Saturday, December 23, 2017

Treasure Island Oldies 21st Annual Christmas Special Airing Today On BPR Boomer Public Radio and Okanagan Valley Radio


I am pleased to let you know that my 21st Annual Treasure Island Oldies Christmas Special will be airing today starting at 5 pm Pacific on both BPR Boomer Public Radio as well as on Okanagan Valley Radio.

I hope you are able to join the thousands of listeners to BPR later today.

I will have more news and information about this network and station in the New Year.

Merry Christmas!
Michael

Monday, December 18, 2017

Final Island Update for 2017

Christmas and Year End Wrap-Up

Thank you for listening to my 21st Annual Christmas Special on Treasure Island Oldies. In case you missed it or would like to hear it again, the Christmas Special Archive will be available on demand throughout the Holiday Season at the Listen page. I would like to thank you for being such loyal listeners throughout the year. And to the folks who are regular visitors to the Chat Room, the Nuts in the Hut, it's great spend time with you each week as we enjoy each other's company sharing great memories and the music we so love. 

I'd also very much like to thank the listeners who provide their financial support of the show via PayPal donations. This is most appreciated by me, as there is no other source of revenue to offset the costs associated with the show. I'm taking a break and some rest and look forward to returning with the first show of 2018, the New Year's Dance Party, Live, January 7th.

In the meantime, I would like to extend my very best wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a Happy New Year filled with good health, peace and love.

All the best to you.
Michael

Monday, December 11, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of December 10th, 2017

Week of December 10th, 2017 to December 16th, 2017
Thanks for joining me this week in the Island! I had many listeners ask if it was actually the Christmas special because of all the Christmas music I was playing. It was not the Christmas Special. In fact, the 21st Annual Christmas Special is next week, December 17th.
 
I sure enjoyed all the Christmas tunes I played for you and it was a a special treat for me to play some of the songs from the newly released on vinyl album by Ringo Starr, I Wanna Be Santa Claus. I am so impressed with how much fun has been conveyed in the songs from the studio. The wonderful production is by Mark Hudson (remember the Hudson Brothers with their Beatles sounding hit So You Are A Star?), along with Ringo. And the new original songs are also co-written by Mark Hudson and Ringo. I was pleased to play his take on Winter Wonderland, as well as the Beatles fan club members-only record, Christmastime Is Here Again. As the drummer with The Beatles and throughout his solo career, I was pleasantly surprised to hear his version of Little Drummer Boy. And the original songs, including Dear Santa and I Wanna Be Santa Claus, make this album a Christmas classic, at least in my opinion.
 
It was also made me proud to play Shawn Hook and Serena Ryder with their version of Happy Xmas (War Is Over). And the feedback I received after playing it was impressive.You may recall several years back now when Shawn, then known in the early days of his career, by his full name Shawn Hookloff. He came to the studio for an interview and performed several songs live on the show. So cool to see him achieving success these days. These and so many other Christmas songs made for a really fun and enjoyable playlist for you. And there will be much, much more next week on my 21st Annual Treasure Island Oldies Christmas Special, Live, next Sunday, December 17th at 6 pm Pacific. We will make the Christmas Special available on demand on the Listen page throughout the Christmas period. I look forward to sharing this special with you.
 

Voice Your Choice will be on hiatus until the first show of 2018, the New Year's Dance Party, live January 7th.
 
The Treasure Island Oldies Countdown this week is from 1961. In at Number One is one of Motown's great early groups, The Marvelettes, with Please Mr. Postman. It's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Thanks again for listening. Please be sure to join me again next week for my Christmas Special.

Bye for now.
Michael

The Marvelettes Number One Top 5 Countdown on Treasure Island Oldies

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from 1961. At the top of the charts at Number One is Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes.

Here they are performing this Motown classic.

Enjoy!

Michael


Monday, November 27, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies week of November 26th, 2017

Week of November 26th, 2017 to December 3rd, 2017

Well here we are in the last week of November already! I was pleased to play some Christmas tunes for you to get you in the mood for decorating and shopping. It was good to pay a musical tribute to David Cassidy, both as a solo artist and with the Partridge Family. I had not heard many of the songs I played on the show in some time. I was very pleased to get great response from the Nuts in the Hut, the Chat Room friends who gather every week to share in the music and memories. When I played David Cassidy's version of Cherish from 1971, the comments took off. While The Association's original is what you hear normally, it sure was good to play David's version. Boy, he sure had a good voice!

Please be sure to mark your calendar for the 21st Annual Treasure Island Oldies Christmas Special, Live, Sunday, December 17th at 6 pm Pacific. We will make the Christmas Special available on demand on the Listen page throughout the Christmas period. I look forward to sharing this special with you.

