Recently Deceased 2011-2012 : Rock ‘n’ Roll Stars. Big & Small.

As a disc jockey, I read the liner notes on vinyl records, CD’s and on-line. Many names have appeared on this kind of “final” hit-list recently. You will recognize most names and bands listed here. Some are world famous, others hold a smaller place in music history. Here are some.
Which ones meant something to you? Comments welcome on FACEBOOK.

ROBIN GIBB
62, 05/20/12
One of Gibbs brothers trio, The Bee Gees.
See “The Record” (2-cd)

DONNA SUMMER
63, 05/17/12
Called “The Queen Of Disco”.
See “Anthology”(2-cd), “On The Radio”, “Gold”.

DONALD “Duck” DUNN
70, 05/13/12
Booker T. & the MG’s
Also, legendary recording session bass player for Otis Redding, Sam & Dave
and the Blues Brothers.

ADAM “MCA” YAUCH
47, 05/04/12
The Beastie Boys, a hard-rocking rap trio.
See “ Solid Gold Hits”.

TOMMY MARTH
33, 04/23/12
(The Killers) Saxophone. “Somebody Told Me”, “ Mr. Brightside”.

GREG HAM
58, 04/19/12
(Men At Work) See “Contraband” (hits)

LEVON HELM
71, 04/19/12
The Band, drummer.
See “Music from Big Pink” by The Band. See Bob Dylan sessions with The Band (w/Helm). See “The Last Waltz” 1976 film.

DICK CLARK
82, 04/18/12
TV legend.“American Bandstand” CLICK HERE

EARL SCRUGGS
88, 03/28/12
Flatt & Scruggs. Legendary country banjo player. Essential bluegrass classic: ” Foggy Mountain Breakdown”

MICHAEL HOSSACK
65, 03/12/12
Doobie Brothers, drummer, (also specializing in 2-drummer performances) 1971-73, 1987-2012

DAVY JONES
66, 02/29/12
The Monkees. See “Greatest Hits” by The Monkees (1995)
CLICK HERE

WHITNEY HOUSTON
48, 02/11/12
See “The Ultimate”, “The Greatest Hits (2-cds), “The Essential”, “Whitney Houston” debut LP.
CLICK HERE

DON CORNELIUS
75, 02/01/12
TV legend. “Soul Train”, producer/host. CLICK HERE

ETTA JAMES
73, 01/20/12
“At Last”, “Something’s Got A Hold On Me”. See “The Definitive”, “20th Century Masters”.
CLICK HERE

DOBIE GREY
71, 12/06/11
“Drift Away” (1973)

JERRY LIEBER
78, 08/22/11. Songwriter. Partner of Mike Stoller.
Leiber/ Stoller wrote: Hound Dog, Kansas City, On Broadway, Yakety Yak, Charlie Brown, Stand By Me, Is That All There Is, Jailhouse Rock, Love Potion #9 and many more…
See “ Smokey Joe’s Cafe” (Broadway musical revue).

DAN PEEK
60, 07/24/11
America, guitar vocals. 1970-1977. See “History” (hits, 1975) by America. See “The Complete” (hits, 2001)

AMY WINEHOUSE
27, 07/23/11
See “Frank”, “Back To Black”.

BOB GRILL
67, 07/11/11
Grass Roots: vocals, bass & songwriter. See All-Time Greatest Hits, Anthology 1965-75 (1991, 2-cd)

CLARENCE CLEMONS
69, 06/18/11
Saxophone. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
See “ Friend Of Mine” (1985, #18 pop single) w/ Jackson Browne.
Session work included : Aretha Franklin’s “Who Zoomin’ Who?”, Gary US Bonds “This Little Girl” and many Southside Johnny sessions.

DON KIRSHNER
76, 01/17/11
TV legend . Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert. A weekend, late night, showcase for rock stars in the pre-MTV era. Manager of The Monkees.

GERRY RAFFERTY
63, 01/04/11
Steelers Wheel’s: “Stuck In The Middle With You” and “Star”.
Solo: See “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty, (import, 2002), “Best of” 1970-82.

DICK GRIFFEY
72, 09/24/10
Solar Records, founder. Solar Records label (purple label w/ the sun w/ a comet tail) included The Whispers, Lakeside (Fantastic Voyage), Midnight Star, Calloway (I Wanna Be Rich), The Deele (Babyface & L.A. Reid), Carrie Lucas (Dance With Me) and Shalamar.

