ROCKIN in the DESERT

by BOB MORRITT
(St.Thomas,Ontario,Canada)

In the early days of recording in Arizona. Phoenix was isolated from National record distribution. Local musicians that wanted to record, had to drive out to the West Coast. In the mid-1950's this all changed when Floyd Ramsey set up Audio-Recorders of Arizona in Phoenix., followed by Lee Hazlewood's early VIV studio which he sold to Loy Clingman and Buddy Wheeler, from which emanated many strong Chart contenders, some made by Donnie Owens that made the National charts. Later Loy Clingman (Who was also a Schoolteacher), recorded many groups on his 'Indie' labels from his 'Garage 'studio, operated out of his house.


The 'Teen Years' heralded in the 'Pop Music' era and this was augmented by local Country music which mutated into a new form of music known as 'Rockabilly'. Within this environment many local musicians rose to National and International fame, such as Duane Eddy, Sanford Clark and Lee Hazlewood.

This book is an attempt to explain the process and evolution of recording and the work of those who were directly involved in putting Arizona 'on the map', the Recording Engineers, Singers, Musicians, Record Producers and Composers.

BOB MORRITT

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Jun 23, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		ROCKING IN BRITAIN
by: BOB MORRITT

Thankyou for featuring the announcement of my book last year 'ROCKIN' IN THE DESERT'(amazon) it now has several 5 star reviews as well as my NEW book 'ROCKING IN BRITAIN' (Covers six decades of Rock 'n ' Roll and Popular Music and the 'Groups' .Link added below.


http://www.amazon.com/Rocking-Britain-Bob-Morritt/dp/1909484970/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399069748&sr=1-1&keywords=Bob+Morritt
May 07, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		DEL KELLEY
by: BOB MORRITT

DEL KELLEY

Del Kelley,had bands in Lubbock/Texas, Phoenix/Arizona, Albuquerque/New Mexico and a live radio show featuring live bands every Saturday afternoon. His father would play Saturday nights at local clubs and then usually the musicians would gather at Del's house for jammin' and food with the music continuing in to late Sunday afternoon.

Bill's father's band often backed various stars, allowing Bill to meet people seen on television or heard on the radio and juke box.

In 1960 while living in Albuquerque, Bill's parents, on numerous occasions, were invited back stage at the traveling "Grand Ole Opry" shows. Bill got to open and close the curtains and take care of the performers guitars etc..., fueling his desire to perform even more. Bill got to meet Faron Young, Wayne Kemp, Hank Snow, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and many others.
In 1982 Bill started his band "Nite Rider". He played night clubs, state fairs, rodeos and private parties. Members of the early years were Bill Kelley, Kert Kelley, Bud Strong, Frank Howard, Phil Howard. The first year they hired many drummers until Richard Martin came along.
Note: Bill Kelley's dad had a band named "Arizona Niteriders" in the 50's, that's where the name "Niterider" came from. It's a cowboy that rides herd on the cow's at night, he will sing cowboy songs to sooth the cattle
Jan 21, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Del Kelley
by: AnonymousBill Kelley

My dad had a band called the Arizona Night Riders. He told me stories about recording there in the early fifties with Buddy Emmonds, and Lee Hazelwood. This is the first reference I've seen about recording there. I'll be following this now. We lived in Prescott also and Marty Robbins was playing there. Also a couple songs my dad wrote were recorded there. Thank you. Bill. Oh my dad passed away a few months ago at 86.

Bill Kelley
Jan 21, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Del Kelley
by: AnonymousBill Kelley

My dad had a band called the Arizona Night Riders. He told me stories about recording there in the early fifties with Buddy Emmonds, and Lee Hazelwood. This is the first reference I've seen about recording there. I'll be following this now. We lived in Prescott also and Marty Robbins was playing there. Also a couple songs my dad wrote were recorded there. Thank you. Bill. Oh my dad passed away a few months ago at 86.
Jan 20, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		"ROCKIN' IN THE DESERT
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'ROCKIN' in the DESERT'

by BOB MORRITT is available on Amazon

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