Drummer John Barbata also played for "Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young" and "Jefferson Airplane/Starship" as well as their various member's solo albums. He also played drums as a Session Musician on a large number of other artist's albums.
Back in the mid 70's I worked in a Herbal Shoppe in Boulder Colorado and I had a basket of dried peyote buttons sitting on the counter that folks who knew what they were could partake of s few of them free. One day I was behind the counter reading a book when someone said: "Hey -- are these for sale?" I looked up and the person speaking was the frizzy haired guy from the Turtles. I told him go ahead take some free. He grabbed a few and left like a happy camper. I checked around and it turns out the Turtles were playing at the University of Colorado that evening.
Basically, unknown, not unappreciated. White Whale was a horrible label for such a talented band to be a part of. Only the big hits got much attention while the albums were amazing. PLUS, the Turtles were also fantastic live putting on top notch entertainment. They didn't just play their songs and sounded like the record like so many 60's bands. The Turtles always took delight in surprising their audience with unknown talents and polish.
I loved the Turtles! I had no idea they had such a varied and extensive background. It’s very interesting to know. Thanks for putting this awesome show together! It’s a gem!
I always liked that the Turtles always seemed to me to have an ironic take on pop music. They had a certain comedic element, which always struck me as very cool.
specially after 3 of them joined Zappa in 1970, then, WEIRDNESS was added to Irony-Comedy... super funny, but very Serious-Professional Musical Entertainment
In the late 80s I worked at the Bottom Line in Greenwich Village. Flo and Eddie did a lot of shows there during the holidays. I got to meet and talk with Mark and Howard a few times and they were very cool guys. Needless to say their performances were superb. They both have such great voices.
..Our band opened for them at a water fake-wave theme park in Tucson, 1998..After the shows, got to meet/talk briefly with Howard & Mark just as they received their paycheck, introed myself as one of the guys in the opening band. Asked who was playing bass for them when I saw them in summer '66 on L I., NY. Howard was ruminating out loud, wondering who was with them. Said I recall bassist playing a semihollow Epi or Guild bass..Poor Howard couldn't recall, neither could Mark..They excused themselves, and they & their SUV got on their way..Really cool guys, pretty down-to-earth..Those cats were singing sob's!! What voices!!
@samburkes7552 Cool Story Man! You mentioned L.l., N.Y. Was it out East they played? And talk about voices! These Cat's get snubbed for the R&R Hall of Lame, which it has become! So many Great Groups & Solo Artists left out from the 50's & 60's! Turtles could do it ALL! Stay with us Boy's. You made my childhood & adult life Happy! 👍🏻
I have seen Mark & Howard together live a few times on oldies circuit. Their songs are so great, and they are so fun! Happy Together is am alltime 60's classic! So are many of their other pop rock hits!
Yes, I'm Sam Burkes, was in a classic oldies cover band in Tucson Ariz., The Billie Shears Band! ..We worked with the newer incarnations of the Turtles once in 1990 at the Co. Fairgrounds as part of their "Happy Together" tour with the Grassroots. Mark Volman was eyeing us steadfastly as we ran through our set of sixties/seventies classics..In 1998, we worked with them again, few different members, at a 'fake-wave' water park NW of Tucson. They made the funny joke about playing poolside parties early on as the Crossfires/Early Turtles, and, now, here we are again, relegated to playing LARGER poolside gigs!! I cracked up, standing near the sound tech running their sound!! Those two were born entertainers and singers!! Definitely a treat. Saw the '66 Turtles at a south shore L.I. surf/teen club, summer of that year. They used all 'Jordan' sound/ guitar/bass amplification, borrowed from the Mammas and Pappas...Stenciled on sides of the cabinets. Al Nichol and Jim Tucker had their FireGlo Rickenbacker guitars, Nichol's 12- string, they did those songs that uses those jangly sounds. Johnny Barbata was drumming, think, for them. So I personally had more exposure to these guys than any other big time group of that era!! Sam A. Burkes lll
I was a kid when Happy Together hit the Top 40 AM radio and wow, what a classic. I loved it immediately, the first time I heard it, and have never tired of listening to it. It was one of those songs like The Letter by the Box Tops, California Dreamin' by the Mamas and Papas, and Light My Fire by The Doors, you know, hooks and arrangements that last a lifetime and more.
I absolutely LOVED that song back in early 67. I remember that time well - 'Happy Together', 'Ruby Tuesday', 'Penny Lane' and 'Georgy Girl' were all big hits at about the same time and I thought those were the four greatest songs ever for a while back then. The 'greatest ever' thing never lasted too long, because there was so much great new music always coming out. But those four still really resonate with me, I can still get that feeling that I got back then lsitening to those songs. I was in the first grade at that time!
I hear ya. All the songs mentioned hit me a certain way. But right in the Soul. Speaking of Soul, just a fun fact. The Box Tops were the 1st Caucasian Group to record for the Motown Label.
I saw them in Riverdale, NY sometime around 1974 in a small college auditorium. Great show, great comedy, a really fun evening. Fond memories of the band!
Great look at a 60’s rock band I didn’t know a lot about. Happy Together and It Ain’t Me Babe were the only songs I was really familiar with. I now want to listen to some more Turtles songs.
I'm somewhat younger and got into the Turtles through Frank Zappa, believe it or not. In my studies of 60s music, I began to appreciate them more. Thank you for this comprehensive documentary!
