In 1973, I accompanied one of our Warner Brothers staff songwriters, George Clinton Jr. (who went on write the score for three “Austin Powers” movies), to the Tokyo Music Festival. It was my first trip to Japan, and I was impressed how well organized the large masses of people were. Over the years my heavy workload, beautiful women and other excesses used up too much time and too many emotions. I knew I had to find a way to learn how to really focus.
When I got back to the states, I decided to look into deep relaxation techniques. I went to see my Chiropractor and friend, Dr. Floyd Taylor who had developed remarkable physical, mental and spiritual methods of healing after his plane was shot down in World War Two. Over time, and through much pain, he was able to correct his bone structure and musculature, which left him bent over and unable to walk. His super-posture and confident stride was proof positive that his methods work. He not only told me that deep relaxation techniques could help attain my goal to focus, it could help the severe back pain I suffered from congenital scoliosis. He said I could learn to go below the pain level and function better. He also mysteriously hinted that the deeper I went, the more “things” I would discover.
My equally adventuresome friend, Patti Dahlstrom (who introduced me to Dr.Taylor), was just as fascinated with the possibilities of these deep relaxation techniques as I was. We both took private lessons from Dr. Taylor’s friend, Henry Mundt.
I was helped immediately by what he taught me especially “ The 2-2-5 “ a simple breathing exercise that I continue to use everyday when I need to calm down.
When I wanted to go deeper…Here are the simple steps Hank Mundt taught me.
First…in a quiet, semi-darkened room with your eyes closed, lie down on your back on a bed or a couch or sit up in a straight chair with your feet flat on the floor, palms upward.
1. (Inhale) hold your breath for a count of Two………1…………….2………….(Exhale)
(Inhale) hold your breath for a count of Two………1…………….2………….(Exhale)
(Inhale) this time hold your breath for a count of Five
1………….2………..3…………4…………5………(Exhale)
2. Repeat this sequence called the 2-2-5 again
(Inhale) hold your breath for a count of Two………1…………….2………….(Exhale)
(Inhale) hold your breath for a count of Two………1…………….2………….(Exhale)
(Inhale) this time hold your breath for a count of Five
1………….2………..3…………4…………5……….(Exhale)
3. Visualize a flight of stairs and starting at the number 100, count backwards slowly to the number 1, seeing each number as you descend…100……………..99………………98……………etc.
4. When you reach the bottom, say over and over,”Positive thinking brings results I desire. Positive thinking brings results I desire.” You feel more and more relaxed as you visualize what you want to accomplish. “Positive thinking brings results I desire”…”Positive thinking brings results I desire”
5. Once you’ve repeated it ten times, visualize taking an elevator up to the place where you started
6. You feel relaxed and refreshed…ready to take on the world.
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/
More Stories Behind The Songs!
June 30, 2007
Until I joined Spectropop, The 60’s music forum, I largely dismissed my early body of work, which included hundreds of releases as a writer/ artist/ and producer, because most of them weren’t hits.
Now through all of your eyes, I’ve re-examined some of my own songs and realized a lot of them didn’t suck after all!
Here are 2 songs from the past…followed by three songs I’ve written recently.
“FROM THE INSIDE”
Whenever a line or idea came to me, seemingly, out of the blue I considered it a gift. It was only during times of great emotional stress, however, when I channeled entire songs. The next time this happened was when my Grandmother passed away in 1974.
When I heard the news, I flew back to New York from Hollywood, where I was general manager of Warner Brothers Music. Although for the past few years I had been concentrating on promoting other people’s songs … now I was compelled to write again.
During the three-day period, from the time she passed until her funeral …Gooma came to me in my darkened hotel room several times. She talked to me in her usual comforting tone… told me not to cry or be afraid. She smiled and said I should be happy for her…that she was finally out of pain.
She didn’t look like the 83 year old that I revered…but like the thirty year old, whose picture lived in the family album. She sat across from me slightly illuminated by what seemed to be a light coming from within. She told me that we all have guides from the other side who anonymously give us information everyday…but from now on she would be my personal guide.
