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is a blues pianist and singer, plus arranger and co-founder of Roomful of Blues. After 16 years with Roomful, Copley relocated to Europe in 1984, and back home to the US in 2010.
Copley has been performing extensively in Europe and the northeast US since 2010, appears regularly in New England, Switzerland and Paris, and continu
is a blues pianist and singer, plus arranger and co-founder of Roomful of Blues. After 16 years with Roomful, Copley relocated to Europe in 1984, and back home to the US in 2010.
Copley has been performing extensively in Europe and the northeast US since 2010, appears regularly in New England, Switzerland and Paris, and continues to develop in style and taste, always noted for energy, versatility and harmony. He has been included in Chapman Roberts' 2018 "Broadway Jazz Festival" in Manhattan with stars from Chapman's hit plays Blues in the Night, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Five Guys Named Moe and Bubbling Brown Sugar.
In 2016, Copley instigated a reunion recording of the 1970s version of Roomful of Blues. This is due to be released in 2021. The goal, according to co-founder Duke Robillard, was to "make a record equal to or better than our first record."[1]
In June 2002 and 2009, Copley performed four of his own full symphonic orchestrations before an audience of more than 25,000 with the Boston Festival Orchestra at Summer Pops.
Copley has twice been nominated for a Grammy Award (1983 and 1984) in the category Best Traditional Blues Album. In 1978 he performed with the original Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, and in 1993 he opened for Eric Clapton at the Royal Albert Hall in London for 12 concerts, performing with Jimmie Vaughan. His performances on the main stage at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland include opening for Bob Dylan in 1998, opening for Eric Clapton's Legends in 1997, doing a duo of "Jazz-Hot" with Jeff Healey in 1997, and opening the Blues Summit with Etta James and B. B. King in 1993. Copley also performed at the first Montreux Jazz Festival in Japan with George Duke and McCoy Tyner in 1998.
Charisma, leadership and compassion best describe the singer/songwriter Steve Elci
His love for catchy hooks in his musings and soaring vocal style has won him acclaim from fans and critics alike. "Steve Elci is a songwriting machine with the chops and creativity to comfortably establish his own hooks” - Rick Koster, Arts Columnist/Report
Charisma, leadership and compassion best describe the singer/songwriter Steve Elci
His love for catchy hooks in his musings and soaring vocal style has won him acclaim from fans and critics alike. "Steve Elci is a songwriting machine with the chops and creativity to comfortably establish his own hooks” - Rick Koster, Arts Columnist/Reporter for The Day Paper. "Hey, Didn't the Beatles Sing About a Submarine" William Yardley - The New York Times.
My vision or philosophy of my work can be summed up from the made-up word called "Edutainment". Edutainment is "learning through music". Kids and adults come to dance and have fun at my shows. They get so immersed in having a good time, they don't even realize they are leaving with a lesson. After my performances, children and adults feel inspired and compelled to learn and grow together and as individuals.
My willingness to perform knows no boundaries; the stage is the ultimate place for me to express myself. When I perform, it is a chance for me to connect with my audience and interact with them with original songs, educational messages and fun creative dance steps. I make myself available to perform at all times, no gig is too small or too big and they are all equally important. All fundraisers and events I have been a part of have become a positive influence in southeastern Connecticut and the fabric of our music and arts community.
History as an artist:
1989 and 2009 - Organized the fundraisers “Harmony for the Homeless" Rock and roll concerts for the St. James Homeless Shelter and New London Food Pantry at Waterford High School. Both concerts had radio and newspaper coverage and exceeded fundraising goals.
2004 - Recorded a song titled "Submarine Town," which played a part in the Save the Groton CT Submarine Base political campaign with Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, U.S. Senators Andrea Stillman and Christopher Dodd, and then U.S. Congressman Rob Simmons. In May of 2005, New York Times reporter Bill Yardley wrote about Steve in an article called "Hey, Didn't the Beatles Sing about a Submarine?
2005 - Recorded a song called "Christmas Time" which was for "The Chimneys of New London" a Connecticut based Christmas CD featuring all local New London artists. The song "Christmas Time" was entered into the Unisong International Songwriting Contest where it became an Honorable Mention Winner internationally! (2005-2006).
2006 - Recorded a composition for the National PTA called "Every Child One Voice" as a fund-raiser for the association. The song was sold nationally for about three months before the end of the school year in 2007. Steve performed all over New England for PTA functions in support of the fundraiser, including at the National PTA New England Convention and Leadership Conference. March 16 - 17, 2007 in Manchester, NH.
2011 - Placed second in the 'John Lennon International Songwriting Contest' session I with the song “Bicycle"
2011 - Placed Second in the Earth Day Network contest 'Music for the Earth' with the song "Earth Day”
2011 - First released children's CD "Vowels" CD wins the 'Parents Choice Award’
2011- Placed second in the 'John Lennon International Songwriting Contest' session II with the song "Crayons in a Box"
2011 - Whalie Award Winner for Best Solo Performance
2012 - Partnered with theday.com to create "Kidsploration" a web based creative kids series to be broadcast on kidsploration.org and theday.com.
2012 - Whalie Award Winner for Best Singer/Songwriter
2013 - Whalie Award Winner for Best Singer/Songwriter
2014 - EMMY Nominated for producing the web series Kidsploration!
2015 - Whalie Award Winner for Best Pop Performance
2017 - Best Readers Choice Award (Best in the region) The Day Paper
2022/2023 - Produced two compilation albums (Arise Together, Arise Together Children of the World) benefitting children from war-torn Ukraine and children with special needs. The albums features artists from all over the world and 500 children from Ukraine, USA, Uganda and India. Both albums Julian Lennon performed.
Sunshine was a disco group and the backing vocalist for singer Donna Summer. The members included Carlena Williams and Summer's sisters Linda Gaines (now Lotman), Dara Bernard, and Mary Ellen Bernard.[1] Their 1978 number one Billboard Disco hit "Take It to the Zoo" charted as "Last Dance / After Dark / Thank God It's Friday / Take It to
Sunshine was a disco group and the backing vocalist for singer Donna Summer. The members included Carlena Williams and Summer's sisters Linda Gaines (now Lotman), Dara Bernard, and Mary Ellen Bernard.[1] Their 1978 number one Billboard Disco hit "Take It to the Zoo" charted as "Last Dance / After Dark / Thank God It's Friday / Take It to the Zoo" by Donna Summer.[2][3] The song was featured on the "Thank God It's Friday" film and soundtrack, was co-written by Summer (with Bruce Sudano and Joe "Bean" Esposito), who also sings background on the track. She was also the spokesperson for Black is Beautiful
As a songwriting musician, Lauren Agnelli has explored the many facets of American popular music throughout her wide-ranging career, writing and co-writing hundreds of songs, recording over 60 releases in various formats. In her home town of Chester, CT, Lauren was Music Director and performer with the Small Town Concert Series, an enti
As a songwriting musician, Lauren Agnelli has explored the many facets of American popular music throughout her wide-ranging career, writing and co-writing hundreds of songs, recording over 60 releases in various formats. In her home town of Chester, CT, Lauren was Music Director and performer with the Small Town Concert Series, an entity that she co-founded with her husband, Matthew Male, from 2007 to 2012--producing over 60 shows with local CT musical talent. In Connecticut, she also performed shows with co-writer Dave Rave, the short-lived but rockin’ Ravens in the Woods, and with Amalgamated Muck, a roots/country/folk group. She began her musical and writing career in NYC in the 1970’s, working for the Village Voice and Creem Magazine as rock writer Trixie A. Balm. Then, she wound up co-founding Nervus Rex, a fixture at New York’s CBGB’s whose debut album on Dreamland Records came out in 1980. Later she helped ignite an 80s folk revival with the Grammy-nominated Washington Squares. In the 1990s she played in the rocking Canadian-American Dave Rave Conspiracy, and then went on to form the melodic duo Agnelli & Rave with Dave "Rave" DesRoches. Meanwhile, she also recorded with nuclear polka musical geniuses and two-time Grammy winners Brave Combo for an inspired 1996 torchy yet musically multistyled release, Kiss of Fire. With her 2004 solo effort, Love Always Follows Me, Lauren Agnelli drew upon her many musical styles to present new and classic torch songs that revealed more of the many sides of love for the “hopeful, not hopeless” romantic. From 2016 to 2020, Lauren Agnelli joined and co-fronted Connecticut’s own long-running old time jug/roots/rock group, Washboard Slim and the Blue Lights. In the 2020s, she is seeking a new musical adventure in Connecticut while making music for and with residents of skilled nursing homes—those who crave and greatly benefit from music they know and love.
Paul Nelson - is recognized as one of today's top modern contemporary guitarists, songwriters and sought after record producers. He not only has the distinction of being the hand picked fellow guitarist to the legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter in the 2000's but he has toured the world over performing and or recorded along side an e
Paul Nelson - is recognized as one of today's top modern contemporary guitarists, songwriters and sought after record producers. He not only has the distinction of being the hand picked fellow guitarist to the legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter in the 2000's but he has toured the world over performing and or recorded along side an endless who's who of top artists from Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy to Slash, Billy Gibbons, Paul McCartney, Bootsy Collins, Ben Harper, Robben Ford, Jimmy Vivino, Vince Gill, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, James Cotton, Joe Perry, Susan Tedeschi, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, John Popper, Dr. John, Larry Carlton, Leslie West, Joe Bonamassa, Sonny Landreth, Dickey Betts to Joe Walsh and many more...
WEBSITE www.paulnelsonguitar.com
Over the years, Joe “Pet” Petruzzelli has toured, produced, engineered, recorded, or
performed with several accomplished musicians and rock stars. including Joe Perry,
Aerosmith, Fred Lipsius 9 time Grammy award winner from, (Blood, Sweat and Tears),
Denny Dias (Steely Dan), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau
(Boston), Pet
Over the years, Joe “Pet” Petruzzelli has toured, produced, engineered, recorded, or
performed with several accomplished musicians and rock stars. including Joe Perry,
Aerosmith, Fred Lipsius 9 time Grammy award winner from, (Blood, Sweat and Tears),
Denny Dias (Steely Dan), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau
(Boston), Peter Criss (Kiss), Huey Lewis, Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt
(Extreme, Van Halen, Rhianna), Maurice Star, (New Edition, New Kids On the Block),
through a mutual Boston artist, legendary Rolling Stones producer, Jimmy Miller, met
Joe Pet and invited him to perform, record and co-produce 9-time Grammy award
winner, Buddy Guy (Rolling Stones, Steve Winwood), this was an unforgettable
experience for Pet. He continued to work with Miller until his untimely passing and he
continues to produce, teach, and tour today.
Break
Joe Petruzzelli, respectfully known in the Rock Music World as “Joe Pet”, is a Boston-
based, international touring Drummer, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Business Owner,
and Teacher.
His professional music career began when he was just 20 years old, when he seized the
opportunity to tour with the New Jersy based band, The Happenings. At that time, The
Happenings had two #3 hits on the Billboard top 100 Charts, “See you in September”
and “Go Away little girl”. Pet’s band, “Paradise”, opened for The Happenings, in a club
called OD’s, in Cambridge, MA. After the show the lead singer of “The Happenings”, Bob
Miranda, approached him. And asked if I knew any singing drummers because his
drummer was leaving, Joe said, you’re looking at him. He was so impressed with Pet’s
singing and drumming he offered him a gig on the spot to join his band! Pet toured all
over the country with The Happenings for two years.
Ready for change, he left the group and returned to Boston, establishing a new band
called, Sound Trek, Trek was a progressive 4-piece band, that featured synthesizers,
which was very cutting edge at the time. Sound Trek performed the music of bands such
as King Crimson, and became one of the most sought-after bands in Boston.
After 3-years and eager to perform his own original music, he disbanded Sound Trek
and went on to form “Cloud”, an all-original trio. This project introduced him to New
England’s top original bands and musicians. Pet was particularly impressed with the
group, Luna. He heard they were looking for singer/drummer, so he went to see their
show, in CT, and by the end of the night he was the new singer/drummer for Luna.
By the mid-to-late 70’s the Boston music scene was hot! Bands like Boston, J. Geils and
The Cars were all over the music charts and Boston was bursting with talented rock
bands who were anxious to get a recording deal.
Luna signed a production deal in 1981 but after a series of bad decisions by an
unscrupulous producer, Luna was restricted from performing and recording, so the
band made the decision to disband for the length of the contract. Unable to record
under the name, Luna, the core group of musicians regrouped to form the band, Berlin
Airlift. They signed a record deal with Handshake Records, a CBS subsidiary, and began
recording their first album at NY’s famed Hit Factory, along with Fleetwood Mac who
was recording across the hall. MTV had changed the music business and Berlin Airlift
went from being a big fish in a small pond to being almost invisible in a sea of new
bands. The album was never promoted and sat on a shelf.
It was around this time that Pet received a call from Steve Barrasso, of Collins and
Barrasso, Joe Perry of Aerosmith’s personal manager. He made an offer to Pet he
couldn’t refuse – join, tour and record with The Joe Perry Project!
Pet recorded JPP’s 3 rd solo album, “Once a Rocker Always a Rocker” and performed in
the music video, Black Velvet Pants, which was in medium rotation on MTV. He toured
with the band for 2-years and was preparing for their Asian and European tour when
while playing at the Bottom Line in New York City, Steven Tyler came to the show and
the rest is music history. Joe and Steve put Aerosmith back together and the Joe Perry
Project was put on indefinite hiatus.
Pet returned home and finally found the time to do something he’d always wanted to
do…build his own recording studio.
Artist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer
Born into music, Sal Baglio continues to share his art and unbridled creative inspiration that began in the late ‘70s with the iconic rock & roll band, The
Stompers.
In 2019, he formed The Amplifier Heads, a musical reflection of energy and
emotion from a lifetime of musical expressi
Artist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer
Born into music, Sal Baglio continues to share his art and unbridled creative inspiration that began in the late ‘70s with the iconic rock & roll band, The
Stompers.
In 2019, he formed The Amplifier Heads, a musical reflection of energy and
emotion from a lifetime of musical expression, currently getting global recognition.
In October of 2021, a month before The Stompers performed their final show, Sal
wrote and performed in “They Came To Rock,” an immersive alien rock opera that debuted in Nashville. In 2024, The Amplifier Heads and Rum Bar Records will
release the soundtrack album of songs from “They Came To Rock”. As of this
writing, two singles have been released
“Something Went Down” & “Space Cadette” which garnered a “Coolest Song In
The World,” on Little Steven’s Underground Garage.
http://www.theamplifierheads.com
The Mighty Manfred
Coolest Conversations with Sal Baglio
https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Little-Stevens-Underground-
Garage---Coolest-Conve-p1254535/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iSYcPlTtQTrgPjimTG3mL
The Stompers
Grammy-nominated guitarist Jon Butcher is one of a select handful of influential recording artists who emerged from the legendary Boston music scene. Video, eclectic radio releases and incendiary live performances comprise the underpinnings of a rich music career that continues today. With a discography of 21 album releases worldwide to
Grammy-nominated guitarist Jon Butcher is one of a select handful of influential recording artists who emerged from the legendary Boston music scene. Video, eclectic radio releases and incendiary live performances comprise the underpinnings of a rich music career that continues today. With a discography of 21 album releases worldwide to his credit, critical acclaim and great reviews Jon’s music trajectory has defied easy description.
His newest, THE ESSENCE OF WATER album will release SPRING of 2024 in both digital and vinyl formats. "This album is deep, diverse musically and focused on human drama and its relationships to water. It also has some of my best guitar playing ever, we’re anxious to tour this year! ”
Website:: https://jonbutcher.com/
Charlie FARREN burst onto the national scene in the early 80’s as lead singer of THE JOE PERRY PROJECT, teaming up with Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry and releasing an acclaimed album on Columbia Records. Farren penned the Billboard charting classics “Listen To The Rock” and “East Coast, West Coast”, also co-writing four songs with P
Charlie FARREN burst onto the national scene in the early 80’s as lead singer of THE JOE PERRY PROJECT, teaming up with Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry and releasing an acclaimed album on Columbia Records. Farren penned the Billboard charting classics “Listen To The Rock” and “East Coast, West Coast”, also co-writing four songs with Perry including the hit “I’ve Got The Rock ‘N’ Rolls Again”.
The Joe Perry Project sold out theaters across the country and toured arena's & stadium's around the world with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Rush, Heart, ZZ Top, and Alice Cooper.
FARREN subsequently formed FARRENHEIT, a trio releasing a self-titled debut album on Warner Brothers, produced by Keith Olsen. Three singles from that album, “Fool in Love”, “Bad Habit”, & “Lost in Loveland”, as well as video exposure on MTV, established FARRENHEIT as one of the era’s premier rock acts. Highlights for FARRENHEIT included the coveted opening slot on the 75+ date BOSTON ‘Third Stage Tour’, sold out from coast to coast, including a performance at the ‘Texxas Jam’ to a sold out crowd of 85,000 people at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX.
More recently, Charlie has been touring North America as ‘America’s Special Guest’ with Three Dog Night, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, and many others. This Summer he's performed as a Special Guest with ZZ Topp, Joe Perry, Max Weinberg, Three Dog Night, Average White Band, Elliot Easton and others. His latest project, CHARLIE FARREN: GUITAR & VOICE has been rolling out with regular releases of compelling new original music that has been resonating with audiences across the United States.
Charlie continues to be one of America's most original and compelling musical artists. He takes the stage alone, and leaves with a roomful of new believers.
