Top 40 hit in 1980 and single off the album "Flush the Fashion"
Song by David Carron Mount Hope Music
Produced by Roy Thomas Baker
Warner Brothers Records
with dear friend Davey Johnstone
While in Sherman Oaks CA.
A Blessing and a gift to share
amazing times with great friends.
Song by David Carron Mount Hope Music
Produced by Roy Thomas Baker
Warner Brothers Records
with dear friend Davey Johnstone
While in Sherman Oaks CA.
A Blessing and a gift to share
amazing times with great friends.
In 1964, David Carron formed his first rock band, The Marksmen. The Marksmen recorded a metal record in 1966 with a couple of songs; "Roses are Red" and "Cause I’m Sure" written by Joe Torre, also a Pittsfield native. The Marksmen played The Lighthouse and clubs throughout the Northeast and were a very popular local band. One day the Marksmen played at the public beach on Pontoosuc lake. Wendy drove over in her boat, to watch, as soon as the concert was over, everyone showed up at her cottage. The meeting took place between Wendy and David; it was love at first sight. First loves~ summer loves in bliss for the next five years.
In 1968 David was a part of the band The Wheatstone Bridge Band. They recorded on Epic Records the Paul Simon single, "Cloudy". Soon after the short life of the Wheatstone Bridge Band, David joined forces with Mick Valenti to form the rock band Quarry. With David Carron’s rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Mike Fury playing lead, Dan Velika on bass and Mick Valenti on drums, this band played clubs from New York to Boston and beyond. Managed by Barry Hollister, they played The Fillmore East and West, The Electric Circus, Electric Factory in Philadelphia and then on to become the house band on the free stage at "Woodstock". Mick's drums grace the Woodstock album cover and the band was on film in the movie. The Quarry went on to play the Texas International Pop Festival on the main stage with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. They then continued west with Babs and the Merry Pranksters on "Furthur" to the Family Dog and San Francisco. In 1970 David and The Quarry went to Venezuela doin the band thing, shows and interviews. The time and distance took its toll on the young love and Wendy felt the need to explore and grow on her own. She went to Gainesville to be near her brothers, who were both studying architecture at the University of Florida.
In May of 1972 “Serena Rainbow" was born. David kept a solo singing career and continued writing. In 1975 Serena and her mom moved to Hawaii, David remained in the Berkshires. Now back in the area and time on his hands, he started jammin’ with his buddy David Grover and soon Shenandoah was formed. Shenandoah was David Carron, David Grover, Terry Hall and Dan Velika, they toured New England and began recording at Shaggy Dog Studios in Stockbridge. Arlo Guthrie heard them play at an outdoor concert and asked them to back him up on the road. Accepting the offer they began to tour with Arlo in 1974. By 1975 David had begun to tire of the road and was weighing options. Meanwhile Wendy had opened her first store in 1972 and within the next few years had 3 more stores with partner Michael Laurenzi. In 1973 they had a baby girl "Onchiota Namid". Wendy met and became the best of friends with Minnie Ripperton in 1972. They both had Leo daughters a year a part. Maya born in 72’ and Onchi in 73’. Minnie and Wendy would work together to create new designs for Minnie’s stage performances. They also got together on Sundays creating radio dramas for Minnie’s husband, Dick’s show "Little Wolf". What fun was had, but that is another whole book in itself. In 1974 Minnie and her family left Gainesville for LA. when Stevie Wonder asked Minnie to move there and record her album “Perfect Angel". In the summer of 75' Wendy spent a month in Lanesboro at her cottage on Pontoosuc Lake. David just happened to drive by and stop in to see if anyone was there. Wendy opened the door and the rest is history until death do us part. David said he truly felt that they were destined to be together, each of them knew they were each other's soulmate. They moved to Hillsdale NY and spent the winter in the most beautiful log cabin. It was a romantic and wonderful reunion and beginning to the rest of their lives together.