THE DISSAPPEARING SOUL MEN , including,
“Teddy Pendergrass”
59, 01/14/10
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, solo.

Written by Ed Mullen (May 2012) www.DJMrEdHQ.com
Find me on FACEBOOK.

Information: Www.wikipedia.com , www.amazon.com , www.billboard.com , www.music.barnesandnoble.com , www.cnn.com & www.djmredhq.com .

Teamwork Trivia : Dress Code is … in effect!

QUESTION: Why do some “Dress Up” for a night of Teamwork Trivia?
ANSWER: Extra Points or Prizes!

Can you spot the Champions?

(3:05 slideshow)
Go to TEAMWORK TRIVIA – FACEBOOK PAGE to see the 3min slideshow.

Family Fun at the Greek Orthodox Church, Woburn. “Our biggest fundraiser (first Teamwork Trivia event), next to our Greek Festival!”

“We used all our 225 chairs”. said Anna Kouripines. All ages in the community came to play and enjoyed a full night of family fun. The beautiful function room at 70 Montvale Ave, was the comfortable setting for the game.

Name the Greek warrior that ran 26 miles to report the victory
at Marathon.
Name the Hellenic Republic… easy.

The Greek Orthodox Church 4-28-12
See more fun and pictures on my Teamwork Trivia Facebook page.

Kennedy Middle School P.T.O. : Sold Out their first Teamwork Trivia Night.

Kennedy Middle School PTO, Woburn. The South End Italian Club. Nicole Baxter. 3-31-12
See more fun and pictures on my Teamwork Trivia Facebook page.

Pierce School, Brookline gets a full house for Teamwork Trivia

Pierce School, Brookline. Sold Out. First-timers at the Pierce School had fun and raised funds at their first Teamwork Trivia Night. 3-30-12
See more fun and pictures on my Teamwork Trivia Facebook page.

16th Annual for Arlington Catholic HS – Even bigger than last year’s record breaker!

16th Annual Quiz Night. 50 tables of 10. That’s right!
See the 2011 ACHS Quiz Night (4:20) slideshow on my Teamwork Trivia Facebook page
See more fun and pictures on my Teamwork Trivia Facebook page.

Teamwork Trivia (again!) for the Wyman Elementary School PTO

2nd Annual Teamwork Trivia Night.
Wyman School Elementary School PTO. Mandy Sawicki.
3-23-12
See more pictures and fun on my Teamwork Trivia Facebook page.

Dick Clark, 82. America’s Oldest Teenager Dies. Host/Producer of American Bandstand, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and many more.

Dick Clark Timeline by DJ Mr Ed Mullen (April 2012)
Find me on Facebook

1929
Born Richard Wagstaff Clark on November 30, 1929 in Bronxville, New York.

1951
Host, “Cactus Dick and the Santa Fe Riders” (TV)

1951
Graduated from Syracuse University

1952
Married (1) Barbara Mallery

1954
Les Elgart records the instrumental ,“ Bandstand Boogie”, written by his band-mate, Charles Albertine. The host of Philadelphia’s teen dance show, Bob Horn, uses it, as the show’s theme song.

1956
Dick Clark becomes the host, “Bandstand” on Philadelphia’s WFIL-TV.

1957
Dick Clark Productions formed. A entertainment power-house.
It produced 30 series, 250 specials and more than 20 movies.

1957
“AMERICAN BANDSTAND”.

– “Top Ten” Records of the upcoming week. Clark standing behind a podium or bandstand would announce the movement of the hit records, up and down the charts. Dramatically, Clark revealed the titles.

Rate -A- Record
– Two audience members would listen to a pair of new records and score them between 35 and 98. Many would use the famous phrase “ IT’S GOT A GOOD BEAT AND YOU CAN DANCE TO IT”.

– “The Dance Contest” – Viewers mailed in their votes for favorite dances, many time with numbers taped to their backs. Much like voting for “American Idol” and “Dancing With The Stars”.

– Hundreds of career-making moments and debuts for new singers/ bands.

1957 “At The Hop” -AB Going Where The Action Is- (remote broadcast!)

