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'Shivers down the backbone....'
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Rockin' Rollin' Diaries May '55 - '62 The charts in UK and USA, The releases and other important eventsMAY BIRTHDAYS
Ralph Bass - 1 May, 1911 (Bronx, NYC)
Died 5 March, 1997, aboard an aeroplane
Big Maybelle - 1 May, 1924 (Jackson, TN)
Died 23 January, 1972, Cleveland, OH
Sonny James - 1 May, 1929 (Hackleburg, AL)
Little Walter - 1 May, 1930 (Marksville, LA)
Died 15 February, 1968, Chicago, IL
Titus Turner - 1 May, 1933 (Atlanta, GA)
Died 13 September, 1984, Atlanta
Frank Fields - 2 May 1914 (Plaquemine, LA)
Glen Honeycutt - 2 May, 1933 (Belzoni, MS)
Link Wray - 2 May, 1935 (Dunn, NC)
Lesley Gore - 2 May, 1946 (Brooklyn, NYC)
James Brown - 3 May, 1928 (Macon, GA)
Frankie Valli - 3 May, 1937 (Newark, NJ)
Al Dexter - 4 May, 1902 (Jacksonville, TX)
Died 28 January, 1984, Lewisville, TX
Dick Dale - 4 May, 1937 (Boston, MA)
Bobby Mizzell - 4 May, 1937 (Childersburg, AL)
Ace Cannon - 5 May, 1934 (Grenada, MS)
Bunker Hill - 5 May, 1941 (Washington, D.C.)
Herbie Cox (Cleftones) - 6 May, 1939 (Cincinnati, OH)
Roy Hall - 7 May, 1922 (Big Stone Gap, VA)
Died 2 March, 1984, Nashville, TN
Jim Lowe - 7 May, 1927 (Springfield, MO)
Johnny Maestro (Crests) - 7 May, 1939 (Brooklyn, NYC)
Lorrie Collins - 7 May, 1942 (Tahlequah, OK)
Axel Zwingenberger - 7 May, 1955 (Hamburg, Germany)
Robert Johnson - 8 May, 1911 (Hazlehurst, MS)
Died 16 August, 1938, Greenwood, MS
Ricky Nelson - 8 May, 1940 (Teaneck, NJ)
Died 31 December, 1985, DeKalb, TX
John Fred - 8 May, 1941 (Baton Rouge, LA)
Billy Burnette - 8 May, 1953 (Memphis, TN)
Hank Snow - 9 May, 1914 (Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada)
Died 20 December, 1999, Nashville, TN
Sonny Curtis - 9 May, 1937 (Meadow, TX)
Dave Prater (Sam and Dave ) - 9 May, 1937 (Ocilla, GA)
Died 9 April, 1988, Syracuse, GA
Nokie Edwards (Ventures) - 9 May, 1939 (Lahoma, OK)
Tommy Roe - 9 May, 1942 (Atlanta, GA)
Larry Williams - 10 May, 1935 (New Orleans, LA)
Died 7 January, 1980, Los Angeles, CA
Arthur Alexander - 10 May, 1940 (Florence, AL)
Died 9 June, 1993, Memphis, TN
Groovy Joe Poovey - 10 May, 1941 (Dallas, TX)
Died 6 October, 1998, Dallas
Danny Rapp (Danny & the Juniors) - 10 May, 1941 (Philadelphia, PA)
Died 4 April, 1983, Parker, AZ
Bert Weedon - 10 May, 1920 (London, England)
Joe Maphis - 12 May, 1921 (Suffolk, VA)
Died 27 June, 1986, Nashville, TN
Burt Bacharach - 12 May, 1928 (Kansas City, MO)
Bob Montgomery - 12 May, 1937 (Lampasas, TX)
Billy Swan - 12 May, 1942 (Cape Girardeau, MO)
Terry Fell - 13 May, 1921 (Dora, AL)
Dewey Phillips - 13 May, 1926 (Memphis, TN)
Died 28 September, 1968, Millington, TN
Ritchie Valens - 13 May, 1941 (Pacoima, Los Angeles, CA)
Died 3 February, 1959, near Clear Lake, IO
Will "Dub" Jones - 14 May, 1928 (Shreveport, LA)
Died 16 January, 2000, Long Beach, CA
Bobby Darin - 14 May, 1936 (Bronx, NYC)
Died 20 December, 1973, Los Angeles, CA
Charlie Gracie - 14 May, 1936 (Philadelphia, PA)
Don Guess - 14 May, 1937 (Aspermont, TX)
Died 21 October, 1992
Troy Shondell - 14 May, 1944 (Fort Wayne, IN)
Eddy Arnold - 15 May, 1918 (near Madisonville, TN)
Andy Anderson - 15 May, 1935 (Clarksdale, MS)
Trini Lopez - 15 May, 1937 (Dallas, TX)
Joe Saraceno - 16 May, 1937 (Utica, NY)
Joe Turner - 18 May, 1911 (Kansas City, MO)
Died 24 November, 1985, Inglewood, CA
Perry Como - 18 May, 1912 (Canonsburg, PA)
Died 12 May, 2001
Alma Cogan - 19 May, 1932 (London, England)
Died 26 October, 1966, London
Milt Gabler - 20 May, 1911 (New York City, NY)
Died 1999 or 2000
Teddy Randazzo - 20 May, 1937 (New York City, NY)
Fats Waller - 21 May, 1904 (New York City, NY)
Died 15 December, 1943, Kansas City, MO
Henry Glover - 21 May, 1921 (Hot Springs, AR)
Died 7 April, 1991, St. Albans, NY
Ronald Isley - 21 May, 1941 (Cincinnati, OH)
Scatman Crothers - 23 May, 1910 (Terre Haute, IN)
Died 22 November, 1986, Van Nuys, CA
Zeb Turner - 23 May, 1915 (Lynchburg, VA)
Died 10 January, 1978
Bumps Blackwell - 23 May, 1918 (Seattle, WA)
Died 9 March, 1985, Hacienda Heights, CA
Mac Wiseman - 23 May, 1925 (Waynesboro, VA)
Arthur Gunter - 23 May, 1926 (Nashville, TN)
Died 16 March, 1976, Port Huron, MI
Rusty York - 24 May, 1935 (Harlan County, KY)
Clint Miller - 24 May, 1939 (Ferguson, NC)
Lloyd Trotman - 25 May, 1923 (Boston, MA)
Norman Petty - 25 May, 1927 (Clovis, NM)
Died 15 August, 1984, Lubbock, TX
Cow Cow Davenport - 26 May, 1895 (Anniston, AL)
Died 2 December, 1955, Cleveland, OH
Peggy Lee - 26 May, 1920 (Jamestown, ND)
Levon Helm - 26 May, 1940 (Marvell, AK)
Hank Williams, Jr - 26 May, 1949 (Shreveport, LA)
T-Bone Walker - 28 May, 1910 (Linden, TX)
Died 16 March, 1975, Los Angeles, CA
Sonny Burgess - 28 May, 1931 (Newport, AK)
John Fogerty - 28 May, 1945 (Berkeley, CA)
Tooter Boatman - 30 May, 1936 (Mineral Wells, TX)
Died 1 August, 1964, Clear Lake, LA
May 1957 UK Top Ten (first week of the month): 1. Cumberland Gap - Lonnie Donegan 2. Baby Baby - Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers 3. Banana Boat Song - Harry Belafonte 4. Long Tall Sally - Little Richard 5. Rock-A-Billy - Guy Mitchell 6. Young Love - Tab Hunter 7. When I Fall In Love - Nat "King" Cole 8. Butterfly - Andy Williams 9. Look Homeward Angel - Johnnie Ray 10. Ninety-Nine Ways - Tab Hunter US Top Ten (first week of the month): 1. All Shook Up - Elvis Presley 2. Little Darlin' -Diamonds 3. Round And Round - Perry Como 4. Party Doll - Buddy Knox 5. Come Go With Me - Del Vikings 6. Gone - Ferlin Husky 7. I'm Walkin' Fats Domino 8. School Day - Chuck Berry 9. Why, Baby, Why? - Pat Boone 10. Butterfly - Andy Williams US R&B chart toppers this month: All Shook Up - Elvis Presley US Country chart toppers this month: Gone - Ferlin Husky All Shook Up - Elvis Presley A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) - Marty Robbins Honky Tonk Song - Webb Pierce Four Walls - Jim Reeves Some UK single 45 releases: Five Days, Five Days/Bi-I-Bickey-Bi, Bo-Bo-Go - Gene Vincent Roll Over Beethoven/Drifting Heart - Chuck Berry Train Of Love/There You Go - Johnny Cash I'm Walkin'/A Teenager's Romance - Ricky Nelson Mama Don't You Think I Know/Ruby Pearl - Jackie Lee Cochran Fabulous/Just Lookin' - Charlie Gracie Miracle In The Rain/Out In The Cold Again - Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers Little Darlin' - Gladiolas I'm Sorry/He's Mine - Platters Teach You To Rock - Freddie Bell & The Bell Boys A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) - Marty Robbins A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) - Terry Dene A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) - Johnny Desmond A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) - King Brothers Ring-A-Ding-A-Ding - Tommy Sands Yes, Tonight Josephine - Johnnie Ray Rootie Tootie/Lonesome Whistle - Hank Williams Don't You Know - Tom Tall & Ruckus Taylor Eight More Miles To Louisville - Grandpa Jones Six Five Special - Bob Cort Skiffle Six Five Special/School Day - Don Lang's & His Frantic Five Streamline Train/Railroad Steam Boat - Vipers Skiffle Group Shiralee/Grandad's