Johnny Rock and Roll Radio

07/10/2025

In Memoriam: Joe Bonsall (1948–2024) – A Voice That Echoes in Country Music History

On July 9, 2024, the world of country music lost one of its most recognizable voices and beloved personalities. Joe Bonsall, a proud member of The Oak Ridge Boys for 50 years, passed away at the age of 76 due to complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

For half a century, Joe stood as a cornerstone of one of the most enduring and successful vocal groups in American music. With his high-tenor harmonies and infectious energy, he helped shape the sound that made The Oak Ridge Boys a household name — blending gospel roots with country soul and pop appeal.

Under Joe’s watch, the Oaks:
🎵 Landed 38 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Country chart
🎵 Scored 17 #1 singles, including “American Made,” “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” and “Thank God for Kids”
🎵 Cracked the Billboard Hot 100 with crossover classics like:

“Elvira” — #5 in 1981
“Bobbie Sue” — #12 in 1982
Beyond the hits, Joe Bonsall was a showman, an author, a man of faith, and a tireless ambassador for traditional American values. His joy on stage was infectious, his dedication to fans unwavering, and his impact on the genre — undeniable.

Though he is gone, the songs remain — and so does the spirit of a man who lived his life in harmony, both literally and figuratively.

Rest easy, Joe. There’s a front porch and a gospel quartet waiting for you in Heaven.

07/09/2025

On This Day: July 9, 1974 – CSNY Reunite for a Landmark Tour

On July 9, 1974, the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young kicked off one of the most anticipated reunion tours in rock history, launching a two-month, 31-date tour in Seattle that would go down as a defining moment of the era.

Dubbed the “Doom Tour” by the band themselves, it was anything but quiet — massive crowds, high expectations, backstage drama, and soaring harmonies filled stadiums across North America. It was the first time all four members had toured together since 1970, and despite the tensions, their chemistry on stage still sparked magic.

The tour pulled in record-setting crowds, with some venues drawing over 80,000 fans, making it one of the earliest large-scale stadium tours in rock history. Fans were treated to acoustic sets, electric jams, and a rare glimpse into the complicated but undeniable brilliance of CSNY’s collaboration.

Inspired by the energy, the group entered the studio shortly after the tour to begin work on a new album. But as was often the case with these four fiercely talented individuals, egos and artistic differences took over. The project was shelved before it was ever completed.

Still, the 1974 CSNY tour lives on as a symbol of what could’ve been — and as a snapshot of four voices that helped shape the sound of the late ‘60s and ‘70s, even if they couldn't always stay in harmony offstage.

07/09/2025

UPDATE! Ray is out of ICU and beginning to walk the halls as therapy with a nurse’s assistance as he is working towards recovering from this surgery. Ray is very grateful for all of the cards and get well messages. Everything is Still Beautiful!!!!

Update on Ray Stevens: A Country Legend on the Mend

We’re sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens, who is currently recovering after undergoing minimally invasive heart surgery yesterday morning in Nashville.

Ray had been admitted to the hospital last Friday evening after experiencing chest pains. Following a heart catheterization, doctors confirmed that he had suffered a mild heart attack. Thankfully, the procedure went well, and Ray is now in recovery and in good spirits.

As he takes the time he needs to rest and heal, all scheduled performances at his beloved CabaRay Showroom have been cancelled through July 2025.

Fans wishing to send get-well cards or messages of support can mail them to:

Ray Stevens
5724 River Rd
Nashville, TN 37209

Let’s lift up this legendary entertainer with love and encouragement as he gets back on his feet. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ray — the stage will be waiting when you’re ready!

07/09/2025

On This Day: July 9, 1960 – Jimmy Jones Hits #1 in the UK with “Good Timin’”

In the summer of 1960, Jimmy Jones was riding high on a wave of transatlantic success. On July 9, 1960, the 23-year-old singer topped the UK Singles Chart with his feel-good follow-up hit “Good Timin’,” proving he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder.

