This week I watched the finales of “Dancing with the Stars”, and “Glee” and found them entertaining, but when I saw the finale of “American Idol”, I realized I was watching the best musical show I’ve ever seen on television!
Not only did each of the final contestants show what got them to the top eleven, they actually seemed to like each other and performed with the kind of camaraderie usually seen among artists who’ve worked together for years, and not just a few months.
The pairing of stars with the finalists colored the event with a kind of magic seldom seen anywhere including inspired turns by guest artists Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Steven Tyler, TLC, Gladys Knight, Tom Jones, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Bono and the Edge
At the end of the evening was the crowning of Scotty McCreery, who has one of the most recognizable country voices I’ve heard in a long time, unfortunately it already belongs to Josh Turner! But I’m sure that it won’t stop him from having hits.
For pictures, videos, and tour information click onto http://www.americanidol.com/
Copyright 2011 by Artie Wayne https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/about-artie-wayne/
EXTRA! EXTRA! YOU CAN BUY MY BOOK ,“I DID IT FOR A SONG” AT AMAZON or Barnes & Noble or 
TO READ A CHAPTER OR TWO FOR FREE CLICK HERE
TO READ SOME OF THE COMMENTS CLICK HERE
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
It is with great sadness that I announce the demise of the music business as we once knew it, where you could resolve a problem with a human instead an answering machine or a JACK-OFF-ICER at the company.
It’s been nine weeks since I’ve been in touch with Paul Woodruff at the Universal Music Group who has been promising to send me $600 dollars owed me from Rondor Music, a company that I once ran that Universal bought for $400,000,000. NINE WEEKS NOW and I still haven’t got check. click onto https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2011/05/14/audit-audit-audit/
In May 2006, an investigation led by then New York attorney general, Eliot Spitzer, concluded with a determination that Universal Music Group bribed radio stations to play songs from Ashlee Simpson, Brian McKnight, Big Tymers, Nick Lachey, Lindsay Lohan and other performers under Universal labels. The company paid $12 million to the state in settlement…I wonder whose money they used?
I don’t think I’m overly suspicious of a company whose holdings include a record company that was in bed with THE NAZIS, bought record labels started by the PURPLE GANG in Chicago, as well as ORGANIZED CRIME IN NY and LA, and also includes a top publishing company who routinely issued mechanical licenses at one-half cent per title to its own top record company.
I’m very fortunate to have many lawyer friends who LOVE my idea of performing the first CLASS ACTION AUDIT against the UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP.
I may be no longer able to walk, or use my hands except for one finger which I use to type, but I believe if you can only lift one finger you still can point the way!
Artie Wayne
WHILE FIGHTING LARGE CORPORATIONS WHO ARE TRYING TO KEEP ROYALTIES AWAY ME AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER ARTISTS, SONGWRITERS AND PUBLISHERS, MY ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME IS FROM THE SALE OF MY BOOK. ” I DID IT FOR A SONG”, WITH OVER 100 STORIES FROM THE MUSIC BUSINESS OF THE ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. I HOPE YOU’LL CONSIDER BUYING ONE DIRECTLY FROM ME THROUGH PAYPAL FOR ONLY $9.99 AT artiewayne@gmail.com OR BY CHECK TO…ARTIE WAYNE P.O. BOX 1105, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 92240
THANKS AND REGARDS, ARTIE WAYNE https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/celebrating-two-million-views-today-on-artie-wayne-on-the-web/
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
CHAPTER 4
This is a picture of me and my first day on the job at NewYork’s Lowe’s State Theater, yelling, “Immediate seating for Gone with the Wind! ” It’s fun to meet stars like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, even if it’s only to take them to their seats. The most appealing part of the job, however, is the location. It’s only five blocks away from 1650 Broadway — the new Tin Pan Alley, the “hipper”BrillBuilding! This is also the day that I take my Mother up to Aldon Music, to meet Al Nevins and Donny Kirshner.
imposing man still in his 20’s, is a close friend and songwriting partner of Bobby Darin, who sent me to meet him. He gives my Mother such a pep talk about my future, even I’m convinced I can’t fail. He tells her, “If you’ve got talent and perseverance; all you need is a little luck.”
