One of the most prominent purveyors of the California musical scene is Johnny Rivers. Born in New York in 1942 as John Ramistella, Rivers is well-known as a musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and label owner/founder. From 1964 to 1968, most people recognize Johnny as a live performer, popular with crowds and audiences at the Whiskey a Go Go club in Los Angeles.
Today we honor the greatest electric guitar instrumental band ever. Formed in Tacoma Washington in 1958 by Don Wilson, who died this week at the age of 88, and fellow guitarist Bob Bogle, at first they called themselves the Versatones. Wilson and Bogle later changed their name to The Ventures and made the duo a quartet by adding guitarist/bassist Nokie Edwards and drummer Howie Johnson.
Veronica (Ronnie) Bennett, Estelle Bennett, and Nedra Talley formed a group called The Darling Sisters in 1961, later becoming Ronnie and the Relatives, then finally The Ronettes. The two sisters and cousin Nedra grew up in Washington Heights in a musical family, and in 1961 they signed with Colpix and recorded several tracks. None went anywhere.
There are some unusual Yuletide songs you might never have heard . . . or might not want to hear. Starting with The Drifters in 1954 with their take on a Bing Crosby hit. I wonder what Irving Berlin would have thought?