WELCOME TO BLITZ MAGAZINE'S WEB SITE!

GOIN' HOME:  Following a most impressive career in film, television and the recording studio, he went on to accomplish an extraordinary legacy as a paramedic and  deputy sherriff.  Blitz Magazine Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell salutes the great BOBBY SHERMAN, who lost his battle against stage four cancer in June. Tribute in the Bits And Pieces column under the Previous Posts heading at right.  (Click on above image to enlarge).

WELCOME TO THE INTERET HOME

FOR BLITZ MAGAZINE
SINCE 1975 -
THE ROCK AND ROLL MAGAZINE
FOR THINKING PEOPLE

Welcome to the official web site for Blitz, The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People. Since 1975, Blitz has been the leading voice for the discerning music enthusiast. Blitz Magazine was also one of the first magazines of its kind to embrace the internet, having also been online since January 1996.

Here you will find news and updates about all of the key artists essential to the growth and development of rock and roll music and related genres, including rhythm and blues, country and western, jazz and easy listening. For highlights from recent past editions of the Bits And Pieces and Shape Of Things To Come columns, click on the archival postings on the right hand side of this page. Be sure and check back frequently for regular updates.

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at BlitzMcD@aol.com.

Michael McDowell
Editor/Publisher
Blitz Magazine
Since 1975 - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People
E-Mail us at BlitzMcD@aol.com for a list of available back issues.

Be sure to follow Blitz on Twitter:

@BlitzMagazine

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Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People

AUDREY'S MUSICAL JOURNEY:

Follow the fascinating and unfolding tale (through her favorite music) of the life and times of Blitz Magazine's late and beloved Photo Editor, Audrey McDowell, as told by her husband, Blitz Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell. A Facebook exclusive! "Like" us on Facebook at Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People, and watch for further installments.

IN THE BITS AND PIECES COLUMN:

In one of the most extraordinaty career shifts in music history, he set aside his most impressive legacy in film, television and the recording studio to become a decorated member of one of the largest police forces in the United States. We salute the great BOBBY SHERMAN, who lost his protracted battle against cancer in June at age 81.

In 1986, he gave the interview of a lifetime to Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People. And in a supremely ironic moment, he has become the fourth major artist in recent weeks to pass away at the age of 82. Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell takes a look at the lighter side of vocal virtuoso LOU CHRISTIE.

Although not altogether unexpected, his sudden passing on 11 June 2025 brought the world of music into a collective state of mourning. Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell pays tribute to BEACH BOYS mastermind BRIAN WILSON, days prior to what would have been Wilson's eighty-third birthday.

His brief tenure with the beloved supergroup, the VISCAYNES in the early 1960s led to a phenomenal career as a radio announcer, staff producer for Autumn Records and front man and principal visionary of SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE. Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell celebrates the highlighs of the extraordinary legacy of SYLVESTER STEWART, who succumbed to a long standing battle against COPD on 09 June.

In a free standing article under the Previous Posts heading at right, we salute hero, mentor, visionary and dear friend JAMES LOWE, front man for the ELECTRIC PRUNES, who passed away on 22 May from natural causes.

LUV' co-founder PATTY BRARD celebrated her seventieth birthday with Patty's Panter Party; a summit meeting with nine colleagues from such legendary vocal outfits as Babe, Mai Tai, Maywood, Frizzle Sizzle and the Dolly Dots before a capacity crowd at Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome on 14 March.

In a free standing article under the Previous Posts heading at right, we celebrate the Best New Album, Best New Single, Best Reissues and Best Television Series in the Blitz Awards For 2024.

In keeping up with his role as the logical successor to the late James Brown's title of The Hardest Working Man In Show Business, JEREMY MORRIS has released a most impressive seven new albums within the past year. Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell catches up with the Portage, Michigan - based multi-tasking pastor in a free standing article under the Previous Posts heading at right.

