A Handful Of Obscurities

  I was in my man cave passing the time, listening to some records. I came across a few that I hope will bring some enjoyment and also maybe stir conversation about the artist who made these 45's. It's a mixture of Rock, Folk and Country/Western. I would like to start off with the cool twangy song " Baby Remember Me" by Al and the Echoes on the Echo label. It was released in 1966. The band members are listed on the label. The flip is a C/W ballad.

 
   
  The Destinations release a two record's that I know of. Both are on the "D" record label. On this 45 the group recorded this nice Folk sounding ballad "Let Me Down Easy". The other side is an instrumental. Their other record released in May1965 has the moody song " Baby Don't". From the number on the label, the record feature on the blog seems to have been released before the group's May 1965 record. But I'm not for sure.

  Linda Wilson recorded this killer song "La-Dee-Daa" that was released on the Spindle record label . It's a gem! Great beat sound. The flip side is a teen ballad, nothing like "La-Dee-Daa". I read she was possibly from Kansas City, More info is desired.

 Lastly I would like to feature another C/W song by Cliff Clay. It's a trucker song, certainly not what I normally post but I really enjoy the guitar and the beat on "Road Runners". Maybe you will as well.  

The Echotones (Dart)

I usually feature some of the lesser known groups from 1960's. For this post I would like to step back a little further in time to 1959 and remember an outstanding record by The Echotones. Their song "So In Love" is one of the better teen ballad's from this time period in my opinion. " My Baby Doll" has a fast beat with a rockin' guitar solo.

 

The Maveriks (Presta)

Hello to all. Here is a 45 by The Maveriks on Presta records. One side is country & western while flip side has this great song "Wonder Why which is more Rock n Roll. I noticed the label shows the writers of "Wonder Why" as Floyd and Jerry Westfall. The Westfall's had a very successful recording career with a huge following in their home town of Phoenix in the 1960's. As members of the group the Door Knobs, they scored with the regional  hit "Hi-Fi Baby"on Viv records in 1965.  In 1966 the Westfalls switched to Presta records and released a couple of 45's as Floyd and Jerry with the Counterpoints.

Last Draft (Trans-Action)

The Last Draft were from LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  Band members consisted of Greg Wuensch (Vocals), John Nibblelink (Lead Guitar), Dave Peterson (Rhythm Guitar), Dennis Bremmer (Bass) and Jerry Gaynor (Drums). The group released their only record on the Trans-Action label. They do a very good version of "It's been a long long time" which was a song recorded in 1966 by The Dynasty's (also from Wisconsin).

Gary E Myers has extensive knowledge on many of the Wisconsin rock bands in the1960's. The above photo of the Last Draft is from his book "On That Wisconsin Beat".

The Kampus Kids (Ensign)

The Kampus Kids were originally from East Liverpool, Ohio. The band's "Leave Me Alone" has a slight Buddy Holly sound. In 1961 the single made it all the way into the top five on radio station WNOR in Norfolk, Virginia. Even though the song was extremely popular regionally it failed to achieve success nationally.

Bill Readence (Trans-World)

I was digging around the old record collection a few months ago when I came across several 45's that I  forgot that I had. Bill Readence on the Trans-World record label was one of those. I was reading that it came out possibly in 1969.  "I'll never believe you again" is a superb song.

Denny Dale and the Honeymoons (Lejac)

Dennis Gudim recorded under various names. Denny Dale and the Honeymoons was one of those. It was released by Lejac and Soma records. The record I featured on the blog I think was released in 1965. It has the catchy song "Why Did You Leave Me" and the Coachmen's garage classic "Mr. Moon" for the flip side.

Tammi and the Bachelors (Bangar)

Tammi and the Bachelors were from Duluth, Minnesota. In 1964 the group released their only recordon the Bangar label. "My Summer Love" was included in the Girls in the Garage compilation series. I also enjoy the moody teen ballad "My Love" the group recorded for the flip side.

