Icon Fetch

Long before Justin Bieber, N’ Sync, and even David Cassidy, Fabian was one of the original teen idols, scoring big hits in the late 50’s and early 60’s with songs like “Tiger” and “Turn Me Loose.”  The shelf life of a teen idol is a finite one, yet Fabian was able to adapt, becoming a successful, and critically acclaimed actor, starring in many films, including North to Alaska with John Wayne, Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation starring Jimmy Stewart, and Ride the Wild Surf.

He’s also done many roles on television.  Now, he’s back on the road with a pair of his old friends, Frankie Avalon & Bobby Rydell, as part of the Golden Boys tour.  We chat with Fabian about being courted to join the music business as his dad was wheeled out in an ambulance, meeting Elvis (and giving him his pants), and why he left the music business for awhile.

Bobby Rydell is one of rock n’ roll’s early pioneers and an original teen idol. Scoring numerous hits of the late Fifties / early Sixties, like “Wild One,” “Swinging School,” “Volare” and “Forget Him.” He starred in the 1963 film Bye Bye Birdie alongside Ann Margaret and Dick Van Dyke, he’s also appeared on television and made the successful transition to playing the supper club circuit in Las Vegas. Now, Bobby’s back on the road as part of the Golden Boys tour with his longtime buddies Frankie Avalon and Fabian.

Rhonda Ross has some very famous parents - the only daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross and Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. Yet, she’s always walked to her own beat - first making a name for herself as an actress - garnering a Daytime Emmy Nomination for her role on the NBC soap opera Another World, and being named one of the “10 Most Fascinating Television Stars” by People Magazine. But, she eventually found herself naturally returning to music.

Rhonda’s style is rooted in jazz, yet also contains elements of funk, soul, even a little rock. She’s just put out a brand new CD called In Case You Didn’t Know, and she’s opening for her mom, Diana, on her current tour. Ross talks about releasing her first studio album, which contains songs written and produced by her. Plus, she discusses an upcoming speaking engagement at the Motown Museum.

The Bangles first received national attention with their debut album, All Over the Place in 1984, and the MTV hit, “Hero Takes a Fall.”  The followup album, Different Light, would go triple platinum and spawn three massive hits with “Manic Monday,” “If She Knew What She Wants,” and “Walk Like An Egyptian.”  The Bangles have just issued Ladies & Gentlemen…the Bangles on Omnivore Records featuring the band’s earliest recordings, back in print for the first time in years.

We talk with founding member, guitarist Vicki Peterson about unearthing these lost gems, plus their garage rock roots, and the recent loss of Prince, who wrote their breakout hit, “Manic Monday.”

Holger Peterson started Stony Plain Records 40 years ago at his kitchen table with partner Alvin Jahns. It’s grown into one of the most respected independent labels in history, balancing a roster of legendary artists like Maria Muldaur, Ian Tyson and Long John Baldry with up and coming acts.

To celebrate, they’ve released 40 Years of Stony Plain, a 3-disc set highlighting artists on the label, plus some rare and unreleased tracks. We also talk about putting together this great collection, and the resurgence of physical music.

Bruce Channel wrote and recorded one of the most iconic songs of the early rock n’ roll era with “Hey Baby” - a number one hit in 1962, featuring harmonica from Delbert McClinton. That one song has endured, being included in movies like Dirty Dancing, TV shows like Mad Men, and has been covered by many other artists.

During his early success, Channel had a chance to tour Europe - and played a gig where the Beatles opened for him! Channel has also written many hits on the country charts and continues to perform.

Our conversation with Ting Markulin, rhythm guitarist for the Human Beinz, continues.  After the success of their lone hit, “Nobody But Me,” how did they try and follow it up?  Markulin also talks about how Capitol Records misspelled their name, how the band toured with the Beach Boys, and met someone who would go on to be one of the most notorious criminals of the last 50 years. The Human Beinz also toured Japan to large acclaim.

The Human Beinz emerged from Youngstown, Ohio in 1968 scoring a #8 hit with their cover of the Isley Brothers’ song “Nobody But Me.”  Ting Markulin, the band’s rhythm guitarist, is the only remaining original member.  In part one of our interview, Markulin talks about the band’s early days, including the unlikely story of how they got signed to Capitol Records, and how “Nobody” happened by accident,

Guitarist Makana plays in an interesting style native to his home of Hawaii – slack key guitar. It’s a dazzling method that sounds like 3 guitars are all playing at once: the bass, rhythm and melody.  He’s performed on three Grammy-nominated albums, including the soundtrack to the Descendants, starring George Clooney.

He’s received acclaim from contemporaries like Joe Satriani and Kirk Hammett of Metallica.  He’s done albums devoted to native Hawaiian music, he’s covered classic rock songs, and he’s done protest songs.  He’s currently on the opening slot of the Joe Walsh/Bad Company tour.  He also tells us how he played a gig for President Obama.  SOME MATERIAL NSFW.

BJ Thomas is a 5-time Grammy winner who’s sold over 70 million records worldwide.  His hits endure to this day – songs like “Hooked on a Feeling,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Another Done Somebody Wrong Song,” and “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.”  He remains active, still recording and playing shows to this day.  Thomas tells us the stories behind some of his biggest songs, and about touring with James Brown early in his career