Hall of Fame
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audiobook
(1)
Alan & Marilyn Bergman
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
For Alan and Marilyn Bergman, being married and working together as songwriters had many perks. The two found that their relationship allowed them to be uninhibited in sharing ideas while crafting a song. In this interview recorded with Wink Martindale in the 1980s, they discussed their lives, lyrics and careers as songwriters. The couple provides an intimate and detailed look at the songwriting process along with sharing interesting stories about some of the songs they've written.
audiobook
(5)
Kenny Rogers
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
When Kenny Rogers started singing in high school, he went through numerous gimmicks and phases trying to find a way to make his voice identifiable. Audiences didn't respond to what he was doing, and on the advice of a friend, he dropped the gimmicks and started to embrace his own sound. Many awards, hit songs and decades later, and there is no doubt of his gift for storytelling and distinctive sound. In an interview with host Wink Martindale, Rogers discusses his journey coming up in the music industry, his acclaimed career and the blend of genres that shaped his iconic sound.
audiobook
(5)
Paul Anka
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Paul Anka recorded his first single at the age of just 14. In addition to his success as a performer, Anka was also an accomplished songwriter. His credits include the theme song for Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and one of Tom Jones' biggest hits, "She's A Lady."In this 1977 interview, Wink Martindale takes listeners on an extensive survey of the singer's long and successful career. From his first taste of fame with the single "Diana" to being one of the first pop singers to play in the Las Vegas casinos, Anka shares engaging stories of his career as an entertainer.
audiobook
(3)
Lawrence Welk
Part 1
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Lawrence Welk left home at the age of 21 and spent two years trying to get a job with bands with little success. Though his career got off to a rocky start, Welk would go on to become a renowned musician, bandleader and television personality. In Part 1 we hear about Welk's earliest days of his life and career. In a conversation with Wink Martindale in 1973, he reflects on the beginning of his career and journey to success while sharing intimate details about his personal life and experiences.
audiobook
(2)
Neil Diamond
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
The Coney Island section of Brooklyn, NY was the birthing ground for the man the rest of the world would eventually come to know as Neil Diamond. In this special Hall of Fame spotlight, host Wink Martindale takes a look at Diamond's illustrious career, beginning with those early days in Coney Island, which Diamond tells Wink, was "the most fantastic place in the world for a kid to grow up." Diamond shares his memories of the first song he wrote and also reveals how he feels about his skills as a guitar player. He remembers the experience of building a band and making his own travel arrangements in the early days and reflects on how all of that is different now. Neil Diamond has become a well-known performer worldwide, but as this book reveals, it took a lot of old-fashioned hard work to get there.
audiobook
(1)
Al Martino
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Al Martino's success began in 1952 with the single "Here in My Heart." The self-taught crooner went on to find his biggest success in an unlikely source in 1963 with a version of "I Love You Because," which was originally a country tune.
In August of 1972, he sat down for an interview with host Wink Martindale to reflect on his storied career. Martino discusses his early life growing up, some of his musical influences and the highs and lows of his musical journey.
audiobook
(2)
Jerry Vale
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Jerry Vale always knew that he wanted to sing. His tremendous vocal talent and charismatic personality allowed the crooner to impress both in recording and in live performances as he toured all over the country and regularly topped the pop charts throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In this conversation with Wink Martindale, Vale discusses his career as a performer, some of his most popular recordings and the people that helped him in his professional journey. He provides a personal look at his fantastic rise to success.
audiobook
(0)
Percy Faith
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Though his work was often classified as just "arrangements," Percy Faith's work went well beyond that and could be more accurately described as "recompositions." He got his start as a child studying piano and eventually made his mark as an instrumental stylist, importing elements of jazz and rock into mood music.
