Category Archives: US

Categories: California, Current, Impression, Los Angeles, Rally

The Current Records label

June 21, 2013 Chris Bishop 8 Comments

In 1964, John Fisher was president of Crusader Records, where he produced a sizeable hit, Terry Stafford’s “Suspicion”, the second release on the label, as well as a 45 by Johnny Fortune. A notice in Billboard on August 15, 1964 announced that Fisher departed Crusader suddenly, to be replaced by Harry Maselow.

The notice doesn’t say why Fisher left, but in October, Billboard announced his formation of Current Records. Fisher’s name is on almost every Current single as producer.

The first release on Current Records was Bob Moline’s “Forbidden”, in September or October ’64, which was soon picked up on Imperial label for national release. Fisher produced and Bob Summers did arrangments.

Johnny Fortune (John Sudetta) was a fine guitarist with a number of surf recordings prior to his Current singles, first on Emmy Records out of Paul Buff’s Pal Studios in Cucamonga
(same label for Johnny Fisher’s own 45, “Tell Me Yes” / “Dream Tonight”). Johnny Fortune’s biggest was “Soul Surfer” on Park Ave Records, also produced by Fisher.

Johnny had three 45’s on Current. I’ve heard both sides of the first, the light pop songs “Say You Will” / “Come On and Love Me”. Better is the top side of Current 104, “Don Stole My Girl”. I haven’t heard the flip to that or his third 45, “I Am Lonely For You” / “I’ll Never Let You Go”.

Two other singers represented on the label include Carl Otis, who has what I believe is a soul 45, “Let It Be Me” / “Never Take Away My Love”, and Bobby Jameson, whose “All Alone” is a fine Stones-y r&b with harmonica, backed with the poppier “Your Sweet Lovin'” came out in early ’65, after his Talamo singles.

The Avengers were from Bakersfield, and are best known for their 45 on the Starburst label, “Be a Caveman”. Both sides of their Current 45 are also excellent, “Open Your Eyes” / “It’s Hard to Hide”. You can read the full story of the Avengers at Flower Bomb Songs.

John Fisher’s earlier promotional work in Arizona and other western states may have helped bring two groups from Tucson, Arizona to the Los Angeles based Current Records. For more on The Five of Us see the separate entry here.

The Tongues of Truth were really known as the Grodes and also came from Tucson. Manny Freiser of the Grodes had long-standing connections in L.A., first with Jerry Kasenetz who produced his first recording, “I Won’t Be There”. Kasenetz’s roommate Jerry Bruckheimer brought in a the Hustlers to work with Manny and they became the Grodes. Though the band made Tucson their base for live shows, they made further L.A. connections including the disc promoter Mike Borchetta, actor Cass Martin and KRLA DJ Emperor Bob Hudson.

Emperor Hudson had his own 45 on Current, also released on RPR records, the very demented “I’m Normal” (“I fill my bathtub with strawberry jam, and feed my squirrels sugar-cured ham and I spread rumors that Stalin is dead, has to do with wearing a sheepskin when he died in bed … made that up!”), The Emperor’s Friend may be Ron Landry.

For an interesting look at Bob Hudson check out George Lucas’ student film The Emperor.

The Tongues of Truth is of course, the Grodes, and “Let’s Talk About Girls” was the original version of the song later covered by the Chocolate Watchband. The Grodes fired their manager Dan Gates for changing their band name for the single. To add to John Fisher’s connection with the Impression label, the Grodes also issued a 45 on Impression, “What They Say About Love” / “Have Your Cake And Eat It Too” (anyone have a good scan of that 45?).

Current Records 45 discography (any help to make this complete would be appreciated)

Current 100 – Bob Moline “Forbidden” / “If I Were An Artist” (need a scan for this one, either side)
Current 101 – Johnny Fortune “Say You Will” / “Come On and Love Me”
Current 102 – Carl Otis “Let It Be Me” (E. James, Carl Otis for Lightswitch-Jinco BMI) / “Never Take Away My Love” C-1115 prod John Fisher
Current 103 – Bobby Jameson “All Alone” / “Your Sweet Lovin'” (Monarch press #54578/9, Oct. ’64)
Current 104 – Johnny Fortune “Don Stole My Girl” (J. Sudetta, Lightswitch/Algrace BMI) / “You Want Me to Be Your Baby” prod. J. Fisher (Feb. 1965)
Current 105 – Johnny Fortune “I Am Lonely For You” / “I’ll Never Let You Go”
Current 106 – ?
Current 107 – ?
Current 108 – ?
Current 109 – Avengers “Open Your Eyes” (G. Blake) / “It’s Hard to Hide” (G. Likens) both songs Lightswitch Music BMI, prod. by J. Fisher, distributed by Periphery Prods., Inc
Current 110 – Five of Us “Hey You” (L. Hucherson) / “Need Me Like I Need You” (July ’66)
Current 111 – The Emperor “I’m Normal” (Bob Hudson) / The Emperor’s Friends “The Crossing Game” (E. Mackinon), prod. by Fisher
Current 112 – The Tongues of Truth “Let’s Talk About Girls” / “You Can’t Come Back” both by Manny Freiser for Lightswitch Music BMI (prod by John Fisher, May 1966)

This is not to be confused with the Current label out of Nashville in the ’70s.

