Henson Cargill (1941-2007)

Country singer and Oklahoma native Henson Cargill, died March 24th due to complications from surgery. He was 66. He is survived by two sons, a daughter, four sisters and a brother.

Henson will always be remembered for his “signature” song, “Skip A Rope”. Forty years ago, his song went to number one on the national Country charts and also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at number 25.

Fans will remember his booming baritone voice singing this tongue-in-cheek song about issues such as divorce, cheating on your taxes and racial injustice as seen through the innocent eyes of children playing jump rope. Written by Jack Moran and Glen Douglas Tubb, “Skip a Rope” was nominated for 1968 song of the year by the Country Music Association.

Henson hit the Country charts another 15 times with his last entry in May of 1980. He then owned and operated a west Oklahoma City country music showplace called Henson’s. It featured such performers as Ray Charles, Merle Haggard, Roy Orbison, Glenn Campbell, Waylon Jennings and Cargill’s friend and mentor, Johnny Cash. 

“Skip A Rope” sis on “the Honor Roll of Hits” heard 24/7 at:  TUNEDEX MEMORIES!

What group gave Dick Clark a black eye?

With the success of “16 Candles” – the Crests were in demand. They played the Apollo, and the Paramount theater with acts like Jackie Wilson, the Moonglows, the Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, Frankie Avalon and Dion & the Belmonts. One night at the Little Theater on 47th Street in New York, Dick Clark decided to check on the boys and talk about an upcoming appearance on his Saturday night American Bandstand radio show. I can best describe what happened next as a case of “grab-ass”… a term I coined after all too many experiences while raising three boys of my own. The group members were cavorting in the room and one of them was thrown towards the door just as Dick Clark was entering… the door hit Dick in the face, and Dick got a black eye for his effort.

Hear Johnny Maestro & the Crests at: TUNEDEX MEMORIES

What’s wrong with this picture?

This is the classic “early” picture of The Crests. The problem is that when they first formed, there were FIVE members… the one missing from the picture is the lady who sang with the group. She sang on “My Juanita” recorded on the Joyce label, but when the band got signed to Coed records, she wasn’t allowed to continue… her mother insisting that she return to school and graduate instead. Mom probably knew best, because she was only 15 years old at the time. What makes this story more interesting is that her family obviously had a lot of singing talent. Her name was Patricia, but her younger brother carried the torch for her family and made everyone proud. We lost him recently, much too early…. little brother’s name? Luther Vandross…

Listen for “My Juanita” on the Honor Roll of Hits, heard 24/7 at TUNEDEX MEMORIES!

Slideshow

While you’re enjoying the SlideShow, listen to the great tunes at: TUNEDEX MEMORIES

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Luther Ingram (1937-2007)

Luther Thomas Ingram was born November 30^th, 1937 in Jackson Tennessee. His first recording was with the group The Gardenias, which included his brothers Archie and Richard, Connie Perry and Lawrence Witherspoon. The Federal single of “My Baby’s Tops” b/w “ Flaming Love” is still collectible today, valued at $100.00. He moved to New York and became a songwriter working with producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. His first solo recording came on Decca records in 1965, “You Never Miss Your Water” b/w “Ain’t That Nice”. After a few more unsuccessful recordings, he moved on to the Koko label, an obscure subsidiary of Stax records, and re-launched his solo career. He hit the Billboard Hot 100 seven times as a solo artist, and co-wrote the Staple Singers hit “Respect Yourself” with Mack Rice. Ironically, he didn’t write his “signature song” which climbed all the way to number 3 in 1972, “If Loving You Is Wrong – I Don’t Want To Be Right”. Luther continued to record through the 80’s and hit the R&B charts another thirteen times. After a decade old battle with kidney problems and complications from a transplant, Luther died of a heart attack on Monday, March 19^th 2007 at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline, sons Luther Jr. (Eric) and Kenneth. Luther also has a sister Daisy, and five brothers, Archie, Richard, Jesse, Frank and Tommy. And finally, Luther’s biggest fan, his mother, Mrs Callie Louise Ingram, 94. She has every record Luther ever recorded, plus one that was only meant for her… Luther sang “You Are My Sunshine” to his mom from his hospital bed. Our condolences go out to the entire Ingram family and remind them in their time of loss, of the untold number of people Luther’s voice and writing talent entertained over his long and successful career. He will be missed. 

Listen for Luther’s first recording as a member of the Gardenias on TUNEDEX MEMORIES.

Ritchie Cordell • Tick Tock (1943-2004)

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943, Richard Joel Rosenblatt loved the feeling he got from pretending to be Elvis Presley in front of his mirror. He learned to play guitar, and began writing and singing his own songs. In 1961, he was introduced to Paul Simon and together they wrote and produced, ‘Tick Tock’ which he sang and released as Ritchie Cordell. This infectious song goes in our play list on the strength of it’s success on the WHK Fabulous 50 Tunedex. Peaking at Number 20, back in June 1962, Cleveland was one of the cities responsible for this songs regional popularity. Over the next three years, Ritchie continued to record with little success but found himself drawn to the great New York songwriters that were cranking out hit after hit. Songwriting soon became his focus and in 1966, Cordell got a job at Roulette records. He began writing and producing for a Michigan garage band called Tommy James and the Shondells. He co-wrote “Mony Mony” and “I Think We’re Alone Now”. These songs made him unique as they hit the charts again, bigger and better than ever in the 80’s by Billy Idol and Tiffany. He got together with a former session player, Tommy Laguna who was the manager for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and co-produced “I Love Rock & Roll.” In 2004, Ritchie succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 61. He is survived by his wife Helaina Bruno, and sister Ronni.

You’ll hear “Tick Tock” on TUNEDEX MEMORIES

Gary Puckett has sung of our troops at war for 40 years?

