42 Years After Open Heart Surgery…Still Going and Going And Going!
January 6, 2007
After returning to New York from my first trip to the UK in 1965, where I was pushing my songs and traveling on a promotion tour with the Beatles, I went to work for April-Blackwood music as a song plugger. Unfortunately, the people who hired me were fired two weeks after I started, leaving me to fend for myself. The new regime wanted to give me a chance and rushed me through all the red tape at CBS (which owned April-Blackwood).
After a routine insurance examination, the doctors asked me how long I had known about my heart condition? I had no idea what the hell they were talking about, but after getting a second opinion, I was told that I had an extra vein pumping impure blood back into my heart and possibly two years to live! That’s when I became one of the first Americans to have open heart surgery, which CBS paid for. I was grateful for their generosity…but I hated the corporate bullshit I was expected to deal with…so I never went back!
After that I formed my own publishing companies, had a few hundred of my own songs recorded and produced records for dozens of companies. Although I had little success with my own creative output, I went to work as a writer/ producer for Scepter records. When they sold their publishing company, I went into buisness with Kelli Ross and ran the publishing companies of Quincy Jones, Janis Ian, Bobby Scott, Leslie Gore, Joey Levine and Artie Resnick.
After I failing to become another JImi Hendrix, under the name Shadow Mann, I moved to Hollywood and had success after success when I headed up “The Warner Raiders”, my crack team of songpluggers for Warner Brothers music, and when I ran A&M’s publishing companies. When I started dealing more with politics than I was with music I went into buisness for myself, producing and selling dance records around the world. I was also an agent for a radio spot producer, winning a “Clio” myself for co-writing a Kenny Rogers spot. I also named and hosted my friend, Allan Rinde’s restaurant, Genghis Cohen, where I also established myself as a “Wearable Artist to the Stars”
After surviving open heart surgery, eleven engagements, two marriages, several attempts on my life and all of these careers…I thought it all was coming to an end 10 years ago when I inexplicably started falling down in the street! I had a spinal operation, which left me partially paralyzed, and only able to control one finger with which I type.
When Allan sold Geghis Cohen, he gave me a computer and an introduction to Spectropop, a 60’s music forum which stroked my ego and helped develop my writing and typing skills. 6 months ago I started my own blog, Artie Wayne On The Web, and I’m proud to say that I’ve had over 200,000 hits! Now every morning I wake up excited to express myself in ways I never could before, while finding new and creative ways to promote my music!
I want to thank everyone who’s come along on this crazy ride and hope you’ll continue to stop by whenever you can! I promise to keep giving you the best of “The Truth, Entertainment and Bullshit!” I wish I had a guest book that each of you can sign, but you can leave a comment or two at the end of this article which will be on display forever!
Thanks and regards, Artie Wayne
Website https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
For Spectropop http://spectropop.com
January 6, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Artie, congratulations on 200K hits here – and on 42 years of survival after your surgery. You’ve certainly lived an interesting life – or lives! (But really, ELEVEN engagements? What were you thinking?!?)
By the way, intersting typo on the first line re: your “first trip to the UK in 1665.” I knew London was that old – I didn’t know you were!
Seriously – keep up the good work, and stay young and happy and healthy!
Country Paul
January 6, 2007 at 7:51 pm
1665! Was that when you were over in Old Blighty trying to sign up Willie Shakespeare and the Bards to your agency?
January 6, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Artie,
What two big feats you have!
42 years of good life after heart surgery and 200,000 visits to your blog.
Hey, send a few to my blog too ok? LOL
All the very best to you for continued health and many many more visitors to your blog.
All the best, my friend.
Michael Godin
http://www.treasureislandoldies.com treasureislandoldies.blogspot.com
January 6, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Artie,
Glad to know that you’re still around 42 years after open heart surgery, that’s amazing. I also find it amazing that when i type in Artie Wayne into google, the first two things that pop up are your main website and your blog!
By the way, today I am celebrating a milestone too. Today I turn 22 years old officially at 8:30 pm eastern time….during which time I will be enjoying a Ronnie Dove concert with two of the Tuesday night disc jockeys from http://www.topshelfoldies.com (In fact, I know Country Paul Payton is familiar with them, I heard him in a promo spot this past tuesday night!).
