John Goodman recently broke out into song while being interviewed. He was asked about his musical preferences on ABC’s “Popcorn” and while he said he listens to forties music, he was soon singing doo wopp. The song he picked? “So Much in Love” by the Tymes, a 1963 doo wopp classic. However, it wasn’t Goodman’s
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Publication of “When Gold Turns to Gray” makes for an oldies trilogy
Donald Riggio‘s life was set to a rock and roll soundtrack, so its no wonder his novels would follow suit. The Bronx-born author has just published the third in a series of novels using the first decade (or so) of rock and roll as a backdrop. The novels have even spawned an original song, “Bouncing
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One Bronx Tale Hits the Road, Another Seeks a Broadway Home
Where one Broadway Bronx story ends, hopefully another will begin – with a bit of luck and a lot of fund-raising. A Bronx Tale will close, as Dion DiMucci seeks investors to launch The Wanderer, the story of his rise to stardom and redemption from addiction. A Bronx Tale closes Chazz Palminteri’s autobiographical play-turned-film-turned-Broadway-musical has announced
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Interview with Eugene Pitt
In 2010, I was asked to edit and help publish an interview with Eugene Pitt, original lead singer of the Jive Five, as conducted by Bob Miner, for Keep Rockin’ magazine. With Gene’s passing, I thought it was appropriate for fans to hear his history in his own words and also read some kind words
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REMEMBERING THE SPANIELS AND THE LLOYD PRICE YEARS
© 2018 Todd Baptista e-mail: info@toddbaptista.com The second week of June always brings personal memories of the mighty Spaniels, the powerhouse R&B vocal group of the 1950s, to the forefront of my mind. That’s because their key voices, lead singer
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Children Of 10 Rock And Roll Icons That Followed In Their Father’s Footsteps
Robby Vee The son of the 60s hit-maker Bobby Vee, Robby was greatly influenced by his father’s music and began playing the guitar as a child. By the age of 16, Robby was performing on stage with his famous father. Today, Robby continues to perform at casinos and fairs all over the country. He has
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Rock & Roll Icons Who Have Served in the Military
Reflecting today on Rock & Roll icons who have donned the uniform of our nation’s armed forces… Jimi Hendrix enlisted in the Army in 1961, long before he became a household name. Hendrix was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, where he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was discharged in 1962 due to
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BOOK REVIEW: “HUSHABYE: THE MYSTICS, THE MUSIC AND THE MOB” by Al Contrera
BOOK REVIEW: “HUSHABYE: THE MYSTICS, THE MUSIC AND THE MOB”, Al Contrera, Balboa Press, 2018 www.balboapress.com. Todd Baptista Through the years, I’ve spoken to dozens of rhythm’n’blues, doo wop, and first generation rock’n’roll performers who related their plans for an autobiography. With a few notable exceptions, Jimmy McGowan of the Four Fellows coming immediately to
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Don’t go to the bathroom! (At least not when Gary Lewis & the Playboys play their new song)
If you’ve ever been to a concert by a classic band that’s got a new album out, you know that “here’s one from our new album” really means “this is a great time for a bathroom break.” As the producer and promoter of over 100 Pop, Rock & Doo Wopp concerts around the country over
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Sammy Davis, Jr. is responsible for one of Jay & the Americans’ biggest hits
….and 5 more things you didn’t know about Jay & the Americans In April 1964, Jay and the Americans were riding high, having had a couple of hits under their belt and working on driving their new single, “Think of the Good Times”, up the charts. The group made an appearance on the TV show
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