Music weaves stories through time, revealing unexpected connections that shape our cultural landscape. In this episode, Pat Walsh takes a refreshing break from political topics to explore the fascinating world of cover songs and their surprising origins.
Did you know the rock anthem "Black Betty" by Ram Jam started life as a 1933 prison work song recorded by convict James "Ironhead" Baker? Or that Manfred Mann's radio staple "Blinded by the Light" was actually Bruce Springsteen's creation from his debut album? These musical metamorphoses demonstrate how art evolves across generations while maintaining its emotional core.
The journey continues with a fascinating "This Day in Music" segment packed with memorable moments: Joe Perry's cardiac arrest during a Hollywood Vampires show, John Fogerty's legal battles with former Creedence bandmates, and the Beatles returning to Liverpool for their film premiere where John Lennon controversially gave Nazi salutes to the crowd. We also revisit the poignant final performance of Jerry Garcia and the dark story of session drummer Jim Gordon, who played on countless hits before tragedy struck.
Pat's enthusiasm for music history shines through as he shares lesser-known versions of famous songs, including the Don Harrison Band's compelling take on "Helter Skelter" featuring former Creedence members. These musical connections reveal the complex tapestry behind songs we thought we knew well.
As Pat approaches his milestone 300th episode, his genuine passion for uncovering music's hidden stories creates an engaging experience for casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles alike. Whether you're discovering these revelations for the first time or revisiting familiar musical territory, this episode celebrates how music transcends time while continually reinventing itself.
Listen to Pat's radio show on KFBK Newsradio and join him for the upcoming Pat's Peeps Gathering at the California State Fair in July. Which cover song surprised you most? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
well, here we are again, my friends.
It's the's the Pat's Peepspodcast.
We're at 299.
299 podcasts.
It is a Thursday.
How are you?
What a pleasure.
Thank you for checking us outWherever you are.
(00:42):
If you're driving down a road,listening, thank you if you're
work listening.
If you're at home, listening,wherever you are, happen to be,
we certainly do appreciate that.
As I look out my studio windowinto the beautiful foothills of
northern california today, it'sa little later in the day for me
and that's because I've been,I've had so much going on.
(01:03):
I I've had business meetings.
I mean these are all positivethings, business meetings, new
endorsements on radio.
For those of you who don't knowand I hope many of you do my
name is Pat Walsh and I'm thehost of the Pat Walsh Show on
KFBK Newsradio 93.1 FM 1530 AMin Sacramento, 7 to 10 PM,
(01:28):
monday through Friday.
The word is again just as areminder.
We'll have the Pats PeepsGathering and I'll be doing my
show live, my radio show, out atthe California State Fair.
So that's coming up.
Either I can't get them to pindown the date just yet,
unfortunately, so that's comingup.
Either I can't get him to pindown the date just yet,
(01:48):
unfortunately, but it's eithergoing to be July 22nd, 23rd,
24th.
If I had my druthers, it wouldbe all three of those days, so
we'll let you know as soon as Iknow.
I promise you that.
I want to say thank you to GaryGelfand and Scott Moak and
Channel 40 and Fox 40 forallowing me to go on air to this
(02:10):
morning, drove down toSacramento and allowed me to go
on air on the Studio 40 Live andbe able to promote my Pat's
Peeps and be able to promote myPat's Peeps.
Thank you to everyone on thestaff.
They're so nice.
I had a great time.
(02:30):
We got the word out.
You know we just had a fewminutes, but we got the word out
on TV in terms of what we'retrying to do and really I
promise you and I know I keepharping on it, but we're trying
to support local business and Ijust I'm going to keep
encouraging you guys and askingyou if you would, just as I was
(02:50):
asking everyone on TV thismorning, if you just go to
patspeepscom check out thebusinesses.
Thank you, I'll shut up, by theway, if you listen to Pats
Peeps 298.
I'm giving away a couple ofthings on my show tonight and
they're very cool.
I'm not even going to say whatthey are here on 299, but if you
(03:13):
listen to 298, we're going togive away a couple of really
cool things on the show.
Let's see.
So you know what I want.
To keep it light today, I justdon't want to get into anything
political.
You know, sometimes I'm in areally good mood.
Things have been so productive.
(03:33):
I am so blessed that my podcastis growing.
My show is going well, we'rewelcoming new advertisers to my
radio and to the peeps.
So I'm in a great mood and, ifyou don't mind, you know me when
I'm in a great mood.
Most people like to talk music.
(03:55):
Yeah, some people don't.
Okay, I get it, but I'm goingto do that for a little bit
today.
All right, just some music,thank you.
Thank you for allowing me to dothat.
Let's see where do I start.
You know where I'm going tostart.
I'm going to start here.
It always amazes me when peopledon't.
(04:17):
Now I take that back.
That's not true.
It doesn't amaze me.
Maybe I would have said that 10years ago, but I've come to
understand that not everyone isinto music as much as I am.
Some people are, but noteveryone.
I mean, all the time people arelike, yeah, heck, pat, I can't
(04:40):
remember who did that song.
I mean I know the song, or like, if you told me the song, maybe
I might you know, maybe, if Imean I don't know who sang that
song, you know that kind ofstuff, and so I cannot assume
that I'm amazed.
And when I say something Icatch myself doing that.
And I don't mean to, I justfind it interesting because
(05:01):
apparently I've, as I'veprobably said a thousand times I
guess I was way more into musicthan the average kid and it's
just always stuck with me.
