Vinyl Record Lovers Newsletter
(VIP Club)


The golden age of vinyl records and all things retro are the highlights of my Newsletter. Writing stories about our vinyl record memories with added content from my collection is another way of sharing memories and keeping the oldies alive.

I do hope that you enjoy these little stories I write. They are short, they will not win any prizes for literature, but it’s all about the music and our vinyl record memories.

We wish you lots of fun on this journey to the time of Drive-In Movies, Pizza Parlors, Malt Shops, and those memorable Friday night school dances. 

Issue #133, June, 2024


In This Issue:

  • Spotlight Song of The Month - A Doo-Wop Classic.
  • Remembering Andrew Gold - "That's Why I Love You."
  • Popcorn and Romance Under The Stars...
  • Old Flames - Keepers of Memories - Man Cave Art.
  • Album Cover Art Of The Month..."Stray Cats"
  • Kenny Rogers Vinyl LP Album Collection Series.
  • This Month In June Music History.
  • What's Next?

Take a trip down memory lane with with the original classic oldies show - Monday thru Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, all times Pacific, on KNCP Newberry Mix 107.3 FM.  Ned Ward turns music into memories playing yesterday's country favorites and the classic hits of the 50's and 60's Doo Wop style.

Original Country Doo Wop Show

Country Doo-Wop Spotlight Song of The Month
Del Vikings - Come Go With Me


Del Vikings malt shop memories.

Here's another street corner classic that will add a few Dom Dom Dom's to your music vocabulary. A time when song lyrics were creative but also simple, this one made popular by The Del-Vikings vocal group in 1957.

Check out the tenor Saxophone player. His performance alone is classic. It makes me glad I was a teen listening to all those great songs of the 50's and 60's when they were not oldies, but top ten hits of the day.

The talent behind this fantastic Saxophone solo is Richard Mansfield. He was the musical director for many of those PBS shows. He wrote the arrangements and conducted the shows that were in the "American Soundtrack Series".

Some of the titles would be Doo Wop 50, Doo Wop 51, Rock Rhythm and Doo Wop, Rhythm Love and Soul, among others. His musical direction shines as he honors rock 'n' roll's '50s and early '60s legacy of vocal groups.

Richard's goal for the show was to make the music sound as close to the record as possible.  In many cases, he played the saxophone solos as they were in the record, with a couple of his twists added in.

Enjoy this classic video with left to right Norman Wright (original lead singer on this song) his son Anthony Wright, son Norman Wright Jr, and original member David Lerchey in this PBS Doo-Wop 50's special from 1999.

David Lerchey had already retired but sometimes agreed to sing with his old friend Norman Wright as he did here in 1999.

David died in January 2005, and sadly another Doo Wop great, lead singer Norman Wright, died in April 2010. Norman Wright was 73.


"That's Why I Love You" ( 1975)
(August 2, 1951 – June 3, 2011)

Andrew Gold 1978

Return with me to 1975 and those memorable lyrics from the Andrew Gold song, "That's Why I Love You." Let's bring back the best of times with that one special girl surrounded by the lyrics, "It's the smile on your face, It's your style and your grace...And that's why, that's why I love you."

Memories and perfect lyrics from the song reach back in time as you recall that special lady with the words ..."You're a party with the lights down low, you're my Friday night movie show, love me tender on the radio, just hold me tight and don't let go." 

I wrote a special page for Andrew Gold because he was, in my opinion, an underrated artist, a gifted man with gifted parents.

Andrew Gold has toured with The Eagles, played on records and toured with Jackson Browne, produced, wrote and sang/played on three 10cc tracks; played and sang on records and toured with James Taylor, produced singles for Vince Gill, and wrote and produced for Celine Dion; was second engineer on part of Joni Mitchell's Blue album.

Through his music he has ventured into space and wrote a popular theme song about three special senior ladies.

Are you beginning to grasp my "underrated artist" opinion here? Please read on and allow me to tell you more amazing information about this multi-talented entertainer, Andrew Gold. Read more here...

