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MUSICAL PICK OF THE MOMENT: "Heavenly Ruby"by the Californians, 1955.

Very appealing plaintive Doo-Wop ballad.

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    DR. HEPCAT ON YOU TUBE!

    If you dig boogie woogie and gospel piano check out these two You Tube performances:

    Boogie 1

    Where Shall I Be?

    JUST PUBLISHED IN MARCH 2019: Rhythm and Blues Goes Calypso by Timothy Dodge. See this link for more information.

    PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 2013: The School of Arizona Dranes: Gospel Music Pioneer by Timothy Dodge. See this link for more information.

    Listen to Dr. Hepcat broadcast the "Golden Oldies" show on WEGL - Auburn, FM 91.1 on Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Central Time). He plays the best rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll, doo wop, rockabilly, gospel, blues, early country, ska, calypso, and related music of the 1940's and 1950's! Check out WEGL's web site at http://www.weglfm.com/
    Tune in!

    Play List: See Below


    Last updated September 24,2025 at 8:43 a.m. Copyright (c) 2025.

    Send any e-mail comments to me at dodgeti@auburn.edu

    Play List

    While I was broadcasting on December 1, 2006, a listener called me up to make a very good suggestion: that I keep an online play list of the Golden Oldies records I play on each show! Just so everyone knows, I started out on radio as a trainee on WSRN - Swarthmore, Pa. in the fall of 1975. In those days, even on a college radio station, you had to take a written test from the F.C.C. (Federal Communications Commission) in order to get your license as a Third Class Radiotelephone Operator. Consequently, my real on-air radio career did not start until Sunday, February 1, 1976 at 5:00 a.m. when I played my very first song. It was "Speedo" by the Cadillacs (1955).

    I remained a d.j. on WSRN through May 1979. My next radio experience took place Summer 1984 - July 1987 when I hosted a Blues and also sometimes a Gospel program on WDNA - Miami. After that I hosted both a Golden Oldies and a Calypso Carnival show on WUNH - Durham, N.H. from January 1988 - June 1992.

    Finally, in May 1998 I joined WEGL - Auburn, Ala. as host of the Golden Oldies. Just wanted to let you all know that even though my online listing of radio show play lists only reflects the current academic semester, I've actually broadcasted a lot of radio shows on and off since February 1, 1976!

    NOTICE: As I have typed in these playlists, I have come to the realization that this web site is becoming a bit too long, so starting with the Summer 2007 Semester, I think I will only provide playlists for the length of the current semester. This means I will delete the playlists of the previous semester at the start of the new semester. Thank you for taking note.

