PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS 15 SECOND SOUND BITE TO
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH HY LIT'S VOICE AND STYLE:
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH HY LIT'S VOICE AND STYLE:
BOOTH ANNOUNCER GARY OWENS:
...and the cow was returned to its rightful owner.
And that's the latest from S-P-M-M news...
fast, up-to-the-minute, completely fake
and proud of it. Now stand by for
fast, up-to-the-minute, completely fake
and proud of it. Now stand by for
Natural Hy
on the station that's #1 for music and fun - S-P-M-M!
CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!
(COLD SHOW OPEN)
"1-2-3" - Len Barry
(Nov./Dec. 1965, highest chart pos. #2 Hot 100/#11 R&B,
perf. on Oct. 18, 1965, ep. of Hullabaloo)
perf. on Oct. 18, 1965, ep. of Hullabaloo)
The big sound - the bold sound - Philly's own Len Barry,
former lead singer of The Dovells, and his sig-song "1-2-3."
Good day, people! You're taking to the sky on a Natural Hy.
It's my first show here on the greatest little station in the nation, S-P-M-M.
Calling all my beats, beards, Buddhist cats, big time spenders, money lenders,
teetotalers, elbow benders, hog callers, home run hitters, finger poppin’ daddies
and cool babysitters. For all my carrot tops, lollipops, and extremely delicate
gum drops. It's your pal on the radio, Hyski ‘O Roonie McVouti ‘O Zoot.
It's my first show here on the greatest little station in the nation, S-P-M-M.
Calling all my beats, beards, Buddhist cats, big time spenders, money lenders,
teetotalers, elbow benders, hog callers, home run hitters, finger poppin’ daddies
and cool babysitters. For all my carrot tops, lollipops, and extremely delicate
gum drops. It's your pal on the radio, Hyski ‘O Roonie McVouti ‘O Zoot.
CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!
Callin' uptown, downtown, crosstown - here, there, everywhere.
Your man with the plan, on the scene with the record machine,
Yours truly Hy Lit, The South Philadelphia Kid, The Potentate
of the Keystone State - all aboard ya'll!
Yours truly Hy Lit, The South Philadelphia Kid, The Potentate
of the Keystone State - all aboard ya'll!
"Love Train" - The Supremes
(from 2005 CD The Supremes - Gold)
The Supremes right there inviting us to ride the "Love Train."
Now, from the archives of the Hy Lit TV Show, check out
another super smooth group from the Motor City.
CLICK TO START
THE VIDEO NOW!
At the end of 1963 these cool cats brushed the top 40
with a single called "Misery." In '69 they were back
on the chart with this one, "The Ice Cream Song."
They are-- The Dynamics!
with a single called "Misery." In '69 they were back
on the chart with this one, "The Ice Cream Song."
They are-- The Dynamics!
"Ice Cream Song" - The Dynamics (Mar./Apr. 1969,
highest chart pos. #59 Hot 100/#17 R&B,
Jan. 1969 perf. on The Hy Lit Show)
highest chart pos. #59 Hot 100/#17 R&B,
Jan. 1969 perf. on The Hy Lit Show)
One of the coolest sounds ever, "The Ice Cream Song,"
and those mellow fellows, The Dynamics. S-P-M-M
means good music, good memories and good times,
and you're on a Natural Hy with Hyski.
This cool daddy was nicknamed "Lovin John" and
"The Toast of the Coast." He was Mr. John Dolphin,
a Los Angeles record label owner and founder of
Dolphin's of Hollywood. From the late 40s until
his murder in 1958, Dolphin's was one of the
grooviest record stores in the land -
open 24 hours a day.
CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!
Dolphin's artist roster included this fine group, The Ebonaires.
From 1959, on Dolphin's Lena label, the doo-wop classic-- "Love Call."
"Love Call" - The Ebonaires (January 1959,
uncharted B side of "Somewhere In My Heart")
The Ebonaires on Natural Hy... with a pretty one-- "Love Call."
If you're just tuning in, this is your pal on the radio Hyski -
Hy Lit - and you're listening to my first show, my first blogcast
on S-P-M-M, the station that's #1 for music and fun.
CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!
The smooth sound - the sweet sound - The Sound
of Philadelphia. Philly's Phinest, the guys who unleashed
the monster hit "La-La (Means I Love You)." Ready or not,
here they come with another great one-- The Delfonics!
"Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love)"
The Delfonics (Jan. 1969, highest chart pos.
#35 Hot 100/#14 R&B)
The Delfonics (Jan. 1969, highest chart pos.
#35 Hot 100/#14 R&B)
CLICK TO START
THE VIDEO NOW!
You're tuned to Natural Hy on the greatest little station
in the nation, S-P-M-M, yours truly Hyski. From the vaults,
an unreleased slab of Motown magic - soul sensation
Kim Weston and-- "You Hit Me (Where It Hurt Me)!"
"You Hit Me (Where It Hurt Me)" - Kim Weston
(Dec. 1965, unreleased)
(Dec. 1965, unreleased)
That wraps up our first edition of Natural Hy. Glad you could be here.
Stay tuned for The Geator with the Heater, The Boss with the Sauce,
Jerry Blavat, coming up next on the flipside of news.
CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!
