"Nightflight" Tue Mar 26, 9P-12M ET: Deke Richards....a tribute...

[midnight johnny]

Howdy there, Folks. Well, I don't have to explain the sadness I feel...I know that your feeling it too. Losing another Motown alumnus is jarring, but losing Deke Richards...well,
it renders one speechless. Deke was an amazingly talented writer, pianist, producer and mix engineer. What strikes me most about Deke is how modest he was as he described
his work at Motown and his collaboration with so many other talented writers, producers and artists. He clearly appreciated where he was and what he did. His loss is profound.
Tonight, I'm doing a tribute to Deke Richards and the music he was involved in creating.
Do join me tonight...on "Nightflight"...on WOMR 92.1 FM Provincetown and WFRM 91.3 FM Orleans, and we are streaming live worldwide in digital stereo at www.womr.org [[http://www.womr.org/)
Thanks!
John
PS...I want to thank Jerry Plunk, lead singer and drummer of Invictus/Hot Wax's Flaming Ember. Jerry was supposed to join me live tonight, but when he heard about the loss of Deke and my desire to do a tribute show, Jerry couldn't have been more gracious.
Jerry...thank you, my friend
and Deke...rip...

6425
Martha, Deke and Debbie Dean [[Courtesy of John Lester)

6426
Fonce Mizell, Deke and Freddie Perren...3/4 of The Corporation
[[Courtesy of UMG)

[dba]

Here's a little Deke n Diana [[it's her 69th Birthday today).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjwYjvJ6z98

[Penny]

My AVON schedule has made it impossible to listen to Midnight Johnny for a long while. With this terrible loss of Deke I cancelled tonight so I could listen. Thank you Midnight Johnny. You are a true gentleman.

Penny:[[

[davidh]

john,what a great idea.will be listening.what a shock.didnt know he was ill

[sophisticated_soul]

Deke Richards leaves us an amazing body of work, his legacy is assured for all time. Rest In Peace Deke Richards. Thank you for the music. And thank you John for providing tonight's program where we can gather and mourn the loss of the man and celebrate his music.

[carole cucumber]

Johnny,
Last week you premiered a few of the tracks written by/mixed by Deke on Disc 3 of Martha Reeve & the Vandellas 50th Anniversary Complete Singles Collection. Might you incorporate more of the eight tonight as these tracks takes on greater meaning with Deke's death and serve as a testimony to his skills and love of Motown music?

[theboyfromxtown]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7PVbY9tpH8

RIP Deke Richards

[midnight johnny]

My AVON schedule has made it impossible to listen to Midnight Johnny for a long while. With this terrible loss of Deke I cancelled tonight so I could listen. Thank you Midnight Johnny. You are a true gentleman.

Penny:[[

Penny....it will be wonderful to have you back...I appreciate you joining us at this very sad time.....thanks. John

[midnight johnny]

john,what a great idea.will be listening.what a shock.didnt know he was ill


David....howdy there, Baltimore....it is very shocking......glad you'll be listening...

[midnight johnny]

Deke Richards leaves us an amazing body of work, his legacy is assured for all time. Rest In Peace Deke Richards. Thank you for the music. And thank you John for providing tonight's program where we can gather and mourn the loss of the man and celebrate his music.

Hey Joseph....I'm so glad we can listen to Deke's music together......

[midnight johnny]

Johnny,
Last week you premiered a few of the tracks written by/mixed by Deke on Disc 3 of Martha Reeve & the Vandellas 50th Anniversary Complete Singles Collection. Might you incorporate more of the eight tonight as these tracks takes on greater meaning with Deke's death and serve as a testimony to his skills and love of Motown music?

Hey there Carole...yes...I plan to bring the Vandella's new set with that idea in mind....

[midnight johnny]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7PVbY9tpH8

RIP Deke Richards


John...thanks. Such a great Deke/Debbie song....not a bad extended version either...eh?
[[*smile)

[theboyfromxtown]

It's almost as good as the extended version of The Beginning Of The End Of Love that you're gonna do one day!

*smile*

[midnight johnny]

It's almost as good as the extended version of The Beginning Of The End Of Love that you're gonna do one day!

*smile*

John....I know from reading the Deke Monologues that you said this was a favorite of yours. I had done an extended version a while back, but never put it up on youtube...
I am doing that now. For you...and for Deke...
Thanks for mentioning it.
John
PS...it's also my 300th video...I thought I'd never get there...again....



http://youtu.be/loJu5PBrbmo

[theboyfromxtown]

Why John. I am so humbled. Thank you SO much. It's true I absolutely adore this song.

[midnight johnny]

Why John. I am so humbled. Thank you SO much. It's true I absolutely adore this song.


How's THAT for service?

[theboyfromxtown]

I think you surpassed even your own high standards this time! *grin*

[midnight johnny]

Thanks! [[*smile)

[midnight johnny]

...in the studio...hello there Folks....

