EASTSIDE LEGENDS - THE SLAUSON BROTHERS

The Slauson Brothers were George and Johnny Ochoa who hailed from Commerce, California. In 1964 they recorded the Eastside classic "Rosalie" for Godfrey Kerr's Gee label (Gee Kay 1003). The record was reissued on Kerr's Flashback label (Flashback 105).

You May Listen To The Slauson Brothers "Rosalie" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Tsf09PIqE

The B side of the record is "Power Glide" by The Impalas

The Slauson Brothers would later in the year record "Baby Come Home" for Godfrey Kerr's Kay Gee label (Kay Gee 102)

The B side of the record was "2 O'Clock Blues" by The Impalas

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!!

Solely for historical and educational purposes and for listening pleasure.

EASTSIDE OLDIES - PART 2

In part 2 of Eastside Oldies we will look at another ten records by artists out of the greater Los Angeles area. Some of these records are extremely rare so check your collections.

THE ATLANTICS - "BOO HOO HOO"/"EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE ALL RIGHT"

There were two groups called The Atlantics who were part of the Eastside scene. A Chicano band which I will get to later in my Eastside Bands section and this vocal group.

The group included members :

Delbert Franklin (lead singer)
Chick Carlton (tenor)
Gaynel Hodge (tenor)
Barry White (bass)

Delbert Franklin was a singer/saxophonist who had been a member of the Eastside band, The Mixtures. (see my post under Eastside Bands).

Chick Carlton would later cut a record with Eddie Davis' band, The Majestics (we'll get to him later).

Gaynel Hodge had been a member of the L.A. vocal groups The Hollywood Flames and The Turks.

Barry White would go on to become a solo soul singer and have najor success.

In 1961, The Atlantics recorded a song penned by Gaynell Hodge entitled "Boo Hoo Hoo" released on Eddie Davis' Linda label (Linda 103).

You May Listen To The Atlantics "Boo Hoo Hoo" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIZzhUaLIb8

VARIOUS ARTISTS - "ANGEL BABY"

Absolutely in my Top Ten of Eastside Sound records is Rosie & The Originals' "Angel Baby" in 1960. But there other female artists who have recorded the tune. The song was written by Rosie Hamlin.

In 1961, Sandra Teen recorded "Angel Baby" for Impact records but the writer credits were given to David Ponce, a member of the originals. This led Rosie & The Originals to break up. Rosie was given the copyright rights in 1961 but this led to battles over royalties for decades.

Vicki Vote recorded "Angel Baby" in 1969 for the Imperial label

Trish Toledo recorded "Angel Baby" in 2019 but not released as a single. her version is so good it appears on the Eastside Sound label

A Spanish language version of "Angel Baby"  titled "Angelito" was recorded by Isela Sotelo in 1982 and released on the Latino Motown label.

RAY MEDINA AND THE NEW LATIN BREED - "HEAD'S HEAD"


Talk about digging up some rare records when you really get into researching, Ray Medina & The New Latin Breed recorded a song Head's Head" on the obscure Mares record label out of Los Angeles. The record was produced by Memo Mata (who also produced Sly, Slick & Wicked) and Earl Chavez. I don't have a year of release but it's Latin soul & Boogaloo so I put it in the late 1960's. The vocalist on the record is Tutti. This record sold $2075 on E-Bay last year.

You May Listen To Ray Medina & The New Latin Breed "Head's Head" as part of a Latin boogaloopalooza on Mr. Fine Wine's Downtown Soulsville Show found here:

http://wfmu.org/playlists/shows/14689



THE SHOWCASES - "THIS LOVE WAS REAL"


The Showcases were originally formed in the late 1950's at the Ramona Gardens housing project in the Lincoln Heights section of East Los Angeles.

 In 1964 they recorded "This Love Is Real" for producer Cliff Goldsmith. At that time the group members were James Colford, Tommy Johnson, Thomas Keyes and James Hubbard. The record was released on the Galaxy label (Galaxy 732) but only 2 or 3 promotional copies are know to exist. The record was legally reissued on the Falco label (Falco 308) in the early 1980's. All this information is according to Steve Propes in his book "L.A. R&B Vocal groups 1945-1965.

This song is one of the best four-part harmony doo-wops to ever come out of the Los Angeles area. I do not have a scan of the original Galaxy release but the Falso release title's the song "This Love Was Real"

You May Listen To The Showcases "This Love Was Real" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUvpzc4wf0A



WILKS & WILKERSON - "YOUNG LOVER" b/w "I FOUND A NEW LOVE"


James Wilkerson and Nate Wilks were residents of South Central Los Angeles. They hung around the Ramona Gardens housing project in Lincoln Heights as did The Showcases and Bobby & The Classics (later to become Cannibal & The Headunters).

