Monday, June 26, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of June 25th, 2017

Week of June 25th, 2017 to July 1st, 2017

What a fun Summer Beach Party we had this year on the Island! It was high tide with lots of splashing waves, and a ton of seagulls flying overhead. Good thing everyone was wearing seagull repellent. LOL I must say, I sure love those summertime hits. And as there are so many and I was unable to fit every summer song into the four hour show, I will definitely be playing more great summer songs throughout the season. I must also take a moment to acknowledge and thank my partner and webmaster, Eddy Fisher for the amazing Summer Beach Party billboard he created and posted on the site last week! And you sure can't miss the very cool billboard for next week's Music of Canada special. Eddy, this is fantastic! Thank very much. I must say that I am not the only one who appreciates his efforts. Many listeners have been complimenting Eddy on the most recent work he's been doing for the show!

Next week on the show the Music Of Canada will be very special for me. All throughout my career, I've been championing Canadian songwriters and recording artists. Whether it was as Music Director for various radio stations in the 70s, to the incredibly talented artists I discovered and signed to A&M Records, like Bryan Adams, Paul Janz, The Payolas, The Arrows, CANO, Malcolm Tomlinson, David Bradstreet, and so many others, it has been a thrill for me to recognize and help develop talent and to have it so well received by music fans, the retail sector and the media. So it is very fitting that with Canada Day approaching July 1st and the 150th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation, I am pleased and honoured to present the Music of Canada on next week's show. Like the billboard that Eddy Fisher created above, I'll be waving the Canadian flag in proud support of the contributions these artists have made regionally, nationally and internationally. As an aside, I was very honoured to be invited by talent manager extraordinaire, Bruce Allen, to produce a video greeting for Bryan Adams who was being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Toronto June 19th. It was wonderful to reminisce with a couple of great memories of Bryan's early days before his career exploded.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Linda Guy in LaHabra, California, and to my nephew Tony Gize in Airdrie, Alberta. Both Linda and Tony are frequent visitors to the Chat Room. Is your 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 play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

Last week I made a typo when I was writing about the Top Five countdown, which was from 1955. By mistake, my finger keyed in 1966. Sheesh! LOL However, don't be confused. This week's Top Five Countdown really IS from 1966! And landing in at the Number One song is Paperback Writer by The Beatles. And it's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.  Enjoy!

For next week's Music of Canada Special on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Montreal's Andy Kim with two of his early hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Fire, Baby I'm On Fire or Shoot 'Em Up Baby. 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 for the Music of Canada Special. O Canada!

Bye for now.
Michael



Andy Kim - Voice Your Choice




Andy Kim was born Androwis Jovakim December 5, 1952 in Montreal, Quebec. As a songwriter, Andy teamed up with Jeff Barry to co-write four out of the six hits for The Archies, including Sugar Sugar, a Number One song that remained at the top of the chart for one month and it also became a Gold record.

I first got to know Andy around 1970 when we were both still in Montreal and I was working at CFCF Radio, and we have remained friends ever since. When he was a guest on my show a number of years ago, and we had a wonderful time reminiscing; and I played his then-new single, I Forgot To Mention, which he co-produced with Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies.

It's a pleasure for me to have Andy Kim in the Voice Your Choice spotlight for next week's Music Of Canada Special on Treasure Island Oldies with two of his early hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Fire, Baby I'm On Fire or Shoot 'Em Up Baby. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

The Beatles - Number One on the Top Five Countdown This Week 1966

The Fab Four continued their amazing streak of hit albums and singles, and in 1966 this week they were at the top of the charts.

Here are The Beatles with Paperback Writer. Unfortunately, I could locate an actual video clip for the song, so here is the great master recording. Incidentally, this is another example of a great song that was not on any album. It only appeared on volume 1 of the compilation set, Past Masters.

Enjoy!

Michael





Monday, June 19, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies -= Week of June 18th, 2017

Week of June 18th, 2017 to June 24th, 2017

I am so pleased you were able to join me for the annual Father's Day Special. I must say I was thrilled with the immediate feedback on this year's special. One listener commented that "I outdid myself". Another new listener said they have never heard a better Father's Day special anywhere! Thanks so much! I always try to make sure that it isn't the same songs in the same order year after year. This year I was able to play some dad-related songs for the first time. I love presenting these specials for your enjoyment.

