By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 05:40 pm:

In my first thread I mentioned that when Babbitt and I worked with Chuck Berry, he would demand his money in cash before the gig before we would play. Heres why!!
When Paul,Butch,Dave and I left Johnny & the Hurricanes, we were playing at a club in Toledo, Ohio called the Peppermint Club. One night this guy came in and said he was a promoter and was putting on a big show at the Toledo sports arena. He asked us if we would be the house band and play a few of the Hurricanes songs and back up the acts. Since that was how the early rock tours did it,we had no problems with that. We asked who we had to back up, he said Dick Clark would be the M.C., Gene McDaniels, the Duprees, Clyde McPhatter, Chris Montez, the 4-Seasons, Gene Pitney, the Orchids, and Tony Valentino.Quite an impressive line up we thought, with Dick Clark as M.C.!! Far out!
All the acts came into town and stayed at the top place in town. We had rehearsal on Friday and it went off without any problems. At rehearsal Gene Pitney knocked everyone out with his upper range as our guitar player Dave Yorko was tuning up. Talk about breaking a glass with your voice!
The promoter threw a big party for us after the rehearsal sparing no expense. We all liked the guy and thought he was cool. It was at the hotel at the pool. Musicians and singers do like to party!!!
The night of the show we were all in a happy frame of mind after partying together and meeting each other. The show went off with out a hitch, Dick Clark was great as usual as the M.C.
After the show we were all in Dick's dressing room B.S.ing and talking about gigs in the past that we had worked together, while waiting to be payed. After about 30 minutes we started to wonder where our cool buddy the promoter was with our bread. THE MAN WAS A CON ARTIST AND SKIPPED TOWN!! The only person who was payed was Dick as he was payed in advance in L.A. Chris Montez had to have someone front him the money to get back home in California!! Talk about some pissed off entertainers.
Thats why Chuck Berry got his money in advance. SMART MAN!!
SLAINTE VA
LYNN

By Caleb (209.245.112.127) on Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 10:01 pm:

Lynn,how did you and Babbitt meet again?I read something in an old post saying you guys were in a group called the Del-Royals?Is that correct?Who introduced you to each other?

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 11:41 am:

Caleb:In my first thread I stated that it was 1959 that we were in the Del-Royals together,I was mistaken,the same mistake I made about Johnny Mae Matthews sessions.It was 1958.Damn!! What happened to the time. I was working with a guitar player/singer by the name of Danny James.We had an accordion player named Jim Saladi that switched to keyboard as most of them started doing at that time.The bass player we had at that time had an up-right bass.One night Danny called me an said he had a bass player coming to his house in Wayne, Mi.with one of those new electric bass,s that you play like a guitar.When Mr.Kreiner walked in the door and took out the bass and put it on (he was built like a fullback in football)it looked like he was playing a guitar.We hit it off right away plus he was damn good.Danny James could have been a big star as he was a cross between Gene Vincent, Chuck Berry, and Elvis. We would go to downtown Detroit to Todds clothing store on Broadway to by our uniforms. They had a salesman there named Don White that wanted to be our manager,he said he would make us huge stars and all that other B.S. that most of them say at the beginning. We ordered gold sports coats and he got us a few jobs in canada that were fun. The problem was that Danny James thought he was a star and started to act like one,much to our dismay.We told him to forget it. We then got Vern Parker to work with us on guitar. Sometime in mid-summer the Royal-tones needed a bass & guitar player so Babbitt and Vern Parker took an offer they couldn't refuse as the Royal Tones were big in Detroit.I started in a new group with Roy Nievelt(the future guitar player with the Gigalos) Jim(mouse)Pashka,and a keyboard player named Gordie.We may have had more in that group but it's to far back to remember.
Think they jump around now on stage (that ain't shit jack)between the piano player jumping on top of the piano,Babbitt jumping all over the stage, and Danny James laying on his back on the stage or playing it behind his back,we put on quite a show. I'm sure that with the right hit at that simple time,the wildman show that we put on, would have made our so called manager a lot of money.
Maybe George Kasakis can fill in more.
I'm sure this is boring to most people except to some of the Detroit musicians that knew these individuals.
Slainte Va,Lynn

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 01:10 pm:

Great story Lynn. I was a big Danny James fan. I can't remember the name of the group he was in around 1957 or so. It is around that time I first saw him. I think Val was playing accordion in that group. I could be wrong though...long time ago pal.

