Talk and Rock Radio Podcast

Talk and Rock Radio podcast host, Rick Kern, will interview various musicians and Rock 'n Roll legends. They all have inspirational stories to tell and we want to hear them!

Transatlantic Guitar Trio - Truly, the Best! 09/20/2024

"Talkin & Rockin with Country Rock Legend - Richie Furay" 07/09/2024

Mary McCoy 'Elvis & Living Her Dream' 06/24/2024

Beatles Forever 06/06/2024

Jim Messina - Then, Now & Tomorrow 05/27/2024

Remembering David Crosby with James Raymond & Steve Postell 03/28/2024

Remembering David Crosby with James Raymond & Steve Postell Steve Postell is a singer/songwriter/guitarist/composer and producer. Trained at The Mannes College Of Music in New York City, Steve Postell has had a successful, prolific career which spans his days playing with Pure Prairie League, performing on Broadway in shows such as “Evita” and “The Man Of LaMancha,” co-writing the score for the off-Broadway rock musical "Fallen Angel" (starring Living Colour vocalist Corey Glover), touring with Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Princess Lea in "Aladdin") as her musical director, and fronting the popular New York City bands, “Chain o' Fools” and “Little Blue”. Steve has written scores for film and television including ESPN’s Sportsweek featuring Greg Gumble, and producer Lawrence Kasdan’s "Jumpin' At The Boneyard," a 20th century Fox production starring Tim Roth and Samuel Jackson. Steve wrote and produced Jingles for Right Sound Music in New York City for clients including Pontiac, AT&T, Dupont and many others. He has performed live on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show with Katie Couric, The Regis and Kelly and The Regis and Kathie Lee shows. Steve was the composer for the documentary “Dying to Know,” about Timothy Leary and Ram Dass, narrated by Robert Redford. Steve contributed guitar to David Crosby’s album, Sky Trails, and has co-written a song for his last released record, “For Free”. Steve’s new CD, “Walking Through These Blues”, was recently released on VIVID SOUND. This CD features a host of guests, including David Crosby, Iain Matthews, Tony Furtado, Bekka Bramlett, Jeff Pevar, Greg Leisz and many others. In addition to David Crosby, Steve has worked with John Oates, Jennifer Warnes, Kenny Loggins, Eric Andersen, Iain Matthews, Pure Prairie League, Dan Navarro and many others. He recently contributed engineering and mixing duties to the James Taylor/Carole King live concert film, “The Troubadour Reunion Tour”. Steve performed on and co-produced a CD for renowned producer/guitarist and songwriter Danny (Kootch) Kortchmar. The CD features a star studded cast including guest appearances by James Taylor, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, and Michael McDonald. This CD led to the formation of a new band, The Immediate Family, which in addition to Steve includes legendary session men Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Waddy Wachtel & Russ Kunkel. The band has released numerous videos, a live record, 3 EP’s and a full length LP of new material on Quarto Valley Records. Their first single, Cruel Twist, reached top 10 on the blues charts. The Immediate Family is featured in an award winning documentary released by Magnolia Films, and directed by “Wrecking Crew” director Denny Tedesco. The Immediate Family recently released “Skin In The Game”, a new full length album of original material. In the past year Steve has performed on stage in benefits for The Lobero Theater, ONE805 Foundation, and Light Up The Blues Charity with many artists including Shawn Colvin, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Joe Walsh, John Fogerty, Alan Parsons, and Maroon 5. Steve was in rehearsal to go on tour with David Crosby before David’s unexpected passing, and will cherish the time spent putting the show together. /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/30589353

