Ready 'n' Steady

Last updated
"Ready 'n' Steady"
Song by D. A.
Recorded1979
Genre Pop rock
Length3:15
Label Rascal
Songwriter(s) D. A. Lucchesi, Jim Franks
Audio sample

"Ready 'n' Steady" is a song by American musicians Dennis Lucchesi and Jim Franks, recorded in 1979. The song appeared on Billboard's Bubbling Under the Hot 100 chart for three weeks in June 1979, with the artist credited as Lucchesi's first and middle initials, D. A., which he had used as his stage name as a regional performer. [1]

Contents

For decades, the identity of D.A. was unknown, and no evidence of the song, nor any recording of it, could be found; this led many record collectors to consider the song a "phantom record" that possibly did not even exist. In 2016, researcher Paul Haney used copyright records to trace and find the record, giving the song its first known public exposure. [2]

On the Billboard Bubbling Under chart

The June 16, 1979, issue of Billboard listed 10 records on its Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, a chart which lists songs ranking just below entry onto the magazine's main chart, the Billboard Hot 100; the Bubbling Under rankings began with position number 101. One of these was "Ready 'n' Steady" by D.A., listed at the number 106 position (sixth among the ten Bubbling Under records). [3] The record, listed as being released on the Rascal label, moved up to number 103 on June 23, [4] then up to number 102 the following week before disappearing from the chart. [5]

Whitburn's research

American author and music historian, Joel Whitburn, whose company, Record Research Inc., specializes in researching the Billboard charts, published various books containing chart data over the years. He collected thousands of records, including all of the 45s ever to hit the Hot 100 or Bubbling Under charts—all except "Ready 'n' Steady".

In a 1995 interview, Whitburn said he had never actually seen or heard the record, but added, "We think—we think—that it's a girl's rock group from Chicago. Punk group, we think—1979. And we think that the Rascal label was out of a guy's home in Detroit." The Chicago female band DA! denied any link to the record. [6] Whitburn had found a small ad for a Rascal label located in Detroit in a punk rock publication, but by then the address was a boarded-up vacant house. [7] The entry in Billboard shows "Ready 'n' Steady" had a catalog number of 102; if there was a Rascal 101 released, it remains unknown to collectors.

In the fourth edition of Whitburn's Bubbling Under the Hot 100 book, published in 2005, the entry for "D. A." was amended with a note stating, "The existence of this record and artist is in question", and quotes a price of $150 as its value. In 2009, Whitburn published his latest Top Pop Singles book, which includes both Hot 100 and Bubbling Under singles—but D. A. was not listed at all. In an interview with the website CelebrityAccess, Whitburn noted he still had not been able to find "Ready 'n' Steady" and said, "I don't think it exists". [8] Whitburn also thought the song's listing on the chart could have been a copyright trap by Billboard. [2]

The 2002 16th edition of Jerry Osbourne's Official Price Guide to Records listed the record, with a value of $75–125, along with an unnamed LP on the Frontline label, dated 1985 or 1986. This is actually the album Fearful Symmetry by the Christian rock band Daniel Amos, which sometimes used the abbreviation "D.A.".

Resurfacing

The United States Copyright Office catalog contains a registration of a song titled "Ready & Steady" with authorship credited to D. A. Lucchesi and Jim Franks; it was registered on September 16, 1986, with a creation date of 1979. [9] Dennis Armand "D. A." Lucchesi (June 5, 1945 – August 18, 2005) was an American mortgage broker and part-time musician from California who performed locally as "D. A. and the Dukes." [1] [2]

In 2016, further investigation into this copyright registration by Paul Haney, of Record Research Inc., led to co-author Jim Franks, who provided Haney with a recording of the song. According to Haney, the song was recorded by Steve Cropper, but never released. As for how it appeared on the charts without any records for sales or airplay, according to Haney, a record promoter with a major label took an interest in the band and somehow managed to get the song listed on the Billboard chart; this makes "Ready 'n' Steady" the only song ever to appear on any Billboard listing without actually being released. The Rascal label, at that time, existed only on paper and was owned by a relative of one of the band members; in 1984, Rascal (based in Hollywood) would issue a few independent singles, though nothing by D.A. [2]

"Ready 'n' Steady" was most likely never played on radio until Haney appeared on the Crap from the Past radio show on KFAI in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on July 8, 2016, during which the recording was aired. [2]

