DOCSLIB.ORG

Bill Pinkney of the Drifters Dies

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Bill Pinkney of the Drifters Dies FRIDAY WEATHER JULY 6, 2007 SWELTERING TODAY Hot with in the news times of clouds and sun. Details on page 8B. HIGH: 96 LOW: 74 VOLUME 112, NUMBER 261 FOUNDED OCTOBER 15, 1894 SUMTER, S.C. — 50 CENTS SHAW WEEKLY S.C. Civil Air Patrol cadets spend part of 2007 Encampment at Shaw — 1C PASSING of a LEGEND “I would like to say Family, community mourn the loss of Bill Pinkney, I hope people remember him for a ‘true gentleman,’ a ‘brilliant performer,’ an ‘inimitable voice’ being a genuine Bill Pinkney sings person, a legend. “America” on the He's leaving a Sumter County Courthouse grounds tremendous to observe National legacy.” Anthem Day in Bandmate September 2005. Terence Lonon UP FOR A CHALLENGE By MARY DOLAN After Rock Hill pulls Item Staff Writer out, Dalzell-Shaw amily members from all over were plan- steps up for American ning a trip to Sumter for a family reunion Legion tourney F to be held today at the Original Drifters’ “It was a great frontman Bill Pinkney’s house; Pinkney was famous honor to share him SPORTS / 1B for the parties he hosted, complete with music and home-cooked meals. Instead, family and friends are with those that SEND IN gathering together at his home without him. loved him.” THE CLOWN! Pinkney, 81, died Wednesday, July 4, before an Eartha Pinkney Independence Day concert in Daytona Beach, Fla. Johnson What to see a clown of Pinkney was the last living founding member of Pinkney's daughter The Drifters, an R&B group formed in the 1950s, a different type? Check known for its soulful, bluesy sounds. He founded “He's just a jewel, out THE DISGRUNTLED the Original Drifters after leaving the first group in CLOWN at 8:30 this 1958. he's an icon, he was evening, part of the The musical celebrity with (in later years) a dis- a living legend.” monthly Sumter House tinctive head of white hair was born in Dalzell on Eartha Johnson of Comedy at the Aug. 15, 1925, and grew up on a diet of Southern cuisine and gospel music. Sumter Opera House, “He sat down on Eartha Pinkney Johnson was one of his nine chil- those steps and 21 N. Main St. Tickets dren. She said her father was a man of God who are available at the loved his music and loved his family more. when he did that door for $10 each. But last gospel song, don’t mistake this for a SEE PINKNEY, PAGE 7A there was not a dry children’s party: The eye in this house. show is strictly for It was a wonderful adults only. night.” Billy Lane, describing Pinkney’s April performance at Pizza Lane “'Amazing Grace' was never sung so Photo provided Item file photos beautifully, and Bill Pinkney formed the Original Drifters in 1958; Bill Pinkney, a musical legend and member of the Original Drifters, died Wednesday in many tears were the group is seen here circa 1970. Daytona Beach, Fla., where he was on the venue for a Fourth of July concert. proof of it.” Singer Hank Martin DEATHS In the words of The Footnotes’ guitarist Charles Stafford, Bill Pinkney was Marian M. Dew ‘a gentleman and a musical inspiration to generations of us players.’ Barbara H. Knox Willie “Bill” Pinkney By IVY MOORE the good times. Avenell K. Ragland Item Features Editor Stafford recalled that he worked with “Mr. Bill” Henrietta P. Richardson Sandra J. Richbourg on several occasions. Nathaniel Scarborough Sr. urn on your radio anywhere during De- “(We) talked about Earline R. Smith cember, and you’ll hear a mellifluous bass music history and his Mary B. Spann T voice singing lead on the rhythm and influence on us Frederick H. Truesdale blues version of “White Christmas.” The owner of ‘younger’ players,” he “I am so glad that Willie Wactor Sr. that inimitable voice was Bill Pinkney — Dalzell na- said. Ernest Weeks tive, businessman, professional baseball player and “When The Foot- ... his hometown Levola Lee P.Wheeler war hero. notes played has really come to —PAGE 7A Baby Boomers and other beach, R&B and Sumter@Six a couple of recognize and gospel music lovers know Pinkney for so much years ago, Mr. Bill INDEX more than “White Christmas.” For musicians and drove up just as we appreciate what a 3 SECTIONS / 24 PAGES friends of the last original Drifter, who died started to play one of major national and Wednesday, Pinkney was a master musician and, in the Original Drifters’ international figure Business 5B the words of The Footnotes’ guitarist Charles Bill Pinkney was a songs, ‘Move Across Classifieds 4C Jackie Gore of The Embers sings Stafford, “a gentleman and a musical inspiration to father figure to Billy The River’, and he came he was in popular Comics 4A along at Pinkney’s 80th birthday bash generations of us players.” Scott of Billy Scott and up and sang it with us. music history. We Daily Planner 8B in Columbia a couple years ago. He leaves a large music library and a legacy of the Prophets. What a thrill. He ... Opinion 6A are all proud of him For the next several Wednesday grace and talent. would recall The Footnotes and proudly introduce Television 5A nights, musicians at the regular Wings and will cherish his Weekly TV 6B While Pinkney’s family and friends mourn the me to guests as ‘one of my homeboys that really and Strings at Pizza Lane in Sumter loss of their loved one, those “generations of play- plays my music.’ memory.” will be performing songs in tribute to ers” and others in the music business are also ex- Charles Stafford AB Pinkney. pressing their grief, at the same time remembering SEE MUSICIANS, PAGE 8A The Footnotes www.theitem.com To contact AB, call Shaw planners prepare to put allocated funds to use GENERAL: 774-1200 CLASSIFIEDS: 774-1234 nounced last month that productivity,” Spratt said in a press release. Thus the planners have only rough esti- DELIVERY: 774-1258 Contractors to bid soon the House approved $25 The money doesn’t account for the pri- mates of the funding required for those NEWS/SPORTS: 774-1226 million for construction mary buildings the 3rd Army will need, such buildings. on construction projects for Shaw. The money, if as a headquarters and housing, but Chris Aamold said contractors will bid on the By LESLIE CANTU approved by the Senate Aamold, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron projects covered by the $25 million in fiscal Item Senior Staff Writer and President Bush, deputy commander, and James Allen, 20th year 2008, which begins Oct. 1 for the fed- would go toward construc- Fighter Wing plans and inspection deputy eral government. As the 3rd Army’s arrival date at Shaw tion of support facilities, and the BRAC business manager, said part Construction on 3rd Army headquarters Air Force Base creeps steadily nearer, base such as additional fitness SPRATT of the wait lies in the fact that the 3rd Army will probably begin in fiscal year 2009 or planners are preparing for an anticipated center space, child devel- itself is in transition and isn’t sure who will 2010, he said. construction boom on base. opment center space and visiting officer be working at Shaw. Aamold expects the construction work, None of that construction can happen quarters. Although the number of personnel is once it’s approved, to keep local and region- without money, though, and for that the “This funding will go a long way toward more or less fixed, the 3rd Army doesn’t al contractors quite busy. base waits on word from Congress and the supplying the capacity for welcoming arriv- know how many people of what rank will be 20 North Magnolia Street president. ing personnel and contributing to effective assigned to headquarters, which in turn af- Contact Senior Staff Writer Leslie Cantu Sumter, South Carolina 29150 U.S. Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., an- joint operations while increasing morale and fects the type of buildings to be constructed. at [email protected] or (803) 774-1250. (USPS 525-900) FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2007 FROM PAGE 1A AB I PAGE 7A PINKNEY na Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, a re- Reese had been planning to formally she said. The two never had a written during World War II. He received four FROM PAGE 1A cipient of South Carolina’s Order of the unveil the portrait July 26, but she is contract between them. She said he was Bronze Stars for combat in France. Palmetto and a decorated veteran of considering unveiling it sooner in light of a “handshake is your word” kind of guy. After returning to the States, Pinkney She said he learned from his own World War II. his death. That humble, down-to-earth quality is took up a career in baseball. Pinkney mother the importance of being among The South Carolina General Assem- “I’m just very sorry that he didn’t get what stands out so much to band mem- pitched for the New York Blue Sox, loved ones, of cooking meals together bly recently passed a resolution to name to see this done, because he was real ex- ber Terence Lonon, too. He said it al- which was part of the Negro Baseball and cherishing the moments together. a piece of road in his hometown after the cited about it,” Reese said. “But I’m real ways impressed him how accessible League, in the late 1940s and early ’50s. Johnson said her father was excited local hero.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Not for Publication United
