Bob Stroud's 'Gone But Not Forgotten 2022'-- Part 4: 'Knock On Wood'

These are some of the music industry people we lost last year.

KNOCK ON WOOD--  Eddie Floyd   (Jim Stewart co-owner of Stax records and the "ST" part of the name)

SAY YOU LOVE ME--  Fleetwood Mac   (Christine McVie)

GOING FOR THE ONE--  Yes  (Alan White, drummer)

A WHITER SHADE OF PALE--  Procul Harum  (Gary Brooker, founder, leader, vocalist and  pianist)

WHAT A WONDERFUL THING--  Fabulous Rhinestones   (Cal David, guitar)

I'LL BE AROUND--  Spinners  (Thom Bell, producer)

FULL MOON TURN MY HEAD AROUND--  Off Broadway   (Cliff Johnson, leader)

Always sad to lose these people with all the enjoyment they brought us.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "This Is Our Fork In The Road.  Love's Last Episode."   Answer below.   --Cooter

"I'll Be Around"

Bob Stroud's 'Gone But Not Forgotten 2022'-- Part 3: 'Court of the Crimson King'

Musicians we lost last year.

CHINA GROVE--  Doobie Brothers   (John Hartman, drums)

PEGGY SUE--  Buddy Holly   (Jerry Allison, drummer)

HAIR OF THE DOG--  Nazareth   (Manny Charlton, lead guitarist and Dan McCafferty, vocalist)

SPINNING WHEEL--  Blood, Sweat & Tears   (Dick Halligan, keyboards)

PARADISE BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHT--  Meatloaf

THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING--  King Crimson  (Ian McDonald, founding member of the group and also of Foreigner.)

KEEP ON PUSHIN'--  REO Speedwagon   (Gregg Philbin, bass, backing vocals)

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When The Sun Comes Up On A Sleepy Little Town Down Around San Antone."  --Answer below.  --Cooter

"China Grove"

Bob Stroud's 'Gone But Not Forgotten' 2022-- Part 1: 'Diamond Girl'

Every new year, Bob Stroud takes a last look at the musicians that we lost in the previous year on his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  He did this on January 8, 2023, this year.

Here are the songs he played and names of the people  who died.

BE MY BABY--  Ronettes  (Ronnie Spector)

TELL MAMA--  Savoy Brown  (Kim Simmonds)

DIAMOND GIRL--  Seals & Crofts   (Jim Seals)

STRANGE WAY--  Firefall   (David Muse)

FOUR STRONG WINDS--  Neil Young  (Ian Tyson, songwriter)

OUT IN THE COUNTRY--  Three Dog Night  (Richard Podolor, producer)

REACH OUT IN THE DARKNESS--  Friend and Lover   (Jim Post)

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Think It's So Groovy Now That People Are Finally Getting Together."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Reach Out In the Darkness"

'Caddyshack'-- Part 5: Dress Code, Lacey, Jackie Davis & the Murray House

**  The clothing in "Caddyshack"--  the sleeveless T's, stiletto heels, Rodney Dangerfield's plaids-- have become a character in themselves.  At Indian Hill, however, sports jackets must be worn during lunch, shirts must be tucked in, cargo shorts are not permitted, nor are denim cutoffs around the pool area.

**  Hats must be worn "bill forward" only.

**  Cindy Morgan, who plays Terd Knight's sophisticated, promiscuous niece Lacey Underall, grew up in Chicago.  Before acting, she was morning DJ at WSDM-FM which later became WLUP, "The Loop."

**  Then only black actor with a line was Jackie Davis, who shines shoes at the club.  After overhearing Knight's character telling a racist joke, destroys the member's golf cleats.  He wasn't really an actor.  In real life he was an accomplished jazz musician who had backed Louis Jordan and Ella Fitzgerald.

**  The chaotic family home inn the film's opening scenes -- lines of kids waiting outside the bathrooms, bawling children and slamming doors -- was inspired by the family home in Wilmette.  The house Bill Murray grew up in was a three-bedroom home with nine kids.

Bill Murray once described it as "a wreck, a constant, claustrophobic mess."

--DaCoot

Going Back to 1970-- Part 2: 'Ball of Confusion'

Only fifty-one years ago.  Seems like yesterday.

RIPPLE--  Grateful Dead   How can a band that makes such great studio albums be so bad in concert?  Oh, yes, something called jamming thirty minute songs.  YUCK!!

SPIRIT IN THE SKY--  Norman Greenbaum

PARANOID--  Black sabbath   Ozzie?  Ozzie who?

LET'S WORK TOGETHER--   Canned Heat

AND IT STONED ME--  Van Morrison

THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK--  Simon & Garfunkel

APE MAN--  Kinks

STAGE FRIGHT--  Band

IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Mungo Jerry

BORDER SONG--  Elton John

LET IT BE--  Beatles    Even more Beatles music.

