Leon Smith and the Basics (1960-1966) Genre: Rockabilly Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Best known for the top 40's hit song, "Little 40 Ford". The song, written by Wayne Marshall, was recorded in early 1959 in a Eugene basement studio with an earlier version of the band, The Orbit Rockers. It was released on a local label, Willamette records, on May 5, 1959 but was … [Read more...]
Snapshot of Lane County in the 1960's
Down Under Club
Down Under Club Location: 957/959 Pearl Street, Eugene Oregon Manager: Larry Jacque (1970-1972) Manager: Sam Stahl (May 1972) Also associated with The Hunter Room, Ed's Pit BBQ at that location The Lemon Lime Band was the first band to play there. They held the House Gig for six months, six nights a week. … [Read more...]
Lemon Lime Band
The Lemon Lime Band (1969-1972) Genre: Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Members: Dave Dybevik (guitar) Denny Phelps (B3 Hammond organ) also played in Slick and Wicked from Seattle Don Ross (bass) Reid Smeltzer (drums) also played in Harold Bradford Trio Pat Dull (organ, Alan Bradburn (drums) Were the first band to play the Down Under Club in Eugene. Held … [Read more...]
Heirs
The Heirs (1966-1968) Also known as: The Critters, X-25 Genre: Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Band Members: Larry Buzz Siler (vocals, guitar) Mike Spencer (keyboards) Rick Siler (bass, guitar) John Odgers (drums) Jim Hanse (organ) Dave Stauff (keyboards) Don’t You Love Me (Unreleased Demo) Eugene, Oregon 1966 Source: PNW Bands … [Read more...]
Attic (1969-1971)
Location: 2nd Floor 1025 Willamette St, Eugene The Attic was located on the corner of 10th and Willamette Street, across from the McDonald Theater. It was a popular concert and dance hall in the late 60’s and early 70’s, booking both local and national touring bands such as Notary Sojac, the Wailers, Buddy Guy, Ike & Tina Turner and the Ikettes, and Charlie … [Read more...]
Armory (Eugene)
The Eugene Armory, located in downtown Eugene on the northeast corner of 7th and Oak, was a popular music venue attracting both local and national acts. aka: the Eugene’s National Guard Armory or The Armory. Address: 125 E 7th St., Eugene, Oregon Building History The Armory was built in 1914 and designed by a notable local architect John Hunzicker (1867-1945), who … [Read more...]
H.B. and the Checkmates
H.B. and the Checkmates (1965) Genre: Garage Rock Base Location: Springfield, Oregon Members: Patrick Ahern – Bass (also played in The Small Crowd) Bill Bean – Saxophone Guy Mayes – Drums Frank Nachtman – Guitar (also played in The Dominions) John Thomas – Piano (also played in the Norsemen from Woodburn) Recordings – 45: Louise, Louise/Summertime … [Read more...]
Hammond Typewriter
Hammond Typewriter (1967-1971) The original name was “The Number Two Hammond Typewriter” Genre: Rock Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Members: Wane Fuday – Lead Guitar Jay (John) Wilson – Vocals Ben Hall – Drums Cliff Hunter – Bass Debbie Gordon – Keyboards, Vocals Ken Biggs – Keyboards, Drums Randy Crawford – Rhythm Guitar Clel Gibson – … [Read more...]
Gringos
Gringos (1962-1964) Genre: Surf Music Base Location: Springfield, Oregon Members: Randy Bryson (lead guitar) also played with the Moguls/The Centurians Gary Cowles (drums) Joe Warnick (bass) Mike ? (rhythm guitar) From 1962-1964 I led a band called the “Gringos” out of Springfield High School. This was a “Ventures” and surf music band (the only vocals were “Louie … [Read more...]
Genetics
The Genetics (1965-1969) Genre: Music that Swings – Rock and Roll Base Location: Eugene, Oregon The Genetics were young...it's reported that they were only 13 when they started in 1965. Group consisted of Vic Bearden (Guitar), Doug Gustafson (Guitar), and Phil Jessen (Drums). Members from 1967-1968 Vic Beardon - Guitar Jay Bonzer - Guitar Mike Chapman - … [Read more...]