Most ardent KC rock fans have heard about the 1967 concert The Who played at Shawnee Mission South High School. But did you know Chuck Berry headlined a private casino-night party staged by the Kehilath Israel Synagogue Sisterhood in 1956? It’s true, thanks to the late booking agent and KI Synagogue member Allan Bell. If you Google “inventor of rock and roll,” Chuck Berry’s name and face pop up. Bell had a relationship with Berry and/or his manager, and booked him around town several times, … [Read more...] about Did Chuck Berry play a KC synagogue?!
Orchid Room
The man who sang “Kansas City” first
While the song “Kansas City” is officially credited to rock ’n’ roll demigods Lieber and Stoller, the first man to record it, then-20-year-old Little Willie Littlefield, often claimed in the ensuing years to have written it himself. It’s not hard to believe Littlefield had at least a hand in writing the song. After all, it was he who was hanging out on the corner of 12th Street and Vine in 1952, not Lieber and Stoller. They apparently never visited until 1986, to receive a key to the … [Read more...] about The man who sang “Kansas City” first
Entertainment & Culture
Sir Elton John cancels Wembley Concert. Leona Lewis suspect "not fit for court". Madonna Opens Malawi children's school. Singing Soldiers in chart topping battle. Lily Allen leads charge at the Q awards. Miss Frank voted out of X Factor by public. … [Read more...] about Entertainment & Culture
World Affairs
Afghan rivals row over poll chief veracity. German citizen on trial for muslim murder. Berlusconi faces an even earlier taxation trial. Zimbabwe talks end without substantive deal. Norwegian customs finds reptile horde. Australian eco-friendly car racing. … [Read more...] about World Affairs
Science & Environment
Particle beams injected into the LHC. New Nasa rocket set for exploratory flight Paint to thwart chemical attack threats. Darwinian teaching divides opinion. Climate map shows global human impact. Freezer plan bid to save the world corals. … [Read more...] about Science & Environment
Even More News
Particle beams injected into the LHC. New Nasa rocket set for exploratory flight Paint to thwart chemical attack threats. Darwinian teaching divides opinion. Climate map shows global human impact. Freezer plan bid to save the world corals. … [Read more...] about Even More News