WELCOME TO BLITZ MAGAZINE'S WEB SITE!

DANCE 4U:  Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell and DEBBIE GIBSON welcome the faithful to Pickering, Ontario on 25 July for Gibson's sold out show at The Arena. Blitz Magazine takes a behind the scenes look under the Previous Posts heading at right. Photo by Eddie Bennett (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:

Sympathy and prayers for Brothers Four bassist and long time friend, Bob Flick on the passing of his wife, WKRP In Cincinnati's LONI ANDERSON on 03 August at age 79.

Prayers in progress for beloved rock and roll giant DAVE EDMUNDS. The 81 year old legend suffered cardic arrest at home, and is in critical condition.

DEBBIE GIBSON took to the road in celebration of her forthcoming autobiography, Eternally Electric and video for Legendary. Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell takes a behind the scenes look that neither the body nor the heart will forget, under the Previous Posts heading at right. 

His passing came just two weeks after his farewell live performance with BLACK SABBATH. We bid farewell to the band's charismatic front man, OZZY OSBOURNE, who succumbed to various health challenges on 22 July at age 76.

The passing of sole surviving original member FRANK MAFFEI on 19 July brought to a close the legacy of one of the most enduring and extraordinary vocal supergroups in rock an roll history. Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell salutes the nearly unprecedented seven decade legacy of Philadelphia's DANNY AND THE JUNIORS.

Their 1969 signature single, Maria Isabel earned the ultimate high praise from Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People as absolute, utter perfection, and finished in a multi-disc tie for Best Single of that most productive year. Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell salutes LOS PAYOS cofounder JOSE' MORENO HURTADO, who succumbed to a lingering illness on 19 July. 

Her mastery of standards by Billy Murray, the Mills Brothers, Isham Jones and others was matched in the studio via a series of first rate rockers, and in motion pictutres, where she startted in several rock and roll themed classics. We pay tribute to CONNIE FRANCIS, who succumbed to a brief illness in Miami, Florida on 16 July at age 87.

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.

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.

DEBBIE GIBSON ON TOUR

TOO FANCY: DEBBIE GIBSON and guitarist Sean Thomas mesmerize the capacity crowd at The Arena in Pickering, Ontario on 25 July 2025. Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell takes a behind the scenes look that neither the body nor the heart will forget. Photo by Michael McDowell. C&P 2025 Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People. Al rights reserved. (Click on above image to enlarge). 

RED CARPET READY:

ON TOUR WITH

DEBBIE GIBSON

By Michael McDowell

Accidents Will Happen.

When Elvis Costello And The Attractions introduced that song on their 1979 Armed Forces album for Columbia, the group envisioned a somewhat larger, almost metaphorical perspective on that familiar theme. But suffice to say that in terms of developments surrounding Debbie Gibson's 25 July tour stop in the Toronto, Ontario suburb of Pickering, that concept availed itself in the most basic of ways for at least a few of those in attendance.

To wit, some among the concert goers came to Pickering from across the North American continent. A few of them opted to arrive a day early in order to settle in, see the sights, and fine tune their itineraries. 

However, during the afternoon commute on Toronto's main thoroughfare (the 401 Freeway) on the day prior to showtime, the driver of an eastbound vehicle attempted (to no avail) to straddle the guard rail that separates the express lanes from the collector lanes. 

The resultant seven car pile up brought eastbound traffic to a standstill. And since the main surface routes such as Yonge Street were also at capacity with rush hour traffic, those on the eastbound 401 found themselves stuck in a two hour squeeze in their attempts to steer clear of the multi-car fender bender. Remarkably, there were no apparent injuries, although the nearly 35C degree heat seemed to have caused more than one car that was stuck in the resultant traffic jam to overheat. 

Thankfully, Gibson and Team Deb drew from their wisdom borne of decades on the road and avoided any such concerns by arriving a day early and by flying instead of driving. 

