Willie NelsonGLEN CAMPBELL --- I really never thought I'd be writing a missive on singer Glen Campbell, but the news last week that he is suffering from Alzheimer's weighed heavily on me … it really did. I first met and got to know him when my father worked for his then-manager Bill Thompson back in the magical 60's. I saw him up close and personal when he worked on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and saw him shine like a beacon on his own follow up show The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour. He had already proven himself a major studio musician as his accomplishments including work with The Beach Boys ("Good Vibrations") and The Monkees, not to mention his work with The Wrecking Crew; the L.A.-based coterie of musicians that played, uncredited on so many legendary records of that era. That Crew also included Hal Blaine on drums; Tommy Tedesco on guitar; Leon Russell on piano; Carol Kaye on bass; and, Al Casey on guitar. They were also heard on Phil Spector's Wall of Sound recordings in the early 60's. Campbell actually toured with The Beach Boys, as a member, in 1964 and 1965. An emerging partnership with then-burgeoning writer Jimmy Webb produced a staggering amount of hit records that not only became hits, but became staples in the American vista; “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” “Galveston,” “Gentle On My Mind,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Where's The Playground Suzie,” "Southern Nights," "Country Boy," "Classical Gas," “Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife,” and, of course, ironically the one song that mostly everyone knows, “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Call it Glen's “A Boy Named Sue” moment. I refer to it that way as almost everyone who knows “Sue” knows that Johnny Cash did it; ironic because Cash, like Campbell was so much more. During his 50-year reign in show business; he has released more than 70 albums; has sold 45 million records and racked up 12 RIAA gold albums; 4 platinum albums and 1 double-platinum album. Of his 74 trips up the country chart, 27 landed in the Top 10. Campbell made history by winning four Grammys in both country and pop categories in 1967. For "Gentle on My Mind" he received two awards in country & western, "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" did the same in pop. He owns trophies for Male Vocalist of the Year from both the CMA and the Academy of Country Music; and, took the CMA's top honor as Entertainer of the Year in 1968. Back in the halcyon 60's, singers like Campbell, and Cash for that matter, were singers yes, but stylists more. Campbell proved to be miles ahead of the pack with a very discernible style (with loads of charm) that almost everyone liked. On his TV show, Campbell often took great pains to make sure everything was always right; including the right musical guests, which included such names as Cash; The Beatles (on film); Neil Diamond; Linda Ronstadt; Jerry Reed; Merle Haggard; Willie Nelson; Waylon Jennings; and The Monkess. He was, a one-man dynamo. Let's not forget that the singer perfectly essayed the U.S. Marshall role in the 1969 original version of them movie True Grit; he was hand-picked by star John Wayne for the role. He went onto to make Norwood with Joe Namath. Sure, the Grit-role was something of a throw-away role for him, but the singer made it his own; at least until actor Matt Damon reprised the role last year. The recent headlines and that mug shot, which I will only briefly refer to, were definitive signs that something was wrong, but to have the onslaught of Alzheimer’s … it's just a bit too much and so unfair. Campbell, who has one last new album just out, Ghost on the Canvas, embarks shortly on his farewell tour which will be both bittersweet and a timely reminder of the impact the singer has had on generations .. and, will continue to have.when you think about it, there's never been another entertainer that's had so much impact on so many. Rest easy Glen.
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James Van Der Beek
GOODNIGHT BOBBY --- Last night was purported to be the final episode for Law & Order: Criminal Intent. After benching the two stars, Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe, the two returned for an abbreviated nine episodes which would be the final season. These shows were for the most part, pretty superior with last week's episode, “Icarus,” featuring Patti Smith and radio's Ken Dashow, in a show ripped-from-the-headlines about the recent Spider Man-imbroglio. It was a pretty well done show, though the scene with Smith and D'Onofrio so good, it was immediately destined for the Law & Order-best of reels. The show last night, with Dawson's Creek James Van Deer Beek as a guest star, basically replayed the story of last year's The Social Network, but with two killings involved. It gave D'Onofrio's character one last moment to shine and chew up the scenery. As regular viewers know, this season's shows have included a closing-scene of the character Goren, with his shrink, beautifully essayed by Julia Ormond. A scene last night with D'Onofrio and Van Deer Beek had him asking Goren 'if he was nuts.' D'Onofrio replied the jury's still out on that! Beautifully played. The final scene had Goren exiting the shrink's office to a smiling Erbe. He called her by her first name, Alex, I think for the first time ever. After a brief conversation ... they're off and back to work. A story line all this brief season, was whether Goren and Eames could or would ever work together .... after the job. Though brief, their conversation promised (I think!) .... it just might. With Chris Meloni exiting the other Law & order show (SVU) .... the show tonight essentially closes the book on the amazing L&O franchise. With all the series still being played several times throughout the day ... it'll never really be gone. I predict Criminal Intent will quickly be back ... it's just been too good for too long. ****
Justin Bieber
MILAZZO MILAZZO --- We want to give a shout out to one of the best photographers we've ever had the chance to work with and get to know … Robert Milazzo. He’s been on the scene for quite a while establishing himself as one of the best lens-man out there. He's shot Harrison Ford; Micky Dolenz; Douglas Sills; the Jonas Brothers; Justin Bieber; and Clay Aiken. Robert, in my opinion, has also established himself as one of the more creative types out there; I've been with him on several occasions when he'll look about the studio and immediately spy something he can use … and, it'll work beyond belief. It's that innate talent and creativity that puts him ahead of the pack. A session with him is a master-class in creativity. He's shooting Dayme this week in NYC! Check him out here....****
Tim Burton McQUEENY – Several weeks back we had the distinct honor to visit the current exhibit at the Met of the late-designer Alexander McQueeen entitled Savage Beauty. Now, we've seen most of the significant fashion-exhibits of late, but this one just took our breath away -- just out-and-out breathtaking. We first became of the designer when he did the striking Union-Jack waistcoat for David Bowie on his 1997 album Earthling and have followed his outstanding exploits ever since. Bowie's fashion-forward stance has always dazzled us, but this particular cover just stood out from most of his others. Since then, we've marveled at McQueen's works. He was best known for his in-depth knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, his tendency to juxtapose female strength and sensuality with fragility. Each and every one of his collections were positively stunning. He was also the chief designer at Givenchy and was gifted with four British Designer of the Year awards. At the exhibit, besides the terrific examples of his work, we absolutely loved the video portraits of his various shows. A few years back, he had a model come out in a white-gown and robots (yes, robots!) came out and sprayed painted the gown. Needless to say, a new-McQueen creation was born; and damn, if it wasn't very reminiscent of several of his other designs style-wise. Just awesome in every way. He apparently did several items for Tim Burton which are equally outstanding. The designer left this world on February 11, 2010 … apparently his inner demons got the better of him. But, his legacy and this show lives on. Really a tremendous exhibit. Click here for more....
Photos By: RD/Dziekan/Orchon/Vince Vega/Leon/Walter McBride/Retna
Photos By: RD/Dziekan/Orchon/Vince Vega/Leon/Walter McBride/Retna
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