Earlier that year, Jones had scored his first breakthrough with “Handy Man,” a catchy doo-wop tune that introduced audiences to his smooth falsetto and upbeat delivery. But it was “Good Timin’” — with its infectious rhythm, cheerful lyrics, and Jones’ signature vocal charm — that pushed him all the way to #1 in Britain.

The song also found major success in the U.S., climbing to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and becoming one of the definitive early pop hits of the new decade.

Jimmy Jones’ influence reached far beyond these two hits. His vocal style helped pave the way for artists like Frankie Valli and Del Shannon, and his blend of rhythm & blues with pop sensibilities helped bridge the musical shift from the ‘50s into the early ‘60s.

“Good Timin’” remains a timeless reminder that sometimes, all you need is the right moment — and the right melody.

07/09/2025

On This Day: July 9, 1958 – Johnny Cash Signs with Columbia Records

A pivotal moment in country music history happened on July 9, 1958, when Johnny Cash inked a deal with Columbia Records — a partnership that would span three decades and define the legacy of one of America's most iconic voices.

At the time, Cash had already found success with Sun Records, recording hits like “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” But Columbia offered something Sun couldn’t: the creative freedom and nationwide reach to explore deeper, more ambitious themes — including gospel music, which was close to Cash's heart.

Over the next thirty years, Columbia would release:
🎶 47 albums
🎶 106 singles

From “Ring of Fire” to the legendary Live at Folsom Prison album, Columbia gave Cash the canvas he needed to paint with bold, unfiltered honesty. His storytelling grew darker, more spiritual, more political — and more personal. Whether singing about faith, justice, addiction, or redemption, The Man in Black remained fiercely true to himself.

This wasn’t just a record deal — it was the beginning of a long, gritty, and profoundly influential chapter in American music.

07/09/2025

On This Day: July 9, 1957 – Bobby Helms Records “My Special Angel”

In the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, on July 9, 1957, country-pop crooner Bobby Helms stepped into Bradley Studios and recorded a song that would become one of the most beloved ballads of the decade — “My Special Angel.”

Smooth, sincere, and filled with heartfelt devotion, the song was a perfect showcase for Helms’ tender voice. It struck a chord with audiences across genres, becoming his first Billboard Top 40 hit, climbing to #7 on the pop chart later that year.

But its crossover appeal didn’t stop there.

It reached #8 on the R&B chart,
And soared to #1 on Billboard’s Hot C&W Sides (Country & Western) chart.
Written by Jimmy Duncan and produced by Owen Bradley (the architect behind the “Nashville Sound”), “My Special Angel” was a shining example of how country could blend with pop and R&B influences — a recipe for success that helped shape the direction of late ‘50s and early ‘60s popular music.

While Helms is best known to many for his perennial holiday hit “Jingle Bell Rock,” this heartfelt ballad remains one of his finest and most enduring contributions to music history.

07/09/2025

The Day Marty Robbins Became a Real-Life Hero

Most know Marty Robbins for his legendary voice, timeless songs like “El Paso” and “Big Iron,” and that unmistakable blend of Western storytelling and heartfelt country soul. But on one unforgettable day in 1974, Marty proved that he wasn’t just writing about heroes — he was one.

During the Charlotte 500, NASCAR driver and fellow countryman Richard Childress found himself in a terrifying spot: his car had stalled, sitting dead across the track in the path of oncoming traffic. Robbins, a seasoned driver and fierce competitor, had only a split second to act.

Instead of trying to weave through the danger and risking a deadly crash, Marty made a choice that would change everything — he deliberately slammed his own stock car into the wall to avoid hitting Childress. The impact was brutal. Marty walked away with broken ribs, a fractured tailbone, and thirty-two stitches, but what he said afterward spoke volumes:

“I was just relieved Richard was okay.”
No bravado. No spotlight chasing. Just a man thankful that someone else got to go home that day.

And if you listen to “Big Iron,” you’ll hear that same spirit. The lone ranger stepping up, doing what needs to be done when no one else will. Marty didn’t just sing about that kind of bravery — he lived it.

This wasn’t just a race. It was a moment that reminded the world of the kind of man Marty Robbins was: fearless, selfless, and guided by a code that went far beyond the track or the stage.