Of course given that Gibson and her entourage descended upon Toronto's Pearson Airport from such disparate locations as Las Vegas and New York would have made her trademark RV road trip a logistical challenge, to put it mildly. Thankfully, the well seasoned Pearson airport shuttle team also rose to the occasion magnificently, bringing Gibson and Team Deb to the Pickering facility two days ahead of schedule.

"We even had a chance to go to the mall last night", said choreographer Eddie Bennett, during a breakfast gathering at Pickering Casino Resort's restaurant row during the morning of showtime. A group of Deb Heads was also on hand to join in the celebration.

However, that moment of respite proved to be the end of the so called free time for Team Deb for the duration of their stay in Pickering. 

By mid-morning on 25 July, all concerned had hit the ground running. In addition to a number of publicity / media commitments, on tap were soundcheck and a meet and greet that drew hundreds of participants. 

Team Deb's level of commitment was in full view that afternoon, from Bennett's masterful dual role as photographer during the meet and greet sessions to Tim Chang's consistently fielding with finesse an enthusiastic stream of clientele at the merch table. 

"We're just SO busy", Gibson said. 

"I don't even know if I'll have time for breakfast in the morning!" 

As anyone who has seen Gibson in concert in recent years can readily attest, few artists deliver with maximum intensity as consistently as she does throughout her entire live set. An unwavering perfectionist on stage, Gibson has learned via trial and error that the only way to continue to deliver at optimum level is through a series of preparatory steps that include both vocal warm ups and a brief period of relaxation prior to showtime. 

To that effect, Gibson retired to her room after the meet and greet for a bit of rest and an energy reboot. The relatively soundproof rooms and above average level of security at the facility seemed certain to offer an ideal setting in that respect.

Or so she thought.

At about 4:50PM, another variation on the aforementioned Elvis Costello theme availed itself throughout the resort in the form of a fire alarm. At that point, the automatic building security kicked into place, with the hall doors on each floor locking and the building's elevator system temporarily shutting down.

Guests at the facility professed mixed reactions. Thankfully, an off duty Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was staying at the facility with his family. He immediately availed himself to assist.

The alarm persisted for more than twenty minutes, putting even Gibson's trademark relentless optimism to a bit of a test. Happily, she rose to the occasion with her unique brand of humor intact.

"I just (wanted) a little disco nap before the show", she joked, as she apprised the faithful via cell phone.

"It's a high class problem, I will acknowledge that!".

With that, Gibson smiled, placed her index finger to her lips and said, "But ssshhh!!"

Moments later, the off duty OPP officer returned with a bit of good news. It was a false alarm and all was well.

"I think I'm heading down to the pool", he joked.

However, as a matter of protocol, the facility itself took the full service approach in reassuring one and all that everything was safe. They did so in the form of a half dozen announcements that were broadcast through the resort's public address system every few minutes throughout the next half hour. 

As such, with Gibson endeavoring to make the most of that now truncated "disco nap" time, a new set of challenges availed themselves. Nonetheless, Gibson returned to her cell phone moments later to assure one and all that she had met the challenge head on and had emerged victorious.

"I do have headphones here", she said.

"It might be time! I think I'm going to go get them".

By the time that openers Boyzlife took to the stage at The Arena at 8:00PM, all was well. Comprised of Boyzone's Keith Duffy and Westlife's Brian McFadden, the Ireland-based duo took a somewhat Hall And Oates-flavored approach to celebrating one another's catalog triumphs, augmented inspiringly via covers of Anne Murray's You Needed Me, the Osmonds' Love Me For A Reason, the Bee Gees' Words, Billy Joel's Uptown Girl and Barry Manilow's reinvention of Scott English's Brandy as Mandy.

The capacity crowd roared its approval when Gibson took to the stage moments later. Opening with Dance 4U from her acclaimed August 2021 The Body Remembers album, the intensity continued unabated at optimum level for the remainder of the evening. Her set list ran the gamut of everything from such early career highlights as Shake Your Love, Electric Youth, Over The Wall, No More Rhyme and the mandatory (and utterly stupendous) We Could Be Together to additional highlights from The Body Remembers and a reprise of Love Under My Pillow, her early stage duet with long time choreographer and backing vocalist, Keeth "Stepp" Stewart. 

