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Home , Dave Guard, Frank Werber, Ollie McLaughlin, Trini Lopez, Your Used to Be

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KMMMHH 1963'S LEADING ARTISTS

(Continued from page 66) Steve’s first appearance in the public eye was mediately signed him to an exclusive recording con- | Vaughn Meader—MGM back in January of ’52 when he won an Arthur tract for Reprise Records. The rest is history. Godfrey Talent Scout show and was invited to Kingston Trio-—Capitol ap- The artist’s current click single is “Kansas City.” Vaughn Meader jumped into the national spotlight pear with the Godfrey cast on radio & TV for a He also has a At new album, “More a year ago with his album, The First Family, full week. He was heard by the folks at King PJ’s” that is rapidly zooming up the LP chart. his- When Scrr* Francises publicist heard which became the fastest selling album in the Records, signed, and shortly afterwards clicked The comic’s ability to • itree collegians singing at The Cracked Pot in town tory of the record business. with “Poinciana.” A year later, he won out he knew he heard a good thing, immediately he almost perfectly mimic the late President John F. against a host of newcomers and name artists com- signed , and Kennedy made him an overnight success. peting for a permanent spot on the nitely Steve gradu- vr- personal mgmt. pact. Because calypso music was born in Boston and was 3 ’54 Lonnie Mack—Fraternity The laffman Allen TV’er. In he was signed to a Coral wax was in vogue at that time, ’57, they chose the ated from the Brookline High School. He worked for pact, stepping out with “Party Doll,” among oth- name Kingston Trio. They were brought to vocal Lonnie Mack, who broke thru with “Memphis” and WCOP-Boston prior to going into the Army for a ers. In ’59 he switched over to ABC-Paramount and coach Judy Dovis and practiced in a loft above followed with “Wham!” on Fraternity, was born four-year hitch. Vaughn started his show biz career smashed through the top 10 hit barrier with “Pretty Frisco’s 'discovery club’—The Purple Onion. They twenty-two years ago in Harrison, Indiana. The in- as a pianist in the country field and switched to Blue Eyes” and “Footsteps.” His “Portrait Of My were booked there for a week and were so suc- strumentalist’s real name is Lonnie McIntosh and comedy while playing nite clubs around New York. Love” followed later on the United Artists banner. cessful that their try-out was extended to a month- he had his first a $9.95 Lone Ranger model, He landed an engagement at the Phase 2 in Green- Steve, now with Columbia, has clicked with “Go Talent run. Later on, while playing at the , they at the age of four. wich Village and got his first big break on Away Little Girl,” “I Want To Stay Here” (with recorded an LP for Capitol. A single, “Tom When he was six Lonnie was playing country Scouts a few seasons ago. Eydie) and “Walkin’ Proud.” Dooley,’’ was culled from the successful LP and the music and singing with his brother and sisters. At Since then Meader has appeared on many tele- His truly showbiz romance, which started when meteoric rise followed. Their hit singles now in- twelve Lonnie was getting paid far performing at a vision shows and at many supper clubs including Eydie was also a regular on the Steve Allen show, clude “Tiajuana Jail,’’ “M.T.A.’’, etc. and in the local hotel. While still a teenager he got his first the Blue Angel in New York. He was recently led to a wedding and the birth of a LP dept, it’s “Close Up” and “Something Special” electric guitar and started working clubs with his signed to a wax pact with MGM Records, and prior son, David. Following the marriage the artists among others. brother, Alvin. And at fourteen he had his own to the death of the President he had decided to di- headlined their own hour-long TV’ers. In ’58 Steve The trio is made up of Bob Shane, born in Milo, rock ’n’ roll band. rect his career into other channels. inducted into the Army and was assigned as , Nick Reynolds, from Coronado, Calif, and was In 1959 the artist married his childhood sweet- official vocalist of the Army Band-ork at Ft. Myer, (formerly of the Cumberland Trio), heart, Ruth Browning, and continued to make his Va., and was used extensively in Army recruiting who replaced Dave Guard—when he went on to living as a guitarist. As with most surprise suc- U.S. Bonds programs. Since his discharge, form the Whiskeyhill Singers. John was born in and cesses, Lonnie’s came from a lucky break. Two Melba Montgomery darlings of the nite San Diego. Steve & Eydie have become the months ago Lonnie came to the attention of Harry club circuit, winning rave reviews everywhere they United Artists The trio had several top ten LP’s this year Carlson, topper of the Fraternity label. Carlson was among which were “Kingston Trio .#16” and appear. impressed with the youngster and immediately One of this year’s most promising new country “Sunnyside.” recorded him. The rest is music biz history. female vocalists is Melba Montgomery. The artist is a gal who has made good both as a soloist and in several chart-riding duets with George Jones. —Decca Lark, whose hometown is “Music City, U.S.A.’’, Major Lance—Okeh Rose Maddox—Capitol is managed by Shot Jackson and booked through Little “Miss Dynamite” started on the road to star- the Bob Neal Agency. dom with her first network TV appearance in 1956, Major Lance, who clicked heavily in the top-r&b After a difficult youth that included panning for Melba received her first break in 1958 when she has been overwhelming audiences with her spirited markets with “The Monkey Time” and “Hey Little gold and picking fruit for farmers on the west entered the first Pet Milk Grand Ole Opry contest vocalizing ever since. Girl,” on Epic’s Okeh label, was born twenty-two coast, Rose Maddox and her brothers learned to and won. As luck would have it, vet country orkster The explosive bundle of charm, who was born on years ago in . play guitar. Fred finally went into a Modesto radio Roy Acuff was in the audience. AcufF was sc im- Dec. 1944 at Atlanta’s Emory University Hos- Reared by a deeply religious family, Major 11, station and got a job for the family band. When pressed with the lark that he immediately signed pital (the second oldest of 4 children), was signed (that’s his real name), like so many others before the station wanted a female vocalist, Rose got the her as the featured girl vocalist with his band. to a long-term Decca pact, almost immediately after him, began his career as a spiritual singer. Even- call. The combo won a hillbilly band contest at the Melba spent four years with the orchestra before her TV bow. From ’56 to ’60 the chirp ran up a tually, the artist gave in to the lure of show biz Centennial celebration in Sacramento ($40 first going it alone as a solo performer. consistent string of best-sellers but it wasn’t until when a gospel group he was with broke up. prize) but the victory led to a network spot. The Since becoming a professional, the artist has her waxing of “Sweet Nothin’s” did she attain In 1959 Jim Lounsbury took Major under his group was gaining when World War II almost toured all over the world playing p.a.’s in North star disk status. Then she followed with a double- wing and succeeded in getting him a contract with broke it up. They won a disk pact in ’46 when Africa, and Canada.