In a conversation with host Wink Martindale, Faith discusses the work it takes to find and keep fans, his lengthy music career and his focus on creating music that makes him happy versus music that might sell well.
audiobook
(2)
Mac Davis
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
It took 12 years for Mac Davis to find success in the music industry, first as a songwriter and later as a singer. Davis originally spent years working, going to college part time and writing his own music. He later dropped out of college and pursued work in the music industry doing radio and sales promotions, all the while cutting bathroom demos while on the road for work. About five years later, Davis was transferred to the West coast where he finally found the inroads he was looking for and his song, "A Little Less Conversation," was recorded by Elvis Presley. Years later, "Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me" led Davis to the top of both the country and pop charts as a singer in his own right. In two interviews from 1972 and '75, Davis discussed his journey from frustrated songwriter to successful singer.
audiobook
(0)
Jo Stafford & Paul Weston
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Jo Stafford and Paul Weston both had successful careers in their own rights, but also enjoyed success as a duo and earning a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1961. The pair sat down with host Wink Martindale to discuss their successful careers, musical work and personal lives. Stafford performed as lead singer of The Pied Pipers and performed back-up vocals for Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra and went on to perform as a solo artist. Weston's career spanned nearly 50 years including time as a top executive at both Capitol and Columbia Records working with many legends of the day.
audiobook
(3)
Ella Fitzgerald
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Ella Fitzgerald's career began at various amateur nights around New York City, most famously at the Apollo Theater in 1934. From those early days, Fitzgerald grew to be an iconic jazz singer and the First Lady of Song. In the spring of 1983, Fitzgerald sat down for a conversation with Wink Martindale. She discusses how her career began and some of her first hits including "A-Tistket, A-Tasket." We also hear about some artists she's a fan of and hear from musicians who cite her as an influence.
audiobook
(0)
Lawrence Welk
Part 2
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
In Part 2 we hear about Welk from his manager Sam Lutz and others that played an important part in his career. We also hear from Lawrence Welk in a conversation he had with Wink Martindale in 1973. Welk shares stories of numerous performances across the country, his time on tour and interactions with his fans. He also discusses his television career and his eventual return to recording music with Dot Records.
audiobook
(6)
Johnny Mathis
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
It's a testament to Johnny Mathis' talent and legacy that in 1958, just two years after signing with Columbia Records, the label released Johnny's Greatest Hits, the first album of its kind. It remained on the charts for the next 9 ½ years. Wink Martindale sat down with Mathis for a conversation in 1971. He discusses the diverse audience his music attracts, what he attributes his success to and his profound love of singing. A number of his contemporaries also contribute thoughts about Mathis' talents and career.
audiobook
(4)
Frank Sinatra
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
We conclude our four part Hall of Fame spotlight on Frank Sinatra's career with more little known details about the man and his music. In this installment, you'll hear about the post-Columbia Records days when he was no longer in demand. He had no hits and no record contract -- that is, until Capitol Records came calling and everything changed.
You'll learn what it meant for a songwriter to have one of their songs recorded by Frank and why Sinatra recording sessions were a special thing for the musicians who were lucky enough to be a part of them. Featuring recollections from Sinatra himself as well as his family and associates, including U2's Bono, Nancy Sinatra and Frank Sinatra Jr., Jimmy Bowen, Don Costa and others, host Wink Martindale brings this examination of Frank Sinatra's incredible career to a satisfying close.
audiobook
(3)
Pat Boone
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Pat Boone's first hit came with "Two Hearts, Two Kisses (Make One Love)" in 1954. His success continued as he sold millions of records through the 50s and early 60s and recorded more than a dozen singles that went gold. Boone's career expanded beyond music as he starred in numerous films and even hosted his own variety television show. He sat down with Wink Martindale for a conversation in May of 1972 to discuss his early life, his relationship with religion and his prosperous career.
audiobook
(2)
Lou Rawls
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Lou Rawls got his start as a church choir boy. He performed a wide variety of musical styles including gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and blues for movies, TV shows, commercials and numerous successful albums. In an interview with host Wink Martindale, Rawls discusses the many changes in the way music was created and performed throughout his career, his plentiful awards and accolades and his early life growing up in Chicago.
