Singer HELD Note on 80s #1 HIT for a Guinness World RECORD: 20 Seconds! | Professor Of Rock
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2024
- Today’s episode is a bottled lightning two for one. Singer Freddy Curci had Two chart dominating tracks though his bands vanished into thin air shortly after. One with the band Sheriff called When I’m With You that went to #1 in 1989 and one with Alias called More Than Words Can Say that hit #2 the very next year in 1990. So two massive hits with the same singer but two completely different bands.. He also set a Guinness World Record when he held the last note out for nearly 20 seconds. #1 hit and the second was a runner-up the very next year. It’s a lot to unravel, but it’s really cool. We’re bringing you the rare story of two bands, one singer, and two-1 hit wonders, coming up... NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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Honorary Producers: Larry Rosenman, Em Bee, Paul Moore II, Tee Atwell, Mike Millet, Mark Thompson, fakeaorta, Eric Farque, Jared Norris, Moon Comix, Jacob Flores, Walter O. Wright II, Zachery Perry
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#1980s #rock #onehitwonders
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you have ever tried to get away with a BS word that doesn’t exist in Scrabble. You’ll dig this channel. Nostalgia all the time. Make sure to subscribe below right now. it’s your daily time machine... We also have a patreon that support our interview efforts and you get more insider content plus for Christmas presents we have our merch click on the links below for it.
So It’s high time for another edition of our series Bottled Lightening where we celebrate a song or album that was king for a day. Here we honor artists and bands and that rocketed up the charts… but for reasons unknown disappeared after that. A lot of people call them ‘one hit wonders’, but we celebrate them instead as lightening in a bottle.
On previous episodes we have covered She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals, and What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) by Information Society. Today we are giving you a bottled lightning double dose with two songs that ruled the charts, a #1 and a #2 hit. The catch is that even though they are from two different bands, they are both sung by the same lead singer…
Freddy Curci the other freddy if you will... The first song is ‘When I’m With You’ by Sheriff and the second is ‘More Than Words Can Say’ by Alias. The five-member Canadian band Sheriff formed in 1979. Freddy was the last to join the group and it was actually his first rock band. From an early age, the Ontario native spent more time listening to and singing classical opera music than rock and roll.
By the time he was a teenager, Freddy was singing in Italian wedding bands in and around Toronto. And that is how he got connected with Sheriff. One of the banquet hall owners where Freddy gigged got him an audition. Sheriff was his cousin’s band.
Sheriff was already comprised of Steve DeMarchi [pronounced Markee] on guitar, Wolf Hassel on bass, Arnold Lanni on keyboard, and Rob Elliot on drums.
The audition went well, despite the fact that Curci had no rock and roll experience or apparently much knowledge of the genre. Said Freddy, “When I first joined Sheriff... I didn’t know a lot of rock stuff... And I went and auditioned and they said do you know Van Halen, and I said Van who?”
But working in Curci’s favor was his phenomenal voice. Rock novice or not, Freddy could really sing. It was a talent he would strengthen by swimming underwater and holding his breath for as long as possible. The AOR band was impressed with what he could do and told him he was in. They did give him some homework though... the classic rock stylings of Boston and Styx.
POLL: What is your pick for the greatest vocal performance in a song that topped the charts in the 80s?
Betty Davis Eyes.
Jennifer Rush The Power of Love UK number 1 1985. Classically trained operatic singer with a beautiful voice. Critics sneered but it is a tour de force vocal performance.
Bad English- When I See You Smile 1989 American number one, no show in the UK chart. John Waite's vocals soar on this Diane Warren penned classic ballad. He is one of the best vocalists of all time.
Elaine Paige and Barbara Dixon, I Know Him So Well. UK number 1 in 1985 from the musical Chess, written by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of Abba with lyricist Tim Rice. Both sing extremely well and complement one another.
It's All Coming Back To Me Now- Celine Dion. Not sure of chart position but assume it got to number 1 in the UK and must have done well in America. How Meatloaf would have sounded if he had been female.
Not a chart topper but mention of Leo Sayer has reminded me of his vocals on Orchard Road, a heartrending hit that never was and one of his greatest tunes.
Total Eclipse of the Heart
That's a tough one, but shortly before Irene Cara passed away, my Wife and I were talking about her incredible voice on "What A Feeling", and how she was second only to The Mistress, Miss Whitney Houston...(I got choked up just writing that.) But for my money, "What A Feeling" is just a little better than "Didn't We Almost Have It All?"...
Whitney Houston came to mind first.
I actually sang, "When I'm With You," at a karaoke night, many years ago. My future wife was there. I have to thank Freddie for holding that note as a joke, because I'm pretty sure my ability to recreate his recording is what won her heart. It became our wedding song (her suggestion), and we are still happily married to this day.
Great story :)
Awwwwww…Congratulations!
Aw sweet!!! Congraþulations!
It wasn't a joke. He didn't know when to cut, so he went as long as he could. 😊
It's so crazy Freddie didn't have more hits! The guy's voice was powerful.
Exactly !
What good is a great voice if you are unable to write consistent, catchy lyrics and music? None of that was to be found in both bands. Imagine if EVH was the guitarist for either band using their lyrics and music? LOL! This was the genius of EVH. He excelled in every facet of music.
AND, Freddy was gorgeous!!!!! 😛
Freddy will always be my favourite voice. After all these years, I still get butterflies every time I hear him, and I’m now 53. ❤️. We’re proud of our Canadian boy.
I'm 67 and I have always gotten chills and goosebumps anytime I hear "When I'm With You".
