CAPTAIN RICK’S OTHER PRODUCTIONS
Here’s a sampling of some of the records Rick produced with his production partner Bill Stahl (Ultra-Sonic Productions).
A trendsetting single that popularized whistles in discos. Sold over 500,000 copies and went to #1 on the Disco charts, #3 on the R&B charts and in the 40’s on the TOP 40 chart in Billboard. The first of 6 consecutive charting records by Gary & the group.
Gary Toms Empire
Their second single, and also a hit. The biggest disco remake ever of a Beatles song.
Gary Toms Empire
Another disco charted record, called by some reviewers an overlooked classic of the era. Rick was one of the co-writers, with Gary and Bill.
Gary Toms Empire
Written by Gary, this record charted, but it’s larger claim to fame is that it was the bed of a Coke TV commercial for over 5 years.
Gary Toms Empire
Even though this wasn’t as big as some of Gary’s other tracks, it is one of Rick’s favorite productions. The song was actually about Haarlem in the Netherlands, but Rick, Bill and Gary adapted it to be about Harlem, New York, USA.
Jay Silver Band
Originally recorded by The Toppers in 1954, this remake came out on Sox Records and started blasting up the college radio charts. Sox then sold the master to Columbia Records. Really fun record.
Moonlion
Rick wrote this and a group of his musician friends (including Gary Toms) played on the session. Rick loves this record, especially the funky bridge.
Moonlion
This was a Christmas disco hit and was used for two years by the NFL as the background music in all their football game broadcasts around Christmastime.
Moonlion
A minor disco hit. Used by the Harlem Globetrotters in their live performances and on their Popcorn MachineTV show
Bobby Rydell
Bill and Rick produced Bobby’s comeback during the disco era.
Bobby Rydell
This is Rick and Bill’s version of a Billy Joel album track. One of Rick’s favorite productions.
Bobby Rydell
The first single Rick and Bill did with Bobby.
Liquid Pleasure
Written by friend Carl Wurzbach, this never achieved the success Rick thought it should have gotten, as he loves this production. He’s always thought Bruno Mars should record a version of the song.
Liquid Pleasure
Another good production with this group.