Comments on: What is Your Book, Vinyl Highway, Singing as Dick and Dee Dee, about?

By: Billy Steinberg

Billy Steinberg — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 20:22:02 +0000

Dear Dee Dee:
I read your book from cover to cover. It was given to me by my good friend and Pacific Palisades resident Darryl_____. Darryl knows that I love Dick and Dee Dee records.
I am a songwriter. I have written many hit songs, including, “Like a Virgin,” “True Colors,” “Eternal Flame,” “I Touch Myself,” “I’ll Stand By You,” “So Emotional,” “I Drove All Night,” and 2006’s “Too Little Too Late.” So I read your story with great interest and from a music industry insider’s perspective.
I grew up in Palm Springs. I was 11 years old when “The Mountain’s High,” was released. It was summertime and my parents had rented a house in Malibu Colony to escape the desert heat. That summer “The Mountain’s High” ruled the airwaves. It remains one of my all time favorite records.
I wish you had said more in your book about how the track and the vocals were recorded. You said that you contributed some of the lyrics, but wern’t credited. That’s sad. I like the lines, “I was a lonely soul, Until you became my goal.” At least, that’s what I think it says!
I have always felt that the “in between period,” after the first wave of rockers like Elvis and Chuck Berry, and before the Beatles, has been undervalued.
I also wish you had said more in your book about some of the artists you encountered, like Gene Pitney. I worked with Roy Orbison, who was one of my childhood heros. He was a true gentleman, with an otherworldly voice.
I was interested in your writing about Sharon Sheely, because “Poor Little Fool” was my first favorite song when I was eight! I was also riveted by your well-detailed description of the tour of Texas with Gary U.S. Bonds. The injustices of that time were appalling. Not that human nature or human kindness has evolved that much since, unfortunately. Thank you for your book. I truly enjoyed it.

By: Kelly Watts

Kelly Watts — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 23:30:42 +0000

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dee Dee twice on my “Class Reunion,” radio show. What a wonderful lady and great talent. Her book, Vinyl Highway, triggered many memories for me of growing up in the 50’s and 60’s.

By: Jeff Armstrong

Jeff Armstrong — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:51:04 +0000

Yesterday we had constant rain here in Florida so I was unable to check my mail. This morning I opened up the mailbox and found your book and cd waiting for me. I felt like a young kid at Christmas again as I opened it. Dee Dee, thank you so very much for personalizing the book and photo for me. I have been listening to your cd and will start reading your book later this morning.
I believe I mentioned before I had spent 30 year in Law Enforcement. During that time I spent many years working undercover and had the opportunity to spend time personally escorting 3 different Presidents, been on Air Force One etc. as well as escorting other dignitaries. Although it was very interesting , it was an assignment. Corresponding with you via email and receiving your signed book, photo and cd was a bigger thrill than being with Presidents. I guess it was because,when I was young and listening to yours and Dicks music, I could relate to it more as you sang about love and relationships which we all went through during our teen years. You mentioned in the beginning of your book about why revisit the past in the form of a book. In 1995 we lost our youngest son Jesse in a car accident. Needless to say that changed our entire outlook on life and what was important. My wife and I were both eligible for retirement so we opted to retire in 1999. People said we were too young. Yes, we were still young at 51, however they didn’t understand we were not retiring from life, only our professions. It was more important to be near our other son and his wife. We have had 8 wonderful years of retirement and are pursuing interests we didn’t have time to do before. I guess what I am trying to say is that is ok to revisit the past and enjoy the memories of the some good times but at the same time continue to move forward. Today will be our great memories tomorrow. Dee Dee,by writing your memoirs you are allowing us to to revisit a time which was a time of innocence and sharing a part of your life that was very special to you. For this, I thank you so very very much. I hope that someday you will decide to perform again or promote your book down this way. You have a special gift and again, thank you for sharing it with us.
I just realized I have been rambling on and on. I’m usually not this talkative. I do appreciate your time and patience. Well, off the read Vinyl Highways. Take care and be safe.
Bye for now
Jeff Armstrong
Florida