@@debbieolandese4912I agree! I'm 68, and "When I'm With You" Blows me away!
And he was HOT!!!
I get butterflies when I think of the "Canada" your generation left for mine Xd
When I was a DJ at a small but ROCKIN’ bar in West Virginia in the late 80’s, I always had a heck of a time getting the blitzed patrons calmed down and out of the club at our 3am closing time. They were always too rowdy. It would take what seemed like forever to calm the party down and get everyone one their way. I just wanted to go home. Then I discovered “When I’m With You”! I would play it as my last song. No matter how hard the party was going, as soon as I played “When I’m With You”, the crowd instantly quieted, grabbed the nearest girl or guy and started slow dancing wherever they stood. The song would finish, I would turn up the lights, and the lovers hit the door. Love that song!
I’ve always been impressed by that last note in” When I’m With You”. Thanks for providing this fantastic detail around that note!
Sheriff played my High School homecoming dance in 1987. They ended with this song. In that moment, life was perfect.
I absolutely loved “When I’m With You”. As an aspiring opera singer and music major, I made it my life’s goal to cover that song in the original key. I worked on it for the better part of a year, and I could nail everything consistently . . . except that last note. I remember hitting it one time, and one time only, at the end of a long day of singing and performing. Man, Freddie’s warm up routine must have been crazy intense.
Thanks for sharing. Are currently singing?
I cannot even hit that note as well as Freddy could.
I will have to get to work on it right away..
👍👍👍they were great!
Please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it's the same E5 at the end of Take On Me which I hit easily just not for 20 seconds
I can remember this song being at every dance and party in the late 80’s. What I remember most of all is my Uncle laughing and saying “that’s not a new song.” Little did I know as a teenager he was right. Thank you as always Professor for the nostalgia.
Always!
...I was telling everyone! ...but, I was in College, so they didn't care...ah, well....
@@RBS_ Ha ha. RBS for the win.
He was so right indeed. LOL. 😂😂😂
I always thought it was a jab at Sheriff when Alias put the sheriff badge logo on their album but never realized that Curci and DeMarchi were the driving members of Sheriff and tried to reunite them after the song's success. Thanks for letting us know how it all transpired. Another great and informative video.
The sheriff badge was not a jab. They were part of Sheriff and that was put there on purpose.
Speaking of the band Sheriff; most of its members r part of Frozen Ghost (best known 4 the song "Should I See").
I knew this would be a good episode when I saw the thumbnail. Sheriff and Alias being back so many great memories. Freddy Curci is one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet and amazingly talented. He is so underrated as an artist.
I would LOVE to be able to meet him!
More Than Words Can Say was our high school prom song. The music scene was ripe for power ballads at the time - Heaven by Warrant, I Remember You by Skid Row, Love of a Lifetime by Firehouse - along with power ballads from Bon Jovi, Poison, GnR, even Aerosmith and Motley Crue. Loved it all!
That was a great time
My little sister's generation was your generation. She seen warrant,skid row,Aerosmith,GnR,poison,.Too many to mention. That was the last of a great rock era.I was 15 years old when she was born.My music was Boston,Styx,Fleetwood Mac,Bad company,Clapton,Arosmith.Eagles,Kansas,Pink Floyd good stuff! I had to sneak to concerts .My mom would buy her tickets though? That's 15 years! Me Sneaking around,buying tickets,getting Iron clad alibis ,a ride to show and explaining where the new concert shirt came from...I think that was the more fun than the shows.Those safe days are gone now.
That consistency in talent to pull off vocal chops like that in two different eras almost. That is the signs of a legend!
Too bad we didn't hear from them again.
Nailed it on the dot.
I had completely forgotten about these songs, yet as soon as I heard them while watching this episode, the tune and lyrics came back to me. Love these stories, Professor. Please, keep them coming!
I love that you always include record stats from other countries, like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. So many of these channels only focus on the U.S., as if they're the center of the Universe! These music acts have millions of fans world wide, and it's nice to have us represented as well!! Thank yo POR. You always blow me away with the information you pack into every video.
But we ARE the center of the Universe, and the Multiverse too, and don't you forget it.
@@michaelm1546 OK, I'll keep that in mind
Long before the time of instant information via the internet, I remember hearing Alias on the radio. I felt certain that voice was the same as the guy from Sheriff earlier. All of my friends INSISTED I was wrong. So we called a radio station to ask, because that was the fastest way to get the facts back then!
I remember those days! DJ's had the answer!
Wasn't that the coolest when you could actually chat with the DJs? I used to date a lead guitarist in a bar band back in the 80s, and we sometimes had good-natured disagreements about music trivia. Twice I called my favorite DJs; once I was right, and once my boyfriend was right, but both times I got more backstory than I expected from the DJs.
Now I can't remember what the questions were!
And, surprise surprise! It was indeed Freddy Curci! 😊
Why didn't people drive around with full sets of encyclopedias back then?
HOLD THE PHONOGRAPH!
Adam ACTUALLY admitted to a song he DIDN'T like????? PLEASE do an episode of top 40 songs that just didn't move you!!! I'm sure it's a short list! Maybe a viewer-contributing vote??
Freddy told me years ago he sang the When I’m With You vocal track in one take. Such a great voice, and a genuinely nice guy.
Yea ok bud
@@farmhandsj look at the live video somewhere here on UA-cam, it's very possible..
@@jojo6028 ok so basically I need your info cuz I’m filing a lawsuit on u for trying to feed me Bs.
@@farmhandsj go smoke a cigarette, pal. ua-cam.com/video/mMwBWlCFuY4/v-deo.html
@@jojo6028 it’s all a lie. That’s a double lawsuit. What’s your name and what address can I send the process server to?
