It was a hit in Chicago on WLS. I still have the single, as well as the album it was from, "Revelations". It was their first album for Mercury records and my favorite after their self-released albums. I never did understand why they didn't have as much success nationally as they deserved. They had more hits in Chicago than any other Chicago band in the 1960s.
Maybe no longer our heydays, Michelle, but some of us are still at it. here's a link to a video promo I did for a show that featured... well, just watch it but note that I was given no forewarning and had to do this one in street clothes, one take, so not the best piece I ever did, but filled the concert venue that night! ruclips.net/video/jeFamZHThI4/видео.html
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.My dear friend from Boston who passed away in July loved NC6. He sent me old radio hit parades showing NC6 climbing the charts. He remained a fan throughout his life.
New Colony Six not played in Miami wfun wqam. Im 71 now. This is a song that pierces my soul. Tremendous. The beautiful live performance is stellar. I consider myself an expert lol
Much appreciation, my friend - There formerly was a link to an acoustic version that my current band-mate (Bruce Mattey - since 1988) and I did in a single take so, if truly interested, you'll have to find a copy of the CD compilation "SIDES" in order to give this one a listen... Sorry but the posting has been removed for whatever reason hence no way for me to share it here with you... sigh!
Lisa Thompson I think the reason is because it was just an overcrowded market of pop tinged with psychedelia such as the five Americans, gary Puckett and the union gap, fifth dimension etc
@@brotherthor8699 CYSMCry reached Top 5 here in Chicago and was a #1 record in many of the surrounding areas, but do not recall how high it went nationally...
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. "Can't You See Me Cry" reached #52 nationally on Billboard's Hot 100 singles charts in the summer of 1968. Nationally it would have been a #1 hit if Mercury only had had its act together and promoted it properly. The NC6 catalogue is full of hits that should have reached the Top 10 across the country except Mercury inexplicably fumbled each one.
Oh my god you don't know how grateful I am for you to comment on this video and give me the encouragement to post. I'd like to say that I'm 17 and I have been a fan of the new colony six for some time now and I just wanted to share your brilliance to a new generation. Also your vocals on this track, Mr Graffia are top notch. Thank you so much.
Wow, Connor; thank you! Mr. Graffia was my father and while I am easily old enough to be your grand or even great grandfather, please just go with Ray... We still do perform, albeit not as frequently or over as great a distance as "in the day", if you are a Midwesterner, and especially if Chicago area, keep your eyes open for locations. We have a couple coming up surrounding Valentines' Day 2017 --- and since you may (or may not - probably passe for someone your age...) be on Facebook, you can find a whole lot of interesting Colony schnike there.
Hi Ray and I'm glad your still performing. Also thanks for the information on upcoming venues but I'm sorry to say that since I live in England it would be a bit of a struggle but thanks anyway
I live in England too, and I'm 21, but I absolutely love this band. Your vocals are great on this Ray, and thanks for uploading this video, Connor! Peace.
Many thanks... written to reflect my being totally smitten at 12 or 13 years of age so lyrics are true and whenever we perform live I ask if anyone knows what happened to her and her family - hence the bridge lyric "Would you remember me if I ask for the name of someone, who loved you?" Shall not name her here but still wonder...
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Great job! I used to see you guys as much as I could before I moved south in '03. I expected this to use lip sync, as almost all did on T.V. shows, but this appears "live." Is it?
@@stangohr It definitely was done live and while I might have already mentioned this before, just in case I did not, the TV Director loved the look of my tambourine but pre-live broadcast rehearsals, when I played it, it interfered with vocal pick-up, hence he asked (demanded?) that I hold but not play it, hence always has looked super lame to me but I was 22 and he was a TV Honcho so no point in fighting - thanks again for the kind words! Ray
Ray Graffia Jr. I always thought to myself “Why the heck isn’t Ray killing it on tambourine?!”. Thanks for explaining that, typical directors without a clue! LOVE seeing this video, always was one of my favorite songs so hearing it live is incredible!
This is a true gem! The fact that it is a live performance makes it all the better. I was fortunate enough to have grown up within range of WLS, so I remember all the NC6 hits from "I Confess" onwards. This is such a sweet song. "I Could Never Lie to You" is another amazing song that never made it nationally. You guys were my favorites, Ray - hands down. I just wish iTunes would carry the whole New Colony Six catalog.
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Mr. Graffia, I still play Can’t You See Me Cry at least once a week. You probably don’t check You Tube anymore, but your live performance on RUclips will always be a classic to me. Part of growing up in those teen years. Thank you.
