Tom Sorrells, a great friend of the Kansas City Rock History Project, has a request. He needs photos of the former Cavern Studios in Independence, Mo., for a project he is undertaking with Chicago's esteemed Numero Group. Cavern was active at least from the 1960s to 1980s. As evidenced by these 2 photos at (Jim) Wheeler Audio's website, not only local acts, but giants like James Brown recorded there. Tom has rescued some great trax from the Cavern vaults, but he needs more pix for a package … [Read more...] about Need to unearth Cavern photos
‘Science of Rock’ premiere includes KC focus
“The Science of Rock,” an interactive exhibit that made its world premiere in October and which runs through May at Union Station, is something of a misnomer. But it’s fun and informative, and it contains a good deal of KC-specific rock history in its anteroom. Kudos to the staff of Union Station, many of whom donated their own memorabilia, for adding the KC-centered exhibit, placing our town in the context of the larger exhibit, which otherwise features posters and concert tickets from other … [Read more...] about ‘Science of Rock’ premiere includes KC focus
Fabulous Cinners@Boom Boom Room
Fred Burke from St. Petersburg, Fla., reached out to me recently and sent me this snap of his band, the Fabulous Cinners, playing in 1966 at a place for which I’ve seen ads but never before photos – the Boom Boom Room, 3736 Main St. Fred says the Cinners also played such clubs as King Arthur’s Lounge, 1115 E. Armour Blvd., Lakeside Ballroom and the Olathe Naval Air Station “during the Vietnam era every Sunday night for returning troops.” That’s Fred on vocals with Les Bogal (bass), Rich Bronson … [Read more...] about Fabulous Cinners@Boom Boom Room
Billie Organ, the backbeat of early KC rock
By Darby Anderson Drummer Billie Organ, a.k.a. “Billie O,” is a local legend, a rock ’n’ roll pioneer and a master of many musical styles. Together with his brother Danny on bass guitar, they formed the rhythm section of several of Kansas City’s best and earliest rock bands, touring throughout the country. In 1959 Billie traded a 1937 Ford to Ray “Bags” Bagby for his first set of drums and never looked back. By the age of 19 he was pulling down $60 a week at the Rainbow Club in downtown … [Read more...] about Billie Organ, the backbeat of early KC rock
The Soc Hop(s) rocked
If it was not the Kansas City area’s earliest and most consequential rock club, The Soc Hop was certainly one of them. Created in 1960 in an old cattle barn near the northwest corner of 95th Street and Metcalf Avenue, The Soc Hop was part of the transformation of Johnson County, Kan., from rural to suburban. (Click on map/business card below right and all thumbnail photos on this page to enlarge.) It was the creation of brothers-in-law Mike Weaver and Ed Bowers, who saw it as both a … [Read more...] about The Soc Hop(s) rocked
Paul and Paula and Ray
If Kansas Citians know him at all, they likely know Ray Hildebrand from his 14 years as an executive of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the evangelistic enterprise whose headquarters looms over the outfield wall at Kauffman Stadium. But Hildebrand will take the stage Friday, March 2, at the Midland Theater as part of the Ultimate Doo Wop Show. He and his original partner, Jill Jackson, will perform their #1 hit song, “Hey, Paula,” for the first time in Kansas City as Paul and … [Read more...] about Paul and Paula and Ray