Yesterday was a bittersweet day for yours truly.

The bitter part was watching Brett Favre announce his retirement from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL. All I can say is "Thanks, Brett!"

Now, on to the sweetness. In November, my niece will be getting married.

In her honor, here's a tune I haven't heard for a while, Billy Thorpe's "Children Of The Sun."

"I'll take Smoke Em If You Got Em for $100, Alex."

This legend fills in for another in Chi-town as he subs for Dick Biondi as evening personality on 94.7 Chicago's True Oldies Channel, through Tuesday.

Who is Fred Winston?

Sad news for Beatles fans as the Fab Four's original groundbreaking engineer and Pink Floyd producer Norman Smith passed away this past Monday. Smith was the engineer on all of the recordings by the Beatles until 1965 when EMI promoted him from engineer to producer. The last Beatles album he recorded was "Rubber Soul" and he engineered the sound for approximately 180 Beatles songs in all. Using his recording artist pseudonym of Hurricane Smith, he had a 1972 hit with "Oh, Babe, What Would You Say?."

As "The Motor City Madman" would say, "Anybody wants to get mellow, you can turn around and get the F*$@ outta here."

Sorry to oppose you, Ted, but we're going to feature an Unplugged set from some of my favorites. Until MTV did its unplugged series, I thought of unplugged as acoustic folk singers. That is clearly not the case. There's some great music being performed without all the amps and volume.

One song I wanted to add to the set list was "Born To Run" by Springsteen. The Boss was so horrific, I couldn't even listen to the whole song. What a huge disappointment.

R.I.P. Jeff Healey. I loved his performance in Road House, starring Patrick Swayze and Kelly Lynch.

"Not bad for a blind white boy." -- Dalton
"Yeah, and I thought you'd be bigger."-- Cody

Healey's new album, Mess of Blues, will be his first rock album in eight years and is due to be released next month. I don't have a cut from that LP, but here's one of my favs from Healey, "Confidence Man."

Happy 12th Birthday to jb @ The Hits Just Keep On Comin'. OK, he's really older than that, but he was born on a leap year and he only gets to celebrate his birthday on the actual day of his birth every four years.

Jim and I have known each other since our college days when we were partnered on the production staff at WSUP. When I go back to Wisconsin to visit my son, Jim and I try to get together for a brew or two. With his knowledge of music, he would be a great teammate on a trivia team.

If you ever get to Madtown on a weekend, catch Jim on 93.1 The Lake. You'll be glad you did.

My friend, make it a great day and crank this tune in honor of every Wild Night we all shared together at the 'Vous.

Since the extra day we get every four years is only an hour away, I thought this would be a good time to share a couple of special compilations.

Midnight Mix I

Midnight Mix II

The first mix and part of the second was from Lisa. The rest of II was from me.

Records Alert! Records Alert!

John Records Landecker and Turi Ryder, who've been marketing themselves as a talk show team, turn up as guest morning hosts all next week on west suburban Chicago WERV-FM (95.9), the NextMedia Group classic hits station known as The River.

(Credit to Robert Feder of the Chicago Sun-Times for the scoop.)

Interesting read over at The Hits Just Keep On Comin' from jb concerning Van Morrison and Prince utilizing Web Sheriff to keep any references to them off all websites. What a shame!

Caught in the middle is King Harvest, whose song "Dancing In The Moonlight" has a title similiar to but clearly not the same as Morrison's "Moondance." King Harvest WANTS their songs played on individual's websites.

In their honor, I will do just that times two.

"Dancing In The Moonlight" by King Harvest

"Dancing in The Moonlight" by Baha Men (better known for "Who Let The Dogs Out")

The Super Bowl Super Parties were off the hook. I ended up going to three...Leather and Lace 2008 on Friday at the Scottsdale Galleria Corporate Center, Playboy's Super Saturday Night at The Pavillion at Wild Horse Pass next to the Giants' hotel in Chandler, and The Sunday After-Party hosted by P. Diddy at the Glendale Civic Center.

The best of the trio was Playboy's mega-event. I met a Bunny from 1984 and she was still smokin'. One of the ladies she was talking with looked just like Stacy Keibler. I know it wasn't, but we all might be seeing a lot more of this Bunny-in-training in the not too distant future.

The highlight of my night was when I got to high-five Hef and The Girls Next Door when they came into the building. I picked the right table between the buffet and the back entrance and they walked right past me. Security looked pissed when I stuck out my hand, but there was little they could do. I also saw former Giant Tiki Barber and Craig Jackson of the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auctions, but missed Alyssa Milano and Candice Michelle.

Now that the Super Bowl has passed, it's time to focus on Valentine's Day. Get with that special someone and put on my hot Valentine Mix. It'll definitely get you in the mood for the dance of love.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Well, the Packers were upset by Los Gigantes and won't be in Glendale next weekend for Super Bowl XLII. That's okay. I'll still be partying like a rockstar with the Playboy Bunnies.

To get in the mood for the week of parties, here's my Freaky Mix. Can U dig it, P. Diddy?

Even if my beloved Packers make it to the big game in Glendale, Arizona, I don't plan to be at the stadium. However, I will be a VIP at the Playboy Super Party the night before hangin' with Hef and all the lovely ladies.

To get you in the mood for Super Bowl XLII, here's a mix of hip-hop music to start things off right.

Valentine's Day is less than a month away, so it's not too early for some love songs to prepare for the special event. This mix list is courtesy of one of my employees, Lisa.

Brother T and Shark, you were correct that the answer to my musical trivia question was Jim Croce. His widow Ingrid's restaurant, Croce's Restaurant & Jazz Bar, is an intimate establishment in the renovated Gaslamp district of downtown San Diego on the corner of Fifth and F Streets. I didn't make it for dinner and music, but stopped in for breakfast on the last Saturday of the year.

Farrell was my server and she was simply fantastic. Since the bartender was late for work, she made me a Grey Goose bloody mary, her first ever, and it was good. I remarked to Farrell that "the bartender was fired and you could make all the drinks." She told me she was going to give the bartender a hard time all day about it. The omelette I had to go with my bloody mary was tasty and the bill was a skosh under $20. Considering this was California, that's not too bad.

Pictures of Jim and his memorabilia were all over the place. The restaurant played his songs, but forgot to turn on the tape until after the joint had been open for about a half hour, so I only caught a couple of tunes. One was "Lover's Cross."

On my next trip back to SoCal, I'll be sure to catch dinner and the complimentary jazz and R&B show.