Stewart's return to Team Deb after a successful season of pursuing other career ventures has taken on an entirely new meaning in light of recent developments. Earlier this year, long time fellow choreographer Buddy Casimano suffered a heart attack, days after an overseas performance. Thankfully, Casimano continues in recovery mode after undergoing successful bypass surgery.

Meanwhile, Casimano's on stage role alongside Stewart and Bennett has been temporarily filled by Daniel Gold, a thirty-one year old newcomer to the world of Debbie Gibson. Bennett and Stewart have both done an extraordinary job of mentoring along the way, with Gold rising to the occasion and executing the complex and highly demanding routines with the confidence of a veteran.

Team Deb as a whole delivered with the best of them at The Arena, from backing vocalist Ronda Grinds and ace saxophone man Adam Tese to Johnny the musical director / drummer and guitarist Sean Thomas. Thomas, who first worked with Gibson in the landmark 2016 Hallmark production, Summer Of Dreams, subsequently toured with New Kids On The Block and was a contributor to The Body Remembers album.

Most assuredly, it was a night to remember. Presumably, it should have also been a night to celebrate. But duty continued to call. The group had a flight out of Pearson to Calgary, Alberta the next morning for a show on the 27th of July. As such, it appeared that Gibson's earlier assessment of the morning's breakfast schedule was on target. 

As Gibson bid farewell to a few of the Deb Heads in the lobby of the resort that morning, she turned to see Blitz Magazine Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell approaching to say goodbye. She immediately began chronicling the moment on her cell phone, when the airport shuttle arrived. 

With a decisive command of, "We have to go NOW!", a member of Team Deb's road crew whisked her on to the shuttle and off to the flight to Calgary. A truncated moment, but a magnificent one, nonetheless.

The whirlwind of activity that has followed Gibson as of late will continue unabated for the time being. In post-production is an ambitious video project to accompany the track Legendary from The Body Remembers. It will be followed in September by Eternally Electric, Gibson's highly anticipated autobiography. 

While the late Kingston Trio co-founder Dave Guard once infamously observed, "These are the times that try men's souls", in Gibson's case, times such as these ultimately serve to reinvigorate and inspire. 

Stewart reiterated as much the day after the Pickering performance.

"Living my best life on tour with Debbie Gibson", he said.

"Wonderful artist.....another city, and more fun!"

To paraphrase the title track of that game changing August 2021 album, the body might remember the rigours of the road. But the heart most definitely does not want to forget.

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

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN: Out deepest sympathies to and prayers for Brothers Four bassist and long time friend, Bob Flick on the passing of his wife, WKRP In Cincinnati's LONI ANDERSON on 03 August at age 79. The couple is pictured above at a recent red carpet event. Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell celebrates Anderson's extraordinary legacy below (Click on above image to enlarge).

REMEMBERING

WKRP IN CINCINNATI'S

LONI ANDERSON

(1945 - 2025)

Our deepest sympathies to and prayers for Brothers Four co-founder and long time  friend, Bob Flick on the passing of his wife, Loni Anderson.

Anderson of course established a most impressive legacy as a part of the CBS network's groundbreaking series, WKRP In Cincinnati. From 1978 to 1982, Anderson as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe (alongside an all star cast that included Jan Smithers as news editor and traffic reporter Bailey Quarters, Gary Sandy as program director Andy Travis, Howard Hesseman as morning man John "Johnny Fever" Carvalla, Tim Reid as all night air ace Gordon "Venus Flytrap" Sims, Gordon Jump as general manager Arthur Carlson, Richard Sanders as newscaster Les Nessman and Frank Bonner as sales manager Herb Tarlek) depicted the behind the scenes life at an Ohio AM radio station with a warmth and intelligence that raised the bar in that respect to unsurpassed heights. 

A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson was an avid folk music enthusiast, who had attended a number of concerts by the legendary Brothers Four. She eventually married the band's bassist (and lone active founding member) Bob Flick, with whom she resided in Southern California. Anderson was 79. 