Back in the 1960’s, four brothers who wanted to be The Beatles formed a band called The Cowsills. The original Cowsills consisted of Bill on guitar, Bob on guitar and organ, Barry on bass and John on drums. Early gigs were at school dances and churches around their home in Newport, RI. Eventually, as their harmonic sound was perfected, t
Back in the 1960’s, four brothers who wanted to be The Beatles formed a band called The Cowsills. The original Cowsills consisted of Bill on guitar, Bob on guitar and organ, Barry on bass and John on drums. Early gigs were at school dances and churches around their home in Newport, RI. Eventually, as their harmonic sound was perfected, they got a regular gig on Bannisters Wharf in Newport where they would sing Beatle songs hour after hour. Early recordings were released by the four brothers on Joda and Mercury Records. Barbara (“mini-mom”) joined the group to record The Rain, The Park and Other Things and shortly thereafter 7 year old Susan and brother, Paul, were added to the group. They were signed by MGM records and the group began it’s climb to the top!Here’s what Bob had to say about the early days and getting started.
Although Bill and I performed at a very young age, and Bill, myself, Barry and John did a lot of frat parties at Brown University and clubs in Newport … the most memorable performance of what I would view as the precursor of what The Cowsills would be was at King’s Park in Newport (right at the foot of Halidon Hall) at some carnival. The family angle just evolved … first Bill and me, then Bill me and Barry, then Bill, me, Barry and John, then Bill, me, Barry, John and Mom, then Bill, me, Barry, John, Mom and Paul, then later, me, Paul, John, Barry, Mom and Susan, then back to Bill, me, Barry and John (very briefly in the end) and then to me, Paul, John and Susan. Our first real break came when we were playing the MK Hotel in Newport (in the basement there) and a guy from the Today show saw us and asked if we wanted to be on the Today show. We weren’t famous or anything but we were young and we were related and we were quite good. So we went on the Today show (I doubt a tape exists of that but if it did it would be priceless to see) and someone from Mercury Records saw us which ultimately led to our signing with that label and putting out “Most Of All” (a great “school’s out” song that should have been our first hit in my opinion) which led to Artie Kornfeld and Steve Duboff. Mercury dropped us, but Artie and Steve had written “The Rain, The Park and Other Things” and we went in and recorded that song at A&R studios in New York and took the whole package to MGM who decided wouldn’t it just be terrific if their mother performed with them and, voila, the rest, as they say, is history.
The Cowsills enjoyed great success during the late 60’s and in to the very early 70’s not only with their music but appearing as guests on many television shows and even hosting their own TV special. They were approached to do a TV series but the producers had already signed an actress to play the mother on the series so it was a no go for The Cowsills. What was the series? It was The Partridge Family. The Cowsills were also spokespersons for the American Dairy Association and appeared in commercials and print ads for milk. The Cowsills disbanded in the early 1970s but most of them have never really left the music business and various members have regrouped through the years.Bridey Murphy, aka Paul, Bill, Barry and Waddy Wachtel, was formed in the mid-70’s. Bill and Barry drifted in and out of this group and one single, The Time Has Come / Be Your Mother’s Son, was recorded with Paul doing all vocals and Waddy playing all instruments.Then, in the late 1970’s, some of the Cowsills regrouped and recorded an album affectionately known as Cocaine Drain. This album was produced by Chuck Plotkin and also featured Dennis Castanares as a “member” of The Cowsills at that time. During those days, The Cowsills sometimes played the LA area as The Secrets and The Critics. Rumor has it that The Critics also recorded (and never released) a few songs.Flash forward to the 1990s when some of The Cowsills (Bob, Paul, John and Susan) again regrouped. This time they were going to hit the oldies circuit but somehow playing just oldies didn’t appeal to them. They had too much fun on some new material written by Bob and his wife, Mary Jo. So, this incarnation of The Cowsills started playing small clubs and showcases in the Los Angeles area and across the country. They generated great reviews from the critics and fans alike. The Cowsills also went back into the studio and Global was a result of those sessions.Some long-time Cowsill fans (Marsha & Martha Jordan, Jo Malone, Lynn Mathis and Becky Presley) have formed the Committee for the Nomination of The Cowsills for Induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and are striving to have The Cowsills inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They have created a colorful presentation brochure on The Cowsills that details the ways in which The Cowsills have met the criteria for induction into the Rock Hall which will be sent to each member of the nominating sommittee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The criteria addressed includes: longevity, influence, innovation, distinction, and perpetuation. Also included are comments from Artie Kornfeld, Mark Bryan of Hootie and the Blowfish, Shirley Jones, Billboard Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, etc.During their research, the committee compiled some amazing facts about The Cowsills and their careers, including:
Both Barry and Susan had their lives turned upside down by Hurricane Katrina, which hit the gulf coast in August 2005, since both were residents of the New Orleans area at the time. Susan and her family lost their home and most of their belongings but they were all safe during the hurricane and it’s aftermath and returned to live in New Orleans in January 2006. Barry, unfortunately, did not get out of New Orleans before Katrina hit and was among the missing of Hurricane Katrina for 4 months. Then, sadly, on January 4th, 2006, The Cowsill family got the news that Barry’s body had been found and identified. Barry Cowsill is no longer with us. At the memorial service for Barry, the Cowsill family was informed that Billy had passed away following his battles with hip replacement surgery, back surgery, emphysema, osteoporosis and other problems. Today, the surviving Cowsills continue to make music – sometimes individually and sometimes together – and their harmonies are still as infectious and bright as ever. Be sure to watch the documentary about the Cowsills, Family Band: The Cowsills Story, available now!The Cowsills are proud to announce their new album, Rhythm Of The World, released on September 30, 2022. Check it out!
📷William Joseph Cowsill, Jr. January 9, 1948 – February 18, 2006
📷Richard James Cowsill August 26, 1949
Robert Paul Cowsill August 26, 1949
Paul Mitchell Cowsill November 11, 1951
Barry Steven Cowsill September 14, 1954 – 2005
📷John Patrick Cowsill March 2, 1956
📷Susan Claire Cowsill May 20, 1959
Barbara Cowsill July 12, 1928 – January 31, 1985
William Joseph Cowsill, Sr. December 2, 1925 – September 29, 1992
The Reducers bio
"I can't think of anything better than spending 30 years doing something you love with three of your best friends," Peter Detmold says of his time with The Reducers, the band he co-founded in 1980.
For more than three decades, The Reducers maintained their stature as regional rock 'n' roll legends and tenacious true beli
The Reducers bio
"I can't think of anything better than spending 30 years doing something you love with three of your best friends," Peter Detmold says of his time with The Reducers, the band he co-founded in 1980.
For more than three decades, The Reducers maintained their stature as regional rock 'n' roll legends and tenacious true believers. The quartet remains a beloved institution in and around their hometown of New London, Connecticut, while maintaining a fiercely loyal fan base around the world.
The four longstanding compatriots forged an enduring friendship and a productive musical partnership rooted in their shared belief in the catchy, unpretentious, effortlessly uplifting rock 'n' roll that remained the band's focus for its entire existence.
The Reducers remained a vital musical force until June 2012, when bassist Steve Kaika passed away after battling cancer. His bandmates chose not to continue without him, and instead set about putting the finishing touches upon their final studio sessions, which had been recorded prior to Steve's illness. Those recordings now form the foundation of Last Tracks & Lost Songs, which combines those sessions with a scintillating selection of rare and unreleased Reducers tracks dating back to the 1980s.
The Reducers spent more than three decades resisting the fickle turns of popular taste, the transient whims of musical fashion, and the temptations of the music-industry buzz that briefly threatened to turn them into the Next Big Thing. Instead, the band spontaneously moved forward on its own uncompromising terms, continuing to make brilliant, personally charged rock 'n' roll, while remaining well below the radar of the mainstream music biz but prominent in the hearts of those who loved them.
The Reducers' history is a powerful testament to rock 'n' roll's power to transcend and inspire, for those who create it as well as for those who consume it. These four working-class underdogs—Detmold and fellow singer-guitarist-songwriter Hugh Birdsall, drummer Tom Trombley and bassist/vocalist Kaika—spent most of their adult lives building a potent body of recordings and a far-reaching reputation as a scrappy, riveting live act that affirmed rock 'n' roll's vibrant promise on a regular basis.
"There's a lot you can do with two guitars, bass and drums," asserts Birdsall.
The nine albums that The Reducers released between 1978 and 2012 charted the band's evolution from punk-inspired smartasses to thoughtful craftsmen, without sacrificing the musical and personal edge that originally established them as a special band. Those recordings showcase the foursome's organic musical rapport and the ace songwriting of Birdsall and Detmold, whose unfailingly infectious tunes incorporate a witty, heartfelt lyrical sensibility that's laced with barbed humor and humanistic insight.
Throughout their existence, The Reducers embodied the same fannish enthusiasm that first asserted itself in the late 1970s, when teenaged pals Birdsall and Detmold bonded over their mutual affinity for the punk and new wave sounds that were emerging at the time. They indulged their love for the new music with a ten-day visit to London during the musically volatile summer of 1977, during which the pair witnessed historic performances by the Sex Pistols, the Clash and the Jam.
The new music's raw energy and do-it-yourself spirit provided a focus for the duo's own budding musical energies, and their passion for the music was further fueled by their frequent treks into Manhattan to pick up the latest British import releases, and to check out the city's booming punk scene.
"Those experiences were huge for us," Birdsall notes. "They made us realize that we didn't have to be virtuoso musicians to play out in clubs. All of those early punk songs were easy to learn, so we could actually learn lots of complete songs. And we started to learn about arranging songs so that we could play them, without having to achieve note-for-note perfection. It also made us realize that we'd have to write our own songs if we wanted to be a real band."
"The biggest lesson that punk rock taught us was 'You can do it,'" Detmold adds. "I'd been going to see bands for years and years, but when I'd see the Who or Thin Lizzy or Queen or the Allman Brothers, it felt like there was no way that I could ever manage something like that. But then when I began seeing shows by the likes of the Ramones and the Clash and the Jam and the Sex Pistols, it felt like it was within my grasp, and that it was something that we could do."
Another touchstone for the soon-to-be-Reducers was the '70s school of earthy, rootsy British pub-rock bands, e.g. Ducks Deluxe, Rockpile and Dr. Feelgood.
As Detmold recalls, "I got into the whole pub-rock thing after I found the first Ducks Deluxe album in a cutout bin at my local record store. I bought it because I was intrigued by the cover photo; those four guys looked like a band, but nothing like the bands I was used to. The whole idea of bands that played in bars for a drinking crowd appealed to us, because it further stripped away the pretense that there was something unattainable about being in a rock 'n' roll band."
Inspired to get serious about launching their own band, Birdsall and Detmold soon roped in Kaika and Trombley to complete the lineup. At the time, the bassist and drummer were gainfully employed as the rhythm section of the popular local country-rock outfit the Bob Bridgeman Band, but were nonetheless persuaded to join forces with Hugh and Peter. Armed with a growing list of original compositions and an eclectic array of cover tunes, The Reducers began playing out in New London and various New England college towns, quickly developing an enthusiastic following.
In the summer of 1980, The Reducers entered a small local studio to cut their first single, "Out of Step"/"No Ambition," which they released on their own homespun Rave On label. The landmark disc (original copies of which now fetch princely sums on ebay) was a perfect encapsulation of the band's hard-working underdog appeal. Despite a lack of promotional resources, the single gained numerous positive reviews and helped to spread The Reducers' reputation outside of their home region, even as their local popularity was helping to fuel a scene of new bands to coalesce around them at home.
The Reducers' public profile was raised further when the band's self-titled debut LP, recorded on the cheap and live in the studio, was released in 1984, with all four members sharing vocal duties and songwriting credits. Despite its lo-fi sonics, the album's urgent performances and winsome songcraft struck a chord with critics and college-radio DJs.
The Reducers' second longplayer Let's Go! was released in early 1985 and was even better received, breaking into the Top 10 on various alternative charts. Let's Go!'s anthemic title song broke out as a college-radio hit, ending up on Epic Records' compilation album Epic Presents the Unsigned. It was also named Single of the Year by the influential college radio trade publication CMJ, which also anointed The Reducers as 1985's Best Unsigned Band.
Those honors, combined with some grueling national touring and a widely-read rave by Robert Christgau in New York's Village Voice, helped to set off a national buzz that attracted the interest of several major labels.
At the time, The Reducers were in the vanguard of a historic wave of iconoclastic, independently minded young bands sprouting up across the United States.
"When we first started putting out albums in the early '80s, we'd find them in record store bins right in front of R.E.M. and the Replacements, and it was obvious that we were part of a movement away from the bloated arena-rock thing," explains Detmold. "I saw both of those bands, and lots of others, in small clubs in front of small crowds, and I realized that we were all working different variations of a similar idea."
"We felt like we were part of something," adds Birdsall. "But we also felt like we were on the periphery of it, on the outside looking in. To me, it's miraculous that we ever even got closeto the music business. That was more the work of others, who heard something in us that they thought might be marketable, than it was any ambitions on our part."
But while many of their contemporaries went on to major-label deals and mainstream recognition, the big deal that many predicted for The Reducers failed to materialize. Rather than turn bitter, the band simply continued doing what they loved. A third album, 1985's Cruise to Nowhere, was quickly written and recorded amidst touring commitments.
But the strain of constant roadwork began to wear on the band, and they soon retreated from national touring. Instead, they continued gigging locally and writing vital new material, sustained by their hometown fans and by their abiding belief in the music.
The Reducers made their belated CD debut in 1991 with the 29-song retrospective Redux, which gathered most of the band's prior vinyl output into one handy package. In addition to belatedly dragging the band into the digital age, the collection launched a wave of renewed public and press interest. 1995's Shinola, the band's first album of new material in a decade, covered some impressive new creative ground, while maintaining the qualities that had originally endeared The Reducers to their admirers.
In 2000, the band responded to years of fan requests for a live album by assembling the rough-and-ready Fistfight At Ocean Beach. That disc was a limited-edition CD-R release available only as a premium for donations to WCNI, the non-profit local radio station where Birdsall and Detmold have served as DJs almost continuously since 1979, carefully avoiding self-promotion and sharing their favorite old and new rock 'n' roll tunes with their loyal listeners.
A more formal live CD, 2003's Old Cons, found The Reducers celebrating their 25th anniversary with a career-spanning onstage retrospective that documented the band's intensity and versatility—as well as their longstanding love for early rock 'n' roll, vintage soul, British Invasion pop and '70s punk and new wave.
The Reducers' 25th anniversary also coincided with the mayor of New London's official proclamation of August 23, 2003 as Reducers Day, and the premiere of the career-spanning documentary The Reducers: America's Best Unsigned Band, which won critical acclaim for its compelling retelling of the group's unlikely journey.
The following year, a request from a group of Japanese Reducers fans—who had already bought out the backlog of vinyl LP stock that had been gathering dust in Peter's basement—led to the band's first-ever overseas tour, a ten-day run of rapturously received shows in Japan.
Such acknowledgements demonstrated how these humble outsiders had ended up as unlikely rock 'n' roll heroes. The title and musical contents of their 2008 studio effort Guitars, Bass and Drumsunderlined how The Reducers' unpretentious musical agenda remained as compelling as ever.
"It was never about money or fame," states Birdsall. "It was always about the music, and the camaraderie, and getting people to dance. I've heard from people in Germany, France, Spain and Japan," says Birdsall. "We seem to be their favorite secret band, whose record they put on at parties and their friends go 'Hey, who's that?' I kind of like having that status. In a way, it's even better than being really popular."
"None of us ever had any delusions about getting rich off of this band," Detmold concludes. "When we started, we were full of piss and vinegar and just wanted to show what we could do. We were four friends with a common vision, and our goals were to play around our area, maybe play New York City and Boston and maybe make a few 45s, and make a name for ourselves. That turned into something much bigger, and we had more success than we could have ever imagined, and it continued for much longer than any of us would have guessed."
Hailing from Ipswich, Massachusetts, the band was previously named "The Rhythm A's", where future Nervous Eaters' Steve Cataldo, Robb Skeen, and Jeff Wilkinson were joined by singer Mike Girard and guitarist Rich Bartlett. By 1976, Girard and Bartlett teamed up with Stacey Pedrick (guitar), Doug Forman (bass), and Chris Pedrick (drums
Hailing from Ipswich, Massachusetts, the band was previously named "The Rhythm A's", where future Nervous Eaters' Steve Cataldo, Robb Skeen, and Jeff Wilkinson were joined by singer Mike Girard and guitarist Rich Bartlett. By 1976, Girard and Bartlett teamed up with Stacey Pedrick (guitar), Doug Forman (bass), and Chris Pedrick (drums), becoming The Fools.In 1979, the band released "Psycho Chicken", a parody of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer", and it was an immediate hit on Boston radio stations.[1] The group followed it up with "It's a Night for Beautiful Girls," which peaked at #67 on the Billboard charts. EMI signed the band and sent them on a U.S. tour with The Knack.[2] Shortly after, they recorded their debut album, Sold Out.In 1981, the band released their second album Heavy Mental, which featured a cover of Roy Orbison's "Running Scared" that reached #50 on the Billboard Hot 100. That year, The Fools were the opening band for Van Halen on their Fair Warning tour.[2][3]Shortly before being dropped by EMI, Chris Pedrick departed and was replaced by drummer Leo Black. Shortly after, Forman decided to leave, his void filled by bassist Joe Holaday.In 1985, The Fools released World Dance Party on the independent label PVC.[4] Four of the album's songs - "World Dance Party", "Life Sucks...Then You Die", "She Makes Me Feel Big", and a remake of Manfred Mann's "Do Wah Diddy" - received considerable radio airplay throughout New England and the video for "Do Wah Diddy" was shown extensively on MTV.[5]In 2003, after seven years of part-time duty, the band returned to a full schedule. Bassist Lou Spagnola had replaced Joe Holaday, who by then was working with the Beatles tribute band Beatlejuice. Holaday does, however, continue to make occasional appearances with the band.In 2010, Mike Girard's book Psycho Chicken & Other Foolish Tales published by Sons of Liberty Publishers hit the stores, which outlined the sometimes hilarious history of the band. The band continues to tour today.In February 2012, Lou Spagnola left the band and was then replaced by Bassist Eric Adamson.