I'll be back in no time with another stack of solid senders... platters that matter...
every spinner a winner....right here at the greatest little station in the nation,
the place where the cool oldies go to live forever, the spot on your radio
dial that's #1 for music and fun: S-P-M-M. Now this is your pal
Hyski ‘O Roonie McVouti ‘O Zoot, reminding you to maintain
your cool, don't be nobody's fool. Later, gang... over and out!
your cool, don't be nobody's fool. Later, gang... over and out!
"Natural High" - Bloodstone (May 1973, highest chart pos.
#10 Hot 100/#4 R&B, from 1973 album Natural High)
:) Love, cat.
ReplyDeleteTell me more, cat. Tell me more. :)
ReplyDeleteNot much to tell, friend Shady. XRay shows some healing. Cast can come off soon. Then Physio. Next follow up appointment is Oct 09. Am not allowed to work til then. So I won't complain and am counting my blessings. Much love, cat.
DeleteI am very happy to know this, cat. Thanks for updating me on your recovery status. Hang in there and count your blessings, dear friend!
DeleteOf course I enjoyed Love Call and the entire post. I saw the Dovells before and after Len Barry went single. Did you ever hear the Dovell song "The Actor"? One of my favorites that bubbled way under. Jerre
ReplyDeleteHi, Jerre!
DeleteHow are you, good buddy? Thanks for coming over for Hy Lit's first show here on the all new S-P-M-M Radio... "The Station That's Got Personality!"
I'm excited to know that you enjoyed the entire show and that you are familiar with the doo-wop ballad "Love Call." I was shocked to learn that John Dolphin was murdered at his desk by a shipping clerk who wanted to be a singing star and was, I gather, frustrated with Dolphin's lack of cooperation.
I am well aware that The Dovells are one of your favorite groups and yes, I am familiar with "The Actor," because I ran it on Shady Dell Music & Memories years ago when you first told me about it.
Stay tuned for more Philly phavorites, old gold Motown and much more coming up on Jerry Blavat's radio show Geator Gold as well as in the next installment of Natural Hy.
Thanks again for your visit and comment, good buddy Jerre. I hope your weekend is off to a great start!
So much for my memory! Also, I thought the Geator's For Lovers Only albums had some great Philly songs. It was unique how he talked you into and out of each song. Look forward to that post. Jerre
ReplyDeleteHi again, Jerre!
DeleteThat's AOK, good buddy. I can't remember where I laid my comb five minutes ago! :) "The Actor" will probably show up in the rotation again at some point. My challenge with Dovells material is that most of it has been neglected by those YouTubers who are busily remastering and restoring vintage recordings of many other artists. I hope one of those production wizards does his or her thing with the entire Dovells catalog so that I can work their great songs into future posts.
The debut of Jerry Blavat's program Geator Gold is scheduled for next month on the 24th, so hang in there.
Thanks again for dropping in, good buddy Jerre!
Love Train by the Supremes is the only one I recognize. Then again, some of these I might have heard so long ago I have no memory of them. A very 60s sounds selection, overall. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Kelly!
DeleteThank you very much for dropping in on your weekend, dear friend. I am happy to see you!
I'm delighted to know that you recognize the version of "Love Train" recorded in the 70s by the post-Diana Ross Supremes. I'm pretty sure the personnel on this recording consists of Mary Wilson, Cindy Birdsong and Scherrie Payne because, starting in 1974, that Supremes lineup began to use the song in their live shows. I enjoy the Supremes version almost as much as the one by the O'Jays. I acquired this cover of "Love Train" when I bought the 2005 Supremes Gold compilation, but it was actually first released on the 1978 compilation album The Supremes: At Their Best.
Hy Lit's Natural Hy radio show will play records from the 50s, 60s and early to mid 70s and will occasionally include clips from Hy's Philadelphia based music and dance television series The Hy Lit Show. You saw one here as the Dynamics performed "The Ice Cream Song."
Thank you again for your visit and comment, dear friend Kelly, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Hey Shady. Hy sure is a talker, lol! I would say he included all walks of music lovers in his intro, and it was cool to hear his voice.
ReplyDeleteI always liked Kim Weston, remembering her duet with Marvin Gaye! "Take Me In Your Arms" is one of her best! And, you're right about The Ebonaires "Love Call" is a good ole Doo Wop, but I also felt "Natural High" was like a Doo Wop song even though it was in 1973. I had never heard of Bloodstone, but I did like the song. It is a tragic story about John Dolphin's murder. It looks as though his record store was a big hit back in the day! What fun the kids must have had, congregating and listening to the music.
"1-2-3" is a song I did like a lot, but I had no idea who Len Barry is! I do have to say that the Dovells' Bristol Stomp is one of my all time favorites! I always have to get up and try the dance even though I don't hear the song much at all.
Your pick today is superb, Hy! From the Supremes to the Delfonics! You really did spin 'Platters that Matter', with every spinner a winner!
Thank you guys for the great new picks and exciting history behind the scenes! Stay cool for the remainder of the weekend Shady!
Hi, Suzanne!
DeleteThank you very much for letting Shady Bunch deejay Hy Lit entertain you on your Saturday, dear friend!
