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The golden age of vinyl records and all things retro
are the highlights of my Newsletter. Writing stories about my vinyl
record memories with content from my collection is my way of sharing
memories and keeping the oldies alive.
I do appreciate your valuable time reading my newsletter.
The phrase, "oldies but goodies," was first coined in 1957 by renowned deejay Art Laboe who, at around that time, used to get frequent requests from his listeners for songs from the early 1950s.
In 1959, he put together the first LP to feature (mostly older) songs by
different artists. This immensely popular compilation album, entitled
"Oldies But Goodies," stayed on Billboard's Top 100 LP's chart for over
three years and has, to date, spawned some 14 sequels. Below is a photo of that original 1959 album.
Art laboe originally used the term, "oldies But Goodies" referring to both popular music from the 1950s, and his radio format that specialized in this type of music. Today you hear some radio stations use the term "Oldies" that refer to music exclusively from the 1980's-1990's. Granted, this music is in the 30-40 year old time-frame, certainly old, however...
It's just hard to conceive that the, "what's new, right now" generation will have much nostalgia for their current music. On the other hand, some of you reading this may contend that today's hits are beloved by today's audience and will be beloved by the same people as tomorrow's oldies.
That may be true....but I don't see where today's music resonates with young people as it did for us and our parents and grandparents. It's a completely different world and climate now, sadly. It's very much a "here today, gone tomorrow" mentality for many of them.
So, it begs the question....
Here's my theory based on musical patterns from the Big Band era to early rock-n-roll, and the street corner sounds of that unmistakable style of music called Doo Wop. All seem to give way to the life and times during the golden age of vinyl records when growing up in the fifties and early to mid-sixties, and even the 70s, is a life most in today's world would gladly return.
The Golden Age of Vinyl Records truly was the 50s, 60s and 70s. As you may recall during the early 1980s the CD appeared and placed a serious dent in vinyl record sales.
While "Golden Oldies" seem to have remained a constant over the years, it has taken on new meaning made up of core golden oldies songs plus more modern material, gradually expanding forward in time to keep up with the changing demographics.
For the past few decades (yes decades) oldies music is generally considered to include all of the 70s, even disco. The same is expected to be true someday for the music of the 1980s, now often described as "classic rock," "pop"or even "retro."
And what about those long-forgotten tunes from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s that never made the top 40 in their day and are now being rediscovered, from the days of early rock-n-roll to Doo Wop.
Whether because of nostalgia, curiosity, or a genuine love for good music, the oldies format has maintained a huge following and will probably continue to do so for many years to come.
Which brings us to the next question.
If you want great oldies entertainment then you are in for a treat listening to my favorite radio program, The Country Doo Wop Show.
My friend, Ned Ward brings you yesterday’s Country favorites and the Classic Doo Wop hits of the 50s and 60s! Blending several “golden oldies” formats with a modern fast-paced, upbeat style, Ned Ward will make you want to grab your sweetheart and dance to your heart’s content! Ned’s CDW jukebox plays one-hit wonders, slow dances, toe-tappers and much more!
Listen in Monday thru Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, all times Pacific, on KNCP Newberry Mix 107.3 FM.
"That Kind of Fool," was written by Mack Vickery and released on Jerry Lee Lewis' Album "Odd Man In" an album I purchased in 1975. This is a classic barroom song Jerry Lee delivers with perfection.
Even though this song was never a top Country hit Lewis manages to pull every last drop of truth out of this song and make it sound so appealing.
And I wonder how many of those old country "Roadhouses" still have this song on their jukebox today?
Once you listen to this album it would be hard for anyone to understand why two really good songs on the LP, "A Damn Good Country Song" and "Don't Boogie Woogie" (When You Say Your Prayers Tonight) couldn't manage to make it into the Country Top 40. And it's really odd that an album this good didn't gain much traction upon its release.
Please enjoy our Country Doo-Wop Spotlight song for this month, and take note of those sad country lyrics about a man who just can't seem to make it home to his wife after too much booze.
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.
Beautiful artwork on memorable album covers and sleeves are a sign of our life and times. For music fans the covers are the expression of a period, of a particular time in their lives.
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. Below is the framed album cover art I still have in my collection after more than 40 years.
