Dorothy Jones of The Cookies Has Died

I have received word via her cousin Ruby, that Dorothy Jones the original founding member of The Cookies died on Christmas Morning, December 25, 2010. 

Dorothy Jones, founding member of the Cookies, who charted four times for Dimension Records and sang backup on tunes like "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" by Neil Sedaka and "The Loco-Motion" by Little Eva, died Christmas Day of Alzheimer's disease in a hospital in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 76. Dorothy formed the group in 1954 with her cousin, Beulah Robertson and Darlene McCrea. Darlene left two years later and Beulah helped form Ray Charles' backup singers, the Raelettes, in 1958. Dorothy continued with her cousin, Margaret Ross and Darlene's singer, Earl-Jean and the group turned out such hits as "Chains" (#17-1962), "Girls Grow Up Faster Than Boys" (#33-1964) and their biggest hit, "Don't Say Nothin' Bad (About My Baby)" (#7-1963). They also recorded as the Cinderllas in 1964, bubbling under at #134 with "Baby, Baby (I Still Love You)". Other names they recorded under were the Palisades, Honey Bees and the Stepping Stones. The group disbanded in 1967.

Myrna Smith -The Sweet Inspirations Has Died

Myrna Smith sadly passed away December 25, 2010 from kidney failure, she was 69 (1941-2010). Myrna was a member of the Sweet Inspirations, who were best known for their work with Elvis Presley & Aretha Franklin. Myrna is the second of the Sweet Inspirations to pass away this year. Sylvia Shemwell died on February 13, 2010.

Music of Christmas

The Music of Christmas continues here on the Treasure Island Oldies Blog with one of the most successful male singers who has sold millions of records and holds the record for one of the longest charting albums of all time. Johnny Mathis Greatest Hits was the first-ever "greatest hits" album to be released and spent an unprecedented 409 weeks on the Billboard album, charts.

I had the pleasure of seeing Johnny in concert in 2009, and what a great performance he gave. I also had the opportunity to meet him backstage after the show and what a friendly man he was.

Here is Johnny Mathis with When A Child Is Born.
Enjoy!
Michael

Michael Godin Treasure Island Oldies Christmas Greeting

Music of Christmas

On the 12th Day of Christmas Songs here on the Island, I am pleased to play a song that when it was first performed in the movie Meet Me In St. Louis, it was not an immediate hit. Over the years, it has become a perennial favourite.



Here is the incredibly gifted singer and actress, Judy Garland with her original performance of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
Enjoy!
Michael

Music of Christmas

On the 11th Day of Christmas Music here at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog, I am really glad to play not only a major Christmas hit for you, but this video clip is taken from the original Christmas TV Special.
Here are David Seville and The Chipmunks with The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late).
Have fun watching this!
Michael

Music of Christmas

On the 10th Day of the Music of Christmas Series here at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog, I am pleased to play yet another Christmas Classic. It's been played every year since it was first released in 1957, when it became a Top Ten hit and a Gold Record.


Here is Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms.
Enjoy!
Michael

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies

December 19th, 2010 to January 1, 2011

Merry Christmas! And what a Christmas we've had here on the Island, lots of great Christmas songs over the past few weeks culminating in my favourite show of the entire year. And I was so pleased to present the 14th Annual Christmas Special, with some of the greatest Christmas records of all time from the 1940s through to the 1970s with even a recent Christmas song added to the show for the first time. I just love that song by Serena Ryder and I had to play Calling To Say. What a great voice, great melody and excellent production. It will be played again next year during the Christmas Season and probably for many years to come. It's a classic in the making. For a complete list of every song played on the show, click the Listen page and then Playlist. Not to give everything away in case you were not able to hear the live show, I promised to play Mahalia Jackson's stunning and very stirring version of Silent Night. It is the song I just have to end the Christmas Special with every year. You can enjoy our 14th Annual Christmas Special at any time for the next three weeks in the Archive Section of the Listen page.

I'd like to say thanks to the listeners who sent in their Christmas Greetings, either via email or the Listener Line. By the way, there is a NEW NUMBER for the Listener Line. It is now 206-339-0709. Our previous number had technical problems and would no longer work. The new one is now ready for you New Years Greetings. Give a call and wish all the Treasure Island Oldies listeners around the world a very Happy New Year. I'll play back your call on the New Year Dance Party, live Sunday, January 2, 2011.

I am pleased that you are enjoying the Music of Christmas at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. There are 14 songs in total and they are being posted to the Blog every day up to and including Christmas Day.

Please note: There will be no show Sunday, December 26th. We'll be back with the first show of 2011 on Sunday, January 2nd with our New Year Dance Party.