To hear “From The Inside” and the original demo by Kim Carnes http://artiewayne.com/inside.html
“SENDING MY GOOD THOUGHTS TO YOU”
One of my closest friends, Patti Dahlstrom, introduced me to one of her closest friends, Jim Croce and we hit it off immediately. We went to his concerts, TV shows and sometimes we just sat around talking or playing guitar. Although I was more of a publisher at the time, working for Warner Bros. Music, I knew I was in the presence of an extraordinary human being and could learn a great from him about songwriting and life.
The night his plane crashed, Patti and I had started a song that became a tribute to him “Sending my Good Thoughts to You”. Since his passing, whenever I’ve been stuck on a lyric or need a little help with one of life’s little problems Jim appears to me and gives me an answer, usually laced with his “wicked” sense of humor.
To hear Patti Dahlstrom sing “Sending My Good Thoughts To You”
http://artiewayne.com/sending.html
“THERE’S A CRACK IN A STAR ON HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD”
Once upon a time a publicist would warn their female clients not to be photographed exiting a car if they weren’t wearing underwear, now they warn them not to be photographed like that unless they shave! We’re living in an era where publicists rule and manipulate our perceptions…where spin is King!
To hear Ariel Wolf sing, “Crack In A Star On Hollywood Boulevard.
https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2006/08/12/theres-a-crack-in-a-star-on-hollywood-boulevard/
“(DON”T WANT TO BE) INVISIBLE”
Ever since I was a kid I’ve known people who have tried to keep a low profile…so low in fact, they are virtually invisible! I’ve never been one of those people. With every ounce of strength and determination in my body, I fight everyday to make my mark in this world, while carving a pathway to the next. I’d like to present a song I wrote with Terry Mace, about this struggle…and the effect love can have on it. I hope you enjoy it! Just click onto
To hear Terry Mace sing, “Invisible”
http://artiewayne.com/invisible.html
“I’M AT MY BEST WHEN I”M DOWN”
Since I’m no longer able to play a musical instrument, I put down an acapella version of “I’m At My Best When I’m Down” on my computer. I sent it to my friend Alan O’Day ( “Undercover Angel”, “Angie Baby”), who surprised me by putting chords behind it!
http://artiewayne.com/best.html
Copyright 2007 by Artie Wayne
For Spectropop http://spectropop.com
To reach Alan O’Day http://alanoday.com
Artie Wayne website http://artiewayne.com
Even More Quotes Worth Remembering!
June 10, 2007
” The future ain’t what it used to be”
– Yogi Berra
“Bigamy is having one wife/husband too many. Monogamy is the same.”
– Oscar Wilde
“When I die, I want to die like my grandfather–who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car.”
– Author Unknown
“The wheels of justice go round, round, round…Wait a minute that’s a revolving door!”
– Joe Nelson on Paris Hilton
“The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the
government and I’m here to help.”
– Ronald Reagan
“Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?”
– President George W. Bush
“We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.”
– Apostate Jerry
“As I approach a new project, my process always begins with the question: what is it about? Here’s one answer that might apply to a Star Trek movie…” -Michael Piller, late Star Trek writer and producer.
“You’ve got to seize the opportunity if it is presented to you”
-Clive Davis, CEO of BMG Music Group
“Positive thinking brings you results you desire”
– Dr. Henry Mundt
“I remember once an Irish woman wished me well by saying ‘I wish you a good death’ and I was like, ‘Say what!?’ I thought about it and thought actually it’s a great thing to wish someone.“- Paul McCartney http://www.youtube.com/paulmccartney
Copyright 2007 by Artie Wayne
Special thanks to Sebastian Prooth, Mark Petty, Sharon Link, Richard Yannotti, Alan O’Day, Patti Dahlstrom, and Laura Pinto for their contributions.
To reach Sebastian Prooth and read a complete chapter from late Star Trek writer and producer, Michael Pillar’s unpublished, unavailable book! http://sebrt.com
For Alan O’Day http://alanoday.com
Laura Pinto’s collection of quotes http://www.geocities.com/lpintop/sayings1.html
Mark Petty http://profiles.yahoo.com/markwpetty
Joe Nelson http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-5FiXa5s7dKNrfehkfjxA7gyx
Some More Quotes Worth Remembering!