@@stephenjapuntich6942 Not as often as in the past, Stephen, but just came by now after sharing a link to this video to a former co-worker! BTW, Mr. Graffia was my dad, so Ray or Ray, Jr. to you my friend!😉
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Thank you Ray Jr. for your reply! I have enjoyed your reunions on RUclips as you sure were having such a good time. Grew up in Elgin, where Chicago bands were a big deal. Especially the NC6.
@@stephenjapuntich6942 Still at it you know, albeit less frequently due to the demise of the ever diminishing numbers of age apropos folks in our potential audiences!
Music was cool, and it SHOULD have been a better time, but there WAS the US military "intervention" in Vietnam that was DESTROYING a huge segment of the "baby boomer" generation that came of age in the mid to late '60s.
A great song (slightly reminiscent of the Left Banke) from a great group that deserved more success than they received. I remember watching Showcase '68. The show featured judging of signed groups and up-and-coming talent in a battle-of-the bands format. The American Breed appeared on one segment and lost. I used to watch Lloyd Thaxton when he had his M-F show.
I used to watch the Lloyd Thaxton show as well--always interesting stuff! Lloyd would have on groups that weren't necessarily on the radar but were nevertheless excellent musically. To this day, that's the stuff I enjoy the most--not the same 30 songs that get played over & over & over.....
If you follow this link, gang, (ruclips.net/p/PLLJRo0iyJTtaYOd6eckvGbGOk_S0qy82x) you can hear the band filmed by a fan on a cell phone --- from a benefit gig done before last Christmas, without uniforms and with little prep time and an only so-so audio set-up but we did offer CYSMCry to the attendees among our seven selections - proceeds sent to help the Puerto Rico victims of the hurricanes last year... Note that the 7th song was actually our first and the first song actually closed our portion of the show as we asked the folks there what they wanted to hear and they requested "Long Time To Be Alone". Posting is in reverse order of performance sequence = FYI!
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, but I think I bought this while on vacation in the Poconos with my parents. Still have the record, along with "Things I'd Like to Say".
Betting you did not know that "Things..." was originally the "B" side of that record, the other tune reached as high as the #8 slot on a station in Iowa, KLEM, and I have a copy of that survey which proves it! Chicago radio DJ, Larry Lujack, told us he thought we were pushing the wrong side of that single; we took his comments to management; they flipped "Come & Give Your Love To Me" to "Things I'd Like To Say" and, voila... Mr. Lujack was 100% correct!
We redid the song in 2007 using an acoustic guitar and my voice - one track and no overdubs - but unsure if it is on here, but surely out on the Internet somewhere, Sunny Bird!
Could not find it, but almost certain it is here. Oh well, did come across this one that NC6ers, Chic (drums), Craig (keys), myself and others did under the group name, RJM Band AKA Raymond John Michael, and it sorta matched the emotions I had when writing CYSMCry so give a listen and let me know what ya think: ruclips.net/video/hlfKgU7Bo3o/видео.html Final note - one more link to an RJM uptempo tune: ruclips.net/video/LScAqIfI-UI/видео.html...
Caught some of your earlier performances, one with the original lineup at Boylan Catholic high school gymnasium in Rockford, IL with the Flock, Baby Huey and the Baby Sitters, and the Shadows of Knight, as well as two younger local Rockford bands, the Grim Reapers and another whose name I don't remember. Also caught what I think was your first gig with Ronnie Rice at Majestic Hills in Lake Geneva, WI. By this 1968 performance I'd relocated to Los Angeles.
Wow! Great performance and done live at that! The NC6 belonging the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The NC6 was one of the few bands that could go from Lite to Garage and back again while maintaining their “Sound”.
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. - Great vocals on this song, Ray. As a kid, I listened to NC6 on WLS at night on my transistor radio (in New Jersey!) during the late 60s.
@@reallyrarestuff Do not recall her being located, rrs, so you'd have to resend but since I did my own search last year without a clue, I was quite surprised to see this reply...
Gee, Gerry is stuck so far back left behind Pat, that he's almost out in the parking lot. You can almost see him at 1:03. I dunno... I remember the 1968 Showcase episode and for some reason, my memory is that the band was playing on an outdoor stage with regular shots of the audience looking up onto the stage as "Can't You See Me Cry" was being played.
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Is there any more footage from this event? Also, was this originally filmed for Revolver TV or some other show? Thanks in advance.
BTW, I am unsure how Revolver TV got this out because I have a clean copy from when it was broadcast (ABC-TV, Showcase '68, hosted by Lloyd Thaxton) but wording in the contract I had to sign to get a copy forbade me from ever placing it out for public consumption - just glad it is here but sad 😔that they put their adders into the actual performance...
They were a very good band from Chicago Illinois. I like them in their early years when they were they were like a garage band and but later on they became a band that just sang ballots. I didn’t really like it that much but they were still OK.
That's Ray Graffia singing lead and I'll be playing guitar behind him at a show tomorrow. I'm using this vid to get all the chords right so I don't blow it. Ha!
