Rare & Scratchy Rock 'n Roll Podcast

R&SRNR_139 – “THE LOST TOP 40 HITS OF 1971”   This episode spotlights 40 lost Top 40 hits from the year 1971. It was a vintage year for music, including some great records you never seem to hear on the radio, or the satellite or on anyone’s live stream anymore. Three of the 45s on our playlist are from a famous Hollywood romantic drama. We’ve also got a top 40 hit that sounded like it was done by the Bee Gees – but it wasn’t. Then there’s the only charted 45 we know of that ever dealt with the topic of cannibalism. And we’ll recall a spoken word hit based on a poem that appeared on posters that were on the walls of a lot of teenagers’ bedrooms and college dorms – and top 40 radio station announcer lounges.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_138 – “THE MANY SIDES OF PHIL SPECTOR” – His remarkable career was a contrast of very good music and very bad behavior. But there’s no question that Phil Spector’s musical achievements across six decades beginning in 1958 and ending in 2003 earned him an indelible place in rock and roll history – and an in-depth retrospective on our little podcast series. We’ll salute artists who had hit singles that were produced and/or composed by Phil Spector. Plus hit 45s on which Phil Spector performed as a singer or a studio musician. In particular, Gene Pitney, Connie Francis, the Crystals, the Ronettes, Darlene Love, the Righteous Brothers, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, and George Harrison, among many others. Phil Spector’s trademark “Wall Of Sound.” was one of the most innovative, complex, and successful record production formulas of the 1960s. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along to explain how all that worked. And Radio Dave will have m

R&SRNR_137 – “Our 30 Nominees For The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame” The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame was founded in 1983, and its home is in Cleveland, Ohio. The honorees enshrined there are an honor roll comprising more than 300 of the greatest names in rock and roll history. And more are added every year. That said, we think there are many overlooked artists who deserve inclusion. These are especially performers who reached the heights of their fame during the first two decades of the “Rock & Roll” era – the 1950s’ and 1960s, the years we frequently focus on during our little podcast series. We’ll count down our own list of 30 nominees for you to consider. These are artists who have neither been nominated nor elected. but they include a vocalist who many musicologists think recorded the first rock and roll hit record. Plus, another singer who was just as popular, if not even more so, than Elvis Presley in the late 1950s. And there’s also the first female international rock and pop star. Our resident

R&SRNR_136 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE GRASS ROOTS” Hit songs credited to the Grass Roots were all over your radio dial in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Note that we said credited to rather than performed by. That’s because for most of its existence, the Grass Roots has been a brand in search of a band. The name Grass Roots was applied to anonymous studio musicians, until a formal group was recruited to tour under the Grass Roots moniker. Then that band was replaced by another group of musicians – with dozens of personnel changes to follow. We’ll review every Grass Roots hit single. Several of those charted 45s were remakes of other artists’ originals, and we’ll sample them, as well. Surprisingly, two Grass Roots hit singles were imported from Italy. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave with the provenance of those platters. Ken also will have some special tips for music collectors and fans on how to know if Grass Roots recordings you choose to obtain via vinyl, CD, or

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_135 – “BIG HITS & BIG LAW SUITS + PLATTERS ABOUT THE LEGAL PROFESSION” –  This episode spotlights some big hit records that were the subject of some great big law suits, plus assorted platters about the legal profession. These include musical testimonies by artists who were sued for copyright infringement and celebrated or criticized the results of their trials. We’ll sample those tunes, along with hit records about lawyers and judges. Featured artists include George Harrison, the Chiffons, Roy Orbison, 2 Live Crew, Jackson Browne, the Who, Stevie Wonder, and Prince, among others. Our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch and Radio Dave will spotlight two of the most litigious acts in music history – the Turtles and the Beatles. To help us understand the law and the lawsuits for this episode, we’ve asked well known Chicago trial lawyer Robert Berger to be our special guest. Not only has Rob handled a wide variety of legal disputes during his 45-year career, he was also the host

