REDD FOXX R.I.P. RAUNCH IN PERPETUITY!
October 12, 2012
In 1975, Redd Foxx who has the number one TV show in the U.S., “Sanford and Son” is looking to make some investments. His manager contacts me and tells me that my young publishing company has come to the attention of he and Redd and they’d like to set up a meeting with me to talk about buying an interest in it. After attending the taping of the TV show, my friend producer Lou Reizner (Rod Stewart) and I go up to Redd’s mansion, which used to belong to Sonny and Cher.
Although I’ve seen him perform many times, this is the first time I meet one of the funniest men in the world up close and personal. His manager takes us into the music room, where Redd is jamming with his longtime friend, blues man, “Scatman” Crothers, who appears on his weekly show and another long time friend, 40’s crooner, Billy Eckstein.
I sit back and watch, while the three of them put on a show. Billy sings a love song Redd wrote back in the ‘40s, while Scatman plays a washtub bass. Then Scatman sings his scathing, but catchy, protest song, “March on Niggers, March on!”
When they finish and it’s my turn to perform, I pick up a guitar and play
“Daddy, Daddy what is Heaven Like? Is it like our house so pretty and White?
It doesn’t seem right, it doesn’t seem fair…If Mommy loved us so…why’d she go there?”
“Heaven, my child, is a beautiful place where there’s a smile on everyone’s face
Mommy loved us both but she had to go…we needed her so but they needed her more”
(Redd puts his hand over my guitar strings and says to his friends)
“Imagine a flashback scene with me singing this to my son Lamont when he’s 8 years old!”
Scatman- “Yeah, we’re talking Emmy here!”
(I pry Redd’s hands from the guitar and continue.)
“Daddy, Daddy is Heaven very far? How long would it take if we go by car?
If you cross me at the corner, I can take my bike…Daddy, please tell me what is Heaven like?”
“You can’t go there by a bike or a car…if you’re good you’ll go real far.
Maybe someday you’ll go to Heaven to…If I know your Mommy she’s saved a place for you.”
(Once again Redd puts his hand over my guitar strings and says, “I love it, we even can make a record of it.”
Billy Eckstein- “Now we’re talkin’ Grammy!”
(I move Redd’s hand from the strings once again and snap.)
“Will you let me finish the damn song?”
I clear my throat and continue…
“Daddy, Daddy I can hardly wait…I’m so excited Heaven sounds great!
Can I run and tell sister goodbye? Why is there Daddy a teardrop in your eye?”
Copyright 1966/ 2012 and Wayne Art Music
At first there’s a dead silence…then they all start talking at once! Everybody has an idea or an opinion on how to make my song, and the possible TV show or film better…while I just shake my head. Then Redd puts his arm around me takes me into another room and says, “I know you must be overwhelmed by all of this! I like you Artie… (Then he breaks out a little amber vial, takes a snort and offers me one. It’s probably, the strongest and coarsest coke that I’ve ever had, which makes me temporarily lose my vision.)
When I scream…”I CAN’T SEE…I CAN’T SEE!” …Redd smiles and says, “Yeah…that’s some good shit, ain’t it!”
When he tells me he wants to buy 51% of my company for $100,000 and he is willing to be more than just a “silent” partner, I politely pass on the offer, as well as on another snort!”
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 $9.99 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
THE BEACH BOY VIDEO JUKEBOX
October 10, 2012
In 1960, while the kids in my predominately black Bronx neighborhood, were listening to songs by doo-wop groups I was listening to “SURFIN USA” by the THE BEACH BOYS.
Although I never wanted to be in a group I learned each harmony part for “IN MY ROOM”, just in case I met the group sometime in the future and they needed an emergency replacement!
I met my first Beach Boy, Bruce Johnston, in Ed Silvers office at Scepter records, where he played a song he had just written, ”DISNEY GIRLS”, and announced that he was going to join THE BEACH BOYS.
HUNTER GEORGE ADDS…”The Beach Boys came to Raleigh in either 1964 or 1965 and played to a soldout crowd. This was at the height of the British Invasion and American singers were getting clobbered on the radio. I will never forget the excitement and electricity of that evening. These were the original Beach Boys…pure and raw. To understand the excitement I and thousands of others felt, watch this clip from the T.A.M.I. Show.