Oh my what Memories my first concert the Jefferson Airplane and the turtles open for them I was in 12 years old oh my God the wonderful memories you have brought back I am subscribing to your wonderful channel on very glad you showed up I'm going to binge watch thank you
She'd Rather Be With Me. One of my all time favorites! I'd forgotten they had so many hits. Great group. Talking Turtles with Matt. Perfect opening video for 2022!
The Turtles were one of the great 1960s bands. Maybe because there was a fun, comical vibe to the group like Jan & Dean and the Monkees, their music wasn't taken as seriously as The Beatles, Byrds, Doors etc. Songs like "Grim Reaper of Love", "Happy Together", "She's My Girl", and "She Rather Be with Me" are amazing singles that are very innovative and creative even in that groundbreaking period. The Battle of the Bands album is a landmark recording in that the Turtles take on different musical personas that include pop, surf, folk, country, psychedelia and prog rock. Nick Lowe would do this 10 years later on his Pure Pop for Now People album. Another great presentation Matt. You know your stuff!
By the time I saw the Turtles live, it was 1988 and they were already an “Oldies Act”. It was the most surprisingly enjoyable show I’ve ever seen. In more recent years, I have caught the Happy Together” tour several times and enjoyed it each time.
Well done young man. My favorite song is, She'd Rather Be With Me. I saw Howard & Mark on an Oldies Circuit twice. I even have 1 of Marks Drum sticks he used as a percussionist while performing. A radio DJ who put on the show gave it to me. Would have been cool to have it autographed. Best of Health Howard & Mark. Long Live the Turtles!
As I type this, I'm listening to The Turtles 1965 LP on vinyl. Howard Kaylan's ability to shift from sexy teen crooner to growling hard rocker is astounding. Not a bum tack on The Turtles' first album. They weren't a Poor Man's "Byrds". They transitioned from The Crossfires, a hot South Bay Surf band from the neighborhoods bordering LA International Airport to a first-rate Folk Rock & Pop band. Frank Zappa featured Howard and fellow-Turtle, Mark Volman with "The Mothers" as "Flo & Eddie". That ain't hay.
I saw the Turtles in San Antonio, TX at the Majestic Theater. It was about 35 yrs ago. Other bands were featured like the Buckinghams, Gary Lewis, among others. It was one of the best days of my life. The Turtles were the best.
Thank you Matt for doing this Turtles history. They definitely weren’t just a one hit wonder group. One of the best music documentary’s I’ve ever seen was the Rhino release Happy Together: The History Of The Turtles The Hits, The History, The Humor. I’d hightly recommend that to anyone interested in looking into The Turtles further. It’s a great watch. Looking forward to Part 2. Really enjoy your vids. :- )
I love your channel. I grew up in the Los Angeles area and saw The Turtles in the late 60s when they filmed a show for Where the Action Is. I still have my autograph book that has Howard Kaylan, Al Nichol, Chip Douglas, and Johnny Barbata’s autographs. Thank you for sharing this.❤🐢🐢
What is rarely mentioned when talking about The Turtles is how young they were when they achieved all of this success. Mark and Howard were both just 20 when Happy Together hit. 22 when it was all over.
I have so loved The Turtles. Thank you for doing these posts about them, highlighting their talent and innovation. They really are an important band for that '60's to early '70's time.
Wow. Every time I watch one of these wonderful vids surveying the careers of 60s bands I find myself going straight over to iTunes to pick up all the wonderful deep cuts I might never have heard otherwise. Love discovering new old songs. I thank you, but my credit card might not be so enthusiastic…
"Ellinor," which was written half as a goof--"Write a hit, man!," is maybe my fave of all their tunes. Really cool ass band. They had fun, you could tell. Chip Douglas was a damn good bassist, and played on some of the best Monkees stuff , like "What Am I Doin' Hangin' 'Round?" Never really got the recognition he deserved, IMO.
Pure Roger McGuinn. He plays it solo on acoustic guitar but not like a beautiful spiritual ballad as in The Turtles classic. Whoever produced that tune for the Turtles is a genius.
just discovered/loving your in-depth band looks, esp. this one -- the Turtles practiced for awhile at the Nichols' Westchester house across the street from where I grew up on Altavan Avenue. Fond memories of all us young kids on the street peeking in their front window to geek over the band's jams, ahhhh the 60s.
It's funny Matt, when you played the snippet of Flying High I said to myself "This sounds like a bad Seeds song'. Then you mentioned the Seeds. Great minds eh :-). I grew up in LA in the 60's. It was pretty common to see major acts playing in the Akron, May Company or other large shopping area parking lot. Sonny and Cher, The Seeds, The Mamas and the Papas, The Doors and yes, The Turtles. Looking forward to Part 2. I just finished the Get Back documentary. I can't wait to hear your take on it. Happy New Years to you and your family, RNB
Hey Rick! Thank you for the comment. I do have a second set of videos on the Get Back doc. The first is a 3 part series where I joined John Heaton and Paul Mills on Paul's new channel, My Inner Groove. My upcoming Get Back videos will be out later this month.
What a great photo of 'Fast' Eddie Hoh with the Modern Folk Quartet. He went on to have a stellar career as a session drummer until drugs ruined him in 1970. He played on Season of the Witch, Daydream Believer, Bloomfield Kooper Super Session, backed the Mamas and Papas at Monterey where on the last song Hal Blaine came out for a twin drum jam. He also played for Tim Buckley, Jerry Yester and others.
I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT PART!!! The Turtles are currently my favourite band, I even got 'Shell Shocked' and 'The Turtles present; The battle of the bands' for Christmas this year!!