I header, “I’m Sorry” and “That’s All Gotta Do,” i Mercury Records. In a short time the chanter cre- they reorganized and in 1959 Rose Maddox was earned her the first of gold records. Her ated some excitement with “I Got A Girl” and that many signed by Capitol with as many brothers as were

smash chain, after that, included “Emotions,” ! “Delilah.” Major’s current Okeh deck is his first left in the act. Rose, her folks and a few of her “Dum Dum,” “Eventually,” “I Want To Be big national hit. j brothers now reside at their Oregon ranch, playing New Christy Minstrels—Columbia Wanted,” “Fool No. 1” and “How About Me,” When he is not on the road playing p.a.’s and fairs, rodeos, etc., on weekends. hops, Major relaxes by playing baseball with some “Heart In Hand,” “Save All Your Lovin' For Me” ! The New Christy Minstrels, who are currently riding and her most recent, “,” “Losing with “Ramblin’ ” were organized by of his friends. The artist still lives with his parents, the LP charts You,” “Your Used To Be,” “The Grass Is Greener” Sparks, at is the oldest four brothers and seven sisters in the Windy City. their leader Randy who 30 and “.” member of the fourteen member group. Brenda has now enjoyed appearances on the Little Peggy March— RCA Victor Sparks was born July 29, 1933 in Leavenworth,

Perry Como, Steve Allen, Ed Sullivan and Danny i Kansas and conceived the idea and name for his Thomas network outings, among others, and has Little Peggy March, who hit the top “I Will Follow singer-instrumentalists from Edwin P. Christy, who, Steve Lawrence—Columbia started her acting career with a role in the flick, Him (Chariot)” on RCA Victor, was born just fifteen in 1842, formed the famous Christy Minstrels, “The Two Little Bears.” years ago. She began taking an interest in singing hailed as the nation’s foremost interpreters of