Stephanie Urbina Jones "The Power of A Dream" 03/14/2024

Stephanie Urbina Jones "The Power of A Dream" The latest offering from Stephanie Urbina Jones & The Honky Tonk Mariachi, Manuel’s Destiny, goes far beyond the limits of the typical album: it’s a saga, a joyride, an impassioned reclamation of her cultural heritage, and—above all—a riveting tribute to the power of a dream to travel over 100 years and three generations. From her great-grandfather crossing the border, to an artist living and telling a transcendent story, and ultimately living Manuel’s Destiny. Over the course of 11 wildly dazzling songs, the Texas-bred, Nashville/Mexico-based singer/songwriter sets her storytelling to a one-of-a-kind sound she’s created and calls “Honky Tonk Mariachi”—a gorgeously orchestrated fusion of her Mexican roots and San Antonio, TX Hill Country upbringing, centered in the stunning vocal prowess she’s shown in touring across the globe, sharing the stage with legends like Willie Nelson, and making history as the first artist ever to perform with mariachi at the Grand Ole Opry. The result is the most revelatory work yet from a truly visionary artist, one that leaves the listener newly emboldened to fearlessly follow their hearts and live a dreamer’s tale. For Urbina Jones, the making of such an ambitious and all-encompassing album took decades of soul-searching and careful excavation of her family’s history. Originally from San Antonio, she spent much of her early childhood at backyard barbecues at the home of her paternal grandmother, where she first heard the traditional Mexican music, she now describes as “a transmission of pure joy and love.” When her parents divorced, Jones moved to a small town in Texas, and as a young girl, frequented local honky-tonks, two-stepping to songs by all the country greats and listening to poets like Jerry Jeff Walker, Guy Clark, and Townes Van Zant carve out songs by the potbelly stove in Luckenbach, TX. (“Margie the bartender was my babysitter. I got to put the sawdust on the floors,” she recalls). But despite her many happy memories, that period of Urbina Jones’ life also carried a heavy burden of pain. “After I was pulled away from my father, I was told to hide the fact that I was Mexican, which haunted me for a very long time,” she says. At age 18, however, Urbina Jones made her first trip to Mexico (accompanied by her father) and immediately felt a profound sense of revelation. “I fell madly in love with my culture—the people, the music, the food,” she says. “I finally realized, ‘This is who I am.’ From this moment on, the direction of my life changed. I became passionate about telling a new story celebrating my roots. My pain turned into my passion and purpose.” As she unraveled her family’s history, Urbina Jones learned of her great-grandfather, Manuel Anaya Urbina: a Mapimí, Hidalgo, Mexico native who went to the Vatican to study for the priesthood in the late 1800s. After two years in Rome, he rejected his childhood religion. “He returned to Mexico and crossed into El Paso in 1907— left his country, left his family, left his faith, left everything to embark on a new life for his own personal freedom,” she says. “He ended up becoming the first Mexican Baptist minister in San Antonio and spread the gospel all over the Southwest. Once I discovered his story, I became passionate about the idea of this dreamer crossing the border to follow his heart. I feel as if his dream has lived on through me, and now I want to share it as a source of inspiration for anyone seeking their own divine truth.” The follow-up to 2018’s Tularosa (a powerhouse album stacked with mariachi-infused covers of country classics like “Ring of Fire” and “Jolene”), Manuel’s Destiny finds Urbina Jones moving forward with her mission of introducing audiences everywhere to the unbridled passion and heart of Mexico. “As a little girl growing up listening to mariachi, the joyful sound of their voices singing together always felt like an instrument in itself, and I knew from the start that I wanted that to be woven into every song on this album,” she says. Produced by Urbina Jones and Preston Sullivan, and recorded live at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas—not far from where her great-grandfather crossed into El Paso—Manuel’s Destiny achieves its lush and fiery sound thanks to contributions from over a dozen musicians, including guitarrón player Mike Hernandez (also the album’s mariachi session leader), Urbina Jones’ bandleader/longtime guitarist Patterson Barrett, and a lineup of esteemed mariachi players from all over Texas, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Mexico. With its resplendent selection of heart-on-sleeve ballads, hip-swinging Texican Americana anthems, and pedal steel-laced country- rock songs, Manuel’s Destiny ultimately radiates an electrifying energy, adding even greater impact to the countless pieces of wisdom woven into her lyrics. In many ways a document of Urbina Jones’ own whirlwind adventures in fulfilling her life’s purpose, Manuel’s Destiny opens on “Gypsy Dreams”—a fierce yet euphoric refusal to tame her free-spirited nature. “It took me a long time to honor who I was born to be — an artist, a dreamer and author of my own life. I’m gratefully reclaiming and sharing my joy with the world,” says Urbina Jones. Ever since she was a little girl, she’s always been this way. You can be part of her world, but you can never make her change. (“Gypsy Dreams”) On the album’s cinematic title track, meanwhile, Urbina Jones opens by recounting her great-grandfather’s pilgrimage to the States in search of his truth and divinity, then looks back on her own leap of faith in leaving home to follow her heart and one day live the spellbinding epic, which is “Manuel’s Destiny:” I got in my car with my Spanish guitar bound for Tennessee, As I drove through my fear, I felt his spirit near guiding me, I was strong, I was able, I waited on tables, said yes sir, no m’am, cause I knew I’d get the chance for my dreams to dance and do what I was born to do. Wendy Moten, a multi-talented Memphis-born singer, and another dreamer whose voice and career path are like no other, joins in for a triumphant update of Glen Campbell’s iconic “Rhinestone Cowboy” (with a blessing from songwriter Larry Weiss on the cover’s gender flip). Built on a near-symphonic arrangement of soaring violins, exultant trumpets, vihuela, and heavenly harp, “Rhinestone Cowgirl” emerges as a powerful account of overcoming the odds on the way to unfettered glory. “Both Wendy and I have been relentless in becoming who we were destined to be,” says Urbina Jones. “The fact that a Latina and a Black woman are stepping into this moment and singing this classic song together is incredibly meaningful to me—we’re representing all dreamers of all ages, from all backgrounds, and hopefully encouraging them to bravely answer the calling of their own hearts.” On songs like “Falling Fearlessly,” Manuel’s Destiny slips into a “Blue Bayou” romantic mood and spotlights the subtler nuances of Urbina Jones’ beguiling voice. Co-written with Peggy Lynn (daughter of Loretta Lynn), the lilting and luminous track finds music legend Vince Gill pairing up with Urbina Jones to capture the rarefied magic of surrendering to love. “We wrote the song on the beach under a full moon in Mexico,” Urbina Jones remembers. “It’s my homage to Linda Ronstadt, who’s one of the few Latinas I had to look up to in country rock music.” And on “The Queen of the Angels (La Reyna De Los Angeles)/Cielito Lindo” Urbina Jones delivers a cumbia country, dance-ready, infectious serenade to another influential woman in her life: her paternal grandmother, who guided her toward a daring new direction with her music. “When my abuelita was dying, she called me to her side and told me I was going to be a messenger who shared the beauty of our culture with the world by making what she called ‘country music with chili peppers,’” says Urbina Jones. “At the time, I didn’t believe I could do it, but after she died, I went to San Miguel de Allende and began recovering that connection to my roots. It was the revolucíon en mi corazón.” The album also features a song with the Bellamy Brothers. A mash-up of “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” and “Let Your Love Flow,” these two hit songs reflect a coming of age during Urbina Jones’ early years. “I was lucky to grow up in Luckenbach and the honky tonks of Texas during the Outlaw movement. My favorite song to sing along to was “Let Your Love Flow,” comments Urbina Jones. “I had the honor of touring in Europe with the Bellamys and was thrilled they agreed to re-record their song with my Honky Tonk Mariachi,” she adds. Since first dreaming up the culture-blending, genre-bending, sublimely exuberant sound that now imbues her music, Urbina Jones has established herself as a two-time Amazon bestselling author and teacher who leads spiritual pilgrimages all over the world. A former student of Don Miguel Ruiz (a teacher in the Toltec tradition and author of the seminal Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom), she made her debut as a lead author with Shaman Heart: Turning Pain into Passion and Purpose, a 2022 title in which she details her experience in undoing her childhood pain and pursuing her true calling as an artist. In May 2023, Urbina Jones released her second bestselling book, Shaman Heart – Sacred Rebel. As she reveals that transformation was not without its daunting moments. “There was a reason to quit at every step along the way,” says Urbina Jones. “But every breakdown turned out to be a breakthrough, and the road kept miraculously rising up and meeting me every step of the way.” For the closing track to Manuel’s Destiny, Urbina Jones chose a solo self-penned song called “Until We Meet Again”— a soul-stirring number that’s equal parts full-hearted farewell, and loving acknowledgment of the way dreams endure from generation to generation. In a poignant symbol of that very phenomenon, Jones arrived at Sonic Ranch carrying the same Bible from 1876 that her great-grandfather had held upon crossing into the U.S. more than a century ago. “It’s amazing to me that over a hundred years later, Manuel’s great-granddaughter could come back to the same border with the same Bible, a seed of the dream he planted from so long ago,” she says. “It tells me that our dreams are by divine design. I hope that in sharing this album I’m able to bring a little joy, big magic, and some dancing to the world, as well as inspire someone to ask the big questions—to be brave, believe in themselves, and in their dreams. Within our hearts lies the map to our destiny.” /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/30366053

