The Daybreakers (band)

Last updated
The Daybreakers
Origin Muscatine, Iowa, U.S.
Genres Garage rock
Years active1966–1972
Labels Dial
Past members
  • Max Allan Collins
  • Mike Bridges
  • Denny Maxwell
  • Buddy Busch
  • Terry Beckey
  • Paul Thomas
  • Bruce Peters

The Daybreakers were an American garage rock and psychedelic band from Muscatine, Iowa, who were active in the 1960s. They became one of the most popular bands in their region which included the Quad Cities. Jack Barlow, a popular DJ and country music recording artist had them record songs for a planned single at Columbia Recording Studios arranged a contract with Atlantic Records, who released the group's single on their Dial label featuring "Psychedelic Siren" which included siren sound effects generated by a primitive electronic device. Though the song became a big regional hit in Iowa, Atlantic lost interest in the band and they made no further recordings. In the intervening years, their work has come to the attention of garage rock enthusiasts and has been included of several compilations.

Contents

The Daybreakers were inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. [1]

History

The Daybreakers were founded by keyboardist Max Allan Collins [2] in 1966 in Muscatine, Iowa. [3] [4] [5] Collins, a high school senior at Muscatine High School whose father had once a music teacher there, asked George Dunker, the school guitar teacher, to help recruit musicians for the group. [3] [5] [6] Dunker recommended three junior high students who Collins found acceptable that would form the band's lineup: guitarists Mike Bridges and Denny Maxwell, and drummer Buddy Busch. [3] [5] Bridges would play lead guitar and Maxwell rhythm, with Collins on keyboards and lead vocals, though the other members would occasionally sing leads and harmonies. [3] [5] [6] Collins' father helped the group work out their vocal style. [3] Chuck Bunn, who had played in several other local bands joined on bass. [5] [6] The band rehearsed in the basement of Collins' parents' house. [3] The Daybreakers quickly became one of the most popular groups in Muscatine. [5] Other popular bands were the XLs, from Wilton and the Night People, from the Quad Cities area. [3] [5] In November 1966 when the Daybreakers won the Carnival of Bands competition, held at the Col Ballroom in Davenport. [3] [5] Max Collins, who still has the trophy, recounts:

They had around 30 bands from all over the Midwest, including Minneapolis and Chicago. We won because we did a very different set from everybody else. We did some steps like The Raiders and wore gold sparkle shirts!" [5]

The band became acquainted with Jack Barlow, a popular radio DJ and country music recording artist, who had been a music student of Collins' father. [3] [5] Barlow asked his A&R man, Buddy Killen to produce a session for the group for a single initially planned to be released for the local market. [3] [5] Collins played Killen six of the group's original songs, including "Psychedelic Siren". [3] [5] When performed live the band would use a siren effect generated by an electronic device (a primitive version of a synthesizer built by a college classmate of Collins') operated by rhythm guitarist Denny Maxwell. [3] [5] [6] Despite the song's reference to psychedelia, none of the band members did drugs. [6] According to Collins, "...The term 'psychedelic' was largely just a buzz word to the group, describing the sights and sounds of the era". [6] Killen took the group to record at the Columbia Recording Studios, where they recorded "Psychedelic Siren" and four other numbers, including guitarist Mike Bridges' composition "Afterthoughts". [3] [5] Thom Hetzer was brought in top play bass at the session. [5] Killen offered the group a three-year recording deal with Atlantic Records through its Dial label, who released the single "Psychedelic Siren" b/w "Afterthoughts" single in December 1967. [3] [5] [7] Each of the group's members were signed to five-year songwriting contracts. [3] [5]

Despite their enthusiasm, on the way back to Muscatine the group heard Jimi Hendrix and the Doors on the radio and realized that their style of music might soon fall out of fashion. [5] [6] According to Collins, "I think the contract came just as music was changing..." [3] [6] "Psychedelic Siren", nonetheless became a local and regional hit. [3] [5] It entered the charts at Davenport radio station KSTT in December 1967 and stayed on the charts for over three months. [3] [5] In early 1968, the band did a small tour to promote the single and opened for the Young Rascals and Gary Puckett and the Union Gap at several concerts held in Davenport and Des Moines, as well as the Buckinghams and Strawberry Alarm Clock. [3] [5] In 1969 they won the Iowa State Fair Teen Town Battle of the Bands. [5] The Daybreakers included a lot of original material in their live act, most penned by Collins, Bridges, Maxwell, and Peters. [5] The Daybreakers' deal with Buddy Killen and Atlantic Records led to no further releases. [3] [5] Demo tapes recorded at Fredlo Records in Davenport failed to get attention, while phone calls to Nashville went unreturned. [5] Chuck Bunn departed and was replaced by Bruce Peters on bass and subsequently Terry Beckey, then later Paul Thomas. [3] [5] Peters and Thomas also played guitar. [3] [5]

