The Shangri-Las -- Mary Weiss, Betty Weiss, Mary Ann Ganser and Margie Ganser -- affectionately known as "The Shangs", were universally unique not only in the lyrics of the songs that they effectively sang and performed but in their natural attractiveness, personal charm and girl-power appearance. The Shangri-Las steadily gained popularity, recognition and success which are still evident to this day. As for popular girl groups like The Ronettes (Manhattan), The Chiffons (The Bronx), Candy & The Kisses (Staten Island).... The Shangri-Las are also from New York City -- Queens!

Mary Weiss was the one and only and the inimitable lead singer of The Shangri-Las. Mary's voice was the ultimate teenage voice. Her magnetic voice and precise intonation set the stage for the group. Mary was the chief ingredient in the quartet.  Mary's stand-out voice is strong, dramatic, emotional, mesmerizing and, when needed, angst-laden and brooding -- yet all the while charming and sexy! Appearance-wise, pretty Mary had it nailed -- and in a simple yet attractive way. This was commercially reaffirmed by Natural Wonder Make-up chosing Miss Weiss as their teen spokesgirl. Mary's beautiful, blondish hair was a popular and praising topic of conversation.

Moreover, The Shangri-Las were virtually the only #1 white girl group of the 1960s -- the sole exception previously being pre-Shangri-Las in 1963 with the trio The Angels. They had two big hit songs: "My Boyfriend's Back" and "Till". By the way, can't you easily hear and see The Shangs perfectly performing "My Boyfriend's Back"? Listen to the lyrics: "My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble". (As we already know, when it comes to girls and their boyfriends, "trouble" can involve The Shangri-Las's boys -- such as both Jimmys.) "When you see him comin', you better cut out on the double. You've been spreadin' lies that I was untrue. So look out now 'cause he's comin' after you! Hey, he knows I wasn't cheatin'. Now, you're gonna get a beatin'!" Get the picture? Yes, we see! Color it The Shangri-Las!

In a lengthy interview with Queen Allyson Ann Allante ("AAA") of the STONEWALL Veterans' Association ("S.V.A.") and the Imperial QUEENS of New York ("IQKNY"), she was querried about the music at the original Stonewall Club in Manhattan, New York. She was also asked about the effective and telling music in the movie "Stonewall", in which Allyson appears and The Shangri-Las sing. Queen AAA descriptively declared: "The great Shangri-Las -- the 'Sweethearts of The Stonewall' -- are the quintessential girl group in looks, demeanor and perception. Mary & The Shangs were very popular at The Stonewall in the jukebox and over a quarter-of-a-century later, five of their songs are in the movie "Stonewall". The Shangri-Las are universally and inimitably represented as... street corner standin', boy-watchin', beach walkin', cycle ridin', fast drivin', leather wearin', boot kickin', foot-stompin', hip-shakin', finger snappin', soda drinkin', gum chewin', eyes rollin', hair beehivin', make-up paintin', eye lashin', lip poutin', nail bitin', perfume smellin', party dancin', luv makin', heart-breakin' galz."

All of The Shangri-Las' golden -- many iconic -- songs from 1964 to 1966 were recorded on Red Bird Records and virtually all were produced by George "Shadow" Morton. "The Shadow" -- second only to legendary Phil Spector in strong style and imaginative ideas -- instinctively knew what to do different and creatively how to do it! The sound effects on "Remember" and "Leader" are incredibly memorable.  Us youngsters "L-U-Ved" it! As of 1967, with the unfortunate demise of Red Bird Records, The Shangs along with Shadow moved to Mercury Records. The greatly-anticipated singles collection was issued as the "Golden Hits of The Shangri-Las" by Mercury. It includes all of their "A" side singles and almost all of their hits at The Stonewall Club, which also consisted of a few "B" sides such as "Heaven Only Knows" and "The Train From Kansas City". Most of all, to us, The Shangri-Las simply had a special musical "entry pass" at The Stonewall. The white, teenage, pop 'n' soul girls were perennial favorites in the popular Stonewall jukebox! They were so Stonewall with their drama, their attitude, their attire and their yearnings. The Shangs' songs were always theatrical and fresh at The Stonewall and elsewhere. Likewise for The Shangri-Las, their songs, honored once again, are playing many years later on the big screen in the movie "Stonewall".

----- Williamson Henderson, S.V.A. Founder

* * * *

The definitive Shangri-Las.... Myrmidons of Melodrama
Pictured (l-2-r) are: Mary Ann Ganser, Betty Weiss, Marge Ganser and Mary Weiss

* * * *

More Shangri-Las songs at The Stonewall -- but not in movie "Stonewall":

* "Leader Of The Pack" (1964) {#1 song}

* "Give Us Your Blessings" =b/w= "Heaven Only Knows" (1965)

* "Right Now And Not Later" =b/w= "The Train From Kansas City" (1965)

* "I Can Never Go Home Any More" (1965) {#1 NYC}

* "Long Live Our Love" (1966)

* "He Cried" =b/w= "Dressed In Black" (1966)

* "The Sweet Sounds Of Summer" (1967)

* "Footsteps On The Roof" =b/w= "Take The Time" (1967)

