Music Deaths: Chris Darrow of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Corvettes

CHRIS DARROW, 75

Died January 15, 2020

Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist (country rock).  Played with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Corvettes.  Considered a pioneer in country rock music (my favorite).

Joined Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1967.  On album "Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy" which had "Mr. Bojangles."  In 1969 in Corvettes and served as Linda Ronstadt's touring band.

WLS Top Ten for the Week of March 30, 1970: "Come & Get It"

That's right, FIFTY years ago!!

1.  LET IT BE--  Beatles
2.  SPIRIT IN THE SKY--  Norman Greenbaum
3.  INSTANT KARMA--  John Lennon

4.  LOVE GROWS (WHERE MY ROSEMARY GOES)--  Edison Lighthouse
5.  COME & GET IT--  Badfinger
6.  ABC--  Jackson 5
7.  UP THE LADDER TO THE ROOF--  Supremes

8.  BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS--   Simon & Garfunkel
9.  HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN--  Frigid Pink
10.  EASY COME, EASY GO--  Bobby Sherman

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DEBUTS

36.  LITTLE GREEN BAG--  George Baker Selection
37.  FOR THE LOVE OF HIM--  Bobbi Martin

38.  YOU'RE THE ONE--  Little Sister
39.  HITCHING A RIDE--  Vanity Fare

40.  HEY LAWDY MAMA--   Steppenwolf

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Gonna Knock You Right On The Head.  You Better Get Yourself Together.  --Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Instant Karma"

WLS Top Ten for the Week of March 23, 1970 (Hey, Forgot It, You Know "V"): "Let It Be"

1.  SPIRIT IN THE SKY--  Norman Greenbaum
2.  INSTANT KARMA--  John Lennon
3.  LOVE GROWS (WHERE MY ROSEMARY GOES)--  Edison Lighthouse

4.  LET IT BE--  Beatles
5.  BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS--  Simon & Garfunkel
6.  RAINY NIGHT IN GEORGIA--  Brook Benton
7.  COME & GET IT--  Badfinger

8.  THE RAPPER--  Jaggerz
9.  HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN--  Frigid Pink
10.  ABC--  Jackson 5

I don't know about you, but this might be one of, if not the best Top Tens ever on WLS.    One great group of music.

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DEBUTS

35.  VEHICLE--  Ides of March
36.  THE BELLS--  Originals

38.  REFLECTIONS OF MY LIFE--   Marmalade
39.  WHICH WAY YOU GOIN' BILLY--  Poppy Family

40.  TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME-- Tyrone Davis

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When I Die And They Lay Me To Rest Gonna Go To The Place That's The Best."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Spirit In the Sky"

Good Things Coming Out of the Coronavirus (or "V" As I Call It)

Whenever something bad happens to me or people in general, I always like to think of "Good" things that come out of it.  And, believe it or not,with all this weirdness, I can see some good things.

**  First is that the dastardly attacks on poor Confederacy seem to have stopped.  Even Virginia has found a bigger enemy.  As such, I have put my Civil War II blog on hiatus until the attacks begin again.

**  Also, the number of shootings and killings in Chicago has dropped as well.

**  Also, we are not having a zombie apocalypse either.

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SOME PERSONAL GOOD THINGS

**  I am getting caught up on the piles of mail that have taken over the kitchen counters.

**  I have more time now that we aren't going out to the bars, which we do really too much anyway.  That takes a good 4-5 hours a day.

**  I haven't had alcohol (usually beer) since the day after St. Patrick's Day.  Never hurts to take a break.

And, There Are More Things As Well.  --RoadDog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V.":  "My habit of shooting finger guns as a greeting doesn't seem so dorky now, does it?"

By the way, these funnies are compliments of Eric Zorn's column in the March 25, 2020, Chicago Tribune  "Laughter is no vaccine, but in tough times it can be the best medicine."  Right, Eric!!

Still Wondering About the Russia "V" Stats

As of yesterday, March 29, these are the total number of cases and deaths in select countries.The worst hit so far:

United States:  124,697 cases and 2,227 deaths
Italy:  92,472 cases and 10,023 deaths
China:  81,439 cases and 3,300 deaths
Spain:  78,797 cases and 6,528 deaths

Then, there are these countries:

India:  979 cases and 25 deaths
Russia:  1,534 cases and 8 deaths
Mexico:  993 cases and 20 deaths

Looking at the rest of the countries, it appears that the smaller a country is and the poorer a country is, the fewer the cases.  Or, perhaps they just aren't or can't report the cases and deaths.  We know that Russia is extremely secretive.

I sure would like to know the story with Russia and why Mexico and India are so low.

Very Suspicious.

Here Are My Sweet 16 Picks for the 2020 NCAA Basketball Tournament: All the Lil' Dudes (Not Young)

Since it didn't happen and I can't lose any money, I can go through and pick the actual teams I'd like to see make it to the Sweet Sixteen and beyond.  That means all underdogs and Little Guys.  Of course, it goes without saying, every #16 beat every #1.  I would be all smiles if that happened.