    Play Lists: Fall 2025

    August 19, 2025

    1. "Soul Twist" by King Curtis, 1962 (Tough instrumental featuring Curtis on saxophone.)
    2. "Walkin' Back to Happiness" by Helen Shapiro, 1961
    3. "Paralyzed" by Elvis Presley, 1956 (Appealing rocker. Not a big hit, this one was lost in the shuffle of his amazing success in 1956.)
    4. "Birth of the Boogie" by Bill Haley and the Comets, 1955 (Typical Haley rocker. Imaginative lyrics.)
    5. "Passion Blues" by Jewel King, 1948
    6. "Baby" by Jeanie and her Boy Friends, 1959 (Very nice soulful Doo-Wop ballad. Actually, Jeanie does not sing lead here. She is featured on the rockin' flipside, "It's Me Knocking" an "answer record" to the Genies' 1959 "Who's that Knocking?")
    7. "Don't Be Angry" by Nappy Brown, 1955 (Storming rocker features vigorous vocals plus scorching saxophone solo. Also, nice touch, Brown employs a vocal gimmick where he adds the letter "L" to various words, for example, "Don't-el drive-el me away-el.")
    8. "Bring It Home to Me" by Ella Johnson and the Bee Jays with the Buddy Johnson Orchestra, 1956
    9. "Stack-a-Lee Part 1" by Archibald, 1950 (Wonderful version of the Folk/Blues number made most famous by Lloyd Price in 1958 and recorded at least as far back as the 1920's by various artists both black and white. Title varies. Archibald, real name Leon Gross, played a wonderful rolling New Orleans Boogie Woogie piano and his singing is expressive.)
    10. "Stack-a-Lee Part 2" by Archibald, 1950 (See above.)
    11. "Yield Not to Temptation" by the Roberta Martin Singers, 1947
    12. "Peace in the Valley" by Vance "Tiny" Powell and the Paramount Gospel Singers, 1951 (Outstanding version of this outstanding slow Gospel number. Beautiful.)
    13. "Let's Do It" by Sticks McGhee and his Buddies, 1950 (Outstanding early Rock 'n' Roll. Yes, McGhee uses those words. An exciting party record. McGhee is most famous for his 1949 R. & B. hit, "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee.")
    14. "Shout the Boogie" by Memphis Minnie, 1947 (More ouktstanding early Rock 'n' Roll. Features Minnie's enthusiastic vocals plus some of her great Blues guitar, however, the main instrumental push comes from the simply outstanding Boogie Woogie piano played by "John" who I assume is the great Blind John Davis who was active at this time.)
    15. "Birmingham Bounce" by Hardrock Gunter, 1950 (Outstnading early Rock 'n' Roll or, alternatively, a hot example of Hillbilly Boogie. Gunter enthusiastically encourages listeners to dance. Features several HOT instrumental breaks with the best being Boogie piano by Huel Murphy.)
