Rock ‘n’ Roll Trivia
Brian Wilson’s writing of ‘California Girls’
by John Robinson
Q: Please do some trivia on one of my favorites, “California Girls.”
A: According to Beach Boy Brian Wilson, the music for “California Girls” stemmed from his first experience with LSD. After taking a tab, Brian went into his bedroom, covered his head with a pillow and began screaming “I’m afraid of my mom! I’m afraid of my dad!” After a few minutes of drug-induced hysteria, he removed the pillow, said “that’s enough of that,” left his room, sat down at the piano and began working out a music pattern that became the “well, East Coast girls are hip, I really dig the styles they wear” part of “California Girls. ” The following day, Brian and Mike Love finished the song, originally titled “Yeah, I Dig The Girls” and briefly mock-titled “You’re Grass And I’m A Lawn Mower.” Even though Brian’s first LSD trip led to “California Girls,” it also led to more harmful drugs, which caused “threatening voices” in his head and eventual mental illness in his adult life. It was the first Beach Boys song that newest member Bruce Johnston sang on; backing musicians include Glen Campbell and Leon Russell.
Q: When was “The Archies” on TV?
A: The cartoon series “The Archies” debuted in 1968. Thanks to exposure from the show, the songs created for the program became Top 40 hits: “Sugar, Sugar,” “Jingle Jangle,” “Bang Shang-A-Lang,” and “Who’s Your Baby?” among them. The Archies are considered to be the ultimate manufactured pop group, more so than The Monkees — where the Monkees were real people, the Archies were simply cartoon characters, voiced by studio vocalists. Ron Dante, who also sang lead on the songs “Tracy” by The Cuff Links and “Leader Of The Laundromat” by The Detergents also sang lead on the Archies tunes. Andy Kim, who had his own string of hits (including “Baby, I Love You” and “Rock Me Gently”) sang backing vocals on Archies songs and was part of The Archies touring group.
Q: I heard in the news that there’s a different story about Jim Morrison’s death. Do you have details?
A: The story surrounding the death of The Doors’ lead vocalist, Jim Morrison, has been the same since 1970 — that 27-year-old Jim died of a heart attack as he sat in his bathtub in Paris, France. Since then, there was some speculation that he either faked his death or died from some other cause. But recently, a former friend of Morrison’s, Sam Bernett, claims Jim died in a completely different place. At the time, Bernett managed a Paris nightclub called the Rock And Roll Circus, frequented by Morrison. An unidentified person went into the men’s room and found Morrison’s body slumped over. Bouncers were called in to drag the body out and take it back to Morrison’s apartment. A former employee of the club verifies this story. Bernett says he didn’t reveal the true story earlier because it brought back sordid memories of those decadent days at the club. He quit the club business, became a well-known radio deejay and eventually became vice president of Disneyland Paris.
Q: Did Kiss really name themselves as a sort of satanic thing?
A: No. According to Kiss member Paul Stanley, the band thought the word “kiss” sounded like it could have a double meaning, being both “dangerous and sexy.” A rumor spread that “KISS” stood for either “Kids In Satan’s Service” or “Knights In Satan’s Service” but the band has called these rumors ridiculous. However, many other bands have intentionally given themselves satanic-related names — probably the two most infamous ones are: 1) Styx, who named themselves after the mythical river that people crossed over after being banished into hell, and 2) King Crimson, a name that was created by the band’s lyricist, Peter Sinfield, as a synonym for the devil, who is often depicted in the color red (“crimson”) and referred to as “King” of the Underworld.
Q: I know that Perry Como wasn’t a rocker but maybe you can help. Way back in the ’60s, he released a 33 1/3 rpm titled “The Scene Changes.” I had the record and lost it. Heard a song the other day that sounded like one on the record. Is it on CD and where can I get one?
A: Perry Como’s 1965 album “The Scene Changes” (with the Anita Kerr Singers) was Perry’s “country” album, produced by Chet Atkins and featuring songs written by Willie Nelson, Dottie West, Tompall Glaser, Don Gibson and others. (“Dream On Little Dreamer,” a Top 40 hit in 1965, kicks off Side Two.) The album is available on both CD and vinyl. I found both on Amazon and eBay.
John Robinson grew up in Stockbridge and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1969.
He’s been an author, TV host, columnist, actor, producer, emcee and radio broadcaster. Robinson’s favorite music of all time includes surf, psychedelia, garage bands, Motown and just plain ol’ good-time rock ‘n’ roll. To read more rock ‘n’ roll trivia, “Paranormal Michigan” stories, and lots more, check out Robinson’s books on his author page at facebook.com/johnrobinsonauthor.
