Fraternity Parties, Sock Hops, Recording (pg3)

the group might be playing.

Sometime in 1965, the group recorded another record at Boutwell Recording Studio, "Come Back, Come Back," written by keyboardist, Chip Sanders. The record experienced moderate success in the Alabama area, but college priorities prevented the group from properly promoting the record. Ed Boutwell, Birmingham recording pioneer, continued to use The Ramblers as back up musicians on many recording sessions at his studio.

Throughout this period, local radio station "Sock Hops" gained popularity amongst the Birmingham teenage population, and The Ramblers worked with local personality DUKE RUMORE of WYDE radio at his DUKE'S sock hop at the Ensley National Guard Armory, as well as DAVE RODDY, from WSGN Radio at the Aporto Armory, across town.

Other groups playing this circuit at the time included "Bo Reyolds and the Premiers," whose local hit "Hell Yeah" was promoted unabashedly by "The Duke." Roddy, on the other hand, leaned toward "Beach Music" and brought "The Swingin' Medallions" and The Tams tp Birmingham almost weekly one particular summer. The Ramblers were the backup band of choice for singers passing through like Bobby Goldsboro or Billy Joe Royal. Click for History of Bimingham Radio

As a "special added attraction" The Ramblers added a new set, featuring "Little John," Chip's kid brother... 11-year-old John Lee Sanders, who sang and played harmonica. Although very politically incorrect in these days, the group would black "Little John's" face with a burned cork, and the radio stations billed him as "Birmingham's answer to Little Stevie Wonder!" John Lee Sanders, now a successful song writer, performer and composer in the Bay Area of California for the last 20 years has worked with Long John Baldry, Starship, Paul Williams, Linda Arnold, and other popular entertainers. See: http://www.johnleesanders.com> John's 2005 hit, Foreclosure On The House of Love, recorded by Marcia Ball was a finalist for Blues Song Of The Year.

As 1966 -1967 came along, the world began to change. The war was escalating in Viet Nam, students were protesting, and The Rambler's music began to change as well… inspired by the psychedelic sounds coming out of the west coast.