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Lane County Music History Project

Explore Our Rich Music History

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Leon Smith

More details about Leon Smith's music-related history!

Orbit Sound

Categories: 1950s, 1960s, Country, Eugene, Recording Studio/Label

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 Smith and the Basics

Categories: 1960s, Band, Eugene, Featured, Rockabilly

leon smith and the basics

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...]

Melody Ranch

Categories: 1940s, 1950s, Country, Eugene, Venue

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...]

Leon Smith

Categories: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, Eugene, Featured, Musician, Rockabilly

Western Valley Boys at the Melody Ranch

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...]

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