Rock - Tommy Steele Let's Go Calypso - Rusty Draper Four Walls - Jim Lowe What Good'll It Do Me? - Ella Mae Morse I Love You/Eeh! Ah! Oh! Ooh! - Goons Rock-A-Billy - Billie Anthony Rock-A-Billy - Vic Chester Sittin' In The Balcony - Don Cornell It's Not For Me To Say - Johnny Mathis Wringle Wrangle - Bill Hayes Wringle Wrangle - Vaughn Monroe 1492 - Betty Johnson Falling Star - Four Preps Pretty Woman - Playmates Dark Moon - Gale Storm Silent Lips - Georgia Gibbs Without Him - Frankie Laine Many Times - Slim Whitman Empty Arms - Teresa Brewer Mr Wonderful - Peggy Lee Mr Wonderful - Dorothy Collins Fire Down Below/Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Jerri Southern If I Had A Needle And Thread - Shirley Bassey Good Morning Blues - Jimmy Jackson's Rock n' Skiffle In De Banana Tree - Mills Brothers Bahama Mama - Four Aces Round And Round - Four Lads Dreamer's Bay - Patience & Prudence The Gift - David Seville Orchestra The Jolly Gigolo - Bert Weedon The Gay Cavalier - Dick James Important events: Because the instruments are relatively cheap, and the music is not difficult to master, thousands of fans in Britain are forming their own skiffle groups in the wake of the do-it-yourself boom created by Lonnie Donegan, The Vipers, Johnny Duncan & The Bluegrass Boys, and The Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group. Equipped with guitars, washboards, kazoos and tea-chest basses, groups have sprung up in every school, college and youth club - in what was described in one newspaper as a 'snowballing skiffle epidemic'! Some groups try to incorporate rock'n'roll numbers, but most stick to the Donegan/Vipers songbag - plus current skiffle hits, like 'Freight Train', the debut by the McDevitt Group and their sweet-voiced singer Nancy Whiskey. The disc seems certain to give McDevitt a million seller first time out. As well as reaching the UK Top 10, it has captured imagination of transatlantic fans and is now emulating Lonnie Donegan's debut by rocketing the American charts. Philadelphian guitar-plucker Charlie Gracie recorded it first, but the man who has outsold him and fluttered 'Butterfly' to the top of the best sellers is Andy Williams. Born in Iowa, Williams sang in the local church choir before heading to California, where he soon established himself as resident singer on Steve Allen's popular TV show, "Tonight". 'Butterfly' is his British chart debut, but he made his initial Top 10 impact in the States last year - with 'Canadian Sunset' and he looks set to return there with his latest climber, 'I Like Your Kind Of Love'. Meanwhile, Gracie can console himself on two counts. He can expect a large royalty cheque from Tab Hunter's hit, 'Ninety Nine Ways' - which he wrote, while his new disc, 'Fabulous', is fast becoming a sizeable hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Freddie Bell & The Bellboys have arrived in Britain for a tour on which they share top billing with Tommy Steele & The Steelmen. First date is at the Dominion, Tottenham Court Road on May 20th. (Review from Daily Telegraph: "After 10 minutes of Tommy Steele, who followed closely on Freddie Bell, another instigator of rock'n'roll, I was ready to cry "O, death, where is thy sting?". Yet honesty compels me to admit that the indescribable din let loose by these two turns caused - to put it mildly - something of a furore around me. In the modern idiom, this was an evening out for the "cats". Personally, I'll take the more soothing, more civilised caterwaulings of the four-legged kind") If company executives take a favourable view of Alan Freed's two ABC-TV rock'n'roll shows, transmitted this month, he'll probably be given a series. Alarmingly, after nine Top 10 entries, Bill Haley's flow of bit records appears to have dried up! "The sham engineers of the music industry, who steer the wheel of public opinion, are driving the good features of calypso into the ground. I shudder to think what these greedy men will eventually do to this true art form." - Harry Belafonte Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the composers of Elvis Presley's four million seller 'Hound Dog', have been commissioned to write songs for his next picture, Jailhouse Rock. Meanwhile, two more Leiber-Stoller penned songs, 'Searchin' and 'Young Blood', are heading towards the US Top 10 care of the versatile Coasters. "New Musical Express" headlines this month: We Had a Real Ball With the Globetrotters - Lonnie Donegan Saucy Shirley Turns On the Heat - Shirley Bassey The Platters Aren't Worried by the End of Rock n' Roll Ding Dong- It's Those Crazy Bellboys. Freddie Bell, interview McDevitt, Whiskey and Wild, Wild Skiffle. Vipers, Chas McDevitt, Nancy Whiskey, Bob Cort, Rusty Draper. Bellboys Meet Steelmen. The Bellboys, The Steelmen, Tommy Steele, Freddie Bell Nice To See You Again, Frankie Laine Marion, Yana, Dot & Ruby Go For 'Mr. Wonderful'. Marian Ryan, Ruby Murray, Dorothy Collins, Yana Goofy Goofers Set for Palladium Revue. Goofers Jimmy Dorsey's Condition 'Very Grave". McDevitt Soars in U.S. Hit List. McDevitt Group Lee Lawrence Quits Britain: Seeks New Career in States. Bill Haley Goes to Calypso Land. Julie London is So Tasty Comedy Records Are On the Up. Stan Freberg, Spike Jones Pat Boone Praises Presley. Other events: May 12: John Osborne, 27, author of "Look Back In Anger", left London Airport last night with Miss Mary Ure, 24-year-old actress, a few hours after they were married quietly by special licence at Chelsea Register Office. May 13: A Ferrari car hurtled into spectators only 25 miles from the finish of Italy's Mille Miglia (1,000 miles) road race today at Brescia, killing nine people. The driver, the wealthy Spanish sportsman the Marquis de Portago, who was 28, and his co-driver were also killed May 3: The death has been announced of Senator McCarthy at the age of 47. May 17: The Post Office is planning for 20 million telephone subscribers, linked to 8,000 exchanges, with automatic trunk dialling. This dialling will start in Bristol in 1959, and the equipment will do the "thinking" required to route calls. May 5: F.A. Cup Final result: Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 1. Manchester United's goalkeeper, Ray Wood, is stretchered off in the 6th minute after a foul charge by McParland. The twin questions of prohibiting violent charges on the goalkeeper, and the use of substitutes for injured players are both brought into debate. May 30: Real Madrid beat Fiorentina 2-0 in the final to retain the European Cup in Madrid. Goals were scored by di Stefano and Gento. May 1958
