Editor's Note:
Thanks to Greg Russo Of Russo-Buff Publishing LLC and Crossfire Productions I have made some corrections to this text especially record release dates.
Danny Espinoza - Sax
Rod Rodriguez - Guitar
Johnny Valenzuela - Piano
Poly Rodriguez - Bass
Danny Valenzuela - Drums
Their first record was a pair of instrumentals "Dog Patch Creeper" and "Johnny's Jump" which were released on Paul Buff's Emmy label (Emmy 1005) in 1960 recorded at The Pal Studios in Cucamonga, California
You May Listen To The Velveteens "Dog Patch Creeper" Here:
Yo May Listen To The Velveteens "Johnny's Jump" Here:
Even though Poly Rodriguez was the band's original bassist, he played lead guitar on both sides of this single.
At the L.A. County Fairgrounds Johnny Valenzulea discovered a female vocalist, Mary Unzuetta (Mary Lou Zuetta) of San Dimas, California. With Mary Lou as lead vocalist the group recorded "Oh Baby" and "Come Back"on the Emmy label (Emmy 1007) in February 1961. Both sides are teen doo wop in the style of Rosie & The Originals "Angel Baby"
You May Listen To Terri & The Velveteens "Bells Of Love" Here:
You May Listen To Terri & The Velveteens "You've Broken My Heart" Here:
Around the same time Spider Ray Quinones recorded a song with The Velveteens called "Maria" at Pal Studios which exists as an acetate. Spider Ray & The Velveteens also recorded "While We Dance" and "It's Love Baby (24 Hours A Day)."While We Dance" and "Maria" were released on the Boss label (Boss 102) in February 1961.. It is yet another fine doowop recording by the group.
You May Listen To Johnny Valenzuela & The Velveteens "Maria" Here:
"It's Love Baby (24 Hours A Day)" remains unreleased as far as I know.
Johnny Valenzuela & Terri Bonilla were married and began performing as a duo around the Pomona-San Dimas area. As Terri & The Velveteens they recorded "I'm Waiting" and "La Flor" at Art Laboe's Original Sound Studios and the record was released with some extra background singers overdubbed on the Arc label (Arc 6534) released in January 1961,
You May Listen To Terri & The Velveteens "I'm Waiting" Here:
You May Listen To Terri & The Velveteens "La Flor" Here:
Terri Bonilla and Ray "Spider Ray" Quinones (Of Rene & Ray) would record "I Miss You So" and "Your Tender Lips" for the Donna label (Donna 1365) under the name Terri & Johnnie.
But this may not be the case. It is now believed that Johnny Valenzuela did sing the duet with Terri Bonilla and they co-authored the B side and that record was released in May 1962 and would be their last.
You May Listen To Terri & Johnnie "Your Tender Lips" Here:
Lucy Duran would join up with Ruben Pando & Frankie Gonzales to form the Triangles.
In 1961, Fifo Records would release "My Oh My" and "Really I Do" (Fifo 107)
Lucy Duran, Reuben Pando, Frankie Gonzales
Lucy Duran would record for Fifo as a solo artist. "Oh Sweet Baby" and "I Tried To Make You Understand" would also be released in 1961. (Fifo 109)
Lucy Duran & The Velveteens
(Photo courtesy of Anthony Piceno)
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!
Solely for historical, educational & listening pleasure
thanks for linking my you tube Channel . i have been fortunate to speak with Johnnie V. a few times . tells many stories of performances with the Storytellers, Carlos bros, Heart breakers and many other Chicano and R&B acts of his era .. great stories . thanks
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate enough to know the drummer of the group my pops also grew up in pomona knew him as veco I knew him as Pastor Dan little did I know that the man playing the piano singing in a back room for me was a Chicano soul pioneer Good man
ReplyDeleteJoe Rod's, son..danny Rod, my dad has a brand new golden guitar....rest in peace!
ReplyDeleteWhat was the original 45 of “I’m Waiting” w/o the background singers issued on?
ReplyDeleteWOW! My band played with you guys at Palomares Park in late 1958 or 59! We played with you and Johnny Fortune. We were "Terry and the Twisters" from Pomona as was Johnny. All these years I remembered y'all doing "Angel Baby". I thought you were GREAT.
ReplyDeleteGood music
ReplyDeleteRuben Pando was my uncle, my mother’s brother. My sister brother and I grew up watching and listening to him sing and play the piano. He was truly talented, we have a large collection of songs that he wrote.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment. There is an exhit in Pomona going on and recently a couple members of the Velveteens were there and spoke very very highly of your uncle. Would truly love to hear some of his music.
DeleteMy mom is Mary Unzuetta. I get my voice from her. She is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. Do you have any photos from when she performed? I would love to post them here.
DeleteMy dad was the sax player, lately I've been trying to find info on the group and this article was very thorough, thank you
ReplyDelete