    16. "Fat Sam from Birmingham" by Louis Jordan, 1954 (Fun Jump Blues by Jordan who, by this itme, was no longer enjoying the hitmaker status he'd enjoyed circa 1938 - 1952. However, he still could rock with the best of them on this witty number.)
    17. "Heavenly Father" by Edna McGriff, 1951 (Big R. & B. hit in 1952. A sweet ballad where Edna asks the Lord to "protect the boy I love." Very topical with the Korean War in full swing.)
    18. "Since I Met You, Baby" by Ivory Joe Hunter, 1956 (Probably my favorite Hunter record. Mellow bluesy catchy ballad features nice piano plus Hunter's smokey vocals. Somewhat resembles his big 1950 hit (recorded in '49), "I Almost Lost my Mind.")
    19. "Rocket Ride" by Floyd Turnham, 1953
    20. "It Must Be Love" by Viola Watkins (Enjoyable mid-tempo rocker. My guess: 1952. Joe Weaver redid it nicely in 1955.)
    21. "Sittin' in the Balcony" by Eddie Cochran, 1957
    22. "Deep Purple" by Nino Tempo and April Stevens, 1963
    23. "(Today) I Met the Boy I'm Gonna Marry" by Darlene Love, 1963 (Really sweet romantic ballad.)
    24. "When We Get Married" by the Dreamlovers, 1961 (Very nice soulful Doo-Wop ballad by this male vocal group. Their biggest hit. The group is probably better known as the back-up singers for Chubby Checker on such records as "The Twist" (1960) and "Pony Time" (1961)).
    25. "The Watusi" by the Vibrations, 1960 (Absolutely HOT dance number!!!!)
    26. "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" by Big Joe Turner, 1954
    27. "Bim Bam Baby" by Jeanne Gale and Cliffie Stone's Orchestra, 1952
    28. "Bim Bam Boom" by the El Dorados, 1956 (Catchy uptempo Doo-Wop. Obviously influenced by their big 1954 hit, "At my Front Door.")
    29. "Heavenly Ruby" by the Californians, 1955 (Very appealing plaintive Doo-Wop ballad.)
    30. "Forever I Vow" by Ruby Whitaker and the Chestnuts, 1956
    31. "Walk with Me" by Marie Knight, 1952
    32. "Jesus Is a Rock" by the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, 1953 (Real driving uptempo Gospel.)
    33. "Baby, Be Mine" by Nolan Strong and the Diablos, 1954 (Fantastic catchy Doo-wop rocker. Flip side to their better known haunting ballad, "The Wind." which was the hit. "Baby, Be Mine" should not be missed if you dig uptempo Doo-Wop. Superb sax solo too.)
    34. "Daddy, Daddy" by Ruth Brown, 1952
    35. "Give Me Some Consideration" by the Du Droppers, 1953 (Gospel-influenced Doo-Wop ballad. Very soulful and bluesy.)

