Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll Podcast

R&SRNR_ 177 – “THE LAST SHOW”* Welcome to the final edition of our little podcast series. Yes, it's true. After nearly eight years of episodes downloaded by a loyal worldwide audience numbering hundreds of thousands – plus critical acclaim as one of the highest quality oldies and music history programs in cyberspace, we think now is the right time to take our creativity in new directions. More about that during this prrogram. Our bittersweet so-long will be light on our personal nostalgia and heavy on the types of tunes and tales about the music that you've come to expect from us. For instance, the only Elvis Presley hit single on which he didn't sing a single note. And a song that embarrassed its performers, but topped the charts and then was adopted a few years later by a major league baseball team as its cheerleading anthem. They're all part of the “goodbye” songs we've gathered for this occasion – along with more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here. *Note:  All of our nearly 180 shows will remain online and available for downloads through November 2023.

R&SRNR_176 – “THE TRADE SECRETS OF LENNON & MCCARTNEY” Although they only collaborated for about twelve years beginning in late 1957, John Lennon and Paul McCartney rank as one of the most successful songwriting duos of all time. Our best guestimate is that approximately one billion copies of their compositions have been sold as of the posting date of this podcast. This includes around 600 million or more of those waxed by the Beatles with the remainder recorded by countless other performers. That extraordinary success wasn't the result of an ordinary composing partnership. Behind the scenes, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were often on different emotional plateaus when they penned these tunes. And as you will hear, their opposite moods frequently played out musically. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, and Radio Dave will reveal some of the Lennon & McCartney trade secrets – with a lot of help from noted Beatles historian and National Public Radio music commentator, Tim Riley – who's our guest expert for this episode. It's "The Trade Secrets Of Lennon & McCartney” – along with more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Here it all here.  

R&SRNR _175 – “CAROLE KING – UPDATED & REMASTERED” This episode spotlights the most successful female songwriter of the rock and roll era. She's written or co-written more than 200 charted hits. There's a hit stage musical about her life, and her live concerts continue to be huge draws worldwide. In addition to our playing snippets of all of her charted hit singles, Radio Dave and our resident rockologist, Ken Deutsch cover many of what are known as “demo” recordings that she did to sell her songs to established recording stars in 1960s along with samples of their hit versions. And we'll spotlight her special connections with Neil Sedaka, Paul Simon, Bobby Vee, the Drifters, Aretha Franklin, Phil Spector, the Righteous Brothers, the Monkees, James Taylor, Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, and many others, as well as her remarkable comeback to international fame after breaking up with her first husband and primary co-composer Gerry Goffin in the late-1960s. She's Carole King. Hear her remarkable story here.  

R&SRNR_174 – “THEY PLAYED ON THE MOST HITS” There's one group of recording artists that played on more hits than anybody else in the history of rock, pop, and country music. It's the Wrecking Crew – an amorphous collection of studio musicians based in Los Angeles from the late 1950s through the early 1970s. They backed countless acts in a wide variety of genres, including rock, pop, folk, and jazz. You heard them supporting such stars as the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and the Mamas & Papas. Also, the Byrds, the Monkees, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Ike & Tina Turner, and Simon & Garfunkel, among many others. The Wrecking Crew remained mostly anonymous until a 2008 documentary film by Denny Tedesco, the son of the Wrecking Crew's most prolific guitarist, Tommy Tedesco. Now, Denny Tedesco has even more Wrecking Crew history, and he shares it with our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch. We'll sample 30 hit selections from the Wrecking Crew's distinguished discography, along with more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.  Here it all here.

R&SRNR_173 – “40 LOST INSTRUMENTAL HITS OF THE 1960s” Hundreds of instrumentals became hits during the 1960s, but only a handful are still heard these days. We've identified “40 Lost Instrumental Hits Of The 1960s.” These include melodies that were inspired by or used in Hollywood movies, television shows, and national advertising campaigns. Many of the acts we're featuring in this episode were professionally connected with Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, and the Beatles.  One group recorded with the same producer and in the same studio as Buddy Holly. Another combined members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with the Motown Records in-house studio backup band. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with lots of fun factoids – plus the inside scoop on how radio disc jockeys back in the 1960s used instrumentals in a special way. It's all part of the greatest rock & roll stories on record.  Hear it all here.

 RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK ‘N ROLL_046A – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE FOUR TOPS” – “REMASTERED & EXPANDED” This episode spotlights the Four Tops – four high school friends from Detroit who performed together continuously for 43 years. They failed to achieve a hit song during their first decade together, but succeeded as a popular draw at leading night clubs. They turned down a contract with Motown Records because they thought the company was too small, but years later they would join that label and become one of its most successful groups. Their repertoire spanned doo-wop, jazz, rhythm and blues, pop, rock, soul, disco, and dance. In addition to many other Motown acts, their hit music collaborations also included another singer with a Detroit connection – Aretha Franklin – and surprisingly – a group from England – the Moody Blues. And in a twist of fate, their lives were saved when they slept late and missed an ill-fated commercial airplane flight that was blown up by terrorists. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave to co-anchor this episode as together we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR_172 – “THE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER” This is our seventh annual Xmas episode. We're celebrating the season with a one-of-a-kind salute to the most famous member of the reindeer team that pulls Santa Claus' sleigh through the skies every Christmas Eve – Rudolph Red-Nosed Reindeer. We'll trace Rudoph's history – from his birth in an advertising campaign for a Chicago-based department store to the song that gave him superstar status as the best known and best-loved Christmas critter of all time. Along the way, we'll sample every hit single version of “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Then we'll survey the songs that continued his adventures. And finally, we'll spotlight some “Rudolph wannabees” who also left their tracks in Xmas music history. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, and  Radio Dave are joined on this episode by our special guest and good buddy, Jay Douglas, Ph.D. Jay is an acclaimed archivist of anecdotes who's an authority on “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer's” resume. Together, we've got more of the greatest rock and roll Christmas stories on record. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR #_171 “COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE DAVE CLARK 5 (REMASTERED & ENHANCED)” As the Beatles led the British musical invasion in the mid-1960s, another English aggregation followed in their footsteps and for a time might have passed them in popularity around the world. This five-some bounced one of the Fab Four's most famous #1 hits off the top position on the U.K. singles chart, performed concerts in the U.S. before any of their British rock band rivals did, and made more live appearances on CBS-TV's legendary Ed Sullivan Show than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley combined. Our featured group sold more than 100 million records and had more hits than the Animals, the Kinks, and the Yardbirds. All this despite the misguided marketing strategy by the man who gave the band their name, but took new compact disc and digital download pressings of their platters off the market for two decades. They're the Dave Clark Five. Hear their complete hit singles history and the rest of their story here.

R&SRNR_170 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE BEACH BOYS, PART 2” This is the second of two episodes spotlighting the most enduring rock and roll band in American History. –  the Beach Boys. No matter what the season, it's always summer whenever and wherever their songs are playing. They've sold more than 100 million recordings around the world since 1961. We'll focus on their U.S.-charted hit singles – all of them – in a two-episode salute. We began this chronicle on show #169 – comprising the Beach Boys' successful 45s during the1960s. Now, this edition #170 – reviews the band's hit singles since 1970 – all together more than half a century of solid gold. This includes hit records with Little Richard, the Fat Boys, and four late 1990s country music stars, as well as former members of the Mamas & Papas and the Byrds. Plus, the Beach Boys connection with famed classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will join Radio Dave  to co-anchor this episode, as together we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR_169 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE BEACH BOYS, PART 1” This is the first of two episodes spotlighting the most enduring rock and roll band in American History. No matter what the season, it's always summer whenever and wherever their songs are playing – the Beach Boys. They've sold more than 100 million recordings around the world since 1961. We'll focus on their U.S.-charted hit singles – all of them – in a two-episode salute. It all begins with this one – show #169 – comprising the Beach Boys' successful 45s during the1960s. Then, 15 days after the posting date of this program, our subsequent installment – edition #170 – reviews the Beach Boys' hit singles since 1970. So, wax down your surfboard, rev up your hotrod, and grab your best girl or guy – for a Beach Boys celebration – as only our little podcast series can present it. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave to co-anchor this episode, as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.  

R&SRNR #_168 – “TOP 40 HALLOWEEN HITS COUNTDOWN” For our Halloween spooktacular, we've conjured up a countdown of the 40 greatest trick or treat tunes of all time. The Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll grooveyard ghouls have scared up monster hits by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, the Ramones, Credence Clearwater Revival, Santana, the Eagles, the J. Geils Band, Warren Zevon, Guns ‘N Roses, Annie Lennox, and Donovan among many others. Some of these macabre melodies have been raised from their vinyl resting places for the first time in decades of Halloweens. Our very own Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, also drops by with some gruesome goodies – "trailers" and radio commercials advertising some of the most horrible horror movies of all time. So wrap some garlic around your podcast player, don't download this show alone in the dark, and listen to it at your own risk for our selection of the 40 greatest undead ditties.

R&SRNR_167 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL” a staple of radio, satellite, and Internet channels to this very day. Their southern swamp-rock sound belied their San Francisco-area origin. Their show business fantasies became a reality when they signed on with Fantasy – a jazz-focused independent label that didn't rock. But that little company rocked out during this band's peak years when this group's records outsold their idols and contemporaries – the Beatles. You obviously know we're talking about Creedence Clearwater Revival. We'll trace their history beginning with their numerous recordings under other names for almost a decade until they finally found success. Then we'll sample all of their hit singles, along with the original versions of those songs by other artists who inspired them. Plus, some hit remakes by performers who found solid gold with Credence Clearwater Revival originals. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, has lots of fun factoids for you. He'll join Radio Dave as  together we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.  Hear it all here.

