Live was in the top 20 in Vancouver , BC, back in May 1967 - I looked for it for years and now finally have the CD Listen, Listen 55 years later. My wife was into Emmitt Rhodes in the early 70s in Portland.
My guitar player grew up next door to Emitt in Hawthorne. He talked Emitt into producing some tracks for us back around 1982 -3. We spent a lot of hours in his garage-studio which you never would have thought it was a garage except you had to walk through his house and out the back door, through his back yard to get to it. I believe he was an A & R guy for A&M at the time. Thanks for the video!
Emitt's parents baby sat us way back in the mid to late 50's, so we played together as kids, good ol' cowboy & Indians & mud pie days! So sad how life turned out for him...
Got the Rhino album back in the '80s. I've always been familiar with Emitt from his first single, Fresh As Daisy/You Take The Dark Out Of The Night. Brilliant artist.
There are a lot of obscure rock bands from the 60's that didn't quite make it like the Merry Go Round and I really like listening to these lesser known bands from the 60's Thanks for your finding these lesser known bands and giving them a chance to be seen and heard for the first time since the 1960's Thank You.🎵🎶🎼🎼🎶🎵 🎵🎶🎼🎸🎸🎤🎼🎶🎵🎹🥁
I know Emitt Rhodes from his song “She’s Such A Beauty” which I loved when it was released. I remember there was some buzz about that song because it was rumored that it was really Paul McCartney. I really enjoyed your video about Emitt’s earlier career. Those songs from his Merry-Go-Round days sound really good. I can see myself perusing eBay for them. I’ve subscribed to your channel.
Great show. I was raised in Southern California and remember radio station KHJ playing "Falling Sugar" and "Live". I have been a Emitt Rhodes fan since 1967 when It learned to play the song Live. I've collected all his stuff except the 2005 album. The record companies really screwed around.
Emitt rhodes is amazing the fact he wasn't on the charts is insane, songs like somebody made for me, with my face on the floor, promises I've made to myself....... ugh he should of been up there lol
I have the Emmitt Rhodes albums, never heard the merry go round stuff. What impressed me was the fact he plays all of the instruments. Very impressive.
I was/am a big fan of Emitt Rhodes. I still have his first two solo albums on vinyl...the song "Fresh as a Daisy" still rolls around my mind at times...great upbeat song....cheers
An Emitt Rhodes compilation CD was also released in 1995, which featured some of the Merry-Go-Round singles. My own relationship to the band is this. I heard "Lovely Woman" on the radio a few times as a teenager, and saw the album containing it in a drug store. Not having any cash I didn't buy it. But I remembered the song, for 30 years. So, in the early years of the internet I looked it up, and was happy to find that the compilation had just come out. At last I could hear it again! It has almost been another 30 years now, and I see the compilation album can now be had for $60, if you can find a seller (not me!).
Great job capturing the essence and history of the Merry-Go-Round. I purchased this album shortly after release and also his solo work. Many albums I played in the 60's and 70's have not passed the test of time, this one is an exception. I can still play this album and enjoy every song. So many albums just have one or two strong tracks, this is an exception - sad they were so unappreciated - if "Live" would have received more airplay across the U.S. I think things would been different. I enjoy songs from back then that were not over-played on AM radio - just under the radar.
I just added a few of their songs to my 60s Sunshine Pop mix. Hard choices, they’re all so good. I went with Lovely Woman, We’re in Love, and Time Will Show the Wiser. You can tell Emmitt learned his Rubber Soul, Pet Sounds, and Revolver lessons very well.
Hey Matt, so I finally got to watch this video. I can only watch a little bit of this at a time as I still get emotional about Emitt. I miss him so much. The last time I saw him it was at his place in the late 90s or it was the early 2000s. My step sister and I went over to his place for the afternoon. We had met Emitt back in 67. I was 11 and my step sister was 15. My brother's girlfriend lived down the street from Emitts girlfriend Jackie, and we'd be sitting out in front of my brother's girlfriend's yard and Emitt would drive by real slow in his blue Camaro or I know it was a blue car let's put it that way it looked like a Camaro and my step sister and I would jump up and he would see us running and he would go a half a block to his girlfriend's house and run in the house and we're running down the street and we're knocked at the door. And Jackie would come to the door and then Emitt would come to the door and we would tell him how much we loved the merry go round. He was so nice. I think he was just 18 I believe. So we did that about three times where he would drive by real slow so we knew what he was doing. And then that came to an end. So move up almost 30 years and that was the last time we saw Emitt was at his place. He gave us a tour of the garage. We were telling him how much we love this song she's such a beauty from the first solo album and he says well come on let's give it a go. And we said no we can't sing, and he sat down behind that piano in the garage and we got to sing along with him to that song. I wish to God we would have recorded that somehow. The last time I spoke to him it was in 2007. I think one of the reasons him and I got on so well in the later years was we both suffered from anxiety and depression. I miss him.
Great video and tribute to Emitt Rhodes and the Merry-Go-Round! An even more obscure band from the same era, would be the Millennium, their sole album Begin is a corker though; even though almost nobody bought it. Another sad tale with a brilliant soundtrack.
I was 16 in ‘67, living in Los Angeles, and vividly remember hearing “Live” and “You’re A Very Lovely Woman” on the local stations. When Emitt released his solo recordings, I never once thought oh he sounds like the Beatles. He had a wonderful unique voice and I too get tired of hearing the comparisons to the Fab Four. We were ALL influenced by them and everything else going on in music…you couldn’t escape it. Top 40 radio was heaven then…love your channel and the details of your research. I shared your Nazz episode today with Stewkey and he gave it a thumbs up. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!
Hey George - Yes, the Merry Go Round had their own thing and it was very LA-sounding. Thank you for passing the video over to Stewkey, much appreciated!
