Dudleys Disc Data Archive
Dudley’s Disc Data
October 2012
Adorable, Addictive Wanda Young
Motown’s first “female Group”, the Marvelettes, was soon overwhelmed by the greater success of Martha and the Vandellas (magnificent) and the Supremes. But the Marvelettes still managed two dozen sizable hits from 1961-1968. Maybe called Motown’s mystery group because of membership turnover. Their pictures can range from three to five members – usually several tall, robust girls and always, a true little beauty – the diminutive, adorable, wicked Wanda Young.
She sang lead on all the hits after 1965. The early three were sung by the raucous Gladys Horton, who recently died: “Please Mr. Postman”, “Playboy”, and of course, “Beechwood 4-5789” (you can call me back and have a date, any old time.) It seemed very much Gladys’ group.
But Motown’s genius Smokey Robinson had other plans! He heard in Wanda’s laid-back voice a subtle “Sleeping Giant”. He decided to make her a star. He wrote a dozen irresistible songs for her including The Marvelettes’ last three big hits from 1966-67: “Don’t Mess with Bill”, “The Hunter gets Captured by the Game”, and “My Baby Must be a Magician”.
And he wrote the six lesser gems. I want you to hear – these hits ranged from about #35 to #60 but they are all huge in my memory book !! Listen to: “I’ll keep holding on”, “You’re My Remedy”, “Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead”, “You’re the One”, “Here I am Baby” and “Destination Anywhere”.
Now really – it’s so easy to love these songs and Wanda. That voice which Smokey and I loved, just rolls, purrs and slurs along. Wanda succumbed to drugs and alcohol, bring about the end of the group (She had married one of Smokey’s Miracle comrades), but let’s not dwell on that.
You may think these songs sound alike – but really do you want them to even end? Don’t you want to hear them again tomorrow? Isn’t Wanda addictive? (Remedy – “Don’t call a doctor, a nurse is worse”!).
Dudley Brown (Class of ’58)
Dudley Brown doesn’t use a computer (etc.), can be reached at:
304 Columbia Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
(240) 727-0216
Thank you and thank you – Wanda Young and Smokey Robinson, who found her for us.
(Dudley’s Disc Data will become a monthly feature of the website). He would like to hear from his longtime friends.
Wanda Young by Fred Bay on Grooveshark
Article #3 October 15, 2013
The Genius of George Goldner
Sharp dressed man George Goldner loved to nurture young black artists and knew a hit when he heard one. A Jewish New Yorker who started recording Latin music for his Hispanic wife, he got sidetracked by all the teenage black singers who kept showing up. He started a half dozen labels, produced over 100 great singles and a dozen national hits. But gambling addiction ruined his career and shortened his brilliant life. He lost all his labels and money to some very bad gang collectors. This is why he never became Berry Gordy. But here (playlist) is some of the beautiful music by his best groups.
“The Masquerade is Over - 1957”, “Until the Real Thing Comes Along 1957”, “That’s My Desire - 1957”, “Stay As You Are - 1957” : The Harptones (Willie Winfield) and Channels (Earl Lewis) are probably New York’s two most loved groups that never had a national hit. Harptones were loved for their romantic smooth ballads and Channels for their complex, thrilling harmony. Their 1957 work with Goldner was brief, between their stays at other labels. As of 2000, at least, both groups still performed occasionally.
“Could be Magic - 1957”, “Chapel of Dreams - 1958”: The Dubs beautiful “Could this be Magic” is the biggest hit on this list – a favorite slow dance in winter 1957. Oooh, that ending !! Lead Richard Blandon died at 52 in 1991.
Frankie Lymon (1942-1968) and the Teenagers had Golden’s second biggest hit, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” #6. I prefer the three minor hits here, from Lymon’s only big year 1956. Enjoy he the sorry fun on “ABCs of Love”, and Lymon’s double denial on “I’m Not a Know It All” and “ I’m not a Juvenile Delinquent”. ?? Oh yes you were, Dude and that’s why your career died young and so did you… Frankie had a younger brother, Lewis Lymon, who made a few good records, stayed out of trouble, became a New York disc jockey, and died in the summer of 2013.
