Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll Podcast

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_177 Mar 15, 2023

R&SRNR_ 177 – “THE LAST SHOW”*

Welcome to the final edition of our little podcast series. Yes, it’s true. After nearly eight years of episodes downloaded by a loyal worldwide audience numbering hundreds of thousands – plus critical acclaim as one of the highest quality oldies and music history programs in cyberspace, we think now is the right time to take our creativity in new directions. More about that during this prrogram.

Our bittersweet so-long will be light on our personal nostalgia and heavy on the types of tunes and tales about the music that you’ve come to expect from us. For instance, the only Elvis Presley hit single on which he didn’t sing a single note. And a song that embarrassed its performers, but topped the charts and then was adopted a few years later by a major league baseball team as its cheerleading anthem.

They’re all part of the “goodbye” songs we’ve gathered for this occasion – along with more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

*Note: All of our nearly 180 shows will remain online and available for downloads through November 2023.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_176 Mar 01, 2023

R&SRNR_176 – “THE TRADE SECRETS OF LENNON & MCCARTNEY”

Although they only collaborated for about twelve years beginning in late 1957, John Lennon and Paul McCartney rank as one of the most successful songwriting duos of all time. Our best guestimate is that approximately one billion copies of their compositions have been sold as of the posting date of this podcast. This includes around 600 million or more of those waxed by the Beatles with the remainder recorded by countless other performers.

That extraordinary success wasn’t the result of an ordinary composing partnership. Behind the scenes, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were often on different emotional plateaus when they penned these tunes. And as you will hear, their opposite moods frequently played out musically. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, and Radio Dave will reveal some of the Lennon & McCartney trade secrets – with a lot of help from noted Beatles historian and National Public Radio music commentator, Tim Riley – who’s our guest expert for this episode.

It’s "The Trade Secrets Of Lennon & McCartney” – along with more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Here it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_175 Feb 15, 2023

R&SRNR _175 – “CAROLE KING – UPDATED & REMASTERED”

This episode spotlights the most successful female songwriter of the rock and roll era. She’s written or co-written more than 200 charted hits. There’s a hit stage musical about her life, and her live concerts continue to be huge draws worldwide. In addition to our playing snippets of all of her charted hit singles, Radio Dave and our resident rockologist, Ken Deutsch cover many of what are known as “demo” recordings that she did to sell her songs to established recording stars in 1960s along with samples of their hit versions. And we’ll spotlight her special connections with Neil Sedaka, Paul Simon, Bobby Vee, the Drifters, Aretha Franklin, Phil Spector, the Righteous Brothers, the Monkees, James Taylor, Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, and many others, as well as her remarkable comeback to international fame after breaking up with her first husband and primary co-composer Gerry Goffin in the late-1960s. She’s Carole King. Hear her remarkable story here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_174 Feb 01, 2023

R&SRNR_174 – “THEY PLAYED ON THE MOST HITS”

There’s one group of recording artists that played on more hits than anybody else in the history of rock, pop, and country music. It’s the Wrecking Crew – an amorphous collection of studio musicians based in Los Angeles from the late 1950s through the early 1970s.

They backed countless acts in a wide variety of genres, including rock, pop, folk, and jazz. You heard them supporting such stars as the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and the Mamas & Papas. Also, the Byrds, the Monkees, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Ike & Tina Turner, and Simon & Garfunkel, among many others.

The Wrecking Crew remained mostly anonymous until a 2008 documentary film by Denny Tedesco, the son of the Wrecking Crew’s most prolific guitarist, Tommy Tedesco. Now, Denny Tedesco has even more Wrecking Crew history, and he shares it with our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch. We’ll sample 30 hit selections from the Wrecking Crew’s distinguished discography, along with more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Here it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_173 Jan 15, 2023

R&SRNR_173 – “40 LOST INSTRUMENTAL HITS OF THE 1960s”

Hundreds of instrumentals became hits during the 1960s, but only a handful are still heard these days. We’ve identified “40 Lost Instrumental Hits Of The 1960s.” These include melodies that were inspired by or used in Hollywood movies, television shows, and national advertising campaigns. Many of the acts we’re featuring in this episode were professionally connected with Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, and the Beatles. One group recorded with the same producer and in the same studio as Buddy Holly. Another combined members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with the Motown Records in-house studio backup band. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with lots of fun factoids – plus the inside scoop on how radio disc jockeys back in the 1960s used instrumentals in a special way. It’s all part of the greatest rock & roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_046A Jan 01, 2023

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK ‘N ROLL_046A – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE FOUR TOPS” – “REMASTERED & EXPANDED”

This episode spotlights the Four Tops – four high school friends from Detroit who performed together continuously for 43 years. They failed to achieve a hit song during their first decade together, but succeeded as a popular draw at leading night clubs. They turned down a contract with Motown Records because they thought the company was too small, but years later they would join that label and become one of its most successful groups.

Their repertoire spanned doo-wop, jazz, rhythm and blues, pop, rock, soul, disco, and dance. In addition to many other Motown acts, their hit music collaborations also included another singer with a Detroit connection – Aretha Franklin – and surprisingly – a group from England – the Moody Blues. And in a twist of fate, their lives were saved when they slept late and missed an ill-fated commercial airplane flight that was blown up by terrorists.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave to co-anchor this episode as together we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_172 Dec 15, 2022

R&SRNR_172 – “THE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER”

This is our seventh annual Xmas episode. We’re celebrating the season with a one-of-a-kind salute to the most famous member of the reindeer team that pulls Santa Claus’ sleigh through the skies every Christmas Eve – Rudolph Red-Nosed Reindeer.

We’ll trace Rudoph’s history – from his birth in an advertising campaign for a Chicago-based department store to the song that gave him superstar status as the best known and best-loved Christmas critter of all time.

Along the way, we’ll sample every hit single version of “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Then we’ll survey the songs that continued his adventures. And finally, we’ll spotlight some “Rudolph wannabees” who also left their tracks in Xmas music history.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, and Radio Dave are joined on this episode by our special guest and good buddy, Jay Douglas, Ph.D. Jay is an acclaimed archivist of anecdotes who’s an authority on “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’s” resume. Together, we’ve got more of the greatest rock and roll Christmas stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_171 Dec 01, 2022

R&SRNR #_171 “COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE DAVE CLARK 5 (REMASTERED & ENHANCED)”

As the Beatles led the British musical invasion in the mid-1960s, another English aggregation followed in their footsteps and for a time might have passed them in popularity around the world. This five-some bounced one of the Fab Four’s most famous #1 hits off the top position on the U.K. singles chart, performed concerts in the U.S. before any of their British rock band rivals did, and made more live appearances on CBS-TV’s legendary Ed Sullivan Show than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley combined.

Our featured group sold more than 100 million records and had more hits than the Animals, the Kinks, and the Yardbirds. All this despite the misguided marketing strategy by the man who gave the band their name, but took new compact disc and digital download pressings of their platters off the market for two decades.

They’re the Dave Clark Five. Hear their complete hit singles history and the rest of their story here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_170 Nov 15, 2022

R&SRNR_170 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE BEACH BOYS, PART 2”

This is the second of two episodes spotlighting the most enduring rock and roll band in American History. – the Beach Boys. No matter what the season, it’s always summer whenever and wherever their songs are playing.

They’ve sold more than 100 million recordings around the world since 1961. We’ll focus on their U.S.-charted hit singles – all of them – in a two-episode salute. We began this chronicle on show #169 – comprising the Beach Boys’ successful 45s during the1960s. Now, this edition #170 – reviews the band’s hit singles since 1970 – all together more than half a century of solid gold.

This includes hit records with Little Richard, the Fat Boys, and four late 1990s country music stars, as well as former members of the Mamas & Papas and the Byrds. Plus, the Beach Boys connection with famed classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will join Radio Dave to co-anchor this episode, as together we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_169 Nov 01, 2022

R&SRNR_169 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE BEACH BOYS, PART 1”

This is the first of two episodes spotlighting the most enduring rock and roll band in American History. No matter what the season, it’s always summer whenever and wherever their songs are playing – the Beach Boys.

They’ve sold more than 100 million recordings around the world since 1961. We’ll focus on their U.S.-charted hit singles – all of them – in a two-episode salute. It all begins with this one – show #169 – comprising the Beach Boys’ successful 45s during the1960s. Then, 15 days after the posting date of this program, our subsequent installment – edition #170 – reviews the Beach Boys’ hit singles since 1970.