March 3, 2007
“You got to be careful if you don’t know where you’re going, because you might not get there.”
– Yogi Berra
“Vote early and vote often.”
– Al Capone
After convincing me to start writing a blog, I asked Sebastian Prooth, non-fiction writer and blogger, what do I write about? He replied, “A blogger is what a blogger does”
“Play nice, even with yourself”
-Confucious…..submitted by John X
“It’s easier to be forgiven than it is to get permission.”
-A. Nonomous
I asked Patti Dahlstrom if she had any favorite quotes from her friend, the late director Robert Altman?
“Bob always took ideas from anyone who wanted to comment. Most were not very good. One day I asked him, “Why do you encourage everyone to tell you what they think when there are so many unusable ideas?” He looked at me and smiled and said, “Because you might hear 99 bad ideas and then comes one that is wonderful!”
“Even A Blind Man Can Tell When He’s Walkin The Sun”
-Jeff Barry from a song he wrote for his late father
In a conversation about Spectropop, the 60’s music forum, Songwriter/Producer, Mark Wirtz told music enthusiast Joe Nelson that he sees Spectropop as, “A meeting of minds between those on the creative end who made the music happen and those on the recieving end who refuse to let it die!”
finally, Sharon Link, passes this one along about an old Cherokee who tells his grandson about the constant battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two “wolves” inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
Copyright 2007 by Artie Wayne
For more memorable quotes https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2007/02/03/some-quotes-are-worth-remembering/
To Reach Sebastian Prooth http://sebrt.com
For Spectropop http://spectropop.com
To reach Mark Wirtz http://markwirtz.com
Special Thanks to Laura Pinto http://lpintop.tripod.com/oldiesconnection/
Laura Pinto’s collection of quotes http://www.geocities.com/lpintop/sayings1.html
Jeff Barry http://lpintop.tripod.com/jeffbarry/
Brief Encounters With Leiber And Stoller!
February 21, 2007
Mike Stoller, Elvis Presley and Jerry Leiber
Sometimes visiting Artie Wayne On The Web, is like going to the Turf Bar and Grill, after a long, hard day at the Brill Building! You never know who you’re gonna’ meet…but you know you’re gonna’ have a good time!
The last time I saw Mike Stoller, was at a quiet dinner with my late manager Marty Machat. Mike kept us spellbound with his tale of having been rescued from the Andrea Doria, the luxury liner that was shipwrecked in 1956!
The last time I saw Jerry Leiber, was at a little sushi bar, in Hollywood. He had me, and my friend, Patti Dahlstrom laughing so hard…that we forgot that we had an opening to go to at the Troubador!
The first time I became aware of Leiber and Stoller, the songwriter/ prodcers, was in 1956 when I saw their names on an Elvis Presley Record, “Hound Dog”. It wasn’t long before I considered them the equivelant of a “Name Brand”, and would buy one of their creations without even hearing the song! I became impressed with more than their songs and productions, however, when I realized how much they helped define the image of the artists they worked with!
Although Elvis had dozens of hits in his remarkable career, 30 years after he passed away, whenever there’s a tribute to him you”re sure to hear “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock” by Mike and Jerry. Both songs are full of humor and rebellion…and embody the Spirit of Elvis!
Until I saw their photos, I assumed they were “Negroes”, which African-Americans were called at the time. Their output of hits with deep roots in West Coast Rythym and Blues, The Robins, The Clovers and “Big” Mama Thorton was legendary but it wasn’t until their smash hits by the Coasters, “Young Blood” and “Searchin'”, did they start to leave their indelible mark on the Pop Music Market!
Although they produced many hits over the years for the Coasters, Drifters, Ben E. King, Stealers Wheel and Peggy Lee, the most memorable recordings they made are the songs they wrote or cowrote for those artists. These signature songs include, “Stand By Me”, and “I Who Have Nothin” for Ben E. King, “Yakity-Yak” and “Charlie Brown” for the Coasters, “Love Potion Number 9” for the “Clovers”, “There Goes My Baby” and “On Broadway” for the Drifters, as well as, “Is That All There Is? for Peggy Lee.
