Posts

Junior Wells !

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Greetings y'all. Let me tell you the story of one bad dude, strutting across the stage like a harp-toting gangster, mesmerizing the crowd with his tough-guy antics and rib-sticking Chicago blues attack... Amazingly, Junior Wells kept at precisely this sort of thing for over 40 years... he was an active performer from the dawn of the 1950s to his death in 1998. Born in Memphis, Wells learned his earliest harp licks from another future legend, Little Junior Parker, before he came to Chicago at age 12. In 1957, Wells hooked up with producer Mel London, who owned the Chief and Profile logos. The association resulted in many of Wells's most enduring sides, including "I Could Cry" and the rock & rolling "Lovey Dovey Lovely One" in 1957, and the R&B-laced classic "Messin' with the Kid" in 1960 (sporting Earl Hooker's immaculate guitar work). Wells's harp was de-emphasized during this period on record in favor of his animated vocals ! W...

A Bloody Western Mix, Part 4 !!!

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Howdy folks ! Yeah, The long awaited new Western Mix is served ! And believe me, this one’s a bloody one ! All together once again : « YEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAA !!!!! » Rev. Frost Presents…A Bloody Western Mix, Part 4 ! (75 :35) 1. United States Military Academy Band - When Johnny Comes Marching Home 2. Johnny Western - The Gunfighter 3. Tennessee Ernie Ford - The Cry Of The Wild Goose 4. Frankie Laine - Wanted Man 5. Ennio Morricone - La Resa Dei Conti 6. Johnny Horton - The First Train Headin' South 7. Marty Robbins - Ballad Of The Alamo (Thirteen Days Of Glory) 8. Armando Trovaioli - Vai Cowboy Vai 9. Baja Marimba Band - Ghost Riders In The Sky 10. Frankie Laine – Granada 11. Frank Hutchison - Hell Bound Train 12. M. Gigante,A. Nadin,A. Bascerano - Wanted Johnny Texas Main Titles 13. Gene Pitney - The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 14. Bob Wills And His Texas Playboys - Ida Red (Live) 15. Cisco Houston - Pat Works On The Railroad 16. Hugo Montenegro - Aces High 17. Johnny Western - Nin...

Johnny Valentine !

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Love ! Lovers ! Losers ! Heartbreakers ! Broken-Hearted People ! This one’s for you ! And don’t forget to say thanks to the great Andy Anderson ! Andy Anderson : * Johnny Valentine * + * Johnny Valentine (1956) * * Johnny Valentine (1957)- Fast * * Johnny Valentine (1957)- Slow *

Long John Hunter !

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John T. Hunter, Jr. was born in Louisiana in 1931 and grew up in Arkansas and Texas. Long John's been playing his foot-pounding brand of original, hard-driving roadhouse blues for over 40 years. For 30 of those years he remained mostly in West Texas, where he was the reigning blues king of El Paso and Juarez, Mexico ! With only a handful of singles and a very obscure album to his credit, Long John didn't release his first full-length, internationally distributed album until 1993 !!! So Hunter recorded a number of singles for the Yucca label from 1961 to 1963 (these sides were later released as Texas Border Town Blues on the Dutch Double Trouble label in 1986). Although all of these recordings were well received locally, Hunter's reputation never spread ,due in no small part to his desire to stay in Juarez, where he was treated like royalty and even had his own body guards and expense account ! Long John Hunter : * Ride With Me Baby * * Betty Lou * * Border Town Blues *

The Belairs !

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The Belairs were one of the pre-eminent L.A. South Bay surf bands, scoring in 1961 with the classic Mr. Moto. Rhythm guitarist and Mr. Moto. composer Paul Johnson was joined in the originals Belairs lineup by lead guitarist Eddie Bertrand, drummer Richard Delvy and sax player Chaz Stuart. Jimmy Roberts also helped out on piano for recording sessions and live appearances. The Belairs carried on until 1964, when the British Invasion (it’s probably the 354th time I’m writing that) wiped out nearly all the surf bands. See you next week ! The Belairs : * Mr Moto * * Volcanic Action * * Rampage *

The Collins Kids !

