“Streets of Fire” Rare Advance Poster!
Since we were talking about Streets of Fire yesterday, I thought I’d share this rare advance poster today.
Category: Music
“Streets of Fire” Trivia!
Matthew Jackson at Mental Floss presents 14 Epic Facts About ‘Streets of Fire’. Before you click over to get all the facts and details, here are my three favorites with my thoughts…
- The film was intended to be part of a trilogy. I would have loved to have seen The Far City and Cody’s Return. Is it too late?
- The ending was originally much darker. In this instance I agree with the studio and Michael Pare: It (the new ending) added honor and nobility to Tom Cody instead of just a guy who will not f******* lose.”
- Streets of Fire was initially a flop. Universal Pictures didn’t really know how to market Streets of Fire. It was so unique… an “action-romance-musical-comic book hybrid”. Thankfully over the years Streets of Fire gained a following. So… as to the trilogy… is it too late? Either to revisit the characters now older… or recast and pick up where we left off.
“Trap” (2024) written & directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Josh Hartnett / Z-View
Trap (2024)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Alison Pill, Marcia Bennett, M. Night Shyamalan, Lochlan Miller and Hayley Mills.
Tagline: 30,000 fans. 300 cops. 1 serial killer. No escape.
The Plot…
From all appearances Cooper (Harnett) is a great guy. He’s a firefighter, outgoing and friendly. Cooper is married with two kids. A real family man.
Because his daughter, Riley (Donoghue) earned great grades on her last report card, Cooper takes her to a Lady Raven (S, Shyamalan) concert. As they enter the arena, Cooper notices a huge police presence. When they get inside, there are even more cops. They seem to be everywhere. Well, safety should be a priority for events this well attended.
Once the concert starts, Cooper notices men are being escorted out by the police. Now curious and concerned, Cooper tells his daughter he’s going to the restroom. Then using his charm, Cooper learns a secret. The police are there because they got a lead that the serial killer known as The Butcher is in attendance. Every exit is covered. Police and FBI are there in force. They have a description of The Butcher and anyone fitting it, will be questioned before he is allowed out.
Cooper is concerned. Not because a serial killer is at the concert. No. Cooper is concerned because he is The Butcher.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Saleka Shyamalan makes her film debut. She is M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter and a singer/songwriter. Saleka wrote and performed all of the songs in the movie. The official Trap movie soundtrack is titled Lady Raven and features all of the songs from the movie.
The concert feels real. Kudos to M. Night, Saleka and all involved.
Some aspects come off as very contrived, but M. Night Shyamalan is adept at keeping things moving. This way viewers go with the flow. I was expecting Cooper to get caught or escape then fade to credits. M. Night Shyamalan had a different idea. There’s no big twist (as in some of his films) but there are some unexpected turns. I enjoyed the ride.
Trap (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Jungle Gents” (1954) starring Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall and the Bowery Boys with Woody Stode & Clint Walker! / Z-View
Jungle Gents (1954)
Director: Edward Bernds
Screenplay: Edward Bernds, Elwood Ullman
Stars: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bernard Gorcey, Laurette Luez, Harry Cording, David Gorcey, Benny Bartlett, Murray Alper, Pat Flaherty, Joel Fluellen, Roy Glenn, Emory Parnell, Emil Sitka, Woody Strode and Clint Walker.
Tagline: You’ll Go WILD with LAFFS!
The Plot…
Sach’s new medicine gives him the power to smell diamonds. Slip (L. Gorcey), Satch (Hall), Louie (B. Gorcey), and others are headed to the jungles of Africa to find a diamond mine. Little do the boys know that a group of crooks are following. Soon the guys are fighting the gangsters and natives.
Where is Anatta (Luez), the Jungle Girl when you need her?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Clint “Cheyenne” Walker makes his film debut.
Woody Stode appears uncredited as a native.
Jungle Gents (1954) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Beatles ’64” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
From Producer Martin Scorsese we have the poster and trailer for Beatles ’64.
Deal me in.
Journey back to 1964 and experience Beatlemania like never before. From producer Martin Scorsese and director David Tedeschi, stream Beatles ’64, an original documentary, only on #DisneyPlus November 29.
RIP: Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones died yesterday at the age of 91. No cause of death was given.
