Category: Collaborations

Collaborations

Judy Collins – Who Knows Where the Time Goes (1968) and Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies (1973)

July 7, 2025

Although it is best remembered as a shock rock anthem by hard rock icon Alice Cooper, “Hello Hooray” was first introduced by folk singer Judy Collins. One of the unlikeliest cross overs in music history, the song was inspired by Eastern religion and reincarnation and written by Canadian singer-songwriter Rolf Kempf after a road trip to Los Angeles went very wrong, leaving him broke, possessionless and stranded in Laurel Canyon. The unusual story of “Hello Hooray,” and how Rolf Kempf manifested success under dire circumstances, and the strange journey that brought his song to the top of the charts.

Edd Byrnes – Kookie (1959)

March 24, 2025

In 1959 television heart throb Edd Byrnes, better known as Kookie, the hip talking car hop on the hit TV series “77 Sunset Strip” teamed up with Connie Stevens to record the memorable novelty song “Kookie Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb),” producing a surprise Billboard hit and an entire album dedicated to Kookie. But how many Kookie songs did the world actually need? A look at the career of Edd Byrnes, and how his character Kookie continues to shape our modern culture. Extra: Edd Byrnes’ musical collaborators including Joanie Sommers, Bob Denver, Pat Boone, Sha Na Na and….Anthrax? It’s the ginchiest!

The Mugwumps – The Mugwumps (1967)

July 25, 2024

Immortalized with their mention in the hit song “Creeque Alley,” more people have heard of The Mugwumps than have actually heard thier music. In 1964 Denny Doherty, Zal Yanovsky, Cass Elliott and Jim Hendricks, four musicians from recently defunct folk bands, joined forces to become The Mugwumps. In five short months they would form, record an album, have John Sebastian join the group and then break up before going their separate ways to super stardom. A look at the short but important life of one of the 1960’s best curiosities.

The Journeymen – New Directions in Folk Music (1963)

July 18, 2024

In 1961 childhood pals John Phillips and Scott McKenzie joined up with banjo player Dick Weissman to form the folk trio The Journeymen. With McKenzie on lead vocals and Phillips as the primary arranger, the group created intricate vocal harmonies, giving listeners a first glimpse of a sound that would eventually dominate the decade. Extra: The problem with writing about Papa John. Can we celebrate his music without celebrating the man?

Paul McCartney – Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984)

April 16, 2024

At the age of nine future record collector Sam Tweedle brought a copy of Paul “McCartney’s “Give my Regards to Broad Street” home from a school fun fair which opened the doorway into the music of The Beatles, although he didn’t know it. One music fan’s misstep into the music of McCartney, and a look at his early 1980’s MTV period and his hit single “No More Lonely Nights.” Extra: The importance of McCartney and Michael Jackson’s collaborations on the MTV generation.

The Partridge Family – The Partridge Family Album (1970)

February 1, 2024

Everybody remembers David Cassidy as the lead singer of The Partridge Family, but who were the other members of the group? A deep dive into The Ron Hicklin Singers – the most famous uncredited singing group of all time. From Gary Lewis and the Playboys to The Monkees and far beyond, the Ron Hicklin Singers created a sound of an entire generation through television, film, radio and commercials, defining the signature sound of the 1960’s and 1970’s pop industry.

Frank Sinatra – The World We Knew (1967)

October 5, 2023

In 1967 Frank and Nancy SInatra scored an unlikely hit with “Somethin’ Stupid,” becoming the only father/daughter team to ever reach #1 on the charts. A look at the unique bond between Frank and Nancy, and the historical, albeit it problematic, legacy of the song they recorded together. Extra: In 1998 Sam Tweedle says goodbye to his hero. A look back at the death of Frank Sinatra, and the gift that the Sinatra Family gave to his fans,.