Yay for Sears!!

I was cleaning out some old email and found this from my buddy Karl, wanted to pass it along....


Let's all show up at Sears


I assume you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees who are called up? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up...Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution.

Suggest we all shop at Sears, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

Pass it on.

So I, decided to check it out before I sent it forward. I sent the following email to the Sears Customer Service Department:

I received this email and I would like to know if it is true. If it is, the Internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement for your store. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item even if it was cheaper at the other store.
Here is their answer to my email.....................



Dear Customer:

Thank you for contacting Sears.

The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback. Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at this time.

Bill Thorn
Sears Customer Care
webcenter@sears.com
1-800-349-4358

Please pass this on to all your friends, Sears needs to be recognized for this outstanding contribution and we need to show them as Americans, we do appreciate what they are doing for our military!!!!!!!!!!! It's Verified By Snopes.com

The Music Bidness 2007 part 2

Well, it's nice that all of those things are checked...but maybe it's me, but the first thing that should be checked is....is she any good? Can she sing?
I don't think they sold Janis Joplin this way, I might be wrong, though.

Bob Dylan Sings Dr. Suess

This is hysterical.

Skyline Number 12

Sydney Australia.

How Incredibly Sad and Heartbreaking

The family of Boston lead singer Brad Delp issued a brief statement today saying that his death last Friday was a suicide. According to Lieutenant William Baldwin of the Atkinson, New Hampshire police department, Delp took his life through intentional carbon monoxide poisoning. He left two notes, the contents of which were not released. The statement was issued on behalf of Delp's mother, children and his fiancee, the last of whom found his body. It says, "He was a man who gave all he had to give to everyone around him, whether family, friends, fans or strangers. He gave as long as he could, as best he could, and he was very tired. We take comfort in knowing that he is now, at last, at peace."

How sad.

From Tom Scholz:

Rolling Stone writer Andy Greene has asked me for some recollections about my experiences with Brad. An edited version of the reply I sent him appeared on rollingstone.com with questions inserted in the text. Here is the complete unedited note I sent to Andy:

Andy,

Thanks you for allowing me to answer your questions by e-mail. I haven't been in the mood to talk to talk to people much for the last few days as you might imagine, but I appreciate you turning to me for this. Brad and I were friends and collaborators for 35 years. Both of us being vegetarians, non-drug users and more interested in music than money, put us in a very small minority in the music business; our bond ran much deeper than just BOSTON music.

In answer to your questions:

I met Brad, soft spoken and unassuming, when he auditioned in a recording studio outside of Boston one night to sing several songs I had written. Back then in the early seventies recording a song demo meant coming up with a significant amount of money, several weeks of my day job savings, to buy a few hours of 8 track time.

Having endured countless sessions with other singers, most with undeserved egos, I had only the faintest glimmer of hope that he might be good enough to squeak by as a suitable vocalist.

He didn't warm up; he just listened to the prerecorded instrument track once. Then he started to sing. I don't know if it took two seconds or three, but before he finished singing the first line I knew that some guardian angel had just delivered to me one of the best vocalists ever to step up to a microphone! Then he kept going and I realized he wasn't just one of the best, he was amazing! High notes I hadn't heard before followed by harmonies, and overdubbed exact duplicate layered tracks, all with ease, all with emotion, and yet all technically precise.

Before we left that night he had rewritten the lyrics and the melody, sung all the vocal parts, and with the magic of his voice turned my stark guitar riff into a song! From that moment on I only hoped I could write and record music worthy of his attention and interpretation.

There were soulful notes that pulled you into the song, stratospheric screams and angelic high notes, and after hitting these record breaking notes he'd go back and sing a harmony part above it! He didn't rehearse any of these parts, he could jump back and forth between harmony parts, double tracking parts, and then go back and do it again exactly the same with one tiny change, adjusting all the other singing parts to fit with bionic accuracy.

You'd think anyone with this super human talent would be an insufferable egomaniac. But Brad was just the opposite, and amazingly he remained honestly humble in spite of the incredible star pressure that followed BOSTON's success.

Brad and I banged our heads against the wall trying to get a break with record companies for five years. During that time he and I did a lot of basement recording; we received absolutely zero recognition locally and complete rejection submitting our demos to national record labels. I think this experience put our future success in perspective as we both realized that after so many years of insult, we were just very lucky to be able to record and play music above ground! Unlike many other individuals eventually involved with BOSTON, Brad's down to earth personality never wavered; it was his natural demeanor.

When someone asked me what Brad was like, the first words that always came to mind were "nice guy." Oddly, his incredible performing abilities seem barely worth mentioning compared to his attributes as a human being. He was soft spoken yet very quick and funny. Although I rarely remember seeing him in the throws of a good belly laugh, he could keep the people around him in stitches effortlessly, and did so on a daily basis. When he wasn't making someone laugh, or giving his time to a fan, he was a tireless worker, both in the studio and on stage.