Johnny Madara "At The Hop" Part 3 02/29/2024

Johnny Madara "At The Hop" Part 3 Johnny Madara was born in , , in 1936. His family lived in public housing known as "projects" located in south Philadelphia. He was the only one of six children interested in music. He took vocal lessons and began his career as a musical artist. His first recording was released in 1957 and became a hit record single "Be My Girl" Later in 1957 he wrote a song called "Do the Bop" with Dave White. The "Bop" was a popular dance on the TV show, . Dave White was a member of a local group 'The Juvenaires' and they recorded the song with Madara on lead vocal.Local DJ Artie Singer got a co-writers' credit for the song. He took the record to Dick Clark,the host of "America Bandstand". Clark suggested some changes. The lyrics and title were changed to "At the Hop", The Juvenaires became Danny and the Juniors. They recorded the song, this time with Danny Rapp on lead vocal.It became a US number 1 and international hit. He later co-wrote other hits including "" for , and "" for . In 1965, he and White co-wrote and performed, as , the song "Dawn of Correction", an to 's hit "". The song reached number 36 on the . The pair also formed their own publishing company which was later sold to . Madara also worked as a , and discovered both and (), later a successful songwriter and producer attributed to pioneering the style of music known as , and the recording artist . Medora spent two years in Las Vegas working with one of the most successful performers of all time, . He produced two of his albums and further produced and wrote songs for a Christmas television special for Wayne Newton on CBS. In the mid 1970s he moved to , and produced music for movies including and , as well as for television. His songs have appeared on some of the biggest grossing soundtrack albums of all time, including and ("At The Hop"), ("Rock and Roll is Here to Stay"), ("" and "You Don't Own Me"), ("1-2-3"), and and ("You Don't Own Me"). It was the 1996 hit film, The First Wives Club, that not only featured "You Don't Own Me", but it was used as the theme of the movie. On November 27, 2016, the song was announced to be inducted into the . /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/30085323

Johnny Madara "At The Hop" Part 2 02/23/2024

Johnny Madara "At The Hop" Part 2 Johnny Madara was born in , , in 1936. His family lived in public housing known as "projects" located in south Philadelphia. He was the only one of six children interested in music. He took vocal lessons and began his career as a musical artist. His first recording was released in 1957 and became a hit record single "Be My Girl". Later in 1957 he wrote a song called "Do the Bop" with Dave White. The "Bop" was a popular dance on the TV show, . Dave White was a member of a local group 'The Juvenaires' and they recorded the song with Madara on lead vocal.Local DJ Artie Singer got a co-writers' credit for the song. He took the record to Dick Clark,the host of "America Bandstand". Clark suggested some changes. The lyrics and title were changed to "At the Hop", The Juvenaires became Danny and the Juniors. They recorded the song, this time with Danny Rapp on lead vocal.It became a US number 1 and international hit. He later co-wrote other hits including "" for , and "" for . In 1965, he and White co-wrote and performed, as , the song "Dawn of Correction", an to 's hit "". The song reached number 36 on the . The pair also formed their own publishing company which was later sold to . Madara also worked as a , and discovered both and (), later a successful songwriter and producer attributed to pioneering the style of music known as , and the recording artist . Medora spent two years in Las Vegas working with one of the most successful performers of all time, . He produced two of his albums and further produced and wrote songs for a Christmas television special for Wayne Newton on CBS. In the mid 1970s he moved to , and produced music for movies including and , as well as for television. His songs have appeared on some of the biggest grossing soundtrack albums of all time, including and ("At The Hop"), ("Rock and Roll is Here to Stay"), ("" and "You Don't Own Me"), ("1-2-3"), and and ("You Don't Own Me"). It was the 1996 hit film, The First Wives Club, that not only featured "You Don't Own Me", but it was used as the theme of the movie. On November 27, 2016, the song was announced to be inducted into the . /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/30075548

The Mascot Theory & The Sonic Ranch Experience 02/17/2024

The Mascot Theory & The Sonic Ranch Experience The Mascot Theory has been kicking around Wisconsin weekend-warrior style for the past decade, but like many musicians, the great pandemic-induced entertainment halt of 2020 forced the band to reflect and refocus musical efforts. With the core foundation of singer/songwriter Erik Kjelland and the rhythm section of Nick Fry on bass guitar and Paul Metz on drums, The Mascot Theory used this time off to slightly shift their sound away from their acoustic-driven folk-rock music and into a more classic rock inspired Rock and Roll groove, especially thanks to the addition of lead guitarist Cory who brings a strong musical swagger and reverence to the guitar gods of the past. In April 2022, the band worked with famed producer Terry Manning (Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Shakira, Lenny Kravitz, Stax Record) at Sonic Ranch Studios near El Paso, TX and recorded 13 new songs as well as 2 updated versions of classic live show staple songs to record songs for the upcoming "Every Sign Of Life" album. Along with a WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) win for Best Male Vocalist (Erik Kjelland) and a nomination for Best Americana/folk artist, The Mascot Theory has won over 20 MAMA (Madison Area Music Association) awards including back-to-back 2016 and 2017 Artist of the Year awards. They have played major festivals throughout Wisconsin including Summerfest, Freak Fest, and Mile of Music Festival, and have shared the stage with BoDeans, America, Don McLean, The Jayhawks, Vance Joy, Frank Turner, Chase Rice, Kaleo, The Wild Feathers, Guster, Blitzen Trapper, Cory Chisel, Andy Frasco and the UN, Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, American Aquarium, American Scarecrows, and Lillie Mae. The new music travels into its classic rock influences; harmonies that bring to mind the Eagles or Poco, a bit of that Rolling Stones guitar swagger, a little ZZ Top blues rock, a dash of the Pink Floyd mood, but never straying far from the core of the Tom Petty/Beatle-esque importance of solid melody and lyrics. Songs like "When I Drift Away", "Lavender Blues" and "Fast Car Getaway" showcase the new album's infectious energy and beautiful harmonies within an eclectic landscape of well-crafted and memorable songs. /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/29993648