R&SRNR 007 – “THE COMPLETE JAMES BOND ROCKS Nobody does it better than James Bond. He's the world's most famous super-spy. He's also a rock and pop music star thanks to the unforgettable music in his more than two dozen memorable feature films. We've gone under cover to uncover to the top secret stories behind those songs. And our dossier of ditties also includes classified files on tunes that were submitted to the James Bond film producers, but rejected. That's even though a few of them might have been even better than the ones that survived the final cut.  This episode is a remastered, combined, and expanded version of our prior episodes #007A and #007B from 2016 to now include music from the film, "No Time To Die" - which debuted in 2021. We'll spy on his music beginning with his introduction to American fans via a CBS-TV dramatic presention in 1954 - and continue with music from every James Bond movie ever since. This includes his surprising connections with other superstars you wouldn't think of connecting with James Bond. Those stories and those songs are for your ears only  

R&SRNR_166 – “ANSWER SONGS – THE SAGAS OF 21 HIT 45s WITH THE REST OF THE STORY” Answer songs – tunes that respond to or expand upon the tales told in earlier recordings – have been around since the birth of popular music on wax cylinders, 78s, 33s, 45s, cassettes, CDs, and digital downloads. We believe that our world-renowned Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” “Groove Yard has the largest collection of answer songs on this planet – literally thousands and thousands of them. Our musicologists have selected 21 of them from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s for us to spotlight on this episode of our little podcast series. These include the rest of the stories involving classic hits by Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Lesley Gore, and Kenny Rogers, among others. Many of the songs answering those recordings were just done in gest or were rebuttals to the original artist's hit. Two in particular – signature songs by Barry McGuire and later James Brown – elicited platters with political overtones by multiple other performers.

R&SRNR #_165 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF JAN & DEAN” (Remastered) This is a remastered version of our prior episode _031, It celebrates the complete hit singles history of an act whose trademark tunes are indelibly associated with songs about surfing and fast cars. But there's much more to their musical achievements. They were innovative composers, singers, and producers. Long before their songs about riding the waves and racing dragsters, their early hits were mostly creative remakes of pop standards and other people's records. Eventually, some of their best-known material resulted from working with the Beach Boys. And while they were doing all that, this duo attended college so they could expand their career horizons. One studied graphic design and went on to create the artwork for best-selling rock and roll albums. The other was in medical school until a tragic auto accident ended that endeavor. Their names are William Jan Berry and Dean Ormsby Torrence – Jan & Dean. We'll trace their trajectory from an early hit about an exotic dancer to their permanent place in the pantheon of performers who exemplified the California rock and roll sound of the 1960s.

R&SRNR_164 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE ANIMALS” This episode salutes one of the great British invasion bands of the 1960s that we feel deserves more attention than it's gotten, probably because their hits were only on the rock charts in the U.S. and the U.K. from 1964 to 1969. These performers actually comprised two different groups – a founding lineup from 1962 to 1966. And then a brand-new act fronted by their original lead singer. We know you know that we're talking about the Animals and then Eric Burdon & The Animals.  We'll track every one of their hit singles starting with their iconic “House of the Rising Sun,” along with any original versions of those songs by other artists who inspired them. Plus, their original version of a song that later became a trademark tune for the Three Dog Night. We'll also cover the U.S. and U.K. hit singles by two Animals alumni – Eric Burdon and Alan Price.

R&SRNR_163 – “THE REAL STORY OF THE MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET” (Show_011 Remastered & Reimagined) Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash – their unplanned get together at the Sun recording studios in December 1956 became known as the Million Dollar Quartet. More than 50 years later it inspired a hit Broadway musical of the same name that made millions for its creators, and it's still playing at various venues around the country.  But the truth is that the story that stage musical tells is mostly untrue – when it comes to the songs that Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash sang that day during their impromptu jam session. So, we'll relate the real story of the Million Dollar Quartet and detail the not-real stuff that's in the stage musical…and speculate just a bit on why the producers staged that show the way they did. We've got a million dollars-worth of Million Dollar Quartet history for you, and you'll hear it all right here.

R&SRNR_162 – “19 HIT SONGS THE BEATLES GAVE AWAY” Although they were only active for a little over a decade – from 1960 to 1970, the Beatles are still arguably the most influential band in rock and roll history. We previously explored this group's original recordings that were later remade into hit singles by other artists on episodes #132 and #133 of our little podcast series. But in this program, we're going to focus on the songs written by the Beatles in the 1960s and then simply handed off to other singers to perform. These were compositions that the Beatles never commercially recorded themselves or waxed later on after another act released them first. We've identified 19 of the songs that the Beatles gave away, which became hit singles for such performers as the Rolling Stones, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, Cilla Black, Peter & Gordon, Chad & Jeremy, Cream, Badfinger, and several others. Those songs are all part of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. And our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave as together we tell the tales behind those tunes. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR_161 – THE FIRST ROCK & ROLL RECORD (Show _001 Remastered & Reimagined) There are lots of candidates and lots of opinions about which tune deserves that title. We've scoured our world-renowned Groove Yard, also known as our music library, for several dozen songs that qualify. These include some truly pre-historic rock songs dating back to the 1920s, 30s, and 40s that pre-date the so-called rock and roll era that began in the 1950s. We get to play portions of these platters, and you get to listen and decide for yourself.  Some of these songs are still broadcast on the radio and on Internet music sources. Others are rarely, if ever heard anymore. But you'll hear them all about them all right here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_160 – "THE BIRTH OF TOP 40 RADIO" We've mentioned a format called “Top 40 Radio” on each and every one of the 160 episodes of our little podcast series that precede this one. But we've never really defined what it is or how it got started. That is – until now. This episode spotlights Todd Storz, a pioneering radio station owner, who many broadcasting historians credit as the “Father Of Top 40 Radio.” How did 40 became the magic number instead of let's say, top 20, 30, or some other number? And why did Top 40 radio stations in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s play a wider range of musical genres than they do now? Those are just some of the topics our Resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will touch on with our guest expert for this episode, veteran broadcaster, podcaster, advertising executive, author, and scholar, Jay Douglas, Ph. D. Radio Dave will play samples of some of the songs that were heard on the radio just before and during the early years of “Top 40 Radio” – That's all along with more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.  