Musical Notes: The Shangri-Las also impressed and effected many other singers and musicians over the decades. Some of the artists who have 'covered' songs of The Shangri-Las, or were musically influenced by them, include (alphabetically): Aerosmith ("Remember, Walking In The Sand"), Debbie Harry & Blondie ("Out In The Streets"), The Damned, The Detergents (a take-off, "Leader Of The Laundromat"), The Detroit Cobras, The Dictators, The Donnas, Duff Sisters ("Leader Of The Pack"), Girlschool, Go-Go's ("Remember"), Joan Jett, Bette Midler ("Leader"), New York Dolls ("Give Him A Great Big Kiss"), The Ramones, The Ronettes ("Paradise"; yes, The Shangs did it first), The Runaways, Sonic Youth, Twisted Sister ("Leader"), Versus ("Out In The Streets"), Amy Winehouse........ There are, 'No Doubt', more. Let the S.V.A. know!

* * * *

The Shangri-Las in full image, regalia and hair (l-2-r): Betty Weiss,
twins Mary Ann and Margie Ganser and lead singer Mary Weiss

* * * *

Update: "The Past"

One rock music writer years ago relating to the missing-in-action of The Shangri-Las cleverly referred to them as "The Holy Shangri-Las: St. Mary, St. Elizabeth, St. Mary Ann and St. Marguerite"!

Several Shangri-Las songs were in the feature film "Stonewall" in 1996. Two of the songs, "Give Him A Great Big Kiss" and "Sophisticated Boom Boom", were cleverly and effectively acted out by a drag queen quartet. Besides video cassette, the movie "Stonewall" is now available on d-v-d.

The Shangri-Las sisters, Mary and Betty Weiss, were portrayed by sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff performing "Leader Of The Pack" on NBC-TV's critically-acclaimed series "American Dreams" on Sunday evening, November 23, 2003. The show always included music from the time period being staged with guest stars lip-synching the original music.

See 411 for "Stonewall" movie featuring a handful of Shangri-Las songs at:
www.STONEWALLvets.org/Stonewallmovie.htm

* * * *

Update: "The Present"

Dream-come-true: As of May 2006, Miss Mary Weiss with the inimitable voice has triumphantly resumed recording music! The record label is Norton Records. Mary's first single record "(Just As Long As You) Don't Come Back" was released in April 2007. "Look out! Look out! Look out!"

Visit The Shangri-Las' tribute site with pix at: www.TheShangri-Las.com

Mary Weiss's Records in 2007 and 2008

Mary Weiss's first solo song "Don't Come Back" (written and produced by Greg Cartwright) has been released on Norton Records. The appealing flipside song is "A Certain Guy" (written by Naomi Neville and produced by Billy Miller). Curiously, the B-side, like in the good old hit days with some flipsides, is not on this album. The follow-up 2008 single is the upbeat and pulsating "Stop And Think It Over"!
(Note: In reply to queries, "Stop And Think It Over" is not a 'cover' of the Dale & Grace
hit of the same title in 1964, ironically, at the time of The Shangri-Las' "Remember".)

Mary's long-awaited new album-compact disc (c/d) "Dangerous Game" was released on the 7th of March 2007. It was enthusiastically, positively and widely reviewed. And, that's called "glad". Guess which Shangri-Las' song, a B-side favorite, is reworked on the album by Mary now? Heaven only knows the answer!

Special 'Thank You' to Mary Weiss for sending the STONEWALL Veterans' Association your appreciative note and beautiful glossy photo! And, to both singer Mary and manager Ed Ryan for your continued support of the legendary S.V.A.

=two legends=
Mary Weiss & The Stonewall

38th Anniversary Party of
the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion
and the S.V.A. Fun/d-Raiser
at
The Stonewall Inn
53 Christopher Street
at Sheridan Square
Greenwich Village, New York
on
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007
from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Smilin' pretty original Shangri-La Mary Weiss at the original Stonewall Club!
Presenting the "#1 Stonewall Sweetheart" is S.V.A.'s Williamson Henderson.
[Photo by Mary's Manager Ed Ryan]

For much more 411 on that Stonewall event with Mary and another photo:
www.STONEWALLvets.org/recent_events_2007.htm

=New York City concert event=
Mary Weiss
at the renowned
South Street Seaport Open-Air Concert
in Lower Manhattan, New York
on
Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 7 p.m.
at
South Street Seaport / Pier 17
East River, New York

* * * *

Update: "The Future"

Shangri-La Mary Weiss's website is in one word fan-tastic! More updates, songs, pix, info, dates and linx are coming in the very near future! Visit Mary's fan-tastic website at: www.MaryWeiss.com

Miss Mary has had recent performances in New York City, New York; Hollywood, California; Madrid, Barcelona, Castellon and Mallorca, Spain; Cleveland, Ohio; Los Angeles, CA; Austin, Texas; Bay Shore, Long Island; Lyon, France; and Brooklyn, NY. Select concert scheduling of Mary Weiss is announced as a courtesy here at the S.V.A. website.

