Bizarre Albums

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John Wayne - America, Why I Love Her Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

John Wayne. The Duke. He loved America. So much so, that in 1973 he recorded an album of patriotic poems set to music. This is the story of John Wayne's America, Why I Love Her from 1973.

Having Fun with Elvis On Stage Jan 14, 2020

Show notes

Elvis Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker was not a Colonel. In fact, he wasn't even a legal US citizen. Many people believe he was a con man and would do anything to make some money. One of his craziest plans was to release an Elvis Presley album...of just talking. This is the story of Having Fun with Elvis On Stage from 1974.

Richard Simmons - Reach Dec 31, 2019

Show notes

After opening his own salad bar and gym in Beverly Hills, Richard Simmons started getting national attention when his energetic demeanor was attracting celebrities to work out with him. Once the 80's hit, Richard Simmons was on tv, selling books, and of course, making an album. This is the story of Richard Simmons' Reach, from 1982.

Christmas Time with The Three Stooges Dec 24, 2019

Show notes

The Three Stooges started out as a vaudeville act back in the 1920's. They starred in 190 short films and in 1959, they branched out into making records. Originally released as The Three Stooges Sing Six Happy Yuletide Songs, the album has been reissued several times, and also with the name, Christmas Time with The Three Stooges. This is their story.

Christmas in the Stars : Star Wars Christmas Album Dec 17, 2019

Show notes

Following the surprise success of his Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk album, Meco Monardo set his sights on making a Star Wars Christmas Album….only two years after the debacle of the Star Wars Holiday Special. This is the story of Christmas in the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album, from 1980.

Tales From The Crypt - Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas Dec 03, 2019

Show notes

Comic books. Movies. TV series. Animated spin-offs. Tales From The Crypt did it all. Including a Christmas album in 1994.

Meco - Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk Nov 12, 2019

Show notes

Record producer Domenico "Meco" Monardo saw Star Wars on it's opening day in May of 1977. He ended up seeing it 11 times in the theaters. He loved John Williams' score and dreamed up a disco version that he thought could be a hit...and he was right. This is the story of Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk by Meco, from 1977.

Joe Pesci - Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You Oct 01, 2019

Show notes

Academy Award winning actor Joe Pesci seemed to always have a connection to music, whether that was playing guitar in bands or helping with the formation of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. In 1998, Pesci released an album of his own, as his character from the hit comedy, My Cousin Vinny....Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just For You.

Lenny and Squiggy Present - Lenny and The Squigtones Sep 03, 2019

Show notes

Laverne and Shirley was a wildly popular American sitcom in the 70's and 80's. Michael McKean and David Lander played the roles of Laverne and Shirley's upstairs neighbors, Lenny and Squiggy. Occasionally they appeared in episodes playing music as Lenny and The Squigtones. In 1979, Lenny and The Squigtones released an album on Casablanca Records.

Shaquille O'Neal - Shaq Diesel Aug 27, 2019

Show notes

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal released a platinum selling hip-hop album in 1993. This is the true story of how it came to be.