HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE"- CHAPTER 151 - OTIS & ALL NIGHT WORKERS, OTIS SMITH & LLOYD BASKIN

This Syracuse University rhythm n blues band was first known on the SU campus as "The Headliners" (1963-64) Billy Elmiger (bass, formerly with the Vanguards), Steve McCord (guitarist formerly with Felix Cavaliere & The Escorts), Herb Flower (drums formerly of the Techniques) and were managed by Joe Davoli. They later who add Lloyd Baskin on keyboard

 Lloyd Baskin and Billy Elmiger went looking for a new lead singer. They found that singer in Otis Smith the former Rhythm Cadet and drummer for Bobby Green & The Hi Fi's was singing in the ward bars in downtown Syracuse. Then a name change from Otis & the Headliners to "All Night Workers". The groups name came from the old Rufus Thomas song "I'm An All Night Worker" a name that finally all members agreed upon. With this new lineup the band became Otis & The All Night Workers,

In the fall of 1965, they recorded the legendary Billy Elmiger tune "Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket" (1965) for Round Sound Records a division of Pickwick International. The band had been recommended to Pickwick by their manager NYS lawyer Don Schpak who had a relative working for the label. They reached the studio recorded "Eggs" and used a Pickwick staff written song for the flip side- (by another SU friend, Lou Reed,.Note Lou did not play on this recording) Eggs finally reached #1 on WOLF Radio charts in Syracuse while the band traveled the East Coast stopping as such New York City night clubs as Trudy Hellers & Max's Kansas City while staring the stage with such national acts as Del Shannon & Chuck Berry.

They were then lead to Cameo Records by produced Neil Bogart and a follow up single "Honey and Wine" (1966). It was then on to Mercury Records and the single "Misery" (1967). Otis and the All Night Workers (as they were known locally becoming only one of a few University bands to break off campus and become popular with city teens in clubs like the Brookside & Fayetteville Inn (1964-66), This coming from the exposure they received from WOLF's popular  night time disc jockey Dale Dorman. After a summer at Lake George that members described as a hard grind the band finally broke up in Boston in 1968.

Herb Flower returned to Syracuse awaiting an opening with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (also taught at OCC). Flowers would play with the Symphony for many years. Elmiger, Smith and McCord went to reside in New York City and released two albums on Perception Records with a group named "The Albert" (named after a hotel where they all resided). Otis also release a single for Perception "Let Her Go".  Otis Smith was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Hall of Fame (Sammys). Bandmates- Elmiger, McCord & Flower returned for his induction.

Lloyd William Baskin graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, but he turned to music as his profession in 1966. Baskin sang lead and played his Wurlitzer 140 B electric piano on the All Night Workers hit "Don't Put All Your Eggs" recorded in New York City by producer Jerry Vance (Pickwick International) again was released by Round Sound Records.

Meanwhile Lloyd Baskin went on tour with "Jesus Christ Superstar". After his Jesus Christ Superstar days , Lloyd joined the national group "Seatrain". Their first release was a self-titled album '13 Questions". Lloyd is featured on both Capitol Records Seatrain albums "Seatrain" (1971) and "Marblehead Messenger" (1971). But it was there hit single "13 Questions" that propelled the band into the national spotlight.

In the late 1970's Lloyd returned to Central New York joining Mark Hoffmann forming Baskin- Hoffmann & Lee with Sandra Lee (vocals), Gary Goal (bass), Tommy Neuman (drums), Mark Hoffmann (guitar) and Baskin (keyboards & vocals).

Other Lloyd Baskin release include-Martin Mull's album "Days of Wine and Neuroses" Orphan's LP :"More Orphan than Hot', Patricia Rushen's Lp "New".  He was also seen in the feature film "Bugsy: (1990) playing Ciro"s singer. Lloyd resides in Southern California.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 150- THE HOWIE WYETH STORY- From SU To The National Music Scene.