I'd like to wish Lennart Persson in Gothenberg, Sweden a very Happy Birthday. Lennart has been listening to the show for many years on his local station, Radio 88 FM in Gothenberg. Is your birthday coming up soon? If so, be sure to let me know the date so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Ral Donner. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either The Girl Of My Best Friend or She's Everything (I Wanted You To Be). I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

The Treasure Island Oldies Countdown this week is from 1964. In at Number One is one of the top "Girl groups", The Shangri-Las with Leader Of The Pack. It's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Thanks again for listening. Please join me again next week for more Treasure Island Oldies. 

Bye for now.
Michael

Ral Donner - Voice Your Choice

Ral Donner was born with a long name, Ralph Stuart Emanuel Donner, on February 10, 1943 in the Norwood Park area of Chicago, Illinois.

He got his start as a recording artist when he recorded a version of The Girl Of My Best Friend, a song originally recorded by Elvis Presley. Many thought it was actually Elvis recording under an assumed name. His biggest hit was You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It).

Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to spotlight Ral Donner next week on Voice Your Choice with two of his other hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either The Girl Of My Best Friend or She's Everything (I Wanted You To Be). I'll play the winner on next week's show.

The Shangri-Las - Number One 1964 Top 5 Countdown Treasure Island Oldies

The Shangri-Las were from Queens, New York and one of the great Girl Groups of the '60s.

This week in 1964 they were the leaders of the pack, as they went all the way to Number One on the charts.

Here they are, the Shangri-Las with Leader Of The Pack.

Enjoy!

Michael


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

David Cassidy '70s Heartthrob and Star of The Partridge Family Has Died

(CNN)David Cassidy, who came to fame as a '70s teen heartthrob and lead singer on "The Partridge Family," has died, according to his publicist Jo-Ann Geffen. He was 67.
The singer-actor had recently been admitted to the intensive care unit of a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, area hospital. Cassidy was in critical condition and suffering from organ failure before his death Tuesday, Geffen said.
"David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years," she said.
Cassidy's nephew, Jack Cassidy, tweeted about his uncle's death, saying "I can't help but thank God for the joy that he brought to countless millions of people."
David Cassidy was born into the entertainment industry that made him a star.
His father was famed actor and singer Jack Cassidy, and his mother was actress Evelyn Ward.
After his parents split in 1956, the elder Cassidy married actress and singer Shirley Jones the same year.
Cassidy moved in with his father, Jones and his three half-brothers after getting his high school diploma in 1968. His father helped him launch his career as an actor and musician.
His early work included appearances on "Ironside," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Adam-12" and "Bonanza."
In 1970, Cassidy began playing the role of Keith Partridge on the musical sitcom "The Partridge Family." His stepmother, Jones, portrayed his mother, a widow with five children.
The popular ABC series ran for four years and also had a successful run in syndication.
The show also spurred several pop hits.
The single "I Think I Love You," featuring Cassidy on lead vocals, hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1970 and sold more than 5 million copies. The songs "Doesn't Somebody Want To Be Wanted" and "I'll Meet You Halfway" also cracked the top 10 the next year.
The group was nominated for a best new artist Grammy.
Cassidy later launched a solo career, recording a dozen studio albums and six compilation albums. 
For mor3e, fo to http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/21/entertainment/david-cassidy-dies/index.html
 

Monday, November 20, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of November 19th, 2017

Week of November 19th, 2017 to November 25th, 2017

Thanks for your company once again this week on the Island. It's so great to have people from all around the world listening. For example, this week there were listeners from Beijing, China, Central District in Hong Kong, Kailua, in Hawaii, Perth, Australia, along with folks from British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario, and from Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, Missouri, New Jersey, Florida, California, Delaware, and Illinois, just to mention several places. WOW! 

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my American friends and listeners a very Happy Thanksgiving. Have a great long weekend with your family and friends.

Please be sure to mark your calendar for the 21st Annual Treasure Island Oldies Christmas Special. Every year, it gives me great pleasure to prepare and present this annual special for you. It's without a doubt, my favourite show of the year. And I look forward to sharing this special with you.

Is your birthday coming up soon? If so, be sure to let me know the date so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights The Raindrops. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either What A Guy or The Kind Of Boy You Can't Forget. I'll play the winning song on next week's.

The Treasure Island Oldies Countdown this week is from 1965. In at Number One is The Supremes with I Hear A Symphony. It's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Thanks again for listening. See you next week for more Treasure Island Oldies. 

Bye for now.
Michael

The Raindrops Voice Your Choice

The Raindrops were, in essence, two songwriters, Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry (I have no idea who the third person is in the above photo). They became two of the most successful songwriters of the 60s, with Hanky Panky, Da Doo Ron Ron, Be My Baby, Chapel Of Love, Leader Of The Pack, and River Deep Mountain High, among their many credits.

In 1963 and 1964 they recorded as The Raindrops and they appeared on the charts  a half dozen times. And next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents The Raindrops with two songs for your votes. Cast you vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either What A Guy or The Kind Of Boy You Can't Forget. I'll play the winner on next week's show.