Like many singles-based bands The Turtles albums tended to make for an uneven listening experience, gems amid rocks. But what a revelation when you grouped the folk-rock tracks together, which from a 2022 perspective still sound great and can line up well with their pop hits. Your posts are always a pleasure, Matt. Looking forward to part 2. --Stuart
My brother had the Happy Together album back in 67. The title song was my favorite song in the world for a while in early 67, what a great producing job. 'She'd Rather Be WIth Me' was right up there, too, that became my favrorite for a while that summer. I used to love going through my siblings' records, so I gave that album a listen at some point. I really liked 'Like The Seasons', which was another early Warren Zevon song. That was my favorite besides the two big hits. I had forgotten all about that song and then came across it here on RUclips a few years back, what a jolt to the memory that was! There's a video of them miming that song on a TV show, with them all goofing around, a fun one to watch. They had a nice run there, with a lot of great songs, up through 'You Showed Me'.
Indeed, classic tracks from The Turtles! Thanks, Matt, I'm looking forward to future installments. While I'm here, I may as well add that I once met Reb way back, 40 years ago. He was dating a family friend at the time. Photographed his 'Revolver' gold record that The Beatles gave to him. Amazing history with sixties radio disc jockeys alone!
I forgot this was "part one"! These pieces are mesmerizing! I always wanted to know about The Turtles. The neighbors could hear my anguished "AUGGH!" as the program came to an end! I'll be here for part two!
I really like the Turtles, including some of the songs that you don't seem to care for. They are kind of a microcosm of 60's music, having dabbled in folk rock, surf music and a sort of bubble gum sound. They did good stuff in each of those sub genres. If a person has never heard any 60's music and wants to get a feel for what music was like at the time, I think the Turtles would be the band I would have them listen to, and I think that person would become a fan of the music.
I just buy the 6 Deluxe double CDs and this band is fantastic ! One of the best from Laurel Canyon ! It's my trip of the moment and I just seen your video ! It's perfect ! Thank you ! Can't wait the part 2 !
I never took these guys that seriously because of all the negative press in the late 90s and early 00s about them just being pop opportunists grabbing onto the folk rock trend but your series convinced me to go out and find the albums and give them a fair listen! Thanks.
I got into The Turtles via the Flo and Eddie era of Frank Zappa and the Mothers, although I can remember their hits over here in the U.K. I was more of a Lovin’ Spoonful fan, plus the Surf groups that came along. I started to buy the Sundazed CDs to get an idea of their recorded albums, plus the Sold Zinc double. I’ve got the Edsel releases which are great, plus I’ve still got to buy Shell Shocked by Howard Kalyan. Another great video. Cheers.
This stuff Matt does here fills in missing gaps in a lot of what I thought I knew. Great work here. Anyhoo, guess I better dig up the chords for Happy Together. :)
Loved the Turtles .... Used to see them under the group name "Flo and Eddie' for several years at NYC's Bottom line ... They did the New Year's show with Comedian Chris Rush .... Great Gigs! Great way to ring in the new year.
First concert i saw the Turtles play in Ottawa at the awesome Capitol Theatre. I was 22. Great songs and the band was fun to watch, Elenore and it ain't me babe wow
Thanks! Lile "Spanky & Our Gang" bands with humor were difficult to continue to suceed into the late 60's and early 70's when music got so damn serious (despite the fact that I continued to like that period!)
They (Howard and Mark in Westchester) went to the same school as the infamous Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme (whom I read dated Bill Siddons; the Doors manager).The Turtles definitely put out quite a few good songs. I really like the songs "Elenore" and "She's my Girl."
I just subscribed today, noting that you perform a vital service - not being afraid to play more than a few turkeys. This helps incredibly in filling out the big picture of many tunes and groups that appeared before the awful '70s nightmares of disco and punk. Looking at a few old albums behind you... Dylan, Herb Alpert, and... Andy Williams? Wow!
When I listen to the Turtles, I'm often struck by just how much the tracks sound like the Monkees, just with different singers. But it makes sense: They were probably recorded in the same studios with the same mics! 🙂
Sometimes it seems like if you were making rock and pop music in 1965 and 66 you had to be great or really really bad. The Turtles were great. Can't wait for the next video.
Great video, thanks for making this! In the 1970's I used to sort through the discounted (often cut-out) record bins, because I had little money to spend. I took a chance on the 2-LP "Happy Together Again" album, on Sire/ABC records, a double album discounted to $2.98 at a time when most single albums were probably $8.98 (as per the Tom Petty history surrounding "Hard Promises"). It was a "best of", 29 tracks and virtually all of them were outstanding, all were worthy of hearing. Also had a write up about the band and about each track, with written input from "Flo and Eddie". I became a Turtles fan for life, thanks to that bargain buy. Too bad they never issued that album in CD form, but there are several compilations now, along with the original albums.
How would anyone who listened to 60’s music think the Turtles were a one-hit wonder. They were incredible and still touring in 2023 on their Happy Together tour with Gary Puckett, Little Anthony, Classics IV, Cowsills and the Vogues.
“Guide For The Married Man” was the theme of the movie of the same name. And I don’t know HOW many weeks “Happy Together” was in hot rotation on the mighty 93/KHJ Los Angeles. But if you like the original, check out the Zappa version with Flo & Eddie! If you EVER liked a record by The Turtles, I highly recommend this 3-part series.
