Thursday, September 29, 2011

R&B's Sylvia Robinson Has Died At Age 76

Sylvia Robinson, singer, songwriter, pop music visionary and entrepreneur, died Thursday, September 29, 2011 of congestive heart failure. The longtime Englewood resident was 76 years old.

Although Robinson, who was born Sylvia Vanterpool in New York City, had hits of her own as a recording artist — including the infectious "Love is Strange," which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, and the seductive "Pillow Talk" — she’s best known as the producer of the Sugarhill Gang’s "Rapper’s Delight," the first hip-hop hit single.

It was Robinson who put together the Sugarhill Gang, and whose Sugar Hill Records, run with her husband Joe, released the landmark disc. "Rapper’s Delight," which was co-written by Sylvia Robinson, peaked at No. 34, but that chart position doesn’t begin to measure the record’s impact. It was a shot heard ’round the world — the beginning of a revolution that would transform popular music.

Making "Rapper’s Delight" was a gutsy thing for a businesswoman to do. There was little precedent for recorded rap music, and no way to know if the audience that attended hip-hop parties would be interested in buying a single. But a trip to the New York disco Harlem World gave her a glimpse of the future — and convinced her to put her money and muscle behind the new form.

"As I was sitting there, the deejay was playing music and talking over the music, and the kids were going crazy," Robinson told The Star-Ledger in 1997. "All of a sudden, something said to me, ‘Put something like that on a record, and it will be the biggest thing.’ I didn’t even know you called it rap."

Robinson signed three local Jersey emcees and quickly cut "Rapper’s Delight." The tone of the song — like most of the material that Sugar Hill would put out — was upbeat, playful, even giddy. Robinson’s rappers bragged, but did not threaten.

Sylvia Robinson, the visionary singer-songwriter known as "the mother of hip-hop," has died at the age of 76. She is pictured in this Star-Ledger file photo from 1973.
Robinson always insisted that a band played the riff (borrowed from Chic’s "Good Times") that underpinned the song, but it’s always been suspected that she used an instrumental for "Rapper’s Delight," and, in so doing, kick-started the movement toward sampling.

"She was really good on the artistic level," said the Sugarhill Gang’s Michael "Wonder Mike" Wright, "coming up with material and shaping lyrics and melodies into a song, not just a piece of music that’s five minutes long."

After the success of "Rapper’s Delight," the Robinsons built Sugar Hill Records into the premiere hip-hop imprint of the early ’80s. The roster included many of the budding movement’s biggest names: Funky Four Plus One, the Treacherous Three, the West Street Mob.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five put out "The Message" — the first successful rap disc that foregrounded social problems — through Sugar Hill Records. Robinson co-produced the moody recording, which is now recognized as one of the most important in the history of hip-hop.

The success with Sugar Hill Records was the culmination of a long career in the entertainment industry — scouting for acts, searching for new sounds, and daring to set up her own studios and labels. First recording as Little Sylvia in the 1950s, she joined forces with Kentucky singer McHouston Baker, who taught her how to play the guitar. "Love is Strange," the biggest Mickey & Sylvia hit, topped the R&B charts in 1957.

The single shared many of the qualities of her Sugar Hill releases — it was immediate, sexy, raw, built around a catchy riff and vocal performances that radiated personality. The song would be re-recorded by Peaches & Herb, Buck Owens, and Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and prominently sampled by rapper B.o.B.
With her husband Joe, whom she married in 1964, she founded All Platinum Records in Englewood in 1968. Five years later, she recorded and released the racy "Pillow Talk," another R&B No. 1, on their Vibration imprint.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Three Stars Plaza: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper

Clear Lake, Iowa, near where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a 1959 plane crash, will dedicate Three Stars Plaza in their honor October 13. In addition, the city will dedicate Ritchie Valens Drive and J.P. Richardson Avenue, contiguous to the existing Buddy Holly Place. Together they will triangulate the Surf Ballroom, where the trio played their last concert. Buddy Holly Place will rededicated with updated signs.

Monday, September 26, 2011

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies


September 25th, 2011 to October 1st, 2011

Hello and a big welcome to Oldies Paradise in the United Kingdom to the Treasure Island Oldies Broadcast Partners Network. A big thanks for the invitation from, Mark Stafford at Oldies Paradise, where we will be on the air twice a week, Wednesdays from 8 pm to Midnight and Saturdays from 2 to 6 pm UK time. I know you join me in welcoming Oldies Paradise! It is so gratifying to me when I receive an invitation from another station somewhere on the planet that wants to include my show as part of their Broadcast Schedule. If you know of a radio station that you believe would be interested in airing the show, please be sure to let me know and I will get in touch with them.

