The Rock Relic

The MEDLEY Is Still Strong …

by Chuck Hinson on July 21st, 2007

Someone called the RelicLine and asked “If there were three rock stars of yesterday that you’d most like to interview, who would they be, and why?” 
Man, I wished he’d asked a hard question … ’cause, providin’ he’s talkin’ about those who are still on terra firma, there can only be three:

The first (and one that’ll be comin’ up in the next coupla weeks) is the “Dean of the Dawk” (HEADS UP! Got a question in QUIZTIME about that, so be ready! Sharpen dem pencils!!) himself, the Troubador of Teen and Purveyor of Pubescent Pop, Lloyd Thaxton!  The host of the popular Lloyd Thaxton Show (soon out on DVD!), he’s a great friend with some cool insight into the Sixties rock culture.  So look for it soon …

The second (Awwww, hang on for a minute! I’ll get to the pic up there in a moment … geez …) is Sir Paul McCartney. But, as you know, MacCa is busier than a pound of fleas on a puppy’s butt with his music, his D-I-V-O-R Okay … I’ll try … but I ain’t promisin’!

The third is the great Righteous Brother, Bill Medley.  Now, it’s this cat that the Relic copied when I was doin’ my first circuit back in the Sixties (one of my band members looked a lot like Bill, and, natch, we ended up doing a duo set a few times).  He’s one of the most likeable, humble and talented entertainers in the business today, and continues to wow audiences in places as diverse as Branson, Vegas and, soon, even a cruise! 

While we’re still shocked and saddened over Bobby Hatfield’s passing back in the ‘03, Bill has continued to do RB numbers in his sets — and still has that beeeyoootiful baritone/bass (some say the former, some say the latter).   Since the death of his first wife back in ‘76, he took some time off to raise his son (who now performs with Paul Revere and the Raiders), then went back on the road, both in solo efforts and with Bobby.

Speakin’ of … if you ever get a chance to hear their re-recorded Greatest Hits (it came out in the early ’90s), be sure to hit the Rock and Roll Heaven track.  It’s updated, with tributes to John Lennon, Stevie Ray Vaughn and others who passed away since the original.  Believe me, it’s a keeper … and a super followup to the first release!

As you’re readin’ this, I’m tryin’ to land an interview with him for an upcoming edition.  His story … including some info on teaming with his lovely daughter, McKenna, who has a great show in Vegas … will be nothing less than inspiring!  Until then, click on his home link (above) and see why the music will remain cool as long as we remember the MEDLEY!

QUIZTIME!  A few lines back, I mentioned something called The Dawk when talkin’ about LLoyd Thaxton.  Okay, rockaholics, if you were true to the tube back then, then tell me:  What was a “Dawk”?  (an’ don’t tell me it’s what happens after the sun goes down in Jawja.  Or a New England nerd.  Or a … awww, jus’ tell me whatcha think!  He made appearances on the Lloyd Thaxton Show!)

Well, that’s it for this session.  Until next time, remember to keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side.

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