Donna Loren
Encyclopedia
Donna Loren is a singer and actress. A very prolific performer in the 1960s, commenciong while still attending Venice High School in western Los Angeles, she was the Dr Pepper
spokesperson from 1963–1968, prolific vocalist on ABC-TV’s Shindig
, and a cast member of the American International Pictures
Beach Party movie series. Loren regularly performed live, and appeared on numerous variety and musical shows. She guest starred on episodic television series including Dr. Kildare, Batman
, and The Monkees
. In 1968, she retired to marry and raise a family. She recorded again in the 1980s and ran her own fashion business ADASA Hawaii throughout the 1990-2000s. In 2009, Loren returned to performing, and her most recent releases include the album Love It Away (2010).
, who was famous for playing the character of Speedy Alka Seltzer. In the same year, she was a frequent performer on the music radio series Sqeakin’ Deacon with James Burton
(who she would work with many times throughout her career). By 1956, she was performing with The Moppets Group and also recorded a single “I Think It’s Almost Christmas Time” (Fable)”. On her tenth birthday, Loren appeared on The Mickey Mouse Club on the Friday “Talent Round-Up Day”, performing the songs “I Didn’t Know the Gun was Loaded” and “Pennies from Heaven”. Loren continued to perform and record through the late 1950s and early 1960s, with her songs released on Skylark and Ramada, as well as the American Publishing Company’s new label Crest. Her first two efforts for that label, “Hands Off”, written by Billy Page, arranged by his brother Gene Page
, and Glen Campbell’s
“I’m So Lonely were produced by Jimmy Bowen
– another person who would play a significant role throughout Loren’s career – and were recorded at Gold Star Studios. It was also at Crest that she began to use the professional name Donna Loren, having previously recorded under the names of Donna Zukor (Morey’s pen-name and Donna’s legal name), Donna Dee, and Barbie Ames. On television, Loren appeared on Playhouse 90
episode “In the Presence of Mine Enemies” (1960), featuring Robert Redford
.
One of her first appearances for the company was co-hosting with Dick Clark an ABC television one-hour special, the Dr Pepper-sponsored Celebrity Party, which included performances and/or appearances by (Beach Party alumni) Frankie Avalon
, Annette Funicello
, John Ashley
, Deborah Walley
, and Dick Dale
, as well as Nick Adams, The Beach Boys
, Bobby Pickett, Johnny Crawford
, James Darren
, The Challengers (with whom Loren performed “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey”), Dick and Dee Dee, Duane Eddy
, Shelley Fabares
, Connie Francis
, Jill Gibson
, George Hamilton
, Bobby Hatfield
, Jan & Dean, Jack Jones
, Trini Lopez
, Johnny Mathis
, Bill Medley
, Wayne Newton
, Nino Tempo & April Stevens
, Paul Petersen
, Tommy Sands
, Nancy Sinatra
, James Stacy
, Connie Stevens
, Bobby Vinton
, and Miss Teen America
(which was also hosted by Dr Pepper).
Loren made hundreds of public and performing appearances for the company; these appearances, along with many more performances in her capacity as a singer and actress proved she was the consummate entertainer. Loren appeared at the 1964 New York World's Fair
, with Dick Clark and Loren as “host and hostess” for winners of a large Dr Pepper promotion. The first prize was three days at the Fair, including a picnic for the winner and up to 50 friends, accommodation, spending money, and a 1964 Comet Caliente. In the same year, Loren was part of Clark’s Caravan of Stars 22-city Summer tour, whose line-up during the tour included Lou Christie
, Mike Clifford, The Crystals
, Dean & Jean, The Dixie Cups
, The Drifters
, Fabian
, Bobby Freeman
, The Hondells
, Brian Hyland
, The Jelly Beans
, The Kasuals, Major Lance
, George McCannon III, Gene Pitney
, The Premieres, The Reflections
, The Rip Chords, Round Robin, The Searchers
, Dee Dee Sharp
, The Shirelles
, The Supremes
, Johnny Tillotson
, and The Velvelettes. Among her other appearances were the Teen Fair of Texas, which was held at the Joe Freeman Coliseum in June, 1964 both appearing at the Dr Pepper Booth and in a series of day and evening stage shows; the opening day party for Academy of Electro Systems on July 12, 1964 in Houston, Texas,; and the opening of the Ruston Bottling Plant in October, 1964.
In July, 1966 Loren’s filming of Dr Pepper print and television ads in Galveston
made the front page of The Galveston News. She was joined by Dick Clark, who was there to also film for Where the Action Is
. One of her last appearances for Dr Pepper was on September 14, 1968, at an Open House for the new Mid-Continent Bottlers, Inc. plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
, where she performed and appeared at an autograph party. A full page advertisement/congratulations to the Bottlers from Dr Pepper featured Loren with the note “Petite and lovely Donna Loren, nationally famous radio television and recording star, will entertain you with an exciting show”.
Away from Dr Pepper, Loren was a regular performer at concerts and shows during much of the decade throughout the country. These included at the teenage nightclub The Million Cellars (with Glen Campbell
also on the bill) and performances at the Pasadena Teen Dances, and concerts and shows with other performers such as Bobby Sherman
at Rock ‘N Roll City. Other performances were at Indiana University’s ‘Little 500’ race weekend in May, 1965; the line-up also included Bob Hope
and The Kingsmen
. On April 7, 1967 Loren performed at the Greater Los Angeles Press Club’s “Headliner of the Year” awards, where Ronald Reagan
was recognised “as the state’s outstanding newsmaker for 1966”, and on May 13, 1967 Loren crowned “Teen Safety Queen” at the Municipal Auditorium in Dodge City.
. She release six records there – regarded as some of her best early showcases and of the then fifteen year old’s already well-developed and mature vocal depth – including “I'm in Love with the Ticket Taker at the Bijou Movie” (B Side: “I'm Gonna Be Alright”, subsequently re-released in 1963 as an A Side, with “Johnny’s Got Something”) (1962), “On the Good Ship Lollipop” (B Side: “If You Love Me (Really Love Me)”), and “(Remember Me) I’m the One Who Loves You” (B side: “Dream World”) (1963). Loren said of her early recording, “Somehow I had a knowledge in me that came through my voice and therefore more mature songs were chosen and adapted for recording”.
was supposed to be a promotion for Dr Pepper (a sponsor of AIP), but her role in this picture was expanded and she became the quintessential musical moment. In the film, Loren sang “Muscle Bustle” with Dick Dale. In an article reporting the singer’s debut ‘Dr Pepper’s Donna Gets a Movie Part’ appearing in the Galveston Daily News, the author wrote “It didn’t take long for Donna, Dr Pepper’s new singing star to make her mark. She has a feature singing part in the movie that also stars Jody McCrea, Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Morey Amsterdam, Don Rickles, John Ashley, Buddy Hackett and several newcomers to the screen”. The debut was heavily promoted by the company. In the same newspaper, for example, advertisements for a “Muscle Beach Party” organized by Dr Pepper Bottling Co. of Galveston and held at the State Theatre appeared, where patrons would screen the film and receive Dr Pepper, “a gesture on the part of the firm to have the public see Donna Loren, Dr Pepper’s new singing star”. The release of the single “Muscle Bustle”, written by Brian Wilson
, Gary Usher
, and Roger Christian would be Loren’s final recording for Challenge (B Side: “How Can I Face the World”).
Loren would then appear in Bikini Beach
(singing “Love’s a Secret Weapon”), and Pajama Party
(“Among the Young”). An article regarding the release of Pajama Party described “the amazingly-voiced Donna Loren, seventeen-year-old songstress who made her debut in “Muscle Beach Party” and who makes a bigger impression each time she sings. She will be seen and heard next in “Beach Blanket Bingo”. She appeared in her most well-remembered role in the series in the fifth film Beach Blanket Bingo
in 1965, performing “It Only Hurts When I Cry”, which some regard as her “signature tune”. The film resulted in Loren’s first album, Beach Blanket Bingo. Loren told Adam Gerace of the recording of the album: “I worked for 14 hours straight. The album was completed in that session”. The album was released on Capitol Records
(which Loren had signed with in 1964), produced by Dave Axelrod, and arranged and conducted by H. B. Barnum
.
Loren also appeared in another AIP Beach Party film, Sergeant Deadhead, where she sang “Two Timin’ Angel”. The film starred other regular Beach Party actors, including Frankie Avalon, Deborah Walley, Harvey Lembeck
, John Ashley, Bobbi Shaw, and Buster Keaton
.
At Capitol, Loren released many of her well-known songs including the well-received “Blowing Out the Candles” and (B Side) “Just a Little Girl” (1964), which were produced by Axelrod and arranged and conducted by Barnum, “So, Do The Zonk” (B Side: “New Love” from her LP) (1965), “Call Me” (B Side: “Smokey Joe’s”), (1965), and “I Believe” (1965; regularly performed in her Dr Pepper appearances).
In late 1964, the Hollywood Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild named Loren one of its Deb Stars, an annual award given to up-and-coming performers, who were “the likeliest candidates for motion picture and television stardom in the coming years”. Other “most likely star candidates of 1965” were Janet Landgard, Margaret Mason, Tracy McHale, Mary Ann Mobley
, Barbara Parkins
, Laurie Sibbald, Wendy Stuart, Beverly Washburn
, and Raquel Welch
. Loren was also nominated for a 1965 Photoplay Gold Medal Award for “Most Promising New Star (Female)”.
(from England) in October 1964. Loren appeared on the first show, along with host Jimmy O’Neil, and appearances by Sam Cooke
, The Everly Brothers
, The Righteous Brothers
, The Wellingtons
, Jackie and Gayle, Bobby Sherman, The Blossoms
, Alan Sues
, and the Shindig dancers. Other performers included Glen Campbell, Tina Turner
, and James Burton. Loren has referred to her enjoyment of the series, telling Adam Gerace “The microphone that I used was the greatest. I loved the sounds that came out”. She said during a radio interview with “Bulldog” Bill Feingold on KNews Radio (Palm Springs, CA) on November 11, 2009 of her professional work on Shindig, “It was fantastic. It was really the highlight of my life”. Loren was able to perform a wide range of material both in solos and work with other performers. These included (many are on You Tube) "Wishin’ and Hopin’"
(her first song on the series), "Shakin’ All Over"
, "Goldfinger"
, "Ain’t That Loving, You, Baby", "Too Many Fish in the Sea", "Boys", "I am Ready", "Rock Me in the Cradle", "Cycle Set", "African Waltz", "It’s Alright", "The Boy from New York City", "The Way of Love", "Down the Line", "That’s What Love", "Where Have All the Flowers Gone", "With the Wind & the Rain in Your Hair", and "Personality". Loren sang on 26 shows, and was a well-known member of the cast. She also appeared in the live theatre show “Shindig ‘65”.
on The Milton Berle Show, a variety series hosted by Berle
and co-starring Irving Benson
. The signing of Loren and Rydell was widely reported at the time. The series was subsequently aired for a short 13 weeks.