“IN MY ROOM” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usuu-xu75dI
“DISNEY GIRLS” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63NBh0NqaLY&feature=related
“HELP ME RHONDA” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102p2kItKSI
The next time I saw Bruce, I was watching TV with my new bride Sheilah, and saw the BEACH BOYS singing “CALIFORNIA GIRLS”, on the Ed Sullivan show, only a block away from our apartment. I’m not one to let an opportunity slip by, so while a commercial was on, I took a sip of champagne, kissed my wife goodbye, and made it over to the studio.
I ran down 53rd street, one of the windiest streets in NY, in my shirt sleeves even though it was the dead of winter and I tried to con the guard on the backstage door into thinking I’d already been inside and had just been locked out.
Fortunately, Bruce Johnston, saw us arguing and came over and vouched for me. Then he invited me upstairs to meet someone special…and I hoped it would be my hero Brian Wilson!
He knocked on the dressing room door, Ed Sullivan answered and thanked him “and the guys” for doing the show, then Bruce proudly introduced me to Ed as the security guards cleared the backstage area of all visitors.
“BARBARA ANN” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=654H4xfDYKM
“SLOOP JOHN B” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdov2UIjUpY
“LITTLE HONDA”
“409” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuUfidbM_nM
On my first trip to California, I checked into the Sunset Tower West on the Sunset Strip, across the street from the Continental Hyatt House. I don’t know how to drive, but fortunately my friends don’ mind driving me around. My first night in LA, singer/ songwriter, Jason Laskay takes me up to a party at Beach Boy Mike Love‟s house. I have seen wall to wall carpeting of course, but I had never seen carpet go all the way up the wall to the ceiling! But this was Mike Love’s house and I guess he could have anything he wanted
I met his wife Suzanne, who had been a high school sorority sister of my soon to be ex-wife Sheilah and she introduced me to all of her bikini cIad friends. I even learned how to do the Surfer Stomp from a genuine beach bunny, while sipping margaritas and smoking the best grass I ever had! This was Mike love’s house after all, and he could have anything he wanted.
“DON’T WORRY BABY” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9E1by7PocE&feature=related
“FUN, FUN, FUN” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgS_Wf5i38k
“LITTLE DEUCE COUPE” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXFFLuoaMzM
“WOULDN’T IT BE NICE” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E4FRtrD9aQ&feature=related
I’D gotten tired of writing songs in NY and by third time I go to California, I’m ready to move there. This time I stay on Jay Laskay’s couch in Studio City in one of those houses that are built on stilts and cling precariously to the side of a hill.
One night Jay and I rode into Hollywood, and went to the Aware Inn, where we ran into Bruce Johnston having dinner with singer/songwriter Patti Dahlstrom. While we were waiting for our table, Bruce kept raving about the tracks he was cutting for a new album.
The next day, Bruce brought Dennis Wilson by Jay’s house after a recording session and played two new songs Dennis just wrote and sang lead on, “FOREVER” and “DIEDRE”. Although I heard that Bruce had produced the group after Brian Wilson had his meltdown, these tracks proved to me that he could keep the hits coming, until Brian was able to take charge again
“DIEDRE” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWR_qL_mxo0
“FOREVER” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvzp3rfPL4k
“SURFER GIRL” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhuWooSAiRc
‘I CAN HEAR MUSIC” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqyx4TW4Ptw&feature=related
Van Dyke Parks called me to congratulate me on my new position and to ask for a substantial songwriting advance on behalf of Brian. I put him on hold, and arranged for a check to be drawn up right away! Then he put me on the phone with Brian Wilson [who I had never met] who said he liked Olivia Newton Johns cover of “God Only Knows”, which I got her to record on my first day at the company!!
Needless to say I was thrilled to finally connect with Brian if only by phone! I told him an idea I had to update one of his old songs “Good Vibrations”……that included changing one of the most recognizable lines in musical history!!! As I talk/sang my idea into the phone, I could hear Brian laughing on the other end that ended with an, “Okay, sure…try it!!
