This Week On Treasure Island Oldies - Week Of June 16th, 2013

June 16th, 2013 to June 22nd, 2013

Thank you for celebrating Dad with me during our Annual Father's Day Special on Treasure Island Oldies. It is always wonderful to honour Mothers and Fathers on their respective days. I enjoyed including your requests during the show as well. In case you missed the Live show, be sure to check out the Archive. And don't forget there are two more specials still to come . this month. Next week it's our 17th Annual Summer Beach Party. The sun, the surf, the sand and the greatest summer music just in time to begin the summer of 2013. Bring along your sunscreen and seagull repellent. LOL Then on June 30th it's our Annual Music Of Canada Special with the artists and groups from coast to coast across Canada who made their mark around the world.

I'm very pleased to welcome a new station to the Treasure Island Oldies Broadcast Partners Network. The legendary WKRN is back at www.WKNRKeener13.com and I am so pleased to be part of the station's line-up of shows. We'll be on every Friday starting at 8 pm. Over at QCCR-FM in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, we are non on twice a week, Saturday at 9 am and again Sunday at Midnight (Monday at 12 am). Be sure to check out these stations and let them know you are pleased they air Treasure Island Oldies.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Harry in Dallas, Texas. If you have a birthday coming up, I invite you to let me know so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the song that started off our Father's Day Special. It's the Godfather of Soul, James Brown from a Shindig TV show appearance with Papa's Got A Brand New Bag. It's our Song Of The Week. Enjoy!

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents Brian Hyland with two of his great summer songs for your votes. Cast you vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Stay And Love Me All Summer or Sealed With A Kiss. I'll play the winner in the third hour of next week's show.

Here's the Rock And Roll News for the week of June 16^th

Rock And Roll News on YouTube
 

Listen to the Top 5 Countdown from 1963

See you next week here on the Island for the Summer Beach Party!

Bye for now.

Michael

Brian Hyland - Voice Your Choice

Brian Hyland was born in Queens, New York on November 12, 1943. He got an early start to his music career, as he had his own group, The Delphis, when he was just 12 years old. He and Del Shannon worked closely together in 1970 when they had a production company.

His first single catapulted him to the top of the charts in 1960 with the Number One song Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, which also became the first of two Gold Records. The second  was in 1970, Gypsy Woman, a remake of the Top Twenty song by The Impressions in 1961.

This week on Voice Your Choice we spotlight two summer songs by Brian Hyland. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Stay And Love Me All Summer or Sealed With A Kiss. I'll play the winning song  in Hour 3 of next week's show.

James Brown - Song Of The Week

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the song that started off the Father's Day Special on Treasure Island Oldies. In a clip from the TV show Shindig, here's the Godfather of Soul, James Brown with Papa's Got A Brand New Bag.

It's our Song Of The Week.

Enjoy!
Michael

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies - Week Of June 9th, 2013

June 9th, 2013 to June 15th, 2013

It was sad news to learn of the passing of the fantastic Marvin Johnny, the baritone lead vocalist of The Dells. He had such a distinctive voice and made such a great combination with the other lead singers in the group. It was wonderful to pay tribute to Marvin Junior by playing so many great songs by The Dells throughout this week's show. If you missed the Live show, be sure to listen to the Archive.I'd also like to thank for your many requests again on this week's show. It's always a pleasure hearing from you and to open up the door to you your great memories.

Over the coming three weeks, we've got a series of specials for your enjoyment. Next week is our b, followed the week of June 23 by the Annual Summer Beach Party. on June 30th it'll be our Annual Music of Canada Special. If you'd like me to play a specific song for you as part of one of these upcoming specials, be sure to let me know. Click the Requests button on any page of the website and I'll do my best to play it for you.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to long time listener Nancy Turnbull in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and to Michael Gee in Berkeley, California. If you have a birthday coming up, I invite you to let me know so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandolfies.com.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is paying tribute to the late Marvin Johnny of The Dells with a great live performance from 1972 on the TV show Soul. The entire performance includes Oh What A Night, Always Together, Stay In My Corner, It's All Up To You  and The Love We Had Stays In My Mind. It's over 28 minutes! It's our Song of the Week. R.I.P. Marvin.

Voice Your Choice presents one of the top vocal groups of the 1950s, The Platters. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Twilight Time or The Magic Touch. Bet it will be a lose race, with the winning song to be played in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

Here's the Rock And Roll News for the week on June 9th.

Rock And Roll News on YouTube

Listen to the Top 5 Countdown from 1966

See you next week.