“So Much - 1958”, Please Say You Want Me - 1961”, “My Empty Room - 1960”, “Where - 1959”: “Little” Anthony’s “Tears on My Pillow” was Goldner’s very biggest hit at #4. “Little” Anthony’s precise dictation could have provided him a second career as a speech therapist, but he didn’t need it, with a slew of later hits in the 1960s. How does Anthony get his girl back? “I said a prayer and played the jukebox”. If only it was that easy !! Note that “My Empty Room” and “Where” (Platters) are the same Tchaikovsky symphony tune Both minor chart hits, Platters was bigger.
“He’s Gone - 1957”, “Goodbye to Love - 1958”, “If You Try - 1958”, “I Love You So - 1958” – Really special ! The Chantels, Schoolgirls, were the first young female group to have more than one hit, especially their most famous, “Maybe”. Amazing sound, since Arlene Smith was only 15 and wrote most of her songs. What a voice !! She grew disillusioned with the music business and became a music teacher instead. Chantels had one more big gorgeous hit without her – “Look in My Eyes - 1961”.
“Besame Mucho – 1960”, “Maria Elena – 1960”, “Nobody Loves Me Like You – 1960”, “Your Other Love – 1960” – Goldner’s most elegant group (Flamingos) easily deserve their own collection. One of the few black Jewish groups, they had Goldner’s third biggest hit, “I Only Have Eyes For You”. They had a flair for Latin numbers and moved into the newest popular Drifters’ style for “Nobody Love Me Like You” and “Your Other Love”. “Maria Elena” was the #2 song the week of Fred Bay’s birth, in a very different original version by Jimmy Dorsey. It sure sounds good here.
In case you did not hear enough Flamingos material to fill out at least four albums (48 songs), making this group his most productive venture. (The Flamingos had already released at least 24 singles on various labels from 1953-58before joining Goldner. The most famous of these early records was “I’ll be home”.
Their first hit for him was the super-romantic “Lovers Never Sat Goodbye” with a kiss in the middle. (This was a great favorite of my mother’s)
“Time Was”, “As Time Goes By”, “Yours” were all their versions of older tunes. “Yours” and “You Belong to My Heart” show the group’s skill with Latin-type beats.
All in all, they may have been the most all-around, musically versatile of all doo-wop groups.
Conclusion
Let me add that at the end of George Goldner’s life is tragic, but to me he’ still a musical hero for making possible all this wonderful music, and so much more.
Goldner by Fred Bay on Grooveshark
Article #2 October 14, 2013
Eberle/Eberly Brothers
Before there were Don and Phil (Everly), there were brothers Ray Eberle and Bob Eberly. They ruled the charts in 1940-41 with music our parents loved. Ray with Glenn Miller and Bob with Jimmy Dorsey (and Helen O’Connell) recorded a fusillade of 68 total hits ! This is the music so many of us were born into.
I picked, to represent Ray, three tunes which were revived much later; “My Prayer”, “Blueberry Hill”, and “At Last”. Did you know they originally sounded like this ? Ray was a beloved romantic crooner but was unable to sustain any kind of solo career when Frank Sinatra (and Perry Como) achieved domination. Short but ever so sweet !
A bit more upbeat and dashing, the Dorsey- Eberly – O’Connell tunes swept the charts throughout 1941. The bright smiley voice if Helen helped a lot. Note the tempo changes in most of these hit tunes. They have some tension.
The big band era did not get any bigger than this. It’s probably the music our parents danced to. If you like, you can close your eyes and picture them. This music can put them with you if you believe. Works for me.
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If you would like to know more about (our) parents’ music, I have three more little “programs” planned for the future. If you have any requests or suggestions, let Fred or me know.
Do you have an anniversary to observe? (or someone’s birthday?) – Do you know what songs were popular in that exact week? I’ve got the weekly lists from 1935 on.
If you were married before 1935 and you are reading this, my profound congratulations.
Dudley Brown (MHS Class of ’58)
Eberle/Eberly Brothers by Fred Bay on Grooveshark
Dee Dee Sharp, The Orlons: Philly Fun, 1962-63
Why did Fred Bay have such a festive birthday in July 1962 ?? (ed. I finally passed my math at UC?) I got it – because the Orlons (“Watusi”) and Dee Dee Sharp (“Gravy”) were both in the top 10! How fun can you get? I’m jealous – they weren’t around on my 21st (9/61), (Not that I’d had noticed or remembered.)
