Jim Waller and The Deltas
Fresno, California
The picture above was taken at the "Tiger A Go Go" in San Francisco
(June, 1965). Band members L to R: Roy Carlson, Floyd Gaines, Eddie Gallegos,
(Go-Go Dancer - name not known), Jeff Christensen, and
Jim Waller.
Jim Waller and The Deltas
This photo of The Deltas was taken at "The A Go Go" in Seattle, Washington (August, 1965).
Band members L to R: Eddie Gallegos, Roy Carlson, Jim Waller, Jeff christensen, and
Floyd Gaines.
"Give Love A Chance"
Jim Waller and The Deltas
Fresno, CA
Jim Waller and The Deltas
The Deltas released an LP of instrumentals called "Surfin' Wild" (Arvee Records - 1963).
Sundazed Records reissued "Surfin' Wild" on CD in 1995.
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The Emeralds
Hanford, California
(*Jeanie Sanders, lead singer, was the first artist signed to Del Fi
Records after the horrendous accident that took the life of
Delfi artist Richie Valens. Jeanie recorded Firday Night Prom and Gun Slinger in 1961 on the Del Fi label. Later on, Jeanie married Jim Mellick, of The Brymers, and frequently toured and performed with The Brymers.
__________________________________
The Nocturnes
Lemoore, California
(*Steve Perry, drummer (far right) later became lead singer for Journey. Bill and Dave are currently members of a great Hanford surf group called, The Beach Band). Band members are: L. to R.: Steve Porter,
Frank Bento, Bill Bilhou, and Steve Perry.
____________________________________
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The Challengers
Lemoore, California
(*Later changed their to The de-Fenders)
Band Members (L to R): Kenny Valentine (guitar); Mike Wagner (guitar);
and Dick Lee (drums).
- 1963 -
_________________________________
The Brymers
Lemoore, California
1965
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"KLAN" - Valley Radio
(December 31, 1966)
The Brymers first appeared on the charts at number "15."
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The Road Runners - 1966
Fresno, California
(*One of my favorite band's from Fresno was "The Road Runners." The group was formed in 1962 at Fresno High School for a senior assembly. Larry Karagozian was always late to his civics class and was nicknamed "Road Runner Larry." Larry decided to attach the name to the newly formed group. Larry left the group and was replaced by Randy Hall, vocalist, song writer, and bass player. Many thanks to Larry for this info. One member of the group, Conte, left and joined "The Tower of Power" while Kelly Smith, drummer, joined "The Gauchos")
L. to R.: Dale Samuelian (organ, vocals), Denver Cross (guitar, vocals), Bob Trippell (sax - and
holding up cowboy hat), Steve Heitkotter (drums), and Randy Hall (bass guitar, vocals). See
here performing at Gottschalk's Department Store, Fresno, California - 1966.
The Road Runners - circa 1966
Fresno, CA
L. to R.: Dale Samuelian (organ, vocals), Randy Hall (bass guitar, vocals), Denver Cross (guitar, vocals), Bob Trippell (sax ), and Steve Heitkotter (drums).
** Denver Cross, lead guitarist and vocalist, for The Road Runners passed away in January, 2009. He was
truely one of the early pioneers of Rock-n-Roll. He will be missed.
The Road Runners and The de-Fenders performed together on numberous
occassions.
1964
The Road Runners and The de-Fenders performed together on numberous
occassions.
November - 1964
**************************************************************************
"KYNO" BOSS RADIO (July, 1967)
Fresno, Ca
"KYNO" Boss radio was a great rock-n-roll station out of Fresno.
****************************************************************************
VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING
TULARE, CA (June, 1966)
Mel Simas (MELCO INT.) managed many groups through-out the
San Joaquin Valley during the 1960's. As a D.J. he also promoted teen dances.
The above concert was in Tulare, Ca in June, 1966 and featured Ian Whitcomb,
The Rumblers, Cannibal and The Headhunters, and The de-Fenders. The de-Fenders
(a.k.a. The Brymers) were managed by Mel Simas and backed up all vocal groups
at his concerts. Admission price for four hours of dancing: $1.50.