But a lot of times people don'tknow, like when they'll hear a
song, but they don't know thatit was a cover song.
So I just got a couple ofexamples.
(05:21):
Oh, I just thought of anotherexample.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
Darn it.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Okay, I may have already done that one, Come to
think of it, I don't know if Ihave, ah, so what?
I'll do it again.
See, now, see, this is whathappens.
I start off the top of my head,I start thinking of another
cover song, and there's so manyones.
There's so many good ones.
Oh yeah, no one knows this one.
(05:48):
Well, they know the original.
So, anyhow, I'm going to dothat.
I want to give you a couple ofexamples.
And then I've got this Day inMusic, and it is a really cool
day, this Day in Music.
So we're going to start withthis song.
So there was a very popularsong.
I remember I was a teenagerwhen this thing came out.
(06:10):
This song would be played on AMradio and, I believe, fm radio
as well.
It really rocked, man, it wastotally.
It was so different.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
It really rocked man.
It was totally.
It was so different.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Plus, being a fan of this particular football team,
it also made me interested inthis song.
For those of you who know me,like it or not, I don't
apologize for it I'm a Rams fanand in June of 1977, there was a
(07:00):
Southern rock band by the nameof Ram Jam and they released
this song Rockin' song CalledBlack Betty.
Anyone remember this?
(07:23):
I hate to always say theobligatory.
I don't own the rights to this.
I'm trying to educate WhateverGive credit to whatever.
Yeah, that's Peeps 299.
(08:00):
Yeah, I'm starting to thinkthat'd be a really cool karaoke
song.
I think I could do that one.
Oh, backpedic bam-a-lam.
(08:41):
Oh, backpedic's kind of adifferent song.
Yeah, black Betty.
Never heard one quite like that, but that was a cover song.
Like a cover song.
Yeah, absolutely, that was acover song.
If you go back, let's go back to.
Let's see here.
I believe this is 1933, 1935,whatever.
(09:09):
Let me see here.
I just kind of lost my placethere, bear with me, I just had
my information.
These things happen when you'redoing live, I don't know.
So this was I apologize here.
This is 1933.
(09:30):
Wow, december 1933, the monthmy dad was born in that year.
Yeah, okay, so here's what itis.
It's an African-American worksong credited to huddy lead,
belly led better uh.
(09:52):
The earliest recordings, though, were before that.
There are numerous recordingsof black betty and acapella and
folk version, but this is from aprison gang.
(10:17):
This is a 1933 Ironhead Bakerrecorded in his field by US
musicologists John and AlanLomax, december 1933, performing
a cappella by the convict JamesIronhead Baker, central State
Farm, sugar Land, texas.
Prison Baker was 63 years oldat the time of this, and here it
(10:43):
is.
This is the original blackBetty.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Black Betty, what's your number?
Black Betty, what's your number?
Speaker 3 (11:07):
Sam Harley didn't you ?
See Sam Harley didn't you see?
Oh.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Lord Black Betty.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Lordy Black Betty.
Black Betty had a baby Black.
Betty had a baby and the damnthing treated.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
And the damn.
Thing treated.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
And she just didn't breathe.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
There you go, the original Black Betty.
You know one song that was verypopular in the 70s be played on
the radio all the time at leaston the stations that I listened
to, was Manfred Mann's EarthBand.
Blinded by the Light, always onAM and FM radio.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
Blinded by the light Wrapped up like a douche, always
on AM and FM radio, not tomention one of the most
(12:36):
misunderstood lyrics Mad Mendrums rumbles in youth in the
summer, with a teenage diplomatIn the dumps, with the mobs as
the adolescent bumps his wayinto his bed.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Manfred Mann's Earth Band, huge song in the 70s.
Like I said, it was on theradio all the time Nice, clean,
awesome version, sneezingsneezing, wheezing, the guy will
be crept to the ground.
But that is a cover.
And when you hear the originaland again, this is just an
(13:05):
opinion, but it is equally asawesome and so much different
and I can hear when I listen tothe Manfred Mann version I'm
just taken away by the keyboardsand the epic sound of it all.
When I hear the original, ittells me the story, I think,
much better.
I can picture what the whathe's talking about much better,
(13:29):
a way different feel.
The original was from brucespringsteen, greetings from
asbury park, new jersey.
This first album.
You can just see the imagery inmy mind.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Madman, drummers, bummers and Indians in the
summer, with a teenage diplomatIn the dumps with the mumps.
As the adolescent bumps his wayinto his hat hat with a boulder
on my shoulder, feeling kind ofolder, I trip the
(14:13):
merry-go-round with this veryunpleasing sneezing and wheezing
.
The clive he crashed to theground.
(14:34):
Some old hot hat shot washitting four hot spots.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
You know the first one, the Manfred Mann version
reminds me of driving in myautomobile when I was a teenager
and rocking out on the radiowhen I hear this one.
I've never been to New Jersey,but it makes me feel like I'm
walking around in New Jerseychecking out different
characters, blinded by the light.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Oh, cut loose like a deuce.
Another runner in the night,blinded by the light, she got
down, but she never got down Onthis day in history.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
by the way, pats Peeps 299, I certainly do
appreciate you being there Onthis day in history and right
now I'm listening to his audiobook.