Mark your calendar for our Annual Canadian Thanksgiving Special, Live Sunday, October 9 and all week on the Archive. We'll play some songs that relate to being "thankful", while others will reflect the Autumn season. If you'd like to hear a special song to you, let me know. Click the Requests button on any page of the website or call the 24/7 Listener Line at 206-339-0709. I'll do my best to play your special song on the show.

If you have a birthday approaching, let me know by sending the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the winning song from this week's Voice Your Choice, What Becomes of The Broken Hearted, by Motown's Jimmy Ruffin. It's our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice presents one of the many talented studio session musicians in Los Angeles known as The Wrecking Crew, who went on to have a very successful solo career as a recording artists and performer. He also enjoyed success with his own television show. Glen Campbell had many hits but this week we presents two of them for your votes, Galveston and Rhinestone Cowboy. Which song would you like to hear? Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page. We'll play the winning song in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

More and more people are "going mobile" for their music listening; you can listen to both the live show and well as the 24/7 Stream on your SmartPhone. How, you ask? All you need is an app. I suggest www.wunderradio.com. They have a version for all types of smartphones, including Android and iPhone. Once you download the app, then here is the link to put into your search. Link for the Live stream: http://meta.insinc.com/treasure/treasure.asx. And this is the Link for the 24/7 Stream: http://treasureislandoldies.com/ContinuousTIO_2.asx. Happy listening!

It's been a while since I have received some new photos of listeners for our Listener Gallery. Let the world know you're a proud listener of Treasure Island Oldies! Send in your name, photo, city and province or state for the Listener Gallery to michael@treasureislandoldies.com and our Webmaster, Eddy Fisher, will post it on the Listener Gallery page along with the many already received.

You can also let all your friends know you enjoy the show with your personal Treasure Island Oldies Email Signature. A selection of complimentary signatures to be placed at the end of your outgoing emails is available for download. Click Goodies on the upper menu on any page on the website. Thanks to the many folks that have downloaded their own copy of the Email Signature. That's great!

I hope you have a great week and see you next Sunday for the live show.

Bye for now.
Michael

Glen Campbell - Voice Your Choice

Glen Campbell was born April 22, 1936 in Delight, Arkansas. As a guitarist and member of the famous Wrecking Crew studio musicians, Glen Campbell recorded with The Champs (Tequila) in 1960, The Hondells (Little Honda) in 1964, The Beach Boys (Pet Sounds album) and Sagittarius (My World Fell Down) in 1967. He went on to host his own TV show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour from 1968 to 1972.

He charted a whopping 75 times on the country music charts and 42 times on the Adult Contemporary charts. He also appeared on the pop charts 38 times between 1961 and 1981.

On August 30th, 2011 he released his final album, Ghost On The Canvas and is also performing in concert on his Goodbye Tour. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, and he is anxious to give his final performances while he is still able.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents Glen Campbell with two of his many, many hits: Galveston and Rhinestone Cowboy. Cast your vote for the song you'd like to hear at the Voice Your Choice page. We'll play the winning song inthe 3rd hour of next week's show.

Jimmy Ruffin - Song of the Week

One of Motown`s greatest solo soul singers was Jimmy Ruffin. While he had several hits, one has become an all-time classic. What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted was a huge hit for Jimmy, and was also spectacularly performed by Joan Osborne in the outstanding documentary and performance movie, Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, about the Funk Brothers, the famous Motown studio musicians.

This week the Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the winning song from this week's Voice Your Choice, What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted by Jimmy Ruffin. It's our Song of the Week.

Enjoy!

Michael

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Ides of March Trumpet Player John Larson Has Died

John Larson, trumpet player with the Ides of March, died Wednesday (September 22, 2011) of complications from cancer in Warsaw, Indiana. He was 61. John joined the group in the late '60s and his playing can be heard on the brass-dominated tunes, such as "Vehicle". A memorial service is being planned for November.