Great history lesson. Merry-Go-Round must have been bigger in the market around Boston, as they definitely hit the top 10 with 'Live' and top 20 with 'Lovely Woman'. Saw them in concert one time shortly after 'Live' and they put on a great show. Thanks for this.
Nice tribute to a great band and artist. Actually did you know the Merry Go Round played both nights of the The KFRC Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival held June 10 and 11, 1967 at the 4,000-seat Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre high on the south face of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. At least 36,000 people attended the two-day concert, which was the first of a series of San Francisco-area cultural events known as the Summer of Love. And it was just weeks before Monterey Pop! Also there is a very good documentary about Emmitt called the One Man Beatles. I was hoping though you would feature my favorite MGR track Had to Run Around!
I would have loved to have been at the Magic Mountain Fest because I love many of the band that appeared there and not Monterrey. Sorry I missed "Had To Run Around" - so many great tracks on that lp!
Love The Merry-Go-Round! I posted "Time Will Show The Wiser" on my channel a few months ago, just to help "spread the word" about this underappreciated band. I took it down after a week or so, due to the copyright issues. But yeah, I agree with you 100% that they (and Emitt) should be more well known.
Thanks for the info about The MGR. The comment about being Emitt Rhodes being unnecessarily compared to Paul McCartney is funny, as if every band that formed subsequent to the release of A Hard Day's Night wasn't modeled on the Beatles. Yes, Rhodes affects an English accent on Your a Very Lovely Woman. He wasn't alone.
This was EXTREMELY interesting. I never heard of these amazing fellows. I can’t believe I didn’t see this earlier as I thought I watched all your shows Matt. These guys had talent to spare and you are to be commended for bringing them to light.
Hello Matt. Another excellent video on great 60's music. Could you please do a video on the history of The New Colony Six ? They are one of my favorite 60's groups who were very unappreciated.
Whoaaa! I do remember this group, however I never would have thought about them (again) or their songs if I hadn't watched your video! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
paid 10 cents brand new back in the 70's at zayre dept store in north attleboro in a bargain bin still have it. also have emitts first album as well fresh as a daisy
Thank you for the history on the MERRY GO ROUND and Emitt Rhodes. I backed into their music through the Linda Ronstadt 45 of "Very Lovely Woman", which I bought in 1971. Later, I also found the Rhino LP which gave me the background on the band. Love Rhino.
Bill Rinehart mentioned in an old Blitz magazine article that he left the band because he felt that Emitt Rhodes was getting most of the attention, and that the rest of the band was not given a chance to contribute songs, which probably led to the two not seeing eye to eye on a number of things related to the band. The elder Bill did say, however, that Emitt was undeniably talented.
I came to the comments to say this very same thing! I remember playing "Live" repeatedly as it gave me hope as a frustrated teen. Through the years I have gotten rid of underplayed vinyl but never my Merry-Go-Round 45!
@@allanbluzdude I also have that 45 and like you, still play it. When I first heard of Emmitt Rhodes, I didn't realize that was him singing in the MGR. What a talented, troubled artist. Seems like those to characteristics, often go hand in hand.
Thanks for introducing me to Emitt Rhodes and the Merry Go Round! Amazingly enough I was familiar with two of the songs but couldn’t attribute them to a group.
You forgot to mention Mike Rice who also played bass with the MGR. His photo is on the back of the Rhino Record. Thanks for shining a light on the MGR, one of my favorite bands
I was a huge Beatles fan when "Live" was released. It was so easy to imagine John, Paul, and George were the backing band on the song. Why do you think it went to #1 in some markets? As for Emmit's solo album, heck yeah it sounds like Paul. Nothing wrong with that. Who wouldn't have done that if they could?
Matt, I agree with you about Emitt's constant comparison to Paul McCartney....just don't hear it and this comparison gets in the way of one amazing talent. Thank you again for another highly enjoyable "pocket size" documentary.
I had heard of this band vaguely, but I instantly recognized the song "Live" and remembered that it was covered by one of my favorite bands, the Bangles!
As I mentioned before I saw this band at the fifth estate club and just loved their sound. They were one of the first group to appear on the cover of a music magazine I published in Phoenix. A toss up between them and the rising sons another fave of mine along with kaladascope
Thanks for the informational video. Greatly enjoyed! Unfamiliar with Merry Go Round, per se, but very familiar with Emmitt's solo musical genius. As a sophomore in high school, I distinctly remember hearing Fresh As A Daisy as I was driving to a friend's house. Yes, I thought it was McCartney under a fictional name. Similar for Gilbert O'Sullivan. Bought Emmett's 1970 self-titled LP & enjoyed it greatly. Sad to learn of Emmitt's life after his musical endeavors. What could have been...
Thanks! This was really thorough. I heard "You're a Very Lovely Woman" on the radio in '67 and bought the album right away. In early '71 I got his first Dunhill album but didn't know about American Dream. Dunhill was a hit singles oriented label (Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night) and not really the place for him but his management, the Shaws, made the deal. One extra note, Lullabye was used in Wes Anderson's The Royal Tanenbaums.
Heard Fresh As A Daisy on the radio. My friend had the first solo album with that song on it, & turned me on to Emmitt. After that, I bought everything that had Emmitt Rhodes on it. FRICKEN GREAT STUFF!!!
Hey Matt, luv ALL your stuff, GREAT channel, I grew up in So Cal at thee right time, love merry go round, have their 1st LP and Emitt's 1st ....more food for thought ... vids on the Seeds, Love, or my fave, Iron Butterfly ...original members are all gone EXCEPT, I think, Doug Ingle ...what's he up to today?? Me and Eric were friends in Hi school ... Thanx again ... B C ....