* * * *

Mary Weiss's Concert "Sweet 16" Songlist

1. "My Heart Is Beating (You Better Be Good To Me)"

2. "You're Never Gonna See Me Cry"

3. "Remember, Walking In The Sand" (Shangri-Las)

4. "Heaven Only Knows" (Shangri-Las)

5. "I Don't Care"

6. "The Train From Kansas City" (Shangri-Las)

7. "Stop And Think It Over" (Mary's second solo single)

8. "Tell Me What You Want Me To Do"

9. "Cry About The Radio"

10. "Break It For Me One More Time"

11. "Out In The Streets" (Shangri-Las) {Mary's fave Shangs song}

12. "Give Him A Great Big Kiss" (Shangri-Las)

13. "Come On Up"

14. "I Can Never Go Home Anymore" (Shangri-Las)

15. "Leader Of The Pack" (Shangri-Las)

16. "Don't Come Back" {Mary's first solo single}

* * * *

For more 411 about Mary, you can visit her at: www.MySpace.com/MaryWeiss

STONEWALL Veterans' Association * Current + Upcoming Events

Tops of The Stonewall: The Four Tops

Tops pictured (l-2-r): Lawrence Payton, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, lead singer Levi Stubbs and Abdul "Duke" Fakir -- all four original Four Tops

Four Tops - Pre-Stonewall Motown Songs:

"Baby, I Need Your Loving" (1964) {#1 R&B song}

"Without The One You Love (Life's Not Worth While)" (1964)

"Ask The Lonely" (1964)

'"I Can't Help Myself" (1965) {#1 song} =b/w= "Sad Souveniers"

"It's The Same Old Song" (1965) {#1 R&B}

"Something About You" (1965)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Four Tops' solid, soulful, striking Motown hits at The Stonewall:

* "Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)" (1966) {#1 R&B}

* "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever" (1966)

* "Reach Out, I'll Be There" (1966) {#1 int'l song}

* "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" (1966) {#1 song}

* "Bernadette" {#1 song} =b/w= "I Got A Feeling" (1967)

* "Seven Rooms Of Gloom " =b/w= "I'll Turn To Stone" (1967)

* "You Keep Running Away" (1967)

* "If I Were A Carpenter" (1967) {unwelcomed and totally non-Motown}

* "Walk Away Renee" (1968) {remake of The Left Bank song}

"Yesterday's Dreams" (1968)

* "I'm In A Different World" (1968) {analogy to Gay world}

* "Don't Bring Back Memories" (1969) {Stonewall Rebellion time}

"Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me" (1969)

------------------------------------------------------------------

Four Tops - Post-Stonewall Motown Songs:

"It's All In The Game" (1970)

"Still Water (Love)" (1970) {#1 R&B}

"River Deep, Mountain High" (1970) [w/ The Supremes] {#1 R&B}

"Just Seven Numbers" (1970)

"In These Changing Times" (1971)

"MacArthur Park" (1971) {soulful remake of Richard Harris song}

"You Gotta Have Love In Your Heart" (1971) [w/ The Supremes]

"A Simple Game" (1972)

"It's The Way That Nature Planned It" (1972) {#1 R&B}

"I Can't Quit Your Love" (1972)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Four Tops - Post-Stonewall / post-Motown Songs (on ABC Records):

"Keeper Of The Castle" (1972)

"Ain't No Woman Like The One I've Got" (1973) {#1 R&B}

"Are You Man Enough" (from movie "Shaft In Africa") (1973)

"Sweet Understanding Love" (1973)

"I Just Can't Get You Out Of My Mind" (1974)

"Midnight Flower" (1974)

"One Chain Don't Make No Prison" (1974)

"Seven Lonely Nights" (1975)

"We All Gotta Stick Together" (1975)

"Catfish" (1976) {#1 Disco}

"I'm Glad You Walked Into My Life" (1976)

"The Show Must Go On" (1977)

Four Tops on Casablanca Records:

"When She Was My Girl" (1981) {#1 R&B}

"I Believe In You And Me" (1982) {#1 R&B}

Four Tops back at Motown Records:

Music Event: "Motown 25" Television Special (1983)

"I Just Can't Walk Away" (1983)

Four Tops on Arista Records:

"Indestructible" (1988)

"If Ever A Love There Was" [w/ Aretha Franklin] (1989)

You've Made Us So Very Happy: Brenda Holloway

Beautiful looks, beautiful person and beautiful voice: Brenda Holloway

Brenda is so Stonewall... stunning, soulful, stylish, sweet, sultry and sexy

Brenda Holloway's so very popular hit songs at The Stonewall:

* "When I'm Gone" (1965) {remake of Mary Wells (who left Motown) song}

* "Operator" (1965) {remake of Mary Wells song at Motown}

"You've Changed Me" =b/w= "Who's Lovin' You" (1965)

* "You Can Cry On My Shoulder" =b/w= "How Many Times Did You Mean It" (1965)

* "Together Til The End Of Time" (1966)

* "Hurt A Little Every Day" (1966)

* "'Til Johnny Comes" =b/w= "Where Were You" (1966) {limited release}

* "Just Look What You've Done" (1967)

* "You've Made Me So Very Happy" (1967) (reissued 1969) {#1 by group Blood, Sweat & Tears}

Stonewall Note: One of the most memorable lines of any song at The Stonewall dance club came from the Smokey Robinson-penned "When I'm Gone", wonderfully sung by Brenda Holloway. The popular song contained the gay-ly altered lyrical line: "You're a real Dr. Jekyll and MRS. Hyde"! At the precise moment in unison, everyone yelled out "MRS." It was hysterical fun and, perhaps morever, underlying was a familial, unifying feeling of special comaraderie and a real Gay community.