John Fisher may have also owned the Rally label – I’d like to know more about this, if true. It seems he went back into promotions, as a John Fisher was working for Atlantic Records in the early ’70s.

Categories: California, Los Angeles, Rally, US

The Rally Records label

June 21, 2013 Chris Bishop 4 Comments

I can only find half a dozen releases to list for the Rally Records label. In the notes from the Bacchus Archives CD Let’s Talk About Girls! Music from Tucson Manny Freiser of the Grodes recalls John Fisher as a disc promotion man who owned the Rally and Current Records labels. Current was definitely Fisher’s, but I can’t find Fisher’s name on any of Rally’s labels, but he did produce the Grodes on Current.

Rally Records labels show other producers: Bob Todd, George Motola, Joe Saraceno, Tony Butala and Dan Gates.

Billy Quarles’ “Bringing Up What I’ve Done Wrong” was picked up by Columbia (as “Quit Bringing Up What I’ve Done Wrong”. The flip is listed as by Billy & the Ar-Kets and is an excellent r&b popcorn number.

Beverly Noble’s “Better Off Without You” is a Gold Star studio production, with string arrangements and Spector-like effects.

Hillary Hokum’s 45 is very pop. I have confirmation that this is Suzi Jane Hokum (it does sound like her).

The Agents were an obscure band from somewhere in the Los Angeles area. I don’t know who was in the group. I had a post on them up for years that received no comments, so maybe the name is a front for another band or studio group. “Gotta Help Me” is a stomping couple minutes of garage pop. The flip is a ballad, “Calling An Angel”.

Each side has its own set of producers and are very different in sound, I could doubt it’s the same group of musicians. “Gotta Help Me” was written by Richards, Todd, Markey and Shay, and produced by Markey and Todd. “Calling An Angel” was written by Johnny MacRae and Bob Todd, and produced by Todd and Tony Butala.

The Grodes’ “Love Is A Sad Song” / “I’ve Lost My Way” comes about mid-way in their discography. The flip is one of my favorite slower-tempo garage songs.

The Perpetual Motion Workshop single comes over a year after the previous Rally release, and possibly represents a different label altogether. In any case, it’s a great single.

Rally Records 45 discography
possibly incomplete – any help would be appreciated

Rally 501- Billy Quarles “Bringing Up What I’ve Done Wrong” (Lanny and Robert Duncan, Wrist Music BMI) / Billy & the Ar-Kets “Little Archie” (prod. by Joe Saraceno, arr. by Rene Hall) Δ 56140 / Δ 56140-X in the deadwax indicates March of 1965 pressing date.

Rally 502 – Beverly Noble “Better Off Without You” (George Motola – Ricky Page, Wrist-Rickland Music BMI)) / “Love of My Life” (G. Motola) – produced by Motola & Saraceno, arranged by Don Ralke. Δ 56866 / Δ 56866-X indicates May, 1965.

Rally 503 – Hillary Hokom (aka Suzi Jane Hokum) “Can’t Let You Go” / “Tears of Joy” (Lanny Duncan, R. Duncan, Tonto Music, BMI) Prod. by Tony Butala and Bob Todd. Δ 58838 / Δ 58838-X indicates September 1965.

Rally 504 – The Agents “Gotta Help Me” / “Calling An Angel”. Δ 59279 / Δ 59279-X indicates October 1965.

Rally 505 – Grodes “Love Is a Sad Song” (M. Freiser, Lightswitch BMI) / “I’ve Lost My Way” (M. Freiser, Ramhorn Music BMI) (prod. by Dan Gates, May, 1966)

Rally 507 – The Senate – “Slippin’ And Slidin'” / “Mary-Go-Round” (prod. Bob Todd & Bob Duncan)

Rally 66506/7 – Perpetual Motion Workshop “Infiltrate Your Mind” (Simon Stokes, Fifth Avenue Music BMI) / “Won’t Come Down” (Dave Briggs, Cannon Music ASCAP) Prod. & arr. by Dave Briggs and Simon T. Stokes, Sept. ’67)

Likely an unrelated label:
Rally R-1601 – Rico & the Ravens – “Don’t You Know” (J. Foust, R. Martin) / “In My Heart”

Thank you to Max Waller for his continuing contributions to this discography, and to Tony Butala for correcting some misspellings.

Categories: San Antonio, Texas, Unknown

The Invicta Way and Shades McRay

May 10, 2013 Chris Bishop 7 Comments

It’s not certain if the label is The Invicta Way and different artists are listed at the top, or the group was The Invicta Way, and each side of the record has its own label name, or sub-artist.

“What Am I to Do” has Someone Else listed at the top. The keyboard sound is a combo organ, possibly a Gibson Kalamzoo, with distortion effect or overdriven amp (thanks to Mike’s comment below for the info).

“Things As They Should Be (Two Flowers Spreading Love)” has ‘Du Rango La Platz’ where the label name would usually go. I’m not sure what this refers to.

Dead wax reads INVICTA 45-2301/2 BRS. However, both songs were written by McRay for Kery Pub, BMI which suggests this was the work of one group. Ron Kery was producer for both sides. Released circa 1968.