07/09/2025

On This Day: July 9, 1956 – Rock 'n' Roll Declared a Public Threat

In one of the more bizarre chapters of early rock history, Bill Haley and His Comets were denied permission to perform at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City on July 9, 1956, following a wave of public panic over the “dangers” of rock and roll.

The backlash came on the heels of a rowdy scene at Asbury Park just days earlier, where a concert on June 30th stirred enough excitement and unruliness to spark concern among city officials. In response, Jersey City passed a local ordinance stating that "rock and roll music encouraged juvenile delinquency and inspired young females in lewd bathing suits to perform obscene dances on the city's beaches."

Yes, you read that right.

To the conservative establishment of the 1950s, the combination of loud music, teenagers dancing, and youthful rebellion was just too much. Rock and roll wasn’t just music — it was trouble.

Bill Haley, whose groundbreaking hit “Rock Around the Clock” had helped ignite the rock revolution just a year earlier, found himself at the center of a cultural tug-of-war — between the fearful authorities and the growing masses of young fans who just wanted to dance.

Of course, history would prove which side won. Rock 'n' roll wasn’t a fad. It was a movement — and by trying to shut it down, those early critics only made it stronger.

So here’s to the music that made people nervous — and made the world move.

07/09/2025

On This Day: July 9, 1956 – Dick Clark Takes the Stage

July 9, 1956 marked a turning point in music television history. On this day, a young, clean-cut radio DJ named Dick Clark made his debut as host of Bandstand on Philadelphia’s WFIL-TV, stepping in after original host Bob Horn was removed following a DUI charge during a publicized crackdown.

Little did anyone know — Clark's quiet takeover would launch one of the most influential TV shows in pop culture history.

Just a year later, in 1957, the show went national on ABC-TV and was renamed American Bandstand. What followed was nothing short of a cultural revolution. Dick Clark introduced America to rising stars, dance crazes, and teenage fashion — all with a steady hand, signature charm, and a finger firmly on the pulse of what young America wanted.

From Chuck Berry to Madonna and Prince, American Bandstand was where the world first saw the faces and moves of some of music’s greatest icons. It wasn’t just a music show — it was a rite of passage.

Clark remained the face of the program until 1989, when 26-year-old David Hirsch took the reins. But without Clark’s guiding presence, the magic quickly faded. The show ended shortly after — but not before leaving behind a legacy of 37 years, a record run for a television variety show.

Dick Clark didn’t just host a program — he hosted a generation. And for those who tuned in after school, American Bandstand was the place where music came alive.

07/09/2025

🎶 70’s Gold with DJ Ernie T Spotlight – This Week in 1976

07/09/2025

On This Day: July 9, 1927 – Ed Ames Is Born

Born on this day in 1927, Ed Ames was a man of many talents — a powerful baritone, a skilled actor, and a performer who moved effortlessly between the stage, screen, and music charts.

Ames first rose to fame as a member of The Ames Brothers, a vocal group that dominated the early 1950s with smooth harmonies and hits like “Rag Mop” and “You, You, You.” But Ed’s solo career is what truly carved out his place in pop culture history.

In the 1960s, Ed Ames made a name for himself with stirring solo ballads such as:

“My Cup Runneth Over” – a #8 hit in 1967 that became his signature song
“Who Will Answer?”
“Time, Time”
But Ed wasn’t just a voice — he had screen presence, too. He became a familiar face on television as Mingo, the educated Cherokee companion to Daniel Boone, in the hit TV series Daniel Boone (1964–1970), starring opposite Fess Parker. The role made him a household name and showcased his natural acting talent.

And who could forget his infamous appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where his tomahawk-throwing skills — and accidental comedic timing — created one of the most replayed moments in late-night TV history!

Ed Ames represented a rare blend of sophistication, warmth, and showbiz versatility. His music and performances reflected a gentler era — one where a heartfelt song or a commanding screen presence could still stop an audience in its tracks.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Ed Ames — a classic crooner, a true gentleman, and an unforgettable voice.

07/09/2025

Your Daily Slice of Bread with Pastor T