Walt Gollender

Revolutionary Entertainment Concepts

P.O. Box 1655, Orange, New Jersey 07051 * Phone (973) 868-1995

Chronological Show Business Highlights and Achievements

1952 to the Present

Official world historian and archiver for THE ORIGINAL FOUR ACES & AL ALBERTS. Maintains the world’s largest audio and video museum/archives on the group. From 1953 until approximately 1963, hung out with both the boys, and later, Al Alberts himself when he went solo in 1958. Attended concerts, network TV rehearsals and live broadcasts, numerous recording sessions for Decca and Coral Records and was involved with Al Alberts in several major projects. Had the pleasure of "being there" with a top vocal group during the Golden Age of Show Business! How many folks can say that?! Walt G. compares every performer he has ever met to the super-star "pros" he has rubbed shoulders with since day one. Many are strictly "amateurs"; nothing like the TOP ENTERTAINERS FROM THE 1940's ON...

1957

An early believer in (and night club follower of) FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR LOVERS group. Turned down an offer in that year by Valli to co-write children’s songs with him. Discussion took place in Mike Tarrantino’s Broadway Lounge on Broadway in North Newark.

1963

Discovered and managed a young, black vocalist from 525 North Grove Street, East Orange, named JIMMY MILLER. Walt arranged, recorded and produced his first record of a Gollender-written song titled "GENIE". Also, financed session from start to finish. Personally placed master through advice from industry lawyer, GEORGE LEVY, with Jamie-Guyden label in Philadelphia. However, "The British Invasion" killed this potentially chart-worthy waxing which was a "Pick Hit" at Apex-Martin distributors in Newark, N.J.

1963-1964

Besides buying his stage wardrobe and paying for numerous glossy photos, newspaper ads and sheet music, Walt G. consented to purchase a brand new, 1965 red and black FORD MUSTANG from Irvington Ford, for JIMMY MILLER. The cost of the car was a mere $3,200 with payments of $66.00 per month to the CIT Credit Corp. at 110 Halsted Street in East Orange. Miller, who promised to make the regular payments from his salary as a technician at Sun Chemical in East Rutherford, unfortunately defaulted on the 5^th payment when he ran off to join the Vietnam War in late 1965. Walt G. who was driving a 1962 Nash Rambler at the time (which only cost him $1,900 dollars new) was now stuck with two cars! The solution to the dilemma was not a pretty saga, but you can hear it if you have the time. You only have to ask.

1963-1964

Wrote a number of pop tunes (words and music) which were signed for publishing to two major industry firms: JOBETE MUSIC, a division of MOTOWN, and REGENT MUSIC, owned and operated by HARRY, GENE & BENNY GOODMAN, and assisted by NAT TARNOPOL, President of then-Brunswick Records, at 1619 Broadway, N.Y.C.

1964

Personally selected all the songs for the second recording session of JIMMY MILLER that soon earned them "BEST BET", "PICK OF THE WEEK", AND "FOUR-STAR PICK" in VARIETY, RECORD WORLD, CASHBOX and BILL BOARD. Master was placed with Len Levy at Epic, but was shelved and returned to Gollender who later did place it with CLAY PITTS’ label COUNTERPOINT on Broadway in N.Y.C. The songs were titled "On a Back Street" b/w "Break, My Heart, Break." Miller’s sound was a combination of Johnny Mathis, Gene Pitney, Major Lance and Jimmy Jones, a fact that presumably hurt his record career, but thrilled LIVE in person audiences. Walt managed to book MILLER, even without a chart record, at Newark’s Terrace Ballroom, several times opening for top stars, such as LITTLE JOHNNY TAYLOR, THE SOUL SISTERS, THE BEN E. KING TRIO and B.B. (BLUES BOY) KING. Jimmy also was booked into several New Jersey night clubs by Walt G., who never gave up. Especially thrilling was Miller’s opening, at Newark’s Essex House, for SAMMY DAVIS JR. (1965) in a gala fund-raising for a J.F. KENNEDY MEMORIAL LIBRARY. This prestigious appearance was pulled off by tireless and persistent Walt G., in an effort to establish the East Orange velvet-voiced crooner as a top name personality.

1964-1980's

Walt has been on the JOE FRANKLIN TV SHOW "MEMORY LANE" or had his acts on nine times! Including a four-part salute to THE FOUR ACES & AL ALBERTS (in August and October of 1987), seen on Channel 9 and in national cable syndication.

1965

In April of 1965, Walt G. was exhorted by Bloomfield’s Royal Theatre manager, Andy Garafalo, to use his special talents (and money) to produce Saturday talent shows at the theatre. Encouraged by the flattery and support of Mr. Garafalo, Walt did produce and promote Saturday rock and roll marathons, sometimes featuring as many as 28 acts! The M.C. was Jimmy Miller while Walt did all the organization and behind-the-scenes "dirty work". It was a blast! Even a young MAX WEINBERG, who attended with his mother (from his home on Montrose Street in South Orange) still states to this day that "Those Gollender shows really got me into making music." A tape recording of Max’ salute to Walt G. can be heard by appointment. (It will give you goose bumps, so be prepared).

1965

Owned and operated a New Talent, recording and photography studio at 23 Broad Street in downtown Bloomfield, N.J. for over a year. Upstairs from Toby’s Dress Shop, the office opened its doors seven days a week until the wee small hours to any and all music performers who needed free help from impresario Walt. Singers, vocal groups, bands, and go-go girls would appear before Walt’s well-organized desk begging for assistance in "making it big" in show business. There was never a charge for photos, demo recordings, rehearsals, consultations and just plain fun! Fun! Fun! Walt and his Newark Fire Department partner, JOE MARINO, even paid for pizza and bottles of Brookdale Beverages. Walt’s favorite go-go-dancer GIGI (Georgianne Lawrence) was booked into several clubs in Essex County until she was "stolen away" by Johnny Venezia and the legendary NICK MASSI of the FOUR SEASONS who took a "personal liking" to her. (Details on request).

1966

Was hired by Brad Manning, Assistant Manger of Newark’s RKO PROCTOR’S THEATRE TO M.C. a week or more of live stage shows (2 a day) starring world-famous escape artist MARIO MANZINI. The protege of the late, great HARRY HOUDINI, was known as the most extraordinary master of slipping out of virtually every imaginable device known to law enforcement at the time: straight jackets, hand-cuffs, chains, canvas mail bags & the like, were no match for this dynamic performer! One of his most chilling and death-defying stunts was his escape from the CHINESE WATER TANK, just before his "OXYGEN RAN OUT." Aided by Walt G.’s flair for theatrics, emotionally riveting use of his voice & "show biz bits," the then-Chatham Township Junior High Teacher held the youthful audience in his mesmerizing grip for 18 live shows! BRAVO, Walt! (Many color & black & white photos in the Walt file, as usual).