Jumpin Jack Neal - Original Member of Gene Vincent's Blue Caps Has Died

"Jumpin'" Jack Neal, bass player with Gene Vincent's Blue Caps, died Wednesday (September 22) at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was 80. 

Jack played bass for the house band for WCMS radio in Norfolk where he came to the attention of Gene. He joined Cliff Gallup, Willie Williams & Dickie Harrell in backing Gene on "Be Bop A Lula" in 1956 and stayed with him for 34 more songs before leaving late that year. Jack never saw Gene again. Jack returned to Norfolk, where he worked as a plumber and part-time musician.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Treasure Island Oldies Welcomes Oldies Paradise

I am pleased to let you know that beginning this Saturday, September 24th, Treasure Island Oldies welcomes Oldies Paradise to the Broadcast Partners Network.

Oldies Paradise is based in the United Kingdom and they will air Treasure Island Oldies Wednesdays from 8 pm to Midnight (UK time) and again Saturdays 2 pm to 6 pm (UK time).

Many thanks to Mark Stafford for the invitation to bring "The Island" to "Paradise". This is going to be a great fit!

Monday, September 19, 2011

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies


September 18th, 2011 to September 24th, 2011

How does four hours go by as if it were four minutes? That's exactly how it seems every week on the show. The combination of playing your favourite songs, plus so many Lost Treasures, songs you clearly remember but haven't heard in so many years, is a key reason for why the show goes by so quickly. And judging from your  comments and requests, you also really enjoyed having your memory jogged with great music. Here's a few examples of some Lost Treasures I played on the show this week: the debut single by The Archies, Bang Shang-A-Lang, was a request for Chris in Iowa. It was also fun to play The Freeze by Tony And Joe, Call On Me by Bobby Blue Bland, The Miracles with a Motown classic, I Like It Like That, and so many more. If you have a song you'd like to hear, be sure to let me know. Click the Requests button on any page of the website of call the 24/7 Listener Line at 206-339-0709 to record your voicemail message. I look forward to hearing from you and playing your song on the show.

If you have a birthday approaching, let me know by sending the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the winning song from this week's Voice Your Choice. Tommy Roe performs his Number One hit song from 1969, Dizzy. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice spotlights one of Motown's great individual singers, Jimmy Ruffin. We have two of his classic songs for your votes this week: Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got and What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted. WOW! This is going to be a tough decision to make on your part. Which song would you like me to play? Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page. We'll play the winning song in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

More and more people are "going mobile" for their music listening; you can listen to both the live show and well as the 24/7 Stream on your SmartPhone. How, you ask? All you need is an app. I suggest www.wunderradio.com. They have a version for all types of smartphones, including Android and iPhone. Once you download the app, then here is the link to put into your search. Link for the Live stream: http://meta.insinc.com/treasure/treasure.asx. And this is the Link for the 24/7 Stream: http://treasureislandoldies.com/ContinuousTIO_2.asx. Happy listening!

It's been a while since I have received some new photos of listeners for our Listener Gallery. Let the world know you're a proud listener of Treasure Island Oldies! Send in your name, photo, city and province or state for the Listener Gallery to michael@treasureislandoldies.com and our Webmaster, Eddy Fisher, will post it on the Listener Gallery page along with the many already received.

You can also let all your friends know you enjoy the show with your personal Treasure Island Oldies Email Signature. A selection of complimentary signatures to be placed at the end of your outgoing emails is available for download. Click Goodies on the upper menu on any page on the website. Thanks to the many folks that have downloaded their own copy of the Email Signature. That's great!

I hope you have a great week and see you next Sunday for the live show.

Bye for now.
Michael

Motown's Jimmy Ruffin - Voice Your Choice

One of Motown's greatest singers, Jimmy Ruffin, is in the spotlight this week for Voice Your Choice on Treasure Island Oldies.

Jimmy Ruffin was born May 7, 1939 in Collinsville, Mississippi. While signed to Motown Records, he had 8 appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1966 and 1971.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents his first two Motown singles: Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got and What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted.

For me, this is a difficult vote to cast. Fortunately I don't have to, but you must decide which song will get played.

Come to the Voice Your Choice page and cast your vote. The winner will be played in Hour 3 of next week's show.

Tommy Roe - Song of the Week

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the winning song on Voice Your Choice from this week's Treasure Island Oldies show.

Tommy Roe had many hits in the early '60s and continued into the late '60s as well.