I first heard an Emitt Rhodes song on The Bangles first album (Live). Years later, I stumbled upon an entry on him in the All Music Guide book (before their website) and got into his music. I really liked the book format as it allowed you to discover different bands by randomly reading through the listings. Anyway, thanks for this overview. You mentioned that the Listen compilation came out in 2005. I actually have a similarly titled compilation called “Listen, Listen The Best of Emitt Rhodes” released in 1995. It has 21 songs, including 5 by The Merry-Go-Round. That contract requiring 6 LPs in three years is pathetic. I can’t imagine the stress that put him under! Reminds me of the awful contract Badfinger had. One band I’d love an overview of is Love. Forever Changes remains one of my favorite albums.
Thsnks for another great story, Matt! Possibly I may never heard the Merry-Go-Round Singles but I was familiar with the stand out track on Fairport's first album "Time will show the wiser" With great guitar by Richard Thompson and later of course the lovely Bangles version of"Live". I noticed that his name Emitt is sometimes rendered as Emmitt or Emmett😮 what is right or is someone playing games like Arthur Lee who put his name down as Arthurly on "Out here"? 😂
The Merry Go Round had two charting hits on the Billboard Hot 100: Live(#63) and You're A Very Lovely Woman (#94), both in 1967. I heard these songs in 1987 and 1988, respectively.
Linda Ronstadt did a version of a Merry Go Round song with the slightly altered title She's A Very Lovely Woman which made the US Top 100 in the late 60s.
@@sugarjoe50 Linda had a penchant for singing what were basically songs originally sung by men. Like The Everly Brothers When Will I Be Loved, Buddy Holly's Its So Easy and of course The Merry Go Rounds A Very Lovely Woman. My favourite female poprock singer!
I could listen to this music all day. I would rather listen to this than the garbage that’s been out for the past 30 plus year’s. Most of the so called music has been absolute trash. These songs have something to say, a good melody, good instrumentation & good vocals. Emitt was so underrated as song writer!
Hi Matt. As I look further back to your earlier videos, it did not surprise me than you made this excellent offering for Emitt Rhodes. As you said, anyone that likes melodic 6o's style pop should get to know this guy. He and P.F. are 2 of the young American geniuses that never quite achieved their fair share of fame. I assume that the Rhino lp and definitive cd set do talk about the involvement of the wrecking crew in the recordings. It has been my understanding that those session greats are in fact the players on the collection released as American Dream, perhaps you could elaborate. Are they not credited at all, even in retrospect for playing on the fist Merry Go Round album sessions? I thought I would also mention the similar vocal quality of another talented 1960's writer/performer, Tom Northcott, who had a significant summer of '68 hit with Nilsson's "the Rainmaker". Northcott also recorded in L.A. In the 1970's, Rhodes produced a unique sounding album by Roy Forbes, then known as Bim. Also, it's usually agreed that there was no "Tijuana Brass" recording band, other than H.A. himself. Those recordings were also realized by the wrecking crew and the great Hal Blaine, though like many of the 60's groups, the live show version of the act was seen on the album covers, and did perform the concerts. This might be as good a spot as any to ask you to do your magic for The Late Great Mr. Hal Blaine. I think it would have to be a 2 or even 3 part opus. Cheers.
I've just spent a very pleasant evening listening to the album on Amazon Prime, thanks to your video Matt. I apreciate all the great content. Patreon link?
@@popgoesthe60s52 Good to hear. Your channel is in a class of it's own mate, I'd be happy to support it. I'd love you to review UK group The Action in a future video. Best wishes. 👍
There are very few songs that I grew up listening to in the 60s that I didn't know the artists' name, but "She's A Very Lovely Woman" was always a mystery to me. I particularly loved it, especially because it sounded just like other British Invasion songs (he sounds British), but I didn't have the money to buy records and it didn't stay on the radio very long (this was in the L. A. area), so I either never figured it out or forgot. When I started listening to Linda Ronstadt a few years later, I liked her recording, but preferred the original. I just couldn't find it. Just in the last six months, I thought of it again, and most sources said that the original was by Noel Harrison. Now, I liked and remembered some Noel Harrison songs, and I was excited to FINALLY hear this wonderful song again. Except, his recording wasn't the right one either! Finally, maybe two months ago, I finally found it by the Merry-Go-Round. Now, tonight, RUclips suggested some of your Beatles' videos, and I happened upon this one. Strangely, I don't recall "Live" at all. :) Thanks for the interesting history and for all your other videos.
I enjoy these, even if I'm unfamiliar with the artist. Curious if you've heard of the 60's band The Yellow Payges. They only put out one album but it was great. The Illusion would be another cool 60's band to talk about sometime.
I was into The Merry-Go-Round and Emitt Rhodes. I have “The American Dream” l.p. In my collection along with others and several 45’s. Linda Ronstadt later covered “Very Lovely Woman” which was also quite good 👍🏻
Seeing ABC Dunhill made me think of Three Dog Night. Though they’re primarily known as a 70s band, their first album came out in 1968, and their second album came out in 1969. So they qualify for your channel. Have you thought of doing a piece on them? That would be great, so people can know that there was more to them than just “Joy to the World”.
A lot of people don't know Danny Hutton of TDN, had a hit in the 60's before joining TDN called Rose's and Rainbows. I remember it well. It is included in a TDN Anthology Cd I have. Their greatest hits and many obscure songs. Great stuff.
That was very interesting. I admit I had never heard of them before but the story you tell and music is outstanding. I am now going to listen to everything they did as well as Emitt's solo music. Thank you for doing these!
Matt: great videos with incredible research of not just the artists but also the management and record companies. Would you look to do one on The Knickerbocker’s? One of my favorite under appreciated bands of the 60’s - Thanks, Mike G
Hey Jan! Yes, I will certainly do one on the Knickerbockers, a very over-looked band. I have a very long list so I can't promise WHEN it will be done. They have a couple very good Christmas songs as well.
