April 7, 2007

"Behind the Mike"

Hi Guys:

For several years now, I have been considering writing a book about the experiences of my career over the last 30 years dealing with celebrities and their real persona vs the one the public sees. Here are a few of the stories which might be included in such a book.

There was the incident where a very public national politician famous for his supposed "moral convictions" and champion of the minority actually appeared on a debate where I was the producer. We had to make sure he had protection and a very nice hotel and some "female companionship." The TV station said okay to the protection and lodging but the "female companionship" was out of the question. Here is a guy who talks about how others should live, is married and does not follow his own moral ethics. Lifestyle is up to the individual, but this guy is just a hypocrite. He finally got busted in a morals case, but people still send his organization money. Wish I could mention his name. Not a good guy in my opinion.

Then there was the beloved national celebrity who was on a tour through Florida and as the crew slept in the early morning hours as the tour bus moved through the early morning fog, he could be seen, awake sitting up straight and waving to imaginary fans he believed were waving back! God Bless Him, he loved the adoration of the fans, even if they did not exist!

Let's not forget about the superstar Rock n' Roll Duo in Bangor, Maine. I was working as the promotion guy on the release of a new LP for RCA and it was sponsored by Pontiac. The car company had provided us with two (2) brand new "Fiero's" to appear on stage nightly as part of the act. This male duo has become the biggest in Rock history and at the time had 4 hit songs to their credit. The crew were all staying at the Holiday Inn in Bangor and I was sound asleep at about 2 AM one morning when the phone rang. It was the Maine State Police who told me that one of the singers of this famous duo was stopped on I-95 by a state trooper. He was driving one of the Fiero's (which was not registered as they were transported to each show by truck) and he had no drivers license. He told the cop to call me and the record label would handle it!
DUH!

A big television star who was also a male sex symbol used to meet his male lover, also a TV star at a Boston Hotel on a regular basis until his production company informed him that promotion guys were not paid to be his pimps! (The problem here is not necessarily the behavior but the hypocrisy in allowing views and fans to believe your phony image).

During my time as a Boston Talk Radio producer at WRKO we had occasion to book a well known personality of a regular basis. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us and was known for his edgy TV show on Channel 9 in Seacaucas , NJ , smoking endless cigarettes and a huge logo showing a "Big Mouth with Teeth". He had told the host of our show, whom he was friendly with, that he would fly to Boston from New York to do the show in studio and that someone should pick him up at Logan Airport. We did the show and everyone went home and just as I was arriving at home, the phone rang. (This was before cell phones). It was the guest whom the program host had never told me about - he forgot! The man had been sitting at Logan Airport for three hours and so I drove out to get him to a hotel. When I arrived he was standing at the gate about to get on a return flight to New York. He said, "I just wanted to inconvenience you the same way you inconvenienced me." He never spoke to our host again but we got together in Washington when I was his producer. Then, we laughed about the incident.

There are so many stories about my dealings with celebrities which would amaze and sometimes shock readers. But, no one would talk to me if I used real names and facts, so the book goes unwritten.

Finally, there is one real name that I can use. Mystery writer Stephen King lived in Bangor, ME at the same time I was program director at radio station WGUY-FM. It was a CHR station (Contemporary Hit Radio) and our competition was WZON ("The Dead Zone") owned by Stephen King. I hosted the afternoon drive show (3-7PM) and we did contests, tight playlist, high impact delivery etc. We a were very "in your" face about the competition. "What do you call a two story outhouse? A Mighty John" (John Marshall was the key personality on WZON).

When the Arbitron ratings finally came out we had decimated WZON in all demographics, so much so that by the next ratings book WZON had changed format. Stephen King showing the type of class few know he possesses, agreed to do the Sunday PSA show with me. It dealt with community events and local events, and he was very gracious. After the show I received a card in the mail from Stephen congratulating me and the staff on the win and informing me that another gift was coming by special delivery - "A Little Dog names "CUJO".

Jack

April 2, 2007

Hey guys:

Sometimes I think we tend to get caught up in the business mode where everything we do or say has to be for financial gain, to make more money, sell more product or just stay ahead of the competitors. While that is good in certain circumstances and I certainly am a firm believer in good old American capitalism, it is also refreshing to meet someone who is just a good person.

Dave Williams is such as person. He is the executive general manager at Yamashiro in Hollywood, CA, a destination restaurant in the beautiful Hollywood Hills featuring the best view of Los Angeles, wonderful Cal Asian cuisine and an inviting atmosphere for great dining. Check out their fine menu with many appetizing items and the highest quality. The service of their very professional staff is tops and Yamashiro is the perfect destination restaurant for a memorable dining experience. I have the opportunity to meet with Dave in his office to record his radio spots on a regular basis and have experienced the service and cuisine at Yamashiro and it just as described and more. Now Dave and his staff are handling the food & beverage needs of another Hollywood landmark, The Magic Castle ... things just keep getting better!