David left Shenandoah and began doing solo work again. Wendy took him to her friend Ralph Sherry's studio "Cathedral sound" in New York, where David recorded a tape for Clive Davis and his future. In the spring of 76’ Wendy was designing for Krishna Fashions. They flew her to LA for the boutique show and she was staying with her good friend Minnie Ripperton. David flew out at the same time to stay with his cousin Bruce Reid. Wendy and David could not stand to be apart, so Wendy asked Minnie if they could both stay with her. Minnie and her husband Dick Rudolph graciously opened their arms and home to them for the next month. Being at Minnie’s home in Beverly Hills would gift them with experiences and a roll of good fortune until David’s untimely death in 1985. That summer David, Wendy and David Loehr, rented a house together in Pacific Palisades with a view of the ocean...wow! David’s cousin Bruce Reid introduced David to John Weider. John had been with the Animals earlier in his career and wrote songs like "Sky Pilot", "San Franciscan Nights" and "When I Was Young". The two clicked immediately and began jamming. Soon they began collaborating and songwriting. John Weider was a classical violinist and the two made some great tapes. On July 5th 1977' they gave their first demo to Ron Stone of Lookout Management, the response was very favorable. They now needed a band to be able to play live. In August they met John Baruck who introduced them to the Buck brothers, identical twins Dana, a bass player and David, a drummer. It was a good match and so Galaxy was born. John Baruck, working at that time with Irving Azoff, manager of Minnie Ripperton and the Eagles was about to branch out on his own with Baruck Consolo Management. John also managed REO Speedwagon and others. He was a wonderful person and good friend. In November, they played a gig at The Troubadour for the record companies and a deal was in the works.
In January after negotiations the newly named band "Gulliver" was signed to Columbia records to make their first album on Columbia’s new spin off label Outlook records with Elliot Roberts, manager of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Petty and others. On February 5th David turns 29 with a record deal under his belt. At this point they asked John Baruck to be their manager and it all was a go. After rehearsing for a month the band began recording "Ridin the Wind" at Larabee Studios. The album was completed in June and on July 10th Ken Perry does a test pressing at Capitol Records. The band chose Glen Christenson as their art director and Bob Jenkins as photographer and in August cover meetings and photo sessions begin. The January 1979 release date was scheduled for the album!
On January 1st 1979, Wendy & David experienced their first and hopefully the last earthquake 4.9 on the Richter scale. Scary! The album was out and David saw the first ad in Record World. On Feb 26 it was pick of the Week in Record World. March it was in Billboard’s Southwest breakout. April "The Wonder of it All" is picked as the single off the album and in May the tour of the Southwest begins. Gulliver was received very well.
David came home from tour and began questioning his want to be a Rock Star. He wanted to stay home with family and write music, he did not want to tour anymore. David disbanded Gulliver in August of 1979, had his first full-on hair cut in 13 years. Wendy brought home her new friend Davey Johnstone, who was playing guitar with Kiki Dee while Elton toured solo with Ray Cooper. He and David enjoyed each other and began jammin in the garage. They enjoyed playing together so much; that they recorded two songs at Dee Murray’s studio in the Hollywood Hills. In November, Steve Scorfina previously of Pavlov’s Dog and Tommy Nickerson joined together with David to record songs in the garage, "Clones, We’re all” was one of those songs. Davey Johnstone hears "Clones" and loves it, wants to take it to Alice Cooper and Roy Thomas Baker the famed producer for "Queen". Alice hears the song and wants it to be the single off the album "Flush the Fashion". David doesn’t want to give it up...negotiations begin. Wendy seals the deal, giving David 100% of the writer’s and publishing rights, he agrees to let Alice do the song. Roy Thomas Baker is thrilled! April 14th "Clones" is picked as the Cashbox single. Upon release" Clones" comes in with a bullet at 17 on the Billboard charts.
David is beginning to feel very strongly about not wanting to leave his family again for another tour. In the fall of 1980 David returns home from a big meeting in LA. He was offered a sweet deal and not seemingly happy about it, he sat down with Wendy in a quiet moment and said "I don’t want to be a rock star, I want to go back to Massachusetts and have a baby and raise cows." Wendy, stunned, yet supportive, told David that whatever he wanted to do, she was with him, "from now til forever" and so it was. In the fall of 1980, they packed up all their stuff and moved back to the Berkshires.