I never heard of this band until a local New York City area AAA radio station played it on their 10 at 10:00 segment when they did 1967 the station was wxpk 1071 FM known as the peak
Another great video :) It urged me to finally check on the band which I had only been vaguely aware of thanks to Time Will Show the Wiser. So I listened to the debut extensively and I must say I am really impressed - great melodies, beautiful harmonies, inventive songwriting... Not much lacking actually, perhaps it's slightly underproduced? But it's a great find for me anyway. My favourite song is by far On Your Way Out, followed by Gonna Fight the War, but - as you said - the whole album is pretty even and solid, weaker tracks are perhaps easy to spot, but there isn't any *bad* song on it. And I really love the overall feel, very serene but with a touch of heavy melancholy lurking somewhere in the background... Great find, thank you, keep them vidoes coming :)
I was surprised to find out that they performed ( uncredited ) the Beach Boys " California Girls " for a Herb Alpert & the TB TV special. But it makes sense , they were on A & M.
Great tribute to the Merry Go Round and Emitt ! What a talent! Cheers Matt PS...hey Matt if you're wondering why so many comments in a row from me...I binge watched some yesterday! Commenting just now! Ha!
Great job. Fascinating! and very sad like so many other horror stories many of these kids lived..Ask Badfinger or Tommy James...Thanks for all your terrific work. Keep it up.
What a coincidence Emitt Rhodes and Tom Hartman of the Aerovons recorded their first albums at roughly the same age - ironically, the former managed to get his debut out the year it was recorded, while the latter's remained in the vaults for over 30 years.
I think Live Till You Die was a bigger hit than Fresh as a Daisy. I remember it on San Jose radio. I don't recall Fresh as a Daisy ever getting air play in the SF Bay area Personally I believe the first solo album is a complete gem. Every song is memorable. It ranks among my list of best debut albums of all time.
I’d never heard of these guys out here on the prairie but I really like them! Thanks. Have you ever done anything on Sweetwater? I saw them open for The Animals in ‘68 and never heard of them again. It’s my understanding that they were a hit at Woodstock but since I’m the only member of my g-g-generation not to claim to have been there, I can’t be sure. One more thing, this post inspired me to get out my Wildman Fisher album.
anyone who sings the praises of Emitt has seen the light. Emitt was a blessing to all of us who knew him and of him. Thank you for spending the word.
I was fortunate enough to meet Emitt and record at his house for a couple of records. RIP
Emitt Rhodes was a spectacular talent, criminally under-appreciated. I was lucky enough to have seen Merry-Go-Round in person.
Were they a tight band on stage?
Thank you for this....❤
Live was in the top 20 in Vancouver , BC, back in May 1967 - I looked for it for years and now finally have the CD Listen, Listen 55 years later. My wife was into Emmitt Rhodes in the early 70s in Portland.
That's interesting about the Vancouver charting. Thanks for that, Peter!
My guitar player grew up next door to Emitt in Hawthorne. He talked Emitt into producing some tracks for us back around 1982 -3. We spent a lot of hours in his garage-studio which you never would have thought it was a garage except you had to walk through his house and out the back door, through his back yard to get to it. I believe he was an A & R guy for A&M at the time. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for the first hand experience, Mark!
@@popgoesthe60s52 correction, he was an A & R guy for Electra Asylum...
Emitt's parents baby sat us way back in the mid to late 50's, so we played together as kids, good ol' cowboy & Indians & mud pie days! So sad how life turned out for him...
Got the Rhino album back in the '80s. I've always been familiar with Emitt from his first single, Fresh As Daisy/You Take The Dark Out Of The Night. Brilliant artist.
There are a lot of obscure rock bands from the 60's that didn't
quite make it like the Merry Go Round and I really like listening
to these lesser known bands from the 60's Thanks for your finding
these lesser known bands and giving them a chance to be seen and
heard for the first time since the 1960's Thank You.🎵🎶🎼🎼🎶🎵
🎵🎶🎼🎸🎸🎤🎼🎶🎵🎹🥁
My pleasure, Roger.
Cheers for ths From Liverpool Much apppreciated
Welcome, Liverpool!
I know Emitt Rhodes from his song “She’s Such A Beauty” which I loved when it was released. I remember there was some buzz about that song because it was rumored that it was really Paul McCartney. I really enjoyed your video about Emitt’s earlier career. Those songs from his Merry-Go-Round days sound really good. I can see myself perusing eBay for them. I’ve subscribed to your channel.
Welcome and thank you for subscribing.
Great show. I was raised in Southern California and remember radio station KHJ playing "Falling Sugar" and "Live". I have been a Emitt Rhodes fan since 1967 when It learned to play the song Live. I've collected all his stuff except the 2005 album. The record companies really screwed around.
Thanks so much for this! So much promise but ended up so sad and tragic. RIP Emitt Rhodes.
Emitt rhodes is amazing the fact he wasn't on the charts is insane, songs like somebody made for me, with my face on the floor, promises I've made to myself....... ugh he should of been up there lol
I have the Emmitt Rhodes albums, never heard the merry go round stuff. What impressed me was the fact he plays all of the instruments. Very impressive.
Such a talent, "Fresh As A Daisy" is sublime. I wish his life had been easier. As always, thanks so much for another excellent video!
I was/am a big fan of Emitt Rhodes. I still have his first two solo albums on vinyl...the song "Fresh as a Daisy" still rolls around my mind at times...great upbeat song....cheers
I could never understand why "Live" was only a "regionally" popular song.. I love that song..
Because it's pretty lightweight stuff?
