Showing posts with label country music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label country music. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, June 14, 2010
Saturday, September 26, 2009
When TV Stars Sing - Part 2
Continuing the trend that began in the 1960s, sitcom stars of the 70s also tried their hands at recording careers.
Doubtlessly inspired by the success of their Friday night neighbors, THE BRADY BUNCH boys all attempted to capture the success that THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY's David Cassidy had. In 1972, Barry Williams a.k.a. Greg Brady a.k.a. Johnny Bravo released something called Sweet Sweetheart. Sounds sweet. Williams later became a Broadway star (I regrettably saw him in something called ROMANCE, ROMANCE) and released an album titled The Return of Johnny Bravo in 1999.
Also in 1972 Paramount Records put out Meet Chris Knight - Over... whatever that means. Either Over... was a song title or instructions on what to do with the record once you played side one.
In 1973, Peter Brady teamed up with Marcia, Marcia, Marcia for Chris Knight & Maureen McCormick. Jan must have been so jealous - after all she was Peter's "twin", not Marcia! Maureen had previously recorded a solo single with the songs Truckin' Back to You and the provocatively titled Teeny Weeny Bit (Too Long). She released a string of singles over the next few years. More than twenty years later McCormick released her first solo album, a country CD called When You Get a Little Lonely (1995). In 1997 she played country singer Barbara Mandrell in the television biography GET TO THE HEART: THE BARBARA MANDRELL STORY.
Not to be left out, the youngest Brady boy, Bobby released a single on Capitol Records in 1973 called Love Doesn't Care Who's In It with Gum Drop on the B-side. I wish I was just one song called Love Doesn't Care Who's In The Gum Drop.
No relation to Barry, HAPPY DAYS star Anson Williams (Potsie Webber) had a single in 1977 called Deeply. His co-star Donny Most (Ralph Malph) had a whole album (not pictured).
In 1976, LAVERNE & SHIRLEY stars Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams recorded an entire album of songs sung in character as loudmouth Milwaukee beer factory employees. Fun!
Later in 1979, their friends Lenny & Squiggy got their shot with Lenny & Squiggy Present Lenny & the Squigtones on Casablanca Records-the label who gave us Donna Summer and KISS!
Meanwhile, Jimmie JJ Walker had an album called Dyn-o-mite! I think this might have been a comedy record, but I'm including it anyhow. Jimmie's GOOD TIMES co-star Ralph Carter had a minor singing career (remember, he appeared courtesy of RAISIN) and a little-known castmember by the name of Janet Jackson also later scored a recording contract. Next up...it ain't over till the dramatic TV actresses of the 70's sing.
Doubtlessly inspired by the success of their Friday night neighbors, THE BRADY BUNCH boys all attempted to capture the success that THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY's David Cassidy had. In 1972, Barry Williams a.k.a. Greg Brady a.k.a. Johnny Bravo released something called Sweet Sweetheart. Sounds sweet. Williams later became a Broadway star (I regrettably saw him in something called ROMANCE, ROMANCE) and released an album titled The Return of Johnny Bravo in 1999.
Also in 1972 Paramount Records put out Meet Chris Knight - Over... whatever that means. Either Over... was a song title or instructions on what to do with the record once you played side one.
In 1973, Peter Brady teamed up with Marcia, Marcia, Marcia for Chris Knight & Maureen McCormick. Jan must have been so jealous - after all she was Peter's "twin", not Marcia! Maureen had previously recorded a solo single with the songs Truckin' Back to You and the provocatively titled Teeny Weeny Bit (Too Long). She released a string of singles over the next few years. More than twenty years later McCormick released her first solo album, a country CD called When You Get a Little Lonely (1995). In 1997 she played country singer Barbara Mandrell in the television biography GET TO THE HEART: THE BARBARA MANDRELL STORY.
Not to be left out, the youngest Brady boy, Bobby released a single on Capitol Records in 1973 called Love Doesn't Care Who's In It with Gum Drop on the B-side. I wish I was just one song called Love Doesn't Care Who's In The Gum Drop.
No relation to Barry, HAPPY DAYS star Anson Williams (Potsie Webber) had a single in 1977 called Deeply. His co-star Donny Most (Ralph Malph) had a whole album (not pictured).
In 1976, LAVERNE & SHIRLEY stars Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams recorded an entire album of songs sung in character as loudmouth Milwaukee beer factory employees. Fun!
Later in 1979, their friends Lenny & Squiggy got their shot with Lenny & Squiggy Present Lenny & the Squigtones on Casablanca Records-the label who gave us Donna Summer and KISS!
Meanwhile, Jimmie JJ Walker had an album called Dyn-o-mite! I think this might have been a comedy record, but I'm including it anyhow. Jimmie's GOOD TIMES co-star Ralph Carter had a minor singing career (remember, he appeared courtesy of RAISIN) and a little-known castmember by the name of Janet Jackson also later scored a recording contract. Next up...it ain't over till the dramatic TV actresses of the 70's sing.
Friday, September 25, 2009
When TV Stars Sing - Part 1
Long before "reality TV" contestants were burning up the Billboard Hot 100, TV stars have been capitalizing on their small screen success by using their vocal talents. I'll start with a look at sitcom stars of the 1960s.