Somewhere or other on here someone suggested an inability to hear the acoustic version of CYSMCry that Bruce M and I did together for the current NC6 (now in his 35th year with NC6... in this, our 59th summer in existence...) so since I found it up here on RUclips, if I copied and pasted correctly, here is a link to that rendition: ruclips.net/video/xwURNysM__I/видео.html
And here is another link to a live performance of CYSMCry and with this posting, I am outta here: ruclips.net/video/HtMPaApfqvo/видео.html so thanks to all for now 59 years of supporting New Colony Six, even when in disparaging postings as I have run across every so often! At least you dissenters are listening!!!
It's interesting, Ray, that the group was a regional success at the same time as being a national success. I wonder what approach you took for your releases. Did your singles first gain notoriety locally and then go nationwide, or did you have to release a song either regionally or nationally but not both because of contracts with distributors?
At the beginning, Tim, all releases started locally since the label was a newbie as was the band but as time progressed and we were on larger labels, my guess is still locally initially since our popularity would have provided near certain success and a blueprint that those more distant may have believed in, therefore, might have been willing to take a shot and promote us elsewhere. However, quickly expanding promotion from larger label resources and a growing popularity and successful history, etc. surely had to add to willingness by others to "invest" in us. Finally, this is retrospective remembering things from over a half century ago so given the combination of time passage and this writer's aging memory and somewhat diminishing ability to recall such details, I suppose I could also have answered that your guesses might be as good as my own!
I remember listening to the New Colony Six on WLS radio out of Chicago in the late 60's. What a great video! Thanks for sharing. Who is that playing guitar to the right of Ray? That isn't Leslie Kummel is it? Seems too young. Regards Keith
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Have loved the NC6 since '69. And I was very saddened to hear of Les's passing back on Dec. 18 '78 which happened to be one of my brother's 20th birthday. Much thanks to you and the guys for giving us some timeless beautiful songs.
Somewhere in this thread, Ray Graffia Jr. confirms my answer to someone else asking this question--yes, it's Chuck Jobes. (It's when someone asks, "Is this the NC5?" I'm under a different user name there ... and that was a result of barely seeing guitarist Gerry Van Kollenburg in this clip.) 👍🎶✌️😊
I'll be damned, an actual '68 LIVE PERFORMANCE video! Sounds superior to the recording in my opinion. KInda strange that Ray holds that tambourine throughout the song, but never hits it. Maybe he used it on another song taped before or after this one? Also kinda strange that he harmonizes primarily with the bass player, rather than the group's other lead singer Pat McBride (I assume that is him on the far left), who contributes only minimal backup vocals while shaking maracas. I've been told by a major New Colony Six fan that some sort of "falling out" led to McBride's departure from the group. Can't help but wonder if this was a factor at work in the arrangement of this song. None of my business, of course! Not only are Ray's vocals the best I've heard, but that's the fullest, sharpest head of hair he ever sported. How well so many of us remember the difficulty of transferring our '50s Elvis pompadours to the Beatles/Stones look of the '60s.
Rehearsals allowed me to play tambourine but, in so doing, the sound interfered with the only two live mics, mine and Les's. Therefore, the TV Director, who loved the "look" of the tambo, demanded that I hold it but not play it and, at 22 years of age at the time, who was I to argue? This may replicate what was above but better twice seen than not at all, right, Allen? Ray P.S. My hair was indeed killer 52 years ago, wasn't it? Still long like that but less density and a new color, primarily silver!
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Ray this is Susan from San Francisco, your long-distance fan. I still remember when you and Bonnie and your kids visited here so many years ago, and the NC6 concerts I saw in Chicagoland with Jerry. The best was bringing out the cake to the band on stage at the Arcada for your 50th anniversary. Hope you and your family are well. What a treat to see this live performance from the 60s. You look and sound amazing.
@@tinydancer62 Great to have seen you at the IL R&R Hall of Fame induction for New Colony Six a while ago - what an honor (both in becoming IL HOFers - Iowa inducted us in 2002 - but even more so seeing you again...)😘
NC6 founder, Chic James = stagename for Jim Chitkowski, my friend! Chic also was our drummer in the NC6 spinoff group, The RJM band AKA Raymond John Michael! Lots of our stuff up here on RJM as well...
Chicago born, raised and other than a bit of time living in Florida, I have lived within what we might refer to as "Chicagoland", meaning the inclusion of reasonably close suburban towns...
