Brian's Music Musings

I had a chance to talk with Ted Newman who recorded "Plaything" in 1957. He is alive, well, and living in Arizona. He may not sing his hit too often anymore, but many of the southwestern schools benefit from his performances and original compositions about the life and history of Arizona. When it gets too hot, he motors north to Colorado and sings amongst the stars. Those are the ones that twinkle outside on a clear night. Look for a very entertaining interview on my radio show with Ted Newman in May. As always, I will post it on my website immediately afterwards.

Speaking of interviews, I just finished the final editing touches on a conversation I had with Kenny Vance. You have seen him on PBS singing "Looking For An Echo" with the Planotones, during the Cavalcade Of Doo Wop show. He's a very talented guy whether singing doo wop in the hallways or working as a music director on films.

A lot of action on my Rockin Rebels page over the last month. Although no page is ever complete, it may be the current definitive visual and auditory history of the group and the related artists. There is always more to learn and find, and the stopping point can be gray, but what a ride into the Buffalo music scene.

Next time, a look into Ebay from a record collector's standpoint. What's right and what's going wrong? The fun, the mistakes, and the reality of buying from a wide mixture of sellers with varying degrees of knowledge. Come to think of it, that may take two parts! Until next time, keep rockin!