On May 19, 2017, Crap from the Past did a phone interview with Jim Franks. [10] He stated that the personnel for the song was:

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Ready (The Temptations song)</span> Song by The Temptations

"Get Ready" is a Motown song written by Smokey Robinson, which resulted in two hit records for the label: a U.S. No. 29 version by The Temptations in 1966, and a U.S. No. 4 version by Rare Earth in 1970. It is significant for being the last song Robinson wrote and produced for the Temptations, due to a deal Berry Gordy made with Norman Whitfield, that if "Get Ready" did not meet with the expected degree of success, then Whitfield's song, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", would get the next release, which resulted in Whitfield more or less replacing Robinson as the group's producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Money (That's What I Want)</span> 1959 single by Barrett Strong

"Money (That's What I Want)" is a rhythm and blues song written by Tamla founder Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford, which was the first hit record for Gordy's Motown enterprise. Barrett Strong recorded it in 1959 as a single for the Tamla label, distributed nationally on Anna Records. Many artists later recorded the tune, including the Beatles in 1963 and the Flying Lizards in 1979.

Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States. The chart lists the top songs that have not yet charted on the main Billboard Hot 100. Chart rankings are based on radio airplay, sales, and streams. In its initial years, the chart listed 15 positions, but expanded to as many as 36 during the 1960s, particularly during years when over 700 singles made the Billboard Hot 100 chart. From 1974 to 1985, the chart consisted of 10 positions; since 1992, the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart has listed 25 positions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laughter in the Rain</span> 1974 single by Neil Sedaka

"Laughter in the Rain" is a song composed and recorded by Neil Sedaka, with lyrics by Phil Cody. It includes a 20-second saxophone solo by Jim Horn. The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Very Thought of You</span> 1934 song by Ray Noble

"The Very Thought of You" is a pop standard that was recorded and published in 1934 with music and lyrics by Ray Noble. The song was first recorded by Ray Noble and His Orchestra with Al Bowlly on vocals for HMV in England in April 1934. This record was then released in the United States by Victor, and it reached number one for five weeks on the pop music charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yes, I'm Ready</span> 1965 single by Barbara Mason

"Yes, I'm Ready" is a song by Barbara Mason from her album Yes, I'm Ready (1965). It has been covered by numerous artists, and was a hit single for Teri DeSario and K.C. when they recorded a duet version in 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story</span> Song composed by Francis Lai; lyrics by Carl Sigman

"(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story" is a popular song published in 1970, with music by Francis Lai and lyrics by Carl Sigman. The song was first introduced as an instrumental theme in the 1970 film Love Story after the film's distributor, Paramount Pictures, rejected the first set of lyrics that were written. Andy Williams eventually recorded the new lyrics and took the song to number nine on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 and number one on their Easy Listening chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Touch Me When We're Dancing</span> 1981 single by Opus

"Touch Me When We're Dancing" is a song written by Terry Skinner, J. L. Wallace and Ken Bell. Skinner and Wallace headed the Muscle Shoals, Alabama session group Bama, who first recorded this song and released it as a single in 1979 reaching number 42 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart and number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was later recorded by The Carpenters in 1981 for their Made in America album. In 1984, it was recorded by country music artists Mickey Gilley and Charly McClain for their 1984 duet album It Takes Believers and in 1986 by the country music group Alabama.

"Let the Good Times Roll" is a song that was recorded by Shirley and Lee in 1956. This song was written by the duo, Shirley Goodman and Leonard Lee.

"Someday You'll Want Me to Want You" is a popular song published in 1944 by Jimmie Hodges. The song became a standard, recorded by many pop and country music singers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rascal Flatts discography</span>

Rascal Flatts were an American country music group founded in 1999 by Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney. Signed to Lyric Street Records until 2010, the band released ten studio albums plus a greatest hits package, the first six on the Lyric Street Records label, the last four on Big Machine Records. Their highest-certified albums are Feels Like Today and Me and My Gang, which are both certified 5× Platinum. Except for their 2000 self-titled debut and 2017's Back to Us, all of the group's albums have reached No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Why (Rascal Flatts song)</span> 2009 single by Rascal Flatts

"Why" is a song recorded by American country music band Rascal Flatts. It is the third single from their sixth studio album, Unstoppable. It was released to radio stations on September 29, 2009 and debuted at number 44 on the U.S. Billboard US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the week of October 10, 2009. It was written by Rob Mathes and Allen Shamblin.

