The Denver Broncos

Let's get this out of the way... I am a Denver Broncos fan.

 The author (in the middle)

My home and office are decorated 365 days a year with Broncos memorabilia.
A good portion of my closet is filled with Broncos-related attire.
Even though Mile High Stadium is now exactly 900 miles away from my front door, I still scream at the TV during games, hoping the coach and players can hear me make calls.
I get weepy when they win...and when they lose.

I bleed orange.

Needless to say, I couldn't have a blog, dedicated to Colorado vinyl, without featuring those records singing the praises of the Orange Crush.

While there have been numerous musical dedications to the team, including Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Elway," John Parr re-released "St. Elmo's Fire" (dedicated to Tim Tebow - "Tim Tebow's Fire"), and that incredibly catchy "Black and Yellow" remix last year, "Blue and Orange" (I still can't get that one out of my head), since this blog is about vinyl, I'll stick with that format.

In 1977 the Broncos were headed to their first Super Bowl.  To commemorate the mile high accomplishment, the city's creative types decided to celebrate in song.

The Gold Coin label featured the Broncos tribute, "The Bronco Fan," performed by Deke Adams.  I've listened to this song several times, and I swear he's saying "Orange CRUNCH."

The Bronco Fan - Deke Adams

Gold Coin Records-4957 (1978)

In probably an obvious use of available melodies, the local trio of Cunningham, Rodgers and Warren borrowed from a popular Johnny Horton ditty to record "The Modern Battle of New Orleans."

The Modern Battle of New Orleans - Cunningham, Rodgers and Warren

Crush Records - 5286 (1977)

 Also quick to seize on the moment, Tony Mandarin (Bill Michaels) and the Mile High Rockers released the orange vinyl (also available in blue vinyl) double-sided rockabilly tribute to the team "Bronco Rock," and "Mile High Rock."

Bronco Rock - Tony Mandarin

Stofer-101 (1978)

Local lounge singer Johnny Vanelli added a disco entry to the mix, with his "Broncomania" single, backed by the Colorado Brass.

Broncomania - Johnny Vanelli

Pre-vue-753 (1978)

While eventually losing to the Dallas Cowboys, on January 15, 1978, Denver continued to celebrate the AFC Champs with the release of The Year of the Broncos, a recap of highlights from the season, courtesy of KOA Radio.

 The Year of the Broncos

(Fleetwood Communications FCLP 3104 - 1978)

Probably the most notable of the Denver Broncos-related songs came via running back Jon Keyworth. In 1977 he released the uplifting "Make Those Miracles Happen" (Cartay 323232--in case you didn't know, his jersey number was 32).

Listen to a sample of "Make Those Miracles Happen." 

The following year he would release the LP Keys (Aspen label), which would go on to be remembered, not for its songs, but for use of the naked backsides of (reportedly) the Broncos players on the inside of the cover.

In 1983 the Broncos went 9-7, and finished 3rd in the AFC West. Sensing the despair (and anger) among fans, KBPI jock Don ("The Hawk") Hawkins penned "Prayer for a Fan."

Prayer for a Fan - Don Hawkins and the Moron Chubby Rumpled Choir

KBPI 42N24 - 1983

Government Issue

Side One
Applause
He's My Brother
Hurray For Bach
Something
Summer Me, Winter Me
The Game
Amen

Side Two
Best Thing You've Ever Done
The Last Words of David
Mammy
Pollution
Dino's Song
We Shall Overcome
Mame

Colorado Springs boasts not only six military installations (Air Force Academy, Buckley Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, and Fort Carson) , but also the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), U.S. Northern Command, Air Force Space Command, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command, Missile Defense Integrated Operations Center, Space Innovation and Development Center, Joint Functional Component Command-Integrated Missile Defense, and the National Security Space Institute.

Whether it was a marketing tool or a morale boost, several of these installations released records featuring its more talented soldiers and airmen (we'll feature several of these recordings in later posts).

In 1970 Fort Carson (which is actually celebrating it's 70th year, this year) formed The Government Issue as "expressly for the entertainment of the Army soldier and expanded to act as ambassadors to the people of the Pikes Peak region."

