Temptations – Otis Williams on why the Temps are still in demand – 1min49seconds

Elvis Presley would have been 76 today. His favorite roller coaster is called the Zippin Pippin, and it was in constant use as late as 2005 when Libertyland (on the Mid-South Fairgrounds property in Memphis) shut down. The coaster itself was built in 1923 and efforts to rebuild and keep it in Elvis’ hometown failed. So how is it ending up in Green Bay, Wisconsin?

In 2010  it was sold for $2,500 and moved to Green Bay to be re-assembled at the Bay Beach Amusement Park.  Fundrasing activities  continue to cover the $3.5 million renovation that is expected to be completed in time to open in May 2011.

During the evenings events at Libertyland 2002 Joe Esposito related the story of how Elvis would fools around at Libertyland. His favorite joke was to ride the Zippin Pippin to the top and get the attendant to stop the cart at the top where he would get off and hide.  When the cart returned and Elvis was not there everyone (not in on the joke would freak out) thinking Elvis had fallen out along the way. Finally, Elvis would arrive in his usual casual manner, laughing hard and long.  Here are some pictures of the project.  I’ll keep you posted.

If you can find an earlier one, I’d like to hear it!  This was recorded on July 28, 1955 in Florida with Mae Axton.  Mae was a huge early supporter, co-wrote Heartbreak Hotel, and was Hoyt Axton‘s mom.  Hoyt went on to be a successful singer-songwriter who wrote Three Dog Night‘s biggest hit hit Joy To The World.  Elvis was just 20 at the time of this recording and was not yet a national figure.  It would be six months latter that all hell broke loose.  This is an amazing piece of rock and roll history.

Presley, Elvis – first recorded interview w-Mae Axton – 55 07-28 – lo-fi

Legendary rocker Chuck Berry (whose only #1 hit came in 1972) collapsed on his keyboard while performing at last night the Congress Theater in Chicago during a New Years celebration.  Chuck’s head was on the keyboard and he was motionless  move for a brief while.  He was then assisted by people who escorted him off the stage.  After 20 minutes he returned and tried to perform with his guitar but then told the crowd he didn’t have the strength.

A Chicago fire official said that Berry was ill before the show and was checked out by ambulance personnel.   After a few minutes he said he felt better and signed a release.

Concertgoer Steve Handwerker said Chuck was giving an erratic, out-of-tune performance. While sitting at the keyboard, Handwerker said, Berry fell onto it face first and was helped offstage. He said he went outside and saw an ambulance at the back of the theater, but ran back inside when he heard the remaining crowd roar.

Chuck, still in his performance outfit, was standing unassisted and seemed alert, Handwerker said. He said Berry thanked the crowd, said medics put on a blood pressure cuff, and patted his chest.

Saying he wanted to give fans what they wanted, Berry did a step or two of what he called his “heel scoop” move and was helped offstage. Handwerker said he later saw Berry get into a white limousine and ride away from the theater.The Sun-Times said that Berry, who had just recently played two shows at New York’s B.B. Kings’s Blues Club and Grill on New Year’s Eve, also said Chuck was not in sync with his Chicago band during the show last night. 

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMl82G-Xamw&feature=related

After a few false starts and a nasty head cold for the past week, I’m ready for my regular blog.  Irregular might be the operative word as I have I tendency to color outside of the musical lines when it comes to my interests.  I’m as comfortable talking about Glen Frey as I am Glenn Gould.  Billy Joel or Billy May.  In other words, there are few things that don’t interest me.  I’m not crazy about metal but there few exceptions – and I don’t consider Zepplin or Def Leppard metal, so let’s draw that distinction right now.  I don’t like rap or hip hop because I don’t find it musically intersting and the lyrics in many cases turn me away.  That said I love roekabilly ehich is just about as repitious as it gets!  Ravel’s Bolero – not so much.  Enough about my likes or dislikes, I’m interested in what you like and why?  I hopw we can share those likes in this blog and turn each other onto some music that we’ve nevery heard.  And if you have any questions about a song or artist, I dig out the answer as best I can.  And yes I am also a record collector and yes I do have a want list which I’ll post soon.

Meanwhile I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Steve

Steve