David began solo work, song writing, and recording, he was truly happy and content no cows, but some lived down the road close enough to visit. Within the year Wendy was pregnant with the child they always dreamed they would have together. In early Novemember "Lana" was born. David joined a group called Hip Pocket for a steady job. Soon they would change some band members and their name to "Blindate". They played local clubs, the first Artabout in Berkshire County and were extremely successful for the next 4 years. David accepted his first major role as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at The Berkshire Public Theater, under the direction of Frank Bessell. Also in this show, Maureen O'Flynn, Glen Barrett, Bruce MacDonald, Tom Rindge, and many more local talents. This production was not only performed in Pittsfield at Wacohnah Park, but at The Egg in Albany on Easter Sunday. It was very special and David was an incredible Jesus, very natural to the part of a gentle, spiritual man.
In 1982, Blindate began writing and recording songs. David did some songwriting with John Zarvis who played lead guitar. Ray Tart played bass and Jimmy Harte played drums and some high background vocals. What a nice blend of musicians, music and friends. Blindate went on to record videos, play at Trax in NYC, branch out to perform in Boston, Nantucket, Long Island and all over the Northeast. In 1983 David with longtime friend and band mate Rick Fetridge, set off to Albany and beyond to film and record his first manufactured video "Morning Light". David brought together long time friend Lee Everett and Rick Fetridge who formed the company "Everidge" and worked in Lee’s studio to create the footage for the next video. Long nights, but full of laughter and fun. David growing up was known as the class clown, some things never change! David had a natural ability to find the joke in all of life.
In 1984, David co-wrote a song with Jay Fruet called "Something Happens". They recorded it at Derek Studios with Greg Steele and took video footage of the live recording for the next video. David remained writing and also singing solo for the next year. On June 16th 1985 David complained of a headache, it was Father’s Day. The next day David had a brain aneurysm and was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center where they gave Wendy the worst news of her life. She requested he be rushed to Boston, which he was. David struggled to hang on, yet the choice ultimately was not his. Two weeks later he was pronounced brain dead at Massachusetts General Hospital.
One of David’s early songs was written about his positive view of death "Sparrow Thru a Rainbow", where he was able to give comfort in life to any who thought that death would be the end, it is not, it is only different. And for the most part there is some healing in knowing his death was peaceful, his pain was short and his gentle spirit would speak to many through his music, forever.....
Sailing thru life
In 1968 David was a part of the band The Wheatstone Bridge Band. They recorded on Epic Records the Paul Simon single, "Cloudy". Soon after the short life of the Wheatstone Bridge Band, David joined forces with Mick Valenti to form the rock band Quarry. With David Carron’s rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Mike Fury playing lead, Dan Velika on bass and Mick Valenti on drums, this band played clubs from New York to Boston and beyond. Managed by Barry Hollister, they played The Fillmore East and West, The Electric Circus, Electric Factory in Philadelphia and then on to become the house band on the free stage at "Woodstock". Mick's drums grace the Woodstock album cover and the band was on film in the movie. The Quarry went on to play the Texas International Pop Festival on the main stage with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. They then continued west with Babs and the Merry Pranksters on "Furthur" to the Family Dog and San Francisco. In 1970 David and The Quarry went to Venezuela doin the band thing, shows and interviews. The time and distance took its toll on the young love and Wendy felt the need to explore and grow on her own. She went to Gainesville to be near her brothers, who were both studying architecture at the University of Florida.