Yessum, Hy Lit is the fastest talking DJ on the SPMM staff. I'm glad I found that 15 second clip so that you can get familiar with his banter. I hope it helped you to read the record intros at the right pace. It's a tight squeeze to get all of those syllables rattled off before the vocals begin but it can be done. I kept editing those lead-ins until they were all "Hy speed." :)
That number by Kim Weston is a marvelous find, an unreleased nugget from the Motown vaults. You're right. "Love Call" is a good example of a dreamy 1950s doo-wop ballad, and Bloodstone's hit of the 70s is another fine R&B do-wop style ballad. Do you know where that group is from? They hail from your old stomping ground - Kansas City, Missouri!
Yessum, it was a shame about John Dolphin. There are conflicting stories about the circumstances of his death. All Music Guide has this version: << a disgruntled songwriter in search of royalties shot Dolphin dead outside his Dolphin's of Hollywood office. (Witnesses to the shooting included a pair of white kids -- future session drummer Sandy Nelson and latter-day Beach Boy Bruce Johnston -- >> "It's a small world after all!"
I'm so glad you enjoyed the debut of Hy Lit's new show on SPMM Radio. I hope by now you have taken to the sky on a Natural Hy. Thanks again for dropping in, dear friend Suzanne, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
"From the late 40s, throughout the 50s and until his murder in '58..."
ReplyDeleteNow THAT'S not something you expect to hear in a DJ's song intro! Remind me to not to apply for that record label executive opening.
As usual, great selection of songs. I especially liked (let me scroll up and down three or four times to make sure I've got the spelling right) the Ebonaires "Love Call", which despite being a do wop classic, I'm hearing for the very first time. Also, that later version of the Supremes did a nice job on "Love Train"
Hi, Kirk!
DeleteThanks for coming over today, good buddy. Are you on a Natural Hy? :)
In order to make their radio shows more than mere fluff, SPMM deejays will educate as well as entertain. Along with the usual banter, they will add pieces of information as background. Record mogul John Dolphin's life was cut short by murder, an important fact that Hy wanted you the listener to know. "Love Call," by the way, is an example of a killer B - a fab flip side that wound up getting heavier air play than the A side "Somewhere In My Heart." Proof of its classic status came in the 60s and 70s when "Love Call" was twice reissued on "back-to-back hits" 45s, and a third time when Lost Nite re-released the original Ebonaires single with the A and B sides reversed.
I'm glad you enjoyed the song picks for Hy Lit's first blogcast, good buddy Kirk. Hy's Philly DJ colleague Jerry Blavat will have more of this style of music coming up next month on his show Geator Gold, so please stay tuned. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Kirk!
I'm seconding Cat's comment: :)
ReplyDeleteThis post made me smile and then some. I love the Supremes and I loved the other selections you made as well. I was grooving to "At Your Request" the other night on the Jazz station when they played Aretha Franklin. You, dear friend, kept the groove going. Thank you for that!
Have a great Saturday!
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteThank you very much for coming by on a Saturday, dear friend. Question: Have you taken to the sky on a Natural Hy? :)
You wrote:
<< I'm seconding Cat's comment: :) >>
I can hear Smokey Robinson singing, "I second that emotion." :) I'm happy to know that Hy Lit's debut radio show put a smile on your face. I hope you also have a tune or two stuck in your head.
I've been finding Aretha and her songs everywhere since her death. The sheer number reminds me that she was prolific as well as terrific.
Thanks again for your cheery visit and comment, dear friend JM, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Honest truth right now: I entered a contest last night to see Smokey Robinson live. He's in Philadelphia tonight, performing at the Mann Music Center. I didn't win, unfortunately.
DeleteI sure have and right now I have more than a couple of songs stuck in my head. You just threw me a Motown party and I'm grateful.
Have a great evening!
Hi again, Jessica Marie!
DeleteWow, what a coincidence! How cool that Smokey is performing in Philly tonight. It's a shame you didn't win tickets. I'd love to know which songs he sings in his current show.
I'm glad to know you've got some tuneage stuck in your noggin. I can think of a worse fate. Thanks again for coming by and enjoy the rest of your weekend, dear friend JM!
Hi Shady,
DeleteI know! I can't say that I'm too familiar with Smokey Robinson, though. A few years ago he performed at the Valley Forge Casino, which is near my house. Maybe if he performs there again and if the tickets aren't too expensive I might go and see him.
I hope that you have a great Thankful Thursday, dear friend.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteI didn't know you live close to Valley Forge. It has been so long since I lived in your region that I forgot my geography.
In 1983 my date and I went to a show hall of some kind in Valley Forge to see The Righteous Brothers do a live show. It was one of the most exciting nights of my life. If there's a rock & roll heaven, then you know Bobby's joined a hell of a band.
Thank you for returning to chat with me, dear friend JM, and have a great weekend!
I thought I'd share a few thoughts and ask some questions too.
ReplyDeleteListening to, and laughing at Hy Lit's opening clip and intros to songs throughout this Natural Hy post with all the sometimes rhyming, sometimes alliterative names he delivered rapid-fire, I wondered how he got so pumped up before he went on the air and be able to pull off all that upbeat fast talking. I'm sure listeners could identify with at least one of his monikers. I remember hearing the sounds of that Philly station coming from rooms in my freshman dorm. There was one gal down the hall obviously addicted to "Louie, Louie" that was new to me and quite a switch from my more familiar Brahms and Beethoven. I subsequently had it burned into my brain, where it remains to this day!
