Les Baxter's Balladeers were a 1960s folk group formed by band leader Les Baxter. They released an album and a few singles during the early 1960s. Some of the musicians to pass through the group were David Crosby and his brother Ethan Chip Crosby, Bob Ingram and Phil Campos.
Background Les Baxter's Balladeers has the distinction of being the very first act to appear at The Golden Bear in Orange County, California.Rock Cellar Magazine, November 7, 2004 - Rock and Roll Behind the Orange Curtain (Photo Essay) Written by: Chris Epting The group was made up of young folk singers. The role of the group was originally intended to make Baxter's act more "in the now". They would perform in the middle of Baxter's band's set.The Byrds' The Notorious Byrd Brothers, By Ric Menck - Page 28
In 1961, their self titled album Les Baxter's Balladeers was released on the Reprise label. The group at that time on the recording were Joyce James, Terrea Lea, Phil Campos, Ernie Sheldon, Paul Potash, Jerry Yester, Michael Kollander and Paul Hansen. The instrumentalists backing them were Allan Reuss on guitar, Mike Storm on 12-string guitar, Jerry Yester on banjo, Tony Reyes on bass and Chico Guerrero on drums.Wirz.de - R.I.P. Terrea Lea, discographyDiscogs - Les Baxter's Balladeers – Les Baxter's Balladeers
Around 1962, Bobby Ingram and David Crosby joined the group. Crosby’s brother Ethan was also a member. They then did a national folk circuit tour.The Miami Herald, December 16, 2015 - With a new record and a little help from a famous friend, iconic Coconut Grove folksinger Bobby Ingram enjoys a fresh moment in the sun As of September 1963, the group consisted of Bob Ingram, David Crosby, Mike Clough and Ethan Chip Crosby.Billboard, September 14, 1963 - Page 12 FOLK MUSIC Les' BoysPopsike - Les Baxter's Balladeers w/ David Crosby (Jack Linkletter) the Byrds, CSN, CSNY Later that month along with the Count Basie Sextet, Lisa Kirk, Allan Sherman and Vic Damone, they appeared on The Lively Ones, shown on NBC TV.Billboard, August 31, 1963 - Page 14 TV Guest Appearances by Record Talent After being in the group for a bit and feeling it was a bit too conservative for him, Crosby left and did the rounds on the LA folk circuit.The Byrds' The Notorious Byrd Brothers, By Ric Menck - Page 28
In April 1963, the lineup included Peggy Taylor, Phil Campos, Jerry Yester, Paul Hansen and Ted Botkin. They were appearing at venues like the Carson Nugget.Reno Gazette-Journal, April 13, 1963 - Page 26 Balladeers Debuting New Act at Holiday
During their time they released an album and appeared on at least 3 singles.Discogs - Les Baxter's Balladeers – Les Baxter's Balladeers
Discography Singles
+ Singles Act Title Release info Year Notes Les Baxter's Balladeers "Linin' Track" / "Baiion" Link Records GNP 313 1963 *Frank Sinatra, Les Baxter's Balladeers *"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" / "Go Tell It On The Mountains", "How Shall I Send Thee", "Carol Of The Bells", "Joy To The World" Reprise R.20243 1963 *Frank Sinatra, Les Baxter's Balladeers *"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" / "How Shall I Send Thee" Reprise Records 0301 1964 Discogs - Les Baxter's Balladeers Discography, Singles & EPs Les Baxter and his OrchestraVocal Group: The Balladeers "Michelle" / "Little Girl Lonely" HBR HBR 456 1965 45Cat - Artist: Les Baxter And His Orchestra, Catalogue: HBR 456
+ Albums Act Title Release info Year Notes Les Baxter's Balladeers Les Baxter's Balladeers Reprise R9-6064 1961 Discogs - Les Baxter's Balladeers Discography, Albums
References