Guide For The Married Man! Loved it when it came out. Didn't realize the Turtles did the Soundtrack till a few years after the movie came out. Excellent!
I am a huge fan of The Turtles… my favorite song they recorded is ‘Me About You’, no guitar but Johnny Barbata on drums and a brass section. One of the greatest pop songs ever. PS: When ‘Elenor’s’ was released and for years I thought it was a Partridge Family single. It wasn’t until the 1980s that I finally got to listen to the ‘Battle of the Bands’ album and realized what they were doing… they were so versatile in recreating different alter egos. I really love ‘Earth Anthem’.
Me About You was taken at a slow, durge-like pace by The Lovin’ Spoonful featuring Joe Butler but my favorite is the baroque pop arrangement of The Mojo Men.
To me, The Beatles will always be number one. But I always thought a great deal of American bands answered the British Invasion beautifully. The Beach Boys, The 4 Tops, The Rascals, The Supremes, Mamas & Papas, The Byrds and of course The Turtles JUST to name a few (the list goes on), produced wonderful songs, incredible vocals and superb playing. The 60s were without a doubt THEE best era in popular music. The variety and quality was relentless and astonishing!
When the Turtles found their Niche, wow. Howard's voice was akin to Jim Morrison, not actually, but in the fact that it is in between rock and a Tony Bennet vibe, like Morrison. But the band's voices laid down a texture that is unmatched: Like a wave of euphoria. Happy Together evokes images from by early 70s childhood memories: a bright green dress my mother had (looked like Jackie Kennedy); our 60s furniture which was gone by the time I was 6, a convertible, grey Oldsmobile my dad drove; psychedelic carpet in our basement wet bar. We had more money than most until I was 12 and dad took off - perhaps adding to the nostalgia of better days!
Great info Matt! Would love to see a series on the Hollies as well! Both them the Turtles are 60's bands that I've always felt got overshadowed and shelved as 'one hit wonders', when they in fact have very deep catalogues!
Drummer John Barbata also played for "Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young" and "Jefferson Airplane/Starship" as well as their various member's solo albums. He also played drums as a Session Musician on a large number of other artist's albums.
Back in the mid 70's I worked in a Herbal Shoppe in Boulder Colorado and I had a basket of dried peyote buttons sitting on the counter that folks who knew what they were could partake of s few of them free. One day I was behind the counter reading a book when someone said: "Hey -- are these for sale?" I looked up and the person speaking was the frizzy haired guy from the Turtles. I told him go ahead take some free. He grabbed a few and left like a happy camper. I checked around and it turns out the Turtles were playing at the University of Colorado that evening.
"So Happy Together," was a colossal hit in a year featuring tremendous music. 1967 was one of the very best years of my life.
The Turtles were incredible live .
Basically, unknown, not unappreciated. White Whale was a horrible label for such a talented band to be a part of. Only the big hits got much attention while the albums were amazing. PLUS, the Turtles were also fantastic live putting on top notch entertainment. They didn't just play their songs and sounded like the record like so many 60's bands. The Turtles always took delight in surprising their audience with unknown talents and polish.
I loved the Turtles! I had no idea they had such a varied and extensive background. It’s very interesting to know. Thanks for putting this awesome show together! It’s a gem!
I always liked that the Turtles always seemed to me to have an ironic take on pop music. They had a certain comedic element, which always struck me as very cool.
Yeah flo and Eddy,, raunchy alter egos!
@@russellesimonetta9071 The first time you were 😢😮😮
specially after 3 of them joined Zappa in 1970,
then,
WEIRDNESS was added to Irony-Comedy...
super funny, but very Serious-Professional Musical Entertainment
Like Phil Volk, (Fang), & Mike Smith doing their choreographed moves playing guitar's behind Mark Lindsay. With Paul Revere & The Raiders.
Like Elenore? 'And you really do me well... you're my pride & joy et cetera' ;)
In the late 80s I worked at the Bottom Line in Greenwich Village. Flo and Eddie did a lot of shows there during the holidays. I got to meet and talk with Mark and Howard a few times and they were very cool guys. Needless to say their performances were superb. They both have such great voices.
..Our band opened for them at a water fake-wave theme park in Tucson, 1998..After the shows, got to meet/talk briefly with Howard & Mark just as they received their paycheck, introed myself as one of the guys in the opening band. Asked who was playing bass for them when I saw them in summer '66 on L I., NY. Howard was ruminating out loud, wondering who was with them. Said I recall bassist playing a semihollow Epi or Guild bass..Poor Howard couldn't recall, neither could Mark..They excused themselves, and they & their SUV got on their way..Really cool guys, pretty down-to-earth..Those cats were singing sob's!! What voices!!
@samburkes7552 Cool Story Man! You mentioned L.l., N.Y. Was it out East they played? And talk about voices! These Cat's get snubbed for the R&R Hall of Lame, which it has become! So many Great Groups & Solo Artists left out from the 50's & 60's! Turtles could do it ALL! Stay with us Boy's. You made my childhood & adult life Happy! 👍🏻
We loved the Turtles . I like the way they were hooked up with Crosby Stills , and Nash
Mmmm I think Kaylan and Volman actually hooked up with Frank Zappa. Barbata played with CSNY
I have seen Mark & Howard together live a few times on oldies circuit. Their songs are so great, and they are so fun!
Happy Together is am alltime 60's classic! So are many of their other pop rock hits!