In May of 1972 “Serena Rainbow" was born. David kept a solo singing career and continued writing. In 1975 Serena and her mom moved to Hawaii, David remained in the Berkshires. Now back in the area and time on his hands, he started jammin’ with his buddy David Grover and soon Shenandoah was formed. Shenandoah was David Carron, David Grover, Terry Hall and Dan Velika, they toured New England and began recording at Shaggy Dog Studios in Stockbridge. Arlo Guthrie heard them play at an outdoor concert and asked them to back him up on the road. Accepting the offer they began to tour with Arlo in 1974. By 1975 David had begun to tire of the road and was weighing options. Meanwhile Wendy had opened her first store in 1972 and within the next few years had 3 more stores with partner Michael Laurenzi. In 1973 they had a baby girl "Onchiota Namid". Wendy met and became the best of friends with Minnie Ripperton in 1972. They both had Leo daughters a year a part. Maya born in 72’ and Onchi in 73’. Minnie and Wendy would work together to create new designs for Minnie’s stage performances. They also got together on Sundays creating radio dramas for Minnie’s husband, Dick’s show "Little Wolf". What fun was had, but that is another whole book in itself. In 1974 Minnie and her family left Gainesville for LA. when Stevie Wonder asked Minnie to move there and record her album “Perfect Angel". In the summer of 75' Wendy spent a month in Lanesboro at her cottage on Pontoosuc Lake. David just happened to drive by and stop in to see if anyone was there. Wendy opened the door and the rest is history until death do us part. David said he truly felt that they were destined to be together, each of them knew they were each other's soulmate. They moved to Hillsdale NY and spent the winter in the most beautiful log cabin. It was a romantic and wonderful reunion and beginning to the rest of their lives together.
David left Shenandoah and began doing solo work again. Wendy took him to her friend Ralph Sherry's studio "Cathedral sound" in New York, where David recorded a tape for Clive Davis and his future. In the spring of 76’ Wendy was designing for Krishna Fashions. They flew her to LA for the boutique show and she was staying with her good friend Minnie Ripperton. David flew out at the same time to stay with his cousin Bruce Reid. Wendy and David could not stand to be apart, so Wendy asked Minnie if they could both stay with her. Minnie and her husband Dick Rudolph graciously opened their arms and home to them for the next month. Being at Minnie’s home in Beverly Hills would gift them with experiences and a roll of good fortune until David’s untimely death in 1985. That summer David, Wendy and David Loehr, rented a house together in Pacific Palisades with a view of the ocean...wow! David’s cousin Bruce Reid introduced David to John Weider. John had been with the Animals earlier in his career and wrote songs like "Sky Pilot", "San Franciscan Nights" and "When I Was Young". The two clicked immediately and began jamming. Soon they began collaborating and songwriting. John Weider was a classical violinist and the two made some great tapes. On July 5th 1977' they gave their first demo to Ron Stone of Lookout Management, the response was very favorable. They now needed a band to be able to play live. In August they met John Baruck who introduced them to the Buck brothers, identical twins Dana, a bass player and David, a drummer. It was a good match and so Galaxy was born. John Baruck, working at that time with Irving Azoff, manager of Minnie Ripperton and the Eagles was about to branch out on his own with Baruck Consolo Management. John also managed REO Speedwagon and others. He was a wonderful person and good friend. In November, they played a gig at The Troubadour for the record companies and a deal was in the works.
In January after negotiations the newly named band "Gulliver" was signed to Columbia records to make their first album on Columbia’s new spin off label Outlook records with Elliot Roberts, manager of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Petty and others. On February 5th David turns 29 with a record deal under his belt. At this point they asked John Baruck to be their manager and it all was a go. After rehearsing for a month the band began recording "Ridin the Wind" at Larabee Studios. The album was completed in June and on July 10th Ken Perry does a test pressing at Capitol Records. The band chose Glen Christenson as their art director and Bob Jenkins as photographer and in August cover meetings and photo sessions begin. The January 1979 release date was scheduled for the album!
On January 1st 1979, Wendy & David experienced their first and hopefully the last earthquake 4.9 on the Richter scale. Scary! The album was out and David saw the first ad in Record World. On Feb 26 it was pick of the Week in Record World. March it was in Billboard’s Southwest breakout. April "The Wonder of it All" is picked as the single off the album and in May the tour of the Southwest begins. Gulliver was received very well.
