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Jan 2018 - p.20
There was a time when the Jersey Shore
represented the very best in American
entertainment. Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, The
Rat Pack, Dick Clark, Chubby Checker - they all
made stops on the Jersey Shore. Tony Mart’s was
the club Levon Helm was playing when Dylan
called.
Of course we all know what happened in Asbury
Park. The town, ravaged by riots in the late 60’s,
became a melting pot of musical experimentation.
Late night jams that ended when the sun came
up were the norm. Bruce Springsteen &
Southside Johnny were the two acts that made
their way to an international stage from these
humble beginnings.
For decades musicians have come and gone,
always hoping to make a living and pursue a
dream. Billy Walton is no different. Billy’s
proving ground was Long Beach Island. There
he was chaperoned from gig to gig by his Mom,
too young to drive around and enter the clubs
on his own. He was always up for a jam and
From New Jersey, the fabulous....
Billy Walton Band