An Emitt Rhodes compilation CD was also released in 1995, which featured some of the Merry-Go-Round singles. My own relationship to the band is this. I heard "Lovely Woman" on the radio a few times as a teenager, and saw the album containing it in a drug store. Not having any cash I didn't buy it. But I remembered the song, for 30 years. So, in the early years of the internet I looked it up, and was happy to find that the compilation had just come out. At last I could hear it again! It has almost been another 30 years now, and I see the compilation album can now be had for $60, if you can find a seller (not me!).
Great job capturing the essence and history of the Merry-Go-Round. I purchased this album shortly after release and also his solo work. Many albums I played in the 60's and 70's have not passed the test of time, this one is an exception. I can still play this album and enjoy every song. So many albums just have one or two strong tracks, this is an exception - sad they were so unappreciated - if "Live" would have received more airplay across the U.S. I think things would been different. I enjoy songs from back then that were not over-played on AM radio - just under the radar.
I appreciate the comment - much thanks!
I just added a few of their songs to my 60s Sunshine Pop mix. Hard choices, they’re all so good. I went with Lovely Woman, We’re in Love, and Time Will Show the Wiser. You can tell Emmitt learned his Rubber Soul, Pet Sounds, and Revolver lessons very well.
Thank you. Always loved Emitt and his passing made this sad year even sadder. Facebook has a wonderful fan page, unseen photos and such...
Listen was a great one
Hey Matt, so I finally got to watch this video. I can only watch a little bit of this at a time as I still get emotional about Emitt. I miss him so much. The last time I saw him it was at his place in the late 90s or it was the early 2000s. My step sister and I went over to his place for the afternoon. We had met Emitt back in 67. I was 11 and my step sister was 15. My brother's girlfriend lived down the street from Emitts girlfriend Jackie, and we'd be sitting out in front of my brother's girlfriend's yard and Emitt would drive by real slow in his blue Camaro or I know it was a blue car let's put it that way it looked like a Camaro and my step sister and I would jump up and he would see us running and he would go a half a block to his girlfriend's house and run in the house and we're running down the street and we're knocked at the door. And Jackie would come to the door and then Emitt would come to the door and we would tell him how much we loved the merry go round. He was so nice. I think he was just 18 I believe. So we did that about three times where he would drive by real slow so we knew what he was doing. And then that came to an end. So move up almost 30 years and that was the last time we saw Emitt was at his place. He gave us a tour of the garage. We were telling him how much we love this song she's such a beauty from the first solo album and he says well come on let's give it a go. And we said no we can't sing, and he sat down behind that piano in the garage and we got to sing along with him to that song. I wish to God we would have recorded that somehow. The last time I spoke to him it was in 2007. I think one of the reasons him and I got on so well in the later years was we both suffered from anxiety and depression. I miss him.
I am so glad that his fans really supported him near the end. It seemed to be a difficult journey but he left a great musical legacy!
I remember them I hope Matt can do the NIckerbackers
@@daytripper9222 Great story! Thanks for sharing. All the best
The Rev-Ola compilation is essential.
Great video and tribute to Emitt Rhodes and the Merry-Go-Round!
An even more obscure band from the same era, would be the Millennium, their sole album Begin is a corker though; even though almost nobody bought it. Another sad tale with a brilliant soundtrack.
omg yes the millennium’s begin is amazing “there is nothing more to say” and “5am” are my faves!
@@jacobroman83 It's a real gem to discover right? Flippin' incredible decade, when such an album is almost forgotten today.
I was 16 in ‘67, living in Los Angeles, and vividly remember hearing “Live” and “You’re A Very Lovely Woman” on the local stations. When Emitt released his solo recordings, I never once thought oh he sounds like the Beatles. He had a wonderful unique voice and I too get tired of hearing the comparisons to the Fab Four. We were ALL influenced by them and everything else going on in music…you couldn’t escape it. Top 40 radio was heaven then…love your channel and the details of your research. I shared your Nazz episode today with Stewkey and he gave it a thumbs up. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!
Hey George - Yes, the Merry Go Round had their own thing and it was very LA-sounding. Thank you for passing the video over to Stewkey, much appreciated!
Wow. This was awesome. So strange they didn't become among the top bands.
Great history lesson. Merry-Go-Round must have been bigger in the market around Boston, as they definitely hit the top 10 with 'Live' and top 20 with 'Lovely Woman'. Saw them in concert one time shortly after 'Live' and they put on a great show. Thanks for this.
Wow, I didn't know they made an impact on the east coast. Thanks Roger!
Just found your channel. I grew up with this music, and it means much to me. Spirit was another great group. Thank you for your channel.
I do plan on making a Spirit video so stay tuned! Thanks for watching.
Nice tribute to a great band and artist. Actually did you know the Merry Go Round played both nights of the The KFRC Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival held June 10 and 11, 1967 at the 4,000-seat Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre high on the south face of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. At least 36,000 people attended the two-day concert, which was the first of a series of San Francisco-area cultural events known as the Summer of Love. And it was just weeks before Monterey Pop! Also there is a very good documentary about Emmitt called the One Man Beatles. I was hoping though you would feature my favorite MGR track Had to Run Around!
I would have loved to have been at the Magic Mountain Fest because I love many of the band that appeared there and not Monterrey. Sorry I missed "Had To Run Around" - so many great tracks on that lp!
@@popgoesthe60s52 Yes, that festival had an awesome line-up, sadly only a little footage and no audio has survived apparently...
Love The Merry-Go-Round! I posted "Time Will Show The Wiser" on my channel a few months ago, just to help "spread the word" about this underappreciated band. I took it down after a week or so, due to the copyright issues. But yeah, I agree with you 100% that they (and Emitt) should be more well known.
