A Happy Reader Roundup

Getting lots of nice reader comments lately, which I naturally love. Keep 'em coming and please post comments on the book's Amazon page.

Thanks! And here are the comments. 

"I'm in the middle of the book and I love it." John K. post on Facebook

"Finished it Saturday. So sad. Enjoyed it. Big Sherman fan." Peter on Twitter.

"Good afternoon Mr. Cohen -- I just completed your book and enjoyed it very much; I have recommended it to several friends. Congratulations on your work." Email from Robin S.

"I went to YouTube because I'm loving your book." Ardie G. comment on my YouTube channel.

American Spectator Likes Allan Sherman (who knew?)

The September issue of American Spectator magazine features a review of Overweight Sensation, by (full disclosure) my friend Jerry Nachman.

No surprise, he likes it.

"Mark Cohen's insightful book carefully charts [Sherman's] unlikely rise and swift, sorry crash."

But I believe he really did like it.

Thanks, Jerry.

New Interview with Allan Sherman Biography Author

Which is me.

The headline on the interview -- published in The Modern -- capsulizes the whole story.

Allan Sherman – Overweight Sensation

Before Weird Al, there was Allan Sherman, whose song parodies nailed ethnicity and suburban conformity.

Click here to see the story.

Sherman at his friend Bobby Rosengarden's house
(courtesy of Neil Rosengarden)

The Photos/Videos Tab is Fully Updated (finally!)

Just updated this blog's Photos/Videos tab.

Now it has everything that's on my YouTube channel. Visit it by clicking here.

For starters, enjoy "Just the Times," Sherman's parody of the great song "Just in Time."

The recording is from Sherman's performance at the National Press Club in Washington, where he entertained the august group on February 2, 1963.

It is, not surprisingly, the only song about the 1962-63 New York City newspaper strike.

Sherman's parody, "Just the Times"

Allan Sherman on "Hello Muddah"

In less than one minute, Sherman offers a fascinating take on the appeal of "Hello Muddah."

For Sherman the song's subtext, if you'll allow such language, is darker than you might guess.

This audio clip is virtually unknown. It is from a 1964 not-for-sale promotional album delivered to disc jockey called Allan Sherman And You. . . 

I'm very interested in your thoughts.