One of the most successful nite club acts 1 in the In the past few years, the talented youngster at the age of two. Her first break came at five Stephen Foster songs. country is the very talented husband & wife team has captured the imagination and hearts of people when, competing against fifteen children, she won Sparks got his start in show business while in Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. However, prior all over the world. Accompanied by her mgr. Dub a talent contest. college. He was seeking a part-time job and made to their ’57 marriage, the artists were already in- Allbritten, Brenda was greeted by an enthusiastic When she was six years old she auditioned for his first appearance at the Purple Onion in San dividual standouts in the recording and entertain- mob scene on her ’59, '60 and ’61 European and Rex Trailer’s TV show and became a regular mem- Francisco. Since then he has been booked at the ment fields. South American jaunts. The President of Brazil tag- ber of his cast. She traveled with local shows with Blue Angel in New York, the entire Playboy circuit ged her ‘the best goodwill ambassador that Amer- a western band for four years and appeared and and numerous TV appearances. The group are cur- ica ever had’ while Paris newspapers hailed her as worked with such names as Sally Starr and the rently regulars on the Andy Williams weekly NBC- career went into high gear ! the ‘most dynamic American artist since Judy Gar- Three Stooges. Peggy’s TV stanza. land.’ a few years ago when she took first place on a The new Christies all sing and play folk instru- This year the lark became Mrs. Ronnie Shacklett. Children’s Hour new faces contest (Sunday morning ments (, , bass violin and a variety of children’s TV show). assorted secondary instruments: harmonica, fife, Recently, the hard-working young performer has etc.). appeared at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier, Tony Grant’s Besides LP success, the group got singles recogni- Season J (jreetincj J Stars of Tomorrow and competed in two PAL con- tion in 1963. Barbara Lewis—Atlantic tests sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary of Phila- delphia Athletic League. Barbara Lewis, who scored with “” I To ALL j The lark recently scored with “I Wish Were A and “Straighten Up Your Heart” among others, on Princess” and “Hello Heartache, Goodbye Love.” Buck Owens—Capitol And a Special ‘Aloha’ to Atlantic, was born nineteen years ago in . She grew up and attended high school in the sub- Buck Owens in a very short space of time has be- urban Detroit area. The lark began writing and come one of the outstanding new artists in the NINO singing at an extremely early age, having come Country Music field. Buck started in country music TEMPO in- | & 1 from a family of musicians. —RCA Victor as a lead guitar player and was the featured Barbara reluctantly brought some of her tunes to strumentalist on many recordings. He was doing APRIL Ollie McLaughlin one day hoping that he might be Henry Mancini, composer-arranger-conductor has very well for himself as a guitar player when he STEVENS this able to use them. He immediately saw great pos- played a major role in bringing jazz to TV with his decided to give singing a try. His efforts in I | sibilities in her voice as well as her songs and de- musical backgrounds for the “Peter Gunn” and new venture for Pop records, a small Califor- f for their Big Hit Atco Recording! cided to record her. “Mr. Lucky” series and is currently the hottest nia label, were brought to the attention of Capitol The songstress has written over thirty songs, in- writer of feature flick scores. Mancini was born Records. Since joining the roster he has turned out cluding her present chart rider. She will have an April 16, 1924, in Cleveland, the son of a steel a host of hits that include “Under Your Spell album out soon which will also include songs writ- worker who used to play flute in his spare time. Again” (his first big success), “Excuse Me,” ten by her. His father sent Hank to Carnegie Tech Music School, “Above And Beyond,” “Second Fiddle,” “Under “DEEP I When she is not on the road or at a recording end the Julliard Institute. He has been a staff com- The Influence Of Love” and a pair with Rose Mad- PURPLE” artist He’s an session the spends her free time drawing and poser and arranger at Universal Pictures since 1952 dox, “Mental Cruelty” and “Loose Talk.” painting. and among the films to his credit is “The Glenn outstanding song-writer as well, cleffing many of Miller Story.” He wrote the score for the Bing his own chart outings. He also has Kitty Wells’ Crosby film “Hiqh Time,” and his score to “Break- “Mommy For A Day” to his credit. fast At Tiffany’s” which he wrote as well as His most recent successes include “Yesterday’s recorded for RCA Victor, was a fabulous sound- Memories,” “Act Naturally” and “Love’s Gonna Little Eva—Dimension track seller. River” is the film’s most fam- “Moon Live Here.” ous selection, won an Academy Award as the top Born in Sherman, , on Aug. 12, 1929, Buck When the hit songwriting hubby-wife team of film sonq of 1961. In ’62 he won the Award with was plinking on his mother’s piano at the Pente- Carole King and Jerry Goffin were looking for a “Days Of Wine And Roses” and has a current con- costal Church as soon as he could reach the key- baby sitter, the Cookies suggested their new school tender in “Charade.” He also composed music for board. By the time he was 13 his musical ability chum Eva Boyd. The youngster so impressed the club acts including those of such stars as Dinah was so apparent that his parents bought him a duo that she was hired immediately. Eventually, Shore, Polly Bernen, Billy Eckstine and Betty Hutton. mandolin. the team began to notice that Eva was a music Hank lives in Northridge, with his wife By the time he was 21 Buck played sufficient lover and sang along with them when they worked and three children. guitar to get a job with a band in a Bakersfield on their songs. She was tried out on a few demos, (Calif.) club. Later Owens joined Bill Woods’ band the results were fine, and a Dimension contract in Bakersfield, plcyed on the “Chuck Wagon” TV followed. Her very first session, “Loco-Motion,” show there, became a part-time disk jockey. He hit the top spot on the charts and was followed even owned his own station, KAYE, in Tacoma, in hit style by “Keep Your Hands Off My Baby,” Leon McAuliffe—Capitol Wash., for a time. “The Turkey Trot” and “Old Smokey Loco- He lives in Bakersfield with his wife, Phyliss, The end of World War II marked not only the Motion.” and 3 children. Eva calls Belhaven, N.C. her home town. finish to a global conflict, it also brought down the curtain on another era —that of the big bands. With few exceptions, most of the big bands started a steady decline after the war but some, like Paul & Paula — Philips Leon McAuliffe and his Cimarron Boys were able Trini Lopez—Reprise to hang on and prosper. Paul and Paula, who had a debut million-seller When Leon returned to civilian life after the with “Hey Paula” on Philips, are students at How- Trini Lopez, who first exploded on the national war, he organized a modern dance band in Tulsa. ard Payne College in Brownwood, Texas. The two- scene with his best-selling Reprise single I of “If That switch was probably one of the most pros- some teamed up after singing for a Cancer drive Had is currently riding A Hammer” and the LP perous any band leader has ever made. Since radio program on KEAW. Paul, a talented song- charts with two albums cut live at P.J.’s in Holly- that time, Leon and the Cimarron Boys have be- writer, penned the hit tune, and tbe youngsters de- wood, was born twenty-six years ago in , come one of the busiest in aggregations the cided to head for Fort Worth in November, 1962.- Texas. country. For over 400 consecutive weeks they for an audition with Major Bill Smith, well-known Trini began playing guitar and singing Latin played to capacity crowds (twice each week) at star-maker, who launched such stars as Bruce Chan- songs in Dallas night clubs fif- when he was only j Leon's Cimarron Ballroom in Tulsa. nel to recording fame. teen. Stimulated by excellent audience response, ! in Born Houston, Texas, Leon took three guitar The young hopefuls drove 130 miles to Smith’s the artist formed his own five-piece combo and lessons and then landed his first job with a record j studios only to learn he was scheduled to toured the southwest. After finishing high school, I Houston radio station. Two years later, he took a an artist and could not audition them. Paul and