So, wax down your surfboard, rev up your hotrod, and grab your best girl or guy – for a Beach Boys celebration – as only our little podcast series can present it.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave to co-anchor this episode, as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_168 Oct 15, 2022

R&SRNR #_168 – “TOP 40 HALLOWEEN HITS COUNTDOWN”

For our Halloween spooktacular, we’ve conjured up a countdown of the 40 greatest trick or treat tunes of all time.

The Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll grooveyard ghouls have scared up monster hits by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, the Ramones, Credence Clearwater Revival, Santana, the Eagles, the J. Geils Band, Warren Zevon, Guns ‘N Roses, Annie Lennox, and Donovan among many others.

Some of these macabre melodies have been raised from their vinyl resting places for the first time in decades of Halloweens.

Our very own Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, also drops by with some gruesome goodies – "trailers" and radio commercials advertising some of the most horrible horror movies of all time.

So wrap some garlic around your podcast player, don’t download this show alone in the dark, and listen to it at your own risk for our selection of the 40 greatest undead ditties.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_167 Oct 01, 2022

R&SRNR_167 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL”

a staple of radio, satellite, and Internet channels to this very day. Their southern swamp-rock sound belied their San Francisco-area origin. Their show business fantasies became a reality when they signed on with Fantasy – a jazz-focused independent label that didn’t rock. But that little company rocked out during this band’s peak years when this group’s records outsold their idols and contemporaries – the Beatles.

You obviously know we’re talking about Creedence Clearwater Revival. We’ll trace their history beginning with their numerous recordings under other names for almost a decade until they finally found success. Then we’ll sample all of their hit singles, along with the original versions of those songs by other artists who inspired them. Plus, some hit remakes by performers who found solid gold with Credence Clearwater Revival originals.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, has lots of fun factoids for you. He’ll join Radio Dave as together we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_007 Sep 15, 2022

R&SRNR 007 – “THE COMPLETE JAMES BOND ROCKS

Nobody does it better than James Bond. He’s the world’s most famous super-spy. He’s also a rock and pop music star thanks to the unforgettable music in his more than two dozen memorable feature films.

We’ve gone under cover to uncover to the top secret stories behind those songs. And our dossier of ditties also includes classified files on tunes that were submitted to the James Bond film producers, but rejected. That’s even though a few of them might have been even better than the ones that survived the final cut.

This episode is a remastered, combined, and expanded version of our prior episodes #007A and #007B from 2016 to now include music from the film, "No Time To Die" - which debuted in 2021.

We’ll spy on his music beginning with his introduction to American fans via a CBS-TV dramatic presention in 1954 - and continue with music from every James Bond movie ever since. This includes his surprising connections with other superstars you wouldn’t think of connecting with James Bond. Those stories and those songs are for your ears only

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_166 Sep 01, 2022

R&SRNR_166 – “ANSWER SONGS – THE SAGAS OF 21 HIT 45s WITH THE REST OF THE STORY”

Answer songs – tunes that respond to or expand upon the tales told in earlier recordings – have been around since the birth of popular music on wax cylinders, 78s, 33s, 45s, cassettes, CDs, and digital downloads.

We believe that our world-renowned Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” “Groove Yard has the largest collection of answer songs on this planet – literally thousands and thousands of them.

Our musicologists have selected 21 of them from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s for us to spotlight on this episode of our little podcast series.

These include the rest of the stories involving classic hits by Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Lesley Gore, and Kenny Rogers, among others.

Many of the songs answering those recordings were just done in gest or were rebuttals to the original artist’s hit. Two in particular – signature songs by Barry McGuire and later James Brown – elicited platters with political overtones by multiple other performers.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_165 Aug 15, 2022

R&SRNR #165 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF JAN & DEAN” (Remastered)

This is a remastered version of our prior episode _031, It celebrates the complete hit singles history of an act whose trademark tunes are indelibly associated with songs about surfing and fast cars.

But there’s much more to their musical achievements. They were innovative composers, singers, and producers. Long before their songs about riding the waves and racing dragsters, their early hits were mostly creative remakes of pop standards and other people’s records. Eventually, some of their best-known material resulted from working with the Beach Boys. And while they were doing all that, this duo attended college so they could expand their career horizons. One studied graphic design and went on to create the artwork for best-selling rock and roll albums. The other was in medical school until a tragic auto accident ended that endeavor.

Their names are William Jan Berry and Dean Ormsby Torrence – Jan & Dean.

We’ll trace their trajectory from an early hit about an exotic dancer to their permanent place in the pantheon of performers who exemplified the California rock and roll sound of the 1960s.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_164 Aug 01, 2022

R&SRNR_164 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE ANIMALS”

This episode salutes one of the great British invasion bands of the 1960s that we feel deserves more attention than it’s gotten, probably because their hits were only on the rock charts in the U.S. and the U.K. from 1964 to 1969.

These performers actually comprised two different groups – a founding lineup from 1962 to 1966. And then a brand-new act fronted by their original lead singer. We know you know that we’re talking about the Animals and then Eric Burdon & The Animals.

We’ll track every one of their hit singles starting with their iconic “House of the Rising Sun,” along with any original versions of those songs by other artists who inspired them. Plus, their original version of a song that later became a trademark tune for the Three Dog Night. We’ll also cover the U.S. and U.K. hit singles by two Animals alumni – Eric Burdon and Alan Price.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_163 Jul 15, 2022

R&SRNR_163 – “THE REAL STORY OF THE MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET” (Show_011 Remastered & Reimagined)

Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash – their unplanned get together at the Sun recording studios in December 1956 became known as the Million Dollar Quartet. More than 50 years later it inspired a hit Broadway musical of the same name that made millions for its creators, and it’s still playing at various venues around the country. But the truth is that the story that stage musical tells is mostly untrue – when it comes to the songs that Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash sang that day during their impromptu jam session.

So, we’ll relate the real story of the Million Dollar Quartet and detail the not-real stuff that’s in the stage musical…and speculate just a bit on why the producers staged that show the way they did. We’ve got a million dollars-worth of Million Dollar Quartet history for you, and you’ll hear it all right here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_162 Jul 01, 2022

R&SRNR_162 – “19 HIT SONGS THE BEATLES GAVE AWAY” Although they were only active for a little over a decade – from 1960 to 1970, the Beatles are still arguably the most influential band in rock and roll history. We previously explored this group’s original recordings that were later remade into hit singles by other artists on episodes #132 and #133 of our little podcast series. But in this program, we’re going to focus on the songs written by the Beatles in the 1960s and then simply handed off to other singers to perform.

These were compositions that the Beatles never commercially recorded themselves or waxed later on after another act released them first. We’ve identified 19 of the songs that the Beatles gave away, which became hit singles for such performers as the Rolling Stones, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, Cilla Black, Peter & Gordon, Chad & Jeremy, Cream, Badfinger, and several others.

Those songs are all part of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. And our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave as together we tell the tales behind those tunes. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_161 Jun 15, 2022

R&SRNR_161 – THE FIRST ROCK & ROLL RECORD (Show _001 Remastered & Reimagined) There are lots of candidates and lots of opinions about which tune deserves that title. We’ve scoured our world-renowned Groove Yard, also known as our music library, for several dozen songs that qualify. These include some truly pre-historic rock songs dating back to the 1920s, 30s, and 40s that pre-date the so-called rock and roll era that began in the 1950s. We get to play portions of these platters, and you get to listen and decide for yourself. Some of these songs are still broadcast on the radio and on Internet music sources. Others are rarely, if ever heard anymore. But you’ll hear them all about them all right here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_160 Jun 01, 2022

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_160 – "THE BIRTH OF TOP 40 RADIO"

We’ve mentioned a format called “Top 40 Radio” on each and every one of the 160 episodes of our little podcast series that precede this one. But we’ve never really defined what it is or how it got started. That is – until now.

This episode spotlights Todd Storz, a pioneering radio station owner, who many broadcasting historians credit as the “Father Of Top 40 Radio.” How did 40 became the magic number instead of let’s say, top 20, 30, or some other number? And why did Top 40 radio stations in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s play a wider range of musical genres than they do now? Those are just some of the topics our Resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will touch on with our guest expert for this episode, veteran broadcaster, podcaster, advertising executive, author, and scholar, Jay Douglas, Ph. D.