Alan Paul - "The 50 Year Journey With The Manhattan Transfer" 02/08/2024

Remembering the Border Legends of El Paso Concert of 2013 02/01/2024

Michael Peterson talks about "Out Loud" "An Anthem For Courage" 01/14/2024

Richie Gajate Garcia "Percussionist Extraordinaire" 10/26/2023

Richie Gajate Garcia "Percussionist Extraordinaire" Richie Gajate Garcia, a Puerto Rican born in New York City, was raised on the island of Puerto Rico from the age of seven. Richie grew up with musical influences of his percussionist step father Doel Garcia and family friends like Tito Puente, Monchito Munoz and Armando Peraza. Richie started his formal education at Springfield College and then went on to the Conservatory of Music in Chicago where he received his bachelor’s degree in music education. Since then, Richie has taught at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood and the Los Angeles Music Academy known as LAMA in Pasadena, California. He is one of the top clinicians worldwide and has become an ambassador to the world teaching and demonstrating the art of drums and percussion with over 700 clinics to his credit. Richie has performed, recorded and toured the world as a drummer/percussionist for several major artists including Phil Collins, Sting, Diana Ross, Hiroshima, John Denver, Tito Puente and the Boston Pops. His experiences transcend musical genres from classical to pop, jazz, salsa, country and hip hop. Richie has authored instructional books which include play along cds. He pioneered instructional drum/percussion videos long before dvds existed and currently has instructional dvds on the market. Countless musicians have credit Richie with their musical successes including his son, Roland Gajate Garcia who was nominated percussionist of the year by the readers of Modern Drummer Magazine. Richie himself has held that title and many more distinctions in the music community including performances on grammy winning and nominated projects. He has been an advocate for music in public schools and spoke on an educational panel for Bill Clinton during his presidency. Richie has invented the gajate bracket distributed by Latin Percussion Inc. which has impacted the genre of multi percussion and taken indepence to a new level. Richie’s nickname is “el pulpo” which means “the octopus”. Richie lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife of 30 years Mary. His two adult sons are thriving in the music industry playing regularly on tv and touring with legends. Richie is a trendsetter who continues to passionately perform while he educate and mentors worldwide. /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/28423256

Stax Records 'The Heart & Soul of Rock 'n Roll with Steve Cropper & Terry Manning' 08/17/2023

Warren Ham 'His Journey With The Stars' 08/10/2023

Warren Ham 'His Journey With The Stars' During the early '70s, Warren and his brother Bill formed The Ham Brothers Band and included Ira Wilkes on bass, Red Young on piano and organ and Dahrell Norris on drums. The group recorded for Texas producer . Despite critical acclaim for the work, the album never made it in the marketplace. It was soon taken out of print. In 1978 The Ham Brothers band had replaced Wilkes and Young with Bob Parr and Ken Rarrick, both from the acclaimed jazz education program at the . Later that same year, , of fame, hired the Ham Brothers to tour as part of Bread. The act was then billed as David Gates and Bread. A year later pop diva secured the services of the same band. When Cher recorded the project album , Warren joined the band for the recording and the subsequent supporting tour. In his early years, Ham was a vocalist and played the reeds for the Fort Worth, Texas based (1972–74). Ham appeared on the last two Bloodrock albums: Passage and Whirlwind Tongues. Warren Ham has also toured with in the era (in 1982, played additional keyboards, flute, alto and soprano saxophones, harmonica and backing vocals), (1986-1988, and since 2017), and (1983). He toured with in 2006 as an instrumentalist and vocalist performing 's part with Newton-John on her No. 1 Grease hit, "You're The One That I Want", as well as backing vocals. When left Kansas to form his own band , Ham went with him as the new band's lead singer. Ham appeared on the first, second and fourth of AD's four albums: 1) Timeline 2) Art of the State and 3) Prime Mover. Ham was a featured vocalist and instrumentalist for the Maranatha! Promise Band - the worship band for the men's movement put together by from Promise Keepers' incarnation in 1993 to 1996. He appeared on their 1993 album, Face to Face with the song "This Is What I Believe", and on their 1996 album, Break Down the Walls, on the song "Send Me" along with Steven Jackson and Leonard Tucker. He was also a part of the live touring version of the Promise Band for the 1995 Promise Keepers conference season where he played harmonica, saxophone, trumpet, flute, and other wind instruments along with backup vocals. This was documented in the VHS video and CD "Live Worship With The Maranatha! Promise Band" where he most famously played an intro to "Man Of The Spirit, Man Of The Word". Since the demise of AD, he has released solo recordings in the genre "Come on Children" and is the author of Beginning Blues/Rock Harmonica ( ). From 1996 to 2000, Ham toured as part of and . Warren Ham also appeared as an integral member of 's live band on her 2008 tour (having first appeared as part of her 1983 touring group) supporting her 2008 release . Warren Ham toured with in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. In the mid-eighties and from 2017 on, he tours with . /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/27629943

