Author: Red Robinson
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VoicePlay – Sh-Boom
“Sh-Boom” was the record that changed everything for doo-wop music. Groups like the Chords, the Five Satins, and the Moonglows started getting radio airplay and record sales, paving the way for four young guys from New York named DION and the Belmonts. Who better to demonstrate the staying power of doo-wop’s street corner acapella harmony…
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The Chords – Sh-Boom
In my December 1958 column in The Vancouver Sun I wrote: “This is contract termination time in New York and Hollywood. This week the Crew Cuts move to RCA Victor from Mercury. The Crew Cuts were responsible for one of the first rock’n’roll songs, ‘Sh-Boom’. They are Canadians and have enjoyed much success in the…
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The Crew Cuts – Sh-Boom
In the early era of rock’n’roll three Canadian singing groups were predominant on the hit parade: The Four Lads, The Diamonds and The Crew Cuts. I met The Crew Cuts – Rudi Maugeri, Pat Barrett, Ray Perkins and John Perkins – during a 1956 Vancouver appearance shortly after Bill Haley and the Comets had played…
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CFUN Is Back – Part III
On this day in 1973, CFUN returns to Vancouver — and the good times are back at 1900 West 4th Avenue! #14CFUN‘s Chuck McCoy wraps up a great day: “By mid-1976 CFUN had the largest radio listenership in the Vancouver area. A true ‘Worst To First’ story. I have often been asked if I felt…
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CFUN Is Back – Part II
September 30, 1973 — #14CFUN is back! Program Director Chuck McCoy has an interesting story about the promotion: “I selected veteran DJ Daryl ‘B’ to be the MC and star of our call letter change. I asked Daryl to announce that all regular programming on the new CFUN would be suspended while he dialed randomly…
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CFUN Is Back – Part I
It’s September 30, 1973, and the heritage #14CFUN call letters are coming back to 1900 West 4th Avenue! Chuck McCoy remembers that day vividly: “The night we changed radio in Vancouver is forever etched in my memory. CHUM’s purchase of CKVN earlier in 1973 coincided with my first Program Director job. With the advice, support…
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Roy Orbison in Vancouver, 1986
Thirty-five years ago today, on August 10, 1986, Roy Orbison appeared at the Legends of Rock’n’Roll show at EXPO 86 in Vancouver. When Les Vogt and I were planning the acts for the Legends of Rock’n’Roll we thought our old friend would be a great headliner. He agreed without hesitation, saying “I will cancel some…
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June 1, 1986 – Carl Perkins at Expo 86 (1/2)
June 1, 1986 was a big day at Vancouver’s Expo 86 as Carl Perkins kicked off the Legends of Rock’n’Roll – over 40 of the greatest rock’n’roll acts of all time! Carl Perkins will always be remembered as one of the true rockabilly greats. If he had never written another song after “Blue Suede Shoes”…
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June 1, 1986 – Carl Perkins at Expo 86 (2/2)
June 1, 1986 was a big day at Vancouver’s Expo 86 as Carl Perkins kicked off the Legends of Rock’n’Roll – over 40 of the greatest rock’n’roll acts of all time! As a deejay I was more than aware of Carl’s talents. Ricky Nelson stated that Carl was one of his favourites as did The…