I never knew Mike and Jerry well, but I knew their songs intimately…and there was never a time that I’d be around them when I didn’t hope that a little of their “Magic” wouild kinda’ rub off on me!
Copyright 2007 by Artie Wayne
When I was growing up most disc jockeys on the radio would have a segment of their show for making dedications from one listener to another. Most of the songs requested were romantic and struck a positive emotional chord. Many people who didn’t have the ability to express themselves would say,”Listen to the words of this song…this how I feel!”
Pop music has always been a reflection of our culture, and sadly our society is currently awash in a sea of negativity and songs about love are outnumbered by raps about lust! I pulled 3 songs from my catalog that express a feeling you might want to share with someone special…You have three cards to choose from.
1. “Someone In This Crazy World Loves You” By Patti Dahlstrom and Artie Wayne https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2007/02/12/someone-in-this-crazy-world-loves-you/
2. “Somewhere Between The Earth And The Stars” by John Crowley and Artie Wayne
https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2007/02/11/somewhere-between-the-earth-and-the-starsim-coming-to-you-my-love/
3. “Love Is More Than The Color Of Your Eyes” by Richard Baskin and Artie Wayne
https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2007/02/11/love-is-more-than-the-color-of-your-eyes/
I started a list of dedications at the end of each song, if you want to add a special name or two to that list e-mail me at artie_wayne@yahoo.com and I’ll add up to 3 couples names on your behalf on whichever title you want.
If you want to leave your own message, however, you may do so at the bottom of each card which will remain on display forvever!
I promise you that each e-mailed dedication will be entered by Valentines Day 6:00 AM Pacific time, and can be accessed by anyone you wish by sending the url in the address bar at the top of each card.
Remember “Romance isn’t dead…it’s only sleeping!”
Copyright 2007 by Artie Wayne
Some Quotes Are Worth Remembering!
February 3, 2007
The Thinker by Rodin
Sidney Sheldon, creator of “I Dream Of Jeannie” and novelist, “The Other Side Of Midnight”, “Rage Of Angels” advice to writers, ” Don’t talk about writing…Do It!”
A long time ago, Quncy Jones gave me a tip on how to deal effectively with Hollywood producers, “Use “fuck” in your conversation every once in a while to get their attention!”
On people who give advice and expect other people to listen. Singer and songwriter, Jim Croce (“Don’t Mess Around With Jim”, “Operator”) used to say,” You can’t tell anybody anything…people have to come to their own conclusions!”
The Paul Mc Cartney of the Present, should have listened more carefully to the Paul McCartney of the past, and signed the prenuptual agreement! “Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play…now I need a place to hide away…oh I believe in Yesterday!”
“When she started to play, Steinway himself came down personally and rubbed his name off the piano. ” — Bob Hope, on comedienne Phyllis Diller-submitted by Eddie Hodges
Patti Dahlstrom turned me on to a couple of songwriter, Paul Williams’ best quotes… “There are those who listen, and those who wait to talk.”
“Every time God closes a door, he opens another, but the time in the hallway is a bitch!”
Patti also submitted this from ‘The Lives Of Lazarus Long” by Robert Heinlein
“Before you appeal to someone’s higher nature, you better make sure that they have one.”
Copyright 2007 by Artie Wayne
Binky is horrified after discovering he’s only one pair of chromosomes away from being human!
The world is reeling after a cell phone video released on the internet shows a silver haired Elvis Presley, celebrating his birthday in Brazil with his balding pals, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison. Can a “Return of the Kings” tour be far behind?
Role model Paris hilton, in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, admits she’s not promiscuous and only has sex when she’s in a relationship. Later, she confides in People magazine that she had 112 “relationships” in 2006!
At his long awaited press conference today, President Bush, was outraged that the entire press corp laughed when he proposed enlisting the aid of Jedi Warriors and Storm Troopers to help end the war in Iraq. When informed by veteran reporter Helen Thomas that they all were ficticious characters from “Star Wars”, Bush smirked and said, ” Next thing you’ll try to tell me is that Spiderman isn’t real! ”
Shock Jock, Howard Stern just received an 83 million dollar bonus from his bosses at Sirius radio. It’s reported that he gets $100 every time he curses or tells an off color joke.
