WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Homebase: Salem / McMinnville / Beaverton, OR
Stats: 1967 - 1969
Misc Notes: In the latter months of 1967 Oregon record charts were beginning to show action by a new young group in the region's teen dance market dubbed Wheel Of Fortune. ("Long Long Day" D. Handley - R. Allen/ " Before You Leave" G. Thompson - R. Allen Ridon Records #856 Portland, OR). Despite a group name that seemed akin to the looming presence of psychedelia, the recordings did not reflect the acid rock sounds that were sweeping the country. Instead, they combined the drive of Northwest white rhythm and blues with a dash of the recent English invasion. With the exception of multiple vocal harmonies "Long Long Day" was a direct descendant of the Earl King R&B tune "Come On" while while "Before You Leave" had the Yardbird's "I'm A Man" combined with the drive of the Northwest's own Sonics. Produced and recorded by Rick Keefer who would later record a number of other Northwest acts including Heart out of his Seattle - West Studios in Seattle -the Wheel of Fortune tunes were cut on a four track recorder in a Beaverton, OR basement. For their lowly beginnings the songs did remarkably well. Bob Stoutenburg former drummer for Wheel Of Fortune and now part owner of Recording Associates recording studio in Portland recalls: "On the basis of chart action and some local press Keefer got us a contract with Jamie Records of Philadelphia, PA. They released one single nationally ("All The World" / "Funny Looks" Jamie 1360) in the spring of 1968, but besides garnering a Cash Box "Best Bet" pick of the week the recordings didn't do an awful lot." The original Wheel Of Fortune formed by musicians from both Salem and Portland, Oregon included Gary (Bill Scream) Thompson [vocals],Tom Landis [bass], Dan Landess [sax], Bob Stoutenburg [drums], Del Handley [guitar, vocals] and Ron Allen [guitar].Although co-writer for both Ridon songs and lead vocalist on "Before You Leave" Handley was with the band only a few months. Stoutenburg again."The remainder of the group stayed together about a year before Gary (Thompson) and I formed a new group using the same name. That (Wheel Of Fortune) lasted another year before the (Vietnam War military) draft started blowing through the door and we disbanded." So ended another chapter in Northwest rock 'n' roll history. [Northwest Disc-coveries & Sound Report Vol. 4 #11 January, 1980]
MISC NOTES:
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FORMAT: disc
SIZE:7"
SPEED:45 rpm
DISC NOTES:
"Before You Leave" Album Reissues:
1.) 1987. Side Two, Track #3 on compilation lp Highs In The Mid Sixties Vol. 16, The Northwest - Part 3 (Archive International Productions AIP - 10024)
A-SIDE MATRix:
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
A-SIDE COMPOSER:D. Handley - R. Allen
A-SIDE PUBLISHER:
B-SIDE MATRIX:
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
B-SIDE COMPOSER:D. Handley - R. Allen
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LOCATION:
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FORMAT:disc
SIZE:7"
SPEED:45 rpm
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Known label variations:
1.) Promotional disc. While label with black logo, numerals and lettering. D.J. COPY NOT FOR SALE to lower right of spindle hole
A-SIDE MATRIX: J - WOF - 1X
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
A-SIDE COMPOSER:Gary Thompson
A-SIDE PUBLISHER: Dandelion - Soul West - Ripcord (BMI)
B-SIDE MATRIX: J - WOF - 2
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE:
B-SIDE COMPOSER:Gary Thompson
B-SIDE PUBLISHER: Dandelion - Soul West- Ripcord (BMI)