While cruising the net, specifically YouTube, I ran across these videos of Dennis Yost & The Classics IV, Joey Dee & The Starliters, Bobby Lewis, and Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge. I worked for a while with Dennis in the early 90’s. We did a show in South Amboy, NJ with Joey, Bobby,  and Johnny Maestro & The BB. What a night. I was 27, and sharing the stage with some of the sixties biggest legends. Dennis was called the “voice of his generation.” Joey, was one of the innovators of the “twist.” Bobby was in the same league as Jackie Wilson, and Johnny Maestro, well I am sure you’ve heard the classic, “16 Candles.”

It is very cool to see footage of the guys in their hay day. As a publisher, I see the songs still making money for the writers. As a musician, I see these guys still plugging away in the career they love. I don’t know what these artists are doing as of today, but I recently heard that Dennis is recovering from a head injury in Cincinnati, OH.

Please check out the videos, and enjoy some history. I am proud to have spent some time with these fella’s. They are memories I wish I had on tape.

Dennis Yost & The Classics IV performing “Traces” by Buddy Buie, James Cobb and Emory Gordy

and “Every Day With You” by Buddy Buie and James Cobb

Joey Dee performing “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee and Henry Glover

Bobby Lewis performing “Tossin’ and Turnin’” by Richie Adams and Malou Rene

Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge performing “Worst That Could Happen” by Jimmy Webb 

and ”Sixteen Candles” by Luther Dixon and Allyson Khent

My band, The Great Outdoors, performed in Watertown, SD this weekend. We have been without a regular lead guitarists since our last one walked out on us April 25th. Without any notice I might add. We have been using fill in pickers since then, but this weekend we may have found the new lead man. Peter Wilber did a fine job filling in at the Dakota Sioux Casino. We had a decent turnout, and made the people dance and have a good time. I am looking forward to seeing if we can rebuild with the new axe man.

Here is an absolutely lovely little conversation with superstar legends George Jones, and Merle Haggard. These two have been major influences on so many artists, including myself. I just thought you would enjoy giving a view.

I ran across a few articles the other day about the commercialization of artist creations. Specifically, using songs to sell products. As a publisher, I see nothing wrong with the practice. It is part of what we do. The more a song is used, whether it is recordings, motion picture soundtracks, or even synching for commercials, is how the songwriter makes his money. An artist gets paid by performing, but the songwriter gets paid from song exposure. This means any way, and every way is good for the bank account. I understand the issue of suffering for your craft, but it is a whole lot easier to suffer and create, when the bills are paid. You don’t have to be down and out to write good songs.

Anyway, here is an article about Mr. Mellencamp_from the Chicago Tribune, and a related article from The Talking Moose. Enjoy.

Good on Paper
Words and Music by Rebecca L. Olivier and Ron Patton
Copyright 2007 Sydney Skyler Music

Verse I

Patty and I write a list,
On a napkin with coffee stains
It’s all the qualities, a guy’s gonna need,
If he’s gonna blow me away
Funny, strong, dependable and smart,
Eyes that let me look in his heart

Chorus

He’s got to be more than good on paper
He better hold up in the rain
He’s got to be more than good on paper
I won’t settle till I feel a flame

Verse II

What a waste of a new dress,
Such a disappointing date
He was nice enough, though he didn’t say much,
Kept staring at his dinner plate
Good looks, good job, you’d think the perfect pick
But man, that was an awful kiss…

Chorus

Bridge

Maybe I should start with a blank page
Cause my heart is my only reliable gauge

Chorus