In case you were wondering, I watched football that Sunday at Whiskey Girl, next to Hooter's, in downtown Diego. Sitting at the bar, I was able to watch seven games at once for the early starts. The late game set featured the Chargers. After the Chargers' win, the bar played the team's theme song, "San Diego Super Chargers." If I NEVER here that song again, it will be too soon. It's god-awful!

Give me The Wizenhiemer's and "Go Pack Go" anytime. Time to fry up some Seahawks on Saturday!

My New Year's trip to San Diego has been an adventure, even before I get there tonight.

My friend, Shark, was supposed to have joined me to broadcast two Platteville Pioneers men's basketball games, but was unable to make the trip.

Then, my mom, who was going to drive over to see her sister, went into the hospital on Christmas Eve and almost forced me to cancel the trip altogether. Thankfully, she was released yesterday and insisted I fly over and enjoy myself.

However, the part of the trip I'm really looking forward to, besides watching the Packers on Sunday at yet another Hooter's, is having dinner at a special restaurant and jazz club featuring the music of a famous late musician, run by his widow. I plan to write a full review of the music and food when I return, but to tantalize your curiosity, I will withhold the name of the establishment until then.

The only clues I will afford are:
1. She was a member of The Rumrunners.
2. He attended Villanova University.
3. They moved to San Diego in August 1973.
4. He died in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Number 4 should be the one that gives up his identity. I'm confident that someone (Shark, jb, Jeff or another music expert) will correctly guess the name of this South Philly native. Did I just give another hint?

Have a Happy New Year!

As I was thinking about Christmas this year, my mind wandered to my record collection and I remembered an album my parents gave me called "The Great Songs of Christmas." This vinyl classic is circa 1967 and number eight of a nine record set. It features 14 great artists, including Andy Williams, Robert Goulet and Carol Lawrence, Tony Bennett, and The New Christy Minstrels. I thought it would be a nice gift to track it and share it with you. Merry Christmas!

R.I.P. Dan Fogelberg. You will be missed.

About a week ago, one of my employees asked me to make her a cd of music. Her list was filled with urban hip/hop and r&b. I knew most of the artists, but few of the songs. After I listened to the tunes, I really got into it and decided to make a podcast out of it. I call it Alicia's Mix.

BTW, I think R. Kelly has the right idea on "Double Up." ;)------

The Material Girl is about to become a Hall of Famer. The ever-evolving Madonna was announced as a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee on Thursday along with John Mellencamp, The Ventures, Leonard Cohen and The Dave Clark Five. A panel of 600 industry figures selected the five acts to be inducted at the annual ceremony, to be held March 10 in New York.

Breaking news...Ike Turner is dead. Tina can sleep better at night. More info as it becomes available.

Last night, I tuned into WWE RAW for the first time in a very long time. I used to be a huge wrestling fan. The three reasons I watched were: Stone Cold Steve Austin, Trish Stratus, and Sunny.

I can't say enough about Sunny. She has been away from the WWE for almost a decade, but Tammy Lynn Sytch, her real name, just celebrated her 35th birthday and scorched my TV screen in her brief appearance.

If the WWE brought back Sunny, Trish or Stone Cold full time, I might return as a fan.

Check out the Edison Music Research company's list of most- and least-liked Christmas tunes:

Most
1. The Christmas Song / Nat King Cole
2. White Christmas / Bing Crosby
3. Do You Hear What I Hear / Johnny Mathis
4. Holly Jolly Christmas / Burl Ives
5. Little Drummer Boy / Harry Simeone Chorale

Least
1. Jingle Bells / Singing Dogs
2. O Holy Night / Cartman
3. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer / Elmo & Patsy
4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town / Jackson 5
5. Jingle Bells / Barbra Streisand

Feel free to leave a comment about your thoughts on Christmas music.

Between work and school, I'm taking online courses to complete my Business degree at UW-Platteville, my schedule has prevented me from posting more often. After watching part of Christmas Vacation yesterday, I knew I couldn't go through the holiday season without at least one offering of songs. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, whatever trips your trigger. Remember, this isn't your parents' Christmas music. Or is it?

If you'd like to enjoy last year again, here's Christmas 2006.

(A quick note about "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch." It was recorded by Thurl Ravenscroft, better known to many as the voice of Kellogg's Corn Flakes icon Tony the Tiger. The late Ravenscroft was also an active member of The Johnny Mann Singers.)

Don't be a blockhead. Check out A Fufu Stew Thanksgiving. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends.

Go Packers!

While it may not rival "Who Shot J.R.?", Neil Diamond has revealed the identity of "Sweet Caroline."

You've sang it at countless weddings ("So good! So good! So good!"), and now Neil Diamond has finally revealed the real-life woman who inspired his song "Sweet Caroline." And the lucky woman was... President John F. Kennedy's daughter Caroline. "I've never discussed it with anybody before – intentionally," according to the 66-year-old singer-songwriter. "I thought maybe I would tell it to Caroline when I met her someday." He did just that, performing the song via satellite at Caroline Kennedy's 50th birthday party. Diamond said he got the idea when he came upon an "innocent, wonderful" picture of Caroline in a magazine. "I'm happy to have gotten it off my chest and to have expressed it to Caroline. I thought she might be embarrassed, but she seemed to be struck by it and really, really happy."

Another mystery solved.

Sad news for fans of Rosanne Cash. She was one of the first artists I played when I was one-half of "The Sunrise Guys" in the early '80s at WGLR in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Two of my favorite songs by Rosanne were recorded in August of 1980, "Seven Year Ache" and "My Baby Thinks He's A Train."

Get well soon, Rosanne!

Here's a baker's dozen worth of tunes to help soothe your Halloween Hangover.

BTW, I stopped in at Trader Vic's late last night and didn't see any werewolves drinking pina coladas. :)

This past Saturday, I went to a concert where Sugar Ray was the featured performer for a "100 Day Countdown to the Super Bowl." I thought Mark McGrath and the boys were pretty good. They did lots of different sampling.

The highlight of the experience was a gathering of Hall of Fame football stars who gave out free autographs. There was Larry Wilson, Tony Dorsett, Seth Joyner, Earl Edwards (who I played golf with about 12 years ago), and the one man who I stood an hour in line to speak with and sign my Super Bowl hat. Elected to the HOF in 1982, from the Los Angeles Rams, one-fourth of the famed "Fearsome Foursome", #74, Merlin Olsen.

I had time to ask Mr. Olsen (yes, that's how I addressed him) one question and since broadcasting has always been in my blood, I wanted to know, "Why did you leave the broadcast booth?" His answer, "I got tired of living out of a suitcase." Not the greatest question in the world, but it was something I wanted to know and never read about, considering he left at the height of his broadcasting career.

