We're all about the history of rock & roll at BoomtownAmerica.com!

Every week, we present “ROCK REMEMBERED,” a deep dive into the hidden history of rock & roll, the stories behind the artists and songs that changed the world. Join host “Boomtown Bill” Cross each Wednesday at 7 pm (Eastern) with an encore broadcast on Saturday at noon (Eastern).

Jjoin us this Wednesday as we honor the life & music of one of Rock's most underrated pioneers, "The Ricky Nelson Story!"

Okay, you know nobody in the band was named Herman and that the lead singer, Peter Noone, is still active and performing today. But here are a few facts you may not know about those British Invasion fave raves:

It was Peter Noone’s resemblance to JFK that got them their first recording session – The group’s management had been trying unsuccessfully to get British super producer Mickey Most to record the boys. Finally, Mickey said, “Send me a picture” of the group. When the photo arrived, Most thought Noone looked like a young JFK and so decided to take a chance on the group.

“I’m Henry the VIII” was written in 1910 – Their fastest-selling single was the catchy and hyper-British ditty “I’m Henry the VIII” (or “Henery” as Noone would sing it). The song was actually first performed in English music halls as far back as 1910. The Brits themselves thought the song and Noone’s overdone Cockney accent were a little too corny, so the song was never as big in the UK as it was in the USA.

Half of Led Zeppelin played on lots of Herman’s Hermits’ records – You probably know that Jimmy Page was one of England’s most sought-after sessions musicians. And yes, he’s the one playing lead guitar on many of the group’s hits (like “Silhouettes”). What you may not know is that the band didn’t think much of their own bass player, Karl Green, and so he was replaced on nearly ALL of the group’s recording by John Paul Jones who also did double duty arranging the music for most of the group’s sessions.

“Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” was actually a cover song – The tune was written for a 1963 British TV show called “The Lads.” The original version was recorded by the show’s star Tom Courtenay, but it never went anywhere.

We all remember To Tell the Truth. It ran once a week on CBS’s prime-time schedule from 1956 to 1967. A 5-day-a-week daytime version was added in 1962 and ran until 1968.

Each episode started with the camera panning across three figures who were shrouded in darkness. The announcer would ask each “What is your name, please.” The lights would come up on each one in turn as they all gave the exact same name.

Then host Bud Collyer would read “a signed affidavit” that explained the unusual story of that round’s central character.

Following that, a celebrity panel of four (usually Tom Poston, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean and Kitty Carlisle) would ask questions, trying to figure out who really gave their true name and which two were imposters.

Finally, Bud would intone, “Would the real [person’s name], please stand up!”
There was some faking out with the contestants until finally, the real person in question would rise to their feet.

But “to tell the truth,” there are some things most of us have forgotten or simply never knew about this beloved game show classic.

1. The Show Was Almost Named Nothing But the Truth

The key phrase comes from the oath witnesses take in court “to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” When Goodson & Todman produced the pilot, they called it Nothing But the Truth. When CBS bought the pilot, the title was changed to To Tell the Truth.

2. Bud Collyer Was Not the Original Host

Mike Wallace hosted the pilot, but the network decided to go with Collyer, who was already hosting Beat the Clock when the show debuted in December of 1956.

3. Mark Goodson and Bill Todman Did Not Create the Show

It was created by one of their employees, a guy named Bob Stewart. While with Goodson-Todman, Stewart also created The Price Is Right and Password. Eventually, Stewart formed his own production company that created many network game shows, the most successful being The $10,000 Pyramid.

4. The Show Offered Very Little Cash to Contestants

On the daytime version, stumping the panelists paid $100 for every incorrect vote for a possible maximum of just $400, which had to be divided 3 ways (who got the extra penny, we don’t know). Should they not stump the panel at all, they got to split a measly $75.

On the prime-time version, the maximum payout was a little better: $1,000 with a $150 consolation prize if no one was fooled.

5. The Show Spawned 12 International Versions

Local versions of To Tell the Truth were also produced in the UK, Australia, Thailand, the Ukraine and 8 other countries.

6. The Show Is One of Only 2 Game Shows to Be Broadcast for 7 Consecutive Decades

After To Tell the Truth ended its initial run on CBS, it has been revived in syndication and on NBC and ABC. It has aired at least one new episode in every decade from the 1950s to the present. The other 7-decade run is Bob Stewart’s The Price Is Right.

And that’s the truth, we swear it!

There is a right way and a wrong way to fall. As we get older, falls that result in broken bones, concussions or other injuries can be more serious.

The people who fall for a living – Hollywood’s stunt men and women, have some tips should you find yourself losing your balance:

• Protect Your Head – If you’re falling backward, tuck your chin into your chest. If you’re falling forward, turn your face to the side.
• Land Where the Bones Aren’t – Try to position yourself so you fall on muscle, not bone. The best place to absorb a fall is on your butt. Second best would be your back or thighs.
• Stay Bent – Our natural instinct when we fall is to panic and stiffen up. This is the wrong move. Try to stay loose with your arms and legs bent. Do not try and stop your fall with an outstretched hand. That’s a good way to break your wrist.
• Keep Falling – Don’t try and stop suddenly. The more you can roll and spread the stress out to a larger area of the body, the better your chances of minimizing injuries.s