Released on the prolific John Law Enterprises label (710501), the group's self-titled LP keeps it pretty safe with your typical Up With People-style selections.  A few stand-out performances, including a soulful rendition of the Beatles "Something."

Listen to a sample

"Dino's Song" is actually a cover of the Youngbloods "Get Together," not the Quicksilver Messenger Service song.  I guess they changed their mind, and forgot to tell the guy in charge of printing the LP cover.

There is one other Government Issue release, a 45 on the CEB label (10,0002-no year).
"Qui'Cest Ca (What is This)" and "Chowtime" are both happy little horn-driven instrumentals, interspersed with comic relief.

Listen to a sample

Interesting note:  Guitarist Mario Tio, who is featured here, is the same Mario Tio who went on to be one of the founding members of Chocolate Milk - the New Orleans-based funk and soul group, and who also worked with Allen Toussaint, and recorded with Paul McCartney (Venus and Mars sessions).

Dick Bodine

 Listen to Dick Bodine (intro)

Side One:
Our Flag
Gave My Love a Cherry
Mr. Shorty
She's Got to be a Saint
Why Are you Marching Son

Side Two:
I'll Fly Away
The Pledge
Sixteen Tons
City of New Orleans
They're Hanging Me Tonight
Why I Love Her

This week we will celebrate our nation's 236th birthday, and I thought it fitting that I feature Dick Bodine's America LP.

Listen to a sample of "Why I Love Her"

Released in 1983 (Great American Records label 26101), Dick Bodine is featured on the cover--an obvious protector of the second amendment.

I knocked around these United States and this old world for over 50 years.  I've visited most countries and every continent. This album, which I hope you will enjoy as much as I enjoyed making it, tells me feelings for a people and a land.  This combination make it the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America. - Dick Bodine (liner notes)

There are a few other spoken word pieces ("Why Are You Marching Son," "The Pledge," and "Why I Love Her") that are equally patriotic, but Dick lets loose on a few folk standards.

Listen to "City of New Orleans"

Dick is accompanied by the musically-diverse Doc Hoffman on guitar, steel, harp, banjo, 12-string guitar, bass, mandolin, electric guitar, and harmony vocals. Marty Hill handles the electric bass, and harmony vocals.

Apparently Dick has some affiliation with the Colorado Music Network, out of Aurora, as there is an address on the back of the LP, for more information on this release.

Larry T. Coen's Tribute to Red Sovine

 Red Sovine would have been 94 years old this month, so I thought it would be appropriate that I post a tribute record from a Pueblo artist this time around.

Not a lot of info on this one.  Actually tracked down the family of the singer, Larry T. Coen, but they declined to talk about him, or his music.  I always hate it when I hit a brick wall - especially on a record this fabulous.
Listen to "How Far is the Road Up to Heaven"
Larry's ode to Red was recorded in 1984 (Red Sovine died in 1980), at the Steel City Sound Recording Studios, in Pueblo.  Joe Salazar produced the disc, and played keyboards, Bill Cohen (I'm assuming is some kin) played bass, while Jimmy Schaffer handled the fiddlin' duties.  Other credits include Chris Koroshetz on drums, while Larry is on guitar.

Reg Montano is credited for the narration.  Larry, along with Carolyn Tuttle are labeled as the vocalists.

Carolyn gets her own shot to standout, with the flip-side of the recording.

Listen to "Western Story"

Is it just me, or does this sound completely out of place (in a good way) for 1984 country?  I mean 1984 was saturated with Alabama, Reba, and Hank Williams Jr.'s "All My Rowdy Friends..."  God bless Carolyn for not going down that path.

Unfortunately, reaching out for info on her has resulted in no additional information.

Warming Trend

The Warming Trend Photo courtesy of George Krieger   Man, I really wish I could get more info on this one.  Located who I think is a member of this recording, but she won't return my e-mails.  Also located the producer (Dugg Duggan)...and nope, not a word.

Private issue breezy femme folk on the TWT label.  

 

Photo courtesy of George Krieger Listen to a sample   Flip side is a hootenanny style tribute to Colorado,written by David B. Allen and Paul Coldwell (Up With People).