BALL OF CONFUSION--  Temptations

LIAR--  Argent   Even before Three Dog Night did it.

PEACE FROG/BLUE SUNDAY--  Doors

I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE--  Creedence Clearwater Revival   My all-time favorite band.

A SONG FOR YOU--  Leon Russell

WHEN YOU DANCE I CAN REALLY LOVE--  Neil Young

FIRST I LOOK AT THE PURSE--  J. Geils Band 

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Now Deep In The Heart Of A Lonely Kid Who Suffered So Much For What He Did."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Stage Fright"

Going Back to 1970-- Part 1: 'What Is Life'

On May 8, 2021, Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM went back to 1970 on its Saturday Morning Flashback Show.  It took me right back to that great college/fraternity year at NIU.

Songs played:

TEACHER--  Jethro Tull  Remember, they were the recipients of the first Grammy for Heavy metal.

WOODSTOCK--  Joni Mitchell

GALLOWS POLE--  Led Zeppelin

I CAN'T GET NEXT TO YOU--  Temptations

WHAT IS LIFE--  George Harrison  What is better than one Beatles group?  Why, four different Beatles releasing songs at the same time. Lots more Beatles music.

REVIVAL--  Allman Brothers Band

WHY DOES LOVE GOT TO BE SO SAD--  Derek & the Dominos

THANK YOU--  Sly & the Family Stone

FEELIN' ALRIGHT (LIVE)--  Joe Cocker

COUNTRY GIRL--  Crosby, Stills & Nash

SHAKIN' ALL OVER (LIVE)--   Who

MAKE ME SMILE--  Chicago

ARE YOU READY--  Pacific Gas & Electric

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Lookin' At The devil, Grinnin' At His Gun, Fingers Start Shakin', I Begin To Run."  Answer below.  --  RoadDog

"Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"

Chicago's Bohemian National Cemetery-- Part 3: The Cubs Treestone Marker

 One couple have shown their own design to show their never-ending support for the Cubs in a style  found throughout the cemetery's grounds.  The tree-stump gravestone, or treestone, is made from limestone, which is easy to carve and can feature a variety of symbols.

In this example, which is the first one installed at the cemetery in  more than 70 years, there are branches from two trees barely touching, forming the shape of a heart.  According to its sculptor, Walter S. Arnold, this treestone features a transistor radio -- which is tuned to WGN AM 720 -- because the husband, who was blind, loved to listen to the play-by-play while attending Cubs games.

There's a crack through the name of his wife, who survives him, symbolizing her broken heart.  At the bottom are symbols of then things they enjoyed together.

(N)opening Day-- Part 4: Now for You Cub Fans, the Chicago White Stockings & WGN

Cubs Season Openers:

APRIL 25, 1876--  The Cubs were then known as the Chicago White Stockings and were one of he eight charter members of the National League.  In their first game, they defeated host Louisville Grays 4-0 behind pitcher/manager Al Spalding.  They went on to finish 52-14 and won the league by six games and hit a league-best .337.

*************************

APRIL 14, 1925--  Quinn Ryan called the first game for WGN radio, beginning a 90-year relationship.  Cubs score six runs in the 7th capped by Gabby Hartnett's three-run homer.  The game lasted just 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Well. that to has changed as WGN is not televising any Cub games this year as per owner Ricketts.

--RoadCub

Top Bears Radio Announcers-- Part 3: Brickhouse, Joniak, McConnell, Thayer and Larrivee

Continued from November 9, 2019.  To see the first two, click on announcers in the labels section below.

5.  JACK BRICKHOUSE  (1953-1976)

There is a deep affection for Jack Brickhouse among Chicago fans of any sport because of his longevity, but, football was not his forte.  But, the upbeat charm he brought didn't make up for mistakes in football announcing.

4.  JEFF JONIAK  (2001-PRESENT)

He came to the Bears with no experience, but he has worked hard to become a solid play-by-play man.

3.  JOE McCONNELL  (1977-1984)

When the Bears moved from WGN-AM  to WBBM-AM, general manager Jim Finks pushed hard for him to replace Brickhouse.  He had been doing Minnesota Vikings broadcasts.  He might have stayed with the Bears had WGN-AM not gotten the Bears back.

2.  TOM THAYER (1997-PRESENT)

Old No. 57 from the Bears Super Bowl XX Champs.  He knows his stuff and calls games with both his brains and heart.

1.  WAYNE LARRIVEE  (1985-1998)

Announced Chiefs games before coming to the Bears and then lefty to fulfill a life-long dream to call the Packers.  He was the voice of those Super Bowl XX Bears.  We still tune in the Packers on radio (we live right on the Illinois-Wisconsin border) just to hear that wonderful voice.

