Potsie turns 63 on Tuesday.
I realize for many, that sentence doesn't mean anything. But I grew up in the 1970's, and two of the biggest TV shows during that decade were "Happy Days" and its spin-off "Laverne and Shirley" - two shows that took place in the 1950's.
Anson Williams, who played Potsie on "Happy Days", wasn't the star of the show. And those who care may argue about whether Ron Howard was the star, or if Henry Winkler became the star once the Fonz was a regular character.
For me, the star was the music.
I got my first real exposure to 1950's music through that show. And also the movie "American Graffiti" (which I was really too young to understand, but I liked the music a lot).
Sure I listened to the radio, and bought my share of 45's, but I was introduced to Fats Domino, Bill Haley and so many more through that jukebox at Arnold's.
I realize for many, that sentence doesn't mean anything. But I grew up in the 1970's, and two of the biggest TV shows during that decade were "Happy Days" and its spin-off "Laverne and Shirley" - two shows that took place in the 1950's.
Anson Williams, who played Potsie on "Happy Days", wasn't the star of the show. And those who care may argue about whether Ron Howard was the star, or if Henry Winkler became the star once the Fonz was a regular character.
For me, the star was the music.
I got my first real exposure to 1950's music through that show. And also the movie "American Graffiti" (which I was really too young to understand, but I liked the music a lot).
Sure I listened to the radio, and bought my share of 45's, but I was introduced to Fats Domino, Bill Haley and so many more through that jukebox at Arnold's.
Nostalgia for the 50's became a big trend in the 70's. In fact, it was so big that one of the biggest bands of the decade, the Bee Gees, were brought on to write a song for another 50's film - "Grease".
Of course, that's how it goes. In the 80's, "The Big Chill" lead a wave of 60's nostalgia. And the 90's even gave us the popular sitcom "That 70's Show".
Of course, that's how it goes. In the 80's, "The Big Chill" lead a wave of 60's nostalgia. And the 90's even gave us the popular sitcom "That 70's Show".
Then we got 80's flashbacks, courtesy of movies like "The Wedding Singer" and "Hot Tub Time Machine" (among others). Now, I guess it's time for the 90's to get their due.
There's plenty of material to work with. There always is. "Seinfeld", "Friends" and "The Simpsons" on TV. Celine Dion and the Macarena.
It's funny how these nostalgic waves can become as popular as the time period during which they occur. I think this is especially true for those who weren't around the first time.
I remember getting a Beatles' 45 when I was three or four. It was "Hey Jude", but I seem to recall that I really liked the flipside, "Revolution", at least as much if not more. But honestly, my most vivid Beatle memories are from the 1980's, when their music was finally made available on the format of the future - compact discs!
There's plenty of material to work with. There always is. "Seinfeld", "Friends" and "The Simpsons" on TV. Celine Dion and the Macarena.
It's funny how these nostalgic waves can become as popular as the time period during which they occur. I think this is especially true for those who weren't around the first time.
I remember getting a Beatles' 45 when I was three or four. It was "Hey Jude", but I seem to recall that I really liked the flipside, "Revolution", at least as much if not more. But honestly, my most vivid Beatle memories are from the 1980's, when their music was finally made available on the format of the future - compact discs!
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And since I wasn't around during the 1950's, when I hear "Blueberry Hill", I can't help but think of Richie Cunningham. Bill Haley makes me think of that jukebox at Arnold's. Buddy Holly and the Platters make me think of Wolfman Jack and "American Graffiti". And even though I know it was really by Danny and the Juniors, "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay" first makes me think of Sha Na Na in "Grease'.
Nostalgia ain't what it used to be,
Or is it?
It's supposed to make us think back to a happy time, even if our memory of it may be somewhat tempered by time. I enjoy thinking about the 70's even though it's kind of thinking about the 50's. And I'm guessing those who like to think about the 80's, remember listening to "The Big Chill" soundtrack.
And on and on.
So happy birthday, Potsie, wherever you are. And in your honor, today's workout mix comes from my 1950's playlist. One warning if you think it would be fun to listen to 50's tunes while on the treadmill or whatever your exercise preference is. The songs are pretty short, so you're going to hear many more of them than if you were listening to Dire Straits. Just sayin'.
Bill Haley and the Comets "(We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock"
Eddie Cochrance "C'mon Everybody"
Chuck Berry "Too Much Monkey Business'
The Diamonds "Little Darlin'"
Little Richard "Ready Teddy"
Johnny Horton "When It's Springtime In Alaska, It's Forty Below"
The Everly Brothers "Wake Up Little Suzie'
Danny and the Juniors "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay"
Phil Phillips "Sea Of Love"
Chuck Berry "Rock And Roll Music"
Bobby Rydell "We Got Love"
Jimmie Rodgers "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine"
Elvis Presley "A Big Hunk O' Love"
The Coasters "Along Came Jones"
Nostalgia ain't what it used to be,
Or is it?
It's supposed to make us think back to a happy time, even if our memory of it may be somewhat tempered by time. I enjoy thinking about the 70's even though it's kind of thinking about the 50's. And I'm guessing those who like to think about the 80's, remember listening to "The Big Chill" soundtrack.
And on and on.
So happy birthday, Potsie, wherever you are. And in your honor, today's workout mix comes from my 1950's playlist. One warning if you think it would be fun to listen to 50's tunes while on the treadmill or whatever your exercise preference is. The songs are pretty short, so you're going to hear many more of them than if you were listening to Dire Straits. Just sayin'.
Bill Haley and the Comets "(We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock"
Eddie Cochrance "C'mon Everybody"
Chuck Berry "Too Much Monkey Business'
The Diamonds "Little Darlin'"
Little Richard "Ready Teddy"
Johnny Horton "When It's Springtime In Alaska, It's Forty Below"
The Everly Brothers "Wake Up Little Suzie'
Danny and the Juniors "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay"
Phil Phillips "Sea Of Love"
Chuck Berry "Rock And Roll Music"
Bobby Rydell "We Got Love"
Jimmie Rodgers "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine"
Elvis Presley "A Big Hunk O' Love"
The Coasters "Along Came Jones"
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