A Real King at Stonewall: Elvis Presley

[King-ly pic of Elvis to arrive from Graceland....]

King Elvis was popular at The Stonewall especially in 1969:

* "In The Ghetto" (1969) {#1 song}

* "Clean Up Your Own Backyard" (1969)

* "Suspicious Minds" (1969) {#1 int'l song}

The Dancing Girls: Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes

Pictured above (circa 1964): Nedra Talley, Estelle Bennett and Ronnie Spector

Ronettes shown above (l-2-r): Ronnie, Estelle and Nedra

The ravishing Ronettes' sexy songs at The Stonewall:

* "Born To Be Together" (1965)

* "Is This What I Get For Loving You" (1965)

* "Frosty The Snowman" (1965) (EP single) {Xmas song}

* "I Can Hear Music" (1966)

* "Sleigh Ride" (1966) (reissued 1967, 1968, 1969) {Xmas song}

1968 Newz: Ronettes lead singer Ronnie Bennett marries her record producer Phil Spector

* "You Came, You Saw, You Conquered" (1969)

Event: Ronnie Spector & The Ronettes finally inducted into the fab "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" on Monday, March 12, 2007 at The Waldorf in the girls' home city of New York. Ronnie, Estelle and Nedra performed three of their hit classics "Be My Baby", "Baby I Love You" and "Do I Love You".

Firey Hits Bi: Jim Morrison & The Doors

The Doors: Jim Morrison, John Dinsmore, Ray Manzareck and Robby Krueger

Absolute collection of The Doors' record album covers

The Doors fronted bi Jim Morrison hit hard at The Stonewall:

* "Light My Fire" (1967) {#1 song}

* "People Are Strange" (1967) {most described Gay people that way then}

* "Love Me Two Times" (1968)

* "Hello, I Love You" (1968) {#1 song}

* "Touch Me" (1969) {friendly and helpful advice at The Stonewall}

Stonewall Notes: "Light My Fire" not only steamed up the windows of clubs and bars but of houses, apartments, offices and cars. That song was steamingly hot everywhere, especially at Gay clubs like The Stonewall. In 1967 it was #1 with a bullet! The popular "Gay Grapevine" reported from coast-to-coast that Jim was Gay, i.e., bisexual. "Jim Morrison's taste for men even made the straight grapevines when he hung around (Gay) Andy Warhol's (Gay) 'Factory' (Gay) crew", declared rock biographer Stephen Davis in his book "Jim Morrison: Life, Death, Legend". Hot Morrison's subsequent home in Gay West Hollywood, California, was gay-ly named "Cherie Amour" by him. Ironically, that is the same name as a 1969 Stonewall song. On the civil rights front, Jim Morrison publicly stated many times that he was all for worthwhile rebellion. Right on! Years later in 1993, in fact, Jim was mentioned in the book "Stonewall".

Music Note: James Douglas Morrison was born on December 8th in 1942 in Melbourne, Florida. Jim shockingly and tragically died at such an extremely young age of only 27 on the 3rd of July in 1971 in Paris, France.

Gay People's Funny Girl: Barbra Streisand

"Duets" highlights Barbra Streisand's ultra Gay 1963 musical hallmark "Get Happy"/"Happy Days
Are Here Again" medley duet with then #1Gay icon Judy Garland -- how "happy" can you get??!!

Bon Soir Barbra's significant Streisand songs at Stonewall:

* "Miss Marmelstein" (from Babsala's "I Can Get It For You Wholesale" Broadway play (1963)

* "People" (from "Funny Girl", Barbra's smash Broadway play) (1964)

* "Why Did I Choose You" (from B-way play "The Yearling") (1965) {special Gay fave}

* "My Man" (from Miss Streisand's hit B-way play "Funny Girl") (1965)

* "He Touched Me" (from EG's B-way play "Drat! The Cat" (1965)

* "Second Hand Rose" (1966) {favorite Gay camp song; "Oh, look, there goes my... "}

* "Where Am I Going" (from B-way play "Sweet Charity") (1966)

* "Free Again" (1966) {anyone wonder why Babs succeeded Judy?}

* "Sleep In Heavenly Peace" (1966) {Xmas song}

* "Stout-Hearted Men" (1967)

* "Lover Man" (1967) {another purr-fect Gay boy love song by Babsala}

* "Jingle Bells?" (1967) {Xmas song}

* "Our Corner Of The Night" (1968) {primarily heard in Gay bars}

* "Funny Girl" (1968) (La Streisand's title song from her #1 block-busta)

* "Don't Rain On My Parade" (from Babs' #1 movie "Funny Girl") (1968)
{united Gay community pre-Stonewall Rebellion cheer-leading song}

* "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (1968) {Xmas song}

* "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (North And South And East And West Of Your Life)" =b/w= "What About Today" (1969)

* "Before The Parade Passes By" (from Babs' movie "Hello, Dolly!") (1969)
{fabulously perfect theme song post-1969 Stonewall Rebellion "Parade" for
some Gay boys out of the Stonewall Club and via paddy wagon to the police
station and for "People" to join the Gay pride parades for years to come}

* "Hello, Dolly!" (1969) (Babs' tour de force movie and title song)
{unfortunately, December 1969 was also "Goodbye, Stonewall!"}

The Prince of Motown: Marvin Gaye

[The Prince of Motown M.P.G. pic to be inserted here!]