And, to think he left the Bears in a Big Marker area to go to the Packers in a small market area.  He's gotta love Da Pack.

--CootVee

A Short History of Sears & Roebuck-- Part 3: WLS and Spanish Peanuts

In 1911, a Scientific Laboratory was added so Sears cold test the products it sold.  The lab was known as "the watchdog of the catalog" and promoted as a means to "give out customers the service they have a right to expect."

The centerpiece of the complex on Homan Avenue was a 250-foot tower.  Then the tallest building outside the Loop, and Sears' corporate signature, it appeared on the catalog's cover.

Beginning in 1924,it housed a radio station on its 11th floor.  Its call letters, WLS,stood for "World's Largest Store.  Reflecting Sears' customer base, its motto was:  "Bringing the World to the Farm.  It signed on and off the air with a train whistle.

For my family, and especially Dad, no trip to a Sears was complete until we had gone by the candy/nut counter and bought a small bag of fresh hot fried Spanish peanuts.  That and a Coke was just way too good.

And, of course, that radio station changed to a pop music format in 1960 and with its huge 50,000 watt signal, it (and competitor WCFL) was what all of us kids listened to growing up in the 1960s.  Teenagers across most of the nation could pick up the signal at night.

Art Roberts' Top 3 At Ten On WLS.    --Cooter

Top Chicago Bear Announcers-- Part 2: Former Bears Fencik, Hampton and Butkus

10.  HUB ARKUSH  (1988-2002)

His exit marked the end of trying to use there announcers.  Sometimes had a hard time being heard over the other two.

9.  GARY FENCIK  (1990-1993)

If three announcers are too much, then four are way too many.  He became the fourth when Butkus returned.

8.  BRAD PALMER  (1977-1984)

Brought a reporter's eye to the booth.   Dubbed "The Professor."

7.  DAN HAMPTON  (1995-1996)

Pretty good at predicting opponent plays.  One of those '85 Bears.

6.  DICK BUTKUS   (1985-1987)  (1992-1994)

One of The Greatest Bears.  But, too much of a fan.

--Cooter

Top Chicago Bears Radio Announcers-- Part 1: Kupcinet, Bender and Hart

From the Nov. 3, 2019, Chicago Tribune by Phil Rosenthal.

I don't know about you, but given a choice between listening to TV and radio commentators, I'll take radio anytime.  TV commentators are more general and non-fan than their counterparts.  Ideal football watching to me involves watching the game on TV, but listening to the radio announcers.  Sadly, TV stations have figured that out and delay what their feeds so that the play and words about it don't go in sync.

And, my all-time favorite Bears announcer was the voice of those great Bears teams of the 1980s, but is now with the Packers.  But, we live on the Wisconsin-Illinois border and get him doing the Packer games  Wonder who he is and where Phil will rank him?

Anyway, Phil Rosenthal takes his shot at listing the 13 Bears announcers who have done Bear play-by-play in the last 66 years and even took a stab at ranking them.

#13  IRV KUPCINET  (1953-1976)

  Long-time Chicago Sun-Times columnist and one-time NFL qb and referee.    "Dat's right, Jack."

#12  GARY BENDER   (1999-2000)

Two forgettable seasons of play-by-play and for sad Bears teams with combined records of 11-21.

#11  JIM HART  (1985-1989)

Long-time Cardinals qb, but overshadowed by Dick Butkus and Wayne Larrivee.

Top Ten Next.  --CootBall

Chicago's Best Four Sportscasters-- Part 2: Jack Brickhouse

Continued from August 10, 2018.

He doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves.  The "Hey, Hey" signs on the Wrigley Field foul poles and his bust in front of the Tribune Tower don't do him justice.

The man deserves his own wing in a museum for all the broadcasting he did.

For WGN-TV he called Cubs games from 1948 -- when Channel 9 went on the air -- to 1981, and White Sox games from 1948 to 1967.  He called Bulls games from 1966 to 1973.  He was also the voice of the Chicago Bears on WGN Radio from 1953 to 1977.

In addition, he called boxing, wrestling and college sports.

Brickhouse was a pioneer in every way.

He's my pick for best announcer.

Hey!  Hey!  --Cooter

Let's Get Patriotic With Our Songs Today With Ten Great 4th of July Songs: "American Girl"

Yesterday, Bob Stroud did his Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV 97.1 FM, the Drive on America, ten songs that are patriotic.