audiobook
(8)
Nat "King" Cole
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Nat King Cole's musical journey began as a teenager receiving classical piano training, which he later abandoned to pursue jazz with the Nat King Cole Trio. His career continued to evolve as he found success as a singer with hits including "Nature Boy," "Mona Lisa" and "Too Young." Narrator Wink Martindale takes listeners on a captivating journey with producers, songwriters and other colleagues sharing stories of Cole's exceptional career. His wife Maria Cole provides an intimate look at the legendary musician and the story is rounded out by colorful conversations with Nat King Cole himself.
audiobook
(0)
Eddy Arnold
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Eddy Arnold dominated popular and country music from the late 40s to the 60s, despite changing tastes over those two eventful decades. In a conversation with host Wink Martindale, Arnold recounts his early life as a farm boy that earned him the nickname "The Tennessee Ploughboy" and his eventual rise to arguably become the king of country. Arnold continues to discuss his work as a musician, his leap from country to pop and the struggles and triumphs of his career and personal life.
audiobook
(0)
Ray Anthony
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
For his fifth birthday, Ray Anthony's father bought him a trumpet. It wasn't until the age of 12 when his trumpet was hidden as a punishment that he realized he couldn't live without it.
Anthony opened up to Wink Martindale in this interview from 1978 about joining the Al Donahue Orchestra at the age of 17, getting fired from the Glenn Miller Band and the popularity of the Bunny Hop. He also talks about the sound of Glenn Miller and what makes it so special. Anthony goes on to discuss what it was like starting his own orchestra and having his brother join him.
audiobook
(0)
Billy Eckstine
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Billy Eckstine didn't consider singing a potential profession until he earned $5 as second prize in an amateur competition. He was bit by the showbiz bug after working as an MC and singer in his hometown of Pittsburgh while on summer break from college. He decided not to return to college and eventually began working in clubs throughout Buffalo, New York; Detroit and Chicago. Eckstine sat down with Wink Martindale for an interview in May of 1973. He discusses the early days of his career, his recordings, live performances and love for what he does to make a living in this fascinating conversation.
audiobook
(1)
Bobby Goldsboro
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Bobby Goldsboro describes the first song he ever wrote with a laugh as "one of the worst you've ever heard." Though those first attempts at songwriting weren't exactly successful, he went on to enjoy a wildly successful career including the chart-topping hit "Honey," which sold more than a million copies in the United States. In the height of his popularity in 1973, Goldsboro sat down with Wink Martindale to discuss his wildly successful career that included 16 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and 12 on the country chart with singles like "See the Funny Little Clown" and "Summer (The First Time)." He reflects on how his songwriting has changed over the years, what influences him both personally and musically and how he discovered he wanted to be in the music industry.
audiobook
(1)
Joni James
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Despite her phenomenal success as a singer, Joni James initially had dreams of dancing. While she continued to receive scholarships and praise for her vocal performances, dancing was what she wanted to pursue and she continued to pay for lessons. When faced with the decision of going to school or pursuing her career, on the advice of a producer that "youth was the most urgent thing in show business," she dove headfirst into singing. She went on to have eight singles in the top 10 and another 16 singles in the top 40 on Billboard's Top 100 Chart between 1952 and 1961. In an interview with Wink Martindale, she recounts her enthralling journey from her dreams of being a dancer to her astounding success.
audiobook
(0)
Ray Conniff
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Ray Conniff got his start arranging and conducting for other recording artists. His success working for others eventually led to Columbia allowing him to record an album under his own name which was released to great success and acclaim. Conniff was the first artist to use voices and vocal arrangements as part of the instrumentation. In a conversation with host Wink Martindale, Conniff discusses his unique sound, evolving his style and his passion for creating music.
audiobook
(2)
Glen Campbell
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Glen Campbell's career extended throughout song and screen as he worked in television, film and as a songwriter and performer. He achieved moderate success early on as a country artist and made history in 1967 winning four Grammys in both the pop and country categories.