So, here we go:

MIDWEST

16  Siena
13  North Texas

14  Belmont
15  North Dakota State

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EAST

16  Robert Morris
13  Akron

14   Hofstra
15  Northern Kentucky

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WEST

16  N.C. Central
12  Yale

14  East Washington
15  UC Irvine

*********************

SOUTH

16  Winthrop
13  Vermont

14   Bradley
15  Little Rock

I'd have to look up some of these to find out where they are.  Remember Gonzaga?  What?  Where?

This Would Sure be One Fun Tournament With the Big Guys All Gone.  Just Little Dudes, You Know.  RoadFun

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":  "Can't wait for this coronovirus thing to blow over so I can stop washing my hands  again."

How I Pull for NCAA Basketball Tournament Teams

Regardless of my picks, I always pull for the Little Guys in the games.  Like Siena vs. Kansas or Stephen F. Austin vs. Ohio State.  This regardless of whether or not I like the Big Guy team.

As far as Big Guy teams, in the past my big two teams were North Carolina and Duke.  However, North Carolina  students pulled down the Silent Sam Confederate statue a couple years ago, plus they are getting a lot of the one-and-done freshmen players.  That is the same with Duke.

I also liked Virginia a lot, but not now since its town Charlottesville is so intent on pulling down its Confederate statues.

Of course, I have never liked Kentucky, Ohio State or Michigan in the Big Guys.

Go Little Guys.  --RoadDog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V.":  "Dance like nobody's watching. Wash your hands like everybody is."

Hey, Here's Your NCAA Basketball Brackets-- Part 2

Today we would be in the Elite 8 with two games to determine the first two entrants into the Final Four.

*********************

WEST

1.  Gonzaga
16  N.C. Central

8  LSU
9  Oklahoma

5  Michigan
12  Yale

4  Oregon
13  New Mexico State

6  BYU
11  Indiana

3  Seton Hall
14  East Washington

7  Arizona
10  Texas Tech

2  San Diego State
15  UC Irvine

*************************

SOUTH

1  Baylor
16  Winthrop

8  Saint Mary's
9  Rutgers

5  Ohio State
12  Stephen F. Austin

4  Louisville
13  Vermont

6 Virginia
11  Cincinnati

3  Michigan State
14  Bradley

7  Illinois
10  USC

2  Creighton
15  Little Rock

Make Those Picks.  --RoadPick

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V."--  Your grand were called to war.   You're being called to sit on your couch.  You can do this."

Hey, Here's Your NCAA Brackets-- Part 1: Sweet Sixteen

This was in the March 22, 2020, Chicago Tribune under "Fantasy basketball" by Shannon Ryan.

These are thanks to ESPN's Joe Lanardi who projects the bracket throughout every season.  So this is very likely what it would have looked like.

And, remember, had the tournament been on this year, we would have been in the Sweet Sixteen games.

MIDWEST

1  Kansas
16  Siena

8  Houston
9  Marquette

5  Auburn
12  Liberty

4  Wisconsin
13  North Texas

6  Iowa
11  East Tennessee State

3  Duke
14  Belmont

7  Providence
10  Arizona State

2  Kentucky
15  North Dakota State

EAST

1.  Dayton
16  Robert Morris

8  Colorado
9  Florida

5  Butler
12  Texas

4  Maryland
13  Akron

6  Penn State
11  UCLA

3  Villanova
14  Hofstra

2  Florida State
15  Northern Kentucky

Make Your Picks!!  --RoadDog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE V:  "This quarantine is affecting everyone in the workforce, but it especially sucks for men.  We are losing a dollar for every 79 cents women are losing."

Still Got Our CB&C for St. Patrick's Day-- Part 4: Last CB&C and Bar Beer

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

No more drinking in bars or eating in restaurants in Illinois anymore.  You can get delivery or take out at the restaurants, but that's it.

At least we got to visit two of our favorite places, Stucky's and Sunnyside yesterday.

But, today is St. Patrick's Day.  Celebrating at home just doesn't feel right and we didn't think the virus was here yet, so what to do.

Hey, Wisconsin bars and restaurants are still open.  And since we live just a few miles south of the Wisconsin-Illinois border, let's go visit Cheesehead Land.  And, what better place to go than our fav Wisconsin bar, Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes.  And, they are serving cb&c (corned beef & cabbage) as well.

Went in and bartender Barb was on the phone and we heard that they too, were closing bars and restaurants in Wisconsin at 5 o'clock tomorrow.  Well, at least we got one last trip in.  But, a few minutes later, she talked to someone else and found out that the 5 o'clock closing referred to today.  Now, that sure wasn't much warning from the governor.

Oh, well, one last time.  Donovan's always fills up at the onset of happy hour when all drinks are half price plus 25 cents, but, as people learned of today's closure, the place really filled up with last-nighters.

We took our cb&c to go and finished it (as well as some of yesterday's cb&cs this past Friday).

So, We Sure Got Our CB&C and Last Drinking In.  --RoadIrish

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH V.--  "Who else is self-quarantining alone?  I'm this close to naming a volleyball."