The Royal Knights

The Royal Knights hailed from Lewiston, Maine. They were very popular locally and was a regular on the Portland, Maine WGAN televised teen dance show Club Thirteen. The group release a total of three records on the Fireball label. Band members consisted of Ed Boucher (Lead guitar), Paul Boucher (Drums,Lead Vocals), Guy Mathieu (Rhythm Guitar) and Ronnie Morin (Bass). Ed Boucher had a major impact on the New England music scene in the 1960's managing and promoting several bands such as the Innkeepers and Terry and the Telstars. I found a couple documentaries of the Royal Knights on the web that I think you will enjoy. Both are a nice tribute to band.
1995 PBS Documentary
PAL HOP 2010 Reunion

Record Discovery
Chief Whoopin-Koof / Long Long Ponytail     Fireball FL-101
Forever Little Girl / Knight-Mare                   Fireball  FL-103/104
Sweet Revenge / Yes It's Me                       Fireball  200660 / 200661
It's A Lie / Seven Veils of Arabia                  Unreleased Acetate

The New Dawn (Garland)

Garland Records (Salem,Oregon) released several 45;s. Some are highly desired by collectors. The New Dawn  original band members included Dan Bazzy (Drums,Vocals), Bobby Justen (Bass), Bill Gartner (Vocals, Harmonicia), Joe Smith (Lead Guitar) and Larry Davis (Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar). The group formed in 1967. I think this record featured on the blog by the band was released in late 1969. I enjoy both of the songs on the record. "Why Did You Go" has heavy organ throughout, and nice beat. The group would also release a very cool limited pressing (500) LP album"There's A New Dawn" on the Hoot label in July, 1970. I have provided a link for additional information and current activities of the group at Dan Bazzy and the New Dawn . The above 1970 promotional photo of the band was courtesy of Dan Bazzy.

                                                                                       Why Did You Go

                                                                                                    Tears

The Marksmen (Bulls-Eye)

In the quest to remember and also to hopefully to learn more about some of lesser known rock and roll groups of the 1960's, today I feature The Marksmen from Detriot, Michigan. The record was released in 1966 on the Bulls Eye label. A fitting name for a label after all they were the Marksmen. The group does their version of the Beau Brummels song "I've never known". The flip side is the Gerry and the Pacemakers song  "You'll never walk alone". I like the guitar work and vocals, it has a unique sound.

The Shanels (Dee-Jay)

In early 1965 The Shanels released their one and only record on the Dee Jay label. If you like the British Invasion/Garage sound from mid 1960's you will enjoy this 45. The record label would suggest that the band was an Indiana group. There are some record collectors who believe the band could possibly be from Michigan. I would be grateful for any formation to help better remember this outstanding group.

Abdo - Men (Arcola)

Minnesota was a happening Rock and Roll scene in the 1960's. There are several compilations albums that highlite the various groups from this time period. This record by the Abdo-Men who were from Minneapolis is another example of the cool sounds coming out of State in the 1960's. It was released in late 1969 on the Arcola record label.

The Mustangs (Morgan)

The Mustangs were from Montgomery Alabama. The group does their own rock version of Marvin Gaye's song "Hitch Hike". The flip side is cover of Shep and the Limeliters "Daddy Home". The matrix number looks like it was released in 1966.

Lord Douglas and the Serfs ( H R )

In early 1967,  Lord Douglas and the Serfs released this very enjoyable record. They had it all on this 45, nice vocals and jangle sound. Looking at my copy of Joel Whitburn's book, I was surprised to find neither song by the group reached the top 100 of the Billboard charts. Wow! I guess like many groups in the 1960's it must have simply been lack of exposure, both song's are great.

The X L's (Sound)

There was several groups in the 1960's that called them self the X L's. The group featured today was from Michigan. It was released in 1965. I really enjoy the moody teen ballad  "But it's true". The flip side "Pin Curlers" is a novelty song with a catchy frat/rockabilly sounding beat.      