"Darlin'" is a song written in 1970 by English sax player Oscar Stewart Blandamer. It was first released under the title "Darling" by the British country band Poacher in 1978. It was later a chart hit for Frankie Miller and David Rogers. The track was subsequently recorded by numerous artists including Tom Jones, Barbara Mandrell, Smokie and Johnny Reid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DA! (band)</span> American post-punk band

DA! was a Chicago-based post-punk band of the early 1980s, known for their songs "Dark Rooms" and "Time Will Be Kind". Their sound was influenced by artists such as the Cure, Gang of Four, Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Be Home for Christmas</span> 1943 Holiday song

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a Christmas song written by the lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent and recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, who scored a top ten hit with the song. Originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmas time, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" has since gone on to become a Christmas standard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zaytoven</span> American record producer (born 1980)

Xavier Lamar Dotson, known professionally as Zaytoven, is an American record producer from Atlanta, Georgia. He has released collaborative projects with artists including Gucci Mane, Usher, Future, Young Dolph, Migos, Lecrae, Lil Yachty, Chief Keef, Young Scooter, B.o.B, Boosie Badazz, Waka Flocka Flame, 21 Savage, Deitrick Haddon and La Fève.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Boogie wit da Hoodie discography</span>

American rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie has released five studio albums, two mixtapes, 33 music videos, four extended plays (EPs) and 49 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charley Pride singles discography</span>

The discography of American country music artist Charley Pride contains 75 singles, one other charting song, two promotional singles, one featured single and 11 music videos. Pride signed his first recording contract with RCA Victor in 1966. His first two singles failed to become hits. His third single, "Just Between You and Me," became a hit when it reached the top ten of the country charts. Pride had several more top ten hits over the next several years until he had first chart-topper in 1969. The single, "All I Have to Offer You ," reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and spent 17 weeks charting. This was followed by five more number one hits, including "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone." All of these singles also reached low-end positions on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarah Vaughan singles discography</span>

The singles discography of American Jazz artist Sarah Vaughan contains 89 singles, two promotional singles and seven other charted songs. Vaughan recorded her first singles in 1946, with her first release being "If You Could See Me Now". Soon after, she saw her first major chart success on the Billboard pop list with "Tenderly" and "It's Magic." Moving to Columbia Records, she had further pop hits in the late 1940s with covers of "Black Coffee" and "Nature Boy." She had her second top ten hit in 1950 with "(I Love the Girl) I Love the Guy." Vaughan moved to Mercury Records during the 1950s and recorded more pop music. At Mercury, she had her biggest chart success, with the top ten hits "Make Yourself Comfortable" and "Whatever Lola Wants." In 1959, Vaughan's single "Broken Hearted Melody" reached number seven on the Billboard pop chart and became an international success, becoming the biggest single of her career.

Lostwave is a term for music with little to no information available about their origins, including song titles, names of associated musicians, and recording and release dates. Lostwave songs have been the subject of online crowdsourced efforts to uncover their origins.

References

  1. 1 2 "Dennis Armand "DA" Lucchesi (obituary)". Ukiah Daily Journal. August 23, 2005. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Crap From The Past - July 8, 2016: Paul Haney presents a world premiere of D.A.'s Ready 'N' Steady from 1979!". Internet Archive. July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  3. "Bubbling Under the Hot 100". Billboard. 1979-06-16. p. 38. Retrieved 2009-12-18.
  4. "Bubbling Under the Hot 100". Billboard. 1979-06-23. p. 28. Retrieved 2009-12-18.
  5. "Bubbling Under the Hot 100". Billboard. 1979-06-30. p. 23. Retrieved 2009-12-18.
  6. Vanderbilt, Mike (21 July 2016). "The mystery of the phantom Billboard hit, "Ready 'N' Steady," is finally solved". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  7. Horowitz, Rick (1995-06-30). "Listmania: Joel Whitburn Is on Top of the Charts". Deseret News. Salt Lake City. Archived from the original on 2017-09-28. Retrieved 2009-12-18.
  8. LeBlanc, Larry (2009). "Industry Profile: Joel Whitburn". CelebrityAccess. Gen-Den. Retrieved 2009-12-18.
  9. "Ready & steady". Public Catalog. United States Copyright Office. September 16, 1986. Retrieved May 15, 2016.
  10. Crap From The Past - May 19, 2017: With Paul Haney, and featuring Jim Franks on the phone, 2017-05-19, retrieved 2024-01-13