Author Archives: Tony

The Sound Of Dobells – The British Record Shop Archive.

In August 2012 the British Record Shop Archive was set up online by Leon Parker to save the history of how we found, listened and bought music. For the last four years ‘Record Store Day’ have grabbed the media’s attention … Continue reading

Posted in 45 rpm, 78rpm, Americana, Blues, Books, Cassette, Compact Disc, DVD, Film -TV, Gospel, Jazz, Magazine, Rare Records, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, Roots, Soul, Uncategorized, Vinyl, Website, You Tube | Leave a comment

The Eagle Has Landed

Take a listen to this BBC radio programme broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on December 31st, 2012 at 4.00pm. Presented by Mark Radcliffe, it looks at the life and work of DJ, promoter and sometime R&B magazine editor Roger Eagle. … Continue reading

Posted in 45 rpm, Americana, Blues, Compact Disc, Gospel, Jazz, Magazine, Rare Records, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, Roots, Soul, Uncategorized, Website | Leave a comment

Ex Mother Ray Collins RIP

Ray Collins, a founder member of the Mothers of Invention with Frank Zappa died on December 24th after being admitted to the hospital a week earlier after a heart attack. He was aged 73. Collins hailed from Pomona, California and started … Continue reading

Posted in Compact Disc, Rare Records, Rock, Website, You Tube | Leave a comment

St. Louis R&B Diva Fontella Bass RIP

The legendary St. Louis soul and R&B singer Fontella Bass,  died on December 26th at the age of 72. Fontella was the daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass (a member of the Clara Ward Singers) and sister of soul singer … Continue reading

Posted in 45 rpm, Blues, Compact Disc, Rare Records, Rhythm & Blues, Roots, Vinyl, Website | Leave a comment

Inez Andrews, Gospel Diva, Dies at 83

Inez Andrews, one of the last of the great gospel divas died on December 19th in Chicago. She was aged 83. “She was the last great female vocalist of gospel’s golden age,” said Anthony Heilbut, author of “The Gospel Sound: Good … Continue reading

Posted in 78rpm, Gospel, Roots, Vinyl, Website, You Tube | 1 Comment

The Story Of Border Radio

The term ‘border radio’ refers to the American broadcasting industry that sprang up on Mexico’s northern border in the early 1930s and flourished for half a century. High-powered radio transmitters on Mexican soil, beyond the reach of U.S. regulators, blanketed North America … Continue reading

Posted in 78rpm, Americana, Blues, Books, Compact Disc, Country/Hillbilly, Rare Records, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, Roots, Vinyl, Website, You Tube | Leave a comment

Jimmy McCracklin RIP

The above video is of Jimmy McCracklin with Ry Cooder and Wayne Bennett  performing Erskine Hawkins’ ‘After Hours’ at the Village Music Anniversary Party, August 5th 1991. Jimmy had already performed this number in his set, but did it again … Continue reading

Posted in 45 rpm, 78rpm, Blues, Compact Disc, Rare Records, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, Uncategorized, You Tube | Leave a comment

Respected record collector and researcher George A. Moonoogian passes

It is sad to report the death of the well respected record collector, R&B expert, writer and DJ George A. Moonoogian of Haverhill, Massachusetts. George passed away on 17th December.  George was an English teacher and began collecting records in … Continue reading

Posted in 45 rpm, 78rpm, Blues, Compact Disc, Jazz, Rare Records, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, Roots, Vinyl | Leave a comment

A Van For All Seasons

On a recent visit to Liverpool I picked up a copy of  Low Down – The Definitive Liverpool Listings Magazine, an excellent publication. The main feature was an edited interview with Van Morrison, who’s new album ‘No Plan B’ has … Continue reading

Posted in Blues, Compact Disc, Jazz, Magazine, Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Soul, Website | Leave a comment

Giants of Mali Music Now Banned By Islamist Fighters

Islamist fighters who have taken over Niafunke, in Mali, 100km south-west of Timbuktu have now introduced a strict social code: Women and girls must be covered, young men cannot wear loose trousers and all forms of music are banned. Reports are … Continue reading

Posted in Blues, Compact Disc, Roots, You Tube | Leave a comment