As we approach the end of another year, it is a good time for reflection and to say thank you for another great year. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone at our network, Mediaontap; and to Insinc and their parent company, NeuLion, for providing the broadcast studio facilities.

2010 has been another very exciting year for Treasure Island Oldies. We celebrated our 13th Anniversary and also welcomed listeners from all over the world to the Treasure Island Oldies Broadcast Partners Network who hear us on their local FM, AM and Online radio stations in Canada, United States, Sweden, England, Scotland, and Singapore.

I would also like to extend my very special thanks to Eddy Fisher, my partner and webmaster. Without Eddy's untiring work, commitment, enthusiasm, creativity, and incredible support, there'd be no weekly updates to the website; no special decorations for Halloween and Christmas; nor would there be any archived shows, the weekly Top 5 Countdown, not to mention the work he does every week in preparing the Rock And Roll News Podcasts, of which I am proud to say there are well over 12,000 downloads every month. Thank you so very much, Eddy!

A big tip of the hat to the Nuts in the Hut, the Chat Room regulars. I thoroughly enjoy your company every week.

I'd also like to recognize our weekly feature contributors to the show:

Tom Locke, who has researched and written the Moment In Time for over ten years now.

Rick Canode for Rick's Rare Rock And Roll Relic.

Fay Greenwood for Hits From Across The Pond and Matt Meaney for the great production of this feature every week.

And Paul Carter Jr. for the new weekly feature Music Link.

These features help make the show extra special every week.

And last but definitely not least, to you - my listener, my friend. Without you there'd be no Treasure Island Oldies. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me keep you company week after week.

I wish you and your family the very best this Holiday Season. Please don't drink and drive!

I sure look forward to another year of Treasure Island Oldies with you and to celebrating our 14th Anniversary with you in May, 2011.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Michael

Music of Christmas

Today we're on Day #9 with lots more great Christmas songs still to come. I am sure you will like what our song is today. Freddie Mercury was so talented as a singer and performer and his career with Queen was stellar. Today I'm pleased to play for you Thank God It's Christmas by Queen.
Enjoy!
Michael

Music of Christmas

Here we are, Day 8 already of our Music of Christmas Series of Holiday Songs here at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. It's also a big day for me, as I am thrilled to bring the 14th Annual Treasure Island Oldies Christmas Special today. Join me for the Live show today at 6 pm Pacific time. If you can't make it or want to hear it again, the archived Christmas Special show will be available at the Listen page.


Today we present "Old Blue Eyes", the Chairman of the Boards, the great Frank Sinatra with Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Enjoy, and I look forward to your company for the 14th Annual Christmas Special.
Michael

Music of Christmas

Here is the last of our great Christmas songs, this time by Paul McCartney with his classic Holiday Song, Wonderful  Christmas Time.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Enjoy!
Michael

Music of Christmas

We conclude the Music of Christmas Series here at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog with another fantastic singer and performer. I'm pleased to play for you the great Nat King Cole with The Christmas Song.


Merry Christmas!
Michael

Music of Christmas

On our 7th Day of the Music of Christmas Series, I am pleased to play another all-time Christmas Classic for you. Here is a very young Brenda Lee with the fantastic Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree.

Enjoy!
Michael

Music of Christmas

It's our 6th day of the Music of Christmas and here is another Holiday classic for you to enjoy. Elton John has enjoyed four decades of success with fans all over the world. He has only ever recorded one Christmas tune, but it was and continues to be a staple of every Christmas music playlist.

Here is Sir Elton John with Step Into Christmas.

Enjoy!

Michael

Music of Christmas

It's our 5th Day of the Music of Christmas here at the Treasure Island Oldies Blog. He was known as The Singing Cowboy. Not only was he a successful singer, he was also a very popular actor and successful business entrepreneur as well. Today we're playing Gene Autry with a real classic: Here Comes Santa Claus.



Enjoy!
Michael

New Treasure Island Oldies Listener Line Phone Number

I have just been informed that the Treasure Island Oldies Listener Line has had technical issues and as a result, we have had to change to a NEW number.

Here is the number to call: 206-339-0709. I invite you to call with your Christmas Greetings and record your message. I'll play it back on the 14th Annual Christmas Special coming up live this Sunday, December 19th from 6 to 10 p.m. Pacific time.

Music of Christmas

As we get closer to December 25th, here is Song #4 of our Music of Christmas series. Today we present one of the most popular English singers in the history of British pop music. Cliff Richard is such a treasure to the country that he was named Sir Cliff Richard by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Here is Mistletoe And Wine by Sir Cliff Richard.

Enjoy!

