The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Send us a textMusic Legend Gary U.S. Bonds Joins Tom Needham on The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast.  Gary U.S. Bonds had his first smash hit in 1960 with the relentless pounder "New Orleans.”The follow-up was the now legendary 'party' record, "Quarter to Three," a number one hit with a spirit and energy that would eventually inspire and influence a generation. In fact, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame lists "Quarter to Three" as one of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.Over the next three years, Gary co-wrote and recorded hit after good-time hit; "School is Out," "School is In," "Dear Lady Twist," "Twist, Twist Senora," "Seven Day Weekend" and others. He performed throughout the world, rising to a status so high that on a 1963 tour of Europe, he headlined above a group of relative newcomers... The Beatles.A rare distinction for Gary is that he managed to transcend the decades with hits. His inspiration for Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Van Zandt, who had grown up on Bonds' music led to a chance meeting in 1980. A friendship developed and, shortly after, a musical collaboration which resulted in Bonds' "Dedication" and "On the Line" LPs, with singles: "This Little Girl Is Mine," "Out of Work," "Jolé Blon" and "Daddy's Come Home". Reviews noted "...His gritty, soulful and powerful vocals... even better than before...". Gary received a Recording Academy / GRAMMYs nomination for Rock Male Vocalist in 1982 for "Dedication". In 2004, Gary released his critically acclaimed CD, "Back in 20" teaming up with Springsteen once again along with Southside Johnny, Dickey Betts and Phoebe Snow. That album went on to win The Blues Foundation's WC Handy Award for "Comeback Album of the Year".Gary's success as a songwriter goes beyond his own Rock 'n Roll and R&B hits. He has also garnered a nomination for the Country Music Association's "Songwriter of the Year" for Johnny Paycheck’s smash hit, "Friend Don't Take Her, She's All I've Got".Gary is an honoree of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, an inductee of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and a "favorite son" of The Blues Brothers (you can see Gary in the "Blues Brothers 2000" movie, singing his classic "New Orleans" along with a multitude of music legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Travis Tritt, Lou Rawls and many, many more).Gary is also a highly respected golfer, often invited to play at celebrity/PGA events. Among his proudest tournament achievements are his two time wins at the Chrysler Cup, with renowned legends, Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez.Today, Gary U.S. Bonds has turned author with his acclaimed memoir "By U.S. Bonds - That's my Story," which Kirkus Reviews calls "A worthwhile Rock 'n' Roll memoir, and an inspiring story about following one's bliss."This interview originally aired on Tom Needham’s The Sounds of FilmThe Sounds of Film is the nation's longest-running film and music themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming worldwide live on the internet. Previous interviewees include Laurie Anderson, Dionne Warwick, Congressman Steve Israel, Jimmy Webb, William H. Macy, Connie Stevens, Chuck D, Julie Andrews, Vanilla Fudge, and BilBuy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textThe Fat Boys' Kool Rock-Ski Raps with Tom Needham on the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame PodcastThe Fat Boys were an American hip hop trio from Brooklyn, New York, who emerged in the early 1980s. The group was composed of Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales, Damon "Kool Rock-Ski" Wimbley, and Darren "Buff Love" Robinson.The Fat Boys were one of the first rap groups to release full-length rap albums. They released seven studio albums, four of which went Gold.The first two albums of the group were produced by Kurtis Blow. Successful singles included "Jail House Rap", "Can You Feel It?", "Fat Boys", "Stick 'Em", "Don't You Dog Me", "All You Can Eat", "The Fat Boys Are Back", and "Pump It Up".The album Crushin' received a Platinum status due to their single "Wipeout", which was recorded together with The Beach Boys.The group also starred in Hollywood movies in the 1980s including Krush Groove and Disorderlies, as well as in several music documentaries.In 2023,  the Fat Boys were selected to be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame at a special Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Concert and Panel Discussion featuring Son of Bazerk, DJ Jazzy Jay, Leaders Of The New School’s DINCO D, JVC Force’s AJ Rok, Public Enemy's Johnny Juice and Keith Schocklee, Video Music Box’s Ralph McDaniels, and the SOUNDS OF FILM’S Tom Needham. This interview was originally recorded for Tom Needham's The Sounds of Film.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textLegendary Psychedelic Rock Band THE ILLUSION Up Next on The Long Island Music and Entertainment Podcast withTom NeedhamMembers of THE ILLUSION join Tom Needham this week to discuss their induction into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.THE ILLUSION was one of Long Island’s greatest bands between 1965-1972. They are remembered for their incredible harmonies, insane light shows, raw energy, intense mind-expanding sound effects, and great musicianship.THE ILLUSION’s first release was a single titled “My Party.” The song was written and produced by Mitch Ryder. In 1967 the band did their first national tour with Mitch Ryder. Later, THE ILLUSION began recording their first album which was produced by Jeff Barry. The album did very well, and the band had a hit with “Did You See Her Eyes?” The song went to #1 in some areas of New York and #22 in the nation. They went on to record two other albums.At the peak of their popularity, the group toured America opening for The Who, Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers Band, Chicago and Sly and the Family Stone.THE ILLUSION’s drummer Mike Ricciardella, guitarist Rich Cerniglia and bassist Chuck Alder join Tom Needham to talk about their historic career, musical milestones and upcoming induction.This interview originally aired on Tom Needham's THE SOUNDS OF FILM.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888

Send us a textMusic Legend Taylor Dayne Talks Life & Career on The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame PodcastBoasting a remarkable global impact, Taylor has sold an astounding 75 million albums and singles worldwide. She has garnered three Grammy nominations, an American Music Award, multiple New York Music Awards, and prestigious recognition in the Long Island Music & Entertainment Music Hall of Fame. Her incredible versatility shines through as she holds the remarkable distinction of being ranked as the Number 18 Female Dance artist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. She is also one of the few artists who has crossed over into various musical genres, conquering the charts in Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult Contemporary, and Rock. By the late 90s, Taylor's career grew further as an actress. She appeared in film, TV and stage, from Broadway favorites like Elton John's award-winning production of "Aida," and Mel Brooks "Archie" and "Mehitable," to working with legendary composer Jules Styne to reprise the role of Fanny Brice on Broadway. Taylor also appeared in movies including "Love Affair" with Warren Beatty and Annette Benning and co-starred in Denis Leary's TV drama "Rescue Me". She also starred in the HBO film "STAG" and co-starred on Showtime's original series "Rude Awakening.” Don't miss out on this extraordinary conversation with Taylor Dayne as she shares her remarkable career and experiences. This interview originally aired on Tom Needham's the Sounds of Film.Buy tickets to visit LIMEHOF at: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/ The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is located at: 97 Main StreetStony Brook, NY 11790Email: info@limusichalloffame.orgPhone: 631-689-5888