    Case 2:95-cv-03794-DRD-MCA Document 236 Filed 09/10/07 Page 1 of 38 PageID: <pageID> NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY ____________________________________ : Larry Marshak, : : Plaintiff, : : Civil Action No.: 95-3794 (DRD) v. : : OPINION Faye Treadwell, Treadwell’s Drifters, Inc., : and The Drifters, Inc., : : Defendants. : ____________________________________: Appearances by: Jeffrey Schreiber, Esq. Meister, Seelig & Fein, LLP 2G Auer Court Williamsburg Commons East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Attorney for Motion Respondents, Larry Marshak, Jody Marshak, Paula Marshak, Andrea Marshak, DCPM, Inc., Cal-Cap Ltd., Barry Singer, Singer Management Consultants, Inc., and Charles Mehlich. William L. Charron, Esq. Mona Simonian, Esq. Pryor Cashman LLP 410 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Pro Hac Vice Attorneys for Motion Respondents, Larry Marshak, Jody Marshak, Paula Marshak, Andrea Marshak, DCPM, Inc., Cal-Cap Ltd., Barry Singer, Singer Management Consultants, Inc., and Charles Mehlich. Lowell B. Davis, Esq. One Old Country Road Carle Place, NY 11514 Pro Se Motion Respondent Case 2:95-cv-03794-DRD-MCA Document 236 Filed 09/10/07 Page 2 of 38 PageID: <pageID> Cindy Salvo, Esq. The Salvo Law Firm 101 Eisenhower Parkway Suite 300 Roseland, NJ 07068 Attorney for Petitioners Faye Treadwell, Treadwell’s Drifters, Inc. and The Drifters, Inc. DEBEVOISE, United States Senior District Judge Petitioners, Faye Treadwell, Treadwell’s Drifters, Inc., and The Drifters, Inc. (collectively referred to as “Treadwell”), move to have Motion Respondent, Larry Marshak (“Marshak”), held in contempt for violating the order of Judge Nicholas H. Politan, dated August 16, 1999, which permanently enjoined Marshak’s use of the name, “The Drifters,” or any other name that would be confusingly similar to “The Drifters,” in the “occurrence, sale, promotion, or advertising of live or recorded musical performances.” Judge Politan’s order, upon appeal by Marshak, was affirmed by Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on February 9, 2001.
    [Show full text]
  • Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 Songs
    Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 Songs No. Interpret Title Year of release 1. Bob Dylan Like a Rolling Stone 1961 2. The Rolling Stones Satisfaction 1965 3. John Lennon Imagine 1971 4. Marvin Gaye What’s Going on 1971 5. Aretha Franklin Respect 1967 6. The Beach Boys Good Vibrations 1966 7. Chuck Berry Johnny B. Goode 1958 8. The Beatles Hey Jude 1968 9. Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit 1991 10. Ray Charles What'd I Say (part 1&2) 1959 11. The Who My Generation 1965 12. Sam Cooke A Change is Gonna Come 1964 13. The Beatles Yesterday 1965 14. Bob Dylan Blowin' in the Wind 1963 15. The Clash London Calling 1980 16. The Beatles I Want zo Hold Your Hand 1963 17. Jimmy Hendrix Purple Haze 1967 18. Chuck Berry Maybellene 1955 19. Elvis Presley Hound Dog 1956 20. The Beatles Let It Be 1970 21. Bruce Springsteen Born to Run 1975 22. The Ronettes Be My Baby 1963 23. The Beatles In my Life 1965 24. The Impressions People Get Ready 1965 25. The Beach Boys God Only Knows 1966 26. The Beatles A day in a life 1967 27. Derek and the Dominos Layla 1970 28. Otis Redding Sitting on the Dock of the Bay 1968 29. The Beatles Help 1965 30. Johnny Cash I Walk the Line 1956 31. Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven 1971 32. The Rolling Stones Sympathy for the Devil 1968 33. Tina Turner River Deep - Mountain High 1966 34. The Righteous Brothers You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin' 1964 35.
    [Show full text]
  • CCU Newsletter, November 12, 2001 Coastal Carolina University
    Coastal Carolina University CCU Digital Commons Coastal Carolina University Newsletter CCU Newsletters 11-12-2001 CCU Newsletter, November 12, 2001 Coastal Carolina University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/ccu-newsletter Part of the Higher Education Commons, and the History Commons Recommended Citation Coastal Carolina University, "CCU Newsletter, November 12, 2001" (2001). Coastal Carolina University Newsletter. 36. https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/ccu-newsletter/36 This Periodical is brought to you for free and open access by the CCU Newsletters at CCU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Coastal Carolina University Newsletter by an authorized administrator of CCU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. U N V E R S T y N. E W S L E T T E R November 12, 2001 A Newsletterfor Faculty,Staff a11dFrie11ds of CoastalCarolina U11iversity Volume 11, Number 16 A message from Amistad captain to speak as Coastal's PresidentIngle Kimbel Lectureron Nov. 13 As many of Bill Pinkney, captain of the subject of an award-win­ you are aware, the the Freedom Schooner ning cable TV special narrated State Budget and Amistad, will speak at by Bill Cosby titled "The Control Board last Wheelwright Auditorium on Incredible Voyage of Bill week announced a Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Pinkney." mid-year budget as part of the university's A key component of cut of 4 percent Kimbel Distinguished Pinkney's solo trip around the for all state agen­ Lecturer Series. The event world in 1991 was to provide cies.