By Caleb (63.208.116.188) on Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 02:42 pm:

Lynn,very solid!!Thank you for that information on you meeting Babbitt.Would of loved to of seen that group.Caleb

By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 07:41 pm:

Lynn,
You tell some pretty good stories. I like how you said that you could have your so-called mangager a lot of money. Well put.
-Steve

By Sue (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 07:45 pm:

Great story Lynn --

By Friday (64.157.68.190) on Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 11:22 pm:

Lynn,I love it-Mr.Kreiner walking in.I bet that was some group.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Monday, October 21, 2002 - 11:58 am:

Ralph,I'm assuming you mean Val Gerski. When I started with Danny we started from scratch.Val probably had had enough of big egos also.
The sad/frustrating part of this story is that Jim Saladi was a teenaged electronics wizard. He had torn apart his parents phone system and instaled a reel to reel to record any time the phone was lifted(this from a 15 or 16 year old kid). Well,he recorded all of our rehearsals and probably some of our gigs as well. I lost contact with him through the years and recently found out he had passed on. He always kept his tapes,so his family that I think live in Taylor, probably have them, unless they pitched them like some people do after a death. I've often wanted to hear how we sounded in those early years.(good or bad)
Slainte Va y Salud
Lynn

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, October 21, 2002 - 01:52 pm:

Lynn,
Yes...Val Gerski....I'd forgotten his last name.As a young accordion player in those days, I would watch Val very closely. I thought he was awesome. Seems like we've all known some electronic wizard alng the way. Fortunately the forum has it's own in Ed Wolfrum. He's about as scarey as they get.
Salud y Slainte Va

By DKOVARIK (63.212.189.99) on Monday, October 21, 2002 - 09:11 pm:

LYNN,
IT WAS GREAT JAMMING WITH YOU AT THE CLAWSON. BRING THOSE STICKS TO THE DOO WOOP FOR THE KONTINENTALS CAR CLUB PARTY. WE CAN JAM AND TALK AGAIN.
LOVED SEEING YOU AGAIN.
DAVID KOVARIK

By thecount (64.53.143.173) on Monday, October 21, 2002 - 10:11 pm:

HEY LYNN,call me.I got a E-MAIL from JOHNNY PARIS yesterday,I'am hoping I can talk him into attending our dance also.We will be jammin all nite and loads of DOO-WOP and fun for all.Talk to you soon.
"COUNT" ps.hey,I seen that new girl you got,she gots everything a man would want,MOUSTACH,HAIR on her chest.HHHEEEEEEEE-HHEEEEEE.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 08:23 am:

Hey Count, man- your girls like a door knob cause everybody gets a turn. Lo LO LO!!!
Dave, it was great to jam with you to. It seems like just a few years ago we were on the road together. Remember when Jack Rainwater lost his watch when we were fishing in Massina N.Y.? Then we went back the next day and he found it in the water. We didn't catch any fish, but Jack caught a watch.
My wife and I plan on being at the do-wop dance. Steve the Count,do I get the tickets from you or at the door?

By thecount (64.53.143.173) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 10:17 pm:

HEY LYNN,so glad your comming.You can get the tickets from me.We can meet up where ever and i'll have them with me and if you know of anyone else who you might want to bring,just let me know how many you need.Thanx again Lynn.This really makes me happy your plans are made.We will jam all nite.Keep your fingers crossed for GEORGE "THE KAT" to heal quick.SAY MAN,lookie here,you look like you've been wooped with the ugly stick. "COUNT" PS.we can meet here at my crib if you would like,have a few STROHS and listin to some tunes. Let me know.

By Caleb (65.59.97.142) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 10:30 pm:

Lynn,what year was that gig with Chuck Berry?

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 09:30 am:

Caleb,that was the summer of 1966. Even though I had been playing professionally six nights a week for the previous seven years I developed blisters from playing so hard behind him. I still have scars on both thumbs to this day.But the honor of working with a legend like Chuck Berry, made it worth it.
Slainte Va
Lynn

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 09:49 am:

Count,that part about the beer really perked up my ears. I can't find your phone no#,let me know what it is. I was at Ed Wolfrum,s house yesterday and he cleaned up that tape of that long drum solo I took at Roses Bar in 65. What a nice guy! Not to mention a sound engineer wizard.
Slainte Va
Lynn

By thecount (199.178.209.4) on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 12:10 pm:

LYNN,My #313-BR.8-3031.When you come over we can put your tape on a cd if you want.Got some E&B also(no Gobles) "COUNT"

By thecount (64.53.143.173) on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 - 06:39 pm:

LYNN,if your phones not ringing,thats me not calling you.I need your number also.Say man,I was walking down the street with your girl,and the wind was blowing real hard,and the wind blew her hair in my face,then the wind blew her hair in her face,you know what then happened?the wind blew her hair into the street.(hey VATO)
"COUNT"

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 10:20 am:

