Monday, June 29, 2015

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of June 28th, 2015

June 28th, 2015 to July 6th, 2015
Now that’s what I call a party! The sun, the surf, the sand and the Annual Treasure Island Oldies Summer Beach Party. It just feels like summer when you hear all those great summer songs. The Tiki Hut aka Chat Room had a great crowd, all in the mood for a party on the beach. Even the seagulls were having a good time flying overhead during the show! And the waves and ocean breeze were a perfect blend to cool things off a little. In case you missed hearing Martha and the Vandellas, Otis Redding, the Beach Boys, Elton John, Chad and Jeremy, and a ton more, you can enjoy the Archive of the Summer Beach Party at the Listen page. Remember, wear your sunscreen!

A quick reminder for your calendar. Next week is another in the series of 18 Specials in celebration of our 18th Anniversary. Join me for the Music of Canada Special, when I’ll feature the artists, groups and songwriters who wrote, performed and produced some great records, some of which became hits across Canada and around the world. It all begins at 6 pm Pacific time. If there’s a specific song you’d like me to play, be sure to let me know. Click on the Requests button or call the Listener Line to record your request message at 206-339-0709. I’ve already heard from some listeners with their requests and I’m looking forward to playing them on the show next week.

Congratulations go out to Rich Clarke in Stillwell, Oklahoma, the June winner of the Treasure Island Oldies 18th Anniversary Contest. For his prize he chose the Treasure Island Oldies Tribute poster, exclusive to TNJ Post Creations, the sponsors of the 18th Anniversary Contest. You could be the July winner. Click the 18th Anniversary Contest logo to enter the contest. Good Luck!

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to my nephew and long time listener, Tony Gize in Airdrie, Alberta, known to the Chat Room regulars as Fonzie. If your birthday is coming up soon, please let me know so that the listeners and I can celebrate your special day. I’ll wish you a very happy birthday on the show and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is continuing with our Summer Beach Party theme with Chad and Jeremy in a clip from the TV show American Bandstand and introduced by Dick Clark. A Summer Song is our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice presents Bill Haley and His Comets, the first big stars of the Rock and Roll era. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Shake, Rattle and Roll or Rock Around The Clock. I‘ll play the winner during next week’s show.

Be sure to listen to this week’s Rock and Roll News Podcast for the week of June 28th. Click the Podcast link on the left. 

And check out this week’s Top 5 Countdown from 1961. Just click the Top 5 Countdown Link.

Take care and see you next week for the Annual Music of Canada Special!


Bye for now.


Michael

Bill Haley and His Comets - Voice Your Choice

It could be argued that Bill Haley And His Comets were the group that launched Rock & Roll Music in a big way. When (We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock was first released in May 1954, it went practically nowhere. When it was included as part of the movie Blackboard Jungle starring Glenn Ford, the song took off reaching #1 on the charts, remaining in the top position for 8 weeks, that's 2 months, and attaining GOLD status!

Their first charted hit, Shake, Rattle And Roll, a former #1 R&B hit for Big Joe Turner, reached #7 and was a GOLD record.

Throughout their career, Bill Haley And His Comets had 28 hits on the charts, had 3 GOLD records and four reached the Top Ten.

Voice Your Choice Treasure Island Oldies presents Bill Haley And His Comets. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Shake, Rattle And Roll or Rock Around The Clock. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Chad and Jeremy - A Summer Song - Song of the Week

It was the Annual Summer Beach Party this week on Treasure Island Oldies. If you missed the Live show, click here.

And in keeping with the summer theme, the Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde from London, England. Better known as Chad and Jeremy, here they are in a clip from American Bandstand with an introduction by Dick Clark. A Summer Song is our Song of the Week.

Enjoy!

Michael



Monday, June 22, 2015

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of June 21st, 2015

June 21st, 2015 to June 27th, 2015

Happy Father’s Day! It was a real pleasure to celebrate this special day with our Annual Father’s Day Special. And what fun to open the show with the opening of the classic TV show, Father Knows Best. Boy, that introduction sure brought back memories of watching that show every week. If you missed the Live show, be sure to listen to the Archive. Go to the Listen page and scroll down the page to the Archives section where you can either listen to an individual show or the 24/7 Stream of the three most recent shows.