In the early 1970s the Daybreakers evolved into group Rox. [3] [4] [5] They remained under the leadership of Collins but with Bruce Peters came to dominate musically as they moved in a more pop direction suggestive of late the 1960s Beach Boys and early Raspberries. [3] [5] In the mid-1970s, Collins, Peters and Thomas reunited with Crusin', one of the first 1960s revival bands, which played with varying members, including Bunn and Maxwell, but always with Collins. [3] [5] Collins also became a writer for the Dick Tracy comic book series. [4] Paul Thomas continued to play music until his death in 2004. [3] [5] Peters and Beckey are also deceased. [3] [5] The Daybreakers reunited with their original lineup on Aug. 30, 2008 Arnolds Park, Iowa for their induction into Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. [3]

The group was rediscovered by garage rock music fans in the early 1980s with the release of the Psychedelic Unknowns compilation. [3] [8] Their song "Psychedelic Siren" also appears on Garage Beat '66, Volume 6: Speak of the Devil..., issued by Sundazed Records. [5] [6] [9]

Membership

Discography

Related Research Articles

The Bees was an American garage rock and psychedelic band from Covina, California, that was active in the mid-1960s, and was best known for the 1966 paranoiac anthem "Voices Green and Purple". The song has been mentioned as an innovative example of early protopunk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Voices Green and Purple</span> 1966 single by The Bees

"Voices Green and Purple" is a song by the Bees, an American garage rock and psychedelic band from Covina, California who were active in the mid-1960s. It has been mentioned as an innovative example of early protopunk and has become highly prized by various garage rock collectors and enthusiasts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Groupies (band)</span> American garage/psychedelic rock band

The Groupies were an American garage rock-psychedelic rock band from New York City who were active in the 1960s and are known for an innovative approach to primal blues-based rock exemplified in such songs as "Primitive". They were a popular fixture in the New York club scene and recorded for Atco Records, later venturing to Los Angeles. Due to their uncompromising stance the Groupies failed to attract a wider audience outside of their local enclaves. They have come to the attention of garage rock and psychedelic enthusiasts and their work has been included on various compilations such as the 1998 Nuggets four-CD box set, which was released on Rhino Records. Their material has been re-issued on other garage rock and psychedelic compilations such as the Pebbles, Volume 10 LP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sir Winston and the Commons</span> American garage-rock band, formed 1963

Sir Winston and the Commons were an American garage rock band formed in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1963. The group released two highly regarded singles, which, upon release, earned the band a regional following, and resulted in reinterest in their music over the years. At the height of their popularity, Sir Winston and the Commons were regulars at the teen dance club the Cellar, in Chicago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Aardvarks (band)</span> American garage rock band

The Aardvarks were an American garage rock band from Muskegon, Michigan who were active between 1964-1968. They recorded three singles, two of which were issued on labels of Dave Kalmback's Fenton Records based in Sparta, Michigan. The group scored a local hit with "I'm Higher than I'm Down", which is now considered a garage rock classic, and several of their songs have been included in garage rock compilations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Escapades</span> American garage rock band

The Escapades were an American garage rock band from Memphis, Tennessee who were active in the 1960s. They became one of the most popular groups in the Memphis area during the mid-1960s and recorded two singles. "I Tell No Lies", the A-side of their debut single, became a big hit in Memphis and around the South. They were signed to Verve Records, who released their follow-up, "Mad, Mad, Mad", which featured a fuzz-toned guitar line. Their work is highly regarded by garage rock enthusiasts and collectors and has appeared on various compilations.