I've always been of the opinion that Feddy Curci was the perfect hair metal voice, whether or not he, the bands, or any one else considers them to be hair bands. When I'm With You is such an undervalued song
I guess you missed the part where he says he sang opera and not rock? He wasn't a "hair metal" singer at all. No hair metal band's singer could sing like him. Besides, he sang that song When I'm With You with Sheriff, which was far from a hair metal band.
@@8rr725 Actually, if you listen to the rest of the Sheriff album, there are some tracks that sort of approach hair metal territory (they're a bit ahead of their time, in fact), though I don't disagree that they aren't truly "hair metal." As for hair metal singers being distinct from opera singers, are you familiar with Geoff Tate of Queensryche? Supposedly, he studied opera for a while long before he joined the band, and you can see that operatic style reflected in his vocals on their songs. (Granted, Queensryche kind of transcended the whole "hair metal" genre, but they do demonstrate that "opera" and "metal" can coexist.)
@@MusicRunner82 Yes I know who Geoff Tate is. But Queensryche wasn't a hair metal band. Pat Benatar studied classical singing before she turned to rock also. I grew up in the 80s, so when I see people calling all the real metal bands "hair metal" it drives me crazy! Nobody called those bands hair metal until Poison came around. That's what they meant by "hair" metal lol. Even Motley Crue wasn't called that in the early 80s when they first came out. All my guy friends liked the Crue, Queensryche and Def Leppard in the beginning. Once they went more commercial in the late 80s to keep up with the pop metal like Bon Jovi and Warrant, among others, they hated them.
And, we played "When I'm With You" as the first song at our wedding reception. It was the fist song my wife and I danced to. We've been married 35 years!
congrats, and wishing you many more years of being together!
I just celebrated our 57th anniversary….on my special table I have a plaque with our song on it! You never forget it! In my case it was See You in September….my husband was leaving for Vietnam and returning the following year in September. We made it! Congratulations to you too! You have found the secret too…wish you many more! 🤗
@@suzannerobbins6293 What a nice comment! Congratulations to you! Our other song was "Faithfully" by Journey. And we've been faithful. All the best!
@@allanburton9385 I loved your story, so felt compelled to share! It proves that there are those of us who took vows seriously! I never had to worry about my husband’s whereabouts…we liked our time together! He was, and is my best friend! Wishing you many more years of happiness! 🤗
And now you’re divorced
Reminds me of Tony Burrows--he was the singer of 5-6 bands that hit the Top 10, including "Love Grows" by Edison Lighthouse, "Beach Baby" by First Class, "United We Stand" by Brotherhood of Man and "My Baby Loves Lovin'" by White Plains. You should do a piece on him, if you haven't already!
I second that 👍
Sounds good.
Ok. I'll add it to our list.
Absolutely should do a video on Tony B!
Wasn't Burrows on the second version of Brotherhood Man (Kiss them for me)?
"When I'm With You" is me and my wife's wedding song. There are a few times where we think "why didn't we pick a song that isn't so identifiably late 80's early 90's?" but on the other hand, when we do hear the song, it's refreshing versus songs that get played out, and takes me back to when we met as college students. I recently had a cover of it by Canadian band Touque in my current playlist and their singer really holds his own against Curci's original, killer, vocals. ☮❤🎶
Anthony, thanks for sharing. Very cool.
Great choice for a wedding song. We need to recognize the hits that got lost in time over the years.
Being a teenager in the 80's in Canada, I loved the songs from Sherriff, Alias & Frozen Ghost.
I'm not Canadian but I'm a big fan of Harem Scarem. Can't believe they never made it big in US
When I was in college, the dj from a local radio station in central Virginia loved Sherriff and played several songs off the album. Loved this band and the range Freddie Curci had. The song “California” he hits an other worldly note! Also loved Alias! Thanks for this story. Brings back memories!
This was my wedding song back in 1996. Still together. Thanks for doing this.
Great video. I met Freddy Curci at a friend’s party about 25 years ago. I don’t think I realized who he was until later. Very humble, down to earth and friendly guy. I loved his solo album Dreamer’s Road. I think he has an amazing voice. It’s unfortunate both bands fizzled out because they deserved more success.
That’s amazing what a voice Freddy has. Too bad Sheriff didn’t breakout to American audiences there could have been more albums and hits.
I’ve loved Freddi the moment I heard his first note!!! Will always be my 1 favorite vocalist!!! So underrated 😢
I love the personal touch by talking about the girl dumping you. One of the reasons why I love this channel. We don't just get info about the songs, but we get to peek into the life of the Professor every once in a while with tidbits like that one.
Off topic, but I'm LOVING the Mr. Rogers shirt you are wearing here!!! Even though my days of watching his show are far behind me, I will always have a very deep & profound amount of love & respect for Mr. Frederick McFeely Rogers. He will always & forever one be of the people that was truly instrumental in shaping my attitude of accepting & loving everyone exactly as they are with absolutely NO conditions.
He was the best! Love him too!
One of the earliest memories of my childhood, along with Sesame Street and SpongeBob.
When I'm With You still gets lots of airplay on classic rock stations up here 🇨🇦 I love the crystal clear power ballad voices of the 80's and his is one of the best!
pretty cool, eh?
When I'm with you and Steelheart's I'll never let you go were two of the prettiest songs of that era. Both still give me goosebumps. ❤️ Thanks, Adam for reminding me about When I'm with you.. it's been awhile. 👍
Try to look up love ain't enough by Southgang its in that same style .