Howard Pyle Wyeth was born on April 22, 1944 in Jersey City, New Jersey. His father was Nathaniel Wyeth (worked as an inventor for the Dupont Corporation. His mother Caroline Pyle, the famous illustrator from Chadd's Ford, Pa. Howie had four brothers Convers, Andy, David and John, a sister Caroline who sadly died as a youth. Howie and his family moved from Northern New Jersey to Chadd's Ford, Pa where they resided for several years before shifting to Hockessin, Delaware (lived till age 14). At the age of 8 he had a very serious case of Polio. But he recovered and played in his high school band and later became a member of the New Jersey All-State Band. Howie Wyeth then studied and received a music degree from Syracuse University, It was at SU that he formed and became leader of the big band the "Sidewinders' (a few years later became Jam Factory). During his years in Syracuse, the Sidewinders played several clubs including Deb's (now Lost Horizon) and the Little Brown Jug. Wyeth's Sidewinders also included Mark Hoffmann, John T. Hall, Bill Storm, Mike Mattia, Steve Marcone, Paul Petruccelli, Charlie Brown, Eddie Freeman and later Ian Taddeo (Stompin Sude Greasers, Alligators) to names just a few.

Wyeth studied percussion with Alan Abel of the Philadelphia Orchestra and was a member of the Syracuse University marching band. He graduated from SU in 1966.

 

He moved to New York City in late 1968 and recorded two albums with "The Albert" (1970-71) that included Syracusan Otis Smith and ex- SU alumni Steve McCord. Paul Petruccelli, Billy Elminger, Louis St Louis and Paul Dickler. He then appeared on James Moody's album "The Teacher" (1970),   followed with Zulema (1974), McKendee Spring (1975) and Leslie West's "Great Fatsby" (1975).

 

Best known for being a drummer he teamed with Bob Dylan on his Rolling Thunder Revue (1974-75) and on Dylan's albums "Desire" (1975), Rolling Thunder Revue (1975), Hard Rain (1976)  and on Bob's hit singles 'Hurricane" and "Mozambique".

 

Then it was on to recording with impressive list - Roger McGuinn (1976 & 1992), Topez (1976-77), Kinky Friedman (1976), Don McLean (1977), Essra Mohawk (1977), Robert Gordon w/ Link Wray (1977-820, Moon Martin (1979), Link Wray (1979 & 1983), Jack Hardy (1979, 89) Rob Stoner (1980), Paul Lockheart (1980), Jack Harty (1984), Christine Lavin (1984,86), Richard Golke (1985-87), Rob MacDonald (1987), Blues Traveler (1990 RIAA Gold Record), Nice Boys from New York (1990), Lonesome Val (1990), Richard Meyer (1992), Suzanne Rhatigene (1992), Richard Shindell (1992), John  Meyer (19940, Michael Parrish 91995), Kinky Friedman (1995), Loup Garou (1996), Christine Lavin (199), John Manson Band (1995), Eric Wood (1997), Chadd Fort Getaway (20030, David Massengill (2005), Lesley West's 'Blood of the Sun 1969-75".

Of course Howie Wyeth worked with many talented musicians that included- Bob Dylan, Rob Stoner, Leslie West, Patti  LaBellem Roger McGuinn, Link Wray, Don Covay, Loudon Wainwright III, Anton Fig, Blues Traveler, Robert Gordon , The Jordanaires, James Moody, Don McLean, Chris Spedding , Richard Gotteher, Martin Moon and many others.

 

He married Rona Morrow in New York City, but eventually divorced. He then had a 17 year relationship with Catherine Wheeler. She was instrumental in bring out the very best in Howie.

 

In recent years Howie Wyeth concentrated on piano, leading is own group in ragtime, blues and early jazz in New York City clubs. His last recording, a cassette 9now a Cd) of ragtime and stride piano called "Chadsford Getaway"(1994). Howie appeared in the motion pictures "Renaldo & Cara" (1978) "Save the Children " (1973), 'Angelo, My Love: (1983) and 'Fried Green Tomatoes " (1991).

 

He was also seen on television on Don Kisrchner's Rock Concert with Robert Gordon, Midnight Special (twice) again with Robert Gordon, ABC's Today Show w/ Kinky Friedman, PBS TV's Buskers with Joe Flood, Michael Douglas Show, ABC's soap opera "One Life to Live, NBC's "The World of John Hammond' with Bob Dylan. And again with Dylan in  NBC's 'Hard Rain Special',  and the Joe Franklin Show.