Music Deaths: Steve Martin Caro, Member of Left Banke

STEVE MARTIN CARO, 71

Died January 14, 2020

Lead singer with pop group baroque group Left Banke who had 1966 hit single with "Walk Away Renee."  Went by the name Steve Martin while with the group, but later added his family name so as to avoid confusion with the comedian.

Big hits:

"Walk Away Renee" (#5-1966)
"Pretty Ballerina"  (#15-1967)

They sure had a sound like no other group.

Still Got Our CB&C for St. Patrick's-- Part 4: Corned Beef & Beer

MONDAY, MARCH 16

This is the last day for Illinois restaurants and bars to be open.  Restaurants, however, can have take out or delivery (just no one other than workers inside).

We figured to take one last fling and in the afternoon went to Stucky's in Johnsburg to enjoy their $1.50 draft pints and we both ordered corned beef and cabbage (CB&C) meals ($11.99 each).  So, we finally got our Irish food.

The closings were  the big topic of conversation at the bar.  Stucky's will be offering take out as well as delivery the next two weeks.

We then went to Sunnyside where we also enjoyed the Monday $1.50 pint drafts.  Most of the regulars were in and out during the time we were there.  That something like this could be happening to us just is amazing and unexpected.

Sunnyside serves no food other than a few frozen items, so it will be completely closed for the next two weeks or longer.

We generally always say goodbye when people leave, but even more so and more emphatically today, as it will be awhile before we see each other again.

--RoadBye

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly"  Real song by Loretta Lynn.

Why Don't We Hear More About Russia and the Virus?

I just got some figures from the CDC on some Russia-United States Virus stats.

RUSSIA:   658 cases   2 deaths

UNITED STATES:    61,062 cases   838 deaths



REALLY??????

Beware, there just might be a Japanese fleet out there somewhere.

Things that make you go HHhhMMMmmmNNnnn.  Either that, or they're doing one of their secretive things again.

--RoadWonderin'

Still Got Our CB&C for St. Patrick's-- Part 3: St. Patrick's Then the News

Corned Beef & Cabbage

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

First, we went to the McHenry American Legion where Mark made up one of his famous Bloody Marys, and they are only $2.75 on Sundays.  He does a great job and, of course, at that price I'm a fan.

The Legion had Shepherd's Pie for free so we had some of that.  I liked it and Liz surprisingly liked it.  So, we had seconds.

There was a good crowd coming in.  We heard that downtown McHenry had a whole lot of people ambling up and down the streets to all the bars yesterday. Cancel our parade, well, we'll go ahead and have a good time.  It might not be long before we're essentially quarantined at home.  The Virus seems not to have really hit Illinois yet.

While there, we heard that all bars and restaurants in Illinois were to be shut down at the end of business tomorrow and for at least two weeks, maybe more.  Sure was a lot of grumbling and Gov. Toilets would sure not have liked to hear the names applied to him since he was the one who ordered it.

I am figuring Illinois will be hit hard in the next week, so this is a good idea.  One that we will have to accept for public safety.  Believe me, had we had hundreds of cases and a bunch of deaths already in Illinois, we wouldn't have been out the last several days.

Last stop was at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg where the shutdown was also the main topic of conversation.  We now understand that restaurants can still do delivery or pickup outside, but no customers are allowed inside.

The sad thing is that a lot of restaurant people and bartenders will be laid off and many are living paycheck to paycheck.  As people were leaving, everyone was saying goodbye as if it might be a while before we're together again.

This is going to be a rough going.

--RoadAlarmed

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "You  Done Tore Out My heart and Stomped That Sucker Flat"

Still Got Our CB&C, St. Patrick's Day-- Part 2: It's All Green to Me

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Bob Stroud got us in the mood with his Rock and Roll Roots show  from 9 to noon on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.

He saluted anything green.

Here are his green songs:

GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival
LITTLE GREEN BAG-- George Baker Selection
BIG BRIGHT GREEN PLEASURE MACHINE--  Simon & Garfunkel

GREEN EYED LADY--  Sugarloaf
GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers
THE VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY--  Kinks

GREEN EARRINGS--  Steely Dan
GREEN MANALISHI (WITHTHE TWO-PRONGED CROWN)--  Judas Priest
GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH--  Paul McCartney

GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the MGs
LEAVES THAT ARE GREEN--  Simon & Garfunkel
GREEN GRASS AND HIGH TIDES--  Outlaws

Hey, Anyone Want Some Green Beer Now?  --RoadO'Dog

Music Deaths: Bobby Comstock, R'nR Singer

BOBBY COMSTOCK, 78

Died January 9, 2020

Solo singer and member of Bobby Comstock & the Counts.  Toured nationally with Bobby Vinton and Freddie Cannon and was on Dick Clark's American Bandstand.  Most successful 1959-1963.

Had four top 100s, but no Top 40s.

Biggest hits "Tennessee Waltz"  (#52-1959) and "Let's Stomp" (#57-1963).

I listened to a lot of his songs on You Tube.  If you like early Rock and Roll, give him a listen.

JSS: NIU Student on Jeopardy-- "I Am Legend"-- WBBM AM ON WXRT FM

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  NIU STUDENT ON JEOPARDY--  Senior Steph O'Malley was a contestant on Jeopardy this past Friday, March 20 during College Week.  Unfortunately those bankrupts really hurt her.  But so proud of you, Steph.