Radio Dave will play samples of some of the songs that were heard on the radio just before and during the early years of “Top 40 Radio” – That’s all along with more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_159 May 15, 2022

R&SRNR_159 – “TOP 40 LOST HITS OF 1975”

This episode celebrates the “Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1975.” It was a year for more questionable content more often on your favorite rock station. There were charted tunes about incest and gratuitous sex that left little to the imagination. Plus, a vengeful father with murder on his mind and a call to political action with a naughty word that radio stations had to bleep out. And two smokin’ hits that made fun of marijuana. The same AM and FM outlets that programmed those tunes also broadcast tender love ballads and lost love laments, as well as a lot of dance records that didn’t have a lot of lyrics. They’re all on our musical menu for this episode along with a novelty number about a notorious shark and a tribute to a beloved former U.S. President.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_158 May 01, 2022

R&SRNR_158 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE CARPENTERS, PART 2”

This is the second of two episodes spotlighting one of the most innovative and successful brother and sister acts in popular music history – Richard and Karen – the Carpenters. Our prior episode – show #157, covered the Carpenters music from the mid-1960s to 1974. Now, on this edition – show #158 – it’s the remainder of their career. All their hit singles from 1975 to 1984 along with the original versions of those songs by other artists who inspired the Carpenters.

We’ll spotlight the Carpenters connections with Neil Sedaka, Andy Williams, Herman’s Hermits, the Marvelettes, Bobby Vinton, and a group that came to be nicknamed “The Canadian Beatles” – can you guess who that band was? We’ll identify them later in this podcast. Plus, the post-Carpenters collaborations – Richard’s recording with Dusty Springfield and Karen Carpenter’s solo album under the direction famed rock and roll producer, Phil Ramone.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_157 Apr 15, 2022

R&SRNR_157 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE CARPENTERS, PART 1”

This is the first of two episodes spotlighting one of the most innovative and successful brother and sister acts in popular music history – Richard and Karen – the Carpenters. We thought we could fit their story into just one show, and we promoted that on the prior edition of our little podcast series – show #156. But, as we went deeper into their inventory of hit singles, we happily discovered that two episodes would best present the totality of their tuneage. On this episode – show #157, we’ll feature the Carpenters music from the mid-1960s to 1974. Then, two weeks after the posting of this episode, our next show – #158 – it’s the remainder of their career.

So, join us for the Carpenters connections to musician and record company mogul, Herb Alpert, singer/songwriter, Paul Williams, the “Sesame Street” series on public television, and an Academy Award-nominated major Hollywood movie soundtrack.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_156 Apr 01, 2022

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_156 – “30 HIT SINGLES FROM THE GOLDEN ERA OF GARAGE BANDS”

The episode spotlights “30 Hit Singles From The Golden Era Of Garage Bands” – a time period we’ve defined for the purposes of this episode as the mid-1960s to 1970. Garage bands were usually young amateurs with some rudimentary music training who practiced or just played for the fun of it in a garage attached to one of their member’s homes. Their gigs and 45 RPM releases, if any, were primarily heard by regional audiences. But several of these recordings actually became nationally charted singles – including some “Top 10” smashes. And a few of these groups went on to wax multiple hits and enjoy extensive professional careers. Others were just fondly remembered in their hometowns and nowhere else.

As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_155 Mar 15, 2022

R&SRNR_155 – “THE TOP 40 LOST HITS OF 1966”

This episode spotlights The Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1966. 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.

Featured artists include a British band who named themselves after an American rock and roll icon. We’ll also spotlight a dynamic singer known as “Mr. Excitement” as well as the “Black Elvis.” And we’ll demonstrate how some genuine, original hit 45s by two selected acts are probably not the versions contained on some of the greatest hits collections for these artists that are available on CDs or online downloads.

1966 also was a vintage year for network television – including the debut of the only prime time action-adventure series ever with first run episodes broadcast two nights every week. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along to cover that plus some other news worth noting from that memorable year.

And Ken will join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_154 Mar 01, 2022

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_154 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF CHUBBY CHECKER”

This episode salutes a recording artist who popularized more teenage dance styles than any other performer in rock and roll history. He also recorded hits with novelty, surfing, folk, pop, Christmas and Christian-themed songs – Chubby Checker.

We’ll cover every Chubby Checker hit single – starting with his debut 45 in 1959 and continuing on to his last charted CD in 2013. Our presentation also includes the original versions of songs that Chubby Checker made famous. And we’ll also spotlight some of his tuneful, but commercially failed attempts with psychedelic, soul, funk, and country songs. Then, there’s also his numerous overseas-only releases performed with European-based bands.

Along the way, we’ll detail the derivation of Chubby Checker’s stage name. Plus, his hit music connections with Dick Clark, Bobby Rydell, Dee Dee Sharp, and the Fat Boys, among others, as well as his major Hollywood motion picture with Dion.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_151 Feb 15, 2022

R&SRNR_151 – “THE HISTORY OF FOUR ELVIS PRESLEY SIGNATURE SONGS”

This episode celebrates the original versions of four songs that Elvis Presley made into his very own trademark tunes – and the fascinating stories involved with their histories.

One in particular – “Are You Lonesome Tonight” – has attracted a lot of attention and some disagreements among musicologists during the course of the past several decades. We’ll set the record straight on the provenance of that recording, along with the truly rare and scratchy hit originals that pre-dated Elvis Presley’s rendition.

We’ll also present all of the numerous answer songs that were waxed in response to, as well as to take commercial advantage of Elvis Presley’s recording.

Then, there are three more Elvis Presley super hit signature songs – “It’s Now Or Never,” “Surrender,” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” We’ll trace their early twentieth century connections to some famed operatic tenors. And we’ll sample the original versions, including some of the rarest platters on this planet.

As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch joins Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_153 Feb 01, 2022

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_153 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF DION AS A SOLO ARTIST”

This is the second of two episodes chronicling the hit singles history of Dion & The Belmonts. Our prior installment – show #152 – covered all of Dion & The Belmonts hits singles while they were together, followed by the Belmonts charted 45s after Dion left the group. Now, on this episode #153, we’ll document Dion’s primary post-Belmonts hit-making decades – the 1960s and 1970s.

Our presentation also includes the original versions of songs that Dion made famous. Plus, songs originated by Dion that later became hits for other artists.

Few singers can match Dion’s diverse repertoire – rock and roll, doo wop, ballads, the blues, sunshine pop, country, folk, and religious. Surprisingly, most his hit singles have disappeared from radio, satellite, and Internet radio playlists, but we’ve got those tunes in our famed Groove Yard music archive, so you’ll hear samples of all of them.

As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with fascinating factoids. Together with your "Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll Host, Radio Dave, we've got the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Here it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_152 Jan 15, 2022

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_152 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF DION & THE BELMONTS”

This is the first of two episodes chronicling the hit singles history of Dion & The Belmonts. They were among the leading male vocal groups of the late 1950s and early 1960s, and they made an indelible impact on rock and roll history. This installment of our little podcast series – show #152 – covers all of their hit singles while they were together, followed by the Belmonts charted 45s after Dion left the group. Then, two weeks after the posting of this episode, our show #153 will document Dion’s hit-making decades – the 1960s and 1970s – when he went on to solo fame.

Our presentation also includes the original versions of songs that inspired Dion & The Belmonts – and later on, just the Belmonts – to fashion their own takes into memorable hits.

We’re joined on this episode by Nay Nassar, an acclaimed expert on the vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_150 Jan 01, 2022

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_150 – "30 YEARS OF LOST TOP 40 HITS – 1955 - 1984"

This episode celebrates “30 Years Of Lost Top 40 Hits.” We’ve selected one each from the years, 1955 to 1984, which were the first three decades of the “Rock & Roll Era.”

We didn’t set out to do this on purpose, but it turns out there are a lot of movie and/or television connections with many of the performers on these songs. Eight were recorded by talented artists, who also had actual – and not just cameo – roles in major motion pictures and network television shows. This includes the singer/actor who won an Academy Award For The Best Song from a movie in which he also had a dramatic role.

One of our other featured 45s is by a superstar who was the subject of numerous documentaries and a bio pic. Another features an act whose recording career was purposely launched by way of a movie soundtrack.

As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along to give us fun factoids and historical perspective. He’ll join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_149 Dec 15, 2021

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_149 – “THE GREATEST ROCK & ROLL CHRISTMAS ALBUM OF ALL TIME”

This is our sixth annual Xmas episode. We’re celebrating the season with a unique presentation of the LP that’s universally regarded as “The Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas Album Of All Time.” Musicologists, music critics, authors of books about rock and roll history, famed composers, and world-renowned performers are in general agreement that it’s the late record producer Phil Spector’s 1963 masterpiece – “A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records.”