Take care and may God bless you with many more years.
Your friend,
Tom
January 6, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Artie.
Congratulations my friend on you 200,000 hits.
You write a great blog. Always great stories.
Wishing you the very best of 2007.
January 6, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Hi Artie,
Wow, 42 years. I’ll bet it doesn’t seem that long – or does it? Probably several lifetimes have passed since then, and it appears you’ve had many milestones over the years including as many marriages I’ve had myself (I’ve only had three engagements, though) plus a few more medical crises that you didn’t need. I’m sure life has been strange for you at times, but ya know what? You survived. You’re here. You’re alive and still kickin’. So, keep on doing watcha do and continuing to keep us all up to date with the latest in truth and entertainment and bullshit! 🙂
Thanks for everything,
Laura
January 6, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Artie, you are an amazing man.Your energy and zest for life is an inspiration.Sometimes I ask myself who DOESN’T Artie know? Congratulations on your 200.000th hit and lot’s of good things in the new year, Best Wishes, Alan Gordon
January 6, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Hola Artie,
Congratulations for everything and thanks for being always so lively, enthusiastic and entertaining.
You look very cute and happy in the photo above. It put a smile on my face like your stories often do.
Best whishes for the next forty-two years and the next eleven engagements.
Julio Niño.
January 6, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Artie,
Congratulations On The Success Of The Web Site!
And May That Ticker Keep On Keepin’ On For Another 42 Years!
Cheers!
January 6, 2007 at 8:47 pm
No shit! I read about that 42 years ago – I never knew it was you, the first case of pre-natal (pre-conptual!) clicker repair. Cooll!
One thing for sure is you’re tiocking better than my ’05 Mercedes. And I’m glad 🙂
xo. kem
January 6, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Photogenic from the beginning!Well,corporate red-tape aside,I think that the particular open heart surgery that CBS paid for was a great investment.
Congratulations on the hits,the other hits and not least of all…
surviving!
Brent Cash
January 6, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Artie, congrats on your milestone. That certainly was a “happy new year” that led to many more.
It’s been great to make your acquaintance through S’pop.
gem
January 6, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Artie, thanks for all the stories and the music.
Great pic – I see it was all in you from the beginning.
42 years? Not bad for a medical guinea pig!
Long live the Shadow Mann.
January 6, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Congratulations Artie, and thanks for being a friend.
January 6, 2007 at 9:50 pm
THERE ARE THOSE WHO REPORT/DOCUMENT AND DISTORT WITHOUT ANY SOURCES….
YOU TRULY, ARTIE WAYNE ARE ONE OF A KIND
(SUIS GENISIS), AS PAUL HARVEY SAYS”
TELL ‘THE REST OF THE STORY ‘
THANKS FOR ALL THE WALKS DOWN MEMORY AND BEING THERE
WHEN THE BRILL BUILDING AND MUSIC HISTORY WAS ALWAYS
PLAYING OUT EVERYTIME YOU OPENED A DOOR
January 6, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Artie, How can you have been in the music biz over 42 years when you keep telling me your 39 years young…unless your separating
mind and body. And, 200,000 hits sounds like a big number, but next year I am sure it will not be….stay well and be well your a good guy, but you know this…right?
barry oslander
January 6, 2007 at 10:18 pm
We can’t have bad blood pumping in anywhere! With a heart as big as yours, it is no wonder you are still going strong and singin’ a song!
Love,
Patti
January 6, 2007 at 10:47 pm
HEY ARTIE, HOPE YA REMEMBER THE DOCTORS NAME IF I EVER NEED HIM, (SMILE) HE SOUNDS LIKE HE’S WORTH HIS WEIGHT IN GOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!. I THINK YOUR GONNA OUTLIVE ALL OF US MATE!!!!!!!!!!!. LOVE YA DEAR FRIEND. J.D. NICHOLAS, THE COMMODORES.
