LISTEN TO THIS 60 SECOND SHOW OPEN TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH JOE NIAGARA'S VOICE:
Hello! This is Joe Niagara -"The Rockin' Bird" - veteran radio personality
on Wibbage - WIBG Philadelphia. I'm here to tell you about my new show
coming in 2021 to S-P-M-M Radio. It's called Joe Niagara's Knocked Out
Nifties featuring the greatest rock 'n' roll, doo-wop, R&B and soul of the
1950s and 60s, the kind of tuneage you love listening to on Wibbage.
In today's special preview, Workin' On a Drew-vy Thing, the main focus is
on a fine singer by the name of Patti Drew. I'll be spinning Patti's best group
and solo recordings along with a few other golden goodies to give you an
idea of what to expect on my new show. I'm puttin' down a wailin'
pound of sound, so if you're ready... this Rockin' Bird will fly!
Patti Drew is a soulful singer from Charleston,
SC, who led The Drew-Vels, a group that
included her sisters Lorraine and Erma and
bass man Carlton Black, Erma's husband.
In October 1963 The Drew-Vels released
their first single "Tell Him," not to be
confused with the 1962 hit by another
mixed gender R&B group The Exciters.
SC, who led The Drew-Vels, a group that
included her sisters Lorraine and Erma and
bass man Carlton Black, Erma's husband.
In October 1963 The Drew-Vels released
their first single "Tell Him," not to be
confused with the 1962 hit by another
mixed gender R&B group The Exciters.
October 1963 was one of the worst times
in history for an American recording act
to issue a record because, the following
month, President Kennedy was slain,
in history for an American recording act
to issue a record because, the following
month, President Kennedy was slain,
plunging the U.S. into despair and
putting a damper on record sales.
Soon after, The Beatles arrived
with a radically different style of
music that rendered traditional
pop and doo-wop obsolete.
In February, 1964, The Drew-Vels' single peaked near the bottom of
the chart. Greatness has nothing to do with chart position, and here's
putting a damper on record sales.
Soon after, The Beatles arrived
with a radically different style of
music that rendered traditional
pop and doo-wop obsolete.
In February, 1964, The Drew-Vels' single peaked near the bottom of
the chart. Greatness has nothing to do with chart position, and here's
here's proof as Patti and the The Drew-vels perform-- "Tell Him."
"Tell Him" - The Drew-Vels
(released Oct. 1963, charted Feb. 1964,
highest chart pos. #90 Hot 100 & R&B)
That was "Tell Him" by The Drew-Vels,
a record that slipped through the cracks
and sold poorly at the time of its release,
but one that is today regarded as a
gem of the genre by critics and
fans of R&B and early soul.
a record that slipped through the cracks
and sold poorly at the time of its release,
but one that is today regarded as a
gem of the genre by critics and
fans of R&B and early soul.
CLICK TO START
THE VIDEO NOW!
The following month, March, 1964, Patti Drew
and The Drew-Vels released their second
single with "Everybody Knows" on the
A side. This Rockin' Bird digs the
popcorn tempo B side--
single with "Everybody Knows" on the
A side. This Rockin' Bird digs the
popcorn tempo B side--
"It's My Time."
"It's My Time" - The Drew-Vels
(Mar. 1964, B side of "Everybody Knows")
You just listened to a honey of a sound,
a genuine killer bee called "It's My Time"
the fab flip side of the Drew-Vels'
single "Everybody Knows."
a genuine killer bee called "It's My Time"
the fab flip side of the Drew-Vels'
single "Everybody Knows."
CLICK TO START
THE VIDEO NOW!
"Everybody Knows" failed to chart,
but Patti Drew and her group kept on
releasing records. In August of '64,
with a full-fledged British Invasion
underway, The Drew-Vels streeted
their next single. Once again no
chart action, but Niagara says
"Creepin'" is a keeper!
but Patti Drew and her group kept on
releasing records. In August of '64,
with a full-fledged British Invasion
underway, The Drew-Vels streeted
their next single. Once again no
chart action, but Niagara says
"Creepin'" is a keeper!
"Creepin'" - The Drew-Vels
(Aug. 1964 single)
Saw my baby "Creepin'" - another great record by
The Drew-Vels that missed the chart. If you're just
tuning in, I'm Joe Niagara, one of the deejays on
Philly's legendary Wibbage radio station, WIBG,
and I'm simulcasting a preview of my upcoming
show on sister station S-P-M-M. Together we're
Workin' On a Drew-vy Thing with Patti Drew.