The Soaring Satellites (Wilco Entertainers)

Happy New Year to all. I would like to start this year off with this cool record by The Soaring Satellites. Mike Markesich's book TeenBeat Mayhem says the record was released in 1965. I like the sound the group had. My copy of the 45 is what record collectors say is "well used ". It plays with quite a bit of noise. With that said the group's talents still comes shining thru.

The Profiles (Amway)

Here is an obscure record from 1966 that I would like to learn more about. Unsure were the Profiles hailed from. I like the groove on "Please come back". The band also does a decent version of  "if you need me". It has a nice raw early Stones sound.

Ron Heiss / Ron Lee / Lee Carleton

Ron Heiss was a successful recording artist, producer and song writer over a span of five decades. In the 1960's he penned songs for groups such as the Challengers, Travelers, Grand Prix, The Innocents, Mary Saenz and many others. His recording career started while as a junior in high school. In 1959 Premier Records in Tucson, Arizona released two of his recordings. The 45 was an instant smash, becoming very popular locally. His follow up record in 1961 was released on the Keeson Recording record label. For this 45 he would change his recording name to Ron Lee. In 1973 he recorded a 45 under the name of Lee Carleton on the Saguaro Record label. Ron was very kind to write me and to provide a brief glimpse of his early musical career. I gladly present his story on the blog along with the song "Far Away" that I recorded from his second 45. It was the B side, I would describe it as a powerful teen lament ballad.

                                                                            Ron Heiss
 Music and performance began for me when, as a child, my mother would dress me up as a cowboy, place me in front of  a record player and ask me to sing. Of course, my parents would always enthusiastically applaud to express their approval and that seemed to be all the encouragement that I needed. It was not until we moved from LaPorte, Indiana to Tucson, Arizona, that I began to feel the effects of a certain musical chemistry which existed in this new environment. Since I played the trumpet in the marching band, I didn’t feel that learning to play the guitar would be that difficult to master.

After imitating some of my vinyl heroes Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison, I decided to compose some original songs. It was during my junior year at Catalina High School that I decided I would create my own record label as well.  Premier Records was born in 1958 as well as two songs, in particular, that I wanted to record: “Because I love You” and “She Said No”. The next step was to find a group that could provide the necessary instrumentation and vocal backing that I had envisioned. I eventually found the perfect group who had been playing at the Monte Vista Lounge on Speedway, and they called themselves The Combos. Mike Lacy was the group leader, and he fulfilled all of my expectations.  After a number of highly structured rehearsals, we were ready to make our way to Phoenix and lay down our tracks at Audio Recording utilizing one of the best technicians in the southwest at that time: Jack Miller. Duane Eddy was also  recording there when he was still with Jamie Records. In two and a half hours, my first two tracks were complete and two acetate dubs were cut. After designing the record label, getting an initial 500 copies pressed and arranging for a Southwestern record distributor, the next step was to contact KTKT radio (Tucson) in an endeavor to secure air play. I quickly discovered that they were more than willing to give a novice artist some exposure to the local airwaves. This lead to various appearances at several High Schools as well as an appearance on Arizona Bandstand, southern Arizona’s answer to the national American Bandstand. Just when “Because I Love You” started to receive a considerable amount of recognition, it was time for me to attend basic training at Fort Ord, California. I had joined the Army National Guard as a junior but was given a deferment until I graduated from High School. 

    My next recorded effort began late in 1960, not very long after returning from basic training. Keeson Recording Ltd. agreed to produce two songs entitled “Come a Little Closer” and “Far Away”. The owner of the label and I selected the studio musicians to be used for the recording session. I started to work toward a B.F.A. in Drama Production at the University of Arizona during the same time frame and readily recall one of my peers announcing, at a play rehearsal, that “Come a Little Closer” had just been selected as Pick Hit of the Week on KOMA radio out of Oklahoma City. Obviously, I was pleased to hear the good news because that station was extremely strong and could be heard at night in western states. 

