Category: Stars of the Past

The Magic Balladeer. A Master Craftsman. That’s what critics consider Burl Ives. Burl Ives has been singing and playing guitar now for some 50 years. Songs like “The Blue Tail Fly” and “Big Rock Can­dy Mountain” have helped establish the Burl Ives sound throughout the world. His influence is such that he really did affect the course of popular music as we know it today. In 1952, Burl Ives played at the Royal Festival Coronation Concert in England. The au­dience included two kids who were so impressed with his per­formance…

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Since MTV (Music Television) was launched in the Summer of ’81, it’s populari­ty has grown steadily. Along with the rise in popularity of videos, has come a new star – The Video Jock. In town for a promotional stop, we had the opportunity to speak with MTV Video Jock –J.J. Jackson. Q – Why did it take so long for someone to come up with the idea of MTV? A – I don’t know if the idea itself is so exclusive. I didn’t find the idea in itself such a…

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Epic Recording Artists Molly Hatchet have just kicked off a major U.S. concert tour in support of their latest release, “No Guts, No Glory.” Molly Hatchet recently returned from a three-week headlining European concert tour that was highlighted by numerous sell-outs in major venues throughout Germany, Switzerland and France. What makes this tour so special is that original lead singer Danny Joe Brown is back in the group. He hasn’t been on the road with Hatchet since ’79. Danny Joe Brown was kind enough to take time off from his…

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Tom Fogerty, guitarist for Cre­dence Clearwater Revival, died at his home in Scottsdale, AZ on Sept. 6, 1990 at the age of 48 from re­spiratory failure due to tubercu­losis. Tom, along with his brother John, Doug Clifford, and Stu Cook, built Creedence into one of the most successful rock groups o£ all time. Creedence sold tens of millions of records worldwide, and enjoyed success with hits like “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Down on the Corner” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” The group, disbanded in 1972, and each member went…

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He’s a Show Biz Legend. He both created and hosted The Tonight Show. He’s written 36 books, over 4,000 songs, and recorded some 40 albums. Is it any wonder then that Steve Allen was inducted into the TV Academy’s Hall of Fame. As Andy Williams once said, “Steve Allen does so many things, he’s the only man I know who’s listed on every one of the Yellow Pages.” And, Steve Allen is the only T.V. comedian from the Golden Age of Comedy of the 50’s, still making frequent T.V. appearances.…

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Curt Gunther Photographs The Beatles If you were lucky enough to get tickets, it was the hottest tour of the summer of ’64. It was the Beatles first American tour. Curt Gunther was there. He photographed the Beatles both on and offstage as they criss-crossed their way through the U.S. He shares his photos with us in the newly published book “Beatles ’64: A Hard Days Night In America” (Doubleday Books). Q – How did you hook up with the Beatles? A – I met them the first time they…

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His songs have been recorded by Rock Legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. He launched his musical career in 1961, when he recorded his first song, “Sally Sue Brown,” in a makeshift studio above a Florence, Alabama, drugstore. His name is — Arthur Alexander. Alexander has just released his first album in 20 years! Titled “Lonely Just Like Me”, you can find it on the Elektra Nonesuch American Explorer Series label. Q – Mr. Alexander, how does it feel to be back in the music…

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Welcome to this exclusive interview with the legendary actor and producer Douglas Fairbanks Jr. I’m your host, Gary James, and today we’ll be delving into the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. From his early days in the film industry to his later years as a producer and philanthropist, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the fascinating story of this remarkable man. Q – Mr. Fairbanks, it must be…

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Buffy Sainte-Marie made her recording debut in the 60’s. Here we are 30 years later, and Buffy is still recording! Buffy’s latest release, “Coincidence and Likely Stories” (Ensign Records) is her first in, count ’em, 14 years!!! Q – You wrote the song “Up Where We Belong” from the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman.” A – I co-wrote it. Q – How long did it take you to write your part? A – Oh, I don’t know, two minutes I guess. It was just a song that popped into…

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