**************************************************************
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Ian Whitcomb (June, 1966)
Ian Whitcomb is seen performing his hit song "You Turn Me On" at the above concert. He is being
back-up by The de-Fenders. (L. to R.: Dick Lee, drums; Robert Virden, bass; Mike Wagner, lead guitar
(behind Ian Whitcomb); Ken Valentine, guitar; Bobby Cox, Electric Piano; and Ian Whitcomb (front).
***********************************************************************
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Cannibal and The Headhunters (June, 1966)
The Headhunters are seen performing their hit of "Land of 1000 Dances" at the same concert.
The de-Fenders (a.k.a. The Brymers) are the back-up band.
**********************************************************
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THE BRYMERS
Lemoore, CA
The Brymers - after a performance at the Rocking Horse Inn, Fresno CA (October, 1965).
Notice that the band member's hair is beginning to grow back after it was cut off for
a publicity photo shoot in Hollywood by Coast Artists Intertainment and Diplomacy
Records. L. to R: Jim Mellick, lead guitar/harmonica/vocals; Dick Lee, drums, vocals;
Robert Virden, bass guitar, vocals; and Kenny Valentine, guitar, sax, keyboards, vocals.
****************************************************************
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THE DE-FENDERS (a.k.a. THE BRYMERS)
Lemoore, CA
The de-Fenders are seen performing at another MELCO CONCERT at the Lemoore Veterans Hall,
Lemoore, Ca (November, 1965). L. to R.: Robert Virden, Bass guitar, vocals; Dick Lee, drums, vocals;
(the "Go Go Girl's name is not known); Mike, Wagner, lead guitar, vocals; Kenny Valenitne, guitar,
vocals, and Bobby Cox, keyboard, vocals).
************************************************************************
The Hal Diamond Trio
Hanford, California
(*Danny Hull, sax, later went on to play
with Cold Blood - San Francisco. Below is a photo of Danny with
Cold Blood - top row - third from left).
_________________________________________________________________________
The Spats
___________________________________
Al Garcia and The Rhythm Kings
Delano, California
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10th Avenue Produce Band
Hanford, California
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Merrell Fankhauser and
"Fapardokly"
Pismo Beach, California
(* In late 1968, Dick Lee, The Brymers drummer
joined Merrell and recorded many tracks on the infamous
"Fapardokly" album. Many thanks to Merrell for his invaluable assistance and input in relation to The Brymers. He is one of the most creative musicians and song writers with whom I have ever performed)
___________________________________________________
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Lloyd Pucket and The Armona Nutcrackers,
Armona, California
***************************************************************************
The Implicits,
Visalia, California
(*Tom Johnston later became a guitar player and singer with The Doobie Brothers)
The Implicits,
Visalia, California
Above is a scanned photo from a Visalia newspaper of The Implicits (circa - late 1960's). The band
members are L to R Front Row: Tom Johnston (lead guitar); Beverly Chavez (vocals); and Jack Love
(bass). L to R Back Row: Jerry Hull (rhythm guitar); Bob Daugherty (vocals and organ); and
Ken Henard (drums). Many thanks to Jerry Hull for providing this photo.
_____________________________________
The Rivington Quintet,
Visalia, CA
The Rivington Quintet (Formerly "The Implicits")
Visalia, CA
A great rock group from Visalia was called "The Rivington Quintet." The group was
formed after The Implicits. Tom Johnston, lead guitar, later went on to play with The Doobie Brothers. Many thanks to Greg Campbell, guitar, for providing me with this
photo. Greg also played with other Visalia groups such as The Tweeds and The Sensations.
Greg now resides in Oak Ridge, NC and is still playing music.
*****************************************************************
The Sedate Sunshine Colony,
Kingsburg, California
(* Many thanks to Jeff Anderson for providing some cool photos of the S.S.C.. According to Jeff, the S.S.C. will be entering the studio in July, 2008 to record a CD of original songs. Stay tuned for updates from Jeff.)
_________________________________________________
The Sedate Sunshine Colony,
Kingsburg, California
____________________________________________
Bentley Road,
Kingsburg, California
(* Three members of The Sedate Sunshine Colony formed a band called Anderson then recored two 45's under the name of Bentley Road)
____________________________________________
The Brogues,
Merced, California
(* two of the members later joined Quick Silver
Messenger Service)
_________________________________________________
Hayward Lee and the Marauders
Fresno, California
(* Hayward Lee's group was one of the great "R & B" bands from the Fresno area.