He and I had a very strong personal connection because of our moral beliefs, yet we were drastically different kinds of people. While I am rebellious and easily provoked to an unyielding defense, Brad was passive and studiously non confrontational.

Somehow over the years I think we both grew not only to accept this in each other, but to respect it; I think this is part of the reason we were able to work together for so much of our lives. In an odd parallel we were also opposites in the studio. Once Brad would laid down a vocal track he became instantly committed to it and would dig in if challenged, whereas I would want to change everything and never be sure. We were usually at odds on how vocal arrangements should go also, which in early years caused heated debates. Later we both developed such respect for each other's abilities that the collaboration, so important to the eventual outcome of BOSTON's music, became much easier. It was largely my music, but it was Brad who brought it to life, and this struggle we both had to endure was part of what made it so many people's favorite.

I last saw Brad at rehearsal last month where we prepared several old and new songs for our upcoming summer shows. These are my fondest memories, playing music with my friend and the greatest singer in rock and roll.

Andy, Brad and I have been used and abused throughout our adult life by the music business, it continues even in his death. Please do the right thing with this. Sorry I wrote you a tome.

Tom Scholz

A Post of Musical Links

It's getting to be THAT time of year...ten rules for summer concerts


The ten least romantic love songs lyrics.



Here is a list of the twenty worst cover songs in rock history.

Hmmm Rod Stewart is on both lists...

Skyline Number 13

Frankfurt, Germany.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

This is a rant, so get ready. I really like Van Halen, they made some great music in the late 70's and into the 90's. The addition of Sammy Hagar really invigorated this band. Some of their songs are on my list as the best of all time. I am not sure, however, how they got elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I think they are a great band, but I am not familiar with the criteria needed to get elected. Case in point...here are some of my selections that I think should have gotten in before them...



Linda Ronstadt, THE most popular female singer of the 70's. And just because of this album cover... 'nuff said.


Van Halen before Neil...that aint right. One of the most prolific songwriters ever and still going strong today..OK, I will take away points for 'Heartlight', but tell me is there anyone who has the portfolio of songs this guys does...I didn't think so. It's a travesty he's not in.


The Hollies...'Bus Stop','The Air That I Breathe','He Aint Heavy','Carrie Ann' ETC ETC. Perfect harmonies and great songwriting.


YES. Formed in 1968 and still going strong. Just for 'Roundabout', 'Your Move' and 'Owner of A Lonely Heart'. These guys have definately earned their spot.


Three Dog Night. This is a no brainer..21 top ten songs and three number ones. This is a disgrace that they aren't in. I don't know of a better band backing three talented vocalists. A huge part of the soundtrack of my adolescence.


Chicago..another crime. They rank as one of the biggest selling bands ever. I can only think they are snubbed because after 'If You Leave Me Now', they didn't rock anymore. Give me the first five albums anyday.


Doobie Brothers...THIS is the biggest, glaringest snub ever. These guys still do a hundred dates a year and their catalogue is still one of the best selling ever. 'The Best of The Doobies' has sold over 20 million copies...this is just bullshit.


Heart...maybe a stretch but I wouldn't have a problem with them getting in.


The Moody Blues...another monumental snub. Nine excelleent releases and they changed the landscape in the late 60's and early 70's with smart, excellent songs. From 1967-72, these guys were the best ofthe bunch.

That is just the opinion of one music lover, if there are any you care to add, feel free.

Skyline Number 14

Number 14 on a list of someone greatest skylines, here is number 14 Dubai, UAE.

Brush With Greatness March 2007

John Schneider 'Bo Duke' taken last Friday. Dude looks like he hasn't aged a year. He was in town to promote his new film. My first question was about Catherine Bach. He was one of the best interviews ever.
Really nice cat. Why can't I take a decent picture....huh

Tournament Thoughts

I am not sure how I feel about Dick Vitale. I want to hate the guy, but last year when we went to a prep rally at Notre Dame (he has two daughters that go there), we saw him and he was exceptional about talking with people, having his picture taken and my son says his daughters are very nice.
But still, he seems to the a shill for the ACC, if he isn't touting Duke, he is touting Maryland or some other team. Yeah, the ACC is a great conference but enough is enough. He says North Carolina will win it all. Surprize.
I thought Missouri State got screwed again and only two MVC teams got in.
Creighton has a tough match up and so does SIU. Notre Dame got hosed. They got all the way to the semi-finals of their conference tournament losing to eventual champion (and number two seed) Georgetown by two points. For that they get a sixth seed. Duke loses in the first game of their conference tournament by a team that didn't make the NCAA tournament and they got a sixth seed.
You can not be rewarded for past sucesses, that shouldn't count. Too bad for Drexel, Air Force and Syracuse. They got hosed, too.