Johnny Madara 'Do The Bop' 'At The Hop' 08/03/2023

Johnny Madara 'Do The Bop' 'At The Hop' John Madara was born on May 28, 1936 and grew up in Philadelphia, at a time when the city was teeming with groups and artists such as The Spaniels, The Clovers, Harvey and The Moonglows, Billy Ward and The Dominos and the great Jackie Wilson. Rock and roll was starting to take root and John Madara was destined to make rock and roll history. In 1957, John launched his solo career, with his first record, "Be My Girl," reaching the National charts. That same year, John co-wrote with Dave White a song called "Do The Bop." On the advice of Dick Clark, whose local show, American Bandstand, had just gone National, the title and lyrics were changed to "At The Hop." Danny and The Juniors recorded it, and by Christmas of 1957 it had reached the top of the pop and R&B charts worldwide. "At The Hop" remained #1 for an astounding 7 weeks, the first record ever to reach that success, and it has remained a rock and roll classic to this day. Barry) and “You Don’t Own Me” (Lesley Gore). He also produced for Danny and The Juniors, “Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay." In the Mid ‘60s, John, Dave and local D.J. Ray Gilmore formed a group called “The Spokesmen” and released “The Dawn of Correction," an answer song to the enormous hit “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire. At the same time, John was producing for other artists when he discovered a young man, Leon Huff, who later teamed up with Kenny Gamble and became one of the most prolific songwriting teams in the history of rock and roll, defining an entire category of Black popular music known as "The Sound of Philadelphia." He also discovered one of the most prolific duos of all time, Daryl Hall and John Oates. With them he produced two albums. In 1965, John and Dave started their own publishing company, discovering and signing new songwriters. The company was very successful, and in 1984, it was sold to Michael Jackson. In 1967, John, Dave and Local D.J. Ray Gilmore wrote the song, "Sadie The Cleaning Lady," which became a huge hit in Australia with singer, Johnny Farnham. John moved to L.A. in the ‘70s, where he found success writing and producing for movies and television. He produced the soundtrack for the James Caan/Marsha Mason movie, “Cinderella Liberty," and also produced the title song for the Cliff Robertson movie “Ace Eli and Roger of the Sky.” In the mid ‘70s, he was music supervisor for the hugely successful “Sid and Marty Kroft Comedy Hour." This was in conjunction with an ABC Comedy Hour and network special which launched the new ABC season. During that time, John wrote and produced the music for the show, and was hands on with the mixing and editing. In the late ‘70s, he also wrote the theme song for ABC Sports, which ran for two years. Las Vegas was also becoming a happening place for singers and performers. So it would seem appropriate that John would spend two years of his life working with one of the most successful performers of all time, Wayne Newton. He produced two of Wayne’s albums and also produced and wrote songs for a Christmas television special for Wayne on CBS. In the mid ‘80s, John teamed up with one of the great film animators of all time, Ralph Bakshi. Ralph, known for the controversial film “Fritz The Cat," and also the highly regarded films “American Pop” and “Lord Of The Rings," needed songs for his upcoming animated film “Hey Good Lookin." John collaborated with the extremely talented writer/singer Ric Sandler, and they wrote and arranged all 18 songs in the film, which John produced. Ric also performed all of the songs. Time Magazine and Playboy raved about the film and later called it a cult classic. Through the years, John has produced albums and singles for companies such as CBS, Warner Bros., Polydor, Atlantic, Paramount, 20th Century, MGM and ABC Records. Madara & White songs have reached millions of people through radio, films and television. Worldwide sales of their songs and productions have reached over 2 hundred million records. Their songs have appeared on some of the biggest grossing soundtrack albums of all time, including “American Graffiti” and “Woodstock” (At The Hop), “Grease” (Rock and Roll is Here to Stay), “Hairspray” (The Fly and You Don’t Own Me), “Mr. Holland’s Opus” (1-2-3), and “Dirty Dancing” and “The First Wives Club” (You Don’t Own Me). It was the 1996 hit film, “The First Wives Club," that paid the contemporary power of their talent the ultimate compliment by not only featuring “You Don’t Own Me” but by making it the theme of the movie. Contemporary, in fact, has proven to be one of the mainstays of John Madara’s contributions through the years. He has consistently offered the world of music songs that speak clearly of given eras, but have equal impact on all eras. John has continued to write and produce music, working with young, up-and-coming artists. He has always been a futurist, excited about working with new technology and incorporating it into his music and productions. His hands-on approach to every project he is involved in, whether it be as a writer, producer, music supervisor, editor, engineer or mixer, has enabled John to maintain the sound that is uniquely his own. In March of 2001, “At The Hop” was voted by the Recording Industry Association of America as one of the top 100 songs of the century. The soundtrack album, “Grease," was voted one of the top albums of the century. “Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay” is featured on that album. /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/27602718

TAJ FARRANT - At Age 14 'The Making of A Rock 'n Roll Prodigy' 07/20/2023

TAJ FARRANT - At Age 14 'The Making of A Rock 'n Roll Prodigy' Taj Farrant was just hanging out at home in the backyard around the fire when a live version of “Comfortably Numb” started playing. He declared he wanted to learn to play that guitar solo. He’d only just gotten his first guitar for his birthday, but he set about mastering the solo. And he did. He was 7 years old. His father, Brandin Farrant, wanted to share it with his family, so he put a YouTube video of it up on Facebook. The image of a 7-year-old, with a smile that revealed a gap where he’d lost a baby tooth, wielding a guitar like a pint-size David Gilmour was irresistible. It went viral. What followed was an appearance on “Ellen” and a gig with Michael Jackson’s guitarist and fellow Australian Orianthi. Through her, he met Carlos Santana, who as her mentor. And as he’d done for a teenaged Orianthi, the guitar legend invited Taj on stage to perform with him. Taj Farrant on stage with Rob Thomas in 2019. (Photo provided) Now 13, Taj, and his family, split their time between Australia and the United States. On Saturday, March 11, Taj will perform at Howard’s Club H. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. Admission is $35. . This North American swing, the Nothing But the Blues tour, will move on from Ohio through Missouri and into the heartland of the blues with shows in Arkansas ending up at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) convention in California. Taj will be performing with the Missouri blues band Nathan Bryce and Loaded Dice. Brandin Farrant said early on in Australia they tried to put together bands of other musical prodigies, but they couldn’t find youngsters who could keep pace with Taj. On this tour, Taj will be joined for a half-dozen songs by his 12-year-old sister Jazel on drums. “She can keep up with him because they live together and play together all the time,” their father said, so she’s in synch with his virtuosity. Taj Farrant plays chess with his 12-year-old sister Jazel . She’ll play drums on several numbers during the show at Howard’s. Taj’s musical journey started on his father’s shoulders. They were at an AC/DC concert, and Taj was perched on his father, so he got a good look at frontman Angus Young emerging from the ground. That right there made an impression on him, Taj said. Then Young started playing guitar. “It must be pretty hard to play like that and I just wanted to try to learn,” Taj said. “I want to do this for the rest of my life.” For his next birthday his parents and grandparents pitched in to get him a good quality Ibanez Prestige. He now has upgraded his instrument, but that guitar still goes on tour with him. He has all the stars he plays sign it. Other artists including Santana have also contributed to his growing guitar collection. The proceeds from this tour will go to buying a Gibson Custom 355 – the same model as B.B. King’s “Lucille.” At first , Taj took a few lessons, but his father then assumed the role of instructor. Brandin Farrant is a drummer, but he started learning guitar so he could teach his son. What he learned in the afternoon, he’d pass on to his son when he got home from school. Now Taj picks up tips from some of the greats. His father has made videos of his playing all along as part of Taj’s instruction. This way he could listen back and analyze what he needed to improve on. Those videos though became the conduit for sharing Taj’s talents with the world. While COVID put a crimp into live performances, Taj said it was good for him. He holed up at home in Australia and practiced and started to hone his singing chops. He continued to post a weekly video. He’s now working on the demos for his first album at their family’s home studio. He’s back on the road. After this American swing, there’s a European tour planned. Brandin Farrant said they hope to get buy their own tour bus soon for traveling around the United States. His parents are both highly regarded tattoo artists who can schedule their work around Taj’s touring schedule. Brandin Farrant has as high praise for his wife’s artistry as for his son’s. Opening his shirt, he displays the photographic tattoo she made for him of Taj in full swing on stage. Taj said he doesn’t suffer from stage fright. He admitted the one time he had a touch of nerves was when he joined Rob Thomas on stage in front of an audience of 40,000. But that’s the size crowd he wants to attract. “Moving on from here,” he said. “I want to be able to play to as many people as I can. The goal is just to make people happy with what I do.” /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/27515595