Olsen, along with his NBC play-by-play partner Dick Enberg, formed the best team to broadcast NFL football in the 1980s. His soft-spoken, insightful comments are in stark contrast to John Madden and other analysts of today.

I also mentioned how I had a Rams-logo shower rug for 40 years that I recently was forced to permanently retire. Olsen seemed slightly amused. Before I left the area, he reached across the table and we shook hands again, the same as we had when I first approached his table.

This was a day I will long remember with great fondness. I met one of my sports heroes and he was every bit as nice as I could have hoped.

I'm not big on causes, most are self-serving. In today's email, I found this important announcement I had to share with you from the SaveNetRadio campaign. It's been slightly altered to apply to everyone who cares about Internet radio.

On Wednesday morning, the Senate Commerce Committee will meet to hold a hearing on the future of radio in the United States. Representatives from broadcast radio, music industry, and Internet radio will testify before the committee about the current state of the radio industry and how royalty fees and other issues, like competition and innovation, affect the future of the industry. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Internet radio to explain its value to Congress, and we need your help to make sure they are listening.

Please take a moment to call and ask each Senator to attend this important hearing. The Internet Radio Equality Act is still pending in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. This hearing will give members an opportunity to learn more about this legislation.

Here is a list of the members and their direct lines of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:

Democrats:
Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (HI) (202) 224-3934
John D. Rockefeller, IV (WV) (202) 224-6472
John F. Kerry (MA) (202) 224-2742
Byron L. Dorgan (ND) (202) 224-2551
Barbara Boxer (CA) (202) 224-3553
Bill Nelson (FL) (202) 224-5274
Maria Cantwell (WA) (202) 224-3441
Frank R. Lautenberg (NJ) (202) 224-3224
Mark Pryor (AR) (202) 224-2353
Thomas Carper (DE) (202) 224-2441
Claire McCaskill (MO) (202) 224-6154
Amy Klobuchar (MN) (202) 224-3244

Republicans:
Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (AK) (202) 224-3004
John McCain (AZ) (202) 224-2235
Trent Lott (MS) (202) 224-6253
Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) (202) 224-5922
Olympia J. Snowe (ME) (202) 224-5344
Gordon H. Smith (OR) (202) 224-3753
John Ensign (NV) (202) 224-6244
John E. Sununu (NH) (202) 224-2841
Jim DeMint (SC) (202) 224-6121
David Vitter (LA) (202) 224-4623
John Thune (SD) (202) 224-2321

When calling, give the following information:

* I am an avid Internet radio listener calling to ask that as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, the Senator attend Wednesday's hearing on the future of radio.

* Internet radio has been a revolutionary force in the music industry since its creation and now empowers artist, consumers, and music lovers of every kind. The Copyright Royalty Board's unprecedented and ill informed decision to increase royalty fees for Webcasters by more than 300% has threatened to bankrupt this important industry and we need the Senator's help.

* The real future of radio for music lovers, artists, and the music industry as a whole is online. To save this industry and allow it to prosper, there must be parity and equality between webcasters, satellite radio, and broadcast radio. Today, Internet radio pays a recording royalty fee more than twice that of satellite radio, and terrestrial radio pays none at all. To fix this unfair and inexplicable inequality, please co-sponsor The Internet Radio Equality Act, S. 1353, which is pending in the Senate.

Please make the calls and ask each Senator to attend this important hearing. Thank you once again for your support of the SaveNetRadio campaign. This issue could not have gotten the attention it has without your support and cannot move any further without your continued efforts.

Why did I move to The Valley of the Sun? Give us a kiss...

BTW, football and partying ramp up to the next level when ASU travels to Madison to play the Badgers in 2010. In 2012, the Badgers return the favor and make the trip to the Grand Canyon State to face the Sun Devils.

My son, Danny, turns 26 on Monday and I know he thinks I only listen to tunes from artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Ted Nugent. Well, I must admit, my preference is '70s and '80s rock, but I get into Country, Jazz, and even Hip-Hop/Rap.

My latest set is just for him from the Ol' Man. Happy Birthday Danny!

(Holla at you later Eric (Bears fan), Becky (dug your tats), and all of Danny's friends I hung with in Madtown last weekend. We'll party again real soon.)

Wednesday turned out to be John Records Landecker's last show on True Oldies WZZN in Chicago. Without a new contract in place, Records was relieved of his duties, his bio removed from the station website, and Scott Shannon replaced him on Thursday and, presumably, Friday.

This is truly a classless move by the Citadel suits in New York. I've got two words for you, "BITE OFF!"

Watch out Scott Mackay and Dick Biondi, you will be next.

Is the end near for Records at True Oldies in Chicago? You'll know when I know. His contract with Citadel expires after Friday's show.

Just what we need, more New York-based Scott Shannon on that station. As it is, he voice-tracks nearly every shift and weekends, too!

Headphones off to Larry Lujack who will be inducted in April 2008 into the National Association of Broadcasters' Hall of Fame.

This is Uncle Lar's third major honor in recent years, following his induction in the Radio Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Illinois Broadcasters Association's Hall of Fame in 2002.

After being informed of his pending induction, Lujack had these comments for Robert Feder of the Chicago Sun-Times, "As this will be my third and probably last Hall of Fame induction, I've decided, in my acceptance speech, to dump the phony gracious and fake humility bit and just be truthful for a change. I was, still am and always will be incredibly good, and frankly, I'm more than a little disappointed that it took the NAB this long to recognize that fact! Further, I am deserving of this honor because I've always subscribed to the NAB Code of Responsible Broadcasting. I have no idea what it's about -- but I've always subscribed."

This is the wit and wisdom that made Uncle Lar...Superjock!

I may have to beg, borrow or steal a ticket to the NAB Show in Las Vegas for this blowout.

Good to see our friend, Jeff, from AM, Then FM make a triumphant return to blogging about our beloved Green Bay Packers. We missed that part of you, man!

Visit Out of Bounds and experience all that is Green and Gold.

(Special thanks to Scott at South End Zone for the heads up.)

With the start of the playoffs in baseball and the Cubs actually getting a chance to play in October, I thought it would be fun to listen to some of the songs that made it to the Chicago Top 40 Charts in the 1980s.

Most of these tunes were on the charts longer than The Lovable Losers will last in this year's post-season extravaganza. DBacks in four, clinching in The Friendly Confines on the same day the Pack bludgeons Da Bears and a day after the Badgers destroy the Fighting Illini in Champagne.

Today is One-Hit Wonder Day. Due to time constraints, only the tunes are included in this show.