Some of Hayward's other recordings include: "Watch Your Mouth," "Over You," "Mother Dear,"
"Barking Up the Wrong Tree," "Better Stop Foolin' Around," "My Love for You," and "It's a
Sin To Tell a Lie" (the "A" side of "Oogaloo")). All total, I have 10 tracks from Hayward Lee
and the Marauders.
_____________________________________________
Hayward Lee and the Marauders
Fresno, CA - 1968
(Top L to R: Francisco Serrano (guitar and vocals); Jose Serrano (bass and vocals)
(Bottom L to R: Ramon "Bozo II" Ochoa (drums); Hayward Lee (leader, sax, and vocals);
and Manuel (Meno) Orozco (organ, vocals, and trumpet)
(* Many thanks to Melissa O. Simon, daughter of Manuel Orozco, for providing
this photo and to Jose Molina Serrano (bass and vocals) for providing
additional information about the photo.)
___________________________________________________________________
The Cindermen
Fresno, CA
(Another great six piece group from the Fresno area was The Cindermen. One of their recordings, "Don't Do It No More" was well know through-out the valley. Many thanks to Bill Bixley for
providing the photos)
_______________________________________________
The Classix,
Porterville, California
(The Classix's were a great rock group which hailed from
Porterville, CA - 1963. The bass player (Kenny Sinner) later played with The Brymers, The Charades, Kandi, Mainstreet, and
many more top name rock acts.. In 1966, Kenny wrote The Brymers' classic hit of "Sacrifice").
_____________________________________________________
IDENTIFY THESE GREAT 60'S ROCKER'S FROM THE CENTRAL VALLEY!
Many thanks to Ray Baradat (The Charades Band - Tulare)
who recently sent me this photo of some 1960's Charade Band members:
(L. to R.): Bob Dennison (Charade's guitar player who took Tommy Johnston's place in 1968 and 60's member of R.D. and the Showmen - Visalia), Roger Bryant (currently plays with The Charades and 60's member of R.D. and the Showmen), Tommy Johnston (The Doobies and former member of The Charades and Implicits), and Ray Baradat (The Charades Band - Tulare).
________________________________________________
Rhythm Aces - 1959
Tulare, California
(The Rhythm Aces were a great group based in Tulare. In 1960, the band disbanded and some members formed a group called The Rhythm Kings from Delano, while other members joined The Charades Band in Tulare. Members L to R: Freddie Rodriquez (guitar); Art "Tootie" Rodiquez (guitar); Louie Fernandes (sax); Unknow member; Henry Vaquez (sax - bass - trombone); Unknown member; Ray Martinez (percussion); and in back Manuel Garcia (drummer). Once again, many thanks to Ray Baradat for this photo.)
______________________________________________________________
The Five Trebles - 1958
Fresno, CA
(The Five Trebles were based in Fresno, California. Note that the keyboard player is
Jim Doval who later formed Jim Doval and the Gauchos. Once agian, many thanks to Melissa O. Simon.)
____________________________________________________________________
The Satellites
Tulare, CA
(L to R) front row: Richard Frost and Ronnie Franklin
(L to R) backrow: Terry Reedeer, Mel Cordeniz, and Cary Stanley
The Satellites were a cool rock group that hailed from Tulare. The group played
locally in Visalia, Tulare, Hanford, and Lemoore. Terry Reeder, sax, left the group in the after high school graduation and was accepted in the Naval Academy at Annapolis.
He currently resides on the east coast. Our best to him from all of the San Joaquin
Valley 1960's rock-n-rollers. The Satellites did not record, but performed all of the hits of the era.
________________________________________________________________
%208.jpg)
The Avengers
Bakersfield, CA
The Avergers were a great rock-n-roll group that hailed from
Bakersfield. They opened for many of the name acts of the time. The group
recorded five singles: (1) Be a Cave Man; (2) Open Your Eyes; (3) Get
Primitive; (4) I Told You So; and (5) It's hard to Hide.
Members: Kenny Zigoures - Bass Guitar; Henry Gonzales - Guitar; Gary
Bernard - Drums; Greg Likens - Lead Guitar; Jim Robesky - Sax and
Organ; and Gerry Blake - Guitar.