[Glenpwood]

Settled in for tonight's tribute. Been playing a lot of Dekes productions today at the office and home and it just drives home how sad it is to lose such a talented and gracious guy. See everyone shortly.....

[midnight johnny]

Settled in for tonight's tribute. Been playing a lot of Dekes productions today at the office and home and it just drives home how sad it is to lose such a talented and gracious guy. See everyone shortly.....


Hey there Glen...good to see you....

[carole cucumber]

There seems to be static on I Want You Back. Is it on my end- or is anyone else hearing it?

[Glenpwood]

I did briefly at the start but it passed.....

[sophisticated_soul]

I'm hearing intermittent static too.

[JimBagley]

Great selection John.

[carole cucumber]

I've disconnected and reconnected and still hear static in parts- Anyone else?

[midnight johnny]

I've disconnected and reconnected and still hear static in parts- Anyone else?

Let me know if that static is gone...i just did something to help....thanks!

[Glenpwood]

This ratchets the melodrama up to 12 in such a wonderful way.love it!

[carole cucumber]

It seems to be much better right now. Thanks. We even get to hear you singing along once again.

[msjoys]

The static appears to be gone

[Glenpwood]

Imitation Of Life

[carole cucumber]

Imitation of Life

[sophisticated_soul]

The static [[and the Duchess;)) is gone.

[midnight johnny]

Imitation Of Life

[Glenpwood]

Will we be hearing any of Deke's productions on Chris Clark? "Your favorite artists are on Weed" after all......;)

[sophisticated_soul]

Will we be hearing any of Deke's productions on Chris Clark? "Your favorite artists are on Weed" after all......;)

And some of your favorite listeners are on weed too! LOL!!!;)

[Ryon6]

Hello MJ and gang,

Glad to be here under such a sad occasion. RIP Deke.

Tyrone

[midnight johnny]

Hello MJ and gang,

Glad to be here under such a sad occasion. RIP Deke.

Tyrone

Ryon6....great that you could join us....

[Ryon6]

Where can i get that version of Your Love Makes It All Worthwhile?

Tyrone

[midnight johnny]

Where can i get that version of Your Love Makes It All Worthwhile?

Tyrone

This stero version I'm playing is from the 2 fer...Natural Resources and Black magic

[Glenpwood]

John, looks like all Dekes penned originals for C.C. Rides Again aren't on YouTube but the cover he cut of In The Ghetto or You've Made Me So Very Happy Are There....

[carole cucumber]

Andantes & Blackberries & [[Berry Gordy at end) on background of Your Love Makes It All Worthwhile

[Methuselah2]

Cape Canned Sardines

[carole cucumber]

How about Chris Clark's 'Everything's Right, Everything Wrong' from the U.K. Anthology.

[carole cucumber]

John, looks like all Dekes penned originals for C.C. Rides Again aren't on YouTube but the cover he cut of In The Ghetto or You've Made Me So Very Happy Are There....

I don't find that at all surprising considering that there were only 2 Deke Richards
compositions on CC Rides Again

[JimBagley]

I love Corner Of The Sky. Thanks John.

[carole cucumber]

Jill Clayburgh- I Guess I'll Miss The Man

[carole cucumber]

Do you have Edwin Starr's 'Backyard Lovin' Man'?

[Methuselah2]

Now, did I just hear Baby Bollox mentioned?
What station is this?

[sophisticated_soul]

Thanks for the shout out John. When I first discovered Diana Ross [[Live at the Apollo album, Summer 1963) I was 12 and she was 19. In the blink of an eye I'm 62 and she's 69. How the heck did a half century pass so darn quickly! Yikes!!

[Glenpwood]

Wasn't Doobedood'noobe scheduled to be released on Weed? It seems like it would've fit hehe

[Glenpwood]

Random trivia....

Doobedood'noobe was the first 45 record Mick Hucknall ever bought as a child... So next time you hear Simply Red's Holding Back The Years consider this was his touchstone on which his taste was built....

[msjoys]

Shall we all sing along with Johnny?

[Ryon6]

John,

I love to hear you sing or whatever it is that you do as the songs you're playing. Reminds me of me [[LOL).

Tyrone

[carole cucumber]

And speaking of Pippin, don't forget that The Complete Motown Series 1972 should bring us Irene Ryan's 'No Time At All'

[sophisticated_soul]

Shall we all sing along with Johnny?

I was.:)__

[George Solomon]

Hi John, I just tuned in. I spoke with Andy a little while ago and heard about your tribute tonight. I'm in Halifax doing a show tonight.
I can't begin to tell you what Deke Richards has meant to me. I've met or worked with many of Motown's top producers. There was something about Deke... so giving. I've worked with him since the 80's and was fortunate to be an artist that Deke produced. I did two tracks with Deke and he also used me for demos that he was producing for other artists.
There is something very magical that Deke did the final mix of Martha's "I Can't Dance". He finally got to do the mix that he always wanted with Martha's vocal all the way through. I know that Harry and Andy and I are very grateful to have known such a wonderful and talented man.
Someday I'd love to come on and talk about my times with Deke.
My love and condolences to all who are feeling the loss of this great man.
Love,
George Solomon

[carole cucumber]

I likely =International

[Methuselah2]

The late Jill Clayburgh.