IN THE REISSUES / ANTHOLOGIES SECTION OF

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME COLUMN:

Archivist and historial Zev Feldman continues his acclaimed deep dive into the legacy of the legendary keyboard virtuoso BILL EVANS, with a deluxe edition of Evans' landmark 1970 concert at the Kongsberg Jazz Festival in Norway.

The current state of the genre has given many a purist the blues. However, Zev Feldman's Deep Digs label has come to the rescue with a heretofore collection of live recordings made in France in 1977 by the late guitarist and composer, B.B. KING.

True to form, Roger Maglio's prolific Gear Fab label remains ahead of the curve with its recent reissue of the enigmatic and highly charismatic Children Of The Lord, the 1975 album by the band SILVER.

Bob Seger And The Last Heard, Dion DiMucci, Bobby Darin, Eric Andersen, Donovan Leitch, Dino Valenti, Billy Joe Royal and P.F. Sloan are among the artists featured on Bear Family's twenty-five track He Took Us By Storm collection, featuring classic original recordings inspired by BOB DYLAN.

Pioneering rocker, Gospel witness extraordinare and virtuoso guitarist SISTER ROSETTA THARPE is the subject of a magnificent collection of heretofore unavailable live recordings from 1966, which are now available on the Deep Digs label.

IN THE NEW RELEASES SECTION OF

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME COLUMN:

Indoor Safari, the all new NICK LOWE album with LOS STRAITJACKETS is rapidly proving to be one of the best new albums of the year. Michael McDowell covers both album and tour support. 

With Half & Half, Bay Area composer and vocalist LARA PRICE has turned in an album on par with her 2015 masterpiece, I Mean Business.

Following a few personnel changes, the Northern California - based MONOGROOVE is back with a vengeance with their all new Tje Flip Side album for Tap Tunes Records. 

The tour de force New Jersey nartive known as DEVON MARIE is creating quite a sensation among aficionados of high drama with her brand new Steve Brown-produced single, Miss You Blue.

The CYRKLE is back with a vengeance with their all new, ambitious Big Stir label album, Revival. 

Composer and vocalist AMANDA FISH brings the world to its knees before presenting it  with the ultimate solution in her third and latest Vizztone label release, Kingdom.

With its cerebral approach to the subject of unrequited love, it became an instant classic upon its release on the nineteenth of April. Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell takes a look at the creative process behind The Tortured Poets Departtment, the all new album by TAYLOR SWIFT. 

JEREMY MORRIS INTERVIEW

ROAD TO PARADISE: With a remarkable seven new albums to his credit in 2024 alone, JEREMY MORRIS has once again reiterated his right to being the logical successor to the late James Brown's title of The Hardest Working Man In Show Businews Editor/Publisher Michael McDowell catches up below (Click on above image to enlarge).

NEW ADVENTURES:

CATCHING UP WITH

JEREMY MORRIS

By Michael McDowell

Many people long for a Brighter Day. But Jeremy Morris sang of it and lives it.

As the logical successor to the late James Brown's title of The Hardest Working Man In Show Business, the Portage, Michigan - based Morris successfully balances an itinerary that staggers the imagination: Pastor, family man, record label president, session musician, producer and musicologist are among the many responsibilities that he nevigates on a daily basis. 

And of course recording artist.

"I released seven albums in 2024", said Morris. 

Those in addition to an impressive catalog that includes more than five dozen releases, dating back to the 1970s. Comprised primarily of original material, Morris' albums reflect a healthy blend of the Gospel, garage and psych rock and prog rock.

Of those, The Future Is The Past is one that is most likely to placate all factions, with such standout titles as The Writing's On The Wall and Brand New Brain. Among his most endearing such projects since his extended cover of the Lemon Pipers' 1967 signature single, Green Tambourine some months ago.

The most recent of the lot is one that also lives up to its title: The Promise.

"Released on the ninth of December", said Morris. 

While of course a tie-in with Christmas was inevitable, The Promise more accurately celebrates the timeless truths of the Gospel via such engaging cuts as Can't Judge A Book, Shake The Dust and the eyebrow-raising The Redemption Of Dirty Mac.

