Wednesday, November 16, 2011

PJ and The Gentry - Beaver Records - Hammond

Totally unknown group, with little to go on, that's the challenge we love! "PJ" and The Gentry had a couple of 45's on the short-lived Beaver Records out of Hammond, Indiana.

The Wounded Camel
Sing and Dance

This 45 has writer credits of Hebel - Farag. It also states a "James B. Hebel production". Their other 45 has writer credit to H. Farag III.

Nice song production, it may be as early as 1962, but I am just going by the matrix designation - SS2538-01a. Anyone have any idea on the members of this group?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Randy Benjamin - Vincennes

Randy Benjamin is quite the enigma. From Vincennes, and Lincoln High School ('65), Randy managed to have his first 45 released with involvement of Mike Curb. Mike seemed to be golden on everything, except this time.

From Randy's website: "
I was a songwriter and singer long before I became an author. I received my first guitar at the age of 4. It was bigger than I was! My first recording contract was with Mike Curb back in the early 60s in Hollywood, CA. I’ve also been an artist/writer for Mercury and Warner Brothers records. I had a top 40 record in Europe (Look At You Now) on Mercury in the late 60s. I owned a recording studio in Nashville, TN in the mid-70s."

The 45 is most probably recorded with Randy and session men.

Lovin' Man

Old Man

Randy also released a 45 on Mercury "Look at You Now", as far as I know it was released in early 1970.

I've tossed a few e*mails at Randy, but haven't heard anything. Look forward to filling in some blanks! Randy had to have a high school band...........

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Kraftsmen - Parti Tyme 1965

The Kraftsmen (with an extended T, think BeaTles) were together from 1963 to 1966. Picked by Jerry Kunkle of the mighty WIBC powerhouse out of Indianapolis to go on a tri-state tour and open for the "Dick Clark Caravan of Stars".

Tommy Shields - Lead guitar - Lead vocals
Mike Shields - rhythm - vocals
Charlie Lashbrook - bass - vocals
Mike Mull - drums - lead vocals

Looking at the ads, I don't think Parti Tyme lasted more than a few weeks. A photo of the place would be great.......