In 1965 Patti's group The Drew-Vels broke up.
The following year Patti found a new label
and began a career as a solo artist. In 1967
Patti made a run at the R&B top 20 with
a re-recorded version of "Tell Him."
"Tell Him" - Patti Drew
(Sept. to Nov. 1967, highest chart pos.
#22 R&B/#85 Hot 100)
Niagara's got chills and fever after hearing
that one. Patti Drew, out on her own,
with a nifty update of her earlier
girl group recording, "Tell Him."
that one. Patti Drew, out on her own,
with a nifty update of her earlier
girl group recording, "Tell Him."
CLICK TO START
THE VIDEO NOW!
THE VIDEO NOW!
In 1968 Patti gained her biggest hit with
"Workin' On a Groovy Thing," a song
"Workin' On a Groovy Thing," a song
co-written by Neil Sedaka. A cover
by the 5th Dimension charted higher
by the 5th Dimension charted higher
...but the original's still the greatest!
"Workin' On a Groovy Thing" - Patti Drew
(Aug./Sept. 1968, highest chart pos. #34 R&B/#62 Hot 100)
From the summer of '68, "Workin' On a Groovy Thing" by Patti Drew,
a song successfully covered a year later by the 5th Dimension.
a song successfully covered a year later by the 5th Dimension.
Before I go, I'd like you to hear a few more
examples of the kind of music I'll be playing
on Knocked Out Nifties. My show will run
the gamut from 1950s R&B and doo-wop
examples of the kind of music I'll be playing
on Knocked Out Nifties. My show will run
the gamut from 1950s R&B and doo-wop
to rock 'n roll to 60s pop, R&B and soul.
This Rockin' Bird's ears know what's
good for you, and on this next R&B
ballad, the eyes have it. From right
here in Philadelphia, Brenda And
The Tabulations now with their
signature song-- "Dry Your Eyes."
This Rockin' Bird's ears know what's
good for you, and on this next R&B
ballad, the eyes have it. From right
here in Philadelphia, Brenda And
The Tabulations now with their
signature song-- "Dry Your Eyes."
"Dry Your Eyes" - Brenda and the Tabulations
(Mar./Apr. 1967, highest chart position
#8 R&B/#20 Hot 100/#22 Cash Box)
I'm The Rockin' Bird and you just heard Philadelphia's own
Brenda Payton and her group The Tabulations, do their first
and biggest record "Dry Your Eyes," a single that went
top 20 pop and top 10 R&B in the spring of 1967.
Brenda Payton and her group The Tabulations, do their first
and biggest record "Dry Your Eyes," a single that went
top 20 pop and top 10 R&B in the spring of 1967.
The great sounds just keep on comin'.
Now meet The Sparkletones, another
Philadelphia area group, not to be
confused with Joe Bennett And The
Sparkletones, the rock 'n' roll and
rockabilly act from South Carolina
that had a 50s hit with "Black Slacks."
In 1963 these Philly Sparkletones
Now meet The Sparkletones, another
Philadelphia area group, not to be
confused with Joe Bennett And The
Sparkletones, the rock 'n' roll and
rockabilly act from South Carolina
that had a 50s hit with "Black Slacks."
In 1963 these Philly Sparkletones
released their one and only record
entitled "Just One Chance."
Unfortunately the group missed
their chance to become singing
stars because their single
failed to make the chart.
entitled "Just One Chance."
Unfortunately the group missed
their chance to become singing
stars because their single
failed to make the chart.
CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!
Listen to the girl group harmony on this outstanding doo-wop
ballad and you'll wonder why and how this fine group,
The Sparkletones, managed to remain no hit wonders!
ballad and you'll wonder why and how this fine group,
The Sparkletones, managed to remain no hit wonders!
"Just One Chance" - The Sparkletones
(Mar. 1963, uncharted)
I hope you enjoyed Workin' On A Drew-vy Thing, the best of Patti Drew,
along with those other gems of rock 'n' roll, R&B, doo-wop and early soul.
along with those other gems of rock 'n' roll, R&B, doo-wop and early soul.
