Harry Hepcat

Harry Hepcat

Harry Hepcat is a first generation rock and roll artist, performing rock, blues, doo-wop and rockabilly over seven decades. He is noted as a singer, guitarist, band leader, songwriter, radio disc-jockey, writer and media personality; a 1981 review stated, "His honest sense of fun distinguishes him from humorless idol-worshipers and from slapstick cretins..."[1] He was frequent guest on WCBS-FM in New York City (The Doo-Wop Shop)[2] and, at the other end of the rock spectrum, was one of the first listed in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 1998[3] and featured on the organization's first CD.[4] Elvis Presley once said of him, to George Anderson, "Harry Hepcat is like a brother, not by blood, but by what he does."[5]

Biography

The early 1940s found Harry Hepcat's family living in Columbia, South Carolina. His grandfather had played trumpet in a band before World War 1. His mother Irene was a music lover who sang around the house and played her 78 rpm records often. Her dream of being a chorus line dancer ended when she became pregnant. Hepcat's father went off to fight in France and never returned.[6]

Television arrived in the early fifties. Harry enjoyed science fiction, a wide variety of comedians and, of course, the music. That kind of taste led right to Les Paul. "I really dug his sound and his records. I would never miss his fifteen minute TV show that was on in the early fifties."[7]

By 1955, it was adolescence and girls and that new thing, rock & roll. Harry lived in New York City and then moved to Long Island. As such, he developed a love of the rock bands he encountered on the Island and the group harmony of the city. His radio was tuned to WINS and Alan Freed's "Rock & Roll Party" and to Jocko's "Rocketship Show" on WADO. He even was seen as one of the dancers on Alan Freed's TV show. Seeing Bo Diddley at Freed's stage reviews and Elvis on television led to Harry's first guitar in February 1956. "Hepcat, like many teenagers of that era, had fallen in love with rock and roll and by 1958 was playing the guitar, performing live with bands (The Royal Sultans) and even recording rock and roll."[8]

Harry played in half a dozen bands through the early 1960s. He kept up with the latest music, but always saw fit to preserve older material. The shows were primarily in the northeastern United States,[9] with some tours of the mid- west and southern border states.[10] There were recordings for several small labels and then on to Old Town and Ace records. Soon there were LPs released in Germany and a release in England and Japan.[11] The reviews were positive. Wayne Robbins of Newsday wrote that, "Hepcat's 'Boppin' the Blues' is fine!"[12]

Good Times Magazine referred to Harry Hepcat as "a true practitioner of rockabilly and good old rock and roll since the music first appeared."[13] Rockabilly magazine, in reviewing Hepcat's "Real to Reel" album, wrote that he "developed uninhibited" and his remastered early cuts "illustrate an unbridled classic-form rock'n'roller deserving of wider acclaim than was his."[14] "The Sunrise Special" EP "displayed Hepcat as the living, breathing, guitar strumming artifact of 1950s rockabilly that he undoubtedly was."[15]

In commenting on "Harry Hepcat's Stories of the 50s" CD, WCBS-FM disc jockey Don K. Reed describes Hepcat as "a rockabilly rocker from way back who's lost nothing over the years and can tell a story in song with the best of them."[16] The album songs and stories are Hepcat originals. Rock critic Darren Paltrowitz calls the CD "the real deal...listening to it will show you just how similar the story-telling of 'the Boss' Springsteen is to that of Hepcat. Harry Hepcat is a visionary indeed."[17]

As for the many Harry Hepcat releases in Europe, Harry was quoted as saying of the Europeans, "The appreciation for American rockabilly and 50s rock and roll is because they know it's our music and it's the real thing when we do it. When they do it, they're imitating an American art form and they know that deep down."[18]

In 1967, Harry Hepcat decided on preserving the music and styles of the fifties and early sixties. In an age of acid rock, hippies and protest movements, most agents and venues considered that idea insane. At one of the early concerts at Hofstra University, on Long Island, the over enthusiastic students rioted, turning over slide show equipment and destroying band signs and a poster photo of Alan Freed.[19] In spite of this, the times finally caught up with Harry and the fifties revival was on.