Loren guest starred on a seven-part Dr. Kildare in 1965 as Anna Perrona, a young woman in need of dialysis treatment. In 1966, she played Susie in two episodes of Batman (“The Joker Goes to School”, “He Meets His Match, the Grisly Ghoul”), for which she is well remembered. In a guide to the week’s television, her character was described as “Aiding The Joker is Donna Loren, a frisky cheerleader”. Loren’s kiss with Batman co-star Burt Ward
(Robin) was reportedly accompanied by “a flood of mail”. Loren also guest starred on The Monkees (episode: “Everywhere a Sheik, Sheik”, 1967) as Princess Colette, who Davy is set to marry; and on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
(1968) as Anna Kovach, who hides a romance from her family. She also appeared on The Mothers-In-Law
in 1968.
Loren made hundreds of appearances on numerous variety, music and game shows. Many of these were multiple appearances and included American Bandstand
, The Lloyd Thaxton Show, The Regis Philbin Show, What’s This Song, The Red Skelton Show
(singing “Johnny One Note” and “The Way of Love”), Hollywood A Go-Go
, Top 40!, 9th Street West, Groovy, Boss City, Where the Action Is, Nightlife, Celebrity Game, The Dating Game
, The Joey Bishop Show
, The Steve Allen Show, The Pat Boone Show (including an episode co-hosted by Milton Berle), The Woody Woodbury Show, and week-long stints on The Hollywood Squares
. She also appeared on New Talent in Young America in January 1965, a special where “Youthful artists making great strides in the field of music are showcased in this hour-long Special”.
On March 11, 1968, “Two for Penny” aired on The Danny Thomas Hour
. The series was “an all-purpose hour hosted by Danny Thomas. Presentations included musical programs, comedy and variety hours, and filmed dramas”. Loren starred as Greek-American Penny Kanopolis, whose brothers (Michael Constantine
and Lou Antonio
) try to organise a courtship and marriage to Yani (Gregory Razaki), even though she is already dating another boy, the non-Greek David (Bill Bixby
). Danny Thomas
played the family priest. This was a pilot for Loren’s own series, produced by Thomas and Aaron Spelling
and was aired on NBC as a one-hour special.
, releasing “Let’s Pretend” (B Side: “Once Before I Die”) again produced by Jimmy Bowen, and arranged by Don Peake, and “As Long as I’m Holding You” (B Side: “It’s Such a Shame”), produced by Mike Post
. The recordings have been called “exceptional” showcases for Loren.
, president of Warner Bros. Records, and would have three children: Joey
, Anna
, and Katherine. Loren and Waronker divorced in the mid 80’s.
for Simplicity.
Loren also wrote two separate regular columns for Movie Life Magazine (“Donna Loren’s Young Hollywood” in 1966 and “Let’s Talk it Over” in 1967). She was also regularly featured in teen, television, and movie magazines of the 1960s as their cover girl.
TCB Band
, Ronnie Tutt (drums), Jerry Scheff
(bass), and Glen D. Hardin (piano). Chris Hillman
played mandolin. In the same year, Loren recorded “Wishin’ and Hopin’” in Nashville with her longtime producer Jimmy Bowen with David Hungate
from Toto (B Side: “Somewhere Down the Road”; Warner Bros). Loren also recorded a number of other songs (see section: Magic: The 80’s Collection).
Loren appeared on The Merv Griffin Show
in 1984 performing “Somewhere Down the Road”. Other guests were Ed Asner
, Sybil Danning
, and Larry Miller. In introducing Loren to much applause, Griffin acknowledged Loren’s return with the new single “after a long hiatus”. In the same year, Loren produced a live concert in Sedona, Arizona she called “Star Series” based on the American Composer of the Year. She hired Henry Mancini
, 1983 Composer of the Year, and the Flagstaff Symphony, and in her introduction she sang “Always” by Irving Berlin
. In 1985 Loren was invited to appear in Tokyo, Japan at an International Ballroom Dancing event, and also performed in a show in Beverly Hills, CA (Jerry Lee Lewis
was also on the bill).
In a review for the album, Magic was described as containing “Great production and a flawlessly effortless vocal montage”.
Magic: The 80's Collection (2009; Swinging Sixties Productions)
, “Live Nude Cabaret” by Jackson Browne
, “Old Man” by Neil Young
, “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” by Bob Dylan
, as well “Shakin’ All Over”, a rockabilly classic she once performed on Shindig. Musicians who worked on the album include Jamieson Trotter, Bob Glaub
, Maelan Abran, and Loren’s former collaborator Carol Kaye
. Loren also played piano and synthesizer on many tracks.
Love It Away (2010, Swinging Sixties Productions)
Album produced by Donna Loren.
Love It Away was “Pick of the Week” (review posted June 8, 2010) on MuzikReviews.com. The album received four-stars. Loren’s original pieces and her interpretation of songs such as “Old Man” were particularly praised, and the review drew attention to Loren’s vocal (“The main instrument is her voice”) and the production:
"I think one of the reasons for the success of this recording besides Donna’s flat out stunning vocal performance, is the production being kept to a minimum and the instrumentation generally focuses on the keyboards highlighting the sweet sensual vocals of Ms. Loren."
The autobiographical nature of the material was also discussed, “The importance of this release can be found beyond the music, it is a personal statement from the artist and her heartfelt interpretation of her feelings relating to her own life”.
" was officially released for download (having been pre-released in the Donna Loren Store on her website a few days before the official release). Written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore
and first recorded by Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers
in 1947, the R&B standard had been covered by Chuck Berry
, Charles Brown
, Etta James
, Otis Redding
and, more recently, Bruce Springsteen
, Christina Aguilera
, and Sheryl Crow
. The song was recorded by Elvis Presley for his album Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas
(1971). The release is Loren’s first Christmas song to be recorded for an album, although she performed "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
" on Shindig in 1964.
The song was followed by the release of Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii on November 15, 2010, an EP of her renditions of four Presley songs. In addition to "Merry Christmas Baby", Loren recorded “Loving You”, "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear"
, and "One Night"
. "Loving You" and "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" were both recorded in 2010, with a sample of "Loving You" appearing on Loren’s blog two months prior to the release. "One Night" was recorded in the 1980s at Amigo Studios and, like many of the songs on her 2009 album Magic from these recording sessions, had not been previously released. The EP was produced by Loren, and she again worked with Maurice Gainen and Charles Michael Brotman and musician Jamieson Trotter, as well as new collaborators Sonny Lim and Wailau Ryder.
The EP makes use of a number of themes related to Loren, Elvis Presley, Hawaii, and Hollywood. Loren explained on radio show The Sheena Metal Experience (LA Talk Radio) on November 4, 2010 the evolving of the concept:
"When I was looking for just the right [Christmas] song to do, I thought of Elvis. And so when I started doing research to do a Christmas song of Elvis’, I started seeing songs that really resonated with me, especially a song called “Loving You” which, when the time drew nearer when we were departing Hawaii, was so healing for me."
The song "Loving You" was recorded at Lava Tracks Studio and represented Loren’s moving from "my beloved Hawaii" to California. The selection of other Presley songs further fits the concept nature of the EP for, as Loren acknowledged, "Elvis and Hawaii go hand-in-hand". The artwork for the single and the EP, both designed by Katie Waronker’s company Riot Structure, blended Hawaiian-inspired imagery including Presley’s 1961 LP Blue Hawaii
as inspiration for the "Merry Christmas Baby" cover art, and a depiction of Kalakaua Blvd in Waikiki (with Los Angeles-inspired billboards featuring Loren, photographed by Mark Arbeit) for the cover of the EP. The back of the EP includes a picture of Loren from the 1960s.
Further links between Presley and Loren include Presley’s recording "I Believe" for his EP Peace in the Valley in 1957, a song Loren also recorded at Capitol, and which she regularly performed. Loren also recorded with the Elvis Presley TCB Band for her 1980’s single "Sedona" during the Amigo Studios recording sessions which also produced "One Night" from the EP.
Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii (2010, Swinging Sixties Productions)
EP produced by Donna Loren.
She hosted a “Beach Party Movie Marathon” (Muscle Beach Party and Beach Blanket Bingo were shown) presented by American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood on February 11, 2010, debuting the medley of her Beach Party songs. She would sing the medley and “Love It Away” for a Thrillville’s “Valentine’s Beach Party” at The Balboa Theatre, San Francisco on February 14, 2010, which screened Beach Blanket Bingo, and performed again at “Movie Night at the Blue Dragon” at the Blue Dragon Coastal Cuisine and Musiquarium in Kawaihae, Hawaii on April 28, 2010.
Liz Smith
included a feature on Loren in her column on March 17, 2010. On June 25, 2010, Loren was interviewed on the nationally syndicated radio show Little Steven’s Underground Garage, hosted by Steven Van Zandt
.
Loren performed and met fans at the three-day Rock Con Festival, held July 30-August 1, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Among the over 100 other artists and guests appearing were Billy Hinsche
, Al Jardine
, Paul Petersen
, Hilton Valentine
, Mary Wilson
, and members of the girl-groups The Angels and The Delicates
.
Loren has also been interviewed and profiled in a number of books, including It’s Party Time by Stephen J. McParland (John Blair, 1992), Swingin’ Chicks of the Sixties by Chris Strodder (Cedco, 2000), Drive-In Dream Girls by Tom Lisanti (McFarland & Company, 2003), The Encyclopedia of Sixties Cool, also by Strodder (Santa Monica Press, 2007), and Whatever Became of...? by Richard Lamparski. Loren was interviewed for the television documentary Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The Early Years (1955–1970) (2000), and was also profiled and interviewed for a segment on the television series Hawaiian Moving Company (2002).
Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper is a soft drink, marketed as having a unique flavor. The drink was created in the 1880s by Charles Alderton of Waco, Texas and first served around 1885. Dr Pepper was first nationally marketed in the United States in 1904 and is now also sold in Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico, Australia ...
spokesperson from 1963–1968, prolific vocalist on ABC-TV’s Shindig
Shindig!
Shindig! was an American musical variety series which aired on ABC from September 16, 1964 to January 8, 1966. The show was hosted by Jimmy O'Neill, a disc jockey in Los Angeles at the time who also created the show along with his wife Sharon Sheeley and production executive Art Stolnitz....
, and a cast member of the American International Pictures
American International Pictures
American International Pictures was a film production company formed in April 1956 from American Releasing Corporation by James H. Nicholson, former Sales Manager of Realart Pictures, and Samuel Z. Arkoff, an entertainment lawyer...
Beach Party movie series. Loren regularly performed live, and appeared on numerous variety and musical shows. She guest starred on episodic television series including Dr. Kildare, Batman
Batman (TV series)
Batman is an American television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name. It stars Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin — two crime-fighting heroes who defend Gotham City. It aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for three seasons from January 12, 1966 to...
, and The Monkees
The Monkees (TV series)
The Monkees is an American situation comedy that aired on NBC from September 1966 to March 1968. The series follows the adventures of four young men trying to make a name for themselves as rock 'n roll singers. The show introduced a number of innovative new-wave film techniques to series...
. In 1968, she retired to marry and raise a family. She recorded again in the 1980s and ran her own fashion business ADASA Hawaii throughout the 1990-2000s. In 2009, Loren returned to performing, and her most recent releases include the album Love It Away (2010).
Early years
Loren was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Her mother Ruth and her adopted father Morris (Morey) Zukovsky are deceased. Loren performed in amateur talent shows from the early age of six and, in 1955, sang on a radio commercial for Meadow Gold Ice Cream appearing with Dick BealsDick Beals
Richard "Dick" Beals is an American voice actor. He has performed many voices in his career, which spans from the early 1950s into the 21st century...
, who was famous for playing the character of Speedy Alka Seltzer. In the same year, she was a frequent performer on the music radio series Sqeakin’ Deacon with James Burton
James Burton
James Burton is an American guitarist. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2001 , Burton has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame...
(who she would work with many times throughout her career). By 1956, she was performing with The Moppets Group and also recorded a single “I Think It’s Almost Christmas Time” (Fable)”. On her tenth birthday, Loren appeared on The Mickey Mouse Club on the Friday “Talent Round-Up Day”, performing the songs “I Didn’t Know the Gun was Loaded” and “Pennies from Heaven”. Loren continued to perform and record through the late 1950s and early 1960s, with her songs released on Skylark and Ramada, as well as the American Publishing Company’s new label Crest. Her first two efforts for that label, “Hands Off”, written by Billy Page, arranged by his brother Gene Page
Gene Page
Eugene Edgar "Gene" Page, Jr. was an influential conductor, composer, arranger and record producer most active from the mid-1960s through the mid-1980s....
, and Glen Campbell’s
Glen Campbell
Glen Travis Campbell is an American country music singer, guitarist, television host and occasional actor. He is best known for a series of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as for hosting a variety show called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television.During his 50 years in show...
“I’m So Lonely were produced by Jimmy Bowen
Jimmy Bowen
Jimmy Bowen is an American record producer and former pop music performer.Bowen was born in Santa Rita, New Mexico. He began as a teenage recording star in 1957 with "I'm Stickin' With You," originally the flip side of the hit record "Party Doll" by Buddy Knox, but ultimately a Top 20 recording...
– another person who would play a significant role throughout Loren’s career – and were recorded at Gold Star Studios. It was also at Crest that she began to use the professional name Donna Loren, having previously recorded under the names of Donna Zukor (Morey’s pen-name and Donna’s legal name), Donna Dee, and Barbie Ames. On television, Loren appeared on Playhouse 90
Playhouse 90
Playhouse 90 is an American television anthology series that was telecast on CBS from 1956 to 1960 for a total of 133 episodes. It originated from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California...
episode “In the Presence of Mine Enemies” (1960), featuring Robert Redford
Robert Redford
Charles Robert Redford, Jr. , better known as Robert Redford, is an American actor, film director, producer, businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival. He has received two Oscars: one in 1981 for directing Ordinary People, and one for Lifetime...
.
Dr Pepper
In 1963, Loren signed a contract with Dr Pepper as the “Dr Pepper Girl” to promote the drink to a younger demographic. National exposure via radio, print, television and personal singing appearances followed.One of her first appearances for the company was co-hosting with Dick Clark an ABC television one-hour special, the Dr Pepper-sponsored Celebrity Party, which included performances and/or appearances by (Beach Party alumni) Frankie Avalon
Frankie Avalon
Frankie Avalon is an American actor, singer, playwright, and former teen idol.-Career:By the time he was 12, Avalon was on U.S. television playing his trumpet. As a teenager he played with Bobby Rydell in Rocco and the Saints...
, Annette Funicello
Annette Funicello
Annette Joanne Funicello is an American singer and actress. She was Walt Disney's most popular cast member of the original Mickey Mouse Club, and went on to appear in a series of beach party films.-Early life and early stardom:...
, John Ashley
John Ashley (actor)
John Ashley was an actor who appeared in many films, most notably the American International Pictures' "Beach Party" films...
, Deborah Walley
Deborah Walley
Deborah Walley was an American actress.-Biographical Information:Deborah Walley was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Ice Capades skating stars and choreographers Nathan and Edith Walley. She attended Central High School in Bridgeport. At fourteen she was playing summer-stock theatre. She...
, and Dick Dale
Dick Dale
Dick Dale is an American surf rock guitarist, known as The King of the Surf Guitar. He experimented with reverberation and made use of custom made Fender amplifiers, including the first-ever 100-watt guitar amplifier.-Early life:Dale was born in South Boston, Massachusetts and lived in nearby...
, as well as Nick Adams, The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, The Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962...
, Bobby Pickett, Johnny Crawford
Johnny Crawford
John Ernest "Johnny" Crawford is a prolific American character actor, singer and musician. At 12, Crawford rose to fame for playing Mark McCain, the son of the Lucas McCain character , in the popular 1960s ABC western series, The Rifleman, which aired from 1958 to 1963...
, James Darren
James Darren
James William Ercolani , known by his stage name James Darren, is an American television and film actor, television director, and singer.-Career:...
, The Challengers (with whom Loren performed “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey”), Dick and Dee Dee, Duane Eddy
Duane Eddy
Duane Eddy is a Grammy Award-winning American guitarist. In the late 1950s and early 1960s he had a string of hit records, produced by Lee Hazlewood, which were noted for their characteristically "twangy" sound, including "Rebel Rouser", "Peter Gunn", and "Because They're Young"...
, Shelley Fabares
Shelley Fabares
Michele Ann Marie "Shelley" Fabares is an American actress and singer. Fabares is known for her roles as Donna Reed's oldest child, Mary Stone, on The Donna Reed Show , and as Craig T. Nelson's love interest and eventual wife, Christine Armstrong Fox, on the sitcom Coach. She also was Elvis...
, Connie Francis
Connie Francis
Connie Francis is an American pop singer of Italian heritage and the top-charting female vocalist of the 1950s and 1960s. Although her chart success waned in the second half of the 1960s, Francis remained a top concert draw...
, Jill Gibson
Jill Gibson
Jill Gibson is an American singer, songwriter, photographer and painter. She is mostly known for having once briefly been a member of the famous 1960s rock group The Mamas & the Papas.-Early life and personal life:...
, George Hamilton
George Hamilton (actor)
George Stevens Hamilton is an American film and television actor.-Early life:Hamilton was the youngest son of bandleader George "Spike" Hamilton and his first wife, Ann Stevens . He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and lived in Blytheville, Arkansas...
, Bobby Hatfield
Bobby Hatfield
Robert Lee "Bobby" Hatfield was an American singer, best known as one half of the Righteous Brothers.-Early life:...
, Jan & Dean, Jack Jones
Jack Jones (singer)
John Allan "Jack" Jones is an American jazz and pop singer. He was one of the most popular vocalists of the 1960s.-Overview:...
, Trini Lopez
Trini Lopez
Trini Lopez is an American singer, guitarist and actor.-Career:Lopez was born in Dallas, Texas, on Ashland Street in the Little Mexico neighborhood. He began his entertainment career in Dallas playing at the Vegas Club, a nightclub owned by Jack Ruby...
, Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis
John Royce "Johnny" Mathis is an American singer of popular music. Starting his career with singles of standards, he became highly popular as an album artist, with several dozen of his albums achieving gold or platinum status, and 73 making the Billboard charts...
, Bill Medley
Bill Medley
William Thomas Medley is an American singer and songwriter, best known as one half of The Righteous Brothers....
, Wayne Newton
Wayne Newton
Wayne Newton is an American singer and entertainer based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He performed over 30,000 solo shows in Las Vegas over a period of over 40 years, earning him the nicknames The Midnight Idol, Mr. Las Vegas and Mr. Entertainment...
, Nino Tempo & April Stevens
Nino Tempo & April Stevens
Nino Tempo & April Stevens are a brother and sister act from Niagara Falls, New York. Formed in the early 1960s when Nino Tempo and April Stevens signed as a duo with Atco Records, the group had a string of Billboard hits and earned a Grammy Award as "best rock & roll record of the year" for the...
, Paul Petersen
Paul Petersen
William Paul Petersen is an American movie actor, singer, novelist, and activist. Primarily known for his character-type roles in the 1960s and 1970s, as an adult Petersen established the organization A Minor Consideration to support child stars and other child laborers through legislation,...
, Tommy Sands
Tommy Sands
Tommy Adrian Sands is an American pop music singer and actor.-Early life:Born into a musical family in Chicago, Illinois, Sands' father was a pianist and his mother a big-band singer. While still young, he moved with his family to Shreveport, Louisiana...
, Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sandra Sinatra is an American singer and actress. She is the daughter of singer/actor Frank Sinatra, and remains best known for her 1966 signature hit "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"....
