Mister 8

On the hunt for Mister 8

RIP Billy Strange, 1930-2012

Am heartbroken to found out that legendary guitar player Billy Strange died in late February. Strange was accomplished across many fields. He was a songwriter, arranger, and session man having written a number of songs for Elvis Presley, played on Pet Sounds, and supported Nancy Sinatra on a number of recordings, including arranging the single version of “You Only Live Twice.”

For some fantastic spy guitar, I’d recommend Goldfinger: The Big Sound of Billy Strange, his Guitar & Orchestra (though not a spy theme, his version of Riz Ortolani’s “More” on this album is among my favorite instrumentals ever) and Secret Agent File, which is a remastered version + additional tracks by another artist of his 60s work of the same title.

Strange, in addition to arranging and playing on the Sinatra single version of “You Only Live Twice,” also did his own version, for Secret Agent File. Give it a listen:

Condolences for Billy’s family can be left on the message board where he graciously shared time with his fans, friends and family.


1966 NBC Promo Posters

Was poking around Heritage Auctions tonight and found these beauties from a past auction:

Man From UNCLE 1966 NBC Promo

Man From UNCLE 1966 NBC Promo

I Spy NBC 1966 Poster

I Spy NBC 1966 Poster

Get Smart 1966 NBC Poster

Get Smart 1966 NBC Poster

These posters were part of a lot sold in May of this year. The UNCLE poster is by an artist named Allison (from the signature), and went for $84. The I Spy poster is by Gustav Rehberger, and went for $179. The Get Smart is by Mad Magazine veteran Jack Davis and went for $120. Originally, these were sold by NBC for just a few bucks, apparently. The best source I’ve seen on the posters is at the I Spy forum, where Tatia writes: “The eleven promotional posters produced to be given to NBC’s major affiliates as decorations for parties celebrating their 1966 season premieres were Bonanza, Daniel Boone, Flipper, Get Smart, Hey Landlord, I Spy, The Monkees, Star Trek, T.H.E. Cat, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. NBC did offer the Bonanza, Get Smart and I Spy for sale for a very limited time afterwards.”

Check out Heritage Auctions yourself for a bevy of past collectibles.


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