Harry Hepcat started off in the fifties playing house parties and school auditoriums. In the decades to follow, he was playing for some of the biggest hotels in New York City (Roosevelt Hotel, Hotel Pierre), the Westbury Music Fair, Tavern on the Green in Central Park, Manhattan, the Neville and the Concord in the Catskills and before 10,000 people at The Long Island Arena[20] and similarly massive crowds in a series of concerts at Yonkers Raceway. The New York City club scene featured Harry and his band at clubs like Malachy's, Dangerfield's and Brandy's II.[21] [22] After performing for the Broadway cast of "Grease," they commented, "We only act it: it's such a pleasure to hear the real thing."[23]

Preserving the cultural story of the 1950s also led to Harry Hepcat's ideas being published in several newspapers and magazines.[24] [25] He soon expanded the public's exposure to fifties music by becoming one of the first rock musicians to open up new outdoor venues to the material. Harry Hepcat & The Boogie Woogie Band now added rock music to parks and arenas that had previously only featured light classical, pop, dixieland and march music. Harry rocked the out-of-doors at The Garden State Arts Center in New Jersey, the Levitt Pavilion in Westport, Connecticut and dozens of city and town parks.[26] His music programs soon appeared in another unheard of location for rock music, various library systems.[27] [28] [29] Hepcat's program soon became approved by the Board of Co-operative Educational Services (BOCES) in 1975 and school performances soon followed as part of music appreciation programs.[30] "Hepcat has not only opened the ears of the MTV generation through his speeches, he has reminded everyone of rock and roll's history through his writings."[31]

Radio

Harry Hepcat on the air at WNYG in New York

Harry Hepcat was a frequent guest on numerous radio programs. He was heard as a guest on WCBS-FM in New York City on "The Doo-wop Shop" for ten broadcasts in the 1970s and 1980s; "The Sally Jesse Raphael Show" WMCA (Feb.1977 and Sept. 1977); Alan Colmes Show WABC (1984); saluted on "Spotlight" WRTN-FM, Westchester County, NY in 1979; featured artist on "Street Beat" WLIR-FM Hempstead, N.Y. 1981; three live radio concerts WPKN-FM Bridgeport, Connecticut, 1975–1978; one hour interview and performance on Vermont Public Radio (VPR) 1993; twelve 2 hour specials on rock music for WBAB-FM on Long Island. He went on to host his own show on WNHX in Berlin, New Hampshire, fill-in host WPKN-FM Bridgeport, Connecticut, and from 1988 to 1994 was broadcasting 33 hours a week with his own shows on WNYG 1440 am in the New York City area. Hepcat reached most of Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and southern areas of the Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut. His programs included "The Gooba Gooba Show," "The Hardcore Oldies Show" and "The Rockabilly Party."[32] [33] [34]

Television Work

Among Harry Hepcat's television appearances was a New York City concert review (with performance clips) on WCBS television news by Dennis Cunningham in 1981; mentioned on "Real People" WNBC-TV in 1977; a feature on Hepcat's life on "Nightlife TV" WLNY-TV channel 55; interviews and performances on Cablevision, Viacom, Group W (Westinghouse Broadcasting), Westchester Cable; two features on Eyewitness News WABC-TV in New York City (11/8/83 and 11/11/83) and ten guest interviews and performances on The Joe Franklin Show WOR-TV (WWOR-TV) in New York City (1978–1984). Joe Franklin referred to Harry Hepcat as "the official archivist and historian of the 1950s rock and roll scene."[35] [36]

Harry also developed comedy characters and was a regular on "Huntington Profiles" from 1983 to 1984 on Huntington Cable TV. Then it was on to "Depth in Focus," a comedy show that revolved around the local entertainment scene (1985). From 2005 to 2012, Hepcat had his own show on Cablevision that dealt with nostalgia, music and comedy. One of these was "Antiques Roadkill," which dealt with inexpensive and/or ugly artifacts often referred to as "kitsch".[37] [38] In 2001, Harry Hepcat hosted one of the segments for the History Channel's "American Classics," This documentary on American pop culture from the 1950s to the 1970s also featured Dick Clark and Jay Leno.[39] [40]

Film

Harry Hepcat went on to films. In 1985, he played the part of a businessman in the independent film "Daze Gone By" for Jedu Films. In the Robin Williams film "Seize the Day," Harry drove his 1954 Mercury and almost ran over Robin's legs with his car. Based on Saul Bellow's book, the 1986 Academy Award winning film also starred Jerry Stiller and Joseph Wiseman. Look for Harry in the last scene leaving a tenement in Harlem. The big cigar, gold suit and sideburns are hard to miss.[41]

Harry Hepcat turned his energies to writing, producing and directing a documentary on teen life in an American small town in the 1950s. On August 26, 1988, he was presented with first prize for an independent production by The Motion Picture and Television Community at the Fifth Annual Suffolk Film and Video Festival. The award was presented by Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin at the estate of Robert Lion Gardiner in East Hampton, Long Island. The Harry Hepcat documentary was called "Teen Beat."[42] [43]