Count,my dozens comeback is way to earthy for this forum so I'll just give you the first part--Man,I know your girls a moonshiners daughter cause*******#%^$#@!
If you have a copy of Marilyn bonds&S.R Bolands "The Birth of the Detroit Sound" look on page 55 top picture,its my man Danny James talking with sax man Mike Murdza. He,s the guy that took Johnnys place when we left the Hurricanes,he worked with us on the show that the promoter skipped town. The book is really great,I couldn't put it down(except to freshen my beer of course)Thanks Marilyn
My phone no# is 313-563-1881

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 11:21 am:

Since this is Halloween,a couple of stories:
In 1972 I was working with Mr Bo & the Bluesboys at the Dearborn Townhouse-main floor(club elegante).Up-stairs they had a more psycodelic(sp)? group. The guitar player would wear full make-up,eye-liner,eyeshadow,lipstick,ect. His normal outfit would be hotpants,fish-net hose,spandex top with a Farra Fawcett hair style. On one of my breaks I went upstairs to catch a few of their tunes.When I walked in they had a guy in a three piece suit,button down brooks brothers shirt,wing-tips and short-looking slicked back hair playing the guitar.I thought he was a replacement till I got closer to the stage and saw it was the same guy. I asked him on his break why he was dressed like that.He told me that to him this was a Halloween costume as he wouldn't be caught dead dressed like this normally. He danced to the tune of a different drummer!!!

Story no 2#
When I was working with Tommy Good & the Tabs,Tommy suggested that we all dress up in outlandish costumes for Halloween.We weren,t to keen on the idea but went along with the idea anyway. Come Halloween night the band showed up in these dumb, uncomfortable costumes.But no Tommy. At the last minute in comes Tommy with a trench coat open showing a tree piece suit underneath.We were pissed to say the least!!Telling us to dress up while he remained Mr. cool.
After we did a few tunes we called Tom up to sing.He came sauntering up to the stage,jumped up and turn to face the crowd.HE HAD CUT THE ENTIRE BACK OF HIS SUIT OUT AND WAS NUDE EXCEPT FOR A PAIR OF BIKINI BRIEFS!!! It took the band about five miutes to stop laughing and compose ourselfs enough to play!!!!!

When I was growing up we would always say "HELP THE POOR" instead of trick or treat on Halloween.Was this just a Detroit thing or did other cities do the same.It seemed like in the 70s it started switching to trick or treat

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.10) on Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 11:35 am:

Hey Lynn,great stories man,it must of been a ball around those great times.I reckon the Count and yourself would also make a great double-act.MEL.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 01:14 pm:

Great idea,Mel.We have the funk-brothers of Detroit.
WE could be the funked-up brothers.
SLAINTE

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 02:12 pm:

Lynn,
YES!!! HELP THE POOR!!! My brother and I were just talking about that.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 07:41 am:

Ralph,it is kind of strange that it just drifted out of use. I don't think there was any kind of media attempt to change the "yell" when we went up to a house. Times they are a changing.We only had 48 kids come to our house halloween. When we were kids the streets looked like times square on new years eve.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 09:28 am:

Lynn,
I remember how the streets looked that night. On my street last night there were only two groups of kids that came by. You had a crowd with 48 Lynn. I guess the times did change. My old band mate Fred Saxon blew into town yesterday. We discussed the " help the poor " thing. We wondered if it was used all over Detroit or was it a regional thing even in the city.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 10:26 am:

Ralph,I grew up on the Inkster/Dearborn border--Beech Daly between Michigan ave.&Vanborn rd. Help the poor was all we said,but once in a great while you'd hear trick or treat,which we thought was kind of sissified. We could probably start a new thread on all the dumb things we did to the long suffering adult neighbors in the week leading up to Halloween. What a bunch of jerks we were!!!

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 11:02 am:

Yeah Lynn. We made a lot of people miserable also in the days leading up to Halloween. By today's standards though, all very innocent.

By Ed Wolfrum (165.121.215.151) on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 06:31 pm:

Ok Gang...Here is your researched history lesson on Halloween from Ed. Not exactly electronics but forgive me while I tell you about "HELP THE POOR"!!


All Saints' Day

[The vigil of this feast is popularly called Hallo'en hence "Halloween".]

Solemnity celebrated on the first of November. It is instituted to honour all the saints, known and
unknown, and, according to Urban IV, to supply any deficiencies in the faithful's celebration of saints' feasts during the year.

In the early days the Christians were accustomed to solemnize the anniversary of a martyr's death for Christ at the place of martyrdom. In the fourth century, neighbouring dioceses began to interchange feasts, to transfer relics, to divide them, and to join in a common feast; as is shown by the invitation of St. Basil of Caesarea (397) to the bishops of the province of Pontus.

