Beginnings
The Cascades were born aboard the U.S.S. Jason AR-8, a navy ship home-ported in San Diego, California. Vocalists Len Green (guitar), Dave Wilson (drums) and John Gummoe (percussion and keyboards) first took the name the Silver Strands, which was also the name of a beach just south of San Diego.
Art Eastlick (rhythm guitar) and David Szabo (keyboards) joined the group, which soon changed its name to the Thundernotes, and released “Thunder Rhythm” on Bob Keene’s Del-Fi Records. Shortly thereafter, Eastlick left, and the group added Dave Stevens (bass) and a second guitarist, Eddy Snyder.
After limited success with Del-Fi, the group auditioned for manager Andy Di Martino, who in turn got them signed to Valiant Records, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, as the Cascades. Just prior to signing with Valiant, Len Green departed to pursue other avenues.
In the summer of 1962, the Cascades released their first single, “There’s a Reason”, penned by John Gummoe. This regional hit was followed in November 1962 by the group’s classic, internationally acclaimed million-seller, “Rhythm of the Rain”, also written by Gummoe.
The Cascades completed their “Rhythm of the Rain” album at Gold Star Studios, produced by Barry De Vorzon, arranged by Perry Botkin and engineered by the legendary Stan Ross. Complementing the Cascades’ considerable musicianship and smooth vocals were the talents of studio legends Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass, and Glen Campbell on guitar.
The Cascades followed up their early successes with the hit single, “The Last Leaf”, with the beautiful “Shy Girl” on the flip side. Tony Grasso met the group in 1963, and joined as bassist in 1964. Ron Lynch was added on keyboard and saxophone.
