EDITORS NOTE: SPECIAL THANKS TO MIKE MINKY OF MINKY RECORDS FOR RELEASING THIS HISTORICAL COLLECTION OF MUSIC AND ALLOWING ME TO PREVIEW AND REVIEW IT HERE.
BAND MEMBERS: Little Willie G (Willie Garcia) - Vocals
Lil' Ray (Ray Jimenez) - Vocals
Lydia Amescua - Vocals
Fawn Rymal - Vocals
Stacy Rymal - Vocals
Steve Gutierrez - Drums
Alan D. Flores, Anthony "Beaver" Carroll - Bass
Ray Montisanto - B-3 Organ
STUDIO MUSICIANS - The Wrecking Crew
In order to fully appreciate the message and historical significance of God's Children in relation to the Eastside Sound, a little ground work must be laid.
The late 1960's saw the assassination of some of our country's leaders, an escalated war in Viet Nam, unrest on educational campuses and a search by the youth of a generation to find answers to the questions of how to deal with life and it's daily battles,
The Beatles called out for "Revolution. The Temptaion's said it's a 'Ball Of Confusion" and Sly And The Family Stone asked us to take a "Stand"
The late 1960's also saw the formation of "super groups" like Crosby, Stills And Nash and Blind Faith. The Eastside Sound would form their own "super group" in the cast of God's Children.
In 1971, having previously been members of Thee Midniters, Willie Garcia and Ray Jimenez through a series of telephone conversations both agreed to work on a new project. Li' Ray brought a teenage girl with a big voice, Lydia Amesqua, raised up on the Latino vocal styles of the day, including those of Thee Midniters. It was Amesqua who named the band ("Because , well, we're all God's Children" as she said).
They would add two more female singers, Fawn and Stacy Rymal. Visually the group looked cool with long hair and dressing in the style of the day. So it was three girls and two guys for a total of five singers-a little like a Latino 5th Dimension.
God's Children began to blend doo wop, funk and choreography into a new brand of soulful sound.
Eastside music entrepreneur Eddie Davis booked studio time for God's Children and arranged for a 40-piece orchestra be present at the session. Soon the band was signed to the UNI label for more recording. This time Phil Spector's Wrecking Crew assisted at the sessions.
Two singles were released by Uni, but soon dealing with label hierarchy disillusioned the band members who went their separate ways. Little Willie G would join the progressive Latino rockers Malo. Amesqua continued performing live under the name Lydia Verdugo and ray still works regularly at his East LA studio.
Track 1 "Music Is The Answer"
The title track composed by Little Willie G is a wah-wah/congas powered rocker. It stands
as an anthem with the message that no matter what blows life throws at you that through
music you can clear your mind, speak your mind and unite like minds for a good cause.
Track 2 "It Doesn't Make No Difference"
This track is a bit of organ-powered garage pop teetering on psychedelia Written and sung
Lil' Ray "the only thing that matters is what you're doing for yourself today"
Track 3 "If You Ever Go Away"
Written by Lil' Ray and sung soulfully by Lydia Amescua could have been another single
release. This version was recorded with the East LA band.
Track 4 "I Just Wish"
Written and sung by Lil' Ray and calling for people to get together to make life better
Track 5 "Dream"
A powerful spiritual ballad written and sung by Willie and Ray
Track 6 "Brown Baby"
Written by Wilbert Wade and recorded by Willie G. It was released as a single in 1970 on the Gordo label. (Gordo 702). Backing vocals on this song were done by the Salas Brothers.
Track 7 "Hey Does Somebody Care"
The A-side of the first Uni single recorded by God's Children. It became the theme song for
the television series "Matt Lincoln" This track features the dueling voices of both Willie G
and Lil' Ray and was produced by Eddie Davis and Mario Paniagua. Released in 1971.
(Uni 55266).
The B-side of the Uni single is "Lonely Lullaby"
Track 8 "Lonely Lullaby"
The B-side to the Willie G single "Brown Baby" written by Mario Paniagua and once again featuring the backing vocals of the Salas Brothers. (Gordo 702). Released in 1970.
Track 9 "Music Is The Answer"
Featuring Will G with The Wrecking Crew
Track 10 "Music Is The Answer"
Instrumental by The Wrecking Crew
Track 11 "Put Your Head On My Shoulder"
Written and recorded by Paul Anka who had a major hit with it in 1959. God's Children
recorded it and it was released as the A-side of their second single by Uni in 1971.
(Uni 55266). It was a soul group's attempt at a pop song and it failed and probably helped
lead the to Willie and the group parting ways.
Track 12 "That's The Way God Planned It"
Originally written and recorded by Billy Preston in 1969, Willie G does an inspiring
job on vocals and Uni used it as the B-side to God's Children's second single (Uni 55295)
released in 1971.
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Track 13 "If You Ever Go Away"
Again Lydia Amesqua on vocal but this time backed by the Wrecking Crew.
Track 14 "If You Ever Go Away"
Instrumental by The Wrecking Crew
Also available in limited edition brown vinyl LP
EDITORS NOTE: I highly recommend you pick up this anthology of the first full-length release
of these long lost 1971 recording sessions Not only for the historical treasures
that they are but also for listening pleasure.
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!
SOLELY FOR HISTORICAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.