A quick reminder for your calendar. Next week is another in the series of 18 Specials in celebration of our 18th Anniversary. Join me for the Annual Summer Beach Party beginning at 6 pm Pacific time. Be sure to bring two important items with you, sunscreen and seagull repellant. LOL And as always, if there’s a specific song you’d like me to play, be sure to let me know. Click on the Requests button or call the Listener Line to record your request message at 206-339-0709.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Linda Guy in La Habra, California. If your birthday is coming up soon, please let me know so that the listeners and I can celebrate your special day. I’ll wish you a very happy birthday on the show and also play Birthday by The Beatles to help celebrate your special day. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is continuing with our Father’s Day tribute with Gladys Knight and the Pips. They perform Daddy Could Swear, I Declare in a clip from the TV show Soul Train. It’s our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice presents Jack Scott, one of the top Canadian recording artists of all time. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either My True Love or Goodbye Baby. I’ll play the winner during next week’s show.

Be sure to listen to this week’s Rock and Roll News Podcast for the week of June 21st. Click the Podcast link on the left. 

And check out this week’s Top 5 Countdown from 1965. Just click the Top 5 Countdown Link. 

Take care and see you next week for the Annual Summer Beach Party!

Bye for now.

Michael

Jack Scott - Voice Your Choice

Jack Scott was born in Windsor, Ontario and became a very big recording artist but not a big star. He seemed to be the reluctant success story, as he didn't clamor for the spotlight, even though he ended up in the spotlight on many occasions. He appeared on the Hot 100 charts nineteen times. That is a huge feat for anyone.

Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to spotlight Jack Scott on Voice Your Choice. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either My True Love or Goodbye Baby. I'll play the winner during next week's Annual Summer Beach Party on Treasure Island Oldies.

Gladys Knight and the Pips - Daddy Could Sweat I Declare - Father's Day Song of the Week

This week on Treasure Island Oldies we celebrate Father's Day and we continue the celebration here at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Here's Gladys Knight and the Pips in a clip from the TV show Soul Train with Daddy Could Swear I Declare. It's our Song of the Week.

Enjoy and Happy Father's Day!

Michael

Monday, June 15, 2015

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of June 14th, to June 20th, 2015

June 14th, 2015 to June 20th, 2015
It  was another fun four hours together again this week on Treasure Island Oldies. And it was very nice hearing from Linda in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who asked me to play Cast Your Fate To The Wind and also a couple of songs from Donovan. I was pleased to play the original version of Cast Your Fate To The Wind by Sounds Orchestral from England. And I also enjoyed playing Mellow Yellow and There Is A Mountain, two great hits by Donovan for her. Remember, I really enjoy hearing from you whether by email request, a Facebook request or the Listener Line at 206-339-0709.

A quick reminder for your calendar. We’ll be celebrating Dad with our Annual Father’s Day Special next Sunday, June 21st for the Live show and all week on the Archive. I always look forward to this annual salute to dads everywhere. If there’s a specific song you’d like me to play, be sure to let me know.

Thanks for the nice email this week from Harvey Goldberg in Montreal. I appreciated his nice comments about the music and the show.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Nancy Turnbull in Niagara Falls, Ontario. If your birthday is coming up soon, please let me know so that the listeners and I can celebrate your special day. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is continuing with our tribute to the late Jim Ed Brown by playing Jim Ed, Bonnie and Maxine – The Browns with The Three Bells. It’s our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice presents Gladys Knight and The Pips. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either If I Were Your Woman or Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye). I’ll play the winner during next week’s show.

Be sure to listen to this week’s Rock and Roll News Podcast for the week of June 14th. Click the Podcast link on the left.
  
And check out this week’s Top 5 Countdown from 1963. Just click the Top 5 Countdown Link.

Take care and have a great week.


Bye for now.

Michael

Gladys Knight and The Pips - Voice Your Choice

Gladys Knight and The Pips have a very interesting story. They are a family group for starters with Gladys, her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight, sister Brenda and cousins William and Eleanor Guest. They were called the "Pips" after their manager, cousin James "Pip" Woods.

Brenda and Eleanor were replaced by cousins Edward Patten and Langston George. Langston left the group in 1962 and the group has remained with the same quartet ever since.