Quincy Jones loved music from an early age. In high school Mr. Jones played trumpet and arranged music. After high school Quincy Jones received a scholarship to Seattle University. He left after one semester with a scholarship to attend Boston’s Berklee’s College of Music. Mr. Jones left college to tour with Lionel Hampton’s band as a pianist and trumpeter. It was on this tour that Quincy Jones began to get a reputation for his musical arrangements.
After the tour, Mr. Jones worked creating musical arrangements for stars such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Gene Kupra and Sarah Vaughn. Quincy Jones continued to take freelance arrangement jobs and he toured with several bands. He then took a job as musical director of Mercury Records New York division.
In 1961, two things happened: He became the Vice President of Mercury Records and was hired to compose the music for The Pawnbroker. Quincy Jones became so in demand to produce music for movies that he left Mercury Records. For the remainder of his career Quincy Jones wrote, performed, arranged and produced music for films, television, records and live performances.
Some of Quincy Jones composer credits include: The Pawnbroker; Mirage; The Slender Thread; Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre; Walk Don’t Run; The Deadly Affair; Enter Laughing; Ironside (movie); Hey Landlord (7 episodes); In the Heat of the Night; In Cold Blood; Ironside (12 episodes); The Split; McKenna’s Gold; The Italian Job; Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice; John and Mary; Catus Flower; The Out of Towners; They Call Me Mister Tibbs!; The Bill Cosby Show (52 episodes); The Anderson Tapes; The Hot Rock; The New Centurians; The Getaway; Roots (2 episodes) and The Color Purple.
Quincy Jones was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won 2:
- 1968 Nominee: Best Music, Original Song – “The Eyes of Love” from Banning shared with Bob Russell
- 1968 Nominee: Best Music, Original Music Score – In Cold Blood
- 1969 Nominee: Best Music, Original Song – “For Love of Ivy” from For Love of Ivy shared with Bob Russell
- 1979 Nominee: Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Adaptation Score for The Wiz
- 1986 Nominee: Best Music, Original Score for The Color Purple shared with: Jeremy Lubbock · Rod Temperton · Caiphus Semenya · Andraé Crouch · Chris Boardman · Jorge Calandrelli · Joel Rosenbaum · Fred Steiner · Jack Hayes · Jerry Hey · Randy Kerber
- 1986 Nominee: Best Music, Original Song from The Color Purple for “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” shared with: Rod Temperton · Lionel Richie
- 1986 Nominee: Best Picture for The Color Purple shared with: Steven Spielberg · Kathleen Kennedy · Frank Marshall
- 1995 Winner for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
- 2025 Winner Honorary Award
Quincy Jones was nominated for 4 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 1:
- 1970 Nominee: Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition – For a Series or a Single Program of a Series (In Its First Year Only) – The Bill Cosby Show
- 1977 Winner: Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore) for Roots Part I shared with Gerald Fried
- 1995 Nominee: Outstanding Informational Series for Punk shared with: Jeffrey Peisch · Andrew Solt · Robert B. Meyrowitz · David Salzman · Ted Haimes · Greg Vines · Marc Sachnoff · David Axlerod
- 1996 Nominee: Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special for The 68th Annual Academy Awards shared with: David Salzman
Quincy Jones was nominated for 80 Grammys and won 28.
