TV Radio Mirror (Jul - Dec 1961)

ON THE RECORD TOP 50 RECORDS UP 'N' COMER • Reflecting the current trend to more soul in popular music, Eugene B. McDaniels is the son of Rev. B. T. McDaniels of Kansas City, Mo. Gene's early musical contact was with a professional gospel-singing group which he joined at the age of 13. In high school he played sax in the school band, soon forming his own quartet and later other vocal groups. By the time he was 20 he was considered a leading exponent of gospel songs, and planned to become a chorale conductor. When the Fred Waring band appeared in Omaha, Nebraska, it was a great thrill of Gene's life when Waring selected him to appear as guest soloist. But about this time his musical horizon had broadened. While attending Omaha and Nebraska Universities and the Omaha Conservatory of Music, he found himself intrigued by the jazz sounds of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker, and singers Billie Holliday and Sarah Vaughn. He decided to try Hollywood, and three days after his arrival won a job at the Jazz Cellar after an impromptu audition during a jam session. Liberty Records finally heard a tape submitted by his managers, Don Reardon and Arnold Mills. After a couple of fair-to-middling hits, he made it big with "A Hundred Pounds of Clay." He now has three albums to his credit, the latest "Movie Memories." And he appeals to both teens and adults, with hit records in the rocking up-tempo vein as well as smooth but swinging ballads such as those in his LP's. A versatile performer, Gene will be on the music scene for quite a while. • Hottest New LPS The Astronaut, Jose Jimenez (Kapp 1238) On the Records monthly survey of the hottest new LP's and singles lists those records showing the strongest sales in retail stores, based on reports from manufacturers, distributors, trade publications — including Bill Gavin Record Reports, Billboard Music Week, Cashbox, and Variety. BEST SELLING NEW LP'S Judy at Carnegie Hall, Judy Garland (Capitol WBO 1569)— Electrifying theater right in your own home. Yellow Bird (Percussion Spectacular), Arthur Lyman (Life 1004) — Unique sounds with gourds and drums galore. Dance Till a Quarter to Three, Gary (U.S.) Bonds (Legrand 3001)— Two smash singles in a row equal one smash LP. Spanish Harlem, Ben E. King (Atco 113) — The Latin beat with soul pays off. Includes his hot single, "Amor." Moody River, Pat Boone (Dot 3384) — Pat's stronger than ever. More Greatest Hits, Connie Francis (MGM 3942) — Connie's got surefire international appeal. Something for Everybody, Elvis Presley (RCA Victor LPM 2370)— The big E can't miss. Come Swing With Me, Frank Sinatra (Capitol 1594) — A swingin' session from the Voice . . . er, ah, Our Leader. Carnival & Other Broadway Hits, Mantovani (London 3250) — Great lush sounds from the background music expert. Ebb Tide, Earl Grant (Decca 4165)— National TV has helped Earl find his fans. Portrait of Johnny, Johnny Mathis (Columbia 1644) — His liquid voice pours out more balm for the heart. Four Preps on Campus (Capitol 1566) — The boys sing with bounce and humor. Yellow Bird, Lawrence Welk (Dot 3389) — The maestro has uh-one, uh-two hits in a row. The Highwaymen (United Artists 3125)— Their hit single "Michael" has broken the way for this folk-singing group of collegians. The Boll Weevil Song & Other Great Hits, Brook Benton (Mercury 20641) — Another LP follow-up to a smash single pays off. THE HOT SINGLES Who Put the Bomp (In the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp), Barry Mann (ABC-Paramount 10237) — Great satire on the current bomp-bomp ramalama ding-dong sound. The Mountain's High, Dick and Deedee (Liberty 55350) — A plaintive sound and catchy drum beat make this outstanding. You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, Bobby Darin (Atco 6206)— Bobby's in rare form as he rocks this old standard. Amor, Ben E. King (Atco 6203) — He tears into this beautiful old tune with solid soul-searching. oof