Michael

Music of Christmas

 

Here is Song #3 in our ongoing series of the Songs of Christmas for your Holiday enjoyment as you get ready for Christmas. This time it's Greg Lake, the guitarist and lead singer from the British progressive rock group Emerson, Lake and Palmer, with a contemporary Christmas classic, I Believe In Father Christmas.

Enjoy!

Michael

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies

December 12th, 2010 to December 18th, 2010

I'm really getting into the Christmas spirit and the songs I played on this week's show sure pushed me over the edge! I had a really good time preparing the show and was so glad to be able to dig up so many Christmas Lost Treasures. When was the last time you heard They Shined Up Rudolph's Nose by Johnny Horton, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka's Snow Time, or even Jimmie Rodgers with a great version of It's Christmas Once Again. How about that rarity from the Kingston Trio, All Through The Night and Jack Scott's There's Trouble Brewin'? It is so neat to be able to play these Lost Treasures and in some cases, quite rare Christmas records. If you missed the live show, be sure check out the Archive on the Listen page. You'll be surprised by the number of Christmas tunes you haven't heard in years.

Be sure to keep your calendar open for next Sunday, December 19th for the 14th Annual Christmas Special, my most favourite show of the year. And yes, I promise to close the show again this year with the great Mahalia Jackson. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas here on the Island if I didn't play her stirring interpretation of Silent Night. However if for some reason you can't be around to listen to it live next Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. Pacific, don't worry. The Christmas Special show archive will be available on the Listen page all throughout the Christmas Holidays.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is also in the thick of the Christmas Season and is celebrating by giving you the Music of Christmas, 14 days of a new Christmas video every day leading up to and including Christmas Day. I hope you can come back often and enjoy a classic Christmas song, and believe me, there are some fantastic songs and performances and wonderful memories waiting for you.

Speaking of the Treasure Island Oldies Blog, our Song of the Week is by my good friend from New York City, Paul Evans. Paul just reminded me that when I interviewed him on the show, Treasure Island oldies was his first ever Internet radio interview. And he has never forgotten that the show has been helping to keep his music alive by playing his great hit songs including Seven Little Girls (Sitting In The Back Seat), Happy Go Lucky Me, Midnight Special, and several other hits. A few years ago he wrote and recorded a fun Christmas novelty song and I am pleased to play it for you again this year. Here is Paul Evans and Santa's Stuck Up In The Chimney, our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to my sister-in-law, Joanne Fisher in Toronto, Ontario, and my friend Isaac Shane in San Diego, California. Isaac and I worked together many years ago at CFOM in Quebec City. Best wishes also go out to Facebook friends Stephen Pickford in Montreal, Quebec, Lou Watson in Austin, Texas, Gary Vidler in the Vancouver suburb of White Rock, British Columbia, and Alain Côté from Quebec City, Quebec. If you have a birthday coming up, I'd sure like to help celebrate your special day with you and the Treasure Island Oldies Listeners. Send the info on your upcoming birthday to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play our official birthday song for you, Birthday, by The Beatles.

There will be no Voice Your Choice next week due to our Christmas Special. We'll return with another Voice Your Choice January 9th with The Beach Boys with Dance, Dance, Dance and Do You Wanna Dance. Both songs are very fitting after all the food you'll have eaten over the holidays. They'll help you get some exercise by dancing! If you already know the song you'd like to hear, you can cast your vote now at the Voice Your Choice page. We'll play the winning song January 9th in the 3rd hour of the show.

Have you heard Treasure Island Oldies on your Smartphone yet? Didn't know you could? Well you sure can! Check out a cool app, WunderRadio. There is a version for an Android, iPhone, Blackberry, or the new Windows Phone. Once installed, you'll be able to listen to Treasure Island Oldies whenever and wherever you are. Check it out. Happy Listening! By the way, I'd really like to hear from you once you've listened to the show using WunderRadio. Send your comments to michael@treasureislandoldies.com.

You can download the weekly Rock & Roll News as a Podcast? It's easy; go to iTunes and search for Treasure Island Oldies Rock & Roll News. There are now over 12,000 downloads of the Podcast every month! You can also listen to the Top 5 Countdown at any time, when you only have time to listen to a few songs. Go to the Listen page and click Top 5 Countdown.

Let the world know you're a proud listener of Treasure Island Oldies. Send in your name, photo, city and province or state for the Listener Gallery to michael@treasureislandoldies.com and our Webmaster, Eddy Fisher, will post it on the Listener Gallery page along with the many already received. You can also let all your friends know you enjoy the show with your personal Treasure Island Oldies Email Signature. A selection of complimentary signatures is available for download. Click Goodies on the upper menu on any page on the website. Thanks to the many folks that have downloaded their own copy of the Email Signature. That's great!