, James Stacy
James Stacy
James Stacy is an American actor. A motorcycle crash left him a multiple amputee and took the life of his girlfriend in 1973. After his recovery, he returned to acting in 1975 before retiring in 1991.-Early life and career:...
, Connie Stevens
Connie Stevens
Connie Stevens is an American actress and singer, best known for her roles in the television series Hawaiian Eye and other TV and film work.-Early life:...
, Bobby Vinton
Bobby Vinton
Bobby Vinton is an American pop music singer of Polish origin. In pop music circles, he became known as "The Polish Prince".-Early life:...
, and Miss Teen America
Miss Teen America
Miss Teen America is an American beauty contest that serves as a training ground for many young American girls, many of whom go on to win other titles. Winners have had ongoing columns in Supermodels Unlimited and Pageantry magazines. Miss Teen America is not associated with the Miss America...
(which was also hosted by Dr Pepper).
Loren made hundreds of public and performing appearances for the company; these appearances, along with many more performances in her capacity as a singer and actress proved she was the consummate entertainer. Loren appeared at the 1964 New York World's Fair
1964 New York World's Fair
The 1964/1965 New York World's Fair was the third major world's fair to be held in New York City. Hailing itself as a "universal and international" exposition, the fair's theme was "Peace Through Understanding," dedicated to "Man's Achievement on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe";...
, with Dick Clark and Loren as “host and hostess” for winners of a large Dr Pepper promotion. The first prize was three days at the Fair, including a picnic for the winner and up to 50 friends, accommodation, spending money, and a 1964 Comet Caliente. In the same year, Loren was part of Clark’s Caravan of Stars 22-city Summer tour, whose line-up during the tour included Lou Christie
Lou Christie
Luigi Alfredo Giovanni Sacco , known professionally as Lou Christie, is an American singer-songwriter best known for three separate strings of pop hits in the 1960s , including his 1966 smash, "Lightnin' Strikes" and his incredible 3 octave vocal range.-Biography:Sacco was born in Glenwillard,...
, Mike Clifford, The Crystals
The Crystals
The Crystals are an American vocal group based in New York, considered one of the defining acts of the girl group era of the first half of the 1960s. Their 1961–1964 chart hits, including "Uptown", "He's a Rebel", "Da Doo Ron Ron " and "Then He Kissed Me", featured three successive female lead...
, Dean & Jean, The Dixie Cups
The Dixie Cups
The Dixie Cups are an American pop music girl group of the 1960s. They are best known for their 1964 million selling disc, "Chapel of Love".-Career:...
, The Drifters
The Drifters
The Drifters are a long-lived American doo-wop and R&B/soul vocal group with a peak in popularity from 1953 to 1963, though several splinter Drifters continue to perform today. They were originally formed to serve as Clyde McPhatter's backing group in 1953...
, Fabian
Fabian (entertainer)
Fabiano Anthony Forte , known as Fabian, is an American teen idol of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He rose to national prominence after performing several times on American Bandstand. Eleven of his songs reached the Billboard Hot 100 listing.-Early life:Fabian was the son of Josephine and Domenic...
, Bobby Freeman
Bobby Freeman
Bobby Freeman is an African-American soul singer, songwriter, and record producer who recorded for the Autumn Records label in San Francisco, California. He is best known for his 1958 hit "Do You Want To Dance?" and his 1964 Top Ten hit "C'mon and Swim"...
, The Hondells
The Hondells
The Hondells were an American surf rock band who hit the Top 10 with the 1964 single "Little Honda"."Little Honda", written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love of The Beach Boys, was inspired by the popularity of Honda motor bikes in Southern California during the early 1960s. The band recorded the song...
, Brian Hyland
Brian Hyland
Brian Hyland is an American pop recording artist who was particularly successful during the early 1960s. He continued recording into the 1970s...
, The Jelly Beans
The Jelly Beans
The Jelly Beans were an rhythm and blues vocal group from Jersey City, New Jersey. Formed in 1962 by five high schoolers, the group signed with Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller's label, Red Bird Records, in 1963...
, The Kasuals, Major Lance
Major Lance
Major Lance was an American R&B singer. After a number of US hits in the 1960s, including "The Monkey Time" and "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um", he became an iconic figure in Britain in the 1970s among followers of Northern soul.-Life:Major Lance was born in Winterville, Mississippi...
, George McCannon III, Gene Pitney
Gene Pitney
Eugene Francis Alan Pitney, known as Gene Pitney , was an American singer-songwriter, musician and sound engineer. Through the mid-1960s, he enjoyed success as a recording artist on both sides of the Atlantic and was among the group of early 1960s American acts who continued to enjoy hits after the...
, The Premieres, The Reflections
The Reflections
The Reflections was the name of a number of musical groups.Perhaps the best known were a blue-eyed soul/doo-wop group from Detroit, Michigan. They had one hit single in 1964 called " Romeo and Juliet", written by Bob Hamilton and Freddie Gorman. The song was produced by Rob Reeco on Golden World...
, The Rip Chords, Round Robin, The Searchers
The Searchers (band)
The Searchers are an English beat group, who emerged as part of the 1960s Merseybeat scene along with The Beatles, The Fourmost, The Merseybeats, The Swinging Blue Jeans, and Gerry & The Pacemakers....
, Dee Dee Sharp
Dee Dee Sharp
Dee Dee Sharp is an American R&B singer, who began her career recording as a backing vocalist in 1961.-Career:...
, The Shirelles
The Shirelles
The Shirelles were an African-American girl group that achieved popularity in the early 1960s. They consisted of schoolmates Shirley Owens , Doris Coley , Addie "Micki" Harris , and Beverly Lee...
, The Supremes
The Supremes
The Supremes, an American female singing group, were the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s.Originally founded as The Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, The Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco...
, Johnny Tillotson
Johnny Tillotson
Johnny Tillotson is an American singer and songwriter. He enjoyed his greatest success in the early 1960s, when he scored 9 top-ten hits on the pop, country and adult contemporary billboard charts including "Poetry In Motion" and the self-penned "It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'"...
, and The Velvelettes. Among her other appearances were the Teen Fair of Texas, which was held at the Joe Freeman Coliseum in June, 1964 both appearing at the Dr Pepper Booth and in a series of day and evening stage shows; the opening day party for Academy of Electro Systems on July 12, 1964 in Houston, Texas,; and the opening of the Ruston Bottling Plant in October, 1964.
In July, 1966 Loren’s filming of Dr Pepper print and television ads in Galveston
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is a coastal city located on Galveston Island in the U.S. state of Texas. , the city had a total population of 47,743 within an area of...
made the front page of The Galveston News. She was joined by Dick Clark, who was there to also film for Where the Action Is
Where the Action Is
Where the Action Is or ' was a music-based television variety show in the United States from 1965–67. It was carried by the ABC network and aired each weekday afternoon...
. One of her last appearances for Dr Pepper was on September 14, 1968, at an Open House for the new Mid-Continent Bottlers, Inc. plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, north of Iowa City and east of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city...
, where she performed and appeared at an autograph party. A full page advertisement/congratulations to the Bottlers from Dr Pepper featured Loren with the note “Petite and lovely Donna Loren, nationally famous radio television and recording star, will entertain you with an exciting show”.
Away from Dr Pepper, Loren was a regular performer at concerts and shows during much of the decade throughout the country. These included at the teenage nightclub The Million Cellars (with Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell
Glen Travis Campbell is an American country music singer, guitarist, television host and occasional actor. He is best known for a series of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as for hosting a variety show called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television.During his 50 years in show...
also on the bill) and performances at the Pasadena Teen Dances, and concerts and shows with other performers such as Bobby Sherman
Bobby Sherman
Robert Cabot "Bobby" Sherman, Jr. , is an American singer, actor and occasional songwriter, who became a popular teen idol in the late 1960s and early 1970s.He graduated in 1961 from Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California...
at Rock ‘N Roll City. Other performances were at Indiana University’s ‘Little 500’ race weekend in May, 1965; the line-up also included Bob Hope
Bob Hope
Bob Hope, KBE, KCSG, KSS was a British-born American comedian and actor who appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in radio, television and movies. He was also noted for his work with the US Armed Forces and his numerous USO shows entertaining American military personnel...
and The Kingsmen
The Kingsmen
The Kingsmen is a 1960s garage rock band from Portland, Oregon, United States. They are best known for their 1963 recording of Richard Berry's "Louie Louie", which held the #2 spot on the Billboard charts for six weeks...
. On April 7, 1967 Loren performed at the Greater Los Angeles Press Club’s “Headliner of the Year” awards, where Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
was recognised “as the state’s outstanding newsmaker for 1966”, and on May 13, 1967 Loren crowned “Teen Safety Queen” at the Municipal Auditorium in Dodge City.
Challenge Records
In the same year that she began with Dr Pepper, Loren signed with ChallengeChallenge Records (1950s)
Challenge Records was founded in Los Angeles in 1957 by cowboy singer Gene Autry and former Columbia Records A & R representative Joe Johnson. Autry's involvement with the label was short lived as he sold his interest to the remaining partners in October 1958. The label's first success came with...
. She release six records there – regarded as some of her best early showcases and of the then fifteen year old’s already well-developed and mature vocal depth – including “I'm in Love with the Ticket Taker at the Bijou Movie” (B Side: “I'm Gonna Be Alright”, subsequently re-released in 1963 as an A Side, with “Johnny’s Got Something”) (1962), “On the Good Ship Lollipop” (B Side: “If You Love Me (Really Love Me)”), and “(Remember Me) I’m the One Who Loves You” (B side: “Dream World”) (1963). Loren said of her early recording, “Somehow I had a knowledge in me that came through my voice and therefore more mature songs were chosen and adapted for recording”.
