The Jersey Girls website, hosted by longtime music-biz insiders, singers Denise Ferri and Bernadette Carroll, with an assist from our Internet radio host Ronnie Allen, have created a multi-page tribute to me and my career, and a photo slide show of the many stages of my career. The ladies have also established a 2011 petition to induct me into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Category Non-Performers: "Songwriters, producers, disc jockeys, record executives, journalists and other industry professionals who have had a major influence on the development of rock and roll.")
Could it be me they were saluting? If the Jersey Girls Sing my praises, it must be true, because Denise, Bernadette, and Marcia Habib and her Claymates Fan Club, have been my angels, lighting the way for so many years. Clay Cole Tribute Page
"This is, without a doubt, the best book I've ever read on the early beginning of rock 'n roll ... There were so many things I liked about this book; it’s a bit difficult where to begin ... His writing style is snappy, funny, and direct ... A devastatingly brilliant book."
There is royalty money being held for songwriters who cannot be located.
I have volunteered to assist Shapiro-Bernstein, one of our most respected music publishers, in spreading the word. Any leads will be helpful.
If you are aware of the whereabouts of these songwriters, just contact me, and I'll pass the word along to the proper department at Shapiro-Bernstein.
They have searched BMI, ASCAP, other publishers, Internet, etc, with no luck. It would be so great if we can locate these songwriters and see that they receive their due financial reward:
* Johnny Burnette (“Damn the Defiant” – 1962) – Johnny and Dorsey have died, and we sent a letter to Thurley Burnette last year, no answer
* Hal Norton (“Wanderin’ Eyes” – 1957)
* Murray Roth (“I’m a Lonesome Little Raindrop” – 1920)
* Ray Willis (“Beatnik’s Wish” – 1959) – his co-writer says he died, no idea about heirs
* Edward Grant (“I’m Wonderin’ Who” – 1927)
* Garold Overs (“I Belong to the Wind” – 1965) – His last address was in Michigan. This song was covered by Dayna Kurtz recently so it has new earnings.
* Sam Friedman (“Blues Ain’t News To Me” – 1952, “Ain’t Nothing Good” – 1953)
* Billy Hueston (“Throwin’ Stones at the Sun” – 1934)
* Lorraine Teaton and Will Jurgens (“Don’t Be Blue, Little Pal, Don’t Be Blue” – 1941)
* Irv Nahan (cut in on “I’m So Lost” – 1964) – sold his house in Philadelphia, think he’s passed; we are searching for heirs.
* Jean Herbert (“Clover Blossoms” – 1932)
And in case you’re not already aware of it, SoundExchange is good to register with if you’re a singer/performer. They collect royalties separate from other collectors (ASCAP/BMI/music publishers) – their website explains it all much better than I can.
Brandon Harris Walker, a youthful Baltimore music teacher, wrote and recorded this remarkable, hysterical ode to Jewish traditions on a Christian holiday. Must see: YouTube! video. (Almost two million hits)
This album has grown in stature over the years and has been reissued countless times.
Featuring the amazing Spector production together with Darlene Love, The Crystals, The Ronettes, Bob B. Soxx And The Blue Jeans, even Leon Russell on piano and Sonny Bono on percussion, this is another timeless record that is unlikely ever to be surpassed as
"the greatest Christmas compilation of all time."
-- David Sprague
"A Christmas Gift For You from Phil Spector"
This lavish holiday set has been called the greatest rock & roll Christmas album of all time. That's an opinion that's tough to argue with when you find yourself immersed in the massive sounds painstakingly crafted by legendary producer Phil Spector. His "wall-of-sound" technique is perfectly suited to the music of the season, as he proves with layer upon layer of piano, sleigh bells, buoyant percussion, and, of course, those legendary Spectorsound harmonies. The Crystals turn their sassy interplay into sheer magic on "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," The Ronettes stroll sweetly through numbers like "SleighRide," while Darlene Love delivers a real knockout punch with her yearning version of "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)." Sure to become your holiday soundtrack.
Bing Crosby probably never had to record another song in his life after he immortalized "White Christmas." You'll find plenty more in this crooning Christmas collection. There's the Romantic Bing with "The Christmas Song," and "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" There's the Reverent Bing singing "Adeste Fideles." "Good King Wenceslas" with a bit of that ole vaudeville shine. "White Christmas" will be the number one reason for sticking this one in your stocking. And who can blame you?
It's as timeless now as it was way back when. Amazon.
Johnny Mathis 2009 holiday CD reissue, Merry Christmas was Johnny Mathis' seventh studio album for the Columbia label and his first of Christmas material. Featuring the orchestra of Percy Faith, the album would peak at #3 on Billboard's Christmas album chart and make a return appearance for the next 11 years. My all-time favorite song is
"O Holy Night", and Johnny's interpretation of it is superb, with a lush string arrangement, and a final gorgeous pianissimo note from Johnny. Hearing it never fails to inspire and move me.
April 2 Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, departing Tampa, starring Jay Siegal & the Tokens with Jay Traynor, Freddie Cannon, Del Prados and the Atlanta Rhythm Kings band.
