Gloria Stavers!

Happy Birthday Phil "Fang" Volk!

 

Thomas Harry Jones

 
 

Happy Birthday Annette!!

 
 
 

The Golden Boys at the American Music Theater

Take three good looking Italian-American boys from the same South Philadelphia neighborhood, fast forward through a half century that included over 50 hit records and countless film, television, and live performances, and you have The Golden Boys. Bobby Rydell, Fabian, and Frankie Avalon were top teen idols when 16 Magazine first hit newstands in 1958, and Sunday night they brought their fans back to those days of pompadours and poodle skirts.

In what felt like a homecoming for Philly-area fans, the Boys took the stage to a welcoming ovation from the packed 1,600 seat house.  Preceded by a video montage documenting the hysteria these handsome hearthrobs created in the early days of rock and roll, they kicked the party off with the theme from "American Bandstand" and some friendly banter. The stage was then given over to Bobby Rydell to deliver the first solo set.

Encouraged by his father who was a fan of big band music, Bobby learned the drums at age 8 by emulating jazz legend Gene Krupa. He became a regular on a local TV show at age 10, and a few years later was discovered by his future manager while sitting in on drums with Frankie Avalon's group Rocco and the Saints. In addition to singing and drumming, Rydell's talents as an impressionist, dancer, and actor enhanced his popularity as he branched out into television and movies.  He must have taken good care of his voice over the years, because his singing is still very impressive.  A finger-snapping version of "Goody Goody" set the pace for Bobby's energetic set.  One of his biggest hits, "Wild One" lead into a delightful "Bye Bye Birdie" medley complete with film montage of Bobby's singing and dancing scenes in that film, as well as some cute memories of working with Ann-Margret. Two of his big hits, "Forget Him," and "Wildwood Days" lead to tales of youthful hijinks under the boardwalk.  Bobby ended his set with a strong version of his signature hit "Volare," leaving no doubt why the creators of "Grease" were inspired to name their fictional school Rydell High.  

Fabian Forte was "discovered" when Frankie Avalon recommended him to a producer at Chancellor Records.  By the end of 1959, he had two gold records and was signed to 20th Century Fox to star in movies (he would eventually appear in over 30 and act alongside such icons as John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart.)  Like Bobby and Frankie, he was an early 16 fave, had many hits and was a favorite on "American Bandstand," "Ed Sullivan," "The Andy Williams Show," et al.  Fabian launched into his set with a cover of Stevie Ray Vaughan's "The House is a Rockin'."  He laughed about the lyrics to "I'm a Man" which he sang on Bandstand at the tender age of 15, commenting "I had a lot of nerve!"  "Turn Me Loose," Fabian's Top Ten hit by the legendary Doc Pomus was accompanied by a sexy "stroll."  For his smash hit "Tiger" Fabe welcomed some brave audience members to join him onstage for a "twist party" and hilarity ensued.  Fabian wrapped up his set with a high energy "Rock and Roll Music/Blue Suede Shoes/Jailhouse Rock/Tutti Frutti/Old Time Rock and Roll" medley.

Frankie Avalon made his first TV appearance at age 12 playing trumpet on the Red Skelton Show, and went on to record dozens of top hits and appear in scores of movies and tv shows. Frankie may be the senior member of this trio by a year or two, but he has a more youthful spirit than some performers who are decades younger. And like Bobby and Fabian, he still looks great!  He opened with "Beach Blanket Bingo" and a singalong version of "The Witch Doctor" song ("OOH-ee-ooh-ah-ah".)  Prior to introducing his son Frankie Jr. on drums, he did some well-deserved bragging about his family, saying wife of 47 years Kay deserved all the applause for their 8 children (who have now blessed them with 10 grandchildren!)  Quipped Frankie,"My oldest is 47 ...he's older than I am!"  "Warm California Sun" was a perfect little surf romp from the "King of the beach party movies."  Introduced by a clip of his memorable number from the blockbuster movie "Grease," "Beauty School Dropout" is still fun.  Frankie introduced another band member, guitarist Edan Everly, as the son of the Everly Brothers' Don.  The two performed a very sweet medley of EB's hits including "Bye Bye Love," "Wake Up Little Susie," and "Dream Dream Dream."  To the delight of his fans, Frankie stepped off stage to shake hands and receive hugs while  singing a series of his hits including "Bobby Sox to Stockings," "Why" (which was the last #1 record of the 1950's,) "Where or When," and his signature song "Venus" which held the #1 spot for five consecutive weeks in 1959.

The Golden Boys teamed up again for a "Rock and Roll Heaven" finale.  Frankie saluted Rick Nelson with a spirited "Hello Mary Lou," Fabian recalled meeting Elvis and rocked "Hard Headed Woman," and Bobby honored the memory of Bobby Darin with an on-the-money version of "Mack the Knife."  They came together for one last song, Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock," closing a truly enjoyable evening for their fans and friends.

 

Happy Birthday Cousin Brucie!

 
 

Gloria Stavers was born on this day

If Gloria were still with us, she would 83 years "young" today.  I like to think she would be the Betty White of pop culture journalism!  It's easy to imagine her enthusiastically participating in the blogging community, continuing to share her latest discoveries with her readers.