Moreover, Wonderful takes the impact of the Gospel a step further with Morris' occasionally otherworldly delivery. Standout tracks such as You Make It All Work, Sing It Shout It, He's The Light and Jesus Is Brighter make Wonderful a musical overview of the Gospel in their own right. Its ad hoc companion piece, Mystery Of The Seven Stars takes the message to the next level via seven extended tracks that are sure to placate the Prog Rock contingent among the faithful.

Several other related projects have recently also seen the light of day from Morris' JAM label. Foremost among them is the archival Soul Saver.

" '70s recordings", said Morris.

"First time on CD!"

While Morris generally opts for the solo route in his recordings, he does have a number of acclaimed duo and/or group projects to his credit. The latest among them is the twelve-track collection, Footprints.

"With Ken Stringfellow", said Morris. 

The Hollywood native's credits include various projects with the Posies, Big Star, White Flag, Hawk and others. Stringfellow and Morris' studio chemistry is particularly evident in this latest project. 

Perhaps the most acclaimed of Morris' side ventures is his body of work with the Lemon Clocks. Their latest release, New Adventures contains much that will please the demanding garage and psych factions, including Vultures, Atmosphere and Cosmic Happy Helmet.

Most notably, the family man aspect of Morris' curriculum vitae shines particulatly brightly on one of JAM's  first new releases for 2025 by the Overly Polite Tornadoes.

"Mark and Holly Morris", said Morris, in reference to the group's Leave A Space album. Their trademark dreamscape approach avails itself quite succintly in Gravity's Pull, Lighting All The Candles and A Dream Of Golden Spoons.

Most encouragingly for the new year, Morris and the JAM label have stepped outside of the family plan for the debut album by compose and vocalist Jim Sadler.

"An eighty-four year old artist", said Morris.

"(With a) blues flavor. He makes his debut on JAM".

On top of this ongoing whirlwind of activity, Morris has also found the time to host a podcast, in which his musicologist side is showcased via his celebration of various albums from his vast archives. Recently in the spotlight on his podcast have been such classics as The Kink Chronicles compilation by the Kinks and Sugarloaf's 1970 debut album for Liberty. 

In all of it, Morris also finds the time to diligently search for additions to those archives. 

"I saw him at the recent record show in Kalamazoo", said one prominent area vinyl vendor. 

"There you go!", said Morris.

Indeed, Morris' ability to successfully balance such a vast array of responsibilities on an ongoing basis is reflective of his prioritization of the Gospel which he champions in his music, in the pulpit at Freedom Church in Portage and in the shining example he sets overall. In the words of one of the standout cuts from his Wonderful album, Morris is a sterling example of what happens when one opts to Let Love Flow.

ELECTRIC PRUNES JAMES LOWE MEMORIAL TRIBUTE

LUVIN': He was a mentor, a hero and a visionary of the highest order.  Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell pays tribute to ELECTRIC PRUNES front man and cofounder JAMES LOWE (pictured above in 1967 and 2014), who passed away from natural causes on 22 May at age 82 (Click on above image to enlarge). 

AIN'T IT HARD:

REMEMBERING THE

ELECTRIC PRUNES'

JAMES LOWE

(1943 - 2025)

By Michael McDowell

The year 2002 was not a particularly encouraging one on this end. 

Pressing and protracted family business would soon take Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People away from its beloved Southern California home base for an extended season. 

As such, it seemed prudent during the final months of that year to make good on long standing invitations to get together with some of music's most impacting and enduring inspirations. They included rock and roll pioneer Freddy Cannon (with whom Blitz Magazine had worked some years earlier on an anthology project), the Tokens' Phil Margo, and Detergents / Archies cofounder and front Man Ron Dante.