Worth Abbey

Hello, Father Jamison.
I hope life is treating you well.
Regards.

R I P Brad Delp

Brad Delp, whose strong vocals helped Boston to a string of 1970s and '80s hits, was found dead at his home in Atkinson, New Hampshire this afternoon (Friday). Local police said that Delp, 55, was apparently alone at the time of his death, but no indication of foul play was found. A police statement indicated that they were called to his house to respond to "an untimely death." Local police and the state Medical Examiner are investigating.
Among the hits on which the Boston native's keening tenor can be heard are "More Than a Feeling" "Long Time," "Peace of Mind" and "Amanda."
Delp had recently gotten engaged to longtime girlfriend Pamela Sullivan. They were planning to marry this summer. A Boston tour with R-E-O Speedwagon was also scheduled for the summer months.
The Boston website now says, "We've just lost the nicest guy in rock and roll."

What a voice. WOW! I've heard the songs a hundred thousand times but yet, for some reason, I never got tired of playing their music. The selling point of that band was that incredible production and that incredible sweet voice, I can't imagine that band being that successful without that voice. The high notes he hits in "Rock and Roll Band" are out of this world and I guess he now is, too. To this day "Hitch A Ride" is one of my all time favorite songs. How tragic.

My Burger of the Month

I am NOT a fast food guy, don't eat it much. I would rather prepare something than order it. In fact I don't remember the last time I had fast food, but I do love Whoppers and always have. Driving by the Wendy's on West End Avenue here in music city, I got the hankerin for a burger. So, I got the single with cheese and small fries and it was pretty tasty.
An hour later, I am tired. Coincidence? I think not. Nice diversion but I can't do more than one every three months, if that.

An End and A New Beginning

A dream of mine has been realized and a dream job has come to an end. As of 3/23/07, my on air career will end for good. We will have a public burial of my headphones, show prep and all of the paperwork I have accumulated over the years. All of the research from the consultancy, all of the music tests will either be buried or burned. IT ALL MUST GO!! At a certain point in a person's life, they realize that maybe they have left the business behind or the business has left them. I hit that point about three weeks ago. I missed being on on the air, I missed "the business". Well, I have found out that the "business" I missed no longer exists. I am not a liner card reader, I am much too old for that. I have realized that what I have to offer isn't what the radio companies are looking for. So, with that in mind, I am thrilled and overwhelmed to be added to the sales staff at KMOX. I will be trading in my headphones for a three piece suit and the marketing and promotional acumen that I have accrued will now come to fuition. I have given this business 31 years of love, I now hope to capitalize on that and make CBS and myself a great deal of money. It was an easy decision to make. I will be working again for Dave Ervin who fired me at Smooth jazz a few years ago. I have always liked Dave and did NOT burn that bridge. He had a vision of what he wanted and I was not a part of it. Pretty simple, but that's the business and I accepted it, didn't squawk about publicly and now some 4 1/2 years later, he is my boss again. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and my family. I will be writing the obituary of a career and recap everything. I really started to like Nashville and I know I hurt my friend Al Brock, but he also understands the magnitude of this incredible opportunity.
I am thrilled. I said it before but this time I mean it..when it comes to being on the air...I..am...done.

WKRP Encore

Ten minutes with Jennifer Marlowe...thank God for Youtube

Hottest Album Covers?

This is Toni Braxton, she's really hot.

Ah geez..a subjective thing for sure, but I can't think of any others.
Maxim's list is here.

It's Over

5/12/1976-3/8/2007

The gestation period started in 1972 when I first attended radio school. I was 16. I was introduced to the radio school by my brothers second wife. With work and regular school happening, this part of my life had to be put on hold until after work and/or college. I went back to radio school at the age of 20 and finished the 18 month course in nine.



It was born on a sunny day in May of 1976 it was a Saturday. The first song was 'Chevy Van' by Sammy Johns. The location was WHBF-AM in downtown Rock Island Illinois. A man named Dick Stuart saw something in this long haired kid and offered me Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. The following week, Mickie the night girl took a week off whicH allowed me to put together a 'tape'. You needed one of those to do anything. Thank you Dick Stuart. I hope rumours of your ill health are untrue.



This allowed me to get my first full time job at 99plus stereo KFMH in Muscatine Iowa in October of 1976. This was a 100,000 watt mafugga with a free form format that allowed the jocks to pick their own music. I was in heaven and I was also in the poorhouse because the pay was next to nothing. What a great time that was, I did the job for the love of the music at such an early age in my career. Little did I know that this would be the second to last time in my career that I could play what I wanted. Thank you Steve Bridges. I got in the business listening to guys like you. You are as big a prick now as you ever have been and I know you take that as a compliment.


