Vinyl Record Lovers Newsletter

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The golden age of vinyl records and all things retro are the highlights of our Newsletter. Writing stories about our vinyl record memories with content from my collection is our way of sharing memories and keeping the oldies alive.  We wish you lots of fun on this journey to the time of Drive-In Movies, Pizza Parlors, Malt Shops, and street cruising in your cool ride on those warm summer nights.

Issue #150, November, 2025.

In This Issue:

• Why Old Friends Matter.  Remembering A Special Friend.

• In "The Still Of The Night " - A Serenade.

• Lost In The Fifties - First Girlfriend, Class Rings, Cruisin' In Those Cool Custom Cars.

• You Might Also Like These Stories - Back In The Day.

• What's Next?

• Ned Ward's Oldies Show - The Best In Original Oldies Classics.

• Pat's Country Classics - Country Music Oldies We Grew Up With.

Why OId Friends Matter.

Through the years, I continue to believe that old friends remain our most cherished and trusted link to all those wonderful memories from the past. Earlier this month, I was contacted about the passing of our friend, Tom Sokira, Producer and Audio Engineer on the classic 1956 song, "In The Still of The Night." The email from Tom's close friend, Paul Saffoiti, informed me that Tom's wife, Georgian, would like to talk to me by phone.

I was nervous, as I had previously only talked to Tom, but pleasantly surprised with the call, as Georgian and I each had a lot to say about Tom and his easy-going, and sometimes funny emails. Georgian told me something I did not know. She said Tom shared my yearly December emails with her and was happy to hear from me each year. We both laughed at some of Tom's return emails. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to talk with Georgian. She said Tom wanted no newspaper article about his passing, but she felt Tom would want me to know. Our conversation reminded me of an article I ran across many years ago titled...

I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

The article was related to a topic about what people regret the most when they have maybe a few weeks remaining, and would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip.

What About Friends You Have Never Met?

Is there such a person, and should they be called a friend if you never actually met them? When I began my vinyl record memories website several years ago, I did so, not only to write about the music I enjoyed growing up with in the 50s, 60s and 70s, but also to write about all those wonderful times I enjoyed growing up with my friends.

And then something nice happened. People I had never met began to write and thank me for creating a site they could relate to, with stories about the artists and songs they also grew up with. It made them feel good.

Some told me the articles and stories reminded them of the fun times growing up with friends in their old neighborhoods.

I care about all those who write to me, but some continue to stay in touch (via phone or email). These are friends I have never met in person, but I feel as if they could have grown up with me in my neighborhood. Tom Sokira was one of those. Rest easy, my friend.

"In the Still of the Night" - A Serenade... 

This month we pay tribute to our friend, Tom Sokira. Let's rewind to the tranquil evenings of the late fifties, where romance was often found under starry skies and the golden notes of a doo-wop ballad. One of those unforgettable nights involved the timeless harmonies of the Five Satins singing "In the Still of the Night." 

Tom and Georgian - The Story Begins...

It was 1962, and the world seemed in slow motion and brought back memories of  our teenage years and the songs we grew up with. We didn’t have smartphones or the internet; instead, we had jukeboxes and lyrical daydreams. It's Friday night, and friends gathered at the local drive-in restaurant for a bit of girl-watching and car talk. Everyone had their radios dialed into our favorite oldies program, listening to classic hits from the past under the open sky. We didn’t have much; we didn’t need much. A couple of singles in a paper bag, a few bucks for burgers and shakes, and the faith that there’d be a song on the jukebox that had secretly been written just for us.

Just as the night fully embraced us, DJ Ned Ward, dropped the needle on that unforgettable 1956 vinyl. As the soft, soulful intro of "In the Still of the Night" drifted through the night air, a hush fell over the group. The song captured us all, speaking to each heart present.

I remember looking over at the next car at Tom and his girlfriend, Georgian, the girl who had captured his teenage heart. Her eyes sparkled more brightly than the stars above, and, as if someone had scripted the perfect movie scene, she smiled at Tom just as Fred Parris crooned those charming words.

They swayed gently to the rhythm, unaware of anything but the music and each other. The song's promise of love and longing was the soundtrack to a moment that felt endless. Those few minutes somehow seemed to embrace the magic of youth and the promise of a future filled with endless possibilities.

Every time I listen to "In the Still of the Night" now, I'm reminded of that serene summer night, when everything felt pure and ideal. It’s amazing how a song can bring back the scent of night jasmine or the feeling of grass beneath our feet—memories etched in time as unconsciously as the words were sung.

So, whatever your "In the Still of the Night" memory might be, I hope it’s filled with as much warmth and nostalgia. Share your stories and let’s keep these classic tunes alive, one memory at a time.  I remained in contact with, Tom Sokira, for the past several years during this special Holiday season. He will surely be missed by those who knew him, but especially his wife, Georgian, and his close friend, Paul Saffoiti, who knew him best. 

"In the Still of the Night" is the only song to have charted on the Billboard Hot 100 three separate times, by the same artist with the same version each time. Original Ember Records #1005.

Lost In The Fifties - First Girl Friend, Class Rings, Cruisin' In Those Cool Customs!

The mid 50s through the early 60s was filled with music that makes you feel good and smile. It takes us back to a simpler, more innocent time when cars, clothes, dances and friends were important. 

We enjoyed the break-up and make-up songs, the happy songs, the feel good songs, and vocal group classics... these songs sound even better today because they're timeless. 

Remember when your girlfriend accepted your class ring, it was so cool to go steady, and how everything felt so right slow dancing to "In The Still of The Night" by The Five Satins.

Enjoy this version of this wonderful old song and relive the memories of those  teenage years.

This song is a remake of the original fifties tune and released as a country song by Ronnie Milsap. It is Milsap's re-recording of his 27th number one record from 1985 "Lost in the 50s Tonight." Praised by fans and critics alike, "Lost in the 50s Tonight" remains one of Milsap's signature tunes. And after all these years its impeccable melody is still hard to fault.  This Lost in the Fifties classic ended up song of the year and #8 on the adult contemporary charts.    

You might also like these stories...

• I spent many nights alone with Dolly Parton, but who would believe it...so I wrote a story about it. Read more...

• The girl I left behind. Many facts fall into place as I rediscover this original song that left me swimming in a sea of nostalgia. Read this true story here...

• Cruizin' the drive-in restaurants where guys with duck-tails met gals with pony-tails. Burgers and Fries and Cherry Pies in a world we used to know. Step back in time here...

What's Next?

Framed Album Cover Art will return with more original oldies.

Golden Oldies - Follow These Links For A Fun Trip Down Memory Lane.

Fifties Doo-Wop page -  More Links To Your Classic Street Corner Symphonies.

Check Out Our Favorite Remakes Of Original Songs. 

How About those Cars of Dreams We Grew Up With.

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