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The Collins Kids were a juvenile rockabilly duo, featuring sister Lawrencine "Lorrie" Collins and younger brother Lawrence "Larry" Collins. Their hits were geared towards kids, but their infectious singing and playing crossed over generations. Larry, a lightning-fingered guitar whiz at the age of 10, was known for playing a double-neck Mosrite guitar like his mentor, Joe Maphis. They were regular performers on Tex Ritter's "Town Hall Party" and "Ranch Party" television series in 1958 and 1959. In an early 2000s interview for PBS, Lorrie also stated that she sparked some controversy for her youthful sex appeal and torch song performances (most notably the hit "Rock Boppin' Baby"). Yes, she almost always retained the original, often male-oriented lyrics ! They signed with Columbia Records on July 25, 1955 and over the three years that followed cut the most ingenuous and joyous rock-a-billy of the era. Generally, Lorrie sang lead o...

The Southern Sons !

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The first embodiment of the gospel group known as the Southern Sons appeared in the '30s. Over the years there were changes in the membership, but the music stayed true and strong. Some of the artists that have been part of the Southern Sons are vocalists Clifford Givens, James Walker, Bob Holloway, David Smith, and Roscoe Robinson; saxophonists Sammy Downs, Clarence Hopkins, and Earl Ratliff; guitarists Tim Pruitt and Calvin Hobson; and organist Robert Claybourne.The Southern Sons reached a height of popularity in the '50s. Four decades later, the group was still around, though the lineup had changed a few times. Some artists moved on to other groups, like the Blind Boys of Mississippi and the Dixie Hummingbirds. Come on boys, the water is fine. The Southern Sons : * Rock In A Weary Land * * Live So God Can Use You *

Gene Terry !

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Yeeeha ! Gene Terry (Gene DeRouen) was born on January 7, 1940 in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 1942, his family moved to Port Arthur, Texas. Gene grew up listening to his father and grandfather performing Cajun music and he also attended house and barn dances with his uncle, R. C. DeRouen, a Cajun musician ! His uncle taught him how to play guitar and eventually Gene accompanied him on stage. Gene formed his own group, the Kool Kats in the mid-1950's playing country and western songs. Gradually rhythm and blues began to enter the band's repertoire as Gene became influenced by Little Richard, Elvis Presley and local KTRM deejay J. P. "the Big Bopper" Richardson. The band changed its name to the Down Beats and began attracting a loyal following. Word spread to Lake Charles, LA gaining the attention of local club owners and a five year contract with Goldband Records. Gene Terry and the Down Beats recorded several singles for Goldband including classic "Cindy Lou." ...

Garnet Mimms !

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Oooh Yeah. I realised the other other day that a lotta folks didn’t know Garnet Mimms. Remember, I’m here to spread the word after all. Mr Mimms grew up in Philadelphia, where he sang in gospel groups such as the Evening Stars, the Harmonizing Four, and the group with which he would record his first record (in 1953), the Norfolk Four. He returned to Philadelphia after serving in the military and formed doo-wop group The Gainors in 1958. In 1961 Mimms left The Gainors to form a new group, Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters with Zola Pearnell and Charles Boyer. The group moved to New York and began to work with successful songwriter/record producer Bert Berns. Berns signed them to the United Artists label . Mimms and the Enchanters parted ways in 1964; the group to record separately with a new lead vocalist, while Mimms cut solo sides for UA steadily over the next few years. Anyway, Garnet Mimms' pleading, gospel-derived intensity made him one of the earliest true soul singers ! Enjoy !...

Billy Strange !

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As Mrs Frost always says : « With Rev. Frost, it’s la fiesta everyday » William E. Strange teamed up with Mac Davis to write several hit songs for Elvis including "A Little Less Conversation", and "Memories" and he wrote "Limbo Rock" for Chubby Checker. He has also recorded many of The James Bond movie themes for GNP Crescendo Records and he has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame for his pioneering contribution to the genre ! He was also recently inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. Strange played guitar on numerous Beach Boys hit's including "Sloop John B" and on the "Pet Sounds" album. He has also played guitar for Nancy Sinatra, Jan & Dean, The Ventures, Willie Nelson, The Everly Brothers, Wanda Jackson, Randy Newman and Nat King Cole among others ! AND He also has arranged and conducted for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Elvis… WOOF ! How about that ? Billy Strange : * Theme From The Muns...