    August 26, 2025

    1. "I Know" by Barbara George, 1961 (The unmistakeable sound of early 1960's New Orleans R. & B.)
    2. "School Daze" by Little Rico and the King Krooners, 1960
    3. "School Is In" by Gary U.S. Bonds, 1961
    4. "School Days" by Chuck Berry, 1957 (Great Rock 'n' Roll distillation of the high school experience. Witty lyrics too.)
    5. "Come Home" by the Vestelles, 1958 (Superb Doo-Wop ballad by this female group. Atmospheric. The true sound of 1958.)
    6. "Until the End of Time" by Doris Browne and the Doc Bagby Orchestra, 1953
    7. "Party Doll" by Buddy Knox, 1957 (Lively and fun. Great guitar playing too.)
    8. "So Tough" by the Original Casuals, 1958 (Perfect description of this fine rocker. The electric guitar solo is outstanding.)
    9. "God Is a Battle Axe" by the Sallie Martin Singers, 1950
    10. "Jesus Will Answer Prayer" by the Dixie Hummingbirds and the Angelic Gospel Singers, 1950-51 (Some of the best uptempo Gospel ever. Joyful!)
    11. "Yearning" by the Five Keys, 1953
    12. "The Best of Friends" by Savannah Churchill and the Four Tunes, 1948
    13. "Window Shopping" by Hank Williams and the Drifting Cowboys, 1952 (Soulful Country ballad concerning a shallow, insincere woman. Excellent steel guitar accompaniment by Don Helms.)
    14. "Poison Love" by Johnnie and Jack, 1950 (Outstanding emotionally devastating uptempo Country with a Rhumba-like beat.)
    15. "It Makes No Difference Now" by Piano Red, 1951 (Exuberant R. & B. version of the Western Swing song of regret first recorded by Cliff Bruner and his Texas Wanderers in 1938. This one really rocks.)
    16. "The Pick Up" by Etta James, 1957 (Amusing mid-tempo rocker concerns the communication mishaps that end up with Etta and "the right kind of man" ending up going out on a date after her initial reluctance. Novelty twist: the man's part is played entirely by a saxophone - no vocals on his part.)
    17. "Blueberry Hill" by Fats Domino, 1956 (Not the first but certainly the definitive version.)
    18. "Tragedy" by Thomas Wayne and the DeLons, 1958
    19. "Rebel Rouser" by Duane Eddy, 1958
    20. "Why Did You Leave Me?" by Rosie and the Originals, 1962 (Pretty good rocker by the group best known for their romantic soulful 1960 hit ballad, "Angel Baby.")
    21. "My Whispering Heart" by the Edsels, 1962
    22. "Don't Know What to Do" by the Edsels, 1960
    23. "Three Precious Words" by the Edsels, 1960 (Soulful Doo-Wop ballad. Nice!)
    24. "Rama Lama Ding Dong" by the Edsels, 1958 (Big hit in 1961. In my opinion, the PERFECT example of uptempo Doo-Wop. Has it all: catchy melody, strong lead vocals, falsetto background, a prominent bass, and a simply outstanding saxophone solo.)
    25. "Boyfriend" by the Serenadettes, 1961 (Catchy uptempo Doo-Wop.)
    26. "Ding-Dong" by the Echoes, 1956 (Excellent uptempo New York City Doo-Wop by this male vocal group. Better than the original 1956 version by the Packards. Sorry, Packards.)
    27. "Hills of Calvary" by the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, 1959
    28. "Heaven" by Bessie Griffin, 1955 (Simply lovely slow Gospel. Nice soprano voice.)
    29. "Slow, Smooth, and Easy" by Anita Tucker, 1955
    30. "Justine" by Don and Dewey, 1958 (Truly frenzied Rock 'n' Roll.)
    31. "Steel Guitar Rag" by Earl Hooker, 1954 (Amazing improvisatory electric guitar. This instrumental was done by many others with the 1936 version by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys featuring Leon McAuliffe on steel guitar as the best known. FIRST recorded by Sylvester Weaver in 1923!)
    32. "Slipping In" by Rose Mitchell, 1953 (Great rocker concerns "slipping in" home very late at night. This is the ORIGINAL version. Nicely redone by the male vocal group, the Spiders, in 1953.)
    33. "My Heart's Desire" by the Wheels, 1956 (One of my favorite Doo-Wop ballads. Male vocal group provides moving harmonies and lyrics on this romantic ballad.)
    34. "Halfway to Paradise" by Tony Orlando, 1961 (His first hit but not first record which was made in 1959. Melodic soulful ballad about romantic frustration: "Don't leave me halfway to Paradise. So near yet so far away." Orlando, of course, hit big in the 1970's, with his group, Dawn.)
    35. "He's a Rebel" by the Crystals, 1962
    36. "I Met Him on a Sunday" by the Shirelles, 1958

