TOM JOHNSTON SINGER…SONGWRITER…GUITARIST… ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMER WITH THE LEGENDARY DOOBIE BROTHERS ‘THE LOST INTERVIEWS W/RAY SHASHO EPISODE 15

 

T O M

J O H N S T O N

LEGENDARY SINGER/SONGWRITER/GUITARIST

 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMERS

 T H E

D O O B I E

B R O T H E R S

 'THE LOST INTERVIEWS'

EPSIODE 15

with RAY SHASHO

CLICK BELOW 

TO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW!

TOM JOHNSTON

‘THE LOST INTERVIEWS’

with RAY SHASHO

EPISODE 15

INTERVIEWED FEBRUARY 17^TH 2013 

The Doobie Brothers are one of those bands that we’ve depended on, year after year, and expect to see performing invariably at outdoor music festivals, pavilions, arenas, casinos and bike week events across the nation. The group has been exhilarating audiences for decades yet appear timeless onstage. One of the principal reasons for the longevity and success of the Doobie Brothers has a lot to do with an unmitigated affection shared between the band and its audience. It’s been an amazing love affair that has persevered for over forty-two years.

When the Doobie Brothers finally call it quits … rock ‘n’ roll will probably call it quits too.  Tom Johnston is the voice, lyricist and guitarist on numerous classic hit recordings by the Doobie Brothers. Inspired by listening to R&B music on the radio, California native Johnston started his first band at 14, eventually broadening his musical horizons by singing with soul and blues groups. After moving to San Jose to finish college, Tom met Skip Spence, original drummer for the Jefferson Airplane. Spence introduced Johnston to drummer John Hartman.

Spence was also a founding member of Moby Grape which had a major influence on the Doobie Brothers. Tom Johnston, John Hartman and bassist Greg Murphy formed the power trio “Pud.” When “Pud” unraveled, the evolution of the Doobie Brothers began to take shape. While living in a home dubbed as their “musical headquarters,” guitarist Patrick Simmons and bassist Dave Shogren joined the group. The band quickly generated a huge following in California. In 1971, the Doobie Brothers launched their self- titled debut album, The Doobie Brothers on the Warner Brothers label with legendary producers Ted Templeman and Lenny Waronker.

The first track on the album, “Nobody” penned by Tom Johnston, would later resurface in 2010 on their latest release, World Gone Crazy. Their second studio album Toulouse Street (named for a street in the French Quarter of New Orleans) introduced new bassist Tiran Porter and second drummer Michael Hossack (Navy Veteran). The album spawned the Tom Johnston penned classic hits, “Listen to the Music” (#11 Top 100 Billboard Hit -1972), “Rockin’ Down the Highway” and “Jesus Is Just Alright,” (#35 Billboard Top 100 Hit -1973) written by Arthur Reynolds (1965) and performed by The Byrds (1969). In 1973, the Doobie Brothers released, The Captain and Me spotlighting some of the bands most memorable classic rock tunes penned by Tom Johnston … “Long Train Runnin’”(#8 Billboard Hot 100 Hit) and perhaps the bands anthem song, “China Grove” (#15 Billboard Hot 100 Hit). The Captain and Me also featured a guest performance by future Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter.

The Doobie Brothers fourth studio album, What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits released in 1974 spawned the Tom Johnston penned songs, “Another Park, Another Sunday” (#32 Billboard Hot 100 Hit) and “Eyes of Silver” (#52 Billboard Hot 100 Hit). The album also featured Pat Simmons penned tribute to “The Big Easy,” “Black Water” (#1 Billboard Hot 100 Hit -1975). Stampede released in 1975 was the final album before Michael McDonald took over lead vocalist duties from an ailing Tom Johnston. The album featured the cover version, “Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)” (#11 Billboard Hot 100 Hit -1975) written by the Motown team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. Subsequent albums …Takin’ It to the Streets (1976), Livin’ on the Fault Line (1977), Minute by Minute (1978) and One Step Closer (1980) featured a successful second incarnation of the band, which primarily consisted of Michael McDonald(vocals, keyboards) Patrick Simmons (guitars/vocals) Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (guitars, steel guitars), Tiran Porter(bass, vocals), John Hartman (drums) and Keith Knudsen (drums). *Tom Johnston played and sang “Turn It Loose” and “Wheels of Fortune” on the album Takin’ It to the Streets. John McFee was added to the Doobie Brothers lineup in 1979 replacing Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and was featured on One Step Closer. After a successful run, the band’s signature sound and direction became disillusioned.