Thanks for the info about The MGR. The comment about being Emitt Rhodes being unnecessarily compared to Paul McCartney is funny, as if every band that formed subsequent to the release of A Hard Day's Night wasn't modeled on the Beatles. Yes, Rhodes affects an English accent on Your a Very Lovely Woman. He wasn't alone.
This was EXTREMELY interesting. I never heard of these amazing fellows. I can’t believe I didn’t see this earlier as I thought I watched all your shows Matt. These guys had talent to spare and you are to be commended for bringing them to light.
I remember seeing this album and the liner notes sold me!
Excellent bio. LIVE was my fav 1966-1967 tune, but the great haunting tune was "You're a very lovely woman"
Always enjoyed their music.
I was happy to see he got much needed recognition in the film THE ROYAL TENNENBAUMS
AND ANOTHER TIME HE WASN'T PAID ANY MONEY!
One of my all time favorites.
Great voice . Liked all his music. RIP
Hello Matt. Another excellent video on great 60's music.
Could you please do a video on the history of The New Colony Six ? They are one of my favorite 60's groups who were very unappreciated.
I am eager to do the New Colony Six! They are a personal fave of mine though they are relatively unknown. They are on my very long list!
Great album from the band. Made that on cd .Sounds very brilliant
I've never heard of this group / singer before - sounds fantastic, thanks so much!
If you lived in southern California you heard the Merry-Go-Round.......part of my youth
Whoaaa! I do remember this group, however I never would have thought about them (again) or their songs if I hadn't watched your video! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
paid 10 cents brand new back in the 70's at zayre dept store in north attleboro in a bargain bin still have it.
also have emitts first album as well fresh as a daisy
Thank you for the history on the MERRY GO ROUND and Emitt Rhodes. I backed into their music through the Linda Ronstadt 45 of "Very Lovely Woman", which I bought in 1971. Later, I also found the Rhino LP which gave me the background on the band. Love Rhino.
Yeah, Rhino gave me a great start in the 1980s! A great education.
excellent piece. It does have a Beatle flavor to it. Great band...
Bill Rinehart mentioned in an old Blitz magazine article that he left the band because he felt that Emitt Rhodes was getting most of the attention, and that the rest of the band was not given a chance to contribute songs, which probably led to the two not seeing eye to eye on a number of things related to the band. The elder Bill did say, however, that Emitt was undeniably talented.
Thanks for that article on Rinehart!
I still have my 45 of the Merry-Go-Round, LIVE!
One of my favorite songs of the 60’s!
I came to the comments to say this very same thing! I remember playing "Live" repeatedly as it gave me hope as a frustrated teen. Through the years I have gotten rid of underplayed vinyl but never my Merry-Go-Round 45!
@@allanbluzdude I also have that 45 and like you, still play it. When I first heard of Emmitt Rhodes, I didn't realize that was him singing in the MGR. What a talented, troubled artist. Seems like those to characteristics, often go hand in hand.
Thanks, Matt! The M-G-R and Emitt are favorites of mine.
Correction: Emmitt Rhodes' solo hit Fresh A Daisy hit #54 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1971
Just found this band, Live is my favorite so far.
Thanks for introducing me to Emitt Rhodes and the Merry Go Round! Amazingly enough I was familiar with two of the songs but couldn’t attribute them to a group.
Glad you like them! They have always be faves of mine.
Very nice summary of Emitt Rhodes's work. I am a fan and knew a lot of the story, but I enjoyed your video, thanks!
Hello! Linda Ronstadt did an awesome version of Emitt’s song; “A Very Lovely Woman” in 1971 as a non album single. You can find it on RUclips;)
Yes, I have just discovered that recently - what a great cover.
You forgot to mention Mike Rice who also played bass with the MGR. His photo is on the back of the Rhino Record. Thanks for shining a light on the MGR, one of my favorite bands
I believe that he played before Bill Rinehart… Mike may have played a role after Bill left (I know Rick Dey was the replacement bassist, though.)
I was a huge Beatles fan when "Live" was released. It was so easy to imagine John, Paul, and George were the backing band on the song. Why do you think it went to #1 in some markets?
As for Emmit's solo album, heck yeah it sounds like Paul. Nothing wrong with that. Who wouldn't have done that if they could?
I only knew of the Merry Go Round from the Bangles.. Appreciate learning about them !
That was excellent. But then I knew it would be when I saw those racks of LPs behind you!
The Bangles did a great cover of LIVE in 1984, . Great songs and harmonies.
Matt, I agree with you about Emitt's constant comparison to Paul McCartney....just don't hear it and this comparison gets in the way of one amazing talent.
Thank you again for another highly enjoyable "pocket size" documentary.
I had heard of this band vaguely, but I instantly recognized the song "Live" and remembered that it was covered by one of my favorite bands, the Bangles!
As I mentioned before I saw this band at the fifth estate club and just loved their sound. They were one of the first group to appear on the cover of a music magazine I published in Phoenix. A toss up between them and the rising sons another fave of mine along with kaladascope
Thanks for the comment, Vern. I will eventually be doing a Rising Sons video - great band!
Thanks for the informational video. Greatly enjoyed! Unfamiliar with Merry Go Round, per se, but very familiar with Emmitt's solo musical genius. As a sophomore in high school, I distinctly remember hearing Fresh As A Daisy as I was driving to a friend's house. Yes, I thought it was McCartney under a fictional name. Similar for Gilbert O'Sullivan. Bought Emmett's 1970 self-titled LP & enjoyed it greatly. Sad to learn of Emmitt's life after his musical endeavors. What could have been...
I saw Les Harris a couple weeks ago in San Antonio. He still sells vintage LPs!
Thanks for posting this.....loves me some Emmitt Rhodes.