Buck Griffin !

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2 Posts a week. Is that ok for you? Ok, let's roll. Buck Griffin has never made it as a star in country music, but not for lack of ability or talent. Described in his prime as a cross between Hank Williams and Red Foley, he was a charismatic performer and a prodigious songwriter who has simply failed to get the right breaks or the right contract at the right time ! (Ah, You know the story) You’re all invited to read a complete bio here ! Buck Griffin : * Stutterin' Papa * * Cochise * * Let's Elope Baby * By the way, d’you remember my post about Larry Donn ? Guess What, he came by and stopped to say hi. You can say hi back ! And he has a new cd out there ! Cheers Larry !

ALL ABOARD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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THE FROST TRAIN !!! Folks, let’s start this year with some deep blues shall we ! He called himself Boy Blue, but his real name was Roland Hayes. He played harmonica and delivered the blues with a powerful rasp! The tune "Joe Lee's Rock" involved the misfortunes of his drummer, whose hard-drinking girlfriend evidently was a two-timer ! "Joe Lee's Rock" & the seminal reading of John Lee Hooker's "Boogie Chillen" are part of a treasure trove of recordings made in the Deep South (The American South, not the French South ^_^) by the legendary folk music collector Alan Lomax So Boy Blue laid down "Joe Lee's Rock," a composition by his drummer, on Oct. 1, 1959 : "By nine o'clock the stereo machine was sitting on the bar," Lomax recalled. "Forrest City Joe and his two-piece orchestra, Boy Blue and his two accompanists, along with their girlfriends and other connoisseurs of the blues, were lapping up the liquor and ...

HONEY, I'M HOOOME (Part 2) !!!!!

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My dear readers, Wot can I say? After more than 4 months in limbo, I'm back ! Well, at least I hope I'm back 'cos everythime I say 'I'm back', I have a tendency to disappear... Well, that's no the point. This music blog has definetely turned into a diary (no, not diarrhea), so the next post will bring you Rev Frost in his bath, Rev Frost sober etc etc... Blah Blah Blah, did you miss me? Ah well, How can I thank you properly after all you've done to me? Messages, emails, phone calls and all that jazz? (Not to mention the money I did refuse everytime). I will think of something don't worry... Ah yes, I'm fine. I'm always fine. No matter what. People, no big words, we have a blog to rule. Once again, THANK YOU. So this time, it's not a come back mix, it's just one big monster called a bloody bloody bloody mix. Hell yeah. Friends, welcome back. PS: I have a ton of emails to respond, I've missed Halloween & Christmas - Crap, sorry ...

ARGH 2 !!!!

BROTHERS AND SISTERS, HAPPY NEW YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR !!!!!!! Yup, your host ain't dead yet, as always, I'm still waiting for internet ! (new song : "IIIII Wait for interneeeeeet") I hope you're all doing good, I'm doing fine out there in the cold, got a lotta presents for you..... please stand by !!!! I wish you all the best for this brand new funkin' year ! Cheers & See you soon !

ARGH

Hello folks. Sorry to interrupt this broadcast (haha). I thought I was back for good, but due to shitty circumstances (don't ask, it's too ridiculous), we've been kicked out from where we lived, so the result is : I'm sitting in a bloody cyber-café again just to let you know that I'm pretty much homeless (more much than pretty actually). Yup, no roof, no records, just the missus , a guitar and the old car. God, I always loved Vince Taylor, but it's not a good reason to end up like him. Okay, I'm not hopeless, you know me, good things are gonna come my way one day or another, but hey, it's pretty weird to sleep in a car. So I really don't know when I'll be able to get my hands on a computer again (not my priority to be honest), so don't worry, you know what they say, 'cheer up, it's not the end of the world'. Until the next time, I wish you the best. Yours Truly, Reverend 'Hobo' Frost.

HONEY, I'M HOME !