R&SRNR_159 – “TOP 40 LOST HITS OF 1975” This episode celebrates the “Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1975.” It was a year for more questionable content more often on your favorite rock station. There were charted tunes about incest and gratuitous sex that left little to the imagination. Plus, a vengeful father with murder on his mind and a call to political action with a naughty word that radio stations had to bleep out. And two smokin' hits that made fun of marijuana. The same AM and FM outlets that programmed those tunes also broadcast tender love ballads and lost love laments, as well as a lot of dance records that didn't have a lot of lyrics.  They're all on our musical menu for this episode along with a novelty number about a notorious shark and a tribute to a beloved former U.S. President.

R&SRNR_158 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE CARPENTERS, PART 2” This is the second of two episodes spotlighting one of the most innovative and successful brother and sister acts in popular music history – Richard and Karen – the Carpenters. Our prior episode – show #157, covered the Carpenters music from the mid-1960s to 1974. Now, on this edition – show #158 – it's the remainder of their career. All their hit singles from 1975 to 1984 along with the original versions of those songs by other artists who inspired the Carpenters. We'll spotlight the Carpenters connections with Neil Sedaka, Andy Williams, Herman's Hermits, the Marvelettes, Bobby Vinton, and a group that came to be nicknamed “The Canadian Beatles” – can you guess who that band was? We'll identify them later in this podcast. Plus, the post-Carpenters collaborations – Richard's recording with Dusty Springfield and Karen Carpenter's solo album under the direction famed rock and roll producer, Phil Ramone.

R&SRNR_157 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE CARPENTERS, PART 1” This is the first of two episodes spotlighting one of the most innovative and successful brother and sister acts in popular music history – Richard and Karen – the Carpenters. We thought we could fit their story into just one show, and we promoted that on the prior edition of our little podcast series – show #156. But, as we went deeper into their inventory of hit singles, we happily discovered that two episodes would best present the totality of their tuneage. On this episode – show #157, we'll feature the Carpenters music from the mid-1960s to 1974. Then, two weeks after the posting of this episode, our next show – #158 – it's the remainder of their career. So, join us for the Carpenters connections to musician and record company mogul, Herb Alpert, singer/songwriter, Paul Williams, the “Sesame Street” series on public television, and an Academy Award-nominated major Hollywood movie soundtrack.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_156 – “30 HIT SINGLES FROM THE GOLDEN ERA OF GARAGE BANDS” The episode spotlights “30 Hit Singles From The Golden Era Of Garage Bands” – a time period we've defined for the purposes of this episode as the mid-1960s to 1970. Garage bands were usually young amateurs with some rudimentary music training who practiced or just played for the fun of it in a garage attached to one of their member's homes. Their gigs and 45 RPM releases, if any, were primarily heard by regional audiences. But several of these recordings actually became nationally charted singles – including some “Top 10” smashes. And a few of these groups went on to wax multiple hits and enjoy extensive professional careers. Others were just fondly remembered in their hometowns and nowhere else. As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.  

R&SRNR_155 – “THE TOP 40 LOST HITS OF 1966” This episode spotlights The Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1966. It was a vintage year for music, including some great records you never seem to hear on the radio, or the satellite or on anyone's live stream anymore. Featured artists include a British band who named themselves after an American rock and roll icon. We'll also spotlight a dynamic singer known as “Mr. Excitement” as well as the “Black Elvis.” And we'll demonstrate how some genuine, original hit 45s by two selected acts are probably not the versions contained on some of the greatest hits collections for these artists that are available on CDs or online downloads. 1966 also was a vintage year for network television – including the debut of the only prime time action-adventure series ever with first run episodes broadcast two nights every week. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along to cover that plus some other news worth noting from that memorable year. And Ken will join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_154 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF CHUBBY CHECKER” This episode salutes a recording artist who popularized more teenage dance styles than any other performer in rock and roll history. He also recorded hits with novelty, surfing, folk, pop, Christmas and Christian-themed songs – Chubby Checker. We'll cover every Chubby Checker hit single – starting with his debut 45 in 1959 and continuing on to his last charted CD in 2013. Our presentation also includes the original versions of songs that Chubby Checker made famous. And we'll also spotlight some of his tuneful, but commercially failed attempts with psychedelic, soul, funk, and country songs. Then, there's also his numerous overseas-only releases performed with European-based bands. Along the way, we'll detail the derivation of Chubby Checker's stage name. Plus, his hit music connections with Dick Clark, Bobby Rydell, Dee Dee Sharp, and the Fat Boys, among others, as well as his major Hollywood motion picture with Dion.

