Brand New Oldies

That's a contradiction in terms: Brand New Oldies. How can it be an "oldie" and brand new at the same time?

When my Son-in-law, Roddy Jackson, was a teen ager, he was a "phenom" in the music world.  He was a fantastic rock and roll musician, and as such, cut some great rock and roll records for Specialty label, whose A and R specialist was Sonny Bono.  But those numbers were not recleased at the time, and the masters lay untouched for fifty years. 

Time passed, and so did Rock and Roll, but not Roddy.  He became a music teacher.  I am very proud of his work with middle school bands.  Those lucky youngsters get to perform under his direction, and his skills as a professional musician give them confidence and help them do fantastic things for a middle school band. He makes them sound their very best.  He does the same for his private music students, too. 

In fact, he even makes me, his father-in-law, sound good on harmonica when he and his step-son, my grandson, play with me at the old folks home.

Recently Ace Records aquired the rights to those long-forgotten master recordings.  Someone said, "Hey, listen to this. How come these didn't get released when Rock and Roll was at its height?"  And then they said, "Why don't WE release them now for those Rock and Roll fans who are tottering around on their walkers? It is never too late."  And so they did.

I am really proud of Roddy.  You can read his story here.  And you can even listen to a few bars of some of his brand new oldies. If you have a sentimental soft spot in your heart for Rock and Roll you can even buy one on-line.  I sure have.

Tags: Father time rocks, Roddy Jackson Then and Now, Rock and Roll