Here he is with his Number One hit from 1969, Dizzy, our Song of the Week.

Enjoy!

Michael

Monday, September 12, 2011

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies


September 11th, 2011 to September 17th, 2011

Summer refuses to go away here in Vancouver, and I am NOT complaining! It sure gave me incentive to play some hot tunes for you this week. Boy, it was great to dig up some Lost Treasures for you, including Billy Abbott And The Jewels; and what a story behind that song. His real name was William Vaughn but did not want to get confused with Billy Vaughn the  orchestra leader (Sail Along Silv'ry Moon). And The Jewels were actually The Tymes (So Much In Love). All in all, it was great to hear this One Hit Wonder's song again, Groovy Baby, from 1963.

It's been wonderful having family members visiting; cousin Debbie from Montreal, and cousin Marty from Chicago. One of Marty's favourite songs is In The Year 2525 by Zager & Evans, which I was happy to play for him on the show. If you have a request, please get in touch by either clicking the Requests button on any page of the website, or call the 24/7 Listener Line at 206-339-0709. I'd love to hear from you and play your special song.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to long time listener and Chat Room regular, Scott Harmon in Phenix City, Alabama, in the heart of Dixie! If you have a birthday approaching, let me know by sending the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play Birthday by The Beatles for you.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing the winning song from this week's Voice Your Choice, Any Way You Want It by the Dave Clark Five. It's a performance clip from the TV show Shindig, and our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice presents Tommy Roe with two of his late '60s hits for your votes: Heather Honey and Dizzy. Which song would you like to hear? Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice pagesure . We'll play the winning song in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

More and more people I am in touch with are using their iPhone or other smartphone for more than a phone call or a text message. Many are now enjoying listening to Treasure Island Oldies wherever they happen to be at that moment. And you can too. Listen to both the Live show and the 24/7 Stream on your smartphone. Here's where to get the app. May I suggest www.wunderradio.com. They have a version for all types of smartphones, including Android and iPhone. Once you download the app, then here is the link to put into your search. Link for the Live stream: http://meta.insinc.com/treasure/treasure.asx. And this is the Link for the 24/7 Stream: http://treasureislandoldies.com/ContinuousTIO_2.asx. Happy listening!

Let the world know you're a proud listener of Treasure Island Oldies. Send in your name, photo, city and province or state for the Listener Gallery to michael@treasureislandoldies.com and our Webmaster, Eddy Fisher, will post it on the Listener Gallery page along with the many already received.

You can also let all your friends know you enjoy the show with your personal Treasure Island Oldies Email Signature. A selection of complimentary signatures to be placed at the end of your outgoing emails is available for download. Click Goodies on the upper menu on any page on the website. Thanks to the many folks that have downloaded their own copy of the Email Signature. That's great!

I hope you have a great week and see you next Sunday for the live show.

Bye for now.

Michael

Tommy Roe - Voice Your Choice

Tommy Roe was born May 9, 1942 in Atlanta, Georgia. He had his first Number One and his first Gold record when he was only 20 years old. Between 1962 and 1973, he appeared on the Billboard charts a total of 22 times, and had six Top Ten hits plus four Gold Records, a very impressive pop career.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents Tommy Roe with two of his late '60s big hits for your votes: Heather Honey and Dizzy. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page and be listening to hear the winner in Hour 3 of next week's show.

Dave Clark Five - Song of the Week

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing this week's winning song on Voice Your Choice. Interestingly, Any Way You Want It did not chart quite as high as the other song on Voice Your Choice, Catch Us If You Can. However, it sure won hands down, with about a four to one vote ratio.

So, here is Any Way You Want It by the Dave Clark Five, in a clip from the TV show, Shindig. It's our Song of the Week.

Enjoy!
Michael

Monday, September 05, 2011

This Week on Treasure Island Oldies


September 4th, 2011 to September 10th, 2011

Here we are at the end of Summer and to go with it our Annual Labour Day Back To School End Of Summer Special. I really enjoy preparing these themed specials, as there are so many great songs to choose from that relate to work, school and summer. And thank you for your requests, which fit perfectly into the show. Our next special will our Annual Canadian Thanksgiving Special, live Sunday, October 9th and all week on the Archive. If you'd like to hear a special "thank you" song, Be sure to let me know. Just click the Requests button on any page of the website of give me a call on the 24/7 Listener Line at 206-339-0709. I look forward to hearing from you. 

