DEAR JERRY: On a syndicated radio novelty show, I heard a bizarre record about a couple of teenagers driving home after a Beatles concert. As the story line goes, their car collided with a motorcycle and the young girl died a gruesome death.
Because of the reference to a Beatles concert, I assume this came out in the '60s.
From what I have described is there any chance you can identify this one?
Courtney Messier, Lakeland, Fla.
DEAR COURTNEY: Bizarre is the best word to describe “I Want My Baby Back,” a 1964 hit by Jimmy Cross (Tollie 9039).
This Shangri-las-inspired novelty they crashed into the “Leader of the Pack” didn't become much of a hit though it did languish near the bottom of the Top 100 for a few weeks.
Ironically, Jimmy Cross died of a heart attack in 1978, at the young age of 39.
DEAR JERRY: I have been searching for years for a song by the Lettermen, titled “All I Ask of You.”
I have called radio stations, researched books and data bases, and visited music stores, all without a shred of success. I am convinced no one else on earth knows of this tune. Do you?
Carl Mussleman, Chicago, Ill.
DEAR CARL: I do, and armed with the label name and selection number your search will be easier.
The reason the Lettermen's “All I Ask of You,” from Broadway's “Phantom of the Opera,” is so obscure is because it came out their private label, Alpha Omega (“12871). Though not that old issued in 1988 it is already scarce.
DEAR JERRY: I recently came across a “Hotter Than Hell” picture disc by KISS. It appears to be foreign, but might also be a bootleg. Is it legitimate? How much is it worth?
Lydia Jefferson, Huntsville, Ala.
DEAR LYDIA: The “Hotter Than Hell” picture disc (Phonogram 6399058) is an import from Holland.
Manufactured in 1987 in a limited edition of only 1,500, its value is now $40 to $50.
DEAR JERRY: When the Captain and Tennille released their “Love Will Keep Us Together” album, they went back and recorded all of the vocals in Spanish, reissuing the album as “Capitan Y Tennille Por Amor Viviremos” (A&M SP-4561).
Has any other Top 40 recording artist ever re-recorded the lead vocals from an entire album the way Daryl & Toni did? It will be interesting to see if they are alone in this field.
Also, has there ever been a charted U.S. vinyl single release where the A-side record company is different than the B-side company? (Example: an MCA label on one side and a CBS label on the other side.)
Michael English, St. Petersburg, Fla.
DEAR MICHAEL: Many recording stars Connie Francis and the Platters being two that come immediately to mind recorded foreign language versions of their Top 40 hits for release overseas.
I cannot think of any acts who have duplicated that Captain and Tennille trick.
Nor do I recall any hit singles where each side is from a completely different company.
IZ ZAT SO? Seven years before “I Want My Baby Back,” Jimmy Cross appeared on the silver screen. He had a part in “The Amazing Colossal Man,” a Sci-fi tale of a 60-foot man who goes berserk and attacks Las Vegas.