Monday, December 24, 2018

Treasure Island Oldies Year End Island Update

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Edition
It's wonderful how we pour our passion and energy into what we love to do. Whether it be wrapping presents to look great for the recipient, preparing the Christmas feast or preparing my Annual Christmas Special, I love this Holiday Season. Thank you for joining me for my 22nd Annual Christmas Special.

I am pleased to let you know the archived Christmas Special will be available throughout the holidays. In addition, another very popular special, the Instrumental Gems Wordless Wonders Special will also be available for you to enjoy. Please note that both the Christmas and Instrumental Gems specials will play on every format: desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone, no matter the operating system. Many thanks to my Webmaster, Eddy Fisher, for making the all-format archives available. Also, if you are wondering about a specific song I played that you could not identify, the entire Playlist is at the Listen page.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Hugh Dobbie. Jr. and Yare Media, our exclusive live stream provider. I'd also like to say a big hello to the Broadcast Partners Network Affiliate Radio Stations that air my show every week.

Voice Your Choice returns January 6th with another year of great artists and songs for your votes. Elton John will be in the spotlight with two of his very many hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Goodbye Yellow Brick Road or Philadelphia Freedom.  I'll play the winning song on January 6th. 

I am taking my annual Christmas break and will return with the New Year Dance Party, Live, Sunday, January 6, 2019.

Thank you once again for inviting me into your home every week. It's my great pleasure to bring you Treasure Island Oldies throughout the year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Bye for now.
Michael

Monday, December 17, 2018

Your Island Update for this week.

December 16th to December 22th, 2018

Here we are; it's the second to last Island Update for this year. This week's show was a preview of the Christmas Special coming next week. In the meantime, the Christmas music vaults were delved into in a big way with some truly Lost Treasures and some of your holiday favourites as well. It was great to play The Cowsills and The Candy Kid, the Rocky Fellers with their seasonal 1962 hit, Santa Santa. I also enjoyed playing two songs for you that were originally pressed on a green vinyl 45 and not available to the general public. Christmas Time and Reggae Christmas were recorded by Bryan Adams for the fan club members exclusively. They made such an impact that they were eventually commercially released. I am so proud to have signed Bryan Adams to A&M Records and to have helped develop his career, which is still going strong today. For the complete list of every song I played on the show, go to the Listen page and scroll down to the Playlist.

I also trust you enjoyed this week's Top Five Countdown, with a twist. Instead of the five biggest songs from a given year, this week it was the Top Five Christmas Doo Wop songs. Number One is Christmas In Jail by The Youngsters from 1956. Watch the 78 rpm original record video, now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. Listen for the great audio quality from the 78 rpm. Very cool.

Next week it's my absolute favourite show of the year to prepare and present to you. It's the 22nd Annual Treasure Island Oldies Christmas Special. I'll be playing some of the greatest Christmas songs of all time, with some fun holiday tunes that will jog your memory. In the 4th hour, I'll delve into some of the classic Christmas Carols, including what may just be the most beautiful and emotional version of Silent Night ever recorded. Tune in starting at 6 pm Pacific for my Christmas gift to you.

As I will be taking a one week break after the Christmas special, I look forward to helping you celebrate your birthday on the first show for 2019 on January 6th, I will catch up on any birthdays missed during the holidays. And if  your birthday is coming up, be sure to let me know in advance so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the birthday info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

Voice Your Choice returns January 6th with another year of great artists and songs for your votes. Elton John will be in the spotlight with two of his very many hits. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Goodbye Yellow Brick Road or Philadelphia Freedom.  I'll play the winning song on January 6th.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Enjoy your week. See you next Sunday for the 22nd Annual Christmas Special. I look forward to your company. 

Bye for now.
Michael

Elton John Voice Your Choice

Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England and has become one of the most popular singers, songwriters, musicians, performers and entertainers of the 20th Century. Before having a solo career, he was a member of the British group Bluesology, which included Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. It was from those two fellows that he took the name Elton John. In 1967, he teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin and then embarked on the career of a lifetime as Elton John.

Between 1970 and 2000 he racked up an impressive 70 appearances on the Billboard charts. Now that is quite a feat! Sir Elton John has also had twenty-eight Number One records, thirteen Gold Records and six Platinum Records; and these are just the singles!

Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to present Sir Elton John for the first Voice Your Choice of 2019.

Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Goodbye Yellow Brick Road or Philadelphia Freedom. I'll play the winning song on the first show of 2019 on January 6th. 

Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Doo Wop Christmas Songs

This week on the all Christmas songs edition of Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown reflected not a specific year, but the Top Five Christmas Doo Wop Songs.

At the top at Number One it's The Youngsters from 1956 with Christmas In Jail. Check out how good the quality is playing from its original 78 rpm on Empire Records!

Merry Christmas

Enjoy!
Michael



Friday, December 14, 2018

Nancy Wilson, Noted Jazz and Pop Singer Has Died At Age 81

Nancy Wilson, the Grammy-winning "song stylist" and torch singer whose polished pop-jazz vocals made her a platinum artist and top concert performer, died December 13th
.
Wilson, who retired from touring in 2011, died after a long illness at her home in Pioneertown, a California desert community near Joshua Tree National Park, her manager and publicist Devra Hall Levy told The Associated Press late Thursday night. She was 81.

Influenced by Dinah Washington, Nat "King" Cole and other stars, Wilson covered everything from jazz standards to Little Green Apples and in the 1960s alone released eight albums that reached the top 20 on Billboard's pop charts. Sometimes elegant and understated, or quick and conversational and a little naughty, she was best known for such songs as her breakthrough Guess Who I Saw Today and the 1964 hit (You Don't Know) How Glad I Am, which drew upon Broadway, pop and jazz.

For more, please go to https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/nancy-wilson-grammy-winning-jazz-singer-dies-at-81-1.4945920

Monday, December 10, 2018

This week's Island Update - Week of December 9, 2018

December 9th to December 15th, 2018

As they say, time flies when you're having fun. That's exactly what happened for me this week. The four hours seemed to go by like four minutes. That means I had a great time! Thanks very much for listening again this week. The show was 50/50: 50% Christmas 50% Great Oldies. And in the mix was a wonderful array of Classic Christmas songs, excellent tunes from this week's Spotlight Year, 1961, as well as some great Lost Treasures. It was great to hear Papa Noel, the flip side of Rockin' Around The Christmas tree by Brenda Lee. If you had the 45 in your collection, you enjoyed two great Christmas songs on one record. I enjoyed playing and enjoying Baby It's Cold Outside by Ray Charles and Betty Carter. What a classic version and what a great Christmas song. I don't care what people think this song is about. They are wrong. Watch the original version in the 1949 movie, Neptune's Daughter starring Esther Williams. The song is about flirting by both individuals, and the fun of celebrating the holidays together and dealing with the snowy cold weather. One could create objections about just any song. Get a life! OK let's move on. 

I also enjoyed playing Linda Scott for you. Of course, you remember her for I've Told Every Little Star, but did you remember her 1961 Christmas song, Christmas Day? Other great seasonal songs included Mistletoe And Wine by Cliff Richard, and another you rarely ever hears anymore, I'm Gonna Be Warm This Winter by Conner Francis. So many great songs. For the complete playlist for this week's show, go to the Listen page and scroll down.

Next week we go to 100% Christmas songs throughout the four hours. However, I promise to cherry pick some of my favourite and greatest Christmas music of all time and reserve them for the 22nd Annual Christmas Special, Live Sunday, December 23rd. I love this Christmas Season with the lights and music. It is here with us for such a short time. I sure love celebrating and enjoying December with you.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Aron Gutman in Richmond, British Columbia, along with my son David's partner, Victoria Bass in Kamloops, British Columbia. If your birthday is coming up soon, please be sure to let me know in advance so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the birthday info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

This week's Top Five Countdown is from our Spotlight Year, 1961. At the top of the chart this week is Motown's The Marvelettes. Please Mr. Postman is now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week Voice Your Choice spotlights the great voice of Johnny Mathis. There are two Christmas songs for your votes. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Sleigh Bells or It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.  I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Enjoy your week. See you next Sunday for the Live all-Christmas music show. 

Bye for now.
Michael

Johnny Mathis - Voice Your Choice

I had the great pleasure of meeting Johnny Mathis after a wonderful concert in Vancouver in 2009. Such a gentleman and great entertainer. Here we are together after the show.
I am pleased to spotlight Johnny Mathis on Voice Your Choice. He was born John Royce Mathis, the fourth of seven children to Clem and Mildred Mathis on September 30, 1945 in Gilmer, Texas. As a young boy, the family moved to San Francisco where, at the age of 13, he began studying music and vocal lessons with Connie Cox, a Bay Area voice teacher.

Johnny had a two career opportunity facing him: either become a professional singer or a professional athlete. He won a Track Scholarship to San Francisco State College and was even invited to the Olympic tryouts. He opted for music, and as they say, the rest is history.