1967

Selected the "A" side song "HAPPY" for his group THE BLADES OF GRASS (from Columbia High School, South Orange, New Jersey) and personally signed them with JUBILEE RECORDS and the WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY through AL DEMARINO and STEVE LEBER. Enjoyed a NATIONAL HIT in the summer of 1967, and opened major concerts for NEIL DIAMOND, THE DAVE CLARK FIVE, and JIM MORRISON AND THE DOORS! Also, did numerous record hops for radio station WMCA with JAY & THE TECHNIQUES, THE TOKENS, THE FIFTH DIMENSION, KEITH & VAN MORRISON. In the New York area, the record of "HAPPY" went to Number 39 on WMCA’s play list, while reaching Number 3 in Washington, D.C. on WPGC with JACK ALIX plugging it relentlessly prior to the group’s opening for THE DOORS at the Alexandria, Virginia Roller Rink in July.

1967

Served as Master of Ceremonies for the "MISS NEW NEWARK BEAUTY PAGEANT" held at the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark. After the welcoming speech by Mayor Hugh Addonizio, the ballroom crowd was entertained by JIMMY MILLER, backed up by local pop group, THE BACHELOR FIVE, featuring TEDDY BENNETT and VINCE DELLAVAL.

1968

Teamed world famous song writers IRWIN LEVINE and LARRY BROWN in his Union, New Jersey home and supplied them with many new music acts which came for Sunday auditions—all playing live! on two floors of his home with full equipment and sound setups. LEVINE & BROWN recorded the very best of these acts which were signed to management with Gollender. This two year, ongoing project, marked the first ever collaboration of Irwin and Larry who did, however, have previous major hits with their erstwhile co-writers; Irwin with BOBBY BRASS, AL KOOPER and TONI WINE, and LARRY with RAY BLOODWORTH. But, as LEVINE & BROWN, they hit the GOLD RECORD JACKPOT! Gollender’s crowning accomplishment!

1968-1969

Gollender discovered and recorded several more local high school rock bands, one from Columbia High School called the EPSILONS, was known for having had as its drummer, MAX WEINBERG, during his teenage days. Max, who went on to play drums for BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN in 1974, later publicly saluted WALT as the FIRST MAJOR INFLUENCE IN HIS MUSIC LIFE (See later). Max currently is the music director for NBC TV’S LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN, and frequently tours with the E STREET BAND.

1968-1969

Served as HEAD JUDGE for RONDO MUSIC STORE’S "BAND BATTLES", taking place on Mother’s Day each year and sponsored by the AMPEG AND VOX EQUIPMENT COMPANIES. More than 28 rock bands participated each year!

1969

Discovered and demo’d two Summit, N.J. families’ siblings musical groups: The RHODES KIDS (RHODESTERS) consisting of 6 children, featuring a 6 year old bass player, and the "BROTHERS & SISTERS" (2 boys and 2 girls). These 2 unusually talented groups of siblings were presented by Walt G. to Motion Picture Pioneer HAL ROACH for his new planned children’s TV series. The auditions were held on a Saturday morning in a rehearsal room at CARNEGIE HALL. Both Gollender-repped acts garnered raves from ROACH and his staff, but unfortunately, the novel concept received the musical cold shoulder from all major networks. Thus, Mr. Roach never had the pleasure of enjoying this "second coming,"and a disheartened Walt G. moved on to his next "success story" as it were. But, what a thrill to almost be involved with the motion picture icon who brought to the silver screen the likes of OUR GANG (THE LITTLE RASCALS), HAROLD LLOYD, The TOPPER FILMS & a duo who "never made it." LAUREL & HARDY" (smile).

1969

Supplied several talented rock groups to record producers RON DANTE & GENE ALLAN. This duo were hot at that time with their Broadway Musical, "BILLY," adapted from the Herman Melville novel, MOBY DICK, THE WHITE WHALE.

1969

LARRY BROWN and RAY BLOODWORTH signed and produced another Gollender group called THE KIDS INC., from Newark’s Ironbound section. At Olmsted Studio, the band cut "DANGER, DANGER" & "SOMEBODY, SOMEBODY" backed on vocals by no less than top industry voices, RON DANTE (multi-voice singer of THE ARCHIES & THE CUFFLINKS), GARY KNIGHT, LARRY BROWN (himself on harmony parts) and an unnamed black female. LARRY & RAY presented the final masters to boss BOB CREWE who shelved them!!! Walt has great photos of this session, as a consolation.

1969

IRWIN LEVINE had co-written "CANDIDA" (with TONI WINE) for TONY ORLANDO & DAWN, but when changing his various writing partners, rejoined LARRY BROWN in 1970, to then write all the super-golden hits of ORLANDO, which led to Tony obtaining his very own, top-rated ABC TV SHOW, and a career rebirth! Previously, Orlando was singing song demo’s and working as "A & R" man for April-Blackwood Publishing at 1650 Broadway, where Walt frequently encountered him.

1969

Teamed over the telephone (!!) two prominent industry songwriters GARY KNIGHT & GENE ALLAN who previously had NEVER HEARD OF EACH OTHER! At the INSISTENCE of Gollender, the two met for the very first time at the City Squire Motor Inn opposite 1650 Broadway and actually teamed up! The duo went on to become staff writers for JERRY ROSS & DON KIRSHNER. With no thanks or royalties to WALT. So, what else is new?

1969

Pulled off one of his most incredible capers while auditioning a black R & B group, THE CARSTAIRES, in his Union, N.J. kitchen! In a frantic attempt to win a contract for the fellas, Walt called SANDY LINZER at his home at 97 Pitt Road in Springfield, N.J. late one Sunday afternoon. As LINZER listened over his phone, with wife Gail nearby, Gollender asked the CARSTAIRES to sing their audition song, "HE WHO PICKS A ROSE" (from the songbook of the TEMPTATIONS). As the fellas took turns singing parts, Walt G. moved the phone around slowly, overhead, as if it were a studio boom microphone throughout the song, to facilitate LINZER’s hearing of the group. When Walt again spoke to SANDY LINZER, asking for his opinion, the latter said, "THEY ARE SO BAD, THEY ARE GOOD! GET THEM INTO OUR OFFICE AT EPIC ANY AFTERNOON AFTER THEY COME OUT OF CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL." This did came to pass and the CARSTAIRES soon recorded two TUNES; the above named and also "YESTERDAY" under the orchestra baton of the legendary CHARLIE CALELLO. The record was released on the Columbia R & B subsidiary OKEH records, but failed to chart.