As Westex points out in his comment below, Shades McRay was a San Antonio musician, who had a release on Domar DM-1111 as McRay and the Invictas: “Son-of-a-Gun” (written by Richard Dodd) b/w “Cheryl”.

Categories: Amway, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Sellersburg

Amway Discography

May 2, 2013 Chris Bishop 5 Comments

Amway was the label of Alpo Music Productions of Sellersburg, Indiana, across the Ohio River and north of Louisville, Kentucky.

I haven’t heard the Torments or the Profiles yet, but the others are all excellent, if primitively recorded.

The Torments came from northern Kentucky. The Classics came from Paintsville, Kentucky – for more on them see the separate post. The recordings were likely made in a backroom of a radio station or very basic studio in Louisville, KY or Jeffersonville, IN, and the tapes were sent to RCA’s custom service for pressing.

This discography may be incomplete – any help with info and scans would be appreciated!

The Octives – “Love” (Bob Burton, Bruno Music BMI) / Laughing At Me” SK4M-6174/5 (second half of 1965)

The Classics – “Trisha” / “I’m Hurtin'” (Garland, Titlow,& Donahue, Playridge Music BMI) (825M-4956, T4KM-4956, first half of 1966)

The Emotions – “Every Man” (John S. Hodge, Playridge, BMI) / “I Just Do It” (825M-4957, T4KM-4957/8, first half of 1966)

The Profiles – “If You Need Me” (Golden & Bateman) / “Please Come Back” (Marion Howard and Mike Howard, Playridge, BMI) 825M-5840, T4KM-5840/1, first half of 1966, Mel-O-Dee Entertainment, Inc.)

The Torments – “Lying to Me” (Buddy Perryman – Tim Feldman, Playridge Music, BMI) / “I Love You More Each Day” (824P-3715, TK4M-3715/6)

If anyone has photos or info on any of these bands please get in contact with me at chas_kit [at] hotmail.com

Sources include www.45rpmrecords.com/KY/Amway.php

Categories: Arkansas, Foundation, Malvern, Yardley

The Yardleys

March 23, 2013 Chris Bishop 5 Comments

Recently I bought the Yardleys first 45 and found the band was listed as unknown in the liners to Lost Souls vol. 1, from Pine Bluff in Teen Beat Mayhem, and from Alabama in Gear Fab’s Psychedelic States CD series!

Billy Bob Thornton had his own garage band, the McCoveys, in his hometown of Malvern, Arkansas, about 40 miles southwest of Little Rock. He wrote about the Yardleys in his autobiography, The Billy Bob Tapes: A Cave Full of Ghosts:

The big band in my town was called the Yardleys … Steve Walker, Larry Byrd, Bo Jones, Bucky Griggs and Butch Allen. They had a Farfisa organ, bass, guitar, drums and Bo Jones played the trumpet. They played original songs and actually made a couple of 45s that were played regionally, but they may as well have been the fucking Rolling Stones or the Beatles as far as I was concerned.
The Yardleys used to have these street dances and they would rope off the main Dollar Store and Safeway parking lots. It cost fifty cents or a dollar to come inside the rope and dance in front of the band … Most of my days in junior high and high school were spent trying to figure out how you get chicks that looked good, and just standing there watching these bands like the Cadets, LSD and the Illusions, the Senates, the Yardleys and the Beethovens.
The Yardleys were playing a cover of “Cold Sweat” by James Brown. Steve Walker, the guitar player, landed on a nail on the wooden stage during his guitar solo. When he got back up, his pants were ripped and he had this bloody knew but he just kept playing …

In 1966 the Yardleys released their first 45 on the Foundation label, the top side featuring the subdued original by Bucky Griggs and Larry Byrd “Come What May”, backed with Butch Allen’s excellent and upbeat “The Light Won’t Shine”. Both songs published by High Fidelity Oleta, BMI, which also published the Lost Souls on Leopard.

Butch Allen wrote both songs on their second 45 from January, 1967 on their own Yardley label, the very Stones-inspired “Your Love” backed with the gentle “Just Remember”, both songs published by Quinvy, BMI.

Joan H. sent in this poster of the group that was posted to a website about Malvern.
She writes:

Standing on left is Bucky Griggs, on right Larry Byrd, seated on left is Butch Allen and right Steve Walker. Although Billy Bob is correct, Bo Jones did play in the band, it was not for the full time and he was added at some point. Don Hicks was the photographer but he has not been in business in the Malvern area for a very long time. The bench Steve Walker rests against was used in many of the photographs for local brides.

If anyone has a better photo of the poster or other photos of the Yardleys or other groups in that area, please contact me.

Thank you to Joan for forwarding the photo.

Categories: California, Los Angeles, Rev

Rev Records discography

March 4, 2013 Chris Bishop 6 Comments

Rev has one of my favorite singles, “Glimmer Sunshine” by Jack Bedient & the Chessmen.

The Tommy Love and Lonnie & the Legends are the only picture sleeves I know of for Rev.

The label’s location is usually noted at 12044 Chandler Blvd, N. Hollywood, CA, but the Tommy Gardner 45 gives an address of 12055 Burbank Boulevard. No relation to the Rev label from Arizona in the late ’50s that had releases by Doug Hardin, Skip & Flip, etc.

I’ve put these in possible order of release – but it’s only a guess.

This discography is probably incomplete – any help with dates, info and scans would be appreciated!