Absence makes the heart grow… well you know. The Orlons and Sharp disappeared from print for mysterious legal reasons and were unavailable for over 35 terrible years! (How did I survive life without Dee Dee?) Finally these pop dance classics reappeared around 2000. What a thrilling day in my house! I played them over and over and danced around to the bemusement of my cats. The world does not need to know). (ed. The world now does Dudley)
The Orlons only managed these four hits, but what a dynamite quartet they were. Three women and one guy, Steve Caldwell, the “Frog” voice. “Don’t Hang Up” – Ooh no, says Steve. To “South Street” he punctuates with “Oh Baby”. South Street is celebrated as “Where all the hippies meet”, “The hippest street in town” (Oh Baby!)
After the hits stopped, “Frog Voiced” Caldwell became a school bus driver. One of the girls was murdered in 1977, still unsolved. But they were back on PBS recently – I generally avoid those PBS “Reunion” group concerts, often depressing. I agree with Fred Bay, a lor of people should know when to quit…..but there were some Fine Lady Orlons, Shaking their Watusis, and the bus driver; with hits “Oh Mi” and “Oh Baby” still perfectly resounding. The audience was in rapture, and so was I.
As for Ms. Sharp, she was never well liked by colleagues, a difficult person but bright enough to get a Ph D in something (Psychology ?). “Mashed Potato Time” sounded so much like “Please Mr. Postman” that writers had to be paid. She was still on the “Gravy” train (HA!) when Fred’s birthday rolled around.
The last 2 songs “Ride” and “I Really Love You” were not big hits, but the singers personal favorites. You’ll like them fine. I waited a long time for this stuff to become available, and it adds happiness to my life. If you dance, let your cats watch.
Dudley Brown (MHS Class of ’58)
P.S. The #2 song on Mr. Bay’s 21st birthday was “The Stripper” appropriate for anyones 21st! The #1 song was “Roses are Red” by Bobby Vinton.
Dee Dee Sharp / Orlons by Fred Bay on Grooveshark
Jim Reeves (1924-1964)
If you were a kid who heard any country music at all in 1953-1959, you couldn’t miss Jim Reeves’ first two big hits, “Mexican Joe” and “Bimbo”, and we liked these childlike , playful tunes. Reeves would also record the delightful “kid” song “Roly Poly” – about a voracious child. “Daddy’s Little Fatty”, who eats “bread and jelly 20 times a day.” This very cute song was a country hit in 1946 for Bob Wills and was beautifully sung by Merle Haggard in hit 1969 Wills tribute.
Notice that in his early hits, Reeves sang in a higher , thinner voice. Then the low smooth ballad voice he soon developed. Before he died in a plane crash, one year after Patsy Cline’s, he was the first country star to become internationally loved, and he mush have been very busy, because “they” kept finding unreleased Reeves material, and he kept having hits for well over ten years after he died. This is a “picture” of his talent.
“That’s My Desire”, originally a 1947 hit by Frankie Laine (and Sammy Kaye, a band to which my father once belonged), became a group classic by the Channels and Dion and the Belmonts, and his good versions by Ella Fitzgerald and Patsy Cline.
Now in August 1950, when I was still 9 years old, the original “Mona Lisa” and “Goodnight Irene” were the songs that got me interested in the charts. I loved “Mona Lisa”, my mother favored “Irene”, and a neighbor told me about the “Hit Parade”, which rated them. I had a tantrum and threw something (safe bet a brick) across the room when “her” song beat mine, but my lifelong obsession with charts still continues after these 63 years, and Jim Reeves sings both the way my mother liked.
She also liked “Four Walls”, a big “pop” hit which I included for her. “Dark Moon” was a pop hit in 1957 for TV’s Gale Storm (remember “My Little Margie”?) – There are also fine versions by the wonderful Teresa Brewer (1931-2007) and Patty Page (1927-2013).
Finally we have the three touching valedictory performances, from the huge storehouse of Posthumous Reeves releases. Very appropriate titles.
Now as I write this, I’m afraid to turn on the TV, as all we are hearing is about government shutdowns and debt ceilings. I’d rather retreat into the soothing relaxing world of Jim Reeves. See you there.
Jim Reeves by Fred Russell on Grooveshark
December 2013
Volume 1, Article 6
Merry Christmas MHS !!!