Joe Frank and the Knights were an American garage rock band from Leland, Mississippi who were active between 1959 and 1965. They were led by Joe Frank Carollo. In the early-to-mid 1960s their popularity grew beyond the Mississippi delta and Memphis areas as they became one of the most popular groups in various parts of the Southern United States. They had a regional hit with "Can't Find a Way", which attracted the attention of ABC Records who picked up the record and re-released it for national distribution. However, the band broke up shortly thereafter, and Carollo joined the T-Bones, who later evolved into the soft rock trio Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds in the early 1970s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawson and Four More</span> American garage/psychedelic rock band

Lawson and Four More were an American garage rock/psychedelic rock band from Memphis, Tennessee, who were active in the 1960s. The group was led by Bobby Lawson and was known for their hard, blues-based sound which, as they evolved, increasingly incorporated esoteric psychedelic elements. The group regularly worked with musician, songwriter, and producer Jim Dickinson and cut the first rock release for Memphis label, Ardent Records. As a side-project, they briefly recorded under the name The Avengers, as a Batman-themed takeoff group in 1966.

The Echoes of Carnaby Street were an American garage rock band from Miami, Florida who were active in the 1960s. They became a popular live act in the Miami area and enjoyed a minor regional hit with "No Place Or Time", released on Thames Records. In the intervening years their work has come to the attention of garage rock enthusiasts, particularly with the inclusion of "No Place No Time" on the 1986 Louisiana Punk Groups From The 60's Vol. 1 compilation, which paradoxically resulted in helping contribute to the misconception that they were a Louisiana band.

Randy and the Radiants were an American garage rock band from Memphis, Tennessee who were active from 1962 to 1966 and then again 1976–1984. They were one of the most popular groups in the Memphis area during the 1960s. Through their association with Knox Phillips, son of Sam Phillips, they signed with Sun Records and recorded two singles on the label which became hits in the region. Their second release, "My Way of Thinking", became one of the top hits in the area, reaching #1 on WGMN's charts. The group's work has today become highly regarded amongst garage rock enthusiasts and collectors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Dagenites</span> American garage rock band

The Dagenites were an American garage rock a band from Oxon Hill, Maryland near Washington, DC, who were active in the 1960s. They shared management and frequent billing with noted guitarist and performer Link Wray. In recent years their work has become highly regarded amongst garage rock enthusiasts and collectors and has been included on several compilations. The Dagenites are especially known for their proto-punk anthems, "I Don't Want to Try it Again" and "I'm Gone Slide", both of which have been mentioned as garage rock classics.

The Dantes were an American garage rock band from Worthington, Ohio, a suburb outside of Columbus, who were active from 1964–1969. They became one of the biggest groups in the Columbus area, scoring a #1 hit locally with their 1966 song "Can't Get Enough of Your Love", which has become highly regarded by garage rock enthusiasts and collectors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Oxford Circle</span> American rock band

The Oxford Circle was an American garage rock and psychedelic rock band from Davis, California, near Sacramento, who were active from 1964 to 1967. They became a popular garage rock act with a proto-punk sound influenced by Them and other blues-based bands of the British Invasion, that, in addition to heavy guitar feedback, came to encompass psychedelia. The group began to make appearances in San Francisco, where they became a top draw in venues such as the Avalon Ballroom. They taped a show at the Avalon in 1966 and, after lying in the vaults for years, it was rereleased in 1997 on the Nuggets from California: Live at the Avalon 1966 anthology. In 1967, they released the single, "Foolish Woman" b/w "Mind Destruction", which is also included, along with several other studio outtakes, on the Nuggets from California compilation. In 1967, drummer Paul Whaley left to play in pioneering heavy rock act Blue Cheer. Lead vocalist and guitarist Gary Lee Yoder and bassist Dehner Patten left to form Kak, who recorded for Epic Records. Yoder subsequently went on to join Blue Cheer in one of their later configurations.

The Movin' Morfomen were an American garage rock and psychedelic band from Espanola, New Mexico, who active in the 1960s. They became one of the most popular acts in New Mexico and had several local and regional hits. They are well-regarded by garage rock and psychedelic enthusiasts, and their collected works appear on the Flashbacks! anthology, issued in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Kings Ransom</span> American garage rock band from Pennsylvania

The Kings Ransom were an American garage rock band from Allentown, Pennsylvania who were active from 1965 to 1968 and were a popular act in the Lehigh Valley area, as well as around Philadelphia. Their record "Shame" became a hit in Milton, Pennsylvania and received airplay in Michigan. In the intervening years the Kings Ransom's music has come to the attention of garage rock enthusiasts with the release of several of their songs on compilations such as Allentown Anglophile and Teenage Shutdown! Teen Jangler Blowout!