Campbell found crossover success with "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights" in the mid-70s. Wink Martindale takes listeners on a journey through Campbell's fruitful career with numerous conversations that took place between 1975 and 1977.
audiobook
(9)
Frank Sinatra
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
From Joe DiMaggio to Humphrey Bogart and from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra was close to legends. He inspired and worked with the greats of popular music for well over 50 years. The first installment of our four part Hall of Fame spotlight on Frank Sinatra's legendary career takes a look at the early years as he began to make a name for himself and presents a fascinating look at the development of Frank Sinatra as an artist. Sinatra tells the story of those early beginnings during his exclusive interview with Wink Martindale and associates like Tommy Dorsey and Sammy Davis Jr. also share their recollections.
audiobook
(1)
Brenda Lee
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Brenda Lee's astoundingly successful career began at the early age of three, when she won a singing contest. At the age of 15 her career was well underway, drawing comparisons to the legendary Judy Garland and accumulating fans all over the world. She is perhaps best known for her 1960s single, "I'm Sorry," which she recorded at the age of just 14. Lee sat down with host Wink Martindale to discuss her captivating musical career. She speaks about her roots in gospel music, her many hit singles and her deep love of music.
audiobook
(2)
Andy Williams
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Andy Williams got his start doing anonymous voice tracks for movies in the 1940s. He got his start singing at teas with his brother, and then made a move to singing on radio in Des Moines, Iowa and Chicago. Finally, Williams found his way to New York where he started to really focus on his singing career. Television played an instrumental role in Williams' success. His big breakthrough came as a singer on The Tonight Show starring Steve Allen. In February of 1973, he sat down with Wink Martindale to take a look back at his career. Williams discusses his early life, his work in television and fruitful career.
audiobook
(2)
Perry Como
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Perry Como's career started with a dare. The teenage owner of a barbershop had done some singing locally, but when his friends dared him to get on stage and sing a few songs with Freddy Carlone, he was offered a job. Following touring, recording and a brief return to the barber business, Como went on to host his own radio show and sign a recording contract with RCA records where he would sell millions of albums. In the summer of 1977, Wink Martindale sat down for an enthralling conversation with Como to discuss his career that spanned more than half a century across music, radio, film and television.
audiobook
(3)
Frank Sinatra
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
The third part of our Hall of Fame spotlight on Frank Sinatra's legendary career with host Wink Martindale continues the story of the artist who remains an internationally known icon. We dig deeper into the songs and soundtrack of Frank's career as told by friends and family, those who knew him best, including Nelson Riddle, Gordon McRae and a large selection of songwriters who collaborated with Sinatra.
Bandleader Riddle remembers his arrangements for Sinatra classics like "I've Got You Under My Skin." Don Costa looks back on "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back," Frank coming out of retirement and the genesis of "My Way." There were autobiographical songs like "It Was A Very Good Year," which surprisingly, weren't written with Frank in mind -- but he quickly made them his own.
audiobook
(8)
Gordon Lightfoot
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot helped to define the folk-pop sound of the 60s and early 70s. With a focus on crafting quality albums, not hit singles, Lightfoot found great success and provided a soundtrack for a tumultuous time.
In a conversation with host Wink Martindale, Lightfoot discusses working his way up throughout his career and how it shaped the way he views success. Lightfoot continues to elaborate on his music including why he prefers to record his own material and his prolific work as a songwriter.
audiobook
(2)
Steve & Eydie
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Husband and wife duo Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé performed back-and-forth comic banter while keeping music at the center of their act. While much of the act was meticulously rehearsed, the pair left parts of each performance open for adlibbing and improvisation.
In an interview with host Wink Martindale, Steve and Eydie sit down and discuss how they had met, their early lives and their love for performing. Martindale gives listeners an entertaining look at the couple's career and personal life.
audiobook
(2)
Harry Belafonte
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Harry Belafonte didn't start out with a dream of being a singer. He wanted to be an actor, and studied theater for five years in New York. Unable to find work as an actor, he had to choose between abandoning dreams of being a performer entirely, or find a new area of entertainment to pursue. Opportunity struck when he was offered a chance to be an intermission singer at a local jazz club, and his singing talent began to catch on.