While working on his solo project, Tom Johnston rejoined the band for a Farewell Tour, and then the Doobie Brothers would call it quits as a band for the next five years. The reformation of the Doobie Brothers was contrived when the band’s alumni were asked by drummer Keith Knudsen to perform at a concert to benefit veterans’ causes. The band discovered that tickets were in great demand and soon embarked on a twelve-city tour. In 1989, Cycles, the tenth studio recording by the Doobie Brothers, now on Capitol Records, witnessed the return of Tom Johnston and drummer Michael Hossack to the studio as a band. Tom Johnston’s distinctive vocals returned, and the band re-established their musical roots. Subsequent releases … Brotherhood (1991), Sibling Rivalry (2000) and World Gone Crazy (2010).

World Gone Crazy was the Doobie Brothers highest charting album since 1989 receiving rave reviews and featuring the longtime core lineup of Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons. The Doobie Brothers band functions like a well-oiled machine, touring consistently year after year and enchanting music enthusiasts worldwide. The current lineup of Tom Johnston (vocals/guitar), Pat Simmons (vocals/guitars), John McFee (guitar/strings/vocals), John Cowan (bass), Guy Allison (keyboards/vocals), Marc Russo (saxophones), Ed Toth (drums) and Tony Pia (drums)… represent a musical legacy that defines the quintessence of rock ‘n’ roll and a band that we’ve always depended on throughout the years.

The Doobie Brothers have sold more than 40-million albums worldwide.  

The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

I had the great pleasure of speaking with Tom Johnston recently about the band’s current and future projects, family, and the future of rock ‘n’ roll. Here’s my interview with singer/songwriter/guitarist/and founding member of classic rock legends the Doobie Brothers … TOM JOHNSTON.

THE 

DOOBIE BROTHERS

Discography

The Doobie Brothers (1971)

Toulouse Street (1972)

The Captain and Me (1973)

What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits (1974)

Stampede (1975)

Takin' It to the Streets (1976)

Livin' on the Fault Line (1977)

Minute by Minute (1978)

One Step Closer (1980)

Cycles (1989)

Brotherhood (1991)

Sibling Rivalry (2000)

World Gone Crazy (2010)

Southbound (2014)

Liberté (2021)

 

 THE 

DOOBIE BROTHERS 

TOUR  2024

Aug 09 Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

Aug 10 Gilford, NH Bank NH Pavilion

Aug 12 Boston, MA Xfinity Center

Aug 13 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Aug 15 Detroit, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre

Aug 17 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center

Aug 18 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

Aug 20 Pittsburgh, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake

Aug 22 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center

Aug 24 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL

Aug 25 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Aug 27 Omaha, NE CHI Health

Aug 29 Denver, CO Ball Arena

Aug 30 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheater

Sep 03 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Sep 05 Ridgefield, WA RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

Sep 06 Seattle, WA White River Amphitheatre

Sep 08 Concord, CA Concord Pavilion

Sep 10 Wheatland, CA Toyota Amphitheater

Sep 27 Syracuse, NY Oncenter War Memorial

Sep 28 Allentown, PA PPL

Oct 02 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

Oct 08 London, ON Budweiser Gardens

Oct 09 Kitchener, ON The Aud

Oct 12 Laval, QC Place Bell

Oct 13 Kingston, ON Slush Puppie Palace

Oct 15 Quebec City, QC Centre Videotron

Oct 16 Saint John, NB TD Station

 

 

 

THE ROCK STAR CHRONICLES

BOOK TRAILER

 