Several technicians at NASA were fired today after it was revealed that they were using the extreme close-up lens on the Hubble telescope, which circles 380 miles above the earth, to photograph Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan exiting cars in Hollywood!
A team of Iraqi sharpshooters, rifles loaded with silver bullets as well as local villagers armed with wooden stakes, are said to be watching Saddam Hussein’s unmarked grave 24 hours a day…just in case the execution didn’t “take”.
The noxious fumes that hung over New York earlier this week was deemed to be only the fallout from the raging feud between Donald Trump and Rosie O’Donnell.
Congress has unanimously approved the use of convicted Taliban as human missles. The terrorists, ironically, will have bombs strapped to them and dropped without parachutes over Somalia, to help wipe out their Al Qaeda comrades!
The video of the week submitted by Patti Dahlstrom should give you a smile! http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1734043
Copyright 2006 by Artie Wayne
Whoppy And Streaker Present The Best Videos And Websites Of 2006!
December 27, 2006
All in one place…Top 10 You Tube vids, Top Viral Videos Of All Time, Justin, Mary J., Rihanna, U2, Best Rock Archives, Viral vids, Top art museums, best websites What do a couple of cats know about videos and websites? Let’s find out!
BEST MUSIC ARCHIVES
I wanted to locate a video I’d seen on MTV of the group OK GO performing, “Here It Goes Again”. They do imaginative, synchronized moves on four moving treadmills, filmed by a single camera in one continuous shot! You can imagine how I felt when I discovered the FatAdam.Com’s collection of ” The Top Ten Viewed You Tube Videos Of All TIme”. Not only did I find the video I wanted, I found the Token’s “Lion Sleeps Tonight”, performed by a CGI Hippo and dog, Plus eight other internet smashes I’d never seen before!
http://www.fatadam.com/2006/12/03/top-10-viewed-youtube-videos-of-all-time/
IFILM.Com never ceases to amaze me with it’s constantly updated coming attractions, previews and Viral Videos! http://www.ifilm.com/
Top Viral Videos Of All Time!…The title says it all! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15958470/
Then I found some incredible videos on my Spectropop pal, Laura Pinto’s website!
“In 2001, A&E’s Biography presented a fantastic documentary called ‘Hitmakers: The Teens Who Stole Pop Music.’ This documentary, which is available on home video under the name ‘Songmakers,’ covers the work of the gifted composers and producers from the Brill Building era, early 50’s to late 60’s. Biography launched the weeklong series with a 90-minute special featuring a wealth of historical information, archival photos and footage, and interviews with dozens of singers, songwriters, producers and insiders – among them, Carole King/Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller, Neil Sedaka, Jack Keller, Don Kirshner, Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, George “Shadow” Morton, Mary Weiss, Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, Steve Lawrence, Shirley Alston Reeves, and so many more including a 1991 interview with the late Doc Pomus. Recently, the Hitmakers special was added to the popular video site YouTube in nine parts, approximately 10 minutes in length each. Being a huge fan of the Brill Building music in general and Jeff Barry in particular, I wasted no time in posting all nine videos to my Oldies Connection MySpace blog. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!” http://blog.myspace.com/oldiesconnection
Spectropop… One of the main reasons I joined Spectropop, was the appreciation, by its members, of the well-crafted Pop song, the kind that dominated the Top 40 charts in the 1960s. The site is full of information and entertainment that has brought me back dozens of times this year! I personally want to thank “Spectrotopper”Mick Patrick for helping to create and maintain one of the best music sites on the web.
http://spectropop.com
Wolfgangs Vault…Bill Graham, the unequaled concert promoter and humanitarian, who died in a helicopter crash in 1991, has left quite a legacy. Not only did he loom larger than life in the careers of the Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Janis Joplin, ad pop infinitum, he was astute enough to extensively document most of the acts that performed concerts along the way.
