Times Square Gossip

  Campaigning For President NEW YORK -- What is the best-selling rock & roll biographer in the show business realm doing, writing a book on politics with “Campaigning For President?” asks author Mark Bego, “One of the reasons why this is a viable transition into another literary genre for me, is that political campaigns are 90% show business, and the act of finding an audience and playing to it—just like the music business.”  Bego, whose last two books— “Band of Gold” with Freda Payne, and “Joe Cocker:  With A LOT of Help from His Friends”—both from Yorkshire Publishing—electrified the charts and further solidified his position as “the Prince of Pop Biographies” (a title given to him by Publisher’s Weekly).  On the heels of the Cocker biography, Bego was approached about reviving and updating the popular 2008 book: “Campaigning For President.”  According to him, “I am always up for a new literary adventure—and this seemed like a fun and historically relevan...

  Mark Bego Describing him, people most commonly used the words ‘kind,’ ‘innocent,’ and ‘naïve.’  Although I never met him, he seems to have been outwardly ‘likeable.’  However, as I delved into Joe’s history, I found that throughout his life he had only one enemy to fight against for his survival: himself. Joe Cocker is a textbook case of a life-long battle of career and personal self-destruction. While the rock & roll “side of the road” is littered with the sagas of characters that ruined their lives with drugs, liquor, cigarettes, and depression, it seems that few did it as long and hard as Joe Cocker.” So begins the opening of celebrity-author Mark Bego’s 68th book, on 60’s mainstay-vocalist JOE COCKER. The book, titled With A Lot Of Help From His Friends, contains the exploits of one of the most gifted and well-remembered singers ever. Woodstock-legend Melanie penned the introduction to the book: “When I think of Joe Cocker, I think of the word “authenticity.”...

JOANNA BONARO WITH MARK BEGO & MADGA KATZ BEGO TIMES --- Author Mark Bego, currently riding high with his Top Ten Amazon-bestseller Eat Like A Rock Star (Skyhorse) was back in New York yesterday for two interviews with Magda Katz and journalist Brad Balfour. Katz’s interview took place at The Lambs; America’s First Professional Theatrical Club, established in New York in 1874 and was a terrific locale as we were on the scene. Bego talked on video about his early career and what led him to become the author of 62 books. Among his book highlights were his 1984 tome on Michael Jackson (which sold in the millions) and subsequent hit tiles on Cher, Elton John, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Bonnie Raitt, Debbie Gibson, Micky Dolenz and Leonardo DiCaprio, among others. Bego also worked for the late-great Cue Magazine as their nightlife reviewer as well as a brief stint with the legendary publicist Howard Bloom. Good ‘n Screwed’s Joanna Bonaro showed u...

Eat Like A Rock Star May Pang With Mary Wilson And Mark Bego Author Mark Bego’s bash at Steve Walter’s Cutting Room recently was a singular success. There to officially launch his Eat Like A Rock Star (Skyhorse Publishing), which contains more than 100 recipes from rock stars: from Richie Sambora, to Bill Wyman, Boz Scaggs, Joey Fatone, Ray Parker, Jr., Micky Dolenz and Michael McDonald, the book is lavishly produced, with photos and bios for each chef, from Bego. With 62 rock-bios to his credit, Bego said that invariably the topic of food would come up during his interviews and often, the stars themselves would prepare their favorite dish for Bego. “I well remember interviewing Bill Wyman, of the Rolling Stones, and though he said he didn’t cook at first, he eventually opened up and gave me a terrific recipe (Lamb Chops with Endive Salad).” Mary Wilson With Mark Bego And Marie Sacino Hanlon Seen amongst the crowd, which was served a special white Sang...

**** More Than 100 Recipes from Rock & Roll’s Greatest By Mark Bego Introduction by Mary Wilson of The Supremes **** Eat Like A Rock Star Who knew that Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones) makes an amazing Lamb Chops with Endive and Blue Cheese Salad, that Michael McDonald (The Doobie Brothers) loves Pasta with Ham and Parmesan Cheese, or that Boz Scaggs eats Tuscan Grilled Chicken? With more than a hundred recipes from seven decades of rock & roll, pop, country, R&B, and disco, Mark Bego, along with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, gathered beloved recipes from legendary rocker friends and invites the ultimate music fan to put on an apron and join them at the table. Featuring each rock star’s biography, their favorite recipe, and other fun facts, Eat Like a Rock Star is a must-have for every die-hard rocker-at-heart who loves to eat. Mark Bego 'Eat Like A Rock Star' There is nowhere else you will find Ray Parker Jr.’s Salmon...

