June Is Here and Time for Beach Music and Summer Songs 60's and 70's

Brian Wilson Leader of the Beach Boys Dead 82

British Groups and Singers Pictures and American Singers

New feature: Radio Station Promo Sleepers

History of Laurel Canyon Hub for Young Musical Artists

DJ The Real Don Steele KHJ's Best

History of TV's Popular American Bandstand

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Radio Yesterday to our Homes and Cars Radio Today to our Homes and Cars

Singers and groups of Yesterday

Neil Diamond, born in 1941, is an American singer-songwriter whose career spans over five decades. He started as a Brill Building songwriter, penning hits like I'm a Believer for The Monkees, before launching his solo career. His breakthrough came with songs like Sweet Caroline (1969), Cracklin’ Rosie (1970), and Song Sung Blue (1972), earning him widespread fame.

Diamond’s 1976 album, Beautiful Noise, inspired the Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise, which premiered in 2022 and tells his life story through his music3. Over his career, he has sold 140 million albums, won a Grammy, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His legacy continues with a North American tour of A Beautiful Noise in *2024-2025

JThe only female artist officially signed to Sun Records was Barbara Pittman. While other women recorded for the label, Pittman was the only one given a contract. She was known for her rockabilly classic "I Need a Man" and had connections to Elvis Presley, having grown up near him in Memphis. Pittman recorded several tracks for Sun and its subsidiary, Phillips International, but her records didn't achieve major commercial success2. Her legacy grew with the rockabilly revival in later decades, and she performed at European rockabilly festivals in the 1980s.

Here’s a nostalgic trip through the most popular songs during The Summer month of June

Here are some top songs from the 1970s that were popular in the month of June:

June 1970 – The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles
June 1971 – It's Too Late – Carole King
June 1972 – Song Sung Blue – Neil Diamond
June 1973 – My Love – Paul McCartney & Wings
June 1974 – Billy Don't Be a Hero – Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods
June 1975 – Love Will Keep Us Together – Captain & Tennille
June 1976 – Silly Love Songs – Paul McCartney & Wings
June 1977 – Got to Give It Up – Marvin Gaye
June 1978 – Shadow Dancing – Andy Gibb
June 1979 – Hot Stuff – Donna Summer

These all are jukebox favorites and classics hear them on Sunbeam oldies.

What happened on this day in music history from the book Eight Days a Week by Ron Smith Heights Publishing Co. On The Week in May 9 to May 16

June 13, 1953 — Peacock Records of Houston, Texas releases "Ain't That Good News" by the Tempo Toppers. The group's lead singer is an obscure vocalist from Macon, Georgia named Little Richard.
  1961 — It's a bad day for singer safety. Patsy Cline has a serious car accident in Nashville when she is thrown through the windshield. She is hospitalized for about a month. In Newcastle, England, Gene Vincent is mobbed by admirers who accidentally push him down a flight of stairs after a performance and he is knocked unconscious.
  1964 — Workers at a London railway station open a tea chest addressed to the Beatles and find 12-year-old Carol Dryden, a superfan who had decided to mail herself to the group. She gets no further than the station and the railroad refunds her freight charge.

  1966 — Deeming its "butcher cover" (right) in poor taste, Capitol Records recalls the new Beatles album Yesterday and Today, which is scheduled for release the next day and has already been sent to stores, with some sold. It is reissued six days later with a different cover. Rare copies are worth thousands of dollars.

June 16, 1960 — The Platters perform for the first time without longtime lead Tony Williams , who left the group to pursue a solo career. Sonny Turner takes over at the Lotus Club in Philadelphia.

June 17, 1949 — Billboard changes the name of its Race Records chart to Rhythm & Blues, a term applied by magazine editor Jerry Wexler when the original term is deemed offensive. The chart undergoes further name changes, becoming the Soul chart in August 1969 and the Black chart in June 1982. (In 1953, Wexler becomes a partner in one of the most successful R&B labels, Atlantic, producing classic recordings by Ray Charles, the Drifters, Ruth Brown, and Big Joe Turner.)

June 19, 1957 — Jerry Lee Lewis appears on the music charts for the first time with "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On." It reaches #3 pop and is a crossover smash, topping the Rhythm & Blues and Country & Western charts.

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TEEN IDOLS 50's thru 70's

Summer Songs June 60's

Here are some top songs from the 1960s that were popular in the month of June:

June 1960 – Cathy’s Clown – The Everly Brothers
June 1961 – Moody River – Pat Boone
June 1962 – I Can’t Stop Loving You – Ray Charles
June 1963 – Sukiyaki – Kyu Sakamoto
June 1964 – Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups
June 1965 – I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – The Four Tops
June 1966 – Paint It Black – The Rolling Stones
June 1967 – Groovin’ – The Young Rascals
June 1968 – Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel
June 1969 – Get Back – The Beatles

Brief History of American Bandstand

Originally titled Bandstand, the show premiered on October 7, 1952, on Philadelphia's WFIL-TV, hosted by Bob Horn. It featured teenagers dancing to popular records, a format inspired by radio dance shows. In 1956, Dick Clark took over as host, and the show was renamed American Bandstand when it went national on ABC in 1957.