If you look closely, you will see that there are actually seven on stage there--Gerry Van Kollenburg is off camera most of the time on guitar--stage right (left screen) and Chuck Jobes is playing organ and electric piano. So, in essence here, it's the "NC7"! ;)
If you search and find our fourth and final album, "Attacking A Straw Man", you will find seven "Peter Max-like" caricatures on the front and seven photos of the band on the back. We added Chuck to better replicate the records when performing live and do the same today, usually carrying seven members but never changed the name fearing that folks would think NC7 was just a band trying to steal thunder from NC6!
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. 'Attacking a Straw Man' was my first album of yours I bought followed by 'Colonization' and 'Revelations' in that order. Still hope to get 'Breakthrough', your first some day. With much thanks.
@@raymondsullivan1832 Be blessed, John, and good luck finding Breakthrough - it is extremely rare and ridiculously expensive to boot. I have heard from a few folks over the years that they found a copy at a garage sale for pennies or super cheap dollars and another unopened copy at a record store that was unaware of its rarity and value to those who collect such things - believe he paid
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. I bought an original copy of "Breakthrough" many years ago for $175 at the Austin Record Show and it is among my prize possessions. I think it is the greatest U.S. Garage LP both in terms of the music and the cover. It was so unusual to find an LP at that time that was not watered down with lame cover versions.
The New Colony had some great songs, but this was not one of them :-) Check out "Long Time to Be Alone" for one that should have made it bigger than it did.
Sad to read, 2Uahoj, but "LTTBAlone" did reach #4 on KPOI, in Hawaii and was a classic so I will end by sharing my hurt feelings and with the apropos song title, "Can't You See Me Cry?" Be blessed; be safe; be healthy! Peace, Ray
@@rickykay9516 I'm a big boy now - all are entitled to their own opinions, just a bit of sadness over not pleasing everyone, but, as Ricky Nelson sang long, long ago, "You can't please everyone, ya just gotta please yourself!"
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Well, at least 2Uahoj likes LTTBA, another awesome song. I think a good percentage of the view counts above are mine, lol. Can't wait to hear you guys sing these songs LIVE again! 🎸😊
![Oasis - Oasis Live '25 [Official Trailer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gol_JnuEtKM/mqdefault.jpg)
WOW...........SIMPLY.........WOW!!!!!!!!!
This should have been a massive hit!!!!
To me it was...here in GR MI. Summer of "68".
It was a hit in Chicago on WLS. I still have the single, as well as the album it was from, "Revelations". It was their first album for Mercury records and my favorite after their self-released albums. I never did understand why they didn't have as much success nationally as they deserved. They had more hits in Chicago than any other Chicago band in the 1960s.
The Chicago bands from the 60's were phenomenal. Wish I had been able to see them during their heyday.
Maybe no longer our heydays, Michelle, but some of us are still at it. here's a link to a video promo I did for a show that featured... well, just watch it but note that I was given no forewarning and had to do this one in street clothes, one take, so not the best piece I ever did, but filled the concert venue that night! ruclips.net/video/jeFamZHThI4/видео.html
i saw them all-awesome-especially the Cryan Shames - nc 6 very excellent@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.My dear friend from Boston who passed away in July loved NC6. He sent me old radio hit parades showing NC6 climbing the charts. He remained a fan throughout his life.
So sorry to read about your friend; hopefully in a better place with access to all the music loved in life!
One of the all-time great romantic groups.
Definitely, along with Dennis and the Classics 4 and Bread.
@@raymondsullivan1832 Can't forget Gary Puckett and the Union Gap
New Colony Six made excellent music. The could be rediscovered today. Excellent video.
What a lovely voice & song!! So grateful for the YT Time Machine that allows glimpses back to our youth.
I am an 80's teen, so true. Wonderful memories watching the videos of songs from long ago!
New Colony Six not played in Miami wfun wqam. Im 71 now. This is a song that pierces my soul. Tremendous. The beautiful live performance is stellar. I consider myself an expert lol
Much appreciation, my friend - There formerly was a link to an acoustic version that my current band-mate (Bruce Mattey - since 1988) and I did in a single take so, if truly interested, you'll have to find a copy of the CD compilation "SIDES" in order to give this one a listen... Sorry but the posting has been removed for whatever reason hence no way for me to share it here with you... sigh!
Nice song, great melody.
Appreciate that Tim... 🙏
One of my favorite songs from my middle school days. And an amazing live performance.
I was a baby during this era, cool to finally see the group.
Why wasn’t this a hit? It’s a great song
Lisa Thompson I think the reason is because it was just an overcrowded market of pop tinged with psychedelia such as the five Americans, gary Puckett and the union gap, fifth dimension etc
My sister loved this song. I thought it was a hit. I really like this song, also.
@@brotherthor8699 CYSMCry reached Top 5 here in Chicago and was a #1 record in many of the surrounding areas, but do not recall how high it went nationally...
