It’s interesting to note that, regardless of what he did in the music industry (and what he did is still lost on me) or how much power he was able to wield, Uncle Donnie never got jaded, never lost his enthusiasm as a fan.  Flipping through his correspondence, I am reminded constantly of his deep and abiding love for certain artists, among them Root Boy Slim, the Shaggs, and Billy Squier.  Add to this distinguished list a certain Philly native, as evidenced by the following memo, dated October, 1982. -RS

TO: Oates
FROM: Don Skwatzenschitz
RE: Career advice

This afternoon, I heard the future of blue-eyed soul music, and its name was, simply, Oates. Now, I recall seeing you and the blonde guy on stages in various clubs, soup kitchens, and department store openings back eight, ten, twelve years ago. Even then, I listened to you and thought I was hearing the second coming of the Righteous Brothers (this was years before you actually covered  “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling, ” which blew away the original, particularly the  “Baby, baby, I’d get down on my knees for you ” breakdown). In you, my wee friend, I found the new Bill Medley. Of course, Bill was a tall, clean-shaven guy with straight hair and you’re a short, mustachioed fella with curly hair. That’s where the differences end, little buddy.

So what piqued my interest this afternoon? Well, I put on that brand-spankin’-new album H2O and heard my hairy-lipped paisano (that would be you) sing the next Number One record in the country— “Italian Girls. “ Amazing. I don’t know how you do it. Yes, you had me hooked with  “I’m Just A Kid (Don’t Make Me Feel Like A Man). “ You made me cry—weep, just like a little girl—with  “Crazy Eyes. “ I practically melted when you sang  “The Emptyness “ in ‘77 (even though you spelled it wrong). But  “Italian Girls “—with that  “Faccia bella cara mia ” refrain? I am your servant, Oates. Now and always.  Use me to do thy bidding. (more…)