Beach Party Movies and Capitol Records
In 1964 Loren began appearing in the American International Pictures’ Beach Party series, for which she is particularly fondly remembered. Loren’s first appearance in Muscle Beach PartyMuscle Beach Party
Muscle Beach Party is the second of seven beach party films produced by American International Pictures. It was made in 1964 and was directed by William Asher, who also directed four other films in this series...
was supposed to be a promotion for Dr Pepper (a sponsor of AIP), but her role in this picture was expanded and she became the quintessential musical moment. In the film, Loren sang “Muscle Bustle” with Dick Dale. In an article reporting the singer’s debut ‘Dr Pepper’s Donna Gets a Movie Part’ appearing in the Galveston Daily News, the author wrote “It didn’t take long for Donna, Dr Pepper’s new singing star to make her mark. She has a feature singing part in the movie that also stars Jody McCrea, Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Morey Amsterdam, Don Rickles, John Ashley, Buddy Hackett and several newcomers to the screen”. The debut was heavily promoted by the company. In the same newspaper, for example, advertisements for a “Muscle Beach Party” organized by Dr Pepper Bottling Co. of Galveston and held at the State Theatre appeared, where patrons would screen the film and receive Dr Pepper, “a gesture on the part of the firm to have the public see Donna Loren, Dr Pepper’s new singing star”. The release of the single “Muscle Bustle”, written by Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson
Brian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, best known as the leader and chief songwriter of the group The Beach Boys. Within the band, Wilson played bass and keyboards, also providing part-time lead vocals and, more often, backing vocals, harmonizing in falsetto with the group...
, Gary Usher
Gary Usher
Gary Usher was an American surf rock musician, songwriter, and record producer.-Biography:Usher's early life was spent in Grafton, Massachusetts. He attended Norcross Grammar School with his sister, Sandra, who was in the same class and was likely his twin. Gary was kiddingly called "Chicken Feed"...
, and Roger Christian would be Loren’s final recording for Challenge (B Side: “How Can I Face the World”).
Loren would then appear in Bikini Beach
Bikini Beach
Bikini Beach is a 1964 teen film directed by William Asher and starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. The film belongs to the beach party genre of movies, popular in the 1960s. This is the third in a series of seven films produced by American International Pictures .-Plot:School is out and...
(singing “Love’s a Secret Weapon”), and Pajama Party
Pajama Party (film)
Pajama Party is a 1964 beach party film starring Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello. This is the fourth in a series of seven beach films produced by American International Pictures...
(“Among the Young”). An article regarding the release of Pajama Party described “the amazingly-voiced Donna Loren, seventeen-year-old songstress who made her debut in “Muscle Beach Party” and who makes a bigger impression each time she sings. She will be seen and heard next in “Beach Blanket Bingo”. She appeared in her most well-remembered role in the series in the fifth film Beach Blanket Bingo
Beach Blanket Bingo
Beach Blanket Bingo is an American International Pictures beach party film, released in 1965 and was directed by William Asher. It is the fifth film in the beach party film series...
in 1965, performing “It Only Hurts When I Cry”, which some regard as her “signature tune”. The film resulted in Loren’s first album, Beach Blanket Bingo. Loren told Adam Gerace of the recording of the album: “I worked for 14 hours straight. The album was completed in that session”. The album was released on Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
(which Loren had signed with in 1964), produced by Dave Axelrod, and arranged and conducted by H. B. Barnum
H. B. Barnum
H. B. Barnum is an American pianist, arranger, record producer, songwriter, and former child actor....
.
| Beach Blanket Bingo (Capitol, 1965) |
|---|
| Side One |
| Cycle Set (Gary Usher, Roger Christian) |
| I Think, You Think (Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner) |
| It Only Hurts When I Cry (Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner) |
| These Are the Good Times (Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner) |
| I’ll Never Change Him (Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner) |
| Side Two |
| Fly Boy (Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner) |
| New Love (Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner) |
| I Am My Ideal (Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner) |
| Beach Blanket Bingo (Guy Hemric, Jerry Styner) |
| Freeway (Mike Curb) [instrumental] |
Loren also appeared in another AIP Beach Party film, Sergeant Deadhead, where she sang “Two Timin’ Angel”. The film starred other regular Beach Party actors, including Frankie Avalon, Deborah Walley, Harvey Lembeck
Harvey Lembeck
Harvey Lembeck was an American comedic actor best remembered for his role as Cpl. Rocco Barbella on The Phil Silvers Show in the late 1950s, and as the stumbling, overconfident outlaw biker Eric Von Zipper in the beach party movie series during the 1960s...
, John Ashley, Bobbi Shaw, and Buster Keaton
Buster Keaton
Joseph Frank "Buster" Keaton was an American comic actor, filmmaker, producer and writer. He was best known for his silent films, in which his trademark was physical comedy with a consistently stoic, deadpan expression, earning him the nickname "The Great Stone Face".Keaton was recognized as the...
.
At Capitol, Loren released many of her well-known songs including the well-received “Blowing Out the Candles” and (B Side) “Just a Little Girl” (1964), which were produced by Axelrod and arranged and conducted by Barnum, “So, Do The Zonk” (B Side: “New Love” from her LP) (1965), “Call Me” (B Side: “Smokey Joe’s”), (1965), and “I Believe” (1965; regularly performed in her Dr Pepper appearances).
In late 1964, the Hollywood Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild named Loren one of its Deb Stars, an annual award given to up-and-coming performers, who were “the likeliest candidates for motion picture and television stardom in the coming years”. Other “most likely star candidates of 1965” were Janet Landgard, Margaret Mason, Tracy McHale, Mary Ann Mobley
Mary Ann Mobley
Mary Ann Mobley is a former Miss America, actress, and television personality.-Career:After serving her reign as Miss America 1959, Mobley embarked on a career in both film and television...
, Barbara Parkins
Barbara Parkins
Barbara Parkins is a Canadian television and film actress.-Early life and rise to stardom:Parkins was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. At the age of sixteen, she and her mother moved to Los Angeles, where she enrolled at Hollywood High School and began to study acting, tap, ballet, and...
, Laurie Sibbald, Wendy Stuart, Beverly Washburn
Beverly Washburn
Beverly Washburn is an American actress who appeared as a young girl in NBC's The Loretta Young Show and as an older teenager in Loretta Young's 1962-1963 CBS family drama, The New Loretta Young Show...
, and Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch
Jo Raquel Tejada , better known as Raquel Welch, is an American actress, author and sex symbol. Welch came to attention as a "new-star" on the 20th Century-Fox lot in the mid-1960s. She posed iconically in a animal skin bikini for the British-release One Million Years B.C. , for which she may be...
. Loren was also nominated for a 1965 Photoplay Gold Medal Award for “Most Promising New Star (Female)”.
Shindig
Loren was the featured female vocalist on Shindig, which premiered on September 16, 1964. The series has been described as “different from previous U.S. rock 'n' roll programs. It featured non-stop music that, in most cases, was only interrupted by the commercial breaks”, and “most of the top American and British rock/pop acts of the mid-1960s appeared on Shindig!”. These included The BeatlesThe Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
(from England) in October 1964. Loren appeared on the first show, along with host Jimmy O’Neil, and appearances by Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke
Samuel Cook, , better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and...
, The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers are country-influenced rock and roll performers, known for steel-string guitar playing and close harmony singing...
, The Righteous Brothers
The Righteous Brothers
The Righteous Brothers were the musical duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. They recorded from 1963 through 1975, and continued to perform until Hatfield's death in 2003...
, The Wellingtons
The Wellingtons
The Wellingtons are a power pop band from Melbourne, Australia. The band has released four albums, including "Keeping Up With The Wellingtons" , "For Friends in Far Away Places" , "Heading North For the Winter" and "In Transit" .- Line up :The current band line-up is:* Zac Anthony - guitar and...
, Jackie and Gayle, Bobby Sherman, The Blossoms
The Blossoms
The Blossoms were a backing group from California. They had a recording career in their own right and were to the American West Coast what The Sweet Inspirations were to the East Coast and The Andantes were for Motown.-Early years:...
, Alan Sues
Alan Sues
Alan Sues is a U.S. comic actor best known for his performances as part of the ensemble on the 1968–1973 television program Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In...
, and the Shindig dancers. Other performers included Glen Campbell, Tina Turner
Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer and actress whose career has spanned more than 50 years. She has won numerous awards and her achievements in the rock music genre have led many to call her the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll".Turner started out her music career with husband Ike Turner as a member of the...
, and James Burton. Loren has referred to her enjoyment of the series, telling Adam Gerace “The microphone that I used was the greatest. I loved the sounds that came out”. She said during a radio interview with “Bulldog” Bill Feingold on KNews Radio (Palm Springs, CA) on November 11, 2009 of her professional work on Shindig, “It was fantastic. It was really the highlight of my life”. Loren was able to perform a wide range of material both in solos and work with other performers. These included (many are on You Tube) "Wishin’ and Hopin’"
Wishin' and Hopin'
"Wishin' and Hopin" is a song written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach which was a Top Ten hit for Dusty Springfield in 1964.The song was first recorded by Dionne Warwick and was the B-side of Warwick's single "This Empty Place" in the spring of 1963; the track was also featured on Warwick's debut...
(her first song on the series), "Shakin’ All Over"
Shakin' All Over
"Shakin' All Over" is a rock and roll song originally performed by Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. It was written by frontman Johnny Kidd and reached #1 in the United Kingdom in August 1960...
, "Goldfinger"
Goldfinger (song)
"Goldfinger" was the title song from the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. Composed by John Barry and with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, the song was performed by Shirley Bassey for the film's opening and closing title sequences, as well as the soundtrack album release...
, "Ain’t That Loving, You, Baby", "Too Many Fish in the Sea", "Boys", "I am Ready", "Rock Me in the Cradle", "Cycle Set", "African Waltz", "It’s Alright", "The Boy from New York City", "The Way of Love", "Down the Line", "That’s What Love", "Where Have All the Flowers Gone", "With the Wind & the Rain in Your Hair", and "Personality". Loren sang on 26 shows, and was a well-known member of the cast. She also appeared in the live theatre show “Shindig ‘65”.
Other television and acting
In 1966, Loren became a co-star with Bobby RydellBobby Rydell
Bobby Rydell is an American professional singer, mainly of rock and roll music. In the early 1960s he was considered a so-called "teen idol"...
on The Milton Berle Show, a variety series hosted by Berle
Milton Berle
Milton Berlinger , better known as Milton Berle, was an American comedian and actor. As the manic host of NBC's Texaco Star Theater , in 1948 he was the first major star of U.S. television and as such became known as Uncle Miltie and Mr...
and co-starring Irving Benson
Irving Benson
Irving Benson is an American actor and comedian. He is one of the last survivors of the vaudeville era.Having enjoyed a long and successful run on the east coast American Burlesque circuit, Irv Benson travelled west to play Las Vegas for the first time in 1957, with the Minsky Follies show...