The Energetics are very important part of New Englands Soul music history.
The Energetics were a nondescript, self-contained band of varying members of the mid-'70s and early '80s whose claim to fame was one album and two singles on Atlantic Records, all produced by Eddie and Brian Holland. Primary members were Melvin Franklin, Roscoe
The Energetics are very important part of New Englands Soul music history.
The Energetics were a nondescript, self-contained band of varying members of the mid-'70s and early '80s whose claim to fame was one album and two singles on Atlantic Records, all produced by Eddie and Brian Holland. Primary members were Melvin Franklin, Roscoe Mills, Joey Lites, Herbert Johnson, and John Borders; their first known recording, "Me and My Girl" b/w "If at First," came out on Top Top Records in 1975. It did so poorly that they didn't record again until the Holland brothers took them into the studio to record the Come Down to Earth album in 1978. The riff-laden LP has a few good spots, but lacked the Holland brothers' Midas touch. Both singles, "Living By the Strength of Your Love" and "Come Down to Earth," flopped. They resurfaced under a new name spelling, the Energettics (which was probably a typo), on Cobra Records with "You Make Me Nothing" b/w "Rainy Days and Mornings."
The Zambonis are a Connecticut-based indie rock band formed in 1991 by musicians Dave Schneider (The LeeVees), Peter Katis, Jon Aley, and Tarquin Katis. The Zambonis write songs exclusively about ice hockey. Schneider says of the band's musical style: “We’re the only band in the world whose two biggest influences are The Beatles and Way
The Zambonis are a Connecticut-based indie rock band formed in 1991 by musicians Dave Schneider (The LeeVees), Peter Katis, Jon Aley, and Tarquin Katis. The Zambonis write songs exclusively about ice hockey. Schneider says of the band's musical style: “We’re the only band in the world whose two biggest influences are The Beatles and Wayne Gretzky!”[
Background informationOrigin: Bridgeport, CT, United StatesGenres: pop punk Indie rockYears active: 1991-presentLabels: Tarquin RecordsMembersDave Schneider Jon Aley Mat Orefice Tom Andrukevich Shawn FogelTarquin Katis Cary Pollick Peter KatisSteve Tanski Matt Gonzalez Bob Anderson Rich Dart
The NHL has commissioned the group to compose theme songs for the Boston Bruins and the Colorado Avalanche.[2] The band has toured with the Stanley Cup[3] and fundraised for Matt Cullen's organization, Cullen Children's Foundation.[4]In deference to the ice resurfacer and Frank Zamboni, The Zambonis are a licensee of the Zamboni Company.
The Zambonis debut album, 100% Hockey...and Other Stuff,[5] was recorded at Tarquin Studios in Connecticut, USA and was released in 1996. The 15-song disc cracked the Top 40 on the CMJ charts,[6] and was added to the NHL, NCAA and minor league hockey arena playlists.[7]In October 1999, the band released its second full-length album, More Songs About Hockey...and Buildings and Food.[8]In 2002, the Zambonis opened the NHL All-Star Game along with Jewel and Five for Fighting.In 2003, The Zambonis released a new album, Chippy Sessions, a compilation of rare live cuts, singles and demos.
In 2000, the Zambonis single "Hockey Monkey" was featured in the Mr. Wong episode "Meet the Creep, Pt. 2".[9]In 2002, four Zambonis songs were featured on the Midway video game NHL Hitz 20-03.[10]In March 2006, The Zambonis single "Hockey Monkey" (co-written by cartoonist James Kochalka) was chosen by Fox as the theme song to a new sitcom called The Loop.[citation needed]
WEBSITE Bio | Zambonis (thezambonis.com)
“Together since 1997 and as American as music comes, the Rivergods are a genre-defying collection of the ethereal, the gritty, the raw and the real.” – Tim Malcolm, Norwich Bulletin
The Rivergods are a memorable, original, award-winning act based in southeastern CT that has played its own heartfelt harmony-rich folky/rootsy/rockish music (
“Together since 1997 and as American as music comes, the Rivergods are a genre-defying collection of the ethereal, the gritty, the raw and the real.” – Tim Malcolm, Norwich Bulletin
The Rivergods are a memorable, original, award-winning act based in southeastern CT that has played its own heartfelt harmony-rich folky/rootsy/rockish music (and occasionally, some choice covers!) since 1997. The Rivergods are fronted by husband/wife songwriters, Ben and Nancy Parent, who often perform as a duo. Ben and Nancy have written and performed together for over 25 years, and blend their voices with the sort of instinctual harmonies that are perhaps only achieved through blood, time or marriage. The Rivergods’ full band includes a rotating lineup of some of the finest, most talented players in southern New England, who round out the couple’s harmonious Americana sound.
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“Borrowing from country, folk, rock, and the blues, The Rivergods wear their influences on their collective sleeves while peppering in their own twists on each genre. Fans of everybody from Jason Isbell to ‘70s Bob Dylan will find a lot to love in The Rivergods…” – Chip McCabe, Hartford Courant
The Rivergods have seven albums of original material out (here’s our complete discography) and are gearing up for recording our next full length. Ever prolific as songwriters, Ben and Nancy started a Soundcloud page during COVID-19 for sharing demos and unreleased songs. The Rivergods have garnered a ton of good press for their eclectic recordings over the years — The New Haven Advocate once hailed the band’s “perfect eclecticism: country, gospel, pop and funky back beats mixed seamlessly.” Alright!
“One of the area’s finest and best-loved bands.” —Rick Koster, New London Day
The Rivergods have won many regional Whalie Awards (kind of southeastern CT’s version of the Grammies) over the past decade and continue to be a popular live draw in the region. The Rivergods have played hundreds of shows and festivals over the years, including playing to 15,000+ people at Summer Pops in Westerly, RI for several years running, Sailfest and Opsail in New London, CT, the Meriden Daffodil Festival, the Block Island Music Festival, the NEMO New Music Showcase in Boston, NXNE in Toronto, Canada and more. Ben and Nancy enjoy both big outdoor stages, and small, intimate listening rooms equally.
WEBSITE: www.therivergods.com
George Kiriakis grew up in Norwalk and started playing guitar at 11 years old. By the time he was 16, he was playing as an intermissionist at strip clubs and had earned enough cash to move out on his own. In 1950, George won an audition on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. The following year, he appeared on the Ted Steele Show and, over the n
George Kiriakis grew up in Norwalk and started playing guitar at 11 years old. By the time he was 16, he was playing as an intermissionist at strip clubs and had earned enough cash to move out on his own. In 1950, George won an audition on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. The following year, he appeared on the Ted Steele Show and, over the next few years, played clubs up and down the Connecticut coastline. Ed Sulik was from Stratford. He served in the military during the Korean War and discovered his passion for music playing local honky-tonks and country & western bars while on furlough. In 1958, George was playing rockabilly with a group called The Country Cousins, backing up big Nashville acts of the time as they toured the northeast. Destiny struck after he was introduced to Eddie during one of those shows and The Echoes were born. In November 1959, George and Ed recorded four original compositions at the legendary Bradley Barn Studio where they were backed by Nashville's finest, including guitarist Hank Garland, the Anita Kerr Singers, and Elvis Presley's studio band. From those Bradley Barn sessions, The Echoes released, "Bye-Bye My Baby," "Do I Love You? ('Deed I Do)," "Ecstasy" and "Loving and Losing" - all of whic received excited reviews from Billboard in 1960. The Echoes travelled the country performing in popular rock and roll venues, appearing on Bandstand, the Clay Cole Show, and as featured performers in the Miss Universe Pageant. Although they had no part in it, the Payola Scandal hit at the same time their records began charting. Eventually radio DJs grew weary of promoting fresh new talent like George and Eddie airplay declined with record sales following. By 1961, The Echoes had broken up. George moved toward Gospel, writing for Georgia Louis, who had recorded his work, and was signed to Epic Records. Around that time, using the stage name Les Parker, Sulik recorded the songs, "We're Gonna Dance All Night" ("Twist All Night"), and a cover of Hank Williams's "Lovesick Blues" at RCA Studios in New York. In December of 1965, Eddie landed a meet with famed guitarist and record producer, Chet Atkins. But it was never to happen. The night before, while driving home from Hillandale Country Club, Sulik blew a tire and his vehicle struck several trees, killing him instantly. He was 36. During the 1960s, George went on to record 27 singles on several labels, including MGM. By the early 1970s, he met his wife Marion who became lead singer of the newly revived Country Cousins. After several years of solid bookings, George's old friend, Billy Vera, had asked the couple to put together an arrangement of a song he wrote that needed a country feel. Dolly Parton heard it and put it on her smash album, "I Really Got the Feeling." By 1980, George and Marion had become mainstay Christian music performers with their band, "His Own” and went on to perform with Dion, Rosie Greer, Donna Summers, and others. George was an avid recording engineer with equipment from every decade of his career. He continued with music until his death, or as he would say, "went home" in 2015.
Curless was born in Fort Fairfield, Maine, United States, and moved with his family to Massachusetts at the age of eight.[1] He began his music career in 1948 in Ware, Massachusetts, where he hosted a radio show and
Curless was born in Fort Fairfield, Maine, United States, and moved with his family to Massachusetts at the age of eight.[1] He began his music career in 1948 in Ware, Massachusetts, where he hosted a radio show and toured with a local band called the Trail Blazers.[1]
Curless married his wife, Pauline, in 1951, and only six months after the wedding, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954, first as a truck driver and later as a radio host with the stage name "Rice Paddy Ranger".[1]
Curless returned home to Maine in 1954 and continued performing on radio shows, but he spent much of the following year, 1955, at home due to a chronic illness.[1]
In 1957, Curless returned to the public spotlight and appeared on the CBS television show Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts.[1] He spent much of the late 1950s performing in clubs in California and Las Vegas but occasionally returned home to Maine to recover from periods of illness and fatigue.[1] While in Maine, Curless recorded several singles, including "China Nights" at Event Records with Al Hawkes. Eventually he temporarily left the music industry and bought his own lumber trucking vehicle in Maine.[1]
In 1965, Curless recorded one of the biggest hits of his career, "A Tombstone Every Mile", which cracked the top 5 on the Billboard country charts and propelled him to national fame.[1] In 1966, he recorded the album A Devil Like Me Needs an Angel Like You with Kay Adams. From 1966 to 1968, he toured the nation with the Buck Owens All American Show. The pinnacle of his career came in the late 1960s with eleven top-40 hits, including "Six Times a Day (the Trains Came Down)".[1] Altogether, he recorded 22 Billboard top-40 hits throughout his career.
After Curless' success in 1970 with the hits "Big Wheel Cannonball" and "Hard, Hard Traveling Man", he recorded infrequently until he released the albums Welcome to My World and It's Just a Matter of Time in Norway in 1987. The albums were successful in Europe, especially in Norway and Germany.[1]
Curless recorded an album with German country musician Tom Astor in 1991. During the later part of his life, he performed often at the Cristy Lane Theater in Branson, Missouri.
Curless died of stomach cancer in 1995, aged 63.[2]
Togus, Maine, U.S.
William Chinnock (November 12, 1947 – March 7, 2007), also referred to as Bill Chinnock or Billy Chinnock, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Chinnock grew up in the nearby Essex County communities of East Orange and Millburn.[1] He was a prominent member of the Jersey Shore mu
Togus, Maine, U.S.
William Chinnock (November 12, 1947 – March 7, 2007), also referred to as Bill Chinnock or Billy Chinnock, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Chinnock grew up in the nearby Essex County communities of East Orange and Millburn.[1] He was a prominent member of the Jersey Shore music scene during the late 1960s, leading bands that included future members of the E Street Band.
He subsequently moved away from the Shore and spent time in New York City and Nashville, Tennessee, before eventually settling in Yarmouth, Maine. In 1987 he won an Emmy Award after his song "Somewhere in the Night" was used as the theme on Search for Tomorrow. "Hold On To Love", a duet he recorded with Roberta Flack, was also featured as a theme song on Guiding Light.[2][3]
After recovering from illness, Chinnock left the Jersey Shore and briefly moved to New York City before settling in Maine. He was eventually signed to Paramount Records on the recommendation of John H. Hammond. Hammond had earlier signed Bruce Springsteen to Columbia Records. He released his debut album Bill Chinnock Blues in 1975. He also recorded a second album, Road Master, with Paramount that was produced by Tom Dowd, which to date remains unreleased. In 1976 he released an EP, Alive At The Loft, on the North Country label. In 1977 Chinnock released Badlands, his third full-length LP, on his own label, North Country Records. The album featured performances from Vini Lopez, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, and a young Irene Cara providing some backing vocals. Shortly after its release, Chinnock ignited a battle between several major record labels looking to sign him. After signing with Atlantic Records, the label insisted on remixing the album, adding strings, additional studio musicians, and backing vocalists.[14] Many fans were disappointed with Atlantic's "sweetening" of the “raw and gutsy” sound that made the original so special.[14] Unfortunately for Chinnock, the album's major-label re-release coincided with the release of Bruce Springsteen's hit album Darkness on the Edge of Town, which also featured a song called "Badlands", which negatively impacted the reception of Chinnock's album. The original 1977 mix of the album was reissued on remastered CD form for the first time since its initial release in 2019.[15] His 1980 album Dime Store Heroes was released on the Atlantic, North Country and Rounder Records labels and saw him work with, among others, David Sanborn, Howie Wyeth, Will Lee, Tony Levin and Andy Newmark.[6][8][16]
During the early 1980s Chinnock moved to Nashville, Tennessee to work with producer Harold Bradley who subsequently produced his next two albums. Originally released by a Nashville-based label, Alliance Records, his 1985 Rock & Roll Cowboys was subsequently re-mixed and re-released by Epic Records. Among the guest musicians was Max Weinberg. The 1987 Epic release Learning To Survive In The Modern Age produced a minor hit single with "Somewhere In The Night". The song was also used as the theme song for the soap Search for Tomorrow, resulting in Chinnock winning an Emmy Award in 1987. Despite this Chinnock subsequently found himself dropped by Epic and his next album, Thunder In The Valley saw him return to Atlantic. The 1990 album was credited to Billy & The American Suns, a group that included Craig Krampf (drums), Steve Hill (bass), Rex Stemn (guitar) and Clayton Ivy (piano). Like his two previous albums, it was recorded in Nashville. The song "Just Another Falling Star" was originally performed by Chinnock with the Downtown Tangiers Band.[2][16][17][18]
In 1991 Chinnock returned to Maine and the following year released Out On The Borderline on his own label, East Coast Records. Among the guest musicians was Michael Hossack of The Doobie Brothers who also co-wrote the song "Take This Heart of Mine". In 1988 Backstreets, a Springsteen fanzine, reported that Chinnock had actually joined the Doobie Brothers as a replacement for Michael McDonald ! In 1992 Chinnock, Danny Federici and Garry Tallent also attempted to revive the Downtown Tangiers Band and recorded some sessions but nothing has been released to date.[6][16][19][20] Chinnock's final album Livin' In The Promised Land was released in 2003 again on East Coast Records. One of Chinnock last recording's was "No Christmas in New Orleans", a re-working of Phil Ochs' "No Christmas in Kentucky", recorded in 2005 in aid of Hurricane Katrina victims.[16]
Chris DiPaola, longtime owner of WBLQ-AM and a tireless supporter of local causes,.
Known by many as "the voice of Westerly," for his distinct voice on WBLQ, the local station he lived, breathed and loved, DiPaola was also a cheerleader for the Westerly-Pawcatuck-Chariho communities along with their residents and businesses. A member of
Chris DiPaola, longtime owner of WBLQ-AM and a tireless supporter of local causes,.
Known by many as "the voice of Westerly," for his distinct voice on WBLQ, the local station he lived, breathed and loved, DiPaola was also a cheerleader for the Westerly-Pawcatuck-Chariho communities along with their residents and businesses. A member of the Rotary Club of Westerly, and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, DiPaola was the recipient of many awards, and was often applauded for steadfast community spirit and his efforts to connect people during times of need, as he did during Superstorm Sandy and the recent coronavirus pandemic.
The son of Nadine (Champlin) and Thomas DiPaola, Chris was born on April 13, 1973, in Skowhegan, Maine.
From his earliest years, Chris had a love of all things radio, and he was greatly influenced by listening to the now-defunct 66 WNBC in New York. He admired many of the station's on-air talent, and later came to know radio personality Dale Parsons. The WBLQ "Time Machine" program is modeled on Dale's original WNBC "Time Machine."
DiPaola began his career as a 15-year-old with John Fuller, who started WJJF-AM in Hope Valley in a converted chicken coop. From there, he worked tirelessly to forge a career in radio, eventually taking the reins at WBLQ and using his platform to give voice to hundreds of local organizations and personalities over the years.
DiPaolo was active in community organizations, including the Ocean Community and Charlestown chambers of commerce and the Rotary Club of Westerly.
WCNI (90.9 FM) is a radio station broadcasting a freeform format and licensed to New London, Connecticut, serving the New London area. The station is owned by Connecticut College Community Radio, Inc. and is operated by students and members of the community. The station features eclectic musical genres that are less often heard on the ma
WCNI (90.9 FM) is a radio station broadcasting a freeform format and licensed to New London, Connecticut, serving the New London area. The station is owned by Connecticut College Community Radio, Inc. and is operated by students and members of the community. The station features eclectic musical genres that are less often heard on the majority of radio stations.
