Phantom

I got to know him a few years ago when he recorded a couple of songs with Los Straitjackets. The project was almost shelved as the a-side was a song called "When The Sox are Rockin" about the Boston Red Sox (Freddy's favourite baseball team) so we weren't sure how many would be interested. So I spent time talking to radio stations in Massachusetts, and the gift shop at Fenway Park to generate interest. The single was eventually released for Record Store Day 2013 which coincided with the 101st anniversary of Fenway Park. Freddy was under the impression that it would be a major Billboard hit. But we only pressed 1,000 copies. 6 years on, we still have copies available. Nonetheless, Freddy was grateful and he sent me a signed photo, CD and a t-shirt.

I emailed him yesterday, got a reply back within a couple of hours. While he is expected to fully recover, I suspect he may decide to retire and perhaps do the occasional festival from time to time. It's a shame that he had to cancel, as I know Eddie Angel was going to try to get him to sing Palisades Park while standing next to the fountain.

Not dead, but as far as I know, not hospitalized. Freddy Cannon who was scheduled to replace Wanda Jackson at this year's Viva Las Vegas, has had to cancel due to ill health. He appears to be in good spirits and his illness doesn't appear to be too serious, but he is under doctor's orders to take it easy.

I will need to check my list and see who is missed off.

Sad news. He cropped up in a few other shows too. I was trying to write a list surviving Fawlty Towers cast members for a possible DDP theme team. I think I could only 15 still alive. That list has now gone down to 14

Mandolin player, Scotty Broyles has undergone surgery and has has to cancel his forthcoming appearance at Viva Las Vegas

Wasn't paying much attention. Mind is on other things. Have a benefit tonight for the family of Her's tour manager, Trevor Englebrektson.

Neil Diamond announces retirement and Parkinson's diagnosis

Rockabilly Hall of Fame member, Jay Chevalier, has died at the age of 83

Margaret Lewis, who wrote tunes for Dale Hawkins and Connie Francis, as well as being a singer in her own right, died on Friday at the age of 79.

Both members of the indie duo Her's have died in a car crash along with their tour manager, Trevor Engelbrektson. Trevor also ran the sound desk at various venues in the MInneapolis / St. Paul area. He did the sound for a few gigs that I was the roadie for a couple of years ago. One for Unknown Hinson, and another for Wayne "The Train" Hancock, to name a few.

There were rumours that she suffered a mild stroke towards the end of last year. But comments that were posted from fellow musicians were quickly removed from Facebook. One came from someone who knows Wanda quite well and is a neighbour of hers. But since her husband passed away a year or so ago, her health has taken a bit of a hit. Not sure if she'll still do some recording, but she's definitely retired from touring, and her scheduled appearances for Viva Las Vegas next month and the Nashville Boogie have been canceled.

Mattel announced that next year they will be releasing a special Karen Carpenter doll to mark what would be her 70th birthday. It will be called My Little Boney.

Wanda Jackson has announced her retirement at the age of 81