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 later released on on Columbia Records under their subsidiary label, Epic.
Original members of Leon Smith and the Basics
- Wayne Marshall – Bass, Vocals
- Gary Van Ornum – Drums, Vocals
- Leon Smith – Guitar, Vocals (also played with The Last Rodeo Band from Portland)
Members of The Orbit Rockers (1957-1960):
- Lonnie Coleman- Rhythm guitar (1st)
- Ron Wise – Rhythm guitar (2nd)
- Keith Parkera (Smith) – Bass
- LaRae Moran – Keyboard
- Paul Baalken – Sax
- Gary Van Ornum – Drums (13 year old veteran of the group)
- Leon Smith – Guitar, Vocals
- Various female vocalists
Source: Leon Smith and previous articles written about Leon Smith
Karen says
I remember when the Basics came to Tucson, AZ and played at The Maverick Club. We always went to hear them play. I lived when they sang “Pretty Woman”!
Shortly after I got married, I spent an afternoon with the wives at the pool at their hotel. I have old photos someplace.
Karen B. Mesa, AZ