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TADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!!!!!!!!! Guess Who's Back ! Rev Frost Presents…A Bloody Come-Back Mix, Part 4 ! (57:02) 1. The Ghastly Ones - Surfin' Spooks 2. Link Wray - Friday Night Dance Party 3. The A-Bones - Rollin' To The Jukebox Rock 4. The Sonics - Shot Down 5. Little Richard - I Need Love 6. Johnny & The Uncalled Four - Shortnin' Bread 7. Johnny Carroll - Wild Wild Women 8. The Blind Boys Of Alabama - I've Been Born Again 9. Bobby Lee Trammell - Toolie Frollie 10. Jackie Wilson - Mama Of My Song 11. Big Jay Mcneely - Psycho Serenade 12. Rocky & The Riddlers - Flash & Crash 13. Bo Diddley - Rock'n'Roll 14. Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee - Wailin' & Whoopin' 15. The Apemen - El Rey Del Surf 16. Eddie Cochran - Am I Blue 17. Jack Nitzsche - The Magnificent Seven 18. Harry Belafonte - The Jack-Ass Song 19. Baby Huey & The Baby Sitters - Monkey Man 20. ‘Cile Turner - Crap Shootin' Sinner 21. The Lancasters - Satan 's Ho...

Summer Pot-Pourri !!!

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Hello my sweet lil' ducks from outerspace, Bad news or good news, Reverend Frost is taking some time off ! YES, HOLIDAYYYYYYYS !!!!!! No worries though, I'll be back at the end of summer - summer of love '07, here I come - Meanwhile, enjoy this sweeeeeet selection, and of course, thanks for your comments and emails - sorry sometimes I can't find the time to respond, pass me the whip please - thanks for reading/listening, and thanks for still buying records ^_^ My dear amigos, HAVE A GOOD SUMMER !!! REV FROST LOVES YOU ALL !!! The Ramrods : * Ghost Riders In The Sky * Dale Hawkins : * See You Soon Baboon * Jerry McCain : * A Cutie Named Judy * Dirty Red : * Mother Fuyer * hahaha June Carter & Carl Smith : * Time's A Wastin' * as requested ! King Curtis & The Noble Men : * Beach Party * Hadda Brooks : * Jump Back Honey * The Matini's : * Bullseye * The Boyer Brothers : * Step By Step * Perry Como : * Girl Of My Dreams * and your soul is mine "Have...

Johnny Powers !

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Born John Leon Joseph Pavlik in 1938 in East Detroit, Rockabilly artist Johnny Powers put together a band, Johnny Powers & His Rockets, with his friend Marvin Maynard on bass, Clark Locker on the drums, and Stan Getz on guitar(no, not the « Jazz Getz »). Powers jumped to the Fox label in 1958, getting a pair of regional hits with "Rock Rock" and "Long Blond Hair." The group got steady work cutting demos, some of which have surfaced as bootleg releases in recent years (as always, thank you Norton Rec). Things began to happen faster for Johnny Powers when his manager, Tommy Moers, got him a contract with Sun Records in 1959, heralded with the release of "With Your Love, With Your Kiss" b/w "Be Mine early that year. A second single followed, but Powers was dropped by Sun in 1960. He later became the first white artist signed to Motown Records, but with the passing of the '60s into the '70s, Power's career found him on the other side of th...

There Was A Fungus Among Us !

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Hugh Barrett And The Victors !!! There Was A Fungus Among Us !!! Released in 1961 !!! (Madison M164) What can I say !!! ^_^ Hugh Barrett And The Victors: * There Was A Fungus Among Us * * Got The Bull By The Horn *

Johnny Kidd !

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I'm so restless Johnny Kid (born Frederick Albert Heath in Willesdon, London, on 23 November 1935) had formed his first band, a skiffle group called the Five Nutters, in 1957. They quickly outgrew their skiffle roots and, after a short period fronting the Fred Heath Combo, he joined Alan Caddy (guitar), Tony Docherty (rhythm guitar), and Ken McKay (drums), in early 1958 in an outfit that was dubbed Johnny Kidd & the Pirates, who were spotted by an EMI Records representative and signed to the label. The group cut their first record, the outstanding Please Don't Touch , in April 1959, highlighted by Heath's menacing vocals, which reached number 26 on the British charts. The group's subsequent records were an uneven mix of solid R&B-based rock juxtaposed with awkwardly covered standards. Unfortunately, like every other British label of the era, EMI was never sure how best to deal with rock & roll success, and the group was made to record any amount of dross in...