January 7, 2007 at 12:15 am
Dear Artie,
Even though you scared the hell out me when we first met (1973 I think) by playing Art Garfunkel’s brand new recording of Jimmy Webb’s “All I Know” over your gigantic speakers (on 10) in your office overlooking Hollywood Blvd….never thought I’d write a song that would measure up to that….. I forgive you! You’re responsible for so much inspiration within the songwrting community and we are all better writers and humans for having you in our lives.
Thank you old bean!
Love,
Tom Snow
January 7, 2007 at 12:53 am
Forty-two years? Somebody’s watching out for you, my man.
And I’m glad He is.
January 7, 2007 at 1:11 am
Artie:
HELL, WHEN YOU WERE BORN, THE WORD “OLD” STILL HAD AN “E”ON THE END OF IT!!!!!!
RICHARD KIMBALL
“THE WICKED DICK “O” THE WEST “
January 7, 2007 at 1:20 am
Congratulations Artie, Now on to another 42 years!! Joe Cerisano
January 7, 2007 at 1:40 am
Hey Artie,
How ya doin? Very well, obviously. I’ve just read the previous replies, and I can only echo the eloquent sentiments. For a man who’s “…At My Best When I’m Down”, be especially careful now. Cause baby, you’re UP! Continued success, old friend, you are talent and tenacity personified.
Chordially,
Alan
January 7, 2007 at 2:41 am
200,000 greatest hits
January 7, 2007 at 2:43 am
THAT IS AMAZING CONSIDERING WHAT LITTLE KNOWLEDGE THE DOCTORS HAD AT THAT TIME. WELL DONE!!! YOUR STILL GOING STRONG WE ARE PROUD OF YOU.
LOTS OF LOVE
GERRY & ANN VALVONA
January 7, 2007 at 3:07 am
There’s little else I can add to all the above, except … Build a better blog and the world will click a path to your door! Keep survivin’.
January 7, 2007 at 3:25 am
That’s great! Not many people can celebrate that kind of milestone. Keep healthy! Keep moving to the music!
January 7, 2007 at 3:58 am
Absolutely fantastic! I want to personally thank you for all of the historical information you have shared with all of us over the past few years. It is a privilege and great entertainment for me to read your articles. Thank you so very much for your willingness to give yourself through your site.
January 7, 2007 at 4:28 am
A historic day for a historic person. Artie, I love your anecdotes and articles. Keep ’em comin’!
January 7, 2007 at 5:33 am
“I had open-heart surgery.”
“Really? Have a scar?”
“No thanks, I don’t smoke.”
January 7, 2007 at 5:58 am
200,000 hits? I bet you have a great story for every one of ’em. Many congratulations on ALL your achievements
January 7, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Go Artie.
You said you had a few hundred of your own songs recorded. Are these songs that you wrote or that writers wrote for your publishing company?
If the the former, then you have written hundreds of songs.
I think only one person has suceeded as a Jimi Hendrix right? (Yet what is it that does not stop the rest of us from trying to be JH II?)
You have some amazing experiences Artie. And I bet you have the insights to go with them.
Will I be back or will I be back?
Good luck.
Taura
http://www.melodywriters.com
January 7, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Congratulations, Artie! I’ve told you many times that I love reading your anecdotes/stories. — You have a great sense of humor…and a big heart. May it continue to beat for a long, long time.
Musically yours,
Marva
January 7, 2007 at 3:58 pm
The blog posts over Christmas were just the best. You still keep us entertained with fun and perceptive insights into the experience of living in this world. Thanks for all you have done . Some people just don’t fit with the world of business and the dog-eat-dog life. I sense we are the same in that respect. Keep doing what you are doing and do the things you love. You have survived this long, keep going and carry our warmest wishes.
Ken Charmer…and Jean and Ray Thomas-Fox
January 7, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Congratulation Artie. When I first met you, Richard Kimball still had a career!
January 7, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Congratulations Artie on all of your accomplishments! You have overcome so much. I always enjoy reading your blog. You have lead an interesting life!
Brian
January 7, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Congratulations, Artissimo! Your successes just keep mounting. I marvel at your fortitude. You have survived so much, but have gone far past survival – you’re absolutely victorious!
Thank you for your friendship, encouragement and inspiration so freely given. You are a genuine hero to me and so many others. You have enriched my life in many ways, for which you have my deepest gratitude.
