They All Had A Story

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It should’ve happened… multiple hits, a massive career, world recognition and all the rest.

 

David and Gordon Dowland

It could’ve happened…

David and Gordon Dowland were Brits and present

at the birth of the British Invasion. As the Dowlands

—an Everly Brothers-like duo–they had the legendary

kook Joe Meeks produce three flop singles in their

native UK, prior to their momentary happening in

February 1964. The second issue on the brand-new

US Tollie label was the Beatles’ “Twist and Shout.” Millions were sold. The next Tollie issue was the

Dowlands not-for-note cover of “All My Loving.” Give a listen. The label was hot and they had similar Brit

act. Why no promotion? The Dowland disk, however, made some US regional charts.

Three more known 45s were issued in their homeland; but only in their homeland––remakes of Johnny

Cash’s “I Walk the Line” and covers of “Wishing and Hoping” and “Don’t Make Me Over;” however, the

latter two had outselling rival recordings offered by the Merseybeats and the Swinging Blue Jeans

respectively.

“All My Loving” is, apparently, the only disk the Dowlands had issued in the United States.

Their touring and recording band did go on to longevity and success once they shook off the brothers and

changed their name from the Soundtracks to the Peddlers. But that’s another story….