THE CASCADES - THE LAST LEAF

THE LAST LEAF

THE CASCADES

SONGWRITER: BODIE CHANDLER

COUNTRY: U. S. A.

ALBUM: RHYTM OF THE RAIN

LABEL: VAILANT RECORDS

GENRE: EASY LISTENING

YEAR: 1963

The Cascades was an 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 (AR-8) based in San Diego, California. They recruited John Gummoe, who originally acted as manager, then left the Navy to become The Thunder notes. The group's membership consisted of John Claude "John" Gummoe (born August 2, 1938) (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, owned and managed by Bob Keane. It was a surf-type instrumental. Lenny left soon after to pursue his own goals and the group acquired Eddie Snyder (guitar), David Szabo (keyboards), 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 song was to become "Rhythm of the Rain" and the musicians on the recording included the "Wrecking Crew" – including Hal Blaine 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 No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1963, becoming a major hit in over 80 countries. It peaked at No. 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", but did not match the charm or success of their big hit. The group continued to receive major radio airplay in their hometown, 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 mid-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 Opening For Me."

Gummoe left the group in 1967 to pursue a solo career and later formed the band Kentucky Express. Keyboardist/vocalist Gabe Lapano took over the lead chores,  the group also adding Tony Grasso, with Owens and Snyder the remaining original members. Finally, they split in 1975. Snyder later recorded country music under the name Eddie Preston. Gummoe recorded a dance mix of "Rhythm of the Rain" in 1990. The group reformed twice, in 1995 and 2004, touring the US and the Philippines, where they retained a fan following. A compilation CD of the Cascades' best moments was issued in 1999. That same year, 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 No. 9. 

The last leaf clings to the bough

Just one leaf, that's all there is now

And my last hope live with that lonely leaf, lonely leaf

With the last leaf that clings to the bough

Last summer beneath this tree

My love said she'd come to me

Before the leaves of autumn touched the ground, touched the ground

My love promised she's be homeward bound

Then one by one the leaves began to fall

And now that winter's come to call

The last leaf that clings to the bough

Just one leaf, that's all there is now

Will my last hope fall with that lonely leaf, lonely leaf

With the last leaf, the last leaf

With the last leaf that clings to the bough

Bough, bough, bough ...