**** LIKE A RHINESTONE COWBOY **** Glen Campbell Over the course of Glen Campbell’s long and legendary career the songwriter and musician had a string of Top 10 solo hits, was handpicked by John Wayne to be his co-star in True Grit, hosted his own television variety show and headlined sold-out shows all over the world. Then in 2011, Glen Campbell and his fourth wife, Kim, announced that he has Alzheimer’s disease. In Life with My Father Glen Campbell (Overlook Press / Hardcover $26.95 / ISBN: 978-1-78038-858-8 / Publication Date: September 25, 2014) his daughter Debby Campbell offers a loving and candid account of the man she not only toured with for more than 20 years but whom she will always see first and foremost as her father. Glen Campbell began his career as a session guitarist for many of the 1960’s biggest musical talents: The Monkees, Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, and was a favorite go-to-guy for producers Phil Spector and Jimmy Bowen. In 1965 he was...

**** THE GLORIOUS CORNER Story By: G. H. HARDING **** Scott Shannon With John Mayer Shannon Say It Ain’t So --- After many successful years together with Todd Pettengill hosting Scott & Todd in the Morning on WPLJ/New York, Scott Shannon announced on the air this morning that he is retiring from WPLJ after 22 years at the station. Pettengill will continue as the host of The Todd Show during the same 6 AM-10 AM time slot. “Of course I’ll miss being a part of the morning show here on PLJ and I might even pop back in from time to time and try to get Todd to play a Rascals song or two,” Shannon said. "Scott and I had an amazing run and I'll miss our mornings together and cherish the memories we made. I'm also very excited about the opportunity ahead with a very talented group of people that I know our listeners are going to love," Pettengill said. Shannon, who I’ve known for years and is unquestionably the real deal i...

**** THE GLORIOUS CORNER By: G. H. Harding **** Peter Max A COMEDY TWEAK --- A few columns back we noted that Gotham-PR pasha David Salidor had exited his post as celebrity-booker for XM’s Brett Winterble’s XM radio show. In a rather lengthy exit interview over lunch, we explored some of the difficulties he had and what actually happened: Says Salidor, "Right from the beginning there were some serious issues with Sirius/XM, who employed their own booking people. I don't know if it was a case of stepping on the wrong toes or what, but there were some serious communication issues there. I tried to handle it as best I could … and, think I succeeded." He also added that some of the interviews he was able to secure (80’s icon Ted Nugent, actor Richard Belzer; Steve Van Zandt; and, artist Peter Max stand out) were truly sensational. "When Brett got Nugent to reveal his slaughter of 455 hogs with his machine gun for Bill Maher … it was a g...

Mark Bego Author Mark Bego has just been announced as the winner of two awards in the annual Paris Book Festival 2013. His first novel "Murder at Motor City Records" has won an award in the "General Fiction" category, and his adventurous memoir "Paperback Writer" has won an award in the "Wild Card" category. The awards are given each year for excellence in writing that has an international scope. Some of the key scenes in "Murder at Motor City Records" take place in Paris and Salzburg. And, in "Paperback Writer" Bego recounts his adventures with Mary Wilson of The Supremes in Paris, Stockholm, Tokyo, and Monte Carlo. Additionally, Bego's latest publication, the collector's magazine "Leonardo DiCaprio: Movie Idol" (from event Bookazines) has arrived on newsstands in time for the new film "The Great Gatsby," and his new book, "Burning Bridges" with Glen Campbell'...

**** BOOKS **** Leonardo DiCaprio “I lived in every capital of Europe, collecting jewels, hunting big game, and painting a little,” Leonardo DiCaprio smoothly says as Jay Gatsby in the new film sensation The Great Gatsby-out May 10th. The same sentiment of grandeur can be said for Leonardo DiCaprio’s own life. In a changing world filled with one-hit actors and fleeting overnight celebrities, DiCaprio has remained on top as a Hollywood star in every sense of the word for the last fifteen years. In 1998, when Titanic was christened the top grossing film of all time, there wasn’t a newsstand that didn’t feature his photograph on a magazine cover. Thanks to DiCaprio’s star making role in Titanic, Hollywood had found a new cinematic sensation. Ever since his performance in Titanic, everything Leonardo touches turns to “gold,” and fortunately for him, he has never been shy to make edgy film choices. With his recent back-to-back trio of ...