A few weeks later I got my friend TROGG producer, Larry Page to record and release it with the Troggs. It started, “I love the summer clothes you almost wear……..and how the sunlight plays upon your hair……”
Although I wasn’t with the company very long, I’m proud of the fact I was able to get the ball rolling and subsequently help Brian get MILLIONS OF DOLLARS from all of his songs in the Sea Of Tunes catalog which his father, Murray sold to Irving/Almo Music without properly compensating Brian.
“GOD ONLY KNOWS” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOMyS78o5YIgod
“ALL SUMMER LONG” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tytTebj8ic
“HEROES AND VILLANS” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptxwWt2JeGQ
EVEN THOUGH THE 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF THE BEACH BOYS ENDED ON A SOUR NOTE THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND FANS ARE PRAYING FOR A QUICK RECONCILIATION. THESE ARE TROUBLING TIMES FOR AMERICA AND WE NEED THE MUSIC AND THE SPIRIT OF THE BEACH BOYS TO HELP US THROUGH.
MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA…AND MAY GOD BLESS THE BEACH BOYS!
REGARDS, ARTIE WAYNE
SPECIAL THANKS TO HUNTER GEORGE FOR HELPING PUT THIS ARTICLE TOGETHER
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 $9.99 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/
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA…PLEASE READ A/S/A/P!
October 9, 2012
I’M SORRY TO IMPOSE ON ALL OF YOU, BUT I CAME UP WITH AN IDEA THAT COULD HELP OBAMA WIN AND GET ME ON MY FEET AGAIN.
I WROTE THE PRESIDENT THIS LETTER BUT I DON’T KNOW HOW TO GET IT TO HIM. I’D APPRECIATE ANY SUGGESTIONS.
THANKS AND REGARDS, ARTIE WAYNE artiewayne@gmail.com
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT,
I STILL BELIEVE IN YOU AND MYSELF! I’M 70 YEARS OLD AND CURRENTLY CONFINED TO MY WHEELCHAIR WITH A SEVERE CURVATURE OF THE SPINE, AND A RIGHT LEG THAT’S PAINFULLY ROTATING IN ITS SOCKET.
I HAD MY LAST PRP INJECTION* USING MY OWN ADULT STEM CELLS IN JANUARY WITH ASTONISHING RESULTS INCLUDING THIS TWO MINUTE VIDEO OF ME DANCING IN MY WHEELCHAIR!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEnFaF4qPL8
(YOU CAN SCROLL DOWN AND SEE OVER 300 POSTIVE RESPONSES)https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/the-healing-power-of-music/
SINCE THEN I’VE BEEN DENIED THIS LIFE CHANGING PROCEDURE BY MEDICARE AND THE HUMANA INSURANCE COMPANY, WHO WON’T EVEN TAKE A LOOK AT MY VIDEO.
MR. PRESIDENT, I KNOW THAT YOU CAN ISSUE AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO NOT ONLY HELP ME IMMEDIATELY, BUT YOU CAN GIVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HOPE TO HAVE A CHANCE TO APPEAR BEFORE A “PANEL OF LAST RESORT.”
CAN YOU IMAGINE ME TALKING TO YOU ABOUT CREATING SUCH A PANEL ON SOME KIND OF TV FORUM A WEEK BEFORE THE ELECTION…THEN AT THE END OF THE SHOW I’LL STAND UP, SHAKE YOUR HAND AND SAY, “THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT FOR YOUR COMPASSION AND CONSIDERATION! AND I PROMISE BEFORE THE END OF YOUR SECOND TERM, I’LL BE WALKING!”
THINK OF HOW MANY MORE SENIORS, DISABLED, AND MINORITIES ALONG WITH THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WILL VOTE FOR YOU. WITH ONE MORE PRP INJECTION AND A COUPLE OF HOURS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY I’LL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU WIN THE ELECTION!
ALTHOUGH I’M CURRENTLY NOT ABLE TO WALK OR HAVE USE OF MY HANDS, I CAN USE ONE FINGER, WHICH I USE TO TYPE…I BELIEVE IF YOU CAN ONLY LIFT ONE FINGER, YOU STILL CAN POINT THE WAY!