Note: This is a temporary video service I am looking at. No need to respond to any video requests...

The American Drive-in Theater.
Popcorn And Romance Under The Stars.


As of 2023 there were 299 drive-in theaters in the United States with a total of 522 screens, according to the United Drive-in Theater Owner Association. 

A memorable return to all those wonderful old Drive-in theaters that were so much a part of family entertainment in the fifties and sixties. Fast forward to today and you are guaranteed to fall (back) in love with these beloved drive-in movie theaters.

Vinyl records are back in a big way, so why not Drive-in theaters?

In the late 1950s, Wisconsin was home to 79 Drive-in theaters. Now, there are only nine. Come relive the fond memories and create new ones at these treasured drive-in movie theaters!

Drive-in numbers exploded and peaked in the late 1950's – early 1960's. During this time, which is generally considered the golden age of drive-ins, there were over 4000 drive-in theaters across the United States.

It was popcorn and romance under the stars.

Enjoy this video and hear sleepwalk played in the background. If you've never been to a Drive-in-movie you'll find one after watching this video...

If You Have Never Been To A Drive-in Theater... 
Add It To Your Bucket List.


Though drive-in theaters are far less prevalent now, there are still some holdouts across the country, from around 4000 in the late 50s to a current count of around 300 left in the U.S. Check out one near you.

A drive-in theater experience will guarantee to make you forget all about your plans to lounge around and binge-watch a mindless TV series from the tiny screen of your laptop.

Jesup Drive-in has been servicing guests on the Georgia coast since 1948. 1950s car hops set the tone for a - good ol' days - family night of entertainment.

Current drive-in owners adapt well to changing times. With online ticket sales, reserved parking spots, and food delivered to your car from the concession stand, many owners have made drive-in theaters easier and more fun to attend.

In a culture where family time has become so rare and the price of movie tickets are breaking the budget, the time is right once more for the drive-in to satisfy the national thirst for affordable, good, quality family entertainment.


"Old Flames"
They Are The Keepers of Memories.


This Drive-in-theater backdrop below titled, "Old Flames," will bring a smile to the face of many of our "senior" readers who grew up in this special time as we continue to reminisce about  "Old Flames."

Nearly everyone's been tempted to check up on an old flame.  Second chances can be lasting and wonderfully satisfying. They are the keepers of memories; they hold the keys to our past and help us make peace with aging.

It's simply undying love for those "Old Flames" we choose not to forget.  It does make life sweeter and my friend, Dale Klee, brings all those memories to life with his amazing classic car art.

Paintings with titles like Mopar Meadow, Mustang Mania, Country Vettes, Barnyard Shakers, and modified memories, will have you dreaming about that special old flame from years past.    

Surely you didn't think I was referring to an old high school flame or that sweet college girl you left behind.  Surely not!!!

Here's a couple of my favorite "Old Flames" sadly abandoned near a 50's drive-in theater, also known back in the day as the passion pit.

For the "Old School" guys, paintings like this one you proudly display on your man cave wall aren't necessarily limited to men with high mileage or fine character...Hot Rod and custom car lovers worldwide will continue to find this part of automobile history captivating.

Dale Klee automotive art at vinyl record memories.com

In the November, 2020 issue, I introduced Dale Klee and his amazing classic old car art paintings. In January, 2021 Dale's art was again featured with one of my favorites titled, A Few Good Years.

Today, Dale continues to create his colorful classic automobile scenes. Each one forms a particular memory and a sentimental look back for those of us who grew up in this very special time in history. His prints now adorn homes and businesses throughout the world. You can view more automotive art at the Dale Klee Art website.


Framed Album Cover Art of The Month.

When writing about music, especially music that was recorded before you were born, you only have the luxury of listening as an outsider. It is the Album Cover Artwork that will be a constant reminder how good the music inside really is.

