Coming out of the car stereo late fall of 1965, "Lies" by THE KNICKERBOCKERS reigns as one of THE ALL TIME GREAT SINGLES of the SIXTIES! But there was more to this band than their catchy-Beatles influenced masterpiece....much more! Though critical journals and (some) rock scholars have overlooked this band, this much is true: THE KNICKERBOCKERS made great rock and roll records and have influenced countless musicians around the globe!
Get to know more about the KNICKERBOCKERS:
THE KNICKERBOCKERS were formed in 1962 in New Jersey by brothers Beau Charles (guitar/vocals) and John Charles (bass/vocals) (birth names: Robert and John Carlos Cecchino respectively), Ned Brown (keyboards) and Skip Cherrubino (drums). Brown and Cherrubino were replaced a year later by Pete Glitz (drums) and Pete LoCasio (saxophone).
The classic line-up was formed in 1964 with the additions of Buddy Randell (vocals, sax) (birth name: William Crandall), previously of the Rockin' Saints and the Royal Teens (who had a hit with "Short Shorts" in 1958) and drummer Jimmy Walker (previously the drummer with Messina, New York based Atco Records act The Castle Kings). THE KNICKERBOCKERS came to the attention of producer/singer-songwriter Jerry Fuller while playing a teen dance in Albany, NY, and he subsequently signed them to L.A. based Challenge Records.
The KNICKERBOCKERS and Fuller began recording in the late Summer of 1965 in New York City, producing the doo-wop flavored "All I Need is You"
and Four Seasons-ish "Jerktown" as singles, and their debut album JERK AND TWINE TIME. Challenge would also add several KNICKERBOCKERS songs to the rather ill-advised SING & SYNC ALONG WITH LLOYD THAXTON novelty album. They relocated to Los Angeles in late 1965, and began a near two year stint at the famed Red Velvet club, attracting huge crowds in L.A., as well as musicians like Glen Campbell and The Righteous Brothers.
Returning to the studio, THE KNICKERBOCKERS soon unleashed "Lies" (a Charles/Randell original) upon an unsuspecting world. Ironically enough, "Lies" was not the originally planned A-side. But after a lukewarm response to Challenge's first choice (the jangly "The Coming Generation"), the label relented and "Lies" became a solid national hit, peaking at Billboard number 20. Many people at first thought the song was by The Beatles, no doubt due to the Mersey-inspired sound and Buddy Randell's flawless vocal cop of John Lennon. But the pulsing bass of John Charles and brother Beau distorted guitar solo betrays the bands solidly American roots. Challenge quickly released the LIES album, and watched as this charted well too. THE KNICKERBOCKERS were soon signed up for one of Dick Clark's many Caravan of Stars tours, and became regulars on his ABC-TV program "Where the Action Is" (1965-1967).
They followed-up "Lies" with "One Track Mind", a charging rocker. Unfortunately, the band's label, Challenge, couldn't handle the distribution and the single only reached number 45. THE KNICKERBOCKERS soldiered on, appearing in the movie OUT OF SIGHT (1966). They would also record the theme songs for films THE PAD AND HOW TO USE IT (1966) and THEY RAN FOR THEIR LIVES (1968).
Though the band had a strong songwriter in Beau Charles, the group was hampered by Challenge's slip-shod promotion and distribution, and were unable to repeat the success of "Lies". Some of the bands later singles include "High on Love", "Love is a Bird" (their final Hot 100 hit-late 1966), "Can You Help Me"/"Please Don't Love Him" and "Just One Girl."
Drummer Jimmy Walker was the first to depart (1967) replacing Bill Medley in The Righteous Brothers (he would record one album, RE-BIRTH, and three singles with Bobby Hatfield; Walker also played with the Righteous Brothers back up band FATBACK for a few years as well). Walker would also record three solo singles for Columbia Records in 1968-1969 before retireing to Wyoming for much of the 1970's. Buddy Randell was the next to depart.