Rock on, my friend.
Eddie Hodges
January 7, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Forty-two years ago, open-heart surgery (when it was nowhere near as routine and casual as it is today), and today — 200.000 hits on your blog. Damn, Artie — indeed, the beat goes on!
There are those who inspire and motivate us by what they say. There are those who impact upon us consequentially and simply by who they are and what they do.
You have, often unwittingly, recognized, touched, discovered, promoted, motivated, saved, influenced, connected, encouraged, even rescued, so many of us, bringing out the best in us and helping us to reach heights of success… Yet your most remarkable distinction has been that as an often inconspicuous captain of a sail-blazing ship whose rudder you piloted in responsive sensitivity to the winds of changing trends and fashion, yet you never allowed them to be bloated by conceit, ego or vanity. To this day, I am in respectful awe of your humanity, grace, dignity, tolerance and diplomacy, proving that — no shit! – nice guys CAN finish first!
… keep the Rock rolling and the beat going, Brother!
Cheers!
Your fan and friend,
Mark Wirtz
January 8, 2007 at 1:28 am
ARTIE
ITS GOOD TO HEAR THAT THE GOOD DONT
ALWAYS DIE YOUNG!!!! HERE,S WISHING
YOU ANOTHER 42 YEARS!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
LOVE
RUSS REGAN
January 8, 2007 at 2:45 am
Artie, the glizzard is a’smilin’ today! If it weren’t for you, he wouldn’t be here either! 🙂 It’s funny that you type with one finger today and in 1965 I started typing my own music surveys with…you guessed it…one finger! Today, I type alot and pretty much with….you guessed it…one finger! I’ll bet you are getting as fast as I am. People at work get a little surprised when they see me type an email that way in no time. Sometimes ya gotta go with the flow and you have done well after the “flow” went against you! With 11 engagements, I guess you said “meet me at Midnight, Mary” quite a few times! I don’t know how THAT didn’t do you in! 🙂 Hopefully, the ticker will hold up for many many more years to come!! Good luck, Clark Besch
January 8, 2007 at 3:13 am
Hi Artie –
Congratulations to you on both achievements! Regarding your surgery, of course I well remember the April-Blackwood situation, having been fired by the people who hired you and then re-hired a week later when they were fired. I’ve told your story a zillion times over the years, the fact of the CBS tests having saved your life. I wish you many more years and many more hits, both Web-based and musical.
David
January 8, 2007 at 10:36 am
Hi Artie
Congratulations of both milestones! 42 years is a long time, and takes us back to the time when Heart surgery was in its infancy. I had a quad bypass nearly ten years ago at Papworth, so I have some idea what you went through. I tip my hat to you for your wonderful and continuing enthusiasm for life!
best
kingsley Abbott
January 8, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Dear Artie,
It is indeed a wonderful day! You have done well with your heart surgery, and also with your life…YOu are loyal to your friends, true to your art, and one of the nicest people on the planet…God bless you on this special “milestone” day… : )
Your friend,
Steveo
January 8, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Hi Artie
Congratulations On The Success Of The Web Site!
And May That Ticker Keep On Keepin’ On For Another 42 Years!
January 8, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Hi Artie, congratulations on continued good health and the number of hits you’re getting on your blog, not surprising as it’s up there with the most interesting blogs!
Shel Talmy
January 8, 2007 at 6:18 pm
First a question: Which one of the wives (or 11 engagements) was the one whose daddy was rich and could have married a millionaire or dignitary?
Always enjoy reading your stuff.
January 8, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Cousin Wayne! Your history is so impressive — I didn’t know half of those things.
Congrats on surviving 42 years after one of the first open-heart surgeries. You being a part of history doesn’t suprise me one bit — you’ve been paving your own unique path ever since you popped out!
I can’t wait to read more and more about two of my favorite subjects — entertainment and BS — who could want for anything more!:)
Your cousin,
Ciji
January 8, 2007 at 11:07 pm
You can tell that little guy’s got his sights set far beyond the space he’s occupying…and watta smile! Congratulations on your long and successful life following a procedure that wasn’t so common in them days. I always enjoy your upbeat contributions to our forum Artie.
