The Olympics
Once again, greetings and salutations. What can I say about the old year and how we welcomed in the New Year? It began with 3,500 people at the Trump Taj Mahal. Hopes and expectations were high, and by one minute past 12 it all came true. It was the biggest New Year’s bash in memory, with good fortune for everyone and health and happiness to welcome the New Year. We look forward to it with high hopes, jobs, our troops coming home, the economy recovering — and with that attitude, we will make this one of the best years to remember.
A special thank you to management, employees, and everyone at the Taj for making the Fire and Ice New Year’s Eve party absolutely spectacular. And of course, thanks to production, editorial, management, and ownership at the Atlantic City Weekly, for a great 2011, and to all of you, our readers, for your support. Now, let’s ask the Geator.
A phenomenon I’ve noticed listening to your show is that I can hear a song dozens of times, and then one day it will be like I’m hearing it for the first time and it knocks me out. Today that song was “If You’ve Got to Make a Fool of Somebody.” Who did that song and what era was it? Great arrangement, too. — R.S., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
I agree. The version you heard me play was by James Ray in 1962. Maxine Brown also re-recorded it in 1965, and if you listen to my show on WXPN you will hear me mix both of them together. The song was written by Rudy Clark, who also wrote “The Shoop Shoop Song” and “Everybody Plays the Fool” and co-wrote “Good Lovin’.”
And here’s a trivia question for you. As you know, the Rascals recorded “Good Lovin’” in 1966. Which group had the original version? Answer at end of column.
Can you clear up a question that has plagued me for over 50 years? The story goes that you were doing a dance at Gloucester Park when a bunch of guys picked you up and tossed you into the pool. After that, you vowed never to return to Gloucester. I say it’s not true, but it has been told so many times that it is considered dogma when speaking of Gloucester history. Can you clear this up for me? Thanks. — Jack Bennett, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Close, but not true. The real story is that I was doing the dance at Gloucester Park, a fight broke out, and one of the kids in the fight was thrown into the pool. After that, the Gloucester police came and stopped the dances. So it wasn’t the Geator who got splashed, but one of the kids involved in the fight. But I’ve been back to Gloucester many times in my career doing engagements there, and Gloucester has always been a part of my listening audience.
Answer to trivia question: The Olympics, who also did “(My Baby Loves the) Western Movies” and the original “Hully Gully,” recorded “Good Lovin’” on the Loma label in 1965, a year before the Rascals made it a No. 1 hit.
Got a question for Jerry? Send it to AskTheGeator@acweekly.com or Geator Gold Radio, 626 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. For more info on Jerry’s appearances, go to www.geator.net — and keep on rocking, ’cause you only rock once!
Auld acquaintance of 2011 may best be forgot for many — and how better to clear the cache and ring in a fresh slate of calendar dates than by partying like there’s no tomorrow? In Atlantic City the choices on New Year’s Eve are nearly endless.
Once again, greetings and salutations. With the holidays upon us and Christmas right around the corner, we wish you all good cheer. And for all of the Geator Gold guys and gals who have been asking, we will celebrate by having our annual Christmas party this year at the SugarHouse Casino in Philly on Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 5-7pm, and it will be live on WVLT Cruisin’ 92.1 FM. Hope to see you there. And a reminder that if you’re going to join us for our gala Fire and Ice New Year’s Eve bash in the Mark Etess Arena at the Taj, I suggest that you get your tickets now, simply because this event will be sold out, as it is every year, well before the New Year approaches. For your tickets, contact the box office at 609-449-1000 or...
Most people envision Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico as warm, tropical places to retreat to for warmth during the winter months. For many animals, though, particularly domestic dogs, parts of the Caribbean islands have become overrun with those that are neglected, abused or otherwise unwanted.
Greetings and salutations, and happy holidays! Before you know it, the New Year will be upon us. And it’s official: tickets are now on sale for the Geator’s gala Fire and Ice New Year’s celebration at the Taj. Every year it’s sold out, so I suggest you inquire about the fun and festivities and order your tickets now at (609) 449-1000 or at ticketmaster.com.
Information on promotions and other special offers at Trump Taj Mahal.
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1. Richie from Penns Grove said... on Feb 2, 2012 at 07:47AM
“Hey, Geator - thanks for giving credit to The Olympics for "Good Lovin." I always preferred their version because of their use of horns. I finally got a copy of it from Val Shively about 30 years ago.”