Year: 2016
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Happy 87th Birthday, Bob Newhart!
Bob Newhart was a successful TV comedian with three different network shows to his credit. His dry humour won over a generation in the Seventies. Bob’s best friend is Don Rickles. The two are almost inseparable and a reminder of another lifelong friendship between Jack Benny and George Burns. I had the pleasure of interviewing…
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John Daly Investigates Retirement
Global News’ John Daly was one of the last of the true investigative reporters left on the Vancouver media scene. He was the reporter who exposed the abuse of intersection cameras by ICBC bureaucrats. He also was lead reporter on the scandal that toppled former BC premier Glen Clark. And the list goes on and on……
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Glenn Yarbrough Gone at 86
Another great has passed on. Glenn Yarbrough was the lead singer of the Limeliters from 1959 to 1963 and later he had a prolific solo career recording on various labels. Glenn was a popular draw whenever he appeared in Vancouver. His most famous solo effort was Baby The Rain Must Fall from the Steve McQueen movie…
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Remembering Lovie Eli
I was sorry to hear of the recent passing of Vancouver singer/actress Lovie Eli. Longtime friend Candus Churchill summed it up in her guestbook post: “I am so blessed to have shared a wonderful friendship with Lovie. We sang Gospel and performed together for many many years. But most of all we shared laughter, heartaches and dreams.…
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Harmonies From Heaven On The Way!
The Everly Brothers’ BBC documentary, Harmonies From Heaven, is coming September 9. Included: a previously unreleased live performance of their classic ballad Let It Be Me, recorded for Australian TV at Sydney’s Chequers Nightclub in 1968.
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Tribute To Bobby Curtola
Bobby Curtola, Canada’s first teenage idol, passed away June 14 at age 73. I recorded this tribute to be played at the celebration of his life in Edmonton and Toronto. Thanks to my friend Art Factora for a great production!
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Thanks For The Order Of BC!
I can’t adequately convey my happiness over receiving the Order of British Columbia. I had never been invited to Government House before and it was an honour to be one of the guests. It is spectacular and the grounds are out of this world. The Order badge is heavier than it looks. On formal occasions…
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Happy Birthday, Martha Reeves!
Happy 75th birthday to Martha Reeves of Martha And The Vandellas! One of Motown’s most successful touring acts, the group had half a dozen Top 10 singles in the mid-Sixties. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1995. Martha is touring the UK in August with dates in Glasgow, London, Leeds,…
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Elvis Week Coming Up!
For many years I was invited to Memphis to act as MC for Elvis Week. It was a most exciting time and I got to know Elvis’ friends and discover the respect the citizens of Memphis had for the King of Rock and Roll. If a man can be judged by his family and friends,…
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Celebration Of Life For Bobby Curtola
Chris and Mike Curtola invite you to celebrate the life of their late father and a true Canadian music icon. Edmonton, August 2 5:30 PM Ranch Roadhouse 61 Avenue and 104 Street Tickets Toronto, August 4 6:30 PM Phoenix Concert Theatre 410 Sherbourne Street Tickets All proceeds to Bobby’s favourite charities. More information at bobbycurtola.com…