- 1961 Nominee: Best Arrangement for “Let The Good Times Roll”
- 1961 Nominee: Best Jazz Performance Large Group for “The Great Wide World Of Quincy Jones”
- 1962 Nominee: Best Performance by an Orchestra – For Dancing for “I Dig Dancers”
- 1963 Nominee: Best Original Jazz Composition for “Quintessence”
- 1963 Nominee: Best Performance by an Orchestra – For Dancing for “Big Band Bossa Nova” shared with Stan Getz · Gary McFarland
- 1963 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Quintessence”
- 1964 Nominee: Best Instrumental Jazz Performance – Large Group for “Quincy Jones Plays The Hip Hits”
- 1964 Nominee: Best Performance by an Orchestra- For Dancing for “Quincy Jones Plays The Hip Hits”
- 1965 Nominee: Best Instrumental Jazz Performance – Large Group or Soloist with Large Group for “Quincy Jones Explores The Music Of Henry Mancini”
- 1965 Nominee: Best Original Jazz Composition for “The Witching Hour”
- 1965 Nominee: Best Instrumental Performance – Non-Jazz for “Golden Boy (String Version)”
- 1965 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Golden Boy (String Version) (Single)”
- 1968 Nominee: Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Show for In the Heat of the Night
- 1970 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Walking In Space”
- 1970 Nominee: Best Instrumental Theme for “Mackenna’s Gold (Main Title) (Album)”
- 1970 Nominee: Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special for Mackenna’s Gold
- 1970 Nominee: Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special for The Lost Man
- 1971 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Gula Matari (Single)”
- 1971 Nominee: Best Contemporary Instrumental Performance for “Soul Flower”
- 1971 Nominee: Best Instrumental Composition for “Gula Matari”
- 1971 Nominee: Best Jazz Performance, Large Group or Soloist with Large Group for “Gula Matari”
- 1973 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance by an Arranger, Composer, Orchestra and/or Choral Leader for “Money Runner”
- 1973 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Money Runner”
- 1973 Nominee: Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special for $
- 1974 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “You’ve Got It Bad Girl (Instrumental Portions) (Album)”
- 1975 Nominee: Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus for “Body Heat (Album)”
- 1975 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Along Came Betty (Track)”
- 1977 Nominee: Best Instrumental Composition for “Midnight Soul Patrol” shared with: Johnny Mandel · Louis Johnson
- 1978 Nominee: Best Arrangement for Voices for “Oh Lord, Come By Here” shared with: James Cleveland
- 1978 Nominee: Best Inspirational Performance for “Oh Lord, Come By Here” shared with: James Cleveland
- 1978 Nominee: Best Instrumental Composition for “Roots Medley (Motherland, Roots Mural Theme)”
- 1979 Nominee: Best Instrumental Composition for “End Of The Yellow Brick Road”
- 1979 Nominee: Best Arrangement for Voices for “Stuff Like That”
- 1979 Nominee: Producer of the Year
- 1980 Nominee: Best Disco Recording for “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (Single)”
- 1980 Nominee: Producer of the Year
- 1982 Nominee: Album of the Year for “The Dude (Album)”
- 1982 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Velas (Track)”
- 1983 Nominee: Producer of the Year
- 1984 Nominee: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
- 1984 Nominee: Best R&B Instrumental Performance for “Billie Jean (Instrumental Version)” shared with: Jerry Hey
- 1984 Nominee: Best Rhythm & Blues Song for “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (Single)” shared with James Ingram
- 1985 Nominee: Best Rhythm & Blues Song for “Yah Mo B There” shared with James Ingram · Michael McDonald · Rod Temperton
- 1986 Nominee: Best Recording for Children for “We Are the World” shared with: George Duke
- 1988 Nominee: Album of the Year for “Bad” shared with: Michael Jackson
- 1988 Nominee: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
- 1989 Nominee: Record of the Year for “Man In The Mirror” shared with: Michael Jackson
- 1990 Nominee: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
- 1990 Nominee: Producer of the Year
- 1991 Nominee: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Setembro (Brazilian Wedding Song)”
- 1994 Nominee: Best Music Video, Long Form for “Miles And Quincy Live At Montreux” shared with Rudi Dolezal · Hannes Rossacher · Miles Davis Quintet · Jim Beach · Gavin Taylor
- 1997 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocal(s) for “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me (Track)”
- 2002 Nominee: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Soul Bossa Nova”
- 2002 Winner: Best Spoken Word Album for “Q – The Autobiography Of Quincy Jones” shared with: Elisa Shokoff · Steve Strassman
- 1964 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “I Can’t Stop Loving You” artist: Count Basie
- 1970 Winner: Best Instrumental Jazz Performance, Large Group or Soloist with Large Group for “Walking In Space”
