Hello Doc

Did you grow up in a city where a lot of the musicians of the day passed through? Or was it AM radio that got you hooked? I have to admit, when I saw the heading of this group, I was thinking of oldie's like Josephine Baker, Bing Crosby, Count Basie; but it's true here in the Midwest, an oldies station will focus on 50's & 60's era. I wasn't musically aware until I heard Zeppelin 4, but I've always had an interest in retro so look forward to reading the comments here. One artist I've listened to closely and fallen in love with is Jeff Buckley (deceased 1997). I'd like to learn more about his father and his music, Tim Buckley. Are you familiar with Tim Buckley and his music? Finally, are there any other somewhat "obscure" artists of the 50's & 60's who maybe aren't well known but who greatly influenced musicians of the future?

Hi!.

Thanks for the reply. Well I grew up just south of Toronto, Canada and of course it's always been a hotbed for music as New York is. And Buffalo was even closer. But as a kid I never saw many groups and got my "fix" from AM radio, yes. Of course I had and still do have a wack of 45's and LP's, although I've upgraded to CD's and now the PC. I do enjoy even older oldies as well. The Buckley name does sound familar, but I can't place where. The classic music of the 70's is also a passion to me with the likes of Led Zep, Steely Dan, Police etc., etc...I love'em all!. You mention obscure bands; there were several throughout the times of the 50's-60's. You might enjoy my Oldies Music Lovers Network [http://backtraxmusic.ning.com] where I cover that same thing along with daily bios sent to members. This week I'm highlighting Doo Wop era and last week did a 5-day stint on British Rock. Come visit the site. You won't be disappointed I'm sure. I'll post another post here with a few "obscure" band profiles. I enjoyed your reply and found it interesting. Thanks for replying my friend. Stay well and "keep rockin'"..

Doc

The Chocolate Watchband never charted a record nationally. Indeed, ask most casual 1960s rock fans about them and you'll probably get little more than a blank stare. Most will remember their AVI Records labelmates the Standells more clearly, because they actually managed to chart a few singles. Alas, the Watchband had the disadvantage of being a punkier band than the Standells, and suffering continual lineup changes. The Chocolate Watchband was a mod-outfitted garage punk unit par excellence, their sound founded on English-style R&B with a special fixation on the Rolling Stones at their most sneering. After hooking up with producer Ed Cobb, a former member of the 1950s vocal ensemble the Four Preps, the group released No Way Out in mid-1967, though the Watchband had already begun breaking up. A new incarnation carried them through 1967, though the band's existence as a viable performing unit were all but over. The group's producers had other ideas, however, releasing two more albums (The Inner Mystique, One Step Beyond) in 1968 and 1969 , sporting the band's name but not too much else associated with the group. That would probably have been the end of the group's story, but in the early '80s, record buyers and, more particularly, young musicians discovered the Watchband. A set of Australian reissues of the group's albums quickly found a market in America and Europe. Thus, it was no surprise when, in 1994, Sundazed Records reissued the complete Watchband catalog on compact disc.

Where did the Watchband develop it's following? What sort of venues did they perform in?

By the way, listening to your station in the background and really enjoying it, http://www.live365.com/stations/thedoctorofoldies.

Hi Raycgar!..

Thanks for the compliment on my oldies station. I'm very glad you enjoy it. I still have over 450 tracks to upload but I'm working on getting the PRO playlist maker working properly, so stay tuned...it gets even better I assure you..

The Chocolate Watchband started out where most did in the days of the 60's, namely California. They never really developed much of a following per se because there was too much competition and they rushed to get tunes out. Then, like many others, were mismanaged. Probably inexperienced agents themselves, but everyone was trying to "cash-in" you know. They did get a few albums out there, but they died on the cutting floor until the late 80's and early 90's when young artists started going through garage sales or into their parents "stuff" and found some old material. They quickly found material to use themselves because it was long forgotten I suspect. I have a few tracks of their's and if you visit my Oldies Music Lovers Network and check my personal profile, music player, you can have a listen. If you were to join (FREE) you can even download them as well!.

[http://backtraxmusic.ning.com]

Hope this helps. Thanks for the feedback too. Always a treat for me.

Doc