WCNI was originally an on-campus AM radio station broadcast to Connecticut College students and staff via low-power carrier current transmitters placed in college dormitories and facilities. The presence of the station encouraged engagement in media arts, although the quality of its signal was typically poor and its interference with the broadcast signal of New York City's WNBC led to students sometimes turning off the transmitters in their dormitories. The station filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on August 10, 1972 for 89.9 MHz. A series of opposition letters were filed by WGAL Television, Inc., owner of WTEV/6 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, so Connecticut College modified their request to 91.5 MHz on May 10, 1973. A construction permit was finally granted on October 3, 1973 to allow WCNI to transmit on 91.5 MHz.[2] The application was filed by the Connecticut College Broadcast Association, Inc., a non-profit corporation established to limit the college's liabilities from the station's broadcasts to the general public.[citation needed] The call sign was assigned by the FCC on March 11, 1974.[3]In 1974, WCNI made its debut on 91.5 MHz with ten watts of transmission power, one of a wave of college radio stations introduced in that era using low-power FM transmission facilities. Early station promotional spots created by student and staff member Ken Abel hailed it as having "less power than a common light bulb." Subsequent increases in transmission power led to a reassignment of its frequency to 91.1 MHz and eventually to the current 90.9 MHz. The original antenna tower for FM transmissions was erected atop Bill Hall on the Connecticut College campus using a World War II air raid siren tower as its base, modified by Connecticut College maintenance staff to hold a steel pipe which acted as an antenna mast. The antenna was subsequently relocated to a professionally installed tower next to the Crozier-Williams student center on the Connecticut College campus, adjacent to the station's studios and recording archives.Early broadcasts of the FM radio station were wide-ranging, including a variety of music genres, old radio serial dramas, local history, and live performances. To raise funds for government-mandated emergency broadcast equipment, the station held its first on-air fund raising marathon in the spring of 1975. The early FM broadcast signal of WCNI was not strong, but the station had a notable body of off-campus listeners in the New London area and its on-air staff included non-student members from the community.The station's proximity to the U.S. Navy submarine base across the Thames River in Gales Ferry, Connecticut and to the General Dynamics submarine manufacturing facility in Groton led to its nickname "Ground Zero Radio", in recognition of the region's presumed high priority as a Soviet nuclear strike site.Website: WCNI Radio – For the Love of Music
D is being honored for his selfless and multifaceted contribution to the New England Hip Hop Community as an artist, producer, promoter, journalist and radio personality. His years of work not only launched his career but also benefited countless New England Hip Hop artists.
He has released 11 albums since the mid 90's and is still goi
D is being honored for his selfless and multifaceted contribution to the New England Hip Hop Community as an artist, producer, promoter, journalist and radio personality. His years of work not only launched his career but also benefited countless New England Hip Hop artists.
He has released 11 albums since the mid 90's and is still going strong. D's music has been heard on TV and films on NBC, HBO, ESPN and the silver screen and he has produced records for legendary artists including Akrobatik, Slug of Atmosphere, Mr. Lif, Esoteric, Termanology, Edo G and members of legendary California collective Hieroglyphics.
As a promoter, D is credited with breaking the "genre barrier" with his award winning live concert series "Hip Hop Live". The series took place from 95-2005 at Bill's Bar in Boston as well as at events at Axis and The House of Blues at a time when local and independent hip hop artists were shut out of most of the major Boston area clubs. The concert series opened the door for artists to perform at Boston area clubs to this day.
As a performer, D-Tension has toured and/or shared the stage with a who's who of hip hop luminaries including KRS ONE, Method Man, RZA, Biz Markie, DMX and The Roots. He's performed at The Tsongas Arena, The Apollo in Harlem and at South X Southwest in Austin. TX.
D-Tension was also responsible for getting independent hip hop played on commercial radio with his hip hop specials on legendary alternative rock radio station 101.7 WFNX. Additionally he hosted Yo! FNX Raps?, an award winning podcast on WFNX.COM He also shone a light on all-good-things-hiphop when he wrote feature articles and reviews for The Weekly Dig, Boston Sound Check and The Boston Phoenix.
A true music lover, D-Tension turned heads in 2014 when he released his debut rock album "D-Tension's Secret Project''. Alas, the genre jump worked and D's debut was nominated for album of the year at the 2014 Boston Music Awards. He has released three rock albums and has another scheduled to be released this fall.
D-Tension has a litany of awards including: Two Boston Music Awards (Best New Artist 2002, Producer of the Year 2009), Best Live Hip Hop Venue by The Boston Phoenix in 2004, New England Urban Media Podcast of The Year 2010 and Best Hip Hop Artist 2012 New England Music Awards.
Some are known as artists, others as media personalities or concert promoters or producers. D-Tension is all of the above.
Nancy Burns-Fusaro is a longtime writer for the Westerly Sun thewesterlysun.com
southern Rhode Island’s only daily newspaper where she writes a weekly column and serves as the arts and culture writer.
The recipient of several a
Nancy Burns-Fusaro is a longtime writer for the Westerly Sun thewesterlysun.com
southern Rhode Island’s only daily newspaper where she writes a weekly column and serves as the arts and culture writer.
The recipient of several awards from the Rhode Island Press Association, she is a Boston native, the mother of three sons and grandmother of nine. She is married to Westerly native Samuel Fusaro Jr., and teaches at the Harrington School of
Communication at the University of Rhode Island,
Patrice Wood is an American journalist, who works as the main news anchor for WJAR, the NBC affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island. She also serves as the education reporter and the Tuesday´s Child segment host. She was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame Women Inductees. She was also inducted into the Rhode Island Radio
Patrice Wood is an American journalist, who works as the main news anchor for WJAR, the NBC affiliate in Providence, Rhode Island. She also serves as the education reporter and the Tuesday´s Child segment host. She was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame Women Inductees. She was also inducted into the Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame. Wood is the longest-serving female newscaster in Providence television history, with 40 years on air.
Awards
2022 NEMHOF Television Journalist of the Year
BornElvis Aaron Presley[a]
January 8, 1935
Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S.DiedAugust 16, 1977 (aged 42)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.Resting placeGraceland, Memphis
35°2′46″N 90°1′23″WOccupations
Works
SpousePriscilla Beaulieu(m. 1967; div. 1973)ChildrenLisa Marie PresleyRelativesRiley Keo
BornElvis Aaron Presley[a]
January 8, 1935
Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S.DiedAugust 16, 1977 (aged 42)
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.Resting placeGraceland, Memphis
35°2′46″N 90°1′23″WOccupations
Works
SpousePriscilla Beaulieu(m. 1967; div. 1973)ChildrenLisa Marie PresleyRelativesRiley Keough (granddaughter)
Brandon Presley (second cousin)
Harold Ray Presley (first cousin once removed)Musical careerGenres
Instruments
Years active1953–1977Labels
Elvis Aaron Presley[a] (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), also known mononymously as Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Known as the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Presley's energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, brought both great success and initial controversy.
Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi; his family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, when he was 13. His music career began there in 1954, at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African-American music to a wider audience. Presley, on guitar and accompanied by lead guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage him for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number-one hit in the United States. Within a year, RCA Victor would sell ten million Presley singles. With a series of successful television appearances and chart-topping records, Presley became the leading figure of the newly popular rock and roll; though his performative style and promotion of the then-marginalized sound of African Americans[6] led to him being widely considered a threat to the moral well-being of white American youth.[7]
In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, he relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. Presley held few concerts, however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood films and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. Some of Presley's most famous films included Jailhouse Rock (1957), Blue Hawaii (1961), and Viva Las Vegas (1964). In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed NBC television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. However, years of prescription drug abuse and unhealthy eating habits severely compromised his health, and Presley died unexpectedly in August, 1977 at his Graceland estate at the age of 42.
Having sold roughly 400 million records worldwide, Presley is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He was commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, rhythm & blues, adult contemporary, and gospel. He won three Grammy Awards, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame. He also holds several records, including the most RIAA-certified gold and platinum albums, the most albums charted on the Billboard 200, the most number-one albums by a solo artist on the UK Albums Chart, and the most number-one singles by any act on the UK Singles Chart. In 2018, Presley was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Members
In 1990, the Disney Channel formed a pop band composed of then-current cast members of the 1989-1994 Mickey Mouse Club (also known as MMC). As part of the promotion for the band, a name-the-band contest was held. The result was "The Party," which is a backronym f
Members
In 1990, the Disney Channel formed a pop band composed of then-current cast members of the 1989-1994 Mickey Mouse Club (also known as MMC). As part of the promotion for the band, a name-the-band contest was held. The result was "The Party," which is a backronym for "Positive Attitude Reflects Today's Youth."[1] The group was also the first signing to the Walt Disney Company's pop-music-oriented label Hollywood Records, which, at the time, was distributed by Elektra Records.
The self-titled debut album was released in August 1990 on Hollywood Records. The first single, "Summer Vacation," was moderately successful, peaking at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100. The following singles, "I Found Love" and "That's Why" (which brought the group into a much bigger audience, thanks in part to a remixed version and added rap vocals), peaked at #79 and #55, respectively. The album also charted at #116 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart. During this time, the Disney Channel produced a special titled "The Party: In Concert." The group's success landed it opening-act spots on major concert tours with the likes of Taylor Dayne and Vanilla Ice. The group also appeared on various shows, such as Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Into the Night starring Rick Dees, and The Party Machine with Nia Peeples. In the summer of the following year, "Summer Vacation" was re-released in remixed form.
In 1991, the covers and remixes EP In the Meantime, in Between Time was released, which was supposed to have kept fans occupied until the group finished its next album, but the EP took on a life of its own. The cover of the Dokken song "In My Dreams" ended up being the band's biggest hit on the charts, peaking at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on R&R (Radio and Records Chart Top 100). The song would also score the group appearances on shows such as Club MTV, a return to MMC, a Disney Channel special titled "Go Party!" and another concert tour — this time with the R&B band Hi-Five.
In 1992, with the release of the group's second studio album, Free, the band had shown growth with its changing sound and more adult-oriented lyrics. Teddy Riley wrote three songs for this album including the new jack swing-tinged title song, "Free," which was also remixed by the likes of house-music artists E-Smoove Steve "Silk" Hurley, and Grammy Award-winning remixer Maurice Joshua. Dr. Dre produced the song "Let's Get Right Down to It," and the group itself also got involved in the writing and producing of the album, which would once again land it another concert tour—this time opening for Color Me Badd. Promotion included its last special for the Disney Channel, All About the Party, and an appearance on the Blossom episode "The Best Laid Plans of Mice & Men" in which the group performed its song "All About Love." However, the album was not as successful on the charts as previous ones, which prompted Damon Pampolina to leave the group.
In 1993, the group disbanded, and Hollywood/Elektra Records released The Party's Over...Thanks for Coming with little advance notice. This farewell album consisted of outtakes from the Free recording sessions coupled with other songs recorded prior to the group's disbanding.
In 1997, Hollywood/PolyGram Records released a greatest-hits album of The Party; it had little chart success and was not promoted by the band itself. The Party was a massive influence on various young artists at the time.
WEBSITE : The Party (thepartyreunion.com)
Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis was born on April 3, 1944, the son of a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother. He spent his earliest years in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City.[2] In his teenage years, the family moved to Union City, New Jersey, and later Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.[3]
Orlando's musical career started
Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis was born on April 3, 1944, the son of a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother. He spent his earliest years in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City.[2] In his teenage years, the family moved to Union City, New Jersey, and later Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.[3]
Orlando's musical career started with The Five Gents, a doo-wop group he formed in 1959 at age 15, with whom he recorded demo tapes. He got the attention of music publisher and producer Don Kirshner, who hired him to write songs in an office across from New York's Brill Building, along with Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Toni Wine, Barry Mann, Bobby Darin, Connie Francis, and Tom and Jerry, who didn't make it in the office until they changed their name to Simon and Garfunkel.[4]
Kirshner also hired Orlando to record songwriter demos as a solo artist, and his first success came at the age of 16 when he charted in the US and UK with the hits "Bless You" and "Halfway To Paradise".[4] He also appeared at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater with DJ Murray the K.[5] Orlando also had four records that "Bubbled Under" the Hot 100: "Chills" in 1962, "Shirley" and "I'll Be There" in 1963, and "I Was A Boy (When You Needed A Man)" as by Billy Shields in April 1969.[6] Gerry Goffin and Jack Keller wrote a doo-wop version of Stephen Foster's song "Beautiful Dreamer" for Orlando. Released as a single in 1962,[7] the song was picked up by the Beatles who included it in their set lists on the Beatles Winter 1963 Helen Shapiro Tour;[8] a recorded version was released on their 2013 album On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2. New Colony Six recorded an Orlando composition, "I'm Just Waitin' (Anticipatin' For Her To Show Up)", which charted locally in Chicago and "Bubbled Under" the Hot 100 in July 1967.[citation needed]
April-Blackwood period
Orlando continued as a solo artist and also became a producer himself, as well as a successful music executive in the late 1960s. In 1967, Clive Davis hired Orlando as general manager of Columbia Records publishing subsidiary April-Blackwood Music.[citation needed] Earlier general managers for the publishing entity include David Kapralik who stepped into the position in 1964,[9] and stayed until early 1965.[10] During Kapralik's period, Van McCoy was employed as a staff writer.[9]
By the late 1960s, Orlando had worked his way up to vice president of a larger publishing company, CBS Music, where he signed, co-wrote with, and produced Barry Manilow (under the name "Featherbed"). He also worked with other artists, such as The Yardbirds; James Taylor; Grateful Dead; Blood, Sweat & Tears; and Laura Nyro.[4][11][12][13] In the summer of 1969, he recorded with the studio group Wind and had a #28 hit that year with "Make Believe" on producer Bo Gentry's Life Records. Orlando was experiencing success, primarily as a music executive, and Davis pretended not to notice when Orlando accepted a $3,000 advance and sang lead vocals on a song called "Candida" as a favor for two producer friends. If the record failed, Orlando didn't want it to affect his reputation, so the producers, Hank Medress and Dave Appel used the pseudonym: Dawn. The name was based on the daughter of label Vice President Steve Wax, in hopes of getting more promotion for the single.[14][15]
Further activities
When the song "Candida" became an international number-one song, he began to use his name in the group becoming "Dawn featuring Tony Orlando" and then "Tony Orlando and Dawn". The group had 19 other top 40 tracks, including "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree", the top-selling hit of 1973 and one of the biggest selling singles of all time. The group also had a hit variety program, The Tony Orlando and Dawn Show on CBS from 1974 to 1976.[16] They then broke-up in 1977, after which he has performed as Tony Orlando.
Orlando's first TV appearance was in 1976 on the series Chico and the Man as "Tomas Garcia".
Orlando starred in the 1981 TV movie 300 Miles For Stephanie, playing a police officer who promises to walk over 300 miles to a sanctuary in order to obtain God's help to cure Stephanie, his gravely ill daughter. Others in the cast included Edward James Olmos, Pepe Serna and Julie Carmen.[citation needed]
In May 1981, Orlando appeared on Broadway in the title role of Barnum, replacing Jim Dale, who was on a three-week vacation.
During the 1984–85 season of The Cosby Show (its first season), Orlando played Tony Castillo, who runs a community center. He also had a cameo, appearing as himself in the 2002 film Waking Up In Reno, in which he sang a version of "Knock Three Times".[citation needed]
In 2003, Orlando had a recurring role in the children's animated series Oswald, in which he did the voice of "Sammy Starfish".
Orlando appeared in an episode of MADtv doing a sketch involving a court case, where the defense sings to persuade the jury about their side. He sang for the prosecution, thereby persuading the judge to give the defense jail for life. In another television program, Orlando was featured in "Larry the Cable Guy's Star Studded Christmas Extravaganza".[25] He appeared in That's My Boy as Steve Spirou, a Happy Madison production starring Adam Sandler in 2012.
Orlando is a longtime advocate for U.S. military veterans and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" has become an anthem for service members.[26][27][28]
Orlando serves on the board of directors for the Eisenhower Foundation, as well as honorary chairman of Snowball Express, an organization that serves the children of fallen military heroes.[2]
He hosts the annual Congressional Medal of Honor dinner in Dallas. He has served as the master of ceremonies at the Secretary of Defense Freedom Awards at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.[19][29]
Orlando was introduced by Jerry Lee Lewis to his future wife, Elaine, who had previously dated Buddy Holly. Tony and Elaine married in 1965, and had one child, Jon; they divorced in 1984. Five years later, Orlando was engaged to Francine Amormino, whom he married on April 29, 1990.[2][21] The couple remained married as of 2021; they have one child.[5][30]
On February 27, 2013, his mother, Ruth Schroeder of Hollister, Missouri, died in Branson, Missouri[31] of a diabetic stroke.[32]
In 2002, he wrote a memoir, Halfway to Paradise with Patsi Bale Cox.[33][34]
Orlando was interviewed on The 700 Club explaining that he was raised Catholic and was "brought up with the Lord as my Savior"; but after a self-destructive period following his professional success with Dawn, he became a born-again Christian in 1978.[35]
In 1990, Orlando received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6385 Hollywood Blvd.[36]
For Tony Orlando and Dawn recordings, see Tony Orlando and Dawn § Discography.
Albums
Solo singles
Official Website Tony Orlando
The Rat Pack was an informal group of entertainers, the second iteration of which ultimately made films and appeared together in Las Vegas casino venues. They originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a group of A-list show business friends, such as Errol Flynn, Nat King Cole, Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra and others who met casuall
The Rat Pack was an informal group of entertainers, the second iteration of which ultimately made films and appeared together in Las Vegas casino venues. They originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a group of A-list show business friends, such as Errol Flynn, Nat King Cole, Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra and others who met casually at the Holmby Hills home of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.[1] In the 1960s, the group featured Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and (before falling out with Sinatra in 1962) Peter Lawford, among others. They appeared together on stage and in films in the 1950s and 1960s, including the films Ocean's 11[2] and Sergeants 3; after Lawford's expulsion, they filmed Robin and the 7 Hoods with Bing Crosby in what was to have been Lawford's role. Sinatra, Martin, and Davis were regarded as the group's lead members after Bogart's death.[3]
By the tender age of 16, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum drummer Thommy Price had
already hit the road playing in rock bands, and he hasn’t stopped since.