In a conversation with host Wink Martindale, Belafonte discusses his journey to showbiz success as the "King of Calypso." He also candidly speaks on his early life, his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and his passion for performing.
audiobook
(2)
Tony Bennett
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Tony Bennett took his place at the forefront of pop music when he recorded "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" in 1962. Despite being trained in art, Bennett made the decision to pursue a career in music that included a stint as a singing waiter. Bennett spoke with Wink Martindale in August of 1972 about his accomplished career that included numerous awards, honors and hit singles. He discusses his numerous hit songs throughout the 1950s and beyond. While he sang some contemporary songs, Bennett never delved into rock and always stayed true to his unique singing style.
audiobook
(3)
Wayne Newton
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
An in-depth examination of the career of Wayne Newton featuring extensive interviews with Newton
audiobook
(2)
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Herb Alpert's career began under the name Dore Alpert. When his first few releases with RCA Records failed to gain traction, he was dropped from the label. That's when Alpert joined forces with his friend Jerry Moss to form an independent label.
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass grew to great success by the mid-sixties with pre-orders for their album numbering in the millions. Host Wink Martindale sat down with Alpert and takes listeners on an exciting journey from those earliest days to the heights of Alpert's career.
audiobook
(1)
Natalie Cole
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Before the daughter of Nat "King" Cole ever sang for an audience, she was lip-syncing in front of her bedroom mirror to the Supremes. Natalie Cole, the second of five children said her parents raised her to work hard for what she wanted. The award-winning artist sat down with Wink Martindale to discuss what it was like growing up in a house filled with music. In this intimate conversation from the 1970s, she also reflects on her good friend Stevie Wonder, the similarities between her and her famous father's voices and being compared to Aretha Franklin.
audiobook
(2)
Sammy Davis Jr.
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Sammy Davis Jr. was, quite literally, born into show business. As part of a well-known vaudeville family, he began performing when he was just four years old and never seemed to slow down. From stage to studio to screen the singer, dancer, musician and actor travelled all over the world entertaining millions. Wink Martindale spoke with the charming Davis at his Beverly Hills home in 1976. Davis reflects on his experiences as a performer, his success and his life in the crazy world of show business. He also shares engaging stories of times with colleagues and friends throughout his career.
audiobook
(2)
Glenn Miller
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Despite his first orchestra being a complete failure, Glenn Miller grew to become arguably one of the most famous big band leaders. Following this early stumble, Miller launched his second band in March of 1938 and went on to achieve great success before his tragic disappearance in 1944. George T. Simon, big band expert, critic, author and a close friend to Glenn Miller, provides listeners with on an overview of Miller's career. In his conversation with Wink Martindale, Simon provides an expert look at Miller's music, career and personal life.
audiobook
(0)
The Four Freshmen
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
"It's a Blue World" brought The Four Freshmen onto the charts and into the spotlight in 1952. In the years that followed, the band went through numerous lineup changes but never lost the sound that made them famous.
Wink Martindale spoke with original members Bob Flanigan and Ross Barbour in 1973 about their career and the lasting influence they had on musical acts that followed. The fascinating discussion includes colorful stories from the band's difficult early years as they struggled to tour with their families and make enough money to keep making the music they loved.
audiobook
(1)
Neil Sedaka
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Neil Sedaka had more than a dozen hits from 1958 to 1963, but his career slumped with the arrival of the British Invasion. In 1974 he found his way back to the charts with "Laughter in the Rain." In March of that year, Wink Martindale sat with Sedaka to discuss his early career and his thrilling comeback. Sedaka recounts his early life as a child receiving classical music training and secretly writing pop songs, despite his sister telling him to stick to the classics. Sedaka clearly made the right call as he went on to achieve great success despite the ups and downs of his career as he cheerfully details in this enthralling conversation.