May 1958 UK Top Ten (first week of the month): 1. Whole Lotta Woman - Marvin Rainwater 2. It's Too Soon To Know/Wonderful Time Up There - Pat Boone 3. Who's Sorry Now - Connie Francis 4. Swingin' Shepherd Blues - Ted Heath 5. Magic Moments/Catch A Falling Star - Perry Como 6= Tequila - Champs 6= Grand Coolie Dam/Nobody Loves Like An Irishman - Lonnie Donegan 8. Lollipop - Chordettes 9. Breathless - Jerry Lee Lewis 10. Maybe Baby - Crickets US Top Ten (first week of the month): 1. Witch Doctor - David Seville 2. Wear My Ring Around your Neck - Elvis Presley 3. Twilight Time - Platters 4. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Laurie London 5. Tequila - Champs 6. Book Of Love - Monotones 7. Believe What You Say/My Bucket's Got A Hole In It - Ricky Nelson 8. A Wonderful Time Up There/It's Too Soon To Know - Pat Boone 9. All I Have To Do Is Dream - Everly Brothers 10. Lollipop - Chordettes US R&B chart toppers this month: Wear My Ring Around your Neck - Elvis Presley All I Have To Do Is Dream - Everly Brothers Witch Doctor - David Seville US Country chart toppers this month: Oh Lonesome Me - Don Gibson Just Married - Marty Robbins Some UK single 45 releases: Baby Blue/True To You - Gene Vincent Johnny B. Goode/Around And Around - Chuck Berry All I Have To Do Is Dream/Claudette - Everly Brothers Sick And Tired/No, No - Fats Domino My True Love/Leroy - Jack Scott What Am I Living For?/Hang Up My Rock'n'Roll Shoes - Chuck Willis Oh What A Feeling - Five Fleets Rumble/The Swag - Link Wray Ring-A-Ling/The Johnny Otis Hand Jive - Johnny Otis Talk To Me, Talk To Me/Spasms - Little Willie John That's All I Need To Know - Sam Cooke Twilight Time/Out Of My Mind - Platters I Dig You Baby - Marvin Rainwater Hawaiian Rock/Teen-Age Doll - Tommy Sands Creepin', Crawlin', Cryin' - Billie & Lillie with Billy Ford & The Thunderbirds I Met Him On A Sunday - Shirelles Good Gracious Baby - Sam Butera Book Of Love - Monotones Book Of Love - Mudlarks Book Of Love - Barry Barnett Big Man - Four Preps You - Aquatones You - Gale Storm Jennie Lee - Billie Ward & His Dominoes Oo-La-La - Treniers Jackie Brown - Passions Close Friends - Chants Make Ready For Love - Otis Blackwell Hard Times (The Slop) - Noble "Thin Man" Watts & His Rhythm Sparks Tootsie - Carl McEvoy Wee Willie Brown - Lou Graham Gamblin' Gal - Rusty Draper Li'l Liza Jane - Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley Boys Itching For My Baby - Johnny Duncan & The Blue Grass Boys Apache - Chiefs Carry My Books - Bobby & Jim No School Tomorrow - Chuck Reed Teacher, Teacher - Johnny Mathis Chanson D'Amour - Art & Dotty Todd Chanson D'Amour - Fontane Sisters Chanson D'Amour - Tony Brent Straight Skirts/Patsy - Diamonds Sugar Blues - Tina Robin College Man - Bill Justis Nothing Will Ever Change (My Love For You) - Vipers Stairway Of Love - Marty Robbins Stairway Of Love - Terry Dene Stairway Of Love - Michael Holliday Stairway Of Love - Alma Cogan Fried Onions - Lord Rockingham's XI Down Deep - Southlanders Witch Doctor - David Seville Orchestra Witch Doctor - Don Lang & His Frantic Five Endlessly - Johnnie Ray It's Easy To Say - Johnny Nash Secretly - Jimmie Rodgers Saturday Dance - Teresa Brewer Saddle The Wind - Julie London Invitation - Dakota Staton Important events: Alan Freed is not popular with the citizens of New England, who fear that his latest 'Big Beat' package spells nothing but trouble. Other cities look like following the Mayor of New Haven's decision to ban his 17-act tour after a series of stabbings, beatings and robberies at the Boston Arena show. A sailor was on the danger list at City Hospital, where a dozen others were also taken for treatment. The outbreak of violence came as 6000 poured out of the Arena. Police had refused to let Freed have the house lights turned down during the performance. 'I guess the police here in Boston don't want you kids to have a good time,' he said from the stage. Custodians of the law have long sought to find a tangible link between rock'n'roll and teen delinquency . . . perhaps this is all the evidence they need. British fans have long anticipated the arrival of dynamic piano-thumper Jerry Lee Lewis, described as the most frantic and awe-inspiring rock'n'roll artist in America. They expected a 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On' - but now they're shaking with rage! Jerry Lee has returned home after the abrupt cancellation of his tour. He played only three nights of his contracted 35. A media storm blew up when the singer admitted that his third wife, Myra, is only 14. Moreover, she is also his cousin. Indignant parties insisted that Lewis be castigated for his unacceptable behaviour. The tour will carry on, with The Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group and Terry Wayne filling out the bill. Lonnie Donegan's latest Top Tenner 'Grand Coolie Dam', is about an American hydro-electric project. Another dream has come true for The Crickets: during a break in their touring schedule, all three purchased brand-new imported British motorcycles! Resting after a mauling he suffered when fans stormed the stage in Dundee, Scotland, Tommy Steele will play a bullfighter in his next film, "Tommy The Toreador" The son of a California grape farmer, David Seville's first taste of success came in 1951, when he wrote Rosemary Clooney's million-seller, 'Come-On-A My House' - but then he abandoned the music business to become an actor. After landing roles in films like "Rear Window" and "The Proud And The Profane", however, he returned to records, reaching the US charts with his instrumental, 'Armen's Theme'. His latest waxing, 'Witch Doctor', is a radical departure - a novelty featuring a speeded-up vocal. In the States, it sold in such quantities that it prevented the new Elvis single from reaching No. 1 . . . unheard of! "New Musical Express" headlines this month: Johnnie Ray.I'm yours as long as you want me 'Fair' records by Ronnie and Gary; new releases of songs from 'My Fair Lady,' Ronnie Hilton and Gary Miller. Gold Disc and major film offer for Laurie London; EMI records, Columbia Pictures, Big budget release with musical numbers. Vaughan and Steele injured this week; are fans too enthusiastic? Severe bruises, torn hair, police escorts, should precautions be taken? Frankie Vaughan opens PoW TV series, June 22; Prince of Wales Theatre, series to coincide with release of film 'Wonderful Things.' A musical about the disc world; "Expresso Bongo," story of ".the rise to fame of a Tommy Steele-like character." Chuck Jumps to Sweet 16 in Charts; Chuck Berry's "Roll over Beethoven," "Rock and Roll Music," and "School Day." Frankie Vaughan to Finance Scholarships; Vaughan agrees to finance the National Youth Orchestra in England, and a similar organization in U.S. Top British fee offered to Sinatra; Sinatra receives highest offer to an American for British TV. Donegan's Irish song banned by the BBC; "Nobody Loves Like An Irishman," was banned for religious reasons. Tommy Steele's Lewisham show cancelled; Steele has missed two weeks of variety and two concerts through the mauling inflicted by fans. Dickie Valentine declares 'We could kill rock, if.'; Valentine asserts that whatever musicians do can be accepted by fans. Says nothing wrong with rock, but declares he is not good at it. Everly boys change their style; Everly Brothers produce a smooth, flowing song. Steele Bullfighter in Third Film?; New Film for Tommy. Johnnie Ray mystery: Why no permission for drummer-till now?; Musicians Union allows personal drummer to work as part of accompanying band. Weary Shirley is glad to be