As there is currently a thread extolling the virtues of instrumentals, thought I'd put up a thread about Googie Rene.
Most well known on the scene for his big mod outing "Smokey Joe's La La" from the mid 60's, Googie was involved in the music biz from an early age.
His father was Leon Rene who was writing hit songs by 1940. Leon (& his brother Otis) set up Exclusive & Excelsior Records in the 1940's. By the 1950's, it was the turn of his Class Record label and Googie (Rafael Rene) was soon recording for the inking (1956). Googie was recording by 1956 and was enjoying sales success before the end of the decade. Other guys that Googie got to meet through his father & Class Records were the likes of Bobby Day (the 1st Bob in 'Bob & Earl' + Barry White who's 1st experience of a recording session was on a Class track). Down the years, Googie had releases on Class, Kapp & New Bag + the resurrection of his 1st label in the 1970's as 'Class of 74' Records. As well as being involved with outfits such as R.A.I.D. & Googies Junk Band, he worked with the likes of Starborn in 1973.
His father passed away in 1982 and by then Googie had moved on with his career. Googie himself left this world on November 25th 2007 .......... a bit about him ...........
As there is currently a thread extolling the virtues of instrumentals, thought I'd put up a thread about Googie Rene.
Most well known on the scene for his big mod outing "Smokey Joe's La La" from the mid 60's, Googie was involved in the music biz from an early age.
His father was Leon Rene who was writing hit songs by 1940. Leon (& his brother Otis) set up Exclusive & Excelsior Records in the 1940's. By the 1950's, it was the turn of his Class Record label and Googie (Rafael Rene) was soon recording for the inking (1956). Googie was recording by 1956 and was enjoying sales success before the end of the decade. Other guys that Googie got to meet through his father & Class Records were the likes of Bobby Day (the 1st Bob in 'Bob & Earl' + Barry White who's 1st experience of a recording session was on a Class track). Down the years, Googie had releases on Class, Kapp & New Bag + the resurrection of his 1st label in the 1970's as 'Class of 74' Records. As well as being involved with outfits such as R.A.I.D. & Googies Junk Band, he worked with the likes of Starborn in 1973.
His father passed away in 1982 and by then Googie had moved on with his career. Googie himself left this world on November 25th 2007 .......... a bit about him ...........
He may be gone, but he's not forgotten .....
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