The late BEVERLY HILLBILLIES star and Republican whack-job Buddy Ebsen recorded Buddy Ebsen Says Howdy back in 1965. Among the tunes can be found classics like You Are My Sunshine and Your Cheatin' Heart, as well as curiosities with titles like and Keep A-Thinkin' Pretty and Dear Hearts and Gentle People. One wonders where his pretty and gentle thoughts were when he campaigned against co-star Nancy Kulp (Miss Jane Hathaway) when she ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ebsen supported incumbent Bud Shuster, recording a radio ad for Shuster, labeling Kulp as "too liberal". Fuck him.
Not to be outdone, Hooterville neighbor Eddie Albert came out with The Eddie Albert Album in 1966. This bizarre offering was from Bob Dylan/Simon & Garfunkel producer Bob Johnston and featured The Green Acres Theme and Blowin' in the Wind.
Future Oscar-winner Sally Field, star of THE FLYING NUN (and SYBIL!) released the single Find Yourself a Rainbow in 1967. An album followed, and apparently you can download the tracks here at your own risk.
Patty Duke (whose voice was later dubbed in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS) released a bunch of singles and LPs during the run of THE PATTY DUKE SHOW. The 45 RPM Don't Just Stand There was her VERY FIRST RECORD!!!
The album Don't Just Stand There followed and the cover showed her sitting. On the floor. With her hand on her knee. Shouldn't it have been called Don't Just Sit There On the Floor with Your Hand on Your Knee ?
Next came Patty featuring a cover that probably drove Lesley Gore and Dusty Springfield nuts. I mean, I'm not a lesbian, but there's something really hot and butch going on there. Is it just me?
Evidently Patty had enough "hits" for United Artists to put out a Greatest Hits collection in 1966!
They later recycled the cover photo for TV's Teen Star Patty Duke in 1967 and I would think the track listing is pretty much the same too. 
MUNSTERS star Butch Patrick had to wait till 1972 (when he was almost 20) for his shot at music stardom. I.O.I.O. was the single, but B side I Want Sugar sounds like something I need to hear. Come back tomorrow as I look at 70's sitcom stars and their recording careers!
The late BEVERLY HILLBILLIES star and Republican whack-job Buddy Ebsen recorded Buddy Ebsen Says Howdy back in 1965. Among the tunes can be found classics like You Are My Sunshine and Your Cheatin' Heart, as well as curiosities with titles like and Keep A-Thinkin' Pretty and Dear Hearts and Gentle People. One wonders where his pretty and gentle thoughts were when he campaigned against co-star Nancy Kulp (Miss Jane Hathaway) when she ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ebsen supported incumbent Bud Shuster, recording a radio ad for Shuster, labeling Kulp as "too liberal". Fuck him.
Not to be outdone, Hooterville neighbor Eddie Albert came out with The Eddie Albert Album in 1966. This bizarre offering was from Bob Dylan/Simon & Garfunkel producer Bob Johnston and featured The Green Acres Theme and Blowin' in the Wind.
Future Oscar-winner Sally Field, star of THE FLYING NUN (and SYBIL!) released the single Find Yourself a Rainbow in 1967. An album followed, and apparently you can download the tracks here at your own risk.
Patty Duke (whose voice was later dubbed in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS) released a bunch of singles and LPs during the run of THE PATTY DUKE SHOW. The 45 RPM Don't Just Stand There was her VERY FIRST RECORD!!!
The album Don't Just Stand There followed and the cover showed her sitting. On the floor. With her hand on her knee. Shouldn't it have been called Don't Just Sit There On the Floor with Your Hand on Your Knee ?
Next came Patty featuring a cover that probably drove Lesley Gore and Dusty Springfield nuts. I mean, I'm not a lesbian, but there's something really hot and butch going on there. Is it just me?
Evidently Patty had enough "hits" for United Artists to put out a Greatest Hits collection in 1966!
They later recycled the cover photo for TV's Teen Star Patty Duke in 1967 and I would think the track listing is pretty much the same too. 
MUNSTERS star Butch Patrick had to wait till 1972 (when he was almost 20) for his shot at music stardom. I.O.I.O. was the single, but B side I Want Sugar sounds like something I need to hear. Come back tomorrow as I look at 70's sitcom stars and their recording careers!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Love at the Five & Dime...
I really miss the concept of a five-and-dime store. While I love the 99 Cents Store and Target, they are just not the same. Woolworth's, McCrory's, SS Kresge, Lamstons...all gone. Here's a wonderful old postcard depicting Stapleton Town Square in my hometown circa 1940s/50s. I can only imagine what this area looks like today.
Nanci Griffith's Love at the Five & Dime, covered here by the great Kathy Mattea is a melancholy reminder of those simplier times.
And Robert Altman's brilliant film adaptation of COME BACK TO THE FIVE & DIME, JIMMY DEAN, JIMMY DEAN boasts some wonderful performances by Sandy Dennis, Karen Black and Cher.
Nanci Griffith's Love at the Five & Dime, covered here by the great Kathy Mattea is a melancholy reminder of those simplier times.And Robert Altman's brilliant film adaptation of COME BACK TO THE FIVE & DIME, JIMMY DEAN, JIMMY DEAN boasts some wonderful performances by Sandy Dennis, Karen Black and Cher.
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