It was good hearing from Don and Julie Coco in Sacramento, California with his request for Stop! In The Name Of Love by The Supremes. And it was nice hearing from another California listener, Sharon Hutton, who wrote "Just love your show and have only been listening for a few months. I hear you on The Legend home of forgotten favorites on the internet. Thanks for all of the wonderful memories and music. Take care." Thanks very much Sharon!

A big welcome to CoveFM 94.3, the Voice of St. Margaret's Bay, Nova Scotia. They are the latest station to become part of the Treasure Island Oldies Broadcast Partners Network. We'll be on the air every Saturday night from 8 p.m. to Midnight beginning this week. Here's to sharing some great music and wonderful memories together!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Kitten Connie in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Nuts in the Hut, also known as the Chat Room Regulars, all wish her the very best. If you have a birthday coming up, let me know by sending the details to birthdays@treasureislandoldies.com. I'll wish you Happy Birthday on the show and play our official birthday song for you, Birthday by The Beatles.

The Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing Palisades Park by Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon, a perfect fit for our Labour Day Back To School End Of Summer Special this week on the show. It's our Song of the Week. Enjoy!

Voice Your Choice spotlights the fantastic Dave Clark Five with two of their many great hits songs: Any Way You Want It and Catch Us If You Can. Which song would you like to hear? Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page. We'll play the winning song in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

More and more people I am in touch with are using their iPhone or other smartphone for more than a phone call or a text message. Many are now enjoying listening to Treasure Island Oldies wherever they happen to be at that moment. And you can too. Listen to both the Live show and the 24/7 Stream on your smartphone. Here's where to get the app. May I suggest www.wunderradio.com. They have a version for all types of smartphones, including Android and iPhone. Once you download the app, then here is the link to put into your search. Link for the Live stream: http://meta.insinc.com/treasure/treasure.asx. And this is the Link for the 24/7 Stream: http://treasureislandoldies.com/ContinuousTIO_2.asx. Happy listening!

Let the world know you're a proud listener of Treasure Island Oldies. Send in your name, photo, city and province or state for the Listener Gallery to michael@treasureislandoldies.com and our Webmaster, Eddy Fisher, will post it on the Listener Gallery page along with the many already received.

You can also let all your friends know you enjoy the show with your personal Treasure Island Oldies Email Signature. A selection of complimentary signatures to be placed at the end of your outgoing emails is available for download. Click Goodies on the upper menu on any page on the website. Thanks to the many folks that have downloaded their own copy of the Email Signature. That's great!

I hope you have a great week and see you next Sunday for the live show.

Bye for now.

Michael

Davd Clark Five - Voice Your Choice

The Dave Clark Five were from Tottenham, England and by 1961 their line-up had been finalized. In the group were Dave Clark on drums, Mike Smith, lead vocals and keyboards, Lenny Davidson on guitar, Dennis Payton on sax, and Rick Huxley on bass.

Sadly both Mike Smith and Dennis Payton have died, leaving behind a legacy of hits to be remembered forever.

This week on Treasure Island Oldies, Voice Your Choice presents the Dave Clark Five with Any Way You Want It and Catch Us If You Can, two smashing rockers for your votes. Come to the Voice Your Choice page and cast your vote for the song you'd like to hear. I'll play the winning record in the 3rd hour of next week's show.

Freddy Cannon - Song of the Week

In keeping with our Labour Day Back To School End Of Summer Special this week on Treasure Island Oldies, I thought it would be fun to play a great summer song for you.

This week the Treasure Island Oldies Blog is playing Palisades park by Freddy Boom Boom Cannon.

It's our Song of the Week.

Enjoy!

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Treasure Island Oldies Welcomes CoveFM 94.3

I am most pleased to welcome CoveFM 94.3 to the Treasure Island Oldies Broadcast Partners Network.

You can listen to the show Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to Midnight.

I look forward to hearing from CoveFM listeners with their greetings, comments and requests.

You can reach me by clicking the Requests button on any page of Treasure Island Oldies and also by calling our 24/7 Listener Line at 206-339-0709.

Once again, hello and welcome to everyone in St. Margaret's Bay, Nova Scotia!

My thanks to Jamie Dominey, Chair, Hubbards Radio Society, for getting Treasure and Oldies and CoveFm together!

Cheers.

Michael