Billy Sandlin & The Strangers, The Bluetones, The Interns (45' rarities )

Hans-Jьrgen Klitsch in "Shakin' All Over" on The King-Beats:

"Early on, when they accompanied Dutchman Robert Williams on his German Philips-single, the band sported some studio-experience since in spring ’63 the boys had recorded some tracks with Billy Sandlin from the US. “Billy Sandlin was a GI….One evening, this colossus with his natural blond short crop climbed te stage urging us to let him sing what we graciously allowed him. Later on, he asked us if we’d like to be his backing band in the recording-studio – everything would be paid by him. So we recorded a few songs, he sent the tapes to some American record company, and the next – and last – thing we would hear from this session was in a box full of single-plays."

Billy Sandlin came from Ocala, Florida, starting his recording career in 1959 with the tough-sounding “She’s Mean” b/w “Don’t Let Me Down”, released first on Vim Records then on Gala. From the start he showed an ability to sing a wide range of styles, from uptempo rock to melancholy ballads.

In 1961, Sandlin had a second single on Gala, “Teenager’s Dream” in a slow doo-wop style b/w the latin-ish “Cha Cha Bop”. Around 1962 he left for Germany, presumably for military service.

Next came a single on Viking Records, “You’ll Always Have Someone”, produced by Larry Montague and still very much in a teen style, released circa 1964, though I could use confirmation of that date.

In 1966 he found a tougher accompaniment by the Interns for the fine “Poor Rich Girl”, especially in the repetitive guitar line, and Sandlin’s voice really suits this hard r&b style. The b-side “Here Comes That Feeling” is very good downer garage. My copy is on Royale 1966.326, but others exist with the label name changed to Royala, which would match his next single.

Later that year came Royala 1966.329, “I Kept On Walking” written and sung by Billy Sandlin with ‘the Interns Orchestra’, b/w “Sweet Loving”, sung by Ace Perryman and written by Stewart and Perryman. I haven’t heard either song yet. “I Kept On Walking” was also the b-side of Sandlin’s single on Viking. This single and “Poor Rich Girl” both credit Jack McGowan for management.

Now, after a long research in the USA, these singles have finally turned up.

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01 - My Little Twisting Baby / Billy Sandlin, The Strangers & The Bluetones (aka The King-Beats - Germany)

02 - My Little Star / Billy Sandlin & The Strangers (aka The King-Beats - Germany)

03 - Poor Rich Girl / Billy Sandlin & The Interns 

04 - Here Comes That Feeling / Billy Sandlin & The Interns

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