Joe Perry, lead guitarist ofAerosmith, suffered a cardiac
arrest while performing withAlice Cooper and Johnny Depp.
(15:30):
This was the group theHollywood Vampires.
They call it a super group.
I refuse to call it a supergroup.
Why?
Because Johnny Depp.
I mean, come on, johnny Depp.
I'm not going to go as far assaying Johnny Depp is part of a
super group.
He's an actor who gets to playwith rockers.
(15:52):
I'm not diminishing his playing.
I've never really paid thatmuch attention, but I'm not
putting him in super groupstatus for music, sorry, anyhow.
So they're playing at anamphitheater the Hollywood
Vampires in Coney Island,brooklyn, new York.
(16:12):
And then, after stumbling duringthe show's first song, joe
Perry, the great guitarist, saton the drum kit, continued
playing, walked off stage andthen he was rushed to the coney
island hospital with cardiacarrest.
Listen to the song.
This is the final song that hewas playing before he had
(16:34):
cardiac arrest.
Listen to the lyrics Cardiacheart attack painted black.
(17:03):
And right after that he wasissued or ushered, I should say
to the hospital Meanwhile in2016,.
Oh, this is such a good song,johnny, too Bad Cliff Richard.
I always felt like the Clashshould have covered this song.
(17:32):
Covered this song, 2016,.
Cliff Richard instructedlawyers to make a form of legal
complaints to the SouthYorkshire PD and the BBC over
their handling of a police raidon his home In 2014,.
(17:55):
Police investigating historicalsex allegations launched an
investigation in 2014, which wasfilmed by the bbc.
(18:15):
Also in this day in musichistory, john Fogerty filed a
lawsuit alleging that his formerbandmates and Creedence
Clearwater Revival had breachedtheir contract in which he
allowed them to use the nameCreedence Clearwater Revisited
while touring and playing themusic that they recorded
together four decades ago.
(18:36):
Fogarty's Action claimed thatCreedence bassist Stu Cook and
drummer Doug Clifford had notpaid him in more than three
years under the terms of theagreement that they set up more
than a decade ago.
Now, two things about that one.
(18:59):
I want to say it was anightmare, lord.
It's all so true.
Now, two things about that one.
I want to say Number one I didgo see.
Maybe you did as well, ifyou're in this area or wherever
you might be.
I saw Creedence ClearwaterRevisited.
They were very good, but youknow what?
It wasn't John Fogerty.
John Fogerty was not there andwhen he sued Doug Clifford and
(19:23):
Stu Cook, stu Cook, the bassist,like I said, doug Clifford, the
drummer.
That takes me back.
Let's go back to the covers fora second, because here's a song
.
I'm sure you know this and youknow why this one is actually
not just a white album, but whythis one was made popular when I
(19:43):
get to the bottom, I go back tothe top of the slide.
Of course this all mixed up inthe Manson thing.
That was all part of the HelterSkelter movie.
(20:06):
You remember that the bookAnyhow Helter Skelter, beatles.
Now if you're asking yourself,what does that have to do with
(20:34):
Doug Cook, stu Cook and DougClifford Cook and Doug Clifford
Stu Cook and Doug Clifford iswhat I mean.
Well, when Creedence broke up,they joined this band called the
Don Harrison Band.
It was Don Harrison Not eventhe Don Harrison Band I always
called it that, but it was DonHarrison and they did a cover of
Helter Skelter and I got totell you it's a great cover in
(20:59):
my opinion.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Here's Don Harrison with Stu Cook and Doug Clifford
doing Helter Skelter.
When I get to the bottom I goback to the top of the slide.
When I stop and I turn and Icouldn't go right Till I get to
the bottom and I sing again.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Interesting cover.
I think I like it.
I want you to hear the kind ofthe ending of this part.
(22:18):
Again, I know I don't own therights to it.
I keep having to say that I'mnot trying to get in trouble.
Jeez, I'm just trying to exposethe music.
A lot of people never heardthis stuff.
I want you to hear the end ofthis, though.
It's really great.
I think it is here you go, hereyou go, here you go.
(22:57):
This is love and I'm lookingout.
(23:22):
Ha ha, ha, ha ha.
It's like Psycho.
He's got a great guitar in heretoo.
Anyhow, helter, skelter, donHarrison, continuing on from
John Fogerty on this Day inMusic.
(23:44):
Let's see here.
In 2012, the Hollywood Chamberof Commerce honored Guns N'
Roses guitarist Slash with astar in a Hollywood Walk of Fame
.
Master of Ceremonies did theevent?
(24:04):
Charlie Sheen.
And this is one year afterwinning.
That's right.
I'm winning Now what I win hereand I win there, winning.
Remember that Winning I've gottiger's blood, my goddesses.
Remember that it was a yearafter that.
Now he's a master of ceremonies.
It seems quite fitting thatSlash is getting a star On the
(24:29):
very street.
Axl Rose will one day besleeping on.
It's pretty funny, actually.
(24:50):
Oh yeah, you're gonna love mefor this next one.
In 2011, yoko Ono at a pub inDundee, scotland, called
Lennon's Bar.
This was Lennon's Bar.
(25:11):
They were forced to change thename of the venue and remove all
the Beatles' memorabilia.
The former Beatles' wife, yokoOno, threatened legal action for
copyright infringement and shejust walked in Anyhow.
See, I'm not even going to.
I'm going to spare you the Yoko.
It's getting better all thetime.