Now, how to get to this fantastic landmark restaurant:

Just up the hill behind Mann's Chinese Theatre sit two unique Hollywood landmarks. If you turn north from Hollywood Boulevard, up Orange Drive, you will quickly come to the intersection of Orange and Franklin Avenue. Directly in front of you will be a sheer hillside, with a narrow, winding road ascending the heights. The large building you see in front (at 7001 Franklin) is the famous Magic Castle, a private club for magicians and their invited guests only. (If you're still interested, you can give them a call at (323) 851-3313.) But high above the Magic Castle, you will notice an even more impressive structure - a virtual castle perched upon the hill, some 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard. This is Yamashiro. The name means "Mountain Palace" Japanese . An exact replica of a palace in the Yamashiro mountains of Kyoto, Japan, it was built as a private mansion in 1911. After the death of the original owners, the mansion was home to "The 400 Club", an exclusive social club for the Hollywood elite during the late 1920's, attracting silent screen legends such as Lilian Gish, Ramon Navarro and Bebe Daniels.
World War II and Pearl Harbor brought anti-Japanese hysteria to California, which led to the Yamashiro being vandalized, painted-over and eventually converted into a boys' military school. After the war, it was used as an apartment house, and it was about to be torn down in 1948 when (fortunately for the public) a new owner recognized the treasure beneath the paint, and decided to restore it. From the 1970's through the mid 90's it served the public as a grand Japanese restaurant; today they offer CalAsian cuisine. Boasting twelve acres of lushly landscaped gardens, waterfalls, koi ponds, a 14th century pagoda and a spectacular view of the city below, the Yamashiro is a Hollywood legend. It preserves some of the Old Hollywood glamour as that 600-year-old pagoda, imported from Japan in 1914, ranks as the oldest building in California!) Some of the stars who have dined here recently include Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dolly Parton, Penny Marshall, LeAnn Rimes, Leeza Gibbons, Anjelica Houston, Johnny Depp, Faye Dunaway and Ruth Buzzi.

Enjoy! Jack

March 28, 2007

Hi Gang:

It has been quite a journey for me through the exciting world of music as a "jock" who "played the hits" for much of my career. From the early days of Bill Drake ("And the Hits Just Keep on Comin") at WRKO in Boston, to the era of Disco and WXKS-FM's legendary imprint on a generation, to my life as a medium market program director at WGUY-FM in Bangor and WDRC-FM ("Big D 103) in Hartford. This was long before my close friendship with Colonel Oliver North, Dick Cavett, Jerry Williams, Doug Stephan, Michael Harrison and Mort Downey Jr in the world of "talk radio". Let's return to those "thrilling days of yesteryear", with the tight playlists , energetic delivery, entertaining jingles, instantly recognized stagings , ever present rotary contest games ... but mostly let's return to a time when radio was fun for the listener and for those of us lucky enough to be in the industry. It has often been said that radio is the only industry where most jocks operate on a secured credit card and money has always been an issue with most of those I have met in the business. But it was fun and satisfying to be on the air and play, "Number One Then and Number One Now" , take a break for "20/20 News" listen to a "Double Golden" and give a listener a chance to win "Twin Camaros" or "Win Their Weight in Gold". But, that was then, and now is now, and in this day of "Clear Channel" and "Infinity" and cookie cutter broadcast outlets, $500 million dollar paydays for Howard Stern, and a huge debt load for XM Radio and Sirius it appears much of the creativity in Radio has been replaced by a unnatural worship of the mighty dollar. The quality, well researched and creative programming has now been replaced with block programming and constant sales pitches flood the airways, and in most cases are embarrassingly poor. Digital editors now improve the air sound , so they claim, but a dedicated engineer with a razor blade and a Revox could accomplish about the same. Dick Clark is sidelined with a medical condition, Casey Casem and Ric Dees have been replaced by Ryan Seacrest, Wolfman Jack, Robert W. Armstrong, The Real Don Steele, and Gordon McClendon are gone, Westwood One has been sold and the state of radio is pretty poor. But one thing remains constant and unchanged, Don Graham is still "on the scene with the record machine". Years before I moved to Los Angeles, Don was an important force in music radio and he was certainly known to me. He has been with Tower Records, Warner Brothers Records, A&M Records, Cream Records, Blue Thumb Records, United Artists Records, Midget Productions, and Don Graham Promotions.

