may-pang

HOW MANY YEARS AGO???

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:33:39 GMT

Memories...

So 52 years ago this January, I had arranged for a group outing. It was Julian's first time in Los Angeles and John had no idea what to do. I had a few things on my list which of course included Disneyland. But first, we were offered a tour around Paramount Studios. One of the photos that has surfaced over the years is when we were shown a studio where they were rehearsing a new TV show called HAPPY DAYS! It was a surprise to the cast when John walked in with his entourage. It was exciting for everyone. Cynthia and I decided to let father and son have their moments together. Mal Evans came along too.

As we went from sound stage to sound stage, we were most excited to be on the set of THE ODD COUPLE. We actually sat through a filming of a whole episode with the audience. Back in those days, there were real live audience while these comedy shows were being filmed. We met Tony Randall and Jack Klugman after the filming. We also visited the set of Mannix, it starred Mike Connors. I remember Julian having a photo taken with him. As he did with a young Jodi Foster too.

It was a long day. it was an exciting day for a little boy who just got off the plane from England. I was very happy that the day went smoothly and I also had a very tired John on my hands!

MIND GAMES Release

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:09:41 GMT

A New Album ...

I can hardly believe that it has been 52 years since the release of Mind Games. John was excited to be in the studio again and with the top New York session guys. He was impressed how fast everything was going. I remembered contacting Jim Keltner, David Spinozza, Gordon Edwards, Kenny Ascher, Hugh McCracken, Arthur Jenkins, Michael Brecker, Sneaky Pete...just to name a few to be a part of this album. Of course, it was recorded at The Record Plant Studios in NYC. It's amazing that I remained friends with most of these guys over the years.

The above photo I took of John was the cover for my Instamatic Karma book in 2008 but this was the time period when John and I were in LA and started to do press for the release of the album.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN! 85??

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:55:09 GMT

Always With Humour And A Sweet Tooth ...

There are no words here except I wish you were still here to give us your thoughts, words and new music. Also, to share your favourite chocolate blackout cake with everyone ...

WALLS AND BRIDGES -2025

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:10:47 GMT

September 26, 1974 release

51 years ago, John and I were so nervous as this was the release date of the album. He was proud of how he made it. He recorded this album at his favorite place ... Record Plant Studios in NY with his main engineer, Roy Cicala. It took him only 8 weeks from start to finish and handing it in to Capitol Records. He was also on budget ... I should know, I handled that part of it. The musicians were a mixture of his old rock'n'roll buddies and some he picked up from the best of the New York session guys. He relied on his pal, Jim Keltner, to hold that beat for him. He got Rolling Stones' sax player, Bobby Keys, to lead the horn sessions. He loved that Elton John came by one night and decided to play on a couple of songs. It was not a planned thing in advance. Elton was in town and wanted to drop by. Tony King, who worked for Apple and friends with Elton, said it might be easy to coax Elton into playing on some songs. He played on WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT and sang harmony on SURPRISE, SURPRISE (Sweet Bird Of Paradise). Even bigger surprise when I was asked to do the whispering on #9 DREAM and sing chorus background along with John, Lori Burton and Joey Dambra as John called us "The 44th St. Fairies."

When the album went to #1, I made sure the main musicians and the recording studio each got a Gold Record for their participation. An even bigger surprise was when John gave me my own Gold Record Award too!

#maypang #JohnLennon #Walls&Bridges #WhateverGetsYouThruTheNight #EltonJohn #RecordPlantStudioNY

CAROLE KING: HOME AGAIN - LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:23:47 GMT

In May 1973, producer Lou Adler put together the first free concert in Central Park’s The Great Lawn featuring Carole King with concert promoter, Ron Delsener

Over 100,000 people showed up to listen to Carole sing some of her classic songs and perform songs from her new album. The close-ups and the sound were incredible. It was a 12 camera shoot and even 50 years later … this was a treat to see all this footage and new interviews. Also Chip Monck was part of putting the staging together.

Seeing Lou came full circle for me. Many years ago Lou let John and I stay at his fabulous home in Bel Air which at the time he shared with actress Britt Ekland. This was also Thanks to Andrew Oldham for setting it up. I think one of the last times I saw Lou was in NY when he premiered the play ROCKY HORROR SHOW on Broadway in 1975. John and I attended the original opening in Los Angeles in 1974 at The Roxy Theatre.

Lou produced Carole King’s TAPESTRY album. One of mine and John’s favorite album of all times. Such a gifted writer and vocals are smooth like glass in this movie. It was a treat to see both Lou and Ron up on the stage after the movie doing a Q & A.

Me and Lou having a small private conversation after the Q & A. I tried to find Ron but all he could say during the interview was that he was hungry…I guess he ran off to look for food.