TODD RUNDGREN: AN INTERVIEW WITH A MUSICAL GENIUS

T  O  D  D    R  U  N  D  G  R  E   N

THE LEGEND AND HIS MUSIC 

INTERVIEWED ON 

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

Todd Rundgren was inspired by virtuoso trendsetters Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Michael Bloomfield and Harvey Mandel. The Philadelphia native directed his creativities into launching the bands ‘Money’ and ‘Woody’s Truck Stop’ achieving regional success. Rundgren then organized the nationally recognized Nazz in 1967. Initially formed as a psychedelic-blues rock band it discovered an array of eclectic musical styles. Todd Rundgren’s huge hit single “Hello It’s Me” was originally recorded with the Nazz in 1968. The Nazz became successful with the psychedelic tune “Open My Eyes” while opening shows for Jim Morrison and The Doors. After Nazz broke up Rundgren recorded several solo albums under the name Runt and Todd scored commercially with his first big solo hit “We Gotta Get You a Woman” in 1971.

The genius of Rundgren became even clearer with the release of his certified gold double album masterpiece Something/Anything? The album spawned the huge Top 40 singles “I Saw The Light” (#16 Billboard) and Nazz original composition “Hello It’s Me” (#5 Billboard).

Utopia was formed in 1973 but the band’s foundation was established in 1974. Rundgren magnified his musical inventiveness by fusing progressive, pop, psychedelic and hard rock into euphonious orchestrations.

Utopia’s signature anthem “Just One Victory” from the 1973 release A Wizard, A True Star is usually played at the end of every concert. Rundgren’s penned “Love Is The Answer” from Utopia’s Oops! Wrong Planet album in 1977 became a huge hit for England Dan & John Ford Coley in 1979 reaching number #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Todd Rundgren maintained a highly successful solo career while recording and performing with Utopia. In 1978 Todd Rundgren released the sentimental “Can We Still Be Friends” becoming #29 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s Todd Rundgren established himself as an industrious musical genius in the recording studio producing and engineering for legendary artists including classic albums Straight Up by Badfinger, Stage Fright by The Band, The New York Dolls, We’re An American Band and Shinin’ On by Grand Funk Railroad, Bat Out Of Hell by Meatloaf and Skylarking by XTC Rundgren also contributed his extraordinary skills as a first rate musician and composer to a legion of legendary artists.

In 1983 Todd Rundgren wrote “Bang The Drum All Day” All the instruments on the song were performed by Rundgren. The tune is widely heard at professional sporting events around the country and used on TV commercials and movie trailers.

Todd Rundgren continues to perform with Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band. Rundgren recently released his critically acclaimed album “White Knight” on May 12th via Cleopatra Records. The 15-track collection features a dynamic range of original songs and deft studio work by Rundgren, with an impressive array of what he terms “collaborators”, including Dam Funk, Donald Fagen, Daryl Hall, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, Joe Satriani, and Joe Walsh to name just a few. The album is available to purchase now at amazon.com.

Find out about all of Todd Rundgren’s tour dates at

 http://www.todd-rundgren.com/tr-tour.html

Visit Todd Rundgren on Facebook

 at https://www.facebook.com/toddrundgren 

TODD RUNDGREN

'WHITE KNIGHT'

AVAILABLE 

AT 

AMAZON.COM

T  O  D  D    R  U  N  D  G  R  E  N

INTERVIEWED ON 

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW-BBS RADIO

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And don’t forget to purchase a copy of my book entitled Check the Gs -the true story of an eclectic American family and their Wacky family business … or the second edition entitled … Wacky Shenanigans on F Street- ‘Proud to be Politically Incorrect in Washington DC’ ... available now at amazon.com. You’ll live it!!!

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RAY WALKER OF THE LEGENDARY 'JORDANAIRES' ELVIS PRESLEY'S BACKUP SINGERS

R A Y   W A L K E R

BASS SINGER OF THE LEGENDARY 'JORDANAIRES'

TALKS   E   L  V  I  S !

ON THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

Ray Walker dropped out of school in 1955, moved to Centerville, Tennessee, where he helped to build a radio station, WHLP, worked with the local Church, and, became the youngest school principal in the history of Tennessee. He came back to college in 1956 and graduated in June 1957, with a BA Degree in Speech, Music, Bible, and, Education; worked for Werthan Bag Company during the Summer. By that time Ray and wife Marilyn's third child was on the way.