We’ll sample each and every cut on “A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records.” All of those songs will be accompanied by the original versions by other artists that inspired Phil Spector to create his holiday opus. This is definitely a “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” exclusive.

We’re joined on this episode by a special guest expert who truly knows a thing or two about Christmas music – yes, you guessed it – Santa Claus.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_148 Dec 01, 2021

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_148 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF BOBBY DARIN, PART 2”

This is the second of our two editions saluting Bobby Darin – one of the most dynamic show business talents of the twentieth century. Our prior program – show #147 covered the years 1956 to 1962 and his incredible rise to superstardom. Now on this episode #148 of our little podcast series, we’ll cover the rest of his amazing career from 1963 to 1974.

At the outset of this time period, he experienced a lowered level of hit music popularity for a few years as his repertoire rambled among country-tinged laments, Broadway show tunes, and cabaret-like recordings. Then he achieved an amazing comeback and returned to the top of the charts as a folk-style entertainer.

We’ll sample the remainder of all his hit singles, ranked remakes of his tunes, and original versions of songs that inspired Bobby Darin to record them in his own unique style. As always, our resident, Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with fascinating factoids. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_147 Nov 15, 2021

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_ 147 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF BOBBY DARIN, PART 1"

This is part one of our two-part salute to one of the most dynamic show business talents of the twentieth century. During an all-too-brief career that spanned from 1956 to 1973, he waxed nearly 50 hit singles – mostly penned or co-written by him. He acted in 13 motion pictures and was nominated for an Academy Award. This artist also hosted his own highly-rated network television show. He was a performer with one foot in the pop world and the other in the universe of rock and roll. A distinction few singers ever successfully achieved. He was the incomparable Bobby Darin.

On this first of two installments of our little podcast series, we’ll chronical his career from 1956 through 1962. All his hit singles, charted remakes of his tunes, and original versions of songs that Bobby Darin was inspired to record in his own unique style. As always, our resident, Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with fascinating factoids. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_146 Nov 01, 2021

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_146 – “THE TOP 20 ROCK & ROLL COMPOSING TEAMS DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF 45 RPM RECORDS” –

This episode spotlights “The Top 20 Rock & Roll Composing Teams During The Golden Age Of 45 RPM Records.” We’ve based our survey on the research of acclaimed popular music statistician, Bill Carroll, Ph.D. He’s our featured guest.

Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, and Radio Dave will count down the most successful composing teams, which also include individual songwriters who penned charted 45 RPM platters. Our time period for this tabulation is the golden age of that format for rock & roll singles.

And we’ll sample the two strongest-charted hit singles for each entry on our ranking. These include the only husband-wife team on our roll-call, plus the only family of record labels with four of the top 20 entries on our list. And just for fun, we’ve asked a valued member of our staff, Mr. Announcer, to reveal some of the famed rock and roll songwriters who were among the tops in their profession – but not among our top 20. It’s all by the numbers, and you’ll hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_145 Oct 15, 2021

R&SRNR_145 – “THE TOP 40 LOST HITS OF 1959”

This episode spotlights "The Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1959." 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.

These include a song with the same title as a book written by the super star singer who sang it. Plus, the mostly-instrumental 45 that’s been featured in numerous major motion pictures, as well as national ad campaigns starting four decades after it was an international sensation.

We’ve also got hit records by two different groups of tree-dwelling rodents. Then there’s the hit record dedicated to a singer/songwriter who’s been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in two different categories.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_144 Oct 01, 2021

R&SRNR_144 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF HERMAN’S HERMITS”

This episode spotlights the complete hit singles history of one of the most popular groups of the 1960s “British Invasion.” In fact, Billboard Magazine ranked these performers the “number one U.S. singles act of 1965” – with the Beatles placing number two. No, it wasn’t the Dave Clark Five, Rolling Stones, Animals, or the Kinks. The correct answer is Herman’s Hermits, a group whose signature sound comprised simple melodies and instrumentation combined with romantic lyrics intended to appeal to younger female teenagers, especially those who were living in the United States.

We’ll cover Herman’s Hermits' complete hit singles discography, and the original versions of songs they were inspired to re-record in their own distinctive style. Plus, their major motion pictures – one of which was based on and took its title from a Herman’s Hermits trademark tune.

As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with his customary collection of fascinating factoids. Ken also will join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_143 Sep 15, 2021

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_143 – "THE HISTORY OF 'LOUIE LOUIE'"

This episode spotlights the fascinating history of just one song. And it’s one of the most widely performed rock and roll tunes of all time. I’m talking about the immortal “Louie Louie.”

We’ll trace the musical roots that inspired Richard Berry to compose it. You’ll also hear samples of every hit single version of “Louie Louie,” along with details about the alleged obscenity and the subsequent FBI investigation involved with the Kingsmen’s definitive rendition.

Our rockumentary also includes representative samples from the nearly two thousand remakes of “Louie Louie” that have been recorded in the seven decades since the Richard Berry & The Pharaohs original debuted on your radio and in record stores in 1957. Plus, artists who rewrote the “Louie Louie” lyrics. And answer tunes that continue the saga of this song.

As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with his customary collection of fascinating factoids. Ken also will join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_142 Sep 01, 2021

R&SRNR_142 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE DOORS”

One of the most popular and influential bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s made an indelible mark on rock and roll history by applying electric blues arrangements to dark musical messages about sex, obsessive excesses, and death. Their charismatic lead singer adopted the persona of “The Lizard King,” and his usually substance abuse-induced lewd live performances frequently resulted in arrests for obscenity and disorderly conduct. We're talking about the Doors and that group’s front man, Jim Morrison. Their music was all over your AM and FM dials beginning in 1967, and their tunes remain a staple on the playlists for radio, Internet streams, and satellite stations to this very day.

We’ll cover all of the Doors hit singles, along with charted remakes by other artists. Our rockumentary also spotlights selected Doors albums cuts of particular significance. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with his customary collection of fascinating factoids. Ken also will join Radio Dave as we as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_141 Aug 15, 2021

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_141 – “TWENTIETH CENTURY TOP 40 ANGELS & DEVILS”

We’re spotlighting every Top 40 hit song with angel and/or devil in the title that charted during the first five decades of the rock and roll era – from 1955 through 1999.

How many angels and devils songs can you name? Although there have been hundreds of such rock and roll songs, we were surprised to discover that only 45 of these tunes reached the Top 40 during the time period we’re reviewing. The angels outnumber the devils 37 to 7 – with one tie – the only Top 40 hit with both angel and devil in the title.

As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along with fun factoids. He’ll join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_140 Aug 01, 2021

R&SRNR_140 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE RASCALS”

This episode spotlights the Rascals – one of the most popular groups in the U.S. and Canada during this act’s peak years in the late 1960s. The Rascals impact was significant enough to earn them induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Also, a successful Broadway musical which celebrated their history and saluted their songs.

As we always do on our “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” tributes to a specific group or individual performer, we’ll sample every Rascals hit single. Plus, the original versions that inspired Rascals remakes. And the artists who also achieved hit singles with records first recorded by the Rascals.

Our retrospective also includes remembrances from a special guest – attorney and former disc jockey, Jonathan Shimberg. He’ll tell us why the Rascals originally had to call themselves the Young Rascals before they could revert to their chosen name several years after they became stars.

As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along with fun factoids. He’ll join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_139 Jul 15, 2021

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 Jul 01, 2021

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 more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_137 Jun 15, 2021

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 Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins our host, Radio Dave, with background on the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame selection process, as we bring you more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_136 Jun 01, 2021

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 download are the genuine originals or just professionally crafted sound-alikes.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_135 May 15, 2021

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 of the “Ask A Lawyer” show on Chicago Radio. And we’ve got some fun legal questions for him, such as how can different songs get away with using the same title. It’s a truly precedent-setting podcast.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_134 May 01, 2021

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 give us a little historical perspective. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_133 Apr 15, 2021

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, and Radio Dave has facts about the chart performances of these platters.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_132 Apr 01, 2021

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 factoids about each song, and Radio Dave has facts about the chart performances of these platters.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_131 Mar 15, 2021

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 discarded and sold to Bob Gaudio and Frankie Valli for a rock bottom price. And Radio Dave have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_130 Mar 01, 2021

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 to some of the Four Seasons greatest hits. Then there’s also the genesis of Frankie Valli’s solo career while simultaneously serving as the lead singer on almost all Four Seasons hit singles. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_129 Feb 15, 2021

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 Feb 01, 2021

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 Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1967.” As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along to give us a little historical perspective. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_127 Jan 15, 2021

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 with the background on how we selected the singers we’re saluting on this episode. Plus, his usual fun factoids. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_126 Jan 01, 2021

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 Presley’s most memorable Rhythm & Blues hit singles. And Radio Dave have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_125 Dec 15, 2020

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.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_124 Dec 01, 2020

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 factoids. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_123 Nov 15, 2020

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 some of the trade secrets that go in to commercial jingle creation. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_122 Nov 01, 2020

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 their various breakups and reunions. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_121 Oct 15, 2020

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 Bobby Vinton, among others.

