Big News! DUANE EDDY will headline the 2010 Guitar Fest!!!!

[JimPage]

Am I remembering what I read correctly that George Harrison was let into what became The Beatles because he could play Duane Eddy's "Raunchy?"

--Jim

[JimPage]

Well. I was right about the George Harrison part (from Wikipedia):
In 1958 George Harrison performed the song to John Lennon (and Paul McCartney) on the top deck of a bus, and was so note-perfect Lennon decided to let him into his band, The Quarrymen, which would later become The Beatles, despite earlier reservations about Harrison's younger age.

But wrong in my thinking this was originally a Duane Eddy song. Bill Justis co-wrote it and released it first in 1957. Eddy released it in 1965, though Wikipedia states Eddy and his producer, Lee Hazlewood, based their recording style after that record soon after Justis released it.

--Jim

[Dennisthe Menace]

Jim had posted:

But wrong in my thinking this was originally a Duane Eddy song. Bill Justis co-wrote it and released it first in 1957. Eddy released it in 1965, though Wikipedia states Eddy and his producer, Lee Hazlewood, based their recording style after that record soon after Justis released it.

Maybe the Ventures 1960 Album release?? It had 'Raunchy' on their first Album .

[zarfnober]

George could also tune a guitar, another reason he was brought in. I think they made a very wise choice. One of the best players and probably most recognisable tone ever.

[JimPage]

Zarfnober reminded me:
>>George could also tune a guitar, another reason he was brought in . . .

Isn't that hilarious?!?!??! I read that prior to that, Lennon would take his guitar across town every couple of weeks and have some guy tune it!

I love much of the stuff that Harrison did. He really did have a unique approach in so many ways.

Now, some folks dismiss the two post-Lennon Beatles tunes, "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love," but I think that Harrison just shines on both tunes. His work there doesn't sound like mid-1960s Beatles; more Abbey Road and later, but gosh, is it tasty.

McCartney said that the solos that George came up were just "blinders" on those two songs. I have to agree, though I have never heard that expression before.

--Jim

[jfine]

I remember a Beatles biography that came out in about '64, obviously rushed to publication to capitalize on their success, and it mentioned the top-of-the-bus audition--only, the author referred to the song as "Ranchee"! I was thirteen at the time, had been playing guitar for about a year. I knew about "Raunchy" from Duane Eddy's version, and the Ventures' one too--I remember trying to play it on my nylon-string--but I also remember wondering if there was a different song called "Ranchee"! It didn't occur to me for a while that a writer who probably wasn't familiar with the song would interpret George's (or whoever gave the interview) Liverpool-accent version of the title as "Ranchee". Proof positive that England and America are two countries separated by a common language...

[Deke Dickerson]

Howdy everybody, just wanted to let you know that if you do plan on attending the Guitar Geek Festival you should buy tickets now! It's looking like this show will sell out. Don't complain if you can't get in, get your tickets while you can.... www.guitargeekfestival.com

There will be plenty of Mosrite action there, including the Ramones tribute with special guests, Brian Lonbeck & Elaine Frizzell, and Meshugga Beach Party!

See you all in less than two weeks!

Deke

[Veenture]

Sadly I live too far away to attend. Hope everyone who's going will have a good time. Look forward to any feedback on the Forum when the fest is over

I remember a Beatles biography that came out in about '64, obviously rushed to publication to capitalize on their success, and it mentioned the top-of-the-bus audition--only, the author referred to the song as "Ranchee"! ...I knew about "Raunchy" from Duane Eddy's version...

Jon, I don't know if the word ranchee has any meaning but it sounds like a good name for a band -"The Ranchees"...

[TimR]

I'd love to see Duane. A lot of people don't realize how good he really is, as most of his hits were pretty basic simple, single note stuff. That was his gimmick though, to keep it simple. In actuality, he could do the Merle Travis/ Chet Atkins type stuff all day long. A very talented dude........

[Desert Surfer]

Deke: Are we allowed video taping during the Geek Festival concerts? If not, I will leave my camcoder at home. Thanks.