home; Shirley Bassey is back home after six month trip to Australia. He won fight for his life; Guy Mitchell makes comeback from impending decline into obscurity. Rock 'N Roll Must Go; American song writers visit Britain, and declare war on Rock 'N Roll: Jule Styne, Al Hoffman, Dick Manning, Alan Jay Lerner, & Meredith Wilson. Mathis song played on the air at wrong speed! Lonnie Donegan Honoured: Chosen For Scot's Royal Variety Show; Donegan to be honoured by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Johnnie Ray, Guy Mitchell, Frankie Laine: their greatest hits on special LPs; souvenir albums issued by Philips Records. West End Stage project: then Broadway and Hollywood plans; Tommy Steele to star in staged production of "Cinderella." Role will not start until Steele recovers from exhaustion. Frankie Vaughan's Film Basis of Television show; Vaughan's recent film is to be the subject of an ABC TV special. Liverpool loves Guy Mitchell; Mitchell's audience loves him more every performance. Jerry Lee Lewis is Here!; Analogies made between Lewis and Presley, Little Richard, and Pat Boone. Jerry Lee Lewis was the 'wildest.'; Lewis' tour cut short. Reviews still rave. Lonnie Donegan hits out; Skiffle is proclaimed dead, but Donegan is still producing chart topping material. Jerry Lee Lewis drops bombshell; Lewis demands full salary for his tour, even though it was cut short. Complications with his marital status to blame for cancellation. Frankie Vaughan and David Hughes for Scottish Royal Stage Show; Vaughan and Hughes to join Donegan at honours ceremony. Presley, Boone outvoted by Britain's Frankie in poll; Vaughan voted "Top Screen Singing Star" in Picturegoer's annual awards. Presley Posted to Europe! Strong hopes of British concerts; Presley's post in Europe gives rise to hope for a British concert. Other events: May 6: 7,000 buses are off the roads of London due to a strike - yet the capital is brought to a virtual standstill by traffic congestion. May 17: Miss Hilda Harding, who is 42, has been appointed Britain's first woman bank manager by Barclays Bank, which she joined 24 years ago as a shorthand typist. She will take over a branch which is to open next December at Hanover Street, Mayfair, and her chief clerk will be a woman. May 20: For the first time, men's fashions have a "Line". It is called the Flare Line. This is the masculine version of the fashionable "trapeze" line, the 1958 "must" for women. The Flare line features jackets and coats which flare prominently at the back, sleeves with an outward flare at the wrist, secured with only one button. Trousers flare from the knee to 19 inches at the ankle. May 20: Ronald Colman, the screen actor, has died at the age of 67. He was born in Richmond, Surrey and made his first professional stage appearance in London in 1916. His most popular successes include "Beau Geste", "A Tale Of Two Cities", the "Bulldog Drummond" series, "Clive Of India", "and "Prisoner Of Zenda". In 1947 he was awarded an Oscar for his performance in "A Double Life" May 5: FA Cup Final result: Bolton Wanderers 2 Manchester United 0. Further fuel is added to the argument regarding the charging of goalkeepers as Nat Lofthouse bundles Ray Wood, the Manchester United goalkeeper, plus the football, over the goal-line for Bolton's second goal. The sympathy of neutral observers was with Manchester United, who had eight players perish in the Munich air disaster only three months earlier.
May 1959
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. A Fool Such As I/I Need Your Love Tonight - Elvis Presley
2. It Doesn't Matter Any More - Buddy Holly
3. Side Saddle - Russ Conway
4. Donna - Marty Wilde
5. Petite Fleur - Chris Barber
6. It's Late/Never Be Anyone Else But You - Ricky Nelson
7. Charlie Brown - Coasters
8. C'mon Everybody - Eddie Cochran
9. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Platters
10. Come Softly To Me - Fleetwoods
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Come Softly To Me - Fleetwoods
2. A Fool Such As I - Elvis Presley
3. Venus - Frankie Avalon
4. Pink Shoelaces - Dodie Stevens
5. Guitar Boogie Shuffle - Virtues
6. The Happy Organ - Dave "Baby" Cortez
7. I Need Your Love Tonight - Elvis Presley
8. Tell Him No - Travis & Bob
9. Sorry (I Ran All The Way Home) - Impalas
10. Turn Me Loose - Fabian
US R&B chart toppers this month:
It's Just A Matter Of Time - Brook Benton
Kansas City - Wilbert Harrison
US Country chart toppers this month:
White Lightning - George Jones
The Battle Of New Orleans - Johnny Horton
Some UK single 45 releases:
Kansas City/She Knows How To Rock - Little Richard
Kansas City - Wilbert Harrison
Kansas City/The Twist - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
Poor Jenny/Take A Message To Mary - Everly Brothers
Dream Lover/Bullmoose - Bobby Darin
A Teenager In Love - Dion & The Belmonts
A Teenager In Love - Craig Douglas
Castin' My Spell/Telephone Baby - Johnny Otis Show
I'm Ready/Margie - Fats Domino
Hey Little Lucy! (Don'tcha Put No Lipstick On) - Conway Twitty
It's The Truth, Ruth - Big Bopper
I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself/To Be With You - Buddy Knox
I Waited Too Long - Lavern Baker
So Fine - Fiestas
Endlessly - Brook Benton
Guess Who - Jessie Belvin
No Matter What You've Done/Up Jumped A Rabbit - Frankie Lymon
Come To Me - Marv Johnson
Frankie's Man Johnny - Johnny Cash
Bonaparte's Retreat - Billy Grammer
Talk Of The School - Sonny James
True Blue - Frankie Miller
Hot Cargo - Jimmy Lytell
Guitar Boogie Shuffle - Virtues
Sweet Chile - Sheb Wooley
A Pub With No Beer - Slim Dusty & His Bushlanders
Caramba - Champs
I Wanna Be Loved By You - Marilyn Monroe
When Your Hair Has Turned To Silver - Treniers
I Need Your Loving - Roy Hamilton
Tremble - Malcolm Dodds
Goodnight Irene - Billy Williams
Gambler's Love - Rose Maddox
The Beat - The Rockin' R's
Move Over Rover - The Mark IV
Cool - Kalin Twins
Wa-Chi-Bam-Ba - Watusi Warriors
Chili Beans - Coo-Coo Rachas
Ah, Poor Little Baby/Runk Bunk - Adam Faith
No Other Arms, No Other Lips - Vince Eager
Fabulous Cure/Midnight Oil - Dickie Pride
Rock Around The Mailbag/Blackout - Terry White & The Terriers
Percy Green - Don Lang
Warm Your Heart/Hey Miss Fannie - Dean Webb
Hallelujah, I Love Him So - Chris Connor
Hallelujah, I Love Him So - Peggy Lee
A New Fangled Tango - Lena Horne
Forgive Me - Bill & Brett Landis
Mama's Place - Bing Day
The Bunny Hop Rock - Ray Anthony Orchestra
Your Cheatin' Heart - Billy Vaughn Orchestra
As Time Goes By - Johnny Nash
Wang Dang Taffy-Apple Tango - Pat Boone
Gidget - Jimmy Darren
Boom-Ladda-Boom-Boom - Laurie London
Saturday Night In Tijuana - Cindy & Lindy
Quiet Village - Martin Denny
Billy Boy - Fontane Sisters
Roulette - Russ Conway
Sea Cruise - Charlie Drake
Hop, Skip & Jump - King Brothers
If You Knew Susie- Knuckles O'Toole
Come Home To Loch Lomond And Me - Kathie Kay
Sing Little Birdie - Bert Weedon & His Music For Dancing
Come Dance With Me (LP) - Frank Sinatra
Important events:
Hoping to reinstate himself on our charts, Conway Twitty has arrived in
Britain for two appearances on "Oh Boy!"
