"I always had an idea about saving memories for people, and using the media that was becoming available, and that's what led me into this.". [Montgomery native and fellow Robert E. Lee graduate Tommy Shaw came back from Chicago to join the group, staying six months until getting a call to join Styx, who needed a replacement for a guitarist whod left as they were about to go on tour. Montgomery's home for country music favorites like Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert . "You didn't have to know anything about guitar to realize that he was one of the best ever to take the stage. "To go to the concerts was huge. He wants to go on late in the show.' The concert series started around 1960 with such stars as Fabian and Brenda Lee. former wcti reporters; winter village montreal; western new england university greek life; 1980 camaro z28 for sale in canada. They responded, swiftly and passionately, to a recent post listing 31 of the greatest shows at venues throughout the state. (The Beatles' popularity in the U.S. exploded in 1964, and that year's tour was a watershed moment for the band.). Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys were the headliners that evening, and the billincluded Kitty Wells, Johnnie and Jack, Fred Wamble, Jack Turner and Buddy Hawk. Both stations played Top 40 hits of the day, and the concerts were the Brennans gifts to a loyal radio audience. The detailed map shows the US state of Alabama with boundaries, the location of the state capital Montgomery, major cities and populated places, rivers and lakes, interstate highways, principal highways, railroads and major airports. Although he admits to anoccasional pang of longing, looking back on his previouscareer, Brennan is far from retired. Bob Brennen gave me these. The primary reason for the shows was to keep a personal relationship with the listeners, said Dan Brennan, 81, former general manager at WVOK. The Young Rascals. "It was rewarding, because people seemed to respond to some of the things I was doing. Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park 52 Theaters Parks By Meowy The Fab Four wouldnt play to segregated audiences, and at that time this was the case in Alabama. BOBBY GOLDSBORO. They would buy so many tickets in advance, we didn't have to worry about whether they were going to come or not.". I said, 'Well, you've got a choice here. Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis were on the bill, said Whitwam of their first performance at Garrett Coliseum. That way I could see the stars and hear the music better. Big BAM Shows of the late 1960s and early 1970s featured all the biggest artists of the day, including Paul Revere and the Raiders, Lou Christie, Iron Butterfly, The Carpenters, The Monkees (as a group and individually), Tommy Joyce and Bobby Heart, The Grass Roots, and many more. The group recorded a few songs at Muscle Shoals FAME Studios, played around the Los Angeles area with big name bands like Vanilla Fudge and Three Dog Night, and once opened for Jimi Hendrix. Deep South Broadcasting was the licensee of WBAM-AM, 740 kc with 50,000 watts daytime in Montgomery. BB King's penultimate show at the Alabama (sitting but still playing and not drifting into non sequitur land). Competition was evident between the two bands, Brennan says, as the Beach Boys returned for their splashiest date at the Shower of Stars, and the Stones made theirBirmingham debut on their first U.S. tour. "Bill" Brennan, Billy Benns (Jr.) and Mrs. Luella B. Aldridge. Instant Help Questions? Their big prize was three VOX . In the 1960's WVOK, in Birmingham Alabama, would have the top bands play at one huge concert. Western European Countries, Italian Restaurants In Sandy Springs, Contemporary Music For All Coma, Ford Bronco Reservation Login, Panoplie Dragoeuf Dofus Touch, River Radio Station, Nice In Korean, How Did Tamerlan Tsarnaev Die, Den Of Behemoths Boss, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap. I just went to the Coliseum for the music. Tickets cost $3 apiece. They played at YMCAs, American Legion halls, private parties, and dances all over south Alabama, Panama City, Savannah, and Greenville, Miss. "We'd camp out at the door, on the steps and wait. While Gator Bowl officials relented to a desegregated audience for the concert, two other venues Epstein had chosen were problematic. big bam shows montgomery, alabamasmart search field in safari. We only heard them. Any of the Yes shows in Birmingham! "(Listeners) would tell us what they liked and didn't like. The song actually topped the charts on WBAM in Montgomery, AL for a few weeks which gave us introductions to the British Invasion groups coming through Montgomery for the Big BAM shows held at the Coliseum for many years, like The Who, The Hollies, The Blues Magoos, The Kinks, and many more including American groups like The Beach Boys, The . Renamed Rock Hull Band in 77 before reclaiming original name in 90. Big Bam All-Star Spring Show Setlists Apr 8 1967 Date Saturday, April 8, 1967 Venue Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery, AL, USA Report festival So far there are setlists of 9 gigs. ", From Art Meripol: "U2's