Today he is still going strong with Progressive Music Marketing and his familiar signature line, "Thanks". Don has promoted just about every major Top Forty hit in the last 40 years including the Warner Brothers Stable of actors (Robert Conrad; Ed Byrnes; Connie Stevens) to CCR; Diana Ross; The Rolling Stones; Rod Stewart; James Darren; Little Peggy March; Diana Krall; Burt Bacharach, Herb Alpert, Ike & Tina Turner; Frank Stallone; Michael Buble; Sally Kellerman; Monica Mancini; Bobby Darin and dozens of others. His big breakthrough came with The Tijuana Brass and "Lonely Bull" while he was with Herb Alpert & Jerry Moss at A&M in 1962. Don is a three time winner of Bill Gavin's ("The Gavin Report") "National Promotion Man of the Year and two time winner of Billboard's "National Promotion Man of the Year".

When it came time for me to move to Los Angeles 10 years ago, I finally got the opportunity to meet the man who caused so much ruckus in the radio music world for so many years. Today Don promotes mostly Standard artists with as much enthusiasm and intensity as he did for all of his unbelievable stable of stars. His latest client is Joey McIntyre and "Talk to Me" and the promotion is just as intense and solid as with "Lonely Bull" so many years ago.

I am proud to say that Don has become a very close friend and has introduced me to many icons of the entertainment world, Rod Stewart, James Darren, Ike Turner, Gary Owens, Don Pitts, Chuck Southcott, Joey McIntyre, Chick Atkins, Don Ho (Don's beautiful wife Robin was a singer with the Hawaiian legend and they actually were married in the Aloha state), Wink Martindale, Johnny Crawford, "Rockin' Joe Smith, Joel Dorn (now the "voice of CRN Digital Talk"), Buzz Curtis ("Post Records - More to Come"), Manhattan Transfer, Sally Kellerman, Mike Stoller, Paul Drew and many others.

He's the man who was Bill Drake's roommate and was actually present for the first meeting of Drake and the late Gene Chenault ("Drake Chenault"), helped Bob Smith ("Wolfman Jack") land that great role in "American Graffiti", shared the "hotel room from hell" with Charlie Barrett ("The Amazing Race). He has promoted most major hit records of the last forty years including Robert Conrad's "Ballin' the Jack" , Connie Stevens, "Sixteen Reasons" and Herb Alpert's entire catalog of hits. The kid from San Francisco who "could never get a real job" is as strong as ever at 70 with his machine gun delivery and high intensity promotion. He prefers fax to email, handwriting to computers and always gets the client played! Go get 'em Don!

Jack

March 26, 2007

Hi gang!

Well here I am at CRN and as executive producer my duties include overseeing six national 24/7 channels. But what is CRN? Well maybe this will help:

"CRN Digital Talk Radio is the premier provider for radio syndication. CRN develops the hottest new and unique talk talent and distributes it worldwide via radio, cable TV audio, satellite audio and the Internet."

Those of you who have worked with me in the past know that I am not the easiest person to deal with and at times perhaps my diplomacy could be better. With that said, it is with total honesty that you should know that the people I work with at CRN are the best of the broadcast world and unlike others in the business, CRN is striving everyday to produce "real radio", the way it should be, exciting, creative and professional. Starting with Mike Horn, our President and owner, who unquestionably understands the industry and whose talents are equal to any major market radio talent I have ever worked with at anytime. Jennifer Horn is Mike's daughter and former president of "Women in Cable " and co-hosts the "Doug Stephan Show" and is invaluable for her knowledge and creativity. Erin Farrell is also on the business side and handles affiliations and oversees major projects. Stephanie Bamondi is in charge of Human Resources and Accounting but also has a very creative side and is working with PR and specifically the CRN "My Space" website. Eric Horn and Courtney Kadera work with Stephanie and their combined energy and hard work keep the operation moving ahead. Paul Stern is CRN's "Operations Director" and co-hosts the "AM SHOW" with Jennifer Horn and "What's Cookin" with Mike Horn. He certainly knows the talk radio players and is a great guy. Back when I was a "top forty jock", having Erik Hines on the show would have been great. Digital editing has replaced the razor blade, but as CRN's production Director , Erik has the talent and knowledge which combine the creativity and excitement of the "good ole days" with the technological superiority of today. Erik also produces the popular "What's Cookin on Wine" show from the Napa Rose restaurant at Disneyland every Friday night with the legendary "Robert Balzar". Tomas is CRN's Assistant Operations Director and has almost as much time as I do in radio, working as a programmer and air talent in many outlets across this country. David Sears has great expertise in the broadcast industry and has held many key positions, so it is great to be working with such a respected talent who also hosts "We the People" on Saturday nights. (By the way, he is also married to Jann Carle of "Entertainment Tonight" ... wow some guys have all the luck!) Jill Garneski is on the CRN staff as Executive Producer for Celebrity Programming and also has the Celebrity Soup website and Elmer Dills and Friends on Saturdays. Her creativity and drive help to make CRN to always be on the edge of "whats happening". Larry Lipson is with the Los Angeles Daily News and joins "What's Cookin" every Wednesday live across America with his unique commentary and thought on Food & Wine. Steve Evans with the Sundance Channel is live on "What's Cookin" every Friday with the weekend movie pics and Jeremy Wilkinson from Great Wines International previews some great wines on Friday's show as well.