Yes, I'm Sam Burkes, was in a classic oldies cover band in Tucson Ariz., The Billie Shears Band! ..We worked with the newer incarnations of the Turtles once in 1990 at the Co. Fairgrounds as part of their "Happy Together" tour with the Grassroots. Mark Volman was eyeing us steadfastly as we ran through our set of sixties/seventies classics..In 1998, we worked with them again, few different members, at a 'fake-wave' water park NW of Tucson. They made the funny joke about playing poolside parties early on as the Crossfires/Early Turtles, and, now, here we are again, relegated to playing LARGER poolside gigs!! I cracked up, standing near the sound tech running their sound!! Those two were born entertainers and singers!! Definitely a treat. Saw the '66 Turtles at a south shore L.I. surf/teen club, summer of that year. They used all 'Jordan' sound/ guitar/bass amplification, borrowed from the Mammas and Pappas...Stenciled on sides of the cabinets. Al Nichol and Jim Tucker had their FireGlo Rickenbacker guitars, Nichol's 12- string, they did those songs that uses those jangly sounds. Johnny Barbata was drumming, think, for them. So I personally had more exposure to these guys than any other big time group of that era!!
Sam A. Burkes lll
I saw The Turtles live in about 1967. They were quite good.
I LOVED The Turtles ! Loved their songs , & harmonies.---------------MJL< 76 y/o
R.I.P. John Barbata, drummer supreme.
I was a kid when Happy Together hit the Top 40 AM radio and wow, what a classic. I loved it immediately, the first time I heard it, and have never tired of listening to it. It was one of those songs like The Letter by the Box Tops, California Dreamin' by the Mamas and Papas, and Light My Fire by The Doors, you know, hooks and arrangements that last a lifetime and more.
Yes, Happy Together along with the songs you listed are timeless classics that will probably live on... I hope!
Same here I was a kid and heard Happy Together. Had to get it immediately. Still on my regular listening list.
I absolutely LOVED that song back in early 67. I remember that time well - 'Happy Together', 'Ruby Tuesday', 'Penny Lane' and 'Georgy Girl' were all big hits at about the same time and I thought those were the four greatest songs ever for a while back then. The 'greatest ever' thing never lasted too long, because there was so much great new music always coming out. But those four still really resonate with me, I can still get that feeling that I got back then lsitening to those songs. I was in the first grade at that time!
I completely agree. I was 6 in 1967 and distinctly remember "Happy Together" and many others. I even remember the lyrics.
I hear ya. All the songs mentioned hit me a certain way. But right in the Soul. Speaking of Soul, just a fun fact. The Box Tops were the 1st Caucasian Group to record for the Motown Label.
I love this show! I’ve learned so much!
Some of the Flo & Eddie albums are fantastic....their work under Frank was great too
I saw them in Detroit. Jesus, that was a fun show!
Live at the Filmore is too much. With a Bullet !
I saw them open for Alice Cooper. I became a fan immediately. That was a long time ago…
Howard was one of the best vocals in the biz...imo.
I saw them in Riverdale, NY sometime around 1974 in a small college auditorium. Great show, great comedy, a really fun evening. Fond memories of the band!
Man, the phrase "one-eyed midgets" is the funniest thing I've heard all day
Great look at a 60’s rock band I didn’t know a lot about. Happy Together and It Ain’t Me Babe were the only songs I was really familiar with. I now want to listen to some more Turtles songs.
Eleanor I think your swell
I'm somewhat younger and got into the Turtles through Frank Zappa, believe it or not. In my studies of 60s music, I began to appreciate them more. Thank you for this comprehensive documentary!
I appreciate the comment!
Though I was barely out of diapers when they were a band I remember my older siblings playing their music. One of my favorites for sure!
The Turtles play at San Clemente High School , California, in 1967, the Doors played the same year.
So glad you’re doing a series on these guys, I’ve always thought that they were very underrated!
Thank you. They have some great deep cuts and even greater unreleased stuff. Thanks for the comment, Waldo!
WHAT A GREAT TIME TO BE A TEENAGER GROWING UP TO BE LISTENING TO USA AND UK MUSIC - FAB, GROOVY, FAR OUT MAN!
The Turtles were a fabulous group-Great harmonies!
Oh my what Memories my first concert the Jefferson Airplane and the turtles open for them I was in 12 years old oh my God the wonderful memories you have brought back I am subscribing to your wonderful channel on very glad you showed up I'm going to binge watch thank you
Always a fan bought everything they did as a bundle sealed on cds indiviual albums. At an awesome price
She'd Rather Be With Me. One of my all time favorites! I'd forgotten they had so many hits. Great group. Talking Turtles with Matt. Perfect opening video for 2022!
This is where my babysitting money went in the 60s, music. The Turtle's songs make me happy & I belt them out to this day.
One of my favourite bands
I love The Turtles 🐢 "Eleanor" is one of my favourite songs. My ex husband looked like Howard. Glad I found your channel and just subbed 👍👍
Welcome, Maude!
The Turtles were one of the great 1960s bands. Maybe because there was a fun, comical vibe to the group like Jan & Dean and the Monkees, their music wasn't taken as seriously as The Beatles, Byrds, Doors etc. Songs like "Grim Reaper of Love", "Happy Together", "She's My Girl", and "She Rather Be with Me" are amazing singles that are very innovative and creative even in that groundbreaking period. The Battle of the Bands album is a landmark recording in that the Turtles take on different musical personas that include pop, surf, folk, country, psychedelia and prog rock. Nick Lowe would do this 10 years later on his Pure Pop for Now People album. Another great presentation Matt. You know your stuff!