BOOK REVIEW

-By Literary Titan (5) STARS

The Rock Star Chronicles by Ray Shasho, is a splendid book written by a music enthusiast who has poured their heart and soul into it. It’s a story of a boy who loved rock music, and his obsessive passion of it earned himself the name Rock Raymond. He went to school but instead was schooled in all matters of music while his peers were buried chin-deep in coursework. He then became a radio DJ and has now compiled a book on all interviews he held with Rock gods who raided the airwaves back in the 70s and 80s. It’s a compilation of interviews with outstanding vocalists, legendary guitarists and crazy drummers in the rock music scene. Each interview gives a reader an in-depth view into their personal lives and the philosophies that guide their lives which all serve to humanize these great icons. For readers who are old enough to call themselves baby boomers this book will bring old memories back to life. Millennials, on the other hand, may think of this book as a literal work of the Carpool Karaoke show. 

The Rock Star Chronicles is a book I didn’t know I was waiting for. To come across a book that will talk me into trying something new. One brave enough to incite me to venture into new frontiers. This book made me a believer- I am now a bona fide Rock and Roll music fan. 

Ray Shasho masterfully gets the interviewees talking. He smartly coaxes answers from them with crafty questions designed to get a story rolling out of them. The artists talk about diverse issues ranging from music, politics, and their social engagements. Having been on the music seen all his life, Ray Shasho knows the buttons to press, how to get them comfortable about talking about their lives. 

The book’s cover is befitting of its subject matter with the leather look offering a royal background to the golden letter print. It speaks to how high a level rock music holds in the pecking order- arguably, modern music as we know it has originated from blues and rock music.  The second noteworthy thing is the use of high-definition pictures to reference the musician being interviewed in every sub-chapter. This ensures that the book is for both original rock and roll lovers and aspiring new ones. Together is makes for a refreshing and consistently enjoyable read.

I recommend this book to rock music enthusiasts, aspiring musicians wondering what it takes and all readers curious to learn new things by going back in time.

https://literarytitan.com/2020/05/03/literary-titan-book-awards-may-2020/   

Gold Award Winner

MORE BOOKS BY RAY SHASHO

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY

 

TO BE PART OF MUSIC HISTORY!

CALL 941-567-6193

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? 

DON WILSON LEGENDARY GUITARIST/FOUNDER OF ‘THE VENTURES’ ON THE LOST INTERVIEWS EP 14 WITH RAY SHASHO

 

 

LEGENDARY GUITARIST

AND FOUNDER

WITH

T H E  

V E N T U R E S

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMER

D O N   W I L S O N 

(February 10th 1933 - January 22nd 2022)

'THE LOST INTERVIEWS'

EPISODE 14

WITH RAY SHASHO

CLICK BELOW

TO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW

-Interviewed June 10th, 2014 

Don Wilson and The Ventures have inspired thousands of promising musicians and enthusiasts across the globe for over five decades, and many of their pupils became legendary in the music world. Ventures alumni include… Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Stephen Stills, Joe Walsh, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Elton John, John Bonham, Mick Fleetwood, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Gene Simmons, and many-many more.

At 81, Don Wilson, guitarist & co-founder of the legendary rock and roll/surf band says he has no plans for slowing down any time soon. The Ventures recently concluded a lengthy tour in Japan where they are still idolized. Don and his son Tim Wilson have also initiated a new record label with promising young musicians to mentor and promote.  THE VENTURES are the best-selling instrumental rock band in music history. In 1958, the group was formed by Tacoma, Washington residents Don Wilson (rhythm and lead guitar) and Bob Bogle (lead and bass guitar). The duo’s plan was to earn a permanent living playing guitar instead of working at their hard labor construction jobs as bricklayers. They originally performed as the Impacts and the Versatones before finally settling on The Ventures. 

Nokie Edwards (lead guitar) joined in 1960 and they recorded their first big hit, a Chet Atkins cover entitled “Walk, Don’t Run.” The Ventures lineup in the studio also included Skip Mooreon drums. In 1960, the song peaked at #2 on the Billboard’s single chart amid stiff competition from Chubby Checker, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, and Bryan Hyland. Drummer Howie Johnson replaced Moore in 1960. Mel Taylor became The Ventures’ permanent drummer in 1962 until his passing in 1996. From 1960 through 1972, The Ventures consistently toured worldwide and charted 37 albums. The group was hailed as America’s instrumental Beatles.

