In 1980, KY102 had a search for great local talent to put on our "Homegrown" LP. It was a showcase of great local groups. My favorite off the album was this song done by the guys from Wichita, The Clocks. This is just a video with random pictures on it, but there is the song, in it's entirety. The Clocks opened for Dave Edmunds at the Uptown Theatre, gave a great show but disappeared not long after that. Enjoy the tune, it's only 2:42 of some of the best power pop of 1980.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Yoko
Earlier this week, there were reports that said John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, was said to be planning legal action against with a young singer-songwriter named Lennon Murphy, who sought to trademark the name of her band, "Lennon."
Ms. Ono tells says today that the reports (from Fox, NME, TMZ, and others) she was suing Ms. Murphy are untrue -- she just didn't want Murphy to seek an exclusive trademark on "Lennon."
Yoko Ono says
Ms. Ono tells says today that the reports (from Fox, NME, TMZ, and others) she was suing Ms. Murphy are untrue -- she just didn't want Murphy to seek an exclusive trademark on "Lennon."
Yoko Ono says
"A musician named Lennon Murphy is claiming that Yoko Ono has sued her and that Yoko is seeking to stop Lennon Murphy from performing under her name, Lennon Murphy. Both of these claims are untrue.
Several years ago, Lennon Murphy sought Yoko's permission to do her performances under her name, Lennon Murphy. Yoko, of course, did not object to her request. Subsequently, without Yoko's knowledge, Lennon Murphy filed an application in the United States trademark Office requesting the exclusive right to utilize the name "Lennon" for musical performances. Yoko's attorneys asked Lennon Murphy's attorneys and manager to withdraw her registration of exclusivity to the name LENNON for the trademark. Yoko also offered to cover all costs Lennon Murphy had incurred in filing for the trademark. But Lennon Murphy went ahead to register.
Yoko did not sue Lennon Murphy, but sought to stop her from getting the exclusive right to the name Lennon for performance purposes. For that, Yoko's attorneys, simply notified the Trademark office that Yoko did not believe it was fair that Ms. Murphy be granted the exclusive right to the "Lennon" trademark in relation to musical and entertainment services. As you can see, this is a very important issue for Yoko and the Lennon family.
Yoko says: "I am really hurt if people thought that I told a young artist to not use her own name in her performances and had sought to sue her. I did no such thing. I hope this allegation will be cleared."
Several years ago, Lennon Murphy sought Yoko's permission to do her performances under her name, Lennon Murphy. Yoko, of course, did not object to her request. Subsequently, without Yoko's knowledge, Lennon Murphy filed an application in the United States trademark Office requesting the exclusive right to utilize the name "Lennon" for musical performances. Yoko's attorneys asked Lennon Murphy's attorneys and manager to withdraw her registration of exclusivity to the name LENNON for the trademark. Yoko also offered to cover all costs Lennon Murphy had incurred in filing for the trademark. But Lennon Murphy went ahead to register.
Yoko did not sue Lennon Murphy, but sought to stop her from getting the exclusive right to the name Lennon for performance purposes. For that, Yoko's attorneys, simply notified the Trademark office that Yoko did not believe it was fair that Ms. Murphy be granted the exclusive right to the "Lennon" trademark in relation to musical and entertainment services. As you can see, this is a very important issue for Yoko and the Lennon family.
Yoko says: "I am really hurt if people thought that I told a young artist to not use her own name in her performances and had sought to sue her. I did no such thing. I hope this allegation will be cleared."
I interviewed her once in 1986 (probably my worst interview ever), and I really liked her. I will post pictures soon, but I think she has class. As she once told me "John fell out of love being a Beatle and he fell in love with me, what's so hard to believe?" I believe.
Another Bummer
GREG L. JOKERST, 54, died TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12th. Best known as JAY GREGORY to his listening audience, GREG had been a radio disc jockey for WJVM/STERLING, WYFE and WROK/ROCKFORD and KSTT/DAVENPORT. A memorial has been established to MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION. Condolences may be sent at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com on the Internet.