Between 1957 and 1984, Johnny Mathis appeared on the Billboard charts 45 times, reached the Top Ten six times, and achieved three Gold Records. His Johnny Mathis Greatest Hits album, released April 4, 1958 remained on the Billboard Top 100 Album chart for 409 weeks!

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights the amazing Johnny Mathis with two of his great his songs. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Sleigh Ride or It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

The Marvelettes Please Mr. Postman Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1961

This week's Spotlight Year on Treasure Island Oldies is 1961. At the top of the charts this week, it was Motown's The Marvelettes.

Here they are, The Marvelettes with Please Mr. Postman, Number One in 1961.

Enjoy!
Michael


Wednesday, December 05, 2018

Rock Stars At Home

I've got a very cool gift suggestion for the rock fan. It's a brand new book being released January 2019 called Rock Star At Home.

If you can't get to your favourite star's home yourself, Rock Stars At Home will take you there. Imagine checking out the homes of Elton John, Elvis Presley, Neil Young, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, John and Yoko, Sonny and Cher, and so many others.

There's stories and photos and even inside accounts of the goings on!

I know how much you love your music and the artists that brought their music into your homes. Now you can check out their homes!

My thanks to Apollo Publishers for an advance preview copy of Rock Stars At Home.



Monday, December 03, 2018

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of December 2, 2018

December 2nd to December 8th, 2018

Well here we are - December! Just three weeks away from this year's Annual Christmas Special, December 23rd. This year will mark the 22nd year I am fortunate to bring you my favourite show of the year. It's four hours of the greatest Christmas Music of all time. Get the hot chocolate ready; spike it at your discretion. :-)
In the meantime, this week we rolled out the Christmas songs in earnest and it was great to hear seasonal songs by Carla Thomas, Clarence Carter, Adam Faith, Dean Martin, Paul Evans, and many more. The complete playlist is at the Listen page, including songs from this week's Spotlight Year 1966.

It's my pleasure to wish Happy Birthday this week to Patsy Phipps in Springfield, Illinois; Lennart Persson in Gothenberg, Sweden; and cousin Debbie Fine in Montreal, Quebec. Happy Birthday everyone! If your birthday is coming up soon, please be sure to let me know in advance so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the birthday info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

This week's Top Five Countdown is from our Spotlight Year, 1966. At the top of the chart this week is a group created by songwriter Geoff Stevens, the New Vaudeville Band.  Winchester Cathedral is now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week Voice Your Choice spotlights an artist referred to as Gentleman Jim. We've got two songs from the Jim Reeves Twelve Songs Of Christmas album for your votes. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either An Old Christmas Card or Jingle Bells.  I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Enjoy your week. See you next Sunday for the Live show. 

Bye for now.
Michael

New Vaudeville Band Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1966

In 1966, a songwriter by the name of Geoff Stevens wrote a novelty song and created a group, the New Vaudeville Band, to record it.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Spotlight Year is 1966. At at the very top of the chart sitting at Number One this week is Winchester Cathedral by the New Vaudeville Band.

Oh-bo-de-o-do oh-bo-de-o-do

Enjoy!
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 in a Holiday Music themed Voice Your Choice for next week. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either An Old Christmas Card or Jingle Bells. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

Monday, November 26, 2018

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of November 25, 2018

November 25th to December 1st, 2018

While many places in Canada and the United States experienced their first taste of winter, here on the Island we had our first taste of Christmas music. Like a light snowfall, we had a sprinkling of Christmas tunes to get you in the mood for, as Andy Williams sang, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. It was great to hear Ringo Starr, Ella Fitzgerald, Brook Benton, The Belmont, Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdink, Bob. B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans, Bobby Curtola, and a few more throughout the four hours. For a complete list of every song played on this week's show, just go to the Listen page and scroll down to the Playlist.

Speaking of Christmas, as you are busy wrapping your Christmas gifts, I hope you can join me for my annual Christmas Special, live Sunday, December 23rd at 6 PM Pacific, with four hours of the best Christmas music of all time. This is the show I absolutely love bringing to you every year. In the meantime, more Christmas tunes coming your way every week throughout December.