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_134 – “THE LOST TOP 40 HITS OF 1977” This episode spotlights 40 lost hits from the year 1977. It was a vintage year for music, including some great records you never seem to hear on the radio, or the satellite or on anyone’s live stream anymore. Three of the songs on our playlist are title tunes from blockbuster Hollywood movies. Another one is a dance version of the theme from one of the most beloved situation comedy shows in television history. We’ve even got a sex-rated hit single that a lot of radio stations refused to play. But we will. Our potpourri of platters ranges from hard rock and soft rock, to disco, rhythm & blues and even semi-classical. Our array of selected artists includes a teen idol, a TV police show star, a symphony orchestra, several singer-songwriters, and even some feathered farm animals. They’re all part of “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” show #134 – “The Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1977.” As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along to

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL – “HIT SINGLES COVER VERSIONS OF BEATLES ORIGINALS – PART 2” Although they were only active for a little over a decade – from 1960 to 1970, the Beatles remain to this very day the most covered band in rock and roll history. By covers, we mean new versions of their originals recorded by other artists. There are thousands and thousands of such takes on Beatles tunes in virtually every known musical genre. For instance, rock, rhythm & blues, pop, easy listening, country, jazz, and even classical. We’ve identified 64 Beatles originals that were remade into 130 hit singles by other performers around the world. The “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Medley Department has assembled those Beatles originals and those hit singles covers in 63 custom mixes that we’ve divided up for two editions of our little podcast series. We played 33 in our previous episode #132. We’ll review the remaining 30 in this show #133. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, has factoids about each song, a

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_132 – “HIT SINGLES COVER VERSION OF BEATLES ORIGINALS – PART 1” Although they were only active for a little over a decade – from 1960 to 1970, the Beatles remain to this very day the most covered band in rock and roll history. By covers, we mean new versions of their originals recorded by other artists. There are thousands and thousands of such takes on Beatles tunes in virtually every known musical genre. For instance, rock, rhythm & blues, pop, easy listening, country, jazz, and even classical. We’ve identified 64 Beatles originals that were remade into 130 hit singles by other performers around the world. The “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Medley Department has assembled those Beatles originals and those hit singles covers in 63 custom mixes that we’ve divided up for two editions of our little podcast series. It’s an ambitious presentation that we’re very sure no other broadcasters or podcasters have ever attempted. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, has factoid

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_131 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE FOUR SEASONS – PART 2" This is the second installment in our two-episode salute to a group whose incredible career has been celebrated on stage and screen in “The Jersey Boys.” They’re the Four Seasons. We’ll continue our chronicle comprising all of their hit singles. As we track the remainder of their hit tunes and other significant recordings – collectively as a group – and individually as soloists from 1967 to 2020. We’re joined once again by one of our frequent guest experts – Nay Nassar – a leading authority on rock and roll vocal groups. Nay and our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will showcase some of the Four Seasons extra-curricular activities as record producers and song writers for other artists. Plus, you’ll hear some other groups you’ll swear are the Four Seasons, but who really were just great soundalikes. There’s more of Ken Deutsch’s customary factoids, including the future trademark tune that Motown Records dis

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_130 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE FOUR SEASONS – PART ONE This is part one of our two-part salute to a group whose incredible career has been celebrated on stage and screen in “The Jersey Boys.” They’re the Four Seasons. We’ll chronicle all of their hit singles, as we track their tunes – collectively as a group – and individually as soloists from the 1953 to 2020. On this episode, we’ll cover their music through the year 1966. We’re joined by one of our frequent guest experts – Nay Nassar – a leading authority on 1950s and 1960s vocal groups. And our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, has sage perspectives on how the Four Seasons developed their distinctive sound. Plus, more of Ken’s customary factoids, including the Four Seasons unique connections with the Beatles and the Beach Boys. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Including some truly rare and scratchy answer songs by other artists who pressed platters in response t