Some of The Ventures  hit singles include … “Telstar,” “The Lonely Bull,” “Rebel-Rouser,” “Honky Tonk,” “Let's Go,” “Pipeline,” “Walk, Don't Run,” “Tequila,” “Apache,” “Wipe-Out, ”Memphis,” “Out of Limits,” and their mega-hit … “Hawaii Five-O” (#4 on Billboard’s Singles Chart -1969), (The album reached #11 on Billboard’s album chart).

The Ventures were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. That same year also marked The Ventures 50th Anniversary.

Here’s a list of incredible accomplishments by The Ventures …

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 2008

Ranked #4 among all-time instrumental artists on Billboard's Single Charts

Ranked #6 among all 1960s artists on Billboard's Album Charts

Ranked #26 among all-time artists on Billboard's Album Charts

Ranked #20 in most albums on Billboard's Album Charts with 37

“Walk, Don't Run” is one of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Top 500 Hits of all time

 1960 to 1969 - Placed 14 singles on Billboard's Single Charts

 

Gold singles:

“Walk, Don't Run (1960), “Walk Don't Run '64” (1964), “Hawaii Five-0” (1969),

 1960 to 1972 - Placed 37 albums on Billboard's Album Charts with 5 on the charts simultaneously during 1963.

Gold albums:

Telstar and the Lonely Bull (1963), Golden Greats (1967), Hawaii Five-0 (1969)

To date, more than 450 LP and CD albums released worldwide (and still counting)

1960 to 1973 - Sold nearly 1,000,000 albums per year in the U.S.

 Japan sales approaching 40,000,000 units (and still counting)

Collective worldwide sales approaching 100,000,000 units (and still counting)

1964 - Popularized Mosrite Guitars with introduction of The Ventures Model. Today these are among the most sought-after guitars, known for their tone and playability.

Successfully adapted their unique guitar style to countless changes in musical trends

Released an acclaimed set of instructional records with the Play Guitar with The Ventures series

Cited affectionately as "the group that launched a thousand bands"

Credited with popularizing rock and roll and the electric guitar in Japan

1971 - First non-Japanese artists elected to the Japanese Conservatory of Music

Jan 1987, Guitar Player magazine 20 Anniversary Issue cited Walk Don't Run as one of "20 Essential Rock Albums"

1990 - Inducted into the Washington State Music Hall of Fame

Feb 1996, Guitar magazine identified “Walk Don't Run” as one of ten 1960's albums included in “The Fifty Greatest Rock Guitar Records" (albums)

Inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk 

Invited to participate in the Smithsonian Institution's celebration of the development of the electric guitar

Honored by Fender Guitars with a limited-edition line of Ventures Model Jazzmaster, Telecaster and Jazz Bass signature guitars

2001 - Honored by Aria Guitars with limited-edition Ventures Model guitars

2004 - Award by Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for contributing to friendly relations between Japan and US. No other artists in modern music share this honor

2005 – Washington State Senate Resolution 8645 to honor The Ventures, to "recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact over the evolution, development and perpetuation of rock and roll"

2006 – “Walk, Don't Run” is inducted into The Grammy Hall of Fame

Numerous contributions to movie and commercial soundtracks, including ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Madagascar’

The Ventures have reached over 100- Million in record sales, 14-songs that hit the singles chart, and 37 albums that charted.

The band continues to record and tour with their current lineup of …Don Wilson (rhythm guitar- co-founder 1958), Nokie Edwards (lead guitar -joined 1960), Gerry McGee (lead guitar –joined 1968), Bob Spalding (lead and bass guitar –joined 1981), Leon Taylor (drums – joined 1996 after the passing of his father Mel Taylor).

Co-founder, lead and bass guitarist Bob Bogle passed away in 2009.

Drummer Mel Taylor passed away in 1996.

I had the rare privilege of chatting with Don Wilson back in June about … The Walk, Don’t Run legacy … The early days of The Ventures … Their devoted Japanese fans … My infamous ‘Field of Dreams’ question …The inception of “Hawaii Five-O”… And much-much more!