Ray continued working for the local Church and, in the Fall began teaching school in Davidson County Schools, where he was Assistant Principal, Coach, and commanded a split seventh and eighth grade class. It was April 1958 now, and through a business call to David Lipscomb College, Ray was put in touch with the Jordanaires by his former Choral Director. Gordon Stoker had called there, just prior to Ray's call, to see if the Music Department knew of a bass singer who might fit their requirements. 
When Ray spoke with the professor, he said to give them his name, which the professor did. Ray was called that afternoon, auditioned at 11:00 that evening, was called at the school the next day and asked to go to Hollywood to do some recording. The school board let him off, he went, came home and completed his school year of teaching, and joined the Jordanaires, officially, June 1, 1958. 

Since that time, while working with the Jordanaires, he had a successful, daily, morning show, "YOUR OWN TIME" on the ABC Channel in Nashville in 1976.  Ray has done modeling, numerous radio, television, magazine and newspaper commercials (locally and nationally). He was a deputy sheriff (as a liaison between trouble youth and distraught families) for twenty-some years and, as were all the Jordanaires, an honorary member of the Tennessee Governor's Staff in Tennessee for many years.


Among the accolades the group has received during his tenure with The Jordanaires is induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the NACMAI (North American Country Music Association International) Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame and others.  Ray was inducted into The Rockabilly Hall of Fame, individually, in 2013.  He was, also, awarded the "Avalon Award", the highest award given for contribution and accomplishment by his alma mater', David Lipscomb University, in 2005.

It is estimated that Ray Walker has been recorded on more than 200,000 songs  and including his professional recording with the Jordanaires, and is reservedly believed to be the most recorded voice in the history of music.

Ray was the Bass Singer in "THE JORDANAIRES" for 54 years and 345 days, when upon the passing of Gordon Stoker, March 27, 2013, "THE JORDANAIRES" as a group, officially, came to an end.  Ray, occasionally, performs with country crooner Ronnie McDowell, and others, in programs dedicated to the memory of Elvis Presley. 

© Copyright rayshasho.com. All Rights Reserved

RAY WALKER INTERVIEWED 

ON THE RAY SHASHO SHOW-BBS RADIO

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PURCHASE … Ray Walker’s "Live in Concert" 
at the New Opry House

This CD contains 14 All Time Favorite songs by Jordanaire, Ray Walker …

You can purchase this incredible CD at www.raywalker.net

For more information about Ray Walker 
and The Jordanaires visit …

www.raywalker.net  or www.jordanaires.net

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

Bi-weekly Monday Afternoon at 3 pm Pacific/6 pm Eastern

On the BBS Radio 1 Network

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

 IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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Contact Ray Shasho at 941-877-1552

Email us at ray@publicityworksagency.com

http://bbsradio.com/therayshashoshow

And don’t forget to purchase a copy of my book entitled Check the Gs -the true story of an eclectic American family and their Wacky family business … or the second edition entitled … Wacky Shenanigans on F Street- ‘Proud to be Politically Incorrect in Washington DC’ ... available now at amazon.com. You’ll live it!!!

Have a great week everybody!

BOBBY CALDWELL LEGENDARY DRUMMER FOR 'CAPTAIN BEYOND' ON THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

 B  O  B  B  Y     C  A  L  D  W  E  L  L

LEGENDARY DRUMMER 

AND SONGWRITER

 FOR 

'C  A  P  T  A  I  N    B  E  Y  O  N  D'

Bobby Caldwell started playing at the age of ten and by fourteen was playing professionally with many rock groups in the state of Florida, but primarily “Noah’s Ark”, out of Tampa.  After signing with Decca Records and releasing two singles, the band played constantly throughout the Eastern U.S.  After paying his dues, fate stepped in.

At the age of 19, he was asked to join Johnny Winter’s new super group “Johnny Winter And”.  This group featured Rick Derringer and Randy Hobbs, formerly with the McCoy’s of “Hang On Sloopy” fame.  The album “Johnny Winter And Live” was recorded in New York and Miami and became a top ten best seller and Johnny’s highest charting album.  Bobby also played on Johnny Winter’s “Saints and Sinners” album, recording with Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer and the late Dan Hartman.

Rick Derringer asked Bobby to play on his first solo LP “All American Boy”, which was recorded entirely at Caribou Ranch in Colorado.  This partnership produced the classic top ten hit, “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo.”

While touring with the Allman Brothers Band as a third drummer and percussionist, Caldwell had the pleasure of playing with them at the Fillmore East when they recorded their historic album, The Allman Brothers, “Live at the Fillmore East”.

