Location: 3202 Jasper Rd, 2 miles east of Springfield, Oregon The Cascade Club was owned and operated by Pat Mason, a major N.W. agent and promoter (Far West Amusements). Pat booked national acts and N.W. local bands to perform primarily on the weekends. The Cascade Club was mostly closed during the week and served as a recording studio under Lavender Label with layover for … [Read more...]
Snapshot of Lane County in the 1940's
Leon Smith
Location: West Eugene, Oregon With roots in the early rock 'n roll scene, now known as Rockabilly music, Leon Smith can be found in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Leon Smith's 1959 hit single, Little 40 Ford, quickly rose to the top of the charts on the West Coast and allowed him to make his mark in rock 'n roll history. Early in his career he shared the stage with numerous … [Read more...]
Jolly Time Dance Hall
Jolly Time Ballroom / Dance Hall Location: Willamette City / Oakridge, Oregon March 17, 1939 - Gala opening with Bob Ramsey and his Band 1940 - Benefit Dance for Easter Egg Hunt May 24, 1941 - Vern Minkler and his Orchestra 1942 – Westfir Orchestra preceding the dance at Jolly Time … … [Read more...]
Bob Ramsey
Drum pedal inventor and musician from Springfield, Oregon The GHOST was designed by J.R. "Bob" Ramsey. Local Drum Pedal Inventor’s Ghost Beats Way to Fame - 1951 RG article Inventor’s Drum Pedal Wows Big-Name Players - April 5, 1951 RG Article Bob Ramsey Writes Details of Life in US Navy Music History Jan 26 1938 – Play at Wintergarden on Friday night March 17, 1939 – … [Read more...]
Billy Hamilton
Billy Hamilton Orchestra Music History: The Holland - 1946, 47′, 48′ Elks Country Club - 1954 (Hwy 58, 3 miles east of Goshen) The Greenwood - 56' Billy Hamilton was a well known musician and hand leader in the Eugene/Springfield area. He also gave lessons at Wilson's Music in Eugene. Before moving to Eugene he played with some of the biggest names of the 30's … [Read more...]