- 1972 Winner: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Smackwater Jack”
- 1974 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Summer In The City”
- 1979 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “The Wiz Main Title – Overture Part One” shared with: Robert Freedman
- 1981 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement for “Dinorah, Dinorah” artist: George Benson shared with: Jerry Hey
- 1982 Winner: Producer of the Year
- 1982 Winner: Best Cast Show Album for “Lena Horne – The Lady And Her Music, Live On Broadway” artist: Lena Horne
- 1982 Winner: Best Arrangement on an Instrumental Recording for “Velas” artist: Quincy Jones shared with Johnny Mandel
- 1982 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) for “Ai No Corrida” artist: Quincy Jones shared with: Jerry Hey
- 1982 Winner: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “The Dude”
- 1984 Winner: Album of the Year for “Thriller” shared with Michael Jackson
- 1984 Winner: Record of the Year for “Beat It” shared with Michael Jackson
- 1984 Winner: Best Recording for Children – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial album” shared with Michael Jackson
- 1985 Winner: Best Arrangement on an Instrumental for “Grace (Gymnastics Theme)” artist: Quincy Jones shared with: Jeremy Lubbock
- 1986 Winner: Record of the Year for “We Are the World” (various artists)
- 1986 Winner: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the album “We Are the World” (The artist USA for Africa did not receive a Grammy Award for this win)
- 1986 Winner: Best Music Video, Short Form – We Are the World for the music video “We Are The World – The Video Event.” (The artist USA for Africa did not receive a Grammy Award for this win.) shared with: Tom Trbovich
- 1989 Winner: Trustees Award
- 1991 Winner: Best Arrangement on an Instrumental for “Birdland” artist Quincy Jones shared with: Rod Temperton · Ian Prince · Jerry Hey
- 1991 Winner: Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) for “The Places You Find Love” artists: Siedah Garrett and Chaka Khan shared with: Clif Magness · Jerry Hey · Glen Ballard
- 1991 Winner: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
- 1991 Winner: Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Back On The Block” shared with Ice-T · Kool Moe Dee · Big Daddy Kane · Melle Mel · Quincy Jones III
- 1991 Winner: Best Jazz Fusion Performance for “Birdland”
- 1991 Winner: Album of the Year for “Back On The Block”
- 1992 Winner: Legend Award
- 1994 Winner: Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance for “Miles And Quincy Live At Montreux” shared with Miles Davis · Miles Davis Quintet
- 2019 Winner: Best Music Film – for Quincy shared with: Alan Hicks · Rashida Jones · Paula DuPré Pesmen
Quincy Jones’ music has been a part of my life for almost as long as I’ve been alive. The music he created improved each television or movie project he was part of. His collaborations with Michael Jackson are classic. His leadership in getting We Are the World made for charity has yet to be matched. Quincy Jones was a musical genius and his efforts made life a bit better.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Quincy Jones’ family friends and fans.
RIP: Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson died peacefully at his home on September 28, 2024. Mr. Kristofferson was 88. No cause of death was given.
After graduating high school Kris Kristofferson enrolled in Pomona College in California. He hoped to become a writer. Mr. Kristofferson excelled in football, rugby, as well as track and field while at Pomona. Because of his athletic prowess, Kris Kristofferson was featured in the March 31, 1958 edition of Sports Illustrated. Mr. Kristofferson graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature.
Kris Kristofferson was then awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford. While there he achieved honors in rugby and boxing. It was at this point that Mr. Kristofferson began writing and recording songs with Top Rank Records under the name Kris Carson. Due to the lack of success with this venture, Mr. Kristofferson enlisted in the U.S. Army.
While in the service Mr. Kristofferson completed Ranger school, became a helicopter pilot and earned the rank of Captain. He also continued performing with a band when possible. When his enlistment was coming to an end, Mr. Kristofferson was given the opportunity to teach at West Point. He instead opted to leave the service and move to Nashville.
Kris Krisofferson continued to work at odd jobs and later as a helicopter pilot while he pursued a music career. Within a few years singers such as Ray Stevens, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roger Miller began recording Mr. Kristofferson’s songs. Mr. Kristofferson also got his own recording contract. In 1971, Kris Kristofferson’s album Me & Bobby McGee became a hit. It was also the same year that Mr. Kristofferson made his feature film debut. For the remainder of his career, Kris Kristofferson performed as a singer, song writer, as well as an actor in feature films and television.