R&SRNR_151 – “THE HISTORY OF FOUR ELVIS PRESLEY SIGNATURE SONGS” This episode celebrates the original versions of four songs that Elvis Presley made into his very own trademark tunes – and the fascinating stories involved with their histories. One in particular – “Are You Lonesome Tonight” – has attracted a lot of attention and some disagreements among musicologists during the course of the past several decades. We'll set the record straight on the provenance of that recording, along with the truly rare and scratchy hit originals that pre-dated Elvis Presley's rendition. We'll also present all of the numerous answer songs that were waxed in response to, as well as to take commercial advantage of Elvis Presley's recording. Then, there are three more Elvis Presley super hit signature songs – “It's Now Or Never,” “Surrender,” and “Can't Help Falling In Love.” We'll trace their early twentieth century connections to some famed operatic tenors. And we'll sample the original versions, including some of the rarest platters on this planet. As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch joins Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_153 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF DION AS A SOLO ARTIST” This is the second of two episodes chronicling the hit singles history of Dion & The Belmonts. Our prior installment – show #152 – covered all of Dion & The Belmonts hits singles while they were together, followed by the Belmonts charted 45s after Dion left the group. Now, on this episode #153, we'll document Dion's primary post-Belmonts hit-making decades – the 1960s and 1970s. Our presentation also includes the original versions of songs that Dion made famous. Plus, songs originated by Dion that later became hits for other artists. Few singers can match Dion's diverse repertoire – rock and roll, doo wop, ballads, the blues, sunshine pop, country, folk, and religious. Surprisingly, most his hit singles have disappeared from radio, satellite, and Internet radio playlists, but we've got those tunes in our famed Groove Yard music archive, so you'll hear samples of all of them. As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with fascinating factoids. Together with your "Rare & Scratchy Rock 'N Roll Host, Radio Dave, we've got the greatest rock and roll stories on record.  Here it all here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_152 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF DION & THE BELMONTS” This is the first of two episodes chronicling the hit singles history of Dion & The Belmonts. They were among the leading male vocal groups of the late 1950s and early 1960s, and they made an indelible impact on rock and roll history. This installment of our little podcast series – show #152 – covers all of their hit singles while they were together, followed by the Belmonts charted 45s after Dion left the group. Then, two weeks after the posting of this episode, our show #153 will document Dion's hit-making decades – the 1960s and 1970s – when he went on to solo fame. Our presentation also includes the original versions of songs that inspired Dion & The Belmonts – and later on, just the Belmonts – to fashion their own takes into memorable hits. We're joined on this episode by Nay Nassar, an acclaimed expert on the vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s. 

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_150 – "30 YEARS OF LOST TOP 40 HITS – 1955 - 1984" This episode celebrates “30 Years Of Lost Top 40 Hits.” We've selected one each from the years, 1955 to 1984, which were the first three decades of the “Rock & Roll Era.” We didn't set out to do this on purpose, but it turns out there are a lot of movie and/or television connections with many of the performers on these songs. Eight were recorded by talented artists, who also had actual – and not just cameo – roles in major motion pictures and network television shows. This includes the singer/actor who won an Academy Award For The Best Song from a movie in which he also had a dramatic role. One of our other featured 45s is by a superstar who was the subject of numerous documentaries and a bio pic. Another features an act whose recording career was purposely launched by way of a movie soundtrack. As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along to give us fun factoids and historical perspective. He'll join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_149 – “THE GREATEST ROCK & ROLL CHRISTMAS ALBUM OF ALL TIME” This is our sixth annual Xmas episode. We're celebrating the season with a unique presentation of the LP that's universally regarded as “The Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas Album Of All Time.” Musicologists, music critics, authors of books about rock and roll history, famed composers, and world-renowned performers are in general agreement that it's the late record producer Phil Spector's 1963 masterpiece – “A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records.” We'll sample each and every cut on “A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records.” All of those songs will be accompanied by the original versions by other artists that inspired Phil Spector to create his holiday opus. This is definitely a “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” exclusive. We're joined on this episode by a special guest expert who truly knows a thing or two about Christmas music – yes, you guessed it – Santa Claus.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_148 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF BOBBY DARIN, PART 2” This is the second of our two editions saluting Bobby Darin – one of the most dynamic show business talents of the twentieth century. Our prior program – show #147 covered the years 1956 to 1962 and his incredible rise to superstardom. Now on this episode #148 of our little podcast series, we'll cover the rest of his amazing career from 1963 to 1974. At the outset of this time period, he experienced a lowered level of hit music popularity for a few years as his repertoire rambled among country-tinged laments, Broadway show tunes, and cabaret-like recordings. Then he achieved an amazing comeback and returned to the top of the charts as a folk-style entertainer. We'll sample the remainder of all his hit singles, ranked remakes of his tunes, and original versions of songs that inspired Bobby Darin to record them in his own unique style. As always, our resident, Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with fascinating factoids. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_ 147 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF BOBBY DARIN, PART 1"  This is part one of our two-part salute to one of the most dynamic show business talents of the twentieth century. During an all-too-brief career that spanned from 1956 to 1973, he waxed nearly 50 hit singles – mostly penned or co-written by him. He acted in 13 motion pictures and was nominated for an Academy Award. This artist also hosted his own highly-rated network television show. He was a performer with one foot in the pop world and the other in the universe of rock and roll. A distinction few singers ever successfully achieved. He was the incomparable Bobby Darin. On this first of two installments of our little podcast series, we'll chronical his career from 1956 through 1962. All his hit singles, charted remakes of his tunes, and original versions of songs that Bobby Darin was inspired to record in his own unique style. As always, our resident, Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with fascinating factoids. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_146 – “THE TOP 20 ROCK & ROLL COMPOSING TEAMS DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF 45 RPM RECORDS” – This episode spotlights “The Top 20 Rock & Roll Composing Teams During The Golden Age Of 45 RPM Records.” We've based our survey on the research of acclaimed popular music statistician, Bill Carroll, Ph.D. He's our featured guest. Our resident “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, and Radio Dave will count down the most successful composing teams, which also include individual songwriters who penned charted 45 RPM platters. Our time period for this tabulation is the golden age of that format for rock & roll singles. And we'll sample the two strongest-charted hit singles for each entry on our ranking. These include the only husband-wife team on our roll-call, plus the only family of record labels with four of the top 20 entries on our list. And just for fun, we've asked a valued member of our staff, Mr. Announcer, to reveal some of the famed rock and roll songwriters who were among the tops in their profession – but not among our top 20. It's all by the numbers, and you'll hear it all here.