Donny’s partner Al is a member of the Three Suns (“Twilight Time”), who’s the guitar player in one of the top instrumental groups in the fifties. He’s as stylish and dapper as Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. on 77 Sunset Strip, and convinces my mother that I can learn more about the music business from spending time in their offices, than I can by going to college. Even though Al and Don only give me a $50 general advance when I sign an exclusive five-year songwriting contract, I know that millions of dollars aren’t far away.
Like Chuck Berry says, “I study hard hoping to pass.” I’m privileged to be around some of the most incredible talent who soon would become the most successful songwriters in music business history!
As a wide-eyed 18-year old, I sit for a few hours everyday in Aldon Music’s 1650 Broadway office and become friendly with most of the writers who are signed: Neil Sedaka and Howie Greenfield (“Happy Birthday Sweet 16,” “ Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” ) Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’), Carole King and Gerry Goffin (“ One Fine Day,” “I’m Into Something Good”) Larry Kolber (“I Love How You Love Me,” “Patches”), as well as Brooks Arthur, Billy Michelle, Al Gorgoni, Tony Orlando, and a 14-year old Toni Wine.
It’s exciting for me to sit around and listen to them as they discuss their songs, other people’s songs, and what radio is playing. Most of them are older than me and far more evolved. They lose me when they start talking about writing from experience, since I have none. All I can write about is my teenage angst and disappointment, which I guess gives the older writers a peek into my horny little world.
Today is just another day when I’m going to hang out at the office. I walk into the revolving door at 1650 Broadway; I glance to my left and see Sam Cooke coming out. I get so excited to see one of my idols that I stop suddenly, trapping Sam in the revolving door.
Embarrassed, I pantomime an apology while Sam smiles and exits the building. While I’m still recovering from the experience, I ride the elevator to the 6th floor with Larry Kolber, who was brought to Kirshner by his longtime friend Ira Howard.
As I’m about to discuss a song we’re writing, Larry flashes me a “look” and puts his finger to his lips to make me shut up. When we get off at our floor, he cautions me never to discuss a song I’m writing on the elevator here or at theBrillBuilding. “You never know who might be listening and steal one of your ideas.”
I apologize as we walk into Aldon. Larry is waiting for Barry Mann to bring a demo back on a song they wrote for the Paris Sisters, “I Love How You Love Me”
“I love how your eyes close, whenever you kiss me…”
Jack Keller brings in his discovery, 14 year — old Toni Wine, to go over some songs in the piano room. On his way in to meet Jack and Toni, Tony Orlando stops to say hello. He’s the first one to notice that I have my hair straightened for the first time, a la Jackie Wilson.
Barry Mann and Brooks Arthur walk in with the demo of “I Love How You Love Me,” but every room with a phonograph is occupied. While they’re waiting, everyone starts kidding around. Barry starts doing impersonations of everyone in the office. He’s got Al Nevin’s smooth style and voice down, as well as Donny Kirshner’s walk and unbridled enthusiasm. He even imitates Neil Sedaka doing his “Oh, Carol” cha-cha. I’m surprised and a bit embarrassed when Barry does an imitation of me (complete with nerdy glasses and gangly walk).
When Al and Don arrive after lunch, Faith, Al’s secretary, asks if Donny knows he’s wearing one black and one brown shoe. As he looks down at his feet I say, “I bet you have another pair just like that at home”. Everyone laughs — except for Donnie.
Later after the excitement wears down a bit, I tell Larry Kolber about my Aunt’s candy store and the cute little girl who comes in and ignores me. That’s when we start to write:
Boy At The Fountain
I’m the Boy At The Fountain in your candy store
I make all the sodas that you ask me for
You want my chocolate, pistachio, peppermint sodas but heaven above
Knows you don’t want my kisses, you don’t want my huggin’
You don’t want my love.
(etc.)
copyright 2011 EMI Music
Donny loves it, but nothing happens. It is never recorded, but it is the first song that is based on one of my own real life experiences that somebody connects with.
Although I know how to play piano, I’m amazed whenever Neil Sedaka plays. He can go from classical to R & B in a heartbeat, and when he writes with Howie Greenfield; it’s magic!
“Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la…Happy Birthday Sweet 16”
Barry Mann (“Who Put The Bomp?”) helps me develop my singing style and teaches me how to sing harmony. He helps me record my demos and is generous in showing me more interesting chords that make my songs bet
Carole King courtesy of the BBC
I occasionally baby sit for Carole King, while she’s in the studio doing demos. In return she plays keyboards, arranges, and sings all the background parts on my demos. I remember one day she comes in to play her new song for Donny Kirshner, but he’s still out to lunch. She asks me if I’d like to hear it while she rehearses it.
She sits down at the old upright piano and starts to sing,
“Tonight you’re mine completely, You give your love so sweetly….”
I sit there as she goes over “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” a few more times, even though I know I won’t be able to write anything of my own for weeks!
Then she’s summoned to Donny’s office. I think he likes it too…I can hear him yelling through the door, “It’s a Smash! It’s a F@#in’ Smash!”
photo in middle – Don Kirshner, Barry Mann, Gerry Goffin, and Al Nevins
CHAPTER 39
Jimi Hendrix stays at my apartment. Jim Morrison surprises me…
“While I’m on the West Coast I let my friend, Ann Tansey, Mercury Records’ A&R director, stay in my apartment. I didn’t know she’d invited her sometime-boyfriend, Jimi Hendrix, to stay with her.
When I arrive home, I find some nasty notes from my neighbors, about my loud guitar playing at 3:00 in the morning. The notes also say something about people going in and out of my apartment by way of the fire escape. I have no idea what really happened, but I do admit I am flattered that they think it was me playing the guitar!
It’s hard for me to get back into the rhythm of New York this time around. There are too many things pulling me back to Hollywood, including a beautiful playmate I briefly met, while she is breaking up with a friend of mine.
I’m tired of writing formula pop songs mostly about made-up experiences in a location that no longer holds any fascination for me. My partners try to re-ignite my excitement in our company, by telling me how well we’re doing financially, but that isn’t enough for me.
In the summer of ’69, my friend Allan Rinde had just joined Columbia Records family as head of Epic Records publicity. Two weeks into his stint there he himself went off to L.A.for aColumbia convention and returned with two thoughts: he didn’t want to be a publicist and he thoughtL.A.was paradise.
I did my best to convince him that both of us should move there. Excited by the prospect, he approaches Cash Box owner George Albert (remember Allan had just left Cash Box to join CBS) and convinces him he needs more help in his West Coast office. Then he quits his job. Boy, is he pissed when he finds out that I don’t quite have it together to move out there with him.
Allan forgives me by the time I visitL.A.again and lets me stay on his couch at his apartment onHarper Avenue. As I’m walking around the neighborhood I run into a lovely publicist friend of mine, who lives in the apartment downstairs from Jim Morrison and his girlfriend Pam Courson, around the corner on Norton Avenue. My publicist friend invites me in for a little “afternoon delight,” and while we’re in the middle of hooking up, a burly, bearded, blasé Morrison walks in.
She smiles innocently and says, “This is my friend, Artie” and as Jim reaches out to shake my hand, all I could say was “Pardon me if I don’t stand up”
A few weeks later I leave the surreal world of Hollywood, go back toNew York and half-heartedly start to turn out demo/masters again.”
EXTRA! EXTRA! NOW YOU CAN BUY MY WHOLE BOOK ,“I DID IT FOR A SONG” AT AMAZON or Barnes & Noble or
Copyright 2011 by Artie Wayne
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
Artie Kornfeld “The Father Of Woodstock” says, “…God Bless you Artie for keeping the music alive!”
Kornfeld http://www.artiekornfeld-woodstock.com/
Author/ publicist Bob Levinson says,” Dunno if I’m repeating myself here, but want to make sure you know I classify your book as a “must read” for anybody who was in the music business or interested in the music business when it was more about the music than about the business. Gone are the days; shamefully, they ain’t coming back anytime soon.
Warmest regards, Bob www.robertslevinson.com
Joel Diamond Producer, Says, “Classic pictures Artie…how lucky we are to have had contact and know some of these people first hand who could never be “duplicated” again in our industry…”
Patti Dahlstrom Singer/songwriter, adds, “So exciting and great pictures..but not as good as the stories inside. So many will love this book!”