Rev 45-D-100/45-D-101 – “Wish You Were Still Mine” (Don R. McGinnis, Loucan Music BMI) / “Devil in Me” (J. Bryant for Mosic Publ., BMI) both sides arranged by Don McGinnis

Rev A1001 – Tommy Love – “Love Bug Is Buggin’ Me” / “Your Heart Is Like a Swingin’ Gate” (W.V. Thrasher, arranged by Bruce Locke)

Rev A-1003 – Gil Shelton – “I Was Wrong from the Start” (Joe Fiorito, Laucan Music BMI) / “A Penny in the Wishing Well” (with picture sleeve)

Rev 45-1005 / 45-1006 – Lonnie & the Legends – “Penguin Walk” / “Crazy Penguin” (George Grah, Laucan Music BMI, with picture sleeve)

Lonnie & the Legends had at least three 45s on various labels, I cover that band in more depth here.

Rev 45-R-1102 – Tacey Robbins and the Vendells – “My L.A.” / “Ordinary Boy” (both by Billy Storm, “Sound Track Motion Picture ‘Psycho a GoGo'”, arranged by Don McGinnis, Produced by Al Adamson, Laucan Music, BMI

Rev 45-1-66 – The Frontiers Men and Joanie – “Roaring Angels Game” (Major W.V. Thrasher, Laucan Music” / “Anaheim U.S.A.” (Lee Brian, Val-Dare Music BMI)

Rev 45-D-166/45-D-266 – Group Therapy – “Seventh Heaven” (Tom Jones, Bill Doran) / “Cheated Again” (Bob Pecel) (both sides arranged by Bill Doran, March 1966)

Rev 45-D-104-66 / 105-66 – Jack Bedient & the Chessmen – “Glimmer Sunshine” / “Where Did She Go” (October 1966)

Rev 45-N-105 – Nocturnals – “Stag Line” (Don Freeze) / Eugene Hillard (vocalist) and the Nocturnals “I Want To Know”

Rev 45-R-107 – Jay Jay Cameron with King David & the Parables – “Short Dresses” (Jay Jay Cameron – Barry Hansen) / “Miss Missile”

Rev 45-G-112 – Doug McGinnis – “Moon Over Texas” / “Everything But Me”

Rev 45-115-67/116-67 – The Royal Teens – “Chicaney” (Chirico-Whittle, Laucan Pub, BMI) / “Tears in My Eyes” (Monarch #66743, May ’67, Royal Teens became The Paper Fortress)

Rev 45-117-67/118-67 – Nona Nikova – “Dreams Are Not Enough” (Sam Carrino) / “Let The Sun Shine” (Nona Nikova), both pub. by Laucan BMI, arr. by Sam Carrino

Rev 45-117-68/118-68 – Leo & Marv – “Mrs Heartbreaker ” / “House of Lonely Hearts”

Rev 45-119-68/120-68 – Real People – “Sea Of Reality” / “The Man” (both by Parks, Alan, 1968)

Rev 200-69 – Art Wight – “Pickin’ Fights for Christmas” (Art Wight, Laucan Music BMI) / “Three Cigarettes”
Rev 200-69 – Cousin Frank – “Pickin’ Fights for Christmas” (Art Wight, Wight Barn ASCAP) / “Three Cigarettes”
The above two seem to be identical releases except for the artist name and publishing info. Not sure why there were two releases under different names. Country music.

Rev-3028/9 King George and the Timps – “I’m Thru Losin’ You” (Howard Huntsberry, Launcan BMI) / “I Cried” (George Renfro)
Also released on Midtown M-002, “I’m Through Losin’ You” (credit changed to E.B. Robertson) / “I Cried”. Rev issue seems to be rarer.

Rev-3528 King George and Mischief Lads – “Shing-a-Ling Baby part 1” / “Shing a Ling Baby part 2” (both by George Renfro)
“part 2 is particularly insane” – Mr. Robinson

Rev 4003 – Los Chicanos – “Love Is Blue” / “La Bamba”

Rev 500 – Darvy Traylor (arr. LaBerta Ellis) – “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey” / “That’s All That Matters To Me” (1974)

Rev-5001 – L.A. County C.O.P.E. – “Sacramento Playhouse” (Cheep Music, ASCAP, 4:00) / “Stand Up You Children”

COPE = Commitee on Political Education? Seems to be some riff on Nixon – anyone have clips of this or a good scan of the b-side?

Rev 7001 – Al Hanner “Beyond the Reef” / “Who’s Sorry Now” (need confirmation of this one – label scans please)

Rev-8107 – Tommy Gardner & His Versatiles – “Why” / “That Kind of Love” (both by Tommy Gardner, Mayon Pub ASCAP)
This label gives Rev Records address as 12055 Burbank Blvd.

Rev 1722 – The Seaweeds “You Swam Away With My Heart” (Vocal)/”You Swam Away With My Heart” (instrumental)
Red label with Rev in plain typeface

Rev-1941 – Danny Ghaffouri “X-Rated Baby” / “The Lady” both sides by Danny Ghaffouri, prod. and arr. by Bruce Graham, green label with Rev logo

Rev 1951 – Tony De Bruno “Io Canto Cosi Perche Sono Italiano” / “Ah! Cie Bella La Barese”

Rev 1952 – Danny Curtis “Windbag” (D. Curtis & Tom Jenkins for Charted Course Music – Dag Music, BMI) b/w Greg Biela “Flyaway” (Tom Jenkins) Produced by Tom Jenkins for Breakaway Productions, Stereo, tan label with Rev logo. 6430 Sunset Blvd. address.