The program became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing major musical acts lip-syncing their latest hits while teenagers danced in the studio. It played a crucial role in popularizing rock and roll, doo-wop, disco, and even early hip-hop. The show's famous Rate-a-Record segment introduced the phrase, "It’s got a good beat and you can dance to it".

American Bandstand moved from Philadelphia to Los Angeles in 1963, where it continued to thrive. It aired regularly until 1989, with occasional specials until 2002. Over its 37-year run, it helped launch the careers of countless artists, including Paul Anka, The Jackson 5, Madonna, and Prince.

History of Laurel Canyon the Music Hub of Artists

Laurel Canyon was a magical place for music in the 1960s and 1970s, where artists like The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, and The Doors lived and created some of the most influential songs of the era. It was a melting pot of creativity, where musicians collaborated, partied, and shaped the folk-rock and psychedelic sound that defined a generation.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Laurel Canyon was how it fostered spontaneous collaborations—Mama Cass of The Mamas & the Papas famously introduced Graham Nash to David Crosby and Stephen Stills, leading to the formation of Crosby, Stills & Nash. The area also had its share of mystery and intrigue, with stories about Jim Morrison, Frank Zappa, and even Charles Manson lurking in the background.

Early 1960s DJs had distinct styles that reflected the evolving music scene and cultural shifts. Here are a few notable approaches:

Fast-Talking Showmen – DJs like Murray the K in New York were known for their rapid-fire delivery, energetic jingles, and creative sound effects, making radio feel like a live performance.
Genre-Blending Tastemakers – DJs such as Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow) mixed Motown, pop, surf rock, and novelty records, ensuring a diverse listening experience.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebels – Some DJs embraced the rebellious spirit of rock, hyping up new artists and pushing boundaries with their commentary and promotions.
Smooth-Talking Crooners – Others had a laid-back, deep-voiced delivery, perfect for late-night radio, often playing jazz, blues, or romantic ballads.
Community Connectors – DJs like Hy Lit in Philadelphia built a local following, engaging listeners with personal shoutouts and interactive segments.

Spinning Those Records

Remembering the Great Murray the K

Murray the K (Murray Kaufman) was a legendary New York City disc jockey and rock and roll impresario from the 1950s to the 1970s. He was known for his high-energy radio shows, innovative programming, and his close association with The Beatles, even calling himself the "Fifth Beatle" during the height of Beatlemania.

His radio career took off in 1958 when he joined WINS/1010, hosting the Swingin' Soiree, a show that became famous for its sound effects, jingles, and creative segues. He was instrumental in promoting rock and roll, helping artists like Bobby Darin, Dionne Warwick, and The Rascals gain recognition.

April and May 2025 British POP Months

British pop of the 1960s, often called the "British Invasion," was a groundbreaking musical era that introduced the world to iconic bands and artists. This period was characterized by the fusion of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and skiffle, creating a unique and influential sound. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, and The Hollies became global sensations and redefined popular music.

This era wasn't just about the music—it was a cultural revolution. British pop of the '60s played a huge role in influencing fashion, art, and social attitudes. From the catchy harmonies of The Beatles' early songs to the rebellious edge of The Rolling Stones, this movement captured the spirit of the time.

Billy J. Kramer, born William Howard Ashton, is an English pop singer who rose to fame during the 1960s as part of the British Invasion. Managed by Brian Epstein, who also managed The Beatles, Kramer achieved success with his backing band, The Dakotas. He is known for performing several Lennon-McCartney compositions, such as "Bad to Me" and "Do You Want to Know a Secret," which were not recorded by The Beatles2.

Kramer and The Dakotas had multiple chart-topping hits, including "Little Children," and they gained popularity in both the UK and the US. His career continued beyond the beat boom, and he remains active in music, performing and recording to this day2.

The Story Behind the Song

"Leader of the Laundromat" is a parody song by The Detergents, released in 1964. It humorously mimics "Leader of the Pack" by The Shangri-Las, swapping the rebellious biker theme for a quirky laundromat romance. Written and produced by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss, the song became a Top 20 hit, peaking at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1965.