Frequently groups of martyrs suffered on the same day, which naturally led to a joint commemoration. In the persecution of Diocletian the number of martyrs became so great that a separate day could not be assigned to each. But the Church, feeling that every martyr should be venerated, appointed a common day for all. The first trace of this we find in Antioch on the Sunday after Pentecost. We also find mention of a common day in a sermon of St. Ephrem the Syrian (373), and in the 74th homily of St. John Chrysostom (407). At first only martyrs and St. John the Baptist were honoured by a special day.

Other saints were added gradually, and increased in number when a regular process of canonization was established; still, as early as 411 there is in the Chaldean Calendar a "Commemoratio Confessorum" for the Friday after Easter. In the West Boniface IV, 13 May, 609, or 610, consecrated the Pantheon in Rome to the Blessed Virgin and all the martyrs, ordering an anniversary. Gregory III (731-741) consecrated a chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter to all the saints and fixed the anniversary for 1 November. A basilica of the Apostles already existed in Rome, and its dedication was annually remembered on 1 May. Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration on 1 November to the entire Church. The vigil seems to have been held as early as the feast itself. The octave was added by Sixtus IV (1471-84).

Halloween, the modern Protestant holiday is based on the fact that the Reformation began when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517.) Another Fundamentalist substitution for Halloween has been "harvest festivals" that celebrate the season of autumn and the gathering of crops. Another custom was that of the Protestant Church in an effort to help the poor. During harvest time, the needy were encouraged to travel from house to house to gather food. This was called "going-a-souling" shouting "HELP THE POOR". Prayers for the recently deceased from the needy were exchanged with the giving family. Those not offering goods were usually punished with a trick on Halloween night or hexed with misfortune for the next year. Thus we get "Trick or Treat."

The next program of "ASK THE MARION CATECHIST" will come when wou ask another interesting question that I have researched recently!!!

Ed

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 07:57 pm:

Wow!!! Is this forum outa sight or what!Ask and ye shall receive.
Ed,enjoyed our conversation today,see you next week.
To all the Celtic Scots and Irish
HAPPY SAMHAIN--THE CELTIC NEWYEAR
SLAINTE VA,LYNN

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 11:18 pm:

Ed,
Thanks for the history lesson. After all these yearsI now know where " help the poor " originated. You rock Ed.

By Sue (152.163.188.68) on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 11:35 pm:

Happy Samhain from someone who's Scottish AND Irish -- Scotch-Irish as we Yanks say...

Slainte -- And I'll take a bit of champagne in that Guinness ...

By Dennis Coffey (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, November 02, 2002 - 08:27 am:

Hi Ralph and Lynn. I was the guitar player who played with Val and the Pyramids when I was about 17 after Danny left. I ran into Val a few years ago. His wife had passed away and he was getting married again. He asked me to come to the wedding for old times sake and play a few songs with him and his brother Bob on drums. Val had given me many old pictures of the band for my book so I could hardly refuse. The wedding had about 200 people and the reception was held at a hall with a DJ. We got up and played a set. It was really a blast from the past but it was fun. Val and his new wife now live in Myrtle Beach.

Dennis

By lynn bruce (64.53.143.173) on Saturday, November 02, 2002 - 09:38 pm:

Here is a picture of Chuck Berry and myself

By bruce lynn (64.53.143.173) on Saturday, November 02, 2002 - 09:40 pm:

Here is a photo of Jamie Coe and the original Gigolos

By lynn bruce (64.53.143.173) on Saturday, November 02, 2002 - 09:42 pm:

The Del Royals...Babbitt and Lynn's first group

By lynn bruce (64.53.143.173) on Saturday, November 02, 2002 - 09:46 pm:

20th Centuries from 1966...Jerry Napier, Jim Springer, Bob Babbitt, Lynn Bruce
The Count and Lynn are laying on the bed and the Countress is doing the work after they have been doowoppin downstairs and nursing the beers...excuse my mistake it should be Lynn Bruce on one of these posts...blame it on the Count

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, November 02, 2002 - 09:54 pm:

Excellent photos Lynn. Thanks a lot.

By larry (12.141.160.25) on Saturday, November 02, 2002 - 09:56 pm:

Great Pix Lynn.
Just sooooooo cool to see the History!!