I love the songs you got to us. “HEAVY CHURCH”, “PLAY SOMETHING SWEET”, “LET ME SERENADE YOU”, FREEDOM FOR THE STALLION”, and “EASY EVIL”, The fans have put together a few videos for you!
Chuck Negron…3 DOG NIGHT http://www.threedognight.com/index.html
I ENJOY READING ABOUT THE JOURNEY MUSIC HAS TAKEN AND THE WONDERFUL STORIES SURROUNDING IT. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
STEVE CROPPER (“DOCK OF THE BAY”, IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR”) http://www.playitsteve.com/home.html
Stephen-Craig Aristei , independent film and TV music supervisor comments, “The pictures and the stories are all “greats”…When people read your book, they will realize how each and everyone of their lives was touched in some way, by what you did…We were a part of the industry when “people had fun” with what they did….Joel is right when he says “we are all so lucky to have had contact with so many of these people”…..I was blessed to work with, fight with and have success with many of the true “greats” of our industry….And Artie, you are one of them…You are truly the last of that breed of creative individual who truly make the music and the business great….you are one of the “Last of the Greats” ! ! Everyone who has ever loved music, needs to read your book….!”
Bernadette Carroll Says: As Clay Cole said it best “Weren’t We Something”….Thanks Artie!”
Barry Oslander Producer Says, “Artie like you, I have been waiting for this day since I read your book months before it came out and read it in one day…. Your a man who just wrote some more music history which in turn will bring bring back many minds to dreaming of the good old days and the way it was in the days when the music biz was great and we all were starting out and were friends joined by the music in our blood….Good luck with your book.”
Jerry Ross Producer (Bobby Hebb, Keith, Spanky and our Gang) comments, “Artie: New York Yankees 1930….
Lefty Gomez made the well known comment: “I’d rather be lucky than good”
You are blessed to be lucky; being in the right place at the right time, and so good at what you have accomplished…Congrats on your book!!!”
book.The title reflects the the entire mentality of the business in an
era that produced more classic music and creativity then in any other
time in it’s history.The book reveals how it all went down through the
journey of one man …..
“Artie, I got your book last night and read much of it through the night you have one incredible career. It’s an honor that you put me in your book literally in the same sentence with Paul Simon… How cool is that! I played a very, very, very small part, but what a part it was. You stopped by my office, at E B Marks Music and my ears heard that Joey Powers demo, Meet Me at Midnight Mary, and it was then I told you, that’s a hit, master it just the way it is. It was then that I told you to take it over to Amy Records. You did that … added a bass and the rest is history. Wow!”
Tony DiGirolamo tvlights@aol.com
Good to hear from you Artie. I love the songs you got to us. “HEAVY CHURCH”, “PLAY SOMETHING SWEET”, “LET ME SERENADE YOU”, FREEDOM FOR THE STALLION”, and “EASY EVIL”, The fans have put together a few videos for you!
Chuck Negron…3 DOG NIGHT http://www.threedognight.com/index.html
Ed Silvers former CEO WARNER BROTHERS MUSICsays, “Forever a great promoter/publisher/writer, Artie has been my artist, my friend, and co-writer through many years of music business. It has always been more than fun to work together!! I wish we lived closer to one another”
Mike Millius Says: “Dude, The best and most realistic Woodstock Experience I’ve ever read. Honest in it’s telling and observations.
HAVE KNOWN ARTIE WAYNE SINCE THE EARLY AND COLORFUL DAYS ON BROADWAY IN NYC, WHEN WE RUBBED ELBOWS..I BELIEVE HE USED TO BE AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS ‘THE SHADOW’ BECAUSE OF THE OUTRAGEOUS HAT AND CAPE-LIKE COAT HE USED TO WEAR..ARTIE HAS DEDICATED HIMSELF TO KEEPING US INFORMED MUSICALLY FROM HIS BROAD LIFE EXPERIENCE IN MUSIC AND LIFE, AND HIS COLLECTED RESPECT FROM MANY OF US WHO HE HAS WRITTEN ABOUT.
FROM ANOTHER BROADWAY SURVIVOR..LARRY, ‘RHINESTONE RABBI’ WEISS.