There's lots more where they came from and, starting in 2021,
you'll be hearing them on my new show Knocked Out Nifties.
you'll be hearing them on my new show Knocked Out Nifties.
CLICK TO START THE VIDEO NOW!
It's time for me to wrap up this special sneak preview, but I hope to see
your face in the place next year when I join The Shady Bunch team
here on S-P-M-M, the number one station for a rock 'n' roll nation.
As the Stax Records studio session band The Mar-Keys play
us off the air with their Memphis sound 1961 instrumental
"Morning After," this is Joe Niagara, The Rockin' Bird,
saying stay cool and goodbye for now!
your face in the place next year when I join The Shady Bunch team
here on S-P-M-M, the number one station for a rock 'n' roll nation.
As the Stax Records studio session band The Mar-Keys play
us off the air with their Memphis sound 1961 instrumental
"Morning After," this is Joe Niagara, The Rockin' Bird,
saying stay cool and goodbye for now!
"Morning After" - The Mar-Keys
(Oct. 1961, highest chart pos. #60 Hot 100/#65 Cash Box)
Patti really did make the new version of Tell Him different.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the Beatles both rejuvenated the music industry and took part of it down.
Hi, Alex!
DeleteThanks for hustling over to claim the early bird title, good buddy!
I'm pleased that you took a look and a listen to Joe Niagara's sneak preview of the new radio show he'll be hosting on SPMM starting next year. Joe will bring you the authentic sounds of top 40 radio in the late 50s and early 60s with emphasis on the developing Sound of Philadelphia.
Thanks again for dropping by, good buddy Alex!
Once again, Shady, you've introduced me to someone new! I don't recall ever hearing of Patti Drew OR the Drew-vels before. She (they) has a great sound, very indicative of the era.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kelly!
DeleteWelcome back to Shady's Place, dear friend!
I'm delighted to know that my Joe Niagara preview gave you your first exposure to soulful R&B singer Patti Drew. I agree. The sound created by Patti's group The Drew-Vels was indicative of the early to mid 60s period. I can think of three similar (black, mixed gender) vocal groups that had major hits around that time: The Exciters, Ruby And The Romantics the The Essex. As a solo artist in the later 60s, Patti adjusted to the changing times and gained a hit with a song that used the fashionable words "groovy" and "thing" (as in It's Your Thing)": "Workin' on A Groovy Thing." I'm so glad you like her!
Thanks again for coming by, dear friend Kelly, and stay safe and sound in your neck of the woods!
Kelly, I thought of another similar group: Patty & The Emblems.
DeleteI am learning all about these Disc Jockeys from you. I never thought that Kennedy's death and then the Beatles put a halt on this music style. Too bad because these are good and enjoyable to listen to
ReplyDeleteHi, Birgit!
DeleteThanks for coming all the way down from Canada, dear friend! I'm happy to have you here sampling the sounds picked just for you by veteran Wibbage DJ Joe Niagara.
Yessum, quite a few excellent records released during the months of October, November and December, 1963, just before or immediately after the Kennedy assassination, performed poorly. Phil Spector's album A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector (originally released as A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records) had the misfortune of being released on the very day JFK was killed, greatly diminishing the album's sales. Darlene Love's single from that album "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," failed to make the pop chart and didn't even show up on the R&B chart, even though it went on to become a holiday classic. Darlene performed the seasonal song on The David Letterman Show many years in a row. There are many other examples of "the JFK phenomenon." A couple of months later, when the Beatles blew-up, veteran U.S. hit makers like Elvis and Rick Nelson started struggling, too. However The Beach Boys and Motown artists not only survived but thrived during the Beatles onslaught and The British Invasion.
I'm glad you enjoyed these soulful sounds, dear friend BB. Thanks again for dropping in and enjoy the rest of your week!
Hi Shady,
ReplyDeleteI see you have a new entry. I'll head over tomorrow, it was a busy day at work and didn't have a chance to check it out while I was at work. I like listening to your soundtracks as I work because it makes the time go by quickly. The music you select usually brings me a lot of joy.
I'm not familiar with any of the groups you blogged about today, so I want to take my time with your entry and digest the music. I wanted to send you an e-mail to acknowledge it.