1958 Dancing American Bandstand-style. “I Love You For Sentimental Reasons” by Sam Cooke

1960, The Twist on AB

1957
“AMERICAN BANDSTAND”

“American Bandstand” (TV) teen dance show debuts nationally.
-The ABC network changed the program’s name to “American Bandstand”.
-Within four weeks, the program was rated number one.
-Scheduled at 4:00 pm, the show was marketed to teenagers.
-Longest-running variety show, in total from 1957 to 1987
-From 1957 to 1957 it was a daily show (Monday to Friday) in Philadelphia.
-From 1963 – 1987 it was a national weekly show, in Los Angeles.
-Studio announcer and on-camera sidekick, Charlie O’Donnell

1958
Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” lyric:
“ they’ll be rocking on Bandstand, in Philadelphia PA”

1958
Edward R. Murrow interviews Clark on Murrow’s “Person To Person” about the youth culture in the early days of rock -n-roll, in part due to American Bandstand’s success.

1959
“Caravan Of Stars”. Dick Clark Productions presents: A bus tour of singers/bands with current hit records, performing live with Dick Clark as emcee. Clark, the promoter, could attract top talent for this unconventional and uncomfortable road trip.

1959
“This Is Your Life” (June 24, 1959) Dick Clark tribute. Host: Ralph Edwards. Sponsor: Prell shampoo.
Guests : his mother and father, Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Andy Williams, Connie Francis. His parents describe his depression having lost a brother in World War II. His wife, Barbara Mallery made an appearance.

1959
“The Dick Clark Show” (in NYC) a Saturday night TV show, teen dance show, like Bandstand (in Philadelphia) which aired five days a week.

1959
“This Week” magazine. Sunday column written by Clark, answering teen music questions.

1960
Desegregation.
Clark is credited with desegregating some areas of entertainment.
Including presenting African-American performers on national TV.
Also integrating his studio audience (FYI: See “Hairspray”, 1988)
Clark was criticized for the the opposite perception, as well.

1960
Payola Scandal. Clark was called to testify during the Congressional Committee on payola. The pay-to-play music scandal that shook the radio industry. Clark was cleared of wrong-doing and was forced to separate himself from some music interests.

1962
Married (2) Loretta Martin . This name is unintentionally mentioned in the Beatles’ “Get Back”.

1964
ABC-TV hit, “Shindig”, popular bands performing live! (Shindig, 1964-66)

1965
NBC-TV show, “Hulabaloo” . NBC answer to “Shindig” (Hulabaloo, 1965-66)

1971
-“Soul Train” debuts, Don Cornelius host/producer. It aired new programming for 35 years.
This teen dance show featured new songs as the studio audience danced. Also, singing stars and bands were featured performing there hit singles, in almost all cases, lip-syncing. The most popular feature in the show was the Soul Train “Line”, where two rows/lines of dancers separated by the “briefly” featured dancer, who would put on an dancin’ exhibition … for a few seconds. Then, the “line” moved up and the next dancer, in that line, did their moves.
The Diamonds had a 1957 hit record called, “The Stroll” which pre-dates “the line”. The difference is “The Stroll” was set up the same way but had repeating dance steps, where the Soul Train line encouraged free-style moves.

-Over the years, Cornelius disliked the inevitable comparisons with “American Bandstand”.
From 1971-1993, Cornelius was the host. As the genre evolved, he stepped down as host. From 1993 to 2006 the show saw a variety of hosts, in the “Soul Train’s” hip-hop era.

– “Soul Unlimited”. Clark launched a similar program, in 1973, to attempt to draw African-American viewers away from “Soul Train”. It was called, “Soul Unlimited”.
This unsuccessful program aired only a few episodes.

1972
NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE

New Year’s Rockin Eve debuts in 1973.
New Year’s Eve was marked by “Auld Lang Syne” played by Guy Lombardo.
From 1929-59, Guy Lombardo played the New Years Eve radio show from the Roosevelt Hotel, NYC. From 1956-76, Lombardo performed “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight, on TV, from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel , NYC.

Once again targeting the youth market, Dick Clark produced a live variety show on New Year’s Eve from 1972-2011. He appeared 38 times appearing as host. Missing only the 1999/2000 Eve, a ABC News millennium special, and 2004/2005 Eve because of his stroke recovery. In 2004, Regis Philbin substitutes as host.
The 2005-2011 programs feature Ryan Seacrest, his protege, as co-host.

The Ball Drop. It is so familiar now, but Dick Clark embraced this odd way to mark midnight of the new year and made it the “moment we’ve all been waiting for”.
In a tall building called “One Time Square”, in Times Square (NYC), the ball first dropped in 1907.