he and the combo played clubs across the country | job with another Houston radio station shortly and Paula, determined to make Smith listen to them, sat for four years. thereafter received an offer from W. Lee O’Daniels in the reception room, hoping to get at least a Mele Wth the group polished to a fine edge, Trini and his Light g Kalikimaka- 1 Crust Doughboys, to join their band. word with Major Smith. Luck was with them, for took a breath and plunged into the deep profes- At 18, he joined Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys the artist scheduled to record did not show up. As sional waters of Hollywood. His first two-week en- and stayed with them until entered the service he Smith walked out of the studios, the duo began Hauoli Makahiki Hou gagement lengthened into a full year, then he in 1942. | singing “Hey Paula” and within minutes the im- played a number of clubs, including the world- Aside from being a top bandleader, Leon is presario knew that they had the spark of real famous Ciro’s. also noted for his compositions he co-writer — was talent and he cut a dub of the tune the same day. May Singhi Breen Be Rose! One night while the group was performing at of the million-seller “San Antonio Rose” and has The rest is history. | 1 P.J.’s, vet music man came into the written such western standards as “Steel Guitar

^l&sraisjsrsjsfflrsjsa-sj-stsitsiiasisja-a-srsigiatll I club. Costa so impressed Trini that was with he im- I Rag,” “Panhandle Rag,” etc. (Continued on page 70)

Cash Box—December 28, 1963