DAVE EDMUNDS

SUFFERS

CARDIAC ARREST

On the morning of 29 July, beloved rock and roll giant Dave Edmunds suffered major cardiac arrest at home. According to his wife Cici, a nurse edministered CPR to the 81 year old Edmunds, although he passed away in the arms of his wife.

However, Edmunds was transported to a nearby medical facility, where he was intubated and miraculously revived. Nonetheless, the medical staff has advised that there may be brain damage and memory loss. It was also said that Edmunds would not survive another cardiac incident.

Dave Edmunds' 1977 Get It! album for the Swan Song label was Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People's decisive pick for Best Album of the Decade of the 1970s. He is widely admired as one of rock and roll's absolute masters. 

Cici Edmunds has stated that she welcomes prayer and words of encouragement for both herself and her husband of forty years. Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People will report any further developments.

PARANOIA STRIKES DEEP:

REMEMBERING

BLACK SABBATH'S

OZZY OSBOURNE

(1948 - 2025)

Doechii most assuredly knew of which she sang.

In her 2025 hit single, Anxiety, composer and vocalist Jaylah "Doechii" Hickman astutely articulated the various challenges that avail themselves in today's frantically paced society. Her observations have resonated across the board to the degree that Anxiety has become an instant classic.

However, there is one artist who made a career out of riding the emotional roller coaster for more than half a century and who lived to tell the tale. As the cofounder and long time front man of Black Sabbath, composer, vocalist and Marston Green, West Midlands native John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne personified the high intensity pespective better than most. The titles of some of the band's most celebrated songs tell the tale well: Behind The Wall Of Sleep, Hand Of Doom, Into The Void, Wheels Of Confusion, Killing Yourself To Live and of course the obvious Paranoid most assuredly speak for themselves.

This is not to say that the Black Sabbath's on stage mission statement became their personal Master Of Realty. Guitarist Toni Iommi reiterated as much in his acclaimed autobiography. 

In turn, Black Sabbath had a flair for original material that reflected a penchant for a strong verse, bridge and chorus template, underscored in part by their rare venture into the world of cover material (Crow's 1969 signature single, Evil Woman). Likewise, Osbourne (who was a member of the Church Of England) made frequent references throughout his career of the priority of seeking Jesus Christ through prayer. 

Charismatic in part as the result of his self-depreciating and seemingly cavalier persona, Osbourne along the way established himself as a pioneer of the concept of reality television by virtue of his MTV series, The Osbournes. Therein, he co-starred with his wife, Sharon and children Kelly and Jack.

Sadly, as Doechii astutely observed, protracted emotional stress can nonetheless  take a considerable physical toll. In Osbourne's case, that physical toll availed itself via his diagnoses of Parkinson's Disease and emphysema. He performed his final live show with Black Sabbath on 05 July 2025, at which time he reaffirmed his retirement from the stage.

Osbourne had intended to continue with studio work. But sadly, his ongoing health concerns prevailed. Osbourne passed away during the morning of 22 July 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 76.

SOMEHOW I CAN'T FORGET:

REMEMBERING

DANNY AND THE JUNIORS'

FRANK MAFFEI

(1939 - 2025)

It was a typically fast paced evening in Southern California in April 1983. 

Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People was en route to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to pick up Herman's Hermits. The band was in town for a show the following evening, and time spent with them was always a great joy.

That is, until the ride from the airport to their hotel. While en route, the news came over the car radio that Danny And The Juniors' front man, Daniel Earl "Danny" Rapp had passed away by his own hand. 

That news hit Hermits lead guitarist Derek Leckenby particularly hard. Herman's Hermits and Danny Ahd The Juniors had worked together occasionally, and the two artists had formed a strong friendship. 

Indeed, Rapp's sudden passing stood in sharp contrast to the quartet's storied legacy. Formed in their native Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1955 as the Juvenaires, the group's founding line up featured Rapp, David Ernest "Dave" White, Joseph Angelo "Joe" Terranova and Frank Maffei. 