R&SRNR_145 – “THE TOP 40 LOST HITS OF 1959” This episode spotlights "The Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1959." It was a vintage year for music, including some great records you never seem to hear on the radio, or the satellite or on anyone's live stream anymore. These include a song with the same title as a book written by the super star singer who sang it. Plus, the mostly-instrumental 45 that's been featured in numerous major motion pictures, as well as national ad campaigns starting four decades after it was an international sensation. We've also got hit records by two different groups of tree-dwelling rodents. Then there's the hit record dedicated to a singer/songwriter who's been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in two different categories.

R&SRNR_144 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF HERMAN'S HERMITS” This episode spotlights the complete hit singles history of one of the most popular groups of the 1960s “British Invasion.” In fact, Billboard Magazine ranked these performers the “number one U.S. singles act of 1965” – with the Beatles placing number two. No, it wasn't the Dave Clark Five, Rolling Stones, Animals, or the Kinks. The correct answer is Herman's Hermits, a group whose signature sound comprised simple melodies and instrumentation combined with romantic lyrics intended to appeal to younger female teenagers, especially those who were living in the United States. We'll cover Herman's Hermits' complete hit singles discography, and the original versions of songs they were inspired to re-record in their own distinctive style. Plus, their major motion pictures – one of which was based on and took its title from a Herman's Hermits trademark tune. As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with his customary collection of fascinating factoids. Ken also will join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_143 – "THE HISTORY OF 'LOUIE LOUIE'" This episode spotlights the fascinating history of just one song. And it's one of the most widely performed rock and roll tunes of all time. I'm talking about the immortal “Louie Louie.” We'll trace the musical roots that inspired Richard Berry to compose it. You'll also hear samples of every hit single version of “Louie Louie,” along with details about the alleged obscenity and the subsequent FBI investigation involved with the Kingsmen's definitive rendition. Our rockumentary also includes representative samples from the nearly two thousand remakes of “Louie Louie” that have been recorded in the seven decades since the Richard Berry & The Pharaohs original debuted on your radio and in record stores in 1957. Plus, artists who rewrote the “Louie Louie” lyrics. And answer tunes that continue the saga of this song. As always, our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with his customary collection of fascinating factoids. Ken also will join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR_142 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE DOORS” One of the most popular and influential bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s made an indelible mark on rock and roll history by applying electric blues arrangements to dark musical messages about sex, obsessive excesses, and death. Their charismatic lead singer adopted the persona of “The Lizard King,” and his usually substance abuse-induced lewd live performances frequently resulted in arrests for obscenity and disorderly conduct. We're talking about the Doors and that group's front man, Jim Morrison. Their music was all over your AM and FM dials beginning in 1967, and their tunes remain a staple on the playlists for radio, Internet streams, and satellite stations to this very day. We'll cover all of the Doors hit singles, along with charted remakes by other artists. Our rockumentary also spotlights selected Doors albums cuts of particular significance. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along with his customary collection of fascinating factoids. Ken also will join Radio Dave as we as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_141 – “TWENTIETH CENTURY TOP 40 ANGELS & DEVILS” We're spotlighting every Top 40 hit song with angel and/or devil in the title that charted during the first five decades of the rock and roll era – from 1955 through 1999.  How many angels and devils songs can you name? Although there have been hundreds of such rock and roll songs, we were surprised to discover that only 45 of these tunes reached the Top 40 during the time period we're reviewing. The angels outnumber the devils 37 to 7 – with one tie – the only Top 40 hit with both angel and devil in the title. As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along with fun factoids. He'll join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR_140 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE RASCALS” This episode spotlights the Rascals – one of the most popular groups in the U.S. and Canada during this act's peak years in the late 1960s.  The Rascals impact was significant enough to earn them induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Also, a successful Broadway musical which celebrated their history and saluted their songs. As we always do on our “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” tributes to a specific group or individual performer, we'll sample every Rascals hit single. Plus, the original versions that inspired Rascals remakes. And the artists who also achieved hit singles with records first recorded by the Rascals. Our retrospective also includes remembrances from a special guest – attorney and former disc jockey, Jonathan Shimberg. He'll tell us why the Rascals originally had to call themselves the Young Rascals before they could revert to their chosen name several years after they became stars. As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along with fun factoids. He'll join Radio Dave as we present more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.    