I was approached by the management at an AM station in the Quad Cities and asked to put on an album rock show at a station that played Barry Manilow in September of 1977. I went and bought the records, put together playlists, rotations and mentored the night gal, nevermind she was 13 years older than me. At seven PM every night, the strains of Simon and Garfunkel would fade and the dulcet tones of Ted Nugent, Rush and Black Sabbath would permeate the air. It was my first foray into programming and it was good. We went from a 4.5 men at night to a 17.3 in three ratings periods on friggin AM radio, for God's sake. I was fired because a local FM station figured it out and we changed our format to...disco...ew. This was the last time I got to play what I wanted. Thanks Jim Mahanay for firing me, you and I both knew it was coming.


In the summer of 1978, WXLP-FM signed on the air and I was jealous not to be a part of the first staff there. When I lost the AM gig, I immediately went to the station with my 'tape'. I was hired and started the next day. I did middays until John Keith left mornings to teach. I didn't last long in the morning slot. Our slug line was 'Stereo Album Rock' 97X. We told our audence we were in stereo, that's how long ago it was. Thanks Tom McGuire and Jim Ohara, it's hard to believe you are still there.

In he fall of 1978, Max Floyd, Program Director of the legendary KY102 in Kansas City was test driving his new car. Instead of flying to Chicago to attend a convention, he drove and stopped in the Quad Cities for the night. He woke to my morning show and when he returned to KC offered me a chance to do nights there. He wanted me to be 'Bizzaro Man' on the air, whatever that meant. A very strange thing happened the night I spent at the Sheraton Airport Inn, which is about 20 miles from KC. I was in KC interviewing for a job and while watching TV that evening, the episode of WKRP in which Johnny Fever was offered a job in LA was being shown. I thought that was extremely strange. My show was from 6-10pm, a timeslot to be an entertainer and that I did. I moved to afternoons in 1982 and continued the personality radio with countless ratings successes. During that time, a mighty competitor arrived in KC called 'KCI'. It was helmed by a man named John Beck, they put up a valiant struggle, but John ultimately left to head KSHE95 in St. Louis in 1984. In 1984 and 1985 I was either number one or number two in the ratings. When I did lose, it was to the cat down the hall spinning country tunes, Phil Young. Once John got set in St. Louis, I wrote him a letter starting my undying desire to work at KSHE, a station I had fallen in love with in the early seventies.
In the summer of 1985, I left KY 102 to do afternoons at KSHE. Thanks to Max and a hundred people in KC too numerous to name. Thanks to Tammy, who at the time, was THE love of my life and a woman I will think about to the day I die.

my hero

Thanks to Youtube, here is 10 minutes of my man.
Right before the end, Johnny deals with syndication. This show was SO ahead of it's time

City Skylines

Growing up where I did, I can assure you that Ava Missouri did not have a memorable skyline. A nice square, for sure, but no building over four stories. The Quad Cities had a small one, but the problem here is which figuring out which city supplies the skyline...Rock Island...Davenport..etc. I have always been fascinated with skylines. My older brother had a game when we were kids that allowed you to build your own skyline, and if I remember right the game was called 'Skyline'. Oddly enough.


Nashville has a beautiful skyline..dominated by the Bell South er..eh..I mean the Batman tower...


When I first moved to KC, I remember driving in my UHaul and being awed at the sight I saw coming from I-35.


And really, this is a breathtaking sight. Coming in every Friday night, I look forward to seeing St. Louis' skyline from about 4 miles away.




In someone's list of the top 15 skylines in the world, this is number 15.
This would be Guangzou China, It aint no KC that's for sure.

The 29th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

How fun was this..I laughed out loud in a number of places at this play. I saw it last night at the TPAC and LOVED it. The story of a spelling bee; but as in all great plays, it is all about the characters. The boy scout and his erection at exactly the wrong time, the nerd and the nerdette, the asian girl who has so much expectation thrusted upon her. Great music, great humor. It is a bit racy and the bit where the asian girl has a conversation with Jesus is hysterical. Very, very funny and may be the best thing I've seen since I've been here.
Randy gives it 4 and 3/4 stars.
Rewarding, very, very rewarding.

It's March MADNESS Baby

...and it's my favorite time of the year. NHL is winding up to the games that count, opening day is just around the corner and the NBA is getting to the crux of the biscuit. But, for shear entertainment it's March Madness for me. I love the fact that some unknown can bitchslap Duke. I am looking forward to selection Sunday and screaming at the TV for leaving out Missouri State again this year. When filling out your brackets, always pick the favorite. You'll win in the end. Meanwhile, I'm rooting for Belmont or some school like that...
PS...that's Oscar Robertson in the picture. He was OK.

Phun With Photoshop

SEC Champs

I am now a huge Vandy women's basketball fan.

The head coach is a friend of the show. They just won the SEC tournament and should receive a number two seed to the tournament.

Good luck coach, you deserve it.



ah...I hope I didn't jinx you.