    [Show full text]
  • YOUR HOST, PAUL REVERE of PAUL REVERE & the RAIDERS BJ THOMAS
    YOUR HOST, PAUL REVERE of PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS Paul Shaffer from "Late Night with David Letterman" calls Paul Revere and The Raiders "The Greatest Rock and Roll Show Band on Earth!" Paul Revere has a style, a sixth sense for pleasing an audience. The magic chemistry of his personality has been a major factor in the Raiders’ rise to popularity, and not by sheer accident. He has created, over a period of time, a highly polished act built on warmth and spontaneity. Paul Revere and The Raiders are a non-stop ball of energy from the moment they hit the stage to their last encore - You WILL always have a great time! Over 50 Million Records Sold & 20 Top 40 Hits including: INDIAN RESERVATION HUNGRY JUST LIKE ME KICKS GOOD THING UPS AND DOWNS MR. SUN, MR. MOON LET ME LOUIE, LOUIE HIM OR ME, WHAT'S IT GONNA BE? BJ THOMAS He owns one of the most distinctive voices in American pop music—a reassuringly masculine timbre conveyed with a smattering of unique embellishments that represent a distillation of the most influential genres in pop culture. During the four decades B.J. has performed, he has: Sold more than 70 Million Records Earned 2 Platinum Records Had 11 Gold Records Won 5 Grammy Awards Won 2 Dove Awards for Gospel Recordings which include "Home Where I Belong". Become the 60th Member of The Grand Ole Opry in 1981. Though no longer an active member of the Opry, B.J. still performs there as often as his schedule permits.
    [Show full text]
  • Why Am I Doing This?
    LISTEN TO ME, BABY BOB DYLAN 2008 by Olof Björner A SUMMARY OF RECORDING & CONCERT ACTIVITIES, NEW RELEASES, RECORDINGS & BOOKS. © 2011 by Olof Björner All Rights Reserved. This text may be reproduced, re-transmitted, redistributed and otherwise propagated at will, provided that this notice remains intact and in place. Listen To Me, Baby — Bob Dylan 2008 page 2 of 133 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 4 2 2008 AT A GLANCE ............................................................................................................................................................. 4 3 THE 2008 CALENDAR ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 4 NEW RELEASES AND RECORDINGS ............................................................................................................................. 7 4.1 BOB DYLAN TRANSMISSIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 7 4.2 BOB DYLAN RE-TRANSMISSIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 7 4.3 BOB DYLAN LIVE TRANSMISSIONS .....................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Updates & Amendments to the Great R&B Files
    Updates & Amendments to the Great R&B Files The R&B Pioneers Series edited by Claus Röhnisch from August 2019 – on with special thanks to Thomas Jarlvik The Great R&B Files - Updates & Amendments (page 1) John Lee Hooker Part II There are 12 books (plus a Part II-book on Hooker) in the R&B Pioneers Series. They are titled The Great R&B Files at http://www.rhythm-and- blues.info/ covering the history of Rhythm & Blues in its classic era (1940s, especially 1950s, and through to the 1960s). I myself have used the ”new covers” shown here for printouts on all volumes. If you prefer prints of the series, you only have to printout once, since the updates, amendments, corrections, and supplementary information, starting from August 2019, are published in this special extra volume, titled ”Updates & Amendments to the Great R&B Files” (book #13). The Great R&B Files - Updates & Amendments (page 2) The R&B Pioneer Series / CONTENTS / Updates & Amendments page 01 Top Rhythm & Blues Records – Hits from 30 Classic Years of R&B 6 02 The John Lee Hooker Session Discography 10 02B The World’s Greatest Blues Singer – John Lee Hooker 13 03 Those Hoodlum Friends – The Coasters 17 04 The Clown Princes of Rock and Roll: The Coasters 18 05 The Blues Giants of the 1950s – Twelve Great Legends 28 06 THE Top Ten Vocal Groups of the Golden ’50s – Rhythm & Blues Harmony 48 07 Ten Sepia Super Stars of Rock ’n’ Roll – Idols Making Music History 62 08 Transitions from Rhythm to Soul – Twelve Original Soul Icons 66 09 The True R&B Pioneers – Twelve Hit-Makers from the
    [Show full text]
  • Stand by Me”—Ben E
    “Stand by Me”—Ben E. King (1961) Added to the National Registry: 2014 Essay by Amanda Rodgers (guest post)* Ben E. King Original 45rpm Leiber and Stoller It started with a simple chord progression, one that had appeared in hundreds of soul and doo- wop songs already but that was used here with such effective grace that it came to be known as the “’Stand By Me’ changes.” That chord progression inspired the iconic bass line that begins the song, accompanied only by a triangle and a brush scraped lightly across the base of a snare drum. And when Ben E. King’s passionate, gospel-flavored tenor joined that simple introduction, the world sat up and took notice. Of course, this is none other than the timeless “Stand By Me,” a song that has touched millions of people’s hearts since it was recorded and released in 1961. A seamless combination of gospel and doo-wop, a love song, a protest anthem, a declaration of enduring friendship, a worship song --this incredible composition is all of these and more. In 1960, King was already a star. His band, the Drifters, had recently scored their first number- one hit with “Save the Last Dance for Me,” thanks in part to King’s heavenly tenor voice. However, due to a contract dispute, King left the Drifters just as they were picking up momentum. After he convinced Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records to let him have a shot at a solo career, Wexler put King in touch with none other than Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
    [Show full text]
  • The Influence of Latin Music in Postwar New York City Overview
    THE INFLUENCE OF LATIN MUSIC IN POSTWAR NEW YORK CITY OVERVIEW ESSENTIAL QUESTION How did the growth of New York City’s Latino population in the 1940s and 50s help to increase the popularity of Latin music and dance in American culture? OVERVIEW In the fall of 1957, the Broadway musical West Side Story opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in Manhattan. Featuring a musical score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, its story centered on two rival teenage gangs -- the all-white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks -- facing off on the streets of New York City. The play’s showcase number, “America,” dramatized the disparities between life in rural Puerto Rico and the opportunities available to immigrants living in the United States. Bernstein’s orchestrations drew heavily on Latin-style percussion and dance rhythms -- sounds that had become prominent in New York over the course of the 1940s and 50s, as the city’s Latino population boomed. During and immediately following World War II, the United States experienced an historic wave of immigration from Latin America, including a record number of immigrants from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. In 1940, the U.S. census reported just under 70,000 Puerto Ricans living in the country; by 1950, that number had grown to over 226,000, with eighty-three percent of that population living in New York City. As alluded to in West Side Story, many Puerto Ricans, (who held natural born U.S. citizenship), arrived seeking jobs in factories and on ship docks -- industries with greater economic security than the agricultural work available in Puerto Rico.
    [Show full text]
  • Interview with MARY WILSON Was Conducted by the Library of Congress on April 2, 2018
    This interview with MARY WILSON was conducted by the Library of Congress on April 2, 2018 Mary Wilson Photo credit: Alan Mercer Library of Congress: Can you tell me about the first time “Where Did Our Love Go?” was presented to you as a song to be recorded? Mary Wilson: We had already released five, or six, or seven singles and they had been received locally very well in Detroit, and the surrounding area, but we had never had a big, national chart hit and Berry Gordy was like, “We’ve got to get the girls a hit record.” That’s when he put us with his top writing team Holland, Dozier and Holland. HDH came up with “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes” and we thought we were on our way with a hit record. Motown then released “Run Run Run”—it never made the charts at all--but “Lovelight” made the charts and we thought, “We’re on the right track.” We kept on trying. One day HDH said they had just come up with some smashes; that’s what they used to say when they felt they had a hit! We were brought several songs to listen to as I recall. When we heard “Where Did Our Love Go?” none of us was really excited about it. I remembered saying to Eddie Holland that if we didn’t get a hit record our parents were going to make us go to college. He said, “Trust me, Mary, this song is going to be a hit.” The reason that we did not care for “Where Did Our Love Go” was that we wanted a song more like the other girl groups, with more R&B driven rhythm, like the Marvellettes and the Vandellas; after all we were the first girl group to sign with Motown.
