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 ...
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