1973
Vinyl: Dick Clark: 20 Years of Rock and Roll. 2-LP set.
A disc jockey favorite. Easy to spot purple / blue graphics on album. At a time when songs were not always easily found in record stores. This collection of hits was a DJ’s treasure chest. For instance, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison was virtually unavailable anywhere else. “Wooly Bully” “Louie Louie”, “Hang On Sloopy” and “Rock Around The Clock” were solid dance hits. One of the top collections in the vinyl era.

1973
Host, $10,000 Pyramid. ( similar to “Password”, except lots more clues given)
Also, The $20K, $25K, $50K and $100,000 Pyramid as the show grew.
Hosts included Clark (1973-88) , Bill Cullen (1974-79 syndicated) , John Davidson (1991) and Donny Osmond (2002-04) .

1973
American Music Awards : Dick Clark invented the AMA’s in 1973. These awards are determined by a poll of music buying public. Unlike the Grammys which are decided by music industry voting. Since 2005, the AMA’s have tallied on-line ballots.

1976
“America’s Oldest Living Teenager”. Dick Clark’s popular nickname.

1976
Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Dick Clark gets “his” star.

1977
Barry Manilow, in concert, explaining and performing “Bandstand Boogie”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90R3rTgDciQ&feature=player_embedded#!

1977
Lyrics to “Bandstand Boogie” (lyrics: Manilow, Sussman / music: Albertine)

We’re goin’ hoppin’, we’re goin’ hoppin’ today
Where things are poppin’ the Philadelphia way
We’re gonna drop in on all the music they play
On the bandstand

We’re goin’ swingin’, we’re gonna swing in the crowd
And we’ll be clingin’ and floatin’ high as a cloud
The phones are ringin’, my mom and dad are so proud
I’m on Bandstand

And I’ll jump and hey, I may even show ’em my handstand
Because I’m on, because I’m on the American Bandstand
When we dance real slow I’ll show all the guys in the grandstand
What a swinger I am, I am on American Bandstand

We’re goin’ hoppin’, we’re goin’ hoppin’ today
Where things are poppin’ the Philadelphia way
We’re gonna drop in on all the music they play
On the Bandstand

Bandstand, Bandstand, Bandstand
Bandstand, Bandstand, Bandstand

Hey I’m makin’ my mark, gee, this joint is jumpin’
They made such a fuss just to see us arrive
Hey it’s Mr. Dick Clark, what a place you’ve got here
Swell spot, the music’s hot here, best in the east
Give it at least a seventy five

Now for all you Joe’s, here goes my American handstand
Because I’m on, because I’m on the American Bandstand
As we dance real slow, I’m showin’ the guys on the grandstand
That I like my girl but I love American Bandstand

The singers’ croonin’, he ain’t the greatest but gee
My baby’s swoonin’ in front of all of TV
So if you tune in, you’ll see my baby and me
On the Bandstand

And now we’re hoppin’ and we’ll be hoppin’ all day
Where things are poppin’ the Philadelphia way
And you can drop in on all the music they play
On the Bandstand

And we’ll rock and roll and stroll on American
Lindy hop and slop, it’s American
Tune in, I’m on, turn on, I’m in, I’m on
Today, Bandstand .

1977
The theme song. Originally “Bandstand Boogie” by Les Elgart, a big band leader. Elgart’s career was revived with his “Hooked On Swing” series of records.

Manilow’s version was “American Bandstand”’s theme song from 1977-87. Manilow and song-writing partner, Bruce Sussman wrote original lyrics to it and included it on Manilow’s 1977 hit album, “Tryin’ To Get The Feeling”.

1977
Married (3) Karen Wigton

1978
Donna Summer. The only other person to host “American Bandstand”. It occurred during her promotion of the movie, “ Thank God It’s Friday”, in which Summer appears.
DISCO ERA on AB: Boogie Fever
DISCO ERA “Shake Your Body Down” 1979. Jacksons Day on AB. Jumpsuits. Comedy at 2:55. Smooth Jackson Five dancing.

1978
Book. “Rock, Roll Remember” by Dick Clark and Richard Robinson.

1980’s
In the 1980’s, Clark hosted programs on three different networks, simultaneously.
ABC- “American Bandstand”, CBS – “Pyramid” and NBC – “Bloopers”.

1981
MTV debuts.
August 1st, 1981 MTV begins broadcasting, on cable TV, (that made it a ‘cable-cast’) with a video of the song “ Video Killed The Radio Star” by the Buggles.