Also among their number was a highly respected visionary and founding father of the genre known as first generation garage rock, Electric Prunes lead vocalist James Lowe. At that point, the band had recently returned to full time active status after a protracted sabbatical. As such, Lowe extended an invitation to Blitz Magazine to visit his Santa Ynez Valley headquarters for an afternoon of celebration in anticipation of what was to become one of the most remarkable returns to center stage in music history. 

Prior to that summit meeting, Lowe had inquired as to his guest's preferences in terms of beverage. In response, upon arrival, his wife, photojournalist Pamela Lowe greeted Blitz Magazine with a most memorable cup of home brewed green tea. 

Lowe then beckoned Blitz Magazine to accompany him across his fifteen acre estate to his state of the art recording studio, which had been utilized in various capacities by everyone from Fleetwood Mac to the Rolling Stones. After a brief demonstration of the studio's considerable capabilities, we sat down for a lengthy discussion of his fordmidable legacy. 

That exchange included an in depth look at the Sanctions and Jim And The Lords, the two bands that served as prototypes for what was to become the Electric Prunes. We of course dove extensively into the Electric Prunes' catalog itself, with Lowe more than graciously going into great detail on many of the band's most storied moments, including Luvin', Tunerville Trolley, Ain't It Hard, Little Olive and the larger than life Get Me To The World On Time. 

Lowe's post-Electric Prunes recollections were equally compelling, from his time spent in collaboration with the SGC label's signature signing, the Nazz to his final words to aspiring solo rocker turned Gospel superstar Keith Green, moments before the latter's death in a Texas plane crash in January 1982. 

Given his ability to speak with great authority on all facets of the industry, it was readily apparent that James Lowe was one of its most gifted visionaries. As such, by afternoon's end, Blitz Magazine affectionately dubbed him Professor Lowe; a reference that remained in place to the present day. 

What was not yet apparent at the time was Lowe's extraordinary gift for compassion as a human being. However, that attribute was to avail itself in short order.

In the Spring of 2003, damage from flooding caused by a rainstorm destroyed more than six hundred artifacts from Blitz Magazine's recorded archives. Among them were our entire Electric Prunes collection, including LPs, 45s and CDs. Word somehow reached James Lowe, who responded by sending to Blitz Magazine a rather large package containing copies of the entire Sanctions, Jim And The Lords and Electric Prunes discography. 

In the meantime, Lowe and founding bassist Mark Tulin had returned to active status with a vengeance. The Electric Prunes toured relentlessly throughout the decade of the 2000s, and relased a series of all new albums that represent some of the finest work of the twenty-first century to date. They included Artifact, Feedback and California, which were released on the band's Prune Twang label.

For the proverbial icing on the cake, around decade's end, the Electric Prunes celebrated their formidable return to form via a double bill performance with the Strawberry Alarm Clock in Hollywood, California. That landmark event remains one of the premier live showcases of the twenty-first century to date.

The Electric Prunes' renewed momentum continued unabated until tragedy struck on 26 February 2011. On that day, bassist Mark Tulin, an accomplished diver, died suddenly while participating in a combination nautical rescue exercise and pollution control mission in Avalon, California. 

"Mark loved you, man", Lowe said in response to Blitz Magazine's profession of sympathy at the time. Not surprisingly, in due course, that attribute was reciprocated by Lowe exponentially. 

In October 2014, tragedy struck in the worst possible way with the sudden and horrific passing of Audrey McDowell, Blitz Magazine's Cinematographer and Photo Editor (and wife of Blitz Magazine Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell). At the time, a number of industry friends and colleagues reached out far and above the call of duty on a regular basis to offer prayers, support and words of encouragement. Among them were the Delicates' Denise Ferri, beloved rocker Wayne Fontana, Toggery Five, Mindbenders and Herman's Hermits alumnus Frank Renshaw, the Belmonts' Warren Gradus (whose 2016 farewell single, Welcome Me Back Home was inspired by and dedicated to Audrey) vocalist Bernadette Carroll, and one time WKNR Keener 13 morning man, Frank "Swingin' " Sweeney. Their extraordinary kindness and selflessness under the worst of circumstances will never be forgotten. 