In an age of digital downloads, another example why fans still love and need to love vinyl records. Between the mid-1960s and the late 1970s, the long-playing record allowed popular music to become an art form and changed popular music for ever.

Musicians could escape the confines of the three-minute pop single and express themselves as never before with glorious artwork and adorning gatefold sleeves. Arriving at your local Drive-in-movie in this cool hot rod would certainly turn some heads for sure...

Stray Cats 2014 Rant n Rave

It was hard to pass up this 1983 album by The Stray Cats with its "take me back to the rockabilly fifties" look, and the great layout on the Stray Cats sleeve insert.

The stray cats rockabilly line up begins with one cool cat, Lee Rocker, "Slappin' that Doghouse Bass."  On drums we have "Hittin' Not Missin," and the "Howlin' & Screamin'" backing vocals courtesy of Slim Jim Phantom. The "Sangin' & Guitar Twangin'" is provided by lead cat, Brian Setzer.

Producer, Dave Edmunds, also did work on the Carl Perkins Rockabilly Sessions in London in 1985.  Gavin Cochrane did the cover photography and Liner photography was done by Robert Matheu.


The Kenny Rogers Album Collection Series.
("Kenny" Vinyl LP - Released 1979)


We continue with our Kenny Rogers Collection Series for June showcasing his 1979 album titled simply, "Kenny." This album contains his hit songs, "You Decorated My Live," and "Coward of The County."

Rogers 8th studio album reached the top five of the US Billboard album chart and #1 in the Country charts (where it stayed for a record total of 25 weeks).

This album is one of several Kenny Rogers albums in my collection, all in excellent condition. The album still has the shrink wrap you see covering the album with a K-mart $6.57 price sticker. 

Kenny Rogers Album collection series for June 2024 Newsletter.

I give credit to session players as they are often over looked playing behind the artist. Without session players I believe many songs would not have reached a top ten ranking on the music charts. 

Reggie Young is one of several guitar players on this album. He was the lead guitarist in the American Sound Studio house band, The Memphis Boys, and was a leading session musician.

He played on various recordings with artists such as Elvis, Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, The Box Tops, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard, George Strait, The Highwaymen, and many other notable entertainers...


This Month In June Music History.


June 28, 1962 - The Drifters record "Up On The Roof."

June 29, 1963 - Del Shannon's cover of The Beatles' "From Me to You" enters the Hot 100 at #96, becoming the first Lennon-McCartney composition to chart in America. Shannon's version peaks at #77; in the UK the Beatles original hits #1 in May.

June 6, 1964 - The Dixie Cups' "Chapel Of Love," a Phil Spector wall-of-sound production, hits #1 in America, where it stays for three weeks.

June 3rd, 1967 - Aretha Franklin's "Respect" hits #1 in America. The song was written and originally recorded by Otis Redding, whose version hit #35 in 1965.

June 16, 1978 - The movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, opens in US theaters, becoming the smash hit and  highest-grossing film of 1978.

June 2nd, 1979 - Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff" goes to #1 in the US, where it stays for three weeks.




Looking for that special song, artist, or group on this site?



What's Next?

Our Kenny Rogers Collection Series for July will showcase his 1981 album titled, "Share Your Love." This album, produced by Lionel Richie, contains the hit song, "Through The Years."

Special Framed Album Cover Art may soon be for sale to the public. Stay tuned...




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Flooded With Memories...


Danny, I could not believe the content of your website. It is just amazing to recall so much we lived through just by checking out so many old posters & album covers.

Your site floods me with memories & reinforces my belief that it truly was a great time to be a teenager. Good work, Danny, please stick with it.

Sincerely Dale
dalekleeart.com



A True Story...
"Darling Lorraine"


Danny, Great job !!!! I can't express enough how much my mother would have been so happy with your work on her song. As for myself and the rest of my family, we really appreciate your time & effort to let everyone who is interested in her song know the true story behind it.  Read more...