The Supremes Number One Top Five Countdown 1965 - Treasure Island Oldies

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from 1965. Here at the top of the chart at Number One are the Supremes with I Hear  A Symphony.

Enjoy!

Michael



Monday, November 13, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of November 12th, 2017

Week of November 12th, 2017 to November 18th, 2017
Holy hourglass, Batman, that sure was a fast and furious four hours of favourites this week on the Island! LOL  I was pleased to play a couple of records by artists who passed away recently: Everlasting Love by Robert Knight; and Love-Itis by The Mandala. Whitey Glan, was their co-founder and drummer. And wasn't it great that Glen Campbell was acknowledged at the 51st Annual Country Music Association Awards. His family accepted the award for "Musical Event of the Year" for Funny How Time Slips Away, a duet with Willie Nelson, from his farewell album, Adiós.

Attention all Elton John fans. On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the writing partnership between Elton John and Bernie Taupin, it's the ultimate greatest hits compilation, Diamonds. There are a ton of listener birthdays this week. There are four different physical formats: 1 CD, 2CD, 3CD limited edition box set with a 72 page hardbound book, and also a 2LP version pressed onto heavy-weight 180 gram vinyl. There are a ton of great songs and I was so pleased to receive an advance copy of the 3 CD set. WOW!This will make a great Christmas gift for the Elton John fan in your life.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Connie Canode in Madison, Wisconsin, and to Chris Whitmer in Iowa City, Iowa. Both Connie and Chris are long time listeners and Chat Room regulars. If you birthday is approaching, be sure to let me know the date so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights R. Dean Taylor. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Indiana Wants Me or Gotta See Jane. I'll play the winning song on the show next week.

Thanks again for listening. See you next week for more Treasure Island Oldies. 

Bye for now.
Michael

R. Dean Taylor - Voice Your Choice

R. Dean Taylor, born Richard Dean Taylor in Toronto, Ontario on May 11, 1939. His first single success was when he recorded At The High School Dance for Amy-Mala Records in 1962. His next single I'll Remember was recorded for the Quality Records label, Barry. It was a moderate success, hitting the Top 30 in 1963. With two "hits" under his belt, he decided to move to Detroit, Michigan, to further his career. He was signed to Motown in 1964 as both a songwriter and recording artist.

Some of his songwriting successes include Turn To Stone, recorded by The Four Tops, and All I Need by The Temptations. He went on to become part of the production and songwriting team known as The Clan and he co-wrote and co-produced Love Child and the follow-up I'm Living In Shame, both hits for The Supremes.

It wasn't until 1970 when he was assigned to the new Motown Records  subsidiary label, Rare Earth, that he hit his stride as an artist.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights two of R. Dean Taylor's hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Indiana Wants Me or Gotta See Jane. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

Johnny Rivers - Top Five Countdown 1966 Treasure Island Oldies

Johnny Rivers had many hits before this week's Top Five Countdown on Treasure Island Oldies.

What sets this song apart from the rest of his hits, is that this is the first song he wrote, along with Lou Adler.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five countdown is from 1966 and in the Number One spot is Johnny Rivers and The Poor Side Of Town.

Enjoy!

Michael



Tuesday, November 07, 2017

Drummer Whitey Glan Famous for forming The Mandala Has Died

Whitey Glan, was a rock drummer who formed The Rogues, later called The Mandala, passed away November 7, 2017.

The Mandala recorded one album for Atlantic Records, and it contained the explosive single Love-Itis. Live they were an electrifying group. I remember seeing them at my high school in Montreal for their Crusade of the Mighty Mandala. Don't think the teaching staff was ready for this group!

I'll play Love-Itis on next week's show. Please join me for the live show Sunday, November 12th at www.TreasureIslandOldies.com.

Michael

Robert "Everlasting Love" Knight Has Passed At Age 72

From Billboard:

Singer Robert Knight, best known for the 1967 country-soul hit "Everlasting Love,' has died at age 72. The Tennessean reported that Knight passed away on Sunday (Nov. 5) following a short, undisclosed illness.
Though he rocketed to fame for the soul-stirring track -- known for its uplifting chorus, "Need you by my side, girl you'll be my bride/ You'll never be denied everlasting love" -- Knight began his career in 1959, when he formed a vocal group with some high school pals known as The Paramounts.
The singer, born Robert Peebles in Franklin, Tennessee, on April 24, 1945, scored a R&B minor hit in 1961 with "Free Me," but the group didn't make it and due to a contract dispute with their former label, Knight spent five years out of the limelight, during which he studied chemistry at Tennessee State University. He joined a second group during his college years, The Fairlanes, landing a solo deal with songwriters/producers Buzz Cason and Fred Foster's label Rising Sons Music.
It was Cason, along with songwriter partner Mac Gayden, who wrote "Everlasting Love," the Motown-style track that would make Knight a star when it was released in 1967, crossing from the R&B charts to the pop listing and peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Buzz and Mac were country artists, and I was R&B, and so I had to make it more of an R&B song,” Knight told Rebeat Magazine in a 2016 interview. “I practiced and practiced on it -- it was a hard song to sing because, at the time, it was hard to sing a fast song slow. I didn’t sing it the way they had written it. I made some changes to fit my voice, and I didn’t do it note for note. They had the melody going too fast, and it was jamming, it wasn’t doing right, it wasn’t sounding right. So I started what you call a steady step. I start singing a beat and a half: ‘hearts-go-a-stray’ -- like that. It wasn’t like that in the beginning, and I think that’s what got ‘Everlasting Love’ off the ground.”
Knight continued charting songs, including "Blessed are the Lonely" and "Isn't it Lonely Together," but neither reached the heights of "Everlasting." Knight reportedly moved away from music later in life to focus on a job at Vanderbilt University in Nashville as a lab technician, chemistry teacher and member of the grounds crew.
Meanwhile, "Everlasting Love" has proven to be one of the great pop perennials of the late 20th century, having been covered by everyone from U2 to Gloria Estefan, Carl Carlton and Love Affair. Between its various versions, the song has become a Hot 100 top 40 hit in each of the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s.
"With 'Everlasting Love,' Knight created the blueprint for one of the most famous, most enduring songs to ever come out of Music City," Michael Gray, a historian at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum told the Tennessean. "Recording extensively with Mac Gayden and Buzz Cason in the 1960s, Robert was working in integrated bands when it was still taboo to do so in some places. The original version of 'Everlasting Love' is a prime example of the successful musical exchange between black and white musicians during a decade of great racial upheaval and Civil Rights struggles in the South."

Monday, November 06, 2017

Your Treasure Island Oldies Island Update for the week of November 5th, 2017

Week of November 5th, 2017 to November 11th, 2017

It was a pleasure to be with you once again this week on Treasure Island Oldies. While I always enjoy bringing you the specials, it's also nice to have a regular show that permits me to dig into the Island vault and play some real classics and Lost Treasures for you. I was also very pleased to do an extensive musical tribute to Fats Domino. What a real musical pioneer he was! We are all certainly richer for the music he gave us. I also had good fun playing so many songs relating to "Time", as we turned back the hands of time by one hour. Be sure to check out this week's song playlist at the Listen page. And as always, if you missed hearing the Live show or would to listen to it again, go to the Broadcast Partners Network page. You'll find a program grid with the days and local times that our various partner stations air the show during the week.

There are a ton of listener birthdays this week. Happy Birthday to Andy Desilets in Ottawa, Ontario; California Barb; Heather Dillon in 100 Mile House, British Columbia; Dana Van Dine, in Blackwood, New Jersey; Sunny in Elmhurst, Illinois; and last but not least, Tim Sykes in Cambridge, Ontario. If you birthday is approaching, be sure to let me know the date so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Queen. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either You're My Best Friend or Somebody To Love. I'll play the winning song on the show next week.

Thanks again for listening. See you next week for more Treasure Island Oldies.

All the best! 

Bye for now.
Michael

Queen formed in London, England in 1970. Two members, Brian May and Roger Taylor had played together in Smile. Eventually the rest of the lineup, John Deacon and Freddie Mercury joined and changed their name to Queen.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents Queen. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either You're My Best Friend or Somebody To Love. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

Elvis Presley Number One on Treasure Island Oldies Top 5 Countdown 1956

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from 1956. And Elvis Presley had the top two songs!

Here's Elvis with  a three time Platinum selling Number One Song from 1956. It's Love Me Tender.

Enjoy!

Michael


Monday, October 30, 2017

Happy Halloween from Treasure Island Oldies

Week of October 29th, 2017 to November 4th, 2017
Well that was a spooky, thrilling and fun Halloween Spooktacular! If you missed the live show or would like to hear it again, there are various days and times when our Broadcast Partners Network stations will be playing it this week. Please go to the Broadcast Partners Network page to find a day and time that works for you. Please note that all times listed are the local times for each station. Here's the link

Next week we return to our usual format and I will be sure to wish Happy Birthday to listeners whose birthday is this week. In addition, I will do an extensive musical tribute to Fats Domino on next week's show.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Britain's Procol Harum. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Homburg or Conquistador. I'll play the winning song on the November 5th show.

Thanks again for listening to the Halloween Spooktacular. See you next week.

Happy Halloween! 

Bye for now.
Michael

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Fats Domino - One Of The Original Rock & Roll Stars Has Died

(CNN)Antoine "Fats" Domino, a titan of early rock 'n' roll whose piano-based hits -- such as "Ain't That a Shame," "Blueberry Hill" and "Blue Monday" -- influenced artists including Paul McCartney and Randy Newman, died Tuesday, an official said.