R&SRNR_139 – “THE LOST TOP 40 HITS OF 1971”   This episode spotlights 40 lost Top 40 hits from the year 1971. It was a vintage year for music, including some great records you never seem to hear on the radio, or the satellite or on anyone's live stream anymore. Three of the 45s on our playlist are from a famous Hollywood romantic drama. We've also got a top 40 hit that sounded like it was done by the Bee Gees – but it wasn't. Then there's the only charted 45 we know of that ever dealt with the topic of cannibalism. And we'll recall a spoken word hit based on a poem that appeared on posters that were on the walls of a lot of teenagers' bedrooms and college dorms – and top 40 radio station announcer lounges.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_138 – “THE MANY SIDES OF PHIL SPECTOR” – His remarkable career was a contrast of very good music and very bad behavior. But there's no question that Phil Spector's musical achievements across six decades beginning in 1958 and ending in 2003 earned him an indelible place in rock and roll history – and an in-depth retrospective on our little podcast series. We'll salute artists who had hit singles that were produced and/or composed by Phil Spector. Plus hit 45s on which Phil Spector performed as a singer or a studio musician. In particular, Gene Pitney, Connie Francis, the Crystals, the Ronettes, Darlene Love, the Righteous Brothers, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, and George Harrison, among many others. Phil Spector's trademark “Wall Of Sound.” was one of the most innovative, complex, and successful record production formulas of the 1960s. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will be along to explain how all that worked. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR_137 – “Our 30 Nominees For The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame” The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame was founded in 1983, and its home is in Cleveland, Ohio. The honorees enshrined there are an honor roll comprising more than 300 of the greatest names in rock and roll history. And more are added every year. That said, we think there are many overlooked artists who deserve inclusion. These are especially performers who reached the heights of their fame during the first two decades of the “Rock & Roll” era – the 1950s' and 1960s, the years we frequently focus on during our little podcast series. We'll count down our own list of 30 nominees for you to consider. These are artists who have neither been nominated nor elected. but they include a vocalist who many musicologists think recorded the first rock and roll hit record. Plus, another singer who was just as popular, if not even more so, than Elvis Presley in the late 1950s. And there's also the first female international rock and pop star. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins our host, Radio Dave, with background on the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame selection process, as we bring you more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Hear it all here.

R&SRNR_136 – “THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE GRASS ROOTS” Hit songs credited to the Grass Roots were all over your radio dial in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Note that we said credited to rather than performed by. That’s because for most of its existence, the Grass Roots has been a brand in search of a band. The name Grass Roots was applied to anonymous studio musicians, until a formal group was recruited to tour under the Grass Roots moniker. Then that band was replaced by another group of musicians – with dozens of personnel changes to follow. We’ll review every Grass Roots hit single. Several of those charted 45s were remakes of other artists’ originals, and we’ll sample them, as well. Surprisingly, two Grass Roots hit singles were imported from Italy. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, joins Radio Dave with the provenance of those platters. Ken also will have some special tips for music collectors and fans on how to know if Grass Roots recordings you choose to obtain via vinyl, CD, or download are the genuine originals or just professionally crafted sound-alikes.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_135 – “BIG HITS & BIG LAW SUITS + PLATTERS ABOUT THE LEGAL PROFESSION” –  This episode spotlights some big hit records that were the subject of some great big law suits, plus assorted platters about the legal profession. These include musical testimonies by artists who were sued for copyright infringement and celebrated or criticized the results of their trials. We’ll sample those tunes, along with hit records about lawyers and judges. Featured artists include George Harrison, the Chiffons, Roy Orbison, 2 Live Crew, Jackson Browne, the Who, Stevie Wonder, and Prince, among others. Our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch and Radio Dave will spotlight two of the most litigious acts in music history – the Turtles and the Beatles. To help us understand the law and the lawsuits for this episode, we’ve asked well known Chicago trial lawyer Robert Berger to be our special guest. Not only has Rob handled a wide variety of legal disputes during his 45-year career, he was also the host of the “Ask A Lawyer” show on Chicago Radio. And we’ve got some fun legal questions for him, such as how can different songs get away with using the same title. It’s a truly precedent-setting podcast.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_134 – “THE LOST TOP 40 HITS OF 1977” This episode spotlights 40 lost hits from the year 1977. It was a vintage year for music, including some great records you never seem to hear on the radio, or the satellite or on anyone’s live stream anymore. Three of the songs on our playlist are title tunes from blockbuster Hollywood movies. Another one is a dance version of the theme from one of the most beloved situation comedy shows in television history. We’ve even got a sex-rated hit single that a lot of radio stations refused to play. But we will. Our potpourri of platters ranges from hard rock and soft rock, to disco, rhythm & blues and even semi-classical. Our array of selected artists includes a teen idol, a TV police show star, a symphony orchestra, several singer-songwriters, and even some feathered farm animals. They’re all part of “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” show #134 – “The Top 40 Lost Hits Of 1977.” As always, our resident Rockologist Ken Deutsch will be along to give us a little historical perspective. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL – “HIT SINGLES COVER VERSIONS OF BEATLES ORIGINALS – PART 2” Although they were only active for a little over a decade – from 1960 to 1970, the Beatles remain to this very day the most covered band in rock and roll history. By covers, we mean new versions of their originals recorded by other artists. There are thousands and thousands of such takes on Beatles tunes in virtually every known musical genre. For instance, rock, rhythm & blues, pop, easy listening, country, jazz, and even classical. We’ve identified 64 Beatles originals that were remade into 130 hit singles by other performers around the world. The “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Medley Department has assembled those Beatles originals and those hit singles covers in 63 custom mixes that we’ve divided up for two editions of our little podcast series. We played 33 in our previous episode #132. We’ll review the remaining 30 in this show #133. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, has factoids about each song, and Radio Dave has facts about the chart performances of these platters.  

