I was born and raised in Elizabeth. An only child, the television set and the phonograph became my favorite toys before the age of 2, and my passion for both has never diminished. I am a lifetime vinyl record collector and music historian. I toured as a member of the vocal group the Duprees, most famous for the top-10 hit“You Belong to Me.” He also released recordings with numerous vocal ensembles, such as the Infernos, the Autumns, Retrospect, the Patterns, and the James Myers Quintet. I portray George Flynn in the 2018 film "The Price for Silence," starring Richard Thomas of The Waltons, and I have an extra role on FX’s long-running The Americans (Season 6).
Bob O'Brien
Beach Boy AL JARDINE Is 76 Today
Happy birthday, Al Jardine. Al turns 76 today, and maybe you didn't know it but he sings lead on one of the group's biggest hits, HELP ME, RHONDA. Enjoy a live performance of the song on The Andy Williams Show by clicking on the link below.
Happy September 3 – Today’s Date Is in this Song
It was the Third of September, a day I'll always remember. Those words are immortalized in the #1 classic "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" by the Temptations. Did you know that the Undisputed Truth actually recorded the first version of the song? That is true, but the Tempting Temptations made it famous...
The TV Game Show CONCENTRATION Debuted 60 Years Ago Today
It was a daytime staple for some 15 years - Concentration debuted on NBC this day in 1958. Hugh Downs was the host for most of the show's run, but Ed McMahon was host for a brief period when Downs had a severe neck injury, and announcer Bob Clayton took over in the show's final years...
The Gambler, KENNY ROGERS Is 80 Today.
He made his first records as KENNETH Rogers, and has performed almost every genre of music from pop to folk to country. He even had a big psychedelic rock hit with the First Edition called "JUST DROPPED IN TO SEE WHAT CONDITION MY CONDITION WAS IN...
JACKIE DeSHANNON Is 74 Today
She wrote many classics for others, including "Dum Dum" for Brenda Lee, but scored two major hits of her own with "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" and "What the World Needs Now Is Love." She's JACKIE DeSHANNON and she's 74 today. Click below to hear one of her Top Ten classics...
BIG MAMA THORNTON Recorded the Original HOUND DOG this Day in 1953
The Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller composition, HOUND DOG, was later immortalized by Elvis Presley, but the original version of the song was recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton for Houston's Peacock Record label this day in 1953 - 65 years ago...
The Isley Brothers Recorded SHOUT this Day 1959
The Isley Brothers recorded the original SHOUT this day in 1959. Released on the RCA Victor record label, this song was unusually long for the time period. Most songs of the era were slightly over two minutes in length, but this song fill with sheer jubilation timed out at over four minutes...
The Temptations Released BEAUTY’S ONLY SKIN DEEP this Day 1966
So smooth and so talented - the Temptations on Motown's Gordy record subsidiary released one of their finest Top Ten hits, "Beauty's Only Skin Deep" this day in 1966. Enjoy it again by clicking below, and watching their flawless choreography...
Sixty Years Ago Today, the 1st #1 Hit on BILLBOARD’S Hot 100, POOR LITTLE FOOL
Billboard Magazine began its Hot 100 chart listing exactly 60 years ago this week. Ricky Nelson has the unique distinction of having the first #1 hit ever on that chart that is still used today - "POOR LITTLE FOOL," written by Eddie Cochran's girlfriend, Sharon Sheely...
JACK PAAR Took over Hosting Duties on THE TONIGHT SHOW this Day 1957
Steve Allen was the original host, and sandwiched in between his stint and that of Johnny Carson, there was JACK PAAR. Paar's often tumultuous 5-year run began this very day in 1957. Here are some fun clips from those years.
JERRY LEE LEWIS Made His TV Debut this Day in 1957
Energetic rock and roller and up-and-coming Sun Records star JERRY LEE LEWIS made his TV debut this day in 1957 with a live performance of his then current hit
"Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." The song had been done earlier by R&B singer Big Maybelle, but Jerry Lee's version far eclipsed her version selling millions of copies. Be...