Motown pride and joy Marvin hot Gay songs at The Stonewall:

* It Takes Two" [w/ Kim Weston] (1967) {#1 R&B}

* "Your Unchanging Love" (1967)

* You" (1968)

* "Chained" (1968)

* "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" (1968) {#1 int'l song} {re-do of Gladys Knight & Pips song}

* "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" (1969) {#1 R&B}

* "That's The Way Love Is" (1969) {#1 R&B}

Music Note:
Also see the Tammi Terrell section with Marvin & Tammi duet songs.

Stonewall's Singing Grapevine: Gladys Knight & The Pips

[Look soon for a pic of the Lady Knight & the Pips!]

Gladys & The Pips got down to the real nitty gritty at The Stonewall:

* "Everybody Needs Love" (1967) {#1 R&B}

"Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me" (1967)

* "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" (1967) {#1 int'l song}

* "The End Of Our Road" (1968)

* "It Should Have Been Me" (1968) {re-do of Kim Weston song}

* "I Wish It Would Rain" (1968) {re-do of Temptations song}

* "Didn't You Know (You'd Have To Cry Sometime)" (1969)

* "The Nitty Gritty" {remake of Shirley Ellis song} =b/w= "Got Myself A Good Man" (1969)

* "Friendship Train" (1969) {#1 R&B}

Blue-Eyed Soul: The Righteous Brothers

[Pix of the Brothers shall be forthcoming!!]

The brothers and sisters at Stonewall dug the Righteous Brothers:

* "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (1965) {#1 int'l song}

* "Just Once In My Life" (1965)

* "Unchained Melody" (1965) {#1 song} {remake of the classsic song}

* "Ebb Tide" (1966) {another climatic Gay grinder}

* "(You're My) Soul And Inspiration" (1966) {#1 song}

White Soul Lady: Cilla Black

Cilla belts out British soul at The Stonewall:

* "You're My World" (1965) {#1 U.K.} {epic Gay torch song}

* "Alfie" [by Bacharach & David] (1966) {the original version}

* "Don't Answer Me" =b/w= "The Right One Is Left" (1967)

* "Step Inside Love" [by Lennon-McCartney] (1968)

* "Surround Yourself With Sorrow" (1969)

Hot Buttered Soul Man: Isaac Hayes

[Photo of Sir Isaac Hayes]

Isaac serves up hot buttered soul hits at The Stonewall:

* "Walk On By" (1969) {revolutionary remake of Dionne Warwick song}

* "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" (1969) {soul version of Glenn Campbell song}

Girls, Listen To Us: The Velvelettes

The Velvelettes are really sayin' somethin'!

Velvelettes lead singer Cal Street

Stonewallers repopularized songs by The Velvelettes:

* "Needle In A Haystack" (1964) (reissued 1967)

* "He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'" (1965) (reissued 1967)

* "Lonely, Lonely Girl Am I" (1965)

* "A Bird In The Hand (Is Worth Two In The Bush)" (1965)

* "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You" (1966) (reissued 1971)

* "Bring Back The Sunshine" (1967)

The Fab Four: The Beatles

[Pix of the Fab Four -- Paul/John/George/Ringo -- on order!]

British Beatles invade the American Stonewall with hit songs:

* "We Can Work It Out" (1966) {#1 int'l song}

* "Nowhere Man" (1966)

* "Paperback Writer" (1966) {#1 int'l song}

* "Eleanor Rigby" (1966)

* "Penny Lane" (1967) {#1 int'l song}

* "Strawberry Fields Forever" (1967)

* "All You Need Is Love" (1967) {#1 int'l song}

* "Hello, Goodbye" (1968) {#1 int'l song}

* "Lady Madonna" (1968)

* "Hey Jude" (1968) {#1 int'l song}

* "Get Back (JoJo)" (1969) {#1 song}

* "Something" (1969) {#1 int'l song}

* "Come Together" (1969) {#1 song}

Stonewall Note: There was an eccentric-looking drag queen named "Eleanor Rigby", of course, after The Beatles song, who occasionally stopped by The Stonewall. She wore a quaint little hat with a little mesh veil and gently waved a tarnished hankie. A stoic fellow with her wearing a priest's white collar and carrying a hymnal was always quick to introduce himself: "Hello, I'm Father MacKenzie"! They also had a nun: Sister Rose Arie, who songfully quipped "I'll say a little prayer for you"! We prayed for those three -- to show up! As the years went by, Miss Eleanor would ask willing patrons, "Remember me? I'm Eleanor Rigby -- (and with a sweeping gesture) by the window. I keep my face in a jar. I look at alllll the Gay people." The song characters added more uniqueness, charm and fun to what typified Gay clubs at that time during the Stonewall Era.