David came home from tour and began questioning his want to be a Rock Star. He wanted to stay home with family and write music, he did not want to tour anymore. David disbanded Gulliver in August of 1979, had his first full-on hair cut in 13 years. Wendy brought home her new friend Davey Johnstone, who was playing guitar with Kiki Dee while Elton toured solo with Ray Cooper. He and David enjoyed each other and began jammin in the garage. They enjoyed playing together so much; that they recorded two songs at Dee Murray’s studio in the Hollywood Hills. In November, Steve Scorfina previously of Pavlov’s Dog and Tommy Nickerson joined together with David to record songs in the garage, "Clones, We’re all” was one of those songs. Davey Johnstone hears "Clones" and loves it, wants to take it to Alice Cooper and Roy Thomas Baker the famed producer for "Queen". Alice hears the song and wants it to be the single off the album "Flush the Fashion". David doesn’t want to give it up...negotiations begin. Wendy seals the deal, giving David 100% of the writer’s and publishing rights, he agrees to let Alice do the song. Roy Thomas Baker is thrilled! April 14th "Clones" is picked as the Cashbox single. Upon release" Clones" comes in with a bullet at 17 on the Billboard charts.
David is beginning to feel very strongly about not wanting to leave his family again for another tour. In the fall of 1980 David returns home from a big meeting in LA. He was offered a sweet deal and not seemingly happy about it, he sat down with Wendy in a quiet moment and said "I don’t want to be a rock star, I want to go back to Massachusetts and have a baby and raise cows." Wendy, stunned, yet supportive, told David that whatever he wanted to do, she was with him, "from now til forever" and so it was. In the fall of 1980, they packed up all their stuff and moved back to the Berkshires.
David began solo work, song writing, and recording, he was truly happy and content no cows, but some lived down the road close enough to visit. Within the year Wendy was pregnant with the child they always dreamed they would have together. In early Novemember "Lana" was born. David joined a group called Hip Pocket for a steady job. Soon they would change some band members and their name to "Blindate". They played local clubs, the first Artabout in Berkshire County and were extremely successful for the next 4 years. David accepted his first major role as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at The Berkshire Public Theater, under the direction of Frank Bessell. Also in this show, Maureen O'Flynn, Glen Barrett, Bruce MacDonald, Tom Rindge, and many more local talents. This production was not only performed in Pittsfield at Wacohnah Park, but at The Egg in Albany on Easter Sunday. It was very special and David was an incredible Jesus, very natural to the part of a gentle, spiritual man.
In 1982, Blindate began writing and recording songs. David did some songwriting with John Zarvis who played lead guitar. Ray Tart played bass and Jimmy Harte played drums and some high background vocals. What a nice blend of musicians, music and friends. Blindate went on to record videos, play at Trax in NYC, branch out to perform in Boston, Nantucket, Long Island and all over the Northeast. In 1983 David with longtime friend and band mate Rick Fetridge, set off to Albany and beyond to film and record his first manufactured video "Morning Light". David brought together long time friend Lee Everett and Rick Fetridge who formed the company "Everidge" and worked in Lee’s studio to create the footage for the next video. Long nights, but full of laughter and fun. David growing up was known as the class clown, some things never change! David had a natural ability to find the joke in all of life.
In 1984, David co-wrote a song with Jay Fruet called "Something Happens". They recorded it at Derek Studios with Greg Steele and took video footage of the live recording for the next video. David remained writing and also singing solo for the next year. On June 16th 1985 David complained of a headache, it was Father’s Day. The next day David had a brain aneurysm and was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center where they gave Wendy the worst news of her life. She requested he be rushed to Boston, which he was. David struggled to hang on, yet the choice ultimately was not his. Two weeks later he was pronounced brain dead at Massachusetts General Hospital.
One of David’s early songs was written about his positive view of death "Sparrow Thru a Rainbow", where he was able to give comfort in life to any who thought that death would be the end, it is not, it is only different. And for the most part there is some healing in knowing his death was peaceful, his pain was short and his gentle spirit would speak to many through his music, forever.....
Sailing thru life