In 1962 they cut two sides "Young Lover" and "I Found A New Love" both ballads with that classic East L.A. Sound. The record was released on the Bamboo label (Bamboo 518). "I Found A New Love" was also recorded by Robert & Rey (see my Robert & Rey post under Eastside Legends).

MONTEREYS - "(I LOVE YOU) FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS"


Chicano vocal group, The Montereys were from the Bakersfield area. Their lead singer was Hector Canez. The other band members were Tom Lopez, Tom Rey and Santos Cepeda. In 1962 they recorded an extremely rare record for the Trans American label (Trans American 1001) "Darlin (Love You So)/"Darlin' Send Me A Letter". This record is currently on my want list. If anyone has a copy for sale please e-mail me. Also if anyone can send me scans of the record I would greatly appreciate it.

You May Listen To: The Montereys - "Darlin (Love You So) Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TxkLFFb4Is

You May Listen To: The Montereys - "Darlin' Send Me A Letter" Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN08VCKvM6g

The following year, 1963 they recorded "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" produced by Kim Fowley and released on the GNP Crescendo label (GNP Crescendo 314).

You May Listen To The Montereys " (I Love You) For Sentimental Rreasons" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXwREpK9ark



BOBBY & BILLY - "GEE GIRL"

The vocal duo, Bobby & Billy were Robert "Bobby" Washington of The Cyclones and possibly Bill Brooks of The Hollywood Saxons. Bobby Washington & Cyclones member Jerome Evans wrote a soulful ballad "Gee Girl" while they were still with The Cyclones. "Gee Girl" was released in 1962 on the Strafire label (Starfire 100).

THE MATADORS - "LET ME DREAM"

The vocal group, The Matadors were originally from Calexico, Mexico where they began as the Continentals, Group members were Jimmy & David Meza, Robert Estrada and Carlos Montejano. The group became popular in the San Gabiel Valley area of Califonia.

In 1966 they recorded "Let Me Dream" originally released on the Chartmaker label and re-released in 1967 on the Forbes label (Forbes 230).

You May Listen To The Matadors "Let Me Dream" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XqkgGl4ppM

THE EXPLOSIONS - "GEE BABY"

The vocal duo, The Explosions were Bob McClaine and Dave Coleman both from East Los Angeles, California. In 1964 they recorded a remake of the 1959 classic By Joe & Ann "Gee Baby". The record was produced by Kim Fowley for the Burton label (Burton 101), a label owned by Burt Sugarman.

In 1965 Bob & Dave recorded "Up On The Mountain", a remake of the Magnificents 1956 doo wop classic as The Fallen Angels for the Tollie label (Tollie 9049).

THE RHYTHM GENTS - "LINDA"

I don't really know if this group was from the Los Angeles area but in 1996 they were part of Steve Propes research for the book "L.A. R&B Vocal Groups 1945-1965. The group does have an East L.A. sound. In 1964 they recorded "Linda" for the Merri label (Merri 6008). If anyone has any information on this group please contact me.

You May Listen To The Rhythm Gents "Linda" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWn5XZZpbGg

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!!

Solely for historical & educational purposes and for listening pleasure.

EASTSIDE LEGENDS - ALFRED & JOE

   
Alfredo Garcia was born in Mexico in 1945. In 1955 his family moved to Los Angles. He came from a musical background influence by his grandfather & father and later the Los Angeles music scene. He attended Catherdral High School and then went on to East Los Angeles College.

His singing partner, Joe Silva was from Lincoln Heights, California. Alfred & Joe formed a band, The Noblemen whose members were from Cathedral and Belmont High Schools. The band included Richard Duran on lead guitar and drummer Alfred Rubalcava. The band performed locally at weddings and quinceaneras.

Alfred & Joe used to buy records at the Flash Record Store where they met Rudy Benavides, an employee. Rudy attended a couple of Alfred & Joe's gigs and after liking what he heard sent them to Godfrey Kerr who owned the Kay-Gee record label. Godfrey picked a song, "Darling Dear" which was a 1953 classic recording by The Counts for them to record.

In 1964, Alfred & Joe & The Noblemen recorded "Darling Dear" released on the Kay-Gee label (Kay-Gee 101). The B-side of the record, "Soul Shuffle" an instrumental with a surf flavor recorded by The Noblemen.

The Noblemen would go on to back Godfrey on his 1965 single "The Trip" (see my profile of Godfrey Kerr under The Eastside Sound Hits The Radio Airwaves.

Thanks to Ruben Molina, Alfred Garcia is back in the Eastside scene talking about his music and memories.

You may listen to a fascinating interview Steve Propes did with Alfred on Steve's 45's show on radio station WPMD in Cerritos, California by following these links:

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U5pAXpxhU8

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6pI8W_u8Ac

Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPe1N_Li5cI

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!!!