I never DID hear of this band until now. Thanks for sharing the info. I'll be ordering their songs on itunes.
Yeah, I love these guys.
Thanks! This was really thorough. I heard "You're a Very Lovely Woman" on the radio in '67 and bought the album right away. In early '71 I got his first Dunhill album but didn't know about American Dream. Dunhill was a hit singles oriented label (Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night) and not really the place for him but his management, the Shaws, made the deal. One extra note, Lullabye was used in Wes Anderson's The Royal Tanenbaums.
Thanks for the comments, John!
Thank you for turning me on to Merry-Go-Round and especially Emitt Rhodes. I listened to and love most of his songs and downloaded 9/10.
You're welcome, Robert. Glad you liked them!
I have a hard time understanding why Emitt’s songs didn’t do so much better. I’m a very modest singer /songwriter and wish I had 1/10 of his talents.
Heard Fresh As A Daisy on the radio. My friend had the first solo album with that song on it, & turned me on to Emmitt. After that, I bought everything that had Emmitt Rhodes on it. FRICKEN GREAT STUFF!!!
Hey Matt, luv ALL your stuff, GREAT channel, I grew up in So Cal at thee right time, love merry go round, have their 1st LP and Emitt's 1st ....more food for thought ... vids on the Seeds, Love, or my fave, Iron Butterfly ...original members are all gone EXCEPT, I think, Doug Ingle ...what's he up to today?? Me and Eric were friends in Hi school ... Thanx again ... B C ....
Hey BC - I will continue to cross bands off my list and Love is high up on it. Iron Butterfly and the Seeds also get plenty of requests so stay tuned!
Thankyou for posting this...such an underated band/ solo artist. I still own all the vinyl and CDS...Didnt know he passed away until i saw this post
I first heard an Emitt Rhodes song on The Bangles first album (Live). Years later, I stumbled upon an entry on him in the All Music Guide book (before their website) and got into his music. I really liked the book format as it allowed you to discover different bands by randomly reading through the listings. Anyway, thanks for this overview. You mentioned that the Listen compilation came out in 2005. I actually have a similarly titled compilation called “Listen, Listen The Best of Emitt Rhodes” released in 1995. It has 21 songs, including 5 by The Merry-Go-Round. That contract requiring 6 LPs in three years is pathetic. I can’t imagine the stress that put him under! Reminds me of the awful contract Badfinger had.
One band I’d love an overview of is Love. Forever Changes remains one of my favorite albums.
An overview of the band Love is coming! Thanks for commenting.
badfingers problems were not w the contract, it was a thief of a manager.
Thsnks for another great story, Matt! Possibly I may never heard the Merry-Go-Round Singles but I was familiar with the stand out track on Fairport's first album "Time will show the wiser" With great guitar by Richard Thompson and later of course the lovely Bangles version of"Live".
I noticed that his name Emitt is sometimes rendered as Emmitt or Emmett😮 what is right or is someone playing games like Arthur Lee who put his name down as Arthurly on "Out here"? 😂
Thank you for alerting me to this band!
The Merry Go Round had two charting hits on the Billboard Hot 100: Live(#63) and You're A Very Lovely Woman (#94), both in 1967. I heard these songs in 1987 and 1988, respectively.
Linda Ronstadt did a version of a Merry Go Round song with the slightly altered title She's A Very Lovely Woman which made the US Top 100 in the late 60s.
Cool, I did not know that. Thanks, Thomas.
There's RUclips video of Linda performing the song from the Bitter End in NYC.
@@sugarjoe50 Linda had a penchant for singing what were basically songs originally sung by men. Like The Everly Brothers When Will I Be Loved, Buddy Holly's Its So Easy and of course The Merry Go Rounds A Very Lovely Woman. My favourite female poprock singer!
@@sugarjoe50 Thank you! Just watched her on the Johnny Cash show here on YT.
@@popgoesthe60s52 That got airplay here in northeastern Pa
I could listen to this music all day. I would rather listen to this than the garbage that’s been out for the past 30 plus year’s. Most of the so called music has been absolute trash. These songs have something to say, a good melody, good instrumentation & good vocals. Emitt was so underrated as song writer!
Wow! Thanks for the introduction
Hi Matt. As I look further back to your earlier videos, it did not surprise me than you made this excellent offering for Emitt Rhodes. As you said, anyone that likes melodic 6o's style pop should get to know this guy. He and P.F. are 2 of the young American geniuses that never quite achieved their fair share of fame. I assume that the Rhino lp and definitive cd set do talk about the involvement of the wrecking crew in the recordings. It has been my understanding that those session greats are in fact the players on the collection released as American Dream, perhaps you could elaborate. Are they not credited at all, even in retrospect for playing on the fist Merry Go Round album sessions?
I thought I would also mention the similar vocal quality of another talented 1960's writer/performer, Tom Northcott, who had a significant summer of '68 hit with Nilsson's "the Rainmaker". Northcott also recorded in L.A.
In the 1970's, Rhodes produced a unique sounding album by Roy Forbes, then known as Bim.
Also, it's usually agreed that there was no "Tijuana Brass" recording band, other than H.A. himself. Those recordings
were also realized by the wrecking crew and the great Hal Blaine, though like many of the 60's groups, the live show version
of the act was seen on the album covers, and did perform the concerts.
This might be as good a spot as any to ask you to do your magic for The Late Great Mr. Hal Blaine. I think it would have to be
a 2 or even 3 part opus.
Cheers.
I've just spent a very pleasant evening listening to the album on Amazon Prime, thanks to your video Matt. I apreciate all the great content. Patreon link?
Thank you, Barry. A Patreon - type of option is in the works!