The Charles brothers kept THE KNICKERBOCKERS going by adding new members Richie Walker (Costanzo), Ron Mercier and Barry McCoy and moving the act to San Francisco. Randell rejoined the band on drums in 1968, leaving again in 1970. Buddy later on recorded singles for Uni records ("Randi, Randi"/"Be My Baby" 1970) and under aliases such as Steel Wool ("No Sugar Tonight" White Whale 1969) and Blowtorch ("I Want Sugar all the Time"/"C'Mon and Get It" Paramount 1971). Beau was also active outside of the group too, waxing "Sharon Stay in Birmningham" for White Whale Records under the alias of Columbus Jones--1969. (Both of the White Whale and Uni Records singles were produced or co-produced by George Tobin, who later went on to produce and manage Tiffany).
Beau and John Charles, along with singer Richie Walker (Costanzo) and drummer Eric Swanson, continued to perform around the Western United States (including memorable stints in Arizona, The Grand Hotel in Anahiem, CA and the Playboy Mansion!) They recorded new demos and were subsequently signed to Motown records in 1971, where their name was changed to LODI. They recorded an album (produced by BOB WEST, released in 1972) and one single ("Happiness"/"I Hope I See it In My Lifetime"; this single did receive some airplay-ex. it peaked at number 28 on Boston, Mass. station WMEX the week of September 2nd, 1971) on the MoWest subsiderary, but due to internal strife at the label, were unable to promote either the single or album (LODI's contract with MoWest would ultimately run until 1974 with no new releases). The band folded in 1972.
The Charles brothers and Randell then backed-up Playboy Records artist Brenda Patterson briefly in 1973-74, most notably appearing on an episode of The Midnight Special. (Beau Charles remained the most highly visible member of the band throughout the 1970's. He was featured in an episode of TV Series "Harry-O" as a lounge singer, worked as a session musician, and performed on various film and television soundtracks and radio commercials).
Former drummer Jimmy Walker returned to music in the mid 70's playing with the bands Oasis and Hot Streets.
Since then, THE KNICKERBOCKERS have reformed twice. The first time was in 1983 in Los Angeles with everyone on board except Buddy Randell (he was singing with the faith based band Jerusalem Rivers at the time). They recorded demos with producer Jerry Fuller, but split up soon after. "Lies" reared it's head again when it was featured in the movie "Satisfaction" starring Justine Bateman (1988). The band reformed one more time, performing to sold out crowds for a solid month in Delray Beach, Florida in summer 1990 before disbanding again.
Beau and John Charles have been highly involved with THE KNICKERBOCKERS' CD releases on Sundazed Records. Sadly, Buddy Randell passed away in 1998. THE KNICKERBOCKERS music has been covered by many artists over the years, including Linda Ronstadt, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Keith Allison, Nancy Sinatra, Seals and Crofts and Styx.
The band's two most popular singles are on the NUGGETS: ORIGINAL ARTYFACTS FROM THE FIRST PSYCAHDELIC ERA box, and there are numerous reissues and rarity sets. The most definitive collection by the band is KNICKERBOCKERISM, released on Sundazed Records (1997).
THE KNICKERBOCKERS most recent compilation, however, is called ROCKIN' WITH THE KNICKERBOCKERS, available from
Sundazed Music
THIS JUST IN! "The Fabulous Knickerbockers" A tribute zine dedicated to not only one of the best bands of the sixties but one of the best bands of any decade, for that matter. Authors Beverly Paterson and Katy Levy interviewed Jimmy Walker, Beau Charles and John Charles especially for this zine! Photos and record reviews are featured as well. Order your copy today. The price is right at five dollars, which is cheaper than a movie or pepperoni pizza, and that includes postage. Send checks, cash or money orders to Beverly Paterson at PO Box 6474, San Mateo, Ca 94403. The Knickerbockers rule! For more info...check out Beverly and Katy's official website!
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