Jay's passion, his emotion and love of this business sucked me right in. I was a punk kid when Jay helmed afternoons at KSTT. When he spoke to me, he would always use his index and middle finger together and wag them at me, always trying to emphasize a point. He drove in everyday from Sterling to do the show. That was cool that he did radio in the "big city" and still lived in a small town. Jay was a prince and one of those people in your life that you have lost touch with, but were hoping to someday say "thanks". He treated me with respect and dignity and told me I would go far. So, thanks, Jay. I learned a lot from you, more than you know. Be at peace. Chuck Hamilton, Rich Eriksen and now Jay Gregory. All bigger than life radio announcers who helped me along with my career and now all done too soon, all before 60.
Heavy sigh.
His official obit:
STERLING - Greg L. Jokerst, 54 of Sterling died Tuesday February 12, 2008. Greg was born on November 15, 1953 in Sterling the son of Warren and Virginia (Easley) Jokerst. He was a graduate of Sterling High School and attended Sauk Valley College from 1973-1974, during which he played for the Redmen tennis team. In 1974, he along with his doubles partner, Gary Helms, won the Illinois State Junior College Championship and proceeded to the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Championship, before finally being eliminated. Greg was recently honored by induction into the Sterling High School Hall of Fame. Greg (best known as Jay Gregory to his listening audience) had been a radio disc jockey. He later worked in marketing for Wahl Clipper Corporation, Sterling. Greg loved the outdoors and talking with people. He was an avid NASCAR racing fan and he will sorely missed. Surviving are his mother, Virginia Jokerst and his brother Dennis (Margie) Jokerst all of Sterling; his niece Staci Hayes of DePere, WI; and his nephew Ryan Jokerst of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Jokerst. A visitation will be held on Friday February 15, 2008 from 5-7 PM at the McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue - Sterling. Memorials in his memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation would be appreciated.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Nothingness
I saw Jesus Christ Superstar last weekend. With Ted Nelly as Jesus as Corey Glover (of Living Colour) as Judas. It may have been one of the best live touring acts I have ever seen. I knew everyword and it was very well done.
I got to thinking about Corey tonight on my way home. A Living Colour song has been in my head for a week now, it goes like this...
Well like a descendant,
I drifted far, far and wide
Isolation, separation, no where to hide
Maybe there's somewhere I can go
Where there's sunshine and the wind won't blow
Nothingness
All I have to feel is my lonliness
Nothing in the attic 'cept an empty chest
And nothing lasts forever
Although there are many,
I look for no one, no one but me
I search for things that are taking me high and far out of reach
But this is the place I call my home
I live with the lies and the fear all alone
Nothingness
All I have to feel is my lonliness
Nothing in the attic 'cept an empty chest
And nothing lasts forever
Nothingness
All I have to feel is my lonliness
Nothing in the attic 'cept an empty chest
And nothing lasts forever
Nothingness.....
I got to thinking about Corey tonight on my way home. A Living Colour song has been in my head for a week now, it goes like this...
Well like a descendant,
I drifted far, far and wide
Isolation, separation, no where to hide
Maybe there's somewhere I can go
Where there's sunshine and the wind won't blow
Nothingness
All I have to feel is my lonliness
Nothing in the attic 'cept an empty chest
And nothing lasts forever
Although there are many,
I look for no one, no one but me
I search for things that are taking me high and far out of reach
But this is the place I call my home
I live with the lies and the fear all alone
Nothingness
All I have to feel is my lonliness
Nothing in the attic 'cept an empty chest
And nothing lasts forever
Nothingness
All I have to feel is my lonliness
Nothing in the attic 'cept an empty chest
And nothing lasts forever
Nothingness.....
A Tough Week
For all of us in Kirkwood, it has been a brutal, grueling week. we laid to rest the last of the six today and now begins the chore of healing. Apparently we have a way to go, I hope we get there, soon. Now comes word of five more killed by another gun toting madman.
When I was a junior in high school, my first "road trip" was to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. I went on behalf of my high school newspaper. We won three of four awards and I won one for my writing about (surprize) music. I remember going there and driving home with my collection of tunes. The open road with my favorite music. In was in the spring, April if I can recollect. I can recall actually rolling the window down with out getting in trouble from my dad. Freedom. I was proud of the fact that I got pretty close to Chicago, accepted the awards and drove home; by myself and I didn't get lost. I remember being very impressed with college life even more so after I found they had a bowling alley in the student center. Five sets of parents who sent their kids there will never be the same. Another set will wonder how their son could do something like this. How is this happening? Is it the violent video game culture coming home to roost? Is it the easy access to guns? I know that my emotions are raw. How do we stop this? Can we?