I found another reference to a second Warming Trend single, "Never Ending Rain!" / "It Wasn't Very Long Ago," on the Klass label (6943). The lead singer is Mark Klass. No clue if this was released before, or after the record posted above. As noted in the autographed record sleeve below, there isn't a Mark.

Found a very small reference to the group in a 1968 Billboard.

Billboard - April 27, 1968

That same year, Warming Trend appeared with the group Action Brass, at McEwen Music Company (8460 W. Colfax) for some "Magnavox celebration."

Photo courtesy of George Krieger   The only other hint is an alternative picture sleeve cover, which just happens to be autographed (and also shows six group members, instead of five on the other one - note the names: Dave, Lin, Scott, Bobby and Brandy).

Flamingo Plus

I took five semesters of Spanish throughout high school and college, and have retained enough for me to cause an international incident. That said, there's something about Tejano, Tex-Mex, norteño, mariachi, or ranchera music that I've always enjoyed--even though I don't understand any of the lyrics.

Ah, the joy of being oblivious.

Much like religious vinyl, I find quite a few Hispanic records when I go digging in the dollar bins. Here lately I buy pretty much everything with a Colorado address on the label, as they tend to be passed over by folks looking to score the next big eBay sale.

That's good for me.

That said, last year a most generous fellow Colorado record collector mailed me a batch of state Hispanic singles he had no interest in.

Among the singles were three by the group Flamingo Plus.

As is most always the case, the vinyl had few clues to go on. The label was blank, however it credited James Vigil on saxophone, as well as Nick and Jane Herrera. A quick Google search discovered that a Jane Herrera, who had been married to a Nick Herrera, in Denver, passed away last year, at the age of 75. I couldn't find any other additional information (Correction - comment below says they were brother and sister).

I had two copies of "Tu Destino," however one copy had a flip of "Llorando, Llorando" (both credited to Crystal Sound Recording in Denver), while the other had a b-side saxophone instrumental, "El Carpintero Colorado," and no notation of where it was recorded. Nothing really standing out here on either recording.

 Listen to a sample

However, a third single, from what appeared to be the same group, sounded nothing like the other two. While "Solamenta Una Vez" is your standard bolero issue, the flip, the bilingual "Te Queiro" was heavy on organ vibes, and rocked out.

Sweet.

Listen to a sample

EDIT 7/3/12: Recently discovered another Flamingo Plus record, which was offered to me from a wonderful overseas seller.

Another cool rocker...

"Scream" / "Teach Me"
CFS 832 (no label name)

Velma Stapleton

Velma Stapleton interviewed March 2012.

 

Side One:
Here We Are
Love Grew Where the Blood Fell
Mercy Rewrote My Life
It Made News in Heaven
A Vessel of Honor For God

Side Two:
There is a River
He's Ever Interceding
I Have to Worry
Spirit Song
I Love Him Too Much

Velma Stapleton loved country music. In fact, her dream had always been to be a country performer, and record an album. She would eventually record an album – but it wasn’t country.

 “Back in my day it was all I wanted to do – sing country,” she said. “But I realized the words were not positive, so I discovered gospel music.”

Velma’s move from secular to spiritual music wasn’t an overnight switch. She had already been singing Christian songs at an early age, growing up in Lamar (she graduated Lamar High School in 1971). When she married, her family, which included her boys Michael and Steven, would take to the road to perform in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

“Wherever I could perform, I did. My husband ran the sound.”

In 1983, at the urging of her pastor, she recorded her one and only album.

“My pastor foot the bill for me to record,” she said. “I recorded it in Denver. I think it took about two hours to make.”

She said her back-up musicians were actually pre-recorded songs, of which she simply sang to in the studio. “I think we pressed 500 copies of the record.”

Standard issue gospel here, but Velma gets to use her country chops on at least one song, "It Made News in Heaven."

The picture on the front cover of what was to be titled Mercy, Love and Praise, was taken at her church.

"The picture on the back was done in a studio,” she said.

Velma gave up singing to care for her husband, who has been ill for the past 12 years. She currently resides in Pueblo. “It was always on my bucket list to record an album,” she said. “And I did.”