2.  "I AM LEGEND"--  Since  "House Arrest" I have been watching a lot of movies.  Thursday night I saw Will Smith in this movie.  Probably not a good choice to watch this movie these days. At least we don't have zombies.

3.  WBBM AM ON WXRT FM--  The other day I turned on the radio in the morning to listen to WXRT in Chicago as usual, but instead heard WBBM News Radio.  I was a bit confused until I found out that they were now doing news updates about the "V."

--RoadDog

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  Please Bypass This Heart."

Just the Facts about the Big "V" and the Past Ten Years

2009 Pandemic in the United States--  Wikipedia.

The CDC says that between April 12, 2009, and April 10, 2010, there were 60.8 million cases of A/H1N1, commonly known as the Swine Flu, in the U.S.

Of that, there were 274,000 hospitalizations and 12,459 deaths.

***************************************

The CDC says that between 2018-1019 in the U.S., the flu causes 35.5 million sicknesses requiring 490,000 hospitalizations and 34,000 deaths.

***************************************

The CDC also says that from October 1, 2019, to March 7, 2020, there have been between 36 and 51 million illnesses, 370,000 to 679,000 hospitalizations and between 22,000 and 55,000 deaths in the United States.

***************************************

According to Worldometer, as of March 21 at 19:05 GMT, in the U.S., there have been 24,116 cases of the coronavirus and 288  deaths.

I have to wonder why we haven't taken the draconian steps over the past ten years that we are now taking?  Now I am sure, this new virus is just now picking up steam, but the last three were much worse.  I mean, much worse.

What does the government know that they are not telling us?

Does not compute.  I repeat, dos not compute.

In Case You're Stuck in the House Because of You-Know-What, Here's Some Good Music to Listen To

Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM has its Saturday Morning Flashback to the year 1974 from 9 to noon, CDST.  It'll take you back.

Then, the Surf, 94.9 FM out of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has the weekly Beach Music Top 30 from 10 to 1 pm today.

Then tomorrow, Chicago's WXRT has Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles from 8 to 10 am and Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM has Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots from 9 to noon.  Both are CDST.

All stations stream, so give it a listen.

Also, if you can figure out how to get in online, Chicago has another great station called MeTV 87.7 FM that plays a really big selection of oldies all day.

Also condolences to the family and friends of Kenny Rogers who died yesterday.  Sure enjoyed his music both with the First Edition and by himself.  That old graybeard.

So, If Stuck Home, Give A Listen.  --RoadDog

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend and I Sure Do Miss Him"

Still Got Our CB&C, Even With Everything, St. Patrick's Day-- Part 1: Who Says You Need a Parade?

This will have to go down as the strangest St. Patrick's Day ever.  As a joke going around right now has it, this was the time a Chinese virus with a Mexican name wiped out an Green Celebration.  Even so, we got in as much as you can.

Now, we are spending the next bunch of days at home.  However:

THURSDAY--  Kick off with 50 cent wings and $1 pints at Bootleggers in Antioch.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13--  Had planned on going to the Legion for the Grant Township fish fry but that was cancelled.  Ended up at Sunnyside Tavern.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14--  We already weren't planning on going to the Chicago or McHenry St. Patrick's Day parades (Chicago because we don't go to Chicago and McHenry because it is way too crowded).  We had planned to go to the Lake Villa parade, but that got cancelled as well.

We decided to go to Stucky's in Johnsburg for their corned beef & cabbage  (CB&C), but they were way too crowded.  So, we went over to Sunnyside where a whole lot of friends were having their alternate party.  Who says you have to have a parade to get into the drinking o' the green?

--RoadDog

JSS: Your Math Problem for Today-- Gas Under $2!!!-- The Last Panic

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  YOUR MATH PROBLEM FOR TODAY--  I was in Jewel (our local grocery store for you non-Chicago area folk) last week and bought an apple pie.  Regular price was $6.99.  It was marked down $3.85, such a good deal.  How much did I pay for it and why was it marked down so much?  (Hint.  Pies haven't been found to spread you-know-what as of yet anyway.)

2.  GAS UNDER $2!!!  Friday,I got gas in McHenry, Illinois, for my Dakota at $2.05 (well, $2.04.9) and thought that was a great price.  But, yesterday, on our way over to Sunnyside in Johnsburg for St. Patrick's festivities, my eyes espied $1.86 at the Mobil station.  And, no lines.  We were getting down to below half a tank so filled up.  Never thought I'd see gas under $2 again.  But, I'm sure the virus will send it back up again.

Of course, back in 1970, had you told me I'd get excited about how low $1.86 was, I wouldn't have believed it.

3.  THE LAST PANIC--  Friday, I went to Meijer in McHenry for their fantastic Buy Ten for $10, Get One Free Deal.  This was in the afternoon and the first thing that should have tipped me off was the full parking lot.  Then, when I went in, there were only a couple shopping carts available and then I saw all those really, really full shopping carts.  Was there a hurricane on the way?