Domino passed away due to natural causes, according to Mark Bone, chief investigator with the Jefferson Parish Medical Examiner's office in Louisiana. He was 89.
 
With producer and arranger Dave Bartholomew, Domino cut a string of songs in the 1950s and early '60s that helped establish his hometown of New Orleans as a rock 'n' roll hotbed and made him one of the music's leading figures. 
 
The pair recorded "The Fat Man" in late 1949, a song considered one of the first rock 'n' roll records -- a group that includes Wynonie Harris' version of "Good Rockin' Tonight" (1947) and Jackie Brenston and Ike Turner's "Rocket 88" (1951) -- and followed it up with more than 30 Top 40 hits, including 23 gold singles.
 
Starting in 1955, Domino was a regular on the national pop charts with songs that quickly became classics. Among the titles: "Ain't That a Shame" -- Domino's first crossover hit, which was watered down in a higher-charting version by Pat Boone -- "I'm Walkin'," "I'm Ready," "Valley of Tears," "I Want to Walk You Home" and "Walking to New Orleans." He sold more records than any 1950s figure except Elvis Presley, according to Rolling Stone.
 
His version of "Blueberry Hill," a song written in 1940, topped out at No. 2 on the Billboard charts and remains Domino's highest-charting record.
 
Most of his hits were characterized by midtempo rhythms and Domino's distinctive triplet-based piano style, in which he hammered chords in groups of three in rollicking, melodic fashion. The arrangements usually included a saxophone solo and a lead guitar line that echoed the melody.
The style was widely imitated. McCartney, a big Domino fan, wrote the Beatles song "Lady Madonna" in emulation of the pianist's work. (Domino returned the favor on his 1968 comeback album, "Fats Is Back," by covering the tune.) McCartney never grew out of his Domino fascination: Thirty years later, he did a version of the 1920s tune "Coquette" on his 1999 album "Run Devil Run" that was closely based on Domino's 1958 recording.
 
Newman, deeply influenced by New Orleans music in general, often seemed to channeling Domino's sound -- if not his smiling attitude -- in such songs as "Mama Told Me Not to Come" and "Back on My Feet Again.""I was so influenced by Fats Domino that it's still hard for me to write a song that's not a New Orleans shuffle," Newman told The New York Times in 2008. He wrote the horn arrangements for "Fats Is Back."Domino covered Newman, too, with a recording of "Have You Seen My Baby."
 
Domino's string of hits ended rather abruptly in the early '60s with a change of labels, from Imperial to ABC-Paramount. The latter forced him to record in Nashville, and the different atmosphere produced just one hit, a cover of the standard "Red Sails in the Sunset." But the good-natured Domino continued to tour and earn royalties, allowing him to live a comfortable lifestyle -- in New Orleans, of course, where his pink Cadillac could often be seen outside his Ninth Ward house.
When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, there was early concern that Domino, who had decided to stay in the Crescent City, had been killed by the storm. Someone even spray-painted "R.I.P. Fats -- You will be missed" on his house. 
 
However, he and his family had been rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter. His estate wasn't as fortunate: "We lost everything," he said at the time.Some of his belongings were replaced, including his gold records and a National Medal of Arts he'd been awarded in 1998 (from President Bill Clinton). His white Steinway was refurbished by the Louisiana Music Foundation, which put it on display in the French Quarter in 2013.
 
Domino remained a steadfast part of the New Orleans scene. He played a sold-out show at Tipitina's nightclub in 2007 and appeared in an episode of the TV show "Treme" in 2012. 
 
Domino was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
 

Monday, October 23, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of October 22nd, 2017

Week of October 22nd, 2017 to October 28th, 2017

I'm going to begin this week's Island Update with two words: Thank You! I can't believe the number of listeners, friends, family and colleagues who wished me Happy 65th Birthday. I had well over 135 birthday wishes, in a combination of emails, phone messages, and Facebook; absolutely amazing!

This is a scary reminder for you that this year's Halloween Spooktacular will be live next Sunday, October 29th. Be sure to join me in the crypt for the scariest, wildest, and funnest time you'll ever have alive! LOL This is the show when everyone in the Chat Room dresses up in costume with a different character name and it sure is fun trying to figure out who is really who. Whether you join the Chat Room for the live show, or just sit back and listen, this special has, over the past 20 years, become one of the most popular specials of the year. It all starts at 6 pm Pacific.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to listener Marcia Moses, and also to Sure Vercellotti in Downers Grove, Illinois, as well as to Mike Dillon in 100 Mile House, British Columbia. Do you have a birthday coming up soon? I'd like to know so that I can help celebrate your special day by wishing you Happy Birthday on the show and also by playing Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

This week's Top Five Countdown is from 1962. And the Number One song is both a classic and a great preview of next week's Halloween Spooktacular. It's Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers with The Monster Mash. It's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Enjoy!