The lyrics tell the story of a guy who falls for a girl at the laundromat, much to his parents' dismay. The comedic twist comes when she tragically runs into the path of a runaway garbage truck—an absurdly exaggerated take on the melodrama of the original song. The parody was so spot-on that the original songwriters filed a lawsuit, though it was eventually settled out of court.

What was the first real Rock N Roll record.

The origin of rock 'n' roll is a hotly debated topic, but many historians credit "Rocket 88", recorded by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats in 1951, as the first rock 'n' roll record. The song was produced by the legendary Sam Phillips—the founder of Sun Records—and featured Ike Turner’s band.

It blended rhythm and blues with the driving energy that would come to define rock 'n' roll. While earlier records contributed to the genre's formation, "Rocket 88" is often seen as the one that solidified the sound.

Yes, Jackie Brenston's "Rocket 88," recorded in 1951, predates DJ Alan Freed's coining of the term "rock 'n' roll." Freed, a Cleveland-based radio personality, is credited with popularizing the phrase in the early 1950s to describe the music he was playing on his radio show, blending rhythm and blues with a new, youthful energy.

While Freed gave the genre its name and helped bring it into mainstream culture, the roots of rock 'n' roll, as shown by songs like "Rocket 88," were already forming in the rhythm and blues scene. This makes the history of rock 'n' roll a fascinating mix of cultural influences and innovations!

Carrie Anne" is a 1967 pop hit by British band The Hollies, known for its catchy melody and rich vocal harmonies. Written by band members Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, and Tony Hicks, the song blends pop-rock with a slight Caribbean influence, thanks to its distinctive steel drum solo. A reflection on young love and admiration, "Carrie Anne" became one of The Hollies’ most beloved tracks and showcases their signature 60s sound.

. Radio Station 45 demo throw outs

This group of six will soon be airing on Sunrise Oldies.

1. Fi-Tones Foolish Dreams Atlas

2. Electric Hand Band- Electric Blue -Certron

3. Mike Easton & Cherokee - Get Me Some Help - Chart

4. The American Dream - I Ain't Searchin' - Ampex Records

5. Earth Quake - I Get The Sweetest Feeling- A & M

6. The Touchables Scalaroonie Roulette

7. Chuck and Betty Walking in My Dreams

8. Jiv-A -Tones Flirty Girty

9. Albert Stone, Don't Believe Him, Donna

10. Ron Volz I Am Still In Love With You

11. Ric Lance When You Are in My Arms

12. Academics Drive-In-Movies

13. The Legends Here Comes the Pain

14. Kenny Martin -I'm Sorry

15. Johnny Powers Be Mine, All Mine

16. Teenos Love Only One

17. Wink Martindale Thought It Was Moonlove

18. The Rockin Dukes Angel and a Rose

19. The Charts Deserie

20. Johnny Carroll That's The Way I Love

21. Jimmy (Guitar) Watson Cuttin' In

22. Betty Logan Are You Sure

23. The Royal Jokers You Tickle Me Baby

24. The Phantones and Combo - Waiting For Your Love

25. Charles Senns Dig Me A Crazy Record

and Gee Whiz Liz Rockabilly

26. Pitch Pikes Zing Zing

27. Walin' Bill Dell You Gotta Be Loose

28. The Performers Love Is The Answer

29. Rufus McKay It's A Night For Love

30. ? Mark and the Mysterians Make You Mine

31. Johnny Powers Honey, Let's Go To a Rockin' Roll Show

32. Hank Price III Three Little Lies

Absolutely! Before Elvis Presley arrived at Sun Records in 1954, the label was already making waves with blues, country, and R&B artists. Here are some of the key figures who shaped Sun’s early years:

Early Sun Records Artists (Before Elvis)

Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats – Their 1951 hit "Rocket 88" (produced by Sam Phillips) is often considered one of the first rock 'n' roll songs.
Howlin’ Wolf – A powerhouse blues artist who recorded at Sun before moving to Chess Records.
B.B. King – The legendary blues guitarist recorded early tracks at Sun before launching his career elsewhere.

Rufus Thomas – A Memphis R&B singer who recorded "Bear Cat", an answer song to Big Mama Thornton’s "Hound Dog".
Little Milton – Another blues artist who recorded at Sun before gaining fame in the 1960s.
Billy "The Kid" Emerson – A songwriter and performer who contributed to Sun’s early blues catalog.
Earl Peterson – A country artist who recorded "Boogie Blues" at Sun in early 1954, months before Elvis arrived.

Sun Records was a melting pot of musical styles, blending blues, country, and R&B—setting the stage for the rockabilly explosion that Elvis would ignite. Want to explore more about Sam Phillips’ vision for Sun Records? His approach to recording was revolutionary!

More Features Coming Soon

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More Features Coming Soon

Brian Wilson RIP 82

We will be featuring Brian and the other members of the group on the third page of this newsletter.