(25:31):
No Yoko On this day in music in2008.
Speaker 3 (25:36):
It's getting better all the time no Yoko On.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
This Day in Music in 2008.
The drum skin used on the coverof the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper
album Sold for a milliondollars at Christie's
memorabilia auction in London.
Other items included JohnLennon's lyrics for Give Peace a
Chance sold for $832,000,.
A little over a pair of tintedprescription sunglasses
(26:02):
belonging to John which he worefor the cover of the single Mind
Games sold for $79,000,.
A rare quarter-inchreel-to-reel master tape
recording of the jimmy hendrixexperience performing at woburn
music festival in 68 went for 95grand.
A marshall amplifier used byhendrix in concert went for 50
(26:30):
grand.
In 2005, on this day in history,four members of Led Zeppelin
were voted the UK's ideal supergroup.
(26:51):
I could go along with that.
After 3,500 music fans wereasked to create their fantasy
band.
I might ask that question on myshow tonight To create their
fantasy band for Planet RockRadio.
Jimmy Page, one best guitarist,followed by speaking of Guns N'
Roses, by Slash from Guns, oneof my all-time favorites.
(27:15):
Richie Blackmore from DeepPurple excellent choice.
John Paul Jones, named topbassist.
John Bonham, who passed away in1980, won the best drummer.
And, of course, robert Plant.
How about this showdown?
Robert Plant beat FreddieMercury as best singer.
(27:38):
Ooh, that'd be a good questionon my show here this evening.
Wow, I mean, I certainly havemy druthers, as they say, but
that'd be a good one to ask.
Maybe we'll do that tonight.
Continuing on Pats Peeps 299and 2000 Coldplay they are
(28:04):
touring right now selling outhuge stadiums.
Released their debut album,parachutes.
Four singles released from thealbum Shiver, yellow, trouble,
don't Panic.
Album won the Grammy Award forBest Alternative Music Album in
(28:27):
2002, british Album of the YearAward in 2001,.
With Brit Awards, many otheraccolades as well.
Parachutes is the 22ndbest-selling album of the 21st
century in the United Kingdom.
As of now it's sold millionsand millions and millions 15, I
(28:49):
think or a million copies, giveme the shivers.
Speaker 3 (28:53):
Oh baby, you want to dance till the sunlight cracks.
And when they say the party'sover, then we'll bring it right
back and we'll say oh, I love itwhen you do it like that.
And when you're close up, giveme the shivers.
Speaker 1 (29:04):
30 years ago last night, 1986, Jerry Garcia played
his final concert.
It was the last time he was onstage and he was at Soldier
Field in Chicago.
The Dead were playing SoldierField in Chicago.
(29:25):
This is that show.
Speaker 3 (29:33):
On this day in Chicago.
This is that show on this dayin music, final time he was ever
(29:54):
on stage.
Gone when the sun don't shineand I don't deny my name Got no
place to go.
Speaker 1 (29:56):
Ain't that a shame.
And it was on this day thatJerry went into a five-day
diabetic coma, resulted in theband withdrawing from that tour.
Speaker 3 (30:08):
Lord, I heard that gay Sue when she blow Down where
the sun don't shine, underneaththe Copa Mo Wine and more Got
no faith to grow.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
Meanwhile in 1984, on this day in music, session
drummer and I also listened tothis audio book because I'm well
aware of this story JimmyGordon.
Jim Gordon, who was the drummerfor Derek and the Dominoes.
(30:48):
Gordon, who was the drummer forDerek and the Dominoes on this
day sends the 16 years to lifein prison after being found
guilty of murdering his mother.
It was after he was arrestedthat he was properly diagnosed
with schizophrenia and althoughat the trial the court accepted
(31:12):
that Gordon had acuteschizophrenia, he was not
allowed to use an insanitydefense because of the changes
to California law.
But this guy, jim Gordon, notonly plays on this song helped
write this song but only playson this song, helped write this
song.
But he plays on so many hitsongs that you've heard over and
(31:35):
over and over.
He was one of the most popularsession drummers of all time.
Remember Lime and a Coconut?
Put the lime in the coconut,drink a mullet.
It's Jim Gordon.
You're so Vain, carly Simon,jim Gordon I could go on and on.
Tragic His life, tragic whathappened with his mother.
(32:02):
Meanwhile in 1979, on this dayin music, Chuck Berry was
sentenced to five months in jailafter being found guilty of tax
evasion.
Chuck was well known fordemanding cash from concert
promoters before he'd go onstage.
(32:23):
That became a problem.
Irs didn't like it.
We don't like that.
Caused them to be skeptical ofBarry's tax returns.
(32:43):
Accused them of official incometax evasion.
Around me.
Speaker 3 (32:52):
I can't free myself from sorrow All through the day,
meanwhile.
It's a wonder.
Speaker 1 (33:06):
In 1978, bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones Bassist,
miss Bill, knocked unconsciousafter falling from the stage
during a Stones concert at theColiseum in St Paul, minnesota.
Wyman was unconscious for about10 minutes, also injured his
(33:34):
left hand.
He spent the night in a privatehospital.
By the way, speaking of theRolling Stones, it was on this
(33:57):
day in 1965 that this songstarted a four-week run at
number one on the US singleschart.
Can't get no satisfaction.
First chart topper in the UK,song was initially played only
on pirate radio.
The lyrics were considered toosexually suggestive.
