THE CASCADES

RHYTHM OF THE RAIN / LET ME BE

VALIANT RECORDS 6026

1962 RELEASE

American vocal group best known for the single "Rhythm of the Rain", recorded in 1962, an international hit the following year.  In 1960, the Silver Strands were a group of United States Navy personnel serving on the USS Jason  based in San Diego, California. They recruited John Gummoe, who originally acted as manager, then left the Navy to become The Thundernotes. The group's membership consisted of John Claude "John" Gummoe (lead vocals), Lenny Green, (vocal and lead guitar), Dave Wilson, (drums and vocal), Dave Stevens, (bass), and Art Eastlick, (rhythm guitar).  Their first and only recording, "Thunder Rhythm" (and "Payday" on the reverse of the 45rpm) was with DelFi Records of Hollywood. It was a surf-type instrumental. Lenny left soon after to pursue his own goals and the group acquired Eddie Snyder (guitar), Von Lynch (keyboards), Ronald Lynch (keyboards, saxophone), Dave Stevens (bass) and Dave Wilson (drums).  Influenced by the Beach Boys, the group became more interested in vocal harmony. They recorded demos and signed with Barry De Vorzon at Valiant Records, a subsidiary of Warner Bros., and changed their name to The Cascades – inspired by a nearby box of dishwashing detergent. Their first release, "There's A Reason," became a small regional hit; in the summer of 1962, they went to Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles to record a song Gummoe wrote in his Navy days on watch during a thunderstorm. The musicians on the recording included the "Wrecking Crew" - Jim Owens on drums, Carol Kaye on bass and Glen Campbell on guitar - arranged by Perry Botkin, Jr.. "Rhythm of the Rain" was issued in November 1962. It rose to #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1963, becoming a major hit in over 80 countries. It peaked at #5 in the UK Singles Chart. "Rhythm of the Rain" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.  The Cascades continued to record, produced an album and several additional singles, including the follow-up "The Last Leaf". The group continued to receive major radio airplay in San Diego. The Cascades' cover version of Bob Lind's "Truly Julie's Blues" received spins on KCBQ and KGB in 1966, and their song "Maybe The Rain Will Fall" fared well on San Diego radio charts in the summer of 1969.  The group was active, played local San Diego clubs like The Cinnamon Cinder, and at other times, toured widely. In 1967, The Cascades appeared onscreen in the Crown International Pictures teen comedy adventure film, Catalina Caper, which included their version of a song written by Ray Davies of the Kinks, "There's A New World."  In 1999, performing rights organization BMI announced the "Top 100 Songs of the Century." to receive airplay on radio or television in the U.S., with "Rhythm of the Rain" at #9.

Record is in nice condition.  Label as shown.  May have writing and tape. 

See image for this RARE release.

Price Guide listings and internet postings up to $80.00 for this record.

This item is part of a donation made by the family of a former 1960's Top 40 DJ.  These records were part of his personal collection.

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