When I was a junior in high school, my first "road trip" was to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. I went on behalf of my high school newspaper. We won three of four awards and I won one for my writing about (surprize) music. I remember going there and driving home with my collection of tunes. The open road with my favorite music. In was in the spring, April if I can recollect. I can recall actually rolling the window down with out getting in trouble from my dad. Freedom. I was proud of the fact that I got pretty close to Chicago, accepted the awards and drove home; by myself and I didn't get lost. I remember being very impressed with college life even more so after I found they had a bowling alley in the student center. Five sets of parents who sent their kids there will never be the same. Another set will wonder how their son could do something like this. How is this happening? Is it the violent video game culture coming home to roost? Is it the easy access to guns? I know that my emotions are raw. How do we stop this? Can we?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Aretha 1, Beyonce 0
Would you make this woman mad? I wouldn't. Apparently something that Beyonce said the other night at the Grammys did not play well with Ms. Franklin. When stepping to the podium, Beyonce said something about the many women who have come before her. Like Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, and Diana Ross (among others). Beyonce went on to say that the real queen was Tina Turner. According to witnesses, you could Aretha's arteries snap out loud. Backstage, Aretha was reported to have said she didn't know whose toes she stepped on but if she heard Beyonce talk like that again she would stick her between two slices of bread, slather her up with ketchup and eat her, too. 
What CCR was REALLY trying to say..
How about something completely different?
The sun is out today.
Here is a video on one of John Fogerty's quirks....unintelligable lyrics.
The sun is out today.
Here is a video on one of John Fogerty's quirks....unintelligable lyrics.
For My Radio Friends
Found this on the net...
By Jerry Del Colliano
I’ve previously written about a Temple University college professor of mine – the legendary Lew Klein (ABC in Philly, American Bandstand) – who told my freshman class in communications that if you are not fired from your jobs several times, then you’re not in broadcasting. Professor Klein would be proud of me – and my fellow classmates who went on to careers in broadcasting. We didn’t let him down. We’ve all got stories. That’s why I love the people in our industry. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with such a resilient lot in a system that has always been rigged against us. It’s always been that good. Now, it’s that bad. Before consolidation if you were fired by a station, there were always many other places to work in radio -- plenty of stations owned by other companies – across the street. Hell, you could fulfill Professor Klein’s prediction of getting fired several times in just one city. Today, that’s not possible. If one consolidator discards you, you’ve only got a few other choices in the same city or region. Blacklisted? Did I say that? You’re screwed. So if you’re fired from a group that owns 300 stations, lots of luck even if you're willing to move your family 2,000 miles away to work for them elsewhere at your own expense. I've quit and I've been fired. Quitting was more fun. But without a lot of other options for employment we would have had -- well, what we have today -- slavery. I had the dubious honor of walking out on that radio wild man John Tenaglia when he wouldn’t give me a $25 a week raise. It was wrong. I shouldn’t have done it. I know that now. I was just a kid. I'm sorry. My jocks also walked. I did not ask them to – great people like Bill Figenshu and Mike Anderson. They came to their senses and returned to Johnny T for a while anyway. Actually, looking back -- I’m glad I quit. I got a better job across the street. I should have been blackballed for that stunt. Maybe I was, but it didn't matter. Options -- that's what radio people always had -- lots of options. Today, though, forget it. You’re persona non grata for a lot less. Like, say, doing your job every day at a low pay with constant budget cuts. Having seen an unemployment line in Camden, New Jersey, I can easily identify with the inequity that today’s radio people face at the hands of proven incompetent "leadership". I know a lot of folks who have lost their jobs have health care issues, educational responsibilities for their children, retirement to hope for some day and just plain pride.
But there are some benefits to being fired by radio consolidators that will become evident. Among them:
1. The radio industry is dying by every measure. But the Internet and the mobile space is a potential employer that needs talented marketing people, managers, talent and content providers. It's a great place for entrepreneurs. Internet streaming is stunted by the lack of a fair royalty agreement so it may not look like the future to some, but it is.