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_129 – “ORIGINAL NAMES OF 30 FAMOUS ROCK & RHYTHM & BLUES GROUPS” Many of the greatest vocal groups and bands were known by different designations before they found fame using the names by which we know them now. Tracing those antecedent aliases is one of the most interesting and fun parts of rock and roll history. We’ll spotlight 30 of those acts on this episode. Along the way, we’ll identify the vocal groups and bands who used such pseudonyms as the Beat Brothers, Golliwogs, Little Boy Blue & The Blue Boys, The Parliaments, The Four Graduates, the High Numbers, Redwood, Wicked Lester, Shine, The Matadors, The Pigeons, Darrell & The Oxfords, Kenny & The Cadets, and Brave Belt, among others. One vocal group, in particular, set the record for the most stage names by a big-name act – 18 in all. And one family of record labels – Motown – was home to four celebrated sets of performers who parlayed their adopted appellations into solid gold.  

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL _128 – "THE LOST TOP 40 HITS OF 1967" This episode spotlights 40 lost hits from the year 1967. it was a magical time for music. Including some great records you never seem to hear on the radio, or the satellite or on anyone’s live stream anymore. And in a few instances, for very good reason. Three of the tunes on our playlist for this episode reflect the number one subject on everybody’s minds in 1967 – the Vietnam War. We’ve also added a big hit by a comedian whose personal and professional downfall five decades later was no laughing matter. Then there’s the revival of a classic song dedicated to mothers everywhere that’s nowhere now because of its politically incorrect provenance and racially insensitive symbolism. Lots of songs from Hollywood movies are also on our musical menu. Plus, you’ll groove to a potpourri of pop, psychedelic, soul, dance, and novelty numbers that were all over your radio dial. They’re all part of “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” show #128 – “The T

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL _127 – "THEY ALL SOUNDED LIKE ELVIS PRESLEY" Elvis Presley just has to be the most imitated performer in pop music history. Beginning with his ascent to super stardom in 1956, and continuing after his death in 1977, myriad performers have sought success by emulating his sound and style. That doesn’t even include the countless Elvis impersonators who’ve made a living by keeping Presley’s performing persona alive. We’ve ranked the top 20 recording artists of all time who’ve come the closest to cloning the King Of Rock & Roll. At least in our opinion. We’re calling this episode: “They All Sounded Like Elvis.” While most of these performers purposely patterned themselves after Presley, the number one recording artist on our play list didn’t intentionally copy the King Of Rock & Roll. He was just born with a voice that was almost identical to Elvis Presley’s. Can you guess who he is? Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along wit

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_126 – “ELVIS PRESLEY'S RHYTHM & BLUES HIT SINGLES" – It’s the rhythm & blues hit singles career of Elvis Presley. Since 1955, there have been 170 Elvis Presley singles on Billboard’s various hit music charts. 35 of those 45s were listed on Billboard’s R&B rankings between 1956 and 1963. We’ll cover them all – along with the original versions by R&B pioneers who inspired Elvis. Plus, some later renditions by singer/songwriters who composed rhythm & blues hits expressly for the King Of Rock & Roll. This rockumentary also includes two Elvis Presley R&B hits of historical significance. One never charted on the Rock singles ranking. Another one was censored, and a new version with less salacious overtones was waxed to replace it. Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with background on Billboard’s R&B charts. Ken Deutsch will also profile some of the Black – and White composers behind many of Elvis Pr

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL – "45 LOST CHRISTMAS 45s OF THE 1970s" This is our fifth annual Xmas podcast. On earlier editions, show #25 told “The Little-Known Stories Of The Biggest Christmas Hits." #51 showcased "The Top 40 Lost Hits Of Christmas." #75 presented "The Beatles & Elvis Presley For Christmas." And #101 spotlighted “45 Forgotten 1960s Xmas 45s.” Now on this episode #125, it’s the yuletide tunes of another decade – “45 Forgotten 1970s Xmas 45s.” Including the rarest Xmas hit single of all time. All but five of the songs we’re sampling made the hit singles charts in the U.S. and/or the U.K. But now these tunes are missing from most AM, FM, and satellite stations’ holiday season play lists. Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist Ken Deutsch adds background about the hit music surveys that ranked Xmas singles in the 1970s. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR_124 – "COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF BREAD & DAVID GATES ET. AL." This episode salutes a band which was synonymous with the soft rock sound that was all over your radio in the 1970s. The group’s primary lead vocalist composed all their hit singles, except one, and also achieved significant solo success. That band was Bread, and that singer-songwriter is David Gates. We’ll sample all of Bread’s and David Gates’ hit singles – plus a whole lot more. David Gates was a constant in Bread – as various other talented musicians and singer-songwriters rotated in and out of the band – in particular, Jimmy Griffin, Robb Royer, and Larry Knechtel – whom we’ll also spotlight in this podcast. Various Bread members also played a part in hits by Glenn Yarbrough, Simon & Garfunkel, and the Carpenters, among many others. We’ll sample some of those songs, too. Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with the David Gates/Yogi Bear connection – plus lots of fun f