Thank you, Dennis!
By the time I saw the Turtles live, it was 1988 and they were already an “Oldies Act”. It was the most surprisingly enjoyable show I’ve ever seen. In more recent years, I have caught the Happy Together” tour several times and enjoyed it each time.
Well done young man. My favorite song is, She'd Rather Be With Me. I saw Howard & Mark on an Oldies Circuit twice. I even have 1 of Marks Drum sticks he used as a percussionist while performing. A radio DJ who put on the show gave it to me. Would have been cool to have it autographed. Best of Health Howard & Mark. Long Live the Turtles!
As I type this, I'm listening to The Turtles 1965 LP on vinyl. Howard Kaylan's ability to shift from sexy teen crooner to growling hard rocker is astounding. Not a bum tack on The Turtles' first album. They weren't a Poor Man's "Byrds". They transitioned from The Crossfires, a hot South Bay Surf band from the neighborhoods bordering LA International Airport to a first-rate Folk Rock & Pop band. Frank Zappa featured Howard and fellow-Turtle, Mark Volman with "The Mothers" as "Flo & Eddie". That ain't hay.
I saw the Turtles in San Antonio, TX at the Majestic Theater. It was about 35 yrs ago. Other bands were featured like the Buckinghams, Gary Lewis, among others. It was one of the best days of my life. The Turtles were the best.
Thank you Matt for doing this Turtles history. They definitely weren’t just a one hit wonder group. One of the best music documentary’s I’ve ever seen was the Rhino release Happy Together: The History Of The Turtles The Hits, The History, The Humor. I’d hightly recommend that to anyone interested in looking into The Turtles further. It’s a great watch. Looking forward to Part 2. Really enjoy your vids. :- )
Thank you, Joe - much appreciated.
I love your channel. I grew up in the Los Angeles area and saw The Turtles in the late 60s when they filmed a show for Where the Action Is. I still have my autograph book that has Howard Kaylan, Al Nichol, Chip Douglas, and Johnny Barbata’s autographs. Thank you for sharing this.❤🐢🐢
Thank you, Laurie!
Thanks for featuring The Turtles Matt! Such an underrated group! Enjoy your channel.
Thanks for watching, Mark!
What is rarely mentioned when talking about The Turtles is how young they were when they achieved all of this success. Mark and Howard were both just 20 when Happy Together hit. 22 when it was all over.
I have so loved The Turtles. Thank you for doing these posts about them, highlighting their talent and innovation. They really are an important band for that '60's to early '70's time.
The Turtles is one of my favorite bands, surpassed by only a few others like the Beatles, the Hollies, and a few more.
Yes!! Been waiting for this one. The Turtles are one of my favorite groups.
Wow. Every time I watch one of these wonderful vids surveying the careers of 60s bands I find myself going straight over to iTunes to pick up all the wonderful deep cuts I might never have heard otherwise. Love discovering new old songs. I thank you, but my credit card might not be so enthusiastic…
Ah, yes... I know the feeling of the credit card taking a music beating! Glad to hear the deep cuts agree with you!
"Ellinor," which was written half as a goof--"Write a hit, man!," is maybe my fave of all their tunes. Really cool ass band. They had fun, you could tell.
Chip Douglas was a damn good bassist, and played on some of the best Monkees stuff , like "What Am I Doin' Hangin' 'Round?" Never really got the recognition he deserved, IMO.
One of the first singles I ever bought was "You Showed Me," so I'm very psyched for this series!
That was always my fave single of theirs when I was young.
Pure Roger McGuinn. He plays it solo on acoustic guitar but not like a beautiful spiritual ballad as in The Turtles classic. Whoever produced that tune for the Turtles is a genius.
@@professorhamamoto Chip Douglas produced that one. I was always taken with that song - ever since I was a kid.
rap duo Salt N Pepa covered it in the 90's. I was a baby then, but like the Turtles sound.
just discovered/loving your in-depth band looks, esp. this one -- the Turtles practiced for awhile at the Nichols' Westchester house across the street from where I grew up on Altavan Avenue. Fond memories of all us young kids on the street peeking in their front window to geek over the band's jams, ahhhh the 60s.
Welcome Randy! What an experience to have heard them practice! Thanks for sharing.
Oooh, The Turtles! You got my attention now!
Enjoyed finding this video - great job on the research and I was always a big fan of the Turtles. My favorite of theirs was 'You Know What I Mean.'
One of the best underrated songs of the decade!
It's funny Matt, when you played the snippet of Flying High I said to myself "This sounds like a bad Seeds song'. Then you mentioned the Seeds. Great minds eh :-). I grew up in LA in the 60's. It was pretty common to see major acts playing in the Akron, May Company or other large shopping area parking lot. Sonny and Cher, The Seeds, The Mamas and the Papas, The Doors and yes, The Turtles. Looking forward to Part 2. I just finished the Get Back documentary. I can't wait to hear your take on it. Happy New Years to you and your family, RNB
Hey Rick! Thank you for the comment. I do have a second set of videos on the Get Back doc. The first is a 3 part series where I joined John Heaton and Paul Mills on Paul's new channel, My Inner Groove. My upcoming Get Back videos will be out later this month.
What a great photo of 'Fast' Eddie Hoh with the Modern Folk Quartet. He went on to have a stellar career as a session drummer until drugs ruined him in 1970. He played on Season of the Witch, Daydream Believer, Bloomfield Kooper Super Session, backed the Mamas and Papas at Monterey where on the last song Hal Blaine came out for a twin drum jam. He also played for Tim Buckley, Jerry Yester and others.
