Bob O'Brien

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).

FRED PARRIS, Lead of the 5 SATINS Is 83 Today

A New Haven, Connecticut native, FRED PARRIS began with a doo wop group called the SCARLETS. However, it was his records with the FIVE SATINS that brought him enduring fame. Fred sings lead on the immortal "IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT," recorded in a church basement at St...

DIANA ROSS Is 75 Today.

Supreme lady DIANA ROSS turns 75 today. Enjoy a live rendition of "Stop in the Name of Love" by clicking on the photo.

SCOTT WALKER of the Walker Brothers Dies at 76

They sounded quite a bit like the Righteous Brothers - and the driving force of the Walker Brothers, SCOTT WALKER, has died at the age of 76. The group scored two big hits in the 1960s - "Make It Easy on Yourself" - a remake of the Jerry Butler classic, and "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore...

SIR DUKE by Stevie Wonder Released this Day 1977

Included on the Songs in the Key of Life album, Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" was released as a single this day in 1977. It pays homage to Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, and Red Bank, New Jersey's own Count Basie. Hear it again by clicking on the picture below...

The Wicked WILSON PICKETT Born this Day 1941

He began singing with the Falcons and scored his first chart single with "I Found A Love" in the early 1960s, but achieved his greatest successes as a solo performer. WILSON PICKETT was born this day in 1941. For a time, he lived in New Jersey...

CHiPs Star ERIK ESTRADA Is 70 Today

He played Frank Poncherello on CHiPs and did a series of TV commercials for Jenny O turkey - he's ERIK ESTRADA and he turns 70 today. Here's the memorable opening credits for CHiPs.

Singer/Songwriter NEIL SEDAKA is 80 Today

He began as a classical pianist, but doo wop songs of the 1950s such as "Earth Angel" by the Penguins and "Ship of Love" by the Nutmegs lured him to the world of Rock & Roll. NEIL SEDAKA is 80 today, and he began with the Tokens who later went on to record the classic "Lion Sleeps Tonight." E...

BARBIE Is 60

Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. You know her as simply Barbie, and she's 60 today. The first Barbie dolls were made available this day in 1959. She's come a long way in 6 decades. National Day Calendar.com has even commemorated today as National Barbie Day...

Mr. Personality LLOYD PRICE Is 86 Today

Truly one of Rock & Roll's pioneers, LLOYD PRICE turns 86 today. His first big hit came in 1952 with "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy." Soon after, he was called upon to fight in Korea and put his career on hold. He came back like gangbusters with a long string of hits such as "Stagger Lee," "Personality," "I'm Gonna Get Married," "Lady Luck," "Questio

JERRY LEE LEWIS Recuperating after Minor Stroke

Nicknamed "the Killer," JERRY LEE LEWIS is recuperating after suffering a minor stroke this week. The 83 year old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is expected to make a full recovery. See him in his prime by clicking on the link. We wish him well. ...

MARVIN GAYE Stamp Available April 2

I heard through the grapevine that on April 2, what would've been his 80th birthday, the US Postal Service will introduce the long-awaiting MARVIN GAYE STAMP. Gaye scored dozens of Top Ten hits over 3 decades - the 60s, the 70s, and even the 80s with the big comeback hit "Sexual Healing...

Buddy Holly Recorded THAT’LL BE THE DAY this Day in 1957

It quickly became a #1 hit on Billboard, Buddy Holly and the Crickets recorded "That'll Be the Day" this day in 1957. Holly had recorded and released a version earlier on Decca, but this newer version on the Brunswick label proved to be the right one, and the rest is history...