2. Podcasting is going to be big. Disagree if you like, but the next generation doesn’t need only 24/7 broadcasting. They want programs they can control – stop, start, rewind and listen to in a time-delayed fashion. Broadcasting will be so – 70’s. Those of us who are moving on will be preparing and marketing content that the next generation can load onto a mobile device and use wherever -- whenever.
3. Centralized programming is on the way out. Mashups are in. The next generation wants a say in what they consume and then, if possible, a way to add to it. Look at the popularity of YouTube. Remember a piece I wrote recently about how cell phone users like to shoot photos on their phones and pass them along to friends to add music, edit or otherwise revise. Radio will resist the mashup concept because radio owners think they control the programming. They used to. Not anymore.
4. If you’ve been fired, stop trying to stay in the business. There is no future. Even the good guys – the companies that are not necessarily public and still very decent – can’t turn this baby around. Even they are cutting back – perhaps more humanely but nonetheless we must never forget we are playing in the house consolidation built.
5. An industry dependent on morning shows for the majority of its revenue is suicidal to cutback talent and resources as they are now doing.
Cutback on corporate aircraft not morning air staff. One makes you money. One spends your money. Know the difference. I have come to appreciate that out of bad comes good. For me, it has been very good and none of it would have been possible without the radio manager who got so drunk each night he called to tell me how lousy my act was only to compliment me the next day. Or the group exec who likes to kick desks over while you’re sitting at them. The disadvantage of being a consolidator is that they are going down with the ship. The advantage of being the talented people they are firing is that for you there is life after radio and today it is more exciting than ever. Welcome to the “new” radio – Internet, podcasting, mobile content, social networking, terrestrial streams, satellite radio and the online music industry. This month's budget victims will soon discover the advantages of disadvantages. Their employers -- the consolidators -- won't be able to say the same thing.
By Jerry Del Colliano
I’ve previously written about a Temple University college professor of mine – the legendary Lew Klein (ABC in Philly, American Bandstand) – who told my freshman class in communications that if you are not fired from your jobs several times, then you’re not in broadcasting. Professor Klein would be proud of me – and my fellow classmates who went on to careers in broadcasting. We didn’t let him down. We’ve all got stories. That’s why I love the people in our industry. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with such a resilient lot in a system that has always been rigged against us. It’s always been that good. Now, it’s that bad. Before consolidation if you were fired by a station, there were always many other places to work in radio -- plenty of stations owned by other companies – across the street. Hell, you could fulfill Professor Klein’s prediction of getting fired several times in just one city. Today, that’s not possible. If one consolidator discards you, you’ve only got a few other choices in the same city or region. Blacklisted? Did I say that? You’re screwed. So if you’re fired from a group that owns 300 stations, lots of luck even if you're willing to move your family 2,000 miles away to work for them elsewhere at your own expense. I've quit and I've been fired. Quitting was more fun. But without a lot of other options for employment we would have had -- well, what we have today -- slavery. I had the dubious honor of walking out on that radio wild man John Tenaglia when he wouldn’t give me a $25 a week raise. It was wrong. I shouldn’t have done it. I know that now. I was just a kid. I'm sorry. My jocks also walked. I did not ask them to – great people like Bill Figenshu and Mike Anderson. They came to their senses and returned to Johnny T for a while anyway. Actually, looking back -- I’m glad I quit. I got a better job across the street. I should have been blackballed for that stunt. Maybe I was, but it didn't matter. Options -- that's what radio people always had -- lots of options. Today, though, forget it. You’re persona non grata for a lot less. Like, say, doing your job every day at a low pay with constant budget cuts. Having seen an unemployment line in Camden, New Jersey, I can easily identify with the inequity that today’s radio people face at the hands of proven incompetent "leadership". I know a lot of folks who have lost their jobs have health care issues, educational responsibilities for their children, retirement to hope for some day and just plain pride.
But there are some benefits to being fired by radio consolidators that will become evident. Among them:
1. The radio industry is dying by every measure. But the Internet and the mobile space is a potential employer that needs talented marketing people, managers, talent and content providers. It's a great place for entrepreneurs. Internet streaming is stunted by the lack of a fair royalty agreement so it may not look like the future to some, but it is.
2. Podcasting is going to be big. Disagree if you like, but the next generation doesn’t need only 24/7 broadcasting. They want programs they can control – stop, start, rewind and listen to in a time-delayed fashion. Broadcasting will be so – 70’s. Those of us who are moving on will be preparing and marketing content that the next generation can load onto a mobile device and use wherever -- whenever.