In the early to mid seventies, Captain Beyond arose from the ashes of Iron Butterfly, Johnny Winter And, and Deep Purple.  Introduced to Phil Walden by the late Duane Allman, the band signed with Capricorn Records.  Captain Beyond’s first album remains a progressive rock cult classic to this day.  The band enjoys heavy airplay on satellite radio and a large following in Europe and the far East.  Bobby’s contributions to the music, lyrics and song arrangements are evident throughout.

Following Captain Beyond, he was enlisted to join the supergroup Armageddon.  Founded by the late Keith Relf from “The Yardbirds,” Armageddon comprised of England’s renowned super guitarist, Martin Pugh, Bobby Caldwell and Louis Cennamo. The group produced one album for A&M Records.  Once again, Bobby was a major contributor to the song writing and direction of the band.

In the early 1980s, MCA Records offered Bobby a solo deal.  The album was unfortunately never completed.  Through the 80’s and 90’s Bobby continued to sing, write new material and play drums while fronting his own band before moving back to Florida from Los Angeles for family obligations.

Recently, Bobby has been playing with the reformed Captain Beyond, as well as many other projects.  He is a dedicated professional, always looking for new and exciting musical ventures.

Highly spiritual, Bobby also holds a Masters Degree in Metaphysics and is an Ordained Metaphysical Minister. He neither smokes, nor drinks, nor uses drugs and lives an extremely clean lifestyle.  He is truly a sincere, humble and caring artist.  His love and motivation to create new music is, as it has always been, steadfast and unwavering.

CAPTAIN BEYOND

LOST & FOUND
 1972-1973

AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE

AT

CLEOPATRA MUSIC
 & FILM 

AND AMAZON.COM

B O B B Y   C A L D W E L L

INTERVIEWED ON 

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW-BBS RADIO

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 YOU TUBE CHANNEL

You can purchase Lost & Found 1972-1973 on CD and limited edition colored LP at Cleopatra Music and film http://cleorecs.com/home/ and amazon.com

For more information about Bobby Caldwell and show dates for Captain Beyond visit www.theofficialbobbycaldwellsite.com and www.officialcaptainbeyond.com

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

Bi-weekly Monday Afternoon at 3 pm Pacific/6 pm Eastern

On the BBS Radio 1 Network

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 IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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And don’t forget to purchase a copy of my book entitled Check the Gs -the true story of an eclectic American family and their Wacky family business … or the second edition entitled … Wacky Shenanigans on F Street- ‘Proud to be Politically Incorrect in Washington DC’ ... available now at amazon.com. You’ll live it!!!

Have a great week everybody!

SUZI QUATRO AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

'ROCK AND ROLL HEROINE' 

S  U  Z  I   

Q  U  A  T  R  O

ON THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

SUZI QUATRO is an internationally renowned renaissance woman. Although most of her extraordinary achievements in the arts were celebrated outside the United States, she has left a momentous impression as the original first lady of rock ‘n’ roll.
The leather clad, bass guitar slingin,’ Motor City- rock ‘n’ roll queen- Quatro, first gained notoriety in the early 60’s playing venues around Detroit in an all-female garage rock band called The Pleasure Seekers. Her sister Arlene became the bands piano player and Suzi’s older sister Patti Quatro their guitarist. Patti would later become epitomized as a member for yet another all-girl rock sensation ‘Fanny’ (“Butter Boy” #29 Hit on Billboard’s Hot 100).

The Pleasure Seekers shared the limelight in those early days with future rock legends Bob Seger, Grand Funk Railroad, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper and many other acts. In 1965, The Pleasure Seekers recorded two singles, “Never Thought You’d Leave Me” and “What a Way to Die.” In 1968, Mercury Records signed The Pleasure Seekers to a recording contract and the band began touring extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally. Also that year, the band toured with Eric Burdon and The Animals.
With the music scene rapidly changing into heavier album rock format FM radio, the band quickly shifted gears. They formed a new band called ‘Cradle’ which spotlighted the sensational vocalizations of Suzi and Nancy Quatro. Cradle became an incredible psychedelic/hard rock act that toured with groups like The Jefferson Airplane, Jeff Beck, Santana, Ten Years After, Traffic, Mountain, and numerous other bands. The band broke up in 1973.