The last time I remember seeing a panic like this was back in the infamous Y2K.  Remember that?

--RoadDog

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "I'm So Miserable Without You, It's Like Having You Here."

Things That Are Since 2010-- Part 2: Fitbit to Uber

Since we've reached the end of yet another decade.  Just between you and me, don't these decades seem to be slipping by too fast?

JUNE 2, 2011--  Slut Shaming as a term attacking a woman for her sexual choices.

JUNE 2, 2011--  Fitbit

SEPTEMBER 23, 2011--  Uber, the ride-hailing service

NOVEMBER 3, 2011--  selfie

NOVEMBER 13, 2011--  Bitcoin

DECEMBER 9, 2011--  Pinterest

Uber Me.  But I Don't Have a "Smart" Phone.  --RoadDog

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "Mama Get a Hammer (There's a Fly On Papa's Head)."

WLS Top Ten for March 16, 1970: "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

That's right,50 years ago on Chicago's famous WLS 890 AM.

1.  LOVE GROWS (WHERE MY ROSEMARY GOES)--  Edison Lighthouse
2.  INSTANT KARMA (WE ALL SHINE ON)--  John Lennon
3.  BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER--  Simon & Garfunkel

4.  RAINY NIGHT IN GEORGIA--  Brook Benton
5. THE RAPPER--  Jaggerz
6.  SPIRIT IN THE SKY--  Norman Greenbaum
7.  DIDN'T I--  Delfonics

8.  HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN--  Frijid Pink
9.  CELEBRATE--  Three Dog Night
10.  GIVE ME JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME--  Chairmen of the Board

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DEBUTS

32.  TENNESSEE BIRD WALK--  Jack Blanchard / Misty Morgan
33.  LONG LONESOME HIGHWAY--  Michael Parks

34.  SOMETHING'S BURNING--  Kenny Rogers / First Edition
37.  SHILO--  Neil Diamond

38.  AMERICAN WOMAN--  Guess Who
40.  WOODSTOCK--  CSNY

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Gonna Knock You Right On The Head.  You better Get Yourself Together."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Instant Karma (We All Shine On)"

WLS Survey Will Be Posted Monday

Just a reminder, the WLS Survey for March 15, 1970, fifty years ago, will be posted tomorrow, on Monday March 15.

Remember to start brushing up on your Name That Tune.

All of these will be posted on Mondays instead of Sundays from now on, or at least until the next Leap Year.

--RoadTune

Things That Are Since 2010: Siri to Tiger Mother

From the December 15, 2019, Chicago Tribune "From Airbnb to TikTok, the things that have risen onto our radar screen in the 2010s" by Eric Zorn

A very interesting look at new words we picked up in the last decade.

***************************

2010

JULY 19, 2010--  "Siri" is the name of Apple's digital assistant.

AUGUST 13, 2010--   "Angry Birds"

SEPTEMBER 10--  "catfish" as a verb to describe creating a fake online persona to scam a would-be romantic partner.

OCTOBER 18--  Instagram

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2011

JANUARY 15, 2011--  "tiger mother"  as a term for aggressive parenting.

JANUARY 20, 2011--  Venmo  (Sorry, I haven'tn heard this one.)  (mobile wallet, I looked it up)

Now, ask me how many of these I have used.

Siri.  Put On the Drive, 97.1 FM.  --RoadDog

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "I Liked You better Before I Knew You So Well."

Coronavirus and the Spanish Flu (Which Hit 102 Years Ago This Week)

Sure has made the headlines with all the St. Patrick's and sporting events cancelled the last few days.

I can't help but believe this is partially fueled by the media where disaster equals big bucks for advertising.  Just look at the weather channel come a good-sized hurricane.

But, diseases are nothing to ignore and it is better to be careful than not.  However, I didn't go out and stock up on toilet paper or food. When we have several deaths and a hundred cases here in McHenry County, Illinois, I will then be taking really serious steps to deal with it.

Yesterday, we were at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes,Wisconsin, and playing our usual This Happened on Today's Date trivia game.  And, one of the items on it was March 11, 1918, when the first known case of what became known as the Spanish Flu broke out in Fort Riley, Kansas. By the end of the day, over 100 soldiers were sick with it.

And, with all the Coronavirus going on right now, 102 years later.

Now, that Spanish Flu was a really, really bad pandemic.  It is estimated that anywhere between 17 million and 50 million people died of it across the world and the United States was particularly hard hit.

So.

All Album Sides on Chicago's WXRT Today "All Vinyl Thursday"

Starting at 9 am CDST, Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM will be playing nothing but album sides.

And, even better, they'll be playing them off vinyl.  Some of the deejays say they will even be bringing their own albums in to play as the radio station's albums aren't in as good of a shape.

The idea is to play just one side off the album and then go on to another album and play one side off it.  And not always Side 1 either.

I know I'll be listening.

Hey, it streams at www.wxrt.com.

Oh yes, and they go to midnight.

Good Old Albums.  --RoadDog

TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS (From the March 21, 2018, Orange Peel Gazette):  TOP TEN COUNTRY SONGS:  "Her Teeth Was Stained, But Her Heart Was Pure."

