The King Beezz, based in Edmonton, Alberta, hit the Canadian pop scene. Five lads, three from Scotland and two from Edmonton, they were considered a British group and became part of the British Invasion.
During their four years together (with some personnel changes) the group toured Canada, appeared on television and recorded eight songs on four 45 rpm records. Some of these songs would appear in the top 20 in Canadian pop charts!
Original King Beezz singles are now collector's items and can sell for hundreds of dollars. Some of the King Beezz recordings can be found on compilations of "garage" music.
In 1965 The King Beezz was founded in Edmonton, Alberta by Ron McLachlan, from Port Glasgow Scotland. The original group consisted of:
Ron McLachlan, Drummer, from Port Glasgow, Scotland
Alan Cramsie, Rhythm Guitar, from Glasgow, Scotland
Carl Peterson, Lead Vocal and Harmonica, from Greenock, Scotland
Bob Richardson, Lead Guitar, from Edmonton
Ray Carson, Bass Guitar, from Edmonton
The King Beezz first single was recorded for a local label in Edmonton. This single had She Belongs to Me on the A side and Gloria on the B side. Due to the success of this single The King Beezz was signed by Quality Records, a major label from Toronto. Quality re-released that first single with Gloria on the A side.
The King BeezzBefore recording their second single, Ray Carson left the group and was replaced by Don McLean, from Edmonton, on bass guitar. The second single, which was recorded in Ontario, contained Can't Explain and Gotta Move. The group's third record contained two songs written by Ron McLachlan: Now and Found and Lost.
By the time the group got to record their fourth single, in 1967, they'd been through some shake-ups. Don left the group and Alan took over on bass guitar. Bob left the group and was replaced by Derry Stewart on lead guitar. Ron left the group and was replaced by Danny McCoy on drums. The group's last single was released by Jet Records, in Montreal. It consisted of Sean's Song, recorded by Carl, Alan, Ron and Bob, and The Wine if Fine recorded by Carl, Alan, Derry and Danny.
In a few short years The King Beezz had risen to great heights in the Canadian Pop Charts and in Canadian hearts, appearing in tour and on television, before finally breaking up in 1968.
Thank you.
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ReplyDeleteTHANX! This is for ALL the Canadian music U/l's here. 9 are "known" artists but should still be some "new" hears. Remaining 3 are brand "new" artist (previously unknown) to add to Canadian music collection. Great! Lots of listening to do, eh?! Much appreciated.
Cheers!
Ciao! For now.
rntcj
Many thanks for this bunch of mostly rare canadian recordings.
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