Happy double-ought 7, mate.
blh
January 8, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Congratulations Artie! Obviously, I’m not alone in enjoying your blogs. I’m still trying to figure that timeline from England in 1665 to open heart surgery in 1965 to your recent engagement to Paris Hilton and/or Lindsay Lohan. Onward and upward, my friend!
all the best,
dave plenn
January 9, 2007 at 12:20 am
What an adorable photo-I love that outfit! Anyway, a belated congratulations for your 42nd “birthday”. And, I wish you many more!
January 9, 2007 at 9:13 am
Congratulations Artie, on your good health and the success of your website.
I always love to read your anecdotes and articles.
All the best
Peter
January 9, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Artie,
As our mutual good friend Bobbi Cowan recently wrote
“good friends are a marvelous gift”. You are indeed gifted my friend. Congratulations on the success of your newest internet endeavor; your stories continue to inspire and amuse old and new fans alike.
Best Wishes,
Don
January 9, 2007 at 11:21 pm
What’s strange is that it took this long to realise
that they had replaced your heart with a whoopee
cushion!
John X
January 10, 2007 at 3:18 am
Congrats on the awesome hit count and the successful surgery Artie! I always enjoy reading your memories and thoughts about the current music biz. Will : )
January 11, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Dear Artie, whatever they did to your heart back in ’65 seems to have been just the ticket, as you have got the heart of a friggin’ LION. Long may you roar! Your fan, Phil M.
January 12, 2007 at 7:03 am
Artie,
I was such a little girl in 1965, I don’t remember much, but I do remember your surgery! The whole family was so upset and worried,-I knew it had to be something VERY serious. I don’t know whose heart they gave you during that operation, but you turned out better than what you were before you went “under the knife”.Thank goodness for modern medicine!
Your “baby” cuz,
Sharon
January 12, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Congratulations, Artie, for the 200K hits to the blog, but most of all, your heatlh and your wonderful stories!
Brian Ibbott
Mayor of Coverville
January 12, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Hey Artie, COngratulations on all you accomplished and on sticking around to tell us about it. I’ve really enjoyed your comments and stories in Spectropop and on your site. If there ever was a survivor, it’s you – still with a positive attitude and a love for the music. You’re an inspiration! I’ll take this opportunity to again thank you for your years of support and encouragement for Len Chandler and I during the 25 years (‘71-’96) we ran the L.A. Songwriter’s Showcase. You were always ready to help us educate songwriters on their craft and business and as an experienced insider you had a wealth of experience they (and we) could learn from. Also, it’s one thing to have the information but what always made you an even greater teacher was your skills as a great story-teller. An entertainer, and a joy to be around.
Keep on keepin on!
John Braheny
Author: The Craft and Business of Songwriting.
January 22, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Still going strong and Congratulations and good wishes for your heatlh, Artie.
February 6, 2007 at 4:28 am
WOW! Artie that’s a “long hard trip”, but you’ve kept an indominable spirit that shows in the music, pumping for me and many others! Thanks a billion!
The heart is the most resilient of organs and your story proves it once again.
Every time you share a story of your experience in the music business I am impressed by you all over again.
It is no surprise that your web site is so popular, you are a positive inspiration. As powerful as the music we and you all have loved. Long live Rock n Roll, Rhythm & Blues, and Artie Wayne!
Skoal brother, skoal!
February 6, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Artie,
Only my best wishes to you and a deep thanks for helping my stumbling search of the net. You’ve opened my eyes to future possibilities.
I’ll return here many more times.
Donald (not duck) Dunn
April 30, 2007 at 6:59 am
Artie ,im 10 years younger than you I wish I had the stamina you have ,you article was a kick up the pants for me.
All the best for your future.
December 16, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Artie,
This is beyond inspirational. FYI, I am a double heart valve replacement surgery patient.
Would you mind if I featured a story on you at my website about heart surgery?
Thanks So much!
Adam
Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog
March 11, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:
March 11, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Ah, a kindred soul! I had open-heart surgery in April of 1965. Next month will be my 45th anniversary!
May 15, 2013 at 7:10 pm
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