Here's my playlist of One-Hit Wonders:

1970: "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)"--Edison Lighthouse (Peaked at #5)
1971: "Sweet Mary"--Wadsworth Mansion (Peaked at #7)
1972: "Precious And Few"--Climax (Peaked at #3)
1973: "My Maria"--B.W. Stevenson (Peaked at #3)
1974: "Please Come To Boston"--Dave Loggins (Kenny Loggins' second cousin) (Peaked at #5)
1975: "The Hustle"--Van McCoy (and The Soul City Symphony) (Peaked at #1)
1976: "Union Man"--The Cate Brothers (featuring Steve "The Colonel" Cropper) (Peaked at #24)
1977: "Black Betty"--Ram Jam (Peaked at #18)
1978: "Sometimes When We Touch"--Dan Hill (Peaked at #3)
1979: "Hold On"--Ian Gomm (Peaked at #18)
1980: "Into The Night"--Benny Mardones (Peaked at #11 & hit #20 on the Hot 100 chart in 1989)
1981: "Sausalito Summernight"--Diesel (Peaked at #25)
1986: "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades"--Timbuk 3 (Peaked at #19)
Special 1979 add: "Do You Think I'm Disco?"--Steve Dahl (& Teenage Radiation) (Peaked at #58 on the Hot 100 chart)

Others songs that just missed inclusion were "Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me)"--Reunion; "The Night Chicago Died"--Paperlace; "Beach Baby"--First Class; "Play That Funky Music"--Wild Cherry; "Driver's Seat"--Sniff 'n The Tears; and "Rolene"--Moon Martin.

I found 1974 and '79 chock-full of one-hit wonders, but couldn't get to them all. Maybe next time!

September 25th is One-Hit Wonder Day. It's the celebration of artists who had one hit make it to the (Billboard U.S. Top 40) charts, but were unable to make that sojourn back again.

Join me as I feature ten classic Instrumental One-Hit Wonders.

Check out The Hits Just Keep On Comin' as jb has his own One-Hit Wonder Fest.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share some Kewl Packer Stuff with all you Green Bay fans. Please remember, THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

To get ready for another season of NFL football, here are a couple of inspirational songs, courtesy of my friend Shark, to fire up fans of the 12-Time World Champion Green Bay Packers:

"Go Packers Go" by The Wizenhiemers

"I'm A Packer Fan" by Ironhorse Band

Without any fanfare, here's my uber-collection of Stars On 45.

WCFL was one of two great Top 40 Chicago radio stations that I listened to growing up 35 miles west of Milwaukee. From 1965 to March 15, 1976, Super CFL battled WLS for supremacy in the 18-to-35 male listenership group.

With the help of John Rook and a talented staff of disc jockeys led by Superjock Larry Lujack, The Voice of Labor toppled The Big 89 in 1974. However, the victory was short-lived as 'LS regained its throne a year later.

Here's the lineup at WCFL in 1974:
6-10 a.m. - TOM MURPHY
10 a.m.-2 p.m. - BOB DEARBORN
2-6 p.m. - LARRY LUJACK
6-10 p.m. - DOCTOR BROCK
10 p.m.-2 a.m. - BILL TAYLOR
Weekends: DICK SHANNON, DOUG BRACKETT, DICK SAINTE

Today's show consists of some of the tunes that were Super CFL Top 40 Hits of 1974, as compiled by Ron Smith, and to pay homage to a great radio station that is gone, but not forgotten.

(Note: "I Honestly Love You" by Olivia Newton-John is from a 1998 release because I didn't have a copy of the '74 original.)

Larry Lujack was the #1 DJ in Chicago in the 70s and 80s. If you didn't have the opportunity to listen to Superjock on WLS or Super CFL, you missed a treasure of the airwaves.

In his career, Uncle Lar made a record, "The Ballad of the Mad Streaker," wrote a book, "Superjock: The loud, frantic, nonstop world of a rock radio DJ," and released five volumes of "Animal Stories" with Lil Tommy, Tommy Edwards.

Lujack made two more returns to Chicago radio through the magic of ISDN from his home in Sante Fe, New Mexico, but it wasn't the same.

Here is My Tribute to Larry Lujack...Superjock!

Check out more airchecks of Larry Lujack at reelradio.

Check out Chicago Sun-Times columnist Robert Feder's memories of Summer of '87. Some really good tidbits about Larry Lujack and John Gehron, both leaving WLS that year.

Speaking of The Big 89, I just received my four books on Chicago's Top 40 Charts by Ron Smith. Three cover the periods of 1960-69, 1970-79, and 1980-90 on 'LS and the last one is Super CFL 1965-1976. I plan to use these charts for future shows.

I've also got a tribute to Uncle Lar in the works. Keep listening for that special production.

I'm feeling a little mellow today. With the start of the fall semester at school rapidly approaching, I thought I would break out a few of my Favorite Ballads. I welcome you with Open Arms, Diane Franklin...The Last American Virgin.

Without the music of the '70s and '80s, I might be a lost soul without a musical compass. While I enjoy the songs and groups from other time periods, those two decades really are it for me.

Wanting to expand my horizons musically, I decided to take an online class this fall from UW-Colleges entitled "Jazz History and Appreciation." I look forward to becoming more knowledgeable about a genre I'm not as schooled as I feel I should be.

In that same vain, I started looking at songs from the 1990s. Here are some of the Forgotten Hits of the '90s.

Thanks to a gentle reminder from jb at The Hits Just Keep On Comin' that we’re getting a bit long in the tooth, it made me think of one of my favorite performers…Elvis.

Elvis Presley was arguably the most influential performer of the 20th Century. His glory days ranged from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s, when he was dethroned by a British invasion spearheaded by a juggernaut called The Beatles. Elvis did it all. He was a rock star, a movie star, and even got the girl next door, Priscilla.

In memory of the 30th anniversary of his passing on August 16, I decided to honor his life and music with a show dedicated to The King of Rock and Roll.

My love for VINYL is an affliction not even Dr. Phil can cure. Collecting 45s and LPs has been a hobby of mine since the late 1960s. Part of my collection is courtesy of my brother, Tom.

I owe a debt of gratitude to jb from "The Hits Just Keep On Comin'" for contacting me to join his blogswarm party. My response was a resounding, “YES!” and gave me a reason to more closely examine records I hadn’t looked at in years. I made some surprising discoveries that I am anxious to share.

