Alex Kluft/ Alex Kluft Photography
The 60’s Oldies Show took place at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, CA with 60’s icons Brian Hyland, Dean Torrence, and Gary Lewis. Not only did this show pay tribute to the great songs of the 60’s and a few from the end of the 50’s by these artists, but also covers of other 60’s icons as well as as our first responders that have been battling the Palisades and Eaton fires as well as several others over the last two weeks. It was certainly an emotional night as several of these songs relate to not only California but the specific areas destroyed by the fires.
Brian Hyland took the stage first along with a house band who also backed Torrence. Hyland’s career dates back to 1959 and in 1960 at the age of 16 released one of the biggest hits of the 60’s “Its Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. Hyland told stories behind the songs and his set not included that smash hit but also “Sealed With a Kiss,” (later covered in 1967 by Lewis) and “Gypsy Woman.” “Sealed with a Kiss” was released in 1960 by The Four Voices, but would not become a hit until Hyland recorded it two years later. Hyland dedicated “I’m Afraid to Go Home,” to the veterans in the audience. Hyland shared there was a fall earlier in the day resulting in a band member hospitalized but thankfully was a minor injury. Hyland’s set also included a number of covers such as Bruce Channel’s “Hey Baby,” Susie Q (CCR Version), Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” and Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”
Dean Torrence took the stage along with his guitarist/singer. Torrence and William Jan Berry made up the iconic 60’s duo Jan & Dean and their career began in 1958. Jan & Dean remained together until 1968 following a car crash two years early Berry was involved in. In that time released more than 10 albums and around 50 singles. Jan & Dean would reunite again in 1973 and then in 1976 until Berry’s passing in 2004. To this day Torrence continues to bring these songs that represent the surf and car culture of the 60’s to audiences across the country. Torrence performed various hits he recorded with Berry as well as covers of fellow 60’s legends the Beach Boys. The set included Jan & Dean hits “Surf City,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” Dead Man’s Curve,” Sidewalk Surfin’,”and Drag City.” Torrence performed Beach Boys classics like “California Girls” “Barbara Ann” and “Help Me Rhonda,” which celebrates 60 years this year. There was also a cover of the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”
Gary Lewis, son of legendary comedian Gary Lewis, closed the show. Lewis and his group the Playboys had around 25 singles between 1965 and 1975 as well around 15 albums between 1965 and 1969. Lewis performed his hits such as “Everybody Loves a Clown” (celebrating 60 years this year), “Just My Style,” “This Diamond Ring,” and “Green Grass.” For cover Lewis performed The Clovers “Love Potion No. 9,” Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs “Wooly Bully,” “Del Shannon’s “Runaway,” “Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl,” The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” and “Freddy Cannon’s “Palisades Park.”
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