Greg Mitchell is the author of more than a dozen books and now writer/director of three award-winning films aired via PBS, including “Atomic Cover-up” and “Memorial Day Massacre.” Now watch trailer for acclaimed 2025 film “The Atomic Bowl.” Before all that, he was a longtime editor of the legendary Crawdaddy. At Blue Sky and Twitter: as @gregmitch. You can still subscribe to this newsletter for FREE. Sustain this newsletter by ordering one of his books.
Despite all the uproar over Mike Waltz’s role in the Signal Leak scandal, I did not know until last night’s Colbert cold open that he is the bro-in-law of much-mocked longtime lead singer of rock group Creed. Song parody here:
Moving on: a happy 90th birthday to Carol Kaye, who is still on social media and still (as Rolling Stone decided in 2020) the 5th greatest rock ‘n roll bass player ever. She’s on an estimated 10,000 recordings, starting as an acoustic guitarist in 1957 on Sam Cooke’s “Summertime.” Then Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba.” Mainly bass after that, often with the so-called Wrecking Crew of L.A. session masters.
Shall we continue with Hall of Fame recordings? The Crystals’ “Then He Kissed Me.” Righteous Brothers, “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” and “Unchained Melody.” Nancy’s Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking.” Ike and Tina’s “River Deep and Mountain High.” Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” and “Help Me Rhonda” among others. S&G’s “Homeward Bound” and “I Am a Rock.” The famous opening to “Wichita Lineman.” Numerous Motown songs. Even Frank Zappa’s “Freak Out” album. And the “Batman” and “Mission Impossible” themes!
Quincy Jones: “Fender bass player Carol Kaye... could do anything and leave men in the dust.” Paul McCartney said her work on the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” lp inspired his playing on “Sgt. Pepper’s.” And so on.
Making those boots walk for Nancy Sinatra:
From the “Wrecking Crew” doc:
Patti Smith at tribute for her in NYC last night, you will spot the famous faces/singers, on “People Have the Power.”
Now, for the younger folks. Hurray for the Riff Raff is Alynda Segarra, from a Puerto Rican family in the Bronx who made her start in New Orleans and now living in Chicago, here with “Buffalo.”
Then there’s this, could be a portrait of yours truly, always and eternally.
Smoked Signal
Steve Brodner:
You can still subscribe for FREE.
You’re really good at this.
Witchita Lineman is just so bitchin!