Music Deaths: Bobby Comstock, Early Rock and Roller

BOBBY COMSTOCK, 78

Died January 9, 2020

Singer with Rock and Roll band Bobby Comstock  and the Counts.

Had four Top 100s from 1959 to 1963.

His biggest hits were his version of "Tennessee Waltz" and "Let's Stomp."

If you like that old RnR give him a listen on You Tube.

Past Movie Scratches: Black-- Going-- Heat-- Almost-- Titanic-- Tomorrow

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2019

31.  MEN IN BLACK,   2-4--  Beware the BUG!!

32.  13 GOING ON 30,   2-4--  Beware what you WISH for.

33.  THE HEAT,   2-10--  Good cop, bad cop never funnier.  Too much swearing, though.

34.  ALMOST CHRISTMAS--  2-10--  Not your perfect Christmas for this very dysfunctional family.  Dad finally figures out how to make Mom's sweet potato pie.

35.  TITANIC--  2-10--  "We had an arrangement."  "I never lose."   Well,  he lost his gal and that giant gem.  The guy we love to hate.  And his butler too.

36.  THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW--  2-12--  Global warming leads to the next Ice Age after massive flooding.


Was That Your Auntie?  --RoadBug

RANDOM ANIMAL THOUGHTS:  "Oh, tap-tap-tap!  That's a new one."

WLS Top 40 for Week of March 9, 1970-- Part 7: "Who'll Stop the Rain"

The Top Ten Fifty Years Ago!!

10.  INSTANT KARMA--  John Lennon   #3
9.  CELEBRATE--  Three Dog Night   #15
8.  HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN--  Frijid Pink     #7

7.  DIDN'T I--  Delfonics    #10
6.  WHO'LL STOP THE RAIN--  Creedence Clearwater Revival    #2
5.  RAINY NIGHT IN GEORGIA--  Brook Benton    #4
4.  GIVE ME JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME--  Chairmen of the Board     #3

3.  LOVE GROWS (WHERE MY ROSEMARY GOES)--  Edison Lighthouse   #5
2.  THE RAPPER--  Jaggerz    #2
1.  BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER--  Simon & Garfunkel   #1

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Life's Too Short to Make A Mistake.  Let's Think Of Each Other And Hesitate."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Give Me Just A Little More Time"

WLS Top 40 for Week of March 9, 1970-- Part 6: "Psychedelic Shack"

15.  HEY THERE LONELY GIRL--  Eddie Holman     #2   Does a slow dancing song get any better than this?  His only Top 40.

14.  HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER--  Hollies     #7   Words to live by.  Comment:  "Every time I hear this song I think of my 58,000 brothers we left behind in Vietnam.  I carry them in my heart every day."

13.  ALL I HAVE TO DO IS DREAM--  Glen Campbell & Bobby Gentry    #27   Glen was  born in 1936 in Billstown, Arkansas.

12.  PSYCHEDELIC SHACK--  Temptations     #7    One real crazy party going on.  "Screaming guitars, a thousand colored lights."

11.  THANK YOU--  Sly & Family Stone    #1      Full title:  "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)".   Now if this ain't funk, I don't know what is.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "The Road Is Long With Many A Winding Turn."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"

WLS Top 40 for Week of March 9, 1970-- Part 5: "Ma Belle Amie"

20.  GOTTA HOLD ON TO THIS FEELING--  Jr. Walker / All Stars    #21    Play me some sax, dude.   Group formed in South Bend, Indiana.

19.  GOTTA GET BACK TO YOU--  Tommy James / Shondells    #45   The big singles guy from the 1960s toward the end of his run with the Shondells.

18.  SPIRIT IN THE SKY--  Norman Greenbaum      #3    One of the greatest introductions to a song ever.  This one needs to be played L-O-U-D!!!    Born in Malden, Massachusetts.  His only Top 40 song.

17.  MA BELLE AMIE--  Tee Set    #5    One of my guilty pleasures.  I love this song.  Their only Top 40 song.

16.  KENTUCKY RAIN--  Elvis Presley   #16   One of my favorite Elvis songs.  Written by Eddie Rabbitt and Dick Heard.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When I Die And They Lay Me To Rest."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Spirit in the Sky"

It's Time Change Day: "Long Time Gone"

In honor of the annual spring ahead today, Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on Friday was about Time.  It was on Chicago's Drive, 97.1 FM.

DOES ANYBODY REALLY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?-  Chicago
NOTHIN' BUT A GOOD TIME--  Poison
GOOD TIMES BAD TIMES--  Led Zeppelin

ONLY TIME WILL TELL--  Asia
TIME IN A BOTTLE--  Jim Croce
THE BEST OF TIMES--  Styx
LONG TIME GONE--  CSN

WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD TIMES GONE--  Van Halen
AIN'T WASTIN' TIME NO MORE--  Allman Brothers
THE LAST TIME--  Rolling Stones

Bob Stroud is Root Saluting Time right now on his Rock and Roll Roots show on the Drive until noon.  It streams.  Playing "Time Won't let Me" by the Outsiders right now.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "The First Thing I'd Like To Do."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Time In A Bottle"

WLS Top 40 for Week of March 9, 1970-- Part 4: "Evil Ways"

25.  COME & GET IT--  Bad Finger    #7    Did Paul write it?   Sure sounds like a Paul song.  Yep, Paul wrote it.  From the movie "The Magic Christian."