(34:22):
Satisfaction yes, I tried and Itried, and I tried and I tried.
I can't get no, I can't get no.
Meanwhile, in 1964, on this dayin music 1964, the beatles 200
(34:55):
000 people, liver poodleans tookto the streets to celebrate the
beatles return to liverpool forthe northern premiere of the
group's first film, a Hard Day'sNight.
They were honored in a publicceremony in front of Liverpool
(35:17):
Town Hall and as they stoodthere, the Beatles on a balcony
looking at the large crowdgathered below John Lennon True
story he gave a few Nazi SiegHeil salutes to the crowd.
Not everyone was amused.
(35:38):
Not everyone appreciated hissense of humor.
Thank you for listening.
Pat's Peeps 299.
Tomorrow, friday, the 300thPat's Peeps episode.
Thanks for being a part of it.
She on her radio.
well, here we are again, my friends.
It's the's the Pat's Peepspodcast.
We're at 299.
299 podcasts.
It is a Thursday.
How are you?
What a pleasure.
Thank you for checking us outWherever you are.
(00:42):
If you're driving down a road,listening, thank you if you're
work listening.
If you're at home, listening,wherever you are, happen to be,
we certainly do appreciate that.
As I look out my studio windowinto the beautiful foothills of
northern california today, it'sa little later in the day for me
and that's because I've been,I've had so much going on.
(01:03):
I I've had business meetings.
I mean these are all positivethings, business meetings, new
endorsements on radio.
For those of you who don't knowand I hope many of you do my
name is Pat Walsh and I'm thehost of the Pat Walsh Show on
KFBK Newsradio 93.1 FM 1530 AMin Sacramento, 7 to 10 PM,
(01:28):
monday through Friday.
The word is again just as areminder.
We'll have the Pats PeepsGathering and I'll be doing my
show live, my radio show, out atthe California State Fair.
So that's coming up.
Either I can't get them to pindown the date just yet,
unfortunately, so that's comingup.
Either I can't get him to pindown the date just yet,
(01:48):
unfortunately, but it's eithergoing to be July 22nd, 23rd,
24th.
If I had my druthers, it wouldbe all three of those days, so
we'll let you know as soon as Iknow.
I promise you that.
I want to say thank you to GaryGelfand and Scott Moak and
Channel 40 and Fox 40 forallowing me to go on air to this
(02:10):
morning, drove down toSacramento and allowed me to go
on air on the Studio 40 Live andbe able to promote my Pat's
Peeps and be able to promote myPat's Peeps.
Thank you to everyone on thestaff.
They're so nice.
I had a great time.
(02:30):
We got the word out.
You know we just had a fewminutes, but we got the word out
on TV in terms of what we'retrying to do and really I
promise you and I know I keepharping on it, but we're trying
to support local business and Ijust I'm going to keep
encouraging you guys and askingyou if you would, just as I was
(02:50):
asking everyone on TV thismorning, if you just go to
patspeepscom check out thebusinesses.
Thank you, I'll shut up, by theway, if you listen to Pats
Peeps 298.
I'm giving away a couple ofthings on my show tonight and
they're very cool.
I'm not even going to say whatthey are here on 299, but if you
(03:13):
listen to 298, we're going togive away a couple of really
cool things on the show.
Let's see.
So you know what I want.
To keep it light today, I justdon't want to get into anything
political.
You know, sometimes I'm in areally good mood.
Things have been so productive.
(03:33):
I am so blessed that my podcastis growing.
My show is going well, we'rewelcoming new advertisers to my
radio and to the peeps.
So I'm in a great mood and, ifyou don't mind, you know me when
I'm in a great mood.
Most people like to talk music.
(03:55):
Yeah, some people don't.
Okay, I get it, but I'm goingto do that for a little bit
today.
All right, just some music,thank you.
Thank you for allowing me to dothat.
Let's see where do I start.
You know where I'm going tostart.
I'm going to start here.
It always amazes me when peopledon't.
(04:17):
Now I take that back.
That's not true.
It doesn't amaze me.
Maybe I would have said that 10years ago, but I've come to
understand that not everyone isinto music as much as I am.
Some people are, but noteveryone.
I mean, all the time people arelike, yeah, heck, pat, I can't
(04:40):
remember who did that song.
I mean I know the song, or like, if you told me the song, maybe
I might you know, maybe, if Imean I don't know who sang that
song, you know that kind ofstuff, and so I cannot assume
that I'm amazed.
And when I say something Icatch myself doing that.
And I don't mean to, I justfind it interesting because
(05:01):
apparently I've, as I'veprobably said a thousand times I
guess I was way more into musicthan the average kid and it's
just always stuck with me.
But a lot of times people don'tknow, like when they'll hear a
song, but they don't know thatit was a cover song.
So I just got a couple ofexamples.
(05:21):
Oh, I just thought of anotherexample.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
Darn it.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Okay, I may have already done that one, Come to
think of it, I don't know if Ihave, ah, so what?
I'll do it again.
See, now, see, this is whathappens.
I start off the top of my head,I start thinking of another
cover song, and there's so manyones.
There's so many good ones.
Oh yeah, no one knows this one.
(05:48):
Well, they know the original.
So, anyhow, I'm going to dothat.
I want to give you a couple ofexamples.
And then I've got this Day inMusic, and it is a really cool
day, this Day in Music.
So we're going to start withthis song.
So there was a very popularsong.