    September 2, 2025

    1. "Woke Up this Morning" by B.B. King, 1953
    2. "Unchain my Heart" by Gladys Patrick, 1955 (Decent mid-tempo rocker. NOT the same song as "Unchain my Heart" by Ray Charles, 1961.)
    3. "All Night Long" by the Du-Mauriers, 1957 (Propulsive uptempo male Doo-Wop. Great sax solo too.)
    4. "One Bone" by Claude Cloud and his Thunderclaps, 1954
    5. "Every Beat of my Heart" by Gladys Knight and the Pips, 1961 (Their first HIT; they first started recording in 1958. Lovely soulful romantic ballad. Was originally recorded by the Royals in 1952, who became more famous as Hank Ballard and the Midnighters.)
    6. "Moonlight Cocktails" by the Rivieras, 1959 (Sublime romantic Doo-Wop ballad by this male group.)
    7. "Really Now" by Gloria and the Dreamlets, 1964
    8. "Lucille" by Laurel Aitken, 1962 (Jamaican Ska! Not the same "Lucille" as by Little Richard (1957) or Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters (1954).)
    9. "Pink Lane Shuffle" by Duke Reid and his Group, 1961 (Wonderful Ska instrumental. Lots of great saxophone plus trombone work and piano. Also, look out when the bass drum kicks in!)
    10. "Are You Going to Marry Me?" by Derrick and Patsy, 1962
    11. "Worried over You" by Keith and Enid, 1960 (Gorgeous moving romantic ballad concerning romantic doubt. Beautiful harmonizing plus atmospheric bluesy saxophone and tinkling Gospel-flavored piano. Really moving. Jamaican.)
    12. "Hurt" by Timi Yuro, 1961
    13. "Modern Romance" by Sanford Clark, 1958 (Amusing rocker. Clark is most famous for his bluesy atmospheric mid-tempo Rockabilly "The Fool" from 1956.)
    14. "Little Dog Blues" by Mel Price, 1959 (Fantastic basic bluesy Rockabilly! Love it! Has a Jimmie Rodgers influence both melodically and lyrically. I'm referring to Jimmie Rodgers of "blue yodel" fame who recorded 1927-1933, not the later Jimmie Rodgers of the 1950's who was good but a completely different guy.)
    15. "What'cha Do to Me" by Patsy Clark, 1958
    16. "Marianne" by Terry Gilkyson and his Easy Riders, 1956 (Nice American interpretation of the Trinidadian Calypso first recorded by Lord Invader in 1946. One of many, many versions of this catchy Calypso.)
    17. "You Have No Heart" by the Crescents, 1957 (Affecting bluesy male group slow Doo-Wop.)
    18. "To Be a Part of You" by the Clickettes, 1960
    19. "Hello, Mellow Baby" by Thomas Jefferson and the Mardi Gras Loungers, 1955 (HOT New Orleans R. & B. that is, essentially, a commercial for locally brewed Jax beer.)
    20. "Get Away, Jordan" by the Sensational Nightingales, 1949
    21. "I Thank You, Lord" by the Sensational Nightingales, 1952 (Excellent uptempo Gospel by this famous male group.)
    22. "Does Jesus Care?" by the Sensational Nightingales, 1953
    23. "Morning Train" by the Sensational Nightingales, 1957-58
    24. "Somewhere to Lay my Head" by the Sensational Nightingales, 1955 (Perhaps my favorite song by the group. Simply outstanding uptempo Gospel just transports you out of this world.)
    25. "Teenage Prayer" by Dolly Cooper, 1955
    26. "He's my Baby" by Donna Hightower and Group, 1956 (Good rocker uses same melody as Gene Vincent's 1956 "Be Bop-a-Lula.")
    27. "Cross over the Bridge" by Patti Page, 1954 (The first and, perhaps, the best version. Great mid-tempo song has elements of R. & B., Blues, and Gospel, as well as Pop. Page is, of course, most famous for "Tennessee Waltz" from 1950. Some R & B. artists also recorded "Cross over the Bridge" including the Flamingos nad the Chords, both in 1954.)
    28. "Go, Go, Go" by the Treniers, 1955
    29. "Texas Walk" by Joe Houston, 1960
    30. "How Could you?" by the Enchanters, 1952 (Excellent rocker by this female vocal group. Concerns being dumped by her boyfriend because she's growing old!)
    31. "Poco-Loco" by Gene and Eunice, 1958
    32. "I.O.U." by the Spaniels, 1957
    33. "Oh, But She Did" by the El Capris, 1956 (Good remake of the catchy uptempo Doo-Wop number first recorded by the male group, the Opals, in 1954.)
    34. "On your Radio" by 12 Year Old Richard Lanham, 1956 (One of many "kiddie group" recordings made following the massive success of 13-year old Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers' 1956 hit "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" (recorded in '55). Today it's cellphones but back in 1956 Lanham complained about his girlfriend paying more attention to her radio than to him. Fun uptempo Doo-Wop. Lanham is backed up the the Tempotones.)