Thanx so much, Bob



"Duke of Earl" Homecoming


I just read your article on Duke of Earl/Vee Jay Records. My father was Randy Wood, President of Vee Jay at the time.

I'm doing some research on the company and am learning how influential Vee Jay was in shaping the future of music.  Nice to see your web page.

Michele Marotta
February 15, 2015

Read the Duke of Earl story.



An Old Song
A New Friend


"I don't usually contact doo wop article authors as I rarely find much value in the articles, but your article struck me as sincere, genuine and respectful."

Tom Sokira,
Producer, Audio Engineer
"In The Still Of The Night" (1956)

Read the story here.


avrt

A kind reply
From a grateful family.


Danny, I think you did a great job and my family enjoyed it as well. I have had some more time to go through your site and find it to be fantastic, and your personal story is great as well. 

You truly are a blessing to all of Us. Thanks for sharing your memories with us. I look forward to seeing and hearing more from you.

Paul Giacalone

The song "You Were Mine" was written by Paul Giacalone. Read the story here.



Love Your Comments!


"Just stumbled onto this site and decided to stay and visit for a while. You have it laid out so wonderfully. Easy to get around and love your comments. Thanks for my trip down memory lane. Really, really enjoyed it."

Priscilla Hernandez,
Arkansas



Keeping Old Vinyl Music Alive.


Congratulations on an outstanding site. I am from old school. I was 13 when Rock & Roll erupted in 1955. I would literally run home from school to watch Bandstand every day. I lived outside Philly and grew up with all the Philadelphia music scene and its performers. Keep up the good work and I thank you for your time and effort in keeping the old vinyl music alive for us and future generations.

Bill Moore,
Lugoff, SC
Deceased 2020

Bill was our first newsletter subscriber.
Rest easy, my friend.



Memories, Memories


"Thank you so much for all the work you have done on these pages.  I found my way here, and spent the next two hours in absolute bliss. Memories, memories...thank you for rekindling them."

Bob Douglass,
VA



One Classic After Another...


Thanks for an excellent musical experience. I found your website by accident and just kept enjoying one classic after another. Great job! Like yourself, I'm still enjoying my vinyl collection. We share many of the same favorite artists.

Regards, Jim Miles
MD



A Special Place To Visit.


Danny, great going with your site. I will be visiting often.  I have all of my dad's LPs and several of my own, so your site is of special interest to me.

Roy Webber,
Utah



Party Doll
A Rockabilly Classic


Enjoy this vinyl record memories rockabilly classic from 1957.

This is the story of the sounds these historically important figures created during those early rockabilly days. Read the story...



Baby's Gone


Baby's Gone Story - True Vinyl Record Memories.

Didn't say goodbye, didn't tell me why, just left me here to cry, with nothing but a memory.

Read the true story behind this treasured memory.



American Graffiti...
Where Were You In 62?


Read more about America's last age of innocence at vinyl record memories.com

Classic coming-of-age story set against the 1960s backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins and rock and roll...and is considered one of the best teen movies ever made. A cool trip down memory lane.



Baby I'm Yours


Jody Miller classic remake.

Written by the "The Hustle" guy, Van McCoy, reached #5 in 1965 with Barbara Lewis and a top 5 remake by Jody Miller in 1971. A sexy remake on a great original song... Baby I'm Yours...



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A Brian Wilson Classic - Good Vibrations.

Brian Wilson is an American Treasure and Good Vibrations is without a doubt one of  Wilson's greatest songwriting accomplishments. Read more...



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Step back in time and relive those Blue Moon vinyl record memories with this unique cover of a Doo-Wop classic from 1961. You're gonna love this performance.



A Buddy Holly Love Song


This beautiful love song was recorded in the presence of Buddy's wife, and should be appreciated for the impact of this great song, and the love that inspired it. Read the story here.



The Jackie Wilson Story.



The Jackie Wilson Story looks at the life and career of this deeply troubled artist and his 1958 signature song, "Lonely Teardrops." Read more...