Talkin & Rockin with Robby Robinson - Frankie Valli's Music Director 07/13/2023

El Paso Loves Richard Smith 07/06/2023

Tom Meros & Rick Kern 'Keeping the Memories Alive' 06/29/2023

The Box Tops 'The Letter' made me 'Cry Like A Baby' 06/15/2023

The Box Tops 'The Letter' made me 'Cry Like A Baby' During their brief lifespan, the Box Tops earned a reputation as one of the best blue-eyed soul groups of the '60s, even if their recorded legacy wasn't as large or consistent as, say, or . Today they're remembered not only for their smashes "The Letter" and "Cry Like a Baby," but as the launching pad for singer , who went on to become one of rock's most revered cult figures thanks to his groundbreaking power pop unit . In his teenage years, was an amazingly gritty Memphis soul belter akin to an American version of 's . The Box Tops' music also encompassed touches of pop and psychedelia, although the group's own lack of control over it eventually led to their split-up. The Box Tops began life as , a white R&B group featuring guitarists and John Evans, bassist , and drummer . After the band's local popularity blossomed, teenage singer joined up, and quickly caught the attention of songwriters/producers and , who were on the lookout for a -type white soul singer. Changing their name to the Box Tops to avoid confusion with a different group of the same name, they signed with Bell Records and began recording at 's Memphis-based American Studio. The first single the group cut, "The Letter," rocketed to the top of the charts in 1967, not only spending four weeks at number one but ending up as Billboard magazine's number one single of the year. ( was all of 16 at the time.) With a hit on their hands, began to exert more control over the group; in the wake of "The Letter," he frequently used session musicians on the Box Tops' recordings, sometimes replacing the whole band behind , sometimes just individual members. Frustrated, Evans and both left the band to return to school in early 1968, and were replaced by (ex-) and , respectively. The follow-up to "The Letter," "Neon Rainbow," didn't do nearly as well, but the Box Tops managed another massive hit in 1968 with the / tune "Cry Like a Baby," which went to number two on the pop charts. Although a couple of minor hits followed in "I Met Her in Church" and "Choo Choo Train," was rapidly growing dissatisfied with the inconsistency of the material the Box Tops were handed (which was clear on the three LPs the group had released through 1968). As a result, was chafing at 's extreme reluctance to allow him to record his own original compositions. By the time of the Box Tops' fourth and final LP, 1969's (an attempt to make a more cohesive album), had bowed out and moved on to other projects. Several songs appeared on , including "I Must Be the Devil," and the group had one last minor hit with "Soul Deep." subsequently departed, also to go back to school, and the Box Tops began to disintegrate. When their contract expired in February 1970, they officially disbanded, and moved to Greenwich Village for a while. Not finding the creative hospitality he'd hoped for, soon returned to Memphis and joined an Anglo-pop outfit run by his friend ; they morphed into , one of the most revered and mercurial bands in power pop (or, for that matter, underground rock & roll) history. /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/27142029

Rick Levy 'The Busiest Musician I Know' 06/08/2023

Gráinne Duffy - 'Hot Blues On the Emerald Isle' 06/01/2023

Gráinne Duffy - 'Hot Blues On the Emerald Isle' Grainne Duffy is an Irish guitarist, singer and songwriter hailing from county Monaghan, Ireland. Her specific genres include Blues, Soul and Americana enriched with some delicate country and pop elements. Her professional career started in 2007. The same year she released her remarkable debut album Out Of The Dark, proof talent that was raising at an impressive rate. Described by The Sunday Times as ‘a blues singer of real integrity’, Grainne Duffy is a pioneer of her own style while also paying sincere homage to her roots, soul, blues and rock traditions. During 2011 she released her second album Test Of Time as a result of her collaboration with the producer Niko Bolas (Melissa Etheridge, Los Lobos). The release and the accompanying video to the title song further marked the development of Duffy’s reputation in the U.K followed by the rest of Europe, Canada and Australia Important highlight are her 3 concerts at Glastonbury festival, 4 concerts at Woodford Folk festival (Australia), Tremblant International Festival (Canada) and her appearances at Mahindra Blues Festival (India) where she shares the stage with likes as Billy Gibbons, Eric Gales, Shemekia Copeland and Supersonic Blues Machine. 2014 and 2015 sees Grainne as winner in Blues Matters Writers Poll in the categories “best vocalist” and “best solo artist” With a voice that is as passionate as it is raw and honest, accompanied by simple, melodic and phrased guitar lines, this is what you have in Grainne Duffy. 2017 sees her in USA recording with producer Justin Stanley (Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow). This results as release of third album “Where I Belong” to follow the success of the previous two. The title song “Where I Belong” leads Duffy to numbers of live sessions at BBC and live performance at BBC TV. The summer of 2018 sees Grainne to share the stage at Cornbury Festival, UK alongside with fine artists like Alanis Morissette and Mavis Staple. Duffy releases her 4th studio album “Voodoo Blues”during October 2020. It is warmly received internationally achieving # 7 in UK IBBA Top 40 , # 13 in USA RMR and # 8 in France Powerblues charts. The album led Duffy to be winner in Independent Blues Awards 2021 in the category “Best Modern Roots Artist”. This success is another proof for Grainne’s incredible songwriting and vocal capabilities. The moody blues quality of the vocals perfectly collaborates with the steady groove laid down by drums & bass and perfectly enriched by lead guitarist Paul Sherry. The album presents powerfully the very strong identity of Grainne Duffy. ‘She’s the real deal’ Classic Rock Magazine ‘Deliciously soulful voice & gutsy blues inflected guitar work. /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/27008478