Have a great Thankful Thursday, dear friend.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteThanks for coming by, dear friend! I am pleased to know that you play the songs from my posts while you work. I hope that's AOK with your supervisor. I must caution you, dearie. Songs like these might cause you to jump up on your desk in your cubicle and start boogieing! :)
I hope you find a window of time to spend listening to the tunes and hope they put you in a drew-vy mood.
Thanks again for stopping in, dear friend JM!
Hi Shady,
DeleteI'm working from home and have been home bound for these last two months. The trains stopped running in Philadelphia and they're limiting people on other modes of transit. I probably won't be going back to the office for some time. My one friend has heard probably August. My guess is some point over the summer. It has been nice working from home and saving money. :)
A drew-vy morning indeed! These melodies have been playing since 8 AM and I'm impressed! I love the Drew-vels and it's a shame they didn't chart more. I never realized that after JFK's assassination that record sales plummeted. Makes sense. It's just a shame that the Drew-vels didn't continue to resonate with people after Beatlemania.
Creepin' and It's My Time had to be my favourites. I like the sound and I really like the lyrics. It is soulful and reminds me of an early summer morning. I might have to make a summertime mix and include these two.
I've never heard of the Sparkletones, but I enjoy their sound too. I think I'm going to have to e-mail the jazz portion of WRTI and ask if they are familiar. I am sure they are and I might have to request this song for next Wednesday evening. :)
I love your posts, they open my eyes and world to new songs. I'm diggin' this post and can't wait until your next round!
Have a great day, dear friend.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteThanks for returning to chat and to give a good listen to Joe Niagara's play list, dear friend!
It was stupid of me to think that you were back at work when I know darn well that you've been working from home all this time. Sorry about that. However I didn't know you might be stuck in this situation until August. This "new normal" is starting to get OLD! However, as you pointed out, you are saving money at an unprecedented rate, and that's great news and very wise of you.
I'm happy to know your morning turned drew-vy thanks to Joe Niagara's tuneage. Yessum, as I remember it, "the American people" (at least, most of us) were in the doldrums, down and depressed, for several weeks after the JFK assassination. Then came a one-two punch, first The Kingsmen with their rowdy rendition of "Louie Louie," followed by The Beatles with "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You." I think it took the radically different garage rock sound of The Kingsmen and the radically different British look and sound of The Beatles to shake things up and get Americans keenly interested in popular music again. When that happened, old school vocal group doo-wop and teen idol pop were for the most part rendered obsolete by the fresh new sounds of self-contained guitar bands, some of which, like The Beatles, wrote many of their own songs.
Ever since I pubbed this post, I've had "Creepin'" on repeat in my noggin. You might want to ask your dad if he remembers Wibbage - WIBG radio - and the very popular DJ Joe Niagara. Joe is no longer with us, but will live on through his Knocked-Out Nifties show here at Shady's Place.
Thank you again for coming and for the kind compliments on the post. Take care of yourself up there and do you best to keep peace with your folks. See you soon!
Hi Shady,
DeleteThis new normal is okay with me! I'm actually thinking at looking at new jobs that would keep me homebound and I could do anywhere in the world (hello, moving!). Since I don't drive, I'm finding WFH is the best option for me. This has me reevaluating my financial habits too. Mom said, "I can't wait for you to go out every week again." You know what, no more listening to her. I'll skate and museums, but money will be for travel, tattoos and moving. It's my money and it's time for me to stand up to her.
I'm going to give this post a listen to again when I go out for my walk later. It'll be mid-70s today, a beautiful May day and I think this morning deserves to be drew-vy. :)
I can see that - everyone loves rowdy and fresh, especially when it's original. I'll ask dad if he remembers Wibbage and DJ Joe Niagara. If he doesn't, I'm sure his one coworker might. His one co-worker was a hobby DJ on the side for many years, knew Jerry Blavit and a lot of other acts.
Thank you for keeping the music alive! Your blog teaches me and helps me discover "new" music. You probably attract other young people and help teach them as well! :)
I have learned to walk away and tune them out. It's only when they're drinking, I stay away anyway, but even more so now. Have a great Saturday, dear friend!
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteYou seem to be adjusting to the new normal better than most people. I can understand your logic about seeking WFH opportunities, especially if you don't drive and need to count on your dad for free rides or else pay for a Lyft. I'm sorry about the ongoing friction between you and your mother. I think a lot of people just need to get their two cents in and run through a litany of pet peeves every day, not really expecting anything to change.