Frankie Avalon has a frisky challenger in America's teen-idol stakes . . .
his best friend! Known simply by his first name, Fabian is one of the
hottest singing fireballs to explode on the music scene for years - in
fact, he's stimulated more press coverage than any star since Elvis. The
eldest son of a police officer, 17-year-old Fabian is a lithe and virile
six-footer, who believes in putting everything he's got into his vigorous
performances. From the same South Philadelphia neighbourhood as Frankie
Avalon, he is also handled by the same management company and records for
the same label - but any rivalry is very friendly. Teenage girls have
fainted at his shows, and the young heart throb requires a police escort
wherever he appears, but he still intends to complete his education before
plunging into show business full time. Already this year, he has
registered two US hits, 'I'm A Man' and 'Turn Me Loose' - both reinforcing
the tempestuous personality which has led fans to dub him 'The Tiger'!
"Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb" is a Stateside smash for Ed Byrnes,
jive-talking star of the TV series "77 Sunset Strip".
May 29: One of the first outdoor rock/blues festivals takes place at the
Herndon Stadium in Atlanta, starring Ray Charles, B.B. King and The
Drifters. It rains.
After helping out on literally hundreds of other people's discs, Britain's
hardest working studio guitarist, Bert Weedon, has a hit of his own - his
first, after more than 25 years in the business.
He has put his personal stamp on 'Guitar Boogie Shuffle' - an American hit
for The Virtues. The man who plays the sizzling solos on records by Tommy
Steele, Terry Dene and Marty Wilde, admits to having felt a little
apprehensive when rock'n 'roll first came in. 'After practising so hard to
achieve a good, pure tone, it was a bit of a bringdown to play some of the
things that were asked of me. However, I always go along with the trend and
try to give the public what it wants - and if it wants a clangy guitar,
then I'll oblige!'
May 14: Cliff Richard's first movie "Serious Charge" premieres in London.
The fi8lm stars Anthony Quayle, with Cliff featuring as a young
semi-delinquent trying to make it as a rock singer.
As complete unknowns, both Terry Dene and Marty Wilde have auditioned for
Decca A&R manager Dick Rowe - who signed Terry but turned Marty down.
May 30: The last "Oh Boy!" show is broadcast on ITV.
Comparable in stature to the famous Academy Awards for films, the National
Association of Recording Arts and Sciences have introduced a similar
ceremony, to present outstanding musical contributors with annual 'Grammy'
awards. Twenty-two categories are devoted to achievements in popular music
and jazz - with five nominations in each. Among those winning the first
awards, announced this month, were:
Record Of The Year
'Volare' by Domenico Modugno
Album Of The Year
'Peter Gunn' by Henry Mancini
Best Comedy Performance
'The Chipmunk Song' by David Seville
Best C&W Performance
'Tom Dooley' by The Kingston Trio
Best R&B Performance
'Tequila' by The Champs
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
Lloyd Price has a perfect alibi for being noisy - 7 brothers and sisters
will make you loud.
Ricky Nelson is still scared of girls - gets three phone calls a meal for a
date.
Lonnie Donegan's lost film mystery is solved - disappeared for 2 years,
Donegan opens with "Light Fingers"
Cliff Richard BBC-TV debut set for next week.
Antohony Newley isn't Idle in the hit parade. Actor who doesn't want to be
in the hit parade.
Marino Marini will leave his money in England- for son's schooling.
Italian Pianist tours Britain and wants his kids to go there.
Terry Dene didn't hear the boos; he was making too much noise himself.
It's great to be here - interview with Conway Twitty.
The Kaye Sisters talk about Frankie Vaughan, and he talks about them. They
worked together and liked it.
Talent makes Paul Anka rich. Paul Anka is the richest teen in show
business.
TV channels in Pop battle. ABC and BBC both focus on pop chart toppers.
Johnny Cash is still waiting - wants to go to Britain.
I'd miss the screams admits Cliff Richard "but I could do with out them"
Doris Day still hopes to come to Britain. Has a blood ailment.
Russ Conway's piano was too tuneful for "Roulette". Piano too "in tune" to
record.
Paul Anka wins great victory. British tour off to great start.
Sinatra's LP makes the Top Thirty "Come dance with me"
Disc stars dominate Manchester's First Royal variety performance - lots of
stars. Cliff and Marty Wilde to sing for Queen.
They want to appear in Britain. McGuire Sisters ambition.
Fats Domino gives "Margie" a new lease of life; originally a 1920's tune.
Ricky Nelson as an actor. Quick on the draw in "Rio Bravo"
Eddie Fisher reveals exciting British projects and ambitions; most
publicised singer talks to the press.
Johnnie Ray has plans to tele-record 39 shows here - most ambitious
recording project in Britain by American .
Disclands' surprising partnership. Louis Prima and Keely Smith. Glamour
and beauty.
Everly Brothers. They can't be beaten.
Other events:
May 7: Britain yesterday delivered two emphatic protests to the Iceland
Foreign Ministry in Reykjavik at the methods adopted against British
trawlers on the high sea off Iceland. They concerned; 1. "Reckless
shooting" by the Iceland coastguard ship "Thor" at the British trawler
"Arctic Viking" last Thursday night during which live shells were fired; 2.
"Dangerous manoeuvres" by the Iceland ship "Maria Julia" in attempts to
obstruct British trawlers.
May 8: Proposals for the closing of 230 stations throughout the country
have been submitted by British Railways to the Central Transport
Consultative Committee, it was stated by the British Transport Commission
last night. It is possible that all 230 stations may be closed within the
next twelve months.
May 27: The number of workless in Britain has fallen for the fourth
successive month and is likely to drop again in the fifth month. The total
figure is now below the half-million mark for the first time since last
September.
May 25: A striking increase in the smoking of filter-tipped cigarettes in
Britain was revealed yesterday in figures published by the Tobacco
Manufacturers' Standing Committee. An increase in tobacco consumption from
256,000,000 lb to 260,800,000 lb would seem to indicate that public
statements linking lung cancer with tobacco smoking have had no effect on
tobacco sales. A new development is the fact that about 25,000 women now
"roll their own". Women, whose cigarette smoking more than doubled between
1939 and 1945, appear to have settled down to a steady average of 3.3 lb a
head annually.