I hope you have a great week and see you next Sunday for the live show, the 14th Annual Christmas Special.

Bye for now.

Michael

Paul Evans - Song of the Week

I am pleased to bring to you a fun Christmas novelty song written and performed by my friend Paul Evans. He just sent an email to me saying that he is thrilled to say that there have now been over 200,000 views of what I have chosen for this week's Song of the Week. We too are thrilled for Paul and hope that many more people get the chance to watch and enjoy this fun Christmas song.

And Paul, we're going to add to that total for you with even more views. Here is Paul Evans with Santa's Stuck Up In The Chimney.

Enjoy this fun Christmas Holiday song.

Michael

Music of Christmas

Over the next couple of weeks leading up to Christmas, I will be playing a different Christmas song for you every day.

I'm going to start off by playing a relatively recent Christmas song by Chris Rea. He sure has a distinctive sounding voice. Here is Driving Home For Christmas.

Enjoy!

Michael

This Week On Treasure Island Oldies

Week of December 5th, 2010 to December 11th, 2010

It was great to play more Christmas and Holiday songs on this week's show. There is such a small window of time to play all the great Christmas music that has been recorded over the years; I could actually start at the beginning of November and still not get to play all the songs I'd like for you to hear. So on next week's show, it will be mostly Christmas tunes, with just a few exceptions. And I sure hope you can make plans to listen to the 14th Annual Christmas Special, live Sunday, December 19th. Even if you are not available on that Sunday, the Christmas Special will be archived for listening at any time throughout the Christmas Holidays for you to enjoy. And I would like to invite you to call the Treasure Island Oldies Listener Line at 206-203-4678 and record your Christmas Greeting for all the listeners to hear around the world. I'll play it back on the Christmas Special.

A big thank you to the many comments I continue to receive about how festive the website looks and how fun it is to check out all the various decorations. I have passed on your comments to Eddy Fisher, our Webmaster, and he has asked me to say thank you and that he appreciated hearing your kind thoughts.

If you have a birthday coming up, I'd sure like to help celebrate your special day with you and the Treasure Island Oldies Listeners. Send the info on your upcoming birthday to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play our official birthday song for you, Birthday, by The Beatles.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing a Christmas classic by The Four Seasons: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. It's our Song of the Week. You'll see and hear the record playing. It may seem odd to watch a record playing, but it is not a common occurrence anymore. It's actually quite captivating. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice is keeping in the Christmas Spirit with two great songs by The Beach Boys for your votes. Would you like to hear Little Saint Nick or The Man With All The Toys? Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page. We'll play the winning song in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

Have you heard Treasure Island Oldies on your Smartphone yet? Didn't know you could? Well you sure can! Check out a cool app, WunderRadio. There is a version for an Android, iPhone, Blackberry, or the new Windows Phone. Once installed, you'll be able to listen to Treasure Island Oldies whenever and wherever you are. Check it out. Happy Listening! By the way, I'd really like to hear from you once you've listened to the show using WunderRadio. Send your comments to michael@treasureislandoldies.com.

You can download the weekly Rock & Roll News as a Podcast? It's easy; go to iTunes and search for Treasure Island Oldies Rock & Roll News. There are now over 12,000 downloads of the Podcast every month! You can also listen to the Top 5 Countdown at any time, when you only have time to listen to a few songs. Go to the Listen page and click Top 5 Countdown.

Let the world know you're a proud listener of Treasure Island Oldies. Send in your name, photo, city and province or state for the Listener Gallery to michael@treasureislandoldies.com and our Webmaster, Eddy Fisher, will post it on the Listener Gallery page along with the many already received. You can also let all your friends know you enjoy the show with your personal Treasure Island Oldies Email Signature. A selection of complimentary signatures is available for download. Click Goodies on the upper menu on any page on the website. Thanks to the many folks that have downloaded their own copy of the Email Signature. That's great!

I hope you have a great week and see you next Sunday for the live show.

Bye for now.

Michael

 

 

 

 

The Beach Boys - Voice Your Choice

The most popular American rock and roll group from Hawthorne, California is in the spotlight this week for Voice Your Choice on Treasure Island Oldies.

The Beach Boys are featured with two of their great Christmas songs: Little Saint Nick and The Man With All The Toys. Which song would you like to hear? Come to the Voice Your Choice page and make your selection. The song with the most votes will be played in Hour 3 of next week's show.

Four Seasons - Song of the Week

I'm pleased to play for you a real Christmas Top 40 Radio classic by The Four Seasons. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town is our Song of the Week. The cool thing is you can not only enjoy listening to the song but you will also be able to watch it play on a record player. How cool!

I know you'll enjoy this great Christmas favourite.

Michael