Red Robinson's Legends

Connie Francis 2:01 ↓

Connie talks about the enduring appeal of ballads.

Ernie Freeman 3:58 ↓

Ernie Freeman came to Vancouver in 1956 as bandleader and arranger with the first "Show Of Stars". I chatted with Ernie backstage, we talked about rock'n'roll and I learned the meaning of the word "zeitgeist"! Ernie released "Jivin' Around" in 1956 and he appeared in Columbia Pictures' classic teen flick "Rock Around The Clock" Ernie's cover version of Bill Justis' "Raunchy", his biggest solo succ...

Ivory Joe Hunter 2:05 ↓

In praise of the piano; where he got the name. Recorded at CKWX /Vancouver studios, 1957

Buddy Knox at The Show of Stars, 1957 1:28 ↓

Back when rock was young I had the pleasure of being the MC for The Show of Stars at Vancouver’s Georgia Auditorium on October 23, 1957. The all-star cast included Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Frankie Avalon, George Hamilton IV, Buddy Knox, The Everly Brothers, Paul Anka and Eddie Cochran. All this for three bucks! Typical of the anti-rock attitude of the day, The...

Paul Anka 2:11 ↓

Paul tells Red how he got his start. Recorded in Vancouver at The Show Of Stars, October 1957.

Gene Vincent 2:43 ↓

The story behind "Be-Bop-A-Lula"

Jimmy Bowen 1:57 ↓

Red asks Jimmy Bowen how long he thinks rock'n'roll will last

Conway Twitty 3:49 ↓

Conway tells Red how he got started.

Hank Snow 2:18 ↓

What's new in country music; Hank talks song writing. Recorded at KGW/Portland, 1959

Gene McDaniels 9:25 ↓

Liberty recording star Gene McDaniels arrived on the scene in 1961. His dynamic voice and soul were reminiscent of the late Sam Cooke. His first hit "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay" was controversial and was banned from British radio. The song was simply a story about God making man and woman from clay. The British apparently found something wrong with the concept. Gene was part of the gap that filled t...

Ringo Starr 1:07 ↓

Ringo tells how he became a Beatle.

Neil Sedaka 1:04 ↓

Rock'n'roll pioneer Neil Sedaka tells Red rock wasn't his first choice.

Paul McCartney 0:52 ↓

How he wrote "A Hard Day's Night".

Charlie Rich 3:03 ↓

Charlie talks about his musical influences. Recorded at the Purple Steer/Vancouver, June 1970

Glen Campbell Part 2 2:23 ↓

Glen talks about his early career as a studio musician.

Johnny Cash interview, 1988 3:16 ↓

Johnny and Red talk about the "Class Of 55" album; Johnny's son John Carter Cash; his love of collecting memorabilia

Cyndi Lauper 1:10 ↓

On collaborating when writing songs.

Bob Newhart 3:47 ↓

Early visits to Vancouver.

Gary U.S. Bonds 1:06 ↓

His take on his early hits - which did he prefer, New Orleans or Quarter To Three?

Jimmie Rodgers 4:31 ↓

The story of his first hit "Honeycomb"

Freddy Cannon 2:30 ↓

How his mother helped start his career

Joe Terry 2:53 ↓

Joe tells Red how Danny and the Juniors ("At The Hop", "Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay") got their start. Recorded at EXPO 86, Vancouver

Johnny Tillotson 2:50 ↓

Johnny remembers Archie Bleyer, the genius behind Cadence Records; his country roots. Recorded at EXPO 86, Vancouver

Frankie Avalon 3:16 ↓

Frankie tells Red how he got started; the story behind his early hits. Recorded at EXPO 86.

Billy J. Kramer 2:29 ↓

The early days of the British Invasion