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Britain's Procol Harum. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Homburg or Conquistador. I'll play the winning song in two week's time, on the November 5th show.

Here's this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Thanks again for listening to the show. See you next week right here on The Island for our Halloween Spooktacular!!!

Bye for now.
Michael


Procol Harum - Voice Your Choice

Procol Harum were formed in England with lead singer Gary Brooker, poet Keith Reid, organist Matthew Fisher, guitarist Ray Royer, and David Knights on bass. In May of 1967 they went into the studio and recorded A Whiter Shade Of Pale, with its Baroque music influence. It shot up the charts to Number One on the UK Singles chart, Number One in Canada and Australia, and Number Five in the United States. Pretty darn good debut!

They recorded several albums, which became staples of the then-new FM underground sound. Over the years they scored other hit singles and this week we have two of them for your votes.

Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to present Procol Harum in the Voice Your Choice spotlight. Cast your vote for either Homburg or Conquistador.

As next week is the 21st Annual Halloween Spooktacular on Treasure Island Oldies, I will play the results of Voice Your Choice on the show on Sunday, November 5th.

Number One on the Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown

This week the Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown spotlights the year 1962.

As a preview of what to anticipate on next week's 21st Annual Halloween Spooktacular, here is the Number One song from 1962.

Ok Freaks and Ghouls, here is Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers with The Monster Mash, the ultimate Halloween song and this week's Number One song on the Top Five Countdown.

Be sure to join me for next week's Halloween Spooktacular.

Enjoy!
Michael



Monday, October 16, 2017

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies - Week of October 15th, 2017

Week of October 15th, 2017 to October 22nd, 2017

Well that was another fast four hours again this week on the show. The crowd in the Chat Room were in great spirits and the conversation and lines going back and forth. It could have been a stand-up comedy club . LOL You really should pop into the Chat Room during the live Show Sunday evenings to share in the enjoyment of listening to the music together and to have fun conversations throughout the four hours. This week we had Nuts in the Hut from across Canada and the United States, Scotland and Australia. Click Chat on any page of the website and follow the easy instructions. Hope to say hi to you next week.

Treasure Island Oldies was spotlighted in FYI Music, Canada's Music and Radio Industry trade publication. Here's what David Farrell said in the Monday, October 16th issue:

Michael Godin’s Treasure Island Oldies hitting its stride..after two-plus decades

Five years ago, Warren Cosford announced on his e-mail newsletter The List that Michael's Treasure Island Oldies show would soon be heard on Radio Max.......three FM stations in China, including Beijing on CNPK 99.9 FM, Liaoyang on CKNE 95.0 FM, and Anshan on CNCE 94.5 FM.

The show had passed the censors and would be heard from 10 am to 2 pm with a potential audience of over 28 million people. Five years later, Cosford wrote to Godin asking how things were going in China. This is his response, as it appeared in a Sunday List newsletter. 

Although we rarely hear from him these days, Michael has been a loyal List Member from the beginning.  Today, I sent him a note asking how things were going in China.  Here is his response.

It was amazingly successful, Warren. Not only did it air in three cities, but it was also “discretely circulated” via memory stick to various campuses in China. I’m told that the students studying English would listen to Treasure Island Oldies to pick up on the tone, diction and flow of the English language. I’ve been told that they have been trying to imitate my voice. Also, they began loving this “western world” music for the first time. It became too popular.

The Chinese government asked the owner of these three private stations to stop broadcasting in English. To avoid a LOT of potential issues, the owner complied, and the stations have gone silent. The only thing remaining are those memory sticks containing many of my weekly Treasure Island Oldies Show. It was an amazing and fun run in China.

Fortunately, my show still airs across the US in many cities, along with two stations in New Zealand, and also in Sweden and the UK. There’s also a shortwave station based in Italy that airs archived shows. But only on one station in my home country, in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.

Like you, I too am still waiting for a broadcaster who gets that a 20 year plus oldies show that caters to the largest demographic is viable as an international show, either daily or weekly. And it would then attract a worldwide sponsor.

In the meantime, my 4 hour shows airs again this week starting today at 6 pm Pacific.

Warren, thanks very much for asking about the China adventure. You’re among the few that “get” how my show is one of the very few around that have not only lasted over 20 years but still has excellent potential to grow in a big way.
Cheers. 

Isn't that pretty cool! I was so pleased and flattered for the coverage.

This is a scary reminder for you that this year's Halloween Spooktacular will be live Sunday, October 29th. Be sure to join me in the crypt for the scariest, wildest, and funnest time you'll ever have alive! LOL This is the show when everyone in the Chat Room dresses up in costume with a different character name and it sure is fun trying to figure out who is really who. Whether you join the Chat Room for the live show, or just sit back and listen, this special has, over the past 20 years, become one of the most popular specials of the year. It all starts at 6 pm Pacific.