That Motown Girl: Tammi Terrell

Tammi Terrell's irresistible single + duet songs at The Stonewall:

* "I Can't Believe You Love Me" (1965)

* "Come On And See Me" (1966)

* "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (1967) [w/ Marvin Gaye] {#1 song}

* "Your Precious Love" (1967) [w/ Marvin Gaye] {#1 R&B}

* "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You" (1967) [w/ Marvin Gaye] {#1 R&B}

* "If This World Were Mine" (1967) [w/ Marvin Gaye]

* "What A Good Man He Is" (1968)

* "Aint Nothing Like The Real Thing" (1968) [w/ Marvin Gaye] {#1 song}

* "You're All I Need To Get By" (1968) [w/ Marvin Gaye] {#1 song}

* "Keep On Lovin' Me, Honey" (1968) [w/ Marvin Gaye]

* "This Old Heart Of Mine" (1969) {female version of Isley Brothers song}

* "What You Gave Me" (1969) [w/ Marvin Gaye]

* "Good Lovin' Ain't Easy To Come By" (1969) [w/ Marvin Gaye] {#1 R&B}

Musical Note:
Tammi's one post-Stonewall song was "California Soul" (1970) [w/ Marvin Gaye]

This Guy: Herb Alpert

[Photo of Mr. Alpert to be played!]

Tijuana Brass -- Jewish style -- at The Stonewall Club:

* "A Taste Of Honey" (1966) {#1 song}

* "Casino Royale" (1967)

* "This Guy's In Love With You" (1968) {passionate #1 song}

Stonewall Quintet: The Fifth Dimension

[Photograph of the 5-D!!!!!]

The Fifth's hits were up, up and away at The Stonewall:

* "Go Where You Wanna Go" (1966)

* "Up, Up, And Away" (1967) {#1 song}

* "Paper Cup" (1967)

* "Stoned Soul Picnic" (1968) {#1 song}

* "Sweet Blindness" (1968)

* "California Soul" (1968)

* "Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In" (1969) (from Broadway play "Hair") {#1 song}

* "Working On A Groovy Thing" (1969)

* "Wedding Bell Blues" (1969) {#1 song}

* "Blowin' Away" (1969)

Philly Boyz: The Intruders

[Quartet photo of The Intruders in the late 1960s.]

The intriguing Intruders inject Philly soul into The Stonewall:

* "(We'll Be) United" (1966)

* "Together" (1967)

* "A Love That's Real" (1967)

* "Cowboys To Girls" (1968) {#1 R&B}

* "Love Is Like A Baseball Game" (1968)

* "Let's Go Downtown" (1969)

* "Me Tarzan, You Jane" (1969)

Music Note:
The Intruders' charming lead singer was Sam "Little Sonny" Brown from Philadelphia.

A Gay Girl Called "Dusty": Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield Very Best Of

Gayly British Dusty Springfield in Manhattan at The Stonewall:

* "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" (1966) {#1 song}

* "Goin' Back" (1966)

* "All I See Is You" (1966)

* "The Look Of Love" (1967)

* "Where Am I Going" (1967)

* "Son Of A Preacher Man" (1968)

* "The Windmills Of Your Mind" (1969) (from film "Thomas Crown Affair")

* "A Brand New Me" (1969)

They Call Him Mister: Edwin Starrr

[Photograph of Mr. Starr]

Walk on with the Stonewall hits by Edwin Starr:

* "Agent Double-O Soul" (1965)

* "Stop Her On Sight (S.O.S.)" (1966)

* "I Want My Baby Back" (1967)

* "I Am The Man For You" (1968)

* "Twenty-Five Miles" (1969) {#1 R&B}

* "Oh, How Happy" (1969) [duet w/ Blinky Williams]

Musical Note:
Some of Edwin Starr's post-Stonewall hits include "War" and "Stop The War Now"

Sweet Staten Islanders: Candy & The Kisses

[Pic of the New York soulful trio C/K]

Candy Nelson dancing The Kisses at The Stonewall:

* "Do The 81" (1964, reissued 1967)

* "Keep On Searchin'" (1965)

* "Are You Sure You're Not Trying To Get Rid Of Me, Baby" (1969)

O=0=0=O Stonewall Song Spotlights O=0=0=O
Candy & The Kisses
"Do The 81"
(written by Kenny Gamble & Jerry Ross)
(produced by Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff)
www.Utube.com/music/Candy&Kisses-The81.htm
When U hear the booming horns and driving drums, the exciting exuberance and the infectious fun of this bombastic song with its non-stop, pulsating sing-song and "dance, dance, dance" urging, replete with a line-dance, U can feel as if U were at the original Stonewall Club in Greenwich Village! Lead singer Candy Nelson -- from Staten Island, NYC -- delivers a knock-out punch in this bout!

Felix and the Blue-Eyed Soul Boys: The Rascals

[Photo of the soulful Rascals!!!!]

Rascally Rascals churn out the pop 'n' soul songs The Stonewall:

* "Good Lovin'" (1966) {#1 song}

* "You Better Run" (1966)

* "I've Been Lonely Too Long" (1967)

* "Groovin'" (1967) {#1 song}

* "How Can I Be Sure" (1967)

* "A Beautiful Morning" (1968) {#1 song}

* "People Got To Be Free" (1968) {tribute to Rev. MLK and Sen. RFK} {#1 song}

* "Ray Of Hope" (1968) {dedicated to Senator Edward M. Kennedy}

* "Heaven" (1969)

* "See" (1969)

The Windy City's Soul Soprano: Barbara Acklin

[Miss Acklin makes a foto.]

