83. BERT SOMMER Part 1 (1967-Woodstock) with Music Expert Angie Pope, Biographer Sharon Watts, & Bert’s Accompanist Ira Stone

For this second installment of our “We Are Stardust, We Are Over” series, you are in for the ride of your life. Throughout the course of Bert Sommer's career--which seemed pre-destined for success--we’re reminded once again of how unfair fate can be. Join us, along with an unprecedented three guests, all of whom add gobs of insight into the mysterious figure who never was quite able to grab ahold of the brass ring. We’ll learn about the bus ride that changed Bert’s life, the 5 classics that he created before even kicking off his solo career, the blip in time during which he managed to become writer & lead vocalist for a classic 1960s baroque pop band, how he managed to bag Woodstock 1969 as his very…first…gig, and the varied forces that were aligned against his career ever having a chance to take off.

* Official playlist curated by Dave on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/79WElIj99RuM2swGwCO8su?si=I2v2uP2OQ8SOJ2_xeBJ75Q

(Keep in mind that his first/best solo LP and his Woodstock set are not available on Spotify, but they’re included below)

- Bert et al playing “Jennifer” at Woodstock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsv1R3PrGAU

- Bert’s entire debut solo LP “The Road To Travel”—genius: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yxvTsvuvRA

- Bert’s complete set at Woodstock 1969: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb336MQH1EY

- Interviews with Ira Stone, Eddie Angel, Johnny Rabb, and Sharon Watts: https://www.spotlightontheartist.net/bert-sommer.html

- https://www.herecomesthesong.com/post/bert-sommer-jennifer-s-journey-from-oblivion-to-woodstock-folklore-sharon-watts

- http://www.bertsommer.com

- New & barely-seen, cleaned-up Hair video with Bert (1:43) and lots of Jobriath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KfmhnTJU3Y

- Bert’s “Smile” as performed by Angie Pope along with her students - a must-see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YmhfASF0zs

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CONTACT DAVE

Email: dave@discograffiti.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaveGebroe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidgebroe/

CONTACT ANGIE POPE

Miss Angie’s Music YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@missangiesmusic8048?app=desktop

CONTACT SHARON WATTS

Sharon Watts Creative: www.sharonwattscreative.com

Writing: www.sharonwattswrites.com

CONTACT TODD ZIMMER: GRAPHIC DESIGN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToddZimmer and https://www.facebook.com/punknjunkradio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_real_todd_zimmer/ and https://www.instagram.com/punknjunkradioshow/

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