@@rosariocannistraro3561 Thank you 👍😊 I'll check it out.
In the early to mid eighties I was lead singer in a group that did weddings, and 'When I'm With You' was a song that we learned as a request from a couple, because it was 'their song'. Ended up being one of the most popular in our repertoire for years. I still love to sing it.
After Frozen Ghost ended Arnold Lanni and his brother formed a management/production company and their first band was Our Lady Peace. Lanni produced their first 4 records. He also produced King’s X record Ear Candy in 1996. Another tidbit was Frozen Ghost’s guitarist was Phil X, who later took over guitar from Richie Sambora in Bon Jovi.
Never knew about the King’s X connection. That’s some cool trivia. I love Ear Candy. 🤘
THAT's where I heard of Frozen Ghost before, from Phil X talking of them.
Mike H.; Wow!!!!! I 4got that Phil X replaced Sambora in Bon Jovi.
I’m 34 year old woman and I always sing when I’m with you at karaoke, and usually someone that’s my parents age pulls me aside to tell me how they used to dance to it. Makes me so happy every time.
This guy had a great voice!! Too bad we didn't hear more from him.. 🤗
Right! One of the best voices of all time IMO
Freddie’s band used to jam in the same space my band did back in the 80’s. He was and still is a phenomenal singer. If only he’d have joined our band … lol
What was the name of your band???
@@gm-lb9oe Satellite
Thank you Professor Adam, I asked for this song to be profiled about a year ago. The Guinness Record for that held note was a real surprise.That he also is the vocalist for Alias was news to me. In SoCal When I'm With You made KOST (103.5) Love Songs 9pm almost every evening that 83-85 period. As I recall the Tower Records in Hollywood had a linecard for the band, but no copies of the single. Imagine my surprise when it (and Into the Night, Benny Mardones) was on radio again in '89.
Very cool. I remember seeing the request. Thanks for hanging around.
When I first heard it I was like, “This is longer than Making Love Out of Nothing at All!”
@@ProfessorofRock First of all love your show! Secondly (is that a word?), Do you remember a song from the '70's called "Shannon"? It was a haunting melodic tune (and I believe a big hit) from Henry Gross. He was the former lead singer for ShaNaNa. The chorus goes "...Shannon is gone I heard she's drifted out to sea..." I have to admit I always thought the song was about a girl (maybe girlfriend) that drowned. Years later, I found out the song was about a German Shepherd. Maybe some dady you could grace us with a segment about that lost '70's hit (that I'm sure many people would remember). Thank you and keep up the great work Adam!
oops...just looked it up and the dog was actually an Irish Setter and although he had an Irish Setter named Shannon, this story (I guess its a true story) is about a friend of his Irish Setter named Shannon. His friend was Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys. Wow, this turned out to be a very interesting story and it actually became a #6 hit in the Billboard top 100 and a #5 on CashBox top 100...Thanks!
Never realized that those songs had the same singer! Sheriff was very popular in southwestern Ontario Canada, where I was a teen in the Eighties. They even played my high school once. "When I'm with you" supplanted Stairway to Heaven as the last song at most dances after it was released in my area!
Great song and it brings back a lot of memories of dark high school gym make out sessions from my childhood! Thanks !
More than Words Can Say is such an awesome song! Still love it to this day just as much as I did when it came out. Had it on cassette and wore it out. Rock on brother!
Thanks Kraig. Good stuff.
I really enjoy that song as well.
As a 80sbaby (1980) to be exact this has been my fav song ever since I first heard it and my daughter (19yrs) fell in love with it too! We often watch this and wish there was a real video but it's still an awesome performance and you have to love his killer brow's ❤️
I was a DJ from 83-91. What a great time to be in music. So I remember Sheriff both times. I also remember the power some of those 80's program directors had. Like you said, Benny Mardonis. There were other songs that we would try and bring back occasionally. I guess we all wanted to be like Scott Shannon. Funny stuff. However, I never knew where Frozen Ghost came from or why they disappeared. I loved the track, "Should I see." As a matter of fact, I still have the CD copy of just that song only. When it crapped out on the AOR charts, the station pitched it, and I kept it. Great story, Alan
Frozen Ghost were cool. I wish they were big here.
Class of ‘88 here. This channel is like a personal time machine. Amazing content. Thanks for what you do, Professor!
Tony Burrows holds the record for one hit wonders with 5. Love Grows Where my Rosemary Goes , United We Stand , Beach Baby, Gimme Dat Ding and My Baby loves Lovin'. 5 different groups and he was the lead singer for all 5.
The REAL king of one hit wonders.
Cool trivia thanks
OMFG. I did not know that!! And I know the first 2 and the last song. That's amazing!!
None of them went to #1, except in the UK.
Freddy should’ve been the new lead singer of BOSTON, after Brad passed away.
As a singer, with a decent range myself, I love songs like When I’m With You by Sheriff and Never Let You Go by Steelheart… to sing out live. Because they are some of the few male songs that actually have that kind of range. It’s funny when you play those songs out, because people automatically expect you to crash and burn. I I think, because there are very few guys who can actually hit those notes. I was lucky to have met a guy with a huge vocal range when I was probably 12 years old, who taught me how to not only strengthen my voice, but get my range up. My aunt also went to Juilliard, so she helped along the way.
These songs are so incredible, because there are so few like them. I have no doubt that Tony from The Outfield could have hit some of those notes. I’ve heard some of his stuff that never made it to the radio and his range was absolutely incredible. But in any case, the mid to late 70s throughout the 80s worth such a great time for male vocalists… and music in general. Quite frankly, because everybody was experimenting with new technology, new instruments, and the ability to start to quickly write and record songs.