And we’ll have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_120 Oct 01, 2020

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 roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_119 Sep 15, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_119 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE KINGSTON TRIO"

Once upon a time – back in the 1950s and 1960s – folk music was all over your radio dial. Not much anymore on AM, FM, or satellite broadcasts. But your friends at “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” are bringing it back for you. This episode salutes a group that helped launch the “folk music” craze and set records for selling records that lasted for more than half a century – as one of the most influential acts in pop music history. the Kingston Trio.

We’ll cover its hit singles history along with the original versions by other artists who inspired the group. We’ll also recount how the Kingston Trio was the first to wax songs that became trademark tunes for such other artists as Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, the Youngbloods, and Terry Jacks.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along to put the Kingston Trio’s platters into the context of the times. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_118 Sep 01, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_118 – THE HISTORY OF THE BAND & ROBBIE ROBERTSON

This episode spotlights a band that started in the 1950s as the supporting musicians for Canada’s biggest rockabilly star. Later, they moved to the United States and fine- tuned their sound under a variety of different names. That led Bob Dylan to hire them to back him on concert tours and studio recordings. Then the band finally established themselves as one of the leading rock and roll groups of the late 1960s to the mid-1970s. Actually, we’ve already mentioned their name: – The Band.

We’ll track The Band’s history – along with a particular emphasis on their most prominent member – Robbie Robertson. His work with The Band and his successful post-Band solo career – including his decades of work on major Hollywood motion picture soundtracks – are profiled in the film, “Once Were Brothers.”

Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist. Ken Deutsch, interviewed Daniel Roher, the director of that documentary, for this edition of our podcast series. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_117 Aug 15, 2020

R&SRNR_#117 – LOST HITS (& LOST HEADLINES) FROM EACH OF THE FIRST 20 YEARS OF THE “ROCK & ROLL ERA”

This episode spotlights 60 lost hits from the first 20 years of the “Rock & Roll Era” – 1955 through 1974. We’ve picked three songs from each of those years, and they’re tunes you rarely hear on the radio, or from a satellite, or on anyone’s live stream anymore.

And to add a little more perspective to such platters, our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will join me throughout this episode with some “Lost Headlines” from each year, too. He's assembled some stories that made the news in those days, but rarely got much attention – sometimes for good reason.

On this episode, Radio Dave play a song about a bull that used sound effects recorded at a major league baseball game. Plus, a ditty about a dog that was banned by many radio stations. And Ken Deutsch will feature a famous failed make of motorcar that later shared its name with a major motorway in the Motor City.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_116 Aug 01, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_116 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF PETER & GORDON + PETER ASHER PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS"

There’s only person that we can think of in the annals of rock and roll history who worked with the Beatles, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Cher, Neil Diamond, and Diana Ross. He also was one-half of one of the most successful British invasion duos that rocked the U.S. during the 1960s – Peter & Gordon. You know who we're talking about – Peter Asher.

We’ll sample all of Peter & Gordon’s charted 45s, along with any original versions by other artists who recorded some of these songs first. Plus, we’ll sample many of the hit singles and albums Peter Asher crafted for other artists after his career evolved into record producing.

He also has a new book, “The Beatles A To Zed.” Peter Asher joins us to talk about that, as well as his prolific career. It’s all interspersed throughout this episode in an interview with our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Here it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_115 Jul 15, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL _115 – "THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT – 60 HIT PRODUCING PROGENCY OF FAMED ROCK, RHYTHM & BLUES, COUNTRY, AND POP PERFORMERS"

This episode spotlights 60 hit-producing progeny of famed rock, rhythm & blues, country, and pop performers who also had charted records, owned record companies, and/or made their musical marks on Broadway stages or Hollywood screens. We’re calling this collection “The Kids Are Alright.”

These include the offspring of Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Jerry Lewis, Doris Day, Hank Williams Senior, Berry Gordy Junior, Brian Wilson, and members of the Mamas & Papas, among many others.

Several famed fathers also recorded hit singles with their children, and we’ll feature seven of these 45 RPM family affairs during this podcast.

Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along to add some roll calls of other multi-generational hit music makers we won’t have time to recall on this episode. They all had rockin’ DNA worth detailing. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_113 Jun 15, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #113 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF DIONNE WARWICK - PART 2"

This episode chronicles all of the rest of Dionne Warwick's hit singles, along with the numerous original versions by the many other artists who inspired her.

We’ll highlight Dionne Warwick’s special connections and collaborations with the Spinners, Barry Manilow, the Bee Gees, Johnny Mathis, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Gladys Knight, Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie, Isaac Hayes, and Billy Ray Cyrus, among many others.

Our Resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch presents more of his 1974 interview with Dionne Warwick, along with his always incisive comments about the tunes. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_112 Jun 01, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #112 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF DIONNE WARWICK - PART 1"

This is part one of our two-part salute to a singer, actress, and television personality, who is one of the most successful female vocalists of all time. She charted hit singles spanning seven decades beginning in the 1960s. Her recordings have sold more than100 million copies world-wide. She’s Dionne Warwick.

We’ll chronicle all of her hit singles, along with the numerous original versions by the many other artists who inspired her. And you’ll hear several recordings that are almost never played on the radio anymore.

On this episode, we’ll highlight her special connections with the legendary composing team of Hal David & Burt Bacharach, famed fictional super-spy James Bond, Jerry Butler, the Drifters, and Isaac Hayes, among many others.

Our Resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch presents his 1974 interview with Dionne Warwick, along with his always incisive comments about the tunes. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_111 May 15, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL – “THE TOP 40 LOST HITS OF 1965" –

This episode spotlights 40 top 40 lost hits from the year 1965 – the tunes you never seem to hear on the radio, or the satellite or on anyone’s live stream anymore.

Talk about variety, we’ve got some dreamers and a Duke, a religious King and a Johann Sebastian Bach concerto that all rocked.

Somewhere in our list of hits there’s even a Cannon and a shotgun, so watch out for those.

And talk about family-friendly programming, we’ve also got the only father and son with their own individual top 40 hits in the same year.

Then there are several country singers who scored some of the biggest rock hits in this country.

As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along to give us a little historical perspective about the tunes and times of the mid-1960s. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll _110 May 01, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_110 – SUNSHINE POP HITS OF THE LATE 1960s –

Remember a time when life was groovy, love-ins were the in-thing, and happenings happened? An era when flower power energized us? When far out and out of sight were what we wanted to be?

If you were around in the late 1960s, then you know what we're rapping about. And if you were born later, and you’re listening to this podcast series, then it’s likely you also love the music we dug during those years.

No matter what bag you were in back then, there were many varieties of rock and roll from which to choose. One was “Sunshine Pop.”

We’re gonna sock it to you with selected songs from 40 “Sunshine Pop” acts who were really boss. That’s along with 10 more acts from other music genres who earned some bread by copping the “Sunshine Pop” style.50 songs in total.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will make the scene, so don’t be uptight, man. And Radio Dave will have more of the choicest rock and stories on record

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_109 Apr 15, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_109 – "THE GREATEST ROCK & ROLL DOCTORS OF ALL TIME"

Are the endless encores of the same songs, constant commercials, and perpetual pre-pubescent patter on the radio giving you a headache? Is your home audio system constipated? Does your car stereo have indigestion? Is your podcast player all pooped out? Sounds like you need an immediate appointment with the “Rare & Scratchy Rock & Roll” Doctors. They’ve got the prescription to cure your musical ills!

For this episode, we’ve assembled the greatest group of melodious MDs and alternative medicine mavens ever to be heard in one podcast. Their diagnosis is that you need some strong musical medicine. So, they’ve prescribed a concentrated dose of songs about doctors and rock and roll illnesses. And we’ve got ‘em for you.

