Blues Magoos

Via Wikipedia

They say any child can be President but it’s not true. But any child can grow up to be a rock and roll star. The Blues Magoos rode the wave of psychedelia. They began in 1964 as the “Trench coats” and built a strong local following in Greenwich Village. In 1966, Mercury records took a chance and signed the band to a recording contract. The band was put on a national tour opening for the “The Who” who was opening for “Herman’s Hermits.”

The Blues were on their way up, the group hit the top forty. Their biggest hit was “We Ain’t Got” Nothing Yet reaching number five on the charts. But the problem with riding the wave is the wave will eventually break and leave you behind. They made the rounds of Music television of the time appearing on the Kraft Music Hall hosted by Jack Benny. I’d like to see that.

The Original Blues Magoos Members:

Emil “Peppy” Thielhelm aka “Peppy” Castro (vocals and guitar)

Dennis LePore (lead guitar)

Ralph Scala (organ and vocals)

Ron Gilbert (bass)

Jon Finnegan (drums)

By 1968 the band had put out three albums:

Psychedelic Lollipop (1966)

Electric Comic Book (1967)

Basic Blues Magoos (1968)

The birth of psychedelia and heavy metal a four-way hit of windowpane and you’re all set. You can almost hear the Iron Butterfly and Cream influence. The music was heavy (by 1968 standards) but was a lot of fun. That’s what Rock and Roll is all about

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