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_132 – “HIT SINGLES COVER VERSION OF BEATLES ORIGINALS – PART 1” Although they were only active for a little over a decade – from 1960 to 1970, the Beatles remain to this very day the most covered band in rock and roll history. By covers, we mean new versions of their originals recorded by other artists. There are thousands and thousands of such takes on Beatles tunes in virtually every known musical genre. For instance, rock, rhythm & blues, pop, easy listening, country, jazz, and even classical. We’ve identified 64 Beatles originals that were remade into 130 hit singles by other performers around the world. The “Rare & Scratchy Rock ‘N Roll” Medley Department has assembled those Beatles originals and those hit singles covers in 63 custom mixes that we’ve divided up for two editions of our little podcast series. It’s an ambitious presentation that we’re very sure no other broadcasters or podcasters have ever attempted. Our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, has factoids about each song, and Radio Dave has facts about the chart performances of these platters.  

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_131 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE FOUR SEASONS – PART 2" This is the second installment in our two-episode salute to a group whose incredible career has been celebrated on stage and screen in “The Jersey Boys.” They’re the Four Seasons. We’ll continue our chronicle comprising all of their hit singles. As we track the remainder of their hit tunes and other significant recordings – collectively as a group – and individually as soloists from 1967 to 2020. We’re joined once again by one of our frequent guest experts – Nay Nassar – a leading authority on rock and roll vocal groups. Nay and our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, will showcase some of the Four Seasons extra-curricular activities as record producers and song writers for other artists. Plus, you’ll hear some other groups you’ll swear are the Four Seasons, but who really were just great soundalikes. There’s more of Ken Deutsch’s customary factoids, including the future trademark tune that Motown Records discarded and sold to Bob Gaudio and Frankie Valli for a rock bottom price. And Radio Dave have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record.

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_130 – "THE COMPLETE HIT SINGLES HISTORY OF THE FOUR SEASONS – PART ONE This is part one of our two-part salute to a group whose incredible career has been celebrated on stage and screen in “The Jersey Boys.” They’re the Four Seasons. We’ll chronicle all of their hit singles, as we track their tunes – collectively as a group – and individually as soloists from the 1953 to 2020. On this episode, we’ll cover their music through the year 1966. We’re joined by one of our frequent guest experts – Nay Nassar – a leading authority on 1950s and 1960s vocal groups. And our resident Rockologist, Ken Deutsch, has sage perspectives on how the Four Seasons developed their distinctive sound. Plus, more of Ken’s customary factoids, including the Four Seasons unique connections with the Beatles and the Beach Boys. And Radio Dave will have more of the greatest rock and roll stories on record. Including some truly rare and scratchy answer songs by other artists who pressed platters in response to some of the Four Seasons greatest hits. Then there’s also the genesis of Frankie Valli’s solo career while simultaneously serving as the lead singer on almost all Four Seasons hit singles. Hear it all here.  

RARE & SCRATCHY ROCK 'N ROLL_129 – “ORIGINAL NAMES OF 30 FAMOUS ROCK & RHYTHM & BLUES GROUPS” Many of the greatest vocal groups and bands were known by different designations before they found fame using the names by which we know them now. Tracing those antecedent aliases is one of the most interesting and fun parts of rock and roll history. We’ll spotlight 30 of those acts on this episode. Along the way, we’ll identify the vocal groups and bands who used such pseudonyms as the Beat Brothers, Golliwogs, Little Boy Blue & The Blue Boys, The Parliaments, The Four Graduates, the High Numbers, Redwood, Wicked Lester, Shine, The Matadors, The Pigeons, Darrell & The Oxfords, Kenny & The Cadets, and Brave Belt, among others. One vocal group, in particular, set the record for the most stage names by a big-name act – 18 in all. And one family of record labels – Motown – was home to four celebrated sets of performers who parlayed their adopted appellations into solid gold.