I am so fortunate to be working with true broadcast professionals such as:

Elmer Dills ("Elmer Dills & Friends" - Saturdays at 2 PM PT)

The former CIA agent and Los Angeles food legend hosts a new show across America with his lovely wife Lynne. Brandon Drake is the producer/engineer and pulls it all together weekly.

Ed McMahon ("What's Cookin" - Thursdays at 8:30 AM PT)

In my mind , the nicest celebrity in entertainment today and a "real person". I have known Ed since my days at his first radio station, WLLH in Lowell, MA and his kindness, professionalism and willingness to have fun on the air have not changed in all that time - A real good guy!

Charlie Barrett ("Sinatra & Co" - SA/SUN 12-4 AM)

Charlie Barrett is a friend and has been in the business for many years. He hosts a "Sinatra" show on weekends and also contributes to "What's Cookin" as a travel reporter. In addition to working as a publicist for CRN, he also represents "The Amazing Race" and other high profile clients and owns the Barrett Company.

Gregg Hunter ("Gregg Hunter's Niteside" TH 8-10 PM PT)

Working with Gregg is a real kick as he knows the entertainment world and the "real Hollywood stars" inside out and although it sometimes appears that we have a generation gap, we really don't. His knowledge of celebrities combined with his execution on air and his former status as host of the live program from the original Brown Derby in Hollywood have earned my respect and admiration.

In addition Dick Sinclair, Linda Salvin, Les Kincaid, Ira Sternberg, Brent Ogle, Dr. Mitchell Perry, Larry Windsor and Fred Wallin join the above in making this crew the most professional and best I have ever had the pleasure of working with in the broadcast industry . Rounding out our team is Arline Fields, Mike Horn's assistant who keeps tabs on everything and Terry Bates, who handles insurance and shares an office with me.

This first blog spend a lot of time telling you who we are so your are able to understand our combined experience and what we can do together as a team. Future updates will deal with the programming, guests and what you can expect from CRN in the week ahead. Here is a quick look at some of guests this week and a brief musical tribute to Captain Fantastic (Elton John) who turns 60 on Sunday.

Jack

MON MAR 26 SECRET WORD OF DAY - BOTTLE

WC SHOW - 8:30 AM PT Xemina Gabella Adventure Wines
WC SHOW - 8:30 AM PT Angela Skinner "Race Day Grub"

TUE MAR 27 SECRET WORD OF DAY - ORANGE

WC SHOW 8:10 AM PT Micharl Barnes "Malibu Wine Classic"
WC SHOW 8:30 AM PT Dave Williams "Yamashiro Easter Buffet"

WED MAR 28 SECRET WORD OF DAY - COOKIE

WC SHOW 8:10 AM PT Larry Lipson (Food writer - LA Daily News)
WC SHOW 8:20 AM PT Leslie Sbrocco Wedding Wine Expert
WC SHOW 8:30 AM PT Lisa Keam Tropicana Las Vegas 50th Anniversary

THU MAR 29 SECRET WORD OF DAY - PAPER

WC SHOW 8:10 AM PT Vincent Brunetti - Hyatt Long Beach

FRI MAR 30 WORD OF DAY - DOOR

WC SHOW 8:30 AM PT Jeremy Wilkinson (Great Wines International)
WC SHOW 8:50 AM PT Steve Evans Sundance Channel

ELTON JOHN IS 60 ON SUNDAY MARCH 25, 2007

In a career spanning four decades, Elton John has sold over 250 million records and has over 50 Top 40 hits, making him one of the most successful musicians of all time. John was one of the dominant commercial forces in the rock world during the 1970s, with a string of seven consecutive #1 records on the U.S. album charts, 23 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10 ones, and six #1 hits. His success had a profound impact on popular music, and contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll. Key musical elements in John's success included his melodic gifts matched with the contributions of his lyricist partner Bernie Taupin, his rich tenor and gospel-chorded piano, aggressive string arrangements, and his flamboyant fashion sense and on-stage showmanship. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Elton John #49 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. He continues to be a major public figure, and has been heavily involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and was knighted in 1998, and has remained an enduringly successful artist. Also, Elton is a champion for gay rights.

Click Play Button below for Elton Montage