Kris Kristofferson’s awards and honors include…
- 1970 CMA winner – Song of the Year for “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”
- 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “Me And Bobby Mc Gee”
- 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “For The Good Times”
- 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Song of the Year for “Me And Bobby Mc Gee”
- 1972 Grammy Awards nominee – Song of the Year for “Help Me Make It Through The Night”
- 1972 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Song for “Help Me Make It Through The Night” Sammi Smith
- 1973 CMA nominee – Song of the Year for “Why Me Lord”
- 1974 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Song for “Why Me”
- 1974 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Performance, Male for “Why Me”
- 1974 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “From The Bottle To The Bottom”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
- 1975 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Loving Arms”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
- 1976 Grammy Awards winner – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Lover Please”; shared with: Rita Coolidge
- 1977 Golden Globe Awards winner – Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for A Star Is Born
- 1985 Academy Awards nominee – Best Music, Original Song Score for Songwriter
- 1985 CMA nominee – Music Video of the Year for The Highwaymen: Highwayman shared with: Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings · Peter Israelson
- 1985 CMA nominee – Single of the Year for “Highwayman” shared with: Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash
- 1986 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Highwayman”; shared with: Willie Nelson · Johnny Cash · Waylon Jennings
- 1990 CMA nominee – Vocal Event of the Year for “Highwaymen” shared with: Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson
- 1991 CMA nominee – Vocal Event of the Year for “Highwaymen” shared with: Waylon Jennings · Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson
- 1991 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Country Vocal Collaboration for “Highwayman 2” shared with: Johnny Cash · Willie Nelson · Waylon Jennings
- 2004 Country Music Hall of Fame
- 2012 CMA nominee – Musical Event of the Year for “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” shared with: Jamey Johnson · Willie Nelson · Snoop Dogg
- 2014 Grammy Awards winner – Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2017 Grammy Awards nominee – Best Americana Album for “The Cedar Creek Sessions”
Television projects that feature Kris Kristofferson include: Freedom Road; The Lost Honor of Kathryn Beck; The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James; Stagecoach; Amerika (7 episodes); The Tracker; The Larry Sanders Show; Dead Man’s Gun; Two for Texas; Dead Man’s Gun (narrator; 44 episodes); Where the Red Fern Grows; The Break; Lives of the Saints and Texas Rising (5 episodes).
Feature films that Kris Kristofferson appeared in include: The Last Movie; Cisco Pike; Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid; Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia; Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore; The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea; Vigilante Force; A Star is Born; Semi-Tough; Convoy; Heaven’s Gate; Songwriter; Trouble in Mind; Big Top Pee-Wee; Mellennium; Lone Star; Fire Down Below; Blade; Payback; Planet of the Apes; Eye See You; Blade II; Blade Trinity and The Jacket; Dreamer.
I probably first saw Kris Kristofferson in A Star is Born. My favorite Kris Kristofferson role was in Lone Star, followed closely by his appearances in Payback; Eye See You and the Blade movies. Two movies that Mr. Kristofferson starred in are The Tracker and Trouble in Mind. I remember liking them both, but haven’t see them in years. I going to try to rectify that.
What a life Kris Kristofferson led. If you were creating a hero for a story and you said he was an ex-Ranger, three sport college athlete with the heart of a poet, your editor would say, “C’mon. That guy is too good to be true.” And he’d be wrong. Kris Kristofferson was THAT guy.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Kris Kristofferson’s family, friends and fans.
“Daytime Revolution” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
Here we have the poster and trailer for Daytime Revolution.
Deal me in.
For one extraordinary week beginning on February 14th, 1972, the revolution was televised. Daytime Revolution takes us back in time to the week that John Lennon and Yoko Ono descended upon a Philadelphia broadcasting studio to co-host the iconic Mike Douglas Show, at the time the most popular show on daytime television with an audience of 40 million viewers a week.
What followed was five unforgettable episodes of television, with Lennon and Ono at the helm and Douglas bravely keeping the show on track. Acting as both producers and hosts, Lennon and Ono handpicked their guests, including controversial choices like Yippie founder Jerry Rubin and Black Panther Chairman Bobby Seale, as well as political activist Ralph Nader and comic truth teller George Carlin.
Their version of daytime TV was a radical take on the traditional format, incorporating candid Q&A sessions with their transfixed audience, conversations about current issues like police violence and women’s liberation, conceptual art events, and one-of-a-kind musical performances, including a unique duet with Lennon and Chuck Berry and a poignant rendition of Lennon’s “Imagine.”
A document of the past that speaks to our turbulent present, Daytime Revolution is a time capsule reminding us of art’s power to break down barriers, and the bravery of two artists who never took the easy way out as they fought for their vision of a better world.