1969

One Friday night, Walt drove with SANDY LINZER and associate, MIKE PETRILLO, to see another Gollender discovered group called THE LITTLE GIANTS who Walt had spotted the week before performing on Route 9 at the Mustang Lounge in Sayreville, N.J. LINZER & PETRILLO were impressed with lead singer John Sebastian (from Nutley) and upon walking down into a musty, sloppy cellar dressing room (with a broken mirror twisting on a string), offered them a contract to cut for Epic Records. The group was a carbon copy of the Vanilla Fudge and "should have been recorded along these lines," opined Walt. However, LINZER & PETRILLO cut them on very weak material ("CRAZIE DAISY" & "1-2-3"). Though a large flop, their guitarist TONY TESTA, went on to play with RICH KELLY & PAT GALO and is now vocalist, lead guitarist and "stage personality" for the DUPREES.

1969

"One day, I had the rare pleasure of actually SITTING ON CAROLE KING’S BED, recalls Walt, from this 1969 happening, "but it’s not what it sounds like." Seems the then-husband/wife song writing team of GOFFIN & KING, living in a modest home in West Orange, N.J. had placed a "New Talent Wanted" type ad in RECORD WORLD, an industry trade magazine. They were seeking to write for, and produce, new acts. Upon spotting this invitation for what he "does best," Gollender drove, by appointment, to a meeting with the couple. As GERRY GOFFIN ushered Walt into the house, the latter spotted Carole at the kitchen sink wearing a hairnet, but said nothing, and followed GERRY GOFFIN into their bedroom. As Mr. GOFFIN sat on the floor operating a record player, Walt sat on their bed and handed several demo lacquers to GERRY for his evaluation. After spinning approximately four "new discoveries" by Walt, GERRY GOFFIN said he did not hear any artist to his serious liking and, thanking Walt, escorted the disappointed talent scout to the door. "The driveway was on a slant," Walt recalls, "and, as I climbed into my car, GERRY, dressed in black chinos with a black turtleneck sweater, said to me: "PLEASE EXCUSE ME, BUT I AM NOT A VERY STABLE PERSON." Walt always wondered, to this day, why the legendary GOFFIN felt it necessary to impart such a PERSONAL REMARK to a total stranger!!? The visit remains a very unique moment in W.G.’s nostalgia arsenal. Showbiz lore tells us that, during their tenure in West Orange, the hit-writing couple penned "PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY" for the MONKEES, a DON KIRSHNER group; who ranked along with the ARCHIES as two giant, financially successful TV-oriented series for the South Orange mogul.

1969-1980's

Supplied 98% of all the new music acts signed, demo’d and produced by IRWIN LEVINE! Also secured DOZENS OF RECORD CONTRACTS with only well-recognized industry producers, all with hit track records. (Names on file).

1969

Walt G. also discovered, with the help of the late Mark Prosetti, a psychedelic rock band from the Ironbound section of Newark called the HELIUM BUBBLE. The group featured two strong lead singers, RICHARD SALGADO & JESUS ALVAREZ. The group was submitted to record producers HANK HUNTER & NEIL LEVINSON (who earlier had co-written DENISE for RANDY & THE RAINBOWS in 1962). While all the members of the group and their legal guardians were very excited about this Gollender hook-up, one member, being underage, did not sign nor did his parents, thus killing the potentially hot opportunity. This person was, as you guessed, JESUS ALVAREZ, who later became part of the gold record duo called SHIRLEY & COMPANY, well-honored for a raucous chart-buster titled "SHAME, SHAME, SHAME" for Sylvia & Joe Robinson at All-Platinum label in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Jesus, now known as Jason, was the screaming voice on that number 1 dance tune. And to further gild his own lilly, in 1974, while a member of the DUPREES, he was featured on that group’s only attempt at disco, a song called "DELICIOUS" which was released on RCA Records. Although the writing credit lists David Weiner, a pal of Walt’s, the true author was Jason, himself, using the false name to circumvent his writer contract with another company; using a pen name, if you will. Thus, Jason, who is now a well-respected and very successful TV Minister in Orange, N.J., was the only Walt artist to pursue church work, after turning his back on "the evils of show business," as he once explained to a teary-eyed Walt G. (Note: Max Weinberg, on the other hand, never left Walt over a record opportunity, but simply grew up, graduated high school and moved on to his current enviable career). To date, Walt G. has officially been professionally involved with four of the lead singers of the legendary DUPREES: JASON ALVAREZ (1969), JOEY VANN (1974), RICHARD ROSATO (1984-1989), and TOM PETILLO (1990's on). That’s one for The Guiness Book of Records, we think.

1970

For an investment of 5,000 dollars, Gollender became the co-owner of the SUNSHINE INN ROCK CLUB in Asbury Park, New Jersey until 1973. He and his partner booked some of the industry’s top acts, such as IGGY POP & THE STOOGES, JACKSON BROWNE, THE LOVING SPOONFUL & THE STEEL MILL with "BRUCE" you-know who! The Venue had formerly been the HULLABALOO CLUB, on Kingsley and First Avenue.

1970

Spent a portion of the summer working as a song plugger/promoter for BOB CREWE’S SATURDAY MUSIC COMPANY at a salary of 200 dollars per week. The position was obtained for him as a "thank you" gesture by LARRY BROWN for the LEVINE & BROWN hook-up in 1968. (Which has earned them much money to this day!).

1971

Landed a recording contract for the ANGELS, popular singing group. The deal was secured by Gollender strictly by telephone while over 75 miles away from New York City! The group was signed by the TOKENS to record as "DUSK", the female answer to DAWN on BELL RECORDS. The entire scenario was miraculously accomplished by WALT over the phone from his locating of the famous girl group right through to their successful audition at Olmsted Studios on 40^th Street. They eventually recorded 3 singles whose "A" sides were, of course, penned by IRWIN LEVINE & LARRY BROWN: "Angel Baby", "I Hear Church Bells Ring", and "Treat Me Like a Good Piece of Candy".

1972 to the Present

Has written dozens of feature articles on music, talent and show business for newspapers and internationally distributed magazines. (All items are available on request (but be sure to bring your reading glasses).

1974

Invited as "special" guest to dine with IRWIN LEVINE, LARRY BROWN, BARRY WHITE and his wife, (Glodean), at the BMI AWARDS DINNER at which LEVINE & BROWN received the industry award for having written and published the Song of the Year, "TIE A YELLOW RIBBON ROUND THE OLE OAK TREE" for TONY ORLANDO & DAWN.