Solely for historical & educational purposes and for listening pleasure

EASTSIDE LEGENDS - LITTLE RAY JIMENEZ

                               

Little Ray (Jimenez) is one one the biggest stars and one of the greatest voices of the Eastside Sound. He could sing uptempo R&B as well as croon a soulful ballad. His singing, dancing and overall stage presence make him a true Eastside Legend.

His records are extremely hard to find and very valuable as he has been placed in the Northern Soul genre.

Ramon Jimenez was born & raised in the farm worker community of Delano, California. He grew up influenced by the music of Little Richard, Fats Domino and Elvis Presley. He became part of the Rhythm Kings act in Delano and they billed him as "Little Elvis"

At age eleven Ed Cobb of the Four Preps took Little Ray to Lew Bedell's Dore Records where he recorded "There Is Something On Your Mind" and "My Rainbow which were released in 1961 (Dore 590).

"There is Something On Your Mind" is a cover of the Big Jay McNeely classic.

.


You May Listen To Little Ray - "My Rainbow" Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VprOQtesbp8

You May Listen To: Little Ray - "There's Something On Your Mind" Here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfyLiMeS44A

Ray moved to Los Angeles where he attended Salesian and Gafield High Schools. He recorded "Shake, Shout And Soul" (recorded at the Santa Monica Civc) and "Soul Stomp" with backing by the Premiers (of "Farmer John" fame) for Tony Hilder's Impact label (Impact 26) in 1962.

You May Listen To Lil' Ray & The Premiers "Shake, Shout & Soul' Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UajHix9zqk

You May Listen To Lil' Ray & The Premiers "Soul & Stomp" Here"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cn9dci1c5s

The record is so sought after & hard to find that it was reproduced in 2016 for collectors

Ray would hook-up with members of Thee Midniters at a car club meeting and later record "Loreta" and "My Girl" (Impact 30) in 1962. "My Girl" is Little Ray's answer to Mary Wells "My Guy". Ray's career with Thee Midniters would only last six months. Ray was unable to make an East Los Angeles College gig where he was to sing "Land Of A Thousand Dances" because of transportation problems from Delano.The tune was sung by Little Willie G who became Thee Midniters featured vocalist. Thee Midniters version of "Land Of A Thousand Dances"version would be released on the Chattahoochie label..

You May Listen To Lil' Ray & The Midniters "Loretta" Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g74plASQ7A

In 1963, Ray would record two songs written by Ed Cobb for the Warner Brothers label, "Come Baby Dance" and "You Can't Hurt Me" (Warner Brothers 5351)

Little Ray would work with Thee Midniters again and record "Karen" and "Come Swim With Me" for Eddie Davis' Faro label in 1964 (Faro 617).

In 1965 Little Ray put together his own band called The Progressions.

Members Of The Progressions:

Tony Garcia (sax)
Joe Osula (baritone sax)
"Bones" Ramos (trumpet, french horn)
Clarence Playa (guitar,vocals)
Tony Escalante (guitar)
John Pride (keyboards)
Mike "Bozo" Rodriguez (bass)
Marshall Tavarez (bass)

Little Ray & The Progressions became very popular playing the eastside ballroom circuit which included my favorite, The Montebello Ballroom. They signed with Bob Keane's Donna label and recorded a remake of the Ben E. King classic "I Who Have Nothing" and a tune written by Arthur Lee (of Love fame) "I've Been Trying". The recording session was scheduled for midnight and when the bass player couldn't make it, my cousin Mickey Aversa (of Mickey & The Invaders fame) was called in. The record was released in 1965 (Donna 1404). It was picked up by the Atco label and also released in 1965 (Atco 6455)

The tunes would also be released on the Mustang label. See BEHIND THE RECORD for the full story

Also in 1965 Little Ray would record a very obscure song & record "It's Good Enough For Me" This record is currently on my want list.

In 1966 or 1967 Little Ray would record for Columbia and release "I'll Keep On Loving You" and "Leave her Alone" (Columbia 44287), highly sought after by Northern Soul collectors.

In the early 1970's Ray teamed up with Willie G to form a group called God's Children and recorded "Hey, Does Somebody Care" for the Uni label (Uni 55295) in 1971. The song became the theme song for the television series, "Matt Lincoln"

Ray still performs today and has his own recording studio in East Los Angeles called Santuary Studios.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LITTLE RAY JIMENEZ PLEASE READ THE FASCINATING AND INFORMATIVE ARTICLE WRITTEN BY MARK GUERRERO AT HIS SITE FOUND HERE:

http://www.markguerrero.com/17.php

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED!!!!

Solely for historical & educational purposes and for listening pleasure.