Plus, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch interviews a real rock and roll doctor – renowned Neurologist Hal Pineless – who’ll opine on the health benefits of the music we love. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_108 Apr 01, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_108 – "40 GREATEST BIRD-NAMED GROUPS"

More rock, rhythm & blues, and country groups have been named after birds than any other member of the animal kingdom on this planet. Thirty-seven of our feathered musical friends have found nesting places on the hit singles charts.

Our “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Ornithology Department has also identified three more bird groups whose records perched on the playlists of major radio stations even though their tweets didn’t result in hits.

That’s a total of 40 bird groups in the flock of songs we’re presenting on this podcast.

These include multiple different groups who named themselves after the same bird species – such as eagles, larks, crows, and swans.

Nay Nassar – a world-class expert on vocal groups, will opine on why so many groups with bird names took flight in pop music. Our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will explain how the harmonious chirps that went into many of these recordings were put together. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_107 Mar 15, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_107 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF NEIL DIAMOND, PART 2

This is part two of our two-part salute to a singer/songwriter who’s been making hit records for more than a half-century. His recordings have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. And the songs he composed for other performers have added many millions to that total. He’s Neil Diamond.

Continuing our retrospective from the year 1970 forward, we’ll chronicle all the rest of his hit singles, along with the original versions by other artists who inspired him, Plus, later hit recordings of Neil Diamond originals by different singers – as well as songs he composed for various artists, but didn’t record himself.

In this part two of our two-part Neil Diamond rockumentary, we’ll highlight Neil Diamond’s special connections with Paul Newman, Glen Campbell, Barbra Streisand, and Brian Wilson, among others.

Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock & Roll” Rockologist Ken Deutsch will spotlight Neil Diamond’s incredible impact on raising the spirits of Americans during difficult times. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_106 Mar 01, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_106 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF NEIL DIAMOND, PART 1

This is part one of our two-part salute to a singer/songwriter who’s been making hit records for more than a half-century. His recordings have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. And the songs he composed for other performers have added many millions to that total. He’s Neil Diamond.

We’ll chronicle all of his hit singles, along with the original versions by other artists who inspired him. Plus, later hit recordings of Neil Diamond originals by other singers – as well as songs he composed for various artists, but didn’t record himself.

In this part one of our two-part Neil Diamond rockumentary, we’ll highlight Neil Diamond’s special connections with Pat Boone, Jay & The Americans, the Monkees, Cliff Richard, Lulu, Deep Purple, and Junior Walker & The All-Stars, among many others.

Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock & Roll” Rockologist Ken Deutsch will put Neil Diamond’s accomplishments into the context of the times. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_105 Feb 15, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL – "THE LOST TOP 40 HITS OF 1961" –

This episode spotlights 40 lost hits from the year 1961. These include top 40 tunes radio stations no longer play – by major artists such as Tony Orlando, Fats Domino, Jackie Wilson, Ray Charles, and Chubby Checker, as well as famed actress/singer Ann-Margret, among many others.

We’ll also reveal the special connection between one of Elvis Presley’s #1 hits from 1961 and a 78 RPM platter recorded in 1905 by one of that era’s most famous operatic tenors. You’ll hear a sample of that rare & scratchy recording – restored as much as possible to its original fidelity by our “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Production Department.

Many of the lost 1961 top 40 hits that have found their way onto this episode are instrumentals – a type of tunes no longer heard on today’s rock stations. Our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along to explain why. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_104 Feb 01, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_104 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE EVERLY BROTHERS, PART 2" –

This is part two of our two-part salute to two siblings who comprised the most successful duo in the history of rock and roll – the Everly Brothers.

We’ll chronicle the rest of their hit singles – singing together and also apart as solo artists – along with the original versions by other performers who inspired them. Plus, later hit recordings of Everly Brothers songs by other singers.

We’ll track their successful 1983 comeback – a decade after their 1973 breakup. We’ll remember more of their connections with Buddy Holly & The Crickets and Simon & Garfunkel, as well as their later collaborations with the Hollies, Paul McCartney, Warren Zevon, Cliff Richard, Dave Edmunds, Johnny Cash, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, among others.

Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rocklogist, Ken Deutsch, has a special presentation for you on hit singles by some of the many acts that successfully imitated the Everly Brothers. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all, right here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_103 Jan 15, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_103 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE EVERLY BROTHERS, PART 1" –

This is part one of our two-part salute to two siblings who comprised the most successful duo in the history of rock and roll. They mixed their Appalachian mountain music heritage with some rockabilly, a little country and western, a dash of rhythm and blues, and a sprinkle of easy listening pop to chart more hit singles than any other twosome ever. They’re the Everly Brothers – Phil and Don.

We’ll chronicle all of their hit singles, along with the original versions by other artists who inspired them. Plus, later hit recordings of Everly Brothers songs by other singers. In this part one of our Everly Brothers rockumentary, we’ll highlight their special connections with Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Chet Atkins, Roy Orbison, Simon & Garfunkel, and Linda Ronstadt among many others.

Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock & Roll” Rockologist Ken Deutsch will put the Everly Brothers accomplishments into the context of the times. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_102 Jan 01, 2020

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_102 – "40 GOOD SONGS FROM 30 BAD MOVIES"

Have you ever seen a really bad major motion picture where the original soundtrack music was the only good part of the film? We have.

Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockogolist, Ken Deutsch, picked 30 such flicks, and I plucked 40 songs that debuted in those pictures for this presentation.

Most of these movies were musicals that hit the wrong notes. But our celluloid collection also includes atrocious comedies, dreadful dramas, science fiction fiascos, and creepy cult classics.

Three of those films featured songs that were written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David – one of the greatest composing teams of all-time. And there were sundry superstars whose singing surpassed the plots of the pictures in which their songs originated: Olivia Newton-John, Queen, Dionne Warwick, David Bowie, Diana Ross, the Electric Light Orchestra, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, the Bee Gees, Dusty Springfield, and Frankie Avalon, among others. Then there’s the famed actor – Lee Marvin – whose vocal was so bad that it turned out good.

Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_101 Dec 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL _101 – 45 LOST 1960s XMAS 45s

This is our fourth 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." And #75 presented "The Beatles & Elvis Presley For Christmas."

Now, on this episode #101, it’s the yuletide tunes of a specific decade. We’ll remember “45 forgotten 1960s Xmas 45s.” Most were played on one or more radio stations somewhere, but with just a few exceptions, they went nowhere on the hit music charts.

These include platters by then-established or emerging artists, such as Aretha Franklin, Gary U.S. Bonds, Solomon Burke, Jack Scott, Dodie Stevens, Charles Brown, and Ike & Tina Turner, among others.

We’ll also unwrap some singles worth hearing by artists who were hardly ever if ever heard from again. And we’ve got some 45s that appeared on the rock charts back then, but seem to have disappeared from radio station playlists today.

They’re all part of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. And you’ll hear them all right here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_100 Dec 01, 2019

R&SRNR_100 – “What’s Playin’ On The Jukebox At Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll World Headquarters”

This is show #100 in our podcast series. And to commemorate our reaching the century mark, we’ve prepared a celebration that we hope you’ll share. It’s 40 of the records that are playin’ on the Jukebox at “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll World Headquarters.”

These are some of the songs that I, my podcast partner and our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch, our support staff, spouses, enablers, and known children and grandchildren like to listen to when we’re relaxing around our studios.

I chose 20, and Ken chose 20. Each tune has a back story, and Ken and I will tell those tales, including why we chose them.

These include the absolutely smokin’ hit version of a movie theme that became the soundtrack for a famous cigarette ad campaign. And there’s the psychedelic folk song that provided the name for a comic book super hero nearly two decades later.

They’re all part of the greatest rock and roll stories on record, and you’ll hear 40 of them all right here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_099 Nov 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_099 – "Sex-Rated Hit Singles Of The 1960s & 1970s"

Our earlier episode #8 – “Risque Records, Banned Ballads, & Profane Platters” – is the second most downloaded show in our “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” series. It covers 52 songs spanning all the decades since the 1950s.

Now, as an extension of that rockumentary, we’ll listen a little closer to how rock and roll reflected the evolution of pop culture attitudes about sex in the 1960s and 1970s. Radio stations played all the songs we’re presenting in this edition back in the day, and most of these tunes are still heard today. That said, we suggest you cover the ears of any younger rock and rollers who might be listening to this download with you. That’s because we’ll sample 40 songs with lyrics that have adult content.

We’re calling this presentation “Sex-Rated Hit Singles Of The 1960s and 1970s.”