Your story needs to be told via a film, or even a TV mini-series. It is fascinating!
John Harrold
peggy santiglia davison (The Angels) Says: “Hey Artie, I always knew you were talented and smart and the Blog is great. It’s so interesting to me because even though many of us were in the thick of it, we didn’t always know what others were thinking or doing behind the scenes. Maybe that’s my take as a performer since I was on the “road” so much back then, but it is facinating to read the stories. Even just reading the comment list, I see the names of some very long ago business and personal friends and it brings back many memories, mostly good:-). Much success to you in all your future endeavors.
Peggy/The Angels/The Delicates
I skimmed through the book the first time around but now I’ll eat up every word. Thanks for the great ride…and please don’t leave.
Ira Howard
Irah36@aol.com
“Artie,Those were the days when our business was exciting every day.. I remember so well of what you wrote in your terrific book.. I miss those days & your weekly visits to our office at 1697 Broadway. We have great memories…”
Jay Siegel-The Tokens
jaysiegelandthetokens.com
Linda Perry Says: “Been a long time. So happy to hear you don’t miss a beat. You keep us all informed. Congratulations to a great guy.
Best regards,”
Linda
ann munday Says, “It’s amazing to me that you and I have known each other over 31 years now!
We were such children when we first met!
Congratulations on your passing another milestone. I know how hard you work, and I know how hard it all is for you physically and you’re truly amazing!”
Laura Pinto http://oldiesconnection.blogspot.com/
Bobbi Cowan PUBLICIST Says: “Hey Artie…Adding my congratulations to the growing list of your fans…and the unique perspective you bring to a business that no longer exists.”
Much love,
Bobbi
Don Charles Says: “Congrats, Artie! I’m convinced your blog was instrumental in getting Ellie Greenwich (posthumously) and Jeff Barry inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thank you.”
“Artie, I’m loving your book and literally could not put it down until Chapter 22 when nature finally came knocking after my drinking an inordinate amount of coffee. Your writing style is lively and conversational. In a previous incarnation as a journalist I learned to “Write like you talk unless you’re from the Bronx.” It appears that you have come along and totally dispelled that adage. I love the story about your standing-up and telling a roomful of people that you don’t have to accept being exploited merely because you’re black; and nobody in the room was even aware of your racial make-up. Too funny. So much for the argument, right?”
Mark L. Ostrovsky
Richard Kimball Says: “Congrats Artie..Obviously you have waaaaaay too much time on your hands!!!!!”
Ash Wells Says: “Congrats Artie!! Truly always awesome & Informative stories which I love to read. Keep Goin’ Strong.. Love Your Work!”
Congratulations Artie!!!
That’s fantastic!!!
All the best,
Roger McGuinn THE BYRDS
: “Artie, you’re a consummate story teller and because we can track your personal history in tandem with the history of rock and roll. You were there, you’re honest about both your failures and triumphs. You da man! Proud to be your friend.”
Much love
John Brahaney
Copyright 2012 by Artie Wayne
WHILE FIGHTING LARGE CORPORATIONS WHO ARE TRYING TO KEEP ROYALTIES AWAY ME AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER ARTISTS, SONGWRITERS AND PUBLISHERS, MY ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME IS FROM THE SALE OF MY BOOK. ” I DID IT FOR A SONG”, WITH OVER 100 STORIES FROM THE MUSIC BUSINESS OF THE ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. I HOPE YOU’LL CONSIDER BUYING ONE DIRECTLY FROM ME THROUGH PAYPAL FOR ONLY $9.98 AT artiewayne@gmail.com OR BY CHECK TO…ARTIE WAYNE P.O. BOX 1105, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 92240
THANKS AND REGARDS, ARTIE WAYNE https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/celebrating-two-million-views-today-on-artie-wayne-on-the-web/
UNDERSTANDING FACEBOOK PT. 1
May 21, 2011
I’m amazed that I reconnected with over 750 people that I knew in the music business in less than a year, and made friends with over 200 others. I jumped into using the social network so quickly that I don’t what some of the basic features of the service are, so I asked some friends of mine, who explained them and gave me some tips on UNDERSTANDING FACEBOOK.