“Wolf Totem” by The Hu Band!
I don’t often post about music. When I do, it is usually in reference to an “oldies” artist or song. So, what are the odds that I’d post about a modern band from Mongolia that has a harder edge than I normally prefer?
I’ve watched The Hu’s video Wolf Totem video several times since I first saw it yesterday. I love the fact that the band leans into their Mongolian heritage. I’d like to see what the video’s director could do with a feature film.
Wolf Totem by The Hu Band.
RIP: Martin Mull
Martin Mull died Thursday, June 27, 2024. Mr. Mull was 80.
After high school, Martin Mull attended the Rhode Island School of Design. He graduated from there with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and also a Master of Fine Arts in painting degree. Although most know Martin Mull for his comedic acting, he broke into show business as a musical comedian. He wrote “A Girl Named Johnny Cash” which peaked at 61 on the Country Charts in 1970. In 1972, Martin Mull’s first album was released. Between 1972 and 1979, Martin Mull had eight albums released. In 1998, his last album premiered. Martin Mull was cast in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman in 1976. This launched Mr. Mull into a new career as an actor in television and feature film roles.
Television appearances of Martin Mull include: Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (46 episodes); Fernwood Tonight (54 episodes); Wonder Woman; Laugh In (1977 – 78, 3 episodes); America 2-Night (65 episodes); Taxi; The Chevy Chase National Humor Test; Square Pegs; The Jerk, Too; Domestic Life (10 episodes); Lots of Luck; California Girls; The Magical World of Disney; TV 101 (2 episodes); It’s Gary Shandling’s Show (4 episodes); His & Hers (13 episodes); The Golden Girls; Dream On; The Jackie Thomas Show (18 episodes); Family Dog (10 episodes); The Larry Sanders Show (2 episodes); L.A. Law; Burke’s Law; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; The Drew Carey Show; Roseanne (46 episodes); The Simpsons; Family Guy; Sabrina the Teenage Witch (73 episodes); The Wild Thornberrys; Twice in a Lifetime; Recess (2 episodes); The Geena Davis Show; Dexter’s Laboratory; Teamo Supremo (10 episodes); The Ellen Show (18 episodes); Reba; Life with Bonnie (3 episodes); The Nick at Night Holiday Special; Reno 911; Danny Phantom (14 episodes); The War at Home (3 episodes); Gary Unmarried (2 episodes); My Boys (2 episodes); ‘Til Death (12 episodes); Mad Love; American Dad! (10 episodes); Two and a Half Men (6 episodes); Psych; Dads (19 episodes); Community (2 episodes); Veep (4 episodes); NICS: Los Angeles; Life in Pieces (4 episodes); I’m Sorry (7 episodes); Arrested Development (6 episodes); The Cool Kids (22 episodes); The Ranch (13 episodes); Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Not Dead Yet (3 episodes) and The Afterparty (2 episodes).
Feature film appearances of Martin Mull include: FM; Serial; My Bodyguard; Take This Job and Shove It; Mr. Mom; Clue; The Player; Mrs. Doubtfire and Jingle All the Way.
I first saw Martin Mull in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Mr. Mull was either a natural born comedian or he learned to make his comedy seem so natural. What an amazing career he had making every project he was in better.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Martin Mull’s family, friends and fans.
“Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback” (2023) / Z-View
Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback (2023)
Director: John Scheinfeld
Screenplay: John Scheinfeld
Stars: Elvis Presley, Leslie Uggams, The Beatles, Harry Belafonte, Petula Clark, Darius Rucker.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
In the mid 1950s, Elvis Presley burst on the scene. He was an instant star and no one was bigger. Elvis was seen as a rebel by many and dangerous by some. By the mid 1960s, Elvis’ star had faded. His music wasn’t hip and a string of bad movies had Elvis doubting himself. Then Elvis was signed for a television special. Steve Binder was set to direct. Binder had ideas for the production, but they were vetoed by Elvis’ manager, Colonel Parker. Elvis faced a tough decision. Follow his manager’s directives or give the new guy a chance.
Elvis knew his career depended on the success of the special…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback takes us behind the scenes with footage and stories from those who were there.
It’s interesting to note that the parts of the special that were best received were those that Colonel Parker tried to veto. I had a pretty poor opinion of Parker before this documentary and after viewing it, my opinion dropped even further.