Barbara bakes her some songs at the hot Stonewall Bakery:

* "Show Me The Way To Go" [w/ Gene Chandler] (1968)

* "Love Makes A Woman" (1968) {#1 R&B}

* "From The Teacher To The Preacher" [w/ Gene Chandler] (1968)

* "Just Ain't No Love" (1968)

* "Am I The Same Girl" [backed by Young-Holt Unlimited] (1969)

* "After You" (1969)

The More We Hear You: Chris Montez

Chris Montez with blonde "window dressing"

Chris Montez with brunette "window dressing"

Songs of The Stonewall romantically include Chris Montez:

* "Call Me" (1966) {#1 A.C.}

* "The More I See You" (1966) {#1 A.C.}

* "There Will Never Be Another You" (1966)

* "Time After Time" (1966)

* "The Very Thought Of You" (1967)

* "Because Of You" (1967)

* "Our Love Is Here To Stay" (1968)

Sweeet Stonewall inspirations: The Sweet Inspirations

[Record album cover photo of the Sweet Inspoirations!!!!]

Sweet Inspirations at The Stonewall:

* "Sweet Inspiration" (1968) {#1 R&B}

Brothers of Soul: The Isley Brothers

[Photo of the rock 'n' soul brothers!!!]

The Brothers twist & shout at The Stonewall Club:

* "This Old Heart Of Mine" (1966)

* "I Guess I'll Always Love You" (1966)

* "Just Ain't Enough Love" (1967)

* "Behind A Painted Smile" (1967)

* "Put Yourself In My Place" (1968)

* "It's Your Thing" (1969) {#1 song}

* "I Turned You On" (1969) {#1 R&B}

* "I Know Who You Been Socking It To" (1969)

That Jersey Girl: Nancy Sinatra

[Photograph of Miss Nancy Sinatra!]

Nancy's boots walked right into The Stonewall with hits:

* These Boots Are Made For Walking" (1966) {#1 song}

* How Does That Grab You, Darling" (1966)

* "Something Stupid" [w/ Frank Sinatra] (1967) {#1 song}

The Girls From Company B: The Andrews Sisters

[Trio photo of the superstar Sisters!!!]

Swingin' Sisters singing at The Stonewall:

* "Boogie Woogie Buggle Boy" (1940s) {#1 song}

* "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon" (1940s) {#1 song}

New Kidz from Motown: Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5

J-5 Boyz were the last stars to arrive at The Stonewall in 1969:

* "I Want You Back {int'l #1 song} =b/w= "Who's Lovin' You" (1969)

=post-Stonewall Motown singles in the 1970s=

* "ABC" (1970) {#1 song}

* "The Love You Save" (1970) {#1 song}

* "I'll Be There" (1970) {#1 song}

* "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (1970) {Xmas song}

* "Mama's Pearl" (1971) {#1 R&B}

* "Never Can Say Goodbye" (1971) {#1 song}

* "Maybe Tomorrow" (1971) {#1 R&B}

* "Sugar Daddy" (1971) {#1 R&B}

* "Got To Be There" (1971) [Michael Jackson solo] {#1 song}

* "Little Bitty Pretty One" (1972)

* "Rockin' Robin" (1972) [Michael solo] {#1 song}

* "Looking Through The Windows" (1972)

* "I Wanna Be Where Yoiu Are" (1972) [Michael solo] {#1 R&B}

* "Corner Of The Sky" (from Broadway musical "Pippin") (1972)

* "Ben" (1972) [Michael solo] {#1 song}

* "Hallelujah Day" (1973)

* "With A Child's Heart" (1973) [Michael solo] {re-make of Stevie Wonder song}

* "Skywriter" (1973)

*"Music And Me" (1973) [Michael solo]

* "Get It Together" (1973) {#1 R&B}

* "Happy" (1973) [Michael solo]

* "Dancing Machine" (1974) {#1 song}

* "Whatever You Got, I Want It" (1974)

* "I Am Love (Parts 1 + 2)" (1974)

* "Forever Came Today" (1975) (#1 Dance) {remake of Diana Ross & Supremes song}

* "We're Almost There" (1975) [Michael solo]

* "All I Do Is Think Of You" (1975)

* "Just A Little Bit Of You" (1975) [Michael solo]

* "Moving Violation" (1975)

=post-Stonewall Jacksons singles on Epic Records in the 1970s=

* "Enjoy Yourself" (1976)

* "Show You The Way To Go" (1977) {#1 R&B}

* "Goin' Places" (1977)

* "Blame It On The Boogie" (1978)

* "Find Me A Girl" (1978)

* "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground" (1979) {#1 song}

* "Destiny" (1979)

28 August 1958 * Michael Jackson * 25 June 2009

Greatest Gay Icon: Judy Garland

The one and the only Judy Garland as the original Gay icon

Judy Garland tribute of inimitable Judy! songs at The Stonewall:

* "Over The Rainbow" (from movie "The Wizard of Oz") (1939)

* "Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart" (1938)

* "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" (from film "Ziegfeld Girl") (1941)

* "The Christmas Song" (1946) (re-released 1969)

Judy Garland has been hugely popular -- especially amongst the worldwide Gay community -- ever since her wishful, hopeful, identifiable, inspiring and unforgettable role as young and vulnerable and victimized Dorothy in the classic 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz". Judy was born on June 10, 1922, she died on Sunday, June 22, 1969, and her funeral was on Friday, June 27, 1969.

