46 Years Ago Today

It was 46 years ago today - February 9, 1964 - when The Beatles made their historic first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The Fab Four sang five songs on the Sullivan show - "All My Loving," "Til There Was You," "She Loves You," "I Saw Her Standing There," and "I Want to Hold Your Hand." There were fewer than 800 people in the studio audience - demand for tickets far exceeded the supply - and the show was watched by an estimated 73 million people. Were you one of them?

Jeff Barry: Jeff Barry in the Rock Hall!

Congratulations to Jeff Barry and the late Ellie Greenwich for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

Jeff Barry: Jeff Barry in the Rock Hall!

For Ellie Greenwich, this honor is a posthumous one. Ellie, whose songwriting partnership with then-husband Jeff produced some of the world's best-known songs, passed away on August 26, 2009. Jeff, along with several of his peers (please visit the above link), will be honored at the Rock Hall induction ceremony, to take place in New York City in March of 2010. Heartfelt congratulations to Jeff (whose official fan site is an Oldies Connection "sister site") - this honor is truly well deserved.

Christmas Rocks!!!

It's that time of year again ... and Christmas Rock is online and at your service, here to bring you lyrics to popular Christmas tunes as recorded by the rock and roll artists of the 1950s through 1990s and beyond. There's also a YouTube player featuring a bunch of holiday music videos - or you can click on the link to view the entire Christmas playlist on the YouTube website. Plus there are links to purchase your favorite holiday music and movies, just in time for gift giving! Christmas Rock is a fun place to visit, so kick back, grab a glass of egg nog or apple cider, and click on da link to get there!

The Oldies Connection Blog is Back!

Hello, oldies fans,


After a rather long hiatus (which was mainly spent on launching various new websites and online communities as well as dealing with personal issues and a demanding day job), the Oldies Connection blog is back in action! The Oldies Connection website, which this blog supports, has never gone away; it is continually being updated with news and content. In addition, there is now an Oldies Connection Page on Facebook. The Facebook Page is mainly for posting links to videos and related sites as well as news on updates and additions to the main site. Please check it out and, if you're a Facebook member, feel free to become a fan of the page.

More articles and links coming soon on the Oldies Connection site. Stay tuned. And thanks for your support!

Ron Dante Radio Interview

On October 3, 2007, Ron Dante (The Archies, The Cuff Links) was interviewed by oldies deejay Ronnie Allen for Philadelphia-area radio station WNJC. The show, which features a brief guest "appearance" by yours truly, is now online at the Jersey Girls Sing! website. To listen, please visit the site and click on the link for Ronnie's Radio Page, then scroll down to the October 3rd show. Ron's segment is the second half hour; Charlie Gracie ("Butterfly") is the first.

And while you're there, you might wanna check out some of Ronnie's other terrific interviews - such as those with The Dixie Cups (September 12), Ronnie Dove and Kathy Young (September 26), and Duane Eddy (October 10) - as well as the rest of the Jersey Girls Sing! website which is the official site for Denise Ferri (The Delicates) and Bernadette Carroll ("Party Girl") and is chock-full of photos and music and memories.

Enjoy,

Laura

His Name is Rambeau!

Despite having been a co-writer on a Top Ten hit record in 1964 and enjoying a Top 40 of his own a year later, Eddie Rambeau's name has never been of the household variety. But even if you don't know his name, chances are you've seen or heard this super-talented singer and composer at some point in your life, especially if you're a Boomer like myself. Along with Bob Crewe and Bud Rehak, Eddie penned "Navy Blue" for Diane Renay, as well as her followup record, "Kiss Me, Sailor" (with Rehak). The following year, 1965, Eddie recorded a hit single of his own, "Concrete and Clay." He has appeared on television, acted on Broadway, performed on cruise ships, and is still going strong (and looking good) at age 64. To read my essay, "His Name is Rambeau," please visit the Oldies Connection website and click on the link beneath Ed's photo on the homepage.

Enjoy,
Laura

Ed Rambeau: One Note Ahead

Fans of the handsome and multi-talented Eddie Rambeau ("Concrete and Clay") will enjoy S.J. Dibai's interesting, informative and highly entertaining interview with the man himself. To check it out, click on the link below:

One Note Ahead: Rambeau, Part II

Eddie also had a minor hit with "My Name is Mud," and he cowrote two Top Forty recordings for Diane Renay - "Navy Blue" and "Kiss Me, Sailor."

Ed is a performer's performer - his stage presence and phrasing are impeccable, and he puts just the right amount of emotion into every song he sings. He's also extremely good to look at! For proof, check out the video below, from one of Ed's Shindig appearances in 1965. If you're a red-blooded, heterosexual female who doesn't swoon when Ed looks directly into the camera and sings "I'll always love you, baby," then you probably should get a medical checkup!

The Dixie Cups on MySpace

Remember The Dixie Cups, that lovely and talented trio from New Orleans? Of course you do. Who can forget these beautiful and talented ladies with their pristine harmonies and their string of hit records, beginning with "Chapel of Love" and culminating with "Iko Iko?" Both of these tunes remain as popular as they were back in 1964 and '65 - you almost can't go to a wedding without hearing the first song, and the second is often performed at parties and other functions where guests will "second line" while carrying umbrellas and waving handkerchiefs and various other props. The Dixie Cups themselves remain active as performers - although they stopped recording in 1966, they have never disbanded - and now they have an official page on MySpace. Please click on the link to check out their profile and enjoy the audio and video on the page - and, if you have a MySpace account, feel free to add them to your Friends list.

Jeff Barry: Jeff Barry's Birthday Card!

Hi, music fans,

It's that time of year again - please click on the link below to visit my post on the Jeff Barry blog regarding Jeff's birthday, which is Tuesday, April 3rd. I've set up a special message board where fans of Jeff's can post their birthday wishes for him.

Jeff Barry: Jeff Barry's Birthday Card!

If you enjoy Jeff's music - and you probably do, even if you're not familiar with his name - please add your "signature" to his online birthday "card!" Jeff is the legendary Brill Building songwriter/producer who's responsible for dozens of hit songs including "Baby, I Love You," "Leader of the Pack," "Chapel of Love," "Sugar, Sugar" and so many more. Please help to make his birthday a memorable one!

Thanks,
Laura

Joey Dee - New Promo Video

Hi, music fans,

Are you a fan of Joey Dee and The Starliters ("Peppermint Twist")? Check out this cool new promotional video for Joey Dee's All-Star Rock 'n' Roll Revue, featuring Bob Valli, original Starliter David Brigati, and Tommy Mara, formerly from The Saints, now from The Crests. (Tommy is called the Pavarotti of Doo Wop, and for good reason!) After you've watched this awesome sampling from their live show, make sure to visit Joey Dee's website and have a gander at the itinerary page - you definitely won't want to miss these guys if you've got a chance to see them in person. This is one act that never disappoints!

Enjoy the vid.


Joey Dee's All Star Rock 'n' Roll Revue

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