I remember I was a teenagerwhen this thing came out.
(06:10):
This song would be played on AMradio and, I believe, fm radio
as well.
It really rocked, man, it wastotally.
It was so different.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
It really rocked man.
It was totally.
It was so different.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Plus, being a fan of this particular football team,
it also made me interested inthis song.
For those of you who know me,like it or not, I don't
apologize for it I'm a Rams fanand in June of 1977, there was a
(07:00):
Southern rock band by the nameof Ram Jam and they released
this song Rockin' song CalledBlack Betty.
Anyone remember this?
(07:23):
I hate to always say theobligatory.
I don't own the rights to this.
I'm trying to educate WhateverGive credit to whatever.
Yeah, that's Peeps 299.
(08:00):
Yeah, I'm starting to thinkthat'd be a really cool karaoke
song.
I think I could do that one.
Oh, backpedic bam-a-lam.
(08:41):
Oh, backpedic's kind of adifferent song.
Yeah, black Betty.
Never heard one quite like that, but that was a cover song.
Like a cover song.
Yeah, absolutely, that was acover song.
If you go back, let's go back to.
Let's see here.
I believe this is 1933, 1935,whatever.
(09:09):
Let me see here.
I just kind of lost my placethere, bear with me, I just had
my information.
These things happen when you'redoing live, I don't know.
So this was I apologize here.
This is 1933.
(09:30):
Wow, december 1933, the monthmy dad was born in that year.
Yeah, okay, so here's what itis.
It's an African-American worksong credited to huddy lead,
belly led better uh.
(09:52):
The earliest recordings, though, were before that.
There are numerous recordingsof black betty and acapella and
folk version, but this is from aprison gang.
(10:17):
This is a 1933 Ironhead Bakerrecorded in his field by US
musicologists John and AlanLomax, december 1933, performing
a cappella by the convict JamesIronhead Baker, central State
Farm, sugar Land, texas.
Prison Baker was 63 years oldat the time of this, and here it
(10:43):
is.
This is the original blackBetty.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Black Betty, what's your number?
Black Betty, what's your number?
Speaker 3 (11:07):
Sam Harley didn't you ?
See Sam Harley didn't you see?
Oh.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Lord Black Betty.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Lordy Black Betty.
Black Betty had a baby Black.
Betty had a baby and the damnthing treated.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
And the damn.
Thing treated.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
And she just didn't breathe.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
There you go, the original Black Betty.
You know one song that was verypopular in the 70s be played on
the radio all the time at leaston the stations that I listened
to, was Manfred Mann's EarthBand.
Blinded by the Light, always onAM and FM radio.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
Blinded by the light Wrapped up like a douche, always
on AM and FM radio, not tomention one of the most
(12:36):
misunderstood lyrics Mad Mendrums rumbles in youth in the
summer, with a teenage diplomatIn the dumps, with the mobs as
the adolescent bumps his wayinto his bed.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Manfred Mann's Earth Band, huge song in the 70s.
Like I said, it was on theradio all the time Nice, clean,
awesome version, sneezingsneezing, wheezing, the guy will
be crept to the ground.
But that is a cover.
And when you hear the originaland again, this is just an
(13:05):
opinion, but it is equally asawesome and so much different
and I can hear when I listen tothe Manfred Mann version I'm
just taken away by the keyboardsand the epic sound of it all.
When I hear the original, ittells me the story, I think,
much better.
I can picture what the whathe's talking about much better,
(13:29):
a way different feel.
The original was from brucespringsteen, greetings from
asbury park, new jersey.
This first album.
You can just see the imagery inmy mind.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Madman, drummers, bummers and Indians in the
summer, with a teenage diplomatIn the dumps with the mumps.
As the adolescent bumps his wayinto his hat hat with a boulder
on my shoulder, feeling kind ofolder, I trip the
(14:13):
merry-go-round with this veryunpleasing sneezing and wheezing
.
The clive he crashed to theground.
(14:34):
Some old hot hat shot washitting four hot spots.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
You know the first one, the Manfred Mann version
reminds me of driving in myautomobile when I was a teenager
and rocking out on the radiowhen I hear this one.
I've never been to New Jersey,but it makes me feel like I'm
walking around in New Jerseychecking out different
characters, blinded by the light.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Oh, cut loose like a deuce.
Another runner in the night,blinded by the light, she got
down, but she never got down Onthis day in history.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
by the way, pats Peeps 299, I certainly do
appreciate you being there Onthis day in history and right
now I'm listening to his audiobook.
Joe Perry, lead guitarist ofAerosmith, suffered a cardiac
arrest while performing withAlice Cooper and Johnny Depp.
(15:30):
This was the group theHollywood Vampires.
They call it a super group.
I refuse to call it a supergroup.
Why?
Because Johnny Depp.
I mean, come on, johnny Depp.
I'm not going to go as far assaying Johnny Depp is part of a
super group.
He's an actor who gets to playwith rockers.
(15:52):
I'm not diminishing his playing.
I've never really paid thatmuch attention, but I'm not
putting him in super groupstatus for music, sorry, anyhow.
So they're playing at anamphitheater the Hollywood
Vampires in Coney Island,brooklyn, new York.
(16:12):
And then, after stumbling duringthe show's first song, joe
Perry, the great guitarist, saton the drum kit, continued
playing, walked off stage andthen he was rushed to the coney
island hospital with cardiacarrest.