They had many appearances on the Billboard charts between 1961 and 1996. In fact, they hit the chats a total of 42 times, including 9 Top Ten hits and 5 Gold Records.

Treasure Island Oldies presents Gladys Knight and The Pips on Voice Your Choice. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either If I Were your Woman or Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye). I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

The Browns - Three Bells : Song of the Week

As part of the tribute we paid to the late Jim Ed Brown on Treasure Island Oldies this week, here are Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie. It's The Browns and Three Bells.

It's our Song of the Week.

Enjoy!

R.I.P. Jim Ed



Friday, June 12, 2015

Jim Ed Brown of The Browns Fame Has Died

Smooth-voiced singer Jim Ed Brown, a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1963 and a 2015 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, died Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin. He was 81.

In September Mr. Brown revealed that he had been undergoing treatment for lung cancer. In early 2015, he announced that he was in remission, but on June 3, his daughter Kim posted on Facebook that her father's cancer had returned — although not in his lungs — and that he had resumed chemotherapy.

One day later, when Mr. Brown's condition appeared unlikely to improve, his dear friend and country legend "Whispering" Bill Anderson visited Mr. Brown in his hospital room to present him with a Country Music Hall of Fame medallion, five months ahead of this fall's official induction ceremony.
"It was sad, but in a beautiful way, because we were making him happy," Anderson said. Mr. Brown was surprised earlier this year with the news that he would receive country music's highest honor.

On Thursday night, news of Mr. Brown's death spread as country star Alan Jackson opened the sold-out nightly LP Field concerts for the 2015 CMA Music Festival. Jackson played a bit of Mr. Brown's signature hit "Pop a Top" and said, "We're gonna miss you, Jim Ed Brown. God bless you," before leaving stage.

James Edward Brown was born on April 1, 1934, in Sparkman, Ark.; later, the family of seven would move to Pine Bluff, Ark. Growing up, he would listen to Opry stars such as Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe, and sing with his older sister Maxine and younger sister Bonnie.

In 1954 Mr. Brown and Maxine, who had been singing on the radio and performing regionally as a duo, signed a deal with Fabor Records. Their debut single, the lighthearted "Looking Back to See," peaked at No. 8 in June of that year. The young singers became regulars on The Louisiana Hayride and Ozark Jubilee.

In 1955 their teenage sister Bonnie joined the group; a year later, The Browns' recording of "I Take the Chance" for their label RCA Victor hit No. 2 on the country charts. One of their best-known songs was "I Heard the Bluebirds Sing," a song that was released in 1957, the same year that Mr. Brown was drafted into military service. He continued to record with his sisters while on leave, and when the group toured, sister Norma would take his place.

After two years, Mr. Brown left the military and rejoined the family band. They would release their smash hit "The Three Bells" in August 1959. It spent 10 weeks atop the country chart, four weeks atop the pop charts and even cracked the Hot R&B Sides Top 10. The Browns' timeless version of this song would go on to sell more than 1 million records. Subsequent recordings "Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)" and "The Old Lamplighter" were also crossover hits; however, the former would be the group's final Top 10 country single.

The Browns were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1963. They would disband four years later when Maxine and Bonnie decided to retire from the trio.

In 1965 Mr. Brown began to make solo records for RCA Victor, where he'd remain for the next 16 years. In 1967 he'd release what would become his signature song: the Nat Stuckey-penned "Pop a Top," which spent 20 weeks on the charts. He'd go on to release several other successful singles, including "Morning" (No. 4, 1970) and "Southern Loving" (No. 6, 1973).

During the mid-1970s, Mr. Brown, in between hosting multiple seasons of the television program "Nashville on the Road," began to record duets with Helen Cornelius. The pair won the 1977 CMA Vocal Duo Award thanks to hits such as the 1976 chart-topper "I Don't Want to Have to Marry You" and "Saying Hello, Saying I Love You, Saying Goodbye," which hit No. 2. They released their last charting single, "Don't Bother to Knock," in 1981.

Mr. Brown returned to television in the 1980s, hosting "You Can Be a Star" for six years and co-hosting a travel program, "Going Our Way," with his wife, Becky. Though he did not release any studio albums during these years, he continued to tour and perform on the "Opry."