 

Sadly the very talented Howie Wyeth passed away on March 27, 1996 in New York City at age 51.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE"- CHAPTER 149- THE PASSING OF WALT'S RECORD SHOP GM- EDDIE GRUDYNSKI AT AGE 92

We were saddened to learn of the passing on Eddie Grudynski on Saturday Sept 12, 2015 at age 92. Ed was the general manager-operator of Walt's Record Shop Syracuse's top independent single record store from March 1951 through July 1980. First called "The Record Shop' its first location was at 114 West Jefferson Street ( Loew Building) when it opened in March 1951. It then moved around the corner to 352 So. Salina Street just two stores north of Loew's Theater (now called The Landmark Theater) in 1959. Owned by Walt Kandziela but operated by his brother-in-law Ed Grudynski. Walt's Record Shop finally closed in July 1980.

Other key employees who worked at Walt Record included- Gary Grudynski (Eddie's son), Dave Ridgeway, Don Libensky,  Gary Podsiedlik, Larry Liberman, Don Bombard, Guy Capone, Mark Kalsuga, Dan Elliott, Steve Wasnick, Louie Everding, Kevin Adams and Gary Bennett.

All major acts would stop by Walt's Record Shop when in Central New York including- Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, Gene Pitney, The Rascals, Al Martino, The Lettermen, Buck Owens, Jerry Vale, and many more. Walt's was Syracuse last record store where customer could audition 45 & 33 vinyl recordings before buying them. More records were sold by Walt's employee influences than any store I known of. And that sales technique even influenced me.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE"- CHAPTER 148 - WOLF- WNDR RADIO (DINOSAUR RADIO) CELEBRATE 75th ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA REUNION EVENT- AUGUST 8, 2015- MANY FORMER GREAT BROADCASTERS RETURN TO SYRACUSE

August 8, 2015- WOLF & WNDR Radio celebrated their 75th Anniversary. To share this event the Dinosaur Radio group held a full day gala reunion of former employees including  broadcasters, engineers, sales professionals, management and those who contributed to the stations success through the years.

The schedule for August 8th was as follows- 9AM- 12 noon- live broadcast on Dinosaur Radio family of stations with interviews of many of the returning  greats from the 1950's to the present day (note- all recorded on air w/ Nick Caplan, Bob Brown, Tony Fallico, Lee Goodman, Melissa Midgeley, John Schrack). Also recorded special interview segments to be use for many history projects in the future by Ron Wray . In the afternoon a special luncheon for all attendees. Also one hour air shifts by Dusty Rhodes, Dick Snyder and Peter C. Cavanaugh 5-7 PM.

The evening consisted of historic fun for all attendees and fans at Pensabene's Casa Grande 8-11 PM with music provided by two of Syracuse's great bands- The Nightcaps (Dave Novak, Bill Weiss, Don Shoudy, Bob Papaleoni, Al McNeil) and Smokin (Frank Rhodes, Mike Ranger, Bob Lindburg, Jim Laretta). Hundreds of pictures were taken all the day by Lee Goodman.

Here is a list of those who returned to our historic broadcast facility between 9 AM- 11 PM for a great day of WOLF-WNDR history...

Dusty Rhodes, Peter C. Cavanaugh, Dick Snyder, Windy Craig, Dan O'Neil,  Jim Davies, Gary Vann, Ron Wood, Dick Mastriano, Phil Market, Howie Castle, Don Ryan, John Gabriel, Rick Charles, Tony "Oscar" Davis, Tom Shine, Rick Gary, Pete McKay, Lennie Bilotti, "Stereo Steve" Becker, Phil Wells, Mike Andrews, Dave Mance, Dave Alexander, Terry Beacham,  Tom Owens, Dave Bullard, Dennis Sick, John Bunkfeldt, Ted Monto, Lee Goodman, Bob Brown, Tony Fallico, John Schrack, Gary Michaels, Melissa Midgeley,  Bretague Pidgeon, Nick Caplan, Craig Fox, Ron Wray,

Also Debbie Leonard Koekebacker (daughter of "Dandy Dan" Leonard & his grandson Todd Robertson) and Linda O'Brien (wife of Jim O'Brien). Good friends- Chet Andrews of Syracuse One Stop and Eddie G. (age 92) & Gary of Walt's Record Shop.

