THE CASCADES - ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER

ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER

THE CASCADES

SONGWRITER: SHELBY FLINT

COUNTRY: U. S. A.

ALBUM: RHYTHM OF THE RAIN

LABEL: VALIANT RECORDS

GENRE: POP MUSIC

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 Thundernotes. 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 minor 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".

Got an angel on my shoulder

Got a penny in my pocket

And I found a four-leaf clover

And I put it in my wallet

 

Wished on all the stars above me

And I caught the nearest rainbow

Gonna find someone to love me

Gonna find someone to love

 

Well I tossed a lot o' nickels in a wishing well

And saved the fortunes that the fortune cookies tell

I've got a lucky penny and a mustard seed

But a warm and tender love is all I need

 

And I want a love that lingers

And is stronger through and through

So I'm gonna cross my fingers

That I find a girl to love me true

And I'm gonna love her too

 

Well I tossed a lot o' nickels in a wishing well

And saved the fortunes that the fortune cookies tell

I've got a lucky penny and a mustard seed

But a warm and tender love is all I need

 

And I want a love that lingers

And is stronger through and through

So I'm gonna cross my fingers

That I find a girl to love me true

 

And I'm gonna love her too

And I'm gonna love her too

And I'm gonna love her too

And I'm gonna love her too.