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Sunday, November 03, 2002 - 11:58 am:

COUNTESS,THANKS FOR POSTING THE PICS, AND THANKS COUNT FOR THE TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE, YOU'VE GOT AN AMAZING COLLECTION OF RECORDS. LETS DO IT AGAIN!
SLAINTE VA,LYNN
PS. TWO TICKETS TWO DAYS APART FOR GOING 110 IN A 45 MILE AN HOUR ZONE. MAN,YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A DRAG-RACING MOTHER ON WOODWARD AVE IN THE 60S

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Monday, November 04, 2002 - 04:09 pm:

Dennis,the deal with a d.j. at a wedding. Remember when it was consitered tacky or cheap to have a d.j.at a wedding. It seems like it started to be accepted by more & more people in the late 80s. The band I was with from 77 till about 3 years ago had more jobs than we could handle. The people were so happy to have a band that didn't sound like a wedding band, that could really play rock & soul without it sounding like Pat Boone singing Little Ritchard, seems to not make much difference anymore. It got to the point that we were thinking of saying we were d.j.s that played live music on the the d.js. break, so people would hire us. The added benefit was that no one would bitch about us taking to long a break as there was a tape playing on the break. But it seems that the d.j.s have won.
Makes a person wonder what kind of music d.j.s will be playing 20 years from now, when musicians won't see any point to spending a lot of money on sound equipment and instruments to improve their bands sound, when all you get is the occasional one-nighter. I kind of feel sorry for the younger musicians compared to the many,many places we had to play at in Detroit 6 nights a week in the 60s & 70s.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, November 04, 2002 - 08:28 pm:

Chillingly provacative letter Lynn. Your right on the money. We all played six nights a week back in the 60's. No wonder there was so many good bands in Detroit. Everyone was getting their chops.Talked this over with my brother once when he mentioned bands in L.A. paying to come in once in a while to play ONE SET. Geeeze. I guess we were pretty lucky, but you're right. What happens down the road.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 07:56 am:

Ralph, I've heard of that situation in L.a. Is it true that the bands have to go around hawking tickets to get people to come and see them and have to pay the club owner just for the privlige of playing in the club?

If thats the case out there, the club owners ego must be huge with all that power.

Maybe some Detroit street justice might slap them down a notch!

It seemed that when ever I played in a mafia owned club we had no problems compared to unmade club owners as long as you didn't dis-respect them. They pretty much left us alone to play our music.

Maybe because they had other sources of income.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 10:54 am:

Lynn,
It's all true regarding what you heard about L.A. Very sad.

By larry (12.141.160.25) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 11:24 am:

Lynn and Ralph,
Yes, in LA it started in the late 80's early 90's... "Pay To Play" it was called.
Not sure if it still goes on. LA is also so big and so jaded. If you don't bring in 30 people you may not play there again.

It's all Economics - how much booze gets sold, period. Exception...I do a bop gig in the Valley. The owner is so happy to have jazz in his club he lets us play no matter how much drink is sold. Lots of dives in the valley with pickup jam bands, but....it's the Valley. It aint Sunset Blvd.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 11:47 am:

Larry, we went in a club that was not doing to well patron-wise. The club-owner said if we could draw a crowd he would give us a nice raise. After about four weeks it was standing room only. When we approched him about the raise that he had promised, he had the nerve to say "well I'd like to but the people aren't drinking" as if it was our job to pour it down their throats. GO FIGURE!!!

By Bob Olhsson (68.32.101.228) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 12:18 pm:

One of our biggest problems today is "pay to play." It means that poor kids no longer have any opportunity in music and it's compounded by the fact that studios can no longer afford to give time to talented youngsters like they did in the '50s through the '70s. The kids who CAN afford to pay to play also tend to go to medical school rather than out on the road as a performer. It's another major factor in why American popular music isn't nearly as good as it used to be.

By Dennis Coffey (205.188.209.38) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 12:27 pm:

Hi Lynn. When I was living in New York in 80-82, the bands were charged by the clubowner if they wanted to play or showcase their band. You had to guarantee customers and pay for the help in advance. Society gets the music they pay for and support. And part of the culture and humanist qualities of any society is defined by its art and music. Enough said.

Dennis

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 01:28 pm:

Dennis,where's Roses,West Fort Tavern,the Dixie Belle when we need them,eh. Toilets that they were, at least we could have fun playing music and make some money. That one previous picture with Jamie was taken in front of Roses bars stage.

By Millie (68.40.198.72) on Tuesday, November 05, 2002 - 06:44 pm:

Dennis,
Your last sentence says it all...how profound.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Sunday, November 10, 2002 - 09:48 am:

Sue,I've jusy finished reading your huge,and "right on the money" article in todays sunday nov.10th Detroit news. You've said what we all have been thinking for years now. Outside of wdet,John Arnold,Old & Gold,and very few others, slapping in a c.d.when you get in your car is as normal as clicking on your seat-belt.
There's nothing like a good local d.j. to make you want to stay tuned,as he interjects local happinings with good music picked by him and local call-in fans.
It's not about old-style music as much as d.j.s going out to local clubs and getting a feel for what kind of music the fans of his or her show want to hear.
Keep on digging,maybe some of the higher-ups just might put down their long-stem wine glasses and read what you've written today and try some of what you've pointed out so well.
I'm not holding my breath though!!!
GREAT REPORTING!!!
SLAINTE VA,LYNN

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Sunday, November 10, 2002 - 09:53 am:

I said John Arnold,I meant Jay Butler.John used to play good blues on wchb,till he got into talk radio.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.11) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 11:57 am:

lynn,
any recollections about Clyde McPHATTER?
mel.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.90) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 01:55 pm:

P.S.
Lynn,
I forgot to mention the awesome
NOLAN STRONG and the DIABLO'S
brilliant
I WANT LOVE AND AFFECTION,
NOT THE HOUSE OF CORRECTION
on Fortune records(thanks to frankj)
MEL.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 02:12 pm:

Mel,If I can get over to the counts house maybe his wife will scan the poster of the show we backed with Clyde and everyone else.
As far as what he did, it was a show so the acts didn't get to do as many songs as they would normally do if they were a soloing act in a club.
I know he did Have Mercy,Mercy,Baby,I know I done you wrong,but after that is a blur to me as we had to back up so many acts on that show.
I wish I could help you more .

SLAINTE VA,LYNN

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.34) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 02:20 pm:

Hey Lynn,
say no more,IM blown away by what you
mentioned by Clyde McPhatter.
Thanks for your time,
MEL.

By P KOVARIK (64.152.154.200) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 02:28 pm:

LYNN,
THAT WAS A GREAT PICTURE OF ALL YOU GOOD LOOKING MUSICIANS AT ROSE BAR. THOSE WERE THE DAYS. I WAS 15 YEARS OLD AND DAVE WOULD TAKE ME INTO ROSES THROUGH THE BACK DOOR, AND ERNIE WOULD GET ME OUT THE BACK DOOR WHEN WHEN THE POLICE CAME TO CHECK ID. I USED MY SISTERS WHO WAS 6 YEARS OLDER THAN ME.SO WHEN I WAS 15 I WOULD SAY I WAS 21. NOW I THINK OF IT AND CRACK UP. I LOOKED LIKE A BABY I AM SURE.I SEE GEORGE HI HO SILVER THERE. I WOULD IMAGINE HE IS NOT WITH US ANY LONGER THOUGH. GREAT GUY.
ROSE BAR HAD MORE GOOD ROCK OF ANY BAR AROUND IN ITS DAY. ALL YOU GUYS JUST KICKED MAJOR AS-, IT WAS GREAT TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF THAT ERA.I REMEMBER ONE TIME IT WAS VERY HOT SUMMER EVENING AND ERNIE TURNED THE BIG FAN ON, IT WAS BLOWING ALL ACROSS THE DANCE FLOOR. HE HAD ASKED ME TO DANCE AND WHILE WE WERE HIS HAIR BLEW OFF. DAVE HAD TO LEAVE THE STAGE. HE WAS LAUGHING SO HARD HE LOST HIS BREATH. DAVE REMEMBERS ONLY TO WELL THE STORIES OF YOU AND HE ON THE ROAD. YOU GUYS WERE NUTS. AT LEAST I KNOW HE WAS.DO YA THINK YOU GUYS SHOULD ALL WRITE A BOOK????
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE DOO WHOOP.
DAVE IS GETTING HIS CHOPS IN SHAPE. HE HAS BEEN FOR A WHILE NOW.IT IS ALMOST RETIREMENT TIME LYNN.ALTHOUGH IF I KNOW DAVE I WILL BE A MUSIC WIDOW AGAIN.
ONLY THIS TIME AROUND HE JUSTS WANTS TO PLAY HIS AS- OFF. NOT BE A STAR IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.
THOSE DAYS ARE OVER.MAYBE THEY COULD ALL STAR HIM NOW, FOR STILL HAVING THE FIRST SELMERS HE EVER BOUGHT. PLUS THEY LOOK BRAND NEW, EVEN AFTER ALL THESE YEARS.
PAMELA A. KOVARIK

By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 02:31 pm:

Wait Mel,
Wasn't that the great Nathaniel Mayer who did "I Want Love and Affection (Not the House of Correction)" for Fortune?

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 02:33 pm:

Mel, Nolan Strong was a really nice guy. He was a humble guy without a big ego(which scores huge with me} He was the featured singer in a club I worked in. The only thing is we had to crank up the volume on the mike when we called him up as he was a very soft singer volume-wise compared to some of the leather-lunged singers we usually worked with.

SLAINTE VA

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.26) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 02:58 pm:

Sue,
I will take your word on that,
as a friend mentioned it and is looking for the record to bring around tomorrow,so unless this is another record or version(which I doubt)
then I will stand by you sister.
Lynn,
Many thanks for that,much appreciated.
Mel(trying to get into the Doo-wop scene).

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 03:02 pm:

PAM KOVARICK,I had just turned 19 when Dave and I were in Massena,N.Y a few weeks before that picture was taken. It looks like we all had phony I.D. I know we always had our eyes on the door for the law. We had our escape out the back door ready just in case.My wife Sandy used to come in there with phony I.D. also.