Famed Syracuse Musicians attending Sandy Bigtree, Loren Barrigar, Al Wolf, Mickey Palumbo, Dan Elliott, Tim Cleary, Ted Storto, Mark Hoffmann, Courtney Woods, Don Fitzgerald, Scotty Trudell, Dave Novak, Don Shoudy, Bill Weiss, Bob Papaleoni, Al McNeil, Frank Rhodes, Mike Ranger, Bob Lindburg, Dave Soule, Mickey Nicotra, Jim Laretta and many others.

A great day of WOLF-WNDR Radio history that we will remember of a long-long time. Thanks to all.....

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 147- SAY GOODBYE TO SPORTS O RAMA 2015

It was a big day back on December 17, 1959 when Sports O Rama opened on Route 11 in Mattydale, NY. We first remember that fine business as the newest roller skating and archery range in Central New York, But soon area disc jockeys WOLF's  Bob Dell and Andy Andrews starred bring national, regional and local recording artists in for major music and sporting events. Though the years its name would change (Dance & Skate and others) and later be vacant for many years. The property and building would be sold to Dunkin Donuts and scheduled for demolition in August 2015. The end to another fame Rock & Roll and entertainment venue that bought us many great memories though the years.

I've listed below the many national recording artists  I remembered who performed at Sports O Rama. Followed by local and famous celeb's who graced the Sports O Rama stage-floor.

Gene Pitney, Del Shannon, Bobby Vee & The Shadows, Buddy Know & Rhythm Orchids, 4 Seasons, Brian Hyland, Duane Eddy, Dion, The Searchers, Dovells, Bobby Lewis, Bobby Vinton, Ral Donner, Regents (Barbara Ann), Jean Thomas (Moon River), Little Peggy March, Hot Toddys, Ersel Hickey, Dick & Dee Dee, Troy Shondell (This Time), Bobby Comstock, Ronnie Dio & The Prophets, The McCoy (Rick Derringer- Hang On Sloopy), The Seeds (Pushin To Hard), Outsiders (Time Won't Let Me), Shadows of Knight, ? and the Mysterians (96 Tears), Ron Cochran, Restrictions, Charlie Spivak Orchestra, Candi Scott, Jac-Lin Combo.

Local CNY artists included- The Sabers (Ron Lauback), Keystones (Hal Robinson), Eternals (Tom Rozzano, Freddy Simmons), The Vikings, Paul and the Velvets, Bel Larks, Little Linda, Duke Dixon & Singbillies, Jimmy Ashby & Trebletones, Eddie Williamson Orchestra and many-many more.

Other famous names include
Ernie Davis (SU Heisman Trophy Winner, Willie Moscone (World Billard & Trick Shot Champion), Frankie Frisch (National Baseball Hall of Famer), Coach Ben S.(Syracuse University Football Coach).

It's now just a great memory- Sports O Rama..you be missed, but always remembered in our rock & roll hearts....

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE"- CHAPTER 146 - SYRACUSE MUSIC - SONGS THAT CHARTED NO 1 ON JULY 4TH THOUGH THE 1960-80'S ALONG WITH CNY HAPPENINGS JULY 4

SYRACUSE MUSIC CHARTS # 1 RECORDS - Listing  July 4th, 1959-1988
          From WOLF, WNDR, BIG 50's Weekly Music Survey Sheets 

