Tuesday, June 11, 2024

NORMAN GREENBAUM DISCOVERING THE ORIGIN OF “SPIRIT IN THE SKY” ‘THE LOST INTERVIEWS’ WITH RAY SHASHO EPISODE 13

 


NORMAN

GREENBAUM

THE ORIGIN OF

"SPIRIT IN THE SKY"

'THE LOST INTERVIEWS'

with RAY SHASHO

EPISODE 13

CLICK BELOW 

TO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW!


INTERVIEWED DECEMBER 6TH 2011


“When I die and they lay me to rest

Gonna go to the place that’s the best

When I lay me down to die

Goin’up to the spirit in the sky”


 Norman Greenbaum is considered by many music experts to be a one-hit wonder.  But when the lyrics to that hit meant so much to so many and with eternal impact… then who cares?

Greenbaum’s “Spirit In The Sky” echoed an inspirational message of optimism for hope of an afterlife. The song reached #3 on the Billboard charts and sold two million singles by 1970, and during an important transitional period in music that witnessed Album-Oriented Rock formats overshadowing Top 40 singles on the airwaves.

Greenbaum created one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock and roll history using an industrial fuzz tone. Released in 1969, “Sprit In The Sky” has stood the test of time. Greenbaum states, “Motorists actually still pull over to the side of the road when they hear the song being played on the radio.” 

And the song continues to be a heavily requested tune at funerals.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked “Spirit In The Sky,” #341 on the list of top ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time.’ Countless musicians have mimicked their version of the celestial composition including Elton John, DC Talk, Darrel Mansfield, The Stovall Sisters (The back-up singers on the original recording), Doctor and the Medics, Nina Hagen, and Norman’s favorite cover version, The Kentucky Headhunters. 

“Spirit In The Sky” has been featured in countless movies, TV series and commercials. The song has also been spotlighted on the 2008 music video game- Rock Band 2, enlightening a whole new generation of “Spirit” advocates.

Norman Greenbaum began a music career as a member of Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band. Their sole hit was, “The Eggplant that Ate Chicago” (#52 on Billboard’s top 100) in 1966. Greenbaum departed the band and began a solo career under the direction of producer Erik Jacobsen (Lovin’ Spoonful, Sopwith Camel, Chris Issak).

Raised of the Jewish faith, Greenbaum states that there wasn’t much resentment from the Jewish Community over his Christian-like lyrics, especially his reference to Jesus. The only true criticism came from the Christian side who were not very pleased with his lyric… “Never been a sinner I never sinned.” Greenbaum says, “I just didn’t know better at the time.”

Today Norman Greenbaum is 69 years old and lives in Northern California. His 1969 metaphysical one- hit wonder continues to be adored and emulated by countless fans. Most recently Peter Frampton covered “Spirit In The Sky” on William Shatner’s latest album, Seeking Major Tom.

Norman enjoys sponsoring races at the local fair. He says, “All it consists of is getting around thirty friends together, having a party, and getting your picture taken with the winning racehorse.” He’s also won a bunch of blue ribbons entering various works.

Here’s my interview with Songwriter/Vocalist/Guitarist/Rock and Roll Icon/ and a very amusing and hip guy… Norman Greenbaum. (We had to reschedule the original interview date because Mr. Greenbaum was feeling a bit under the weather).








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??? 

Thursday, June 6, 2024

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 28th 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??? 

Monday, June 3, 2024

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR ‘THE LOST INTERVIEWS’ WITH RAY SHASHO EPISODE 11




ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK

INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR

'THE LOST INTERVIEWS'

WITH RAY SHASHO

EPISODE 11

CLICK BELOW

 TO LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW!


-Interviewed February 5th 2015

 British entertainer Arnold George Dorsey (stage name Gerry Dorsey) had limited success as a singer, but in 1967 Engelbert Humperdinck became an overnight sensation and a household name worldwide. Humperdinck recorded one of the best-selling singles of all-time; a number-one hit song entitled “Release Me,” which thwarted The Beatles efforts of reaching the top of the charts with their double A-sided record, “Strawberry Fields Forever /Penny Lane.” “Release Me” held the number-one slot on the UK Pop charts for six weeks and remained on the charts for a record fifty-six consecutive weeks, selling 80,000 copies a day. 

Humperdinck superseded the success of “Release Me” with “There Goes My Everything” and “The Last Waltz, “sweeping the Top 40 Pop charts that same year. Engelbert’s charisma, good looks and magnificent vocals mirrored performers such as Elvis Presley and Tom Jones, and it quickly became evident that a new singing sensation had conquered and charmed the music world. Humperdinck’s sex appeal captivated a huge female fanbase which became known as the Humperdinckers, and throughout the 70’s, Humperdinck sustained the hits on the Top 40 airwaves …“Am I That Easy to Forget,” “A Man Without Love (Quando M’Innamoro),” “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize,” “The Way It Used To Be,” “I'm A Better Man (For Having Loved You),” “Winter World of Love,” “Sweetheart,”  ”When There’s No You,” and “Another Time, Another Place.”Engelbert Humperdinck’s albums released throughout the 60’s and 70’s …Humperdinck relentlessly toured the world in front of adoring sold-out audiences and became a hot commodity and mainstay attraction on the Las Vegas and Atlantic City Strips. 