Conclusion

Harry Hepcat is many things. He is a writer and lecturer.[44] [45] As pointed out, he also has talent as an actor, media personality, director and comedian. However, perhaps it is as a true rock and roll singer and performer that he will always be remembered. Bill Nolan, WPKN disc jockey and president of the Rhythm & Blues / Rock & Roll Society, has said, "Jerry Lee Lewis couldn't do 'Great Balls of Fire' better than Harry Hepcat...Harry Hepcat isn't an imitator; he is an original rock & roller from the 1950s. Had he been a little older back then, he would have been neck and neck with Bill Haley, Gene Vincent and even Elvis himself"[46] [47] [48]

Finally, in Harry Hepcat's own words, "I've devoted my life to this music. I've lived by the credo: Life without rock and roll is unthinkable."[49] [50]

Discography

Singles
RECORD COMPANY
Catalogue #
TITLE
YEAR
SCOTT   6184
(USA)		 "Weekend Wail" / "Coastin"
1958
SONIC   5066
(USA)		 "That's All Right Mama" / "The Break of Day"
1964
GRAFFITI   101-A,B
(New York City, USA)
Streakin USA:
See note #1 below
See re-release on CD list below.		 "Streakin' U.S.A." / "Little Darlin'"
1974
DEE-JAY JAMBOREE   106
(Germany)		 "Go Cat Go" / "Mean Cat Daddy"
(under the name Harold Jackson)
1975
RESURRECTION   6380
(USA)		 "Sea Cruise" / "Great Balls of Fire"
1977
EPs: Extended Play
RECORD COMPANY
Catalogue #
TITLE
YEAR
REBOP       965
(Cincinnati, Ohio, USA)		 HARRY HEPCAT:
"Good Rockin' Tonight" / "Shake, Rattle & Roll"
"Boogie Chillun" / "Go Cat, Go"
1976
AETERNUS   EPA-102
(Long Island, NY, USA)		 SUNRISE SPECIAL:
"The Sunrise Special" / "Twenty Flight Rock" /
"Bull Jive" / "Boppin' the Blues"
1981
LPs: Long Play (vinyl)
RECORD COMPANY
Catalogue #
TITLE
YEAR
DEE-JAY
JAMBOREE   DJ-LP 2048
(Germany)		 "GO CAT, GO"
All 14 cuts by Harry Hepcat
1985
BISON BOP
LP Vol.2 Bb-LP 2001
(Germany)
See note #2 below		 "THE BOP THAT NEVER STOPPED"
side A, cut #3, "Milkcow Blues Boogie"
1979
NERVOUS records 048
(England)		 "AMERICAN ROCKABILLY"
Side A, cut #3 "Gonna Slice You Baby" (psychobilly version)
12"vinyl edition 1988
CD edition 1994
HEPCAT CASSETTE
(USA)		 "REAL TO REEL" Early Sessions
19 cuts by Harry Hepcat
Released on CD 2008.
1997
CDs: Compact Disc
RECORD COMPANY
Catalogue #
TITLE
YEAR
X           LG 7022
(New York City, USA)		 "RAUNCHY ROCK & ROLL"
"Streakin' U.S.A."
Cut #8
1995
J!MCO Records
JICK-89197
(Japan)		 "AMERICAN NEO-ROCKABILLY COLLECTION"
cut #3 "Gonna Slice You Baby"
1994
"ROCKABILLY HALL OF FAME"
Vol. One, cut#19
(USA)		 "Drinkin" Wine"
1998
MP3
#692944273658-10503
(USA)		 "CRUISIN' WITH HARRY HEPCAT"
10 cuts by Hepcat.
1999
AETERNUS 102456
(USA)		 "STORIES OF THE 50s"
13 cuts by Hepcat
(original stories & songs)
1999
ACE Records
Number CDCHD 825
(USA)		 "21st CENTURY DOO-WOP"
"Darling Lorraine"
Cut #21
2002
EARLY BIRD Records
EBCD 1006
(USA)		 "MICKEY B's JUKEBOX REVIEW"
Vol. 2, cut#9
"Baby I Love You So"
2003
AETERNUS
(USA)		 "DOO WOP SESSIONS"
16 cuts by Hepcat
(collection of released and unreleased doo wop renditions)
2010
Internet
RECORD COMPANY
Catalogue #
TITLE
YEAR
iTunes
 "Then And Now"
2011
Unreleased
RECORD COMPANY
Catalogue #
TITLE
YEAR
OLD TOWN Records
(USA)		 "Walking the Dog" / "Evil" / "Runaway"  
GRAFFITI Records
(New York City, USA)		 "Teenager in Love" / "Guardian Angel" / "I've Had It"
Notes
  1. In 1976, as a special tribute, a limited edition of "Streakin' U.S.A." was released on Edison cylinder records.
  2. On a limited number of Bison Bop 2001 issues Harry Hepcat was identified as Harold Jackson by error and the album had the wrong photo. These copies were released first. When the change was made Hepcat was correctly identified and the album was given a new back cover that featured a large picture of Hepcat.