%209.jpg)
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The Chocolate Tunnel
Bakersfield, CA
The Chocolate Tunnel was another great rock group that came from
Bakersfield. Two of its members were Kenny Johnson and Jerry Ritchey.
_____________________________________________________________________
Frequently, various members of central valley rock groups from the 1960's
era get together and jam. The individuals from left to right are:
* Jimmy Rodrigues (Visalia, CA): The Tel Stars and 10th Avenue bands
* Myron Fagundes Hanford, CA): The Tel Stars and 10th Avenue bands
* Mark Hopper Hanford, CA): The Lee Riders, Foxx, and Fourth Oncome bands
* Glen Cossey Camasillo, CA): The Lee Riders and Foxx bands
* Steve "Jimmy" Brown (Fresno, CA): Loadstone, The Lavender Morgue,
The Emeralds, The 10th Avenue Produce Band
* Jimmy "Sluggo" Mellick (Lemoore): The Emeralds, Johnny Rodrigues and
The Blue Notes, The de-Fenders, The Brymers, Young Country, and Wild Oats
Many thanks to my good friend Jimmy "Sluggo" Mellick for providing this photo.
********************************************************************
"Eisage" - 1967
Modesto, California
Another great four piece San Joaquin Valley group was called "Eisage." They hailed from Modesto, California and rocked the north valley area. Many thanks to Lennis Scheline (Kingsburg) for the photo.
*****************************************************************
The Sentinals - 1964
San Luis Obispo, CA
Another one of my favorite groups that frequently played in the valley hailed from
the San Luis Obispo area. They were called The Sentinals and played a surf - latin sound.
The group was signed by Del-Fi Records in 1963 and recorded a number of surf albums. The group was
formed in 1961 and disbanded in the mid 1960's. John Barbarta (drummer) went on to become a member
of The Turtles and The Jefferson Starship. Lee Michaels (keyboards/vocals) was with the group for a while.
Tommy Nunes played lead guitar and sang while Kenny Hinkle played bass guitar and also provided vocals.
****************************************************************************
The Revels -1960
San Luis Obispo, CA
Another great San Luis Obispo group which played through-out the San Joaquin Valley during the
early 60's were The Revels. Their most famous song "Church Key" was recorded by numerous surf groups
of the era. The Revels came together in 1957 while attending San Luis Obispo High School. They were first
known as Gil Serna and the Rockets. Their first single "Six Pack" was released in 1959. In the summer of 1960 The Reveals released their infamous single "Church Key." At one time, Merrell Fankhauser played with the
group.
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Merrell Fankhauser and The Revels - 1992
Pismo Beach, CA
(L to R): Sam Eddy, piano; Jerry Sagouspe, drums; Jim MaCrae, bass; Dean Sorenson,
sax (kneeling); Norman Knowles, sax (back row); Merrel Fankhauser, guitar and Tim Fankhauser, guitar
(Merrell's son).
****************************************************************
The Surf Teens - 1960
Atascadero, CA
Another group that played through-out the San Joaquin Valley, The Rose Garden in Pismo Beach, and for Melco dances was called The Surf Teens. The group hailed from Atascadero and had four members (Greg Smith, guitar; Jeff Hammond, guitar; Tony Johnson, bass; and John Hammond, drums). The Surf Teens recorded an album of covers in the early 1960's. An interesting note is that the album was produced by Norman Knowles of The Revels (San Luis Obispo).
***********************************************************************
The Nomads
Hanford, CA
(upper left: Max Lupercio - upper right: Rick Rosalez
lower left: Raymond Funtes - lower right: Melvin Brooks)
Another very cool group from The Hanford area was named "The Nomads." The Nomads
performed for many Melco Dances and local "Battle of the Bands. Max Lupercio later went on to play
bass with Jim Mellick's group The Emeralds. According to Rick Rosalez, the original members still reside in the Hanford and Porterville areas. Many thanks to Rick Rosales and Delia Weiss for the photo.
*******************************************************************
The Ebonknights
Madera, CA
The Ebonknights were a tremondous rock group which hailed from Madera, California and
played through-out The San Joaquin Valley for special events and after game dances.
The group won a huge "Battle of the Bands" presented by local radio station "KMAK" (1967).