I was very glad that I immediately recognized the infectious beat and melody "1-2-3", and always loved that song, although I never heard about Len Barry. Did he record other songs I possibly would recognize? I also remember the "teased" hairstyles and shift-style dresses, and the athletic dancing from 1965. H-m-m... I wonder if Shady and his date ever danced like that at the Dell? Did they prefer the Monkey or the Mashed Potato? ;-)
Question: Has anyone else ever REALLY tried taking candy from a baby? Whenever Bob and I pried forbidden and partially-eaten sweets out of our toddlers' tightly-clenched little fists, really loud, tearful and messy fights ensued!! Clever as the song is, that was anything BUT easy - LOL!
If I felt confident knowing the first song, I was sure surprised by the second one. I expected to see and hear Diana Ross, but hers was not one of the names that went by on the video. It also didn't sound like the same one I remember. I had to look it up and soon realized the version I know better was by the O' Jays. (BTW, those irregular-length hemlines are back... Nothing new under the sun!)
Listening to "Love Train's" lyrics, I tried to remember where I was and what was going on in the world in 1972. I mistakenly thought that it was a less stressful time than now, but I was wrong. That year brought Watergate, the Munich terrorist murders of Olympic athletes, Hurricane Agnes, IRA bombings in the UK, and debates over ERA, among other headlines! Oh my goodness - it was definitely NOT calmer, although some of the stakes have changed!
Were exuberant and hopeful songs like "Love Train" in response to that, I wonder? It brings to mind others like it, that express the need for the family of mankind to live in love : think Cat Stevens' "Peace Train", John Lennon's "Imagine", and the New Seekers' "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing". I agree with the words of this song. I really DO feel sorry for so many with whom we share our precious planet who still cannot take these lyrics of brotherhood to heart and act on them!!
So long for now. There's more on the way in another comment...
Hi, Kathleen!
DeleteThank you for joining the discussion, dear friend!
I'm delighted to learn that you enjoyed tuning in to Hy Lit's new radio show Natural Hy here on SPMM Radio. The veteran Delaware valley deejay was one of the greatest personalities on radio and television in the 60s and 70s. Hy inspired and influenced me. Clever words rolled off his tongue and every record he played on radio and TV was certifiably cool by virtue of the fact that Hy chose it and said it was. You were lucky to catch bits and pieces of Wibbage broadcasts in your college dorm, even though you were not into the genre of music played by the station. I can think of a worse fate than having "Louie, Louie" stuck in my head all day. In fact, it is a technique I use to drive out painful thoughts. I consciously replace unresourceful thoughts with the loud sound (in my mind) of pop and rock rock favorites like "Louie, Louie" by the Kingsmen, "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by Steam and "Eighteen" by Alice Cooper.
I'm happy to know you remember the Len Barry hit "1-2-3." I don't know if you remember Len's other solo releases, but I have several favorites including "Like A Baby," "Lip Sync (To The Tongue Twisters)" and "I.O.U." Len also had a single on Parkway with the following songs back-to-back:
A: Hearts Are Trump
B: Little White House
...and his very next release was "It's A Crying Shame." (I'm not making this stuff up, folks.)
You brought up a good point about the clothing styles and especially the type of dancing the house troupe performed on the TV show Hullabaloo. I can only speak for myself, but I never saw go-go style dancing like that at the Dell, and few records played in the dance hall were conducive to it. Dell rats adopted cool, smooth, refined styles of touch dancing, solo dancing and line dancing that were popular in cities like Philadelphia and Detroit, not dances being pushed by Hollywood movies and TV shows. I guess you had to be there, Kathleen, because it is hard for me to explain. The Dell was a different world. We did our own thing.
You make a good point about taking candy from a baby. I never gave it any thought but, you're right, it usually isn't "so easy." :)
Yessum, that cover of "Love Train" was recorded by a 70s lineup of Supremes that continued to record and do live shows after the departure of Diana Ross. Several excellent recordings were made without Diana and this is one of them. Thank you for reminding us that any year we happen to pick while reminiscing about "the good old days" had its share of horror stories and social injustice. Hopeful songs are often born of troubled times and "Love Train" and the other songs you mentioned are examples. It only takes one individual to become inspired by a hopeful song, act upon it and change the world.
Thank you again for this wonderful comment, dear friend Kathleen. I hope it gave you a Natural Hy. I'm thrilled to know that you are having fun reading, listening and learning. Stay tuned for the next Shady Bunch DJ show coming soon. It will be your chance to meet and greet "Dell Rat Tom." :) Have a great week, Kathleen!
I'm sure you described it before, but I had forgotten how unique the Dell Rats were (are!) in their musical and dance preferences. Was the White Oaks crowd the same or did they follow a "different drummer"?
DeleteThe Dynamics were new to me, but I found their poised and understated, coordinated moves and self-possessed manner calming and sweet, and the song very cool... like, well - ice cream! I liked the simplicity of the lyrics too.
Although that song celebrates romance, the song's declaration of love via comparisons reminds me of an ancient English folk lullaby, The Riddle Song, that I used to sing to my children as I rocked them to sleep. "I gave my love a story that has no end..." Cliff Richard's "Twelfth of Never" borrowed its gentle melody.
BTW - even back in the sixties, I loved his "All in the Game". Imagine that! It was the first time I personally related even a little bit to popular music. No doubt it had a lot to do with the first of several classic broken hearts. Oh well - that's ancient history, and I survived!
Speaking of sleep, who ever heard of a record store like Dolphin's that's open all night? What a concept!