**** STAR BOOKS **** Mark Bego Celebrity-author MARK BEGO will be on hand this weekend at the L. A. Times’ Festival Of Books … along with fellow authors Valerie Harper; Debbie Reynolds and Carol Burnett, signing copies of his latest release. After 59 rock-biographies (Micky Dolenz; Cher; Bette Midler; Michael Jackson; Madonna; Bonnie Raitt; Billy Joel; Aretha Franklin; Whitney Houston; and, Elton John) Bego has penned his first novel called Murder At Motor City Records; set in his hometown of Detroit. Gary Graff in the Journal Register said of the book: “For his 60th (!) book, Detroit-born celebrity biographer Bego gives his home town some love with a mystery that touches on some of his own favorite sights and sounds. Names have been changed to protect the innocent and guilty, but Bego spins an engaging yarn, complete with lyrics to fictional songs and a couple twists and turns that make it easy to keep turning the pages.” Cindy Adams said in the NY Post: “With Motown’...

Mark Bego Best-selling author Mark Bego, this month also releases his 60th book, which is his first novel called “Murder at Motor City Records.” It is an exciting homage to Agatha Christie mysteries, Dashiell Hammett and James M. Cain crime novels, and the music of his hometown of Detroit. According to Bego: “After years of interviewing rock stars I had so much fun inventing the bigger-than-life characters in this book, from the fictional stars, to the music-obsessed detective who is hot on the trail of the killer. It is something like having a cocktail-loving ‘The Thin Man’ detective solving a murder at a legendary Motown-like record label.” Bego, who is the author of 59 non-fiction books on rock & roll and show business, has over 10 million books in print, and has written two New York Times best-sellers and a Chicago Tribune best-seller. Three of his biggest hit books were on figures that made Detroit’s Motown Records famous: The Supremes (assisting Mary Wi...

**** MUSIC ICONS **** Mary Wilson The Supremes December 8 will see the official release of the full-color magazine “50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION / MY SUPREMES / MARY WILSON” (Event Bookazines / Hudson News). The 128-page publication, edited by best-selling author Mark Bego, is a lavish and exciting remembrance of the top-selling female singing group of all time: The Supremes. The magazine will be available at Barnes & Nobel, Target, Walmart, Hudson News shops and wherever magazines are sold. The Supremes were an American female singing group and the premiere act of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records during the entire decade of the 1960s. Originally founded as The Primettes in Detroit, Michigan in 1959, The Supremes’ repertoire included pop, soul, rock & roll, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco. They were the most commercially successful of Motown’s acts and are, and to date they are America’s most successful vocal group with 12 Number One si...

Aretha Franklin Author MARK BEGO did an in-store last week at San Francisco’s Alexander Book Company store, for his two current releases, WHITNEY HOUSTON: THE SPECTACULAR RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF THE WOMAN WHOSE VOICE INSPIRED A GENERATION (Skyhorse Publishing) and ARETHA FRANKLIN: THE QUEEN OF SOUL (Skyhorse Publishing) . Mark was there with Brian Summers, from B.S. Productions (channeling his inner Whitney!)and, Bernard Henderson from the Alexander Book Company. Photo By: RD/Dziekan/Retna  

**** TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP MOVIE REVIEW   'Sparkle,' with Irene Cara in the starring role and her interest was indeed sparked! ****  Whitney Houston “Thanks to the premiere of the film 'Sparkle,' Whitney Houston's millions of worldwide fans will get their chance to finally say 'goodbye' to the tragic diva who captured our hearts in the 1980s, and who first dazzled us on the big screen in the 1990s. When Houston was a young girl growing up in Newark, New Jersey, she saw the original film version of 'Sparkle,' with Irene Cara in the starring role and her interest was indeed sparked! In her final film role, as the character Sparkle's world-weary mother, finally Whitney Houston has come full circle. It is a fond and fitting farewell to a true singing legend. Her dynamic acting with Jordin Sparks is totally compelling onscreen. It makes you wonder just what Whitney was capable of in the future. It is a fitting send...

