Books by Bob Leszczak

A player's short stay with a major league baseball team is referred to as "a cup of coffee". The programs written about in this volume drank from the very same mug, and the behind-the-scenes stories from cast members, guest stars, writers, producers, directors and musicians affiliated with these short-lived shows are the cream and sugar.

From its infancy, television networks and studios explore others avenues to increase their revenues. Conveniently enough, several film studios and production companiesΓÇöMGM, MTM, Columbia/Screen Gems, Talent Associates, Warner BrothersΓÇöhad their own record label divisions. The obvious benefit was cross promotion: a television series could be plugged on the record and the record could be promoted on the TV show. Though few and far between, several television performers went on to become major recording stars. Ricky Nelson started as a child actor on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet before dominating rock and pop charts. Johnny Crawford of The Rifleman, Walter Brennan of The Real McCoys, and even Bruce Willis of Moonlighting all scored Top Ten hit singles. But these were just the standouts from the hundreds of TV actors who recorded songs, and the stories behind their records are simply fascinating.In From Small Screen to Vinyl: A Guide to TV Stars Who Made Records 1950-2000, author Bob Leszczak offers a look at hundreds of stars who performed double duty: as a television performer as well as a recording artist. He looks not only at the show and the performer but the behind-the-scenes dramas that unfolded as each attempted to tackle the two different mediums. Through his interviews with many of these multitaskers, the author has uncovered new, and mostly never before known facts about those who sought to conquer the world of vinyl.As Leszczak stresses, most eagerly embraced the opportunity to record, while others saw it as a necessary evilΓÇöthe result of contractual obligations or industry pressures. Entries are listed alphabetically from Nick Adams (of The Rebel) to Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. (of 77 Sunset Strip). Also included are over 80 photos of these rare releases taken from the authorΓÇÖs private collection. For a new look at your old favorites, From Small Screen to Vinyl, will let you see that just because one is a TV star does not mean that he or she does not have the ability to expand beyond their acting prowess.Baby boomers, fans of classic hits radio, and devotees of classic TV programs will find From Small Screen to Vinyl a treasure trove of TV and record triviaΓÇöand no TV or music library can be considered complete without it.

Bob Leszczak has amassed several hundred examples of musical pseudonyms in The Encyclopedia of Pop Music Aliases, 1950-2000, describing the history of these artists from their obscure origins under another name to their rise to prominence as a major musical act.

In Who Did It First?: Great Pop Cover Songs and Their Original Artists, the second volume in Bob Leszczak's exciting Who Did It First? series, readers explore the hidden history of the most famous, indeed legendary, pop songs and standards. As Leszczak points out, the version you purchased, swayed to, sang to, and grew up with is often not the first version recorded. Like wine and cheese, some tunes do get better with age, and behind each there is a story. Little-known facts and amusing anecdotes, often gathered through Leszczak's vast archive of personal interviews with the singers and songwriters, record producers and label owners, who wrote, sang, recorded, and distributed either the original first cut or one of its classic covers.

Casts a spotlight upon some almost forgotten, short-lived sitcoms - those which aired for a single season. Overflowing with fresh facts, interviews, photographs, and stories, nearly 300 short-lived sitcoms over a 32-year span are presented A-to-Z, whether network or syndicated, prime time or Saturday morning.

The second half of the twentieth century saw a great number of powerful vocal pairings as short-lived, but undeniably magical collaborations. With firsthand interviews from many of the artists, readers will enjoy the back story about which duos got along well and which did not, which stayed together or kept in touch, and vice versa. Arranged alphabetically from Bryan Adams to Dottie West, Dynamic Duets gives the back stories on all of the pairings that cracked BillboardΓÇÖs Top 40 between 1955 and the end of the century. The book includes photographs of many of the records and/or the performers, chart and label information, year of release, facts about the songs, and quotes from many of the performers, songwriters, and producers themselves. An appendix listing ΓÇ£Honorable MentionsΓÇ¥ follows this bookΓÇÖs large main section and consists of those twosomes that did not reach Top 40 (but simply couldnΓÇÖt be omitted), or those whose duet partners played more of a minor role. Baby boomers, vinyl collectors, music historians, and classic hits radio DJs will find Dynamic Duets a must for their music library.

';Everybody has to start somewhere. Businessmen start on the ground floor and try to work their way up the corporate ladder. Baseball players bide their time in the minor leagues wishing for an opportunity to move up and play in the majors. Musical compositions aren't very differentsome songs just don't climb the charts the first time they're recorded. However, with perseverance, the ideal singer, the right chemistry, impeccable timing, vigorous promotion, and a little luck, these songs can become very famous.' So writes Bob Leszczak in the opening pages of Who Did It First? Great Rhythm and Blues Cover Songs and Their Original ArtistsHere readers will discover the little-known history behind legendary rhythm and blues numbers on their way to the majors. As Leszczak points out, the version you purchased, danced to, romanced to, and grew up with is often not the first version recorded. Like wine and cheese, some tunes just get better with age, and behind each there is a story. Who Did It First? contains interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, often gathered through Leszczak's vast archive of personal interviews with the singers, songwriters, record producers, and label owners who wrote, sang, recorded, and distributed either the original cut or one of its classic covers. The first in a series devoted to the story of great songs and their revivals, Who Did It First? is the perfect playlist builder. Whether quizzing friends at a party, answering a radio station contest, or simply satisfying an insatiable curiosity to know who really did do it first, this book is a must-have.

In Who Did It First?: Great Rock and Roll Cover Songs and Their Original Artists, the third volume in Bob Leszczak's excitingWho Did It First? series,readers explore the hidden history of the most famous, indeed legendary, rock and roll classics. As Leszczak points out, the version you purchased, played air guitar to, sang along to, and grew up with is often not the first version recorded. Like wine and cheese, some tunes do get better with age, and behind each there is a story. Little-known facts and amusing anecdotes, often gathered through Leszczak's vast archive of personal interviews with the singers and songwriters, record producers and label owners, who wrote, sang, recorded, and distributed either the original first cut or one of its classic covers.