Category: All Posts

Joe Sinnott, from Bing to Beatles

Joltin’ Joe Sinnott’s granddaughter Erin has been posting a very enjoyable weekly series of video Q&A’s with Joe on his Facebook page. Joe’s fans and friends know that he’s a big fan of Bing Crosby, and this week’s question comes from a fellow Der Bingle fan, who’s none other than my co-conspirator in fanboy endeavors, Dennis F. Rogers.

[flv:http://s3.amazonaws.com/dogratcom/Video/2012/JoeSinnottBing.flv 512 384]

Joe’s praise for Bing singing the plaintive Hang Me, Oh Hang Me makes it deserving of a listen, so here it is.

[audio:https://s3.amazonaws.com/dogratcom/Audio/2012/12/BingCrosby.mp3|titles=Bing Crosby – Hang Me Oh Hang Me]

I’m pleased no end that Joe Sinnott also has a connection to the Beatles, because when they came to America in 1964, Joe had the distinction of being picked to illustrate the authorized comic book of their story…

… and here’s Joe talking about drawing the Beatles. A couple of years later he would be in the thick of his legendary run with Jack Kirby on The Fantastic Four.

[flv:http://s3.amazonaws.com/dogratcom/Video/2012/JoeSinnottBeatles.flv 512 384]

They’re the old generation and they’ve got something to say…

Validation. Not the kind that gets free parking, but should gain entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Sunday night, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, the Monkees rocked a packed house. It was a happy, yet bittersweet night with the loss of Davy, but thanks to Mike Nesmith appearing as a Monkee for the first time in more years than I know, they have proven once and for all that what began in 1965 as a casting call for a new TV show became something real and great and enduring. If the Monkees had been just a TV show, all they could do would be autograph signings, but by the time Dennis and I got to the theater there was a line that stretched for more than a city block — for an act that, keep in mind, hit over 45 years ago! Here’s their entrance as seen from my seat. (Sorry for the poor video quality. The camera has only a 3x optical zoom and it didn’t auto-focus correctly.)

[flv:http://s3.amazonaws.com/dogratcom/Video/2012/Monkees2012.flv 512 384]

A highlight of the show for me were the songs from the Monkees’ movie, Head. Here’s Mike doing Circle Sky, taken by somebody else in the audience.

The tributes to Davy were sincere and touching. This one in particular.

For guys like myself and Dennis who have, from the age of eleven, when the Monkees debuted, never wavered in our appreciation of the Monkees, last night was an amazing, unforgettable experience. What made it possible was the presence of Michael Nesmith who, after the album More of the Monkees appeared without their knowledge, said to the men who had control over their lives, “this shall not stand.” With the promise that the Monkees would continue making their TV show as contractually obligated, Don Kirshner was fired and the Monkees were given creative control over their music. That unique, angry, and powerful act of defiance resulted in their third album, Headquarters, and turned the Monkees from teen idols into a legitimate band. It’s past time for Mickey, Mike, Peter, and Davy to take their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have validity, and now they should have vindication to go with it.

Reed Page, R.I.P.

Worcester / Acton – Bryant “Reed” Page, Jr., 61, of Worcester, formerly of Acton, died suddenly Nov. 14, 2012. He was the beloved son of Bryant and the late Thelma Page of Acton. Reed is also survived by his three sisters, Tenley, Belinda, and Madi. He leaves behind four nieces, Briana, Kelsey, Ruth, and Taryn; three brothers-in-law, Peter, Donnie, and Joe, his lovely ex-wife, Shawn, several cousins, and many beloved friends.

A former ABRHS (Acton-Boxborough Regional High School) student, Reed obtained degrees from Leslie College and Harvard University. Reed worked for over a decade at Harvard after obtaining his Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering and Biology. He was a lifetime student of the struggles and the beauty that life brings. Reed dedicated much of his adult life to counseling, mentoring, supporting, and teaching hundreds of individuals battling addictions. Reed was very respected and loved by his community of brothers and sisters.

Reed was born with an intellect and genius that was enviable. His interests were varied, very passionate, and he was happiest when engaging in such loves as music, nature, and the company of good friends. He was in a band with several lifelong friends and was gifted with an amazing voice. He was awed by nature’s majesty and magnificence – sunsets, the stars, trips to Africa with members of his family, camping in Maine, the ocean, and everything about Hawaii.

Reed had a phenomenal wit and a sharp sense of humor with a huge grin and a belly laugh to match. No one could hug like Reed. He was devoted to his friends, his brothers, and sisters, and his family and he has left an indelible mark on every life and heart he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Mon., Nov. 19th from 4-7 p.m. at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Avenue, (Rte 111) Acton, MA 01720. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 20th at 1 p.m. at the Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Road, Acton, MA 01720.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Perkins School for the Blind (in honor of his niece, Briana). To donate online: www.perkins.org ; by mail: Perkins Trust Office, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Guest book www.actonfuneralhome.com

Published in Worcester Telegram & Gazette from November 17 to November 18, 2012