1959 - Big Hunk of Love- Elvis
1960 - Mule Skinner Blues- The Fendermen
1961 - Quarter to Three- Gary "U.S". Bonds
1962 - Cry Myself to Sleep- Del Shannon
1963 - Surf City- Jan & Dean
            Fooba Wooba John- Sam & The Twisters
1964 - Rag Doll- 4 Seasons
1965 - Save Your Heart For Me- Gary Lewis & The Playboys
1966 - Wild Thing - The Troggs
1967 - Ding Dong The Witch is Dead- Fifth Estate
1968 - Mama's & Papa's
1969 - In The Year 25 / 25 -  Zager and Evans
1970 - How Can You Mend a Broken Heart- Bee Gees
1971 - Don't Pull Your Love - Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds
1972 - Lean on Me - Bill Withers
1973 - Playground in My Mind- Clint Holmes
           Smoke on the Water- Deep Purple
1974 - Billy Don't Be a Hero- Bo Donaldson & Heywoods
1975 - Love Will Keep You Together- Captain & Tennille
1976 - Afternoon Delight - Starline Vocal Band
1977 - I'm In You - Peter Frampton
1978 - Use To Be My Girl - O'Jays
1979 - Ring My Bell - Anita Ward
1980 - Its Still Rock & Roll To Me - Billy Joel
1981 - Jessie's Girl- Rick Springfield
1984 - Dancing In The Dark- Bruce Springfield
1987 - Alone - Heart
1988 - Dirty Diana - Michael Jackson

A FEW CNY MUSIC HAPPENINGS JULY 5 THOUGHT THE YEARS

1963 - Loretta Lynn - NYS Fair Coliseum
1964 - Baron Daemon - Seneca Falls Hootnany Show
1965 - Dee Dee Sharpe w/ Ronnie Dio & Prophets- Little York Lake Park
            WIlmer & The Dukes- Hewitts / Fairmount
1966 - Faron Young- Suburban Park-Manlius
1971 - Ides of March- Suburban Park- Manlius
1973 - Jimmy Cavallo- Mr Mikes
1979 - Ramones w/ Flashcubes - Uncle Sam's
1980 - The Works - Cornestone
1981- Alec Star - Lakeshore Sylvan Beach
1982 - Whizz Kidds - Lost Horizon
1983- Alec Star - Lost Horizon

SYR BANDS THAT SONGS REACHED  # 1 ON RADIO CHARTS

Sam & The Twisters-  June 29 & July 6, 1963
Otis & All Night Workers - Dec 4, 1965
The Sermon - Sept 3 & Sept 10, 1969

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" CHAPTER 145 - DIO DAY CORTLAND- JUNE 20, 2015

DIO DAY CORTLAND 2015

The Ronnie James Dio Music Scholarship Fund was formed in 2010 after the untimely death of Cortland's own Ronnie James Dio (Padavona). Ronnie became an internationally know performer not only for his incredible vocal ability, but also as a world- class songwriter and record producer.

 

The Dio Day Music Scholarship Committee has been able to award several $1,000 scholarships over the past few years in the name of Ronnie James Dio to  local students, who are pursuing a career in music, and who are chosen by their teachers and the school music staff. This has been possible by generous contributions and donations from the community as well as proceeds from fund raising events.

 

This years fund raising event was held on Saturday- June 20, 2015 at J.M. McDonald Sports Complex in Cortland, NY  12-10 pm, Below is a listing of performances. Thanks for supporting this worthy cause and for keeping Ronnie's music alive.

Dio Day Cortland 2015-  Performance Schedule

12:00 pm    Jim VanDeuson

1:00 pm      Blue Monday  (Terry Mingle, Brian Mingle)

2:00 pm      Tractor Beam

3:00 pm      Timeline Blues Brothers Revue
                   Ted Storto, Mike Ferrante, Rance Walters, Curt Smith, Shane Storto

4:00 pm      Black & Blue (Dan Austin, Rick Schell)

5:00 pm      Cafferty Band
                   Joe Leo, Steve Corey, Dan Austin, Brian Miles, Danielle Rausa others

6:00 pm      Blind Spots (Matty Walsh)

7:00 pm     Tailor Made  (Tink Bennett)

8:00 pm     The Rods (Rock Feinstein, Carl Canedy, Garry Bordonaro)
                                    Special Guest- Veronica Freeman

9:00 pm     Sons of Sabbath

Thanks to all bands, crew members, sponsors and all volunteers

Ronnie James Dio- Music Scholarship Award Winners

2015  John Gerhard

2013  Breanna Jones

2012  Aaron Kriever