Here’s my interview with The Ventures legendary guitarist, co-founder, pioneer …DON WILSON. 

THE ROCK STAR CHRONICLES

BOOK TRAILER

 

BOOK REVIEW

-By Literary Titan (5) STARS

The Rock Star Chronicles by Ray Shasho, is a splendid book written by a music enthusiast who has poured their heart and soul into it. It’s a story of a boy who loved rock music, and his obsessive passion of it earned himself the name Rock Raymond. He went to school but instead was schooled in all matters of music while his peers were buried chin-deep in coursework. He then became a radio DJ and has now compiled a book on all interviews he held with Rock gods who raided the airwaves back in the 70s and 80s. It’s a compilation of interviews with outstanding vocalists, legendary guitarists and crazy drummers in the rock music scene. Each interview gives a reader an in-depth view into their personal lives and the philosophies that guide their lives which all serve to humanize these great icons. For readers who are old enough to call themselves baby boomers this book will bring old memories back to life. Millennials, on the other hand, may think of this book as a literal work of the Carpool Karaoke show. 

The Rock Star Chronicles is a book I didn’t know I was waiting for. To come across a book that will talk me into trying something new. One brave enough to incite me to venture into new frontiers. This book made me a believer- I am now a bona fide Rock and Roll music fan. 

Ray Shasho masterfully gets the interviewees talking. He smartly coaxes answers from them with crafty questions designed to get a story rolling out of them. The artists talk about diverse issues ranging from music, politics, and their social engagements. Having been on the music seen all his life, Ray Shasho knows the buttons to press, how to get them comfortable about talking about their lives. 

The book’s cover is befitting of its subject matter with the leather look offering a royal background to the golden letter print. It speaks to how high a level rock music holds in the pecking order- arguably, modern music as we know it has originated from blues and rock music.  The second noteworthy thing is the use of high-definition pictures to reference the musician being interviewed in every sub-chapter. This ensures that the book is for both original rock and roll lovers and aspiring new ones. Together is makes for a refreshing and consistently enjoyable read.

I recommend this book to rock music enthusiasts, aspiring musicians wondering what it takes and all readers curious to learn new things by going back in time.

https://literarytitan.com/2020/05/03/literary-titan-book-awards-may-2020/   

Gold Award Winner

MORE BOOKS BY RAY SHASHO

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY

 

TO BE PART OF MUSIC HISTORY!

CALL 941-567-6193

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? 

TRINI LOPEZ A MAN AND HIS MUSIC ‘THE LOST INTERVIEWS’ WITH RAY SHASHO EPISODE 12

 

T R I N I 

L O P E Z

 (May 15, 1937 – August 11, 2020)

THE LOST INTERVIEWS

WITH RAY SHASHO

EPISODE 12

 A MAN AND HIS MUSIC

CLICK BELOW

 TO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW

-Interviewed November 28^th 2014

Trini Lopez is an international music legend best known for recording classic covers and converting them into danceable songs by adding his own special spin and flavor. Lopez not only makes those notable tunes danceable, but he usually outsells all other artists who have also covered those songs including the recordings by the original songwriters.    

Born in Dallas, Texas, his Father Trinidad Lopez II was a singer, dancer, actor, and musician in Mexico. Trini’s parents moved to Dallas when his dad was eighteen seeking a better life. Trini learned to play guitar from his father and played for money on street corners. He eventually began performing in clubs around the affluent parts of Dallas. 

Lopez even performed at a club owned by the notorious Jack Ruby.

A true rock and roll visionary … Lopez uncannily wrote and recorded a song called “The Right to Rock” released on a small label called Volk Records in 1958. After hearing the single, King Records offered Trini a three-year contract. The only chart hit for Lopez on the King Records label was a Skyliners cover called “Since I Don’t Have You,” Trini’s rendition reached #10 on the Cashbox and Billboard charts.

After one of Trini’s performances Lopez met with another Texan, rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly. Holly tried to help Trini by inviting him to meet with his record producer in Clovis, New Mexico. Lopez became great friends with Buddy Holly and The Crickets. Holly was killed in a plane crash along with Richie Valens and The Big Bopper on February 3rd 1959. Several months after the crash, Lopez received a phone call to come out to Hollywood, California to become the new lead singer of The Crickets.

