EASTSIDE BANDS - THE ATLANTICS

                                     THE ATLANTICS


Band Members:

Jimmie Meza (lead guitar)
Juan Meza (rhythm guitar)
Ruben Garcia (sax)
Manuel Garcia (bass)
Jim Hughes (vocals)
Frank Ascolese (drums)
Mike Ronquillo (trumpet)
Carmen Caudillo (vocals)

EDITORS NOTE:

This post has been revised after a an e-mail and enlightening telephone conversation with Atlantics guitarist, Jimmie Meza. I wish to thank Mr. Meza for sharing some information and his memories of the Eastside scene.

The Atlantics were yet another Eastside band discovered by Billy Cardenas. The band members attended Rosemead, El Monte & Arroyo High Schools. The band was originally called The Vandells and performed at house gigs and at Zamora Park in El Monte. An employee of El Monte High School, Mike Sharboro became their early manager.

Mike introduced the band to Billy Cardenas and they were booked for an audition at the Rhythm Room in Fullerton. Billy liked what he heard and  brought the band to Eddie Davis. Eddie changed the bands name to The Atlantics and took them into the studio where they waxed two singles for his Rampart label.

The Atlantics opened for many big acts including Little Anthony & The Imperials, the Crystals, The Coasters, Gary US Bonds and Sonny & Cher.

They were the house band at Bob Eubanks "Cinnamon Cinder" for two months 1964/1965

The Atlantics first single was "Beaver Shot" and "Fine Fine Fine" on the Rampart label (Rampart 643) released in 1965.

You May Listen To The Atlantics "Beaver Shot" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw7r6rOlUJE

The Atlantics second single was "Sloop Dance" and "Sonny & Cher" also released on the Rampart label in 1965 (Rampart 647). "Sloop Dance" was a remake of The Vibrations song.

The Atlantics appeared on Sam Riddle's 9th Street West in December 1965 where they performed "Fine Fine Fine"

In December 1965 the Atlantics played the Alexandria hotel. Also on the bill were Thee Midniters & Ron Holden. That was their last gig.

In February 1966, Jimmie Meza & Manuel Garcia were drafted & the Atlantics soon disbanded. Saxophonist Ruben Garcia would go on to join the Premiers.

Carmen Caudillo and Jimmy Hughes went on to join The Epics.


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Solely for educational & historical purposes and for listening pleasure.