Although it took two years for the group to finally make their mark in the recording studio, suffice to say their initial outing far exceeded any and all expectations. The group tried their hand at a song that was co-authored by visionary composer, vocalist and producer, John Madara. Initially titled Do The Bop, the song underwent a bit of fine tuning at the suggestion of American Bandstand host Dick Clark. The newly revamped At The Hop made its debut in 1957 on Artie Singer's Singular label, and in short order was reissued by ABC Paramount. An exercise in relentless optimism and the pure euphoria of rock and roll on the level of Bill Haley And The Comets' definitive rendition of Shake, Rattle And Roll, Danny And The Juniors' At The Hop sold millions upon millions of copies and remains one of rock and roll's definitive masterpieces.

One sublime Danny And The Juniors single for ABC Paramount, Swan and Guyden followed another in rapid succession, including Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay, Crazy Cave, Sassy Fran, Playing Hard To Get, Somehow I Can't Forget, Twistin' U.S.A., Back To The Hop, Pony Express and We Got Soul, to name but a few. The classic quartet persevered intact until the mid-1960s, when Madara and White began a production parnership (whose artists included the beloved Pixies Three) and then teamed up with Ray Gilmore to form the Spokesmen. The ambitious Spokesmen recorded a series of acclaimed releases for Decca and Cameo's affiliate Winchester label. 

Following Rapp's sudden passing, Frank Maffei (as "Danny Frank") and Joe Terranova (as the trio's lead vocalist) joined forces with Billy And The Essentials alumnus Bill Carlucci to sustain Danny And The Juniors' momentum. The group continued to flourish in live performance, and graced Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People with an interview at the time.

By the 2010s, Danny And The Juniors had amassed a most impressive six decades in the spotlight. But rather than rest on their accolades, the group (then compised of of Joe Terranova, Frank Maffei and his brother, Bob Maffei) decided to augment their extensive singles legacy with their long overdue debut album. Released at midpoint in the 2010s, We're Forever And Ever And Ever Yours in turn served as an unlikely springboard for the group's final major project, an avant garde film adventure set in a European theme park. 

In 2019, the Danny And The Juniors had been in talks with former member Dave White about the possibility of his return to the group, at least on an occasional basis. Tragically, all such hopes were dashed that year with the back to back passings of White from cancer on the 16th of March that year, followed by Joe Terranova on 15 April at age 78.

As the group's lone surviving original member, Frank Maffei did his best to champion the group's extraordinary legacy (often in tandem with Madara) well into the 2020s. However, Maffei's  own momentum was derailed with the June 2023 passing of his wife of sixty-five years. Maffei's final public statement came on 17 July 2025, with a brief salute to fellow rock and roll pioneer Connie Francis. 

With a legacy that spanned nearly seven decades, Danny And The Juniors were  perhaps equalled in that respect only by the Belmonts, whose own phenomenal run came to an end on 29 October 2023 with group mastermind Warren Gradus' passing after a protracted battle with cancer. 

Most tragically, Frank Maffei's sudden homegoing on 19 July 2025 also brought Danny And The Juniors' phenomenal run to a close.

"The end of an era", said John Madara.

"God bless Frank Maffei. Rest in peace, my friend".

Maffei was 85.

COMO UN ADIOS:

REMEMBERING

LOS PAYOS'

JOSE' MORENO HURTADO

(1944 - 2025)

By decade's end, the rich diversity that had characterized the musical landscape of the 1960s had begun a slow but steady decline into what visionary composer Michael Nesmith would soon astutely refer to as the Grand Ennui. 

Thankfully, there was still much to be found in the way of groundbreaking musical work in 1969. Artists as diverse as Johnny Cash, the Archies, the MC5, Steve Lawrence And Eydie Gorme, Funkadelic, Harry Nilsson and the Friends Of Distinction all turned in career highlights that year. 

However, one unlikely and unique single by a highly ambitious trio from Seville, Andalusia made such an impact during that year, that it ultimately drew high praise from Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People as part of a mutli-disc tie for Best Single of 1969. 