Also among their number was James Lowe, whose remarkable gifts for insight were augmented during that challenging season by his all too rare gift for listening. His abilities in that respect were an extraordinary blessing in a world where such attributes are all too often in short supply. 

That point once again cut to the heart with the news that James Lowe had passed away from natural causes on 22 May. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Pamela, as well as children Lisa, Cameron and Skylar. 

Throughout the decades, Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People has made it a point to choose its heroes very carefully. Most assuredly, James Lowe met that stringent criteria in every capacity. He was 82.

BITS AND PIECES - NEWS ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS By Michael McDowell

HELP ME WITH MY BROKEN HEART: They were a short lived but beloved supergroup that launched the career of SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE cofounder and principal visionary SYLVESTER STEWART. The six member VISCAYNES (pictured at left above in 1961) recorded the monster classic You're My Only Love and drew the ongoing support of Dick Stewart's Dance Party host, Dick Stewart (pictured above at right)  Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Sylvester Stewart (who succumed to a long standing battle againt COPD on 09 June) below. (Click on above image to enlarge).

GOIN' HOME:

REMEMBERING

BOBBY SHERMAN

(1943 - 2025)

Q): What do you call a man who amassed an extensive legacy in film, television and the recording studio, played multiple musical instruments and who then went on to invent a number of life saving medical devices and become a decorated member of one of the largest police departments in the United States?

A): A teen idol.

Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, such is nonetheless apparently destined to be the legacy in the eyes of some of one time composer, vocalist and Santa Monica, California native, Robert Cabot "Bobby" Sherman. 

Sherman's first venture of consequence into the world of music came about in 1962, when veteran actor and musician Sal Mineo composed a pair of songs for Sherman to record. One off singles for Parkway, Starcrest and Dot followed, with Sherman finally settling in at Decca in 1964 (augmented by occasional stops at Cameo and Epic). Along the way, Sherman earned key roles on the Shindig and Here Come The Brides television series.

By 1969, Sherman found himself as a part of the artist roster on the ambitious Metromedia label, which was then the recording home of the Winstons, Wayne Fontana, the Three Degrees, Lester Lanin and a variety of up and coming artists. At Metromedia, Sherman continued to soar into the early 1970s, turning out such acclaimed singles as Little Woman, La La La (If I Had You), Hey Mister Sun, Julie Do You Love Me, Easy Come Easy Go, Cried Like A Baby, Waiting At The Bus Stop and the magnificent The Drum. 

It was with Waiting At The Bus Stop that Sherman's ambitious nature began to avail itself in earnest. With that single, Sherman took command in the studio, playing the bulk of the instrumentation himself. 

However, a 1974 guest appearance on the Emergency television series further inspired him in a decidedly different way. Sherman went on to pursue a new career as a paramedic, and a member of the Los Angeles Police Department. 

By 1999, Sherman assumed a new role as deputy sherriff in neighboring San Bernardino County. He also continued as a medical training officer well into the twenty-first century. 

Throughout much of the decade of the 2010s, Sherman and his wife, Brigitte Poublon were active in charity work. Sadly, their endeavors in that respect were sidelined in March 2025, when Poublon announced that Sherman had been diagnosed with the stage four cancer of the lungs and kidneys that claimed his life in the early hours of 24 June. 

If that is what defines a "teen idol" to some, so be it. In reality, Bobby Sherman was a hero to many. He also leaves behind two sons and several grandchildren. Sherman was 81.

OUTSIDE THE GATES OF HEAVEN:

REMEMBERING

LOU CHRISTIE

(1943 - 2025)

It was a dream line up that had joined forces to comprise one of the premier music festivals of the day.

The site was the Magic Moments Theatre at Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park in Southern California. On that 1986 bill were such acclaimed greats as the Youngbloods, Peter Noone, Billy Preston, the Beau Brummels and Country Joe And The Fish front man Joe McDonald. 

Among the artists, humor and relentless optimism were the order of the day, as typified by some of their observations.