If your birthday is coming up soon, please be sure to let me know in advance so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the birthday info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

This week's Top Five Countdown is from our Spotlight Year, 1967. At the top of the chart this week it's The Supremes. I Hear A Symphony, complete with a live symphony orchestra in a clip from the TV show Hullabaloo, is now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week Voice Your Choice spotlights The Supremes with two of their Christmas tunes for your votes. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Twinkle Twinkle Little Me or Silver Bells.  I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Thanks again for being part of this week's show and I look forward to your company again next week. 

Bye for now.
Michael

The Supremes Voice Your Choice

Motown's The Supremes began their career as The Primettes in 1959 and initially recorded for the small LuPine Records without any chart success. That all changed when they were signed to Motown and their Tamla Records label in 1960. Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard then became The Supremes. It wasn't until the release of their 7th record that their career took off in a big way. That single was Where Did Our Love Go, which reached Number One and became a million seller.


Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights the Christmas music side of the Supremes. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Twinkle Twinkle Little Me or Silver Bells. I'll play the winner on nest week's show.


Strawberry Alarm Clock Number One on the Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1967

They were somewhat psychedelic, somewhat rock, and somewhat pop. They were the Strawberry Alarm Clock.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from this week's Spotlight Year, 1967. At the top of the chart at Number One it's the Strawberry Alarm Cloak with Incense And Peppermints.

Enjoy!
Michael



Monday, November 19, 2018

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies - Week of November 18, 2018

November 18th to November 24th, 2018

I must say that I so much look forward to bringing Treasure Island Oldies to you every week. And this week the playlist was chock full of great music, including songs from this week's Spotlight Year, 1965. I also appreciate the time you take to not only listen, but also to send in your requests. It's my pleasure to play them for you. A good example of a request this week was I'll Follow The Sun from Beatles '65 and Beatles For Sale. Toni Howerton in Middledtown, Ohio asked me to play it for her. Another good request came in via the Chat Room. Bill in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan wanted to hear one of his favourite groups, April Wine. I was glad to play You Coulda Been A Lady for Bill. If you'd like me to play a song for you, just let me know. You can click on the Request button on the website or send an email to requests@TreasureIslandOldies.com.

If your birthday is coming up soon, please be sure to let me know in advance so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the birthday info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

I will start to play a few Christmas songs on the show beginning next week, as we ramp up to the Christmas Special, December 23rd. I am very much looking forward to sharing my annual Christmas Special with you. The festivities will begin at 6 pm Pacific with the greatest Christmas music! Ho Ho Ho!

This week's Top Five Countdown is from our Spotlight Year, 1965. At the top of the chart this week it's The Supremes. I Hear A Symphony, complete with a live symphony orchestra in a clip from the TV show Hullabaloo, is now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week Voice Your Choice kicks off the Christmas Season with Tommy Edwards. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either It's Christmas Once Again or Kris Kringle.  I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Before closing off for this week, I would like to send out my very best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and listeners. I hope you enjoy your celebration with family and friends. I look forward to your company on next week's show. 

Bye for now.
Michael

Tommy Edwards Voice Your Choice on Treasure Island Oldies

Tommy Edwards, the smooth Black Adult Contemporary singer, pianist and songwriter, was born on February 17, 1922 in Richmond, Virginia. He first began performing at the age of nine! Sadly, he passed away at age 47 on October 23, 1969.

He managed to have quite an impressive string of songs to hit the charts. Between August 1958 and October 1960, he scored 14 songs on the Billboard Charts, including a Number One song and Gold record for It's All In The Game. An interesting bit about this song. The melody was written in 1912 by U.S. Vice-President Charles Dawes. The original version of the song was first recorded by Tommy Edwards in 1951 and reached # 18. He later re-recorded it and it then became the huge familiar hit in 1958.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Tommy Edwards. As we get the Holiday Season underway, there are two of his Christmas songs for your vote.

Cast you vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either  It's Christmas Once Again or Kris Kringle. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

The Supremes Numer One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1965

After several releases beginning in 1962, The Supremes began their string of massive hits in 1964 with Where Did Our Love Go. Their streak continued in 1965 with this week's Number One Song on the Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown.

Here are The Supremes and a symphony orchestra in a live clip from the TV show Hullabaloo being introduced by Paul Anka and their Number One song I Hear A Symphony.

Enjoy!

Michael



Saturday, November 17, 2018

Country Music's Roy Clark Had Died at Age 85

Country Music Hall of Fame member and versatile entertainer Roy Clark died Thursday at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma,  after complications from pneumonia, his publicist said. He was 85. 
A fleet-fingered instrumentalist best known for his 24 years as a "Hee Haw" co-host, the affable Clark was one of country music's most beloved ambassadors. 