First place went to "The Vells, second place went to "The Ebonknights, and third place went
to "The Roadrunners." In addition, the Ebonknights performed regularly at a Fresno
teen rock club called The Crimson Castle. Later on, the group re-named themselves to
"Lively Affair" and toured Viet Nam with USO shows. The band members were:
Tommy Simonian (lead guitar/sax); Charlie Magarian (bass guitar); Myron Gomes, (drums);
and Rod Hallum (guitar).
***********************************************************************
The Ebonknights
Madera, CA
On May 9, 2009, The Ebonknights performed a re-union concert in Madera to a
sold-out house. Many thanks to Myron Gomes (drummer) for providing the pictures and
information about "The Ebonknights."
*******************************************************************************
The Saturday Nights
Visalia, CA
The Saturday Nights were another great valley group. The photo above is of the group playing
for the grand opening of the new Visalia Fair Shopping Center (circa - June, 1965). The
Saturday Nights performed through-out the valley area from Fresno to Bakersfield including
The Rose Garden at Pismo Beach. The group also recorded in Fresno and JanEl Records in
San Jose. Many thanks to Kenn Christie from San Jose for providing this picture.
Members L to R: Beverly Chavez - Visalia (vocalist); Louie Quezada - Exeter (guitar); Kenn
Christie - Visalia (guitarist-bassist); Jesse McCuin - Visalia (bass-guitar-vocals); Johnny
Mccuin - Visalia (drummer-vocals); and blocked behind the female singer is Lester Bock
- Visalia - (keyboards - vocalist).
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Connor Corkill
The Connor Corkill Band,
Visalia, CA
Connor is a great musician and former member of a Fresno group called
Jim Doval and The Gauchos. If you like great blues - give Connor's CD
a listen. (Contact: goncornmusic@copper.net)
********************************************************************
************************************************************************
THE RAINBOW BALLROOM, FRESNO, CA
The Rainbow Ballroom was another great concert hall for rock bands form the 60's. Who can ever
forget the outragous, infamous "Wolfman Jack."
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Many thanks to Conrad Jimenez (Fresno) for this photo and for his support of
the great 1960's San Joaquin Valley Rock-n-Roll Bands.
********************************************************************
The Brymers
The Brymers perform a medley of their favorite 1960's classic rock songs. The track
is Down In New Orleans-Land of 1000 Dances- Money. It is off of The Brymers
"40 Year Brotherhood" album."
"The Boulders # 4 "
Compilation LP - Released 1982 (Unauthorized Release)
The Brymers - "Sacrifice" was a featured track.
***************************************************
R. D. And The Showmen
Visalia, California
R. D. And The Showmen were a great rock group
that hailed from Visalia and played through-out
The San Joaquin Valley.
- 1965 -
******************************************************
"I Want Tell You"
Recorded by The Brymers (1966) in Los Angeles and
released on the Diplomacy label. The composition was written by
Kenny Sinner (keyboards). Band members were: Bill Brumley (vocals
and bass guitar); Dick Lee (vocals and percussion); Jim Mellick (vocals,
lead guitar, and harp); and Kenny Sinner (vocals, keyboard, sax, and guitar).
*************************************************************
Jimmy Kay
Kingsburg, CA
**************************************************************
The Brymers
Band Members (L to R): Kenny Sinner; Dick Lee; Bob Virden; and
Jimmy Mellick
Washing State - 1965
********************************************************
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Melco Dance Poster
- 1965 -
************************************************************
Melco Dance Poster
- 1966 -
*****************************************************
Little Ray - Delano, CA
Little Ray hailed from Delano, Ca and was a 13 year old singer with "The
Rhythm Kings" from 1960 through 1963. Little Ray moved to the L.A. area
in 1964 and recorded numerous songs on different labels. He was the first
lead singer for "The Midniters" (from Los Angeles) before "Little Willie G" took
the lead spot. An excellent bio of Little Ray's career can be found at the following
site: http://www.markguerrero.com/17.php.
Once again, a special thanks to Ray Baradat (The Charades Band)
for his photo contribution.
"Leave Me Alone"
Recorded by: Little Ray
"Loretta"
Recorded by: Little Ray
"I Who Have Nothing"
Recorded by: Little Ray
"Karen"
Recorded by: Little Ray
**********************************************************