If you caught Steve Petryszyn’s last edition of “Record Roundup” you know he attended a concert in Michigan in February and was very moved by the song “Home” performed by Gary Puckett. Gary acknowledged ALL the veterans present in the audience and shook their hand. Steve heard this song for the first time, and thought it was written for our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Actually, it was one of MY favorite songs while still in the Air Force during the Vietnam conflict.

I admit to being very lucky. I never experienced what goes through a soldiers mind in time of war. I gave four years of service to my country, but I was never in harms way at any time. I lost friends in Vietnam, but no family, so once again, I was very lucky.

When I wore my uniform, I was subjected to ridicule, both in towns where I was stationed and when I came home. It hurt deeply, and at the time, and never understood the animosity. After some soul searching, I admitted to myself that I was happy to be alive, put Vietnam behind me and went on with my life.

Being the father of three sons, I can also say how deeply grateful I am that they were never subjected to war. As for the young men and women who serve today, my prayers go out to them and their family to just finish their job and come home safely. If you read Page 2 of the website, you know I was involved in a project back in 2003 called “Dedications from Home” (http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=13426) to help both the soldiers and families get through one of the toughest times of the year, the Holidays. Even though the site is now closed, I’ll always carry with me the emotions of the families and know that I helped bring them together for just a short while. We take so much for granted in this country, and sometimes forget and underestimate the sacrifices others have made before us to secure our freedoms and way of life.

Today, we are a polarized country. But no matter your political affiliation, or opinion of the war, all Americans should support these brave young heroes and thank them for their efforts and sacrifices they have make EACH DAY for ALL OF US. Whether you believe in a God or not, we should all agree to remain the UNITED States of America. As Steve said on his show, if you know or meet a Veteran, THANK THEM. Unless you’ve been a part of defending freedom, you simply don’t know how difficult it can be…. so at the risk of “showing my age” or being “politically incorrect”…. God Bless America… and thanks to Gary Puckett and the Union Gap for capturing in song the pain and the heartache of war…

Hear “Home” by Gary Puckett & the Union Gap on “the Honor Roll of Hits” heard 24/7 on TUNEDEX MEMORIES!

Christmas every day…

I hope you sense the underlying romanticism as you read our posts and view the videos. Those of us who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s forget that socially, it was a completely different world. In that world, people knew, were a lot kinder to, and helped one another each and every day. As I look back now, it was truly a universal gift that we shared with everyone.

Make it a goal to do at least one of the following each and every day:

1. Curb your cynicism.
2. Compliment someone (the verbal equivalent of a hug)
3. Smile.
4. When you see someone in need, help them if you can.
5. Spend at least 15 minutes each day with yourself and your thoughts.
6. Do not raise your voice in anger or frustration.
7. Enjoy the magical sights, sounds and smells of nature.
8. Call an old friend just to say hello.
9. Respect the misfortune of others… it could be you.
10. Pick an age and listen to a favorite song  and cherish the memories.

None of these things cost money, take a whole lot of forethought or planning, and yet can be some of the best gifts we receive this year. Christmas is about giving. Give of yourself and celebrate the spirit of Christmas every day. You may find yourself getting through difficult days just a bit easier, and wouldn’t that be a great gift…

Sheb Wooley 1921-2003

Shelby F. Wooley was born in Erick, Oklahoma. An avid rider, Sheb was already competing in local rodeos by the time he turned 10. He loved music, and taught himself how to play on a guitar his father obtained by trading for an old shotgun. He had a band in High School, but music didn’t help his family put food on the table, so he worked as an oil field welder. In his early 20’s Sheb moved to California and worked odd jobs, met Melba Miller (sister of singer Roger Miller) and got married. After almost twenty years of odd jobs, and many unsuccessful attempts to launch a singing career, Sheb got serious about his career and balanced his time between writing songs and taking acting lessons.

He began landing small parts in films which led to a career that saw him appear in over 60 movies, including “High Noon” and “Giant”. He was also successful on the small screen, playing Pete Nolan in the TV series “Rawhide”. He was an original member of “Hee Haw” and wrote the shows theme song.

He also enjoyed many hits as a songwriter, including “Are You Satisfied” which Rusty Draper and others recorded. In 1958, he had to fight a very conservative M-G-M record label to release his #1 signature song, “Purple People Eater”. In the spirit of Homer and Jethro, Sheb actually enjoyed more success as his recording “alter ego” Ben Colder.

Sheb’s motto for success? “I believe success comes from three things…dreams, hard work and faith.” Sheb died of Leukemia on September 16, 2003 at the age of 82.

Hear songs by both Sheb and Ben at TUNEDEX MEMORIES!

James “Pookie” Hudson 1934-2007

Pookie Hudson, lead singer and songwriter for the doo-wop group the Spaniels, who lent his romantic tenor to hits like “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight” and influenced generations of later artists, died January 16th at his home in Capitol Heights, Maryland. He was 72. The cause was complications of cancer of the thymus, his publicist, Bill Carpenter, said. Mr. Hudson continued performing into last fall, when he learned that his cancer had returned after a remission. Mr. Hudson’s longtime manager, Wellington Robinson, said he wrote “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight” for a young woman he was dating at the time. That signature Spaniels song was a Top 5 R&B hit in 1954. Mr. Hudson was born Thornton James Hudson on June 11, 1934, in Des Moines. The Spaniels first came together at Roosevelt High School in Gary, Ind., where Mr. Hudson grew up and began singing in church choirs.He is survived by his wife, Delores, nine children and 16 grandchildren.

I had a DJ service for almost 15 years and ALWAYS closed the evening with the great Spaniels classic – hear more of Pookie Hudson at TUNEDEX MEMORIES!