Tommy James "crimson & Clover" RARE WLS RADIO 45 1968

$

73

Tommy James made a rough mix of "Crimson and Clover" to show to Roulette Records executive Morris Levy for evaluation. The band was still intending to improve on the mix with ambient sound and echo. A few days later, James stopped at WLS radio station in Chicago- who he had previously had positive experience with - to get their reaction. After an interview discussing the single, he was convinced to play the rough mix for WLS off-air. Unbeknown to James, the station recorded the song, and they shortly played it on-air in November 1968 as a "world exclusive".

Morris Levy initially pleaded WLS not to play the record prematurely before its release, but listener response changed his mind. Roulette Records produced a specially-pressed single and shipped it to listeners who called about the song. Eight hundred copies of the song were also sent to WLS for promotional purposes.

Also the WLS station in that year of 1968 won "The Station of the Year," making this 1968 record a bit more special with the WLS name on it - the winning years. The first US airplay of a Beatles record ("Please Please Me") was on the WLS Dick Biondi show on February 8, 1963.[41][42][43] WLS was voted by broadcasters nationally as "The Station of the Year" in 1967, 1968 & 1969

Nice copy of this CLASSIC BEATLES record, with only minimal signs of having been handled.

Let the pics speak as I've posted 5 pictures complete with ENLARGE & ZOOM features (unlike many other sellers) to offer a forthright representation of this incredible 45. Thus record is in the condition seen as is, which is pretty impressive.

On the Blank label side is a personalized message - "Given to my very favorite for her very favorite song from Dave JAN 18, 1968." That penned info with date adds a bit of authenticity and excitement about the initial exposure of the famous song. adding to its uniqueness as a RARE collectible. Was "DAVE" someone from the famous station in chicago sending a copy of this RARE early disc to an adoring fan? Who knows the mystery behind this particular copy?

 Will ship promptly if paid promptly. Won't be relisting - "It's now or never!"