1974

While maintaining his theatrical office in the Parkway Apartments in Irvington, N.J., Walt G. had the pleasure of auditioning a charming, talented young woman named ANN ROSELLI, daughter of a "famous Italian singer" and no friend of FRANK SINATRA! After Ann’s audition, Walt G. inquired, with such a famous dad, why she did not ask him for entree into the industry? Her reply still gives Walt G. the chills: "I DO NOT GET ALONG WITH MY FATHER!." Nothing further came of this meeting...

1974

GARY PERAINO (of GARY & THE TRAVELERS), one of the top rock/pop groups in the area at the time, paid an Irvington visit to Walt’s modest apartment seeking a record contact or two, and a deal, if possible. Walt spent considerable $$$ on making tape copies of a number of Gary’s masters: "SWEARIN’ TO GOD", "PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM", and two others and proceeded to shop the 25 or so tape copies on reel-to-reel (there were NO CASSETTES AT THAT TIME), to many top record companies, but with no luck. During an in-depth discussion in Irvington, Walt asked Gary why, "with a father-in-law named GERARD CATENA", he would seek out Walt’s help? Gary stated, "My father-in-law, sometimes, is more of a hindrance to my career, if you know what I mean? But, I have heard that you are capable of making record deals, and that is why I have driven all the way down here." (from his gorgeous home in Morris Plains, which Walt had the pleasure of visiting later in that year. While GARY PERAINO did not gain a record deal thru Walt G., he did make some recordings for the Metromedia label, but, like BOBBY VALLI & STEPHEN CRANE VILLAGE, he was lost in the shuffle due to the company’s budget being devoted to a top star named BOBBY SHERMAN! "The wrong place at the right time," as we say. Walt G. is always quick to say that he was devastated in not obtaining a major contract for GARY PERAINO, for "I always felt that he was among the top three or four best voices in the Garden State over the years: RICH KELLY, RICKI RANDELL, FRANK CIRELL, LARRY SQUIGIMARRA (of LARRY & THE CASTAWAYS) and BOBBY VALLI, in his prime." But, this is based strictly on singers heard by Walt G.; there may be others that he never heard or encountered over the past 39 years. We are referring, of course, to NON-TOP RECORDING STARS, who are household names in the industry.

1974

Became a major talent finder of singers for fabled HIT SONG WRITER PAUL VANCE. Their relationship continues to this day. The list of Vance super hits include: "CATCH A FALLING STAR", "WHAT IS LOVE?, "PLAYGROUND IN MY MIND", "ITSY BITSY...BIKINI", "TRACY", "WHEN JULIE COMES AROUND", "SHE LETS HER HAIR DOWN", "GINA", "STAR BRIGHT", "WHAT WILL MY MARY SAY?" & 21 other songs for JOHNNY MATHIS. Paul Vance signed three of Walt’s new acts for production. Vance initially recorded PHIL FALER, a country-pop singer from Maplewood, who sounded exactly like Buddy Holly, on two old tracks, instead of using Faler’s very commercial, originals which Walt loved! The record, released on RCA, failed to chart. Vance then cut a black female belter named DEBBIE GREEN on two old DEE DEE WARWICK tracks called "COME HELL OR HIGH WATER" & "NOTHING BETTER TO DO", at Groove Sound with Steve Jerome engineering. The masters were never placed. Finally, PAUL VANCE rehearsed Gollender-discovered MYRA CIARDI, an excellent folk singer from Metuchen, N.J., daughter of world-famous writer JOHN CIARDI. Nothing developed beyond some demo material! (sniff)

1974-1975 (November to April)

Walt became manager of the legendary, once famous JOEY VANN, former lead singer of the original hit-making DUPREES, in his attempt at a second coming and career rebirth. Vann, a very tough fella, with a serious ego problem, eventually "destroyed the project" which resulted in Walt’s widely read story of the events in a leading oldies magazine. (Copies available on request). Walt maintains a voluminous JOEY VANN ARCHIVE of photos and 2 super-rare videos, held by long-time associate, JERRY COPPOLA, under lock and key. Segments of a Coppola-Vann interview from 1981 will soon be on the INTERNET. A FIRST! Don’t miss this.

1976

Supplied the female vocalists to HOUSE OF MUSIC STUDIO, West Orange, N.J., for the popular, long running SHOP-RITE DOES THE CAN-CAN commercial. The spot ran for years--and still does–albeit with new girl singers. The Gollender girls, however, did the very first vocals in that year on what was previously an all instrumental tune and jingle. If requested, Walt can sing you the complete jingle without error. Just ask him. (The original tape recording, mercifully, is also available).

1978

Was offered the job of song catalogue promoter by GLADYS SHELLY, Millionairess widow of the late IRVING ROSENTHAL, former owner of PALISADES AMUSEMENT PARK and several major real estate holdings world-wide. Shelly (her pen name) who co-wrote "CLOWN TOWN" and "HOW DID HE LOOK", felt that Walt Gollender’s flair for spotting potential hit song material cold lead to his placing her numerous other original tunes with major industry recording stars, thus garnering her even more royalty dollars. Sadly, however, Miss Shelly could not pay Walt G. for his time, effort, expertise and energy, not to mention his expenses, unless he made a major placement. Therefore, this prestigious offer was refused by a very flattered Walt G. (The previous song promoter for Gladys Shelly had been industry heavyweight HARRY FINFER).

1978 (July)

Was invited to Philly, Pa. to serve as liaison for DICK CLARK’S TV CREW who videotaped the ORIGINAL 4 ACES for Clark’s "GOOD OLD DAYS" NBC TV SPECIAL. Walt also loaned Clark rare 4 ACES TV clips, one of which was utilized in the TV program.

1979

Walt was asked by the ORIGINAL 4 ACES and their attorneys to testify (for 3 days) in Philadelphia District Court, facing Judge John Fullam. As the sole expert 4 ACES witness, Walt G. responded to questions regarding the "real" 4 Aces vs. the men who took their places over the years in a landmark name-ownership battle. While in Chester, Pa., Walt stayed for free at Aces’ DAVE MAHONEY’S Howard Johnson Motel located on the Baltimore Pike. Each morning, Walt was picked up and driven into Philly by a van full of 4 Aces. Mahoney (tenor and clarinetist) joined Lou Silvestri, Sod Vaccaro, and Al Alberts in an historic, precedent-setting encounter to try to reclaim legal rights to the Aces name. Walt’s vital contribution, however, was for naught in the legal battle. The bottom line was that each original Ace had departed from the group to pursue his new non-music career, and had signed away all rights! They could not recover the name. As Walt so succinctly stated it, "Seems the FAT LADY did, finally, SING! (Court decision is available for scrutiny. Very enlightening and educational).

