActivity segment # 529.  The Corona Virus that has taken center stage is similar to the 1960 Twilight Zone episode titled “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street,”, or a decade later with Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain.  In today’s reality, symptoms can include: Tiredness; Aches; Sniffles; Sore throat and an elevated temperature.  Stay tuned as we present musical strains on the latter from our files about FEVER. 😎

Download here:
https://archive.org/download/The3dRadioactivity/3dradio_20200405-3DRadioFever.mp3
Or click to listen!

This FEVER has been the beginning of our series of QUARANTINED music for for all, whether you are socially distancing, or not.  Our next study meeting will be blessed for Easter with a seasonal tradition and more of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO UNCLE MARTY.  Tell me your program ideas and suggestions by sending email, or with a message on our Facebook page which has links to the archives of all the earlier episodes and graphics in the photo section.  Shout from the rooftops, or howl it on the corner, by looking for us on Theacidflashback.com,   http://www.villageconnectionmagazine.com/ Long Island, New York;Denver’s MileHiRadio, TuneIn and InternetFM dot com, because the best FM radio is now on the Internet.

Until we meet again, Keep Rockin’ On!

…Uncle Marty

“It’s not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on.”

…Marilyn Monroe

Song Of The Day– “Lumpy Gravy” by The Persuasions

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persuasionsFrom Gospel to The Grateful Dead, The Persuasions are an a capella group whose musical tastes know no boundaries.

The group’s five original members, Jerry Lawson, Jesse “Sweet Joe” Russell, Jayotis Washington, Herbert “Toubo” Rhoad, and bass vocalist Jimmy “Bro” Hayes began singing on the street corners of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn during the early 1960s. Jerry Lawson was their arranger, lead singer and producer for most of their career until his departure in 2003.

Their big break came in 1968, when Stan Krause, who owned Stan’s Square Record Store in New Jersey, played a concert recording of theirs over the telephone to his friend, Frank Zappa. Zappa, being a doo wop aficionado, was intrigued enough to fly them out to LA where he produced their 1969 debut album A Capella for his Bizarre/Straight record label.

Over the years, the group recorded 26 albums for numerous labels including Zappa’s Bizarre/Straight, Capitol, MCA, A&M, Elektra, Flying Fish, Rounder, Earthbeat, Chesky and Grateful Dead Records. Their background vocals grace albums by artists as far flung as Joni Mitchell, The Grateful Dead, Stevie Wonder, Don McLean, Phoebe Snow, Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli and a whole host of others.

By way of thanks for producing their debut record, The Persuasions recorded the album Frankly A Capella in 2000. On the album, Zappa classics from early and late in his career get the Persuasions treatment including a capella versions of “Electric Aunt Jemimah,” “The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing,” “Cheap Thrills,” “Love Of My Life,” “You Are What You Is,” “Hotplate Heaven At The Green Hotel,” and “Anyway The Wind Blows.” The album also includes cameos by Zappa sidemen Bruce Fowler, Bobby Martin and Mike Keneally. Today’s Song Of The Day is a cover of “Lumpy Gravy” which originally appeared as the title track for Frank Zappa’s 1968 album Lumpy Gravy.

The group followed their Zappa tribute album with one for The Grateful Dead called Might As Well: The Persuasions Sing Grateful Dead where they took on the Dead classics “Bertha,” “Here Comes Sunshine,” “Must Have Been The Roses,” “Ship Of Fools,” “Greatest Story Ever Told” and several others.

They’ve also recorded tribute albums to The Beatles featuring versions of “Eight Days A Week,” “Love Me Do,” “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Come Together,” and U2 including “Even Better Than The Real Thing,” “One,” “Angel Of Harlem,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Pride (In The Name Of Love).”

The group’s baritone, Herbert “Toubo” Rhoad died in 1988 while on tour, and Jerry Lawson left their ranks in 2004; however the band still continues to perform today. The Persuasions were a huge influence on the modern vocal groups, Take 6, The Nylons and Boyz II Men, and if ever a group deserves to be in heavily flawed Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall Of Fame, it’s The Persuasions.