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_098 Nov 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_098 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS

This episode salutes an act that achieved a feat that such then-contemporary groups as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, and Four Seasons never matched. They were one of just two acts during the 1960s whose first seven 45s reached the top 10 on Billboard Magazine’s Hot 100 singles chart.

It’s a group that got a lot of help from some very talented collaborators, plus some of the leading rock and pop songwriters of the 1960s.

One of the members had a famous father, and that contributed to the group’s success, relatively speaking.

That band also recorded the only rock and roll dance number named after a breakfast cereal. We’ll serve you a taste of that tune.

We're talking about Gary Lewis & The Playboys. And our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be talking with Gary Lewis – our special guest for this episode. It’s the complete hit singles history of Gary Lewis & The Playboys. Plus, Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock & roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_097 Oct 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_097 – CANADIAN ROCKERS WITH TOP 40 HIT SINGLES IN THE U.S. - 1955-1994

This edition spotlights “Top 40 U.S. Hit Singles Imported From Canada During The First 40 Years Of Rock & Roll” – 1955 to 1994.

We’ve received many requests from listeners to do an episode on Canadian rock acts, and we’re playin’ what you’re sayin.” One of those “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” fans is Canadian Mike Drew, a former music journalist. We asked him to be our special guest for this show. He’ll provide some interesting insights about the Canada’s contributions to U.S. rock and roll.

Along the way, we’ll hear from a 1950s rockabilly act that evolved into Bob Dylan’s backup band and eventually found its own great fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Then there are some American-born performers who moved to Canada and achieved great success when they exported their music back to the U.S.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with lots of fascinating factoids. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_096 Oct 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_096 – “COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF CARL PERKINS"

This episode spotlights a legendary singer/songwriter/guitar stylist who’s known as the King of Rockabilly, as well as the Godfather of Rock & Roll. He’s Carl Perkins. This is an episode several of our “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” listeners have requested, and we’re thrilled to be presenting it.

We’ll spotlight all of Carl Perkins’ hit singles, along with the remakes of those songs that were charted by other singers. We’ll also cover his connections with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and especially, his life-long collaborations with Johnny Cash. Plus the Beatles.

Carl Perkins overcame multiple personal hardships to achieve his special place in music history. These included a major hit song he wrote for Johnny Cash that was inspired by Carl’s recovery from alcoholism. It marked his comeback after the many years of failed record sales that followed his initial hits. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will tell that tale. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_095 Sep 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_095 – "THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF MOTOWN RECORDS – 64 HIT SINGLES" –

The Motown Sound helped define the music of a generation during the company’s heyday in the 1960s and early 1970s. The Motown family of labels has been celebrated in television specials, stage musicals, and Hollywood movies.

You may recall that “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” episodes #4 and #5 presented a two-part alternative history of Motown Records – with little known stories about one of the biggest hit-making studios in popular music history. Now, we’ll revisit the five-year period that encompassed its founding in 1959 through 1963 – just before its explosive growth and domination of the rock charts for more than a decade.

Some early Motown releases featured emerging superstars. Others were performed by acts that subsequently faded into obscurity. The Beatles named one of these budding performers as their favorite female singer.

Motown charted 64 rock and rhythm & blues singles from 1959 to 1963, and you’ll hear them all right here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_094 Sep 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_094 – "THE LOST TOP 40 HITS OF 1972" –

This episode spotlights 40 lost hits from the year 1972. These include top 40 tunes radio stations no longer play – by major artists such as Carole King, Three Dog Night, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, The 5th Dimension, Wayne Newton, Curtis Mayfield, and The Bee Gees, among others.

We’ll present the only active-duty armed forces military band to march its way onto the top 40 rock charts, and sample the biggest hit single based on a soft drink commercial.

We’ll also hear from a U.K. solo singer who adopted the name of a legendary American pioneer for his performing persona.

Only two top 40 songs were ever named after famous paintings, and one of those made our lost hits of 1972 list.

Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, was a rock station program director that year, and he’ll be along to relate how different top 40 radio programming was way back then.

Hear it all – and much, much more all right here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_093 Aug 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL – WOODSTOCK MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL – 50TH ANNIVERSARY ROCKUMENTARY

This episode salutes the 50th Anniversary of the largest and most famous rock and roll concert ever – Woodstock – August 15 through August 18, 1969.

We’ll sample one song each from the acts who performed there. These include an artist who was six months pregnant when she sang her set. And the superstar who smashed his guitar on the back of a political activist who tried to disrupt his group’s gig. Then there’s the band whose turn to play came so late at night that hundreds of thousands in the audience slept through it.

Hear about the acts that were invited to perform, but declined, canceled, or didn’t show up at all.

Throughout this episode, our resident Rockolgist, Ken Deutsch, has comments from Donna Surface, a primary production assistant for one of the founders and impresarios of the entire event. Ken also will have some groovy and far out factoids, and your "Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll host, Radio Dave, will provide more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_092 Aug 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_092 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF RICK NELSON – PART 2

This is the second of two episodes saluting one of the most famous names in rock and roll history – Rick Nelson.

Our first episode tracked his trajectory from child actor to rock star. Now we’ll spotlight the second half of his career, as he gradually evolved from being a fading teen idol to reinventing himself as a county-rock pioneer and an accomplished composer. This includes the true-life story behind one of his biggest records of all time.

We’ll sample all of his remaining hit singles and present the original versions of any of those songs that inspired Rick to revive them in his own style.

Then there’s Rick Nelson’s acting career. That continued to develop at the same time his music was finding new horizons. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along to report on that, along with other fascinating perspectives on Rick Nelson’s career and musical legacy.

And your "Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll" host, Radio Dave have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_091 Jul 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_091 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF RICK NELSON – PART 1

This is the first of two episodes saluting one of the most famous names in rock and roll history. His early recordings were a mixture of rock and roll, rockabilly, and gentle ballad styles. In later years, he was a pioneer in the genre of country rock. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, his success rivaled contemporary stars such as Elvis Presley, Pat Boone, and Fats Domino.

He’s Ricky Nelson – or as he later called himself – Rick Nelson.

In our two-part retrospective, we’ll spotlight all of his hit singles. And we’ll track his trajectory from child actor to rock and roll stardom.

Many of Ricky Nelson’s hits were remakes of big band songs from the 1920s and 30s, country and western numbers from the 1940s, and rhythm and blues and rockabilly recordings from the 1950s. We’ll sample those originals, too.

Our resident, Rockologist Ken Deutsch, will be along with lots of fascinating factoids. And your "Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll" host, Radio Dave, will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_090 Jul 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_090 – 20TH CENTURY HIT SINGLES ABOUT MOTORCYCLES

Rev up your sound system, because we’re popping the clutch on hit singles with a biker theme during the 20th century. We’ll also road test some terrific two-wheel tunes that didn’t chart, along with selected hit album cuts about motorcycles that got great mileage on radio station playlists.

Along the way, we’ll hear from the only motorcycle gang to appear on a hit 45, plus the only motorcycle song to be #1 hit single. We’ll also re-cycle melodies about some of the most famous motorbikes of all time – including the only two makes that were the subject of hit singles saluting them.

And there’s more. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, revisits some Hollywood motorcycle movies of the 1950s and 1960s – and recalls their impact on rock and roll.

And we’ll also take a ride on the 1970s theme for the only 20th century prime time television series about a biker.

It’s the greatest musical motorcycle rally on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_089 Jun 11, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_089 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF ROY ORBISON – PART 2"

This is the second of two episodes saluting one of the most unique and enduring talents in rock and roll history – Roy Orbison. He recorded hits in four decades – the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. And his posthumous platters also charted in the 1990s and remain big sellers to this very day.

During our Roy Orbison retrospective, we’ll sample all of his hit singles, plus the original versions by artists who inspired him. Then you’ll hear the charted remakes of his hits by other singers. And we’ll revisit hits he wrote expressly for other performers

This episode covers the last decades of his career with a particular focus on his triumph over multiple personal tragedies. Our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will spotlight Roy Orbison’s movie career and interview one of Roy’s sons – Roy Orbison, Junior, who’ll offer some insights into the unique performing persona his father projected and the living legacy his father left behind. And I’ll track the rest of Roy Orbison’s complete hit singles history.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_088 Jun 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_088 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES CAREER OF ROY ORBISON

This is the first of two episodes saluting one of the most unique and enduring talents in rock and roll history. He recorded hits in four decades – the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. And his posthumous platters also charted in the 1990s. He’s best known for his soaring voice, but it’s not well known that he composed or co-composed most of his own hit songs. He’s Roy Orbison.