Brief History of Brian's Life

Brian Wilson was the musical genius behind the Beach Boys, shaping the California sound that defined an era. Born in 1942, he co-founded the Beach Boys in 1961, crafting hits like Surfin' U.S.A., Good Vibrations, and Help Me, Rhonda1. His groundbreaking album Pet Sounds (1966) revolutionized pop music with its lush orchestration and introspective themes1.

Wilson's career was marked by brilliance and struggle—his innovative approach to songwriting and production was matched by personal battles with mental health and substance abuse1. Despite stepping away from touring in the mid-'60s, he continued to push musical boundaries, though his ambitious Smile album was shelved for decades1.

After years of reclusion, Wilson made a remarkable comeback, releasing solo albums and performing Pet Sounds live to critical acclaim1. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 20001. Sadly, Wilson passed away at the age of 82 on June 11th, 2025. His legacy as one of the most influential songwriters of all time remains undeniable.

The Beach Boys formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California, blending rock, pop, and surf music into a signature sound that captured the essence of California youth culture. The original lineup included Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine. Their early hits, like Surfin' U.S.A., California Girls, and Good Vibrations, helped define the "California sound".

By the mid-1960s, Brian Wilson took creative control, leading to the groundbreaking album Pet Sounds (1966), which is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in music history. However, Wilson's struggles with mental health led to a decline in his involvement, and the band's commercial success fluctuated in the following decades1.

Despite lineup changes and personal tragedies—including the deaths of Dennis Wilson (1983) and Carl Wilson (1998)—the Beach Boys remained an enduring force in music. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and their influence continues to shape generations of musicians. Today, their legacy lives on through their timeless harmonies and innovative songwriting.

Birthdays Singers

The Golden Age Of American Rock 'n' Roll

1931 - Junior Walker

American soul singer and multi-instrumentalist Junior Walker. He had the 1966 US & UK Top 20 single 'How Sweet It Is', and the 1969 US No.4 single 'What Does It Take, To Win Your Love'. Walker also played sax on Foreigner's 1981 hit ‘Urgent.’ He died of cancer on 23 November 1995 aged 64.

1945 - Rod Argent English musician, singer, songwriter, composer, and record producer Rod Argent who was a member of The Zombies who had the 1964 UK No.12 single 'She's Not There' and went on to form the band Argent Argent who had the 1972 UK No.5 single 'Hold Your Head Up'.

“Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters

“Oh when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof – And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fireproof.” That’s how the Drifters follow up their earlier hit “Up On the Roof.” If it ain’t broke… This one was written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick, a somewhat less successful songwriting team than “Up On the Roof’s” Carole King and Gerry Goffin. But they turned out a lot of modest hits.

“Under the Boardwalk” was the biggest and the best. Johnny Moore sang lead, and sweet production manages to blend a calypso rhythm with some string accompaniment without ever seeming fussy or overproduced, and without ever pulling attention from the endearing vocals.

Early Sun Records Artists (Before Elvis)

Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats – Their 1951 hit "Rocket 88" (produced by Sam Phillips) is often considered one of the first rock 'n' roll songs.
Howlin’ Wolf – A powerhouse blues artist who recorded at Sun before moving to Chess Records.
B.B. King – The legendary blues guitarist recorded early tracks at Sun before

Rufus Thomas – A Memphis R&B singer who recorded "Bear Cat", an answer song to Big Mama Thornton’s "Hound Dog".
Little Milton – Another blues artist who recorded at Sun before gaining fame in the 1960s.
Billy "The Kid" Emerson – A songwriter and performer who contributed to Sun’s early blues catalog.
Earl Peterson – A country artist who recorded "Boogie Blues" at Sun in early 1954, months before Elvis arrived.

Sun Records was a melting pot of musical styles, blending blues, country, and R&B—setting the stage for the rockabilly explosion that Elvis would ignite.

Country & Western Artists at Sun Before Earl Peterson

Slim Rhodes – A country bandleader who recorded "Memphis Bound" and other tracks at Sun in the early 1950s.
Doug Poindexter & The Starlite Wranglers – A country group that recorded "Now She Cares No More" in 1954, just before Elvis arrived.
Malcolm Yelvington – A country singer with a rockabilly edge, who recorded "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee" at Sun.
Harmonica Frank Floyd – A unique country-blues artist who recorded "Rockin' Chair Daddy" in 1951.
Jimmy Haggett – Another country artist who recorded at Sun before the rockabilly explosion.

Sun Records was not just about rockabilly—it had deep roots in country and blues, which helped shape the label’s legendary sound. Want to explore more about these early Sun pioneers? There’s a lot of fascinating history here!

Some classic summer-themed hits from that era include: