EASTSIDE BANDS - THE PREMIERS

Band Members:

Lawrence Perez (guitar)

Frank Zuniga (bass)

George Delgado (rhythm guitar)

John Perez (drums)

Joe Whiteman Jr (sax) replaced by Phil Ruiz

Hailing from San Gabriel, California, The Premiers started out in 1962. They began playing house parties, weddings and dances. Lawrence & John Perez' mother contacted Billy Cardenas. Billy got them gigs at The Paramount Ballroom, The Rhythm Room in Fullerton and The Rainbow Gardens in Pomona.

Billy Cardenas introduced the band to Eddie Davis and got them a recording contract. For their first record Billy suggested a song written & recorded by Don & Dewey, "Farmer John". The record was recorded at Stereo masters Studios in Hollywood although the record label says it was recorded live. The live sound on the record was provided by a girls car club, The Chevelles.

"Farmer John" and "Duffy's Blues" were released on the Faro label (Faro 615) in 1964. The record became a huge national hit reaching number 19 on the Billboard charts in July.

Eddie Davis took the record to Warner Brothers Records for further promotion and distribution. Warner Brothers also released the record in 1964 (Warner Brothers 5443)

You May Watch The Premiers performing "Farmer John" Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gayhpUyz2os

Warner Brothers wanted to capitalize on the band's success and rush released an album titled "Farmer John Live" in 1964. This album will be reviewed in the Vinyl Classics section.

The Premiers second single for Faro was "Get Your Baby" and "Little Ways" which was released in 1965. (Faro 616).

The Premiers third single for Faro was "Get On This Plane" and "Come On And Dream" (Faro 624) released in 1966. This record is highly sought after by garage band collectors and worh a few hundred dollars.

The Premiers fourth and final single for Faro was "Ring Around My Rosie" released in 1967 (Faro 627) with the vocal version on one side and the instrumental version on the flip side.

The Premiers would record twice more for Warner Brothers.

"Blues For Arlene" and "Annie Oakley" released in 1964 (Warner Brothers 5464)

"Little Irene" and "So Fine" released in 1965 (Warner Brothers 5488)

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PREMIERS PLEASE READ THE FINE ARTICLE WRITTEN BY MARK GUERRERO AT HIS WEB SITE FOUND HERE:

http://www.markguerrero.com/11.php

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!!

Solely for historical & educational purposes and for listening pleasure