BORN IN THE U.S.A.--  Bruce Springsteen
SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago
R.O.C.K.I.N. IN THE U.S.A.--  John Mellancamp

IN AMERICA--  Simon & Garfunkel
LIVING IN THE U.S.A.--  Steve Miller Band
BORN ON THE  BAYOU--  Creedence Clearwater Revival
LIVING IN AMERICA--  James Brown

AMERICAN GIRL--  Tom Petty
4TH OF JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY)--  Bruce Springsteen
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL--  Ray Charles

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Somebody Give Me A Cheeseburger."    Answer below.  --Cooter


"Living In The U.S.A."

Gone But Not Forgotten in 2016: Give It a Listen

Tomorrow, Bob Stroud will devote his Rock and Roll Roots show on Chicago's WDRV 97.1 FM from 7 to 10 a.m. CST to those musicians we lost this past year.

And, if you have been following the last several entries on this blog, there sure were a lot of them.

It streams on www.wdrv.com.

A fitting Farewell.  --Cooter

No More Cubs on WGN

That is going to seem strange next year not to see the Cubs on either WGN Radio or TV.  I think old Jack Brickhouse would be turning over in his grave at this one.  No more "Hey, Hey, Hey!!"  And that goes for Harry Carey and "It Might be, it Could Be, It Is!  Home Run!!"

In 2015, Cub games move to CBS radio stations, including WBBM-AM (780).  The Cubs have also opted out of their WGN TV contract, looking to hit the jack-pot with regional TV broadcasts.

The Cubs pushed it, but WGN didn't fight it as they had been losing money on the Cubs for years as the team puts really inferior product on the field.

But, to me, it just isn't going to be the same.

Cubs, No WGN, What Next?  The Sox Start Pulling in the Fans?  --Cooter

41 Years Ago Today... It Was 1973

And there I was at the tender age of 21 and deep into student teaching at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois, and set to graduate from Northern Illinois at the end of May. I was still driving the infamous "Ramblin' Wreck" 1963 Rambler station wagon, which had finally started after shutting down for the DeKalb winter. It wouldn't be long before I bought my first new car, a 1973 Ford Pinto, manual transmission. Anyway, Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM, is going back to 1973 for the next two and a half hours, streaming live at www.wxrt.com. So, if you're getting ready to go to your local mom and pop record store for Record Store Day (I still say it should be called National Record Store Day) , give it a listen. Last several songs played: I CAN'T STAND THE RAIN-- Ann Peebles ROSALITA-- Bruce Springsteen LET'S GET IT ON-- Marvin Gaye FAT MAN IN THE BATHTUB-- Little Feat SAIL ON SAILOR-- Beach Boys DEAR ABBY-- John Prine DYERMAKER-- Led Zeppelin Lots of Memories. --Cooter

What's in a Name? Must Be a Chicago-Suburb Thing

Yesterday, listening to Bob Stroud play the full three hours of his Rock and Roll Roots Show with just music playing on the radio (that would be WLS and WCFL, both AM stations) and in our record collections, he kept referring to the storm as "The Great Snowstorm of '67."

I always called it the "Blizzard of '67." Liz said that in Chicago, where she was living when it happened, they called it "The Great Snowstorm of '67." Since my brother Bob and I were living in Palatine, a suburb of Chicago, it might have been a suburb-Chicago thing.

Bob Stroud played fifty songs in the three hours of his show yesterday. You have to love those three-minute and under songs. I'll be posting some of the set list and Stroud's comments and mine on my Down Da Road I Go Blog today.

Liz and I had a nice conversation about the Blizzard or Snowstorm. I'm sure we got off school on the Friday, but think we might have been back at school as early as Monday or Tuesday the next week. Liz said her school, Madonna High School in Chicago, was closed the entire next week.

I Hate Snow for the Most Part. Makes You Wonder Why I Continue to Live Here in the Midwest. --RoadDog

Chicago Radio

The September 14th Chicago Tribune had History Lesson by Mark Jacob on Chicago Radio.

Some items of interest:

Hindenburg explosion in Lakehurst, New Jersey covered by Chicago broadcaster Herb Morrison. "Oh the humanity!" These words, however, were not broadcast live, but the next day when a recording disc was played. Also, his voice sounded excited and high-pitched, but experts believe the recording speed was off. He actually had a deep voice.

Call Letters of Chicago stations:

WCFL-- Chicago Federation of Labor
WGN-- World's Greatest Newspaper-- Chicago Tribune
WLS-- World's Largest Store-- Sears Roebuck & Co.
WVON-- The Voice of the Negro
WBBM-- We Broadcast Broadmoor Music-- when it broadcast from the Broadmoor Hotel
In the early 30s.it stood for World's Best Broadcast Medium

The real name of Chicago broadcaster Paul Harvey is Paul Arvy Aurandt.

The FM station 94.7 now calls itself WLS-FM. Great to have those call letters playing music instead of blah, blah, blah.

The WLS-WCFL Wars. --Old Coot