My Indianapolis 500 tribute
Way back in 1985 I wrote a parody of David Lee Roth’s version of “Just a Gigolo” for the Bob and Tom Show. It was about getting stuck in the heavy traffic on the way to the Indianapolis 500. The song appeared on Bob and Tom’s first charity project, “Bob and Tom’s White Album“. From that point forward, the song became a staple in the Indianapolis region during the month of May. I still recall driving to the race one morning and hearing the song on the radio while I looked around at other drivers singing along with my song. A great memory for me.
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Of course, that first version was home made and not of the highest quality, so imagine my delight nine years later when I was able to go back into the studio and record a better version. Complete with brass, saxophones, and great musicians – including John Lennon’s drummer, Andy Newmark. Talk about a thrill. I was also able to arrange and produce the new version and ended up with a producer credit when it was released on the album, “Bob and Tom: Air Bags“.
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A year later, a greatest hit’s CD was released called “Bob and Tom: Checkered Past“. For the third time, “Just a Mario” was included on a Bob and Tom charity album. SInce the first album, the proceeds from the sales of the albums and CDs have raised millions of dollars for various charities including – but not limited to – the Childrens’ Wish Foundation, Playgrounds for Parks, People’s Burn Foundation, the Jan Oppermann Fund and Kid’s Voice.
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Also in 1994, I had an opportunity to make a music video for the song. The video was used on local television a few times in a truncated version that left out much of the middle part of the song. This year, Bob and Tom were able to get hold of the original video as I am presenting it here.
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Man, I sure looked younger 14 years ago.
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3 Responses to “My Indianapolis 500 tribute”
That was great!!! And I listen to Bob and Tom every morning I am on the road.
I will be posting this on my sports blog..with proper attribution of course
Something for the Indy 500… « Moments-Sports and otherwise- In Time - May 25, 2008
[...] for the Indy 500… A sweet blogger bud of mine, Robert, created the following song and video for the radio gents known as Bob and Tom 14 years ago. It was on one of their albums too! Robert is [...]
Funny but when the nomination process started my biggest opposition to Hillary was the Republicans wanted her. She and Bill have been a real turn off and it is time for them to go!
Isn’t it amazing what 14 years will do? You looked pretty good and that song wasn’t bad either! Have a nice Memorial Day, Take care!
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