Bill was always nice to me and let me and my pals in backstage to watch his shows from the wings…even though he knew I was there to probably pitch a song or impress some girl. I can’t tell you how surprised…and happy I was to see a segment about him on the CBS Network show “Sunday Morning”, that spotlighted his vast collection of memorabalia that includes millions of posters, unused concert tickets, photos, high quality audio and videos from concerts at the Filmore West and Filmore East.
http://wolfgangsvault.com/
Coverville…Creator and host, Brian Ibbott, is one of the most consistant podcasters around. His twice weekly show spotlights new covers of older songs, that never cease to amaze me! This week is his 277 th show (all of which are downloadable), which features the official 2006 Coverville Countdown!
http://coverville.com
BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
The Smoking Gun…One of my faves! “The Smoking Gun brings you exclusive documents–cool, confidential, quirky–that can’t be found elsewhere on the Web. Using material obtained from government and law enforcement sources, via Freedom of Information requests, and court files nationwide, everything here is 100% authentic.” http://www.thesmokinggun.com/about.html
TMZ…Harvey Levin and pals seem to get the scoop on celebrity mis-behavior, and is quoted often as a source on news and entertainment shows.
http://tmz.com
BEST MUSIC VIDEOS
I grew up with top 40 music listening to Pop, R&B and Country side by side. Today to get that kind of diversity is impossible, so now I must get my music from 4 different sources.
MTV…The pioneer in pop videos where you can see videos on line! The best artists to watch, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, JoJo, The Killers, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West, All American Rejects, Cold Play, Black Eyed Peas and Jay-Z http://www.mtv.com/ Here’s Justin Timberlake and, “Sexy Back” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgtmETjMT7Y
VH1…Check out…James Blunt, John Mayer, John Legend, Nelly Furtado, Pussycat Dolls, Shakira, Ne-yo, Riianna, Mary J. Blige, Green Day, Danity Kane, and the Fray http://www.vh1.com/ Here’s one of my personal favorites…Rihanna, “Unfaithful” http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1154844957034870481&q=rianna+unfaithful+video&hl=en
BET…The Black Entertainment network A bit rap heavy, but diverse within the Genre. This is the place where artists break out! Chris Brown, Timbaland, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Emenem, 50 Cents, TI, R.Kelly, Fat Joe, Jaimie Fox and Kanye West.
http://www.bet.com/ Here’s the Artist of the Year, Mary J. Blige and “One” featuring U2 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3297419603290460058&q=Mary+J.+Blige+videos&hl=en
CMT…Country Music Television plays the best country videos. Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Allison Krauss, Sugarland, and Shania Twain. http://www.cmt.com/ My favorite of the year, Carrie Underwood, “Before He Cheats” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbvZlfTulYc
BEST ART MUSEUM WEBSITES
The Louvre in Paris…Still one of my favorite museums in the world, even though I was once thrown out for trying to photograph my hand puppet Kah-Kah on the shoulder of the Venus De Milo! Take A virtual tour. http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home_flash.jsp?bmLocale=en
New York’s Museum of Modern Art…Where many of my romances began and ended in front of Monet’s “Water Lillies”. View permanent collection http://www.moma.org/
Los Angeles County Museum…finally has become a world class destination!
http://www.lacma.org/
BEST DIFFICULT TO CLASSIFY VIDEOS
My longtime friend, Ken Schaffer, inventor of the “Wireless Microphone and Wireless Electric Guitar”, put a video up on that he and his son , shot at the launch of the Columbia Space Shuttle. I asked Kenny to describe what you’re about to see.
” I’d done some work with NASA, so we (Kenny’s then-wife and then 8 year old son) got front row seats in the VIP bleachers – a mile and a half just west off launch complex 39A. anyone closer was a bird. It was an hour before dawn, so the view to the east was amazing – and you can see the dawn-coming glow framed around the pad. All NASA guys were ecstatic in their agreement that this was the most beautiful launch in shuttle history.