Suzi Quatro’s vivacious performances in Cradle caught the attention of legendary British producer Mickie Most (The Animals, Herman’s Hermits, The Jeff Beck Group, Donovan, Hot Chocolate and Lulu). In 1971, Quatro moved to England permanently and signed onto Mosts’ label RAK Records.
Her first single was called, “Rolling Stone” (#1 Hit in Portugal) and featured Peter Frampton (Humble Pie) on guitars, Micky Waller (Jeff Beck Group) on drums and Errol Brown (Hot Chocolate) on back-up vocals. After modest success from her debut single, Most brought in the songwriting and production team of Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. Quatro immediately hit the road on a UK tour supporting the bands Thin Lizzy and headliners Slade.

Suzi Quatro’s second single; “Can the Can” became a #1 Hit in Europe and Australia in 1973. Quatro followed with a string of hits, “48 Crash,” “Daytona Demon,” and “Devil Gate Drive.” Each sold over a million copies.
Quatro supported Alice Cooper on his ‘Welcome to my Nightmare’ tour in 1975 but couldn’t duplicate the notoriety she earned in the UK and Australia. But in 1979, Suzi scored big in the U.S. with the hit, “Stumblin’ In” (#4 Hit on Billboard’s Hot100) a Chinn/ Chapman penned composition performed as a duet with Chris Norman (Smokie).

Suzi Quatro became a household name in the U.S. as ‘Leather Tuscadero’ on the hit Television sitcom, ‘Happy Days.’ Leather was the leader of an all-girl band called, ‘Leather Tuscadero and the Suedes.’ Her sister in the series was ‘Pinky Tuscadero’ a former girlfriend of ‘The Fonz.’ Garry Marshall offered her an audition after seeing a picture of Suzi on his daughter’s bedroom wall.

In 2005, Quatro was featured in a documentary film called, ‘Naked Under Leather’ illustrating her life and much-esteemed career. Also that year she recorded a tribute song, “Singing With Angels” dedicated to her lifetime idol Elvis Presley at Emerald Studios in Nashville with Presley’s original backup singers The Jordanaires. Quatro released her self-written autobiography, ‘Unzipped’ in 2007.
In 2010, Quatro was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends online Hall of Fame. Quatro released her fifteenth studio album, In the Spotlight in 2011.

Suzi Quatro has sold over 50-million records and helped pave the wave for generations of women rockers. Some of the women inspired by Quatro are Joan Jett, The Runaways, Pat Benatar and Deborah Harry to name just a few.
Let’s hope the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame realizes that too.
And just think … it all began when her father gave her a 1957 Fender Precision, her first bass guitar, which she still plays today.

Recently Quatro performed at the third “Remember the Child” Dick Wagner memorial fund concert at the MotorCity Sound Board. Proceeds went to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which include Beaumont Children’s Hospital and Flint’s Hurley Children’s Hospital, providing music therapy and music instruction to hospitalized children. Wagner’s old friend Mark Farner, who rocketed to fame with Flint’s Grand Funk Railroad, headlined the roster of talent, along with Suzi Quatro and the Pleasure Seekers.

Suzi celebrates over 53 years of performing and eloquently states …

"I WILL RETIRE WHEN I GO ONSTAGE, SHAKE MY ASS,

 AND THERE IS SILENCE"

       QSP 

featuring Suzi Quatro

Andy Scott (guitar Sweet)

and Don Powell (drums Slade) 

can be purchase at amazon.com

The Girl From Detroit City 

A four CD set, the first ever career-spanning anthology from 

the Queen of Rock N Roll 

as she celebrates 50 years 

in the music industry 

also available at amazon.com 

RAY SHASHO INTERVIEWS 

SUZI QUATRO ON BBS RADIO

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Visit Suzy Quatro’s official website at www.suziquatro.com 

for all the latest news and concert dates.

Twitter … https://twitter.com/Suzi_Quatro

Official Fan Club Facebook Page … https://www.facebook.com/SUZI-QUATRO-OFFICIAL-FAN-CLUB-106218856068295/

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

Bi-weekly Monday Afternoon at 3 pm Pacific

/6 pm Eastern

On the BBS Radio 1 Network

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

 IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

‘THE PUBLICITY WORKS AGENCY’

We Shine Only When 

We Make You Shine

Website http://www.publicityworksagency.com/

Contact Ray Shasho at 941-877-1552

Email us at ray@publicityworksagency.com

http://bbsradio.com/therayshashoshow

And don’t forget to purchase a copy of my book entitled Check the Gs -the true story of an eclectic American family and their Wacky family business … or the second edition entitled … Wacky Shenanigans on F Street- ‘Proud to be Politically Incorrect in Washington DC’ ... available now at amazon.com. You’ll live it!!!

Have a great week everybody!