1982
“TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes”
Hosted by Dick Clark and Ed McMahon, co-produced by Johnny Carson and Dick Clark’s production companies , “Bloopers” was assured a foothold in NBC’s schedule. It was a mix of “Candid Camera” of years before and “Punked” from years after.
ABC launched a copycat program, “ Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders” . (“Bloopers”, 1982-1998) Dedicated to Kermit Schafer who collected film/video “bloopers”.

1982
Ed McMahon .
– McMahon worked at Philadelphia television station , WCAU-TV, where McMahon met Dick Clark. Clark moved to Philadelphia in 1952. Clark worked at Philadelphia’s WFIL from 1952-64 on American Bandstand.
– From 1957-62 (“Who Do You Trust”, TV game show) McMahon worked with Johnny Carson, before they took over “The Tonight Show” in 1962. (Carson/McMahon, 30 years 1962-1992)
– “Star Search” talent show, hosted by Ed McMahon (1983-95).
– “TV’s Bloopers & Practical Jokes”. McMahon and Clark co-hosted “Bloopers” from 1982- 1998.

1982
30th Anniversary Special for American Bandstand. See 11 episodes on YouTube.

1984
Madonna. In her debut appearance she responds to Clark’s question, what is her ambition. She replied, “ to rule the world”. In many ways, this prophesy came true. In pop music, since her first album and hit single, “Holiday” Madonna has become the most successful female artist of all-time, by topping many Billboard charts.

1985
Dick Clark guests on Crooke & Chase talk show (mid-80’s). Fashions of AB. See Little Richard at 5:55.

1988
“HAIRSPRAY”, loosely-based on American Bandstand. John Waters’ film.
Starring many familiar faces making cameos. It made Ricky Lake a star.
2002 – Broadway musical, “Hairspray”, wins 8 Tony Awards
2008 – “Hairspray” (starring John Travola as the Ricky Lake character!) becomes one of the top grossing musicals of all-time (4th highest musical film in US history)

1992
Hall of Fame, Broadcasting inductee.

1993
Hall Of Fame, Rock ‘n’ Roll inductee.

1993
Hall Of Fame: Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, inductee.

2002
“American Bandstand: 50th Anniversary Special.
“Guinness Book of World Records, says Clark, American Bandstand is the
“longest running variety show in TV history”.

2004
Suffered a stroke. “New Year’s Rockin Eve”, 2004.
In a pinch, the show was hosted by colleague Regis Philbin, who was still busy with “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire -special version-.

2005
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol host. Now, co-hosts New Years Rockin Eve with the recovering Clark, his protege. Seacrest is executive producer of many shows.

2012
Dick Clark Died. April 18, 2012 age 82. In California hospital. Heart attack.

2012a
Ryan Seacrest: “I idolized him” (host , “American Idol”)

2012b
Chubby Checker: “the king of the DJ’s died today” (“The Twist”)

Second Time Around For Wyman School PTO: Teamwork Trivia

SOLD OUT at Wyman PTO means … fun and funds for enrichment programs at the Woburn’s Wyman School.
Dress Code [ points or prizes ] was in effect so, ten points, went to : Boston sports, cowboy hats, Occupy Wyman!, St. Patricks Day, Hawaii & Ninjas (with head bands). The best table in Dress Code was the Wedding Reception: including the bride & 9 brides maids, wrist bouquets, chair covers, veil, and wedding cupcakes!

Five tables of silent auction items.
The 50 / 50 Raffle awarded $465 to a lucky player!

“Cavandish” is America’s favorite variety of what food?
Capitals of Illinois, Delaware & Oregon? – Hint: All names are well-known Massachusetts towns.
Who is the “alphabet mysteries” author?
Who is the 2-time Olympic medal winner (women’s hockey) from Woburn.

Thanks to Mandy Severance Sawicki and her committee at the Wyman School PTO.

This year the event was held at the very comfortable Woburn Elks. Plenty of room for the 19 tables of ten – SOLD OUT!
See you next year. 3-23-12

See pictures and fun on Facebook [CLICK]

Wedding Wire Award Winner 2011 and now… 2012

Wedding Wire Award 2012 Winner. {catagory: wedding disc jockey}
See Wedding Wire.com page (click here)
or
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Wedding Wire Award 2011, 2012 this means…. DJ Mr Ed Mullen
…is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community
, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year. (definition from from Wedding Wire.com)

CONTACT: [www.DJMrEdHQ.com]…………[contact: [email protected]]

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