3. Centralized programming is on the way out. Mashups are in. The next generation wants a say in what they consume and then, if possible, a way to add to it. Look at the popularity of YouTube. Remember a piece I wrote recently about how cell phone users like to shoot photos on their phones and pass them along to friends to add music, edit or otherwise revise. Radio will resist the mashup concept because radio owners think they control the programming. They used to. Not anymore.
4. If you’ve been fired, stop trying to stay in the business. There is no future. Even the good guys – the companies that are not necessarily public and still very decent – can’t turn this baby around. Even they are cutting back – perhaps more humanely but nonetheless we must never forget we are playing in the house consolidation built.
5. An industry dependent on morning shows for the majority of its revenue is suicidal to cutback talent and resources as they are now doing.
Cutback on corporate aircraft not morning air staff. One makes you money. One spends your money. Know the difference. I have come to appreciate that out of bad comes good. For me, it has been very good and none of it would have been possible without the radio manager who got so drunk each night he called to tell me how lousy my act was only to compliment me the next day. Or the group exec who likes to kick desks over while you’re sitting at them. The disadvantage of being a consolidator is that they are going down with the ship. The advantage of being the talented people they are firing is that for you there is life after radio and today it is more exciting than ever. Welcome to the “new” radio – Internet, podcasting, mobile content, social networking, terrestrial streams, satellite radio and the online music industry. This month's budget victims will soon discover the advantages of disadvantages. Their employers -- the consolidators -- won't be able to say the same thing.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tuesday after Thursday
Mike Lynch and Officer Ballman were laid to rest today. I don't think I have ever seen St. Peter church looking as nice as it did today. Maybe during advent, that time is always special. It was as full as I have ever seen it. Officer Ballman's graveside service was in Kirkwood City park. It was raining ice. Again. Mike Lynch's daughter and my daughter were friends. It's always hard to see a young person lose their father. I know how tough it can be. There's a stranger in my town, his name is darkness and he needs to go away.The yard signs are everywhere:
"Kirkwood Stands Together, Kirkwood Grieves Together, Kirkwood Heals Together"
I hope its soon.
Me, I am going to the Fox to see "Avenue Q". Profane puppets sound good right about now.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Monday After Thursday
There is truly something in the air here. I went to Ken Yost's service and the Post Office this afternoon and something is hanging over my town, we all try to think we know what it is. It might have been the day which started dreary and got worse. I know the sharpness in our step has temporarily disappeared. I saw people at the post office, I knew what they were thinking, they knew what I was thinking but can't bare to say anything to each other. And it rained ice. There were over a thousand at his service today. The streets were blocked off for blocks all around. There will be thousands more this week still wondering what the hell happened? Ken Yost today, Micheal Lynch tomorrow in my church and on and on and on. One of our friends was seated between the two who were killed. His boy told of his dad coming home that night, covered in blood. I don't think he's stopped shaking yet. I'm not sure I have. I don't think any of us has.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What A Week...
Tough week. Emotions are pretty raw. I had to resign from a local internet chat board due to the fact that I was about to say things in public that I would regret. That's not like me. People seem to have a hard believing that I could actually grieve for Cookie Thornton and the people he slaughtered at the same time. God loves everyone. At one time, he was a decent guy, that's the guy and his family that I grieve for. Not the guy who killed my friends. I have about four funerals to attend this week. I have decided to take tonight off, lock myself in my office, listen to some old favorites (Genesis' Wind and Wuthering happens to be on now...) 
and get lost in a game of Sim City 3000. I think I'd like to go back to 1976 (the year the album was made) just for a while. To be twenty again, sigh... I always wanted to be able to travel back in time, have a chance to live it all over again, only smarter. How would it have changed? Interesting things to ponder but without me, I have a city that needs to be built. I have stuff to do, but for right now, tonight, mindless entertainment might be good.
and get lost in a game of Sim City 3000. I think I'd like to go back to 1976 (the year the album was made) just for a while. To be twenty again, sigh... I always wanted to be able to travel back in time, have a chance to live it all over again, only smarter. How would it have changed? Interesting things to ponder but without me, I have a city that needs to be built. I have stuff to do, but for right now, tonight, mindless entertainment might be good.
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