Over 54 years ago in the summer of 1965, The Lovin’ Spoonful asked the musical question: “Do You Believe In Magic?” and they had their first top ten hit with that single.
I remember when their song, “Summer In The City” came out a year later, I asked my brother Jim what city were they singing about. He told me that they were singing about New York City and I became fascinated about that city and 27 years later I moved to New York City.
The latest version of The Lovin’ Spoonful continue to tour today, but the original band consisting of John Sebastian, Zal Yanovsky, Steve Boone and Joe Butler only lasted for two years, from 1965 to 1967. I’ve always felt they were an underrated part of rock ’n roll history and so today I’m featuring six links to online articles about the band and its brief history.
Then there’s the MBIP Coming Attractions for next week!
Songfacts About The Lovin’ Spoonful - Lots of factoids about the band including that their first seven singles all charted in the top ten. Pretty amazing, especially when this was the era of the “British Invasion.”
The Lovin’ Spoonful’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Page - This is the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame page. They were inducted in 2000 and here’s a clip of the induction.
John Sebastian on the ‘Magic’ of the Lovin’ Spoonful - John Sebastian was the main songwriter and vocalist in the Lovin’ Spoonful and in this article he remembers those years, plus there’s information on his career after he left the band he founded.
The Lovin’ Spoonful on Rate Your Music - There’s a discography here along with all the band members, past and present and a mini biography of the band.
The Lovin’ Spoonful’s Steve Boone Opens Up About The Infamous Pot Bust That Broke Up The Band - This is a great interview with Steve Boone, who played bass and co-wrote several tunes with John Sebastian. He discusses the band, the time he and Zal got busted for pot and ratted out a dope dealer and his book, “Hotter Than a Match Head: Life of the Run with the Lovin’ Spoonful.”
Zal Yanovsky, 57, Guitarist With Lovin’ Spoonful in 60’s - The person I always considered the heart and should of the Lovin’ Spoonful died in 2002 at the age of 57-years-old. He went from playing a guitar in one of the ’60’s biggest bands to running a restaurant in Canada. This is his NY Times obituary.
Monday: I can’t believe that it’s September today! Last night was the last Saturday night for Lou’s Drive-In, so I went and got a chili-dog and a root beer. If you want one last Lou’s treat, they are open today and then they’re closed of the season. Tell them that MBIP sent you and they’ll charge you and extra ten percent!
Tuesday: The MBIP 13 month chicken tour continues and I went to Jr’s Kitchen on Main and had a style of chicken wing I’ve never had before. Tune in to find out about this exotic wing creation!
Wednesday: Another sign that summer is over is the ending of the Peoria Chief’s season. Last Thursday I went to the final Thirsty Thursday game at Dozer Park. I had beer, a brat and a great time as always!
As usual, I’m taking Thursday, Friday and Saturday off to rehearse for the upcoming Marty Monologues show. I have a big rehearsal night coming up this Thursday with my friends, Amber, Joe, Kathy and Steve. I’ve really been struggling with the second story and if that gets resolved this week I will be so thrilled!
Alright, have a wavy gravy and groovy Sunday and we’ll see you all tomorrow on Labor Day!
Related Posts: Sunday Links: Sunday Links: “Easy Rider,” The 50th Anniversary of Woodstock and The Manson Family Murders.
You didn’t have to be so nice…
Surprise link, click on it…I dare you!
Rare Morning Bonus Photo of Myself and My Dad with my Cousin Susie and Her Husband Chuck!
I actually went out of the MBIP World Headquarters before noon today!
My cousin Susie and her husband Chuck were in town from Nashville for Susie’s class reunion and they made time to have breakfast with my Dad and myself.
It was wonderful to see them and catch up on things and I want to thank them for making time to visit with us! Have a safe trip back to Nashville, Susie and Chuck!