He brought heart and humor to audiences around the world, guest-hosted "The Tonight Show," worked with greats like Hank Williams and blues artist Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and inspired countless pickers, including a young Brad Paisley, with his instructional guitar books.
Roy Linwood Clark was born April 15, 1933, in Meherrin, Virginia. The oldest of five children, he grew up in a musical family.

Clark is preceded in death by grandson Elijah Clark. He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 61 years, his sons Roy Clark II and wife Karen, Dr. Michael Meyer and wife Robin, Terry Lee Meyer, Susan Mosier and Diane Stewart, and his grandchildren: Brittany Meyer, Michael Meyer, Caleb Clark, Josiah Clark and his sister, Susan Coryell.

Read more at usatoday.com


Monday, November 12, 2018

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies Week of November 11 2018

November 11th to November 17th, 2018

It sure was a busy week here on the Island. Our Spotlight Year this week was 1969, including the Top Five Countdown. It was also a historic week for the world. November 11th marked the 100th Anniversary of Armistice, the agreement to end World War I, known as the Great War. In addition to this important occasion, it was also Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the United States. Accordingly, I devoted the second half of the second hour of this week's show to a musical tribute. I began with a a poignant song, Soldier by Shawn Hlookoff. You may be more familiar with this successful artist, as today he goes by the name Shawn Hook. He has previously been a guest on my show and even performed live in studio. Soldier is a very moving song. I suggest you watch the video. This is not about being for or against any war. It is a tribute to those who serve. For the entire list of songs I played during this tribute, as well as all of the music I played throughout the rest of the show, go to the Listen page and scroll down to the Playlist.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Connie Canode in Madison, Wisconsin;l and also to Chris Witmer in Iowa City, Iowa. Both Connie and Chris are long time listeners. If your birthday is coming up soon, please be sure to let me know in advance so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the birthday info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com 

I am very much looking forward to sharing my annual Christmas Special with you. This year it will be very close to Christmas Day. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 23rd. The festivities will begin at 6 pm Pacific with the greatest Christmas music! Ho Ho Ho!

This week's Top Five Countdown is from our Spotlight Year, 1969. At the top of the chart is the The Fifth Dimension. Wedding Bell Blues is now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week the Voice Your Choice spotlight is on The Dells, an R&B Soul group from Chicago whose music I absolutely love. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Always Together or Stay In My Corner.  I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

I hope you have a great week. I look forward to your company on next week's show. 

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. 
 
Next 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 Always Together or Stay In My Corner. I'll play the winner on next week's show.

Fifth Dimension Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1969

The Fifth Dimension were a collection of really good singers and live entertainers, including Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.. A number of years ago, my good friend, Red Robinson from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was the MC at a private event; and I was the DJ for the evening. The Fifth Dimension were the headliners and they really gave a great concert. The audience loved them.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from this week's Spotlight Year, 1969. Sitting at the top of the chart at Number One, it's the Fifth Dimension with Wedding Bell Blues.

Enjoy!
Michael


Monday, November 05, 2018

Della Reese Voice Your Choice





Della Reese was born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan. She had a successful career spanning seven decades as an American jazz and gospel singer, actress, recording artist, and TV show host. She made a huge impression when she starred in the TV series Touched By An Angel. What a career!

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents Della Reese. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Don't You Know or And That Reminds Me. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies Week of November 4th 2018

November 4th to November 10th, 2018

Tick Tock. Glad you had your clocks adjusted back by one hour to be on time for this week's show. :-) What a great combination of elements for this week's show. Great songs from 1966, this week's Spotlight Year, including the Top Five Countdown, combined with "time" tunes, made for a fun mix. Check out this week's Playlist for the complete rundown of the songs played on this week's show. In addition, the Chat Room was hopping with lots of regulars and visitors having a fun time sharing the live show together. I can't tell you enough how much of a difference to the experience of the show is by being part of the Chat Room. Everyone enjoys sharing good humour and music memories. Try it, you'll like it. Next week during the Live show, come to the Chat Room page and follow the easy instructions to check in and to being one of the Nuts in the Hut. Hope to see you next week. 

I'd like to wish Happy Birthday to many listeners this week, including Heather Dillon in 100 Mile House, British Columbia; California Barb; Andy Desilets in Ottawa, Ontario; Sunny in Elmhurst, Illinois; Dana Van Dine in Florida; and Tim Sykes in Cambridge, Ontario. If your birthday is approaching, be sure to let me know in advance so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the birthday info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com

 The Treasure Island Oldies Annual Christmas Special this year will be very close to Christmas Day. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, December 23rd. The festivities will begin at 6 pm Pacific with the greatest Christmas music!

