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Vinyl Record Lovers

Vinyl Record Newsletter

Issue #040, June 30, 2016

The golden age of vinyl records and all things retro are the highlights of my Newsletter.

Writing stories based on my vinyl record collection is my way of sharing memories and keeping the oldies alive.

I do appreciate the time you take to read my newsletter.

In this issue:

---What else is new?

---"As Time Goes By" Casablanca's last curtain call.

---Vee-Jay Records - The Beatles vs The Four Seasons

---Hi-Lites to Chi-Lites - Back to the 70s.

---Carol vs Neil - Who's worth more?

---July 4th and Oldies for the Troops.

---Listen to the Country Doo-Wop show with DJ Ned Ward.

---What's next? A Michigan 26 year music tradition.

What's New?

As I began to gather information I soon discovered there was a lot more to Del Shannon than just this one song.

I choose not to write negative stuff about all those artists I grew up with and it was difficult for me to mention some of Shannon's personal issues.

However, I felt it was a necessary part of the story to reveal what a truly gifted and compassionate man Shannon was while dealing with those issues, that would eventually result in his death. Read The Del Shannon Story here.

What else is new?

Beautiful Classic cars, a street dance, BBQ, and fun for all, begins with a Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10am. Click on the photo below for complete details and see the "Best in Show" from the 2015 event.

The final curtain call for Casablanca.

Considered by many one of the best movies ever made, the last cast member has died.

Madeleine LeBeau, who played Humphrey Bogart’s jilted mistress Yvonne, in “Casablanca,” died May 1, 2016 in Spain after a thigh bone injury. She was 92 and was the last surviving credited cast member of the classic film.

In real life she actually lived through experiences as harrowing as those of the film's lead character.

Lebeau played in a couple of foreign films but it was for her third American film however that she is most remembered.

Signed to a Warner Bros contract in 1942, she was quickly cast in Casablanca as Yvonne. She was only 19 at the time.

Introduced as yet another spurned conquest by main character Rick Blaine, she is next seen as a collaborator on the arm of a German soldier.

However, during the iconic cast performance of “La Marseillaise,” Yvonne tears up as she sings along and then shouts “Viva la France!”

Like many of the film’s cast who were also refugees from Nazi terror, Lebeau’s tears, and her shout, were absolutely genuine.

Vee Jay Records - More Music trivia.

No other record company found more ways of repackaging the same album as did Vee Jay. They released the same material on the Beatles album ” Songs, Pictures, and Stories” as well as the album “The Beatles and Frank Ifield.”

They even put the same songs together in an album with the Four Seasons who were also signed to Vee Jay.

“The Beatles Vs The Four Seasons” album, released in 1964, is worth up to $2,000.00 in mono and $2,500.00 in stereo.

Hi-Lites to Chi-Lites - Back to the 70s.

But their career began in 1959 when they were originally known as the Hi-Lites.

In 1964, to reflect their pride in their hometown of Chicago, they changed the “H” to “C” and became the Chi-Lites.

Their most valuable record “She’s Mine,” released in 1965 on Blue Rock records, is worth up to $350.00 today.

Betcha Didn't Know.

She would later change her name to Carole King and go on to have one of the greatest musical careers of all time.

Neil’s song about her “Oh Carol,” released by RCA, is worth no more than $20.00. But her song about him “Oh Neil,” released on Alpine records in 1960, is worth up to $500.00 today.

Patriotic music and Oldies for the troops.

Independence Day is the most important day for every country and for all Americans it is a very special day. The Fourth of July is the day of showing your patriotism to everyone.

Please remember this special day as a few Patriotic songs and soldiers oldies come together with equal results; Love of country.

God Bless The USA - Lee Greenwood. (1984) re-release (2001)

"It's a passion that I had, as a child, to write something that would unite the country," says Lee Greenwood, who penned "God Bless the USA" on his tour bus back in the '80s. "It's that simple."

"Each time, people reach out for something that will unite them, and make them feel proud as Americans. And every time they look for it, they find "God Bless the USA."

America The Beautiful - Ray Charles (1976)

There's certainly never been a more soulful version than the one offered by Ray Charles.

Many folks consider this song the "real" national anthem?

Charles explains, "When I was in school, we used to sing it something like this," and then goes straight to church instead, making this enthusiastic praise to American glory sound like is was ordained by God.

Tony Orlando & Dawn - Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree. (1973)

How much impact did this simple, gimmicky number have on modern American life?

Well, every time you see a yellow ribbon magnet, you can thank Tony and his everpresent backup duo (and an assist credit to the military march "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon").

The melody is catchy, memorable and upbeat even though the outcome doesn't come until the end of the song. It's amazing that such a great hit still plays true over 40 years later as the soldier wonders if his one true love will take him back now that he is home.

Country Roads - John Denver (1971)

Considered to be John Denver's signature song, the song became one of Denver's most popular and beloved songs, and is still very popular around the world.

Songs like this are much of the reason why, and this may be the best of the bunch: a gorgeous song that's really a celebration of America's physical beauty.

Sing along with John Denver as he performs this wonderful old classic live as his pal, James Burton, plays in the background. Almost Heaven, West Virginia.

Soldier Boy - The Shirelles (1962)

This was a special song for me, an easy going sweet sincere promise. An adorable, touching classic by the queens of the girl-groups.

A perfect song for a man suddenly whisked away from the girl he loves.

The Original County Doo Wop Show With Ned Ward.

DJ Ned Ward plays yesterday's country favorites and the Classic Hits of the 50's and 60's Doo Wop style.

Tune in every Monday and Wednesday to Country Doo-Wop Live. You Will not be disappointed.

What's Next? A Michigan 26 year tradition.

The Show attracts hundreds of cars from all over and is considered one of the largest linear car shows in West Michigan. And yours truly will be there.

Do you have some favorites?

I'll respond withing 24 hours.

Have a great month.

Regards,

Danny Sandrik