I don’t think we will ever have another flourish of music like we did during those times. There were so many great songs, whether they were one hit, wonders or albums and albums worth of hits… They all collectively made those years what they were. A true soundtrack to a generation of people who really experienced what would be the last of true freedom of expression in this country.
There are a lot of new bands now, that are writing new music in the style of the 80s stuff. I’m one of them. I am about ready to get an entire album together and I think a lot of people who love 70s and 80s music are going to love it. It has that same feel and same energy. Something that is truly missing from a lot of modern music. There are some high points now, but if you listen to modern music, in general… It’s essentially been stagnated since the late 90s.
It used to be that a new genre would come about every 5 to 10 years or so. But if you listen to modern music, it’s been pretty much the same since the late 90s and there hasn’t been anything that really experimented away from what record companies deem popular music. Some bands, like Coldplay have essentially taken the sound from the 70s and 80s and modernized it a bit. But it’s really few and far between. Genres have seemingly melted together to make what we’re here today. Country music isn’t really country music anymore. It’s pop. There’s no difference from what you were here on top 40 pop and a lot of country music has crossed over.
Rock music has all but died, with some highlights being bands that haven’t been signed to major record labels on UA-cam and Spotify that are actually gaining popularity now. I see some bands that sound like the stuff from 1983 to 1987, writing new stuff, as if we were still living back in that era. Which is very cool. Quite frankly, because there is something special about that sound. Maybe a lot of it is nostalgia, but it’s really not for me. Being a musician myself, I know what I like. Unfortunately, modern popular music isn’t scratching that itch. Except for those outlying bands that are doing what they love and not watch popular. And God bless all of them.
It used to be there
I'd love to buy your album when it comes out
Tom Skeritt, addressing new Top Gun class said, "we'll make you better." THE greatest vocal coach around is Ken Tamplin, has a UA-cam channel...I was average, studied with him for 1 year, auditioned for The Voice at 61 years old and got accepted. If you want to take it to the next level, Ken can help, he himself has spent over $1 million dollars on voice lessons, he's the best 👍💣🔥
@@kevinwalsh4652 dude, congratulations on getting on the Voice! Tell us your story!
@@birdlover7776 I too, am a bird lover...#33 for the Boston Celtics, the hick from French Lick...Larry Bird...okay, I had been involved in martial arts and bodybuilding since about 1974, around 2016, I decided to audition in NYC at the Javits Center, here's what I didn't know: if they accept your accapella song, you must return later that day, or the next day to do another song with accompaniment or a tape with background music, so the producers liked me, but since I don't play guitar or piano, they just encouraged me to try again...I'm in Rhode Island and I saw in winter of 2018 in Boston The Voice held auditions. So, I just downloaded every single vocal training video by Ken Tamplin, THE best voice teacher in America...every day for about 7 months, I went through an hour of warm-up exercises, another hour of various technical exercises, then a couple of hours of specific songs, I narrowed to about 5, because in NYC, they had me sing another song. I chose "no easy way out" by Robert Tepper, the producers remembered me, I blew them away, thanks solely to Ken Tamplin, however I never made it to Los Angeles because unbeknownst to me, you must pay your own airfare and hotel. At the time I was 59, my goal was not winning, I'm not that talented, the goal was at least a one chair turn. I love the blind auditions of two fellow Rhode Islanders, Johnny Gates and Billy Gilman. Here's another thing most don't know: getting accepted at a local state audition doesn't guarantee a blind audition, once in NBC studio, you must audition yet again for the actual producers, not the assistants who chose you. A great lesson in life: Jordan Smith was rejected at his first local audition, a year later, he won the whole show...God's timing is perfect. Later 👋🍀🙏👍
Wow! I wasn’t aware that Curci held that note for 19.1 secs! I always thought the late Chester Bennington held the record at 17 secs. Thanks for the info Professor!!
Crazy timing. I was just about to email asking to consider putting together a video about Sheriff - When I'm With You. I kept thinking "what was that Canadian band in the mid-80's that had that one-hit years after they broke up and were already working at other jobs when their hit finally went "viral" (I believe I heard one of the band mates was actually working at a car wash, and another at a restaurant). After some research I found their video online and searched through your video library to see if you had already done this story, and here it is. Amazing how that worked out. Good job, and great timing!
When I’m With You is one of my all time favorite songs! I’m always shocked how few people know it.
Great work. I loved this video. Living in Canada, and playing in a rock band, I was one of the first people to buy the Sheriff album and listened to it endlessly. I saw Sheriff in a club in Lethbridge, Alberta in April 1994. I was sitting just feet away from their amplifiers. Freddy was as good live as on vinyl. It was one of their last performances. I was thrilled when Alias put out their album, being not only a big Sheriff fan but a huge original Heart fan. The album was great. My friends and I always wished for more, but it was not meant to be. Thanks for the memories!
Correction: 1984 is when I saw Sheriff, not 1994.
When I'm With You is still a favorite power ballad and I had many a memorable dance when I was single. That contrast between light acoustic and kick A power chords in the chorus is exhilarating. That voice was unbelievable.
It is very powerful.
Thank you for doing this video. I love ‘When I’m With You’, by Sheriff. It is such a beautiful song. Years ago, I bought the Sheriff cassette, just so I could hear this song.
I adore both of these songs, they're tender love ballads, and it's a shame that they're not more well known.
I still hear them on classic radio though...
Fueled by such a powerhouse of a singer.