Listen to the song.
This is the final song that hewas playing before he had
(16:34):
cardiac arrest.
Listen to the lyrics Cardiacheart attack painted black.
(17:03):
And right after that he wasissued or ushered, I should say
to the hospital Meanwhile in2016,.
Oh, this is such a good song,johnny, too Bad Cliff Richard.
I always felt like the Clashshould have covered this song.
(17:32):
Covered this song, 2016,.
Cliff Richard instructedlawyers to make a form of legal
complaints to the SouthYorkshire PD and the BBC over
their handling of a police raidon his home In 2014,.
(17:55):
Police investigating historicalsex allegations launched an
investigation in 2014, which wasfilmed by the bbc.
(18:15):
Also in this day in musichistory, john Fogerty filed a
lawsuit alleging that his formerbandmates and Creedence
Clearwater Revival had breachedtheir contract in which he
allowed them to use the nameCreedence Clearwater Revisited
while touring and playing themusic that they recorded
together four decades ago.
(18:36):
Fogarty's Action claimed thatCreedence bassist Stu Cook and
drummer Doug Clifford had notpaid him in more than three
years under the terms of theagreement that they set up more
than a decade ago.
Now, two things about that one.
(18:59):
I want to say it was anightmare, lord.
It's all so true.
Now, two things about that one.
I want to say Number one I didgo see.
Maybe you did as well, ifyou're in this area or wherever
you might be.
I saw Creedence ClearwaterRevisited.
They were very good, but youknow what?
It wasn't John Fogerty.
John Fogerty was not there andwhen he sued Doug Clifford and
(19:23):
Stu Cook, stu Cook, the bassist,like I said, doug Clifford, the
drummer.
That takes me back.
Let's go back to the covers fora second, because here's a song
.
I'm sure you know this and youknow why this one is actually
not just a white album, but whythis one was made popular when I
(19:43):
get to the bottom, I go back tothe top of the slide.
Of course this all mixed up inthe Manson thing.
That was all part of the HelterSkelter movie.
(20:06):
You remember that the bookAnyhow Helter Skelter, beatles.
Now if you're asking yourself,what does that have to do with
(20:34):
Doug Cook, stu Cook and DougClifford Cook and Doug Clifford
Stu Cook and Doug Clifford iswhat I mean.
Well, when Creedence broke up,they joined this band called the
Don Harrison Band.
It was Don Harrison Not eventhe Don Harrison Band I always
called it that, but it was DonHarrison and they did a cover of
Helter Skelter and I got totell you it's a great cover in
(20:59):
my opinion.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Here's Don Harrison with Stu Cook and Doug Clifford
doing Helter Skelter.
When I get to the bottom I goback to the top of the slide.
When I stop and I turn and Icouldn't go right Till I get to
the bottom and I sing again.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Interesting cover.
I think I like it.
I want you to hear the kind ofthe ending of this part.
(22:18):
Again, I know I don't own therights to it.
I keep having to say that I'mnot trying to get in trouble.
Jeez, I'm just trying to exposethe music.
A lot of people never heardthis stuff.
I want you to hear the end ofthis, though.
It's really great.
I think it is here you go, hereyou go, here you go.
(22:57):
This is love and I'm lookingout.
(23:22):
Ha ha, ha, ha ha.
It's like Psycho.
He's got a great guitar in heretoo.
Anyhow, helter, skelter, donHarrison, continuing on from
John Fogerty on this Day inMusic.
(23:44):
Let's see here.
In 2012, the Hollywood Chamberof Commerce honored Guns N'
Roses guitarist Slash with astar in a Hollywood Walk of Fame
.
Master of Ceremonies did theevent?
(24:04):
Charlie Sheen.
And this is one year afterwinning.
That's right.
I'm winning Now what I win hereand I win there, winning.
Remember that Winning I've gottiger's blood, my goddesses.
Remember that it was a yearafter that.
Now he's a master of ceremonies.
It seems quite fitting thatSlash is getting a star On the
(24:29):
very street.
Axl Rose will one day besleeping on.
It's pretty funny, actually.
(24:50):
Oh yeah, you're gonna love mefor this next one.
In 2011, yoko Ono at a pub inDundee, scotland, called
Lennon's Bar.
This was Lennon's Bar.
(25:11):
They were forced to change thename of the venue and remove all
the Beatles' memorabilia.
The former Beatles' wife, yokoOno, threatened legal action for
copyright infringement and shejust walked in Anyhow.
See, I'm not even going to.
I'm going to spare you the Yoko.
It's getting better all thetime.
(25:31):
No Yoko On this day in music in2008.
Speaker 3 (25:36):
It's getting better all the time no Yoko On.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
This Day in Music in 2008.
The drum skin used on the coverof the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper
album Sold for a milliondollars at Christie's
memorabilia auction in London.
Other items included JohnLennon's lyrics for Give Peace a
Chance sold for $832,000,.
A little over a pair of tintedprescription sunglasses
(26:02):
belonging to John which he worefor the cover of the single Mind
Games sold for $79,000,.
A rare quarter-inchreel-to-reel master tape
recording of the jimmy hendrixexperience performing at woburn
music festival in 68 went for 95grand.
A marshall amplifier used byhendrix in concert went for 50
(26:30):
grand.
In 2005, on this day in history,four members of Led Zeppelin
were voted the UK's ideal supergroup.
(26:51):
I could go along with that.
