Author: Mark Daponte

Mark Daponte is a copy/blog writer for an advertising company and has published/sold four short stories, three full length screenplays, nine short screenplays (including two animation scripts) and punches up screenplays—because they don’t punch back. He has had six short comedic plays performed by various theater companies, including one in Los Angeles, (Sacred Fools) and Sacramento, CA (Sacramento Actors Theater Company). When he isn’t sinking down to a thirteen-year-old’s level to make his teenaged sons laugh, he can be found seeking signs of intelligent life in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY.

Bobbie Gentry

by Mark Daponte January 7, 2021 Comments2

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Bobbie Gentry: She Longed to Be Gone

Her hit, “Ode to Billie Joe,” put Bobbie Gentry on the map — and began her journey to get away from the pressures of fame.

up against it

by Mark Daponte December 14, 2020 Comments4

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The Beatles, Joe Orton and “Up Against It”

The Beatles were sick and tired of their “mop top” movie image. Edgy playwright Joe Orton stepped in – but it went sideways fast.

jeff beck

by Mark Daponte November 28, 2020 Comments5

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The Best (and Worst) of Supergroups

It seems like a great idea: get the best players in rock to join forces in a “supergroup.” But there are other issues that come with talent.

bobby whitlock

by Mark Daponte November 21, 2020 Comments3

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“Layla” At 50

“Layla” — the work of Eric Clapton with Derek and the Dominos — is a staple now. But 50 years ago, it didn’t make much of a splash.

by Mark Daponte November 19, 2020 Comments0

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Two-Man Bands, One-Hit Wonders

There are duos (like Hall and Oates) who had many, many hits. Then there are those duos who only had one big hit together.