Bleecker Bob’s was much more than an oldies record shop. Plotnik recognized new trends in music and it was the source of hard-to-find punk rock releases in the genre’s early days. Thousands of albums and singles were stacked in countertop compartments and posters and memorabilia covered the walls.

A Star Is Bought was written and produced by Brooks and Harry Shearer. Brooks, according to the album’s scenario, wants to become a crossover recording star, appealing to as many different music fans as possible.

“Renée was Mike Brown’s big love, and Tommy liked her a lot too,” said Cameron. “Tall, blonde and quiet. Mike was like a little kid around her. He’d bring her up to the studio to hear his latest songs, and then we’d all come out and sing. She’d just sit there and listen and smile a lot.”

On November 13, 1963, the Trashmen released the surf rock classic “Surfin’ Bird.” Despite its sound, the band recorded the song 2,000 miles away from the sun, sand, and surf of Southern California.