"Coolin' It Baby" with Eddie!

 * Eddie Fontaine *

Howdy, rockabilly fans!  I think we're finally approaching the end of our long, hot summer!  Are y'all holding up through the continued summer heat?  I hope you haven't let this stifling weather keep you from listening to some good old rockin' music and kicking up a leg to it,


* courtesy of Yahoo images *


Today's question is...how many of us remember Eddie Fontaine?  Photo above!  Isn't he a good lookin' man?  I hear tell he not only had a fabulous singing voice, but he wooed many of the ladies with his acting abilities as well.  Early in his career, Eddie had changed his last name from Reardon to "Fontaine", which didn't set too well with his Irish father.  Eddie told his dad that "Fontaine" is a 'slicker' name! Lol!  Eddie didn't let on about his age either.  He swore he was  born in 1937, when he was actually born in 1927!  But, he was sooo handsome, who knew...and, who cared about his age?

Eddie grew up in Rockaway Beach, New York,  with the early 1950's finding him singing in bars, and, passing the hat around, where he was discovered.  It turns out that Mr. Fontaine was one of Alan Freed's first entertainers on the Rock and Roll docket in the mid 1950's.  He was bellying up to the stage with the likes of  "The Clovers", "LaVern Baker", and "The Penguins".


* The Penguins *


* LaVern Baker *

   Fontaine is on the Legends list in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, however, he was not an inductee, and is noted to be one of the most underrated singers of all time.

  Eddie claimed he wrote the following song, however, it didn't attract much interest once he presented the demo.  Somehow, without his knowledge, Fontaine's original cut was sold to Chess Records and credited to 3 other writers.  The song was a hit in Europe, it was even recorded by the Beatles, but it took 20 years to collect any royalties on this song!  The song did peak at #64 on the Billboard's Hot 100.  "Nothin Shakin'" has been recorded by various other artists, but I prefer Eddie's cut!

"Nothin Shakin' (But the Leaves on the Trees )
Eddie Fontaine 1958

* So what do you think?  Not a bad song.  And, aside from the Beatles, this song was recorded by The Mersey Beggars, Dr. Feelgood, The Shakers, and Royal Rockers!

***
In the early 1960's, Eddie made his way to Hollywood, California where he pursued an acting career.  With his musical career on temporary hold, Fontaine landed a part as a singing GI in The Gallant Men series.  Rumor had it that Eddie, who played a womanizer, PFC Pete D'Angelo, was the only cast member with charisma.
  Well, I didn't watch the series, and I had no knowledge of him at that time, but I have seen a lot of good reviews on the series.


* Eddie Fontaine * "The Gallant Men"


* Fontaine and Sharon Hugueny *
"The Gallant Men"

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Prior to Eddie Fontaine's stint with "The Gallant Men" series, he appeared in the 1957 movie, "The Girl Can't Help It!"  Eddie is one of the performers along with Eddie Cochran, Fats Domino and Little Richard in this zany comedy with Jayne Mansfield.

* If you have just a little over a minute, I would like to present a short video from
"The Girl Can't Help It", featuring Eddie Fontaine's "Cool It Baby".
* courtesy of Youtube

* This movie didn't receive rave reviews from the critics, but moviegoers seemed to appreciate the musical aspect, colorful comedy, and, of course, Ms. Jayne Mansfield! *

Eddie did have a few bouts with the law in his day...well, maybe more than a few!  The big one was a murder for hire trial in 1984, accusing Eddie of attempting to hire a country music singer to run his ex-wife off  the road, with intentions of ending her life.  Well, evidently Fontaine had two prior convictions of child molestation and grand larceny, however, since Eddie did not testify on his own behalf, the jury did not learn of these convictions, and he served 4 years in a California prison.  He appealed his conviction and won.

***
Of his acting career, Eddie Fontaine was noted as being one of the most electrifying character actors of the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's.   To name just a few shows, he appeared in Baretta,  Quincy, M.E., Happy Days, Rockford Files and Kojak.  Well, I'll be!!!  I faithfully watched several of these programs, and even though I recognize his face, I just didn't pick up on who he was!


* Happy Days * Henry Winkler as "The Fonz" and Eddie Fontaine as Fonzie's dad, Vito *
December 19, 1978




* Above is Eddie and James Garner in an episode of "Rockford Files"
October 20, 1978

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* OH MY GOODNESS *
It's Eddie Fontaine (how did you know?)  Gorilla Sergeant
Planet of The Apes TV Series, Episode 1 * The Gladiators
September 20, 1974

In 1954, After serving time in the U.S. Navy, Eddie signed with RCA as a vocalist.  Labels Eddie had signed with include X, VIK, and 1956 Decca. VIK was a subsidiary of RCA, and X was just sort of a 'no name' label, that eventually featured cover records of R&B artists like Eddie Fontaine and also Louis Jordan.   The Vik label was closed in November of 1958 and, while some artists had their contracts transferred to the parent company, others left to join other labels.