At first I considered FACEBOOK a place where you could delude yourself into thinking that you’re popular, now I think of it as my number one source for sending and receiving information!
I asked photographer/ blogger, Sally Stevens, who answered questions I always wanted to ask, but was afraid that I would appear stupid if I did.
AW – Can you explain the bar below each post
·Like/Unlike · comment · Share
SS – Like/Unlike – you give a thumb’s up to a post in the newsfeed or most recent. Among others, I wish they would create an ‘unlike’ which is simply a retraction of ‘like’ at this point, as opposed to expressing disapproval.
Comment – on the post you’re reading.
Share – one of your friends posts something you want your other friends to see. You can either a) post it on your wall, b) specifically post it on the wall of a friend who you know would like it or, c) send the link as a private message to whoever you want.
AW – How can you remove a comment ?
SS – An x will show to the right of the post. Click on it and follow instructions!
AW – When you write on somebody’s wall who sees it?
SS – Whoever they designate to see their wall. Friends only, friends of friends…
AW – When you post on your wall who sees that?
SS – Presumably, whoever you designate. Friends only usually.
AW – If you want your message to be private what do you do?
SS – Go to your friend’s wall and send them a message.
AW – What happens to all the posts that crawl down our screens…are they cataloged somewhere or just disappear into cyberspace?
SS – Nothing disappears into cyberspace.
Thank you Sally for the information. you can reach her at.
http://rockphiles.typepad.com/a_life_in_the_day/
http://www.rockphiles.com/rp_artistIndex.php
Copyright 2011 by Artie Wayne
(TO BE CONTINUED)
EXTRA! EXTRA! Now available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble my auto-biography, “I DID IT FOR A SONG” for more information http://artiewayne.com
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
IS LADY GAGA A CHEERLEADER FOR THE DEVIL?
May 17, 2011
Although Lady GaGa has been one of my favorites since “Just Dance”, now she seems to get darker with every release. I watched half of her HBO MONSTER TOUR CONCERT and turned it off when it became too “heathenish”, even for me.
Is it bad make-up or is it evil that is starting show on her face? I tried to ignore it when I heard neighborhood kids parodying her chant in “Poker Face”, which they turned into “F- F- F- F- F- F- F- F-F@#K her face!” Perhaps I was naïve when I heard her wailing in “Bad Romance” Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah! Roma-roma-mamaa! Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!, and thought of it simply a good hook, not an incantation to summon Beelzebub himself!
One thing I want to know, in her HBO special, while changing costumes, does Lady GaGa mumble, “Thank you Jesus or F@#k you Jesus”? Now that she is the first person to have ten million followers on TWITTER will she use her power wisely or just become another cheerleader for the Devil?
Copyright 2011 by Artie Wayne
EXTRA! EXTRA! Just released on SMASHWORDS my auto-biography, “I DID IT FOR A SONG” http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53813
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
JOHN CARTER R.I.P. ROCK IN PERPETUITY!
May 14, 2011
“I remember calling Russ Regan’s office at UNI records and telling him I just produced a master that sounds like a hit. He tells me to rush over and when he hears it he says, “You’re right Artie, it sounds like a hit..I just can’t figure out which hit it sounds like!”
We both laughed and then he played me a new record he was about to put out, that really sounded like a hit, “INCENSE AND PEPPERMINT” by the Strawberry Alarm Clock!”
I found out that this Psychedelic Masterpiece was written by John Carter, and dropped by to see my friend Frank Slay Jr. who produced the record. I wanted to meet this guy who was a unique songwriter destined for success. It wasn’t until a few years later, however, that I was finally introduced to him by my friend Bruce Garfield, who worked with him at Capitol records.
By this time Carter had produced major hits on Tina Turner (“What’s Love Got To Do With It?”, “Private Dancer”) and I felt honored that he let me hang out. Unfortunately, it was the only time that I was with him.
Here are a few comments from people who really knew him.
“Carter was not only one of my dearest and closest friends, he was a work of art. Cryptic, left of center, a lover of the best of form, music and humanism… we often spoke in code.