May 8: The Mermaid Theatre, a full-blooded enterprise which began as a
dream of one man, Bernard Miles, many years ago, was opened by the Lord
Mayor of London, Sir Harold Gillett, at Puddle Dock, Blackfriars, last
night. It is the first new theatre in London for nearly 30 years, and the
first in the City for nearly 300 years.May 1960
May 1960
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Cathy's Clown - Everly Brothers
2. Do You Mind? - Anthony Newley
3. Someone Else's Baby - Adam Faith
4. Fall In Love With You - Cliff Richard
5. Handy Man - Jimmy Jones
6. Shazam - Duane Eddy
7. Sweet Nothin's - Brenda Lee
8. Stuck On You - Elvis Presley
9. My Old Man's A Dustman - Lonnie Donegan
10. Standing On The Corner - King Brothers
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Stuck On You - Elvis Presley
2. Green Fields - Brothers Four
3. Sixteen Reasons - Connie Stevens
4. Sink The Bismarck - Johnny Horton
5. The Old Lamplighter - The Browns
6. Night - Jackie Wilson
7. Cradle Of Love - Johnny Preston
8. Let The Little Girl Dance - Billy Bland
9. Theme From "A Summer Place" - Percy Faith
10. Sweet Nothin's - Brenda Lee
US R&B chart toppers this month:
White Silver Sands - Bill Black's Combo
Doggin' Around - Jackie Wilson
US Country chart toppers this month:
He'll Have To Go - Jim Reeves
Please Help Me, I'm Falling - Hank Locklin
Some UK single 45 releases:
Three Steps To Heaven/Cut Across Shorty - Eddie Cochran
True Love Ways/Moonbeams - Buddy Holly
Baby, Baby, Bye Bye/Old Black Joe - Jerry Lee Lewis
Pistol Packin' Mama/Weeping Willow - Gene Vincent
That's Love/You Don't Know - Billy Fury
Young Emotions/Right By My Side - Ricky Nelson
Burning Bridges/Oh, Little One - Jack Scott
Rockin' Red Wing - Sammy Masters
Love You So/My Babe - Ron Holden
My Little Honeydripper/Chains Of Love - Joe Turner
Ebb Tide - Platters
Step By Step - Crests
When You Wish Upon A Star - Dion & The Belmonts
Runaround - Fleetwoods
One Mint Julep - Clovers
Nobody Loves Me Like You - Flamingos
My Empty Room - Little Anthony & The Imperials
Ooh Poo Pah Doo Parts 1 & 2 - Jessie Hill
At My Front Door - Dee Clark
Robot Man - Connie Francis
The Urge - Freddy Cannon
Jenny Lou - Sonny James
Pink Chiffon - Mitchell Torok
Please Help Me, I'm Falling - Hank Locklin
Token Of Love - Benny Barnes
Easy Lovin' - Wade Flemons
I'll Be Alright (In The Morning) - Faron Young
I Only Want Some - Chris Connor
Lonesome Boy - Johnny Russell
Happy-Go-Lucky-Me - Paul Williams
Happy-Go-Lucky-Me - Russ Sainty & The Nu-Notes
Happy-Go-Lucky-Me - Frank Ifield
Rockin' Horses - Apollos
Clap Your Hands - Beau-Marks
I Wanna Go Home - Lonnie Donegan
Ain't Misbehavin' - Tommy Bruce & The Bruisers
You'll Never Know What You're Missin' Till You Try - Emile Ford
What A Mouth - Tommy Steele
What A Kiss Won't Do - Johnny Oliver
The Ties That Bind - Brook Benton
Ruby - Adam Wade
Deep In The Heart Of Texas - Dave 'Baby' Cortez
If I Can Help Somebody - Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Twelfth Street Rag - Bert Weedon
He'll Have To Stay - Jeanne Black
He'll Have To Stay - Sally Kelly
City Lights - Debbie Reynolds
Frankie And Johnny - Sylvia Robbins
Yes Indeed - De John Sisters
I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time - Tab Hunter
Romantica - Jane Morgan
Coming Round The Mountain - Chipmunks
Cherry Pie - Jess Conrad
Important events:
A Manhattan Grand jury has indicted eight people - including America's most
influential and popular disc jockey, KDAY's Alan Freed - for having
received in excess of $30,000 in payola. This illegal pay-for-play policy
has run rampant throughout the US radio industry for many years, but in an
effort to improve its poor image, Freed is believed to have been made
something of a scapegoat. Though he has pleaded not guilty as charged,
Freed's trial has been set for September 19.
'Eddie Cochran is not dead!' says his fiancee, Sharon Sheeley, the
20-year-old US songwriter, still recovering in a London hospital from
multiple injuries she received in the auto smash that killed Cochran.
'Eddie is away on a long tour and it won't be long before I see him again
soon. I don't need to find another lover. My love for Eddie is strong
enough to last, and, I thank God for the three years He let me have with
him.' Their relationship began in 1957, when they were introduced by The
Everly Brothers. 'It was, on my part, love at first sight, but Eddie paid
no attention to me. We did not meet again for about nine months,' recalls
Sharon. 'Eddie asked me for a date, but asked if I would first agree to go
steady with him - I gladly consented. A month later, we became engaged.
We planned to marry in America. We were due to fly back last month, and it
was on the way to the airport that Eddie was killed. I can tell you that
Eddie was singing "California, Here I Come", at the time - and we were both
so happy that we were going home to be married.' Miss Sheeley, who has
flatly rejected offers from various US record companies to cut a 'tribute'
disc about Eddie, insists that she's sickened by the attempts by certain
individuals to make a profit from Cochran's death. Does she treasure any
particular memories of her relationship with Eddie? 'No! our love and the
times we had together is the deepest, dearest memory I possess.' (please
note that this is a contemporary account from the New Musical Express)
Conway Twitty, Freddy Cannon, and Johnny Preston are trekking around the UK
with locals Wee Willie Harris & Tony Crombie's Rockets.
Stateside, 'The Eddie Cochran Memorial Album' has been rush-released.
After three years, Liverpool's popular Cavern Club, in Mathew Street, has
moved with the times and finally 'recognised' rock music. The club's
previous jazz-only booking policy has been dropped. The first two local
beat groups to benefit - Cass & The Casanovas and Rory Storme & The
Hurricanes.
Safe-As-Milk Elvis surrogate Tommy Sands has commenced a six-month stint
with US Air Force.
Liverpool beat group, The Silver Beetles are touring Scotland as Johnny
Gentle's backing band.
'Perhaps the most embarrassing moment in my career was when six girls tried
to fling themselves under my car, and shouted to me to run over them. That
sort of thing can be very frightening!' - Ricky Nelson
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
Everly Brothers, British tour review
Steve Lawrence is Joining Top Class. Steve Lawrence, rising fame
Craig Douglas gives Credit for 'Heart' to composers. Craig Douglas, "Heart
Of A Teenage Girl"
Four Lads Stand on the corner with Frank Loesser. The Four Lads, "Standing
on the Corner"
Uncle Sam's letter almost cancelled out Jerry Keller's tour of British
cities. Jerry Keller, Gene Vincent, return to Britain
Here's health and happiness to two VIP record enthusiasts. Princess
Margaret, Anthony Armstrong-Jones, marriage
Singers Who Write Their Own Songs. Billy Fury, Max Bygraves [sic], et al
Newcomers to the Charts. Edward Byrnes, Billie Bland, Connie Stevens
Connie Francis says Pop is Healthy!. Connie Francis, opinion
Nelson, Ricky. I'm as nervous as a kitten when I have a new disc out.
