Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Think you guys might find this one interesting:

Neil Sedaka recorded the vocals on the demo as a favor to Helen Miller and Howard Greenfield, who wrote the song. Sedaka loved the song, and wanted to release it as a single. However, his contract with RCA stated that all his recordings had to be done at RCA Studios, per union contracts. The demo had been recorded outside of RCA and therefore RCA would not release it. Sedaka then went into RCA's studios to record a new version, while in the meantime, Don Kirshner played the demo for Gene Pitney. Pitney loved the song as well, and agreed to record it ONLY if he could use the instrumental track from the Sedaka demo. Since Kirshner knew that RCA would never allow the Sedaka demo version to be released, he agreed and let Pitney use the demo track. Pitney wound up with a huge hit, and the version Sedaka cut at RCA went unreleased".

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MnNNKf52UEA

I made the video! Please comment and I hope you guys enjoy this!

I remember a Terry Gross interview with Neil a few weeks back in which he relates this tale.

He had a large presence in teen music in the three years before the Beatles hit; one hit after another, pushed along by the Brill Building juggernaut. I remember him saying also that his "office" was not actually in the Building, but in an annexe down the street.

I also remember his "comeback" in '75: "Laughter in the Rain". But, in fact, he never went away; just kept on writing and performed less...

Very positive! And - ooh, that dance!

Very interesting Bob never knew Neil Sedaka had recorded that.

Never a Sedaka fan really but in the seventies after his career had waned, he was booked at Batley Variety Club a upmarket working man's club built in a small Yorkshire town, which initially attracted loads of big stars even though the hits had stopped for most of them, the club became famous in UK if not the world though that may be a bold statement.

I went along to see him and was blown away he was great, went a few times after that, the appearance at Batley really revived his career, he became a regular there and always did well, as a result he had a string of hit albums in UK in 70's, most of which I bought.

I have always loved Neil Sedaka and thought he was very talented. I like the Pitney version better however. Pitney had a way of putting across a song in which you really felt it, although this song was comparatively light for Pitney.
Bob the video is great except that it's way out of synch unless Neil was on a time delay, haha!

Here's another great Sedaka tune:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tbad22CKlB4&mode=related&search=

I actually prefer his slow version of this song that he did on the album Overnight Sensation in the 70's.

Dane you are conspicuous by your absence from BOTV and BFTP may not be your thing but why not make a positive contribution.

I had to look for "singe" in the dictionary... i remember that in French, it means "ape", so... I'd suggest, why not try, Dane? A coupla rounds and then you may be hooked.

Dane your contributions are always positively cynical or humorous, though lost on my Northern England humour.

A culture thing

Really enjoyed the video, Bob.... thanks!

I've never seen Neil Sedaka live but I understand he's really worth the effort. He's written some great songs.... "The Hungry Years" stands out for me.

Dane you have put smile on my face once again. I agree with the sentiments expressed here and you should consider participating in the various activities here in this section. I'll bet you would be very good at some of the quizzes etc.

I thought Neil was married with some kids? I couldn't care less if he's gay, straight or both anyway, talent is talent.