Bye for now.

Michael

The Platters - Voice Your Choice

The Platters were an R&B group formed in Los Angeles, California. The original lineup consisted of the amazing voice of Tony Williams on lead vocals, David Lynch (tenor), Paul Robi (baritone), Herb Reed (bass), and Zola Taylor. They initially recorded for Federal Records but met with success once they moved over to Mercury Records.

As the #1 vocal group of the 1950s, they had 70 songs hit the Billboard charts between 1955 and 1967, including 7 Top Ten hits and 5 Gold Records. With so many songs, it was difficult to select just two of them for this week's Voice Your Choice, but I did.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice features The Platters with just two of their many hit records. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Twilight Time or The Magic Touch. The winning tune will get played in Hour 3 of next week's show.

The Dells - Song Of The Week

Treasure Island Oldies continues the tribute to the late Marvin Johnny, the incredible baritone lead singer with The Dells, on this week's show. The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is so pleased to bring you an extensive live performance by The Dells from the 1972 TV show Soul.

Included in this amazing showcase for the incredible talent of the entire group are their hits Oh What A Night, Always Together and Stay In My Corner, plus It's All Up To You and The Love We Had Stays In My Mind. Whoa! Its a stellar performance with a really tight backup orchestra.

Enjoy!

Marvin Junior, R.I.P.

The Dells' Marvin Junior Has Died At Age 77

The Dells singer Marvin Junior died on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from kidney and heart problems at his home in Harvey, Illinois, the New York Times reports. He was 77. Junior, who was once called "Iron Throat" by the Temptations' David Ruffin, helped form the doo-wop and R&B group as a high-schooler in Harvey in the early Fifties. His voice was massive and versatile, and held up strongly over his 57 years of performing.

Junior co-wrote the Dells' first hit, "Oh, What a Nite," with then-bandmate Johnny Funches. The 1956 track was reworked and released in 1969 as "Oh, What a Night," landing the Number One spot on the Billboard R&B chart and in the Top Ten on the pop chart. The group scored plenty of hits after that, including "Stay in My Corner," "I Touched a Dream," "Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation” and "The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind)."


Junior was born on January 31st, 1936, in Harold, Arkansas, though his family moved to Illinois when he was young. He is survived by his wife, Ruby; sons Marvin Jr., Shawn and Todd; daughters Faye Jones, Latanya and Toya Junior; brother Jack Dabon and 10 grandchildren.

The Dells reached a new generation in 1991 when they served as consultants and an inspiration behind Robert Townsend's film The Five Heartbeats, which followed a fictitious singing group. The group was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, but haven't performed since the 2009 death of bandmate Johnny Carter.

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies - Week of June 2nd, 2013

June 2nd, 2013 to June 8th, 2013

I'd like to thank everyone for the tremendous amount of feedback and comments regarding my John Lennon interview that I played on last week's show. I never expected so much response and I appreciate it. And on this week's show I was so pleased to premiere the new Julian Lennon single, Someday, from his forthcoming first new album in 15 years. Everything Changes, being released this week, will have a big splash launch June 14th in Los Angeles. I was invited to attend the by invitation only party. Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend. But I am grateful to Kiva at The Press House for sending Julian's single to me. I am very much looking forward to hearing the entire album. If you missed hearing it during the live show, be sure to check out the Archive at the Listen page.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Paul Carter Jr. in Ellicott City, Maryland, a regular listener and contributor to the show with the weekly Music Link feature. If you have a birthday coming up, I invite you to let me know so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com.

Our next special will happen in two weeks time. Be sure to join me June 16th for the Annual Father's Day Special. The following week, June 23rd, it's our Annual Summer Beach Party, followed on June 30th with our Annual Music Of Canada Special. Lots of specials with lots of great music for you. And of course, if you miss any of the Live shows, you can always enjoy hearing the Archives at the Listen page.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the song I premièred this week on Treasure Island Oldies. It's Julian Lennon with his new single, Someday. It's our Song Of The Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice turns to the television for this week's featured artist. Johnny Crawford played the role of Mark McCain, the son of Lucas McCain, played by Chuck Connors on The Rifleman. As a result of the popularity of the show, Johnny Crawford had a brief but successful recording career. This week we spotlight two of his charted hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Rumors or Patti Ann. I'll play the winning song in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

Here's the Rock and Roll News for the week of June 2nd.

Rock And Roll News on YouTube

Listen to the Top 5 Countdown from 1964

See you next week.

Bye for now.