References

  1. ↑ The Island Ear magazine, issue 66E, March 12, 1981, p.22
  2. ↑ Radio Listing, Newsday, July 4, 1982, p.32
  3. ↑ "Article at Rockabilly Hall of Fame". Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
  4. ↑ "Rockabilly Hall of Fame at iTunes".
  5. ↑ George Anderson, "Psychic Channels.", Viacom Cable TV, Nov 25, 1987
  6. ↑ "Contemporary Musicians" vol.23 Gale press, Detroit – London c. 1999, p123
  7. ↑ "Ibid: Rockabilly Hall of Fame".
  8. ↑ "Musician Guide, Harry Hepcat Biography, by Ann M. Schwalboski".
  9. ↑ Beverly Traub, "Come With Harry to the Casbah," The Standard Star newspaper," p.41 Sept. 18, 1981
  10. ↑ The Baltimore Sun, Nov. 11, 1978, p.24
  11. ↑ See, Harry Hepcat DISCOGRAPHY
  12. ↑ Wayne Robbins, Newsday, Sunday April 20, 1980, p.24
  13. ↑ Good Times magazine, June 30, 1981
  14. ↑ Rockabilly magazine, issue 43 Sept.-Oct. 2000, p.44
  15. ↑ "Ann M. Schwalboski, op. cit., p.2".
  16. ↑ Autograph magazine vol.9 no.10, Oct. 2000, page 49
  17. ↑ Darrin Paltrowitz review, L.I.E. Magazine, Sept. 2000
  18. ↑ Doug Reina, "A Conversation with Harry Hepcat," Northport Journal, Aug. 9, 1985
  19. ↑ Time Barrier Express magazine, vol.2 no.6, April 1976, p. 30
  20. ↑ "1974 Rock 'N' Roll Spectacular Program", Scorpio Procuctions, The Long Island Arena, June 1974
  21. ↑ The Village Voice, July 31, 1972, p. 22
  22. ↑ Daily News, June 23, 1972, Night Owl Reporter column
  23. ↑ Sunstorm magazine (Oyster Bay, NY), Nov. 1979
  24. ↑ Time Barrier Express magazine, May 1979, "Not Fade Away," p. 15
  25. ↑ Good Times magazine, Feb.12, 1979, p.31
  26. ↑ Westport News, Aug.18, 1982,Section Two, p.15
  27. ↑ Enterprise-Pilot newspaper, July 20, 1979
  28. ↑ New York Times, Aug.22, 1982, p.18
  29. ↑ The Port Washington News, Sept. 14, 1976, p.6
  30. ↑ The Independent Press, Sept. 24, 1980, front page (3 photos & story of Hepcat's performance in this New Jersey daily newspaper)
  31. ↑ Ann M. Schwalboski, op. cit., p.2
  32. ↑ Newsday, Aug.19, 1989, "Radio Highlights"
  33. ↑ Dick Salembier, "For the Love of WNYG," Remember When magazine vol.9 no.5, July 2000
  34. ↑ Paul D. Colford, "A Real Hepcat Overnight," Newsday. June 8, 1988, "AM/FM" Pt. 11, pp.15, 17
  35. ↑ "Contemporary Musicians", op. cit., p.128
  36. ↑ Colford, op. cit., p.17
  37. ↑ Cablevision, Woodbury, N.Y., listing for channel 20
  38. ↑ Northport Journal, March 15, 1985, p.8
  39. ↑ "Picks and Pans Review: American Classics, by Terry Kelleher, "People magazine", Nov. 26, 2001, Vol.56, No.22, p.33".
  40. ↑ "TCM - Turner Classic Movies".
  41. ↑ "Seize the Day" DVD release ISBN 1-56994-617-5
  42. ↑ "Contemporary Musicians" op. cit., p.128
  43. ↑ "Port Movie Wins First Prize," Port Washington News, Sept. 1, 1988, p.14
  44. ↑ Newsday, Feb. 22, 1987
  45. ↑ "See 3 part essay "History of Rock and Roll" by Harry Hepcat".
  46. ↑ Liner notes from Harry Hepcat German LP "Go Cat, Go," Dee-Jay Schallplaten, Hamburg
  47. ↑ "E-Notes for teachers". Enotes.
  48. ↑ "The Bop That Won't Stop – Harry Hepcat," Good Times magazine April 12, 1975
  49. ↑ Good Times magazine, May 27-June 9, 2008, p.22
  50. ↑ Time Barrier Express magazine, vol.2 no.6, 1976, p.54

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