This segment is bringing back a lot of memories. "When I'm with you" was a top ten hit in Canada in 1983. I had it on a K-Tel album called "Electric North". It then hit again in 1989 and went big in the United States. Also one of the only songs to hit big on the charts twice with NO promotional video. The big Frozen Ghost song up here was "Dream Come True" which was a very popular wedding song.
And this might be one of the most spontaneous stories in the history of rock music! Like, how did THIS song manage to hit a nerve with America in the late 80s, AFTER the band broke up?!
Dream Come True was my wedding song. Great tune!
I love both songs and I can't believe I didn't realize More Than Words Can Say was the same guy!
Being from Ontario Canada, I think both of these songs have been player at every wedding I have been to lol. My first dance with a girl was to More Than Words Can Say although we called I Need You Now because of the Extreme songs More Than Words, it was a confusing time in music 😂🤘🤘🇨🇦
Two one hit wonders. Freddie was a great singer. This brings back some memories. Thanks professor.
Jimmy, Thanks for listening
Alias had another US top 10 hit in 1991, “Waiting for Love”.
He still is a great singer 😊
Love both those songs and I played the Alias album until the cassette broke! Still listen to that album today, every song is a banger, and it’s one of very few albums I will listen thru w/o skipping a single track. Both songs bring up so many memories…just like the Professor of Rock, I dedicated More Than Words Can Say to a girl but we never went out, keeping our relationship as just friends but to this day thanks to the benefit of social media we remain good friends still. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these very underrated songs and bringing light to what an incredible voice Freddy Curci brought to music! Music truly plays a very central role in the soundtrack of our live, intrinsically linked to so many memories!
It's amazing how many hit songs were not going to be put into albums until the last minute. Toad the Wet Sprocket's "All I Want" comes to mind. It makes me wonder what's still out there on the "cutting room floor"... Excellent details as always PoR- "the label reps braved a 15 seat light aircraft to Kirkland Lake, Ontario"... it just enriches the history of the band even further.!
Ha ha. Thanks Flavellinator!
I am reliably informed that the Human League have recorded quite a lot of material that sounds great but has not been released. Perhaps one day- great band.
Toad the Wet Sprocket? I know of the American pop band but there was also a NWOBHM band of the same name.
One of the best examples is BTO's "You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet", which was a throwaway track that ended up going #1 in multiple countries.
Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back in Town!!
Two AMAZING songs!!! I remember Alias had a follow-up hit, "Waiting For Love." I Can't remember offhand where it peaked, but it was a pretty good song, too.
Your remember correctly! Thanks Bill!
It peaked at No. 13 on the Hot 100.
Right.
I was a part-time DJ at a radio station in the mid to late 80’s and although “When I’m with You” wasn’t in the catalog anymore - prior to its resurgence in 1990 - I would dig up that record every once in a while and drop it in during an overnight shift when I had some time to fill and didn’t want to play the usual “approved” fillers.
Somehow the Professor of Rock has a personal story about every rock song ever written! A fond exaggeration. Love your stories and presentation.
I've always been a huge fan of When I'm With You and the story behind it. Around here, even when the song was big, it was pretty much impossible to get a copy of an album or cassette of it. I had a cassette years ago where I recorded the song on the radio. After that, I didn't have anything with that song on it or even heard it in a long time (was before I got myself a computer, lol). That changed when Joe Dirt came out (awesome movie) and I got the soundtrack. These days, those younger than I only know it from when Brandy shows up riding her horse in Joe Dirt. Freddy Curci has an amazing voice and I've enjoyed anything I've heard him sing.
Oh, I knew it from "Monster Ballads", years before I even saw "Joe Dirt". "Monster Ballads" is a great compilation as well; the TV commercials played constantly, when I was a kid!
Don't forget the awesome scene in Goon where the goon sees the love of his life for the first time as she walks into the bar.
Thanks Professor, so much story behind these two songs, didn't even have an inkling..i still listen to these two beautiful songs I love soooo much..brings so much memories..nostalgia❤️❤️❤️
"When I'm With You" is an all-time favorite!! There are some fantastic ballads that were released by hair bands of the mid 80s. The feeling of WIWY is so incredibly strong, and Freddie Curci nailed it. So sorry that silly girl the Prof of Rock had that crush on couldn't feel it. It gets my vote for wedding song of the century!!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your page Professor!!! Keep em coming... I love your love for music and the artists who create it .. God Bless you my man!
Thanks Adam! Another great story with an Awesome backstory and background!
Keep reporting the Greatest Stories about the Greatest Hits!
Have a Great Day! 🎸 Rock On Bud!!!!
Thanks!
Rock on! 🤘
Two great songs! When I saw you were covering Alias, “Perfect World” came to mind right away! Even though it wasn’t as big of a hit as “When I’m With You,” it makes me think instantly of my wife. When we started dating she told me about how that was a favorite song of hers from one of her favorite movies. As we learned about and discovered each other’s music, this one always stood out as a fantastic tune, thanks to Freddy Curci’s amazing vocals. As always, great to get these back stories! Thank you!
When I bought that album and heard Curci's note on the outro of "When I'm with you" I thought it was a keyboard holding that note. Great voice, and a great album!
Hilarious you commented on this, see my reply to dean robert99 above, I said pretty much the same thing before I saw this
Love that!
I missed it. Very cool.
It baffled me and absolutely stunned and amazed me.
Wonderful content brother! "When I'm with you" holds that special place in my heart, I dedicated it to my high school crush in 1989 my sophomore year, kind of like you did but for me her and I always sort of stayed in touch and created life's of our own and just a few months ago her and I reconnected and it may have taken 35 years but we are not wasting this opportunity, we even danced to the song a few weeks ago in her living room! Freddie had such an amazing voice. I'm so glad the Las Vegas DJ started playing the song again in 1988-89. Thanks for your content!