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Kreeg</span> American garage rock band

The Kreeg were an American garage rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico who were active in the 1960s. They were one of the most popular groups in the Albuquerque area and enjoyed local hits from both sides of their 1966 single "How Can I" b/w "Impressin'". Their work has come to the attention of garage rock enthusiasts with the release of the 1996 anthology Impressin', which features their complete recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Kitchen Cinq</span> American garage rock band

The Kitchen Cinq were an American garage rock band from Amarillo, Texas active in the 1960s, whose lineup included guitarist and songwriter Jim Parker. They evolved out of the Illusions and eventually changed their name to the Y'alls, releasing records under both names, and enjoyed regional success before moving to Los Angeles, where they signed with Lee Hazlewood's LHI label and became the Kitchen Cinq. As the Kitchen Cinq they recorded five singles between 1966 and 1968, as well as the album Everything but the Kitchen Cinq, released in 1967. In December 1967, they released a single under the alias a Handful, but returned to their better-known moniker for their final release in 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Brymers</span> American garage rock band

The Brymers were an American garage rock band from San Joaquin Valley, California, who were active in the 1960s. They had a regional hit with the song "Sacrifice", which also received distribution overseas and managed to garnish airplay in parts of Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Although they only released one single, they recorded numerous unissued tracks that would subsequently be released on CD between 2007 and 2008. The group reunited in 2007 and have since been active on stage and in the studio, releasing five CDs containing old and new material. "Sacrifice" and their version of "The House of the Rising Sun" were both featured in the film Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher. Their song "I Want to Tell You" was included in a scene from the ABC TV series Once Upon A Time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Chessmen</span> American garage rock band

The Chessmen were an American garage rock band from Denton, Texas, near Dallas, who were active in the 1960s. They were one of the most popular bands in the region and recorded for Bismark Records, where they recorded three singles including, "I Need You There", which is now considered a garage rock classic. The band is notable for including several members who went on to greater fame. Jimmie Vaughan, brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan was briefly a member, joining after the death of original band leader, guitarist, and vocalist, Robert Patton, who died in a boating accident in 1966. Drummer Doyle Bramhall later played with and wrote songs for Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Bill Etheridge later played bass with ZZ Top. Following the breakup of the Chessmen, several of their members, including Jimmie Vaughan, went on to form a group that would come to be known as Texas Storm, which eventually included Stevie Ray Vaughan on bass.

The Grifs were an American garage rock band from Charlotte, North Carolina, who were active in the 1960s. Their song, "Catch a Ride" became the number one hit in Charlotte and did well in markets around the Carolinas, and reached number one in Birmingham, Alabama. The group was able to secure airplay in northern markets, such as in Lansing, Michigan, where it reached number one, as well as in the Detroit area and parts of Canada. They were invited to open for the Amboy Dukes in Detroit, where they began to play frequent engagements in the Michigan region, and recorded their second single, "Keep Dreaming", in Detroit. Just when the Grifs prospects looked hopeful, drummer Roy Skinner departed and guitarist Mike Wingate received a draft notice to go to Vietnam. By early 1968, the group folded. Their work is now highly regarded by garage rock enthusiasts and several of their songs have appeared on compilations.

References

  1. ↑ "Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame".
  2. ↑ "Friends/Family/Fans of Max Allan Collins".
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Beaudette, Cynthia (August 26, 2008). "Tribute to a Rockin' Past". The Muscatine Journal. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 "The Daybreakers: Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 "The Daybreakers". Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Jarema, Jeff (2007). Garage Beat '66, Volume 6: Speak of the Devil. Cocksackie, New York: Sundazed Records. SC11186 - liner notes
  7. ↑ Markesich, Mike (2012). Teenbeat Mayhem (1st ed.). Branford, Connecticut: Priceless Info Press. p.  92; 234. ISBN   978-0-985-64825-1.
  8. ↑ "Various – Psychedelic Unknowns". Discogs. 1979. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  9. ↑ Leggett, Steve. "Various Artists - Garage Beat '66, Vol. 6: Speak of the Devil (Review)". AllMusic. Retrieved October 24, 2016.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.