1980

Gollender was invited to lunch at Todd’s Restaurant in Livingston by top Music Producer JIMMY (the WIZ) WISNER, who presented Walt with a headset in order to listen to two masters written by Jim Nuzzo. Gollender, while dining on hot roast beef and crispy home fries, consented to finance the project with 6,000 dollars toward a piece of the recording and the video. Filming took place, in part, outside the Forum Theatre in Metuchen, N.J., using Alfred Nittoli’s 1937 Packard in a key scene. Sadly, neither the recording nor video were sold. The "A" side song was entitled "SHE’S GOT IT, BUT SHE DON’T KNOW HOW TO USE IT". (Pardon the sloppy JIM NUZZO grammar).

1980 and 1981

Financed two live concert shows starring DON IMUS, then of NBC radio. The shows were at the Dorian Manor (currently the Birch Hill) in Old Bridge, N.J., and the DIPLOMAT on Long Island. Imus, today, is hugely popular on nationally syndicated American radio.

1981

Served as Executive Producer for the first and only album by zany New Jersey entertainer LOU CADDY & THE PANICS. Assisted by long-time protege, JOHN MacIVER of Metuchen, N.J., Gollender arranged to have veteran audio engineer, Bob Speiden, record the live LP at the popular PLAY PEN LOUNGE in Sayreville, N.J. The "A" side featured Caddy’s hilarious comedy routine, while the flip side contained the band’s music and singing. The finished album was titled "LOU CADDY/ALMOST LIVE" and was sold in local niteries where Lou worked. Sadly, after Lou’s passing, Walt had the task of writing his memorial story in the local Lyndhurst area newspapers and assisting at the fund raiser to pay his medical bills held at the Club Kokomo also in Lyndhurst, NJ. The end of the trail for the wildly entertaining LOU CADDY! He has been missed by his legion of fans.

1982

Walt G. coordinated the "YELLOW RIBBON ROUNDUP" featuring IRWIN "JESSEE" LEVINE. Levine, having written new songs with then-colleague TOMMY BOYCE, performed on stage as a singer, after having "earned his bones" as a gold record writer! The "ROUNDUP" was staged at the Blue Ribbon Inn in Hillside, N.J. the Rainbow’s End in Moonachie and at Club 35, a major venue on Route 35 in Sayreville. LEVINE had fun and everyone was happy including photographer Anthony Cece! (smile)

1982 to 1983

Walt G. "borrowed" a RONNIE ITALIANO vocal group called "PLAYGROUND" and submitted them to IRWIN LEVINE. After meeting the group at the Ground Round Restaurant on Northfield Avenue in West Orange, Gollender led them to Levine’s home where there was a rehearsal on original material. For some reason, the project went no further. The group did make its name later on as an absolute carbon copy sound-a-like of FRANKIE VALLI’S FOUR SEASONS, on the Clifton label. Both Four Seasons’s members JOE LONG & VALLI, himself, heard their record and remarked that they indeed, were terrific! However, Mary Castelluccio, Frankie’s mom, told Walt G in her Silver Lake apartment in North Newark, "THAT’S NOT MY FRANKIE!!!

1983

IRWIN LEVINE with then-piano player co-writer, GARY PORTNOY, wrote four songs for a Gollender-discovered pop, folk duo from Baltimore, Md., named "DAN & BOB". The four new tunes were titled "DREAMING AGAIN", "BENNY THE BOXER" (dedicated to Irwin Levine’s once-famous father, the lightweight champ of Mexico), "HIGH SCHOOL CAR CRASH MEMORIAL DANCE" and "PESHINE AVENUE PUNKS", harking back to Levine’s street-wise teen years. The duo, funded by $6,000 dollars of investors’ dollars, flew with Levine and co-producer JIMMY WISNER to Nashville to complete the four song master session. Gollender asked why in the world they could not do the four songs at one of the top local studios and save money, but never received an answer. Apparently, this was another ruse to show the backers that money was being well spent while, in reality, some was pocketed! Sadly, this project was never placed and Gary Portnoy, having broken up with IRWIN LEVINE, went on to later write the award winning theme from the popular TV show CHEERS (where everyone knows your name...).

1983

Walt Gollender presented several black acts to gold record songwriter, SANDY LINZER, at his mansion in Livingston. The acts were the NEW ESCORTS, PURE WATER, & JACKIE BLAND, on loan again from RONNIE ITALIANO’S "CLIFTON RECORD" LABEL to Walt G. While losing interest in the NEW ESCORTS, & PURE WATER, (they were too old), SANDY LINZER was, however, very excited about JACKIE BLAND, whom he described as another "Barbara" from his hit group the TOYS! At contract time, however, Jackie’s manager, a cabinet-maker from Hackensack, refused to share his management contract with Linzer, thus, killing that project. Can you believe this??!!

1983

Was selected and commissioned by guitar great, LES PAUL, to find him another ‘MARY FORD" for several new projects. Gollender spent six full weeks of intensive searching and listening to 32 "multi-voice" females, 28 of whom he submitted via tape recordings and photos to the Wizard of Mahwah! (Details and photos on request).

1983

Walt G. financed a country-rock concert at the gigantic Fountain Casino on Route 35 in Aberdeen, NJ. His two opening acts were THE CITY MOUNTAIN BAND and PLUM LOCO featuring PATTI LYNN. The head liner was BOBBY (DETROIT CITY) BARE. Bare earlier in his career had enjoyed a hit called ALL AMERICAN BOY under his pen name Bill Parsons. Walt’s loss on this show was about $1,100 dollars, thanks to a very small turnout. Poor promotion and publicity were the culprits.

1984

Equalized, coordinated, designed, conceptualized and supervised the manufacture of the first album by RICHIE ROSATO’S DUPREES, popularly known as the "Blue Album". Also, handpicked the photographer and supervised the choice of photos and their conversion to the final "LP" artwork. The album’s official title was "TAKE ME AS I AM" and is a collector’s item today. Rosato thanked Walt profusely for "Giving me my 1st album!" (Walt promoted the LP on radio and on TV, as was his wont).