    [Show full text]
  • Governor's Proclamation
    Governor's Proclamation WHEREAS, born August 15, 1925, in Dalzell, South Carolina, Bill Pinkney is a legendary performer and dedicated humanitarian whose strong roots encompass a deep and abiding love of God and country; and WHEREAS, entertaining and delighting audiences of all ages for more than fifty years as a founder of “The Drifters,” Bill Pinkney has also earned distinction as a soldier during World War II, an outstanding player with the Blue Socks Baseball Team, a gospel singer, and a tireless worker for the benefit of others; and WHEREAS, Bill Pinkney’s numerous awards and recognitions, including induction into the Rock and Roll, the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues/Beach Music, and the Vocal Group Halls of Fame, the receipt of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award, commendations from government officials and industry leaders, and a park named for him in his home town of Dalzell, South Carolina, are a testament to the incredible contributions he has made; and WHEREAS, as an ambassador of good will and music from the Palmetto State, Bill Pinkney has touched countless lives through his selfless commitment to his faith, his country, his music, and his fellow man. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark Sanford, Governor of the Great State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 15, 2005, as BILL PINKNEY DAY throughout the state and encourage all South Carolinians to join in the celebration of Bill Pinkney and his exemplary life of dedication as a soldier patriot, gospel vocalist, athlete, and popular music superstar on the occasion of his 80th birthday. MARK SANFORD GOVERNOR STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 2: Pop-Rock of the 50S and 60S
    The Development of Rock & Roll by Dr. Daniel Jacobson © 2016 All Rights Reserved CHAPTER 2 POP-ROCK OF THE 50S AND 60S INTRODUCTION Softer “pop” music styles have played important roles in the development of rock, especially from c1953 to 1966 and in the early 70s. Various pop-related styles in the 50s and early 60s include: • Doo-Wop (1950s and early ‘60s; combined Pop, Gospel and soft R & B elements) • Teen Idol “Crooners” (late ‘50s/early ‘60s; Dick Clark early rock era; soft R & B) • Surf Music (late ‘50s/early ‘60s) • Brill Building/Aldon Music (‘60s pop; extension of “Tin Pan Alley” tradition) • Early Motown (early 1960s; “Soul-pop” music) I. THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD IN 50s ROCK During the years 1957 to 1961, Rock & Roll lost the impact of at least ten of its most prominent trendsetters. • March 1956: While on his way to perform for The Perry Como Show in New York City, Carl Perkins was involved in a car crash in which he suffered a fractured shoulder and skull. Perkins lost his chance for major fame, and was soon overshadowed by the rise of Elvis Presley. • October 1957: Little Richard renounced Rock and Roll for the ministry of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. • November 1957: Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old third cousin (while “forgetting” to divorce his first wife.) The scandal that followed destroyed his career. • March 1958: Elvis Presley was drafted into the army, serving in Germany until 1960. • February 1959: a small-plane crash near Fargo, North Dakota killed Buddy Holly, J.P.
    [Show full text]
  • Extra Special Supplement to the Great R&B Files Includes Updated
    The Great R&B Pioneers Extra Special Supplement to the Great R&B Files 2020 The R&B Pioneers Series edited by Claus Röhnisch Extra Special Supplement to the Great R&B Files - page 1 The Great R&B Pioneers Is this the Top Ten ”Super Chart” of R&B Hits? Ranking decesions based on information from Big Al Pavlow’s, Joel Whitburn’s, and Bill Daniels’ popularity R&B Charts from the time of their original release, and the editor’s (of this work) studies of the songs’ capabilities to ”hold” in quality, to endure the test of time, and have ”improved” to became ”classic representatives” of the era (you sure may have your own thoughts about this, but take it as some kind of subjective opinion - with a serious try of objectivity). Note: Songs listed in order of issue date, not in ranking order. Host: Roy Brown - ”Good Rocking Tonight” (DeLuxe) 1947 (youtube links) 1943 Don’t Cry, Baby (Bluebird) - Erskine Hawkins and his Orchestra Vocal refrain by Jimmy Mitchell (sic) Written by Saul Bernie, James P. Johnson and Stella Unger (sometimes listed as by Erskine Hawkins or Jmmy Mitchelle with arranger Sammy Lowe). Originally recorded by Bessie Smith in 1929. Jimmy 1. Mitchell actually was named Mitchelle and was Hawkins’ alto sax player. Brothers Paul (tenorsax) and Dud Bascomb (trumpet) played with Hawkins on this. A relaxed piano gives extra smoothness to it. Erskine was a very successful Hawkins was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Savoy Ballroom ”resident” bandleader and played trumpet. in New York for many years.
    [Show full text]