I fondly remember our Capitol Records lunch time excursions to Tommy’s Burgers… Carter would buzz me and say… “Ok, who’s rolling and who’s driving… you call Tusken (Ray head of album promotion) I’ll meet you in the parking lot in 5 minutes.” Carter produced and signed, Tusken and I worked on the records and careers. Sammy Hagar was our personal code ‘red’ Carter priority.
It is important that Mr. Carter Sr. his father be acknowledged. His gruff Oklahoma wildcatter oil man… silver haired and pointy western boots… I think Carter had a lot of his Dad in him. The night I first met Mr. Carter at a Thanksgiving dinner, he kept calling me Dave. So for all the years that followed until his passing, Carter had me swear never to correct him and always play the role of “Dave Garfield
Artists pass on… the art lives forever… Carter was art and his memory will live as long as anyone who knew him walks this earth.
In closing as a living Carterism I think he’d say…”Yeah… I know, but how can you be missed if you don’t go away.”
Bruce Garfield
“When Carter and I were still living in the Studio City area, and before we both moved out to the desert, we would occasionally bump into one another, and then sit and talk over a coffee or two. I always looked forward to his take on life, politics, film, philosophy, art, especially mid-century architecture, and of course music.
Just recently, I was visiting Carter at his home. Along with Jason Minkler, we were watching the basketball playoffs, and he was full of life and enthusiasm and looking forward to getting back on the links, (Carter was a hell of a golfer), and that’s why it’s difficult for me to wrap my head around his passing. Aside from being a good friend, one thing’s for sure. He had the best ears in the business. Music minus one!”
Richard Kimball
“Carter is irreplaceable. In the same company as Ahmet, Hunter, Garcia, Bill Graham, Bert Berns, and so on. Working in the music business is supposed to be fun, above all. Carter was not only a genius in his field, he had fun doing it. You can’t be creative unless you’re having fun.
Those who worked with him and were his friends were blessed to know him.
The tributes continue.”
Sally Stevens
“JOHN CARTER WAS NOT ONLY A GREAT GUY
HE WAS A GREAT MUSIC MAN!!!
HE WROTE MY FIRST HIT AT UNI RECORDS
INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS IM FOREVER GRATEFUL!!!!”
RUSS REGAN
“My sympathies to all of John Carter’s closest friends and family. I remember him as a lovely man, always prepared to take my calls and listen to any songs that I sent him. A great record producer and another wonderful person who will be missed immensely.”
Ann Munday
John Carter…May you ROCK IN PERPETUITY!
Respectfully, Artie Wayne http://artiewayne.com
copyright 2011 by Artie Wayne
Photo at the top of Carter and Christie by Owen Husney
EXTRA! EXTRA! Just released on SMASHWORDS my auto-biography, “I DID IT FOR A SONG” http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53813
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
AUDIT! AUDIT! AUDIT!
May 14, 2011
My friend, manager, and lawyer, the legendary Marty Machat ( pictured with Leonard Cohen) once told me “A songwriter should audit a publishing company every seven years to make sure that they get every penny coming to them.” Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to him.
Now that it’s statement time, I’ve decided that it’s about time to take his advice. A company I should’ve paid more attention to is Rondor Music, which I ran when it was called Irving/ Almo music. Over the years since it was sold to the Universal Music Group, writers who have copyrights with the company, seem to be treated as a number in an accounting system, as opposed to the creative people they are, who made the company worth the $400,000,000 that it was sold for.
I hadn’t received a writer’s statement in years, and attributed it to lack of current activity. A few months ago someone I didn’t know alerted me that my name was on a list from the California atty. General’s office that said unless they found me, $600 I had coming to me from Rondor Music would be turned over to the state.
I don’t why it was so hard to find me, since I’m quite visible out here, but be that as it may I finally contacted someone named Paul Woodruff at Rondor to straighten things out.
On March 17, he sent me change of address forms which I got right back to him.
On April 19, I wrote him, “I sent you the signed papers about a month ago. I still haven’t received my money. Is there any problem?”
On April 20, he wrote back, “No problem except a very large number of people we have located an backlogged A/P service. We will be processing a supplemental payment file for the previously address unknown writers early next week.”
