BARRY LEVINE: The ‘eyes’ have it for Old Rocker’s readers

The mailman cometh … and cometh … and cometh:

Barry:

All your selections in the Sunday, June 11, column were indeed classic TV themes, but I have three more that were personal favorites of mine: “Hawaii 5-0,” 1967-80; “The Rockford Files,” 1974-80; and “Airwolf,” 1984-87.

The “Hawaii 5-0” theme, opened with a rolling surf wave and played against a background of action and island paradise and history, provided an initial adrenaline rush that set the tone for the show, and an abridged version is now being used for the currently airing reboot of the series.

The “Airwolf” theme, I believe, in part used synthesizers to evoke an air of adventure and excitement set against a montage of aerial aerobatics and dogfights involving the Mach I chopper featured in the show.

And, of course, “The Rockford Files” theme was perfect for the wisecracking, down-on-his-luck, trailer-residing, Firebird-driving private eye played by James Garner.

Mike Post wrote the Rockford theme, as well as those for “L.A. Law,” “Hill Street Blues” and “The A-Team,” among others.

Just my three cents, for what it’s worth.

Thanks!

Sincerely,

David Shivers

Barry:

Theme songs are gone from today’s shows so they can have more room for TV commercials.

During the 1960s, the programs lasted about 26 minutes. There were very little commercial interruptions – 87 percent program and 13 percent TV commercials.

Today’s shows last from 19 to 21 minutes, so you basically have 67 percent show and 33 percent TV commercials.

TV Land & MTV edit the old programs so they have more room for TV commercials.

Sincerely,

Bill Jones

Barry:

Listen to these oldies and see if they bring back memories. I also like that this jukebox enables you to see many of the acts performing their hits.

Here is the site for the coolest jukebox ever: www.1959bhsmustangs.com/VideoJukebox.htm

Sincerely,

Don Picciotto

Don:

As usual, you were absolutely correct regarding “Paul’s Juke Box.” The number of songs, literally in the thousands, would whet the appetite of any oldies’ fan. The selection is by far the best I have ever seen and would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks for the heads-up.

Sincerely,

The Old Rocker

Barry:

As always with your column, I totally enjoyed your “Eyes” column on May 19. First, your cataract surgery. I had that done two years ago, and my wife is in the “drops” stage now. “THE SECRET IS IN THE DROPS” is what a friend once told me.

I hope your article “Opens the Eyes” of some of your readers who might be dreading the procedure.

Ours was done by a different professional. These folks are real “miracle workers!”

Second, the songs.

Born in 1944 and graduating high school in 1962 (Jordan High School in Columbus), I was right in the middle of much of that time period.

Of special interest is the Four Seasons’ “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” I was dating a “Sherry” about that time, although I didn’t marry her. I chose a “Jolene” instead!

Your column is looked forward to each week around my house!

Have a GREAT day!

Sincerely,

Art Tanner

Art:

I, too, went out with a girl named Sherry in high school after The Four Seasons song reached the top of the charts. I loved riding in my car singing the words to the song. Truth be told, she didn’t like my singing voice. Can’t blame her.

Sincerely,

The Old Rocker

This week in rock history: A landmark in music history occurred on July 9, 1955, when Bill Haley’s “Rock Around The Clock” reached No. 1 on the charts. Many music historians acknowledged the song as a dividing line, separating rock ‘n’ roll from everything that preceded it. … “Tossin’ and Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis, 28, reached the top of the charts for the first of a seven-week run, one of the longest of the year on July 10, 1961. … The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go?” was released on July 11, 1964, and entered the Hot 100. It stayed on the chart for 14 weeks and became the group’s first No. 1 hit. … Elvis Presley, 19, quit his day job as a truck driver for the Crown Electric Co. on July 12, 1954, to sign a recording contract with Sun Records. … Bobby Vinton’s “Roses Are Red” topped the charts on July 14, 1962. It was a song that he found in a pile of demo discs that were marked “reject” at Epic Records… . Percy Sledge earned a Gold record for “When a Man Loves A Woman” on July 15, 1966. It was his only song to reach No. 1.

Barry “The Old Rocker” Levine is an entertainment writer for The Albany Herald. He can be reached at dot0001@yahoo.