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. "Can't You See Me Cry" reached #52 nationally on Billboard's Hot 100 singles charts in the summer of 1968. Nationally it would have been a #1 hit if Mercury only had had its act together and promoted it properly. The NC6 catalogue is full of hits that should have reached the Top 10 across the country except Mercury inexplicably fumbled each one.
@@garytheroux9526 From what I've read, Mercury fumbled a LOT of their rock releases, not a very promotional label.
this Chicago group/ amongst the Buckinghams were a blast from the past/ groovey
We'll see how long it remains available this time, Connor! Good luck and thanks for posting our performance...
Oh my god you don't know how grateful I am for you to comment on this video and give me the encouragement to post. I'd like to say that I'm 17 and I have been a fan of the new colony six for some time now and I just wanted to share your brilliance to a new generation. Also your vocals on this track, Mr Graffia are top notch. Thank you so much.
Wow, Connor; thank you! Mr. Graffia was my father and while I am easily old enough to be your grand or even great grandfather, please just go with Ray... We still do perform, albeit not as frequently or over as great a distance as "in the day", if you are a Midwesterner, and especially if Chicago area, keep your eyes open for locations. We have a couple coming up surrounding Valentines' Day 2017 --- and since you may (or may not - probably passe for someone your age...) be on Facebook, you can find a whole lot of interesting Colony schnike there.
Hi Ray and I'm glad your still performing. Also thanks for the information on upcoming venues but I'm sorry to say that since I live in England it would be a bit of a struggle but thanks anyway
I live in England too, and I'm 21, but I absolutely love this band. Your vocals are great on this Ray, and thanks for uploading this video, Connor! Peace.
Ray Graffia Jr. 🙏✌️A Chicago classic NC6 .. Thanks for my growing up years ..
This song...very possibly is my most favorite song ever. Thanks so much for putting this online.
Many thanks... written to reflect my being totally smitten at 12 or 13 years of age so lyrics are true and whenever we perform live I ask if anyone knows what happened to her and her family - hence the bridge lyric "Would you remember me if I ask for the name of someone, who loved you?" Shall not name her here but still wonder...
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Great job! I used to see you guys as much as I could before I moved south in '03. I expected this to use lip sync, as almost all did on T.V. shows, but this appears "live." Is it?
@@stangohr It definitely was done live and while I might have already mentioned this before, just in case I did not, the TV Director loved the look of my tambourine but pre-live broadcast rehearsals, when I played it, it interfered with vocal pick-up, hence he asked (demanded?) that I hold but not play it, hence always has looked super lame to me but I was 22 and he was a TV Honcho so no point in fighting - thanks again for the kind words! Ray
What a great group....great songs..❤❤
I always like the song I just wish they had more video tape of the new Colony six in color that would be so cool
Ray Graffia Jr. I always thought to myself “Why the heck isn’t Ray killing it on tambourine?!”. Thanks for explaining that, typical directors without a clue! LOVE seeing this video, always was one of my favorite songs so hearing it live is incredible!
This is a true gem! The fact that it is a live performance makes it all the better. I was fortunate enough to have grown up within range of WLS, so I remember all the NC6 hits from "I Confess" onwards. This is such a sweet song. "I Could Never Lie to You" is another amazing song that never made it nationally. You guys were my favorites, Ray - hands down. I just wish iTunes would carry the whole New Colony Six catalog.
Me too re iTunes , P.L.,and strangely enough, NC6 was also my very favorite band! Thanks for supporting us then and still listening now...
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Mr. Graffia, I still play Can’t You See Me Cry at least once a week. You probably don’t check You Tube anymore, but your live performance on RUclips will always be a classic to me. Part of growing up in those teen years. Thank you.
@@stephenjapuntich6942 Not as often as in the past, Stephen, but just came by now after sharing a link to this video to a former co-worker! BTW, Mr. Graffia was my dad, so Ray or Ray, Jr. to you my friend!😉
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Thank you Ray Jr. for your reply! I have enjoyed your reunions on RUclips as you sure were having such a good time. Grew up in Elgin, where Chicago bands were a big deal. Especially the NC6.
@@stephenjapuntich6942 Still at it you know, albeit less frequently due to the demise of the ever diminishing numbers of age apropos folks in our potential audiences!
Mr Ronnie rice was a lovely singer, also he's haves that's sounds of a nother artisited, associa... also he's very handsomes, too
Ray, you are very welcome. This song never fails to brighten my day and take me back to a better time when music was cool.
Music was cool, and it SHOULD have been a better time, but there WAS the US military "intervention" in Vietnam that was DESTROYING a huge segment of the "baby boomer" generation that came of age in the mid to late '60s.
A great song (slightly reminiscent of the Left Banke) from a great group that deserved more success than they received. I remember watching Showcase '68. The show featured judging of signed groups and up-and-coming talent in a battle-of-the bands format. The American Breed appeared on one segment and lost. I used to watch Lloyd Thaxton when he had his M-F show.
