Dan Markus Wax Museum

Dean Torrence of Jan Dean (“Surf City,” “Deadman’s Curve” et al) is a great storyteller with great stories to tell.  Hear about the duo’s early days (and whose used recording equipment they used in Jan’s garage for their first hits).  Hear about when he came face-to-face for the first time with the famous woman he once sang about, and her Superstar husband.  Hear a detailed account of the destruction of his Grammy statuette … by family members!

This is a feature length interview.  Unlike previous DMWM items, which run only a couple minutes each, this is an in-depth interview that runs just over an hour.  And this is just PART 1 with Dean. 

Founding members of The Mamas and Papas, Denny Doherty and John Phillips, explain how their rather unusual group name originated.

Country Superstar Kenny Rogers relates how “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town” steered his band, The First Edition, away from Psychedelic Rock and more towards Country.  And what 60s Rock Band did The First Edition want to emulate?  R.I.P. Kenny Rogers.

Dan Markus talks with Jim Peterik of Ides of March, formerly of Survivor and of .38 Special fame.

Tommy Roe had a hit in early 1970 called “Jam Up and Jelly Tight.”  It was an infectious little song that we all sang along to.  But just what were we singing, anyway?!  Tommy explains in this exclusive interview with Dan Markus.  And for more interviews, visit ttps://danmarkuswaxmuseum.com

On the 8th anniversary of his sudden passing (February 29, 2012), here’s one of my favorite stories about being with Davy, and a clip from our first meeting and interview where he talks about success.

Howard Kaylan, lead singer of The Turtles, tells an amusing story about the band’s early days when they played a UCLA fraternity party.

Tommy James tells Dan Markus how Tommy’s first hit, “Hanky Panky,” took years to become a national hit.

The rumor has circulated for years … in 1966 George Harrison recorded a guitar track for friend and companion Donovan’s signature song, “Sunshine Superman.”  Or did he?  Dan Markus put the question to Donovan, who in turn puts the rumor to rest once and for all.

Arlo Guthrie’s first record release was the fabled “Alice’s Restaurant,” released in 1967.  It was unusual for several reasons … most notably that it was 18+ minutes long and mostly narration.  Here, Arlo reflects on his debut offering, which became an instant classic.