If you weren’t listening today…. you missed hearing “May I Have This Dance” by the Four Graduates from 1964. Bob Miranda sang lead vocals with this group, which would evolve into “The Happenings” and go on to hit the Hot 100 nine times. Stay tuned to TUNEDEX MEMORIES and listen for another Four Graduates cut, “Candy Queen”.
Frankie Sardo – She Taught Me How To Cry
New Seekers – The Greatest Song I Ever Heard
Poppy Family – I Was Wondering
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
Norma Jean Speranza lost her mother when she was only four years old. She grew up in Avonmore, Pennsylvania where her father worked in the coal mines. She entered a local Lion’s club talent contest which resulted in her own radio show. By the age of 14, she was appearing nightly, seven nights a week, earning $5.00 a night.
Jill Corey
By the time she hit 17, Norma Jean was a local celebrity. She made a demo tape (no accompaniment other than passing trains) and somehow it reached Mitch Miller of Columbia records. He listened and was so impressed he invited her to New York.
How’s this for a “good day”? She arrived at Columbia Records, and auditioned for Mitch Miller and was signed on the spot. Miller then contacted LIFE magazine, and set up auditions for Dave Garroway and Arthur Godfrey who met with her immediately. Before she left to return home, the signing of the contracts were re-enacted for LIFE photographers. Norma Jean then flew home that night.
The next day brought calls from both Garroway and Godfrey. Norma Jean chose Garroway and appeared on his TV show for nine months.
It was Garroway who picked the name Jill Corey out of a telephone book to be Norma Jean’s “professional” name. Within six weeks of her signing, the LIFE cover came out and suddenly Jill Corey appeared to be everywhere.
After Garroway, there was the Robert Q. Lewis show, Ed Sullivan appearances and nine months as the lead singer for a little known California based show hosted by an unknown by the name of Johnny Carson. She headlined a show at the Copacabana, Las Vegas and even had her own syndicated radio and television shows. She was the lead singer for the last year of “Your Hit Parade” and even starred in a movie, called “Senior Prom”.
In 1961, she fell in love and married all-star third baseman Don Hoak, of the World Champion 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates. When they married, Jill gave up her career to be a full time wife.
“Love Me To Pieces” was the highest charting (#11) song of the five tunes that Jill placed on the Hot 100. This has always been my favorite song by Jill and you’ll hear it on TUNEDEX MEMORIES.
LOVE ME TO PIECES by Marvin Endsley
Why don’t you love me to pieces, baby
Squeeze me ’til I’m crazy
Hold me the way you used to do
You know that my love is growin’ stronger
And I can’t wait no longer
Been saving my love just for you
Hold me, thrill me, squeeze me so tight
Miss me, kiss me, all day and night
Why don’t you love me to pieces, darlin’
No use in us quarreling
I only need your loving arms
You know that I’m plumb mad about you
I couldn’t live without you
I’m just wild about your charms
(Repeat first two verses)
Why don’t you love me to pieces, honey
Squeeze me ’til it ain’t funny
Give me the kisses that I crave
You know that I’ll never ever leave you
And I’ll never ever grieve you
You know that I want to be your slave
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
Norm Burnett (Baritone) and George Hilliard (2nd Tenor) met at summer camp and decided to form a singing group. In 1960 they hooked up with Al Berry (1st Tenor), Donald Banks (Bass) and George Williams Jr. (lead) to form the Latineers. Philadelphia station WDAS held a talent contest in 1963 and the group was urged to audition for local label Cameo/Parkway. They were signed to Parkway records, and were renamed the Tymes. The first release was a song written by George Williams, “As We Stroll Along” which was renamed “So Much In Love” which went to number ONE in August of 1963. They hit the charts five more times for Parkway and in 1965 started their own label. Winchester. Then moved to Columbia records and had a minor hit with a cover of “People” in 1966. They stayed under the chart radar for another 8 years, but hit #12 with “You Little Trustmaker” for RCA in 1974. We lost lead singer George Williams to cancer in 2004. Listen for The Tymes on TUNEDEX MEMORIES!
As we stroll along together
Holding hands, walking all alone
So in love are we two
That we don’t know what to do
So in love (doo, so in love)
In a world of our own (doo, so in love)
As we stroll by the sea together
Under stars twinkling high above
So in love are we two
No one else but me and you
So in love (doo, so in love)
So much in love (doo, so in love)
So in love (doo, so in love)
So much in love (doo, so in love)
We stroll along together
I tell you I need you oh so much
I love, love you my darling
Can you tell it in my touch?