On May 6, after still not receiving a check I wrote him, “…I know how companies as big as yours work. There is always somebody there who can sign my check today and get it to me overnight, so please don’t expect me to believe otherwise. I’m sorry, nothing personal Paul, but your “non-excuse” seems lame and gives me reason to write about what your company has turned into. You might want to check out what I wrote about BMI and what happened since” https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2009/04/06/bmi-finds-a-new-way-to-screw-the-songwriter/ as well as https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/bmi-sets-the-record-straight/
On May 6, Paul e-mailed me back, “I didn’t forget about you, I do expect the check shortly. Thanks for forwarding your new book, I really look forward checking it out. Having started at Rondor, I do miss the small company that was so writer oriented. Many changes that lie ahead for the music business, already has little resemblance to what it once was.”
It’s May 14, and guess what? I still haven’t got the check!
When it finally comes, I decided to use the $600 plus add a few more grand to it and audit not only Rondor, but also Warner Brothers Music (where I worked as general Professional Manager). Warners was just sold and I’ll bet they’re still holding onto monies that belong to the writers to make their bottom line look better to the investors.
I’m urging every songwriter who has ever earned money with these companies to audit them NOW and like the late Marty Machat once said, “get everything that’s coming to you.”
Regards, Artie
Copyright 2011 by Artie Wayne https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/about-artie-wayne/
EXTRA! EXTRA! YOU CAN BUY MY BOOK ,“I DID IT FOR A SONG” AT AMAZON or Barnes & Noble or
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
BIN LADEN IS GONE! “HALLELUJAH!
May 10, 2011
LAST WEEK MY FRIEND D.J., SCOTT SHANNON, (THE TRUE OLDIES CHANNEL, POSTED ON HIS FACEBOOK WALL A PICTURE OF BIN LADEN WITH THE CAPTION “FINALLY!” AFTER SEEING THIS I DECIDED TO MAKE MY OWN STATEMENT AND DID A VIDEO USING THE 1972 ROCK CLASSIC, “HALLELUJAH” (ZEKELY/ BOTTLER/ WAYNE) BY SWEATHOG.
DIRECTED BY WEDIGO WATSON WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO SALLY STEVENS FOR HER SUGGESTIONS.
To reach SCOTT SHANNON http://trueoldieschannel.com/
WEDIGO WATSON http://www.youtube.com/user/wally1435?feature=mhum#p/a
SALLY STEVENS http://rockphiles.typepad.com/a_life_in_the_day/
http://www.rockphiles.com/rp_artistIndex.php
http://sallystevens.fineartstudioonline.com/
EXTRA! EXTRA! NOW AVAILABLE ON SMASHWORDS MY AUTO-BIOGRAPHY “I DID IT FOR A SONG” http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53813
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
This morning I was sitting around thinking of something cheerful and inspiring to write about and a picture came to mind…a picture painted by my long time friend, Ann Munday, who went from being a great music publisher to becoming a fine painter!
When I was singing, writing and producing music, Ann was running Chrysalis’ Music in the UK, and became my sub-publisher. She had an incredible sense of the market and one of three publishers who I’d listen to when she criticized one of my songs.
After losing touch with her for a while I was not only surprised that she was painting, but also how good she was at it.
Promotion master Billy Bass (above) is a proud owner of one of Ann Munday’s most popular high quality prints, “TEA with KLEE”
She says,“You know that time at school, when you’re supposed to work out what you want to do. My passion was painting. Home life was a nightmare and the art classroom was where I spent as much time as possible. Except for the first 2 months working for a bank, all jobs I took, related to art in some way. And I ended up in the art dept of Charles Hansen music books. From there the music biz fed my creative need, working with songwriters and artists.” The watercolor, “Tea with Klee”, I painted as a gift for my sister in law and brother living in the UK, as a thank you for my visit.”
To see more of Ann Munday’s work http://www.annmunday.com/
Copyright 2011 by Artie Wayne
EXTRA! EXTRA! NOW YOU CAN BUY MY NEW BOOK ,“I DID IT FOR A SONG” AT AMAZON or Barnes & Noble or from Smashwords
TO READ A CHAPTER OR TWO FOR FREE CLICK HERE
TO READ SOME OF THE COMMENTS CLICK HERE
BACK TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
Artie Wayne On The Web 