**** AMERICAN IDOLS ****  THE QUEEN OF SOUL Celebrity-author Mark Bego, who currently has Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul (Skyhorse Publishing), out in the bookstores, commented recently on the possibility of Franklin joining TV’s American Idol: “Aretha Franklin has long been revered as the epitome in the terms of ‘singing icon’ and ‘musical legend,’ so on one hand her volunteering to join the cast of ‘American Idol’ seems to be a brilliant and refreshing idea that would assuredly interpret into ‘press worthiness’ and ‘viewer anticipation.’ 

**** THE DEATH OF A LEGEND Story By: Mark Bego **** Lamar Fike And Mark Bego Lamar Fike was not a household name per se, but for the last 50 years he has been known as the "bigger than life" founding member of Elvis Presley's famed entourage, The Memphis Mafia. Back in the days of duck tail haircuts, gold lame suits, and the song "Hound Dog" topping the charts, Lamar was the "right hand man" to "The King of Rock & Roll." Lamar lived at Graceland with Elvis, alongside Gladys and Vernon Presley, back in the days when that family was pop culture's original reality show. There were Cadillacs in the driveway, motorcycles to race, and even Natalie Wood paying a famous Memphis visit, and Lamar was there. When Elvis Presley was drafted and went off to serve in the Army in Germany, Lamar went along. When Elvis returned to the States, and performed on TV with Frank Sinatra, Lamar was there. And, when the '70s rolled around, a...

Gerald McCullouch And Mark Bego Celebrity author Mark Bego hosted a star studded New Year's Eve party at Nic's Martini Lounge in Beverly Hills, California in grand style. Gerald McCullouch of TV's "CSI" series was one of the festively attired party guests. Amongst the notables were actress Lisa Tharps (TV's "Men of a Certain Age"), music executive Beth Wernick, TV producer Matt Skurow (TV's "Let's Make a Deal"), vocal coach Susan Rumor ("Public Enemies"), Luke Nicola (manager of Nic's Martini Lounge), quality analyst Felipe Echerri, sound engineer Robert Feist, songwriter Donna Rawlins, show business publicist Barbara Shelley, actor Samuel Paugh ("Sacrifice"), and playwright Dan Via ("Daddy"). Gerald is on the West Coast to promote his starring role in the play "Daddy," which opens in West Hollywood on January 8, 2011, and runs until February 13. Bego is busy promoting his memoir, ...

Samuel Paugh With Angela Bowie, Sergio Kardenas, Shelia Redgate, Gina Virto And Mark Bego Angela Bowie and Mark Bego, two of the stars of the new film, "La Funcionaria Asesina (a/k/a The Bureaucrat Assassin)," hosted a gala cocktail party for the director / filmmaker Sergio Kardenas, at Nic's Martini Lounge in Beverly Hills, November 18, 2010. The party guests included music producer Kim Fowley (Joan Jett & The Runaways), folk musician Raspin Stuwart, and nightclub owner Luke Nicola. Also present were Bowie and Bego's co-stars in the film, Gina Virto, Allison Kyler, Samuel Paugh, Rob Patterson, and Sheila Redgate. The party was to salute the DVD release of "La Funcionaria Asesina (a/k/a The Bureaucrat Assassin," which is a high-camp homage to classic "slasher" films, and was the winner of the "Audience Favorite" award at The Arizona Underground Film Festival. Angela Bowie's newest recordings are featured on the charity album ...

**** MARY WILSON HOSTS BEVERLY HILLS BASH FOR MARK BEGO AND HIS "PAPERBACK WRITER" MEMOIR **** Gerald McCullouch With Mary Wilson And Mark Bego Mary Wilson of The Supremes played hostess to a party for Mark Bego’s new memoir, "Paperback Writer." The event that was held at Nic’s Martini Lounge in Beverly Hills, where the guests sipped martinis and tasted imported vodka’s at the popular nightspot’s 32-degree VodBox room. Amongst the guests were Gerald McCullouch from TV’s "CSI Vegas," Grammy Award-winning producer Robert Margouleff, filmmaker Sergio Kardenas, video game creator Vince Desi, and singing star Asha Puthli. Bego’s book contains several of his global adventures with Wilson, as well as his wild tales about Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Cher. Mark is in Hollywood to work on an upcoming movie deal. Photo By: Derek Storm