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CASCADES

“Rhythm Of The Rain”

(John Gummoe)

Valiant 6026

No. 3    March 9, 1963

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The Cascades were a self-contained band from San Diego, California.   John Gunitnoe, the unit’s spokes-

person, lead  vocalist/guitarist, and writer of their tip-top tune, met pianist Eddie Snyder and the three

Daves–bassist Stevens, saxophonist Wilson, and drummer Zabo–in the late ’50s.   By 1962, the group had

developed a solid reputation for supplying smooth sounds for parties and dances.

One night, while the guys were working their magic at a club called the Peppermint Stick, an executive

from Valiant Records happened  to catch their act.   In late 1962, the label ushered Gummoe and the

Cascades into Hollywood’s famed Gold Star Studios to lay down “Second Chance” for their first 45.   The

platter  stiffed, but “Rhythm Of The Rain” rocked the pop and R & B (#7) charts.

The immediate follow-up, “Shy Girl” (#91, 1963) b/w “The Last Leaf” (#60), proved to be a double-sided

charter with airplay split between the two tunes.    The Cascades switched to RCA and issued “For Your

Sweet Love” (#86, 1963).   Although the latter 45, and subsequent Cascades cuts, were solid efforts, the

group–with Beatlemania in swing– sounded dated to station program directors and record-buyers.   Neil

Young made an appearance in the studio playing guitar on their 1967 single for Smash, “Flying On The

Ground.”   By 1969, only Dave Wilson remained from the original line-up.