My initial 33-1/3 was “The Super Record of Super Heroes Played by The Super Dupers.” I bought it with birthday money and it featured versions of theme songs from The Green Hornet, Batman and Robin, and The Mickey Mouse March. In the notes on the back of the LP cover, it stated that the album was “recorded on 3-track Ampex tape recorders” and “frequency response is from 20 to 20,000 cycles per second.” Talk about Old School! I guess the trusty 'ol Wollensack was out of commission. :)

One of my first 45s was “Big Yellow Taxi” by The Neighborhood. Although it gets little airplay today, even on oldies stations, it is by far the best version of Joni Mitchell’s hit song released simultaneously in 1970 and is front-and-center on this show.

Another 45 (and album) I’m proud to own, but didn’t feature in this show is Morris Albert’s 1975 hit “Feelings.” It reminds me of the girl who got away and inspired me to write a song about my love for her. I even sang it to her! Years later when we had the opportunity to be together, the timing just didn't work out for either of us. I'm happy to say we’re still good friends.

This is only a brief glimpse at the vinyl treasure trove of 45s I have collected over the years. During future shows, I'll be sure to feature more of my long-lost oldies. These tunes bring back some great memories.

Celebrate Vinyl Record Day...take a 45 for a spin!

For one of my favorite talk show hosts, there will be no more better tomorrows. Milwaukee native and Marquette University attendee Tom Snyder, host of NBC's "Tomorrow with Tom Snyder" and "The Late, Late Show with Tom Snyder" on CBS, died Sunday after a battle with leukemia.

Some of the highlights of Tom's career included John Lennon's final televised interview, "Weird Al" Yankovic's first TV appearance, and, my personal favorite, a 1980 appearance by The Plasmatics lead singer Wendy O. Williams, who blew up a TV in the studio and disrupted a live broadcast of NBC Nightly News two floors above. I videotaped the Wendy O. incident and spoke with Tom about it during his ABC Radio show. Thanks to a person who shall remain nameless, that videotape was erased.

Two years ago, Tom closed his website, www.colortini.com, but it is not forgotten. He was very gracious about answering e-mails and I appreciated his responses. I wish I would have printed and saved them.

Here's to you, Tom. "Fire up a colortini, sit back, relax, and watch the pictures, now, as they fly through the air."

Another voice out of the past resurfaces at WLS. Turi Ryder will be filling in this Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. (7 to 9 a.m. Arizona time) on WLS. Turi was a talk show host on 'LS-FM and a jock on The Big 89 about 20 years ago.

Currently, Turi has a home studio somewhere near Seattle where she does fill-in on talk stations around the country. Her company is called Shebops Productions.

Give someone an ISDN line and they're in radio. I want one, too! Maybe I can resurrect "The Sunrise Guys" from my home studio.

This latest podcast is filled with some of my favorite tunes from a couple of decades ago. Can it really be that many years have passed since some of these songs were on the charts? Oh well, rock on!

(Notice the reverb on this cast. I downloaded a new program to give me that 'LS sound. Now that I have the technology, it's conceivable Commodore Spencer might be making a guest appearance.)

Boots Randolph, whose spirited saxophone and biggest solo hit "Yakety Sax" made him one of Nashville's top musicians, passed away Tuesday at the age of 80. Randolph suffered a cerebral hemorrhage June 25 and had been hospitalized in a coma.

Randolph played regularly in Nashville nightclubs for 30 years, becoming a tourist draw for the city much like Wayne Newton in Las Vegas and Al Hirt and Pete Fountain in New Orleans. He recorded more than 40 albums and spent 15 years touring with the Festival of Music, teaming with fellow instrumentalists Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer.

As a session musician, Randolph played on Elvis Presley's "Return To Sender", Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman", Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" and "I'm Sorry", REO Speedwagon's "Little Queenie", Al Hirt's "Java" and other songs including ones by Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash.

Every time I hear "Yakety Sax," I think of "The Benny Hill Show." Hill used Randolph's signature tune as the theme to his show and throughout the show in place of dialogue. As the English would say, "Ripping good stuff!"

The 4th of July is a holiday that holds special memories for me. Two of my most vivd recollections are watching fireworks as a young boy at Lowell School in Waukesha and lighting sparklers with my dad on the front porch of our home.

In honor of that special time in my life, here's an Independence Day Spectacular filled with some of my favorite tunes.

LUJACK ALERT! Uncle Lar joins Roe Conn as guest co-host Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. (1 to 4 for us left-coasters) on TalkRadio WLS.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

The Top 10 Hits during your birth year were:

1. When You're Smiling - Louis Armstrong
2. Makin' Whoopee - Eddie Cantor
3. Singin' In The Rain - Cliff Edwards (Ukelele Ike)
4. College Medley Fox Trot - Guy Lombardo
5. Pagan Love Song - Copley Palza Orchestra (Bob Haring)
6. Louise - Maurice Chevalier
7. Honey - Rudy Vallee
8. Am I Blue? - Ethel Waters
9. Sweethearts On Parade - Guy Lombardo
10. Great Day - Paul Whiteman

Talk about Golden Oldies. Have a great day!

Good news for Ringo Starr fans. No, he's not being knighted.

Four of Ringo's EMI Music catalog albums, Sentimental Journey (1970), Beaucoups Of Blues (1970), the platinum-certified Ringo (1973) and gold-certified Goodnight Vienna (1974) will make their global digital release debuts across all of the world's major digital sales providers.

On the same date, six Ringo Starr ringtones will also debut, and Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing will release the first-ever career and label-spanning collection of Starr's best solo recordings, PHOTOGRAPH: The Very Best Of Ringo Starr.

As for me, I don't ask for much, I only want your trust and a full-size poster of Ringo's wife, Barbara Bach.

A quick shout out to all the Dads, Fathers, and Papas. Happy Father's Day. This one's for you.

The show's last song refers to where I'll be at Christmas this year. Go UW-Platteville men's basketball!

You may be wondering what I did with my Ozzfest tickets. I gave them to the new receptionist at work free of charge without so much as a Lewinski even being mentioned. She and her boyfriend can go battle the heat and the crowds, not me.

The thought of scalping the ducats on e-Bay crossed my mind and wallet, but in the end, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I guess I'm just an old softy at heart (but not in my pants).

Last night I secured my free Ozzfest tickets for Phoenix. The extravaganza is scheduled for Tuesday, July 24th at Cricket Pavilion starting at high noon.

The big question is, "Will Davewillie be in attendance?"

The answer is, "Are you f$&#ing nuts?"

Only a mental midget would go to ANY outdoor concert in The Valley of the Sun during the summer. The average high for that date is only 104 and the record is 114. (It's a dry heat. Yeah, right! Keep telling yourself that fairy tale.) The all-time record high of 122 in Phoenix was set the day my son flew here from Wisconsin on June 26, 1990. It was so hot the runways and tarmac at Sky Harbor started to melt!

