The Class Reunion "Legendary Artist Series"

During the three year run of my show, "The Class Reunion" I had a very unique opportunity to interview some of the greatest stars of all time. In keeping with the mission of "The Class Reunion", the "Legendary Artist Series", I talked only with original or long time members of groups, and if there is a question as to the validity of a person I check it out thoroughly before I schedule an interview. During this time I have come to deeply respect the work that so many artists are doing in "Truth In Artist Advertising." Many of the best know artists of the rock and roll era have banded together to seek passage of legislation to protect the public from "impostor" groups. "The Class Reunion" fully supports that work and has interviewed several members of the various groups involved with this project.

I have been fortunate enough to interview the following "Legends":


Legendary Artist Series Interviews:
Brenda Lee
Hugh Geyer (The Vogues)
Neil Sedaka
Sonny Turner (long time member of The Platters)
The Skyliners 2 times (Jimmy Beaumont Founder/leader and Nick Pociask, long time member)
Buckinghams (Carl Giammarese)
Sly, Slick, & Wicked (John Wilson) 2 times
The Coasters (Carl Gardner)
The Guess Who (Garry Peterson)
Sha Na Na (Jocko) 2 times
B.J. Thomas
The Tams (Charles Pope)
The Union Gap (Gary Puckett)
The Manhattans (Sonny Bivens)
The Kingsmen (Dick Peterson)
Johnny Tillotson (KRIM & KMOG) 2 interviews
The Four Preps (Bruce Belland)
Lou Christie
Dowop To Woodstock Productions (John Lumpkin)
The Diamonds and Y.B.S. (Dave Somerville 2 times)
New Christiy Minstrels (Randy Sparks Founder)
Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon
Diane Renay
Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells & LaBelle (Sarah Dash) 2 times
Danny & The Juniors (Joe Terry, founding member)
Surf City All Stars (David Logeman) 2 times
Lenny Welch
Shirelles (Beverly Lee)
Mel Carter
Dick & Dee Dee (Dee Dee Phelps) 2 times
The Association (Jim Yester)
Frankie Ford
The Lettermen (Tony Butala) Founder of the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame
Jimmy Rodgers
The Four Aces (Joe Giglio) 3 interviews
The Reflections (Tony Micale, founder)
The Fleetwoods 3 times (Gretchen Christopher founder/female lead)
The Champs (Jerry Cole long time member)
Joey Dee (Joey Dee & The Starlighters ) interview included Bob Valli & Dave Brigati
Duane Eddy 3 times
Dave Brigati (Young Rascals)
Gary Puckett 2 times
Johnny Crawford
Freddy Paris (the Five Satins)
Trini Lopez


I feel fortunate to have made many friends along the way, and for the assistance of such people as Joe Giglio, Dave Sommerville, John Lumpkin, Nick Pocisak, and many more artists.

I continued the "Legendary Artist Series" until September of 2007, a couple of months after I purchased Cruise Port Travel when the work load and the "B.S." from Suzanne Michaels got to be too much. I consider myself fortunate to have continued to be friends with several of the artists to this day. Today I am sharing some memories of my broadcast time and The Class Reunion in a weekly column in the Rim Country Gazette.