Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Roto Rooter and Napoleon XIV


Thanks to those who've got the RRGTCB CDs currently being offered on eBay. Thanks to Philly Mike for his incredible knowledge of not only Roto but also everything you'd want to know about Dr. Demento. Mike thought there was a Roto Rooter/Napoleon XIV (Jerry Samuels) connection and indeed there was. I (Dr. Mabuse) worked with Jerry in NYC 1969-1972. He produced and did both instrumental and backing vocals on 2 tracks featruring me (Geoff Cooper) . Absurdly psychedelic nostalgia and teenage angst expressed on "Teenager In Love" and "Sugar Time. They were presented to A&M records but they passed. It remains a relic in my personal collection. But then in 1973, I believe, Jerry (and his current girl friend of the time) visited L.A. (I'm born here and 3 years in NYC were enough) and stayed with me. He and the Rotos bonded quickly and we introduced him to Dr. Demento. Jerry had a one night performance at the Ash Grove in L.A. just before it burned down. Demento hosted. Roto and Jerry never recorded anything together (and only just now does it dawn on me how STUPID we were to not exploit, er, share our talents and create the ultimate demented music ever!!_. Actually there is something. Jerry did a "concert" in my living room at my apartment in Hollywood with all Rotos in attendance. Jerry's songs elicited hoots and hollers from us all and we all joined in on a very "special" version of "I Owe A Lot To Iowa Pot". Ah, yes, those were the days. Jerry has a successful talent agency in Philadelphia providing over 25,000 acts in the past 20 or so years to senior citizens events, and many other private and civic events. He's a most active and alert 71 years old.

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