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
Elvis Released IT’S NOW OR NEVER this Day in 1960
Basically, it's "O Sole Mio" with English lyrics - Elvis Presley released "It's Now or Never" this day in 1960, only a brief time after his army hitch was up. It became his biggest worldwide hit. Previously skeptical adults warmed up to him as a result of this single...
Beatles’ YELLOW SUBMARINE Animated Film Debuted 50 Years Ago
Fifty years ago today, the Beatles animated film Yellow Submarine debuted in theaters. The title cut, featuring Ringo Starr on lead vocals, just missed reaching #1 on the charts (and the flip side of the single, "Eleanor Rigby," also became a big hit)...
Gladys Knight’s Rendition of GRAPEVINE Recorded this Day 1967
Co-written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield, I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE was a huge hit twice for Motown Records. Marvin Gaye's version reached number 1, but Gladys Knight and the Pips had it out a year earlier and reached number 2 on the charts with their memorable rendition...
Mr. Television, MILTON BERLE, Born this Day 1908
He was TV's very first big star. MILTON BERLE was born this day in 1908, 110 years ago. Even before I Love Lucy, Berle captivated audiences and his Texaco Star Theater on NBC was the earliest example of "Must See TV." His Tuesday night live prime time show debuted in 1948 and was a ratings bonanza for several years (later retitled The Buick Berle Show)...
FAMILY FEUD with Richard Dawson Debuted this Day 1976
There was a lot of kissing, and there were countless surveys - Family Feud debuted on ABC daytime TV this day in 1976 and became an instant sensation. Because of his popularity on The Match Game, Richard Dawson got his own game show vehicle and scored in a big way...
Actor/Singer TAB HUNTER Dies Just Short of 87th Birthday
TV, motion picture and recording star TAB HUNTER has died at the age of 86 - just shy of his 87th birthday. Cause of death has not been released at this time. He is probably best known for Damn Yankees, but also appeared in Ride the Wild Surf and Operation: Bikini...
78 Don’t Come Easy – RINGO STARR Turns 78 Today
The recently knighted SIR RINGO STARR, aka Richard Starkey turns 78 today. The Beatles' "starr" drummer is still touring, and in fact will perform at Radio City Music Hall in September. Happy birthday, Ringo.
Beat the Heat with FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
It's hot enough to thoroughly cook London Broil outside. I think I have found the ideal way to keep cool - with a classic from the Phil Spector Christmas Album. Enjoy, and let it snow (in your mind).
The Drifters Released SWEETS FOR MY SWEET this Day 1961
Featuring Charlie Thomas on lead vocals, The Drifters released the classic "Sweets for My Sweet" this day in 1961. It became a Top Twenty hit, and had a huge influence upon a British group known as the Searchers who later had a hit with their own version...
Elvis Recorded DON’T BE CRUEL and HOUND DOG this Day 1956
Both songs reached #1 on the charts, and both songs were recorded this day in 1956. Those songs, "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog" were also the A and B side of the same 45. Enjoy an historic performance of "Hound Dog" on The Steve Allen Show by clicking below...
The Locomotion’s LITTLE EVA Born this Day 1943
She was Carole King's babysitting and was propelled into brief stardom by recording one of Carole's compositions called "The Locomotion." She was LITTLE EVA BOYD and she was born this day in 1943. The record soared to #1 on the charts, and Eva managed to have two other big chart hits - "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby" and "Let's Turkey Trot" before disappearing into Rock
PEGGY SUE Recorded this Day in 1957
Named for the girlfriend and eventual wife of Jerry Allison, the drummer for the Crickets, PEGGY SUE was recorded this very day in 1957. The label listed only Buddy Holly, but the Crickets were indeed in on the session, too. The timeless song still plays regularly on Beach Radio...