Smallscreen News

No Miss: 'The Legends of Laurel Canyon' comes Oct. 13

By April MacIntyre Sep 7, 2012, 21:45 GMT

Fall 2012 brings a unique local Los Angeles production that was a passionate subject for KABC-TV reporter Tina Malave, a stunner who normally works the red carpet and hosts TV shows in heels, glammed up like the stars she interviews.

Fall 2012 brings a unique local Los Angeles production that was a passionate subject for KABC-TV reporter Tina Malave, a stunner who normally works the red carpet and hosts TV shows in heels, glammed up like the stars she interviews.

In the past few years, Malave has taken her entertainment-based reporting to more weighty subjects, uncovering local heroes and traveling to far away countries to report back. 

But she always had a desire to bring the vivid L.A. music history alive to those who may not know or remember it, knowing the clock was ticking on some of the remaining stars who were present during these halcyon days when one particular canyon was a hotbed of music, art and fashion.

Documentary "'The Legends of Laurel Canyon" will take you back to the days of Joni Mitchell, David Crosby, Eric Clapton, Mama Cass and so many more luminaries whose music is as powerful today as it ever was.

Tina Malave has spent the past year working on an hourlong "Eye on L.A." special examining the storied legacy of art, music and fashion in the late 1960s and early '70s in the Laurel Canyon area.

This canyon, a twisty steep holler that is perpetually shaded, lays between Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. It was once home to silent film stars, and then later it was the sanctuary of Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, Brian Wilson, members of the Mamas and the Papas, Carole King, David Crosby and so many more.

Malave's intent is part nostalgia trip and part musical history tour of incredible artists whose music is timeless.  She collaborated with author Harvey Kubernik who penned "Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and Music of Laurel Canyon," and photographers Henry Diltz and Bobby Klein.

Monsters and Critics asked Malave which interview surprised her.

"Micky Dolenz was the first interview I did for this show over a year ago and his stories were just hysterical," shared Malave. "There should be an entire documentary about Micky alone! Johnny Echols from LOVE was a big surprise for me. The story of LOVE and why they never reached their full potential for national and international recognition is fascinating and truly touching as well. One of the things I was shocked to learn from Echols was that he, David Crosby and Jim Morrison were actually very good friends and all hung out together. Surprising since diehard Doors and Crosby Stills Nash and Young fans will tell you Crosby never really seems to have anything nice to say about Morrison or the Doors."

Malave continued, "But my biggest thrill was going up to Frank Zappa's house to meet and interview his wife Gail. One of the things I'm really hoping to get across to our audience in this show is how important, endearing and relevant Frank Zappa was and is today. Gail and Frank have lived ...and she still lives in and around the area considered to be Laurel Canyon pretty much since the mid 60's - with a brief stint in New York.  Danny Hutton from Three Dog Night has lived there since the early '60's and is still there...in Alice Cooper's former house, nest door to Micky Dolenz's former house!"

'The Legends of Laurel Canyon' Premieres Saturday, Oct 13th from 8:30-9:30pm on ABC7 Los Angeles.