audiobook
(2)
Patti Page
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Patti Page's music provided a soothing counterpoint to the revolutionary sound of rock n' roll in the 1950s, incorporating elements of country music into traditional pop songs. From 1948 through 1970 she had nearly 100 records on the Billboard Singles chart including "(How Much Is That) Doggie in the Window," "Old Cape Cod," "Allegheny Moon" and "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte.” Page sat down with host Wink Martindale to discuss her personal life, the early days of her career and her astounding popular success at a time when traditional pop music waned. She embraced new multi-track technology that allowed producers to layer her voice in recordings and provide her own harmonies.
audiobook
(0)
Roger Williams
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Roger Williams stood alone in the world of popular music. He was just three years old when he first sat in front of a piano and played a song. He went on to study piano at Drake University and Julliard and had his first success with the single "Autumn Leaves." Williams sat down for a conversation with Wink Martindale in 1972 to discuss his career and passion for playing music. He talks about his early life and musical journey, the importance of hard work and practice and the toll life on the road takes.
audiobook
(3)
Frank Sinatra
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
The second part of our Hall of Fame spotlight on Frank Sinatra's legendary career features more audio interviews and highlights from Sinatra and the friends and family who knew him best - including John F. Kennedy, Paul Anka and songwriter Sammy Cahn, among others. Host Wink Martindale explores the stories behind some of the classic songs in the Sinatra catalog, including "Three Coins In The Fountain," a hit record for Sinatra that went to the top of the charts in the U.K. in 1954. In that same year, the Four Aces and Dinah Shore would also record their own very successful versions of the track. Hear the fascinating story of how the song that Sinatra thought was only a demo recording became a huge hit, one that would win a very prestigious award.
audiobook
(1)
Vic Damone
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Vic Damone quit school as a teenager to work at the Paramount Theater to help support his family after his father was injured. During this time he was exposed to a host of accomplished singers both on the stage and behind the scenes. While operating the backstage elevator for Perry Como, Damone asked if he could sing for him to see if he had any talent. He stopped the elevator between floors and after he finished, Como told him he should keep it up. In two different interviews from 1973 and 2003, Como discusses how this experience kicked off his fascinating career that spanned seven decades.
audiobook
(0)
Frankie Laine
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Frankie Laine's far-reaching appeal made him a hit in the '40s and '50s. While his contemporaries found success early in life, Laine didn't see fame until his late 30s. Despite his late-blooming career, his excursion into the world of music began much earlier, during his years as a teenager performing at dance marathons.
Wink Martindale spoke with him in June 1973. Laine recounted what led up to his first hit with "That's My Desire." He also reflected on each of his chart-topping hits from over the years and shares firsthand details and stories about each one.
audiobook
(0)
The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl
With Bob Eubanks
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
In February 1964, The Beatles made their TV debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, catching the attention of Bob Eubanks. Wink Martindale catches up with Eubanks in an interview from 1977 about The Beatles playing the Hollywood Bowl.
He discusses having second thoughts about booking them for the concert and then selling out in 3.5 hours. He explains how increasingly more difficult it became over the years to sneak The Beatles out of the venue. Eubanks talks about how he believes The Beatles will always be popular and how proud he is to have been a part of their success.
audiobook
(3)
Ray Charles
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Ray Charles lived his life with no regrets, no matter the ups or the downs. After losing his sight at 7 years old, and his parents passing away while he was a teenager, he went on to experience phenomenal success as a singer, songwriter and musician. Charles didn't often agree to interviews, but in this rare and lengthy conversation he had with Wink Martindale in 1970 he offered an introspective look at his personal life and storied career. He reflects on his musical influences, his development as an artist and his continued love of performing.
audiobook
(1)
Gordon Jenkins
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Gordon Jenkins arranged for legendary musicians, recorded a dozen hit singles including "P.S. I Love You" and "Blue Prelude" and a host of other accomplishments in the world of music. The arranger, composer and pianist was influential throughout the 40s and 50s. Despite his many musical talents, Jenkins discusses his desire but unfortunate inability to sing. In a conversation with host Wink Martindale, Jenkins talks about his expansive musical work, accomplished career and focusing on writing well versus writing to get rich.