When we walk down the aisle together
We will vow to be together till we die
So much love have we two
Just can’t wait to say “I do”
So in love (doo, so in love)
Are you and I (doo, you and I)
So in love (doo, so in love)
Are you and I (doo, you and I)
So in love (doo, so in love)
Are you and I (doo, you and I)
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved baseball and as a lifelong Indians fan, I’ve always hated the
Yankees. My favorite player will always be Rocky Colavito, but the most popular player of that time period had to be Mickey Mantle. My grandparents had a “crank” victrola, and several of the 78’s they played were by Teresa Brewer. Mickey Mantle was so beloved, this song was written about him. As you read the lyrics, this was NOT poetry, and Mickey was a horrible singer…. But the innocence of the love affair with baseball was captured very well in this charming ditty. Listen for this and other Teresa Brewer songs on TUNEDEX MEMORIES
I love Mickey (Mickey who)
You know who, the fella
With the celebrated swing
Oh, I love Mickey (Mickey who)
You know who, the one who
Drives me batty every spring
If I don’t make a hit with him
My heart will break in two
I wish that I could catch him
And pitch a lttle woo
I love Mickey (Mickey who)
Mickey you (Mickey me)
That’s who
I love Mickey (Mickey who)
You know who, his muscles
Are a mighty sight to see
Oh, I love Mickey (Mickey who)
You know who, the one I want
To steal right home with me
Oh, I’d sacrifice most anything
To win his many charms
I’d like to be a fly ball
And pop right in his arms
I love Mickey (Mickey who)
Mickey Mantle, ooh, I love you
(Who, me) ooh, I love you
(Not Yogi Berra)
Ooh, I love you
Mickey
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
With all the 45’s at my disposal to share with you, I try not to play that many lp cuts. This song comes
from my 4 year tour in the U.S. Air Force. When I went overseas, I went to Clark AFB in the Philippines. With the low cost of (Japanese) stereo systems, almost every cubicle had at least one blaring ALL the time. This cut comes from the “Rewind” album by Johnny Rivers. I never did buy that album, partially because I had heard it so many times, I really didn’t want it. “Tunesmith” however, stuck with me and remains my all-time favorite Johnny Rivers cut. Johnny grew up in New Orleans, formed his first band in 1956, cut his first record in 1958 with the help of Alan Freed, and then “exploded” onto the rock and roll scene almost SIX years later – right in the middle of the British Invasion. Listen for Johnny on TUNEDEX MEMORIES
“TUNESMITH” performer: Johnny River • writer: Jimmy Webb
Married to the road
There’s no other way to say it.
Baby found out
Quite early in the game.
If I belong to my songs
She chose not to play it.
Now I walk down the street
And I hear them call my name.
Chorus:
Tunesmith, tunesmith
Sing me a song.
Give me your laughter
Give me your tears.
Tunesmith, tunesmith
Sing me a song.
But who sings a song for the tunesmith?
Who sings a song for the tunesmith?
She could have changed my mind
If anyone could do it
That’s why I know
I’ll always be this way.
And now I’ve got fame
I find there’s nothing to it.
I remember how I loved her
When I hear the people say.
Repeat chorus
This hotel room is all I own
Now that all my friends are gone.
All alone at the break of day
I can still hear them say.
Repeat chorus
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
David Box grew up in Lubbock Texas, home of legendary rocker Buddy Holly. David got to see Buddy Holly
perform locally before he hit the National scene and was fascinated by his sound. Encouraged to sing as young as when he was only three years old, David formed a band called the Ravens which emulated the sound of Buddy Holly. I added “Little Lonely Summer Girl” to the play list because I remember hearing it on WHK. I’m also fond of David’s first release on Joed Records, “If You Can’t Say Something Nice” which was co-written by Roy Orbison. But there’s another song to listen for David’s vocals. The next time you hear “Peggy Sue Got Married” listen for the lead vocals of David Box. David was just one of many lead vocalists used by the Crickets who had a sound similar enough to Buddy Holly to make a record. “Little Lonely Summer Girl” was played and popular in pockets of the country. In addition to our area, the song was very popular in the Houston area. He was working with a local band, Buddy & the Kings promoting the record. On October 23, 1964 on the way to another promotional stop, the plane rented by David and the band went down nose first. There were no survivors. David Box was only 21. Like his hero Buddy Holly, David was taken from us way too soon. Listen for David Box on Tunedex Memories.
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
Jane Currier was born on Christmas day, 1920 in Boston Massachusetts, although she was raised in Florida. She later trained as a lyric soprano at the Julliard School of Music in New York City. Jane not only had a clear, strong voice, but also could sing in many languages. Jane was spotted in a night club and was whisked to France, where she became very successful. When she returned home, she was in demand on television and the night club circuit as “The American Girl From Paris”. She hit the Hot 100 five times. “With Open Arms” peaked at number 39 in 1959. I remember hearing it quite a lot on Cleveland radio when I was growing up, and always liked the song. That’s why I decided to share it with you. Listen for Jane on TUNEDEX MEMORIES
With Open Arms – written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David
(Ah-blinka-chunk) 
I wait with open arms
Down by the river where the boats come in
And when the boats come in
I run to him with open arms
Although he’s on the shore
His heart is still a hundred miles at sea
But then he kisses me
And I can tell he’s mine once more
All night I hold him tight
He’s mine until the dawn
Then when the fishing boats go out again, he’s gone
Gone away and…
I pray all through the day
That he’ll return and make my life begin
And when his boat comes in
I run to him with open arms
All night I hold him tight
He’s mine until the dawn
Then when the fishing boats go out again, he ‘s gone
Gone away and…
I pray all through the day
That he’ll return and make my life begin
And when his boat comes in
I run to him with o-pen arms
(Down by the river where the boats come in
A blinka-chunk!)