. The signing of Loren and Rydell was widely reported at the time. The series was subsequently aired for a short 13 weeks.
Loren guest starred on a seven-part Dr. Kildare in 1965 as Anna Perrona, a young woman in need of dialysis treatment. In 1966, she played Susie in two episodes of Batman (“The Joker Goes to School”, “He Meets His Match, the Grisly Ghoul”), for which she is well remembered. In a guide to the week’s television, her character was described as “Aiding The Joker is Donna Loren, a frisky cheerleader”. Loren’s kiss with Batman co-star Burt Ward
Burt Ward
Burt Ward is an American television actor and activist. He is best known for his portrayal of Robin in the television series Batman and its theatrical film spin-off.-Early life:...
(Robin) was reportedly accompanied by “a flood of mail”. Loren also guest starred on The Monkees (episode: “Everywhere a Sheik, Sheik”, 1967) as Princess Colette, who Davy is set to marry; and on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.The show renders the title as Gomer Pyle - USMC. is an American situation comedy that originally aired on CBS from September 25, 1964, to May 2, 1969. The series was a spinoff of The Andy Griffith Show, and the pilot was aired as the finale of the fourth season of The Andy...
(1968) as Anna Kovach, who hides a romance from her family. She also appeared on The Mothers-In-Law
The Mothers-in-Law
The Mothers-in-Law is an American sitcom starring Eve Arden and Kaye Ballard as two matriarchs who were friends and next-door neighbors whose children's elopement rendered them in-laws. The show aired on NBC from September 1967 to April 1969; it was produced by Desi Arnaz after the dissolutions...
in 1968.
Loren made hundreds of appearances on numerous variety, music and game shows. Many of these were multiple appearances and included American Bandstand
American Bandstand
American Bandstand is an American music-performance show that aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989 and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark, who also served as producer...
, The Lloyd Thaxton Show, The Regis Philbin Show, What’s This Song, The Red Skelton Show
The Red Skelton Show
The Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to Gunsmoke and third to The Ed Sullivan Show in the ratings during that time. Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion pictures as...
(singing “Johnny One Note” and “The Way of Love”), Hollywood A Go-Go
Hollywood A Go-Go
Hollywood A Go-Go was a Los Angeles based music variety show that ran in syndication in the mid-1960s. It was hosted by Sam Riddle, with music by The Sinners and dancing by The Gazzarri Dancers.-History:...
, Top 40!, 9th Street West, Groovy, Boss City, Where the Action Is, Nightlife, Celebrity Game, The Dating Game
The Dating Game
The Dating Game is an ABC television show that first aired on December 20, 1965 and was the first of many shows created and packaged by Chuck Barris from the 1960s through the 1980s...
, The Joey Bishop Show
The Joey Bishop Show (talk show)
The Joey Bishop Show is an American talk show which was first broadcast on ABC on April 17, 1967, hosted by Joey Bishop and featuring Regis Philbin in his first concentrated national television exposure, as Bishop's sidekick/announcer...
, The Steve Allen Show, The Pat Boone Show (including an episode co-hosted by Milton Berle), The Woody Woodbury Show, and week-long stints on The Hollywood Squares
Hollywood Squares
Hollywood Squares is an American panel game show in which two contestants play tic-tac-toe to win cash and prizes. The "board" for the game is a 3 × 3 vertical stack of open-faced cubes, each occupied by a celebrity seated at a desk and facing the contestants...
. She also appeared on New Talent in Young America in January 1965, a special where “Youthful artists making great strides in the field of music are showcased in this hour-long Special”.
On March 11, 1968, “Two for Penny” aired on The Danny Thomas Hour
The Danny Thomas Hour
The Danny Thomas Hour is an American anthology television series that was broadcast on NBC during the 1967-68 television season.-Synopsis:...
. The series was “an all-purpose hour hosted by Danny Thomas. Presentations included musical programs, comedy and variety hours, and filmed dramas”. Loren starred as Greek-American Penny Kanopolis, whose brothers (Michael Constantine
Michael Constantine
Michael Constantine is a Greek American actor.He is probably now best known for his portrayal of Gus Portokalos, the Windex bottle-toting Greek father of Toula Portokalos , in the 2002 surprise hit film My Big Fat Greek Wedding.Prior to that, he was well-known for his extensive TV work, especially...
and Lou Antonio
Lou Antonio
Lou Antonio is an American actor and TV director best known for performing in the films Cool Hand Luke and America, America...
) try to organise a courtship and marriage to Yani (Gregory Razaki), even though she is already dating another boy, the non-Greek David (Bill Bixby
Bill Bixby
Wilfred Bailey Everett “Bill” Bixby III was an American film and television actor, director, and frequent game show panelist.His career spanned over three decades; he appeared on stage, in motion pictures and TV series...
). Danny Thomas
Danny Thomas
Danny Thomas was an American nightclub comedian and television and film actor, best known for starring in the television sitcom Make Room for Daddy . He was also the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital...
played the family priest. This was a pilot for Loren’s own series, produced by Thomas and Aaron Spelling
Aaron Spelling
Aaron Spelling was an American film and television producer. As of 2009, Spelling's eponymous production company Spelling Television holds the record as the most prolific television writer, with 218 producer and executive producer credits...
and was aired on NBC as a one-hour special.
Reprise
From 1967-1968, Loren recorded with RepriseReprise Records
Reprise Records is an American record label, founded in 1960 by Frank Sinatra. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and operated through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:...
, releasing “Let’s Pretend” (B Side: “Once Before I Die”) again produced by Jimmy Bowen, and arranged by Don Peake, and “As Long as I’m Holding You” (B Side: “It’s Such a Shame”), produced by Mike Post
Mike Post
Mike Post is an American multi-Grammy and Emmy Award winning composer best known for scoring some of the most popular TV theme songs in the United States, for primetime series such as Law & Order, NYPD Blue, The Rockford Files, LA Law, Quantum Leap, Magnum, P.I., Hill Street Blues, among numerous...
. The recordings have been called “exceptional” showcases for Loren.
Retirement in 1968
By the end of 1968, Loren left show business to marry and raise a family. Loren married music producer Lenny WaronkerLenny Waronker
Lenny Waronker is a record producer for Warner Bros. Records.-Career:He produced recording sessions for Nancy Sinatra, The Everly Brothers, Van Dyke Parks, The Beau Brummels, Harpers Bizarre, Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, Arlo Guthrie, Maria Muldaur, Gordon Lightfoot, Rickie Lee Jones, James Taylor, ...
, president of Warner Bros. Records, and would have three children: Joey
Joey Waronker
Joseph "Joey" Waronker is an American drummer and music producer. He is the son of record producer Lenny Waronker and singer/actress Donna Loren; his younger sister is musician Anna Waronker; and his grandfather is record executive and professional violinist Simon Waronker. He has three other...
, Anna
Anna Waronker
Anna Jeanette Waronker is a singer/songwriter, composer, and producer best known as the former frontwoman of That Dog. She is the daughter of producer Lenny Waronker and actress/musician Donna Loren, the sister of session drummer Joey Waronker, and is married to Steven Shane McDonald of Redd...
, and Katherine. Loren and Waronker divorced in the mid 80’s.
Modelling, Writing, Other Work
In addition to her work for Dr Pepper, Loren was often featured in modelling and fashion spots geared toward teenagers, including for hats, exercise workouts, makeup, and dental care. In 1963 she was chosen by Simplicity Pattern Company to appear in a national advertisement campaign “If I Can Sew, You Can Sew”, appearing in print and commercials. Loren was contractually signed because she made much of the wardrobe she appeared in during television and live performances. Her best portrait is by Francesco ScavulloFrancesco Scavullo
Francesco Scavullo was an American fashion photographer best known for his work on the covers of Cosmopolitan and his celebrity portraits.-Biography:...
for Simplicity.
Loren also wrote two separate regular columns for Movie Life Magazine (“Donna Loren’s Young Hollywood” in 1966 and “Let’s Talk it Over” in 1967). She was also regularly featured in teen, television, and movie magazines of the 1960s as their cover girl.
1980s
Loren began recording again during the 1980s. In 1982 she released “Sedona”, (B Side: “Simply Loving You”). She wrote and produced the songs for her own label Royalty Records. James Burton produced “Sedona” with Loren, played guitar and assembled other members of the Elvis PresleyElvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
TCB Band
TCB Band
The TCB Band was a group of professional musicians who formed the core rhythm section of Elvis Presley’s band from August 1969 until his death in 1977. TCB stands for Taking Care of Business, a personal motto Presley adopted in the early 1970s...
, Ronnie Tutt (drums), Jerry Scheff
Jerry Scheff
Jerry Obern Scheff is an American bassist, perhaps best known for his work with Elvis Presley in the early 1970s as a member of his TCB Band and his work on The Doors' final recordings....
(bass), and Glen D. Hardin (piano). Chris Hillman
Chris Hillman
Christopher Hillman was one of the original members of The Byrds which in 1965 included Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, David Crosby, and Michael Clarke....
played mandolin. In the same year, Loren recorded “Wishin’ and Hopin’” in Nashville with her longtime producer Jimmy Bowen with David Hungate
David Hungate
David Hungate is a bass player noted as a member of Los Angeles pop-rock band Toto from 1977-1982. Boz Scaggs's Silk Degrees album of 1976 included Hungate and several other future members of Toto...
from Toto (B Side: “Somewhere Down the Road”; Warner Bros). Loren also recorded a number of other songs (see section: Magic: The 80’s Collection).
Loren appeared on The Merv Griffin Show
The Merv Griffin Show
The Merv Griffin Show is an American television talk show, starring Merv Griffin. The series ran from October 1, 1962 to March 29, 1963 on NBC, September 20, 1965 to September 26, 1969 in first-run syndication, from August 18, 1969 to February 11, 1972 at 11:30 PM ET weeknights on CBS and again in...
in 1984 performing “Somewhere Down the Road”. Other guests were Ed Asner
Ed Asner
Edward Asner , commonly known as Ed Asner, is an American film, television, stage, and voice actor and former president of the Screen Actors Guild, primarily known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Lou Grant on both The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off series, Lou Grant...