(Part I)
Celebrate with 4 wonderful women. My absolute #1 favorite singer, Kathy Mattea, created a classic album in 1993, winning a Grammy, without using any “traditional” songs, here are three award-winning reasons. I saw her 6 times so far.
My absolute second favorite singer, Lorrie Morgan, just “kills”/”slays” me with these awesome “traditional” performances. In my book, she was (1) the best torch singer of her generation, (2) the most under=rated, and (3) the most glamorous. I saw her 4 times.
My absolute third favorite singer, Trisha Yearwood, has a couple of “original” items that were very popular. She is of course, Mrs. Garth Brooks and a TV cooking star and writer.
My absolute fourth favorite, Martina, sang songs that actually were older than these others with her 1998 album. To me songs “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (both from the mid-40s) always & forever go together.
Enjoy !!
Dudley
Dudley Brown doesn’t use a computer (etc.), can be reached at:
304 Columbia Street
Cumberland, MD 21502
(240) 727-0216
Dudley would like to hear from his longtime friends and also if you like his columns, please take time to write him.
Christmas by Fred Russell on Grooveshark
If you click on a song by the artist that Dudley writes about you can listen to their music !
Merry Christmas MHS !!!
(Part II)
“Today and Yesterday”
December 2013
Volume 1 Article 7
One of today’s pleasantest pop singer, Colbie Caillat, made my favorite 2012 Christmas album. What’s Christmas without “Santa Baby”? (My favorite2013 Christmas album is the new one by Kelly Clarkson, but I don’t have it yet.) {ed note: Dudley have you been a good boy this year, if so maybe}.
Fifty years ago came the beloved Phil Spector album which has sold a million though it flopped at the time……. Usually called the best-ever pop – rock & roll Christmas album, no argument from me. All these young singers were about 21 or less. And most of them are still with us.
Enjoy Tigers!!
Dudley
Christmas II by Fred Russell on Grooveshark
Volume 2 Article 1
January 2014
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt (1946- ), almost certainly the most versatile singer of her generation, has announced that she has Parkinson’s Disease and cannot sing. Let’s enjoy a perfect little survey though her adventurous career and many changing moods.
I can’t think of anyone who has succeeded – gone platinum and won awards – at Rock, Country, Mexican/Hispanic, and traditional Jazz ballads – as well as Opera, not recorded. She appears to have had a restless, even impatient, temperament, or a short attention span. She got tired of one style quickly, only to come back to each one a few years later.
She started slowly, getting only two hits (“Different Drum” & “Long Long Time”) in three years. I often feel that “Long Long Time” is her most beautiful torch performance ever.
Or maybe her most beautiful one is her lead on, “Telling Me Lies” the country hit from the 1987 Parton – Harris – Ronstadt “Trio” album. Play these together and can you choose – Which ??
Then again, maybe “Try Me Again”, is the most beautiful of these three, as well as the least known. “Try Me Again” is one of the very few songs which Ronstadt wrote, and it make me wish she had written much more. (She also wrote “Lo Siento Mi Vida”.)
“Try Me Again” was later recorded by the great Trish Yearwood (included in play list), one of several country singers influenced by Linda. (Martina McBride is another.) Actually in many ways I think Trisha Yearwood is a better singer, while sticking to the narrow genre range; Many critics consider Linda Ronstadt to be vocally splendid but emotionally vacant, and they may have a point. Trisha calls up more intense emotion.
Linda also wrote the Mexican “Lo Siento Mt Vida”, and recorded traditional Mexican music “Hay Unos Osos”, a tune from the 1930’s. We end with three “old” (1930s) tune from her celebrated Jazz – ballad items in 1983-1984. Again many critics complained that these lush productions were emotionally shallow. I don’t think so ! Hear, decide, and be fascinated by everything she tried.
Dudley
Linda Ronstadt by Fred Russell on Grooveshark
January 2014
Volume 2, Article 2
12 Great One-Shot Hits
(aka 1959 was a great year for one-shot hits)
“Little Bit of Soap” by the Jarmels (1961) opens the set with a snap ! One of the most fascinating tunes here, only reached #12 but everyone seems to remember it. And it charted (lower) by 4 more people in later years, last in 1979. “A Little Bit of Soap” did not wash this song away.
“Love You So”, more snaps ! And a primitive, simplistic, unforgettable production.