This week's Top Five Countdown is from our Spotlight Year, 1966. At the top of the chart is the debut single by the Pre-Fab Four, The Monkees. Last train To Clarksville is now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week the Voice Your Choice spotlight is on the incredibly talented jazz, blues, gospel and pop singer, Della Reese. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Don't You Know or And That Reminds Me.  I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Have a great week! 

Bye for now.
Michael

The Monkees Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1966

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from this week's Spotlight Year, 1966.

The top of the charts reflected the explosive success of The Monkees, both their zany TV show and their meteoric rise to success on the record charts. And their debut single went straight to Number One!

Here are The Monkees with Last Train To Clarksville, this week's Number One song from 1966.

Enjoy!

Michael


Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Happy Halloween Week on Treasure Island Oldies

October 28th to November 2rd, 2018

Happy Halloween! Thanks for sharing 4 scary hours of music and fun on this year's Halloween Spooktacular. If you missed the live show, go to the Broadcast Partners Network Page and you'll see the program grid for when our affiliate stations air the show during the week. And for a complete list of all the spooky tunes, check out the Listen page for the Playlist. The Crypt, aka the Chat Room, was a blast and a challenge to figure out who was who. Everyone had a special name for Halloween! LOL

Amazingly, our next special is my favourite show of the entire year. The Treasure Island Oldies Christmas Special this year will be very close to Christmas Day this year. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, December 23rd. The festivities will begin at 6 pm Pacific.

Next week the Voice Your Choice spotlight is on The Delfonics, a great soul group from Philadelphia. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Didn't I Blow Your Mind or La La Means I Love You.  I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

See you next week! 

Bye for now.
Michael

Friday, October 26, 2018

Tony Joe White Swamp Rocker Has Died at 75

Swamp-rocker Tony Joe White, a cult-favorite singer/songwriter whose songs were covered by everyone from Elvis Presley to Tina Turner, died Wednesday at 75.

White had just released his latest album, “Bad Mouthin’,” on the Yep Rock label Sept. 28 and had made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry that same night.

“He wasn’t ill at all,” his son, Jody White, told the Tennessean. “He just had a heart attack…there was no pain or suffering.” The Louisiana native died at his home in Leipers Fork, Tennessee, outside of Nashville.

White recorded more than 20 albums, beginning in 1969, but had his only serious brush with the charts as a performer with “Polk Salad Annie,” which reached No. 8 in 1969. The song became even better known as a staple of Presley’s repertoire, showing up in Elvis’ live albums and concert movies in the early 70s. Another early composition became an even bigger hit via a popular cover version, as Brook Benton’s version of “Rainy Night in Georgia” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the soul chart in 1970.

For more, go to https://variety.com/2018/music/news/tony-joe-white-polk-salad-annie-singer-dies-75-1202994735/

Watch the video of Polk Salad Annie.

Monday, October 22, 2018

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies week of October 21st 2018




October 21st to October 27th, 2018

I'd like to start off this week's Island Update by thanking you for the many, many birthday greetings. I received your kind wishes via email, in the Chat Room, and well over 100 birthday greetings via my Facebook page. WOW! It was so cool to have my birthday fall on a show day and I really enjoyed celebrating with you on the air. Thanks again. I was also very pleased to send Happy Birthday wishes to listeners Mike Dillon in 100 Mile House, British Columbia; Donna Siren in St. Louis, Missouri and to Marcia Moses. If you birthday is approaching, please be sure to let me know in advance so that I can wish you Happy Birthday on the air and also play Birthday by The Beatles for you. Send the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'd also like to say Happy Anniversary to my lifelong friends Frank and Ria Vandeven in Mission, British Columbia.

I am looking forward to next week's show when it will be the annual Halloween Spooktacular. We get underway at 6 pm Pacific with 4 hours of spooky Halloween sounds and great songs. It'll be fun and scary. By the way, BIG thanks to Eddy Fisher, my partner and Webmaster for this year's Halloween Spooktacular video promo. The feedback and comments I have received from listeners is excellent. Eddy, what a great way to get everyone in the mood for Halloween; thanks very much.

A historical event took place in Canada this past week with the national legalization of recreational cannabis. Some of the songs on this week's show were in fun recognition, such as Along Comes Mary, One Toke Over The Line, Let's Go Get Stoned, and more. Check out this week's complete playlist at the Listen page then scroll down the page to the Playlist.

