Mr. Pop History – Even though “The Monkees” was a show about a rock band, pop history tells us that David Jones, Mickey Dolenz, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork stood on their own early on. “The Monkees” TV show debuted in September of 1966, but just a few short months later, the boys were performing in Hawaii. So, they could play. OK – Mickey had to learn the drums in a short time, but the other three had terrific music credentials and didn’t have to act like they were playing and signing. Actually, Mickey was a great pop singer in his own rite.
They came to New York and Forest Hills during the summer of 1967 (a great concert summer for the Monkees BTW). The WMCA Goodguys and Dick Clark presented them – and I was told they were great!
Mr. Pop History – With over 4 million in sales, the winner is Vaughn Meader’s “The First Family” album. People couldn’t get enough of John F. Kennedy, his family and staff. First played over station 1010WINS in November of 1962 (thanks www.mrpopculture.com).
Here’s something from my December 15, 1962 week:
Records – seems like “The First Family” by Vaughn Meader is one of the hottest records albums ever. People are lining up at record stores to purchase the album. Also, Allan Sherman’s “My Son, The Folk Singer” is getting lots of attention. Both Sherman and Meader are new to records. It’s reported that Sherman is receiving 60 cents for every album sold, Meader – 50 cents. “The First Family” is a parody of the Kennedy White House, with Meader doing a great imitation of JFK. Sales of the album have surpassed 3 million.
Mr. Pop History – This is easy. It was Aerosmith’s “Head First” back in 1994.
Mr Pop History – Yes, getting ready for the finished Mr. Pop site. Lot’s of work – but – all the weeks will finally be in place. And much more.
AM radio – Thought it should have gone away 15 years ago. It’s so noisy and antiquated. It had its place, but stations should have moved to another FM band – or at least, the industry should have had a plan. With its big towers and (mostly) directional signals – it just seems to me that its plan smarter to move everything to the higher frequencies – where most can compete with equal power. It was fun in the old days with distant signals and such. But today – it just doesn’t make sense it is not compatible with the digital/high tech world.
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