When he wasn’t on the road, he’d be in the recording studio generating the hits. His last major Pop hit on the Top 40 charts came in 1976 with the brilliant and graceful “After The Lovin’” composed by Ritchie Adams and written by Alan Bernstein. In 1979, Humperdinck spawned his fourth number-one hit on the Easy Listening charts in the U.S. with, yet another Adams/ Bernstein composition entitled “This Moment In Time.” In 1983, Engelbert released his last charted single “Til You and Your Lover Are Lovers Again.”In 1999, Humperdinck released The Dance Album which featured newly recorded dance versions of six of Engelbert's greatest hits, along with five original songs. The album landed in the Top Ten on the Billboard Dance charts. Most Recently: Engelbert Humperdinck released his highly anticipated and critically acclaimed double-CD entitled… “Engelbert Calling” which features incredible duets with some of the world’s most recognized names in music … including Elton John, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton-John, Gene Simmons, and many-more. The album is released by OK! Good Records, and produced by Grammy Award-winner Martin Terefe, who is well-known for his work with Jason Mraz, James Morrison, KT Tunstall, and Mary J Blige. … I gave “Engelbert Calling” by Engelbert Humperdinck (5) Stars!

Engelbert Humperdinck’s career spanned nearly five decades. He’s sold more than 150- million albums world-wide, including 24 certified with platinum status and 63 with gold, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for “Entertainer of the Year” (1988), and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Engelbert has solidified his name as an international Pop legend and has established himself as one of the world’s most influential artists. At 78, Humperdinck continues to tour the world and record in the studio, and like a fine wine, he just keeps getting better. Engelbert is happily married to Patricia, his wife of 50 years. The couple has 4 children and 9 grandchildren. He’s managed by his son Scott Dorsey/Dorsey Productions. I had the wonderful pleasure of chatting with one of my favorite singers about his critically acclaimed release … ‘Engelbert Calling’ …Engelbert’s follow-up releases upcoming ... The current world tour …The early days… ‘The Humperdinckers’ … Befriending ‘Elvis’ …And Much-Much More! Here’s my interview with an internationally renowned singer, songwriter, entertainer, a true gentleman and a really nice guy...

ENGELBERT

HUMPERDINCK

IN CONCERT

2024

Count Basie Center

Red Bank, NJ

June 11, 2024  

7:30 PM

Bergen Performing Arts Center

Englewood, NJ

 June 13, 2024

 7:00 PM

Casino Rama

Rama, Ontario, CANADA

June 15, 2024

8:00 PM

Chumash Casino

Santa Ynez, CA

June 28, 2024

8:00 PM

Saban Theatre

Beverly Hills, CA

June 29, 2024

8:00 PM

Sunbet Arena

Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA

July 12, 2024

8:00 PM

GrandWest

Kaapstad (Capetown), SOUTH AFRICA

July 14, 2024

4:00 PM

DREAM FEST 2024 - Sea Breeze Resort

Baku, AZERBAIJAN

July 26, 2024

6:00 PM

Muziekgebouw Frits Philips

Eindhoven, NETHERLANDS

August 30, 2024

8:00 PM

Kursaal Oostende

Oostende, BELGIUM

August 31, 2024

8:00 PM

Palác Lucerna, Velký sál

Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC

September 02, 2024

8:00 PM

Konzerhaus

Vienna, AUSTRIA

September 03, 2024

8:00 PM

Tivoli/Vredenburg

Utrecht, NETHERLANDS

September 05, 2024

8:00 PM

Queen Elisabeth Hall

Antwerp, BELGIUM

September 06, 2024

8:00 PM

London Palladium

London, ENGLAND

September 08, 2024

7:00 PM

Opera House

Manchester, ENGLAND

September 09, 2024

7:00 PM

Symphony Hall

Birmingham, ENGLAND

September 10, 2024

7:00 PM

Royal Concert Hall

Glasgow, SCOTLAND

September 12, 2024

7:00 PM

Theatre Capitole

Quebec City, Quebec, CANADA

October 29, 2024

7:30 PM

Place des Arts

Montreal, CANADA

October 31, 2024

7:30 PM

Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy

Gatineau, Quebec, CANADA

November 03, 2024

7:30 PM

Massey Hall

Toronto, CANADA

November 06, 2024

7:30 PM

Carteret Performing Arts & Event Center

Carteret, NJ

December 06, 2024

8:00 PM

Flagstar At Westbury Music Fair

Westbury, NY

December 08, 2024

7:00 PM

Chevalier Theatre

Medford, MA

December 12, 2024

8:00 PM








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???