, Sybil Danning
Sybil Danning
Sybil Danning is an Austrian actress known for her many roles in B movies, science fiction films, and action films.-Early life:Danning was born in Ried im Innkreis, Austria as Sybille Johanna Danninger...
, and Larry Miller. In introducing Loren to much applause, Griffin acknowledged Loren’s return with the new single “after a long hiatus”. In the same year, Loren produced a live concert in Sedona, Arizona she called “Star Series” based on the American Composer of the Year. She hired Henry Mancini
Henry Mancini
Henry Mancini was an American composer, conductor and arranger, best remembered for his film and television scores. He won a record number of Grammy Awards , plus a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously in 1995...
, 1983 Composer of the Year, and the Flagstaff Symphony, and in her introduction she sang “Always” by Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin was an American composer and lyricist of Jewish heritage, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history.His first hit song, "Alexander's Ragtime Band", became world famous...
. In 1985 Loren was invited to appear in Tokyo, Japan at an International Ballroom Dancing event, and also performed in a show in Beverly Hills, CA (Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis is an American rock and roll and country music singer-songwriter and pianist. An early pioneer of rock and roll music, Lewis's career faltered after he married his young cousin, and he afterwards made a career extension to country and western music. He is known by the nickname 'The...
was also on the bill).
ADASA Hawaii
In 1995 Loren married Jered Cargman. Loren and Cargman knew each other in the 1960s and Cargman was her Prom Date. Cargman was a member of the surf band Fantastic Baggys. Moving to Hawaii, Loren decided to turn her design and fashion interest into a business (Loren had designed and made clothes since her teenage years and continued to do so after she retired). After premiering a couture collection in 1998 and being chosen by Honolulu Magazine as one of Hawaii’s best new designers, she and Cargman launched ADASA Hawaii, which included a boutique in Waimea and three boutiques on Oahu.Swinging Sixties Productions and “It Only Hurts When I Cry”
Loren turned again to writing music. In 2009, Loren and husband Cargman started their label Swinging Sixties Productions which, in conjunction with Swinging Sixties Music, publish and release Loren’s music. Loren’s first release in August, 2009 was a remake of “It Only Hurts When I Cry”, which she produced and arranged, releasing it both as a music video on YouTube and as a single to download. Drew Saber played guitar on the track and appears in the music video. Maurice Gainen engineered the song, and would also engineer Loren’s album Love It Away.Magic
In the same month as the release of the single, Loren’s Magic: The 80’s Collection was released, both as a download and later as an enhanced CD. This was a collection of songs Loren recorded at Amigo Studios during the early 1980s, with musicians such as John Thomas and James Burton. Seven of the songs on the album had not previously been released.In a review for the album, Magic was described as containing “Great production and a flawlessly effortless vocal montage”.
Magic: The 80's Collection (2009; Swinging Sixties Productions)
| Song (Writer) | Producers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Could This Be Magic (Donna Loren) | Donna Loren, James Burton, M. Delevie | |
| Thinkn' of You (Donna Loren) | Donna Loren | |
| Wishin’ and Hopin’(Bacharach, David) | Jimmy Bowen, Donna Loren | Arranged by Nick DeCaro. Guitar: David Hugante, Piano: John Thomas. Additional vocals: Ry Cooder’s back-up singers. |
| Hard to Believe (B. Hyde, J. Abelson) | Randy Stern | Also included on CD: Video Live Performance at Imperial Hotel, Tokyo (1985). |
| Sedona (Donna Loren) | Donna Loren, James Burton | Drums: Ronnie Tutt, Bass: Jerry Scheff, Piano: Glen D. Hardin, Guitar: James Burton, Mandolin: Chris Hillman. |
| Simply Loving You (Donna Loren) | Donna Loren, M. Delevie | Piano: John Thomas. Violin: Talia, Drums: Alan Zukovsky (Loren’s brother) |
| Somewhere Down the Road (C. Weil, T. Snow) | Donna Loren, Nick DeCaro | Arranged by Nick DeCaro. Engineered by Lee Herschberg. Cello: Eleanor Slatkin |
| Eulogy of a Marriage (Donna Loren) | Donna Loren | Piano: John Thomas |
| U Speak 2 Me (Donna Loren) | Donna Loren | Piano: John Thomas |
| Real Morning Kisses (Donna Loren) | Donna Loren | Piano: John Thomas |
| Could This Be Magic (unplugged) (Donna Loren) | Donna Loren | Piano: John Thomas |
Love It Away
In January 2010 Love It Away was released, first as a download and then as an album. This was Loren’s first album of completely new material since 1965. Loren produced the album, and it was recorded both in Hawaii at Lava Tracks Studio and Los Angeles. “Love It Away” was recorded at Lava Tracks. Maurice Gainen engineered the album, with Gainen and Charles Michael Brotman mixing and mastering. Mark Arbeit photographed Loren for the album, which includes her wearing one of her couture designs for the cover. Loren also wrote a paragraph for the insert booklet setting the tone of the album. Love It Away contains eight original songs by Loren. Among the covers Loren performed were “Last Night I Had a Dream” by Randy NewmanRandy Newman
Randall Stuart "Randy" Newman is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his mordant pop songs and for film scores....
, “Live Nude Cabaret” by Jackson Browne
Jackson Browne
Jackson Browne is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has sold over 17 million albums in the United States alone....
, “Old Man” by Neil Young
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
, “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
, as well “Shakin’ All Over”, a rockabilly classic she once performed on Shindig. Musicians who worked on the album include Jamieson Trotter, Bob Glaub
Bob Glaub
Bob Glaub is an American bass player and session musician. He's played with such artists and bands as Journey, Jackson Browne, Bee Gees, Eric Carmen, Linda Ronstadt, Leo Sayer, Warren Zevon, Rod Stewart, Donna Summer, Bonnie Raitt and many others....
, Maelan Abran, and Loren’s former collaborator Carol Kaye
Carol Kaye
Carol Kaye is an American musician, best known as one of the most prolific and widely heard bass guitarists in history, playing on an estimated 10,000 recording sessions in a 55 year career....
. Loren also played piano and synthesizer on many tracks.
Love It Away (2010, Swinging Sixties Productions)
| Song (Writer) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Last Night I Had A Dream (Randy Newman) | Keyboards: Jamieson Trotter, Synthesizer: Charles Michael Brotman |
| Shakin’ All Over (Johnny Kidd) | Keyboards: Trotter, Clapping: Trotter and Loren |
| Love It Away (Donna Loren) | Keyboards, Synthesizer: Trotter, Bass: Bob Glaub |
| Only Love (Donna Loren) | Keyboards, Synthesizer: Trotter, Bass: Glaub, Solo Piano Ending: Loren. |
| OK (Donna Loren) | Keyboards: Trotter, Bass: Glaub |
| Be Your Best Friend (Donna Loren) | Keyboards: Trotter, Background Vocals: Maelan Abran, Loren |
| We are Woman (Donna Loren) | Keyboards, Synthesizer: Trotter, Bass: Glaub, Background Vocals: Abran, Loren |
| UR (Donna Loren) | Keyboards, Synthesizer, Accordion: Trotter, Bass: Glaub, Background Vocals: Abran, Loren |
| Live Nude Cabaret (Jackson Browne) | Keyboards: Trotter, Bass: Glaub |
| Don’t Bring Me Down (Jeff Lynne) | Keyboards: Trotter, Bass: Carol Kaye |
| Old Man (Neil Young) | Keyboards: Trotter, Synthesizer: Loren |
| Still Love You (Donna Loren) | Keyboards: Trotter, Synthesizer, Background Vocals: Loren |
| I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight (Bob Dylan) | Guitar: Andrew Saber, Violin: Tony Selvage, Bass: Carol Kaye |
| Satisfied Mind (Jack Rhodes, Red Hayes) | Keyboards: Loren |
| Bonus Track: Love It Away (Remix) (Donna Loren) | Arranged, Engineered by Charles Michael Brotman. Guitar, synthesizer: Brotman, Percussion, Background vocals: Loren |
Album produced by Donna Loren.
Love It Away was “Pick of the Week” (review posted June 8, 2010) on MuzikReviews.com. The album received four-stars. Loren’s original pieces and her interpretation of songs such as “Old Man” were particularly praised, and the review drew attention to Loren’s vocal (“The main instrument is her voice”) and the production:
"I think one of the reasons for the success of this recording besides Donna’s flat out stunning vocal performance, is the production being kept to a minimum and the instrumentation generally focuses on the keyboards highlighting the sweet sensual vocals of Ms. Loren."
The autobiographical nature of the material was also discussed, “The importance of this release can be found beyond the music, it is a personal statement from the artist and her heartfelt interpretation of her feelings relating to her own life”.
"Love It Away (Remix)"
The first single off of the album was a remix of “Love It Away”, which is also included on the CD as the final track and was released as a single to download. As of June, 2010 the single was charting on a Top 40 Adult Contemporary radio play chart.Music videos
Loren released several music videos in conjunction with Love It Away on YouTube. “Shakin’ All Over” was released as two videos in March and May, 2010 and both include footage from her original performance of the song on Shindig. “Love It Away” was released in March, 2010 and "Last Night I Had a Dream" and "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" in July, 2010.Beach Party Movie Medley
In May, 2010, Loren released a medley of her Beach Party songs “Beach Blanket Bingo”, “Muscle Bustle”, “Love’s a Secret Weapon”, “It Only Hurts When I Cry”, and “Among the Young”. A video of the recording session at Lava Tracks Studios was also released on YouTube. Loren recorded new versions of “Beach Blanket Bingo” and “Muscle Bustle”, as singles to download. Loren again worked with Charles Michael Brotman on this project."Eloquent" (Single)
In July, 2010, Loren released the dance-electronic "Eloquent" as a single to download."Merry Christmas Baby" and Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii
On November 1, 2010 the single "Merry Christmas BabyMerry Christmas Baby
"Merry Christmas Baby" is an R & B Christmas standard written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore. It has been covered by many artists including Otis Redding, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Hanson. The original 1947 version by Johnny Moore's Three Trailblazers "Merry Christmas Baby" is an R...