I was ten years old when the special aired. I can remember adults talking about how “cool” Elvis was in it. Yeah, Elvis was back, baby.
Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Plane Nuts” (1933) starring Moe Howard, Larry Fine & Curly Howard / Z-View
Plane Nuts (1933)
Director: Jack Cummings
Screenplay: Ted Healy, Matty Brooks, Moe Howard
Stars: Larry Fine, Moe Howard, Ted Healy, Curly Howard.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Ted Healy and His Stooges perform vaudeville routines with MGM dancers performing between acts.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Three Stooges before they became famous as The Three Stooges. For die-hard Stooges fans only.
Plane Nuts (1933) rates 2 of 5 stars.
RIP: Eric Carmen
Eric Carmen’s wife announced that he had died over the weekend. No specific date or cause of death was given. Eric Carmen was 74.
Eric Carmen taught himself guitar, but was a classically trained pianist. Mr. Carmen first fame came as lead singer of The Raspberries. Eric Carmen was also the writer or co-writer of the groups hit songs such as Go All the Way and I Want to Be With You.
Eric Carmen left The Raspberries to pursue a solo career. His biggest hits were All By Myself and Never Gonna Fall in Love Again from his first solo album. Mr. Carmen would go on to write, sing, perform and produce for himself and others for the remainder of his career. Eric Carmen produced the mega hit Hungry Eyes from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.
Eric Carmen’s hits, both with The Raspberries and solo, were a big part of my childhood. I still find myself smiling (and singing along) when I hear them.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eric Carmen’s family, friends and fans.
“Legend of Lead Belly” (2013) / Z-View
Legend of Lead Belly (2013)
Director: Alan Ravenscroft
Stars: Huddie Ledbetter (aka Lead Belly), Bob Dylan
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Huddie Ledbetter aka Lead Belly, despite being born in poverty, growing up in a time of extreme racism, and serving several jail/prison terms, became an accomplished musician whose influence spanned music genres and generations. Although crowned the “King of the Twelve-String Guitar”, Lead Belly was an accomplished musician who could also play piano, mandolin, harmonica and violin. His songs have been covered by Frank Sinatra to Nirvana. His influence in music is still felt 75 years after his death. Legend of Lead Belly provides an excellent overview of his life.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Lead Belly was serving time for murder. He wrote and recorded a song asking for clemency from the Governor… and received it!
It’s interesting that late in life, Lead Belly wanted to play a movie singing cowboy. Unfortunately he never achieved that goal.
If you know the name Lead Belly, but don’t know much about him, Legend of Lead Belly is a great starting point.
Legend of Lead Belly (2013) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“The Greatest Night in Pop” (2024) / Z-View
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
Director: Bao Nguyen
Stars: Lionel Richie, Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, Sheila E., Kenny Rogers, Dan Aykroyd, Christie Brinkley, Lindsey Buckingham, David Byrne, Kim Carnes, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Daryl Hall, James Ingram, Jackie Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Al Jarreau, Billy Joel, Madonna, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, John Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, Steve Perry, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Prince, Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder and Waylon Jennings
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
The Greatest Night in Pop chronicles everything from the birth of the idea to the night that dozens of the greatest recording stars in the world came together for a single session to create We Are the World. The record went on to raise millions for African famine relief. To this day, the song continues to raise money for the charity.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
It’s amazing that dozens of the biggest singing stars of the era could be brought together for one recording session. Egos had to be left at the door. Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones were able to keep the process moving.
At one point Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles both walked to the restroom together. One of the stars remarked, “That’s truly the blind leading the blind.”
Paul Simon said that if a bomb was dropped on the studio, John Denver would be back on top.
It’s surprising that Madonna wasn’t included. She was a huge star at the time. Dan Aykroyd gets to be on the record, but not Madonna?
At one point Stevie Wonder wanted to include some lyrics Swahili. Quincy Jones and others tried to see if they could make it work. Waylon Jennings got frustrated with the attempts and left the recording. Someone ultimately pointed out that Swahili wasn’t the language of the famine area. The idea was dropped.
Having stars who are star-struck by being in the same room with their idols is fun. Bob Dylan and others weren’t sure how to sing their solos. Things like that humanized them. Hats off for having the soloists get parts that made the singers instantly identifiable.
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.
