Hall of Fame
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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)
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)
Captain & Tennille
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
In 1973, Captain & Tennille wrote and cut a record completely at their own expense. The product of that recording session, "The Way I Want to Touch You," proved to be a regional hit and was the first step in their fascinating journey to major label success.
The couple sat down with host Wink Martindale just as their first hit was climbing the charts. In this captivating interview, they discuss how they got started in music, the creation of their first album and their love of performing. Captain & Tennille put a tremendous amount of thought and emotion in not only their music, but their entire 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
(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
(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
(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
(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)
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)
Roberta Flack
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Roberta Flack gained national recognition with her song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" from the movie Play Misty for Me. The singer, songwriter and musician performed a wide variety of music including jazz, classical, folk, soul, pop and R&B. She was the first to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in two consecutive years.
Flack takes pride in being an accomplished artist and a shrewd business woman. Wink Martindale speaks with Flack and provides a comprehensive overview of Flack's numerous accomplishments and successful career.
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
(8)
Rodgers and Hammerstein
Part 1
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II joined forces to create the most consistently successful partnership in the American theater. Included among the seemingly endless list of their work are legendary works such as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The King & I, The Sound of Music and many more.
In the first part of this two-part series exploring their groundbreaking career, Wink Martindale speaks with the duo to explore the early days of their partnership. Many of their contemporaries also provide thoughts and discussion on the pair's work and the lasting effect they had on the world of theater.
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
(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)
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
(5)
Rodgers and Hammerstein
Part 2
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
The second part of our Hall of Fame spotlight on Rodgers and Hammerstein details the phenomenal success Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II had as partners after joining forces in 1943. Throughout their long career in theater, the pair helped to start the careers of many now famous singers, dancers and musicians.
Narrator Wink Martindale interviewed the duo, who shared many details of their professional life. Hammerstein reveals his approach to writing and discusses his work on South Pacific, which broke new ground in musical theater. Rodgers explains how he uses the characters to understand what the mood of the music should sound like.
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
(8)
Rosemary Clooney
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Rosemary Clooney grew up singing with her sister at family gatherings and in her senior year of high school they were hired to sing at the local radio station. She soared to fame in the 1950s with the novelty song "Come On-a My House" and continued to release a number of other pop and jazz hits. In 1973, Clooney sat down with Wink Martindale to provide an intimate look at her early personal life and legendary musical career. Beyond her work as just a singer, she starred in the movie White Christmas with Bing Crosby, appeared with him on television, and the two recorded duets together.
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
(1)
Dick Clark
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Dick Clark had taken over for a TV show that served as "filler" and showcased different musical acts. Young girls were invited to watch as the studio audience, but when they got bored they got up to dance and a camera man caught the moment. From that moment, American Bandstand was born. For teenagers, American Bandstand served as a replacement for hanging out at the local soda shop and listening to the jukebox with friends. Every episode showcased new music, fashion and dance moves. In this 1974 interview, Wink Martindale sits down with Clark to discuss the early years of the program.
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
(13)
Elvis Presley #02
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
We continue our exploration of the career of Elvis Presley with the second installment of this three part series. Presley would face both happy times and challenging moments as his popularity continued to grow. He went Hollywood and added "movie star" to his resume, but he also got drafted in 1958 and that same year, faced the death of his beloved mother. Presley and his associates - including longtime drummer DJ Fontana and Nancy Sinatra - share their memories of the era with host Wink Martindale. It was a time which found Elvis' manager, Colonel Parker, processing up to 30 thousand fan letters a month and supervising activities of a reported 5,000 fan clubs around the world. It all adds up to a very busy decade of work for Elvis, who scored four number one albums, a hefty handful of chart topping singles - and appeared in nearly 30 movies.
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
(15)
Elvis Presley #03
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Our third and final installment of a three part exploration of the career of Elvis Presley takes a look at the final years for the legendary singer who we first became aware of in 1954 when he released his first single "That's Alright Mama" on Sun Records. That first single marked the beginning of an astonishing career during which he rose to become the most famous rock and roll star in the world.
Friends and associates share their memories of the Elvis that they knew in those years with host Wink Martindale and we hear from Presley himself, who takes a look at his own career. Eventually the world would say goodbye to Presley in August of 1977 when he passed away. His legacy survives and he left an incredible body of work that continues to attract new generations of fans to this day.
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
(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
(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
(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
(3)
The Andrews Sisters
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
From 1934 to 1951, The Andrews Sisters recorded more than 400 songs, including hits such as "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Rum and Coca Cola," and sold almost 100 million records. Wink Martindale sat down with sisters Patty and Maxine to discuss how they got started and why breaking up was the best thing to happen to them. In this interview from 1972, the sisters share captivating stories about what it was like traveling as a trio, working with Bing Crosby and what they would have done differently had they not been successful in music.
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
(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
(3)
Petula Clark
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Petula Clark's career began at the young age of nine. She got her start on BBC radio during World War II and in the years to follow she would perform hundreds of times for the troops and become known as "Britain's Shirley Temple." Clark sat down with host Wink Martindale to discuss her exciting musical journey that spanned more than seven decades and included radio, film, television and music. Martindale gives listeners an intimate look at the singer's personal life, family and career.
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)
Peggy Lee
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Norma Deloris Egstrom grew up far away from the big city life where her future would take her. While still a teenager, she left her small town of Jamestown, North Dakota to audition for WDAY in Fargo. An hour later, she found herself on the air and with a brand new name courtesy of radio personality Ken Kennedy, Peggy Lee. The singer, songwriter, and actress sat with Wink Martindale in her Hollywood Hills home in 1975 and reflected on the early days of her career, her musical influences, and her ability to adapt to new sounds and audiences. Lee passionately discusses her accomplished work as a performer and creator of music.
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)
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
(2)
Bobby Vinton
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
Bobby Vinton, "The Most Successful Unknown," says he never wanted to be a musician; he wanted to be a football player instead. In fact, his parents would bribe him 25 cents an hour just to get him to practice his clarinet. Vinton sat down with Wink Martindale in 1973 to discuss his success with "Blue on Blue" and the story behind "Roses are Red." He says writing songs is difficult and he isn't sure who is buying his albums. Vinton also discusses putting together a pop music band in high school and how he began his acting career.
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.
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)
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
(0)
The Mills Brothers
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
The story of The Mills Brothers is much like that of many entertainers, featuring humble beginnings,, big dreams, success, tragedy and ultimately a happy ending. In 1973, host Wink Martindale sat down with two of the original Mills Brothers, Harry and Donald, to recount their tale. The pair details the earliest days of their career in Piqua, Ohio. From that small-town start, the group went on to sell millions of records and enjoy wildly popularity. Listen in as they share the many ups and downs of their successes in their musical career.
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
(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)
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
(14)
Elvis Presley #01
by Wink Martindale
read by Wink Martindale
Part of the Hall of Fame series
We begin our exploration of the career of Elvis Presley, which found him recording for the now world-famous Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips in 1954. Only a few short years later, he would shift to RCA Records, releasing his first single for the label, "Heartbreak Hotel," in January of 1956. As host Wink Martindale recalls, "Presleymania" was in full swing by 1957. Longtime Presley associates Carl Perkins, Scotty Moore, Ray Walker and Gordon Stoker are just a few of the names who join Wink to share their memories of those early days of Presley's career - including his first TV appearances on Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Steve Allen, Ed Sullivan and his first recorded television interview on Wink's Top Ten Dance Party.
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
(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.