The Top Five Countdown this week is from 1961, this week's Spotlight Year on the show. Sitting at the Number One position is Dion. Runaround Sue is playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week the Voice Your Choice spotlight is on The Delfonics, a great soul group from Philadelphia. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Didn't I Blow Your Mind or La La Means I Love You. As next week is the Halloween Spooktacular, I'll play the winning song in two weeks on the November 4th Live show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

See you next week in the Crypt for the Halloween Spooktacular. 

Bye for now.
Michael

The Delfonics Voice Your Choice

The Delfonics, an R&B vocal group, were from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The members were brothers William and Wilbert Hart, Ritchie Daniels, and the late Randy Cain who passed away in 2009.

Between 1968 and 1973 they appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts sixteen times. They reached the Top Ten twice and also received a Gold Record.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights The Delfonics with two of their signature songs.

Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Didn't I Blow Your Mind or La La Means I Love You. As next week is the annual Halloween Spooktacular on the show, I'll play the results in two weeks on the November 4th show.

Dion Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1961

He was a star and lead singer with The Belmonts when he decided to go for a solo career. It paid off! This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Spotlight Year is 1961, including this week's Top Five Countdown.

Coming in at Number One is Dion DiMucci or just Dion with Runaround Sue.

Enjoy!
Michael


Monday, October 15, 2018

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies Week of October 14 2018

October 14th to October 20th, 2018

I have the best gig going! Every week I get to sit in the studio and play music for 4 hours. How cool is that??!! The only drawback is that the four hours seem to go by as if it were 15 minutes. So as you can tell, even after hosting Treasure Island Oldies for over 21 years now, I still look forward to your company every week. Thanks very much. And this week our Spotlight Year was 1963, a year before the start of the British Music Invasion. To find out the complete list of songs I played, go to the Listen page and scroll down to the Playlist. I was also pleased to play another song, Come On To Me, from Egypt Station, the new LP by Paul McCartney. If you are a Beatles or Paul McCartney fan, be sure top check out this great album. To be perfectly clear, I gain nothing by promoting and playing this album. It's as a real fan that I want to share this excellent new Paul McCartney release.

Warning: we are just two weeks away from our next special, which will come to you from the Crypt. The annual Halloween Spooktacular will air this year Live Sunday, October 28th. This annual special is one of the most popular of the year and I invite you to join me starting at 6 pm Pacific. It'll be a very scary time!

Is your birthday is coming up soon? If so, I'd like to celebrate it with you. Send the date info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com and I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

The Top Five Countdown this week is from 1963. And at the top of the chart a combination of two talents: singer Jimmy Gilmer and the group The Fireballs. Sugar Shack is playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week the Voice Your Choice spotlight is on Del Shannon. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Handy Man or Hats Off To Larry. I'll play the winner next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

See you next week on The Island. 

Bye for now.
Michael

Del Shannon Voice Your Choice

He was born Charles Westover December 30, 1934 in Coopersville, Michigan; but to us fans, we knew him as Del Shannon. Not only was he a talented hit maker as a recording artist, he was also a very good songwriter. One of his big hits that he wrote was I Go To Pieces, recorded by Peter & Gordon. He was also the very first artist to hit the US charts with a John Lennon and Paul McCartney song, From Me To You, which reached Number 77 in 1963.

In the short time span between 1961 and 1966, Del appeared on the Billboard charts sixteen times and had three Top Ten hits including the Number One Gold Record, Runaway.

Next week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice spotlights Del Shannon. Cast your vote at the http://www.treasureislandoldies.com/newsite/voice-your-choice Voice Your Choice page for either Handy Man or Hats Off To Larry. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Counrtdown 1963

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Spotlight Year is 1963. And our Top Five Countdown features the coming together of two talents: The Fireballs and Jimmy Gilmer. Together they reached the top of the chart.

Here at Number One this week in 1963 are Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs with Sugar Shack.

Enjoy!
Michael


Monday, October 08, 2018

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies Week of October 7th 2018

October 7th to October 13th, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I sure enjoyed the celebration over the four hours of this week's Canadian Thanksgiving Special. And it was great to play some "thankful" songs for you as well, such as I Thank You, Let's Turkey Trot, Thank You For Being My Friend, Share The Land, and so many more. For a complete list of all songs played on this week's show, go to the Listen page and scroll down to the Playlist. 