I used to watch the Lloyd Thaxton show as well--always interesting stuff! Lloyd would have on groups that weren't necessarily on the radar but were nevertheless excellent musically. To this day, that's the stuff I enjoy the most--not the same 30 songs that get played over & over & over.....
If you follow this link, gang, (ruclips.net/p/PLLJRo0iyJTtaYOd6eckvGbGOk_S0qy82x) you can hear the band filmed by a fan on a cell phone --- from a benefit gig done before last Christmas, without uniforms and with little prep time and an only so-so audio set-up but we did offer CYSMCry to the attendees among our seven selections - proceeds sent to help the Puerto Rico victims of the hurricanes last year... Note that the 7th song was actually our first and the first song actually closed our portion of the show as we asked the folks there what they wanted to hear and they requested "Long Time To Be Alone". Posting is in reverse order of performance sequence = FYI!
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.
Can't load the link 😪.
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, but I think I bought this while on vacation in the Poconos with my parents. Still have the record, along with "Things I'd Like to Say".
Betting you did not know that "Things..." was originally the "B" side of that record, the other tune reached as high as the #8 slot on a station in Iowa, KLEM, and I have a copy of that survey which proves it! Chicago radio DJ, Larry Lujack, told us he thought we were pushing the wrong side of that single; we took his comments to management; they flipped "Come & Give Your Love To Me" to "Things I'd Like To Say" and, voila... Mr. Lujack was 100% correct!
Great video, Ray beautiful song. My favorite of the NC6.
Wow; made my weekend a few hours early, RM; thanks!
I love this song!!!!! What an amazinng performance.
wow, what beautiful natural vocals
Thank you, Marcel!
I can't believe this wasn't all over the radio - I really enjoyed my first, but not last listen!
Beautiful !! Crystalline live sound and very colorful ...thank you for posting. peace
Another band that was Chicago's best!!!
This didn't get much airplay in NYC, IIRC, but "Things . . ." was top 10 in '69.
I like this song!
Fantastic! I love You Tube... Thank you for posting this! This is their BEST song.. AND the sound quality is great! : )
We redid the song in 2007 using an acoustic guitar and my voice - one track and no overdubs - but unsure if it is on here, but surely out on the Internet somewhere, Sunny Bird!
Could not find it, but almost certain it is here. Oh well, did come across this one that NC6ers, Chic (drums), Craig (keys), myself and others did under the group name, RJM Band AKA Raymond John Michael, and it sorta matched the emotions I had when writing CYSMCry so give a listen and let me know what ya think: ruclips.net/video/hlfKgU7Bo3o/видео.html
Final note - one more link to an RJM uptempo tune: ruclips.net/video/LScAqIfI-UI/видео.html...
I love this video it is just too bad they didn’t film more videos in Color Back then New Colony Six One of my favorite bands of all time
Beautiful------------absolutely, beautiful.
Thanks, Connor and Ray!!!
Caught some of your earlier performances, one with the original lineup at Boylan Catholic high school gymnasium in Rockford, IL with the Flock, Baby Huey and the Baby Sitters, and the Shadows of Knight, as well as two younger local Rockford bands, the Grim Reapers and another whose name I don't remember. Also caught what I think was your first gig with Ronnie Rice at Majestic Hills in Lake Geneva, WI. By this 1968 performance I'd relocated to Los Angeles.
These guys didn't have dozens of hits but the ones they did have were top-shelf
Excellent. Thanks for posting this.
Wow! Great performance and done live at that! The NC6 belonging the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The NC6 was one of the few bands that could go from Lite to Garage and back again while maintaining their “Sound”.
Great post- thanks for sharing it!
Neat live version! Thanks!
👀♥️thanks for posted this man👍
Sure hope this stays online! Forever, even.
... me too!
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. - Great vocals on this song, Ray. As a kid, I listened to NC6 on WLS at night on my transistor radio (in New Jersey!) during the late 60s.
@@scdevon Many thanks for listening then and kind words a year ago - received no notice of your comment and only stumbled upon it today... sigh 🥺
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Ray, did you contact the girl (lady) you wrote the song about after we located he last yearr?
@@reallyrarestuff Do not recall her being located, rrs, so you'd have to resend but since I did my own search last year without a clue, I was quite surprised to see this reply...
YES, CONNOR, THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT POST AND MEMORIES!
Great band, overlooked big time, have all the LP's.