No, you won't catch me at Ozzfest this year (or any other year, for that matter). Look for my tickets on eBay unless I give them away. I will be luxuriating in A/C and speculating on how many brainiacs will be overcome by the sweltering heat to be carted off to the nearest emergency room.

Unfortunately, if you're not an illegal in Arizona, California or any of the other 48 states, the odds of getting seen by a doctor before you stroke out are less than meeting Alice Cooper at Circle K.

"The Big 89 Rewind" will be rebroadcast in its entirety on the 4th of July on WLS.

CBS is buying Internet customized radio streamer and social networking site last.fm for $280 million. The UK-based site has over 15 million users worldwide and over 4 million in the United States.

last.fm allows listeners to select favorite artists and hear streams tailored to their tastes. Users can share their playlist information with others.

last.fm's management will remain in place. The site will retain its separate identity, although it may incorporate other CBS radio programming.

In case you missed it, here are Uncle Lar & Li'l Tommy and John Records Landecker from "The Big 89 Rewind."

Here are 9 random tunes from my library for your dining & dancing pleasure:

Big Bruce by Steve Greenburg
Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft by Klaatu
Hawaii 5-O by The Ventures
Into The Night by Benny Mardones
Like A Sunday In Salem by Gene Cotton
Trapped Again by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Troglodyte (Cave Man) by The Jimmy Castor Bunch
Underwater by The Frogmen
Unicorn by The Irish Rovers

25 years ago this past week, I was moving from Lancaster, Wisconsin to Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Going from being part of "The Sunrise Guys" with John Murphy at WGLR to flying solo in the morning at WJMC. Switching from a small AM daytimer to a 100,000 watt blowtorch that reached the Twin Cities. Little did I know these would be the only two stops in my professional announcing career (so far).

I still have my FCC Radio Telephone Third Class Operator Permit. A "Fruit Loops" boxtop has replaced that for which I studied so diligently to achieve. Also, did I really weigh only 160 back in 1978?

Radio has always been in my blood. That's why I love to podcast. It feeds the beast.

That brings me to The WLS Top 45 Countdown for Memorial Day Weekend 1982. WLS was one of my favorite stations in my younger years. I wanted to honor that memory by creating a tribute to "The Big 89."

It was the songs AND the personalities that made WLS great!

If you happen to be in Madison, Wisconsin over the Memorial Day Weekend, you have got to experience Brat Fest. It's a four day celeBRATion of the Badger State's Finest. There is even a Brat Fest Song to commemorate the blessed event.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it this year. There is always next year. At $6.50 for a brat and a beer, that's a smokin' deal.

Thanks to jb for the reminder. Now, to the brat mobile!

Tommy Edwards has been added to list of radio legends who'll be returning to WLS for "The Big 89 Rewind" on Memorial Day.

Li'l Tommy, who hosts mornings on WILV, obtained permission from his bosses to appear on the WLS reunion broadcast from its Top 40 heyday.

From 6 to 9am (that's 4 to 7am for us left coasters) Monday, Edwards will team up on the air with Larry Lujack, who'll be broadcasting from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Best known for their "Animal Stories" partnership at WLS in the '70s and '80s, Uncle Lar and Li'l Tommy last worked together at WRLL.

One more look at Yvonne Craig as Marta. I gotta get me some of that green stuff! :)

Happy Birthday to Yvonne Craig. She turned 70 this past Wednesday.

Yvonne was best known as Batgirl in the Batman TV series of the 1960's.

She also played Marta in a Star Trek episode, "Whom Gods Destroy."

On the big screen, Yvonne appeared in two Elvis movies. She even dated him for a short time.

I have to admit to having a crush on Yvonne, even though I was only 6 at the time she was helping the Caped Crusaders.

Holy Bat Viagra!

It's going to be a Memorial Day to remember when WLS turns back the clock to its Top 40 heyday and brings back some of its greatest stars.

Program Director Kipper McGee is assembling a dream team of WLS alums for what is being billed as "The Big 89 Rewind."

On May 28th from 5am to midnight, regular programming will be pre-empted for a Memorial Day spectacular starring Superjock Larry Lujack, Fred Winston, John Records Landecker, Jeff Davis, Chris Shebel and Tom Kent. All were part of the '70s and '80s rock era at WLS.

Also appearing throughout the day will be WLS news veterans Lyle Dean, Catherine Johns and Gil Gross and sportscaster Les Grobstein, among others.

A friend of mine loaned me a CD 10 days ago and told me I had to listen to this terrific performer. The disc was promptly put into my desk drawer at work.

I didn't give it another thought until Friday night. I sampled a couple of tracks and liked what I heard. It came home with me.

Who is this artist? Amy Winehouse. You never heard of her? Neither did I. At least not until I did some research and listened to her music.

Amy, who has a strong cockney accent and vernacular, was born in 1983 in Enfield, Middlesex, England. The daughter of a taxi-driving father and pharmacist mother, she grew up in the Southgate area in north London.

The British press and tabloids seem to focus on Amy's rowdy behavior and heavy alcohol consumption. Fans and critics alike embrace her rugged charm and brash sense of humor because of her distinctively soulful and jazzy vocals.

Amy's 2003 platinum-selling breakthrough album "Frank" elicited comparisons ranging from Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan to Macy Gray and Lauryn Hill. The album was nominated for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize as well as two Brit Awards. Its lead single, "Stronger Than Me," won an Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song.

In 2006, Amy's management company finally suggested that she enter into rehab for alcohol abuse. Instead, she dumped the company and transcribed the ordeal into the U.K. Top Ten hit Rehab. It was the lead single for her second critically acclaimed album, "Back to Black." This time around the music delved into the sounds of '50s-'60s rock & roll, R&B, and soul.

Amy reminds me of a modern day Janis Joplin, a rock & roll/blues singer who lived fast and died young. Let's hope she lives a long, music-filled life. I would certainly like to see her in concert if and when she puts a Phoenix stop on her tour.

Yesterday, I was going through some of my cassette tapes trying to find the interviews I did with members of the Milwaukee Brewers in 1979. I found them, but discovered a couple of other snippets I thought were gone forever.

The first is a brief aircheck from Roz. He got me interested in heavy metal during my freshman year at UW-Platteville. He also dared to play a Public Service Announcement not once but three times one night. I wish I could remember what he played during the Budgie superset. (Under penalty of being sent to the bottom of The Lake, I cannot reveal the identity of one of the two announcers in the PSA. The other one was me.)

The second is a radio serial that was popular during morning drive in the early 90's in Phoenix. Rump Ranger would NEVER make it to air in today's all too politically correct climate.

The Brewers' interviews will be posted soon.