@@popgoesthe60s52 Good to hear. Your channel is in a class of it's own mate, I'd be happy to support it. I'd love you to review UK group The Action in a future video. Best wishes. 👍
When I collected albums back in 1995 or so , I bought from Les Harris! He use to advertise in Goldmine magazine.
There are very few songs that I grew up listening to in the 60s that I didn't know the artists' name, but "She's A Very Lovely Woman" was always a mystery to me. I particularly loved it, especially because it sounded just like other British Invasion songs (he sounds British), but I didn't have the money to buy records and it didn't stay on the radio very long (this was in the L. A. area), so I either never figured it out or forgot. When I started listening to Linda Ronstadt a few years later, I liked her recording, but preferred the original. I just couldn't find it. Just in the last six months, I thought of it again, and most sources said that the original was by Noel Harrison. Now, I liked and remembered some Noel Harrison songs, and I was excited to FINALLY hear this wonderful song again. Except, his recording wasn't the right one either! Finally, maybe two months ago, I finally found it by the Merry-Go-Round. Now, tonight, RUclips suggested some of your Beatles' videos, and I happened upon this one. Strangely, I don't recall "Live" at all. :) Thanks for the interesting history and for all your other videos.
My pleasure, thanks for the comments!
I enjoy these, even if I'm unfamiliar with the artist. Curious if you've heard of the 60's band The Yellow Payges. They only put out one album but it was great. The Illusion would be another cool 60's band to talk about sometime.
Hey Larry! I’ve a couple track of each of those groups but I’ll have to delve into them further.
@@popgoesthe60s52 Guitar player Bill Ham of the Yellow Payges went on to help Billy Gibbons form ZZ Top and was (is?) trheir manager for years.
Thank you, enjoyed it.
I was into The Merry-Go-Round and Emitt Rhodes. I have “The American Dream” l.p. In my collection along with others and several 45’s. Linda Ronstadt later covered “Very Lovely Woman” which was also quite good 👍🏻
Seeing ABC Dunhill made me think of Three Dog Night. Though they’re primarily known as a 70s band, their first album came out in 1968, and their second album came out in 1969. So they qualify for your channel. Have you thought of doing a piece on them? That would be great, so people can know that there was more to them than just “Joy to the World”.
A lot of people don't know Danny Hutton of TDN, had a hit in the 60's before joining TDN called Rose's and Rainbows. I remember it well. It is included in a TDN Anthology Cd I have. Their greatest hits and many obscure songs. Great stuff.
Listen, Listen, what a great tune that is. I have loads of 1960s music but unfortunately not this group... Really have to check it somewhere,
That was very interesting. I admit I had never heard of them before but the story you tell and music is outstanding. I am now going to listen to everything they did as well as Emitt's solo music. Thank you for doing these!
You are welcome. My goal is to introduce obscure bands like the Merry-Go-Round to people and play deep tracks. Thanks for commenting - more to come!
Matt: great videos with incredible research of not just the artists but also the management and record companies. Would you look to do one on The Knickerbocker’s? One of my favorite under appreciated bands of the 60’s - Thanks, Mike G
Hey Jan! Yes, I will certainly do one on the Knickerbockers, a very over-looked band. I have a very long list so I can't promise WHEN it will be done. They have a couple very good Christmas songs as well.
I never heard of this band until a local New York City area AAA radio station played it on their 10 at 10:00 segment when they did 1967 the station was wxpk 1071 FM known as the peak
Another great video :) It urged me to finally check on the band which I had only been vaguely aware of thanks to Time Will Show the Wiser. So I listened to the debut extensively and I must say I am really impressed - great melodies, beautiful harmonies, inventive songwriting... Not much lacking actually, perhaps it's slightly underproduced? But it's a great find for me anyway. My favourite song is by far On Your Way Out, followed by Gonna Fight the War, but - as you said - the whole album is pretty even and solid, weaker tracks are perhaps easy to spot, but there isn't any *bad* song on it. And I really love the overall feel, very serene but with a touch of heavy melancholy lurking somewhere in the background... Great find, thank you, keep them vidoes coming :)
My fave is On Your Way Out too. I think these songs were elaborate demos that received some sweetening to create the album. Thanks for watching!
12:50 Yes, Herb Alpert was the "A" in A&M records.
I was surprised to find out that they performed ( uncredited ) the Beach Boys " California Girls " for a Herb Alpert & the TB TV special. But it makes sense , they were on A & M.
Great tribute to the Merry Go Round and Emitt ! What a talent! Cheers Matt
PS...hey Matt if you're wondering why so many comments in a row from me...I binge watched some yesterday! Commenting just now! Ha!
Thank you, Matt. Comments are always welcomed!
@@popgoesthe60s52 thanks buddy! 👍🙂
Great job. Fascinating! and very sad like so many other horror stories many of these kids lived..Ask Badfinger or Tommy James...Thanks for all your terrific work. Keep it up.
Never thought san antonio would get a shout out but here we are! Lmao go san antonio 🤣
Cool. Good story.
What a coincidence Emitt Rhodes and Tom Hartman of the Aerovons recorded their first albums at roughly the same age - ironically, the former managed to get his debut out the year it was recorded, while the latter's remained in the vaults for over 30 years.
I think Live Till You Die was a bigger hit than Fresh as a Daisy. I remember it on San Jose radio. I don't recall Fresh as a Daisy ever getting air play in the SF Bay area
Personally I believe the first solo album is a complete gem. Every song is memorable. It ranks among my list of best debut albums of all time.
I’d never heard of these guys out here on the prairie but I really like them! Thanks.
Have you ever done anything on Sweetwater? I saw them open for The Animals in ‘68 and never heard of them again. It’s my understanding that they were a hit at Woodstock but since I’m the only member of my g-g-generation not to claim to have been there, I can’t be sure.
One more thing, this post inspired me to get out my Wildman Fisher album.