    NO SHOW September 9!! Sorry, folks, but there's a volleyball sports broadcast schedule conflict. The Golden Oldies will return on Tuesday, September 16.

    September 16, 2025

    1. "As Long as I'm Moving" by Ruth Brown, 1955 (Great rocker. Some of you might recall I used this as my opening theme song for several years in recent years.)
    2. "Looped" by Joe Dyson, 1952 (HOT! Great vocals plus wonderful piano and sax. First version by Melvin Smith in 1952. Tommy Ridgley also recorded a version in '52 but I think Dyson's is the best.)
    3. "Jumpin' the Boogie" by Piano Red, 1951 (Typical - and wonderful - Piano Red number features his enthusiastic singing and nearly off-the-rails Boogie Woogie piano.)
    4. "I Hear You Knocking" by Gale Storm, 1955 (Decent remake and a big hit version of the New Orleans Blues first recorded by Smiley Lewis in '55.)
    5. "Baby, I Love You So" by Joe Weaver and the Don Juans, 1956 (Intriguing bluesy almost haunting mid-tempo R. & B. ballad. Nice piano as well as lead vocals by Weaver.)
    6. "Darling, I Know" by the El Rays, 1953 (Nice Doo-Wop ballad by the group who became much more famous as the Dells with their 1956 hit, "Oh, What a Night.")
    7. "It's You" by Shirley Gunter and the Queens, 1954
    8. "Call a Doctor" by the Crows, 1953 (Lively uptempo Doo-Wop by the male vocal group most famous for their one big 1954 hit, recorded in 1953, "Gee." "Call a Doctor" should have been a hit too!)
    9. "Rock that Boogie" by Big Joe Houston, 1956
    10. "{lease Don't Tell 'Em" by the Blue Dots, 1957 (Wonderful raw bluesy uptempo male group Doo-Wop. A great group who made just a few records, They were from Georgia but that's all I know.)
    11. "Jesus Is All the World ot Me" by Madame Ernestine B.Washington, 1948 (Simply outstanding slow Gospel. This is just beautiful.)
    12. "Won't You Sit Down?" by the Staple Singers, 1953 (One of their very first records. Great Gospel.)
    13. "Hold that Train, Conductor" by Dr. Clayton, 1946
    14. "Beer Bottle Boogie" by Marilyn Scott, 1950
    15. "Ain't Got No Home" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry, 1956 (Catchy rocker features Henry singing in three diferent voices including, yes, one like a frog. He also plays some great piano.)
    16. "You're So Good Looking" by Otis Smith, 1959 (HOT Rock 'n' Roll!! Structure is a lot like B.B. King's 1953 "Woke Up this Morning" that I played on the September 2 show, see above.)
    17. "I Need You" by the Utmosts, 1961
    18. "What a Surprise" by the Crests, 1961 (Plaintive Doo-Wop ballad with some very interesting lyrics. One of the last with Johnny Maestro on lead before he split from the group to eventually form the Brooklyn Bridge later in the 1960's.)
    19. "Smokey Places" by the Corsairs, 1961 (Evocative mid-tempo Soul ballad kind of in the Drifters' style.)
    20. "I've Got a Man" by Anna Belle Carter, 1962 (Excellent rocker with something of a cool Jazz feel.)
    21. "Honey, Don't" by Carl Perkins, 1956 (A Rockabilly classic for sure.)
    22. "No Money Down" by Chuck Berry, 1955 (The ultimate car fantasy.)
    23. "Walking in Jesus' Name" by the Stewart Family Four, 1952 (Actually, just Sylvester Stewart, later known as Sly Stone, age 9 singing Gospel.)
    24. "Long Time Alone" by Sylvester Stewart, 1962 (Slow Doo-Wop ballad. Rather different from his late 1960's - early 1970's funky weird but mostly appealing hits.)
    25. "Help Me with my Broken Heart" by Sylvester Stewart, 1962 (Uptempo Doo-Wop. Rather different from his late 1960's - early 1970's funky weird but mostly appealing hits.)
    26. "The Wasp" by the Bubbles, 1961
    27. "Ride On, King Jesus" by the Roberta Martin Singers, 1958
    28. "You Can't Even Thumb a Ride" by the Friendly Brothers, c. 1958 (Very good uptempo Gospel. Sad that most young listeners don't know what the title means since hitch hiking seems to have disappeared over the last 20 years.)
    29. "Eddie, my Love" by the Teen Queens, 1955
    30. "High School U.S.A." by Tommy Facenda, 1958 (Rousing fast-paced rocker celebrates high school and names some prominent ones. He also recorded 29 regional variations including "Alabama/Georgia." Ran out of time to play the latter but might play it on next week's show. September 13-14 I went up to New Hampshire to participate in the Oyster River High School Class of 1975's 50th. year class reunion. Durham, N.H. It was fun but also weird catching up with people I remember around age 18 now around age 68 like me.)