My thanks to California Barb and to Guylaine Cote, the folks in the chat room, as well as the emails I have received with their kind wishes for my birthday. I officially become a senior citizen on October 21st. Can't say I feel any different whatsoever. I have as much or more energy than ever! Age is just a state of mind and I still feel young. Maybe I'm just delusional. ROFL! Do you have a birthday coming up soon? I'd like to know so that I can help celebrate your special day by wishing you Happy Birthday on the show and also by playing Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

This week's Top Five Countdown is from 1957. And the Number One song is Wake Up Little Susie by The Everly Brothers. It's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Enjoy!

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights two Motown stars, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Your Precious Love or You're All I Need To Get By. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Here's this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Thanks again for listening to the show. See you next week right here on The Island.

Bye for now.
Michael

Marvin Gaye Tammi Terrell Voice Your Choice

We know that Motown Records was based in Detroit, Michigan; however, their search for talent went beyond the Motor City. Marvin Gaye was born April 2, 1939 in Washington, DC while Tammi Terrell, born April 29, 1945, was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

They both had hit songs as solo artists prior to getting together in the studio to record what would become some of Motown's classic hits.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Your Precious Love or You're All I Need To Get By. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

Everly Brothers Number One On Top Five Countdown 1957


Don and Phil Everly, the Everly Brothers, hit the top of the charts this week in 1957, the year Treasure Island Oldies is spotlighting on the Top Five Countdown.

Here they are with Wake Up Little Susie, Number One this week in 1957.

Enjoy!

Michael

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Jimmy Beaumont, Lead Singer of The Skyliners, Has Died At Age 76

This news courtesy of AP

MCKEESPORT, Pa. (AP) — Jimmy Beaumont, the lead singer of the doo-wop group the Skyliners and a co-writer of the iconic ballad "Since I Don't Have You," has died at age 76.

Beaumont died in his sleep Saturday at his home in McKeesport, about 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, his hometown, his family said.

Joe Rock, who would eventually manage the Skyliners, was helping to promote Beaumont's former group, the Crescents, when Rock wrote some lyrics lamenting his girlfriend's impending departure for flight attendants' school out of state. That was 1958, and Beaumont was 18.
Beaumont set the lyrics to music, and a hit was born.

"I had been listening to all the doo-wop groups from that period — The Platters, the Moonglows. I guess just from listening it came out of me," Beaumont told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in a 2009 interview.

The song has been covered by Barbra Streisand, Patti LaBelle, Art Garfunkel, Don McLean and even Guns N' Roses.

The song was released in December 1958 but hit No. 1 on the Cashbox R&B chart and No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1959.

Monday, October 09, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of October 8th, 2017

Week of October 8th, 2017 to October 14th, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends and listeners. It was a pleasure sharing the Annual Canadian Thanksgiving Special with you. I was also pleased to bring a Tom Petty musical tribute to you with some of his greatest songs played throughout the show. I sure appreciate the comments and feedback from folks in the Chat Room and from you via email. Thanks very much. 

Another thing I am thankful for is the wonderful widespread number of listeners. This week there were folks from across the United States including Texas, Indiana, Delaware, Kentucky, California, Ohio,Arizona,  Illinois, Florida, Idaho, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Iowa, and Missouri; from Canada there were listeners in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia; and around the world listeners from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Croatia, Sweden, and even Uganda!  Absolutely fantastic, thank you!

This is a scary reminder for you that this year's Halloween Spooktacular will be live Sunday, October 29th. Be sure to join me in the crypt for the scariest, wildest, and funnest time you'll ever have alive! LOL This is the show when everyone in the Chat Room dresses up in costume with a different character name and it sure is fun trying to figure out who is really who. Whether you join the Chat Room for the live show, or just sit back and listen, this special has, over the past 20 years, become one of the most popular specials of the year. It all starts at 6 pm Pacific.

Do you have a birthday coming up soon? I'd like to know so that I can help celebrate your special day by wishing you Happy Birthday on the show and also by playing Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info tobirthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

This week's Top Five Countdown is from 1961. And the Number One song is Hit The Road Jack by Ray Charles. It's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Enjoy!

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Jim Reeves. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Am I Losing You or Distant Drums. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Here's this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Thanks again for listening to the show. See you next week right here on The Island.

Bye for now.

Michael

Jim Reeves - Voice Your Choice

Jim Reeves was born in Panola County, Texas on August 20, 1923. At an early point in his life, he was working towards a professional baseball career until he suffered an ankle injury. In the early 1950s he became a DJ and worked at KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana.