Zappa was my inteoduction to Flo and Eddie
I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT PART!!! The Turtles are currently my favourite band, I even got 'Shell Shocked' and 'The Turtles present; The battle of the bands' for Christmas this year!!
Two excellent albums! Stay tuned.
Fantastic! Loved your stroll through the Association's career and digging this, too!
Like many singles-based bands The Turtles albums tended to make for an uneven listening experience, gems amid rocks. But what a revelation when you grouped the folk-rock tracks together, which from a 2022 perspective still sound great and can line up well with their pop hits. Your posts are always a pleasure, Matt. Looking forward to part 2. --Stuart
Thank you, Stuart!
Glad to see you again! Hope you get well soon! Looks like you have been busy!! Thanks for sharing!!
Very cool channel I just stumbled across , and the Turtles are a very underrated band for sure
Welcome, Alex! Plenty more to come!
@@popgoesthe60s52 can't wait brother
My brother had the Happy Together album back in 67. The title song was my favorite song in the world for a while in early 67, what a great producing job. 'She'd Rather Be WIth Me' was right up there, too, that became my favrorite for a while that summer. I used to love going through my siblings' records, so I gave that album a listen at some point. I really liked 'Like The Seasons', which was another early Warren Zevon song. That was my favorite besides the two big hits. I had forgotten all about that song and then came across it here on RUclips a few years back, what a jolt to the memory that was! There's a video of them miming that song on a TV show, with them all goofing around, a fun one to watch. They had a nice run there, with a lot of great songs, up through 'You Showed Me'.
Indeed, classic tracks from The Turtles! Thanks, Matt, I'm looking forward to future installments. While I'm here, I may as well add that I once met Reb way back, 40 years ago. He was dating a family friend at the time. Photographed his 'Revolver' gold record that The Beatles gave to him. Amazing history with sixties radio disc jockeys alone!
Wow, ol' Reb sure met some of the big timers! Thanks for sharing, Mark. Part 2 should be out by tomorrow so stay tuned!
Good stuff Matt. Your shows keep getting better and better. 👍
I forgot this was "part one"! These pieces are mesmerizing! I always wanted to know about The Turtles.
The neighbors could hear my anguished "AUGGH!" as the program came to an end! I'll be here for part two!
Thanks Doc! And just for you, I'll add a part 3!
@@popgoesthe60s52 I'll get the popcorn ready.
Loved them
The Turtles played a concert at my high school Darien, Conn. 1967 🤣✌️☮️
Great songs!❤
I met them at the Hard Rock in Biloxi Mississippi
Outside Chance is one of the great overlooked/underheard singles of the 60s, a right banger. Great band, great video.
Warren Zevon!
That's my favorite Turtles song
@@richbailey8174 so much better than Happy Together. My next fave is Outside Chance and favorite is It Aint Me Babe.
in my 45 box
Chris M - I agree, "Outside Chance", should have been a big hit for the Turtles. Great tune , one of my favourites of theirs.
I really like the Turtles, including some of the songs that you don't seem to care for. They are kind of a microcosm of 60's music, having dabbled in folk rock, surf music and a sort of bubble gum sound. They did good stuff in each of those sub genres. If a person has never heard any 60's music and wants to get a feel for what music was like at the time, I think the Turtles would be the band I would have them listen to, and I think that person would become a fan of the music.
Those were insightful comments -- they were stylistically so versatile ! Great 60's group that I've been a fan of since I was a kid .
They do incorporate many styles into their music and really hit their stride in 1967. Stay tuned for part 2!
I just buy the 6 Deluxe double CDs and this band is fantastic ! One of the best from Laurel Canyon ! It's my trip of the moment and I just seen your video ! It's perfect ! Thank you ! Can't wait the part 2 !
I never took these guys that seriously because of all the negative press in the late 90s and early 00s about them just being pop opportunists grabbing onto the folk rock trend but your series convinced me to go out and find the albums and give them a fair listen! Thanks.
Thanks for a great in-depth view !
I liked the turtles and flo and Eddie as well
I got into The Turtles via the Flo and Eddie era of Frank Zappa and the Mothers, although I can remember their hits over here in the U.K. I was more of a Lovin’ Spoonful fan, plus the Surf groups that came along. I started to buy the Sundazed CDs to get an idea of their recorded albums, plus the Sold Zinc double. I’ve got the Edsel releases which are great, plus I’ve still got to buy Shell Shocked by Howard Kalyan. Another great video. Cheers.
Thanks for watching all three, Andrew!
"Almost There" was the original B side of "It Ain't Me Babe" and it's a great song.
Mark Volman - the happiest guy in the R&R business
Great job Matt can't wait for part 2
My first concert was the Turtles maybe 1970. Great show. Volman a cutup.
No frills fun concert.
"She's My Girl" my favorite.
Orémus Y'all.
This stuff Matt does here fills in missing gaps in a lot of what I thought I knew. Great work here. Anyhoo, guess I better dig up the chords for Happy Together. :)
Pop Goes The 60's !! Yeah
The Crossfires did FANTASTIC surf music!!
Loved the Turtles .... Used to see them under the group name "Flo and Eddie' for several years at NYC's Bottom line ...
They did the New Year's show with Comedian Chris Rush .... Great Gigs! Great way to ring in the new year.
They could get really raunchy live. They went into the flourescent leech and Eddy routine. They also were a part of Zappa,s 200 hotels!
