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Jim Blum sits down with Randy Sparks, the man behind the
'60s mega-group The New Christy Minstrels, while in Arizona
for a Minstrels “reunion” concert. Sparks lets Blum in on
a few Minstrels backstage secrets and recounts a little of
the history behind the 10-person group, including stories
about Burl Ives, Barry McGuire, A Mighty Wind and questionable
dealings in the music industry.
Randy Sparks tells the story behind his satirical song, Saturday
Night in Toledo, Ohio, a surprise hit for John Denver.
Sparks shied away from writing negative or angry songs, but
he did not enjoy his visit to Toledo.
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(7:34)
Blum and Sparks talk about the inspiration behind the recent
New Christy Minstrels reunion in Arizona, the genesis of the
group and meeting Sparks' idol, Burl Ives.
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(5:34)
Sparks on striking gold by creating the New Christy Minstrels
in 1961 – originally as a platform for his songwriting.
The 10-people strong group faced an uphill battle to get recognition,
but were an almost instant success.
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(7:39)
Blum brings Sparks up to his present life as a California
ranch-owner. The pair discuss Dolan Ellis (the official balladeer
of Arizona), Barry McGuire and taking the stage of the Troubadour
under very sketchy circumstances.
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(6:46)
Life after the New Christy Minstrels - Sparks and Blum discuss
starting new ventures, writing the hit tune Today and
the wisdom that comes with age.
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(6:32)
Sparks and Blum join together in support of the future of
folk music and plead the case of older music - even if it
comes in the form of a parody like A Mighty Wind.
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(2:37)
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In 1961, Randy Sparks gathered together ten singers and musicians
to record his songs for Columbia Records. Columbia wanted
to tour the group and The New Christy Minstrels were formed.
Sparks was the chief songwriter and group leader keeping the
sound consistent, even as members came and went. The group's
debut album, Presenting The New Christy Minstrels: Exciting
New Folk Chorus, won a Grammy Award for Best Performance
by a Chorus. The Grammy win helped drive the album up the
charts, coupling with a year-long contract to appear on Andy
Williams' TV show and performances onstage at the Troubadour
in Los Angeles to solidify the mainstream popularity of The
New Christy Minstrels. Sparks stopped performing with the
Minstrels to focus on his songwriting (creating or co-writing
hits including “Green, Green” and “Today”) and eventually
left the group altogether, although, as its creator, maintaining
majority financial responsibility. He now lives on a ranch
in California, touring occasionally with former Minstrels
and new group members as Randy Sparks & The Minstrels.
