Comments on: Throwing Stones XIV: Bad Apples

By: Dale R.

Dale R. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 01:20:32 +0000

Another fascinating chapter in the history of the ugly “biz” of rock. I really appreciate the reference to Chubby Checker hitting number one again with the same song two years later. As a teenager, I was miffed that the record came back after it had already been a hit. I saw it as some sort of cheat by the record company and top 40 radio. Checker’s “Twist,” along with Joey Dee’s “Peppermint Twist,” made 1962 a really tedious year for teenage music fans. We were all more than ready for the British Invasion when it arrived.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:24:40 +0000

Parkway released “Wild Thing,” credited to “Senator Bobby,” in December, 1966. It reached number twenty on the U.S. charts the following month. The song was actually performed by a young comedy trio called “The Hardly Worth-It Players.” As with Vaughan Meader’s hit JFK spoof “The First Family,” the record was quickly deleted after the subject was assassinated and the comedy became a haunting reminder of happier times.

By: Larry McC.

Larry McC. — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:51:58 +0000

With all those thievin’ managers running amuck in the Sixties, it’s hard to see how any of the bands from that era survived with ten cents intact. Wasn’t Cameo/Parkway the label that cranked out novelty songs in the mid-Sixties? I’m thinking of one where voices imitating Sen. Everett Dirksen and Bobby Kennedy sing “Wild Thing.”

By: George B.

George B. — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:37:59 +0000

One man’s misery, misfortune and mismanagement is another man’s opportunity to divide and conquer, which Allen Klein did very well. Mr. Lennon comes out looking very bad in all this. Had his done his homework, it’s unlikely he would have ever signed with Klein. I agree with Dan O. that you’ve got a real Flash-Gordon-style serial going here. But please, don’t do a full chapter on Yoko!

By: Tom C.

Tom C. — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:06:22 +0000

Another well-written chapter in a great story, Bill- keep up the good work! A brief overview of the legal issues between Apple Corps and Apple Computer may be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Corps_v_Apple_Computer

By: Bill

Bill — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:13:53 +0000

The Beatles certainly thought Steve Jobs helped himself to their branding. An agreement between Apple Corps and Apple Computer was worked out in the 1980s, but the two companies ended up in court years later. It’s a complex case, and would require a whole ‘nuther series of blogs!

By: Debora G.

Debora G. — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 23:38:13 +0000

Cool content. Did you see that The Beatles were on the cover of Rolling Stone last week? It’s the 50th anniversary of their arrival in America. Never knew the Apple story–think this is where Jobs got the idea? Should I already know that?

By: Kyle F.

Kyle F. — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:03:32 +0000

To quote your promo… “It’s the big spending, mind bending, band blending, bank offending, career ending, cases pending, latest installment in the business history of The Rolling Stones.” And it is. Chido!

By: Dan O.

Dan O. — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:03:13 +0000

This is beyond a blog, it’s a way of life! It’s like reading a serialized book, and I mean that in the best possible sense. This one was another chapter full of interesting things I didn’t know, and I’m ready for Part XV right now. Come on, Bill, the holiday break is over! Get on the stick!

By: Andy A.

Andy A. — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:29:10 +0000

And the other Beatles all balked at Paul McCartney’s suggestion that the Eastmans (Linda McCartney’s music biz lawyer dad and brother) handle the business… Ouch.