It was the first day of March 2003. The mission was to fix the Hubble Telescope (which you can actually see near the moon at the start of the video!). It was beautiful – brighter than the sun, louder than ay train Woody Guthrie rode – bone rattling – awesome in the same way as St. Basil’s Cathedral in St.Petersburg “How can human bubbleheads create something so beautiful!?” It was the last successful mission of the Columbia. You know the rest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdjID2osZ0A
To see what Kenny Schaffer up to these days http://tv2me.com/
The next video, my friend and journalist Ellen Sander created about Amsterdam. An unpretentious look at one of my favorite cities in the world. In her words,
“The Van Gogh Museum was one of my most coveted destinations and it did not disappoint. In the lobby a quartet was playing a Dutch version of Hank Williams’ Cold Cold Heart as we walked in, and they continued with a gentle repertoire of country and folk music. The exhibit upstairs was small, the Van Gogh family’s collection of around 70 of Vincent’s paintings. I was thinking of the consonances between the works of Bob Dylan and Vincent Van Gogh as I walked around. They both broke the mold, they both crafted their work out of inference and references that embodied their images. The portrait of Vincent by Gauguin was there as was Van Gogh’s canvas of Gauguin’s Chair, the emptiness of which almost echoed with sobs.
In the exhibit you’re so aware of light and shadow and brushstroke, how a drip of multiple colors from the same paintbrush defined the grain in the trunk of the Small Pear Tree in Blossom. Vincent. You were here, you are here.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh2FnQRDIqU
Here’s an inspiring video, that author and composer, Patti Dahlstrom sent me. She writes, “Having a nephew who is #1 in his class as a Marine Lt. flying Harrier jets and another nephew who is an Honors junior at West Point, has enlightened and educated me about military service. This is more than a choice, it is a calling, as many who are reading this were called to music.
We would not have what we have today, any of us, without people who were willing to fight and die to protect our loved ones, our families, and our freedoms. Unfortunately, negotiating has never solved anything with a tyrant; we tried it with Hitler and Hussein. The only temporary peace we receive is a grace from those who are willing to defend us from those who wish to dominate and/or destroy us.
Today’s military is voluntary, which means they are there because they want to be. They don’t want to kill or be killed, they want to defend freedom. If they pay the ultimate sacrifice, so be it. It is their calling, and they understand the consequences of such a path. I once read that spiritually the souls who come to fight our battles are the same throughout history. This is the job they come to do. Please take a moment to view this wonderful video and to hear this wonderful song in tribute to those who allow us our reality.” http://www.managedmusic.com/php/BYGIndex.php?page=Listen_To_BYG_Introduction#
The last video is produced and directed by Sebastian Prooth. It’s the updated demo version of Alan O’Day and the Late Johnny Stevenson’s number one hit, “Rock And Roll Heaven”, featuring singer Ronnie Kimball. Prooth humbly says,
“I’m very pleased it affects so many people on such an emotional level. We all remember at least one of the people featured in Alan O’Day’s song. This video serves to remind us of not only the artists remembered in pictures, but also the ones that we remember personally. I hope it will be enjoyed and appreciated for years to come.”
https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2006/08/20/rock-and-roll-heaven/
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Artie Wayne on the Web and Whoppy and Streaker on the couch!
Website http://artiewayne.com Blog https://artiewayne.wordpress.com
To reach Alan O’Day http://alanoday.com
Sebastian Prooth http://sebrt.com
Ellen Sander http://ellensander.com/crackpot.html
Copyright 2006 by Artie Wayne
“I Lose It When I Hear “White Christmas” – The Story Behind The Song!
December 23, 2006
As a long time lover of pop music I’ve always been curious about the story behind the song. Knowing that many of you feel the same way, I’d like to share the story behind “I Lose it When I Hear “White Christmas”, A new song that I wrote with Toni Wine (”Groovy Kind of Love”, “Candida”) which is on the Tony Orlando and Dawn “Reunion” album.
In 1995, after 20 years of being in the music buisness as a singer, songwriter, producer, being an exec at April-Blackwood, Warner Brothers music, and running Irving/ Almo, I had become too weak to even hold a guitar. Finally, I could no longer work at Allan Rinde’s legendary Chinese restaurant in Hollywood, Genghis Cohen, (which I named and hosted off and on for ten years)
When I kept falling down in the street, I knew that something was seriously wrong with me! I was uninsured, and was facing this crisis all alone. My two closest friends, Allan Rinde, was spending more and more time in Nashville with his fiance, Toni Wine…and Patti Dahlstrom, had moved back to Houston, to teach music and critical thinking at the Art Institute of Houston. I had taken to wearing all black, as I stumbled around the back streets of Hollywood, hoping I wouldn’t see anybody that I knew. I felt, for the first time in my life, that I had reached the end of the road.