1984

Walt joined with Bob Yorey (booking agent at Jack Bart’s Universal Attractions, R & B Agency in New York) to finance a type of LEGENDS IN CONCERT Tour featuring a Michael Jackson and Tina Turner sound alike, et al, to tour clubs in Santo Domingo. Yorey, who had been a trainer and sparring partner for Philadelphia’s SMOKIN JOE FRASIER & THE KNOCKOUTS, wanted Walt to come up with no less than $20,000 real dollars. Walt was advised by his pal, Rob Russen, to check this caper out before committing to $20,000 large. Walt G. called Santo Domingo to check with the night clubs regarding the proposed tour, only to learn there were no such clubs!! Walt G. expressed his outrage to Yorey, as you can imagine.

1984

Walt Gollender totally impressed gold record holder IRWIN LEVINE as they sat in Levine’s new Cadillac in South Orange Village one day, listening to a recording of "THE ROSE" by Alfred Nittoli’s "CHELSEA WAREHOUSE" rocker SUSAN SHAW. Levine asked Walt G. if this was, in realty, JANIS JOPLIN??? When told that it was a sound-a-like, LEVINE flipped. However, no record deal developed at that time. In later years, Walt G. booked SUSAN SHAW on the award-winning STEVE AMES Cable Show with some disastrous results (story on request).

1984

At the behest of booking agent and former hit record maker JOEY POWERS, Walt visited DODD’S NIGHT CLUB in Orange, N.J. (Owned by Senator PAT DODD) where he found female rocker, TINA SANDERSON, a killer of an artist! Walt called IRWIN LEVINE on the club pay phone and let him listen to a tune from the stage. LEVINE went wild and a deal was set for the female to be produced by the team of LEVINE & JIMMY WISNER. The artist did a demo of two sexy songs, "GOT TO HAVE YOUR SWEET THING" and "I’VE GOT THE HOTS FOR YOU, BABY" penned by Wisner and Levine. The demo was strong enough to garner a solid contract from Roy and Julie Rifkind, owners of Spring Records. However, one week before Tina was to cut the final masters in New York City, as she was speeding to a gig at a club in Greenwood Lake, her car went off the road, smashed into a tree and she was killed instantly!! JOEY POWERS called Walt G. with the horrific news the next morning at his Irvington apartment.

1984

Walt G., through his very close and trusted associate, ROB RUSSEN, a booking agent at the Philly, Pa., "JOLLY JOYCE AGENCY", was informed that Michael, the grandson of hair care mogul VIDAL SASSOON ("OOOH LA LA, Sassoon"), was interested in cutting an LP of original songs. Walt brought his then-industry pals, IRWIN LEVINE & SANDY (BUTCH) LINZER, into the scenario to be the writers and co-producers of the youngster, as they could all smell the Sassoon Family millions! Linzer and Levine (sans Gollender) flew by helicopter from a Fairfield, N.J. airport to a VIP meeting with RICK NOONE, liaison to Randy, the father of the boy, at a major hotel in Cherry Hill, N.J. Sadly, this project failed to reach fruition through no fault whatsoever of Walt G. The curse continued! (Levine-Linzer proposals on file).

1985

Was commissioned by Bloomfield song writer RALPH PARLA (then former town police detective) and TOMMY DEVITO (founding member of the Variatones, the Four Lovers and THE FOUR SEASONS) to locate a replacement vocalist for singer, JIMMY FIERRO, who had "dropped out" of their major record production project. Walt G. placed numerous "WANT ADS" in top music trade papers seeking a great male pop singer. He finally located just the right one, Russell James, in Sydney South, Australia (!!) as the result of countless, expensive phone calls paid for out of his very own pocket, as usual. Walt G. arranged for the boy’s publisher, BARRY CHAPMAN, of Castle Music, to fly to New York City and meet with him in the lobby of the Parker Meridian Hotel as a "Welcome to America" gesture as it were. That night, Walt G., Tommy Devito, Ralph Parla, Michael Armeno Sr., Barbara Moore (the financier of the project) and her staff, all had dinner at the very exclusive PATSY’S RESTAURANT in the "Big Apple." The evening was nearly a debacle, however, when Mr. Chapman could not be seated because he lacked a dinner jacket. Walt and Tommy eventually talked the head waiter ($$$$) into loaning their Australian guest a jacket from the restaurant’s "lost and found" closet and the high level, pre-production meeting continued smoothly.

1986

Financed, supervised, seriously promoted and marketed the first solo "LP" by REGINALD HAYNES, former lead vocalist and organizer of the ESCORTS (RAHWAY PRISON vocal group of 1972). Gollender worked feverishly for months on this album titled "ON WINGS OF LOVE". His total investment was in the area of $11,000 dollars! He also bought a used car ($600) for HAYNES from Irvington Police Sgt. Bob Capp (Shades of JIMMY MILLER).

1986

Produced the very first, long playing album, on his GOLLY RECORDS label, featuring Hillside vaudeville performer, STEVE AMES, entitled "THE ROARING 20'S ROAR AGAIN". The studio LP utilized the talents of the JERSEY BOUNCE BAND, consisting of ALFRED NITTOLI on sax, SHARMAN HOWE on keyboard, and ALFRED NITTOLI, JR. on percussion. Adding guitar licks was TONY SANTORA, long-time pal of AMES, and a loveable musician who once played at a party in historic Chicago for a gentleman named AL CAPONE, who probably needs no introduction! Alfred and Sharman are best known for having written the lyrics to a song recorded by FRANK SINATRA titled: "HERE’S TO THE BAND" back in 1983. The music was written by top industry arranger and producer, ARTIE SCHROECK, who was instrumental in placing the song with Sarge Weiss (Sinatra’s music publishing associate) for his Saloon Songs firm. Major music industry publisher, AL GALICO, also played a part in bringing the song to the market on Sinatra’s Reprise label. Alfred and Sharman also had the pleasure, for many years, of performing with the DUPREES! For a number of years, Mr. NITTOLI has served as movie "body-double" for JOE PESCI. STEVE AMES & WALT G. plugged the LP on the JOE FRANKLIN TV SHOW, on "Super Station" Channel 9 in Secaucus.

1987 (August and October)

Brought AL ALBERTS onto the first of four JOE FRANKLIN TV SHOWS AT WOR-TV. THE FOUR ACES, the GREATEST INFLUENCE IN GOLLENDER’S LIFE, were saluted on this four-part tribute spiced with rare film clips from the Walt archives.

1987

Personally brought JOE FRANKLIN onto the popular NBC radio show hosted by RAY D’ARIANO and anchored by Gollender. (Audio tape available).