In addition to the immortal "Over The Rainbow", the zingy "Zing!" and the wishful "Rainbows", some of Miss Garland's other memorable hit songs include: "Stompin' At The Savoy" (1936 @ 14 years young), "You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It)" (1937), "Swanee" (1940), "For Me And My Gal", "Meet Me In St. Louis, Louie" (1944), "The Trolley Song"(1944), "The Boy Next Door" (1944), "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (1944), "San Francisco", "Be A Clown" (1948), "Easter Parade" (1948), "Chicago", "Get Happy" (1950), "The Man That Got Away" (1954), "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody" (1955), "I Feel A Song Coming On" (1956), .....(1961) and many more.

In 1975, the Judy Garland Museum & Birthplace ("JGM") was founded in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in the exact two-story white house where Judy spent her first five childhood years. It is the location from where "Baby" Frances Gumm (her born name) launched her first performances at less than age three. On the silver anniversary of Judy's death in 1994, the museum started recruiting donations of early- and mid-1920s-Era artifacts. In 1999, on the 30th anniversary of Judy's demise, the museum was revamped and expanded. It is not surprising that one of the great grantors of the JGM is the Barbra Streisand Foundation! To visit Judy, we're off to see the... JudyGarlandMusuem.com.

A Touch Of Class: Henry Mancini

[Photo of Mister Mancini]

Love's theme at The Stonewall:

* "Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet" (1969) {#1 song}

A Christmas Gift 4 Us: Phil Spector Artists -- Darlene Love, Ronnie Spector, LaLa Brooks and Bob B. Soxx

Colorfully pictured standing on the top is Darlene Love ("the Voice of Christmas") and popular Spector-produced singing groups (l-2-r): Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans (including Darlene Love), The Crystals (with LaLa Brooks and DeeDee Kennebreu) and The Ronettes (Estelle, Ronnie and Nedra)

Spector-produced annual rockin' Xmas songs at The Stonewall:

Official Christmas Single:

* "Christmas, Baby Please Come Home" - Darlene Love

* "Winter Wonderland" (flipside of "CBPCH") - Darlene Love

Promotional Single:

* "Sleigh Ride" - The Ronettes

* "Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers" - The Crystals

Extended Play (EP) Sampler:

* "White Christmas" - Darlene Love

* "Frosty The Snowman" - The Ronettes

* "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" - The Crystals

* "Here Comes Santa Claus" - Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans

The great "Songs of The Stonewall" compilations, narratives, files, images and pages on the S.V.A. website are sponsored exclusively by the STONEWALL Veterans' Association of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion in New York City where the ~~~music~~~ inspired the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender ("GLBT") uprising and the songs musically moved the GLBT movement! * "Stand!" * "The Young Folks" * "Respect" * "Put A Little Love In Your Heart" * "It's Your Thing"

Any use of information, photos, quotes, discographies, images, comments, etc. from
the S.V.A. website, weblinks or files of the SVA's "Songs of The Stonewall" must rightfully credit:

STONEWALL Veterans' Association
Williamson Henderson, S.V.A. Founder & Director
www.STONEWALLvets.org/WilliamsonHenderson.htm

STONEWALL Songs "On The Radio"

To hear all of the artists listed in the "Songs of The Stonewall",
if U live in the New York, Connecticut or New Jersey areas,
U can again tune in to the great WCBS radio at 101.1 FM
-- the #1 best in 1960s, 1970s and 19'80s Classic Rock, Pop, Soul & Holiday!

www.WCBSfm.com

More "Songs of The STONEWALL" webfiles at the S.V.A.

"Songs of The Stonewall" #6
Remembering Florence Ballard
Diana Ross & The Supremes

"Songs of The Stonewall" #7
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

*
"Songs of The Stonewall" #8
Remembering Gladys Horton
The Marvelettes of Motown

"Songs of The Stonewall" #9
Remembering Michael Jackson
Michael Jax & The Jacksons

"Songs of The Stonewall" #10
Diana Ross

The STONEWALL Veterans' Association
earns, needs and appreciates your support!

"Touch" the above button to participate donating via secure PayPal.
STONEWALL Veterans' Association has the highest level of validation and security.

You can download the S.V.A. support form at the SVA Mainpage and mail it to S.V.A.
STONEWALL Veterans' Association
Suite 120
70-A Greenwich Av.
Manhattan, NY 10011

*

STONEWALL Veterans' Association's "Current + Upcoming Events"
Visit: www.STONEWALLvets.org/upcomingevents.htm

25 January
2012

Stonewall New Year song:
"Happy New Year, Baby"
written by Howie Greenfield + Neil Sedaka
(same writers as "Where The Boys Are")

by Connie Francis

====43rd Anniversary of the NYC Stonewall Rebellion====

[Friday night, June 27 ~through~ Thursday evening, July 3, 1969]


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