Michael

Johnny Crawford - Voice Your Choice

There have been many television stars over the years, including some who also became recording artists. Annette Funicello, Shelley Fabares, and Paul Peterson, are a few examples. Another is Johnny Crawford.  He was born on March 26, 1946 in Los Angeles, California. The teen pop singer/actor was also one of the original Mouseketeers on Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Club TV show.

He played Chuck Connors' son ("Mark McCain") on TV's The Rifleman, 1958-63. And during that period, he was signed by Bob Keane to his Del-Fi Records label and released several singles. This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights two his those hits.

Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Rumors or Patti Ann. I'll play the winner in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

Julian Lennon - Song Of The Week

As you know, I played the new single Someday by Julian Lennon on this week's Treasure Island Oldies show. I'm very pleased to play the video for the song here at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Here is Julian Lennon with the first single from his first new album in 15 years, Everything Changes, with Someday.

It's our Song of the Week.

Enjoy!

Michael

John Lennon Interview 1969 Montreal Bed-In For Peace

It was 44 years ago this week in 1969 when John Lennon and Yoko Ono arrived in Montreal for their second of two cities for their Bed-In For Peace at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. The first city was Amsterdam. I was 16 years old at the time and had a high school radio station, FMHC Radio. I was unbelievably fortunate to be able to do an interview with John during their stay in Montreal.

Even more fortunate is that I have been able to preserve this interview and I am pleased to play it for you now. My thanks to Fred Waterer in Ste. Catharines, Ontario, a long time listener of my Treasure Island Oldies radio show for the inspiration to play back the interview.

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies - Week of May 26, 2013

May 26th, 2013 to June 1st, 2013

It's hard for me to believe that it was 44 years ago this week that I, as a then 16 year old kid, interviewed John Lennon during his Bed-In For Peace while he and Yoko Ono were staying at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. I had a high school radio station, FMHC Radio, which stood for Father McDonald Holy Cross High School, and we were fortunate enough to have guest visits from some local DJs from the Top 40 station, CFOX. One of the guests was Roger Scott, who answered the phone in John Lennon's room when I finally got through after a few days of always getting a busy signal. I reminded him that he had been a recent guest at our high school radio station and I was hoping to speak with John to ask him a few questions. Although quite busy with the press and film crews, John took the time to speak with me. And what resulted is my coveted interview with John Lennon. My thanks to Fred Waterer in Ste. Catharines, Ontario for giving me the inspiration to play the interview due to his Facebook post. Cheers, Fred. I was pleased to play back that interview on this week's show to mark the 44th Anniversary of their Bed-In For Peace. If you missed it, a Podcast has been made and is posted at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog page. Check it out and share my memories of being 16 and talking to John Lennon!

It was good to hear some great songs by The Doors in tribute to Ray Manzarek, Co-Founder of the group, who passed away May 21st at age 74. He had a long fought battle with cancer and died at a clinic in Germany. As a tribute to his passing, the Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing The Doors in a sizzling live performance of Touch Me, on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour TV show. It's Our Song Of The Week.

Hard to believe that next week it will be June already. Well with June, come several annual specials on the show.: On June 16th it's our Annual Father's Day Special, our Summer Beach Party, June 23rd and then our Annual Made In Canada Special on June 30th. Mark these dates on your calendar, you'll want to catch every one of these specials.

Happy Birthday wishes are extended this week to Bruce Toews in Winnipeg, Manitoba. And if you are about to celebrate your birthday, be sure to let me know so I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and I'll play Birthday by The Beatles for you! Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com.

Voice Your Choice presents Connie Francis, the Number One Female Pop Vocalist from the late 1950s through to the mid-1960s. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Breakin' In A Brand New Heart or Among My Souvenirs, both Top Ten smashes. I'll play the winner in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

Here's the Rock And Roll News for the week of May 26th

 It's also on YouTube

Listen to the Top 5 Countdown from 1964

See you next week.

Bye for now.

Michael

Connie Francis - Voice Your Choice

Connie Francis was born Concetta Rosa Franconero on December 12, 1938 in Newark, New Jersey. Apart from having a staggeringly successful recording career, she also appeared in several motion pictures including Where The Boys Are, Follow The Boys, Looking For Love, and When The Boys Meet The Girls.

Between 1957 and 1969, she appeared a stunning 56 times on the Billboard charts; achieved 16 Top Ten hits, plus 8 Gold Records, quite a feat for anyone! In fact, Connie is the #1 pop female singer from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s.