We were talking last sunday with Bob Babbitt and his wife Ann and I believe they have been married 44 years.We had our 40th last June and when we spoke at the Clawson you said you guys are 40 somthing. Dave, Babbitt,and myself have to give you ladies a lot of credit with putting up with the" uncertain where your next gig is going to be live-style we had". But it looks like we all made it and can look back and laugh at some of the off the wall things we did.

SLAINTE VA,LYNN

By PAMELA BROWN/ KOVARIK (166.90.224.238) on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 08:50 pm:

LYNNE,
I WOULDNT TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD. EVEN BEING ON THE ROAD FOR YEARS NEVER CHANGED MY OPINION.. BY THE WAY WE HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR 42 YEARS. AND I WOULDNT TRADE THEM OR LOOK BACK FOR ANYTHING.
ALTHOUGH I MUST TELL YOU ALL THE WIVES ARE PROBABLY GLAD THEY STILL HAVE HUSBANDS TO ENJOY. SINCE SO MANY ARE NOW GONE. OR JUST NEVER STAYED MARRIED. I WAS SO HAPPY TO GET TO MEET YOUR WIFE, AND IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT YOUR STILL AS HANDSOME AS EVER. AND ALSO AS TALENTED. DAVE SAID TO TELL YOU MESSINA NEW YORK WAS A BLAST AND HE WANTS TO DO IT AGAIN. WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO??? LOL
GOD BLESS,
PAMELA

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.81) on Saturday, November 16, 2002 - 11:47 am:

Sue,
my good mate called around
and said that you are correct and apologisesfor the slight in getting his Fortunes mixed up.
Still says what A great record it is though.
With Nathanial in growling top form.
P.kovarik!
what a great story,
hilarious regards the fan and hair blowing off.
MEL.

By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, November 16, 2002 - 11:52 am:

Mel,
Nathaniel Mayer is playing the Dec. 6 R&B Reunion here in suburban Detroit (Millennium Theater) -- I saw his great gig in June, and then at the UAW's Laborfest in early Sept., so I'm anxious to see him again.

Nolan Strong and the Diablos did so many great songs, it's understandable to grant them one more.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.24) on Saturday, November 16, 2002 - 03:32 pm:

Sue,
glad you deciphered my previous item,
as I missed out the word ERROR after the word
Slight.
Anyway Sue,have a good time when you see
Nathanial Mayer.
(an envious)Mel.
At present I am being turned on to a
lot of Nolan Strong/Diablos material as well as a lot of The Channels material.
I am gratefully learning all the time.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Saturday, November 16, 2002 - 05:28 pm:

Pam, tell Dave I've been trying to get my speed up to the "pedal to the medal" drum solos I used to take "for some unknown reason" at 12 midnight at Roses bar and every other place I worked.
It hasn't happened yet, but practice makes perfect.
As far as Massina,I know I'm ready,I wonder if Massina is?
I heard that George "high ho silver" was hit by a car crossing the street in front of Roses bar and the injuries did him in eventually. What a shame!! For people that didn't know him, he was the bartender at Roses and he sang just like Big Joe Turner and we would always call him up to sing every night. He could sing so loud that he really didn't need a mike,plus he was really good. He could have fronted just about any blues group in Detroit if he would've wanted to!!!
Slainte Va, and say hi to dave.

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Saturday, November 16, 2002 - 05:41 pm:

Mel, when I was at the counts house last week I spotted a Earl Lewis and the Channels C.D. and had to hear it as I love the sound they have. Listen to-- The closer you are--make out music at its finest!!- Bye bye baby- really makes
you want to dance.
SLAINTE VA

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.28) on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 12:11 am:

Lynn,
a good friend of mine is currently
turning me on to the channels material and a lot of other great doo-wop tunes.
I am fairly clued up in the rnb scene,
but brother,
some of these doo-wop tunes are a blast.
Some absolute stunning records,and my mate has over 20,OOO discs and really knows his stuff,
I showed him your piece regards backing Clyde Mcphatter,who he saw in Liverpool in 1968 and Was blown away.
But I also showed him the piece that the Count did on the Channels,and showed him those pics of the Gigolos,Del Royals,yourself with Chuck Berry and Jamie COE As well,
When he starts reeling of records by them all.
Watch out Lynn and Count
Mels starting to get into the Doo-Wop
BIG TIME.
Best Wishes,
MEL.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.116) on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 03:26 am:

Lynn,Count and Sue,
Some of the Channels material
my mate has currently turned me on to.
(any errors,I would appreciate correcting).
Here We Go(go)!
The Channels.
(on)
Whirlin' Disc records.
no.100
The closer you are.
no.102
The gleam in your eyes
no.107
I really love you.
(on)
Gone records.
no.5012
Thats my desire
no.5019
Altar of love.
(on)
Fire records.
no.1001
The girl next door.
(on)
Fury records.
no.1021
Bye,bye baby.
REGARDS,
mel.(with thanks to my good buddy,Frankj).