May 1961
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. You're Driving Me Crazy - Temperance Seven
2. Blue Moon - Marcels
3. Wooden Heart - Elvis Presley
4. Don't Treat Me Like A Child - Helen Shapiro
5. On The Rebound - Floyd Cramer
6. Warpaint - Brook Brothers
7. Theme From Dixie - Duane Eddy
8. A Hundred Pounds Of Clay - Craig Douglas
9. Gee Whiz It's You - Cliff Richard
10. Lazy River - Bobby Darin
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Runaway - Del Shannon
2. Mother-In- Law - Ernie K-Doe
3. I've Told Every Little Star - Linda Scott
4. A Hundred Pounds Of Clay - Gene McDaniels
5. Blue Moon - Marcels
6. But I Do - Clarence Henry
7. Take Good Care Of Her - Adam Wade
8. One Mint Julep - Ray Charles
9. You Can Depend On Me - Brenda Lee
10. On The Rebound - Floyd Cramer
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Mother-In-Law - Ernie K-Doe
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
US Country chart toppers this month:
Don't Worry - Marty Robbins
Hello Walls - Faron Young
Some UK single 45 releases:
She She Little Sheila - Gene Vincent
Hello Mary Lou/Travelin' Man - Ricky Nelson
Surrender/Lonely Man - Elvis Presley
Runnin' Scared/Love Hurts - Roy Orbison
Big Chief Heartbreak - Johnny Preston
A Little Feeling (Called Love) - Jack Scott
Little Egypt/Keep On Rolling - Coasters
The Frightened City - Shadows
Saved - LaVern Baker
The Continental Walk - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
Please Tell Me Why - Jackie Wilson
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Not Me - U.S. Bonds
Truly True - Billy 'Crash' Craddock
Rainbow Round My Shoulder - Billy Grammer
Sad-Eyed Baby - Bobby Helms
Hide Away - Freddy King
Have Gun/The Honeydripper - Clovers
Come Along - Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs
Summertime - Marcels
A Love Of My Own - Carla Thomas
What A Surprise - Johnny Maestro
The Boll Weevil Song - Brook Benton
Find Another Girl - Jerry Butler
I Don't Want To Cry - Chuck Jackson
Trust In Me - Etta James
You're A Livin' Doll - Bobby Bond
Tragedy - Fleetwoods
Little Devil - Neil Sedaka
Motorcycle Michael - Jo Ann Campbell
I've Told Every Little Star - Linda Scott
Baby Stay Close To Me - Travis & Bob
Danny Boy/The Blizzard - Jim Reeves
Lullaby Of The Leaves - Ventures
The Snake - Maximilian
Bumble Boogie - B. Bumble & The Stingers
Jungle Drums - Clyde Otis Orchestra
Eclipse - Vigilantes
Loch Lomond Rock - Ramrods
Brass Buttons - String-A-Longs
Loose Ends - Ronnie & The Rainbows
Good Good Lovin' - Chubby Checker
That Old Black Magic - Bobby Rydell
Gotta Get A Girl - Frankie Avalon
That's Why - Donnie Brooks
Li'l Ole Me - Cornbread & Jerry
Ambush - Outlaws
Cry Of The Wild Goose - Challengers
Winding It Up - Werlwinds
Moody River - Pat Boone
Exodus - Edith Piaf
Sanctuary - Julie London
Well I Ask You - Eden Kane
Strictly For The Birds - Dudley Moore
Can This Be Love - Matt Monro
You'll Never Know - Shirley Bassey
I Still Love You All - Kenny Ball
My Foolish Heart - Nancy Wilson
Lonely People - Debbie Reynolds
Dondi - Patti Page
Dondi - Capello Kids
Do-Re-Mi - Anita Bryant
Exclusively Yours - Mark Wynter
Pablo - Russ Conway
Tunes Of Glory - Andy Stewart
The Lonely Goatherd - Ronnie Ronalde
Important events:
Prior to switching to the prestigious Her Majesty's Theatre in London's
West-End, the British production of the Elvis-spoof Broadway musical smash,
"Bye Bye Birdie" has opened its provincial run at the Manchester Opera
House, with pop idol Marry Wilde suitably cast in the title role.
When Britain's king-size-guitar man Bert Weedon recently dropped backstage
to catch twangy guitar star Duane Eddy's UK tour, the two top players
engaged in much mutual backslapping. During the course of the
conversation, the very outgoing Weedon couldn't help remarking on the
American performer's extremely inanimate low-profile before an audience.
Bert: 'Duane, I notice you usually don't use make-up on stage. Any
reasons?' Duane: 'Simply because I don't like it. Frankly, I usually have
enough of a sun-tan to get by with.' Bert: 'May I speak truthfully? I
think your stage act with The Rebels is tremendous, but, same time I'm sure
it could be even better with more production. What do you think?' Duane:
'If you mean movement and choreography, I'm not very keen on the idea. My
plan is simply to go on and entertain without too many trimmings. I'd
rather it be a spontaneous act than a too-well-planned one.'
Advance sales of 461,500 copies of Elvis's new UK release 'Surrender'
qualified it as biggest ever UK pre-sale.
'It's hard for some people to believe, but I only talk like Kookie in '77
Sunset Strip' - never in private. But I don't live the role 24 hours a day
and that disappoints them!' - Ed 'Kookie' Byrnes
Lonnie Donegan has adapted the traditional cocaine-snorter's anthem 'Have A
Whiff On Me' into a cheery bar-room singalong 'Have A Drink On Me'.
Gene Vincent has become the first US star to feature on the UK ABC-TV's
prestigious chart-slanted show, 'Thank Your Lucky Stars'.
Not one to squander his earnings from endlessly touring in support of such
definitive rock hits as 'Sweet Little 16', 'Johnny B. Goode', 'Carol',
'Sweet Little Rock And Roller', 'Almost Grown', 'Little Queenie', 'Memphis
Tennessee', 'Let It Rock' and a dozen more, Chuck Berry has realized a
personal ambition and opened Berry Park - a 30-acre family amusement
complex the outskirts of his St Louis hometown. Aside from the usual
crowd-pulling attractions such as a Ferris Wheel, amusement rides,
sideshows and a children's zoo there's swimming, miniature golf, picnic
areas and barbecues. For many, however, the real attraction is the
possibility catching the owner himself performing in the ballroom.
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
Easy Going Adam Admits He Likes to be Invaded by G girls. Adam Faith, news
Donegan Booked for Australia Again. Lonnie Donegan, tours
"Clay" Song is Break with the Past. Craig Douglas, interview
Jerry Lee Lewis Stages a Comeback. Jerry Lee Lewis, news
Focus on a Shadow. Tony Meehan, Shadows, profile
Tony Bennett Admits Rock has Helped Stimulate Business.
Helen Shapiro is very nice to Know; interview, her ambitions
They all fall for Kenny Ball. Interview, Profile
Why I Gave up Singing Rock. Sal Mineo, Interview.
Focus on a Shadow. Terence Harris, Leader of Shadows, Interview
Are Disc Firms Playing Fair?. Record companies, teenage fans
Station of the Stars. Radio Luxembourg, 30th Anniversary; Commercial Radio
has Overcome Competition from ITV. Radio Luxembourg, commercial radio in
Britain.