" was officially released for download (having been pre-released in the Donna Loren Store on her website a few days before the official release). Written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore
Johnny Moore (musician)
Johnny Moore was an American rhythm and blues singer with The Drifters.Born John Alfred Moore in Selma, Alabama, United States, he began as lead of the Cleveland based group, The Hornets, before being discovered by The Drifters. He joined the group as lead vocalist, in New York in 1955, at age 21...
and first recorded by Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers
Johnny Moore's Three Blazers
Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers were a successful and influential African-American vocal and instrumental group in the 1940s and 1950s.The original members were :-Johnny Moore and his younger brother Oscar grew up in Texas and then Phoenix, Arizona, where they both started playing guitar and formed...
in 1947, the R&B standard had been covered by Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry
Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" , "Roll Over Beethoven" , "Rock and Roll Music" and "Johnny B...
, Charles Brown
Charles Brown (musician)
Charles Brown , born in Texas City, Texas was an American blues singer and pianist whose soft-toned, slow-paced blues-club style influenced the development of blues performance during the 1940s and 1950s...
, Etta James
Etta James
Etta James is an American blues, soul, rhythm and blues , rock and roll, gospel and jazz singer. In the 1950s and 1960s, she had her biggest success as a blues and R&B singer...
, Otis Redding
Otis Redding
Otis Ray Redding, Jr. was an American soul singer-songwriter, record producer, arranger and talent scout. He is considered one of the major figures in soul and R&B...
and, more recently, Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
, Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
Christina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
, and Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Suzanne Crow is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, and actress. Her music incorporates elements of rock, folk, hip hop, country and pop...
. The song was recorded by Elvis Presley for his album Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas
Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas
Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas is a 1971 album by Elvis Presley, and Elvis' second Christmas album. The album was released in October 1971, followed by the single from the album "Merry Christmas Baby" / "O Come All Ye Faithful" released in November 1971...
(1971). The release is Loren’s first Christmas song to be recorded for an album, although she performed "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is a Christmas song. It was written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie, and was first sung on Eddie Cantor's radio show in November 1934....
" on Shindig in 1964.
The song was followed by the release of Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii on November 15, 2010, an EP of her renditions of four Presley songs. In addition to "Merry Christmas Baby", Loren recorded “Loving You”, "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear"
Teddy Bear (song)
" Teddy Bear" is a popular song recorded by Elvis Presley and published by Gladys Music. It was written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe and published in 1957 by Gladys Music, Elvis Presley's publishing company...
, and "One Night"
One Night (song)
"One Night" is a song popularized by Elvis Presley. It was issued as a double A-side with "I Got Stung". The single reached number one twice on the UK Singles Chart. In the U.S., "One Night", reached number four on the pop singles chart and number ten on the R&B chart...
. "Loving You" and "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" were both recorded in 2010, with a sample of "Loving You" appearing on Loren’s blog two months prior to the release. "One Night" was recorded in the 1980s at Amigo Studios and, like many of the songs on her 2009 album Magic from these recording sessions, had not been previously released. The EP was produced by Loren, and she again worked with Maurice Gainen and Charles Michael Brotman and musician Jamieson Trotter, as well as new collaborators Sonny Lim and Wailau Ryder.
The EP makes use of a number of themes related to Loren, Elvis Presley, Hawaii, and Hollywood. Loren explained on radio show The Sheena Metal Experience (LA Talk Radio) on November 4, 2010 the evolving of the concept:
"When I was looking for just the right [Christmas] song to do, I thought of Elvis. And so when I started doing research to do a Christmas song of Elvis’, I started seeing songs that really resonated with me, especially a song called “Loving You” which, when the time drew nearer when we were departing Hawaii, was so healing for me."
The song "Loving You" was recorded at Lava Tracks Studio and represented Loren’s moving from "my beloved Hawaii" to California. The selection of other Presley songs further fits the concept nature of the EP for, as Loren acknowledged, "Elvis and Hawaii go hand-in-hand". The artwork for the single and the EP, both designed by Katie Waronker’s company Riot Structure, blended Hawaiian-inspired imagery including Presley’s 1961 LP Blue Hawaii
Blue Hawaii (album)
Blue Hawaii is the fourteenth album by Elvis Presley, released on RCA Victor Records in mono and stereo, LPM/LSP 2426, in October 1961 - the exact date of October 1 is disputed. It is a soundtrack for Presley's film of the same name. Recording sessions took place at Radio Recorders in Hollywood on...
as inspiration for the "Merry Christmas Baby" cover art, and a depiction of Kalakaua Blvd in Waikiki (with Los Angeles-inspired billboards featuring Loren, photographed by Mark Arbeit) for the cover of the EP. The back of the EP includes a picture of Loren from the 1960s.
Further links between Presley and Loren include Presley’s recording "I Believe" for his EP Peace in the Valley in 1957, a song Loren also recorded at Capitol, and which she regularly performed. Loren also recorded with the Elvis Presley TCB Band for her 1980’s single "Sedona" during the Amigo Studios recording sessions which also produced "One Night" from the EP.
Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii (2010, Swinging Sixties Productions)
| Song (Writer) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Merry Christmas Baby (Lou Baxter, Johnny Moore) | Engineer: Maurice Gainen, Keyboards: Jamieson Trotter, Saxophone: Gainen, Drums: Clarence Harris, Background Vocals: Loren |
| Loving You (Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller) | Engineer: Charles Michael Brotman, Bass, Ukulele: Sonny Lim, Slack Key Guitar: Wailau Ryder, Background Vocals: Loren |
| (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (Kal Mann, Bernie Lowe) | Engineer: Charles Michael Brotman, Ukulele: Charles Michael Brotman, Background Vocals: Loren |
| One Night (Dave Bartholomew, Anita Steiman, Pearl King) | Engineer: Chet Hines, Piano: John Thomas, Guitar: Joey Newman, Drums: Michael Delevie |
EP produced by Donna Loren.
Appearances in conjunction with Loren’s new work
Loren accompanied the release of her new material with numerous appearances on radio shows, interviews, and public appearances. An article in Beverly Hills Courier in March, 2010 profiled her new work, beginning with “Donna Loren was the “It Girl” long before Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian hit the streets of Beverly Hills”.She hosted a “Beach Party Movie Marathon” (Muscle Beach Party and Beach Blanket Bingo were shown) presented by American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood on February 11, 2010, debuting the medley of her Beach Party songs. She would sing the medley and “Love It Away” for a Thrillville’s “Valentine’s Beach Party” at The Balboa Theatre, San Francisco on February 14, 2010, which screened Beach Blanket Bingo, and performed again at “Movie Night at the Blue Dragon” at the Blue Dragon Coastal Cuisine and Musiquarium in Kawaihae, Hawaii on April 28, 2010.
Liz Smith
Liz Smith (journalist)
Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Smith is an American gossip columnist. She is known as The Grand Dame of Dish.- Early life and career :...
included a feature on Loren in her column on March 17, 2010. On June 25, 2010, Loren was interviewed on the nationally syndicated radio show Little Steven’s Underground Garage, hosted by Steven Van Zandt
Steven Van Zandt
Steven Van Zandt is an Italian-American musician, songwriter, arranger, record producer, actor, and radio disc jockey, who frequently goes by the stage names Little Steven or Miami Steve...
.
Loren performed and met fans at the three-day Rock Con Festival, held July 30-August 1, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Among the over 100 other artists and guests appearing were Billy Hinsche
Billy Hinsche
William "Billy" Hinsche is an American musician who was part of the singing group Dino, Desi, & Billy. He has also provided backing vocals for Warren Zevon and toured with The Beach Boys. His sister, Annie Hinsche-Wilson-Karges, was married to the group's guitarist, Carl Wilson.- External links...
, Al Jardine
Al Jardine
Alan Charles "Al" Jardine is a founding member of top-selling American music group The Beach Boys, a guitarist and occasional lead vocalist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.-Early life:...
, Paul Petersen
Paul Petersen
William Paul Petersen is an American movie actor, singer, novelist, and activist. Primarily known for his character-type roles in the 1960s and 1970s, as an adult Petersen established the organization A Minor Consideration to support child stars and other child laborers through legislation,...
, Hilton Valentine
Hilton Valentine
Hilton Valentine is an English musician, who was the original guitarist in the The Animals.-Biography:Valentine was influenced by the 1950s skiffle craze...
, Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson (singer)
Mary Wilson is an American singer, formerlymember of the Motown female singing group The Supremes during the 1960s and 1970s. Wilson was the only singer to be a consistent member of the group in its eighteen-year tenure...
, and members of the girl-groups The Angels and The Delicates
The Delicates
The Delicates, were a three-girl singing group, made up of members Denise Ferri, Arleen Lanzotti, and Peggy Santiglia. The group was formed in 1958 while all three members were attending Belleville High School in Belleville, New Jersey....
.
Other releases and media
Loren has been featured on a number of compilations, including one of all her songs from Capitol, The Very Best of Donna Loren Featuring Beach Blanket Bingo, a product of EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets and distributed by Collectables Records.| Album | Songs |
|---|---|
| The Very Best of Donna Loren Featuring Beach Blanket Bingo (Collectables Records, 2000) | All songs from Beach Blanket Bingo LP, and all of Loren’s Capitol songs. |
| Girl Group Gems - Soul to Surf (Red Bird Entertainment, 2002) | "Dream World", "Muscle Bustle" |
| Girls Go Zonk – US Dream Babes (RPM, 2004) | “So, Do The Zonk” |
| The Girls of Hideaway Heaven (Rare Rockin’ Records, 2004) | “Hands Off” |
| Sex and the ‘60s (Varèse Sarabande, 2006) | “Love’s a Secret Weapon” |
| Summer Beach Party: Songs from the Classic Beach Movies of the ‘60s (Varèse Sarabande, 2006) | “Love’s a Secret Weapon”, “Muscle Bustle”, “It Only Hurts When I Cry” [movie version] |
Loren has also been interviewed and profiled in a number of books, including It’s Party Time by Stephen J. McParland (John Blair, 1992), Swingin’ Chicks of the Sixties by Chris Strodder (Cedco, 2000), Drive-In Dream Girls by Tom Lisanti (McFarland & Company, 2003), The Encyclopedia of Sixties Cool, also by Strodder (Santa Monica Press, 2007), and Whatever Became of...? by Richard Lamparski. Loren was interviewed for the television documentary Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The Early Years (1955–1970) (2000), and was also profiled and interviewed for a segment on the television series Hawaiian Moving Company (2002).