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.87) on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 04:12 am:

Lynn,
forgot to mention
The 20th Centuries
as my mate also knows of them .
(Doo-wop)Mel(ho,ho).

By PAMELA BROWN/ KOVARIK (166.90.237.206) on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 09:23 pm:

LYNNE,
THANKS FOR SHARING THE PHOTOS.THE BEST THING ABOUT THEM WAS SEEING GEORGE HI HO SILVER WAS STANDING THEN. HE WAS GREAT WE LOVED HIM.
WE REALLY TOOK A BLAST FROM THE PAST TODAY,DAVE AND I DROVE PAST ROSE BAR???? IT BROUGHT BACK SOOOOOOOO MANY MEMORIES. YES GEORGE DID GET HIT IN FRONT.WELL HE WAS A LOT OLDER THAN US THEN AND NOW I AM SURE HE IS PROBABLY GONE. DENNIS WANTS TO KNOW IF WE CAN ALL GET A COPY OF THE GIGOLOS PHOTO????
YOU KNOW WHAT SHOCKED ME????? LOOK ON YOUR DRUMS THE WAY GIGOLOS IS SPELLED.
WELL TAKE CARE OF YOU, AND WELL SEE YOU AT THE COUNTS PARTY. DAVE SAID TO TELL YOU THAT HE DOEST BELIEVE YOU HAVE LOST ANY SPEED.YOU STILL KICK AS--- WITH THE BEST OF THEM.
TODDLES,
PAMELA

By thecount (64.53.143.173) on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 11:25 pm:

LYNN,dont worry about getting copies made of the GIGOLOS,the COUNTESS is printing about 6 of them 8X10,one for Pam and Dave,you,myself,and I'll give one to JAMIE on his birthday.
Pam,I'll have the cd for you and the picture also and give it to you at JAMIES.
Hey LYNN,I saw your girl again,man she looks 10 years younger,her boobs are droopin so much they're pulling the wrinkles out of her face."COUNT"

By Caleb (209.244.237.111) on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 12:05 am:

Lynn,maybe you and Babbitt can reunite musically and tear the roof down again.I've enjoyed your stories and history with him.Were you able to talk with him at the Roostertail? Caleb

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 10:30 am:

Caleb, yes Babbitt and I had a lot of reminising to do at the Rooster tail, but because of all the people coming up and wanting an autograph or to talk to him it was hard for us to really get down to talking about what we,ve each been doing the last few years as we kept getting interrupted.
As for us playing together again, I think he,s way to busy to get together with myself and other Detroit musicians to kick-ass once more, although there,s a do-wop party coming up and one never knows whom might just show up!

Pam K.,your right about that gigalo name on my drum in that photo,I never even noticed the different spelling,after all these years!!!

Count,I hear your girls still signing autographs from her leading role in "Gorillas in the Mist".

SLAINTE VA, LYNN

By thecount (64.53.143.173) on Friday, December 06, 2002 - 08:19 pm:

Hey Lynn,I hear you still have that SEYMORE suit.
you see-more holes then you see suit.
Call me when time allows.We will re-doo that cd if need be."COUNT"

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Saturday, December 07, 2002 - 10:13 am:

Count,the c.d. needs to be re-done.
If you need any help setting up for the do-wop dance next sat,as in bull-labor, if so, I'm your man.

Say man,is your girl going to be helping Santa pull his sleigh across the sky again this year?

A life on the road at" Christmas time" story coming up in the near future.

Slainte Va, Lynn

By RALPH (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, December 07, 2002 - 10:46 am:

HEY LYNN...I'M GOING TO CLOSE THIS THREAD DOWN AND GIVE YOU A #3 OK? THIS IS A LITTLE LONG....CLOSED...THIS THREAD IS CLOSED....GO TO...LYNN BRUCE-DRUMS 3...THIS IS CLOSED

By the count (65.60.201.174) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 05:29 pm:

PAMSKI,here ya are.Scroll down to NOV.2nd.
I gave a enlarged copy to Lynn, Jamie(on his birthday at Jamies,remember? you also were there,and I could of sworn there was one for you and Dave in the envelope that I gave to Jamie) If not,I'll make more copies and give you one.Is Dave Karson the guy printing the book?
If so,tell him to let me know if he needs any info for anything.
"COUNT"

By the count (65.60.201.174) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 05:38 pm:

ONE MORE ONCE,TEST.
COUNT