- Born
in Denver, Colorado, Don Preston moved to Whittier, California, with
his family when he was 8 years old, joining the Sewart-Barber Boys Choir
as its youngest member. By age 11, he had been studying and playing the
guitar for 3 years, and began performing with the Cactus Kids and
another musical troupe of girls and boys who played at market openings,
company parties, and USO clubs all over Southern California.
• With trips to see live broadcasts of TV's "Town Hall Party" in nearby Compton, CA, Don’s musical style was taking root in country music as well as in the blues and rock 'n' roll as he became immersed in the diverse and vibrant pop culture of Southern California during the 1950s.
At age 15, he first heard B.B. King, Lowell Fulson, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and other emerging blues artists on late-night AM radio broadcasts. Within a few years, he would be playing the same bills with them when they headlined in Los Angeles.
• Living a few miles from the entertainment capital of the world, Don had the opportunity to play his guitar with many of R&B's icons, including The Penguins, The Coasters, The Olympics, and The Jaguars. He also backed up legendary hitmakers such as Ritchie Valens, The Righteous Brothers, Gene Vincent, Don Julian and the Meadowlarks, and Jessie Hill in clubs, halls, and historic L.A. venues like the El Monte Legion Stadium and Harmony Park. Those early inspirations are heard in Don's music and albums, including his album Sacre Blues.
• The 1960s opened the door to a new musical era as Don and the Deacons regularly played the popular Cinnamon Cinder club, owned by Bob Eubanks, in North Hollywood. That exposure led to Don joining The Shindogs with Joey Cooper, Chuck Blackwell, and Delaney Bramlett. The group's pure Beatle-esque harmonies immediately produced a hit single, and they went on the road touring numerous states.
:• Side One:
A1. American Gothic 02:01
A2. Here's to You Baby 02:40
A3. Daybreaks 02:46
A4. Sunshine Line 02:17
A5. You Won't Let Me Be 02:11
A6. She Feels Like Sunshine 01:55
A7. End of the Play 02:15
A8. Blues Break 00:33
• Side Two:
B1. Circle for a Landing 02:27
B2. Love Season 02:08
B3. Medley: Night of the Fool / Sweetest Girl 04:11
B4. Got Me in the Middle 02:20
B5. He's Waiting Now 01:52
B6. Spend My Time 02:20
Casey Van Beek - Bass & Vocals
Don Preston - Guitars & Vocals
Bob Young - Drums & Vocals
Bobby Cochran - Guitars & Vocals
Gordon Shyrock - Producer
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