The Mythic Weight Of Phil Spector’s Christmas Gift

In 1963, PHIL SPECTOR thought his CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOU album would be a career-defining event. Then a not-so-funny-thing happened to him on his way to musical world dominance. BILLY ALTMAN fills us in.
by David McGee
 

 
 

How To Have Fun With a Serious Song (Field Notes from a Music Biz Life, Part 3)

In this installment of his autobiography, MICHAEL SIGMAN recounts some amusing incidents following in the wake of his father CARL SIGMAN's now-classic hit song 'EBB TIDE.' JERRY COLONNA makes an appearance.
by David McGee
 

 

 

At the Intersection of Abbey Road and Tin Pan Alley (Field Notes From a Music Biz Life, Part 3)

In Part 3 of his autobiography,, MICHAEL SIGMAN recalls how his father Carl's song 'Ebb Tide,' which was the #1 hit in America in 1953, brought father and son closer when the RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS recorded it in 1965.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Mythic Weight Of Phil Spector’s Christmas Gift: A Semicentennial Reflection

November 22, 1963, was a horrible day for the nation, and for PHIL SPECTOR, a personal disaster as well, as his ambitious Christmas album arrived and was promptly forgotten. A semicentennial look back ensues.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Andrew Oldham: Stone Free At Last

ANDREW OLDHAM, the svelte, shadowy figure who guided the Rolling Stones from London's blues clubs to international infamy, has published the third volume of his memoirs, STONE FREE. MICHAEL SIGMAN tracks him down.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Of Doo-Wop and a Full Grown Man

AARON NEVILLE has a unique definition of doo-wop that includes 'Be My Baby' in the genre, and he's done the music of his youth justice on his fine new album, MY TRUE STORY.
by David McGee