Record #0179: California Sun / H. B. Goose Step – THE RIVIERAS

Riviera 1401 (original) USA, Jan. 1964
Words & Music by:  Side A – Henry Glover; Side B – the Rivieras
Musicians:  Marty “Bo” Fortson (rhythm guitar and lead vocals on side A), Doug Gean (bass), Joe Pennell (lead guitar on side A), Otto Nuss (keyboards), Paul Dennert (drums), Jim Boal (lead guitar on side B), Willy Gaut (rhythm guitar on side B)
Recording sessions: Columbia Recording Studios, Chicago, IL, Jul. (?) 1963
Highest chart positions: US #5

Here’s a one-hit-wonder surf / garage rock band from South Bend, Indiana. The hit song was originally recorded in New Orleans R&B style by Joe Jones in 1961.

The group founders Fortson and Pennell left to join the Marine Corps shortly after recording “California Sun”. The flip side was recorded in a later session with a new line-up.

The Rivieras got three more singles (barely) into US Top 100 in 1964. They released two albums in 1964 and their final album “Campus Party” came out in 1965. This album included a new version of the hit song, now named “California Sun ‘65”.

The title song was covered by the Ramones in 1977.

List price:  Very Good + is $10, Near Mint $20