One of my all time favorite songs. I was 10 when it came out. I'm 60 now
Such a fine group, all too underrated. -------------------------WolfSky9, 74 y/o
I have tried to find your songs forever.NCS are my absolute favorite. Thank You so much❤️❤️
Phenomenal
When Music was M U S I C
Gee, Gerry is stuck so far back left behind Pat, that he's almost out in the parking lot. You can almost see him at 1:03. I dunno... I remember the 1968 Showcase episode and for some reason, my memory is that the band was playing on an outdoor stage with regular shots of the audience looking up onto the stage as "Can't You See Me Cry" was being played.
The video had it right, V.W., but my memory also recalls things at slight to massive variance from reality so don't feel bad about it...
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Is there any more footage from this event? Also, was this originally filmed for Revolver TV or some other show? Thanks in advance.
@@johnmcbarron7282 - Sadly, John, none that I am aware of... sigh!
BTW, I am unsure how Revolver TV got this out because I have a clean copy from when it was broadcast (ABC-TV, Showcase '68, hosted by Lloyd Thaxton) but wording in the contract I had to sign to get a copy forbade me from ever placing it out for public consumption - just glad it is here but sad 😔that they put their adders into the actual performance...
They were a very good band from Chicago Illinois. I like them in their early years when they were they were like a garage band and but later on they became a band that just sang ballots. I didn’t really like it that much but they were still OK.
That's Ray Graffia singing lead and I'll be playing guitar behind him at a show tomorrow. I'm using this vid to get all the chords right so I don't blow it. Ha!
You did and always do a stellar job, Dean - honored by any chance to play and always confident when you are backing me/us!
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Hey, thanks Ray!
Why don't they put great oldies on karaoke like this?
Amen!
Oh, my, a personal favorite from my junior high days. Where do you *find* this stuff?? Thanks≥
Somewhere or other on here someone suggested an inability to hear the acoustic version of CYSMCry that Bruce M and I did together for the current NC6 (now in his 35th year with NC6... in this, our 59th summer in existence...) so since I found it up here on RUclips, if I copied and pasted correctly, here is a link to that rendition: ruclips.net/video/xwURNysM__I/видео.html
And here is another link to a live performance of CYSMCry and with this posting, I am outta here: ruclips.net/video/HtMPaApfqvo/видео.html so thanks to all for now 59 years of supporting New Colony Six, even when in disparaging postings as I have run across every so often! At least you dissenters are listening!!!
Sorry, Ray, I missed your response to Philip Howard explaining about the tambourine. Okay, so that was the Director's quirk.
Gr8 song & only 31K views????
It's interesting, Ray, that the group was a regional success at the same time as being a national success. I wonder what approach you took for your releases. Did your singles first gain notoriety locally and then go nationwide, or did you have to release a song either regionally or nationally but not both because of contracts with distributors?
At the beginning, Tim, all releases started locally since the label was a newbie as was the band but as time progressed and we were on larger labels, my guess is still locally initially since our popularity would have provided near certain success and a blueprint that those more distant may have believed in, therefore, might have been willing to take a shot and promote us elsewhere. However, quickly expanding promotion from larger label resources and a growing popularity and successful history, etc. surely had to add to willingness by others to "invest" in us. Finally, this is retrospective remembering things from over a half century ago so given the combination of time passage and this writer's aging memory and somewhat diminishing ability to recall such details, I suppose I could also have answered that your guesses might be as good as my own!
I remember listening to the New Colony Six on WLS radio out of Chicago in the late 60's. What a great video! Thanks for sharing. Who is that playing guitar to the right of Ray? That isn't Leslie Kummel is it? Seems too young. Regards Keith
That is Les on bass (and the only other live vocal mic) and Ronnie on guitar
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Have loved the NC6 since '69. And I was very saddened to hear of Les's passing back on Dec. 18 '78 which happened to be one of my brother's 20th birthday. Much thanks to you and the guys for giving us some timeless beautiful songs.
@@raymondsullivan1832 Sad to read and sorry for your loss back then and my super tardiness in replying...
Is that Chuck Jobes on keyboard?
Somewhere in this thread, Ray Graffia Jr. confirms my answer to someone else asking this question--yes, it's Chuck Jobes. (It's when someone asks, "Is this the NC5?" I'm under a different user name there ... and that was a result of barely seeing guitarist Gerry Van Kollenburg in this clip.) 👍🎶✌️😊
I'll be damned, an actual '68 LIVE PERFORMANCE video! Sounds superior to the recording in my opinion. KInda strange that Ray holds that tambourine throughout the song, but never hits it. Maybe he used it on another song taped before or after this one? Also kinda strange that he harmonizes primarily with the bass player, rather than the group's other lead singer Pat McBride (I assume that is him on the far left), who contributes only minimal backup vocals while shaking maracas. I've been told by a major New Colony Six fan that some sort of "falling out" led to McBride's departure from the group. Can't help but wonder if this was a factor at work in the arrangement of this song. None of my business, of course! Not only are Ray's vocals the best I've heard, but that's the fullest, sharpest head of hair he ever sported. How well so many of us remember the difficulty of transferring our '50s Elvis pompadours to the Beatles/Stones look of the '60s.