Rev 1960 – Dave Duncan And Hardtimes – “Sweet Country Lovin'” / “My Hearts In Country” (need confirmation of this one)

Rev 1957 – Adrenalin – “Dogtown” (Tim Palmatier) / “By Myself” – rock from 1979, members may have included Tim Palmatier, Kevan Hill and Greg Berryman.

Thanks to Ed Nadorozny for the scan of the Gil Shelton 45, to Max Waller for info and the scans of the Royal Teens and to Mr. Robinson, beccabear, Laurent and the rest of G45 Central for their help. Thank you to Barry Wickham for the scan of the Lonnie & the Legends sleeve and Group Therapy 45.

Categories: Afton, Chicago, Illinois

Afton Records Discography

March 2, 2013 Chris Bishop 3 Comments

Afton Records started with three releases in 1959:

Afton 616 – Frank Pizani -“Wanna Dance” / “It’s No Fun”, Pino Music Co., distributed by United Telefilm Records
Afton 616 – Frank Pizani -“The Stars Will Remember” (Pino Music Co.) / “Steady Cha Cha”
Afton 618 – Ted Ostling – “Shivers & Shakes” / “Girls Choice” (Keith Music pub)

I can find a listing of Afton Records as a corporation in the 1963 Illinois Certified List, with an address of 105 S. La Salle St, along with “Ohio M.S. Distribution Company” at the same address, both owned by Milton Salstone of 1700 S. Michigan Ave. In a comment below, Joel Mills points out a notice of M.S. Distributing handling Frank Pizani’s second Afton single.

Seven years later, in 1966, the label returned with a 1700 series. Publishing is usually by Vic Mil Pub or Vic Mil Music. Presumably the Mil refers to Milt Salstone, and the Vic must be Vic Faraci, who produced the Five Bucks and the Gnomes. I haven’t seen any incorporation paperwork for Vic-Mil Publishing – if anyone can dig that up I would appreciate it.

Afton V-1700 – The Strangers – “This Brave New World” (Bob Rubin) / “In the Beginning”, A-side is a top surf instrumental, flip is blander

Afton 1701 – Five Bucks – “No Use in Trying” / “Now You’re Gone” (April 1966), first press omits label # and lists b-side as “Now You’re Mine”, produced by Vic Faraci

Afton 1702 – Gnomes – “The Sky Is Falling” / “Something’s Going Wrong” (both by Carpenter, Sullivan, Vic Mil pub.), great ballad backed by first-rate garage. Produced by Vic Faraci. Anyone know this group?

Afton 1703 – Sound Carnival – “I Wish I Could Tell You” / “Dreams” (both songs by Stock, Siegel, VicMil Music BMI, September, 1967)
band from Morton Grove, Illinois

Afton 1704 – Donnie Sanders & the Don Juans with Scherri St. James – “Make a Happy Home” (D. Sanders, Vicmil Music BMI / “Shing-a-Ling Baby”

I’m not sure if V-1700 is actually this Afton Records, as the credits have nothing in common with the others, but the 1700 numbering suggests it possibly is.

There are other Afton labels not connected to this one.

For more on the Five Bucks see my article on this site.

I could use good scans of the Donnie Sanders 45.

any help with this discography would be appreciated.

Categories: J-Three, Kentucky, Mayfield

The Sound Extraction – Interview with Terry Jones

January 26, 2013 Chris Bishop 33 Comments

The Sound Extraction (from left): Terry Jones, Tommy Stayton, Randy Edwards, Lanny Hays, Donald Housman, Dee Presson and Lana Edwards. Photo courtesy of Terry Jones

The Sound Extraction had one great 45 “I Feel Like Crying” / “Tina” on J-Three Records. The band was from the town of Mayfield, Kentucky in the southwestern corner of the state, not far from the borders of Tennessee and Missouri. Mario Aguayo interviewed Terry Jones and they both are allowing me to publish it on Garage Hangover:

How did you first get interested in music?

My mother passed away when I was only 8 years old. She was a guitarist, songwriter, and singer. Lanny’s dad was also a singer and guitarist and my dad was a singer. After our mom passed away, my aunt, her sister and 2 children moved in with us to help dad to take care of us, as she was divorced. Well, you guessed it, my dad ended up marrying his sister-in-law; so we became a large family of 2 boys and 5 girls.

My aunt who became my step mother was also a singer and guitarist. She taught all of us to play instruments and we formed a family band called, “Lanny and the Skylighters.” We played as the family band for several years at sock hops, grand openings, talent contests, festivals, and such. We were even on our town’s radio station for a while.

Lanny And The Skylighters photo — Lanny and the Skylighters

How did The Sound Extraction form?

We had entered a contest against the Sound Extraction and came in 2nd place to them. That’s how we met them.