"Now I know how Perry Como feels", said Noone, in reference to the theatre being named after one of the beloved RCA Victor giant's signature singles.

"I haven't had a hit in fifteen years, either!"

McDonald responded in kind.

"This is a family friendly facility", he observed.

"I was told that I had to watch what I said. What the heck: Gimme an F!"

That familiar introductory line from Country Joe And The Fish's signature single, I Feel Like I'm Fixing To Die Rag earned McDonald a standing ovation from the highly appreciative capacity crowd. 

Blitz Magazine was on hand for the entire festival, and spoke at length with the Beau Brummels, Peter Noone and Joe McDonald. Blitz had also made prior arrangements to interview the festival's headliner.

That headliner was composer, vocal vitruoso, musical visionary and Crescent Township, Pennsylvania native Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco, professionally known as Lou Christie. However, that initial meeting was scheduled to take place after Christie's set. So for the moment, Blitz Magazine settled into a front row center seat to enjoy a tour de force performance.

Not surprisingly, Christie stood in solidarity with his fellow artists by peppering his between numbers banter with a generous helping of his unique brand of humor. Shortly into his set, Christie directed one of his earliest such remarks to Blitz Magazine.

"Where'd you get that shirt?", he asked.

"I last saw a shirt like that on Paul Anka. In 1957!"

Later that afternoon, Christie emerged from the trailer that doubled as his dressing room, only to find that Paul Anka shirt waiting for him. Blitz Magazine and Christie both enjoyed a good laugh over his observation, when Blitz suddenly turned the tables on him.

Anticipating at first a generic set of questions that would focus on perhaps his three or four most obvious singles (such as Two Faces Have I, Painter, Rhapsody In The Rain and Lightning Strikes) while trying to reassess his place in the overall scheme of things at that juncture, Christie was most taken aback when Blitz Magazine opened with a series of observations about his earliest work, from his time with Lugee And The Lions to his magnificent vocal group harmony-inspired single, Have I Sinned.

With that, Christie rose to the occasion and gave the interview of a lifetime. That two hour conversation, which was documented at length in Blitz Magazine, touched on everything from his early outings with the great Morris Levy at Roulette Records (including the utterly stupendous Mister Tenor Man), as well as his vast body of work for MGM, Colpix and Columbia, his collaborations with such beloved session vocal greats as Bernadette Carroll and the Delicates' Denise Ferri, through his stunning Outside The Gates Of Heaven and You May Be Holding My Baby for Co&Ce, his brief stop at Buddah Records, his game changing, spot on cover of Michael Nesmith And The First National Band's arrangement of George Olsen's Beyond The Blue Horizon for Three Brothers and his 1980s collaborations with fellow visionary Lesley Gore.

Suffice to say that Blitz Magazine's summit meeting with Lou Christie proved to be mutually beneficial. For the duration of the twentieth century and well into the twenty-first century, Christie remained a much in demand live performer, including a brief stint with Fabian Forte and Frankie Avalon as part of the Golden Boys in the wake of group co-founder Bobby Rydell's passing in April 2022. Christie had also maintained a solid social media presence since the 2010s, and often held court with the faithful on a wide variety of topics. 

Although Christie had been in poor health in recent weeks, his sudden passing on 17 June nonetheless came as a tremendous shock to family, friends and colleagues. Christie was 82.

IN THE BACK OF MY MIND

REMEMBERING THE BEACH BOYS'

BRIAN WILSON

(1942 - 2025)

You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone.

That track from the Beach Boys' May 1972 So Tough: Carl And The Passions album was as much a commentary on the Beach Boys collectively as it was an assessment of their bassist, resident visionary and Inglewood, California native, Brian Douglas Wilson.  In the wake of some well publicized personal challenges and creative differences, the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson had begun to operate independently of one another at that point. 