As I prepped today's show, I thought it would be great to do a completely Live show. Well, at least the music would be. All of the songs are from non-studio performances.

I intro-ed the first tune (14:17 of unadulterated bliss) and decided not to talk again. Why should I? Nothing is better than a 2 hour uninterrupted eargasm of some of my favorite artists.

Two of the more interesting gems I dug up were a BBC Live clip of "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits and Gary Numan's "Are 'Friends' Electric."

Remember to flick your Bic for the finale. It's a Skynyrd classic!

Check out #3 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in April 1979. Just when I thought I got this tune out of my head. Thanks, jb! :)

Classic Rock is my favorite kind of music. It encompasses so many different performers and styles. I never get tired of listening to Bob Seger, Rush, Styx, and Ted Nugent to name just a few.

Sometimes I want to listen to something else. This podcast is that something else. It barely begins to scratch the surface of the music I listened to on AM radio way back when. WOKY, WLS, Super CFL & KAAY was where it was at.

Take a trip to the past in the audio time machine with the Music Of My Youth.

Throttleback requested I post Cake's 1979 version of the Theme From Mork And Mindy. It is my pleasure.

While listening, please check out www.lizzielulu.com. Throttleback will be glad you did.

He does the Monster Mash no more. Bobby "Boris" Pickett, whose dead-on Boris Karloff impression propelled the Halloween anthem to the top of the charts in 1962, making him one of pop music's most enduring one-hit wonders, has died of leukemia. Pickett, dubbed "The Guy Lombardo of Halloween," died Wednesday night at the West Los Angeles Veterans Hospital at the age of 69.

"Monster Mash" hit the Billboard chart three times: when it debuted in 1962, reaching #1 the week before Halloween; again in August 1970, and for a third time in May 1973. The resurrections were appropriate for a song where Pickett gravely intoned the forever-stuck-in-your-head chorus: "He did the monster mash. ... It was a graveyard smash."

Pickett continued performing through his final gig in November. He remained in demand for Halloween performances, including a memorable 1973 show where his bus broke down outside Frankenstein, Missouri.

Check out the 1st Annual Waukesha BluesFest on Friday & Saturday, August 10th & 11th in Delafield, Wisconsin. Music each day runs from 1 pm to 10:30 pm. Booker T. and the MG's headline Friday night. Saturday will feature Mavis Staples. (Thanks to jb from The Hits Just Keep On Comin' for the heads-up.)

My collection of 45's consists of about 100 of the 7" beauties. Recently, I added a few to my bevy. Enjoy Long Forgotten 45's Part 1.

I added the album version of a song at the end of the show. Why? I guess you'll just have to listen to find out.

On Sunday, April 15th, I joined my friend, Sharon, for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure in Southern Arizona. It was a privilege and an honor to make a donation and walk the 3 miles alongside a friend and a cancer survivor. If you would like to make a donation, please visit Sharon's site at: www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=219337&lis=1&kntae219337=BBC454E072854C4A8D3D489C152F021F&supId=168061927

One of America's greatest treasures is gone. Don Ho passed away Saturday morning in Hawaii. Ho is best known for his song Tiny Bubbles. His other well-known songs include I'll Remember You, With All My Love, and the Hawaiian Wedding Song.

Two things I remember most about Don Ho are his guest appearance on The Brady Bunch when the show visited Hawaii and his own show, The Don Ho Show, in 1976 and 1977.

Some other interesting facts about Don Ho:

Ho was a star high school football player who went to Springfield College in Massachusetts on an athletic scholarship. He grew homesick, returned to the islands and ended up graduating from the University of Hawaii with a degree in sociology.

Ho joined the Air Force during the Korean War. He piloted transport planes between Honolulu and Tokyo.

Ho took over his parents' struggling bar, Honey's, and turned it into a happening place for him and his band. Appearances at the Coconut Grove in Hollywood gave him a mainland following. Soon he was packing places such as the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.

Ho is survived by his wife, Haumea, and 10 children, including Hoku, who sometimes performed with her father.

April 29, 1983. Cubs fans remember this date well. The Lee Elia Tirade.

Thanks to my friend, Shark, for this recording. (I meant to put in this acknowledgment when I originally posted this classic.) BTW, the Dodgers will start Spring Training in AZ in '09.

(Caution: Strong language content.)

"Baseball Is My Life" was a blog I enjoyed writing for a couple of years. My Mom printed out every entry. BIML ended when my Dad passed away at the end of last August. My love for baseball didn't.

Baseball has always been a part of my life. I played it, poorly I'm afraid. My friend, Shark, and I broadcast two Brewers Spring Training games. I listen to it on the radio and the Internet. I watch it on TV. I understand my friend, jb from "The Hits Just Keep On Comin'," who had a love affair with baseball that died. Balco and the whole steroids scandal put a damper on my enthusiasm.

In 1998, I saw Big Mac and Sammy slug homers against the Brew Crew at County Stadium. I still have the unused pair of tickets to Game 5 of the 1982 A.L. playoffs between the Brewers and the Angels. I went to one of the 2001 World Series games in Arizona between the DBacks and the Yankees. I was at the first regular season game in Miller Park history.

My greatest thrill was Spring Training 1979. I had the pleasure to interview Brewers' skipper George Bamberger and 3rd sacker Don Money. Some day I will post those interviews.

In the meantime, enjoy these Baseball Tunes to celebrate the opening of another baseball season.

This is for my friend in Denmark. Kristina, enjoy "Head To Toe" by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam.

Glad to help out jb at "The Hits Just Keep On Comin'." Enjoy When I'm Dead And Gone by McGuinness Flint.

Calvert DeForest , also known by his character Larry "Bud" Melman, passed away this past Monday.

DeForest is credited for 4 films from 1972 to 1982. After his first appearance with David Letterman, he appeared in 15 other films or television shows.

While he was working as a file clerk at a drug rehabilitation facility, DeForest was "discovered" by people associated with David Letterman's show when he appeared in a New York University student's film. Later, he worked as a drug rehabilitation counselor. His job was mentioned on air and it made it more difficult for him to work effectively as a counselor, forcing his retirement.

DeForest continued to make appearances with David Letterman. One of his "advertisements" on "Late Night" was "Toast On A Stick."

DeForest later appeared under his own name, but as essentially the same character, when Letterman moved from NBC to CBS in 1993 to do "The Late Show with David Letterman." This change was made because the character of Larry "Bud" Melman was considered the intellectual property of NBC, even though David Letterman gave him the name.

DeForest continued to appear on Letterman's show until 2002. He also had a recurring role during the first season of Pee-Wee's Playhouse, before he retired from acting.