At the time the record was made, my stepsister, Lana and I sang with the band, but later, I replaced the keyboard player, and Lana replaced the drummer. From left to right in the picture are me, Terry Jones – singer, guitarist, and keyboard player, Tommy Taylor – keyboard, but not for long, Randy Edwards – my stepbrother, played the bass and sang, Lanny Hays – my half brother, played rhythm guitar and sang, Donald Housman – drummer, but not for long, Danny Presson – lead singer and lead guitarist, and Lana – played guitar, drums, and sang. As you can see that very soon after joining the band, we were all family except for Danny, or Dee, as he liked to be called.

Lana and Dee fell in love and got engaged. That’s how the band formed.

Where did The Sound Extraction typically play?

As the Sound Extraction, we played mostly in bars and clubs. We had regular gigs at The Eagle and Moose Clubs, and then played at bars all over the 4 state area, including Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. We also played at picnics, family reunions, proms, festivals, etc.

Did The Sound Extraction have a manager?

Dee was the only manager we had. We enjoyed playing very much and had regular followers that would go everywhere with us and keep the people dancing and clapping! We had a blast! I was only 14 when we first started playing in the bars, but no one ever asked me my age, as I wore lots of makeup and looked older than I was. Our parents were always there, too, keeping watch on us and enjoying every minute of it. We played old rock and roll, country, and some bluegrass.

How did the band end up recording their 45 “I Feel Like Crying / Tina”?

The band recorded the 45 after we won a contest. The prize was the recording. Bill Scarbrough was the one who recorded it. He was one of the DJ’s at WNGO in Mayfield, KY where we lived.

I believe we only won 1000, but had more made. Not too many more though, so the actual records are very rare. I believe that Lanny, Dee, and I are the only ones that have one of the original records left. I have never known anyone else to tell me they have one. The 45 was recorded and released in 1968.

Danny Presson is known for his ‘cupped-hand’ harp action. What were the reasons for him doing that?

Dee was doing the hand harmonica music when we met him, so it is very hard to say how he actually learned to do that. He cupped his hands and did it with no instrument. You only heard a small portion of what he could do! He amazed people everywhere he played with that. When he opened his hand and there was nothing there, people could not believe it. He did it on a few other songs and did a great job at it.

What were your concerts / gigs typically like?

I loved the gigs and, of course, all the attention. I had always been a shy girl, but when I got on stage, I could just let it all go and I gave it all I had…. It was my identity, it was who I was. I loved wearing all the neat outfits and makeup and entertaining people. I still do to this day!

Did the group have any other recordings?

We never made any other recordings.

What year and why did the band break up?

The band broke up in 1969, because Dee and Lana broke up.

What are your fondest memories with the group?

I have so many fond memories… it’s so hard to tell you about all of them. Practices were great! We turned the music up so loud and were thrilled to learn almost every new song that came out.

Life after The Sound Extraction?

I sang in a group called Jaroboga back in the 70’s … mostly singing in bars. I would sit in with Wolfman and the Pack at a little bar in Fulton, KY sometimes. As the years went by, I gave my heart to the Lord and now sing a new song. I have lead the singing in various churches, sang with gospel groups, and done some specials at singings and homecomings. I recently started to a new church and haven’t done anything since I have been there. I do sing on the Praise and Worship team where I work. I am blessed to have a job at a Christian college where our staff meetings are more like church!

Interview conducted by: Mario Aguayo

The original Sound Extraction, from left: Tommy Taylor, Ronnie Cox, Terry Bass, Danny Presson and Tommy Stayton

Update, June 2013:

Since posting this I heard from Tom Taylor, who sent me this early photo of the group and wrote to me:

First of all, I am not in the photo [at top of article].
In the begining we were a five-piece band and one day in our home town Archie Campbell of Hee Haw fame came to judge a talent contest with the first prize being a recording contract. We won playing the songs “I Feel Like Cryin'” and flip side “Tina”. I have attached a photo from the newspaper clipping when we won the contest. That’s me on bass, Ronnie Cox on rhythm guitar, Terry Bass on drums, Danny Presson on lead vocals and 12 string and Tommy Stayton on keys.
In the contest we competed against the sisters shown in the [top] photo and our lead singer fell in love and before long they were singing backup for us.
When the actual studio work was done, Tommy Stayton the keys player couldn’t be there so Ronny Cox’s little brother played the keyboard for the recording session. And of course the sisters sang back up. By this time I had gone and most all of the original members were too, but I did play the bass guitar during the studio session. I think we sold about 100 copies before I went to the Army. I never gave it a second thought until about three months ago when a friend said I read about you and the Sound Extraction.
As for the photo you show [at top of article], it must have been taken much later when the band had broken up. The boy playing drums in your photo is now a really good friend of mine named Donald Housman. I do not know the other people pictured.
I have 2 copies of the original 45 record. Just listened to it and not bad after all these years. Right now I’m back in the business with my own recording studio and I also do live sound for our 6 piece country/rock band. I would like to hear from any one in the photo or original group.
Tommy Taylor

Categories: New York, New York City, San Antonio, Satin, Texas

The various Satin Records labels

January 25, 2013 Chris Bishop 10 Comments

There are two garage 45s in these lists, Shep & The Downbeats “Girl, Girl” / “You’re Never There” on the Roulette-distributed Satin label from NY, and Gary & Kyle “Stay With Me” / Smaller Than You” from San Antonio.