24. TAKE A LOOK AROUND--  Smith     #43   Never heard it before, but good song, especially after repeated listenings.  A right kind of song for those times.   Los Angeles based quintet.

23.  NEVER HAD A DREAM COME TRUE--  Stevie Wonder     #26    Just a great Beach Music song.  Again, listen to that great bass picking.  Came out between #7 "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday" and #3  "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours."

22.  ARIZONA--  Mark Lindsay    #10    Graduates from Paul Revere.   His biggest solo hit.

21.  EVIL WAYS--  Santana    #9   That Sound.  Does anyone remember what was on the album cover?  Their first big hit.  Latin Rock group.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "If You Want It, here It Is."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Come & Get It"

10 Uncomfortable Problems in the United States-- Part 2: Guns, Kids and Women

5.  The U.S. has refused to ratify some widely accepted international treaties.

4.  American guns kill a lot of kids...A Lot.

3,  The well-being of kids in the United States is declining.

2.  American Freedom of the Press isn't as free as most think.

1.  Equal rights for women have yet to fully manifest.

--RoadGuns

DID YOU KNOW:  Los Angeles' full name is "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reinade los Angeles de Porciuuncula" and can be abbreviated to 3.63% of its size:  L.A..   Well, I sure wouldn't want to write that down on the envelope.  I'll stick with L.A., thank you very much.

WLS Top 40 for March 9, 1970-- Part 3: "Do the Funky Chicken"

Fifty Years Ago.

30.  STIR IT UP & SERVE IT--  Tommy Roe     #50    Follow up to "Jam Up & Jelly Tight."  is he trying to say something?  Good Bubble Gum Music.

29.  EASY COME, EASY GO--  Bobby Sherman      #9   Some more great Bubble Gum Music.  Mr. Trashann wants to know why bubble gum music is ignored on oldies stations.

28.  DO THE FUNKY CHICKEN--  Rufus Thomas      #28   Try not to move some part of your body while listening to this one. Great chicken sounds from the instruments.

27.  IF I NEVER KNEW YOUR NAME--  Vic Dana     #47    I don't remember it.  But good crooner stuff.

26.  NO TIME--    Guess Who    $5    Was and still is one great break-up song.  Take that!!!!

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "On My Way To better Things, I Found Myself Some Wings."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"No Time"

10 Uncomfortable Facts About the U.S.A.-- Part 1: Debt and Health Care

From the November 23, 2019, Listverse  by Jonathan  H. Kantor.

Again, go to the source to read what he said about each one.

10.  Most Americans are up to their eyeballs in debt.

9.  Homelessness and wealth distribution is a serious problem.

8.  The United States has a crumbling infrastructure.

7.  The United States has the largest prisoner population in the world.

6.  The country's health care system is a nightmare.

I'm Agreeing.  --RoadProblems

DID YOU KNOW:  The longest word in the English language is pneumonoultramiscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.    Really?

WLS Top 40 for Week of March 9, 1970-- Part 2: "Call Me"

35.  UP THE LADDER TO THE ROOF--  Supremes     #10    (D)   What, no Diana?    She just left.  Listen to that great bass.

34.  UNTIL IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO GO-- Neil Diamond       #53   Never heard it.  Old sideburns himself.  Written by Buffy Sainte-Marie in 1965.

33.  WHO'S YOUR BABY--   Archies       #40      Almost sounds like Michael Jackson singing with them.  Never remember hearing it, but some great Bubble Gum Music.  Who do you like better?  Betty or Veronica?   Their last Top 40.   Studio group created by Don Kirshner.

32.  JENNIFER THOMPKINS--  Street People     #36    Just 1:52   Rupert Holmes before "Pina Colada."

31.  CALL ME--  Aretha Franklin       #13    Classic Aretha, but not a better known song.  COMMENT: "Every time my husband  goes on a business trip, I sing this song and he always comes back and gives me one more kiss."

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Come With Me And We Shall Run Across The Sky."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Up the Ladder To the Roof"

WLS Top 40 for Week of March 9, 1970-- Part 1: "Let It Be"

Fifty years ago on the Big 890, Chicago.

(D) is Debut.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

40.  ABC--  Jackson Five    #1   (D)   How do you beat those first four singles, all #1s.   Then theyhad two #2s after that.     Make sure you watch the Full version video by riley tourniquette.  I think you'll like it.

39.  ADD SOME MUSIC TO YOUR DAY--   Beach Boys    #64    (D)  Never heard it before, but, oh, those vocal harmonies.  After listening to it several times I'd say it should have been a big hit.  Their only Top 100 in 1970.

38.  WALKIN' THROUGH THE COUNTRY--  Grass Roots    #44    And another song I hadn't heard before.  And, another good song.   Formed San Francisco in 1964.