And this week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents Connie Francis with two of her Top Ten hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Breakin' In A Brand New Heart or Among My Souvenirs. I'll play the winner in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

The Doors - Song Of The Week

Ray Manzarek, the Co-Founder of The Doors passed away May 21st in Germany at age 74 from a long battle with cancer. As a tribute to him, here are The Doors in a live performance on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour TV show, with a great performance of Touch Me. It's our Song Of The Week.

R.I.P. Ray. Thank you.

Michael

Ray Manzarek - Co-Founder The Doors Has Died

Ray Manzarek, a founding member with The Doors whose keyboard work was a touchstone of hits like Break On Through to the Other Side and Light My Fire, has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer.

The musician died at a clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, surrounded by members of his family, according to a statement issued by his publicist.

Manzarek formed the Doors after a chance meeting in July 1965 on Venice Beach, Los Angeles, with Jim Morrison, a fellow alumni from the film school who was to become the band's vocalist.

After they were joined by Robby Krieger on guitar and John Densmore on drums, the band released six albums, all of which were successful. After Morrison's death in 1971, the band continued on as a trio, releasing two more albums.

Manzarek, who was born and raised in Chicago and studied at the Department of Cinematography at UCLA, Manzarek occasionally sang for the Doors and was portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan in the 1991 film biopic about the band.

"I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today," Krieger said in a statement. "I'm just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him."

Manzarek played in several other bands after the Doors, including Nite City, a rock group which released a number of albums in the 1970s.

In 1998 he wrote a best-selling memoir about his experiences, Light My Fire: My Life with the Doors. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, a son, and three grandchildren.

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies - Week Of May 19th, 2013

May 19th, 2013 to May 25th, 2013

It's interesting how fast seven days goes by until we're back together again enjoying our favourite music here on the "Island". And if you think that seven days go by quickly, it's uncanny how fast the show's four hours go by so quickly. One thing for sure, we're never bored at Treasure Island Oldies. And it's always so cool to play not only your favourites, but also lots of Lost Treasures, songs you haven't heard in years but vividly remember nonetheless. It was great to start off the show with Shake And Fingerpop by Jr. Walker & The All Stars. It was also fun to hear Tom Northcott's 1941; haven't played it on the show since 2007! In case you missed the live show, be sure to enjoy the Archive at the Listen page. You'll hear a ton of great music.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Cora Quinn in Peoria, Illinois. A good friend of hers passed on her birthday information, so she had no idea I was going to celebrate her birthday on the show until she was actually listening to the live show. Good fun. And if you are about to celebrate your birthday, be sure to let me know so I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and I'll play Birthday by The Beatles for you! Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com.

Be sure to mark your calendar for some upcoming specials: on June 16th it's our Annual Father's Day Special, our Summer Beach Party, June 23rd and then our Annual Made In Canada Special on June 30th. Phew!! We're gonna have us some fun with these specials.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing The Kickerbockers with their smash Beatles-sounding Lies. It's our Song Of The Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice presents one of the longest lasting groups in history. The Dells kept their exact original line-up from the early 1060's and into the '80s with a fantastic blend of voices. And this week we have two of their great recordings for you. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Wear It On Our Face or Stay In My Corner. I'll play the winner in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

Here's the Rock And Roll News for the week of May 19th

 It's also on YouTube
 

Listen to the Top 5 Countdown from 1963

See you next week.

Bye for now.

Michael

The Dells - Voice Your Choice

The Dells first recorded as The El-Rays in 1953 for Checker Records in Chicago, later signing with Vee-Jay Records in 1955. The group consisted of Johnny Funches (lead vocal), Marvin Junior (baritone lead vocals), Verne Allison (tenor), Mickey McGill (baritone), and Chuch Barksdale (bass). The line-up remained unchanged into the 1980s, with the exception of Johnny Funches, who was replaced by Johnny Carter in 1960. Funches died January 23, 1998 at age 62, while his replacement Johnny Carter died August 21, 2009 at age 75. 

These guys were hugely successful on both the R&B charts and the Hot 100 Pop charts, with 47 charted R&B hits, while they appeared on the Hot 100 charts a total of 24 times.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, we spotlight The Dells with two of their amazing hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Wear It On Our Face or Stay In My Corner. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

The Knickerbockers - Song Of The Week

Some people think that The Knickerbockers were a One Hit Wonder. The boys from Bergenfield, New Jersey appeared three times on the Top 100 charts in the mid-'60s.

This week the Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing their signature hit for youe enjoyment.

Here are The Knickerbockers with Lies. It's our Song Of The Week.

Enjoy!

Michael