Bruce Belland - The Four Preps: "26 Miles", "Big Man". Talks About Ricky Nelson, Ozzie And Harriet, George Burns, Bob Hope, Nancy Sinatra, Sandra Dee And More!

Dec 5

Episode Notes

Bruce Belland was a member of The Four Preps - America’s first boy band. Their 1958 million selling hit “26 Miles Across The Sea” made them into international pop stars. The song influenced Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and inspired Jimmy Buffett. The Preps were featured on the Ed Sullivan Show and had a recurring role in “Ozzie And Harriet”. They even co-starred in the movie “Gidget” with Sandra Dee. In total they had 8 Gold Singles and 3 Gold Albums. Bruce talks about his fascinating life in the entertainment business including his friend Ricky Nelson, his date with Nancy Sinatra , on tour with George Burns and Bob Hope, and much more!

My featured song is “Around The Horn” from the Made In New York album by my band, Project Grand Slam. Spotify link here.

“Dream With Robert Miller”. Click here.

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Bruce and I discuss the following:

His Bio - maybe the longest in history!
Hollywood High School with so many Superstars
Meeting Ricky and David Nelson
His date with Nancy Sinatra
Forming The Four Preps
The Ed Sullivan Show
Touring with George Burns and Bob Hope

In the Songfest portion we play and discuss:

“26 Miles”
“Big Man”
“Lazy Summer Night”
“Down By The Station”

“Live At SteelStacks” is the new 5-song EP by Robert and his band, Project Grand Slam. The release captures the band at the top of their game and shows off the breadth, scope and sound of the band.

The EP has been highly praised by musicians and reviewers alike. Elliott Randall, of Steely Dan fame, the guitarist who recorded the unforgettable solos in ‘Reelin’ In The Years’, calls Live At SteelStacks “Captivating!”. Tony Carey, the incredible multi-talented artist who has produced Joe Cocker, Eric Burden and John Mayall, says “PGS burns down the house!”. Alan Hewitt of the Moody Blues says “Full of life!” Melody Maker says simply “Virtuoso musicians!”, and Hollywood Digest says “Such a great band!”.

“Live At SteelStacks” can be streamed on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and all the other streaming platforms, and can be downloaded at The PGS Store.

“All Of The Time” is Robert’s most recent single by his band Project Grand Slam. It’s a playful, whimsical love song. It’s light and airy and exudes the happiness and joy of being in love. The reviewers agree. Melody Maker gives it 5 Stars and calls it “Pure bliss…An intimate sound with abundant melodic riches!”. Pop Icon also gives it 5 Stars and calls it “Ecstasy…One of the best all-around bands working today!”. And Mob York City says simply “Excellence…A band in full command of their powers!” Watch the video here. You can stream “All Of The Time” on Spotify, Apple or any of the other streaming platforms. And you can download it here.

“The Shakespeare Concert” is the latest album by Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam. It’s been praised by famous musicians including Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Jim Peterik of the Ides Of March, Joey Dee of Peppermint Twist fame, legendary guitarist Elliott Randall, and celebrated British composer Sarah Class. The music reviewers have called it “Perfection!”, “5 Stars!”, “Thrilling!”, and “A Masterpiece!”. The album can be streamed on Spotify, Apple and all the other streaming services. You can watch the Highlight Reel HERE. And you can purchase a digital download or autographed CD of the album HERE.

“The Fall Of Winter” is Robert’s single in collaboration with legendary rocker Jim Peterik of the Ides Of March and formerly with Survivor. Also featuring renowned guitarist Elliott Randall (Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers) and keyboard ace Tony Carey (Joe Cocker/Eric Burden). “A triumph!” (The Indie Source). “Flexes Real Rock Muscle!” (Celebrity Zone). Stream it on Spotify or Apple. Watch the lyric video here. Download it here.

Robert’s “Follow Your Dream Handbook” is an Amazon #1 Bestseller. It’s a combination memoir of his unique musical journey and a step by step how-to follow and succeed at your dream. Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.