The Crickets plans never materialized and Lopez took a job at the Ye Little Club in Beverly Hills. The one-year run led to a historic engagement at the famous PJ’S nightclub. It was at PJ’S where Lopez landed his big break. 

Frank Sinatra took notice of Trini’s one-man act and had Don Costaoffer him an eight-year recording contract on Sinatra’s label Reprise Records.  Trini’s first two albums were recorded live at PJ’S and successfully launched an incredible music and acting career for the impending international superstar.

Trini’s most recognizable Hit Singles … “If I Had a Hammer” (#3 Billboard U.S. Hit-1963 -Reached #1 in 36 countries), “I'm Coming Home Cindy” (#39 Billboard Hit-1966), “Michael, (#42 Billboard Hit-1964), “Lemon Tree” (#20 Billboard Hit-1965) “Kansas City” (#23 Billboard Hit-1963), “America,” “La Bamba”(1966) “Gonna Get Along With Out Ya’ Now” (1967),  and The Bramble Bush (1967) to name just a few.

(Trini’s music was also spotlighted on various soundtracks including... Apollo 13, Born on the Fourth of July and numerous others).

Trini Lopez acting career …

Marriage on the Rocks (1965), The Dirty Dozen (1967), The Phynx (1970), The Reluctant Heroes (TV Movie -1971), Adam-12 (TV Series 1971-1972), Antonio (1973), The Mystery of the Silent Scream (1977), The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries (TV Series 1977).

 Trini Lopez incredible string of TV appearances …

The Greatest Ever War Films (TV Movie documentary) 2014, Trini Lopez Presents Latin Music Legends (TV Movie) 2009, American High School (Video) 2009, Armed and Deadly: The Making of 'The Dirty Dozen' (Video documentary short) 2006, The Best of Music Flashback Television Shows: Featuring Music Scene and Hullabaloo (Video documentary short) 2001, Refrescante 95 (TV Series) 1995, Prima Donnas  1995, Querida Concha (TV Series) 1993, ,Musikladen (TV Series) 1981, A Gift of Music (TV Movie) 1981, Sha Na Na (TV Series) 1978, 1971-1976 The Mike Douglas Show (TV Series), 1976 Celebration: The American Spirit (TV Movie), 1975 Rock on with 45 (TV Series), 1970-1974 The Merv Griffin Show (TV Series), Caesar's Palace Week from Las Vegas (1974), 1972-1974 Stand Up and Cheer (TV Series) 

1965-1973 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV Series), 1971-1972 The David Frost Show (TV Series),1970 The Dick Cavett Show (TV Series), 1970 Playboy After Dark (TV Series), 1968-1970 The Carol Burnett Show (TV Series),1967-1969 The Joey Bishop Show (TV Series),1968 The Song Is You (TV Movie), 1967 Operation Dirty Dozen (Short documentary),1967 Spotlight (TV Series),1967 The London Palladium Show (TV Series),1967 The Dean Martin Show (TV Series),1966-1967 The Andy Williams Show (TV Series),1967 Gypsy (TV Series),1966The Jack Benny Hour (TV Movie),1966 Hippodrome (TV Series) Host1966 Danger Grows Wild, 1966 The Sammy Davis, Jr. Show (TV Series),1965-1966 Hullabaloo (TV Series) (Host), 1965 Marriage on the Rocks, 1965 What's My Line? (TV Series) - Mystery Guest, 1964-1965 The Ed Sullivan Show (TV Series), 1964-1965 The Hollywood Palace (TV Series), 1964 The Bob Hope Show (TV Series),1964 The Bob Hope Thanksgiving Special (TV Special), 1963 Celebrity Party (TV Movie)

The Gibson guitar company asked Trini Lopez to design a guitar for them in 1964.