Speaking of specials, time to get out the sunscreen and slather it on. Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, it's the annual Summer Beach Party. We'll be at the shore with the BBQ and bar; and both will be well stocked. And the summer songs will flow from start the finish. A word of caution though. There are lots of seagulls flying over the Island, so be sure you don't look up! :-) The fun starts at 6 pm Pacific and if you aren't able to hear the live show, be sure to go to the Broadcast partners Network page here at the website and check out the days and times when the current show will air during the week.

I'd like to wish Mary Lee in Floresville, Texas a very Happy Birthday. When is your birthday? I'd like to know so that I can help celebrate your special day by wishing you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

The Top Five Countdown on this week's show is from 1966. And the Number One song is by Gogi Grant, an unforgettable name and unforgettable voice. The Wayward Wind is playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Enjoy!

We get in the summer groove next week with Voice Your Choice on Treasure Island Oldies as we present The Beach Boys. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either It's OK or Catch A Wave. 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 here on the Island for our Summer Beach Party.

Bye for now.
Michael

The Beach Boys - Voice Your Choice

The city of Hawthorne, California is more famous for being the home of The Beach Boys than the Western Museum of Flight. The group consisted of three Wilson brothers: Brian, Carl and Dennis, and also included cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine. Glen Campbell joined the group briefly in 1964 until Bruce Johnston became a permanent member in April 1965.

In high school they were known variously as Kenny & The Cadets, Carl & The Passions, then The Pendletones. Their first record, Surfin, on the tiny Candix label, is worth about $250 today if you can find a copy. In 1962, they signed with Capitol Records in Hollywood, California and they ignited the surf-rock craze. Their popularity has never really waned throughout all the years and they continue performing today. The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and received a Lifetme Achivement Award at the Grammy's in 2001.

Throughout their career they charted 60 singles on the Billboard chart, and incredibly their second to last song to hit the charts, Kokomo from the movie Cocktail, became one of their biggest songs ever, reaching #1 and selling in excess of Platinum. Eighteen hits landed in the Top Ten, with two of them reaching Gold and one Platinum status; but all have become classics.

Next week on the Summer Beach Party on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Voice presents the  perennial favourite summer group, The Beach Boys. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either It's OK or Catch A Wave. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

Gogi Grant Number One Song on Top 5 Countdown from 1956

Gogi Grant had two massive hits in the mid-1950s, Suddenly There's a Valley and The Wayward Wind. And this week on the Treasure Island Oldies, the Top 5 Countdown is from 1956.

Gogi Grant is at the top of the chart this week with her Number One song, The Wayward Wind. Here she is in a live TV performance singing her smash hit at 80 years old!!

Enjoy!
Michael


Monday, June 12, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of June 11th, 2017

Week of June 11th, 2017 to June 17th, 2017
Another four hours went by furiously fast again this week. The tunes were spinning and the chat room was buzzing. A great time had by all. Thanks so much for listening. I'm looking forward to your company on the show next week for our annual Father's Day Special. There will be a lot of songs about our dads, fathers, pops, etc. And it all starts next Sunday at 6 pm Pacific.

I was so pleased to be able to play the brand new first single from the soon to be released Herb Alpert album, Music Volume 1. Herb has always had a soft spot and been a big fan of The Beatles. And the first single is a very cool version of Michelle. I just love the Duane Eddy sounding guitar that immediately gets into this very funky groove and just draws you in till the end of the song. I even wrote on Herb's facebook page about how much I like it. As you are probably aware, Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss teamed up to form A&M Records in 1962 and starting in 1975 I worked as the head of Artist and Repertoire for just shy of 11 years. So it was great to send a note to him. If you're interested in hearing it, go to the Broadcast Partners Network page to find a station and time that will air this week's show. I played it during the first hour of this week's show.

When is your birthday? I'd like to know so that I can help celebrate your special day by wishing you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

The Top Five Countdown on this week's show is from 1963. And the Number One song is one of the rare foreign language songs that hit the charts and became a hit in its original language. Number One this week in 1963 is Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamaoto, and it's playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Enjoy!

We get "blue-eyed" soulful next week with Voice Your Choice on Treasure Island Oldies as we present Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, the Righteous Brothers. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Hung On You or Unchained Melody. 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 here on the Island for our Father's Day Special.

