The Californians
A major Wolverhampton group of the 60’s, The Californians came together in May 1966 as a product of a change in the Sheila Deni & Black Diamonds (she left to go solo). The original Californians comprised the remaining members of the Black Diamonds, Roger Clark lead, Pete Habberley bass and Keith Evans on drums, with John O'Hara as lead vocalist. Later members included Mick Brookes (from the Cobras) who took Roger Clarke's place, Rob Trevis (from Choice) who replaced Keith Evans, both played the drums standing up which at that time was unheard off. Adrian Ingram (Choice, Gilt Edge, Evolution) who became an extra guitarist and Geoff Parkes (Mathew) who replaced John O’Hara as vocalist. The style of the group was close harmony. The Californians traveled extensively around the UK and the Channel Islands. Because of their Beach Boy/Four Seasons style, The Californians were found performing at all the USAF air bases throughout the UK.
Their first release on Decca was called Golden Apples, other titles included Follow Me, Congratulations, Sunday Will Never Be The Same. Then a label change to Fontana with Mandy, Sad Old Song and the last label change Chapter One records came a slowed down version of the Fortunes' classic You've Got Your Troubles’. All records produced by Irving Martin. While they never reached the Top Twenty, their records sold well, they toured extensively and made a large number of appearances on all the popular Radio One Shows both recorded and live.
The final line up Of The Californians, Geoff Parkes, Mick Brookes, Pete Habberely, Rob Trevis
During The Californians career they appeared on UK, Irish and German TV. In 1970, The Californians appeared on Granada’s Lift Off with the Bonzo Dog Dodah Band.
They appeared on one major package tour in 1967 with Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, Englebert Humperdink and the Walker Brothers.
The band folded in 1970
The Californians recorded as session singers an album on the Deram label “Anvil Flutes & Capricorn Voices” This session was recorded with the Mike Sammes singers. From this album a single was released, “April Showers” which The Californians performed.
Discography:
Single Releases
1967 GOLDEN APPLES/LITTLE SHIP WITH A RED SAIL CBS 2663
1967 FOLLOW ME/WHAT LOVE CAN DO DECCA 12678
1967 SUNDAY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME/CAN'T GET YOU OUT OF MY MIND DECCA 12712
1968 CONGRATULATIONS/WHAT IS HAPPENING BABY DECCA 12758
1968 OUT IN THE SUN(HEY-O)/THE SOUND DECCA F12802
1969 MANDY/THE COOKS OF CAKE & KINDNESS FONTANA 991
1969 SAD OLD SONGS/WEEP NO MORE FONTANA 1052
1969 YOU'VE GOT YOUR TROUBLES/EARLY MORNING SUN CHAPTER ONE 112
Album Release
Anvil Flutes & Capricorn Voices Deram SML 1026
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