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Moving with the times!

Over the years, a lot of my customers have known me as the music mama, the old girl who lives more than half a century in the past, when it comes to her music taste.

Whilst it is true that the music that was produced after the second world war was incredible and oh so delicious, the doo wop rhythms, the acapella vocals, the British invasions of the early rock bands and more, you will surprised to know that this girl is not entirely a relic and yes, I do (have to) move with the times.

Case in point?  I am the old girl iPod maverick.  I have turned expert in the soft touch of the big circle, and delight in the sound that blasts into my old ears when taking my daily walks.  The other day my daughter gave me a brand new iPod with so much memory that I have fitted all the music I own, and I own quite a bit.  Imagine, shelves upon shelves of records and cds, all in one device the size of a cigarette pack!

I am the queen mother of the playlists, I have them for all occasions, even for when one of my neighbors makes a point to accompany me on some of my walks.  You’d be amazed at the sound quality that comes out of these tiny things.  She talks (she is a sweet lady that loves to talk), I nod and listen to the beats of the Doo-Wop greats.  It works really well.

So for all of you out there with a love for your music and no iPod to call your own take if from this old girl: iPod Rocks and that is no mean feast for any self respected music mama (or papa) for that matter.

And if you are interested in acquiring one of these things, check out the offers on my website.  eBay has some tidy offers and “graciously” send me a few dollars of every item purchased on eBay from my site.  I am thinking of charging them some listing fee but for some reason doubt they will be too warm to this idea.

Still, you leave and hope, and dance, and listen to music.  The world is drag enough as it is.

March 27th, 2009 | Category: iPod | Leave a comment

Bobby Rydell’s real name is Robert Louis Ridarelli. He grew up in the same Italian neighborhood of South Philadelphia as Frankie Avalon and Fabian. He was born April 26th, 1942. In his early years, Bobby would sit in front of the TV and impersonate performers such as Milton Berle, Louis Prima, and Johnny Ray. Early on, Bobby’s father recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career as an entertainer. While other children were listening to the latest hits, Rydell’s father would take him to the performances of the last of the big bands working in the various Philly clubs.

Enjoy the following clip of Bobby singing Volare, one of his signature hits.

With the inspiration of Gene Krupa Bobby started taking drum lessons at age five. At the age of seven, he had begun working the nightclubs in Philadelphia. At the age of nine, he was a regular on Paul Whiteman’s television show that was broadcast from Philadelphia and he had performances on the show for three years. It was during this time that Whiteman changed Bobby’s last name to Rydell, because he had trouble pronouncing Ridarelli.

By the time he was a teenager, Bobby was playing drums in a dance band called “Rocco and the Saints”, that featured Frankie Avalon on the trumpet. During the summer the band did performances in a few resorts around Atlantic City. Rydell also played the guitar and bass and was a natural comedian. Frankie Day (manager of Rocco and the Saints) became interested in Rydell as a solo act. Day began taking Rydell to different record companies.

Bookmark this page for more on Bobby Rydell

February 24th, 2009 | Tags: Bobby Rydell | Category: Doo Wop | Comments (1)

Rockabilly Years..  Was it really too much fun Buddy

The recipient of two gold records in 1957, one for “Party Doll” written and sang by Knox and the other for a song that Jimmy Bowen sang and co-wrote with Knox called “I’m Sticking With You” Buddy Knox literally rocked the world with his wonderful brand of music. “We didn’t know what we had just done,” Knox recalls after the release of one of his songs, ” All we wanted to do was record our music and sell it around the college. This was just a fun trip for us.”

You did well Buddy! Thank you for all the memories and the good times.

November 30th, 2008 | Category: Rockabilly | Comments (2)

There are several characteristics of doo-wop music, one of which is the unique range of voices. The typical ranges of voices in a doo-wop group are the lead [...] Continue Reading…

November 29th, 2008 | Category: Doo Wop | Leave a comment

Originated in the streets of American north-eastern cities, Doo-Wop was an African American Vocal style based in smooth harmonies. It was the closest rock genre to pop music in the 1950’s. Drawing its inspiration from the rhythm and blues cultures it became a music style of its own and was widely popular in the 50’s and 60’s.

Doo-wop is associated with street corner music groups of 4 or 5 youngsters who had their musical background from local black churches and or their home. As such, each member of the group [...] Continue Reading…

November 29th, 2008 | Category: The Good Old Days | Leave a comment

The early 1950’s signified the true beginning of Doo Wop music, which was a derivative of the rhythm and blues and [...] Continue Reading…

November 29th, 2008 | Category: The Good Old Days | Comments (3)

R&B Soul mixed in with gorgeous Harmony Sounds to soothe the ole soul, not forgetting a tasteful of Hip-Hop.

If the current economy has got you cringing, how about a piece of real genius.  Sounds from years gone by where strength and purity of voices are matched only with the sheer delight that propagates from these chords.

Get the ole joints warmed up folks.  You’ll soon think you’re 20 again!

November 29th, 2008 | Category: Videos: Old Timers | Comments (1)

Dave Clark Five - Do you love me
Unfortunately, there aren’t many live audios and videos from Dave Clark Five concerts. Here is a little gem of the DC5 playing live. The film is originally silent and someone later overdubbed the record and crow noise.

November 28th, 2008 | Category: Dave Clark Five, Videos: Old Timers | Leave a comment

The Dave Clark Five, one of the most successful 1960s British Invasion Bands. For a while they ran neck-and-neck with the Beatles. From 1964 to 1967 they had eight top ten records, 15 albums and more appearances on the Ed Sullivan show than any other band.

One of my favorite Dave Clark CD

November 27th, 2008 | Category: Dave Clark Five | Comments (2)