That single, Maria Isabel became an instant classic, as well as the signature single for the band, Los Payos. Comprised of Eduardo Rodriguez Rodway, Luis Javier Moreno Salguero and Jose' Moreno Hurtado (endearingly known as "Josele" to his bandmates), Los Payos brought a healthy and inspired dose of relentless optimsim into an increasingly despondent musical landscape with that single (their third for the Hispavox label). 

Therein, the three protagonists endeavored to gain the attention of the song's main character, only for her to dismiss them out of hand as they took it all in stride. That landmark moment was captured on a sublime black and white video in 1969. Renowned composer, guitarist and vocalist Jose Feliciano was inpsired by Maria Isabel to the degree that he recorded his own rendtion of it for his El Fantastico! album in 1970. 

Over the next several years, Los Payos added to their impeccable legacy with such first rate singles as Pequena Anita, Un Tipo Raro, Senor Doctor and Vuelve Junto A Mi before calling it a day in 1976. Meanwhile, Rodway had cofounded the highly influenial band, Triana in 1974, while Salguero concurrently made his mark in the like minded Alameda. 

In turn, Hurtado went on to enjoy a long and prolific career in comedy. Hurtado eventually worked for a season as a sports commentator on the radio program, El Pelotazo. He also became a record producer, primarily directing his attention towards up and coming artists. 

Towards the end of the twentieth century, Los Payos reunited to reprise Maria Isabel before a highly appreciative television audience. Sadly, that reunion proved to be short lived. 

Tragically, Hurtado had suffered from various health concerns in recent years. He succumbed to a lingering illness on 18 July.

"Rest in peace, dear colleague Josele", said Rodway.

"I will never forget (you) and the times lived, as well as the work we did together. My condolences to family and friends".

Memorial services for the beloved musical visionary were held at the Cemeterio de San Fernando in Seville on 20 July. Hurtado was 81.

MY HAPPINESS:

REMEMBERING

CONNIE FRANCIS

(1937 - 2025)

Genre myopia is anathema to the art itself.

When rock and roll first availed itself on a larger scale in the late 1940s and early 1950s via such visionaries as Louis Jordan, Bill Haley And The Comets, the Ravens and others, there began a growing movement within the mainstream media to foment dissent amongst the rank and file. The assertion was that this up and coming genre was at odds with that which had represented the art to date.

In reality, the artists themselves saw things quite differently. To that effect, pioneering rocker Roy Brown drew his primary inspiration from the works of Bing Crosby. Little Richard soared with his cover of the legendary Billy Murray and the Haydn Quartet's 1910 standard, By The Light Of The Silvery Moon. And rock and roll greats Rick Nelson and Eddie Cochran each turned in first rate renditions of Ethel Waters' 1929 hit, Am I Blue.

One artist who stood in solidarity with the greats in that respect better than most was vocalist, actress and Newark, New Jersey native Concetta Rosa Maria "Connie Francis" Franconero. During her long and prolific afilliation with the MGM label in the late 1950s and early 1960s, she recorded first rate renditions of classics by Jon and Sondra Steele (My Happiness), the Mills Brothers (You Always Hurt The One You Love), Isham Jones (Who's Sorry Now?) and the Ink Spots (If I Didn't Care), alongside such first rate rockers as Stupid Cupid, Eighteen, Vacation, My Best Friend Barbara.and the utterly stupendous Lipstick On Your Collar.

In turn, Francis also became a much loved on screen presence via her roles in such game changing motion pictures as Rock Rock Rock, Jamboree, Where The Boys Are, Follow The Boys and When The Boys Meet The Girls. She costarred in the latter production alongside such giants as Herman's Hermits, Wladziu Liberace, Sam The Sham And The Pharaohs and Louis Armstrong. 

Most recently, the renewed interest in Francis' 1962 B-side, Pretty Little Baby gave her a most welcome return to center stage. However, various health concerns described by the artist as "extreme pain" began to avail themselves, forcing her to postpone scheduled mid-2025 live dates. Sadly, Francis ultimately succumbed to those health concerns in Miami, Florida on 16 July. She was 87.

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.