After 3,500 music fans wereasked to create their fantasy
band.
I might ask that question on myshow tonight To create their
fantasy band for Planet RockRadio.
Jimmy Page, one best guitarist,followed by speaking of Guns N'
Roses, by Slash from Guns, oneof my all-time favorites.
(27:15):
Richie Blackmore from DeepPurple excellent choice.
John Paul Jones, named topbassist.
John Bonham, who passed away in1980, won the best drummer.
And, of course, robert Plant.
How about this showdown?
Robert Plant beat FreddieMercury as best singer.
(27:38):
Ooh, that'd be a good questionon my show here this evening.
Wow, I mean, I certainly havemy druthers, as they say, but
that'd be a good one to ask.
Maybe we'll do that tonight.
Continuing on Pats Peeps 299and 2000 Coldplay they are
(28:04):
touring right now selling outhuge stadiums.
Released their debut album,parachutes.
Four singles released from thealbum Shiver, yellow, trouble,
don't Panic.
Album won the Grammy Award forBest Alternative Music Album in
(28:27):
2002, british Album of the YearAward in 2001,.
With Brit Awards, many otheraccolades as well.
Parachutes is the 22ndbest-selling album of the 21st
century in the United Kingdom.
As of now it's sold millionsand millions and millions 15, I
(28:49):
think or a million copies, giveme the shivers.
Speaker 3 (28:53):
Oh baby, you want to dance till the sunlight cracks.
And when they say the party'sover, then we'll bring it right
back and we'll say oh, I love itwhen you do it like that.
And when you're close up, giveme the shivers.
Speaker 1 (29:04):
30 years ago last night, 1986, Jerry Garcia played
his final concert.
It was the last time he was onstage and he was at Soldier
Field in Chicago.
The Dead were playing SoldierField in Chicago.
(29:25):
This is that show.
Speaker 3 (29:33):
On this day in Chicago.
This is that show on this dayin music, final time he was ever
(29:54):
on stage.
Gone when the sun don't shineand I don't deny my name Got no
place to go.
Speaker 1 (29:56):
Ain't that a shame.
And it was on this day thatJerry went into a five-day
diabetic coma, resulted in theband withdrawing from that tour.
Speaker 3 (30:08):
Lord, I heard that gay Sue when she blow Down where
the sun don't shine, underneaththe Copa Mo Wine and more Got
no faith to grow.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
Meanwhile in 1984, on this day in music, session
drummer and I also listened tothis audio book because I'm well
aware of this story JimmyGordon.
Jim Gordon, who was the drummerfor Derek and the Dominoes.
(30:48):
Gordon, who was the drummer forDerek and the Dominoes on this
day sends the 16 years to lifein prison after being found
guilty of murdering his mother.
It was after he was arrestedthat he was properly diagnosed
with schizophrenia and althoughat the trial the court accepted
(31:12):
that Gordon had acuteschizophrenia, he was not
allowed to use an insanitydefense because of the changes
to California law.
But this guy, jim Gordon, notonly plays on this song helped
write this song but only playson this song, helped write this
song.
But he plays on so many hitsongs that you've heard over and
(31:35):
over and over.
He was one of the most popularsession drummers of all time.
Remember Lime and a Coconut?
Put the lime in the coconut,drink a mullet.
It's Jim Gordon.
You're so Vain, carly Simon,jim Gordon I could go on and on.
Tragic His life, tragic whathappened with his mother.
(32:02):
Meanwhile in 1979, on this dayin music, Chuck Berry was
sentenced to five months in jailafter being found guilty of tax
evasion.
Chuck was well known fordemanding cash from concert
promoters before he'd go onstage.
(32:23):
That became a problem.
Irs didn't like it.
We don't like that.
Caused them to be skeptical ofBarry's tax returns.
(32:43):
Accused them of official incometax evasion.
Around me.
Speaker 3 (32:52):
I can't free myself from sorrow All through the day,
meanwhile.
It's a wonder.
Speaker 1 (33:06):
In 1978, bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones Bassist,
miss Bill, knocked unconsciousafter falling from the stage
during a Stones concert at theColiseum in St Paul, minnesota.
Wyman was unconscious for about10 minutes, also injured his
(33:34):
left hand.
He spent the night in a privatehospital.
By the way, speaking of theRolling Stones, it was on this
(33:57):
day in 1965 that this songstarted a four-week run at
number one on the US singleschart.
Can't get no satisfaction.
First chart topper in the UK,song was initially played only
on pirate radio.
The lyrics were considered toosexually suggestive.
(34:22):
Satisfaction yes, I tried and Itried, and I tried and I tried.
I can't get no, I can't get no.
Meanwhile, in 1964, on this dayin music 1964, the beatles 200
(34:55):
000 people, liver poodleans tookto the streets to celebrate the
beatles return to liverpool forthe northern premiere of the
group's first film, a Hard Day'sNight.
They were honored in a publicceremony in front of Liverpool
(35:17):
Town Hall and as they stoodthere, the Beatles on a balcony
looking at the large crowdgathered below John Lennon True
story he gave a few Nazi SiegHeil salutes to the crowd.
Not everyone was amused.
(35:38):
Not everyone appreciated hissense of humor.
Thank you for listening.
Pat's Peeps 299.
Tomorrow, friday, the 300thPat's Peeps episode.
Thanks for being a part of it.
She on her radio.
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