1987

Again equalized, coordinated, designed and supervised the complete manufacture of the DUPREES’ SILVER ANNIVERSARY double LP. The piece was quickly sought after by all major oldies shops in the country and Walt helped with distribution and promotion in print and on several cable TV variety shows. The LP later became available on tape and compact disc in 1989, but with no credits to Walt. This ugly omission abruptly ended their relationship. "There was no reason for this betrayal," moans Walt to this day. And he’s correct in his anger and bitterness. (FLASH!! THIS JUST IN...RICHARD ROSATO, former lead singer, has recently been "discharged" from the group after some 22 years! Sniff).

1989

Was publicly saluted and toasted by MAX WEINBERG, the guest speaker at the NEW MUSIC SEMINAR in New Brunswick. Walt was rewarded with thunderous applause and much handshaking after the luncheon. (Tape recording available on request).

1989

In a fervent desire to honor his very dear colleague and friend, SANDY RENDA, Walt G. set up a MUSICAL HONEYMOONER tribute to the master guitar and bass teacher at the MUSEUM OF BROADCASTING in New York City, as that famous institution was then known. Renda, a well-known singer and bandleader of his longtime aggregation, SANDY & THE WANDERERS, in his "previous life", had enjoyed a number of years as a TV child actor in early live TV! Besides appearing on the top-rated programs OMNIBUS, PLAYHOUSE 90, and STUDIO ONE, little Sandy, at age 9-1/2, was a scene-stealing, cut-up as TONY, THE SHOESHINE BOY on "A TRIP TO ROME" in February of 1957. Not only did he sing "Tu Si Bella" to an adoring Audrey Meadows on "live" CBS-TV (in an Italian marketplace scene), he literally stole the show with his precocious talents, "forcing" JACKIE GLEASON to call the lad out on stage (at the curtain call) for a special bow!! Renda had auditioned for the part, among 500 boys, on a Wednesday afternoon and ended up on live TV a scant four days later! (Sandy also had a cute 9 second bit on a PHIL SILVERS "BILKO" show wearing a space helmet). Walt G. succeeded in honoring Renda on this special Museum day by inviting JOYCE "TRIXIE" RANDOLPH and her husband to the festivities. Another V.I.P. guest was JERRY BRESSLER who, with his veteran song-writing partner, LYNN DUDDY, had written the above mentioned "TU SI BELLA" and all the "special material" music numbers for the GLEASON shows, not to mention many "novelty bits" for the top entertainers of the GOLDEN AGE OF TV. One of their super songs was a novelty tune called "PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE OTHER THREE" which was incorporated by the ORIGINAL FOUR ACES into their act when they first played the Thunderbird Hotel in Las Vegas in 1954; when top club owners demanded that singers do more than merely sing "for their supper." (The FOUR ACES also were urged to play their instruments on the rousing "WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN" from 1954 on). Walt G. not only obtained the one hour TV show of "A TRIP TO ROME" for RENDA, but took pictures and wrote up the glorious day’s events in a worldwide nostalgia magazine: MOVIE COLLECTORS WORLD, besides the local newspapers.

1991 (June)

Walt G. cajoled and convinced legendary FOUR ACES lead singer, Al Alberts, to be a guest on his pal STEVE AMES VARIETY SHOW taped in Montclair, N.J. Alberts agreed as a personal favor to his adoring #1 fan and follower, and drove over 161 miles from his home in North Cape May, met WALT G. AT THE SHORT STOP "RESTAURANT" in Bloomfield and accompanied the latter to the studio. Gollender and Ames did 3 segments on the great former lead singer which combined interviews, photos, memorabilia and vintage Gollender 1950's network TV clips. For his 161 mile return trip home, Walt "paid" Mr. Alberts with a PBA card.

1991

On Halloween Day, was personally called SEVERAL TIMES by DICK CLARK from Burbank, California, concerning a Gollender project relating to a SAM COOKE JR. concept whose recording had been sent to CLARK among other VIP producers. (Phone tape available). Walt cites this series of personal phone chats with super-legend DICK CLARK, as the #1 Thrill of his life! Strong Talk! "But True!" exclaims Walt.

1991

Served as co-host (occasionally) on the TOM PETILLO cable show, "NEW JERSEY MUSIC and VIDEO SPOTLIGHT. Also, was talent coordinator for the STEVE AMES VARIETY SHOW for eight years on local SUBURBAN CABLE seen widely in over 220,000 homes. Continues to refer top talent to Ames’ Cable Show which is currently seen on Comcast Channel 57 twice a month.

1991

Walt Gollender also booked industry heavy hitters JIMMY (THE WIZ) WISNER and publisher JAMES MYERS of ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK fame on the popular STEVE AMES SHOW. A real ratings-grabber for the Hillside vaudevillian! (Video tapes available).

1992

Walt G. brought JOE FRANKLIN and his business associate, RICHIE ORNSTEIN, onto the wildly popular UNCLE FLOYD TV SHOW. After meeting Mr. Franklin’s limo at the Tick Tock Diner on Route 3 in Clifton, Walt led their car to the OBC (for Orechio Broadcasting Co.) TV studios in Nutley, N.J. The program featured JOE FRANKLIN, RICHIE ORNSTEIN & WALT G. in a highly entertaining half-hour segment. Walt himself has made no less than 5 solo appearances on the UNCLE FLOYD SHOW and another with his long-time colleague and dear friend, SANDY RENDA, who chatted about his show biz career and then played some very hot RENDA-FIED GUITAR! SANDY RENDA, one of the top-rated bass and guitar teachers in central Jersey, was once a featured child actor on the Jackie Gleason ‘HONEYMOONERS IN ROME" episode back in February 1957, at which time he literally stole the show from the entire cast! A tape of this entire Musical Honeymooners one-hour show is available for viewing. Ask Walt or Sandy himself.

1993-1994

Was SINGULARLY RESPONSIBLE for bringing to the world record market the MCA COMPACT DISC of THE GREATEST HITS OF THE FOUR ACES for which he supplied all the original photos, much of the liner note history and the 1951 original 78 rpm disc of "IT’S NO SIN". The highly prized set is currently selling around the Universe! A volume II followed 2 years later again thanking Walt G. for having kicked off the first compact disc and this follow up, containing more hits and strong "B" recordings. Has earned the 4 guys continuous royalties and much recognition for Walt G., on which he thrives!