Any help with completing these discographies would be appreciated.

I could also use good quality scans of the San Antonio label 45s, and of the Adophus Bell

Annabelle Fox Satin 45 Getting Through to Me Roulette — 1st pressing distributed by Roulette

New York:

All labels read “Exclusively distributed by Roulette Records” except for a green label with plain black text version of S-400, Annabelle Fox’s “Getting Through to Me”, which Mike Markesich states is a West Coast pressing and not the first issue.

The first three releases come in promo white label and two-tone green labels. 402 and 403 only seem to exist with promo white labels.

Satin S-400 – Annabelle Fox – “Too Good to Be Forgotten (Bell 40,004) / “Getting Through to Me” (mastered at Bell Sound 40,002)
Satin S-401 – Al Hibbler – “Good for a Lifetime” / “Once Before” (Bell Sound 40,005)
Satin S-402 – Annabelle Fox “Lonely Girl” / “Humor Me” (Bell Sound 40,003)
Satin S-403 – Shep & The Downbeats – “Girl, Girl” / “You’re Never There” (both by Ted Kobran) (produced by Rama Wilson Associates, Bell Sound 40,009/10)

All except Shep & the Downbeats produced by Teddy Rendazzo, and published through South Mountain Music, BMI.

Most of the Rendazzo produced 45s have song writing credits to some combination of Rendazzo, Bobby Weinstein, R. Allison and L. Stallman.

Kurt L. sent me the scan of Shep and the Downbeats. Kurt remembers hearing that the band won the WABC Battle of the Bands, with a recording contract with Satin being the prize. The group played at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens Village, and likely were students at that school. The only name I can find in connection with the group is Ted Kobran.

Teen Beat Mayhem says the band was from Union City, New Jersey and gives a release date of August, 1966. Although “You’re Never There” rates higher than the flip in TBM, I think “Girl, Girl” is the better song.

Shep & the Downbeats has a “Rama Wilson Associates” production credit. This should read Ramal-Wilson, as in Bill Ramal and Marty Wilson. They had previously produced singles for Diamond.

A notice from Billboard’s October 22, 1966 issue states”new artists added to Ramal-Wilson Associates are Shep and the Downbeats, the Upper Crust, Gary Criss, Bruce Bruno and Carole Colby.”

Another Billboard notice from May 21, 1966 mentions Ramal-Wilson Associates producing the Ramblers on Red Bird and the Perfect Strangers on Capitol. “All sides were arranged by Joe Scott, staff arranger for Ramal-Wilson.” However, I’m not aware of any releases by these other artists.

New York
(probably no connection to the later Satin label, above):

Satin 921 – Rhythm Rockers featuring Johnny Serrano – “Oh Boy!” / “We Belong Together” (Norvojak Music BMI) (October 1960)

New Orleans:

Satin 2-100 – Tammy McKnight – “What’s Her Name” (E. Darder – Allen Orange) / ? (SoN 1591, Chavis Music BMI, A Hi-Liter Production)
Satin 2-101 – Al White & The Hi-Liters – “Johnny B Goode” / “Let That Guitar Roll”
Satin 2-102 – Alex Spearman – “Mama-ka-toko-laka-poo-poo-yay” (L. Bonds) / “On Our Wedding Day” (Emelda Music BMI, SoN1561))

San Antonio, Texas:

Owned by Emil Henke, who also owned Warrior and part of Harlem. Mr. Henke passed away on February 22, 2002.

pink label with ribbon “S” in Satin. 411 S.W. Military Dr., San Antonio and “Emil J. Henke Production”:

Satin SA-100 – Doug Sahm – “Crazy Daisy” (Sahm, Warner) / “Can’t Believe You Wanna Leave” (1959)

Satin SA-001 – The Satin Kings – “Let’s Go, Let’s Go” (Ballard)/ “Matilda”
Satin SA-002 – Charlene – “Rock Bottom”/ “Let’s Try Once Again”
Satin SA-003 – The Mavericks, vocal: Moe Bandy – “Lonely Girl” / “Too Many Times Before”
Satin SA-004 – The Trochais – “Give Me An Answer” / “Phantom” (both by Francis Akeroyd, 1966, B-side is a surf instr)
Satin SA-005 – The Mavericks, vocal: Moe Bandy – “What Would You Do” / “As Long As There’s A Chance”
Satin SA-006 – Satin Kings – “Mil Veces” / “Echale un cinco al piano”
Satin SA-007 – Gary & Kyle – “Stay With Me” / “Smaller Than You” (both by Gary Young, Satin Music Pub SESAC, June ’66, duo from Poteet, TX)
Satin SA-008 – Bailey Anderson – “Folsom Prison Blues” / “They’ll Never Take Her Love From Me” (6-66 1)
Satin SA-009 – Moe Bandy & the Mavericks – “You’re Part of Me” / “Hey There My Friend”
Satin SA-010 – Paul & Chuck – “House Of Blue Lovers ” / ?
Satin SA-011 – Playboys – “Dame Licencia” (Hazme El Milagro) / “Nomas Por Quererte” (7-66-2)
Satin SA-012 – ?
Satin SA-013 – Playboys – “All I Do Is Cry” / “Little Playgirl” (Robert Suarez) 8-66 PB-3/4

pink label with a script “Satin” and no ribbon:

Satin SA-014 – Bailey Anderson & the Satin Gentlemen – “What Will The Answer Be” (Dayton Smith) / “The Satin Gentlemen” (1066 BA 4)
Satin SA-015 – Playboys – “Falling In Love With You” / “Let Them Talk” (Joe Seneca) (LH-2836/7, December 1966)
Satin SA-016 – Conjunto Los Navegantes – “Te Fuiste” (Rosendo Torres) / “Navegando” (Adolf Garcia) (167-CLN-1/2, LH-2876/7 “Spanish Series” Satin Music Pub)

stylized Satin logo on left with two lines above and below:

Satin SA-021 – The Ones – “Sure Gonna Miss You” (often marked up to read “Sure Gonna Miss Me”) / “What’s It Like To Be In Love” (LH-3299, 1967)

Satin SA-024 – Jimmy Payne, The Country Boys – “Standing at the End of My World” / “A Wound Time Can’t Erase”

two-tone label with Satin Records in box (except for SA-028 which reverts to the original ribbon S):

Satin SA-025 – The Lively Set – “Soul Diggin'” / “Blues Get Off My Shoulder” (vocal by Earl Adams)

Satin SA-027 – Jim Faber – “Just for a Moment” / ? (country)
Satin SA-028 – The Casino Royal – “Don’t Mistake Me for a Fool” (D. Cruz, T. Zamudio) / “Return Of The Prodigal Son”

Satin SA-030 – The Three Dudes – “Sad Little Boy” / “I’m Beggin’ You” (Jan 1968, group aka Four Dudes, Images)
Satin SA-031 – Michael Lord – “(Life’s a Ball) Lovin’ It All” (H.M. Byron) / “Its Only Make Believe” (Twitty)

Satin SA-033 – Nat y Los Music Makers – “Una Eternidad” / “Por Ultima Vez”

Satin SA-035 – Bailey Anderson – “The World’s Youngest Naughty Old Man” / “There Goes My Everything” (1969)

Satin SA-037 – The Satin Souls (vocal by Madison Mitchell) – “Gimme Some Lovin'” / “I’d Rather Go Blind”

Satin SA-041 – Michael Lord & the Romainaires – “St.James Infirmary” / “Take Five” (1969)

Satin SA-047 – Clique Camarilla – “The Ride” (Donny Leavitt) / “The Hello Song” (Prod. by M. Montgomery for Sabra Prod., Riviera Music BMI, 4-69-1)

Satin SA-061 – Ty Lemley – “Ramblin’ Ways” / “One Day at a Time” (country 45)

Satin SA-102 – J.D. Williamson – “You’re Something Else for Me” (Fender, Duncan) / “I’m Getting Better” (Luella Lewis, Arthur Vosgein) 1979

The Casino Royal is the same group as the Casino Royale on Key-Loc.

Pennsylvania (?):

Satin SAT-1111 – Adolphus Bell & the Up Starts – “Black Eye Peas” (C.A. Bott, W. Hutchingson, Joy Boy BMI) / “Lafin Gas” (C.W. Powell, D. Bell, S. Godfrey, Cevet BMI) (1031-45-SAT1111)

Blues Art Journal has an article on Adolphus Bell but the author seems unaware of this recording.

Plainview, Texas:

Satin RHB-1120 – Harry Bray & the Wheels – “I Lost My Love” b/w “Way Down South in San Antonio” (SoN 84892) country with drum machine!

Ogdensburg, NY:

Satin SR-561 – The Four Satins – “Drop Off” (Larry Costigan) / “Hip Hop”, possibly Jimmy Massia lead vocals (see this post on Utica entertainment for a little more info)

There was also a Satin label out of Washington state in the 1970s that had a 45 by the Main Attraction.

Thank you to Max Waller, Kent Chatellier, Michael Recendez, and Martin Hancock for their additions to this discography, and to Max for the Gary and Kyle scans.

Categories: Pic 1, Sherman, Texas

The Passions

January 23, 2013 Chris Bishop 8 Comments

The Passions came from Sherman, Texas, a town northeast of Dallas that had several bands including the Jack Rafters, the Five Coachmen and the Marquees.

Unlike those other bands, the Passions made a record, cutting the excellent “Lively One” / “You’ve Got Me Hurtin'” for Huey Meaux’s Pic 1 label, released in June 1965.

One person I spoke to referred to the band as Bill Galleon & the Passions. I thought Donald R. Mask may have been a member, as he wrote “You’ve Got Me Hurtin'” (his name is listed simply as Don Mask on the demo).

However, Alec Palao tells me the members were Gordon Eatherly, Bill Galyon, Larry Jannash, Roger Burkitt, Bill Shearin and Jerry Mullins, and that Eatherly was likely the leader of the band.

Besides the two songs on the single, the band recorded two cover songs that Big Beat will include on a compilation of bands on Meaux’s labels to be released Spring, 2013.

Does anyone have a photo of the group?

Mark Taylor supplied the scans seen here. Of the Sellers demo cut, he says “‘Lively One’ has an extra 40 seconds of harp wailing with an extra chorus, and ‘You Got Me Hurtin” has about 20 seconds extra of ‘yeah yeah yeah'” compared to the Pic 1 versions.

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