The Ebonaires' "Love Call" made me think of the Dell's dance hall, with couples slow-dancing the night away. When I visited the Dell's long-silent and deserted hall, I saw some red, green and yellow track lights. Were they there when you and your friends frequented the Dell?
Noticing them, I imagined the safe and secluded type of atmosphere of the place when in its prime - even all those years later - in broad daylight! Also, I detected a faint smell of tobacco, and knew smoking was popular then. How much did John and Helen allow it on the premises?
Late to the game that I am, I also wasn't familiar with the pDelfonics. When I first read "Ready Or Not..", I thought I was going to hear something else entirely. After hearing this song and feeling confused, I had to go online again to find out what it was that I remembered: The Temptations' "Get Ready". Shows what I know!!
That Delfonics song, as well as Kim Weston's and Bloodstone's all sounded different to me than the others on this post. I hear more orchestral backup - big strings and brass, that reminds me of your Wall of Sound posts awhile back, but perhaps I'm way off on that. It's quite an expansive and layered sound.
Kim Weston's voice seems to shadow Diana Ross's in some ways. "You Hit Me.." definitely references the above-mentioned broken heart!
What can I say about "Natural High"? It also conjures up memories of cheek-to-cheek prom dances on darkened dance floors and the aroma of Old Spice aftershave. (My dates back then weren't too sophisticated!) I like the guitar emphasis in the song, and the blended soft percussion.
Last thought: I wish more of today's young people would seek out and get addicted to a high in ANY kind of music more than to drugs.
Thanks, Hy Lit! I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, and your sampling of artists both old and new!
Hi again, Kathleen!
DeleteThe dancing was just as cool at White Oaks, in Harrisburg, in Philly and in Baltimore. It was an East Coast thing. We were lucky to have grown up in the Mid-Atlantic region at that point in time because soul was king and the "in" crowd knew which songs and dances were the coolest.
Regarding The Dynamics, please read my reply to Sherry (below) for a nutshell history of the changes in black music starting in the late 60s. It's a shame that slick, polished, nicely tailored groups like The Dynamics that featured eye pleasing choreographed dance steps as part of their performances were eventually regarded as old school, lame and too tame, as audiences developed a taste for outrageous funk bands, rap and hip hop.
You introduced me to another new recording this week, Kathleen. I never heard Cliff Richard's 1963 cover of "It's All In The Game." The only version I knew was the 1958 original by Tommy Edwards, ranked #38 on Billboard's All Time Top 100. An interesting piece of trivia is the fact that "Game" is the only song to have been co-written by a U.S. Vice President or a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, namely Charles G. Dawes who composed the melody in 1911 and became Vice President of the United States under Calvin Coolidge in 1924.
Regarding Dolphin's of Hollywood, I don't understand the need for a record store to stay open all night long. To me that was inviting trouble. Following Dolphin's murder, his wife took over operation of the shop. Yessum, "Love Call" is the type of record that would have been a hit with the Rodentia Intelligentsia at the Dell. The record was not on the jukebox when I attended but it might have been played there in the late 50s. Keep in mind, we still don't know for sure what year the dance hall was built. Therefore, "Love Call," popular at the start of 1959, might have been played on the jukebox up at the house in Helen's restaurant/snack bar. To answer your question, I don't remember colored track lights, but I seem to recall strings of white lights mixed with colored lights in the dance hall, plus those colored lanterns above the concrete outdoor dance floor. The Dell had a festive atmosphere all year 'round. Many kids smoked in the dance hall including Shady Del Knight. Yet the smoke did not accumulate very much because the dance hall was well ventilated. Of course, many of us also smoked in the snack bar and diner section of the house.
Your ears are sharp to detect the different orchestral backup on the various records in this post. On his radio and television programs, at least the ones upon which his SPMM radio show is based, Hy Lit played everything from 50s doo-wop to the early disco sounds of the 70s. That is the mix you will hear on Natural Hy in the months and years to come. You are correct. The more heavily orchestrated recordings you mentioned share similarities to Phil Spector's Wall of Sound releases because the layers of sound resulted in a dense production and they all use echo effects to some extent.
I never wore Old Spice after shave. I was a Hai Karate cologne man! (Maybe that's why I left the Dell alone most nights. :)
I'm thrilled to know you are on a Natural Hy after listening to Hyski's program, dear friend Kathleen. Thanks again for two tremendous comments and enjoy the rest of your week!
Tom,
ReplyDeleteMonday, Monday makes me smile! It was a busy week last week all the way through the weekend and today means more busyness. If I get through today then I'm good for the home stretch...I think.
Your first two song selections I know. Len Berry has a smooth voice and "1-2-3" is a classic, so is "Love Train" by The Supremes. I figured I'd know your last song pick, "Natural High" but I'm having trouble placing it so this one along with the others are newly introduced sounds to my ears this morning. Surprisingly, I do recognize these artists by name but it's their songs that are new-to-me. Thanks for stopping by on Friday for some giggles. Can you believe this is the last week of August? The time is slipping away on us! Have a blessed and boogietastic week, my friend.
Hi, Cathy!
DeleteThank you for popping in for a Monday visit, dear friend! I'm happy to see you and glad you didn't miss the first Hy Lit radio show here on station SPMM... "where all the cool oldies go to play." You won't find a cooler DJ than Hyski, that I guarantee.