That fork in the road turned out to be a tremendous boon for the Beach Boys themselves the previous year. During their 1971 Surf's Up tour, the Beach Boys (sans Brian Wilson) proved themselves to be a formidable force on the concert stage. In turn, their creative prowess had reached unprecedented heights during that era, as evidenced by their Sunflower, Landlocked, Surf's Up, So Tough: Carl And The Passions and Holland albums.

While Brian Wilson continued to contribute to the Beach Boys' recordings throughout that pinnacle period, he had already established enough of a legacy as a composer in the years prior to that to afford being able to embark upon a healing sabbatical. From such enthralling early cuts as In The Back Of My Mind, Let Him Run Wild and Guess I'm Dumb (composed for occasional Beach Boys sideman Glen Campbell as a solo single) to such game changing albums as Beach Boys Today!, Pet Sounds and the Smile / Smiley Smile project, Wilson had irrefutably found himself front and center among music's most impacting visionaries.

By the late 1970s, Wilson had rebounded enough to become a frequent participant in the Beach Boys' studio ventures, as well as in occasional appearances on stage. The band's creative momentum continued to soar well into the twenty-first century, highlighted along the way by such essential albums as Fifteen Big Ones, The Beach Boys Love You, Keepin' The Summer Alive and That's Why God Made The Radio.

However, it was at the turn of the century that Wilson once again found his muse to the degree that his attention was most productively directed towards his solo ventures. Aided and abetted along the way by such capable colleagues as the Wondermints and Beach Boys Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin, Wilson irrefutably cemented his legacy as a visionary of the highest order from the mid-1990s and throughout the first quarter of the twenty-first century via such triumphs as Smile, Imagination, That Lucky Old Sun, No Pier Pressure and his utterly stupendous Orange Crate Art collaboration with Van Dyke Parks. 

In recent years, much of Wilson's return to form stemmed from the ongoing support and encouragement of his wife, Melinda, whom he had married in 1995. However, the former Melinda Kae Ledbetter's sudden and tragic passing in January 2024 ultimately proved to be the final straw for the increasingly fragile Wilson.

Hence the sad but not altogether unexpected news that came on the morning of 11 June 2025 of Brian Wilson's passing. Survivors include daughters Carnie and Wendy (of the vocal trio Wilson Phillips), Wilson's first wife and Honeys cofounder Marilyn Wilson and cousin (and Beach Boys front man) Mike Love. Brian Wilson was 82.

LET ME HEAR IT FROM YOU:

REMEMBERING

SLY STONE

(1943 - 2025)

The Kinks once sang of being on a Low Budget. But one other prominent artist once used a unique low budget beginning as a springboard to one of the most remarkable careers in music history. 

In 1963, Bob Blythe's Hollywood, California-based Sutton Records released a Various Artists album, Jumpin! With Pop Hits Of Tomorrow. Included were memorable tracks by several up and coming artists, including Dal Cory, the Sparkplugs, the Sims Sisters and Diane Coley.

But the highlight of that Sutton collection was an irresistible original by a Bay Area sextet that had called it a day months earler. That track was the sublime You're My Only Love by the Viscaynes. 

The group had come together as the Viscounts while its members were attending high school in Vallejo. However, upon learning of the New Jersey-based band, the Viscounts (who had recorded the classic instrumental, Harlem Nocturne), the Vallejo sextet became the Viscaynes, a play on Viscounts and on Chevrolet's popular Biscayne model.

Among the Viscaynes' ranks was a prodigious guitarist, pianist, producer, vocal arranger and Denton Texas native, Sylvester Stewart. The eldest son of Alpha and K.C. Stewart, Sylvester Stewart spent his formative years perfecting his multi-faceted musical mission statement as part of the worship team at his church. In 1956, Stewart and his three siblings released a Gospel single, On The Battlefield / Walking In Jesus' Name as the Stewart Four.

At the Viscaynes' first rehearsal, Stewart immediately focused upon fine tuning their vocal harmonies to perfection. They recorded several promising sides, resulting in a hit single with Yellow Moon for the VPM label.

