Art Connor Interviews

OFF THE CUFF WITH THE GEATOR!: JERRY BLAVAT

Philadelphia music scene legend Jerry Blavat is known as the Geator with the Heator and the Boss with the Hot Sauce! He started working as a DJ and TV show star since the early 1960s and is still going strong.

STILL ROCKIN’ THROUGH THE AGES: CHARLIE GRACIE

Charlie Gracie is one of rock’s influential early pioneers. The Philadelphia native’s professional career began playing guitar at age 16 with Paul Whitman on television in 1952. He then went on to appear as star on shows such as American Bandstand and tours of the U.S. and England, where he impressed many English stars-to-be.

A SPIRITED CHAT WITH NORMAN GREENBAUM

Norman Greenbaum wrote and performed one of rock music’s most enduring hits with “Spirit in the Sky.” He discusses the creation of that great songs and more.

MOVIN’ AND A GROOVIN’ FIFTY YEARS LATER WITH THE HUMAN PERKULATOR!: BILLY HARNER

In August of 1967 the Summer of Love was still in full swing, but Philly was still a dancing town, and songs with the “groove and the beat that made you get on your feet” were still the crowd favs. Billy Harner was there with his big hit single “Sally Sayin’ Something” and vibrant stage show.

ROCK AND ROLL TIMEPIECE: STEVE MARRIOTT REMEMBERED

Rock legend Steve Marriott lead the Small Faces and Humble Pie with hits such as “Itchycoo Park” and “30 Days in the Hole.” He is widely regarded as one of rock music’s best ever singers, rhythm guitarists and writers.

TOMMY BOLIN LOOKS THROUGH PRIVATE EYES

Art Connor’s interview with legendary guitarist Tommy Bolin as it appeared in Philadelphia’s The Drummer, September 28, 1976.

JAN HAMMER

Jan Hammer is one of the truly original trail blazers of what we now refer to as fusion music with Mahavishnu Orchestra and with a young Tommy Bolin on Billy Cobham’s legendary Spectrum album.

STANLEY SHELDON

By Art Connor with Jim Wilson and Jim Wentz. An extensive and content-rich talk with the bassist for Tommy Bolin’s powerful jazz/rock fusion band, Energy. Stanley also made history playing on Peter Frampton’s record-setting Frampton Comes Alive.

NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN

Art Connor interviews the famous jazz drummer, songwriter and producer who was the first drummer in the Tommy Bolin Band. Originally published in Issue #11 of The Private Times newsletter, January 2001.