Sooo...how about another song?  I listened to some of Eddie Fontaine's work, and my favorite song is "On Bended Knee".  I think it was released in 1955.

* from Youtube *

Wasn't this one just the best!  Eddie was a crooner, and, owned this song.  Ahhh...I can picture myself with a tall, handsome guy dancing to Eddie's cool, and sometimes gravelly voice!

* courtesy of Yahoo Images *

*  Eddie Fontaine remained active throughout the 1980's.  I believe his last appearance was in 1991 on the series "Sisters" .  Mr. Fontaine died of throat cancer in 1992.  He was 65 years old.

  I have really enjoyed listening to Eddie's music while writing this post.  Mr. Fontaine was a versatile character, who hopscotched through a career filled with hard work, and exciting people.  He was indeed an electrifying and talented artist!  

***  Well, gotta go for now.  It's raining cats and dogs this morning in the Lone Star state!  And, as most of you will agree...the rain is much needed!

* Texas Rain * photo by Suzanne

Thank you so much, dear readers, and rockabilly fans for coming by!  I hope you enjoyed today's post, as much as I enjoyed writing it!

There are so many to thank:
musicminder.com
musicstack.com
www.rockabilly.nl
www.discogs.com
planetoftheapes.wikia.com
Thank you also:
Wikipedia
Youtube
Yahoo Images

Please stop in if you have time, and let me know if you enjoyed my post.  Or, if you're too shy, like me, lol...just step in and say hello!

Have a wonderful weekend!  See you next time!
Be kind, and smile.  Give love, and you will get love! 💕

Shakin' Down with Big Mama!

~ Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton

courtesy of Yahoo Images

I know there's a bunch of you out there who like the Blues, and, I'm right there with you!  It is a known fact that many folks believe that the Blues singers and song writers from the beginning of time, paved the way for much of the rock and roll, country and folk music that has come our way.  One such singer/songwriter's name came across my desk a while back..oh, I'd say on Elvis Presley's 83rd Birthday?  And, this lady was one of Elvis's greatest influences in his younger years.

The lady I'm talking about is none other than "Big Mama" Thornton!  Big Mama started her career as an early teenager, right after her mother died.  She worked in a saloon at night, cleaning and singing  part time to fill in when a singer was needed.  Prior to her mother's passing, Willie Mae had spent most of her youth singing in the Church, where her father was a minister.  Big Mama was eventually spotted by a promoter, and, by the time she was in her early 20's, she was on her way to Atlanta. There she performed at Sammy Green's "Hot Harlem Revue", playing drums and harmonica in addition to singing.  What a treat that would have been!


~ Big Mama Thornton on drums * Yahoo Images

*  In the late 1940's and 50's, a female who was talented enough to play multiple instruments, was not likely to gain much recognition.  But in Willie Mae's case, these talents of hers were impressive, and, got her a record deal with Peacock Records.  It didn't hurt any that she possessed a robust, bluesy voice, with a knack for belting out gutsy lyrics either!


* Yahoo Images

***Speaking of "Hound Dog"!!!  In 1952, Willie Mae recorded this song, written by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller and released in 1953.  Subsequently, "Big Mama's" "Hound Dog" remained at #1 for 7 of the 14 weeks it spent on the R&B charts.  Well, as the story goes, "Big Mama" only received about $500.00 for her recording of the song, which was revamped a few years later by Elvis Presley, earning him a much more substantial compensation.  He, of course, was then launched into stardom, which continues to thrive today!


* collage created by Suzanne * images from Yahoo

***

Willie Mae ran that circuit during the mid to late 1950's, even performing at the Apollo, where she earned her name, "Big Mama" for her loud voice, size, and personality.  Apollo manager, Frank Schiffman said her voice was louder than a microphone, and he didn't want a mic to ever be as loud as Big Mama's voice was!  She could really belt those songs out!


~ How about these two 'mega-blues' gals!

I think Willie Mae and Janis Joplin, who were a generation apart, had a great deal in common!  I always liked Janis' rendition of "Ball and Chain", and since I didn't know who "Big Mama" was, I had no idea who actually penned the song!  Let's take a gander:

*** WOW!  This was "Ball and Chain" performed by Big Mama Thornton with the Buddy Guy's Blues Band, I'm thinking in 1970.  Big Mama even gives Ms. Janis Joplin credit for making her song famous.  Now that's a lady with soul!  Janis nailed this song and it happens to be my favorite Janis Joplin song!  I have tried to sing it myself, but, WOE is me...lol!  Send in the clowns!