    September 23, 2025

    1. "Uptown" by Roy Orbison, 1959 (His first real hit and one of my favorites. Great mid-tempo bluesy Country sounding song about upward mobility.)
    2. "I'm Getting Better All the Time" by Barbara Pittman, 1957 (Cheerful rocker about getting better at romance by the date.)
    3. "High School U.S.A. Alabama/Georgia Version" by Tommy Facenda, 1958 (Last week I played the general hit version of the song (see previous playlist). Rousing fast-paced rocker celebrates high school and names some prominent ones. He also recorded 29 regional variations including "Alabama/Georgia." Ran out of time to play the latter but might play it on next week's show - which is what I did today. September 13-14 I went up to New Hampshire to participate in the Oyster River High School Class of 1975's 50th. year class reunion. Durham, N.H. It was fun but also weird catching up with people I remember around age 18 now around age 68 like me.)
    4. "Money (That's What I Want)" by Barrett Strong, 1959
    5. "Tomorrow Night" by LaVern Baker, 1954 (Soulful remake of the romantic ballad first recorded by Lonnie Johnson in 1947; Johnson's original was a hit in 1948.)
    6. "It Hurts Me to my Heart" by Faye Adams, 1954 (Gospel-flavored dramatic Blues ballad.)
    7. "Sweet Home Chicago" by Little Junior Parker and his Blue Flames, 1958 (Nice remake of Robert Johnson's 1936 uptempo Blues which, in turn, was based on earlier recordings such as Kokomo Arnold's "Old Original Kokomo Blues" from 1934. In addition to vocals features Parker's expressive harmonica.)
    8. "Boogie Disease" by Dr. Ross, 1952 (Compelling Blues stomper by Isaiah Ross: "I may get better but I'll never get well.")
    9. "Tired" by Princess Stewart, 1958
    10. "Christian's Automobile" by the Dixie Hummingbirds, 1957 (Bluesy uptempo Gospel compares being Christian to driving a car: faith is your steering wheel, etc. Great stuff.)
    11. "My True Love" by the Swans, 1953 (One of those beautiful, soulful, almost amateurish but very appealing obscure Doo-Wop ballads. There were at least two Swans vocal groups around this era. These guys were from near New York City. The group is long gone and its members likely dead by this point but they left behind a simply beautiful soulful, almost haunting, record.)
    12. "Every Night (I Pray)" by the Chantels, 1958
    13. "It's You, It's You I Love" by the Carvels, 1957-58 (Perfect example of the uptempo catchy New York City style of Doo-Wop by this male vocal group.)
    14. "Shake Walkin'" by Mickey "Guitar" Baker and his House Rockers, 1955
    15. "Zoom" by Vito and the Salutations (Acappella version of the Doo-Wop rocker first recorded by the Cadillacs in 1956. My guess is c. 1962-64.)
    16. "Come-a, Come-a" by the Bobbettes, 1957 (Catchy Doo-Wop by the female group most famous for "Mr. Lee," a big 1957 hit.)
    17. "Don't" by Elvis Presley, 1957 (Nicely backed up by the Jordanaires, Elvis sings a truly soulful romantic ballad.)
    18. "Tonight You Belong to Me" by Patience and Prudence, 1956
    19. "Got You on my Mind" by Cookie and Cupcakes, 1963 (Fantastic Louisiana Swamp Pop remake of Big John Greer and the Rhythm Rockers' 1951 bluesy ballad.)
    20. "Dance, Baby, Dance" by Jay Hadley, 1962 (Fast-paced REAL Rock 'n' Roll!!)
    21. "Surfin' U.S.A." by the Beach Boys, 1962
    22. "California Girls" by the Beach Boys, 1965 (I think recorded in '64 but a hit in '65. Fun mid-tempo celebration of the attraction of California girls.)
    23. "Surfer Girl" by the Beach Boys, 1963
    24. "Barbara Ann" by the Beach Boys, 1965 (Big hit in 1966. The perfect party record. Stompin' fun remake of the Regents' 1961 Doo-Wop rocker. Love both versions.)
    25. "Shoot the Curl" by the Honeys, 1963 (Fun female Surf rocker. Fun fact: Marilyn Rovell, a group member, married Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys in 1964.)
    26. "Foot Stomping" by the Flares, 1961
    27. "Beechwood 4-5789" by the Marvelettes, 1962
    28. "I'm Troubled" by the Drinkard Singers, 1956
    29. "I've Got a Mother Gone Home" by the Pilgrim Travelers, 1951
    30. "Jinny Mule" by Big Maybelle, 1953 (Fierce rocker where Big Maybelle compares her lover to a stubborn mule.)
    31. "Good Rocking Tonight" by Wynonie Harris, 1947 (Big hit in 1948. Excellent foot stompin' declaration and a good candidate for first Rock 'n' Roll record. Roy Brown wrote and recorded it first in 1947 but Harris had the big hit. Elvis Presley redid it nicely in 1954 transforming the heavy R. & B. stomper into Rockabilly.)
    Dr. Hepcat age 17 in 1974 with his first car, a 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88. I can't believe it's been over FIFTY YEARS since this photograph was taken! Note to younger folks: enjoy your youth while you've got it.
    Last updated September 24, 2025 at 8:43 a.m. Copyright (c) 2025.