Schooled on “early blue-eyed soul” like The Dave Clarke 5 and The Young Rascals, he found
his chops playing along with his older brother’s 45’s of drum heavy songs like “Bits and Pieces
By the tender age of 16, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum drummer Thommy Price had
already hit the road playing in rock bands, and he hasn’t stopped since.
Schooled on “early blue-eyed soul” like The Dave Clarke 5 and The Young Rascals, he found
his chops playing along with his older brother’s 45’s of drum heavy songs like “Bits and Pieces”
and “Glad All Over”.
Thommy has spent his life on the road and in the studio, and along the way he has not only
become one of the most well-known and highly sought-after skin bashers in the business, he
has played of some of the most iconic songs of the 80’s.
Price has a sound and style completely his own, staying solid and in the pocket without the flash
and distractions of most professional drummers. Price’s talent is impossible to overlook, he
always has been able to put in the fireworks without losing his place as the most rock-solid
backbone around.
Thommy Price is best known for his work with Scandal, Joan Jett and Billy Idol, with a studio
discography that reads like the who’s who of Rock and Roll history book. Price has recorded
and or toured with Patty Smyth & Scandal, Debbie Harry, Ron Wood, Roger Daltrey, Ronnie
Spector, Wanda Jackson, The Psychedelic Furs, Blue Oyster Cult, Mink DeVille, Peter Wolf,
Michael Monroe, and many other top-tier artists.
Today, he continues his work as a multi-instrumentalist, writing and producing from his studio in
San Antonio, Texas.
To find out more about Thommy, including his custom tracks visit ThommyPrice.com
Carol Kaye (née Smith,[1] born March 24, 1935)[2] is an American musician. She is one of the most prolific recorded bass guitarists in rock and pop music, playing on an estimated 10,000 recordings in a career spanning over 50 years.[3]
Kaye began playing guitar in her early teens and after some time as a guitar teacher, began to perform
Carol Kaye (née Smith,[1] born March 24, 1935)[2] is an American musician. She is one of the most prolific recorded bass guitarists in rock and pop music, playing on an estimated 10,000 recordings in a career spanning over 50 years.[3]
Kaye began playing guitar in her early teens and after some time as a guitar teacher, began to perform regularly on the Los Angeles jazz and big band circuit. She started session work in 1957, and through a connection at Gold Star Studios began working for producers Phil Spector and Brian Wilson. After a bassist failed to turn up to a session in 1963, she switched to that instrument, quickly making a name for herself as one of the most in-demand session players of the 1960s, playing on numerous hits. She moved into playing on film soundtracks in the late 1960s, particularly for Quincy Jones and Lalo Schifrin, and began to release a series of tutoring books such as How To Play The Electric Bass. Kaye became less active towards the end of the 1970s, but has continued her career and attracted praise from other musicians.
During the peak of her years of session work, she became part of a stable of Los Angeles-based musicians which went by a variety of informal names, but has since become known as "The Wrecking Crew". Her work with the collective led to her prominent role in the 2008 documentary film titled The Wrecking Crew.
Carol Kaye was born in Everett, Washington to musician parents, Clyde and Dot Smith, both professionals. She has played and taught guitar professionally since 1949, played bebop jazz guitar in dozens of nightclubs around Los Angeles with top groups (also in Bob Neal's jazz group with Jack Sheldon backing Lenny Bruce, with Teddy Edwards, Billy Higgins etc.), accidentally got into studio work late 1957 with the Sam Cooke recordings and other big recordings on guitar for the 1st 5 years of studio work in Hollywood.
In 1963 when a Fender bassist didn't show up for a record date at Capitol Records, she picked up the Fender bass (as it was called then) and augmented her busy schedule playing bass and grew quickly to be the no. 1 call with record companies, movie & TV film people, commericals (ads), and industrial films. She enjoyed working under the direction of Michel LeGrand, Quincy Jones, Elmer Bernstein, Lalo Schifrin, David Rose, David Grusin, Ernie Freeman, Hugo Montenegro, Leonard Rosenman, John Williams, Alfred & Lionel Newman, etc. as well as the numerous hits she recorded for hundreds of recording artists.
Beginning in 1969, she wrote her first of many bass tutoring books, "How To Play The Electric Bass" effectively changing the name of Fender Bass to Electric Bass and began teaching 100s of Electric Bass students, many of them now famous themselves.
Her tutors are endorsed by such notables as Professor Joel Leach, 10-year winner of the Pacific Jazz Festival Awards with his famous Cal-State Northridge Jazz Bands, and Plas Johnson, jazz/blues studio sax legend ("Pink Panther"). She stepped out to perform live with the Hampton Hawes Jazz Trio in the mid 70s, has given many seminars all over the USA, and is a leader in Electric Bass education. Official Website http://www.carolkaye.com/
Alex Peterson-Bass, Carole Duckworth-Drums, Janet Robin-Guitar, Susette Andres-Drummer, Mara Fox-Guitar, Leslie Knauer-Vocal's Groundbreaking all female band Precious Metal made quite a name for themselves in the 80’s rock scene of LA’s Sunset Strip.Together the fearsome five combined glam/rock/pop into a perfect meld of top-tier melo
Alex Peterson-Bass, Carole Duckworth-Drums, Janet Robin-Guitar, Susette Andres-Drummer, Mara Fox-Guitar, Leslie Knauer-Vocal's Groundbreaking all female band Precious Metal made quite a name for themselves in the 80’s rock scene of LA’s Sunset Strip.Together the fearsome five combined glam/rock/pop into a perfect meld of top-tier melodic rock anthems, all while adding their own blend of attitude, hard rock style and of course a dose of glamour. Precious Metal’s well-crafted edgy melodic metal/pop rock proved a successful mix and live they delivered.Front-woman Leslie Knauer, drummer Susette Andres, lead and rhythm guitarist Janet Robin, rhythm and lead guitarist Mara Fox and bassist Alex Rylance complete the bands original line-up. Then a bit later came Carol Control on Drums.It wasn’t long before the girls were honing their trademark sound playing LA’s clubs. Word of mouth followed and garnering interest from LA DJ Eddie X, KROQ ho featured the bands demos on all his radio shows! That led to a chance hearing by then Polygram/Mercury Records Vice-President Russ Reagan of “Girls Night Out” in his car led him to signing the band in early 1985.Also signed to a production deal with producer Paul Sabu, Precious Metal’s first album “Right Here, Right Now,” (Mercury/Polygram) was recorded over the fall of 1985 with Sabu at the helm and saw a January 1986 release. “Cheesecake” a signature song from the bands live set, was chosen to be the first single, but the was soon overshadowed when another song “Bad Guys” found it’s way onto the soundtrack of a movie of the same name. A music video was produced for “Bad Guys” and received much-attention on MTV’s Headbangers Ball and later VH1.https://preciousmetal.band/
William Patrick Corgan Jr. (born March 17, 1967) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and professional wrestling promoter. He is best known as the co-founder, lead singer, primary songwriter, guitarist, and only constant member of the rock band the Smashing Pumpkins. He has also been the owner and promoter of the National Wrestli
William Patrick Corgan Jr. (born March 17, 1967) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and professional wrestling promoter. He is best known as the co-founder, lead singer, primary songwriter, guitarist, and only constant member of the rock band the Smashing Pumpkins. He has also been the owner and promoter of the National Wrestling Alliance since 2017. A cultural icon of Generation X, Corgan is credited with helping popularize alternative rock music as a member of the Smashing Pumpkins.
Corgan formed the Smashing Pumpkins in Chicago in 1988 alongside guitarist James Iha, with bassist D'arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin joining soon after. Strong album sales and large-scale tours propelled the band to commercial success and critical acclaim throughout the 1990s. After their break-up in 2000, Corgan and Chamberlin started a new band called Zwan; after this band's demise, he released the collection of poetry Blinking with Fists (2004) and the solo album TheFutureEmbrace (2005) before reforming Smashing Pumpkins in 2007. The new version of the band, consisting of Corgan and a revolving lineup, has released new albums and toured extensively. In October 2017, Corgan released Ogilala, his first solo album in over a decade.[1] His latest solo album, Cotillions, was released in 2019.[2]
Corgan co-founded Resistance Pro Wrestling in 2011. He joined TNA Wrestling in 2015 and became its president in 2016, but left a few months later. He purchased the NWA in 2017.
Santoro comes to GBH News from RadioBDC, where he served as news director. Prior to that Santoro was a fixture on morning radio as the awardwinning news director and morning news anchor for WFNXFM from 1983 until 2012.
Throughout his 30 years as a morning anchor, Santoro has delivered coverage of many of the most significant news stori
Santoro comes to GBH News from RadioBDC, where he served as news director. Prior to that Santoro was a fixture on morning radio as the awardwinning news director and morning news anchor for WFNXFM from 1983 until 2012.
Throughout his 30 years as a morning anchor, Santoro has delivered coverage of many of the most significant news stories of the era, beginning with the AIDS crisis in the early 1980s and leading to the 9/11 attacks, the first election of Mayor Menino and the presidential election of Barack Obama. He has interviewed cultural and political personalities including Andy Warhol, Mitt Romney, Allen Ginsberg and Yoko Ono, and has a deep connection to local news and community events in Boston. He also has taught radio and journalism courses as an adjunct professor at Emerson College.
Steve Morse Music History and Liberal Arts and Music Theory, Harmony, and Ear Training Steve Morse was the senior rock music critic at the Boston Globe for three decades and continues to write for the paper on a freelance basis today. During his tenure, he interviewed legends such as the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Ste
Steve Morse Music History and Liberal Arts and Music Theory, Harmony, and Ear Training Steve Morse was the senior rock music critic at the Boston Globe for three decades and continues to write for the paper on a freelance basis today. During his tenure, he interviewed legends such as the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Chrissie Hynde, U2, Pearl Jam, and Radiohead. He attended 250 concerts a year for 30 years, including frequent tour openings around the country as well as major events such as Live Aid and Farm Aid. Morse has contributed to Billboard and Rolling Stone magazines and served on the nominating committee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a seven-year term. He hosted a radio show, "Morse on Music,'' for Boston station WBOS-FM for two years and has aired "60 Second'' reviews on VH1. Morse has done many industry projects such as writing liner notes for album releases by Billy Joel and the Dave Matthews Band. He grew up around Boston and attended Brown University.
Jim Sullivan bio. As a high school baseball player growing up in Maine, I used to pump myself up for games by playing Iggy & the Stooges Raw Power at full volume on my crappy bedroom stereo. The ultimate adrenaline rush. Or sometimes, Alice Cooper’s Killer, digging those hard-rocking, theatrical dark deeds. My friends and team mates d
Jim Sullivan bio. As a high school baseball player growing up in Maine, I used to pump myself up for games by playing Iggy & the Stooges Raw Power at full volume on my crappy bedroom stereo. The ultimate adrenaline rush. Or sometimes, Alice Cooper’s Killer, digging those hard-rocking, theatrical dark deeds. My friends and team mates didn't quite get it – they liked Chicago (the band) and whatever Top 40 stuff crossed their path. But that was OK: I was secure in my choices and my taste. And the punk rock revolution was around the corner. That's where my musical taste locked in with many others, all of us bored with corporate rock. That period was a time of extreme excitement (friction, joy, conflict) that helped inspire me to write about what I loved. And, it opened the doors to even more worlds, writing and otherwise. I wrote for my college paper the Maine Campus and became a rock columnist and feature writer for Maine’s largest daily paper, the Bangor Daily News. My first rock interview was Slade in 1975, where, post-show, I asked Noddy Holder if he still got excited on stage. He exclaimed that he did – “My jeans are stiff as a board!” I was also writing for a music magazine, Sweet Potato, that started in Portland. After graduating from the University of Maine, I moved to Boston in 1978. I continued writing for Sweet Potato – a new Boston edition opened - and began writing freelance music reviews and features for the Boston Globe the following year while attending Boston University, earning an M.S. in Journalism. I also wrote for various national now-defunct music (The Record, Creem, Music-Sound Output, etc.) as well as doing a dozen or so pieces for the nascent USA Today – broadened my taste and sharpened my critical faculties. I found Boston most fascinating, the local rock scene and the many national and international bands that through. Maybe it wasn't New York or L.A., but most anything that hit those cities hit ours, too, and the diversity was most impressive. Name a genre on an any given night bands from that genre would be playing town. Difficult choices had to be made. Quality of the local scene: Never less than B+ and often in the A range. I joined the Globe staff in 1988, writing for virtually every section of the paper at some point, but anchored in the Arts Section and specializing in pop music and culture. The landscape of coverage was immense – from Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis to Sex Pistols and Ramones, from Neil Young and Elvis Costello to Pink Floyd and Butthole Surfers, from Roxy Music and Sparks to Patti Smith and Tina Turner. I left in the summer of 2005. Since, I've freelanced for, among others, the Boston Phoenix, the Boston Herald, the Christian Science Monitor, Best Classic Bands, WBUR’s ARTery, Rock and Roll Globe, The Hard Noise, the Cape Cod Times, and Playgirl (Yes, a ribald ride with Amanda Palmer and a profile of Lez Zeppelin). In 2022, it was time to combine things, to remake and remodel some of what I’d done over the years, add perspective and context, do some additional interviews to come up with Backstage & Beyond: 45 Years of Classic Rock Chats and Rants (Vol. 1), published July 21, 2023 and Backstage & Beyond: 45 Years of Modern Rock Chats and Rants (Vol. 2), to be published Oct. 19, 2023. The first volume of the anthology focuses on artists who came to prominence in the 1950s through the early 70s, but whose careers extended well beyond. Twenty-one of them are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Richard Thompon was kind enough to say, “These are wonderful stories across the whole range of popular music, by one of rock’s finest journalists. As history lengthens, and some of these legends move on. these become increasingly precious fragments of lives lived at the sharp edge of music.” The second volume deals with artists who took shape during the mid 70s, mostly the punk, post-punk, new wave eras. From Joy Division/New Order bassist-songwriter Peter Hook: “I have spoken to many journalists in my time, some good, some bad, some terrible. And it is lovely when you meet someone who is just like you - a huge music fan! Jim Sullivan is a music fan. I knew it very quickly after our first meeting in the early 80's. He is friendly, knowledgeable, forthright, and opinionated! An expert in his chosen field. Meeting him now is like meeting an old friend and one of the highlights of any American tour. He is no pushover. If you have faults or are resting on your laurels, he is the first to tell you off. I value his opinions highly and treasure his friendship even more.” Although much of the book revolves around things that took place in Boston, I didn’t want it to be an overly Boston-centric book. Hopefully, it’s for rock fans anywhere and everywhere. The five local-but-national acts I chose for the first two volumes: Aerosmith, the J. Geils Band, the Cars, Pixies and Mission of Burma. Jim lives in Brookline with his wife Roza and a trio of felines. If the season’s right and the weather’s nice, you may find him at Fenway Park at night -if not a rock club – and if it’s daytime, you may find him out on a golf course, forever trying to score in the 80s, succeeding enough to make him keep coming back. A summer 2023 highlight: Playing two 9-hole rounds in Newton with Alice Cooper, a smooth-swinging five-handicapper, who had some free time in Boston, prior to the Hollywood Vampires show at the Boch-Wang Theatre and tries to play every other day on tour. And, yeah, the 16-year-old me – if I knew this was in the future - woulda said, “That’s pretty cool!” And, frankly, so did the 66-year-old me: Alice telling rock stories, golf stories (and tips), showbiz stories, making a brief stop to pet the course border collie, Blush, and take a pic. All of us playing pretty damn good golf, too. One of those stories: Back in the day, Eddie Van Halen wanted to golf with Alice so they did and after the round he asked Alice how he did: “You are a great guitar player,” Alice said, politely. Yes, Eddie sucked, but the real reason he wanted to play with Alice was so that he’d introduce him to his friend Glen Campbell who was a fabulous guitarist and great golfer, as good as any pro from 60 yards in. Alice shot just a bit over par and they were two of my best rounds, too. It included a blind chip to the green over a hill on the sixth hole which landed two inches from the cup. Now, we do have “gimmes” in my little golf world, but not on a birdie putt. I walked up to the green without my putter before I remembered that, but Alice graciously handed me his putter for the polite tap-in.
Born June 12, 1951
Peabody, Massachusetts, U.S Brad was an American musician, best known as the original lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Boston. He joined Boston in 1970, in which he played and sang on the band's first three albums. Brad was known for being kindhearted, and contributed to a number of charitable causes
Born June 12, 1951
Peabody, Massachusetts, U.S Brad was an American musician, best known as the original lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Boston. He joined Boston in 1970, in which he played and sang on the band's first three albums. Brad was known for being kindhearted, and contributed to a number of charitable causes .
Justine Covault was a respected musician, record label owner, and influential figure in the Boston music scene. Originally from Detroit, she resided in Arlington and made significant contributions to the local music community. Covault was known for her involvement in bands like Justine & The Unclean and Justine's Black Threads, where her
Justine Covault was a respected musician, record label owner, and influential figure in the Boston music scene. Originally from Detroit, she resided in Arlington and made significant contributions to the local music community. Covault was known for her involvement in bands like Justine & The Unclean and Justine's Black Threads, where her musical talent shone through.
In addition to her role as a musician, Covault founded and owned Red On Red Records, an independent record company that became widely recognized for its focus on power-pop, punk, alt-rock, indie rock, and Americana genres. The label quickly gained prominence as a key platform for New England music, releasing songs by notable artists such as Cold Expectations, The Chelsea Curve, Linnea's Garden, Andrea Gillis, Girl with a Hawk, Robin Lane, and Rose Guerin.