***
In the later 1950's and early 60's, Willie Mae found herself heading for California and located to the San Francisco Bay area, where, she played some clubs with her old friend, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, and recorded on various record labels.  Big Mama toured Europe in 1965 with the American Folk Blues Festival, enjoying some success.


*  Big Mama Thornton * Yahoo Images

Rumor has it that she was a pretty tough cookie, and sometimes dressed in men's clothing.  This female "Blues Steamroller"  was always invited to perform at the Monterrey Jazz Fest in the company of Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Big Walter Horton, and Dr. Ross, to name a few.  Her powerhouse vocals and guileless storytelling helped bring back "Big Mama's" faltering career during this time.  However, her sexual inclinations had become questionable when "Big Mama" appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1980.  She performed in the  "Blues is a Woman" concert, sporting a man's 3-piece suit, and straw hat.


~ Big Mama * Yahoo Images

By the 1970's, it was evident that Willie Mae, "Big Mama" was drinking heavily, and her health was  suffering the debilitating effects.  She continued to tour, having performed in 1979 at the San Francisco Blues Festival with B. B. King and Muddy Waters.  In addition to writing "Ball and  Chain", Big Mama wrote at least 20 other songs:   Among her works are, "Quit Snoopin' Around My Door", "The Fish", "I Smell a Rat", and, on the flip side of "Hound Dog", was "They Call Me Big Mama."  
* Willie Mae's most successful album is "Stronger Than Dirt", which was released, I think around 1969, on Mercury Records.  The album ranked 198 in the Billboard Top 200.  One of her songs on this album, "Summertime", brought some very good reviews.  "Big Mama's" delivery of the song is said to have been:  "incredible", "This is my Big Mama, no doubt.", and "She is absolutely breaking everyone's heart on this song...fantastic!"



* I listened to Big Mama's "Summertime" performance, and totally agree.  How about you?
Have a listen!

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton-Summertime 1970

What can I say?  Didn't that number just "rule"!    "Big Mama" said, "I didn't go to music school.  I taught myself to sing and blow harmonica, and even to play drums by watchin' other people.  I can't read music, but I know what I'm singing!"

The years of  alcohol consumption was taking its toll on "Big Mama", and by 1980, she had lost quite a lot of weight (255 pounds), due to illness.  She had to be helped onstage to perform sitting down, but still delivered magnificent performances.   I believe "Big Mama's last live performance was in April of 1984, where she performed her biggest hit, "Ball and Chain" in Los Angeles.

* Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton passed away in a Los Angeles rooming house, July 25, 1984. She was 57 years old, and died of a heart attack and liver disorder. *  

*  "Big Mama" Thornton is one of those "Unsung Heroes".  She was overshadowed by white artists, receiving very little credit and recognition for two major hits that she introduced into the  Blues, R&B/Rock and Roll community.  For her recording and work on "Hound Dog", she was quoted as saying, " I never got what I should have.  I received one check for $500.00, nothing more."  Willie Mae felt cheated out of the success she should have received.  Big Mama was never given credit or any compensation for "Ball and Chain", that was written by her., yet, praised Janis Joplin's version of the song. Big Mama's recording of the song didn't even hit the charts!  Ms. Joplin did reap rewards from the song, but frequently acknowledged Big Mama's contribution to the industry. *
***
* Big Mama Thornton received a San Francisco Blues Festival award in 1979 and
* She was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984
* In 2004, the nonprofit Brooklyn's Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls was founded
to offer a musical education to girls ages 8 to 18 *

* I am personally so glad I came across the story of this multi-talented lady!  I have listened to more than several of her songs, and, I am hooked!  I hope you all have enjoyed this post and the messages it has brought to us all about the 'Blues'

"White, black, rich or poor.  If you ever had your heart broke, you have the right to sing the blues."
~ Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton

I know it's time to wrap this program up...how I can go on when given the chance.  Thank you so much for coming by and paying my Rockabilly Blog a visit.  If you have time, please stop in and say hello, or check one of the reactions at the bottom of this post just to let me know how you liked the program.  I appreciate all of your visits and comments.

Now...I came across the most fascinating video of "Big Mama" that I want to share with you all.  I have to say, OMG to this one!  On this number, Big Mama really gets after it on her harmonica, and the song just continues to accelerate into dynamic excellence!!!

* (1965) Blues by Big Mama Thornton-Hound Dog and
Down Home Shakedown
with:  John Lee Hooker, Big Walter Horton & Dr. Ross

* Don't you just love this! *

Thanks to all of my resources...and there were plenty!
Blogger
Google
Yahoo images
Wikipedia

Gotta go now...see you next time.  Sending love and Peace your way.
 Please have a safe Memorial Day weekend! 💖 



* photo by Suzanne