He joined the cast of the Louisiana Hayride in 1953, then the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. His first release for RCA Victor was in 1957. He charted 23 hits on the pop charts between 1957 and 1966, two years after his death in a plane crash in Nashville, Tennessee on July 31, 1964. He was just 40 years old. I am sure he would have continued to enjoy a highly successful career were it not for the tragic accident. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1967.

Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to present Jim Reeves on Voice Your Choice for next week. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Am I Losing You or Distant Drums. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Ray Charles Number One on Top Five Countdown 1961

Ray Charles topped the charts this week in 1961 and the Top Five Countdown on Treasure Island Oldies features this incredible artist.

Here's Ray Charles with Hit The Road Jack. It's Number One this week in 1961.

Enjoy!



Monday, October 02, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of October 1st, 2017

Week of October 1st, 2017 to October 7th, 2017

Well, that was another fun fours hours of playing some of your favourite music. One thing I really like about the Chat Room is the immediate feedback from one of the Nuts in the Hut when I play a song that someone hasn't heard in a long time. It starts a very interesting thread of conversation among those in the chat room. And I also get emails sent to me, some during the live show, and others when it has aired during the week on one of our Broadcast Partners Network affiliate stations. It's great to get your comments. And I also really enjoy playing some Lost Treasures for you, not obscure songs, but rather songs that did appear on the Billboard Hot 100, but rarely ever get played anymore. It seems most oldies stations don't play anything beyond the top 10 or 20. What nonsense! I like to give my listeners credit for having a brain and a memory to recall a song they may have heard a lot when it was first released, but rarely ever hear anymore. That's why Treasure Island Oldies is the Home of Lost Treasures. Keep listening and continue getting in touch with me.

This is a reminder that next week is Thanksgiving in Canada and we'll be celebrating with our annual Canadian Thanksgiving Special, Live, Sunday, October 8th and all throughout the week on our Affiliate Stations. Please check the Broadcast Partners Network page for days and times for the re-broadcast of the show.

Do you have a birthday coming up soon? I'd like to know so that I can help celebrate your special day by wishing you Happy Birthday on the show and also by playing Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

This week's Top Five Countdown is from 1965. And the Number One song is Hand On Sloopy by The McCoys. It's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Enjoy!

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights the cool R&B group, The Jive Five, featuring Eugene Pitt on lead vocals. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either I'm A Happy Man or My True Story. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Here's this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Thanks again for listening to the show. See you next week right here on The Island for or Canadian Thanksgiving Special!

Bye for now.
Michael

The Jive Five - Voice Your Choice

The Jive Five, who refined and re-modeled themselves from a doo wop group to a soul group, are in the spotlight next week on Treasure Island Oldies and Voice Your Choice.

The members were Eugene Pitt, Jerome Hanna, Richard Harris, Thurmon Prophet (also known as Billy Prophet), and Norman Johnson. I don't think that this is the same Norman Johnson who was in The Showmen (It Will Stand) and later the Chairmen Of The Board.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents The Jive Five. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either I'm A Happy Man or My True Story. I'll play the winner on next week's show.



The McCoys - Hang On Sloopy - Number One on Top Five Countdown Treasure Island Oldies

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown featured the year 1965. While there were so many good songs released in 1965, there was only one Number One for this week. And that song was by The McCoys.

Here are The McCoys in a TV show clip performing the Number One song Hang On Sloopy.

Enjoy!

Michael


Monday, September 25, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of September 24th, 2017

Week of September 25th, 2017 to September 30th, 2017

Thanks for listening to this week's show. We sure had lots of listeners from so many places, including all across the United States and Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and Sweden. Very cool. I am so pleased how Treasure Island Oldies has become a real worldwide show! A big thanks to our Broadcast Partners Network affiliate radio stations for helping to make this happen. By the way, Jonathan Mosen from our affiliate station, Mushroom FM in Wellington, New Zealand, has just told me that there is a change to their schedule effective Monday, October 2nd. The current show will now be heard every Monday beginning at 5 pm Eastern time. As Jonathan indicated, it is a much better time for Mushroom FM's US listeners. I will be sure to have the Broadcast Partners Network page updated ASAP to reflect this new time. Thanks for letting everyone know, Jonathan.

It was my good pleasure to wish long time listener, Ed Sanderson in Toronto, Ontario, a very Happy Birthday on the show. If your birthday is coming up soon, I'd like to know so that I can help celebrate your special day by wishing you Happy Birthday on the show and also by playing Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com

We're just two weeks away from our Canadian Thanksgiving Special, live Sunday, October 8th. Please join me for this delicious special, when I'll prepare a tasty harvest of music that will fit into the theme of Thanksgiving.

This week's Top Five Countdown is from 1967. And the Number One song is The Letter by The Box Tops. It's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Enjoy!

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Motown's Jimmy Ruffin. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either I've Passed This Way Before or What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Here's this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Thanks again for listening to the show. See you next week right here on The Island!

Bye for now.
Michael