Covault's dedication extended beyond her own musical endeavors. She actively promoted concerts and worked as a show promoter, showcasing emerging talent and providing opportunities for artists to showcase their work. Her passion for supporting musicians and her commitment to the growth of the local music scene made her a beloved and respected figure in the Boston music community.
Unfortunately, Justine Covault's passing has left a void in the music community, with many expressing their sadness and paying tribute to her on social media. Her musical talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering support for emerging artists will be remembered and cherished by those who knew and worked with her.
(Musician) Former drummer of the band Boston. Hashian is heard on Boston's self-titled debut album, as well as on the follow-up Don't Look Back. Hashian was of Armenian and Italian ancestry and lived in Lynnfield, Massachusetts[3] with his wife, Suzanne (née Jipp).[4] They had one son, Adam, and two daughters, songwriter Aja Hashian and s
(Musician) Former drummer of the band Boston. Hashian is heard on Boston's self-titled debut album, as well as on the follow-up Don't Look Back. Hashian was of Armenian and Italian ancestry and lived in Lynnfield, Massachusetts[3] with his wife, Suzanne (née Jipp).[4] They had one son, Adam, and two daughters, songwriter Aja Hashian and singer-songwriter Lauren Hashian,
Sib, the youngest of four children, was raised in Lynn and was a graduate of Lynn English High School, Class of 1967. After receiving his first drum pad as a child, music became his passion. Sib earned money drumming as a young teen to help support his family. While in his late teens he was playing seven sets a night, seven nights a week, in the club district of Boston honing his craft of drumming. Sib continued his education at Catholic University in Washington D.C. earning an Associate's Degree. But, with the Vietnam draft looming, he chose to enlist into the United States Army Officer's Candidate School. After successfully completing OCS, Sib served as a First Lieutenant in the Vietnam War. Less than two years after being Honorably discharged from the Army. There is a film on Sib's life called "Back Beat From Above" by Yellow Box Entertainment
https://www.yellowboxentertainment.com/n-e-w-s-e-v-e-n-t-s and Sib's award presentation will be at the premier of this inspirational
Donna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012),[2] known professionally as Donna Summer, was an American singer and songwriter. She gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s and became known as the "Queen of Disco", while her music gained a global following.[3][4]
Influenced by the counterculture of the 1960s, Summer beca
Donna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012),[2] known professionally as Donna Summer, was an American singer and songwriter. She gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s and became known as the "Queen of Disco", while her music gained a global following.[3][4]
Influenced by the counterculture of the 1960s, Summer became the lead singer of a psychedelic rockband named Crow and moved to New York City. In 1968, she joined a German adaptation of the musical Hair in Munich, where she spent several years living, acting, and singing.[5] There, she met music producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, and they went on to record influential disco hits together such as "Love to Love You Baby" and "I Feel Love", marking Summer's breakthrough into international music markets. Summer returned to the United States in 1976,[6] and more hits such as "Last Dance", her version of "MacArthur Park", "Heaven Knows", "Hot Stuff", "Bad Girls", "Dim All the Lights", "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" with Barbra Streisand, and "On the Radio" followed.
Summer amassed a total of 32 chart singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 in her lifetime, including 14 top ten singles and four number one singles. She claimed a top-40 hit every year between 1976 and 1984, and from her first top-ten hit in 1976, to the end of 1982, she had 12 top-ten hits (10 were top-five hits), more than any other act during that time period. She returned to the Hot 100's top five in 1983, and claimed her final top-ten hit in 1989 with "This Time I Know It's for Real". She was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach the top of the US Billboard 200 chart and charted four number-one singles in the US within a 12-month period. She also charted two number-one singles on the R&B Singles chart in the US and a number-one single in the United Kingdom.[7] Her last Hot 100 hit came in 1999 with "I Will Go with You (Con te partirò)". While her fortunes on the Hot 100 waned in subsequent decades, Summer remained a force on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart throughout her entire career.
Summer died in 2012 from lung cancer, at her home in Naples, Florida.[8] She sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She won five Grammy Awards. In her obituary in The Times, she was described as the "undisputed queen of the Seventies disco boom" who reached the status of "one of the world's leading female singers."[3] Moroder described Summer's work on the song "I Feel Love" as "really the start of electronic dance" music.[9] In 2013, Summer was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[10] In December 2016, Billboard ranked her sixth on its list of the "Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists".[
Charles Karp (April 13, 1953 – March 10, 2019) was an American musician and Emmy Award-winning documentarian. A former student at Coleytown Middle School and Staples High School, both in Westport, Connecticut, Karp had a professional career that stretched nearly 50 years. He won an Emmy producing music for films and television, and his
Charles Karp (April 13, 1953 – March 10, 2019) was an American musician and Emmy Award-winning documentarian. A former student at Coleytown Middle School and Staples High School, both in Westport, Connecticut, Karp had a professional career that stretched nearly 50 years. He won an Emmy producing music for films and television, and his biography credits him as working on jingles for such products as Twix candy bars, US Tobacco and Xerox. He died at age 65
(Influencer) Christine Anne McVie (/məkˈviː/;[1] née Perfect; 12 July 1943 – 30 November 2022) was an English musician and songwriter. She was best known as keyboardist and one of the vocalists of Fleetwood Mac. McVie was a member of several bands, notably Chicken Shack, in the mid-1960s British Blues scene. She began working with Fleetw
(Influencer) Christine Anne McVie (/məkˈviː/;[1] née Perfect; 12 July 1943 – 30 November 2022) was an English musician and songwriter. She was best known as keyboardist and one of the vocalists of Fleetwood Mac. McVie was a member of several bands, notably Chicken Shack, in the mid-1960s British Blues scene. She began working with Fleetwood Mac in 1968, initially as a session player, before joining the band in 1970. Her first compositions with Fleetwood Mac appeared on their fifth album, Future Games. She remained with the band through many changes of line-up, writing songs and performing lead vocals before partially retiring in 1998, and was described as "the prime mover behind some of Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits".[2] Eight songs written or co-written by McVie, including "Don't Stop", "Everywhere" and "Little Lies", appeared on Fleetwood Mac's 1988 Greatest Hitsalbum. She appeared as a session musician on the band's last studio album, Say You Will. She also released three solo studio albums. McVie was also known for possessing a soft, pure, alto voice. As a member of Fleetwood Mac, McVie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 1998 received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.[4][5] In the same year, after almost 30 years with Fleetwood Mac, she left the band and lived in semi-retirement, releasing a solo album in 2004. She appeared on stage with Fleetwood Mac at the O2 Arena in London in September 2013 and rejoined the band in 2014 prior to their On with the Show tour.[6]McVie received a Gold Badge of Merit Award from BASCA, now The Ivors Academy, in 2006.[7] She received the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors in 2014 and was honoured with the Trailblazer Award at the UK Americana Awards in 2021.[8][9] She was also the recipient of two Grammy Awards.
(Influencer) The New England Music Hall of Fame recognizes Little Richard as"The Original King of Rock N Roll." Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), known professionally as Little Richard, was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. Des
(Influencer) The New England Music Hall of Fame recognizes Little Richard as"The Original King of Rock N Roll." Richard Wayne Penniman (December 5, 1932 – May 9, 2020), known professionally as Little Richard, was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He was an influential figure in popular music and culture for seven decades. Described as the "Architect of Rock and Roll", Richard's most celebrated work dates from the mid-1950s, when his charismatic showmanship and dynamic music, characterized by frenetic piano playing, pounding back beat and raspy shouted vocals, laid the foundation for rock and roll. Richard's innovative emotive vocalizations and uptempo rhythmic music also played a key role in the formation of other popular music genres, including soul and funk. He influenced numerous singers and musicians across musical genres from rockto hip hop; his music helped shape rhythm and blues for generations.
"Tutti Frutti" (1955), one of Richard's signature songs, became an instant hit, crossing over to the pop charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. His next hit single, "Long Tall Sally" (1956), hit No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythm and Blues Best-Sellers chart, followed by a rapid succession of fifteen more in less than three years. His performances during this period resulted in integration between white Americans and black Americans in his audience. In 1962, after a five-year period during which Richard abandoned rock and roll music for born again Christianity, concert promoter Don Ardenpersuaded him to tour Europe. During this time, the Beatles opened for Richard on some tour dates. Richard advised the Beatles on how to perform his songs and taught the band's member Paul McCartney his distinctive vocalizations.
Richard is cited as one of the first crossover black artists, reaching audiences of all races. His music and concerts broke the color line, drawing black and white people together despite attempts to sustain segregation. Many of his contemporaries, including Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Everly Brothers, Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran, recorded covers of his works. Taken by his music and style, and personally covering four of Richard's songs on his own two breakthrough albums in 1956, Presley told Richard in 1969 that his music was an inspiration to him and that he was "the greatest".
Richard was honored by many institutions. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of its first group of inductees in 1986. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. In 2015, Richard received a Rhapsody & Rhythm Award from the National Museum of African American Music for his key role in the formation of popular music genres and helping to bring an end to the racial divide on the music charts and in concert in the mid-1950s changing American culture significantly. "Tutti Frutti" was included in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2010, which stated that his "unique vocalizing over the irresistible beat announced a new era in music".
Goldie & the Gingerbreads (Influencer/ pioneer) was an all-female American rock band from 1962 to 1967.[1] They were the first all-female rock band signed to a major record label.[2]
Whereas most female bands were ignored by the big record labels and their live performances rarely attracted more than gimmick-seeking crowds, the quartet co
Goldie & the Gingerbreads (Influencer/ pioneer) was an all-female American rock band from 1962 to 1967.[1] They were the first all-female rock band signed to a major record label.[2]
Whereas most female bands were ignored by the big record labels and their live performances rarely attracted more than gimmick-seeking crowds, the quartet consisting of three musicians and a singer: Ginger Bianco, Margo Lewis, Carol MacDonald, and Genya "Goldie" Zelkowitz (later Genya Ravan), were among the first to break into a domain dominated by men. They were signed to Decca in 1963[3] and to Atlantic in 1964.
Singles
Moving to Boston, Mass in his teens, Hirsh attended the famed Berklee College of Music and studied there for 4 years. Soon afterwards Hirsh joined forces with future New England keyboardist Jimmy Waldo and along the way they also recruited future New Englanders Gary Shea and John Fannon. Initially going under the name Target the foursom
Moving to Boston, Mass in his teens, Hirsh attended the famed Berklee College of Music and studied there for 4 years. Soon afterwards Hirsh joined forces with future New England keyboardist Jimmy Waldo and along the way they also recruited future New Englanders Gary Shea and John Fannon. Initially going under the name Target the foursome felt they needed a different more dramatic moniker that reflected their many and varied influences, thus New England were born.
In the years between 1979 and 1982 Hirsh was an integral part of one of the classiest AOR/Melodic Rock bands on the planet. New England released 3 world class albums (S/T, Explorer Suite and Walking Wild), working with top class producers such as Mike Stone, Todd Rundgren and toured extensively with the likes of KISS, AC/DC and Journey, but all good things come to an end and in 1982 Hirsh found himself looking for another band .
A phone call from Kiss` Gene Simmons would take Hirsh and fellow New Englanders Shea and Waldo to LA to work with upcoming singer songwriter Vinnie Cusano. The band Warrior came to be but this was short lived as Cusano was quickly snatched up by KISS assuming the name Vinnie Vincent, so once more Hirsh found himself looking for a new direction.
Taking on board lessons learned earlier from working with the likes of Stone and Rundgren, Hirsh was soon an “in demand” producer in and around the Boston area and worked with artists many and varied,
Willie Nile, Mass, Shyboy and Vice just some of acts that benefitted from Hirsh`s talents in the producer’s chair.
1997 found Hirsh being awarded Producer of the year for the Boston Phoenix as well as being nominated 5 times in the Boston Music awards and winning it once in 1998.
But Hirsh never lost sight of being a musician first and foremost and continued to record in his home studio. 2002 saw the release of his first solo album `Wasteland for Broken Hearts` which was received ecstatically not only by New England fans but also by the wider rock audience.
In the intervening years Hirsh has got back together with former New England colleagues and the band have released their first new music in decades, but not being one to rest on his laurels Hirsh began quietly working once more in his home studio. The result.... `My Brain Needs A Holiday` an album not only chock full of the classic rock music that we have all come to expect from the man, but also with some welcome surprises along the way. Complete with a stellar supporting cast which includes the likes of Jimmy Waldo (New England), Richie Ranno (Starz), Ron `Bumblefoot` Thal (Guns `N` Roses & Art of Anarchy) Jon Butcher and Joe Feloni `My Brain…` is a true rock album for 2017 and beyond.
Mach's a Boston-based singer with hard-rock groups like the JOE PERRY PROJECT (1982-84), THUNDERTRAIN (1974-1980) and most recently the MACH BELL EXPERIENCE (founded in 2022). Classically trained on the cello as a child, Mach switched to the electric guitar during the Swinging 60's and in the early 70's he switched again, this time to fr
Mach's a Boston-based singer with hard-rock groups like the JOE PERRY PROJECT (1982-84), THUNDERTRAIN (1974-1980) and most recently the MACH BELL EXPERIENCE (founded in 2022). Classically trained on the cello as a child, Mach switched to the electric guitar during the Swinging 60's and in the early 70's he switched again, this time to frontman & lead vocalist.
It was Joe Perry who gave Bell his nickname "Cowboy" during their time writing, recording and touring together in the JOE PERRY PROJECT (Once a Rocker Always a Rocker, MCA Universal/Geffen Records).
Mach is a lifelong diarist and his road journals are the basis for his memoirs Once a Rocker Always a Rocker: A Diary (2019) and I Gotta Rock (2021).
Cowboy continues to make news & write new music. He travels, appearing at concerts, book signings, media events and artist panels.
Next up: Another book and more rock! Leading the all-new, hard-driving MACH BELL EXPERIENCE.
When he's not writing or rocking, Cowboy's favorite pastimes include screenwriting, film-making, flower gardening, cooking and beach combing with his wife, Julia. Cowboy even dug himself a backyard frog pond, along with his sidekick, a Bombay cat named Lucky.
Follow Cowboy Mach Bell at OnceARocker.com
https://www.instagram.com/cowboybeeps/
https://www.facebook.com/MachBell
https://twitter.com/mach_bell
It all began in 1988. Released from 12 years of a strict Catholic school education, Janice Ingarra, Kathy Kessler, and Patti Rahl, all from Connecticut, experienced a moment of revelation. The divine moment when the rich, honeyed tones of their voices embraced them in pitch-perfect harmony. So long, farewell, nuns. Hello, Sin Sisters.
Ov
It all began in 1988. Released from 12 years of a strict Catholic school education, Janice Ingarra, Kathy Kessler, and Patti Rahl, all from Connecticut, experienced a moment of revelation. The divine moment when the rich, honeyed tones of their voices embraced them in pitch-perfect harmony. So long, farewell, nuns. Hello, Sin Sisters.
Over the next two decades—first as part of Bobby and the Angels, Beauty and the Beat , then with The Spectacles, they were fortunate to perform with a host of accomplished musicians that enhanced their sound with their sterling musicianship.
They also shared the stage with legendary acts like NRBQ, James Montgomery, The Rascals, and John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, to name a few. They were also featured singers for many years for WPLR Smith and Barber and the Morning Show. These three working moms took the stage all over New England performing at music venues, festivals and private events.
Shortly after they appeared on “WFSB-Better Connecticut” as the Santa Sisters with Scot Haney, a televised Christmas fundraiser, they got a call from Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman of Saturday Night Live fame. She’d heard about three girl singers from a friend, and the next thing they knew they were her backup singers and contributing to her critically acclaimed CD Strip and Live Hive DVD.
For Ohlman, it was a no-brainer. They have this singular sound that combines gospel with soul, and it’s an ultra-beautiful thing. she says. They’re consummate performers and just a delight on stage. Right away, I considered them our artistic partners.
In 2009, the Sin Sisters realized what most singing red-wine connoisseurs discover: voices improve with age and with that revelation a new band was formed. The Sin Sisters’ nickname, all of those years, was just an inside joke from the early days since they really weren’t ‘Angels.’ Patti’s husband Don, one of their first bass players, insisted they stay true to their now legacy, forming The Sin Sisters Band.
In 2015, The Sin Sisters Band bid farewell to Patti and Don, who took their talents to the South. Despite the distance between them, the Sisters have been regularly backing up the Beehive Queen at, among other venues, The Kate and the Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown, RI.
While they each enjoyed success as solo artists, the purest joy and magic when they combined forces couldn’t be denied. From then on, they were hooked on brewing their own special sound rooted deep in harmony, soul and friendship.
(Musician/ Songwriter) Robin Lane is a songwriter and performer whose timeless recordings with her band, the Chartbusters, and more recently under her own name, are enduring proof of what is so good about contemporary music. From her thrilling rock chestnut "When Things Go Wrong," which dented Billboard's Hot 100 in 1980, to her heart-wr
(Musician/ Songwriter) Robin Lane is a songwriter and performer whose timeless recordings with her band, the Chartbusters, and more recently under her own name, are enduring proof of what is so good about contemporary music. From her thrilling rock chestnut "When Things Go Wrong," which dented Billboard's Hot 100 in 1980, to her heart-wrenching "Last One To Know" from 2003's Piece Of Mind to more recent gems including "It's Your World" and "Woman Like That," from 2022's Dirt Road To Heaven, Robin's songs are tough, brutally honest, and thoroughly engaging. And if that weren't enough, she has a great story. (Check out the credits on Neil Young's Everybody Know This Is Nowhere, just for starters.) Robin has endured, and gotten better, and her music makes it crystal clear that she's always done what she does not for fame and fortune but because that's who she is, and she loves what she does.