In January, at the age of 80, Mr. Brown released his first album in 35 years, "In Style Again," for Plowboy Records. Despite his age and his health, Mr. Brown was in fine vocal form on this project, singing with Cornelius and his sisters in addition to Vince Gill and The Whites. At the end of the month, he returned to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

In late March, it was announced that Mr. Brown, along with his two sisters, was going to be officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

At the announcement, an emotional Mr. Brown began his remarks by telling the audience that he was cancer-free. During an interview, he remarked that one of the most meaningful aspects of his induction was that "my family, friends and fans (will) always have a place to go and remember me. I'll be there forever."

Two weeks ago, Anderson was told The Browns had asked that he be the Hall of Fame member to induct them into the Country Music Hall of Fame at the ceremony in the fall. Then he got the call June 4 saying Mr. Brown's induction needed to happen that day. He canceled a doctor's appointment and joined a group of people, including Country Music Association Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, in Mr. Brown's hospital room to surprise him with his commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.

"Jim Ed was pretty emotional," Anderson recalled. "He was very lucid. He laughed and he cried, and you could tell just how proud he was." Mr. Brown took his ball cap off and Anderson slipped the medallion over his head, around his neck and laid it on his chest in the hospital room, signifying that he was officially a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. "He was tearing up and so was I and so was everybody in the room," Anderson said. "He said, 'I had about convinced myself that even if I don't make the Hall of Fame, I've had a pretty good run. But to wear this medallion and know that I made it to the Hall of Fame makes it perfect.' "

Mr. Brown was short of breath and on oxygen. Anderson leaned over his hospital bed as his friend wondered if he would be able to sing when he got to heaven, because he couldn't sing in his current condition.

"I said, 'Well, Jim Ed, if you get up there and find you can't sing, no worries,'" Anderson recalled. "I'll loan you my license to whisper. You can steal my act until I get there.' He started laughing, and he laughed until tears were running down his face."

Then, just like the Country Music Hall of Fame ends each induction ceremony, Anderson started singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" — just the chorus, he said. Mr. Brown's other guests joined in.
Mr. Brown leaves behind Becky, his wife of 52 years, and his son and daughter. Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time.

Monday, June 08, 2015

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of June 7th, 2015

June 7th, 2015 to June 13th, 2015
I very much appreciate the feedback and comments stemming from last week's show and the new studio facilities. Found out there was a severe issue with the wiring causing a mono signal of one of the stereo channels. All the wiring has been replaced and everything is back in tip top shape and with the new equipment, sounding better than ever. Thanks for getting in touch with me and letting me know.

A quick reminder for your calendar. We'll be celebrating Dad with our Annual Father's Day Special on Sunday, June 21st for the Live show and all week on the Archive. I always look forward to this annual salute to dads everywhere. If there's a specific song you'd like me to play, be sure to let me know. Click the Requests button on the left side or call the Listener Line to record your request message at 206-339-0709.

I've heard from a couple of listeners regarding the fact they don't like using Real Media player but they would like to be able to listen to individual Archived shows. The easiest way is to download the free flv player which plays multi-formats including real media. Just do a quick search for flv player and you should find it easily. I use it all the time for both audio and video.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Michael Gee in Berkley, California and also to Nancy Turnbull in Niagara Falls, Ontario. If your birthday is coming up soon, please let me know so that the listeners and I can celebrate your special day. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com.  

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the great folk-pop group from Chicago, Illinois, Spanky and Our Gang. It's become a huge fan favourite over the years and I'm pleased to play I'd Like To Get To Know You. It's our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice presents The Poppy Family from Vancouver, British Columbia. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Which Way You Going Billy? or That's Where I Went Wrong. I'll play the winner during next week's show.

Be sure to listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast for the week of June 7th. Click the Podcast link on the left. 

And check out this week's Top 5 Countdown from 1971. Just click the Top 5 Countdown Link.  

Take care and have a great week.

Bye for now. 

Michael

Poppy Family - Voice Your Choice

The Poppy Family, featuring Susan Jacks and then-husband Terry Jacks, formed as a result of being the regular musicians and singers on the Vancouver, BC edition of the TV show Music Hop. Both Terry Jacks and Susan Jacks ended up with solo hits after they broke up, but they were at their peak of success with this week's songs.

Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Which Way You Going Billy? or That's Where I Went Wrong. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

Spanky and Our Gang : I'd Like To Get To Know You - Song of the Week

Spanky and Our Gang, no not the cool black & white movie shorts, but the group from Chicago, Illinois, are being featured here this week at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

I know you'll enjoy hearing and seeing them perform I'd Like To Get To Know You. It's our SOng of the Week.

Enjoy!
Michael



Monday, June 01, 2015

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of May 31st, 2015 to June 6th, 2015

May 31st, 2015 to June 6th, 2015
I'm glad that the new studio configuration was completed in time for this week's show. It was a whirlwind of activity getting everything organized, but we did it. There are still a few technical issues to resolve, but overall, I'm pleased with how this week's show turned out from a technical point of view.

I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of a long time friend of mine, Joe Summers. Joe was Senior Vice-President of A&M Canada overseeing the Marketing department when Gerry Lacoursiere, the President, hired me in 1975 to run the A&R Department (Artiste and Repertoire.)During my almost eleven years, the entire A&M Canada Family became a very close knit group of friends. About a year and a half ago I went to Toronto to visit my son David who was attending University to get his Masters Degree. When word got out that I was going to be in Toronto, an A&M Canada Reunion was immediately planned in my honour and the event was hosted at Joe and his wife Gloria's beautiful heritage farm home just outside Toronto. I will never forget that evening and it became the last time that we would all get together. I am sad over the loss of Joe for Gloria, their children and grandchildren; but I'm also sad for all of us within the A&M Family. Joe is a huge loss for all of us.

I'd like to congratulate Rick Canode in Madison, Wisconsin, the May winner in the Treasure Island Oldies 18th Anniversary Contest. Rick chose the Model Car Science Collage as his poster prize from TNJ Poster Creations. There will still be more winners, one every month until the end of the year.  Enter the contest now. If you don't enter, you can't win. Click the Contest ad on the left side.
Gee did I ever get great response after I played Do You Wanna Rock, the brand new song by Peter Rivera, the original lead singer and drummer with Rare Earth. For those of you who asked, his new album is titled It Is What It Is, and I understand it is available via iTunes. I'm always pleased to help you discover something new by a classic heritage artist!

Congratulations go out to long time listener, Bruce Toews in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who dropped by the Chat Room during the live show Sunday to tell me and the regulars in the chat room that he and his longtime girlfriend, Carolyn Congdon are officially engaged and will be married May 14, 2016. Congratulations Bruce and Carolyn!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Paul Carter, Jr. in Ellicott City, Maryland. If your birthday is coming up soon, please let me know so that the listeners and I can celebrate your special day. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing a great California group from the '60s. It's the Turtles with She'd Rather Be With Me and it's our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice presents Dionne Warwick with two of her many hits for your votes. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Do You Know The Way To San Jose or Walk On By. I'll play the winner during next week's show. 

Be sure to listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast for the week of May 31st.

And check out this week's Top 5 Countdown from 1962.

Take care and have a great week.

Bye for now.
Michael

Dionne Warwick - Voice Your Choice

Dionne Warwick was born Marie Dionne Warwick on December 12, 1940 in East Orange, New Jersey. Singing in her church choir since she was a little girl of six, she eventually formed the Gospelaires with her sister Dee Dee Warwick and their aunt Cissy Houston.

Prior to her own recording career, she sang backup vocals in New York studios in the late 1950s; eventually becoming the main "voice" for Hal David and Burt Bacharach songs they composed. From late 1962 to 1998, she appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 charts a total of 56 times. During this period she scored 10 Top Ten hits, including 4 Gold Records.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents Dionne Warwick with two of her many hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Do You Know The Way To San Jose or Walk on By. I'll play the winner during the 3rd hour of next week's show.

The Turtles - She'd Rather Be With Me: Song of the Week

The Turtles, sometimes known also as Flo and Eddie, had many hits during the 1960s and here's a great example of one of their Top Ten hits. Here they are with live vocals over a recorded music track in a TV show performance of She'd Rather Be With Me. It's our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Michael