Couple more things---I never knew Heart guys were in Alias. Neat. Surprised at the Leo Sayer dig-More than Words can Say is a longtime fave here. That's okay different strokes. Alias kinda fits in with Bad English, the Storm, Damn Yankees, Giant, etc.
His voice gives me chills.
Never knew about all the associated bands and solo efforts from Sheriff. A stand out one you mentioned was the underplayed & stellar group Frozen Ghost. Worth listening too again and again. Loved the entire album. Thanks for the mention of them and the memories!
Their first album is very good!
Ya Frozen Ghost was a great band. Great songs
@@dank3728 By far, one of my all time favorites.
I am Canadian and remember the first release of When I'm With You well in fact I owned (and overplayed, I was 12/13 at the time) the single. Curci was literally one of the best voices I have ever heard and the opera explains his talent completely. I remember More Than Words Can Say very well as well, but I honestly never made the connection between them and Sheriff
In 1969, singer Ron Dante recorded “Tracey” with The Cuff Links and “Sugar, Sugar” with the Archies, both anonymously, and both hit the top ten at the same time!
Backing vocals on Sugar Sugar by co-writer Toni Wine
Wait, WHAT?! Am just now hearing of this!
You are why I love UA-cam comments, I learn, for example: one hit wonder in 70's Dwight Twilley Band "I'm on fire", background vocals provided by a female member of Newport, RI band The Cowsills
I’m from Michigan, and I remember hearing the Sherriff song on the radio, as Michigan heard a lot of Canadian bands. I loved the Sherriff song so much and have it on my iTunes now. I moved to RI in 1987. Years later when I heard the Sherriff song again, and remember how much I missed the song, my husband claimed he never heard the song before! I was stunned, but then I realized it was the benefit of living near Canada. 😊 Thank you for covering this!
Oh my GOD I love these songs! What amazing vocal talent 🥰
OMG!!! i remember and loved BOTH those songs. i never in my young mind connected these two songs together
As a Canadian rock fan I experienced these songs as they hit the charts and radios here in Canada. Charted twice for us here. To hit #1 years after your music is released is an interesting cool story for sure. Not many artists get a chart topper... forget about a second one. Nice share POR. That longest sustained note in a US single bit of trivia is longtime nugget of mine. But now that secret is out! And hey... how about a Frozen Ghost bit? Or if you wish to share some more Canadian rock with POR fans... give them a lesson on Harlequin. Cheers
Sounds good. Canada rocks!
For sure.
Another Canadian rock fan here, I was just about to post how I really appreciate that Canadian bands are getting some love in the Professor of Rock videos when I saw this comment and thought I would reply. Would love to see a Frozen Ghost video. One of their songs was played at my wedding "Dream Come True"
Quick follow up, "When I'm with you" was huge for me in the '80s, and in fact will always remind me of my girlfriend at the time. It was kind of "our song". The one interesting thing about it however, she was a singer too, and never believed that Curci actually held the final note on his own, she thought the sound slowly melded into a synthesizer recording of the note since it was so long and, she thought, sounded a bit electronic at the end.
The British and Americans had amazing music, but the Canadian stuff was just as good. This song is incredible.
It's crazy that you posted this on the EXACT same day I heard "When I'm With You" for the first time. It's been stuck in my head ever since
Great episode! The first Alias record was definitely one of the best AOR albums during that era. Great that you mentioned the song Perfect World from that Christina Applegate movie too. I’m 51 and Perfect World is in my top 5 all time personal favorites. Love the lyrics (it meant a lot to me during that time), the production, the guitar solo and of course, Freddy’s vocals. ❤
Excellent episode. A very unique story of being part of 2 one-hit-wonders. I can't think of anyone else who has that distinction. Professor, off-topic, I'm sure you've heard about the sadly, shockingly passing of Irene Cara. I was wondering if you were planning to create a tribute episode for her. I hope so. You have done so many great movie songs episodes of the 80's. Irene Cara had two of the most memorable 80's movie songs with "Fame" and "Flashdance (What A Feeling)". There are many great 80's music artists where the 80's would not have been as great and I can't imagine that decade without them. Irene Cara is definitely one of those artists. Those 2 songs and movies really inspired an entire generation of 80's kids to don't be afraid to try to achieve your goals and fulfill your dreams. A message of inspiration of hope that really captured the spirit of the 80's that's so much missing today. Anyway, Irene Cara is an 80's icon and I really hope you put together a future episode honoring her.
Ya know, I had an in person interview set up with Irene Cara about 5 years ago and for some reason, she didn't show. It broke my heart as I was looking forward to it. Never did get the reason why it fell through. I was so sad to hear of her passing. I will try to add it into our schedule though.
@@ProfessorofRock ....as someone who was in the Industry also, I've ...'heard'...of such instances from Irene...but, I'm sure Prof. would give a fitting post on her legacy....I'm waiting, with BATED breath....
I had not heard about her passing, so sad! She was a great talent.
I'd love to see an interview with Ellen Foley; the little cute blond lady with the powerful voice who sang with Meatloaf. She put out a solo album that I still love listening to. Her cover of the 1962 Timi Yuro song, "What's A Matter, Baby?" is the ultimate "eff you for leaving me, but I'm better off and over your nonsense" song. It's helped me get through my divorce from a husband who cheated on me the whole 15 years we were married!