Fortunately, Patti was in town for a conference, and came over to visit. I didn’t want her to see me broke and broken…but now I’m glad I did. She convinced me to swallow my pride and seek help from social services…which saved my life! I went to the USC medical center for 2 days of tests, and they kept me for 3 weeks.
It was a few days before Christmas, I was in a ward with many who were far worse off than me…and we did our best to keep each others’ spirits up. Somehow, I lost my phone book, and the only numbers that I could remember was my Mothers’, who had moved to West Virginia, and that my long time friend Alan O’Day, who was on his way out of town.
It’s a policy of most hospitals to send as many patients home for the holidays to be with their family and friends. Soon, I was the only one left in the ward, since I had nowhere else to go. One lonely night, as I sat feeling sorry for myself, I heard a group down the hall, singing Christmas carols. I followed the voices to the the children’s ward…where I heard the joyous sounds of “Jingle Bells”. It was the Salvation Army, passing out toys and candy, and singing to the kids, who wereconfined to their beds. I joined in on “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bell Rock”, and “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer”, but when they started singing “White Christmas”…tears started running down my face, and I had to sit in another room to compose myself. This song, written by Irving Berlin, always brings back memories of family and friends in a snow covered New York City…flooding me with emotions.
10 years later, I told Toni Wine (whom I’ve known since she was 14), and showed her some lyrics I had written that fateful night “I Lose it When I Hear “White Christmas”.
She loved it, but wanted to make the story more universal. Over two writing sessions, which we started on Irving Berlin’s piano, which was given to Toni many years ago, we came up with….
“I LOSE IT WHEN THEY HEAR “WHITE CHRISTMAS”
words and music by Toni Wine and Artie Wayne
They can play “Jingle Bells” all day
talk about Santa’s Sleigh
I’m alright on a very “Silent Night”
But then my tears begin
when they sing I can’t join in
‘Cause I Lose it When I Hear “White Christmas”
Bein’ without you just ain’t no fun
What kind of thrill is cookin’ for one?
Can’t deny I wanna’ cry myself out
Here’s to Holiday spirit
don’t wanna’ be anywhere near it
‘Cause I Lose it When I Hear “White Christmas”
And Baby I know…You needed to go
But why did you have to leave me now?
[instumental]
Don’t feel like spreading good cheer
Just wanna’ sleep in the New Year
‘Cause I Lose it When I Hear “White Christmas”
‘Cause I Lose it When I Hear “White Christmas”
Copyright 2005-CasmoTwine
If you want to hear the Tony Orlando and Dawn recording click http://artiewayne.com/I_Lose_It.html
If you like it, please feel to share it with a friend…if you love it, however, feel free to share it with your entire address book!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukka and best of holidays, from Artie Wayne On The Web…and Whoppy and Streaker on the couch! Enjoy to the world!
Copyright 2006 by Artie Wayne
If you’d like to see “Whoppy and Streaker Presents The Top Christmas Music Videos Of All Time!” Bing, Elvis, Band-Aid, Singing Reindeer, Bowie, Destiny’s Child, more! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2006/12/15/whoppy-and-streaker-present-the-top-christmas-videos-of-all-time/
For “Nookie’s Top Christmas And Hanukka Videos!” Adam Sandler, “Hanukkah Song”, Neil Diamond, Jingle Cats, Mariah Carey, Charlie Brown Christmas, more! https://artiewayne.wordpress.com/2006/12/22/nookies-top-holiday-video-picks/
If you’d like to see my custom pet paint sculptures called PETZROCK, created on quartz just click on http://artiewayne.com/petz1.html
For Toni Wine http://toniwine.com
For the Salvation Army http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf
Artie Wayne On The Web 