If You Were a Rock & Roll Record

Here's a blast from the past...sorta. Back in my disc jockey, talk show host days I worked at WKPA and WYDD, two stations that served the Pittsburgh market. While there a group of us got together and decided to record a couple songs. We recorded three in all, this one, "As Long as I Got You," and "Hey Baby. The song posted here is our version of the Freddie "Boom Boom" Cannon hit, "If You Were a Rock & Roll Record." The group was entitled Justice Burtner and A.M. Drive, and this song, believe it or not, got us a national recording contract with Laurie Records (as you can see on the spinning record in the video). I don't know how many copies we sold, but members of the group probably bought most of them... the song didn't go anywhere. "Hey Baby" and "As Long as I Got You" were much better songs vocally, but Laurie chose not to pick them up.

The members of the group were: Dave Justice (Disc Jockey), Chuck Burtner (Disc Jockey), Ron Spinelli (me -- talk show host and station manager), Karen Barnes (disc jockey -- a beautiful young lady who unfortunately passed away some years ago) and Gail Seldon (station public affairs manager). Try not to laugh too hard when you hear this one. I'll post the others as soon as I figure out what kind of video should go with them... remember, these were made before music videos were popular (1979-1981).

A Tribute to My Wonderful Wife, Linda L. Spinelli

There is a insidious disease that is quite rare, and unfortunately my girl, my wife Linda became a victim of this disease. It is called neuro-endocrine carcinoma, or simply carcinoid cancer. There is no cure for this disease! This is a silent killer as, unlike other forms of cancer, there are no symptoms. We learned that Linda had this in March of 2009 when she developed a sore neck that wouldn't go away. A tumor had formed on her C-6 vertebrae and destroyed it, necessitating a replacement. During the operation they discovered tumors in other areas of her spine, liver, lungs and brain, with the most serious being in the liver. Despite best efforts by doctors and oncologists, the disease won by destroying her liver. My girl, my best friend passed away on September 8th, leaving a very angry husband (not with her), four cats (Coco, Mocha, Bootsy and Little Bit) and a dog (Peanut) behind. The pets can't figure out where their "mama" has gone, but I know, and it has broken my heart and crushed my spirit. The video posted here is something I put together as a remembrance of Linda for playing at the funeral home. It was hard to do I must say (although video editing wise it is quite simple). The last song at the end is "Unchained Melody," our wedding dance music. That Righteous Brothers song, which was used so prominently in the movie"Ghost," was my favorite song, but now I never want to hear it again. I hope you enjoy the video.

Welcome Students in MED 103, Fall 2009

Well, it's that time of year again when we're back to school and looking forward to another fine semester of entertainment and fun.... Wait a minute, I thought this was college and had to be boring. Well, you'll be bored enough as the semester progresses, so in this class at least lets be bored a little, and have some fun, too. This blog is an example of what you'll be doing this semester.

The picture to the left is one I put together. You see, my brother-in-law was married about this time last year, and as part of his reception he decided to do karaoke. My wife and I, since we were filming the wedding, were required to participate, so we did the song "Cover of the Rolling Stone," by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show. At the end we produced this picture attached to an actual Rolling Stone magazine and gave it to the bride and groom. I think I look good... but Linda looks like a late 60's hooker... but don't tell her I said that.

Lets enjoy the class this year. I look forward to spending the semester with all of you.