Ellen is still performing, and she did a fun duet with Karla Devito (the other great Meatloaf singer). Very uplifting, especially to an old broad like me who needs reminding that life isn't over yet! ua-cam.com/video/Kh9QXC5SpuQ/v-deo.html
R.I.P. Irene. The Flashdance or Fame soundtracks would be fantastic for Adam to breakdown.
Omg!! Never knew his name and did not know he fronted both those bands..but i always loved those two songs, specifically because he voice is beautiful!! And the notes he hit!! Wow!!
An awesome vocal performance by Freddy and familiar story of lack of label support in those days for Canadian bands in the US. Thankfully in this case, radio intervened! Great segment, Adam!
Thanks Robster!
Canada deserved better.
When I saw the title I *KNEW* what the video was about. I heard "When I'm With You" in '83, and I carried a torch for that song for the next 6 years until - to my lasting gratitude - it came back in 1989.
Steve Perry on any Journey hit. Honestly I can’t pick one because he’s amazing on everything he did with them. Rick Beato broke down some of their tracks and he just shakes his head at the isolated vocal tracks. No other voice like him
Michael, find on UA-cam: Benny Mardones "into the night" live Merv Griffin with interview 1981....insane falsetto, incredibly gifted vocalist
@@kevinwalsh4652 - Both great vocalists, granted. Steve's tonal quality is unique. When you hear him, you KNOW it's him.
Very impressed with your knowledge of Canadian music Professor, excellent videos on Rush, The Guess Who and now Sheriff who were much less popular until the revival in the 90's. I had the privilege of seeing both Sheriff at the Black Hawk on Yonge street in north Toronto and I also saw Frozen Ghost at the Diamond, downtown Toronto, I still have the sweat shirt from this show. The 3 frozen Ghost and 1 Sheriff albums are all good listening. Here's a bit of info to add to your data base. Arnold was on TV in the 90's when "I'm with you" went gang busters. He was smiling ear to ear telling the story of Sheriff and how he bought the rights to his music back from the record label for the price of a used car (guess about $5000) after Sheriff broke up. he said he just received a royalty cheque or check for US readers that was 7 digits. Important lesson for young musicians - own your music if possible.
I love your Mr Rogers T Shirt, Adam, he brought joy and comfort to many a childhood.
I love him! Great man.
Including me!
Being from 🇨🇦 and loving the Sheriff album. That was some great info. Thanks.
Freddie’s voice is amazing!! He was in a vocal group in the LA area too. The acoustic live version of More than words can say on VH1Metal Mania CD is a stand out version too!!
When I saw this, I knew right away which songs and singer you were going to talk about because when "When I'm With You" originally came out in 1983, it was my husband's and my song. We just celebrated our 39th anniversary. I thought it was cool when it hit the charts in 1989 after so much time. Of course, I liked Alias' "More than Words Can Say" as well.
HOLD THE PHONOGRAPH!
Adam ACTUALLY admitted to a song he DIDN'T like????? PLEASE do an episode of top 40 songs that just didn't move you!!! I'm sure it's a short list! Maybe a viewer-contributing vote?? Love the channel!
Awesome! I’m glad you finally used my idea! 👍🏻
That record breaking note sounds more like a music instrument than a person's voice. That is just a remarkable voice.
That’s what I said on first listen. Couldn’t believe it was the real deal. Freddy’s the man!
Brings back major memories from teen dances at the local legion hall, singing our heads off while we slow danced. Great tunes.
I still go listen to… Pure Energy…. For that one fantastic musical beat!!! It’s still the best piece of dance music I’ve ever heard! It always made me wish I could dance really good 😝
I love "When I'm With You" and I am so glad you talked about "the note" one of the greatest held notes of all time. When I was a kid (I sang in the High School choir) I would sing along - I still do - and see f I could hold it all 19 seconds. If I breathe right, I can still do t!
Another 80’s song that became a hit years after it was originally released is At This Moment by Billy Vera and the Beaters.
You forgot to mention that Alias also included Denny DeMarchi (Steve's brother) who basically operated the basement studio in the home. He also played the keyboards and did the background vocals on the album (not to mention the famous keyboard intro on More Than Words Can Say) Denny also played keys on Dolores' solo album Are You Listening and went on to tour with her and The Cranberries as well.
Sheriff never got back together because of the pending lawsuit against Arnold Lanni. Those court documents are online to read.
The 80s was so full of great songs that this kind of thing would happen. Too much competition and not enough time to play great songs. Great songs by a great voice. I didn’t know the band or that the two songs were connected like this. Sad that sheriff didn’t last long enough for me to know them.
Imagine that? Too many great songs. We don't have that problem today sadly.
@@ProfessorofRock yeah its all a formula now 😢
I wish Freddy had more hits stateside, he was a helluva singer and deserved so much better.
Awesome episode Professor! I never knew this, but loved both songs! Thanks for sharing this! It's always great to learn these thing's in music history! Thanks for keeping the music alive!
Q: How long did artist Bill Withers sustain his signature note for the word "day" in the vamp for his 1977 hit song, "Lovely Day"? Q: He held it for 8 FULL BARS, which turned out to be 18 SECONDS and change, with no studio production assistance or magic, back then. Pretty amazing....
Yeah I was thinking of Bill Withers and his Lovely Day. I thought that was the record - many publications mention that song
Another great feat from a legend. I remember playing that song out of my speakers on my apartment balcony after hearing of his passing. R.I.P. Bill.
Thanks so much for the blast from the past. I worked with Freddie and Steve at Capitol records before the Alias album was released. I'd forgotten how beautiful Freddie's voice is. It's put a big smile on my face to remember these songs and I've just bought a copy of the album. Cheers!!