It sounds like a very nice spring day up your way. I hope you took Joe's play list with you on your walk and are feelin' drew-vy. Yessum, by all means find out if anybody remembers Joe Niagara and the golden years of WIBG Radio. If they lived anywhere around the Delaware Valley they would remember. I'm always happy to introduce you to the great sounds I grew up with. Keep in mind that many of the old songs in my posts are also new to me. I didn't hear them in my youth or, if I did, don't remember them.
Thanks again for sharing some of your Saturday morning with me, dear friend JM!
Hi Shady,
DeleteI'm an introvert and this has been heaven for me! Dad asked when I was going back to the office, I didn't tell him what Kathleen thought, but mom did say: "probably June, but they're giving extensions to those who are caring for the elderly or prone to this disease." Shady, if that's the case, since I had acute bronchitis twice last year and once in January, I have chronic conditions, I'm not going back to the office. It's not healthy for me to do so and I don't feel comfortable. WFH opportunities would most likely alleviate some of those health issues too...
So, I asked dad about WIBG Radio and he perked up! He said, "I used to listen to WIBG all the time. Hi-Lit and the Geator with the Heater!" He talked about it for 20 minutes, plus Shirt Corner, Tie Corner, and Pants Corner. He also smiled when I mentioned Joe Niagara.
Hey, I hear you. I'm discovering a lot of music from my youth now and laughing along with it. I seem to be a decade behind music trends. LOL! Nah, not really true, I listen to everything... but some things take me a decade or so to like. LOL!
Have a great Sunday evening, dear friend.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteWow, what an excellent comment, dear friend! Your rationale for continuing to WFH has merit. I hope you can work it out.
I am excited to know that you dad remembers Wibbage and two of my SPMM Shady Bunch deejays, Jerry Blavat and Hy Lit. Apparently he recognizes the name Joe Niagara, too. That's great! I never even heard of Shirt Corner, Tie Corner, and Pants Corner. I needed to look them up. I see that Suit Corner and neighboring menswear stores, Shirt Corner, Tie Corner and Pants & Tie Corner, have been serving Olde City/Center City Philadelphia menswear needs for over 50 years. Thanks for letting me know! Ask you dad if he remembers the wacky TV commercials for Krass Brothers Men's Store that aired for many years.
Hey, as the years go by you'll be amazed how your music tastes change. Mine have changed so often that I couldn't tell you which genre I like best. I have found much to love in many different categories.
Thanks again for joining the fun, dear friend JM, and have a super week!
Hey friend Shady, thanks for introducing us to your new series. I had not heard of Ms. Drew. I had heard the 5th Dimension's version of "Working on a Groovy Thing" but didn't know it was written by Neil Sedaka. It is something to think about all the different ways that the shooting of Kennedy changed things. I'm currently reading Stephen King's 11/22/63 in which he intends to stop the shooting. It is pretty interesting so far. I'm pretty quiet this month over at my blog but I'm trying to get back to it. The A to Z is so time consuming I have to catch up on other things! Have a wonderful rest of your day. Stay healthy!
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
Hi, Janet!
DeleteI'm excited to see you, dear friend. Thanks for coming!
I'm delighted that you are giddy with anticipation for future installments of Joe Niagara's radio series here at Shady's Place. Sadly, Joe passed away nearly 16 years ago at the age of 76 but, like Hy Lit and Doctor Don Rose, he will live on through his shows on SPMM Radio.
The 5th Dimension's version of "Working On A Groovy Thing" was a bigger hit and better known in most parts of the country but, in my region, it was the Patti Drew single that was played more often on the radio and the one I remember.
Have you watched the 2016 Hulu limited series 11.22.63 which is based on the Stephen King novel? It stars James Franco. Mrs. Shady and I enjoyed it and recommend it.
I know you needed some time to rest after the hectic A to Z. To your credit, you have continued to be a great friend, visiting my blog and leaving excellent comments on my posts which I really appreciate!
Thanks again for swinging by. Take good care of yourself and your family (including my pal Benny) and I hope to see you again soon, dear friend Janet!
