From Craig V – Mr. Pop – I heard before JFK was assassinated, a rather odd home movie was made by him – showing his death.
Mr. Pop Culture – Such a movie was made on that Labor Day weekend in 1963. According to the book, “A Hero for Our Time” by Ralph Martin – the movie shows Kennedy leaving his Honey Fitz yacht and suddenly – clutches his chest then falls to the ground. Several people including his wife Jackie, are shown walking past his body like nothing happened.
Sounds more like a Frank Zappa music video.
No such film is in the archives at the JFK library – and – it is indeed a mystery.
From Jeneene S – Mr. Pop. Was looking at Nancy Sinatra’s greatest hits and noticed contributions by Lee Hazelwood as a producer and songwriter with Nancy on certain songs. Was that her father’s idea?
Mr. Pop History – No. Lee Hazelwood was a producer, songwriter and part-time singer, although not the best. Someone once told me he sounded like – well, what John Wayne would sounded like if he sang a song. I thought that was funny.
He was brought to Frank Sinatra’s “Reprise” label to produce Dino, Desi & Billy, then he began working with label mate Nancy Sinatra. He wrote her biggest hit, “These Boots Are Made For Walking” and continued to write and produce her songs – and even sang with her on several minor hits.
He also produced the #1 hit “Something Stupid” with Nancy and her father.
He once said of the line, “One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you” – that it came from a western movie.
From Jenny E – Mr. Pop – A friend of mind brought up an interesting breakfast cereal. She said she was around 5-years-old (C. 1961) and the cereal in question had star-shapes. It was not Lucky Charms, but she says she remembers the big “G” on the box.
Mr. Pop History – Well, the big “G” stands for goodness (remember that?). Actually, General Mills had such a cereal, labeled “Twinkles.” It didn’t last long.
From Steve R – Mr. Pop – On the “Grunge” music time line – what started it all?
Mr. Pop History – Although Grunge had been around since the Psyche ’60’s – Mainstream Grunge began with 1990’s “Louder Than Love,” the debut album for Soundgarden.
From Adam G – What was the only Beatles album released with nada a Beatles single?
Mr. Pop History – It was intentional – and another reason why this album was so unique. It was 1967’s “Sgt. Pepper.” Not one single was released. It was a total album concept. For all those who remember – “All You Need Is Love” was the summer 1967 by the Beatles.
From Raymond L – Mr. Pop, can you give me an instance in pop history – where a music artist fan or a groupie – turned out to be important for that artist?
Mr. Pop History - The one that comes to mind immediately is the late Danny Sugarman – who – as it turned out, kept the legacy of the Doors alive well after they had gone their separate ways.
He was the classic groupie pesk. They’d tell him to leave and he’d come back. They eventually put him on payroll and he answered fan mail. Leader Jim Morrison took a liking to him and introduced him literature and drugs. Later, Sugarman became the publicist and manager for Ray Manzarek and eventually, become caretaker of the Door’s Legacy. He coauthored the 1980 Jim Morrison bio – “No One Here gets Out Alive” and consulted on Oliver Stone’s “The Doors.” He also got Elektra Records to release “The Doors Greatest Hits” among other feats.
From Steve J – Mr. Pop – TV movies have or are written for 7 acts. Theater movies are written for only three acts. Why?
Mr. Pop History – TV is that way in order to accommodate commercials and station breaks.
And, TV movies on commercial networks are exactly 96 minutes. And remember – each act has to have its sort-of cliffhanger – especially the top-of-the-hour. Now – movies on HBO and other pay nets – they’re written as three acts. The second act is always the hardest to write.
From Jonie Y – Mr. Pop – Do you know how much music – the maximum music that could be played from a 45rpm record? A 33rpm record?
Mr. Pop History – For each side – 8 minutes was the max for 45rpm singles. A 33 long-play record – 22 minutes. Remember – that’s each side.
From Steph W. – Mr. Pop – I saw your review of a book called “Sh-Boom” by Clay Cole. I can’t wait to buy it!
Mr. Pop History – Yes and thanks. Sh-Boom by Clay Cole is a wonderful read for pop and music fans. It’ll be available on October 1. Clay was a top video pop personality back in the 1960’s and his book is a must for anyone. Clay is so smart, he even knew that WMCA radio was the first to play Capitol Records’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles – setting off Beatlemania back on December 26, 1963.
You won’t be able to put the book down. It’s that good!
From Regina M – Mr. Pop – Re: Paul McCartney and his songwriting… He has had such a wonderful command of the English language. Has Paul ever taken liberties to such an extant as to turn the language on its side?
Mr. Pop History – You mean use bad grammar? How about “My Love Does It Good” should be – “My Love Does It Well.” It just doesn’t have the same ring.
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