THANKS AND REGARDS, ARTIE WAYNEhttps://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/celebrating-two-million-views-today-on-artie-wayne-on-the-web/
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 $9.99 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
“IF LIFE IS A LOTTERY, LET’S ALL TAKE A CHANCE…
October 6, 2012
“IF LIFE IS A LOTTERY, LET’S ALL TAKE A CHANCE…… BUT IF LIFE IS A MONKEY…THEN LET THAT MONKEY DANCE!”
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 $9.99 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
EXCLUSIVE…BIG BIRD GOES BALLISTIC AFTER DEBATES!
October 4, 2012
EXCLUSIVE! BIG BIRD GOES BALLISTIC AFTER BEING TOLD HE’D BE LET GO BY MITT ROMNEY DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES LAST NIGHT!
AND REMEMBER…“IF IT’S ON THE INTERNET, IT’S GOTTA’ BE TRUE!”
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 $9.99 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
“WHERE DOES A ROCK AND ROLL SINGER GO?” BY ARTIE WAYNE
October 3, 2012
In 1963, Ed Silvers, East Coast head of Liberty Records signs me to a singles deal. He had just produced a top 10 hit with Timi Yuro, “What’s The Matter Baby,” and I’m excited that he wants to work with me.
I’m starting to get a lot of action with releases by Wayne Newton, Gene Pitney, Bobby Darin, the Angels and Dorsey Burnette — and I know it’s just a matter of time before I hit!!
I beg him to let me do a song I just wrote with Ben Raleigh, “(Meet Me At) Midnight Mary” —Ed likes it — but he loves “Where Does a Rock and Roll Singer Go (When His Record’s Off The Charts?)”
I just sigh and produce “Midnight Mary” myself with my friend Joey Powers — which becomes Amy/Mala/Bell (now Arista) Records first Gold Record.
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 $9.99 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
INTRODUCING HUNTER GEORGE AND “THE VIEW FROM MY PORCH”
October 2, 2012
MY FACEBOOK FRIEND HUNTER GEORGE HAS MADE SO MANY VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO ARTIE WAYNE ON THE WEB THAT I’VE ENCOURAGED HIM TO WRITE A BLOG OF HIS OWN. I’M TRULY PROUD TO PRESENT HUNTER GEORGE AND “THE VIEW FROM MY PORCH”.
For several days now, I have been pondering the happenings in the good old US of A and around the world. Quite frankly it hasn’t been all that pleasant an experience, although the cool fall air and the crickets were relaxing.
I came to the conclusion that over half of the population of the US doesn’t have a clue of what is happening in this country or the world, and really don’t give a damn. They don’t know and do not understand the Constitution, The Bill Of Rights or The Separation of Powers. Most people, except me, are afraid of offending someone, which means they suppress their feelings and beliefs. Of course those who say they are offended proceed to offend others freely and with malice and forethought.
We can place blame on the education system for not teaching truth, justice and the American way, parents that don’t teach their children manners and many other reasons, but the truth is public and private apathy. We just don’t care. Anyone that has watched Jay Leno’s street interviews can plainly see the dumbing down of America. There are too many idiots on the lose and unfortunately they vote.
Anger is rampant in this country now. There is a group of people in this country (and you all know who they are) that scream racism and racist at the drop of a hat. Most of the people in this group are black. They offer no proof; they just scream it to try to put fear in people, because no one wants to be known as a racist. Thank God (yes, I believe in Him) there are more conservative blacks and black organizations and they are speaking out against the poverty pimps and the party that has kept black folks slaves through welfare.
That’s enough for one night. Besides I want to see how many people I pissed off. The good news is that there are fresh ideas that will become known in the near future. You are going to be both surprised and delighted, because someone is coming that will put this nation back together again.
Until then let’s hunker down and worry about Baby Boo Boo and the officials at the NFL.
Hunter George https://www.facebook.com/hhuntergeorge?fref=ts
Copyright 2012 by Hunter George
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
Artie Wayne On The Web 