The Trini Lopez Standard, a rock and roll model based on the Gibson ES-335 semi-hollow body, and the Lopez Deluxe, a variation of a Gibson jazz guitar designed by Barney Kessel. Both were in production from 1964 until 1971 and are highly sought out collector items. Some owners of the guitar include Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Noel Gallagher of Oasis.Trini’s last few albums … (2008) ‘Ramblin' Man’ and (2011) ‘Into the Future’ have been critically acclaimed. ‘Into the Future’ was Trini’s 65th celebrated album of his illustrious musical career. Trini Lopez and Exhibit Records announced the release of a Special 50th Anniversary Numbered Limited Edition of ‘TRINI LOPEZ AT PJ’S The 200-gram vinyl record is beautifully presented in a sturdy old style gatefold jacket featuring the original album art work and for the first time includes the lyrics to all the tunes. The back of each album is foil-stamped with its unique number, and available to purchase at Exhibit Records.

Track listing:  Side One: A-me-ri-ca, If I Had a Hammer, Bye Bye Blackbird, Cielito Lindo, This Land Is Your Land, What'd I Say Side Two: La Bamba, Granada, MEDLEY: Gotta Travel On, Down by the Riverside, Marianne, When the Saints Go Marching In, Volare, Unchain My Heart.

 Trini Lopez - guitar, vocals

Mickey Jones - drums

Dick Brant - bass guitar

Producer: Don Costa

Recorded at PJ'S nightclub, West Hollywood, California

‘TRINI LOPEZ AT PJ’S reached #2 on the Billboard charts and remained on the Top 40 for over a year.

I had the rare and very pleasant opportunity to chat with Trini Lopez recently about … The 50th Anniversary of ‘Trini Lopez at PJ’S’ …Buddy Holly … King Records … The Crickets …Don Costa … Signing with Sinatra …The Dirty Dozen … And much-much more!

Here’s my interview with the legendary singer, musician, songwriter, actor, and one of the most exciting and recognized entertainers worldwide …TRINI LOPEZ

THE ROCK STAR CHRONICLES

BOOK TRAILER

 

BOOK REVIEW

-By Literary Titan (5) STARS

The Rock Star Chronicles by Ray Shasho, is a splendid book written by a music enthusiast who has poured their heart and soul into it. It’s a story of a boy who loved rock music, and his obsessive passion of it earned himself the name Rock Raymond. He went to school but instead was schooled in all matters of music while his peers were buried chin-deep in coursework. He then became a radio DJ and has now compiled a book on all interviews he held with Rock gods who raided the airwaves back in the 70s and 80s. It’s a compilation of interviews with outstanding vocalists, legendary guitarists and crazy drummers in the rock music scene. Each interview gives a reader an in-depth view into their personal lives and the philosophies that guide their lives which all serve to humanize these great icons. For readers who are old enough to call themselves baby boomers this book will bring old memories back to life. Millennials, on the other hand, may think of this book as a literal work of the Carpool Karaoke show. 

The Rock Star Chronicles is a book I didn’t know I was waiting for. To come across a book that will talk me into trying something new. One brave enough to incite me to venture into new frontiers. This book made me a believer- I am now a bona fide Rock and Roll music fan. 

Ray Shasho masterfully gets the interviewees talking. He smartly coaxes answers from them with crafty questions designed to get a story rolling out of them. The artists talk about diverse issues ranging from music, politics, and their social engagements. Having been on the music seen all his life, Ray Shasho knows the buttons to press, how to get them comfortable about talking about their lives. 

The book’s cover is befitting of its subject matter with the leather look offering a royal background to the golden letter print. It speaks to how high a level rock music holds in the pecking order- arguably, modern music as we know it has originated from blues and rock music.  The second noteworthy thing is the use of high-definition pictures to reference the musician being interviewed in every sub-chapter. This ensures that the book is for both original rock and roll lovers and aspiring new ones. Together is makes for a refreshing and consistently enjoyable read.

I recommend this book to rock music enthusiasts, aspiring musicians wondering what it takes and all readers curious to learn new things by going back in time.

https://literarytitan.com/2020/05/03/literary-titan-book-awards-may-2020/   

Gold Award Winner

MORE BOOKS BY RAY SHASHO

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY

 

TO BE PART OF MUSIC HISTORY!

CALL 941-567-6193

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???