Background
The group was formed in 1964 when Bill Justis (best known for his hit "Raunchy") became their producer and manager. They went into the studio and recorded a dozen songs primarily written by group member John "Bucky" Wilkin, who was the son of noted country music writer, Marijohn Wilkin. These were interspersed with several covers of surfing/car songs by artists such as Chuck Berry and Jan and Dean. The album and three singles all charted on US Billboard magazine charts. In 1989, vocalist/guitarist Alex Chilton of the 1960s era group The Box Tops, released a cover of "G.T.O." on his EP Black List.[2]
Track listing
- "California Bound" (John "Bucky" Wilkin) – 2:14
- "Antique '32 Studebaker Dictator Coupe" (Jerry Dean Smith) – 2:05
- "Hot Rod Baby" (Smith) – 2:02
- "Little Rail Job" (Wilkin) – 2:19
- "Hey Little Girl" (Wilkin) – 2:16
- "Bucket "T”" (Don Atfled, Jan Berry, Roger Christian, Dean Torrence) – 2:37
- "GTO" (Wilkin) – 2:30
- "The Little Sting Ray That Could" (Wayne Moss, Bobby Russell, Bergen White, Neil Wilburn) – 2:07
- "Surfin' in the Summertime" (Wilkin) – 1:50
- "Back in the U.S.A." (Chuck Berry) – 2:16
- "Hot Rod City" (Bill Justis, Wilkin) – 2:05
- "Little Scrambler" (Wilkin) – 1:49
Personnel
Ronny and the Daytonas
- John "Bucky" Wilkin (aka Ronny) – vocals, guitar
- Paul Jensen – guitar, vocals
- Lee Kraft – guitar
- Thomas Ramey – bass, guitar
- Lynn Williams – drums
These were the Daytonas at the time of the recording, although many session musicians were also used. The touring band changed members frequently.[3]
Technical
- Bill Justis – producer
- Win Bruder – cover design
- Buck Wilkin – photography
Charts
Album – Billboard (North America)
Singles
Year |
Single |
Billboard Hot 100[5] |
1964 |
"GTO" |
4 |
1964 |
"Bucket "T"" |
54 |
1964 |
"California Bound" |
74 |