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.

gary paxton

by Mark Daponte October 20, 2023 Comments1

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Of Hits and Hitmen: The Gary S. Paxton Story

Gary Paxton had great “ears” when it came to producing hits. But his wild personal life was both colorful –and dangerous.

by Mark Daponte October 12, 2023 Comments5

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Mose Allison: A Muse…And Amusing

Mose Allison’s take on the jazz-blues he grew up on in the South proved irresistible to many rock bands of the 60s.

by Mark Daponte October 2, 2023 Comments7

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Jann Wenner Rolls Over Some Deserving “Masters”

Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner stirred well-deserved controversy by ignoring black and female artists in his new book, “The Masters.”

by Mark Daponte September 25, 2023 Comments3

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The First Take Is The Deepest: Demos Turned Hits

Sometimes, those rough “demo” tapes of a song hold just the right ingredients to be a hit — and nothing further needs to be done.

by Mark Daponte September 14, 2023 Comments2

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Ruthann Friedman: The Bronx Folkie

Ruthann Friedman was the furthest thing from “California,” but she captured a certain 60s vibe, writing one of the era’s most enduring hits.