Obit of the Day: From Mickey Mouse Club to Fenway Park
This story begins with a mugging in Boston near the Charles River. Ed Cobb, the victim, was also a music producer and his not-so-happy experience would become a song that is as iconic among the city's sports fans as "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" and "Sweet Caroline."
The song Ed Cobb wrote, "Dirty Water," was recorded by The Standells in 1966. The garage band featured vocalist and keyboard player Larry Tamblyn, guitarist Tony Valentino, bass guitarist Gary Lane, and drummer and vocalist Dick Dodd. None of the band had ever been to Boston.
The song was released in April 1966 and would peak at 11 on the Billboard charts. It would be The Standells greatest hit. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland, Ohio) lists it as one of the "Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll."
Dick Dodd, who got his professional start as a member of the original Mickey Mouse Club, left the group in 1968 to pursue a solo career. He wouldn't rejoin the group for 36 years.
In 1997, the Boston Red Sox began playing "Dirty Water" after every home victory. It was also adopted by the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics. Mr. Dodd had no idea until hearing his voice on television at the end of a Red Sox game.Â
In 2004, without much preparation, The Standells reunited before Game 2 of the World Series to perform "Dirty Water" live in Fenway Park. The Red Sox would win the series, their first in 86 years.
Dick Dodd, who was driving a limousine when contacted by the Red Sox, died on November 29, 2013 at the age of 66.
Random note: Mr. Dodd bought his first snare drum for $20 from Annette Funicello, who passed away in April 2013.
Sources: NY Times, Boston Globe, and Wikipedia
("Dirty Water" and The Very Best of the Standells is copyright Universal Music Enterprises, 1998)