Rehearsals allowed me to play tambourine but, in so doing, the sound interfered with the only two live mics, mine and Les's. Therefore, the TV Director, who loved the "look" of the tambo, demanded that I hold it but not play it and, at 22 years of age at the time, who was I to argue? This may replicate what was above but better twice seen than not at all, right, Allen? Ray P.S. My hair was indeed killer 52 years ago, wasn't it? Still long like that but less density and a new color, primarily silver!
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. So Pat McBride's and Ronnie RIce's mics weren't live?
@@allenkracalik7662 That is correct - hence, Pat could use the maracas without consequence and Ronnie could mouth lyrics but was not recorded...
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Ray this is Susan from San Francisco, your long-distance fan. I still remember when you and Bonnie and your kids visited here so many years ago, and the NC6 concerts I saw in Chicagoland with Jerry. The best was bringing out the cake to the band on stage at the Arcada for your 50th anniversary. Hope you and your family are well. What a treat to see this live performance from the 60s. You look and sound amazing.
@@tinydancer62 Great to have seen you at the IL R&R Hall of Fame induction for New Colony Six a while ago - what an honor (both in becoming IL HOFers - Iowa inducted us in 2002 - but even more so seeing you again...)😘
Ray Graffia never sounded better than here
Who's the drummer in this clip?
NC6 founder, Chic James = stagename for Jim Chitkowski, my friend! Chic also was our drummer in the NC6 spinoff group, The RJM band AKA Raymond John Michael! Lots of our stuff up here on RJM as well...
The lead singer sounds British
Chicago born, raised and other than a bit of time living in Florida, I have lived within what we might refer to as "Chicagoland", meaning the inclusion of reasonably close suburban towns...
Is this NC5?
If you look closely, you will see that there are actually seven on stage there--Gerry Van Kollenburg is off camera most of the time on guitar--stage right (left screen) and Chuck Jobes is playing organ and electric piano. So, in essence here, it's the "NC7"! ;)
If you search and find our fourth and final album, "Attacking A Straw Man", you will find seven "Peter Max-like" caricatures on the front and seven photos of the band on the back. We added Chuck to better replicate the records when performing live and do the same today, usually carrying seven members but never changed the name fearing that folks would think NC7 was just a band trying to steal thunder from NC6!
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. 'Attacking a Straw Man' was my first album of yours I bought followed by 'Colonization' and 'Revelations' in that order. Still hope to get 'Breakthrough', your first some day. With much thanks.
@@raymondsullivan1832 Be blessed, John, and good luck finding Breakthrough - it is extremely rare and ridiculously expensive to boot. I have heard from a few folks over the years that they found a copy at a garage sale for pennies or super cheap dollars and another unopened copy at a record store that was unaware of its rarity and value to those who collect such things - believe he paid
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. I bought an original copy of "Breakthrough" many years ago for $175 at the Austin Record Show and it is among my prize possessions. I think it is the greatest U.S. Garage LP both in terms of the music and the cover. It was so unusual to find an LP at that time that was not watered down with lame cover versions.
IDIOT PRODÚCÉR RÉFÚSÉD TÓ LET SINGER RÀY PLÀY THÉ TAMBOURINE JÚST HOLD IT¡¡¡¡¡!
The New Colony had some great songs, but this was not one of them :-) Check out "Long Time to Be Alone" for one that should have made it bigger than it did.
Sad to read, 2Uahoj, but "LTTBAlone" did reach #4 on KPOI, in Hawaii and was a classic so I will end by sharing my hurt feelings and with the apropos song title, "Can't You See Me Cry?" Be blessed; be safe; be healthy! Peace, Ray
@2Uahoj..Why would you say something on here to hurt Ray Graffia Jr's feelings??
@@rickykay9516 I'm a big boy now - all are entitled to their own opinions, just a bit of sadness over not pleasing everyone, but, as Ricky Nelson sang long, long ago, "You can't please everyone, ya just gotta please yourself!"
ha ha! like you know anything.
@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Well, at least 2Uahoj likes LTTBA, another awesome song. I think a good percentage of the view counts above are mine, lol. Can't wait to hear you guys sing these songs LIVE again! 🎸😊
Horrible version. Organs sounded like a funeral singer. Way to loud. Nothing like the single version
Sorry, Ronnie - we just performed it; ABC-TV produced it... sigh!
I think that it sounds sweet--the organ doesn't overpower the (non-brass) live arrangement! :)
they should have sold this to the monkees it would have sold millions and ray would be smoking big fine cigars today!