The Transatlantic Guitar Trio 'A Smorgasbord of Greatness' 05/25/2023

Rich Chorne 'Bringin' in the Blues' 05/18/2023

The Chambers Brothers 'Willie Chambers, A Soul Psychedelicized' 05/04/2023

The Chambers Brothers 'Willie Chambers, A Soul Psychedelicized' Willie Chambers (born March 3, 1938) is a singer, guitarist, and former member of , a rock band in the 1960s with hits "", "", and "". He continues to be a regular attraction at various venues in Los Angeles and further afield. Early career Originally from , the Chambers Brothers first honed their skills as members of the choir in their church. This arrangement ended in 1952 when the eldest brother, George, was drafted into the Army. George relocated to after his discharge, and his brothers soon joined him. Beginning in 1954, the foursome played gospel and folk music throughout the Southern California region, but remained little known until 1965 when they began performing in . Consisting of George (September 26, 1931 – October 12, 2019)[5] on washtub bass (later on bass guitar and ), (b. April 13, 1940) on harmonica, and (b. March 3, 1938) and Joe (b. August 22, 1942) on guitar, the group started to venture outside the gospel circuit, playing at coffeehouses that booked folk acts. They played at places like , a very popular Los Angeles folk club. It became one of their favorite haunts and brought them into contact with , , , and . When Dane spotted the brothers there, she knew they would be perfect to do these freedom songs that people wanted to hear then. Dane became a great supporter, performing and recording with the brothers. With the addition of (January 28, 1943 – October 5, 1985) on drums, Dane took them on tour with her and introduced them to , who helped put the Chambers Brothers on the bill of the 1965 . One of the songs they performed, "I Got It", appeared on the Newport Folk Festival 1965 compilation LP, which was issued on the label. They were becoming more accepted in the folk community, but, like many on the folk circuit, were looking to electrify their music and develop more of a rock and roll sound. Joe Chambers recalled in a May 1994 article that people at the Newport Folk Festival were breaking down fences and rushing to the stage. "Newport had never seen or heard anything like that." After the group finished and the crowd finally settled down, the MC came up and said "Whether you know it or not, that was rock 'n' roll." That night they played at a post-concert party for festival performers and went to a recording session of the newly electrified . Shortly after appearing at Newport, the group released its debut album, People Get Ready. The group recorded "" which was composed by . It was released on 4-43957 on December 19, 1966. It was rushed out by Columbia after the label had rejected an early version of "". "All Strung Out Over You" became a regional hit for the group which gave them the opportunity to re-record "The Time Has Come Today". /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/26713962

The Cascades 'John Claude Gummoe & Rhythm of the Rain' 04/27/2023

The Cascades 'John Claude Gummoe & Rhythm of the Rain' JOHN CLAUDE GUMMOE I suppose it's usually not done, but I've decided to write this biography of myself in the first person, so actually, it's my autobiography. It just felt too odd to be writing about myself as though I were someone else. So here goes. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 2nd, 1938 to John Corwin Gummoe and Beulah Foy Harris. John, my father, was the son of James Alfred Gummoe who came to America from Cornwall, England about 1880. I'm told that he jumped ship in New York, but did eventually become a naturalized citizen about 20 years after coming here. My mother also came from English ancestry and her side of the family goes all the way back to the early 1600's and The New Haven Colony and The Massachusetts Bay Colony. Seems like so many people today are searching for their roots and I'm no exception. I've been bitten by the bug and along with music, genealogy has become one of my passions. As a young lad, I first began singing at the kitchen sink with my much older sisters. My mother had me at the ripe old age of 38. When I arrived, there were already three sisters in thier teens. They were very much into the big band sound. Later on, in the sixth grade, I joined Mrs. Clark's Boys Chorus. She seemed to like me and my voice (boy soprano), and she often had me doing solo efforts in school pageants. One year, a touring company from The New York Metropolitan Opera came to town with the opera "Carmen". It starred Risa Stevens and Robert Merrill and Richard Tucker and Mrs. Clark's boys were chosen to be the street urchins in the first act. Very exciting stuff for a 6th grader; costumes, make-up, big stage. It was truly awesome. We had to learn our part in French and we were to be sort of mimicking the soldiers in that scene. On into my teens, I drove my friends and family crazy as I was always singing with everything on the radio, on records or whatever. They were always telling me to keep quiet so they could hear the music. Little did they know, or I for that matter, that I would one day compose one of the biggest and most successful pieces of music in pop/rock history and actually record it with my own group, The Cascades. Last year, Broadcast Music, Inc. named my song "Rhythm of the Rain", the 9th most performed song of the last century. My sincere thanks to radio DJ's everywhere for all the plays. You are all much appreciated. At 18 years of age, fresh out of high school, I had always dreamed of going to Ohio State University to study Veterinary Medicine, but there was just no money to be had for that and my grades, though not bad, were not high enough for a scholarship. Fate had other "ships" in store for me as off to the U.S. Navy I went for four years. That turned out to be exactly what I was meant to do as in San Diego, aboard the U.S.S. Jason, AR-8 is where I met two talented and wonderful guys ; David Wilson and Leonard Green . I'm proud to say that throughout the years, we still remain fast friends, although just a few months ago, sadly, we lost David to cancer. Needless to say I will miss him very much. David was a drummer and singer, Len played guitar and also sang, but more than that Len was a talented composer and quite an inspiration to me to give writing a try. These two men helped me more than anybody I can think of, to drag a shy, insecure young man into the joys of creating music. To you both I'll always be grateful. Your encouragement and friendship has and will always be treasured. It's been an honor and a previlage to have had you in my life. My association with David and Len and the others that made up first, The Silver Strands, and then, The Thundernotes, and finally, The Cascades began with my taking over managing and booking the group. I was their biggest fan and at the point, had not done anything on stage. But, after much encouragement from David and Len, I began getting up on stage with David for some duets; mostly Everly Bros hits and similar two part harmony songs. I was frightened to death at first, but it was'nt long before I was performing solo with the group. Around that time, after watching Len create song after song, I though to myself, "Hey John, I bet you can do that too, if you try!" And so I began writing lyrics, and again with encouragement from Len and David, I began the process of learning to play a musical instrument. I'd had little music training and my first instrument was the vibes, or vibraharp. You know, that big thing with metal keys that you strike with mallets. Well, it has the same keyboard as a piano so it was a natural progression to go there as time went on. Thanks to good genes from Mom and Dad and ancestors passed, I was also blessed with a natural ear for harmony, thus, learning chords came easy to me. So it wasn't long before I was singing, composing, writing and performing as a full fledged member of the band. Shortly before signing our recording contract, we lost Len Green. He decided, for reasons that to this day remain personal, to leave the group to persue other endeavors including going on to become a staff writer with Acuff-Rose Publishing in Nashville and evenually being nominated for his composition of "Slow Country Dancing". You can read and hear all about it by linking up to his web page which you can do from here. Our then manager, Andy Di Martino came and told us that Valiant Records was interested in us, and so with new guitarist, Eddy Snyder we moved on without Len Green. Thus began our whirl-wind climb to the top of the record charts; a period that even now feels like it was all a dream. A dream come true though, none the less. It was magical!! The chemistry was perfect. The group had a perfect sound for the era. We were recording at the famous Gold Star Studios, home of Phil Spectors "wall of sound" with the legendary Stan Ross engineering, Barry De Vorzon producing, Perry Botkin Jr. arranging and behind our smooth vocal sound was probably the best group of studio musicians available; including Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, Glen Campbell (yes, the now famous Glen Campbell) on guitar. How could we go wrong? And of course, as rock and roll history attests, we didn't go wrong. I'm still composing, still singing and I hope I always will be. Here in my 63rd year on this earth, I feel like I'm better than I've ever been and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the record buyers, all the Cascade Fans (and there are still many around) and radio, especially Oldies radio for keeping my little ditty on rotation at your respective stations. I'm very grateful!!. It's a great time to be alive and have this wonderful technology around so I can share my story and my thoughts with the entire world. WOW!! Hope those of you visiting my web site are enjoying this as much as I've enjoyed putting it together... With much appreciation......... John Claude Gummoe, Composer of "Rhythm of the Rain" and lead singer with The Cascades. Write to me with your questions and/or comments at /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/26622096