I'm glad you enjoyed listening to some songs that are new to your ears along with a couple you remember. Apart from "Love Call," the doo-wop group The Ebonaires made only one other record, the September 1956 single "(I Wish You) The Very Best Luck In The World" backed with "Hey Baby Stop." In addition to "Natural High," the Kansas City soul group Bloodstone had several other hits on the R&B chart including "Never Let You Go," "Outside Woman" (their only other top 40 pop hit), "My Little Lady" and "We Go A Long Way Back." I listened to a few seconds of each and don't remember any of them.
Thank you again for joining the fun and listening to the first blogcast of Hyski, Hy Lit, your pal on the radio here at SPMM. I wish you a boogietastic week as well, dear friend Cathy!
Ice Cream Song is a good end-of-summer tune. It's amazing that there's a video of them singing it. As I was watching the choreography, I couldn't help thinking that their moves reminded me of some of the moves we did in Show Choir when I was in high school. A far cry from today's music video dance moves! Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sherry!
DeleteHow are you, dear friend? I'm happy to see you! Thanks for popping in for the debut of Hy Lit's radio show here on SPMM.
From the late 60s through mid 70s, vocal groups like The Dynamics kept traditional sweet soul music alive. As they sang their songs, most of them slow ballads, sweet soul groups performed choreographed dance routines like you saw in that vintage clip from The Hy Lit TV Show. Around 1967 funk began to surge in popularity and by the mid 70s edgy funk bands like Parliament and Funkadelic were threatening to render neatly dressed, well mannered groups obsolete. Then came rap and hip hop and the entire scene changed again. Sweetness and innocence were "out" and explicit and nasty were "in."
I'm glad you enjoyed "The Ice Cream Song." Thanks again for your kind visit and comment and have a great week, dear friend Sherry!
"...and the cow was returned to its rightful owner."...begs the question: What cow?? What happened? :) I loved that coming out of the news kickoff.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful broadcast today Tom! "1-2-3" is such a great classic! I hadn't heard it in ages. If you were to ask me "What song is Len Barry known for?" I wouldn't have been able to answer it. But of course as soon as "1-2-3" started, I knew it immediately and knew all the words. It's one of those cases where I know the song but not the artist at all. That's a shame actually...
Thanks for including this song. It was wonderful to hear it again. And I enjoyed the video: that one go-go girl up in the box with the hollywood lights is a hoot! :)
The post-Diana Ross Supremes did a great job with their cover of the O'Jays hit "Love Train". Just for grins I clicked over to YouTube to listen to the O'Jays version and I'm hard-pressed to pick one that I like better than the other. Both "Love Train"s are fabulous.
I'm not familiar with the Dynamics or the "Ice Cream" song. It sounds like it would've been included in that amazing record compilation that I used to borrow from a friend who lived upstairs from me in DC, called "Hey Love". It has a few volumes. This Dynamics song surely would fit that theme collection and I wouldn't be surprised if it is in one of those Hey Love volumes. Are you familiar with the "Hey Love" vinyl compilation?
The Ebonaires are also new to me. As is John Dolphin. I bet a 24-hour record store was a huge hit! Was the Hollywood location his only or did he have multiple locations throughout CA or the US? And what's the story of his murder? I'm always intrigued by a murder story. Is it a mystery or do they know how killed him? Was he shot? Sorry, I'm just full of questions this morning...
This is a new introduction to me, the Delfonics "Ready or Not...". Of course I know their "monster hit" (great phrase!) "La La (Means I Love You)". I'm thinking that song was also included on Hey Love. I need to order those CDs. I made a cassette copy of my friend's HL albums but you know, I haven't listened to cassettes in forever. I do still have my portable cassette player though! I should get those out one of these days...
And WOW WOW WOW, how on earth did Kim Weston's "You Hit Me" not get released??? That was a big mistake. I would think that song would've been a hit and a money-maker for a producer/label. And what a great find, securing this very clean version of the unreleased song. Did Kim Weston have other hits? Her name doesn't ring a bell (but that doesn't mean anything with me, as mentioned earlier).
And your show-closer is brilliant. Bloodstone's "Natural High" -- a perfect song for this DJ. Is that going to be a regular show closer for him here at SPMM? It's dreamy (and has that Hey Love sound too...). I can't be positive that I've heard it before but it sure sounds familiar. Wonderful song. And a perfect way to send me back to bed.... I'm heading for the hills, for the second (or third) time tonight (this morning)...
I sure enjoyed the premiere of Natural Hy's inaugural show! Way to introduce! Thanks Tom! Have a great week. Thanks for coming by my place today (yesterday) and checking out my Bar songs post. And for your great contribution there!
talk soon,
Michele at Angels Bark
Hi, Michele!
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to see you, dear friend. Thanks for staying up very late to visit, read, listen and comment!
I'm glad you got a kick out of announcer Gary Owens finishing up his news report with that missing cow story and the "cold open" with Len Barry singing his signature song "1-2-3" on Hullabaloo. That video was uploaded to YouTube only a few days before I published this post - good timing. The Supremes' cover of "Love Train" is excellent. I also love their cover of "Stormy," the Classics IV hit.