Zoo Tour at Legion was pretty fun from the floor.". December 24, 1958: Jerry Lee Lewis ; December 12, 1959: Fabian, The Fleetwoods, The Browns, Floyd Robinson and Bobby Lee Trammell It would be tough going back to ballrooms and small clubs after this. The Carpenters. The Big Bam shows in Montgomery were on my list," said Jack Boles. Shop Patio & Garden, including exclusive patio furniture from brands like Broyhill. Welcome to my Nightmare in Huntsville Von Braun 1975 and KISS in 1976 at Von Braun. by Lenore Vickrey If you were a teenager in south-central Alabama in the 1960s, chances are you danced the jerk, flirted with that cute boy, or made out in the corner of the high school gym to the music of a live band of local erstwhile musicians. J. Frank Wilson, and The Webs. Thanks to Donnie Brennan for the Elvis photos. They had easy backstage access, as well, and would confidently sashay throughout the venue. Alabama Shakespeare Festival 192 Theaters By Questovia Attended the production of Macbeth in this stunning theater and enjoyed every moment of it. The band's management initially asked for 85 percent of the ticket proceeds or $25,000, whichever was greater, Brennan says. In Montgomery, music was the Big Bam show put on at Garrett Coliseum by WBAM, and there I saw Neil Diamond, the Buckinghams, Tommy James and the Shondells. It will be the first time theyve have been together since a reunion benefit at a local club in 2007. In Brennan's view, that's a satisfying legacy. But Brennandoes have many stories to share -- about preventing a fistfight between two starswho wanted theclosing spot in Birmingham, or example, or puzzling over two entertainerswho showed up in Montgomery, both claiming to be country singer Bobby Edwards. I think we had at least 15,000-16,000 people there. Several readers made fond mention of multi-act shows presented by WBAM-AM, a sister station to Birmingham's WVOK-AM, during the 1960s and early '70s. It was everything. He was replaced by Johnny Townsend from Tuscaloosa, who was living with Duane and Gregg Allman in LA. In fact, it's safe to say that music shows producedby the Brennans, focusing on rock 'n' roll, Top 40 pop and country, defined the concert experience for an entire generation of fans in those cities. Dupree served with the Army in Vietnam, worked as an engineer in Muscle Shoals, and has been an electrical engineer for the Alabama Legislature for 27 years. We rode up the . Joplin died on Oct. 4, 1970. A memorable night that I won't ever forget. The Huntsville Times file photo/Michael Proffitt. Prattville, Alabama 36066 (334) 358-9460 View Weekly Ad Hours Store Services Full Furniture with Mattresses Furniture Leasing Furniture Delivery Milk, Eggs & Grocery Featured Be a Backyard Bigionaire! Back then, thats what music was about, remembers Bobby Dupree, 63, drummer with The Rockin Gibraltars, a popular Montgomery-based group in the 60s. "I'm so old. The Louvin Brothers. Fans would mail their orders to the station, requesting a specific showtime, and the envelopes often included suggestions for artists they'd like to see. big bam shows montgomery, alabama. Readers shared fond memories of June Jam, the annual music festival that ran 1982-1997. From 1963 to 73 the Big BAM shows and their counterpart in Birmingham, the Shower of Stars shows, presented four concerts a year. Just a few of the letters WBAM received from fans providing input into the acts they wished to see at the shows. Garrett Coliseum Montgomery Concert Setlists City Montgomery, AL, United States Add Montgomery venue Address 1555 Federal Drive Montgomery, AL 36107 USA Opened 1963 Web Official Website Garrett Coliseum on Wikipedia Info Located at he Alabama Agricultural Center. Garrett Coliseum, in contrast, could hold 10,000+ for a single performance in Montgomery. Most of the clubs have gone to a single performer, or a duo or karaoke. Both stations played Top 40 hits of the day, and the concerts were the Brennans' gifts to a loyal radio audience. In one fell swoop, he was in hot demand. The Captain and Tennille Show became a network hit and featured guest stars such as John Travolta, Don Knotts, The Pointer Sisters, and Red Foxx. Hes been in a few movies, raced sports cars and been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Brother Cyril Brennan, 84, was alternately chief engineer, manager, program director and music director at WBAM and also involved in lining up talent. We get young people, folks our age, and older folks, he said proudly. These are just a few of the acts presentedby the Brennans during the 1950s, '60s and early '70s. ", From David Hester: "Eagles at Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville in 1975. Brennan also remembers that Starr requested reinforcements to the stage area near his drum kit, because strong gusts lingered after the hurricane. The last Big BAM show was headlined by B.J. By the summer of 1975 hed joined singer and keyboardist Eddie Wohlford and drummer Tommy Beavers to become part of Harvest, the precursor to the group Harmony at the Kove that spawned two major talents who made it big nationally: Tommy Shaw and Beth Nielsen Chapman. (In 1965, Legion Field could seat more than 68,000 people.) Can you believe it? "Put You Down" was written by lead guitarist Max Kendrick and vocalist Rich Gainer. "He said, 'Dan, I like to play for you here in town, but I don't want you to ever book me on a show like this again. Yet there was also a gentler side of the city that is rarely revealed within the pages of history texts. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). (His moniker on the air: Dan the Music Man. Brennan, who understands the pull of nostalgia, says he's heard similar sentiments from many Birmingham folkswho came of age at the Shower of Stars. porsche cayman 987 bodykit; efficiencies for rent in riverview, fl. Go to the Archives Big BAM shows, Montgomery Several readers made fond mention of multi-act shows presented by WBAM-AM, a sister station to Birmingham's WVOK-AM, during the 1960s and early '70s. I believe that city has a particular significance to you. The Beach Boys were fresh-faced headliners that night, riding high on the success of hits such as "I Get Around," "Surfer Girl," "Surfin' U.S.A,""Help Me, Rhonda" and "California Girls." Local garage bands (they practiced in their parents garages or living rooms) were found in almost every town in the United States in the mid-to late 60s, and the Montgomery area was no exception. Big BAM Shows of the late 1960s and early 1970s featured all the biggest artists of the day, including Paul Revere and the Raiders, Lou Christie, Iron Butterfly, The Carpenters, The Monkees (as a group and individually), Tommy Joyce and Bobby Heart, The Grass Roots, and many more. Wish I had gotten one. The WMAQ slogan came from a contest where winners would have to answer the phone "WMAQ's gonna make me rich," so you had people using the phrase anytime. If it's all right with him, it's all right with me. WBAM Big Bam Shows 7,142 views Nov 21, 2010 One of the big hit singers of the 60's and 70's working on a bit with me for a TV show..a little behind the scenes..Bobby is involved with art. Canned Heat. Brennanleft the radio business for good in 1982. THE PROMOTIONAL POSTER OF THE WBAM, BIG BAM WINTER SPECTACULAR, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1967! Springsteen played the 'short end' of the the Beard-Eaves with the curtain up. Some of the concerts took place in a single location -- most often, Jacksonville. "They would be paying the acts, literally, in cash. FACIAL. The Fabulous Shades, 1965. ", From rtrmark: "Alice Cooper. go to da moon copy and paste. Bobby Goldsboro was having a nice run of hits in the mid-'60s when suddenly, with the release of a song called "Honey" in 1968, he became a major star. In the 1950s and '60s, Montgomery, Alabama, was ground zero f. The Other Side of Montgomery book. Roy Orbison. The bands that performed were: The Beach Boys / lou christie / Ian Whitcomb / The Happenings / the hollies / peter and gordon. "The level of excitement was unbelievable," Bartoletti says. Gobs of people have asked us when were going to do another reunion. Fans also rushed to nominate their favorites when asked for feedback. Birmingham on May 20, 1967. Edgar Winter Group with the Frankenstein tour," said Rick Allen. He was lead singer of the Rockin Gibraltars, formed in 1965 by a group of students at Lee High School. Hank Williams was another frequent live on-air performer. WBAM signed on in 1953 as AM 740. In the 1950s and '60s, Montgomery, Alabama, was ground zero f. Home; My Books; Browse . People came from several states to see these shows. The Rockin' Rebellions entered the big VOX (sound equipment) sponsored "WVOK Battle of the Bands" contest held at the Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham on May 20, 1967. . ', "We went over there and asked Roy, and he said, 'No, we're not going to do that. Moody remembers the group mysteriously disappeared after one show and had to be retrieved to play their second gig (lead singer Peter Noone was known to enjoy a party.). We made $100, remembers Grier. With an amazing backing band, he proceeded to entertain the entire evening. The Brennan familysold itsstake in AM radio a few years later,and hemoved on to WRKK-FM, an album-rock station known as K-99. Dan Brennan, center, with the Grass Roots. It was electric. by Lenore Reese Vickrey: photos by the Brennan Family, Lenore Vickrey, As the arena began to fill up, you could hear the noise of the crowd from backstage. Its better than not being remembered at all.. He wanted us to sign a management contract with him, but we were still under contract with Marshall and . Their most popular singles were It Will Stand (also recorded by The Showmen) and Bug of Soul. The groups members drifted back to Alabama, with the exception of Townsend and Sanford who formed the Sanford-Townsend Band and recorded the hit Smoke from a Distant Fire.. Classics such as Midnight Hour, (Wilson Pickett), Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd), and Mr. December 3, 1955-As an extra Bonus..here's the advertisement for sister station WBAM, Montgomery, AL, when the very young Elvis Presley appeared. The station is owned by Cumulus Media and the broadcast license is held by Cumulus Licensing LLC. Instead, the concert was held at the Gator Bowl under the auspices of the Brennans Jacksonville station WAPE, the Big APE. The Hollies. The Beach Boys. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. "Ringo said, 'I'm not getting up there unless you build me a bannister around this thing.' JLL put on a hell of a show also. Dan Brennan, center, backstage at the Shower of Stars with with Paul Revere & the Raiders. The Rolling Stones. ", "Leo Kottke, Foster Auditorium, UA campus, about 1974," said 57939names. The 8:30 p.m. show -- which happened in the windy aftermath of Hurricane Dora-- came courtesy of WAPE-AM, a radio station owned by the Brennan family. WMSP (740 AM, "Sports Radio 740") is a radio station licensed to serve Montgomery, Alabama, USA.The station is owned by Cumulus Media and the broadcast license is held by Cumulus Licensing LLC. Despite her young age -- she was 7 that year -- Bartoletti felt another emotion at the Gator Bowl: extreme pride. "Lynyrd Skynyrd, after Montrose featuring Sammy Hagar July 4th, 1975 at Rickwood Field," said Bamabadger62. Mountain 1971," said Billy Bromberg. The Beatles were paid a fee of $50,000 -- a hefty sum in those days, Brennan says -- and in the thick of the civil rights movement, the band's contract specified that they wouldn't perform for a segregated audience. I said, 'Well, this is Roy's show. REENADED . ", Looking back on it, Brennan realizes that bringing the Beatles to the Gator Bowl was a milestone event -- one firmly enshrined in Beatles lore and noted by Ron Howard in his 2016 documentary, "Eight Days a Week -- The Touring Years." I don't know, I guess people got to trust us. ", From Denniswingo: "The Grateful Dead in 1978 at the Boutwell Auditorium. Lowell George in his prime," says Bingothatwuzagoody. We were very obnoxious to the security guard, who was the nicest guy, and of course, we would go in and outside all the time. ", From Shapeshiftinhmojo: "Jimi Hendrix played Alabama twice in both Tuscaloosa and Auburn in 1968 or 69. Jerry Lee Lewis, the Brennans said. "Hendrix, Joplin, the Who, Elvis, Dylan all played in Tuscaloosa," said Jeremy Don McCollough. Thomas, joined by John Kay (solo after leaving Steppenwolf), the Grass Roots and others. Yet there was also a gentler side of the city that is rarely revealed within the pages of history texts. It was important to us.". Elton John played three different years and drew over 40,000 total. Roy Orbis. "His 'side' men was the entire Little Feat rhythm section. "One of my favorites was RUSH 1981 Mobile Municipal Auditorium," said tgfmiss. And they accepted it, but we did get the total amount of the gate that came in. A license for the station was issued in 1952. With no sound checks between acts, group would run on stage and begin playing almost immediately. Louise Brennan, Cyril's wife, at the Beatles' press conference in Jacksonville. Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Tommy, I'm in Montgomery, Alabama. Bob was producing a medical documentary in Alabama, and also was a promoter for Evil Kneival and Chill Wills. Toni loved doing the show, but Daryl, who never enjoyed being on camera, did not. Members: Original members Larry Hoyle, Johnny Hassett and Ron Howard, plus Chris Seymour, Johnny Long, Jr. and Craig Young. The resulting concerts -- which evolved into a series called the WVOK Shower of Stars in Birmingham, the Big BAM shows in Montgomery and the Big APE Convention in Jacksonville -- became enormously popular with radio listeners. Then another. One of its earliest Big BAM Shows featured Elvis Presley as he ascended to fame, on the same bill with Roy Acuff. A close second would be Yes at the Concert Hall in 2013. Show Hide article text (OCR) Brennan and his wife, Clara, who handled ticketing, estimate that one-third of the tickets for any Shower of Stars datewere purchased on faith, before the lineup was ever announced. I said, 'Cyril, what do you think we ought to do?' The rock band played several times at the Shower of Stars and appeared at one of the last few shows in the concert series, in July 1972. +40 (724) 307.599 Lu - Vi: 9:00 - 18:00; big bam shows montgomery, alabama It feels good. Readers of AL.com have plenty of ideas. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. truly historic happening. In the 1950s and '60s, Montgomery, Alabama, was ground zero for many of the major events central to the civil rights movement in this country. At least 25 people tried to jump the stage during the concert and were knocked backward into the crowd by gigantic stage bouncers! And the Brennans knew how to put on a show.. The Animals. Can you say Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?". ", From Eric Pendergrass: "Grateful Dead BJCC April 4,5 1995.". $14 million dollar house maine; Hello? (L-R) Bob Corley, David Headley, Cary Green, Jeffery Johnson, Bob Pike, John Key. In most cases, the concertswere multi-act affairs, featuring the hottest names the radio stations could secure. Wed ask them, Who would you like to see? Then wed select artists for the shows from this listener input.. Formed: 1966, Tallassee. No mention does anyone else remember that?". I always got seats on the floor for the shows.