Johnny Keyes & the Magnificents

My dear friend Johnny Keyes, lead singer for the Magnificents back when and Packy Axton's co-conspirator during the Stax/Fretone years, called me yesterday.

Talking to Johnny, I finally got it straight that one of the tunes on the album he recorded in the 70's (that I had a co-write on) was a cover of the Magnificents' "Up On The Mountain." I had been hearing the refrain "You took my money, and it ain't funny" in my head for some months now but didn't realize it was from this song:



There are related videos on YouTube on the Magnificents; and you may have seen them on the PBS Doo-Wop special during a pledge week. Johnny has his own site now too.  The Magnificents are gigging again; and here's a CD on 'em, with samples.  Here's a nice history too.