I love the turtles garage stuff. some of their b sides are great like buzzsaw.
Their music was awesome!!
First concert i saw the Turtles play in Ottawa at the awesome Capitol Theatre. I was 22. Great songs and the band was fun to watch, Elenore and it ain't me babe wow
I love this channel, very well done, interesting.
Grim Reaper of Love - love it
You're right about the second album, but "Almost There" is one of their best songs.
Thanks! Lile "Spanky & Our Gang" bands with humor were difficult to continue to suceed into the late 60's and early 70's when music got so damn serious (despite the fact that I continued to like that period!)
They (Howard and Mark in Westchester) went to the same school as the infamous Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme (whom I read dated Bill Siddons; the Doors manager).The Turtles definitely put out quite a few good songs. I really like the songs "Elenore" and "She's my Girl."
I just subscribed today, noting that you perform a vital service - not being afraid to play more than a few turkeys.
This helps incredibly in filling out the big picture of many tunes and groups that appeared before the awful '70s nightmares of disco and punk. Looking at a few old albums behind you... Dylan, Herb Alpert, and... Andy Williams? Wow!
Welcome, Mr Ed! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Deep cuts - good and bad - do help tell the full story. More to come!
When I listen to the Turtles, I'm often struck by just how much the tracks sound like the Monkees, just with different singers. But it makes sense: They were probably recorded in the same studios with the same mics! 🙂
They had the same bassist on some songs--Chip Douglas. He also was a producer/arranger, who knew his way around a studio control board.
@@TheRealDrJoey Yup and it’s the same Chip Douglas as in “What number is this Chip?” he answers back to Davy Jones “Seven A!”
Sometimes it seems like if you were making rock and pop music in 1965 and 66 you had to be great or really really bad. The Turtles were great. Can't wait for the next video.
Great video, thanks for making this! In the 1970's I used to sort through the discounted (often cut-out) record bins, because I had little money to spend. I took a chance on the 2-LP "Happy Together Again" album, on Sire/ABC records, a double album discounted to $2.98 at a time when most single albums were probably $8.98 (as per the Tom Petty history surrounding "Hard Promises").
It was a "best of", 29 tracks and virtually all of them were outstanding, all were worthy of hearing. Also had a write up about the band and about each track, with written input from "Flo and Eddie". I became a Turtles fan for life, thanks to that bargain buy. Too bad they never issued that album in CD form, but there are several compilations now, along with the original albums.
I never had that comp but people rave about it. I appreciate you watching and commenting, Andrew. Thank you.
How would anyone who listened to 60’s music think the Turtles were a one-hit wonder. They were incredible and still touring in 2023 on their Happy Together tour with Gary Puckett, Little Anthony, Classics IV, Cowsills and the Vogues.
“Guide For The Married Man” was the theme of the movie of the same name. And I don’t know HOW many weeks “Happy Together” was in hot rotation on the mighty 93/KHJ Los Angeles. But if you like the original, check out the Zappa version with Flo & Eddie! If you EVER liked a record by The Turtles, I highly recommend this 3-part series.
Love that Walter Matthau movie Guide For A Married Man!!! With an All Star cast-Art Carney, Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, Jayne Mansfield-Classic 👍
Guide For The Married Man! Loved it when it came out. Didn't realize the Turtles did the Soundtrack till a few years after the movie came out. Excellent!
I am a huge fan of The Turtles… my favorite song they recorded is ‘Me About You’, no guitar but Johnny Barbata on drums and a brass section. One of the greatest pop songs ever.
PS: When ‘Elenor’s’ was released and for years I thought it was a Partridge Family single. It wasn’t until the 1980s that I finally got to listen to the ‘Battle of the Bands’ album and realized what they were doing… they were so versatile in recreating different alter egos. I really love ‘Earth Anthem’.
Me About You was taken at a slow, durge-like pace by The Lovin’ Spoonful featuring Joe Butler but my favorite is the baroque pop arrangement of The Mojo Men.
good stuff, very knowledgable...
Glad you enjoyed it - thank you Peter!
To me, The Beatles will always be number one. But I always thought a great deal of American bands answered the British Invasion beautifully. The Beach Boys, The 4 Tops, The Rascals, The Supremes, Mamas & Papas, The Byrds and of course The Turtles JUST to name a few (the list goes on), produced wonderful songs, incredible vocals and superb playing. The 60s were without a doubt THEE best era in popular music. The variety and quality was relentless and astonishing!
The Loving Spoonful!
The Boys from New Jersey! All Pisans'. The Four Season's.
When the Turtles found their Niche, wow. Howard's voice was akin to Jim Morrison, not actually, but in the fact that it is in between rock and a Tony Bennet vibe, like Morrison. But the band's voices laid down a texture that is unmatched: Like a wave of euphoria. Happy Together evokes images from by early 70s childhood memories: a bright green dress my mother had (looked like Jackie Kennedy); our 60s furniture which was gone by the time I was 6, a convertible, grey Oldsmobile my dad drove; psychedelic carpet in our basement wet bar. We had more money than most until I was 12 and dad took off - perhaps adding to the nostalgia of better days!
They certainly "found their sound" and once they did, they were inimitable!
Great info Matt! Would love to see a series on the Hollies as well! Both them the Turtles are 60's bands that I've always felt got overshadowed and shelved as 'one hit wonders', when they in fact have very deep catalogues!
The Turtles are far deeper than they've ever been given credit for. Stay tuned for part 2!