The Viscaynes' tight vocal harmonies made them an immediate sensation in the wake of their debut appearance on Dick Stewart's Dance Party television series.  However, their time in the spotlight was limited, as each of the members had plans to go their separate ways upon graduation.

Meanwhile, Sylvester Stewart's overall musical prowess made an impression on  Dick Stewart, who retained his services for the Dance Party broadcast. By 1964, Sylvester Stewart was recruited as staff producer for the late Tom Donahue's short lived but ambitious Autumn label, the recording home of Bobby Freeman, the Mojo Men, the Vejtables, the Tikis (later known as Harpers Bizarre) and the Beau Brummels. 

When Autumn ceased operations in late 1965, Stewart (by then professionally known as Sly Stone) slowly but steadily turned his attention towards the home front.  He began recruiting friends and family members to form the visionary supergroup, Sly And The Family Stone. 

By 1967, Sly And The Family Stone had signed with Epic Records. The game changing singles followed in rapid succession over the next six years. They included Underdog, Dance To The Music, Life / M'Lady, Everyday People, Stand / I Want To Take You Higher, Hot Fun In The Summertime (which was covered by the Beach Boys), Everybody Is A Star / Thank You, Family Affair, If You Want Me To Stay and Running Away. The band also headlined at the Woodstock Festival in August 1969.

Sadly, a series of personal challenges resulted in Sly And The Family Stone being put on hiatus by the mid-1970s. Group cofounder Rose Stone went on to direct the New Song vocal choir at Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California during the early 1990s. 

Meanwhile, Sylvester Stewart recorded sporadically into the twenty-first century. He also made occasional live appearances with Family Stone members.

In recent years, Sylvester Stewart had battled the lung disease COPD, which claimed his life in Los Angeles on 09 June. At his bedside were his three children, son Sylvester Junior and daughters Sylvyette and Novena. Stewart was 82. 

THE NIGHT OF LUV':

PATTY BRARD'S

PANTER PARTY

REUNITES THE GREATS

Sometimes a summit meeting is answered prayer.

Such was the case in Amsterdam on 14 March, when nine of the giants of the Netherlands' most treasured vocal groups joined forces to celebrate Luv' co-founder Patty Brard's seventieth birthday. 

With such monster classics as Trojan Horse (issued on Polydor in the U.S.), Casanova, You're The Greatest Lover and Saint Tropez to their credit, Luv' (Brard, Jose Hoebee and Marga Scheide) and their producer, the late Hans van Hemert firmly established themselves as one of the twentieth century's premier vocal trios. Sadly, Hoebee's health challenges have prevented them from persevering as a unit for the time being. 

Undaunted, and with her seventieth birthday approaching, Brard called upon veterans of several other pioneering vocal units to join forces for a one-off summit meeting. That event, Patty's Panter Party took place before a capacity crowd at Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome on 14 March. 

Chief among the other participants was Babe lead vocalist Marga Bult. Together with Rita van Rooy and Margot van de Ven, Babe established one of the most impressive legacies in all of music with such game changing singles as Dolly The Doll, Explosive, (Don't You Ever) Shop Around, Boomerang, Shocking, Indian Habits and their utterly stupendous Together In Love Again. While Babe has been on a professional sabbatical since 1986, Bult, van Rooy and van de Ven remain close.

Also participating in the summit meeting were veterans of several other beloved vocal groups. They included Rowan Moore of Centerfold, Caren Wood of Maywood, Anita Heilker and Esther Oosterbeek of the Dolly Dots (whose 1981 Keep On Doing It single saw release on Atlantic in the United States), Caroline De Windt and Jetty Weels or Mai Tai, and Laura Vlasblom and Mandy Huydts of Frizzle Sizzle. 

"Thank you for a fantastic birthday party", said Brard.

"Nothing but love!"

"You and your entire production team threw a great birthday party", Bult added.

"Made so many people happy!"

To quote a classic cut from the 1978 debut album by Luv', it was a Dream Dream come true.