Founded in 1965 as a community orchestra, Eugene Symphony’s early years included performances in living rooms, schools and churches. The orchestra took up residence in Eugene’s Hult Center for the Performing Arts in 1982 and has since performed with the likes of violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, soprano Renee Fleming, Portland’s treasured Pink Martini, and most … [Read more...]
Snapshot of Lane County in the 1960's
Rand Hoberg
Rand Hoberg has been a popular musician in the Lane County area since the 1960's. Name of band: WildfireCategories: Rock Active Years: 1975 – 1982. Members: LaDawn Long (vocals), Diane (vocals), Rand Hoberg (bass), Jeff Long (drums) Name of band: Dawn PatrolCategories: Rock Active Years: 1983 – 1986 Members: LaDawn Long (vocals), Rand Hoberg (bass), Jeff Long (drums), … [Read more...]
Tim Hardin (1941–1980)
Tom Hardin, born in Eugene, was an American folk musician and composer. He grew up near Hendricks Park and went to South Eugene High School. Tim dropped out during his senior year to join the Marines. Anyone around in the 60's or 70's has heard his songs. They were standards for artists to cover, particularly “If I Were a Carpenter” and “Reason to Believe”. … [Read more...]
Eugene Music Company
Location: 181 E Broadway - Downtown Eugene Active Years: 1950s … [Read more...]
Wilson Music House
Active Years: 1937 - 1990's Ralph W. Wilson (owner/operator from 1937 – 1950) 1932 - Ralph Wilson and biz partner open small music store on W Broadway 1937 - Re-opens under Wilson Music House at 39 E 10th Ave. 1950 - Ralph retires and his son Bob Wilson and business partner Glen E. Houchen continues business By 1959 the store was located at 1070 Willamette Street 1970 - … [Read more...]
Willamette Records
Located at 2272 Roosevelt Blvd in Eugene, Oregon, Orbit Sound Company (country acts), Willamette Records (1959-1960) and Myrtle Mountain Publishing Company were founded by Lloyd “Grandpappy” Smith, an upright bass player and bandleader of the Western Valley Boys, the Melody Ranch house band. Located at the same address Melody Ranch was a country western dance hall operated … [Read more...]
Orbit Sound
Located at 2272 Roosevelt Blvd in Eugene, Oregon, Orbit Sound Company (country acts), Willamette Records (1959-1960) and Myrtle Mountain Publishing Company were founded by Lloyd “Grandpappy” Smith, an upright bass player and bandleader of the Western Valley Boys, the Melody Ranch house band. Located at the same address Melody Ranch was a country western dance hall operated … [Read more...]
Leon Bell and his Valley Ramblers
Leon Bell and his Valley Ramblers was the house band at the Rendezvous located at 99 N just over the overpass. They played every Sat Night. Active Years: 1960's Members: Leon Bell … [Read more...]
Rendezvous
Location: 99 N just over the overpass Active Years: 1959-? Building History Melody Ranch til 1959 Rendezvous Dancing every Saturday night! Music: Leon Bell and his Valley Ramblers (house band) … [Read more...]
Civic Music Association
1943-? "During this era there were two "organized" music plans, one operated by Columbia Artists (a subsidiary of CBS Broadcasting) known as Community Concerts, and the other operated by the National Broadcasting Company as a subsidiary known as the Civic Music Association. The University of Oregon operated under the civic music plan. This plan differed radically from the … [Read more...]