Kathy Auburn-Guitar
Amy Blaze-Drums
Denise Troy-Vocals/ Keyboards
Peepa Jean-Sax/Guitar/Vocals/
A ground breaking all female lesbian band. CT based Sister Funk have been around for 20 years. They have broken down many barriers and had the privilege's of sharing national stages with acts like: Mellissa Etheridge, B52s, Foreigner, ZZ
Did you s
Kathy Auburn-Guitar
Amy Blaze-Drums
Denise Troy-Vocals/ Keyboards
Peepa Jean-Sax/Guitar/Vocals/
A ground breaking all female lesbian band. CT based Sister Funk have been around for 20 years. They have broken down many barriers and had the privilege's of sharing national stages with acts like: Mellissa Etheridge, B52s, Foreigner, ZZ
Did you say 20 years? Yes this group has been to therapy and back to keep their high energy show going all these years.
2022 brings their 6th full-length independent CD release to the masses. Tracks off this new CD Wings To Fly are eclectic, more raw then their pervious releases and include some solid country-rock tunes such as Ride With Me & Life On The Road and some funky-blues-rock tunes like Want What I Want and It Ain't You. There are some surprise genres on this compilation such as Frostbite (rock-metal) and One Small Step (electra-pop).
Sister Funk has been nominated for many awards and titles: Best Rock band- Advocate, Best Rock Song- New England Music and has had their song Gone featured on Sirius Out Q as #1 for 15 consecutive weeks. Sister Funk performances are known for being unpredictable, playing multiple instruments and performing medleys of their favorite cover songs with their own creative interpretation. Don't be fooled by the name this dynamic band has something for everyone.
Website: https://www.sisterfunk.com/index.php
Composer Randy Edelman lives life boldly, conquering his own visions, creating his own destinies, muting public opinion to craft his own fate, and offering a musical legacy that will reign for eternity. He evaluates feelings, intuition and instincts and finds a melody for all of them.
Raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, the keyboard couture wa
Composer Randy Edelman lives life boldly, conquering his own visions, creating his own destinies, muting public opinion to craft his own fate, and offering a musical legacy that will reign for eternity. He evaluates feelings, intuition and instincts and finds a melody for all of them.
Raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, the keyboard couture was born with the ability to hear music and transcribe it onto the piano. After a brief quarrel with fate where Randy was temporally thrust into the pursuit of pre-med, he moved into full-time piano and composition study at the Cincinnati Music Conservatory where he was then able to follow his unquestionable destiny. He eventually procured an arranging assignment at James Brown’s King Records. In 1971 Randy relocated to New York to work as a staff writer at April Blackwood Music, while simultaneously playing piano in Broadway pit orchestras. Yet even then there was no possible way for anyone, even Randy, to realize that his constellation would lead to a unicorn marathon of celebrated careers that would touch the lives of so many.
Like a seductive alchemist Randy began to write and record his own albums transforming the world’s anguish into a narrative of truth and granting him a thriving audience in the UK, with television spots on such British institutions as “Top of the Pops” as well as many others showcasing his solo hits like, “Uptown, Uptempo Woman” and “Concrete and Clay.” He also performed solo concerts at prestigious venues, including the London Palladium, Drury Lane Theatre, and Royal Festival Hall.
The original material from Randy’s songs via his solo albums began being covered and recorded by a myriad of artist including: Barry Manilow (A Weekend in New England), The Carpenters (I Can’t Make Music), Nelly (My Place), Patti LaBelle (Isn’t it a Shame), Willy Nelson (Down in the Everglades), Olivia Newton-John (If Love is Real), ABBA’s Agnetha Faltskog (Turn the World Around), Blood, Sweat, Tears (Blue Street) The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Grey), Dionne Warwick (The Laughter and the Tears) and a long list of others. He has performed in breathtaking arenas with Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, The Association and The Carpenters, and with Olivia Newton-John at The Budokan in Japan.
However back home in Hollywood Randy became interested in pursuing a new endeavor which was creating the life, blood, and essence of the movies, through music, and making even the plainest faces alive with promise. His individuality and originality only touches upon the core of his iconic acclamation and his dexterity and endowment for the creations of over 100 soundtracks both for motion picture and television. Embodied within his eclectic film catalogs are the mischievous comedies of “My Cousin Vinny”, “The Mask”, “Billy Madison” “Ghostbusters ll”, “Twins”, “Kindergarten Cop”, “Shanghai Noon”, his romantic satires such as “While You Were Sleeping”, “27 Dresses”, “Six Days Seven Nights” and his whimsical fantasies, “Dragonheart”, “Beethoven”, “Drop Dead Fred”, “The Chipmunk’s Adventure” and “The Indian in the Cupboard” Then there are those dark, haunting, and ominous thrillers, “XXX”, “Anaconda”, “Diabolique”, “Daylight”, and his most recent, the intense and evocative music of “The Possession of Anne.”
However like a chameleon he is of a very specialized and distinctive breed of musicians and has the ability of shifting to different hues and degrees of emotions and brilliance as shown via his more serious and passionate films including “Gettysburg” (directed by Ronald F. Maxwell), “The Bruce Lee Story” (directed by Rob Cohen), “Come See Paradise” (directed by Alan Parker) and “Last of the Mohicans” (directed by Michael Mann). Amongst the other legendary directors he has lent his talent to are the late Ivan Reitman, the iconic Ron Howard, and celebrated producer and visionary Ted Turner.
Some of the television shows and series he has scored encompass : MacGyver, Mr. Sunshine, Backdraft 2 for Netflix, and Citizen X for HBO. These credits only touch the surface of his accomplishments. He has also created the music for “Dare Mighty Things” for NASA’s final Shuttle launch, “Wimbledon, Grand Slam Tennis Series” for ESPN, “ESPN Sports Century,” and even the NBC “on air” Olympic Theme, of which he has celebrated over 20 years of Olympic themed glory keeping the musical flame alive.
The multi-award winning serialist has received some of the most prestigious awards including BMI’s highest honor, the Richard Kirk Award for Outstanding Career Achievement, the Composer and Lyricist’s Guild Lifetime Achievement Award , an Emmy for the close of the NBC Olympic Broadcast, and an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati, which was received alongside the only other PhD recipient Coretta Scott King. In addition he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and British Academy Award (BAFTA), for “Last of the Mohicans.” Furthermore, “Dragonheart” was nominated for the Saturn (Science Fiction) Award, and “Leap Year” was awarded the Gold Spirit Award (in honor of Jerry Goldsmith) for Best Comedy.
Besides recording and conducting all of his own scores in Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City, and London, he has lived their performances in film festivals in Ubeda Spain, in Lucerne, Switzerland (with the 21rst Century Orchestra), and at Fimucité The Tenerife International Film Music Festival in the Canary Islands. One is likely to hear an Edelman score piece on a regular basis throughout the country, on countless symphony programs, including the Boston Pops.
Randy has for the past year or so treated sold out audiences in New York and London to his live solo performances entitled “A Life in 80 Minutes” (which spans for more like 2 hours). He has been performing on stage a behind the scenes view of his outstanding career through his music and his touching and humorous stories. Rave reviews have continuously been generated from critics including Michael Musto, publications such as Hype, Louder Than War, NY Weekly Times and a vast array of other publications.
Always dancing on the rim of a volcano, Randy continues to compose and record,lighting up the world like fireworks plunging into the night sky and shattering the darkness. The illustrious composer of modern and future times has recently released his post anthemic song of hope and inspiration titled “Comin’ Out the Other Side”, available via Tribeca Records.
The never ending saga of Randy Edelman constantly endures and advances with his ongoing work on the score for his musical, “Short Cut,” telling of the construction of the Panama Canal, and his recently released Sony Masterworks album of Randy Edelman’s orchestral score to Ghostbusters II in all formats....Randy is currently working on his brand new album “Can’t Be Killed By Any Conventional Means.”
Randy wrote the hit song "Weekend in New England"
A Boston band unlike any other, Human Sexual Response broke onto the scene in 1977 as part of the punk/new wave explosion. With three musicians (Rich Gilbert on guitar, Chris Maclachlan on bass, and Malcolm Travis on drums) and four singers (Larry Bangor, Dini Lamot, Casey Cameron and Windle Davis) HSR began their career crowding the st
A Boston band unlike any other, Human Sexual Response broke onto the scene in 1977 as part of the punk/new wave explosion. With three musicians (Rich Gilbert on guitar, Chris Maclachlan on bass, and Malcolm Travis on drums) and four singers (Larry Bangor, Dini Lamot, Casey Cameron and Windle Davis) HSR began their career crowding the stage at the legendary restaurant/music dive Cantone’s. Soon the popularity of their local radio hit, “Jackie Onassis”, led to larger venues, and extensive touring throughout New England and New York. In 1980, with the release of the band’s glowingly reviewed debut album, Fig. 14., featuring the dance hit “What Does Sex Mean to Me?” and the eerie “Anne Frank Story”, the Humans expanded their touring nationally and internationally. In a Roman Mood, the band’s second and last album before their break-up in 1982, included the driving “Pound” and the visionary “Land of the Glass Pinecones”, which in some quarters has become a seasonal holiday staple. Highlights of the band’s career include their Mother’s Day and Christmas shows at the Boston Film and Video Foundation; their Halloween shows in black body paint (in both Boston and Los Angeles, with Candy Samples and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark as co-hosts); and an all-covers Prom Night performance at Spit. Despite its relatively short career and lack of mainstream success, Human Sexual Response continues to resonate with fans old and new. Both of the Humans’ albums have been re-released (Fig. 14 twice, as Fig. 15). Their infrequent reunion shows, as musically thrilling and visually arresting as ever, have drawn consistently sold-out crowds.
Casey Cameron
Larry Bangor
Dini Lamot
Windle Davis
Malcolm Travis
Rich Gilbert
Chris Maclachlan
The Atlantic's THE ATLANTICS 1976-1983
The Atlantics were formed in January 1976 by guitarist Tom Hauck and bass player Bruce Wilkinson, two students at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. A mutual friend introduced them to drummer Boby Bear and lead guitarist Jeff Lock. To complete the lineup Bruce recruited
The Atlantic's THE ATLANTICS 1976-1983
The Atlantics were formed in January 1976 by guitarist Tom Hauck and bass player Bruce Wilkinson, two students at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. A mutual friend introduced them to drummer Boby Bear and lead guitarist Jeff Lock. To complete the lineup Bruce recruited singer Bobby Marron, a friend from his hometown in New Jersey.
The Atlantics played their first show in the spring of 1976 at The Rat in Kenmore Square. In May of 1976 they scored the opening slot for the Ramones, who were playing two nights at The Club in Central Square. The band made their first trips to New York in the summer of 1976, playing at CBGB and Max's Kansas City. The band quickly became an important and authentic part of the emerging punk/new wave movement.
The following spring Ray Fernandes replaced Boby Bear on drums. In the summer of 1977 the band recorded its first independent 45 on Jukebox Records, “When You're Young” by Bruce Wilkinson, backed with “Where Would I Be Without Your Love,” by Jeff Lock. A thousand copies were pressed but never released, and the single is now considered a collector’s item. In the spring of 1978 Jeff Lock left the band and was replaced by Fred Pineau. That fall the band was signed to ABC Records, and in December the band recorded their album “Big City Rock” at the Hit Factory in New York. The record dropped in March 1979, but a few weeks before the release ABC Records was sold to MCA Records. Their new label, together with Premier Talent, put the Atlantics on a nationwide tour with Roxy Music, followed by a regional tour throughout New England. The band performed with artists including The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Boston, The Cars, Graham Parker, and many others. The single “One Last Night” by Bruce Wilkinson received regional and international airplay, and the album garnered a glowing review in Rolling Stone.
In the summer of 1979 Paul Caruso joined the group as drummer, and the band came back in 1980 with what was to become one of New England's biggest indy singles, “Lonelyhearts,” written by Tom Hauck. It was the flip side to “Can't Wait Forever,” a Motown-flavored song by Bruce Wilkinson. “Lonelyhearts” rocketed to the top of New England radio and dance charts and stayed for months.
During the next two years the Atlantics released several more songs on tape to Boston radio stations, including “Pop Shivers,” “Wrong Number” and “Weekend.” In June 1983 the band played their final show at the Channel in Boston.
“PowerPop” presents a collection of 17 previously unreleased or limited-release tracks recorded between 1978 and 1982. They include both sides of the classic Jukebox Records single “When You’re Young” b/w “Where Would I Be Without Your Love.” Other highlights include tracks recorded at Downtown Studios with producer/engineer Phil Adler, versions of tunes found on the “Big City Rock” LP, and some of the band’s early demos.
“PowerPop” is the third Atlantics reissue, following the self-titled “Atlantics” and “Atlantics Live.” With Bobby Marron’s unforgettable vocals and classic songs by Bruce Wilkinson, Jeff Lock, and Tom Hauck, the Atlantics CD collection stands as an indispensable part of the punk/pop explosion that swept the music industry in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and whose descendants can be heard on alternative rock radio today.
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Don Randi-musician, pianist, composer, arranger and author.Don has played keyboards on over 3,000 records throughout his career. He was a part of the Wall of Sound for Phil Spector and a major part of the Wrecking Crew from 1963-1985. He is also the founder of the Baked Potato jazz club in North Hollywood, California.Some of the biggest
Don Randi-musician, pianist, composer, arranger and author.Don has played keyboards on over 3,000 records throughout his career. He was a part of the Wall of Sound for Phil Spector and a major part of the Wrecking Crew from 1963-1985. He is also the founder of the Baked Potato jazz club in North Hollywood, California.Some of the biggest hits he's played on include: You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling (The Righteous Brothers), These Boots are Made for Walking (Nancy Sinatra), Sound of a Different Drum (Linda Rondstadt), More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Staircase), Help Me Rhonda, Good VIbrations, God only Knows (The Beach Boys), Be My Baby (the Ronettes), Da Do Ron Ron, He's a Rebel (The Crystals), Jackson (Nancy SInatra & Lee Hazlewood), ABC (The Jackson 5).Don has also played piano and arranged Neil Diamond's first #1 record Cracklin' Rosie.Various artists Don has worked with include: Lou Rawls, David Axelrod, James Brown, Frank Zappa, Sonny & Cher, The Monkees, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Sammy Davis Jr, Harry Neilson,Glen Campbell, Buffalo Springfield, Leonard Cohen, The Electric Prunes, Herb Alpert, Baja Marimba Band, Neil Young, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Darin and hundreds more.Here are some links to other websites with more information:http://donrandi.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Randi
Rick Berlin w/ the Nickel & Dime Band (berlinrick.com)
A Yale graduate, Berlin has been writing and performing a distinctly theatrical form of rock and roll since the early 1970s. He achieved much of his early success with Orchestra Luna, whose eponymous debut was released on Epic Records in 1974. Orchestra Luna, co-produced by Rupert
Rick Berlin w/ the Nickel & Dime Band (berlinrick.com)
A Yale graduate, Berlin has been writing and performing a distinctly theatrical form of rock and roll since the early 1970s. He achieved much of his early success with Orchestra Luna, whose eponymous debut was released on Epic Records in 1974. Orchestra Luna, co-produced by Rupert Holmes, captured many of the dramatic eccentricities that made the band a renowned live act, particularly on "(You Gotta Have) Heart" (a cover of the Damn Yankees tune). That year, WBCN started an annual tradition of playing this particular cut for the Boston Red Sox on the baseball team's opening day. Album sales proved disappointing to Epic, though the tour for the record was successful (including an opening slot for Roxy Music). The label dropped the band, but Berlin (then Kinscherf) continued to compose and perform with Orchestra Luna, becoming a part of the CBGB scene in New York City and playing with acts like Talking Heads and The Ramones. In 1976, Orchestra Luna was offered a recording contract from Sire Records, which they turned down. Unfortunately, they found themselves unable to find a better offer. In 1978, the band's name was changed to, simply, Luna. A hit single, "Hooray For Hollywood" was released, but litigation with a former producer prevented a full album from following.
In 1982 his new band, Berlin Airlift (named for the Allied mission to fly food and supplies to blockaded West Berlin in 1948–1949), released its eponymous debut on Handshake/CBS Records. The album was given little chance to succeed, however, as Handshake declared bankruptcy less than two months later.[1] Nonetheless, two of the album's singles, "Don't Stop Me From Crying" and "Over The Hill" were hits on local Boston radio. In 1983, Berlin Airlift opened for the J. Geils Band and released the Professionally damaged EP. It featured "Hunger Strikes" which was the number one local song of 1983 on Boston radio station WBCN. The demise of Handshake Records and other difficulties led to the breakup of Berlin Airlift in 1984.
Rick Berlin: The Movie was formed in 1985. Berlin won Indie Songwriter of the Year at the Boston Music Awards for the single "Rock 'n Roll Romance" in 1987, and continued to perform in Rick Berlin: The Movie until 1989. He briefly fronted a band called Rome Is Burning in 1990, but by 1991 was performing as a solo artist. In 1994, Berlin began playing Monday nights at a Boston transvestite bar called Jacques. This weekly gig continued through 2003.
In 1999, Berlin formed one more band, The Shelley Winters Project. An eponymous, six-track CD was released on Orchard Records in 2001, followed in 2002 by the full-length I Hate Everything But You on Windjam Records. In 2003, The Shelley Winters Project opened for The B-52's, and in 2004 the band folded.
Berlin recently recorded as a solo artist, and released the album Me & Van Gogh in early 2006, and "Paper Airplane" in 2010, both on the Hi-n-Dry label. In 2009 he appeared on the Internationally streamed, On Stage with Mantis as a soloist featuring material from 'Me & Van Gogh' and the soon to be finished 'Paper Airplanes'. He was also employed at historic Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts until it closed October 2019.
