Active Years: 1975 - 1985 in Eugene, Oregon Genre: Blues The band was originally formed in the mid-70’s in Eugene, Oregon as Bill Rhoades Blues Band then later became the Party Kings. Bill moved to Portland in the mid-80’s and continued the band in a different configuration. The Party Kings played a mixture of Blues music styles from Chicago, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi … [Read more...]
Cole McElroy
Cole McElroy (1888 - 1947) J. Cole McElroy, also known as “Pop” McElroy was a popular Jazz musician and widely known dance hall manager from Oregon. "Born in Corvallis to E.B. McElroy, he moved to Eugene to attend the University of Oregon in the late 1800’s. He graduated from UO in 1900. In 1910, after nine years managing his father’s farm near Monroe, he decided to … [Read more...]
Los Xplorers
Active Years: 1980-1982 Genre: Blues-Rock Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Original Members 1980-1981: John Barley - Guitar (also played in Nads) Henry Cooper - Guitar Louis Samora - Drums (also played in Foamlords, The Flapjacks, The Jackals, and The Rats with Oregon legends Fred and Toody Cole) Fred Kellogg - Bass Members 1981-1982: John Barley - Guitar, … [Read more...]
Melody Ranch
Melody Ranch was a country western dance hall located in the Four Corner's area. Operation Dates: 1947 - 1957 Owner/Operator: Lloyd “Grandpappy” Smith was an upright bass player and bandleader of the Western Valley Boys, the Melody Ranch house band. Location: 2272 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene, Oregon Attracted Grand Ole Opry touring performers such as Ernest Tubb, … [Read more...]
Century Custom Recording Service
Century Custom Recording Service, was a franchise of the Keysor-Century Corporation. By 1963, there were 80 franchise associates in the United States. The franchise associates often produced records as independent labels. Notable franchise associates included Eugene, Oregon. Location: 2568 Jasmine Street in Eugene, Oregon (Santa Clara neigborhood) Garyl G. Fisher … [Read more...]
Curtis Salgado
Curtis Salgado grew up in Eugene, Oregon. By his early 20s, Salgado was already making a name for himself in Eugene’s bar scene with his band The Nighthawks, and later as co-leader of The Robert Cray Band. In 1977, comedian/actor John Belushi was in Eugene filming Animal House. During downtime from production, Belushi caught a typically ferocious Salgado performance and … [Read more...]
Jo Federigo’s Restaurant & Jazz Club (1983-2007)
Location: 259 E 5th Ave, Eugene OR Building History The Historic Granary Building built in the 1920’s. The Daily Emerald article: Jo Federigo’s to reopen as a music venue (Jan 18, 2008) Eugene Register Guard article: Jazz venue Jo Federigo’s closes (May 26, 2007) 2008 – present The Granary 1983 – 2007 Jo Federigo’s Restaurant & Jazz Club 1978 -?? … [Read more...]
Icky’s Tea House (1980s)
Location: 304 Blair St, Eugene OR Content Coming Soon! … [Read more...]
Orla Whitmore
Orla Whitmore Orla Whitmore was one of the only female jazz drummers in Eugene, Oregon in the 1960's. Genre: Jazz Instrument: Drums Female drumer plays free and easy jazz - 1964 Register Guard article … [Read more...]
Henry Cooper
Henry Cooper aka: Sir Henry Cooper Born in Eugene, Oregon Genre: Blues Band History: Los Explores (1980-1982) Los Falcons Henry and the Hamhocks The Terraplanes Duffy Bishop Band Bluesman Exposes his Eugene Roots - Nov 19, 1999 RG article … [Read more...]