Here’s a little-known group, the Canadian Legends, who recorded on New Orleans labels, and whose only member I know of is Ronald Buro.
Their first record contains two crude covers, “I’m a Believer” (spelled “I’m a Beleiver”) with lyrics rewritten for U. of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football (tip of the hat to Kip). This release presumably dates to shortly after Alabama’s victory in the Sugar Bowl on January 2, 1967 against Nebraska, which is mentioned in the song.
The flip a version of the Knickerbockers’ “Just One Girl” that is almost unrecognizable from the original. This version does have a lot of charm, however.
Later in 1967 came their second, “Happy” by Ray Stevens backed with an original by Ronald Buro, “One and Only”.
Their last record has two originals by Ronald Buro, “Can’t You Spare the Time” / “Where Were You When I Needed You” on Polar 102.
This Canadian Legends group is considered unrelated to the Legends, a Wisconsin group sometimes based in Miami that had been recording since 1961, including “Just in Case” / “If I Only Had Her Back” and “Alright” / “How Can I Find Her” on Parrot in 1965, and “How Can I Find Her” / “Raining in My Heart” on Thames (and Date) in 1966.
By February 1965, they were being billed in Miami as the Canadian Legends (“originally from Ontario, Canada” according to the Tampa Times), with Sam McCue on lead guitar, Larry Foster on guitar, Jerry Schils on bass and Jim Sessody on drums. Rick Jaeger from the Beau Gentry also played drums with the group from about October 1965 to early 1966. The Beau Gentry also had Wisconsin connections, recording on Ken Adamany’s Feature label.
To further the confusion, a version of “One and Only” shows up on the B-side of the Chessmen’s “The Lycra Stretch” on Suncrest, a label who had only one other release, by The Invaders, a Miami group who were good friends of the Legends.
I have heard the Chessmen version but not the Canadian Legends version yet, so I can’t tell you if it’s the same performance or not.
According to Gary Meyers’ post on the Invaders page, this is the Milwaukee Legends.
“As you may know, the Canadian Legends mentioned in the Invaders piece were actually the Legends from Milwaukee, whose manager added the “Canadian” part when they went to FL.”
I think the White Cliffs group is a different Canadian Legends. It is possible they may be a holdover from the original Legends band with a number of new members. However, their sound is much cruder than the Legends so I tend to think no common members.
I had this record many, many years ago, and they aren’t doing a straight cover of “I’m A Believer”, the words have been rewritten to be about University of Alabama football.
The second verse even says “made for someone else, but not for Bama”…
What this means as far as establishing who the group was and where they were from, I don’t really know, but I thought I would at least add it to the discussion.
good point!
Hi! My brother is Ron Buro who originated the Chessmen in Miami and then the Canadian Legends in NOLA. He’s alive and well and would love to connect!
Hi Elena,
I wrote this article, and I’d definitely like to hear from Ron. I will send you an email
My wife’s uncle is Ron Buro. He’s playing a blues show in central Florida next weekend. I’d love to hear these.
I just looked back and saw my mother-in-law commented! Guess you already made the connection!