Rock ‘n’ Roll Trivia: How Mötley Crüe members selected the name
by John Robinson
Q: Why are there dots over Mötley Crüe’s name?
A: The dots included in the spelling of the band name Mötley Crüe are called “umlauts.” The band members settled on their name after hearing a friend refer to them as “a motley looking crew.” They changed the spelling of the word “crew” and added umlauts based on the ones used for Löwenbrau beer, which they happened to be drinking that particular night.
Q: I know David Cassidy’s father was actor Jack Cassidy. But was David’s mother someone famous as well? I know that Shirley Jones was his stepmom.
A: David Cassidy’s biological mother was actress Evelyn Ward. She never became a big star and only appeared on a few television shows between 1949-1965! During the ’60s, she appeared on the programs “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Ben Casey” and “Perry Mason.” In 1953, she had a role on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” and her first TV job was for the 1949 program “Manhattan Showcase.”
Q: Was Joe Cocker at Woodstock?
A: Yup. In fact, the 1969 Woodstock Festival was the first time Joe Cocker appeared in an American tour.
Q: In the early 2000s, I heard a different version of The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” on the radio. Please tell me who does it.
A: It could be a handful of people but the one that comes to mind is a version by vocalist Odette Telleria. It appears on a various artists CD called “A Tribute to The Beatles /Chill Out Versions” that came out in 2006. As for the song, “Here Comes the Sun” debuted on The Beatles’ 1969 album “Abbey Road,” written by George Harrison as he wandered with an acoustic guitar through Eric Clapton’s garden. Not long before, George had temporarily quit The Beatles and was hanging out at Clapton’s in order to avoid meetings at Apple Corps. After rejoining the band and working long hours to complete “Abbey Road,” George felt the phrase “here comes the sun” mirrored his relief when the night’s recording sessions came to an end. “Here Comes the Sun” was intended to be included in a two-part composition, which included “Sun King,” also found on “Abbey Road.” John Lennon was not part of The Beatles’ recording; at the time he was recuperating from an automobile accident.
Q: Who was the famous guy who sang lead on “Everybody Plays The Fool”?
A: That was a No. 3 hit in the summer of ’72 for the Main Ingredient; the lead vocalist was Cuba Gooding, father of actor Cuba Gooding Jr. After the Main Ingredient released a handful of minor singles in the early ’70s, original lead vocalist Don McPherson died of leukemia in 1971. Cuba Gooding replaced him as vocalist and the group had its first Top 10 (and Top 40) single with “Everybody Plays The Fool.”
Q: Who sang “Am I Fool Number One?” Was it Brenda Lee?
A: Yup. “Fool #1” was a No. 3 hit for Brenda in late 1961. It was originally titled “The Biggest Fool Of All” and was intended as a hit record for Loretta Lynn.
Q: The Carpenters’ song “Close to You” – written by Barry Manilow or not?
A: Nope; that hit was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David as “They Long to be Close to You” in 1963. The songwriters originally intended the song to be recorded by Herb Alpert but Alpert turned it down; instead it was recorded by Dionne Warwick. In the early ’70s, Alpert strongly suggested the song to Richard Carpenter (Alpert was the Carpenters’ boss at A&M Records). Richard took the liberty of shortening the title to simply “Close to You.” He and sister Karen made the recording and it went all the way to No. 1 during the summer of 1970.
John Robinson grew up in Stockbridge and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1969.
He’s been an author, TV host, columnist, actor, producer, emcee and radio broadcaster. Robinson’s favorite music of all time includes surf, psychedelia, garage bands, Motown and just plain ol’ good-time rock ‘n’ roll. To read more rock ‘n’ roll trivia, “Paranormal Michigan” stories, and lots more, check out Robinson’s books on his author page at facebook.com/johnrobinsonauthor.