[carole cucumber]

How about the Four Tops 'Soldier of Love' From a Cellarful of Motown Vol 3 ...

[sophisticated_soul]

Happy Birthday Diana Ross!

6427
From the cover of the "Live at the Apollo" album, the first time I heard of and saw a picture of the Supremes.

[midnight johnny]

Wasn't Doobedood'noobe scheduled to be released on Weed? It seems like it would've fit hehe


VERY good one!!!!!

[sophisticated_soul]

George, "break a leg"!:)

[carole cucumber]

I just re-read Deke's account of the sessions that produced 'Soldier of Love' . He closes by saying ''However , it is a pleasure now to share some of these unreleased tracks with you in the 'Cellarful of Motown' CD series, starting with one of my personal favorites, 'Soldier of Love''
As Paul Nixon has hinted that U.K. Motown does not seem interested in continuing the Cellarful series, perhaps Motown Select might put together a second Four Tops Lost & Found, including these 1984 sessions as a fitting tribute to Deke, Levi, Obie and Lawrence, and of course Duke, the sole living original Top.

[sophisticated_soul]

Hi Andy!:)

[carole cucumber]

Thanks Andy,

theboyfromxtown also posted this on facebook and also in the Deke Richards RIP thread here at SD

http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp?fromrow=1&torow=25&keyname=RICHARDS%20DEKE&querytype=WriterID&keyid=286941&page=1&blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&affiliation=BMI&cae=41297297

[thomas96]

Great job on this show Johnny! I've been listening without looking at the forum, but need to hit the sack now. Thanks, and RIP Deke!

[midnight johnny]

Great job on this show Johnny! I've been listening without looking at the forum, but need to hit the sack now. Thanks, and RIP Deke!

Thanks Thomas...!!!! Have a great night!

[sophisticated_soul]

I like this version of "We Need You" better, on the album version the chorus practically drowns out Diana.

[carole cucumber]

Yes, Deke & Sherlie wrote it [[although the U.K. 2-fer spells her first name Shirlie)

[carole cucumber]

Andy,
Remember Me was Berry's choice for follow-up after Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

[hwume]

Calling in now...

[sophisticated_soul]

Answer the phone! It's Harry!!

[hwume]

I'm late dialing in so maybe not this time.

[sophisticated_soul]

Thanks Andy, I loved your words for Deke. Very cool.:)

[carole cucumber]

Harry,
Please try calling again. Andy's off the phone now.

[Ryon6]

John,
Can you play I Can't Dance To That Music that Deke wanted released? I know you played it last week, I think this would be a grand sign off in honor of Deke [[Dennis Lussier).

Thanks for all you do,
Tyrone

[sophisticated_soul]

Thanks Harry!:)

[msjoys]

God bless you Midnight Johnny - great program

[sophisticated_soul]

What an amazing show! An awesome tribute to Deke. Thanks John, thanks everybody! See you all next time.:cool:

[Motown Andy]

John, thank you so much for having Harry and I on, and for doing such a lovely tribute to Deke. Next year we'll have to do another tribute with even more songs and more stories! I'll see if I can find the interview tapes I did with him and we can let your listeners hear a bit. Also, I've got a beautiful song Deke gave me called "Cry Like A Baby" I'd love to share one day. Thank you again John, and of course thank you Deke Richards. Bless You!

[carole cucumber]

John, thank you so much for having Harry and I on, and for doing such a lovely tribute to Deke. Next year we'll have to do another tribute with even more songs and more stories! I'll see if I can find the interview tapes I did with him and we can let your listeners hear a bit. Also, I've got a beautiful song Deke gave me called "Cry Like A Baby" I'd love to share one day. Thank you again John, and of course thank you Deke Richards. Bless You!

NEXT YEAR?????? Why not next time??

[Motown Andy]

Why not next time? I can't think of any reason not to. I'm also thinking of all the people John needs to interview: Pam Sawyer, Chris Clark, Sherlie Matthews, Carole Cucumber [[why not? I'd love to know all about you) The list goes on and on. Who would you all like to hear on John's show?

[Glenpwood]

Oh we might need John to start hosting two shows a week at three hours each to fit in everyone on my wish list Andy. Top of my list would be Cindy Birdsong and if Kevin Reeves could be convinced to come on and talk about all the great work he does with you guys on these sets.

[midnight johnny]

Folks....thanks for such a wonderful show. As sad an occaision as it is, hearing Deke's music and talking with Harry and Andy about Deke and hearing their remembrances of him
seems to blunt the sadness. Thank you all....and thank you Andy and Harry....
and a special thanks to Deke for the music....RIP....
John