Warning: our next special will "unearth" you. The annual Halloween Spooktacular will air this year Live Sunday, October 28th. This annual special is one of the most popular of the year and I invite you to join me in the Crypt starting at 6 pm Pacific. It'll be a very scary time!

If you birthday is coming up soon, please let me know. Send the date info to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com and I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

The Top Five Countdown this week is from 1970. And at the top of the chart it's Neil Diamond. Cracklin' Rosie is now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week the Voice Your Choice spotlight is on Connie Francis, the top female vocalist of the late '50s and early '60s. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Everybody's Somebody's Fool or Lipstick On Your Collar. I'll play the winner next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Have a great week and I look forward to enjoying the music once again with you next week. 

Bye for now.
Michael

Connie Francis Voice Your Choice Treasure Island Oldies

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! Plus, she 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.

Voice Your Choice presents Connie Francis on Treasure Island Oldies. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Everybody's Somebody's Fool or Lipstick On Your Collar. I'll play the winning song on next week's show.

Neil Diamond Number One Treasure Island Oldies Top Five Countdown 1970

Neil Diamond started out as a songwriter in the Brill Building in New York City. In that same building was a small label called Bang Records. It was with Bang that his career as a recording artist took off. After enough hit records to qualify for a greatest hits album, he eventually signed with UNI/MCA Records and his career took on a new level.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, the Top Five Countdown is from 1970. Sitting comfortably at Number One is Neil Diamond with Cracklin' Rosie, a Platinum smash.

Enjoy!
Michael



Monday, October 01, 2018

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies Week of September 30 2018

September 30th to October 6th, 2018

Wow here we are into Fall. September sure flew by quickly; is that because there are only 30 days in September? That question is way above my pay grade. LOL And as the month flew by, so did the four hours on this week's show. It was so good to play some great songs for you from this week's Spotlight Year, 1964. As I mentioned on the show, the British Music Invasion was in full swing and yet you had songs such as Hello Dolly! by Louis Armstrong reaching Number One on the charts. Amazing! What variety of music there was. That's what I feel is missing from contemporary hit radio. There is very little variety other than the odd ballad that creeps in. That's why I love bringing the show to you every week, as each of the four hours is filled with a variety of hits from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. A big hello goes out to listeners Linda Gehres, Toni Howerton, and Tammy Maynard who send some very cool emails to me. Thanks very much. It's great to hear from listeners and I look forward to hearing from you. My email address is michael@treasureislandoldies.com. 

I invite you to join me next week as we celebrate our annual Canadian Thanksgiving Special. I'll play some "thankful" songs during the show including Little Eva's Turkey Trot! That's next Sunday, October 7th starting at 6 pm Pacific.

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

The Top Five Countdown this week is from our Spotlight Year 1964. And sitting at the top of the charts was a song that has become an all-time classic, Oh! Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison. It's is now playing at the Treasure Island Oldies Treasure Island Oldies Blog.

Next week the Voice Your Choice spotlight is on another great great R&B artist, Clyde McPhatter. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either A Lover's Question or Lover Please. I'll play the winner next week's show.

Listen to this week's Rock and Roll News Podcast.

Have a great week and I look forward to sharing Canadian Thanksgiving with you on the show next week.

Bye for now.
Michael


Clyde McPhatter Voice Your Choice

The Drifters were an R&B group formed in 1953 as a showcase for singer Clyde McPhatter. Prior to their first hit on the pop charts, they had eleven Top Ten songs on the R&B charts. The original lineup consisted of Clyde McPhatter, Gerhart and Andrew Thrasher, and Bill Pinkney.

When Clyde McPhatter left for a solo career, manager George Treadwell disbanded the rest of the group, brought in The Five Crowns, and renamed them The Drifters (perhaps The New Drifters would have been more like it). This new lineup included Ben E. King, Doc Green, Charlie Thomas and Elsbeary Hobbs. The majority of their Top 100 chart hits were sung by three different lead singers: Ben E. King (1959-60), Rudy Lewis (1961-63), and Johnny Moore (1957, 1964-66).

Clyde was born Clyde Lensley McPhatter on November 15, 1932 in Durham, North Carolina and sadly, he died of a heart attack at the young age of 39 on June 13, 1972. During his solo career, he charted 21 times, had 2 Top Ten hits and 1 Gold Record.

Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to spotlight Clyde McPhatter on Voice Your Choice. Cast your vote at the Voice our Choice page for either A Lover's Question or Lover Please. I'll play the winner on next week's show.