    

          Far Away

   In addition to my recording and live theatre interests, I was also drawn to movies and television.  At that time Tucson was considered a mecca for western movies because we had the streets of ‘Old Tucson as a backdrop. I did a lot of work in front of the camera on films like Return of the Gunfighter with Robert Taylor and Chad Everett or the T.V. show Route 66 in the “How Much a Pound is Albatross?’ episode with George Maharis and Marty Millner, just to name a few. Early in 1961, I had occasion to visit Dave Nelson at KTKT Radio who suggested that I go to Hollywood/L.A. and see Jim Lee of Indigo Records because he was looking for artists and material for his label. I followed his advice and did just that. Sitting in his office on Barham Boulevard in Burbank, California, Jim Lee decided that “Because I Love You” would be The Innocents’ fourth single release following songs like “Honest I Do” and "Gee Whiz". The result was a date with the top 40 on Billboard and Cashbox as well as a double sided hit with ‘Beware’ on the flip side. This Indigo release represented a major step in my music career owing to the fact that it established credibility for me as a songwriter.  I returned to Tucson, but it was not long before I met Tex Hughes who shared my passion for songwriting. We decided to return to  California and try our hand at writing for other artists.

  1963 produced songs like ‘Chu-sen-ling’ written with Fred Stryker of Era Records and ‘He Didn’t Even Say Hello’ recorded by Mary Saenz, also released on the Era label. Mary was also from Tucson and a girl that I use to date back in High School.  She would eventually record on Decca Records and work with Gary ‘Alley-Oop’ Paxton. 

I owe a dept of gratitude to people like John Marascalco (songwriter for Little Richard and Elvis Presley) and Richard Delvy of The Challengers who, with John, were responsible for one of the most popular instrumentals of all time "Wipe Out". Bobby Hart "I wonder What She’s Doin’ Tonight?" who helped us  brainstorm two songs "41 Ford" and "Goin 88" for the Hot Rod City album released on Vault Records in 1963.I’m also sure that Tex remembers being in the Gold Star recording studio watching Phil Spector lay down a track or Donnie Brooks "Mission Bells" helping us get a start in the business. Meeting Sonny and Cher when they were still Caesar and Cleo was another memorable moment. The single "Hot Rod Hootenanny" was a song that Tex Hughes and I wrote that was recorded by the Challengers. It was released in 1964.

 After another return to Tucson, I had occasion to meet and partner with Ron Story (lead guitar of The Travelers).  We produced quite a few records together on the Yellow Sand, Whirl and Knight labels under Heiss and Story Productions (1964-65). Ron and I spent quite a bit of time in Hollywood as we cut deals with the Vault and Princess Record labels, and I have no doubt that ‘Spanish Moon’ will remain one of my favorite instrumentals of all time. In fact, Ron even co-wrote an instrumental with my mother, Edna Heiss, entitled ‘ Melody of the Moon’. 

Ron Heiss and Ron Story

   In 1967, I finally graduated with a B.F.A. in Drama Production from the University of Arizona.  From there it was a Master’s Degree from Ball State University and Ph.D coursework from the University of Illinois and the University of Washington. I released a record  in 1973 under the name of Lee Carleton and The Ghost Riders on my Saguaro Record label. "The Illinois Central" and "No Word But Lonely". were the songs on the 45. It was a Heiss-Austin Production which resulted in quite a bit of air play as well as the T.V. special. George Austin was my partner in this venture and was the drummer for The Ghost Riders. I was attending the University of Illinois and working for the newspaper at the time. The dishwasher at the restaurant that I frequented was the inspiration for "The Illinois Central". We played such places as Prairelands which was the largest venue in that region of Illinois. I retired in 2006 after 35 years as Director of Drama at Spokane Community College teaching Speech, Drama and Film. After all this time, I can honestly say that those early years in Tucson and Hollywood were the most exciting and rewarding years of my life.