Bye for now.
Michael

Righteous Brothers - Voice Your Choice


The Righteous Brothers, known for their "Blue-Eyed Soul" records, were not, in fact, brothers. Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield formed as a duo in 1962 and first recorded as The Paramours but had no hits. It wasn't until they became knows as the Righteous Brothers that things started to turn around for them. Their fist single, Little Latin Lupe Lu hit the mid-way point on the Hot 100 chart in 1963, but things changed forever for them in 1964 when they teamed up with producer Phil Spector and released You've Lost That Loving Feeling. That song, released in December 1964 hit Number One in 1965 and went on to become one of the most played songs on radio, logging over 8 million plays!

Over the years they had many other hits but they split up in 1968 when Jimmy Walker from The Knickerbockers replaced Bill Medley. They reunited in 1974 and released Rock and Roll Heaven.

Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to spotlight The Righteous Brothers on Voice Your Choice. Cast your vote for either Hung On You or Unchained Melody. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

Top Five Countdown from 1963 on Treasure Island Oldies

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown was from 1963 and at the number one spot was the first and only Asian song to ever hit number one in North America. Its original title "Ue o Muite Arukō" was changed to Sukiyaki. The song had nothing to do with food, but was a reflective song that could be translated to I Look Up When I Walk.

Sadly, Kyu Sakamoto was one of 520 people who died in the Japan Airlines crash on August 12, 1985.  He was only 43 years old at the time of his death. Fortunately, he left us with a very beautiful song with a haunting melody and it reached number one this week in 1963.

 Here's Kyu Sakamoto with Sukiyaki, the Number One song of the week from 1963.

Enjoy!

Michael


Monday, June 05, 2017

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of June 4th, 2017

Week of June 4th, 2017 to June 10th, 2017
Boy that was another fun and fast four hours again this week! I can't emphasize enough how much fun the folks have who come by the Chat Room, initially just to say hi. However, before they know it, they are getting engaged in the conversation. And before they know it, they've had such a good time that they return the next week, and the next. Before you know it, they too say that the Chat Room brings a whole new level of enjoyment to the show, with everyone listening to the music together. Every week there are at least one or two new people who stop by to say. Everyone would love to say hi to you and to welcome you to what everyone refers to themselves as the Nuts in the Hut.  Check it out for yourself during the next Live show. Just click on the Chat tab for more information. 

Treasure Island Oldies will pay its annual tribute to Dads everywhere with our Father's Day Special. Join me Sunday, June 18th as we celebrate with some great fathers, pop, and dad songs throughout the show. It'll get underway at 6 pm Pacific. 

Lots of listeners having birthdays this week and we are pleased to help them celebrate their special day. Happy Birthday to Paul Carter Jr. in Ellicott City, Maryland; Michael Gee in Berkeley, California; Nancy Turnbull in Niagara Falls, Ontario; and Sean in Louisville, Kentucky. Wow a big week for birthdays on the Island! If your birthday is coming up soon, I'd like to help celebrate your special day by wishing you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com

The Top Five Countdown on this week's show is from 1967. And the Number One song is by the Lady Soul, Aretha Franklin. Respect is playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Enjoy!

We get soulful next week with Voice Your Choice on Treasure Island Oldies as we present Percy Sledge. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Take Time To Know Her or When A Man Loves A Woman. 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 here on the Island.

Bye for now.
Michael

Percy Sledge - Voice Your Choice

Percy Sledge, one of the great soul singers and part of the Atlantic Records stable of R&B giants, was born November 25, 1940 in Leighton, Alabama. Prior to his solo career, he was a member of the Esquires Combo performing in local clubs.

His debut single, When A Man Loves A Woman went all the way to #1 on the charts and became a Gold Record. Between 1966 and 1974, he appeared on the charts a total of 14 times. While never repeating his debut record's success, he did have many memorable hits, including two that we are featuring.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights the great Percy Sledge with two of his well known songs. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Take Time To Know Her or When A Man Loves A Woman. I'll play the winner on next week's show in the 3rd hour.

Aretha Franklin - Number One on Top Five Countdown from 1967

Lady Soul, Aretha Franklin sped up the charts with her excellent cover of the Otis Redding classic, Respect. In fact, it went all the way to the top. This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from 1967.

The Number One Song of the Week is Respect by Aretha Franklin.

Enjoy!

Michael