Focus on the Final Shadow. Bruce Welch, profile
Billy Fury Took Chance with 'Paradise'. Profile
Ricky Nelson Gets Key of the Charts Door, too. Profile
Is Elvis no Longer the King of Rock? Controversy, interview
Colonel Parker Protects Elvis by Asking a Fortune for Him; profile, career
How a 208 Show Goes on the Air. information on programming
Originality, Personality +Versatility = Sedaka; career profile, Neil Sedaka
May 1962
UK Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Wonderful Land - Shadows
2. Hey Little Girl - Del Shannon
3. Hey! Baby - Bruce Channel
4. Nut Rocker - B. Bumble & The Stingers
5. Dream Baby - Roy Orbison
6. Tell Me What He Said - Helen Shapiro
7. Speak To Me Pretty - Brenda Lee
8. Rock-a-Hula Baby/Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
9. Never Goodbye - Karl Denver
10. Stranger On The Shore - Acker Bilk
US Top Ten (first week of the month):
1. Soldier Boy - Shirelles
2. Mashed Potato Time - Dee Dee Sharp
3. Johnny Angel - Shelley Fabares
4. Stranger On The Shore - Acker Bilk
5. Good Luck Charm - Elvis Presley
6. Shout - Joey Dee & The Starlighters
7. Lover Please - Clyde McPhatter
8. Slow Twistin' - Chubby Checker
9. P.T. 109 - Jimmy Dean
10. Twist Twist Senora - Gary U.S. Bonds
US R&B chart toppers this month:
Mashed Potato Time - Dee Dee Sharp
I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles
US Country chart toppers this month:
Charlie's Shoes - Billy Walker
She Thinks I Still Care - George Jones
Some UK single 45 releases:
Good Luck Charm - Elvis Presley
How Can I Meet Her?/That's Old Fashioned - Everly Brothers
Deep In The Heart Of Texas - Duane Eddy
Some Other Guy - Richie Barrett
Soldier Boy - Shirelles
Sing (And Tell The Blues So Long) - Jackie Wilson
Dr Feel-good/Mister Moonlight - Dr Feelgood & The Interns
Hide Nor Hair - Ray Charles
I'm Looking Out The Window/Do You Want To Dance? - Cliff Richard
Besame Mucho/Chills And Fever - Jet Harris
The Dribble - Raging Storms
Blues Stay Away From Me - Ace Cannon
Soul Twist - King Curtis
New Orleans, 2 A.M. - Khans
So This Is Love - Castells
Twist - Olympics
Stranger On The Shore - Drifters
I Wish That We Were Married - Ronnie & The Hi-Lites
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - Gene Pitney
Lemon Tree - Peter, Paul & Mary
Little Bitty Feeling - Frank Starr
Cry Baby - Eddie Reeves
Run, Romance, Run - Bruce Channel
Number One Man - Bruce Channel
She Cried - Jay & The Americans
A Picture Of You - Joe Brown
Lonely City - John Leyton
The Hermit Of Misty Mountain - Don Charles
It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' - Johnny Tillotson
Conscience - James Darren
Ginny Come Lately - Brian Hyland
Ginny Come Lately - Steve Perry
Orange Blossom Special - Spotnicks
A Big Big Baby - Doug Sheldon
I Don't Know Why - Eden Kane
Funny Way Of Laughin' - Burl Ives
I'm On My Way - Highwaymen
The Ballad Of Thunder Road - Robert Mitchum
Snap Your Fingers - Joe Henderson
Count Every Star - Linda Scott
Dream - Dinah Washington
Unsquare Dance - Dave Brubeck
When Loves Comes Along - Matt Monro
Far Away - Shirley Bassey
A Little Love, A Little Kiss - Karl Denver
Ain't That Funny - Jimmy Justice
Cry Baby - Ian Vint
Green Leaves Of Summer - Kenny Ball
My First Love Affair - Mike Preston
I Love Her Still - Mark Wynter
Uptown - Peter Gordeno
Never Believed In Love - Gary Mills
Jolly Old Spring - Leslie Phillips
Important events:
British fans have much cause for complaint over the lack of attention given
to B. Bumble & The Stingers' 'Nut Rocker' by BBC Radio DJ's. Though 'Nut
Rocker' (or as one observer commented: 'a diabolical liberty taken with Mr
Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite"') has been featured 'live' by a number of
BBC studio performers, the original Kim Fowley-produced Stateside recording
has made the UK Top 10 without any BBC airplay! It wasn't that the record
was banned, it was just ignored. Only when 'Nut Rocker' reached the upper
reaches of the charts under its own steam did it receive a solitary spin on
Alan Freeman's Top Ten Show as a matter of course. The only way British
fans could hear the record was by tuning into European based Radio
Luxembourg, where it was on the playlist of all the station's EMI Records
sponsored shows. It was due entirely to this that The Stingers buzzed into
the British bestsellers lists. Ironically, 'Nut Rocker' has proved to be
one of Top Rank Records' biggest-ever selling hits at a time when the label
is about to be discontinued, and the catalogue absorbed into other EMI
divisions. To complete the bizarre circumstances that have surrounded 'Nut
Rocker's' success, heavyweight piano-poundin' B. Bumble is persistently
miffed that nobody believes that he's recorded under his real name: B
(Bill) Bumble! [actually Lincoln Mayorga]
Don and Phil Everly have been discharged from the US Marines.
Frank Sinatra, who was once quoted as saying he didn't want 'bad rock and
roll records' on his Reprise record label, has sent his most devoted
finger-poppin' fans into shock by jumping aboard Chubby Checker's
commercial bandwagon and releasing a single, 'Ev'rybody's Twistin", an
update of an old jazz standard, 'Ev'rybody's Truckin".
The trend for actor-singers continues: Richard Chamberlain the handsome
26-year-old actor who stars in the title role of hit US-TV hospital drama,
'Dr Kildare' - has released his vocal version of the programme's popular
theme tune under the title 'Three Stars Shine Tonight'. Chamberlain, whose
daily fan mail is reported to exceed 3,500 letters is, so MGM Studios
inform the press, a quiet, studious chap who doesn't drink, rarely goes to
night-clubs and doesn't have a steady girlfriend. However, he takes his
new-found fame as a singer as seriously as his acting, and has already
named Elvis's 'Love Me Tender' as a likely follow-up.
Cliff Richard & The Shadows have been filming Summer Holiday in Greece.
The two most-played jukebox bits in the US in 1961 were Jimmy Dean's 'Big
Bad John' and Chubby Checker's 'The Twist'.
Blues legend John Lee Hooker has made the U.S. Pop charts for the first
time with 'Boom Boom'.
"New Musical Express" headlines this month:
It Was Most Fun Touring with Brenda Lee. Brenda Lee, tour, profile
Shirley Bassey's Disc Hits win most Acclaim. Bassey, performance at London
Palladium
The Real Jet Harris left the Shadows. Jet Harris, profile, leave from
Shadows, Brian Locking, new member of Shadows
Norman Vaughn's First Big Break - Cliff's Tour.
Why Did D-J's ignore B.Bumble?
Jovial Jimmy Savile proves it easy to be crazy.
Latest Chart Newcomer is another actor turned Singer. Mike Sarne, profile
Platters with two New Faces. Platters, addition to group, upcoming events
Adam Faith Sentenced to Death. Adam Faith, fourth film, success
Helen and Matt Ready for toughest Test. Helen Shapiro, Matt Monro, change
in performance style
Acker Bilk Sentenced to be Film Star. Acker Bilk, film, performance
Welcome to Lisa Kirk. Cabaret Star, newcomer
Cliff Says Ballads are Best. Cliff Richard, success, travel, future hopes
The Actor-Singer's Problems. John Leyton, advice, interview
Now I Know Why Eden Waxed this one. Eden Kane, Top Ten entry, profile
Win gets Trim for Hit. Winfred Atwell, first disc for Pye
Presley talks about Fury. Elvis, Billy Fury, views on Fury
Jet and Duane have Similar Assets. Jet Harris, Duane Eddy, performances,
songs
Dorothy Provine wants to learn the Twist here. Dorothy Provine, TV
Nice things been Happening to Helen. Helen Shapiro, interview, quotes
Star Party for Fury and Ball for Kenny. Kenny Ball, Billy Fury, quotes
I'm a Square - Admits Mike Sarne. Mike Sarne, profile, quotes
'Ginny Come Lately' may bring young Brian Hyland to Britain Soon. Brian
Hyland, instrumentalist, profile