“I’ve Had It” begins our 6 –tune run of 1959 hits. Better one-shot than none, right ?
Unless you’re in a bar – then I’d rather have No (zero) shots than only one. Don’t get me started- you can’t stop me…..Someone stopped this group from having another hit, but I still love this one.
“All American Boy” a great joke, Bobby Bare was a one-hit pop wonder (as Bill Parsons) but got into the Country Hall of Fame this year.
“Sea Cruise” Ooo-Wee ! Frankie Ford was the token white kid in New Orleans’ music scene, and he made some good records, such as the oldie “Time After Time”, but only this made it.
“So Fine” & “You’re so Fine” are two similar soul titles that hit together.
“The Big Hurt” & “Hurt”. It may be cheating to put these “hurt” titles together, since Timi Yuro had another hit in 1962 (you remember), but I couldn’t resist. The (Late) ladies both sound like they know their subject. “Hurt” charted several more times, by Little Anthony and even by Elvis, but “Big Hurt” never came back. “Now it begins – now that you’re gone – needles and pins, twilight till dawn.” “When will it end - ?” (It ended here.)
WHAT did you guys do in 1959 to make so many artists just disappear?
“Let Me In” – Lively Yvonne Baker and her boys made several other worthy tries, but only one hit. I’d like to have heard more. I’d let her in. (Later sung by Bonnie Raitt)
“Eddie My Love” – Also a hit by the more prolific (white) Fontane Sisters and Chordettes. These two sisters reportedly had a very rough, self-destructive time (“I’m sinking fast – the very next day might be my last”) – It was.
“Over the Mountain, Across the Sea” – One of my very favorites, the haunting doo-wop duet. Great recitation ! I would have liked a lot more of this couple. (They made a failed comeback album in 1982). Johnnie Rocherson, the girl, was only 12! She became a “floating” member of several groups and died in 1988 (age 43).
Dudley
One-Shot Hits by Fred Russell on Grooveshark
If you click on a song by the artist that Dudley writes about you can listen to their music !
(Dudley’s Disc Data is a monthly feature of this website).
January 2014
Volume 2 Article 3
Great Country Songs with a Message:
Thoughts for the New Year
“The Song Remembers When” by Trishe Yearwood – One of the most beautiful songs and Performances really explains what music can do – This music, any music, think about the words and what this means to you. Intense!
“She is His Only Need” – by Wynonna Judd. Her first and best solo hit is a fascinating relationship study. How far should he go for her?/or you for anyone?) Lonely and thoughtful.
“How can I Help You Say Goodbye” – by Patty Loveless - Consolation? Another of the great 90’s voices.
“He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” – by Mary Chapin Carpenter - Maybe Country’s most famous, and catchiest, feminist anthem. All together now, what does she say when she meets him at the door? “I’m sorry but ……”
“Love’s the Only House” – by Martina McBride – Most of Martina’s songs have messages, many about abused women. This seems to be a “charity” song – give and help others – a special memory of a special person. (see “Standing Knee Deep – below”.)
“Anyway” – by Martina McBride - A Go-for-it song.
Kathy Mattea’s Trilogy
“Standing Knee Deep in a River” – by Kathy Mattea – “Friends I can count on, I can count on one hand.” A powerful, intense vocal. I saw her sing this in 1997 in the front row with 3 friends, all gone. (one a heart attack, one cancer, one suicide). She shook our hands and spoke to us during this song- Classic.
“Asking Us to Dance” – by Kathy Mattea – Another “Go-for-it” song, lovely and under rated.
“A Few Good Things Remain” – by Kathy Mattea – “While the world outside my window goes insane, you’re here to remind me….” That Voice! That Voice!
Is it any coincidence that during these years, Garth Brooks and Kathy had the same producer/manager? I don’t think so: (Allen Reynolds)
Garth’s Trilogy – Together these are, to me, the deepest total statement that I have heard in 25 years. Profound !!
“If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks
“Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks – What we want isn’t always what we need. Remember that job you wanted so much and didn’t get? Later you get a better one! That was me in 1969-70.
“The Dance” – by Garth Brooks – “I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance” Think about it – all of it!!
Dudley
Great Country Songs with Message by Fred Russell on Grooveshark
If you click on a song by the artist that Dudley writes about you can listen to their music