37.  LET IT BE--  Beatles   (D)     #1   Wow, a Beatles song with this low of a debut?  Were they losing it?  A song I heard WAY TOO MUCH!!!!

36.  TEMMA HARBOUR--  Mary Hopkin    #39      I'd forgotten this song.  Such a pretty voice.  Born in Wales in 1950.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When We Played Tag In Grade School, You Wanted To Be It."   Answer below.  --RoadDog


"ABC"

Music Deaths: Neil Peart, of Rush

NEIL PEART, 67

Died 7 January 2020

Drummer/lyricist with Canadian band Rush.

Their breakthrough album was 2012 in 1976.  More of an album band than singles.  Had eight Top 100s with "New World Man" (#21-1982) as only Top 40 hit.

Other of my favorites by them:

Closer to the Heart
The Spirit of Radio
Limelight
Tom Sawyer

Music Deaths in 2018: Roger Clark Drummer on "Family Tradition"

From the May 28, 2018, Chicago Sun-Times."

Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Roger Clark, a legendary drummer who contributed to the Muscle Shoals sound died May 24 at age 67.  He worked with FAME Recording Studio and Wishbone Recording Studio in the 1970s and 1980s, playing on albums by Lou Rawls, Paul Anka, Tom Jones and others.  He played drums on the song "Family Tradition," the breakthrough 1979  album by Hank Williams Jr..  That album and song are among my all-time favorites.

His first paying gig was at age 14 and then he went to work in studios in Muscle Shoals and Nashville.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame says he drummed on more than 30 gold and platinum albums and toured with the Steve Miller Band, Journey and the Pointer Sisters among others.

Terri Hemmert Salutes George Harrison on His Birthday-- Part 2: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

*  Beatles

HERE COMES THE SUN-- *
Professor Moptop
DEVIL'S BEEN BUSY-- Traveling Wilburys
CLOUD NINE--  George

WITHIN YOU WITHOUT YOU--  Strings Attached & Will Taylor
ONLY A NORTHERN SONG--  *
OLD BROWN SHOE--  Irv Irving

AIN'T NOTHING SHAKIN'--  BBC--  *
WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY SLEEPS--  Jake Shimabukuro
I ME MINE--  *

Name That Tune (from the Above Songs):  "Little Darling, It's been A Long, Cold, Lonely Winter."  Answer below.  --Roaddog


"Here Comes the Sun"

Terri Hemmert Salutes George on Her Breakfast With the Beatles Show Feb. 23, 2020-- Part 1: "Bangladesh"

Terri Hemmert always has a tribute to each of the Beatles closest to their birthday on her Breakfast With the Beatles show on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM.  We listened to her show and Bob Strouds Roots Salute to George Harrison on the way home from the NIU basketball games in DeKalb on Sunday.

She played George singing with the Beatles, by himself and others singing his songs.

*  With the Beatles

DON'T BOTHER ME--  *
ALL THINGS MUST PASS--  George
SO SAD--  Alvin Lee

RUN OF THE MILL--   (Demo)  George
PARTY SEACOMBE--  George (Wonderwall)
IF I NEEDED SOMEONE--  *

EVERYBODY'S TRYING TO BE MY BABY--  *
Professor Moptop on names George went by
BADGE--  Cream  (George co-wrote the song)
BANGLADESH--  George

NOT GUILTY--  (Take 102)--  *
PIGGIES--  *
BEWARE OF DARKNESS--   Leon Russell

CHAINS-  *
STUCK INSIDE A CLOUD--  George
THE INNER LIGHT--  Jimmy McGrif & Jr. Parker

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You're The One I'd be Thinking Of."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"If I Needed Someone"

WLS Top Ten for the Week of March 2, 1970: "Give Me Just A Little More Time"

Fifty Years Ago in Chicago.

1.  BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER--  Simon & Garfunkel
2.  THE RAPPER--  Jaggerz
3.  WHO'LL STOP THE RAIN--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

4.  PSYCHEDELIC SHACK--  Temptations
5.  RAINY NIGHT IN GEORGIA--   Brook Benton
6.  GIVE ME JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME--  Chairmen of the Board
7.  DIDN'T I--  Delfonics

8.  THANK YOU--  Sly & Family Stone
9. LOVE GROWS (WHERE MY ROSEMARY GOES)--  Edison Lighthouse
10.  HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN--  Frigid Pink

*********************************

DEBUTS:

36.  CALL ME--  Aretha Franklin
37.  EASY COME, EASY GO--  Bobby Sherman

38.  WHO'S YOU BABY--  Archies
39.  WALKIN' THROUGH THE COUNTRY--  Grass Roots

40.  TEMMA HARBOR--    Mary Hopkins

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When You're Weary, Feeling Small.  When Tears Are In Your Eyes."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Bridge Over Troubled Water"

The WLS Survey From 50 Years Ago Will Be Posted Tomorrow.

This because of yesterday's Leap Year.

All WLS Surveys will now be printed on Mondays.

So, you will have to put off your name that tune for a day.

Name That Tune (Tomorrow).  --RoadDog

RANDOM ANIMAL THOUGHTS:  CAT:  Why are these people in my house?"