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
Kenny Karen’s singing talent landed him a recording contract with Columbia records. After three releases
he was let go as an artist, but managed to survive and keep alive his budding writing career. Kenny paid his rent by singing demo recordings for a variety of music publishers who were attempting to place their music with major selling artists. During this period he became friends with Neil Diamond and Tony Orlando and spent a great deal of time in the “other” Brill Building. This background proved to be just what he needed to break into the jingle business.
Kenny was the recipient of NARAS’ “Most Valuable Player” award for six consecutive years, and is the only male studio singer ever to be honored with MVP Virtuoso Award, acknowledging his many years of achievement in the jingle industry. Kenny’s voice has ultimately been heard on more than 15,000 radio and television commercials. He remains the last link of studio singers combining the artistry of the “golden years” with the ever-changing world of pop music.
Today, Kenny is a devoted husband and father and devotes his musical attentions to the music of his upbringing and heritage, Jewish music. Long ago however, Kenny co-wrote with Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller one of the best “teen” songs I never heard before. You’ll get to hear and enjoy this tune on TUNEDEX MEMORIES
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
Jimmy was born on August 10, 1943 in Cincinnati Ohio, but shortly after, his family moved to Memphis. He was inspired to develop his musical talents at the tender age of 7 after spending some time with a couple guys who lived across the street. The neighbors? None other than Dorsey and Johnny Burnette. While Jimmy was honing his performing skills, the Burnette brothers moved to California. After he graduated from high School in 1962, he visited Dorsey in Hollywood.
Dorsey was signed to Reprise at the time and introduced Jimmy to his producer Steve Venet. Steve and Jimmy wrote several songs together, but then Steve left Reprise. He was replaced by Jimmy Bowen and by September 1963, Jimmy was signed and recorded his first album.
Backing Jimmy on “Summer Holiday” was Leon Russell on piano, Glen Campbell on guitar and Hal Blaine on drums. While I enjoyed his cover of the title track, I chose to put the original by Cliff Richard in rotation on our play list, the Honor Roll of Hits.
Jimmy recorded many great Teen sides during his stint at Reprise, with “What Kind Of Girl Are You” being one of my favorites. I liked the Bobby Vee-like arrangement and Jimmy’s voice seemed to be a perfect fit for the song.
Jimmy never became the Teen Idol Reprise thought he’d be, but rebounded well as he co-founded the group Bread with David Gates, Robb Royer and Jim Gordon in 1968.
Jimmy had an impact on country music after Bread disbanded. He teamed up with Randy Meisner and Billy Swan to form Black Tie. They hit the country charts with the Buddy Holly penned single “Learning The Game”. He hit the Country charts three more times in the early 90’s with the group The Remingtons.
James Griffin died of cancer on January 13, 2005. He is survived by his wife Marti, daughter Alexis and son Jacob. This multi-talented singer, writer and producer will be missed. In addition to this song, listen for “She Used To Be Mine”, “My Baby Made Me Cry”, and “Running To You” on TUNEDEX MEMORIES.
Here’s ONE of the songs on our play list – The Honor Roll of Hits
Lee Graham aka Leapy Lee is a one-hit wonder. “Little Arrows” was written by Albert Hammond and managed to top the charts in 18 countries, enjoying global sales of nearly 3,500,000. This Decca release peaked at #16 on the Hot 100. Visit the official website of: http://www.leapylee.co.uk/
There’s a boy, a little boy
Shooting arrows in the blue
And he’s aiming them at someone
But the question is at who?
Is it me or is it you?
It’s hard to tell until you’re hit
But you’ll know it when they hit you
Cos’ they hurt a little bit
Here they come falling out of the blue
Little arrows for me and for you
You’re falling in love again, falling in love again
Little arrows in your clothing
Little arrows in your hair
When you’re in love you’ll find those little arrows everywhere
Little arrows that will hit you once
And hit you once again
Little arrows that hit everybody, every now and then
Wow ho ho the pain
Some folks run and others hide
But there is nothing they can do
And some folk put on armour
But the arrows go straight through
So you see, there’s no escape
So why not face it and admit
That you love those little arrows
When they hurt a little bit
Here they come falling out of the blue…
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