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_123 – "20TH CENTURY TV COMMERCIAL ROCK & ROLL" Advertisers have licensed countless hit songs so that they could repurpose them for television commercials. But when it comes to hit songs that were inspired or originated by these ads first – well, not so many. We’ll feature 31 of them – plus nine more such 45s that didn’t chart – 40 tunes in all from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. These include hit songs from ads selling coffee, beer, hamburgers, hair tonic, chewing gum, headache and indigestion remedies, soft drinks, cigarettes, and toothpaste. Plus, there were some promoting automobiles, gasoline, crackers, bread, wedding supplies, photographic film, toilet paper, dogfood, and even a bank. We’re calling this episode: “20th Century TV Commercial Rock & Roll.” Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, was once the creator of commercial jingles that aired across the U.S. and around the world. In addition to his usual fun factoids, Ken will relate

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_122 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HSTORY OF THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS –  This episode salutes one of the most famous duos in rock and roll history. Their distinctive style inspired a new term to describe rhythm & blues and soul music performed by White artists – “Blue Eyed Soul" – the Righteous Brothers – Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. Their version of a theme song from a 1955 Hollywood movie about prison life became one of the most enduring love songs of the 1960s – later to be revived and top the charts after their recording was used in a blockbuster motion picture a quarter century afterward. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave to present the provenance of that platter and several others – as we sample every hit single ever by the Righteous Brothers, plus the original versions by other artists. And you’ll hear the charted 45 RPM remakes of their hits by other singers. We’ll also track the solo hit singles waxed by Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield during the

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_121 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF SAM COOKE" This episode salutes one of the most influential artists in popular music history. After achieving fame as a gospel vocalist, he went on to achieve super-stardom as the “King Of Soul.” His hit stylings also included rock and roll, easy listening, and show tunes – the immortal Sam Cooke. We’ll sample all of his hit singles, plus the original versions by artists who inspired him. And you’ll hear the charted 45 RPM remakes of his hits by other singers. There’s so much history here that once again our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will join Radio Dave as the co-anchor on this episode. Together, we’ll relate Sam Cooke’s lasting legacy as an activist for improved race relations, tell the tale of soul music stars Otis Redding’s and Arthur Conley’s misappropriation of a Sam Cooke composition, and connect the dots between Sam Cooke and the careers of Herb Alpert, Lou Adler, Lou Rawls, Bobby Womack, Aretha Franklin, and even Bob

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_120 – "40 LOST TV SHOW THEME SONG HITS" –  Many of television’s biggest hit shows were also hits on your radio as their theme songs achieved great ratings on Billboard magazine’s singles charts. And in some cases, those theme songs turned out to be more popular than the television shows for which they were created. We found 40 hit television themes that radio and satellite stations seem to have lost. These include vocals by such stars as Johnny Cash, Sammy Davis Jr., Al Jarreau, Dionne Warwick, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Rivers, and Jose Feliciano. Plus, melodies by Henry Mancini and Mike Post. We’ll re-run the TV theme songs with the most hit versions – one was about a real life American folk hero and the other set the musical mood for a fictional detective. Can you guess who they are? There’s so much fun stuff to tell you about all of these tunes that Ken Deutsch will co-anchor this episode with Radio Dave as we present the television theme song edition of the greatest rock and