Tom,
ReplyDeleteAll new-to-me artists and songs! Patti had lovely vocals in her younger days. I read that she lived for awhile in her youth in Nashville, TN. She's a year older than my mother and apparently resides in South Carolina these days. Her vocals are easy on the ears and makes for an enjoyable listening session. You always find new mewsic to bring to my attention. I will look forward to future installments in this series, my friend. Have a good weekend and take care!
Hi, Cathy!
DeleteThanks so much for coming over again in the middle of your hiatus, dear friend!
I'm happy to learn that featured artist Patti Drew and her group resonated with you. Over the years I had forgotten about Patti. Then a few months ago I rediscovered her on YouTube. I thought her song output would make a perfect preview for the upcoming SPMM radio show series hosted by Philadelphia broadcast legend Joe Niagara. I agree that Patti's vocals are easy on the ears. "Tell Him" and "Workin' On A Groovy Thing" were hot on the radio in my region. All of her other recorded sides are new to me as well.
Thanks again for joining the fun, dear friend Cathy. Stay safe and well up there in K-ville!
Really enjoyed this post and especially liked the Sparkletones.
ReplyDeleteJerre
Hi, Jerre!
DeleteThanks for dropping back in, good buddy! I'm pleased that you enjoyed the lineup of tunes played by Joe Niagara, The Rockin' Bird of Wibbage, in this special sneak preview of his new SPMM radio show which debuts next year at Shady's Place. I was thrilled to discover that great ballad by Philly's phorgotten girl group The Sparkletones. I'm glad you like it, too.
Thanks again for your visit and comment, good buddy Jerre!
Hi Shady! I just needed to stop by and thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. I promise to go back and check out the tunes later. Looks like a winner! We have some things going on today and I leave here tomorrow and want to make sure all is good before I head out. Your thoughts and prayers are so welcome. My sister is still going through dialysis and this Covid is the real problem in all that's happened here. Anyway, I hope your weekend is good! The weather is finally getting warm and the sun shine is so welcome. Take care and thanks again for your friendship here in blog land!
ReplyDeleteHi, YaYa!
DeleteThanks a lot for coming over from Chicago, dear friend!
You are a terrific friend for breaking away from your responsibilities long enough to say hello. That's tops in my book. I know you have more on your plate than most of us, and I am in awe of how many things you are juggling. I urge you to stay focused on your driving as you return to Ohio tomorrow. Hopefully the spring snows are finished for the year and you will have an easy trip. I will continue to root for your dear mother's full and complete recovery, and will add sister Midge to my prayer list.
Thanks again for thinking about me and stopping by. Take care of yourself and try to enjoy the rest of your weekend, dear friend YaYa!
What a great way to start my Sunday! I really enjoyed the music of Patti Drew and the Drew-Vals. (I always get a charge of how they came to name the groups back then. And who would think there’d be TWO groups named the Sparkletones?!) Patti had a beautiful voice. I like how some of their songs started off with the baritone “do-wop” sounds of (I’m assuming) her husband. I listened to both versions of “Tell Him” and can’t decide which I like better. I guess it would depend on my mood.
ReplyDeleteYou’ve chosen to showcase some really wonderful songs. It’s a great sound and today especially seems to move me.
In the “Creepin’” video, I noted several movie clips: John Travolta — was that Pulp Fiction? And was there a clip of “Hairspray” in there? I think I saw Elvis in there too. I liked that song. I wasn’t familiar with the term ‘creepin’ as a synonym for cheating. That’s a new one on me!
I also enjoyed the other music examples that you shared. And I really dug the song you chose to close out the show, the Mar-Keys’ “Morning After”. I LOVE the album cover art too!
Thanks for a great introduction to next year’s Joe Niagara show! Gives me something to look forward too. Hope you enjoy your Sunday Tom. And I sure hope I can get this comment to post this time! If not I’ll email it to you like I did on the last one. But this time I’m being smarter: I’m copying it so I won’t have to try to recreate it! Here goes...
Michele at Angels Bark
Hi, Michele!
DeleteIt's a delightful surprise to see you again, dear friend. Thanks a lot for dropping in! I'm pleased that you were able to get your comment published this time.
I'm thrilled that you got so much enjoyment out of Joe Niagara's preview show. According to my notes, Carlton Black, the male member of The Drew-vels group, was Patti's BIL, the husband of Patti's sister Erma. Like you, I was not familiar with the use of the term "Creepin'" to mean sneakin' around with another woman or women. That's the first time I've heard it. Yessum, in the video created for "Creepin'"... you see clips of the teens dancing in the original 1988 John Waters film Hairspray along with Travolta in Pulp Fiction, plus a few other rare pieces of footage showing dancers of the early 60s.