Royce Taylor 'His Pilot' 'His Music' 'His Life!' 04/20/2023

Royce Taylor 'His Pilot' 'His Music' 'His Life!' THE FIRST 50 YEARS More than 50 years ago, Lynn Royce Taylor and friend David Musselman formed a duet they named the Gospel Chords. From the start they were singing nearly every week. A mere three years later they had become a quartet and were now nationally performing in churches, fairs, corporate events, TV and radio, and will record a total of 16 vinylLPs over the next 12 years.. The Chords continued for over twelve years. By now, Royce had three young boys and set his singing career aside to finished college and work in business and marketing and raise his young family. One of the highlights in this time, was “Royce, Your Voice in the Morning” radio personality on WKTK 96.7 FM contemporary Christian radio station. In 1991, the Vogues invited him to sing tenor. In the 60s the original four members charted 24 popular hit songs including, “You Are My Special Angel, Turn Around Look at Me, Five O’clock World, and, You’re The One,” and were #3 behind the Beatles on the BillboardMusic Charts. Even now, he continues to sing this great oldies Rock ’n Roll in fun shows across America. Royce moved to Nashville, TN and returned to Gospel Quartet music in 2002. Joining the Stamps Quartet, and Elvis’ Imperials introduced him to the world of Elvis Presley. this amazing career has paired with the Colorado Symphony, Radio City Music Hall, and Historic Cathedrals in Europe and the UK, as well as 5 world tours with Big Screen Multimedia Show, “Elvis Presley in Concert” sharing the stage with the original cast of Elvis’ Las Vegas Hilton show: TCB Band and orchestra. For another eight years, he toured Europe with the TCB Band; James Burton, Glen D. Hardin and Ronnie Tutt. From his Nashville home, he continues to sing a variety of popular and gospel music and take the calling to share the living Word of God and message of love. His mandate is to entertain and inspire around the world. From Paris France to Paris Texas, Manchester England to Manchester Tennessee, Vienna Austria to Vienna Ohio, Royce Taylor is enjoying an Extraordinary / Ordinary Life. Touring the United States and the Europe, either as a solo performer or tenor for top charting hit maker, The Vogues, Royce has found the balance between singing popular Rock ’n Roll and continuing his Christian Music ministry. This is affirmed when a Pastor says, “Five O’clock World” was a favorite song or when someone from an oldies show tells him that the Gospel Music he’s shared has touched and spoken into their life. As tenor for the Vogues, Royce regularly performs with stars like, Frankie Avalon, Bill Medley, the Beach Boys, Gary Puckett, and other classic rock ’n roll heroes. You can also see him hanging out with Gospel Music legends at a Bill Gaither Homecoming. You may catch him doing a show at Wembly Arena in London England singing the songs of Elvis Presley. It’s quite common to find him singing at a church, sharing the Gospel Music that pilots his life. In all of these situations, he is comfortable and accessible to all. /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/26571303

The Cyrkle 'The Opening Act for The Beatles' 04/13/2023

The Cyrkle 'The Opening Act for The Beatles' The Cyrkle band was formed by guitarists and lead singers Don Dannemann and Tom Dawes (who also played bass guitar), and Jim Maiella (the original drummer), who all met while studying at in . Dannemann enlisted in the in 1966. The other members were Earle Pickens on keyboards and Marty Fried on drums. They were originally a "" band called The Rhondells but were later discovered and managed by , who was best known as manager of . Epstein found out about the band when his business partner, New York attorney Nathan Weiss, heard them in , on of 1965. Epstein became their manager and renamed them, as a reference to the circular known as Centre Square, located in downtown . provided the unique spelling of their new name. They were produced by . In the summer of 1966, they opened on 14 dates for the Beatles during . On August 28, they headed the opening acts performing prior to The Beatles at . The other artists who appeared were , , and . Before touring with The Beatles, the Cyrkle had an engagement at the Downtown Discothèque in New York City. They were also on the bill for the final Beatles concert at on August 29, 1966. The Cyrkle is best known for their 1966 song "", which went to No. 2 on the chart. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a . It was co-written by , of , and of , and was released by . Later in 1966, the band had one more Top 20 hit, "Turn-Down Day" (No. 16). After the release of their debut album, , they recorded a second album, Neon, in late 1966, and a movie soundtrack, The Minx, in 1967 (not released until 1970). They followed that with various singles and then disbanded in mid-1968. Both Dawes and Danneman became professional jingle writers after the Cyrkle disbanded. Dawes wrote the famous "plop plop fizz fizz" jingle for . Danneman wrote jingles for and Swanson Foods. He penned the original "Uncola" song. Dawes produced two albums for the band , Rock & Roll (1973) and Energized (1974), and co-wrote the song "Wild Cherry" on the latter. Marty Fried left the music business to attend law school and graduated from in Detroit in 1972. He worked as a bankruptcy attorney in suburban Detroit. Earle Pickens became a surgeon (retired) in . /episode/index/show/talkandrockradio/id/26501919

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