I never heard of the Hey Love various artist vinyl album and CD series, but had a pretty good idea what to expect when I found it. Released in the 80s as Hey Love: The Classic Sounds Of Sexy Soul, the series is named after The Delfonics hit "Hey! Love" and contains that song and probably every other single released by the Delfonics along with recordings by similar black vocal groups and solo artists, the ones that produced cool, smooth, refined soul recordings during the period from the late 60s through the 70s. Volumes of the series include hits by the Stylistics, the Chi-Lites, the Dells, the Originals, the Moments, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Brenda And The Tabulations, Billy Paul, Eddie Holman and many others.
Long before Berry Gordy built his Motown empire there was John Dolphin, an independent record label owner in Los Angeles, one of the first, most respected and successful black businessmen in America. There is a book about Dolphin's life and death entitled Recorded In Hollywood: The John Dolphin Story, and Amazon's description states:
"In 1948 he open his World Famous Dolphin’s of Hollywood Record Shop in Los Angeles on the legendary Central Avenue, the music mecca on the west coast. His contributions to music and the formative years of Rock'n'Roll are often overlooked. John Dolphin was the epitome of a record businessman, a big man with a big cigar, and big talk. A mini-mogul he would have nearly every facet of the record business covered. His record shop Dolphin’s of Hollywood soon became the most famous record shop in America and the Dolphin’s of Hollywood radio show the most popular black radio show in America. Recording artist appeared at the store and performed live on-air interviews as well as greet and signed autographs for customers. Dolphins of Hollywood record store was the first business to open 24 hours even on Sundays, also first to offer “Buy One Get One Free” for purchases of any record in the store. The creator and innovator of the crossover music concept he knew white teenagers loved black music. He went on white radio station KRKD and played a black music format, marketing black music to whites. White kids would pack the Dolphin’s of Hollywood record shop in the all black neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles, nightly."
In February 1958, a disgruntled artist, a singer wannabe by the name of Percy Ivy, marched into Dolphin's office and shot him to death. All Music Guide says Ivy shot Dolphin outside his store but two other sources say Dolphin was gunned down behind his desk in his office inside the store. Regarding the motive and circumstances, in a 2015 article The Remarkable Life and Tragic Death of Pioneering South L.A. Music Producer John Dolphin, LA Weekly stated: "Dolphin had done Ivy a favor by recording the singer's music, which never made any money. Ivy believed otherwise, and killed Dolphin for money that wasn't there."
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Regarding the Kim Weston song, I agree that "You Hit me" had hit potential. The Motown vaults are filled with great recordings that most likely would have been hits had they been released on singles. The record company apparently suffered from an embarrassment of riches, more great recordings than they knew what to do with. Talented as she was, Kim Weston was one of the underrated Motown artists who never broke through to major stardom. Kim was the first artist to release "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" a decade before the Doobies turned it into a major hit. Kim's 1965 release went top 5 R&B but only climbed halfway up the pop chart. She famously recorded "It Takes Two," the duet with Marvin Gaye that was a hit on both charts, and Dell rats of the mid 60s best remember Kim for "Helpless" - #177 on my list of The 200 Greatest Hits of the Shady Dell.
ReplyDeleteYessum, the Bloodstone hit "Natural High" is Hy Lit's theme song here on SPMM radio, but I decided not to close with it every time because there are too many other exciting records I want to present. "So many songs, so little time."
Looks like you stayed up all night long composing your comment, Michele. I don't know how you keep such hours but I thank you very much for your effort and your contributions. I hope you get some sleep and have a wonderful week. Thanks again, dear friend!
I know many of these songs but not all:) I don’t care for the last one because it’s too drippy for me:) the first guy, I know the song very well and I was mesmerized by the lady dancer in the cage who was really going for broke...a broken neck or displaced hip..hahahaaa. Actually one New Year’s Eve, I danced up a storm and dislocated my hip as I can often do if I am not careful. It took me 3 months to be able to walk ok. Anyhoo, the guy singing just doesn’t seem to be the guy who has that voice, I was expecting a baritone..hahahaa. I was wrong. I always love the Supreme’s and this is another great song. I don’t know why but when I hear young men who sing some love songs like what you showcase, it is just not my thang. Another great roundup of artists from yesteryears
ReplyDeleteHi, Birgit!
DeleteI'm happy to see you, dear friend! Thanks a lot for coming over to experience the very first Hy Lit show here on SPMM radio. I hope by now you are on a Natural Hy!
You would need to define "drippy" for me. Do you mean dripping with emotion - too many syrupy sweet romantic lyrics? I can see your point.
Well, I'm glad you found a couple of other selections to your liking, beginning with Len Barry's biggie "1-2-3." Yessum, those go-go dancers were over the top and, as I told Kathleen Mae Schneider (above), the girls never danced that way at the Dell, at least not when I was there in the mid 60s. Len Barry's record "1-2-3" was probably on the jukebox around the time I first started going to the Dell, but I honestly don't associate it with the Dell. Do you happen to have footage of yourself dancing up a storm on New Year's Eve? If so please post it on your blog. :) Mrs. Shady did the same thing, hurt herself dancing tipsy at a wedding reception a couple years ago. She threw her hip out and it still gives her problems as a result of that wild night.
I'm delighted you appreciate the Supremes doing their cover of the O'Jays hit "Love Train," a version that is classic in its own right.
Thank you again for coming to the party and joining the fun, dear friend Birgit. Stay tuned for a new installment of my old series Winning Hand coming up this Friday, and I will see you Thursday at the movies (over at your place). Take care!