Yessum, there were at least two recording acts called The Sparkletones and they couldn't be more different. Joe Bennett's group performed in a frantic up-tempo rock & roll style while the Philly girl group gave us that dreamy doo-wop/early soul ballad.
I'm glad you appreciated the showender, the zesty instrumental number by the Memphis based Stax house band The Mar-keys. The band placed half a dozen singles on the U.S. chart in the early and mid 60s, with the biggie at the Shady Dell being "Philly Dog."
I couldn't be more happy knowing that these Niagara tunes filled the bill and lifted your spirits on a Sunday and that you are looking forward to the official debut of Joe's Knocked-out Nifties program. Thanks again for coming to see me. Please do some resting and self nurturing at least for the rest of the day. I hope to connect with you again soon, dear friend Michele!
Not much in Bloggerland lately, friend Shady. I love the Drew-Vel version of "Tell Him". Sending a "Tell Her" version from way back when … sigh … Love, cat.
ReplyDeleteSag Ihr … Tell Her
(Original)
https://youtu.be/0yqzU24tIVg
(Translation)
Tell her when you see her again that I can’t forget her. Tell her if you greet her from me I envy her man. Tell her I still love her and I don't know if that ever goes away Also tell her I was and dream and hope even though I know it's too late. Ask her if she in that foreign country sometimes looks for the horizon. Ask her if she found everything that I couldn't give her. Tell her I still love her and I don't know if that ever goes away Also tell her I dream and hope even though I know it's too late.
Hi, cat!
DeleteThanks for coming down from Alberta, dear friend. I'm happy to see you! I hope there's not a trace of snow left on the ground in your area and that you have a few days off from work so that you can enjoy some rest and relaxation and amuse yourself playing with your kitty TT.
I'm happy to know you liked the songs performed by Patti Drew and her group. I enjoyed Gerd Christian's 2011 song "Tell Her Too" in which he pours his heart out lamenting the loss of the woman he loved to another man. Thanks for posting the German to English translatio. We've all been there, right dearie?
Thanks again for coming by, dear friend cat, and have a safe and happy week ahead!
And in other news … Very sad to learn about the Canadian Forces Snow Birds accident today in Kamloops, BC, Canada, friend Shady. Just yesterday I saw the formation fly right over my house. I was in awe, but also quite scared cuz of the noise and how low they flew, and so was Thunderbutt. c.
DeleteHi, cat!
DeleteYessum, I read about the tragic plane crash in Kamloops, BC, northeast of Vancouver, that killed Royal Canadian Air Force Capt. Jennifer Casey, seriously injured another crew member and set a house on fire. The Snowbirds are Canada’s equivalent of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds or U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the flyover was intended to boost morale during the pandemic. My thoughts are with you and your fellow Canadians as you add sorrow over the air disaster to worries about the COVID.
Take care and come see me again soon, dear friend cat!
Hi Shady!
ReplyDeleteCool name, Joe Niagara. Can’t say as I’ve heard of Patty Drew, but the remake of “Tell Him” was a definite improvement! I gave an audible “Aww” when I read the 5th Dimension did it and charted higher with it. I like her version better.
Take care!
Hi, diedre!
DeleteHow are you, dear friend? I'm very happy to see you and thank you for coming over!
I'm happy to have introduced you to The Rockin' Bird of WIBG, Joe Niagara, and to the smooth grooves of zinger Patti Drew. I'm glad you enjoyed Patti's solo effort on "Tell Him" and that you gave props to her original version of "Workin' On A Groovy Thing." I have nothing against the 5th Dimension, but they kinda pulled a Pat Boone by covering songs of other artists and turning them into bigger hits. Other examples are "Go Where You Wanna Go," originally by The Mamas & The Papas, Ashford & Simpson's "California Soul," Laura Nyro's "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Sweet Blindness," "Wedding Bell Blues" and "Save the Country," and "One Less Bell To Answer," originally waxed in 1967 by Keely Smith.
Thanks again for dropping in, dear friend diedre, and stay safe and well out there in the Southwest!