Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards: ALAN MANN.
Electric Guitar: Jim Stout, Jerry Healy, Allen James, Peter "Eggman" Smith, Wayne Travisanti.
Bass: Bob Reiss, Chuck Taylor, Lon Jacobson, Bobby Philadelphia, Jimmy Goetz, John Gorman, Martel.
Keyboards: Larry Saklad, Wally Smith, Fred Wackenhut, Perry Artese.
Drums: John McGarvey, Fred Berman, George Manney, Daoud Shaw, Monk Manley.
Sax: Mark Brown, Robert Mast, Joe Statuto, Randy Dance.
Backing Vocals: Wendy Barnhardt.
Influences
Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Kinks, Rolling Stones, Warren Zevon,
Alan Mann was a visionary singer/songwriter, bandleader, and pioneering DIY recording artist. From 1976 to 1987 he plied his trade in Philadelphia and it's environs, becoming a fixture on the scene due to his talent, passion and tenacity. With unusual generosity of spirit he lent of himself and his band to other artists to help them acheive their dreams. In the lyrics to his songs "Fear of Heights" and "Lost and Found" he eerily foretold his tragic and untimely death. On October 3, 1987 at the age of 33 he jumped? fell? from a second story window of his burning house. He survived for ten more days on life support until the difficult decision was made to discontinue it. Although best known for his holiday song "Christmas on the Block" which still receives seasonal airplay on commercial radio, he left a catalog of over 60 songs, (both live and studio recordings). Along with the annual tribute shows begun in 2004, several other projects are underway to bring his music and his story to a wider audience and to give his legacy the recognition he deserves.
Some links to articles about Alan and the 2004, 2005 and 2006 tributes:
http://citypaper.net/articles/2004-02-26/music.shtml
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2005-01-20/musicpicks4.shtml
http://www.origivation.com/issues/OrigivationMagazine_2006_March_section1.pdf
hear some more songs at: http://www.anditgoes.com/downloads.htm (two sets at Grendels Lair circa 1978)
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Recently received a tape that contained an amazing STUDIO version of "In My Life", unfortunately there is a 20 second drop-out in the song. If anybody has a complete copy of this song, PLEASE contact me. Also looking for any other Alan Mann recordings, in particular, demos recorded at Helfrich's in 78-79. Thanks!
hi Janet, Happy Valentine's Day! It sure seems like too long, when can we catch-up in person? Helena & I just returned from 2 weeks in Hawaii, so life has been good.
Happy Holidays everybody! Did anybody catch the (3) Hooters performing "Christmas On The Block" at the Beru Revue Christmas show recently??? Very COOL!!!!
Christmas on the Block is such a wonderful tune....I herd Alan on the radio tell the story of his cab ride where he learned of the Christmas Tree decorated by the blind. RIP from The Mechanix.
Thanks for the ++! I left South Street in 1984, and knew Alan Mann. I am glad you are keeping his memory alive. He was a force and wrote great music. Those old days on South Street were the BEST! Roberta
Hi! Many thanks for your newyear-wishes (who wrote in fantastic german??? - herzlichen Dank!) Thinking of Alan ....- wish you a great 08! Greetings from Berlin roland+dogs
Wanted to let you know that I gave "Christmas on the Block" a spin on Hometown Heroes last Sunday night. (Podcast at http://www.wstw.com/heroes/) Rock on, Mark (for H.H.)
Wow...20 years... and I still remember scouring the local record shops for a copy of the "new" album...Neighborhood.
I am trying to contact Alan's last girlfriend, Kimberly Katz Postgate. If anybody knows how I can contact her, please forward that info to me.
Also, I am always looking for Alan Mann recordings to add to my Archive project. Live shows, Kajem sessions, Helfrich's sessions...home tapes...anything really. Please contact me if you have anything.
Fondly Remembering you today as 20 years ago on this very day you left us…. Remembering all of the great times, the many shows at the many venues LONDON VICTORY CLUB, RIPLEY MUSIC HALL, EMPIRE ROCK CLUB and THE TROCADERO and ofcourse the laughs The Music business misses you, Alan as does The Philadelphia Music Scene, your many adoring fans of your music and ofcourse your friends Always, Your commanderinchief J. R. STANTON
J. ROBERT STANTON President / CEO Creative Music Marketing Group Creative Music Management Creative Music Productions Presents