Following the release of "Paper Airplane", Rick teamed up with the already existing Nickel & Dime Band. This 8-piece band breathes new life into old Berlin tunes. Berlin continues to write new material, now with this band in mind. The Nickel & Dime band (with Rick Berlin) recorded a live show at the Brendan Behan, titled "Outta Control" in March 2011, and they finished up their first studio pursuit at Dimension Sound, and are expecting to release it later this year[when?]. Though on a small scale, the band has received highly positive critical acclaim, partly thanks to Berlin's preexisting reputation in his hometown Jamaica Plain.
Berlin also worked in setting up the First Annual JP Music Fest, a tradition that he wants to continue for a long time. The one for 2012 is already in the works.
For 35 years they have served as the best rehearsal spaces in Greater Boston
They have helped multiple musicians .
Check out their official Website
Ann Hackler is a crucial part of Women in music especially in New England.
She is the Co-founder of IMA I.M.A. – The Institute For the Musical Arts (ima.org) a nonprofit organization that teaches and assists young women music. She graduated with a degree in Education at Hampshire College Class of 1980 .
She later worked at the college
Ann Hackler is a crucial part of Women in music especially in New England.
She is the Co-founder of IMA I.M.A. – The Institute For the Musical Arts (ima.org) a nonprofit organization that teaches and assists young women music. She graduated with a degree in Education at Hampshire College Class of 1980 .
She later worked at the college she graduated from and was the former Women's Center Coordinator at Hampshire College
(Influencer) Soon after Suzi began working with now legendary songwriters Chinn and Chapman (Mike Chapman also produced) , which resulted the huge hit, “Can The Can”, which went to number one in May 1973, and went on to sell two and a half million copies worldwide. Between 1973 and 1980, Suzi Quatro featured in the British charts for no
(Influencer) Soon after Suzi began working with now legendary songwriters Chinn and Chapman (Mike Chapman also produced) , which resulted the huge hit, “Can The Can”, which went to number one in May 1973, and went on to sell two and a half million copies worldwide. Between 1973 and 1980, Suzi Quatro featured in the British charts for no less than 101 weeks, and has sold to date over 55 million records, and still counting. her hits include , “48 Crash”, “Too Big”, “Devil Gate Drive”, “Daytona Demon”, “The Wild One”, “She’s in Love With You”, “Mama’s Boy”, “If You Can’t Give Me Love”, “Rock Hard”, and a million seller in the USA., ‘Stumblin In’ a duet with Chris Norman . From 77-79 Suzi spread her wings and landed a part on the worldwide hit TV. series ‘Happy Days’, playing Leather Tuscadero opposite Henry Winkler and Ron Howard. She continued to act in other shows including, Minder, Dempsey and Makepeace, and more up to date, Absolutely Fabulous and Midsomer Murders. In 1986 Suzi made her West End debut playing the leading role of Annie Oakley in Irving Berlin’s ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ for which she received great critical acclaim. 1988 Suzi spread her wings again, and hosted her own talk show called ‘Gas Street’ which ran for a year. 1989 Suzi was one of the first rock and roll acts to go to Russia, where she performed for over half a million people in just six weeks. 1991, She was triumphant again, realising a lifelong ambition by writing the music and lyrics, along with Shirlie Roden, and starring in ‘Talullah Bankhead’ it ran for its full season of 5 weeks, and Suzi received amazing critics, even though they were not officially allowed into review the show. Jan , 1999 started Suzi’s radio career with bbc radio 2, which is ongoing today. Suzi has done her own weekly programs, and many special documentaries including Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Patsy Cline, and a recent special on her home town of Detroit. Suzi has met, interviewed or played on stage with most of her hero’s. Suzi is a very popular DJ. even being nominated for music broadcaster of the year at the Sony radio awards in 2006 1999 also saw Suzi honoured in ‘This Is Your Life’, complete with famous red book. they caught her on her 56 date UK tour, onstage at the Palladium.. completely off guard, there were a few expletives that had to be edited out!! In 2006 Suzi released the autobiographical album, “Back to the Drive”… which has become the fans favourite worldwide. Suzi also made an appearance alongside Charles Dance in the theatre, in a play called “Exonerated at this time”. Unzipped, Suzi’s Autobiograpy was released in 2007 and has done extremely well worldwide.. getting to number 2 in the Australian charts where she continues to tour. the next tour in 2013 will be her 29th down under!!! Current release, produced by long time collaborator Mike Chapman, ‘In the Spotlight’ which is now also available in Limited Edition with an extra CD of unreleased Suzi compositions called ‘In the Dark’ , and an enhanced CD with a video of ‘Strict Machine’ and the now legendary Suzi tribute to her absolute hero, Elvis Presely, ‘Singing With Angel’s, which she recorded in Nashville with James Burton on guitar, and Elvis’s original backing vocal group, the Jordinaries.
Founded by frontman William “Des” Desmond in 1985, the enigmatic group wrecked havoc across the local club scene through the ’90s and ’00s, appearing at venues from Chet’s Last Call to the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Mass-Cann Boston Freedom Rally, where the Bentmen left tens of thousands dazed and confused by the group’s prov
Founded by frontman William “Des” Desmond in 1985, the enigmatic group wrecked havoc across the local club scene through the ’90s and ’00s, appearing at venues from Chet’s Last Call to the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Mass-Cann Boston Freedom Rally, where the Bentmen left tens of thousands dazed and confused by the group’s provocative presentation. Every Bentmen show is a one-of-a-kind event incorporating new stage designs and costuming, and the Once show will incorporate a broader group of alumni/guests. Opening the night will be the ethereal electro-pop outfit CMB, featuring Casey Desmond, who has carried her family’s musical lineage into new territory and performed before millions of viewers on television. The group also will re-release 1996’s Patient Zero — which includes additional guitars from former band member Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie, The Cure), Adrian Belew (King Crimson, Talking Heads) and David Tronzo (Lounge Lizards, Club d’Elf) — on Bandcamp to mark the 20th anniversary of the album, which includes such classics as “Swanee” and “Bloody Benders.” The Bentmen last appeared onstage for a stripped-down set at the Brighton Music Hall in 2014, joining such other reuniting bands as the Flies, Men & Volts and Anastasia Screamed in one of several shows that celebrated WMBR’s Pipeline! At 25: 50 Years of Boston Rock. Tickets for the Once Ballroom show are available in advance at Ticketfly. “Long before Blue Man Group, there was Bentmen” — The Boston Globe “One of the most outrageous rock shows in the country” — The Village Voice “Excellent musicianship… supremely weird stage show” — The Boston Herald “Even I wouldn’t wear what those f***ers were wearing!” — Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler
Official Website BENTMEN | A Sonic and Visual Assault on the Senses
Lizzie Borden & the Axes (LBA) were a very important band to come out of the many punk & new wave groups of the 1980's. They were an all female band that played their own instuments and wrote their own songs. Like the female bands before them, Goldie & the Gingerbeads, Fanny & The Runaways, that paved the way for LBA, Lizzie Borden & the
Lizzie Borden & the Axes (LBA) were a very important band to come out of the many punk & new wave groups of the 1980's. They were an all female band that played their own instuments and wrote their own songs. Like the female bands before them, Goldie & the Gingerbeads, Fanny & The Runaways, that paved the way for LBA, Lizzie Borden & the Axes opened doors and set the path for many of the future Girl Bands. They hit the Boston music scene running. Embracing the distinct sound of punk music with melodic harmonies and lots of rock. They were regulars at CBGB’s. Lizzie Borden & the axes played and toured with many well know groups: The Ramones, Spinal Tap, Cheap Trick, Flock of Seagulls, Joan Jett, and many more. When talking to Lizzie Borden about this she said " We played and played and played." " I remember one October we played 33 shows.“ Liz Borden formed the band LIZZIE BORDEN & The AXES with Rita Lavacchia. LIZZIE BORDEN & The AXES toured endlessly. Liz Borden is from New York and moved to Boston at the age of thirteen. She has released nine albums and continues to play live shows and record. She is currently signed with Code 213 records where she recently released a new single Sweet Pain. She will be releasing new music in 2024. Liz's songs are currently featured in television shows, commercials and movies. She also writes songs for many other artists and produces many live concert shows in Boston and California. Rita Lavacchia is a Native of Woburn, Ma. She started playing guitar in her teens and her love of music ranges from Rock to Jazz to the Blues. Rita Collects guitars and lots of music memorabilia. Rita was also in the bands Lava Beat with Liz Borden and the original lineup of The Liz Borden Band. Heather Rice a New England native, sang lead in LBA and continues to share her vocals with the world through recording her music and lending her vocals to other artists recordings and live shows. She recently sang in the studio and performed live with The Mutual Admiration Society. Cyndie Barone -Born and raised in Philadelphia. After she moved to Boston and she met Liz Borden.The Axes because needed a drummer and she had a set of drums. Cyndie ‘s time with LBA opened the door to her next career as a music promoter and publicist. Lisa Addario is a New England Native. She attended her first concert when she was thirteen years old and it was Lizzie Borden & The Axes. She played in the band SHES So Loud which Liz Borden managed. After a few other bands, and many years later, she joinined LBA around 2003. She lent her talent on guitar and shared her flawless background vocals. Lisa currently plays in the all female Aerosmith tribute band, Aerochix. Kathy Perry a Connecticut native, joined the band a few years after their start. The band wanted to expand their sound and Kathy had the keyboard chops. Kathy continues to play music and lives in Arizona. Lizzie Borden- Bass and vocals Rita lavacchia- Guitar Heather Rice- Vocals Cyndie Barone - Drums & Vocals. Lisa Addario- Guitars & vocals Kathy Perry - Keyboards & Vocals
This is the New England Music Hall of Fame Class of 2022
www.BarryGoudreau.com
Former Boston guitarist, Barry Goudreau. Barry has had much solo success after Boston releasing his own solo album titled" Barry Goudreau " . He later formed Barry Goudreau's Engine Room with Brian Maes, Tim Archibald, Tony DePietro, Mary Beth Maes, Joanie Cicatelli and Terri O'Soro. They released their first CD "Full Steam Ahead" in September 2017. Since 2014, Goudreau has also toured with the American Vinyl All Star Band, which also includes Jeff "Skunk" Baxter.
James Cotton was an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter,
who performed and recorded with many
of the great blues artists of his time and
with his own band. Cotton began his professional career playing the
blues harp in Howlin' Wolf's.
He was very influential in the music world, and regular at he Shaboo Inn.
James Cotton Documentary check www.jamescottonfilm.com/services
June is a guitarist, songwriter, producer, educator, pioneer, and actress.
She was the co-founder and lead guitarist of the all-female rock band Fanny, which was active from 1970 to 1974. She along with Ann Hackler are co-founder and artistic director of the Institute for the Musical Arts (IMA) http://www.ima.org/about_us.htmlIn 2020 she was inducted into the Massachusetts Blues Hall of Fame
Please donate to her sisters gofundme
Duke is one of the greatest guitarists to come out of New England. Duke and Al Copley founded the band Roomful of Blues. He later became a member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He has had a successful solo career . Briefly in 2013, he was the guitarist for Bob Dylan's tour.Check out his website https://www.dukerobillard.com/
Marty O'Brien is an American bassist. He plays professionally for live touring musical acts, recording sessions, television. He has worked with various musical artists such as such as Celine Dion, Chris Cornell, Brian McKnight, Tommy Lee, Jason C. Miller, Lindsay Lohan, Gus G, Lita Ford, and Kelly Clarkson.
O'Brien's live credits include tours with bands such as Disturbed, Tommy Lee, Static-X, Methods of Mayhem, and Lita Ford, among others. Official Website https://www.marty-obrien.com/
Gene Francis Alan Pitney from Rockville, Connecticut
Pitney charted 16 top-40 hits in the United States, four in the top ten. In the United Kingdom, he had 22 top-40 hit singles, including 11 in the top ten. Among his most famous hits are "Town Without Pity", "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance", "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa", "I'm Gonna Be Strong", and "It Hurts To Be In Love". He also wrote the early-1960s hits "Rubber Ball" recorded by Bobby Vee, "Hello Mary Lou" by Ricky Nelson, and "He's a
Since the company’s founding, productions have been performed in New London and in New Britain, with additional Waterbury and Middletown performances beginning in 2009, and Hartford performances beginning in 2014. CLO is the only full-season opera company in Southeastern Connecticut. CLO is a non profit organization and has helped educate and inspire many artists in Ct. Website www.ctlyricopera.org
Currie was the lead vocalist of the Runaways, The Runaways were an all-female American rock band who recorded and performed from 1975 to 1979. "Since You've Been Gone" reached number 95 on US charts. She was a heavy influencer on a lot of New England talent including Lizzie Borden and the Axes. She is also a chainsaw artist http://www.chainsawchick.com/ and released a album with Bri Darling former drummer of "Fanny" https://blueelan.com/products/cherie-currie-brie-darling-the-motivator-cd
Bob Orsi is a legendary New England vocalist gifted with the ability to embody soul music. Bob Orsi originally was in the legendary “Scratch Band” with SNL Alum GE Smith, Paul Ossola, NEMHOF Inductee Christine Ohlman, and NEMHOF Inductee Vic Steffens. Bob Orsi continues to make wonderful music with the Mighty Soul Drivers.
Fanny was an American rock band, active in the early to mid 1970s. They were one of the first all-female rock groups to achieve critical and commercial success, including two Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 singles. June Millington, Jean Millington, Alice de Buhr, Nickey Barclay, Patti Quatro, Brie Brandt
Website: https://fannyrocks.com/
The Runaways were an all-female American rock band who recorded and performed from 1975 to 1979. The band released four studio albums and one live album during its run. The orginal members were
Joan Jett, Sandy West, Micki Steele, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie Check out the website http://therunaways.com/
Aztec Two-Step is an American folk-rock band, formed by Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman at a chance meeting on open stage, at a Boston coffee house, the Stone Phoenix,[1] in 1971. Fowler grew up in Connecticut and Maine, and Shulman grew up in Manhattan. Former Maine State Representative Chris Greeley once worked as a light man for the group. They received the New York Music Awa
Website https://aztectwostep.com/
The Uptown Horns are a horn section formed in 1980 by Arno Hecht, Crispin Cioe, Bob Funk and Paul Litteral in New York City. They have toured with the Rolling Stones ("Steel Wheels") and played on #1 hit records (James Brown's "Living in America") They are in the legendary Shaboo All star band
For the past thirteen years, Ed Stack has been the President of the Connecticut Blues Society. Ed has been fully involved with the evolution and growth of Connecticut's Blues scene. Both he and the CT Blues society are crucial for the preservation in New England's Music history https://www.ctblues.org/ .
Legendary Rhode Island metal band Matthias Steele has something that not too many bands have…a long and storied past. Back in early 1985, bassist and vocalist Tony Lionetti, drummer Nino Trovato and original guitarist Todd Gencarella were high school friends in their hometown of Westerly, RI (USA
At age nineteen, Duke Robillard recruited Greg as one of the earliest members of what became the Rhode Island based powerhouse, Roomful of Blues. Greg Piccolo had amazing experiences playing with and/or recording with such music legends as Big Joe Turner, Earl King, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson”, Pat Benetar, Red Prysock, Stevie Ray Vaughan, to mention only a few. Greg has had solo success with his band Heavy Juice
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This is the New England Music Hall of Fame Class of 2021
Musician, singer, songwriter Muddy Waters, is one of the most important people in modern music history. He has inspired and influenced numerous musicians including Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles to name a few. Waters is one of very few musicians to be inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame www.rockhall.com, The Blues Hall of Fame, and The Grammy Hall of Fame.
Muddy performed numerous times in New England.
Paula Cole is from Rockport, Mass and attended Berklee College of Music where she studied jazz singing and improvisation. Paula is a multi Grammy nominated recording artist. Who made history becoming the first female Producer to be nominated for a Grammy. She won the Grammy for best new artist in 1998.
Paula is the first NEMHOF inductee to be inducted in for five categories. Pioneer, Musician, Composer, Singer, and Producer.
Official Website:
Mud Morganfield has had his own success with his solo career and has properly followed in his father's footsteps. Some of Mud Morganfield's albums include.
In 2015, his album, For Pops: A Tribute To Muddy Waters, won a Blues Music Award in the 'Traditional Blues Album' category.
James Montgomery is a New England Blues Icon.
In 1970 Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His harmonica playing, singing and energetic stage show led to his band gaining a reputation as one of the hottest bands on the New England music scene.
James has performed on stage with a long list of musicians including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Steven Tyler
Very influential on the New England
Music scene as a Producer and musician ./www.horizonmusicgroup.com
Brian Keane is a multi Emmy and Grammy award-winning American composer, music producer, and guitarist. In a career that has spanned more than four decades, he has composed the music for hundreds of films and television shows and produced over a hundred record albums. nine Peabody Award-winning films, six Oscar nominated films, and one Academy Award-winning film. Check out this gifted composer https://briankeanemusic.com/
A Newport native and a lifelong Rhode Island resident, Ken Lyon’s career spans five decades
Along the way, he achieved legendary status in southern New England as a “godfather” of the blues. His selfless approach as a band leader provided the launching pad for dozens of other R.I.-based musicians including tenor sax legend Scott Hamilton, blues & swing guitarist Duke Robillard, Brenda Mosher of Prince’s Vanity Six and Apollonia Six, and many others. RI music Hall of Fame 2011
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center Katherine Hepburn truly loved the arts and in the spirit of the Academy Award Winning actresses memory. The Kate has helped bring quality entertainment to New England music community.
The Knickerbocker Café,
a storied music club in Westerly, Rhode Island, was built in 1933,
The club thrived as one of the leading entertainment centers in southern New England, hosting regional and national bands with an emphasis on the blues. They have had many blues legends on that stage.