This LP titled "Loretta Lynn - I Remember Patsy" was recorded June 11, 1975 - December 10, 1976 and released on April 4, 1977.
"I Remember Patsy" is the twenty-ninth solo studio album by Loretta Lynn. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album's first single, "She's Got You", peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, Lynn's tenth solo single to top the chart.
Released more than 45 years ago, this Gatefold album
cover is in very good condition with no ring wear marks. The original printed MCA paper record sleeve is in excellent
condition. The vinyl record contains no noticeable scratches or marks.
This is another great example of our Framed Album Cover Art you can display on the walls of your Retro-Room or display as "Man Cave Art" for that perfect spot behind the bar.
In a follow-up to the Loretta Lynn article above, this month, March 6, 1963 marks the tragic day nearly 60 years ago that Lynn's best friend, Patsy Cline died in a plane crash. We pay tribute to Patsy and her #1 song, She's Got You, another forgotten country classic from 1962.
Patsy Cline loved the Lyrics to the song "She's Got You" and was so moved by the lyrics she memorized the song in one evening, recorded it and the song immediately became one of her favorite songs.
There's a reason that nearly 60 years after her death and the end of her short career she is still regarded as one of the most important singers of the 20th century.
We all love "Crazy" by Patsy Cline, and many consider this, along with "I Fall To Pieces" her signature songs, but my equal to those two is her style of singing on the song "You Belong to Me." Her #1 song, "She's Got You," is another that will tug at your heartstrings.
She was the voice of the average woman....the waitress at the diner, the woman working swing shift at the local factory, the counter girl at the all-night truck stop, or even the stay-at-home mom who stops to wonder what happened to all her dreams. Patsy Cline was their voice.
Not only did she have "the" voice, but she was able through her phrasing and voice control to put such feeling into her songs. Listen to most Patsy Cline songs on a dreary rainy night and tell me you don't feel the heartbreak in her songs.
Excerpts from the book...The Golden Age of Rock-n-Roll.
This month we are back on track with our Rock-n-Roll Timeline and the year 1958. The series will take us through 1962 with added entries in future newsletters. Stay tuned and subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss a single timeline issue.
1958 - Johnny Cash's final Sun session.
Ever thought of having your own website? I built Vinyl Record Memories "from scratch" with SoloBuildIt! Click below to find out more....
Another Classic Framed Album Cover Art From 1978 Titled "Every Time Two Fools Collide."
Will Oldies Radio Always Stop at The 70s? (part 2)
March will continue the "Rock'n'Roll Timeline" with special dates from the year 1959.
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Here's a solution to keep both your mind and budget happy!
Storms Never Last, a song about passing through the hardships of
marriage, and knowing their love for one another will endure. A final
duet with Jessi Colter and husband, Waylon Jennings. Read more...
"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.
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
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
Vee-Jay records was responsible for some great music in the 50s and 60s and "Duke of Earl" was one of their mega hits. However, Gene Chandler almost prevented this from happening until Vee-Jay stepped in and offered him a choice. Read more ...
A classic duet with Merle Haggard. Jewel's vocal adds a nice soft touch to Merle's perfect country voice and is one of the better versions ever recorded as a duet. Simply put.... Jewel is a diamond and Merle is pure gold. Watch and enjoy...
Switch off the lights and this romantic tune will send you back to the late 50s when this song was so popular. As a testament to its longevity, the song is frequently played on the radio today, 60 years after it was first released in 1959. Read more...
Three unforgettable decades, full of musical magic, incredible artists and songs, and memories that will last forever. Read more...
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 true story of a teenage crush and how a young man was inspired to write his song about the girl he left behind. Read the Fireflies story...
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.
This haunting ballad is about a plea from a heartbroken teenager trying to understand why her boyfriend is going out of his way to treat her unkindly. Read more...
Read this remarkable updated story and listen to this perfect cover of "Statue of A Fool."
The Duprees 1962 recording of "You Belong to Me," became the most popular version at the time, reaching #7 on the charts. This talented group brings back memories from more than 60 years ago and adds a touch of class to the original recording. Read more...
Of the many Elvis Presley love songs, Norah Jones adds her personal touch and sings one of the best covers of this original by Elvis. Read more...
Will anyone ever record songs like this again? A Beautiful song with perfect harmony and words you can actually understand, make sense and have a meaning. Read more.