A quick, but sad update to Boston lead singer Brad Delp's death. His family has said that Delp's death was a suicide. At least now he has eternal peace.

Boston's lead singer Brad Delp was found dead Friday in his home in southern New Hampshire. Atkinson police responded to a call for help at 1:20 p.m. and found Delp dead. There was no indication of foul play. Delp apparently was alone at the time. The cause of death remained under investigation. An incident report would not be available until Monday.

Delp joined the band in the early 1970s after meeting Tom Scholz, an MIT student interested in experimental methods of recording music. Delp sang on Boston's 1976 hits "More than a Feeling" and "Long Time." He also sang on Boston's most recent album, "Corporate America," released in 2002. The band's last appearance was in November 2006 at Boston's Symphony Hall.

Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau was not available for comment on his band mate's sudden passing.

On Friday night, Boston's website was taken down and replaced with the statement: "We just lost the nicest guy in rock and roll."

Ron Santo's continued omission from the National Baseball Hall of Fame is a joke. What better way to turn a frown into a smile than to do a podcast of Comedy Bits. No way is Joe Morgan and his pack of cronies going to get the last laugh.

I was Moving in 1987. I was out of radio and had been for 5 years. It was time for a change of scenery. Moving to Arizona was one of the best decisions I ever made. Some of the songs I listened to back then are featured on this show. Enjoy!

Chicago radio legend Tommy Edwards, who's been hosting afternoons on Love FM since October, is moving up to mornings. As morning personality, Edwards will succeed John Monds, who left last month to host afternoons at KRBV-FM in Los Angeles. No word on if Uncle 'Lar might be an occasional guest.

So The Dixie Chicks comeback is complete. Bullsh*t!

Just because they were given 5 Grammy Awards proves nothing. Only 11,000 members of a select group vote on those awards. Their peers might love them, but the American public still does not.

Where are their CD sales? In the toilet. What about airplay on ANY radio stations? Almost non-existent. Who is going to their concerts? Judging by the rescheduling of dates and half-full shows, only their most ardent fans.

Even the lead clucker, Natalie Maines, knows the truth. TVs across the nation tuned to another channel after The Police finished & The Chicks took the stage.

What did I do during their performance? I took a "Natalie." In fact, just thinking about those three dodos makes me want to take another "Natalie."

Can anybody loan me a can of Oust? I might need a plunger and a fresh roll of Northern, too.

Leave it to Tommy Edwards to drag his old radio pal Larry Lujack into 21st century cyberspace. At Edwards' urging, the legendary Superjock has begun keeping a blog from his home in Santa Fe, N.M. It's posted at: www.larrylujack.com

"Nothing new with me," Lujack writes. "Just hangin' out . . . golfin' a few balls . . . awaiting my next ill-fated comeback."

Edwards now hosts afternoons on Bonneville International rhythmic oldies WILV-FM (100.3).

Inspired by The Stepfather of Soul, Davewillieradio delves into Classic Soul. Some of these songs were on mainstream Top 40 stations and should be played on Oldies outlets, but don't seem to make the cut.

Included is a tribute to The Spinners' Billy Henderson, who recently passed away.

This show was 30 minutes longer than normal. It was difficult to leave any of these great tunes out. The ones that didn't make this show will be featured in upcoming casts.

And The Cradle Will Rock as Van Halen will reunite with original singer David Lee Roth for a 40 city summer tour of North America.

It will be the first time that Roth performs live with the band since 1984, when he was replaced by Sammy Hagar. A brief reunion with Roth in 1996 resulted in two new songs but no tour.

Original bassist Michael Anthony will not be a part of the reunion. Late last year he was replaced by Eddie Van Halen's 15-year-old son Wolfgang.

On March 12, Van Halen will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Just helping out my friend, jb, at The Hits Just Keep On Comin'.

Enjoy Hoochie Koochie Lady by Elf.

It's time to Rock Your Socks Off at Davewillieradio. Featured on this show is a Pat Benatar 3-Pack. We've also got some Rolling Stones and Loverboy. Special thanks to homercat at Good Rockin' Tonight for the Tim Curry tune. This one almost made my head explode!

After nearly 30 years, the Eagles will soon release their first album of all-new music. The band was nearing completion on an album of all-new material. "It's coming out in 60 to 90 days, if we don't kill each other first," founding member Don Henley told the crowd Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

"The Long Run" in 1979 was the Eagles last album featuring all-new studio material. That album included the Grammy-winning single "Heartache Tonight." My favorite tune was "The Disco Strangler." I remember playing it on a turntable like it was yesterday.

The group officially disbanded in 1982. They reunited in 1994 for a comeback tour featuring Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmidt and Don Felder. The band appeared together again in 1998, with past members Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Their new album will feature Henley, Frey, Walsh, and Schmidt.

New Wave is one of my favorite types of music. It's great for listening or dancing. It was initially marketed as a chart-friendly version of punk. The style was often mixed with other genres such as Funk, Disco, Reggae and Ska.

Tom Petty has jokingly taken credit for "inventing" New Wave. He has been quoted as saying that journalists struggled to define his band, The Heartbreakers. They were not punk rock, but some still wanted to identify them with Elvis Costello and the Sex Pistols. Petty also suggested that the 1978 song "When the Time Comes" from the "You’re Gonna Get It!" album "might have started New Wave. Maybe that was the one."

Regardless of who invented it, please enjoy these New Wave Hits.

Van Halen made a "jump" into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday along with Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, R.E.M., the Ronettes and Patti Smith.

Van Halen was the 1980s hard rock quartet led by guitarist Eddie Van Halen and outrageous lead vocalist David Lee Roth, and later rocker Sammy Hagar. They put out hits such as "Jump" and "Panama."

R.E.M. was the quintessential indie rock band until breaking through to mass success in the early 1990s with songs like "Losing My Religion." Their first single, released in 1981, was "Radio Free Europe."

Grandmaster Flash led the most innovative act in early hip-hop. 1982's "The Message" was like a letter from urban America. Their 1983 anti-cocaine polemic, "White Lines," was critically acclaimed.

Punk rock poet Patti Smith and Phil Spector favorites the Ronettes round out the 2007 class.

A panel of 600 industry experts selected the five artists, who must have issued a first single or album at least 25 years before nomination, to be inducted at the annual ceremony on March 12th in New York.

Listen to this special featuring Soon-To-Be Rock 'N Roll Hall of Famers.

If you were a fan of WOKY in Milwaukee from the mid-60's to the mid-70's, you're in for a treat. The Mighty 92 is back! Check it out at www.mighty92.com The toll-free request line is 1-800-659-1965.