1993 (May 16)

Walt G. journeyed to Chester, Pa. to AL ALBERTS’ recording studio, The SOUND SPA, where he starred as special guest authority on the nationally syndicated radio program "HARMONY" hosted weekly by AL ALBERTS and his wife STELLA. During the colorful hour, Walt recounted his "hands-on" memories of "hanging with" The 4 ACES since their very first meeting at New York’s PARAMOUNT THEATRE in 1953. His history of the ACES triggered great reaction from AL ALBERTS, who had forgotten many old incidents. Their discussion was peppered with numerous audio bytes from Walt’s vast TV network clip collection of vintage 4 ACES. The behind-the scenes anecdotes made for a fascinating show which ALBERTS re-ran two additional times nationally. Great nostalgia rewarded with rave reviews.

1994

Was a featured personality in the PALMER VIDEO-JIM RIFFEL 90-minute documentary "MEETING THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE." The film was aired on the BRAVO channel in the mid-west, in Canada and was also seen at a Berlin, Germany film fest.

1994

Celebrity guest star on the DON K. REED "DOO WOP SHOP" WCBS FM RADIO, NEW YORK, heard throughout the major tri-state area! Made FOUR APPEARANCES saluting himself, FRANKIE VALLI, PAUL VANCE, and Walt’s former client JOEY VANN. Program, heard in the tri-state area, garnered rave reviews and compliments galore from 1000's of Walt’s fans and admirers! And they are out there (smile).

2000

Was responsible for bringing another top-rated "funnyman" onto the popular cable TV show "INTO THE 21^st" seen on New Jersey’s COMCAST system and also in New York City. Walt G. and hostess, Josephine Shenman, traced the career of CHANG LEE and his various groups, in a three part salute. Besides showing many rare photos of Chang, spiced with his incredible tales of show biz hi-jinx, Walt G. obtained a copy of the JOE PESCI video "YO COUSIN VINNY", went to Pat Martino’s video lab in Kenilworth, N.J., and was able to bleep out four "naughty words" sung by Pesci on the tune which had been penned by the multi-talented CHANG LEE. The song and CD on the Sony Label, (and video) were huge successes overseas, especially in Italy, as one would expect. CHANG LEE’S shows were seen by a large number of viewers, according to Walt G., who was frequently stopped on the street, as it were, and complimented on the shows. "A real pleasure to honor this night club icon!" states W.G. whenever he is approached by Lee’s fans and admirers, even to this day!

2000

Saluted the many-splendored careers of RICHIE ORNSTEIN, (long-time colleague and triviologist for JOE FRANKLIN) and DON K. REED on two separate shows on cable TV. Their appearances on "INTO THE 21^st" had the phones lighting up, as DON K. REED traced his 25 years on the WCBS-FM award winning "DOO WOP SHOP" while RICHIE ORNSTEIN told of his deep involvement in police work, body building with JACK LaLANNE and his adventures with "Mr. Memory Lane". The appearances by these heavy-hitters were ratings grabbers for the program. Walt G. is looking forward to one day hosting his very own talk-TV show featuring only "top names", and welcomes any offers from producers or "money people". You will not be disappointed. (smile)

2000-2001

Walt G. was a special guest plaintiff on the nationally syndicated court TV program: JUDGE MILLS LANE. The episode, taped in New York City for showing on WPIX TV locally, was seen across the USA on various stations. Due to the fantastic impression made by Walt G., he was highly complimented(!) (on the air) by Judge Lane. The show was re-run 2 more times! You may watch this award-winning appearance by putting in your request; tape of the show is available in Walt’s vault.

2001

A FIFTH RECORD-BREAKING DON K. REED WCBS FM RADIO APPEARANCE was set for January 28, 2001, to honor GERRY POLCI, former singing drummer with FRANKIE VALLI’S FOUR SEASONS. Walt G. had met with Gerry several times and had planned to trace his career in an in-depth look at the man who had a hit record two times as co-vocalist on "DECEMBER 1963 "OH, WHAT A NIGHT". However, on the night of the scheduled-to-air (LIVE) interview for WCBS-FM, MR. POLCI "fell ill" and was unable to appear! As the studio clock struck 11 PM, Don K. Reed and Walt Gollender stared at an empty seat, in front of the live microphone, in which GERRY POLCI was to sit. After some discreet on-air apologies from Reed, Walt G. took the local N.Y. subway and N.J. Transit train back home. This would have been his RECORD-BREAKING FIFTH APPEARANCE on the prestigious "DOO WOP SHOP". No other non-singer has ever made this many appearances. But, Walt G. did do FOUR on the now defunct "DOO WOP SHOP" from 1994 on. Well done indeed!

2001

Walt G. finally completed a pet project! In possession of an outstanding, original song entitled "I'LL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS (THE ELVIS FAREWELL)" for a number of years, the veteran talent maven succeeded in putting the final touches on this song which has been hailed by ELVIS AFFICIONADOS and TOP AUTHORITIES AS THE NUMBER 1 Elvis sound-a-like song in history! Background: Seeking out the Number 1 Elvis sound-a-like singer in the world, Walt G. was able to locate JIMMY ELLIS, also known as ORION, in Orville, Alabama. After discussions over the phone lines between Irvington, N.J. and the singer's home, they agreed that Ellis should be the one person in the universe to place his "DNA-certified/exact-sounding vocal" on this emotionally moving and poignant "future standard." After ORION placed his voice on the basic percussion and keyboard track, Walt G. enlisted the musical assistance of super-talented SANDY RENDA for the guitar and bass overdubbing, while engineer PHIL BRUNO of EARLY BIRD STUDIO in Nutley, N.J., performed a minor miracle in creating the "Gollender Heavenly Choir," to give an ethereal finishing touch to this gem! With the added effect of church chimes, this song has brought tears to any and all listeners. Walt G. has made a sample of the ELVIS FAREWELL CD available; one can hear a 30 second snippet by visiting: http;//member.aol.com/budman810/elvis.html. For each compact disc that is sold, Walt G. donates a dollar to any charity the purchaser designates! Visit the site and get ready for a thrilling sample of the NUMBER ONE ELVIS SOUND-A-LIKE TRIBUTE SONG IN HISTORY!!! Even RONNIE McDOWELL ("THE KING IS GONE") was impressed with this rare recording! A complete listing of music industry celebrity "direct quotes" (all raves!) is available from Walt Gollender on request.

2002 (November 16)

Wanting to promote his new Web Site, Walt G. made a special appearance on the JOE FRANKLIN radio show on station WOR AM in the wee small hours. Sandwiched in between CAPTAIN LOU ALBANO and hit singer BUNNY ("COME ON BABY, LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL") SIGLER, Walt G. let the world know that his career could now be re-lived by computer-literate fans and friends. He also thanked DIANE MARTIN for her super efforts in finally bringing his SHOW BIZ SAGA TO INTERNET FRUITION!!