Hey Shady, late to the party but the light was still on so here I am! So when I read this:It's my first show here on the greatest little station in the nation, S-P-M-M.
ReplyDeleteCalling all my beats, beards, Buddhist cats, big time spenders, money lenders,
teetotalers, elbow benders, hog callers, home run hitters, finger poppin’ daddies
and cool babysitters. For all my carrot tops, lollipops.... I totally read in Wolfman Jack voice. HAHA! This was such a fun post.
Love the ice cream song and I remember that when I when I was younger at my grandparents house. I read your comments above about the shooting of Dolphin and Ivy-Wow!!!
As I've mentioned before, being in dance myself growing up and being in drill team even in college, the dancing is my favorite part!! Iknow I would have totally been a gogo dancer in a cage if I was older during those days. Take care my friend!
Hi, Holli!
DeleteI'm excited to see you dear friend. Thanks for coming over and listening to the debut of Hy Lit's new show Natural Hy here on SPMM Radio.
Sadly Hy, one of the legends of Delaware Valley broadcasting, passed away nearly eleven years ago, but he lives on here at Shady's Place. All that bizarre banter contained in the "Calling all my beats" paragraph is authentic Hy Lit broadcast lingo. I wouldn't be able to make that stuff up. You are correct to point out, however, that the old Wolfman was another great DJ with a rap the kids loved.
It's so cool that you remember "The Ice Cream Song" from your youth. I am sure you would have made a great go-go dancer on Hullabaloo, Hollywood (Holli-wood) A Go Go, Shivaree, Shindig or Where The Action Is. Sometimes I wish I had grown up on the West Coast so that I could have hung out at the Whisky A Go Go and seen the go go dancers in cages. In the early 80s I went to a NYC disco that had male and female dancers performing on elevated platforms high above the dance floor. It was quite a spectacle.
Thank you again for coming by, dear friend Holli, and enjoy the rest of your week!
Thanks for letting me join this late! Of course I remember 1-2-3 and the Supremes "Love Train"..the other tunes not so much. I do remember the Delfonics but not the songs, sorry! Lots of good sounds but I didn't care for Kim Weston but then again I feel like I'm here to get a good education on music and not so much whether I like them or not. It's always something interesting and fun! And a murder thrown in for super interest! We hear so much about things like that happening in this day and age and forget that things like that happened back then too...only no Facebook, Yahoo, or Google to spread it all over the news. Hope all is good with you today and I'm really hoping the Florida like weather leaves us soon! Hot and humid are not my friend! Take care Shady!
ReplyDeleteHi, YaYa!
DeleteI am happy to see you, dear friend! Thank you very much for returning again today. I'm glad you didn't miss Hy Lit's first Natural Hy program here on SPMM Radio.
I figured you would know "1-2-3" and I am pleasantly surprised to learn that you also know the Supremes version of "Love Train," a song released in 2005 on the popular 2XCD hit compilation Supremes Gold. The Delfonics were prolific as they were terrific. This featured single, "Ready Or Not," was a biggie in Central PA and farther east in the Delaware Valley. I'm thinking the song probably was not played very much on radio in your part of Ohio. I'd be interested to know what specifically you didn't like about Kim Weston. You seem to be the only one whose ears did not respond favorably to her unreleased gem. I say that because I know you enjoy the Motown Sound.
Yessum, it seems like the life and untimely death of record mogul John Dolphin would make a great movie. A book came out in 2011 entitled Recorded In Hollywood: The John Dolphin Story, but I don't see any mention of a film.
It is blazing hot down here and I'm sorry to learn that you are sizzling up there, too. The heat and humidity can't last forever so hang in there. I am sure a change is coming soon.
Thank you again for your visit and comment, dear friend YaYa, and enjoy the rest of your week!
Hey Shady, NICE! I may be wrong about this, but The Dynamics who did
ReplyDeleteMisery were white. And of course, The Ice Cream Song were black. The
Ice Cream Dynamics recorded a lot of great Tunes. Most on youtube, I
would guess. I have three cds by The Dynamics. Good Stuff! Later Shady.
Hi, Davy!
DeleteThank you very much for joining us, good buddy! I'm glad you didn't miss the first volume of Natural Hy, the SPMM radio show hosted by veteran Delaware Valley deejay Hy Lit.
The Dynamics were managed by Ted White who married the late, great Aretha Franklin, and had a member named George White, but the five sources I checked: Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles and Top R&B Singles research books, Wiki, The All Music Guide, Discogs and 45cat.com, all indicate the Detroit based R&B group that charted in 1969 with "The Ice Cream Song" is the same group that had a minor hit at the end of 1963 and beginning of 1964 with "Misery." You might be thinking of one of the other groups called The Dynamics. There was a Dynamics group from New Jersey and another from Pittsburgh. Both of those acts released singles from the late 50s through early 60s. The Detroit Dynamics made the R&B chart with follow-up singles that included "Dum-De-Dum," "What A Shame," "Funkey Key" and "She's For Real (Bless You)." Let us also remember that there were other R&B groups with similar names including The Dynamic Breakers, the Dynamic Corvettes and The Dynamic Superiors.
Thanks again for taking to the sky on a Natural Hy, good buddy Dave. Stay tuned for Jerry Blavat, Dell Rat Tom and other boss jocks coming soon to SPMM radio - "The Station with Personality!" :)