Bobby Rogers, one of the founding members of the Miracles, the Motown group that shot singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson into worldwide fame, died Sunday morning in his Southfield home after complications from diabetes, his friend Jeanne Sorensen confirmed. Rogers was 73.

"My cousin Bobby, who was like a brother to me, lost his battle and succumbed today," said Claudette Rogers Robinson in a statement. "He has gone on to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bobby will be missed and mourned by many."

...

He is particularly apparent singing second tenor under Robinson on "You Really Got a Hold on Me."

His singing would have been enough, but the tall, bespectacled Rogers was the most graceful dancer in the group, and he proved to be a deft hand at songwriting as well. With Robinson, he co-wrote many songs, notably "First I Look at the Purse," recorded by the Contours; "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by the Temptations; Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar" and "One More Heartache"; and the Miracles' smash "Going to A Go-Go." [Detroit News]

Rest in peace, Bobby. Video of The Miracles doing "You Really Got A Hold On Me" in 1964 below...

Continue reading "Bobby Rogers (The Miracles), RIP"

Needs more punk rock. Check it out on Spotify and listed below...

Continue reading "Obama releases Inauguration Playlist"

Willie Nelson's mugshot

Forget the Tea Party -- country music legend Willie Nelson has a different kind of movement he wants you to join.

"There's the Tea Party...How about the Teapot Party? Our motto: We lean a little to the left."

Nelson, 77, was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol for possession of marijuana last week, despite the fact that he was roughly 100 miles [from] the U.S. border at the time.

"It's supposed to be a checkpoint only for aliens, and [agents] overstep their authority all the time," Texas attorney Dick DeGuerin told Rolling Stone. "I've had several cases from that checkpoint and they just use the opportunity to check out anybody they want to."

...If Nelson's new party succeeds, he won't be a lawbreaker anymore.

"Tax it, regulate it and legalize it," Nelson wrote. "And stop the border wars over drugs. Why should the drug lords make all the money? Thousands of lives will be saved." -[About]

Support Willie Nelson in his trek for decriminalization by joining the Teapot party, or just support him when he hits the road for a string of dates in December and in the new year. Full tour sked is below, and quite a few (non-NYC) dates are on sale and/or pre-sale.

Two of those dates (2/13 & 2/14) will go down at Austin City Limits - Live, the studio that houses the famed series which recently relocated. The show's new home, Moody Theater, will begin taping shows there in early 2011. The new location is now walking distance from the main drag that is 6th Street.

I'm not sure of Wavves' political affiliation, but I am guessing he's all for switching to the Teapot party. He just got arrested for pot in Germany. Hopefully he's more careful on his upcoming tour with Best Coast. There won't be a smoke-filled tour bus that asking to be pulled over since, well since Willie Nelson.

In other news, Smokey Robinson is scheduled to play the St. George Theatre in Staten Island (on sale), on 1/22/11 and the Apollo Theater on 2/15/11 (on sale).

Willie Nelson tour dates and some videos below..

Continue reading "Willie Nelson starts 'Teapot Party' after US pot arrest, Wavves busted in Germany ++ Smokey Robinson playing shows"

"Sundance Channel will premiere the second season of its critically acclaimed music/talk original series "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 10:00pm et/pt. "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." combines the best elements of talk and music television and lets viewers in on intimate conversation and performance with host Costello and his guests ranging from legendary performers to promising new artists...

"We're thrilled to launch a second season of 'Spectacle' on Sundance Channel," said Sundance Channel EVP and GM, Sarah Barnett. "The series offers viewers unprecedented access to artists through its mix of candid conversations and exciting musical performances. This season's A-list line-up is a testament to the level of respect that artists feel for Elvis Costello as a musician and entertainer."

"I am delighted that we can continue where we left off--making intelligent, and informative music programming," said Sir Elton John, one of the series' executive producers.

Elvis Costello commented: "In the words of the great Joe Strummer, 'Let's Rock again!'""

Meanwhile, the first season of Spectacle is coming out on DVD ("in standard DVD and Blu-Ray formats"). And to promote that, Elvis will be appearing at Barnes & Noble Tribeca on Tuesday, November 17th, which is the same day the DVD is released. "Fans will have the opportunity to meet Elvis Costello and get their DVD or Blu- Ray copy signed by him." I guess no performance. His only upcoming date at the moment is Wilkes Community College's MerleFest in North Carolina on May 1, 2010.

A clip of Elvis talking to Smokey Robinson, below...

Continue reading "Elvis Costello's appearing at Barnes & Noble on Spectacle DVD release day, season two of TV show premieres in Dec"

The 30th Annual Seaside Summer Concert Series performances are held Thursday nights 7:30 pm Asser Levy/Seaside Park at West 5th Street and Surf Avenue in Coney Island/Brighton Beach, across the street from the New York Aquarium.

2008, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
July 10 - an evening with Michael Bolton
July 17 - an evening with Brian Wilson
July 24 - Smokey Robinson, Russell Thompkins Jr. & the New Stylistics
July 31 - classic rock night w/ "mystery guest" and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
Aug 07 - an evening with Liza Minnelli
Aug 14 - Salsa by the Sea w/ TBA
Aug 21 - Huey Lewis & The News w/ special guest Paul Thorn

These FREE shows are in Brooklyn, NY (map below).

Brian Wilson is playing Hammerstein Ballroom six days earlier. He also has a new album coming out.

A Huey Lewis (!?) video, and Coney Island map below....

Continue reading "2008 Seaside Summer Concert Series lineup (Brian Wilson)"