During our Roy Orbison retrospective, we’ll sample all of his hit singles, plus the original versions by artists who inspired him. Then you’ll hear the charted remakes of his hits by other singers. And we’ll revisit hits he wrote expressly for other performers

We’ll also spotlight Roy Orbison’s special connections with Pat Boone, Buddy Holly, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, and the Beatles, among many others. And our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with more history about Roy Orbison’s career. Hear it all here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_087 May 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_087

– "THE LOST TOP 40 HITS OF 1980" –

This episode spotlights 40 lost hits from 1980. These include top 40 tunes radio stations no longer play – by major artists such as Elton John, Donna Summer, Carly Simon, Bob Seger, The Jacksons, Pete Townshend, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, and Dan Fogelberg, among many others.

We’ll relate the story of a song that was a top 20 hit twice – the first time when it debuted in 1980 and nine years later in 1989 when it was re-issued. And we’ll hear from the only artist in Grammy history to win all four of that competition’s general field awards – Best Album, Record, Song, and New Artist – in the same year.

Then there’s the singer who carried on the top 40 hit making tradition of his late father and uncle. They were both rock and roll pioneers from Memphis who worked at the same electric company as Elvis Presley – long before they all became stars.

So, get your ears in gear for forty forgotten top 40 hits from a fabulous rock and roll year – 1980.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_086 May 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL _086 – "JAILHOUSE ROCKERS (SINGERS WITH HIT RECORDS & POLICE RECORDS)"

This episode spotlights Jailhouse Rockers. These are performers with police records as well as hit records. Many served jail sentences. Others only received probation. A few got off with just a fine. And one died while his penitentiary term was still pending an appeal.

The collective criminal charges against them ranged from drug possession and trafficking to drunk driving, public indecency, tax evasion, insurance fraud, extortion, robbery, kidnapping, child pornography, child molestation, rape, assault, weapons charges, and even murder.

As we recite some of their bad deeds, we’ll also sample some of their good music. Those are two things they all had in common. And that’s the way we’ll present them.

Our rockumentary also includes arresting facts about some rap stars whose rhymes we can’t fit into our song snippet format. And our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, interviews Craig Tobin, a litigation lawyer who’ll comment on the special – or not so special treatment some rock stars receive when they’re hauled into criminal court.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_085 Apr 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL _085 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF PAUL ANKA - PART 2

This is the second of two episodes saluting one of the most successful and enduring singer/songwriters in rock and pop music history. His recordings span more than seven decades. He’s also composed hit records for several other artists, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and the 5th Dimension. He’s Paul Anka.

During the course of our Paul Anka retrospective, we’ll sample all of his hit singles, plus the original versions by artists who inspired him. Then you’ll hear the charted 45 RPM remakes of his hits by other singers. And we’ll revisit hits he wrote expressly for other performers.

This “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” edition spotlights Paul Anka’s special connections with Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, and Michael Jackson. And our rockologist, Ken Deutsch presents more of his personal interview with Paul Anka in which the artist sits next to Ken on his piano bench and sings a 1974 hit right in his hotel room!

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_084 Apr 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_084 – PART 1 OF A 2-PART ROCKUMENTARY ON THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF PAUL ANKA

This is the first of two episodes saluting one of the most successful and enduring singer/songwriters in rock and pop music history. His recordings span more than seven decades. He’s also composed hit records for several other artists, as well as one of the most famous television show themes of all time. He’s Paul Anka.

During the course of our Paul Anka retrospective, we’ll sample all of his hit singles, plus the original versions by artists who inspired him. Then you’ll hear the charted 45 RPM remakes of his hits by other singers. And we’ll revisit hits he wrote expressly for other performers

On this edition of Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll, we’ll spotlight Paul Anka’s special connections with Annette Funicello, Buddy Holly, Connie Francis, and Johnny Carson. And rockologist Ken Deutsch presents a personal interview with Paul Anka in which the artist sits next to Ken on his piano bench and sings a 1974 hit right in his hotel room!

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_083 Mar 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #083 PRESENTS "30 FEMINIST HIT SINGLES BEFORE THEIR TIME"

Feminine pride and empowerment are common themes in the rock, pop, and rhythm & blues hits of the 20th century – especially in recent years. But there were fewer such hit records in earlier eras. This episode remembers 30 songs with feminist messages that were played on the radio long before their time – the decades of the 1950s through the 1990s.

Ironically, almost all of these tunes were composed or co-composed by men, and we’ll conjecture as to the reasons why. Even so, these musical messages had a strong and positive impact. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along to interview a special guest for this episode – Patricia Brown Holmes. Judge Holmes is the first African-American woman to become the managing partner of a national law firm. She’ll relate how this music inspired her and other women to achieve great things.

And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_082 Mar 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL EPISODE #_082 – 50 LOST TOP 40 BRITISH INVASION ACTS

Say the words, “British Invasion,” and everyone recalls the Beatles, the Dave Clark 5, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, Herman’s Hermits, the Hollies, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, the Animals, Donovan, Gerry & The Pacemakers, the Yardbirds, and the Bee Gees, for example. Their songs are still played on U.S. radio stations.

But forgotten by many is an earlier British invasion. It coincided with the launch of the so-called rock and roll era in 1955. It preceded the Beatles and the other mid-1960s U.K. artists who dominated the U.S. music scene. Those earlier U.K. rockers scored many big hit singles that also have vanished from your favorite oldies stations.

This “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” episode salutes 50 lost Top 40 acts from both the 1950s and 1960s waves of the British invasion. They’re all part of the greatest rock and roll stories on record, and you’ll hear them here.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_081 Feb 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL _081 – THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF LITTLE RICHARD

This episode pays tribute to one of rock and roll’s most flamboyant pioneers and pop icons. Although he’s best known for his many 1950s hits, he continued to make the rock and rhythm & blues charts for another four decades.

Throughout his career, he was conflicted by his devout Christian faith and his love for secular music. And for a while, he retired from show business to become a minister. Eventually, he combined both callings.

Once nicknamed the “Hepcat From Hell,” he openly challenged Elvis Presley for the title, “King Of Rock & Roll.” He’s Little Richard.

We’ll sample all of his hit singles, the original versions by other artists that he emulated, and the charted 45 rpm remakes of his songs by other singers, such as Pat Boone, Bill Haley & His Comets, and Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, among others. Plus Little Richard’s hit connections with Jimi Hendrix, Billy Preston, Quincy Jones, Canned Heat, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Philip Bailey, and the Beach Boys.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_080 Feb 01, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_080 – THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED – THE LAST CONCERT BY BUDDY HOLLY, J.P. "THE BIG BOPPER" RICHARDSON & RITCHIE VALENS

This episode pays tribute to Buddy Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson & Ritchie Valens whose tragic deaths in a plane crash occurred on February 3rd, 1959. It’s been called the day the music died.

We believe the best way to honor them is to reconstruct, as much as we can, the set-list they and the other artists – Frankie Sardo, as well as Dion & The Belmonts, performed with them at their final concert in Clear Lake, Iowa the previous night – February 2nd.

Our very own “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” host emeritus, Al Mitchell, was a teenager in 1959. And he was at that dance party. You’ll hear his remembrances. We’ve also found some radio broadcasts from the following morning that reported the sad news.

And we’ll sample some tribute tunes that were quickly issued in the aftermath of the crash as eulogies to all three singers.

So, come with us back in time as we relive the evening before and the day the music died.

Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll_079 Jan 15, 2019

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL #_079

– THE TOP 40 LOST HITS OF 1976 –

This episode spotlights 40 lost hits from 1976. These include top 40 tunes radio stations no longer play – by major artists such as Stevie Wonder, the Electric Light Orchestra, Elton John, and the Beach Boys, among others.

We’ll salute a legendary disco star who was also an acclaimed painter. And we’ll reveal another disco diva, who left nothing to the imagination in her other profession as a pornographic pictures star. Plus, we’ll showcase three super-hit television themes, including one that was named after a famed Olympics gold medal winner.

A musician, singer, record producer, and composer who was Buddy Holly’s best friend, penned a #1 rhythm & blues hit. That story and that song are part of this episode, too, along with the only Top 10 tune ever about a dog during the rock and roll era.

So, get your ears in gear for forty forgotten top 40 hits from a fabulous rock and roll year – 1976.

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