Author: chimesfreedom

Editor-in-chief, New York.

Gary Lewis and Jerry Lewis Together

Jerry Lewis Gary Lewis

Gary Lewis & the Playboys recorded some memorable hits in the 1960s, such as “This Diamond Ring” and “Everybody Loves a Clown.” I always knew the songs, but for a long time I did not know that Gary Lewis was the son of the great Jerry Lewis. And that the two talents once hosted an episode of the NBC variety series Hullabaloo together.

In the episode, which you may watch below, Gary and Jerry open with the Beatles song Help! And then Jerry introduces his son to sing “Everybody Loves a Clown,” while playing a little prank on the younger Lewis.

The episode also features Joannie Sommers, Barry Maguire (“Eve of Destruction”), and Paul Revere and the Raiders (watch for Goldie Hawn appearing as a dancer behind them). Check out the episode from September 20, 1965 for an entertaining glimpse back at the humor and music of the 1960s. And don’t miss the train wreck of a musical medley with all of the guests, including Jerry Lewis singing 1960s songs, Gary Lewis on a Bob Dylan song, and Maguire somehow making “Hang On Sloopy” sound angry.

Unfortunately, the father and son did not remain as close as they appeared on the TV show. The two men later became estranged (with Jerry Lewis disinheriting Gary and his brothers).

As for Gary, although his band features different members than from their heyday, Gary Lewis & the Playboys still tour. Check out the band’s website.

Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Gordon Lightfoot 1972 Concert

    Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. was born on November 17, 1938 in Orillia, Ontario. The Canadian treasure has one of those voices that created the soundtrack of the lives of anyone growing up in the 1970s.

    Gordon Lightfoot created some of the most popular songs of the era, including “Sundown,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Early Morning Rain,” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Although I never sought out his albums, I can sing along with many of the songs written and recorded by this legendary singer-songwriter.

    This 1972 performance captures Lightfoot at one of the peaks of his career. It features many of his classic songs, and it is great to see him doing a full show. Check it out.

    Although Lightfoot has had some health issues lately, he is still touring and creating new music.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

    ( Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)

    Springsteen’s Harry Potter Song Finds a Home

    Chimesfreedom previously reported on how Bruce Springsteen was inspired by the Harry Potter books to write a song that he later offered to one of the films in the franchise. But, as fate would have it, director Christopher Columbus turned down the offer. But now the song, “I’ll Stand By You,” has finally found a movie home in the upcoming Blinded by the Light (2019).

    “I’ll Stand By You” is one of seven Springsteen songs that will appear on the soundtrack to the coming of age story in Blinded by the Light. Reportedly, in addition to some official versions of songs, the soundtrack will include some rarities (including the first performance of “The River” from the No Nukes 1979 concert at Madison Square Garden).

    For now, check out “I’ll Stand By You,” the song inspired by Harry Potter that found a home on the upcoming movie based on another book, Sarfraz Manzoor’s Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion and Rock N’ Roll.

    Blinded by the Light, directed by Gurinder Chadha, will hit theaters on August 16, 2019.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    Performance of the Day: “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”

    While My Guitar Gently Weeps Prince

    George Harrison passed away in 2001 before his induction at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. So, his former Traveling Wilburys colleagues Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne led an all-star group, including Steve Winwood and Prince, for a rousing performance of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

    Come listen for Tom Petty’s haunting vocals, but stay for Prince’s amazing guitar solo at the end. Seriously, do not stop before Prince takes over.

    The rest of the Beatles initially were not very impressed with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” when Harrison first played it for them in 1968. But the song became one of their classics, with Eric Clapton playing on the original Beatle version.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

    Buy from Amazon

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    Bruce Springsteen at the Ahmanson Theatre in 1973

    On May 1, 1973, Bruce Springsteen took the stage of the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Columbia Records was hosting a “Week to Remember Showcase.” And Springsteen was one of Columbia Records’ newest artists at the time. 

    Now, Springsteen is making available videos of the performance. Below is his performance of one of my favorite Springsteen tracks, “Thundercrack.” Check it out.

    Three songs from the performance are available online. Check out other performances of “Spirit in the Night” and “Wild Billy’s Circus Story” (a song we wrote about here).

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • 10 Thoughts on Bruce Springsteen’s “Only the Strong Survive”
  • Local News Coverage of Bruce Springsteen in 1978
  • Belgians Reach Out to Bruce Springsteen With “Waiting on a Sunny Day”
  • “Satan’s Jeweled Crown” & Bruce Springsteen (Cover of the Day)
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