Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville

Can you imagine the whirlwind of emotions tied to a 60-year musical legacy? This episode of Almost Live Nashville brings you an intimate conversation with Barbara Hawkins of the Dixie Cups. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of their timeless hit "Chapel of Love," Barbara recounts the electrifying events in New Orleans, including performances at Loyola University and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. She shares the honor of being featured on the festival poster, offering listeners an insider's view of the group's incredible journey and the profound appreciation from their community.Ever wondered about the gritty realities behind the glamour of the music industry? Barbara takes us back to the early days of the Dixie Cups, revealing the pivotal moments and key industry figures like Larry McKinley and Joe Jones who helped catapult them to fame. She narrates the serendipitous meetings, the relentless auditions, and the eventual collaborations with songwriting legends Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich. This chapter paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a career in music, highlighting the relentless determination that fueled their dreams.Barbara's story also touches on personal resilience, as she shares her family's harrowing experience during Hurricane Katrina and their subsequent move to Tampa, Florida. Despite the hardships, she reflects on the overwhelming support they received from the Tampa community, including organizations like Music Cares. This heartfelt episode concludes with gratitude for Barbara’s courage and contributions, leaving listeners with a profound appreciation for the strength and tenacity of artists both on and off the stage. Join us for a captivating journey through the life and legacy of one of music's enduring icons.

Ever wondered how a hit song changes the trajectory of a band's career overnight? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Tony Scalzo of Fastball as he takes us through his musical journey, from his early days learning multiple instruments to the roller-coaster ride of fame with their smash hit "The Way." Tony reveals the band's creative process, the rejuvenation of their sound through his return to bass playing, and the relentless work behind sustaining success in the ever-evolving music industry. Gain a unique perspective on the pressures and rewards of life in the spotlight, and how personal and professional dynamics shape a band's longevity.Discover the secrets behind Fastball's ongoing success in a streaming-dominated era, their songwriting intricacies, and the modern logistics of touring. Tony discusses the transition from traditional royalties to continuous digital revenue, the blend of individual and collaborative efforts in songwriting, and the impact of advanced audio technologies like Atmos on their music. Listen to anecdotes from life on the road, the balance between passion and financial motivations, and the camaraderie that has kept Fastball thriving for over 30 years. Stay tuned to learn how you can follow the band on various platforms like Spotify, Instagram, and their official website.

Ever wondered what it was like to work side-by-side with legends like John Lennon and Paul McCartney? Join us as we sit down with the iconic Billy J Kramer, who shares the riveting story behind his stage name, a suggestion from Lennon himself. Discover the fascinating behind-the-scenes tales of recording songs written by the Beatles exclusively for him, including his hit single "Little Children," which marked a pivotal moment in his career. Kramer also opens up about the thrill of touring across Europe and the United States, reminiscing about his electrifying performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.Take a trip back to the 70s and 80s, an era of revival and reinvention in the music industry. Billy reflects on the nostalgic joy of touring with fellow British Invasion bands and the dynamic changes that came with the reformation of the Dakotas. We explore his unique ventures during the 80s, from creating a children's album to narrating books, and discuss the challenges he faced balancing international tours with recording commitments. Hear firsthand how these experiences have shaped his illustrious career and solidified his place in music history.In a heartfelt conversation, Billy opens up about his lifelong connection with the Beatles and his journey to maintain musical integrity over the decades. Learn about his personal battles with alcohol and his triumphant path to sobriety, as detailed in his autobiography "You Want to Know a Secret?". We also discuss his recent projects, including a new album recorded at Abbey Road and his active role in music festivals and historic interviews. This is a must-listen for anyone eager to hear the untold stories of a true music industry legend.

Do you ever wonder what it was like to be part of the pioneering girl group, the Shirelles? Join us as Beverly Lee takes us on a nostalgic journey back to 1957, sharing how the group's harmonic beginnings led to the creation of their first hit, "I Met Him on Sunday." Discover the serendipitous moment they were discovered by Florence Greenberg of Tiara Records, their brief departure to DECCA, and their triumphant return to Scepter Records. Beverly also recounts their historic performances, including sharing the stage with Dr. King at the Salute to Freedom show in Birmingham and breaking barriers at a segregated college in Selma, Alabama.Ever been curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of creating an iconic hit song? In this episode, Linda Scott reflects on her career and the making of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," sharing insights into Carole King's involvement and the atmosphere in the studio. Learn how the success of the song impacted Linda’s life and forged strong connections with her fans. Plus, get a peek into her interactions with other legendary artists, including her humorous take on John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Beverly opens up about navigating the music industry, from dealing with racial segregation to facing criticisms and forming lasting bonds with peers like the Beatles.Lastly, Beverly Lee offers a heartfelt look into the challenges and triumphs faced throughout her career. Hear about the financial exploitation they endured, the demanding performance schedules, and the emotional highs, like supporting her grandmother who saw her perform for the first time. Beverly is also working on an exciting book project, capturing both personal and professional experiences. This episode is a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of celebrated artists. Don't miss this eye-opening and heartwarming conversation with a true music legend.