Spotlights-Ledbetter's-Randy Sparks
Ok... so to get to the good stuff first, John Denver played bass for me. Yep... little ole' me...
Let me go back a bit. In the 60's, as most of you know, I was a Folk Music person. That one phrase doesn't begin to sum up all that happened during those years, but it will have to do in this mostly G rated blog. Some of you know more, but the rest of you ain't gonna hear it here...
There was this club on Westwood Boulevard in West Los Angeles called Ledbetter's. It was started by Randy Sparks, a name unknown to many of you, but a huge persona at the time. He was the founder of the New Christy Minstrels. They were a group of 'modern' folk singers who sang many of his songs. Ledbetter's was started to keep a smaller group or groups 'trained' in the music to be able to fill in for any member who left the group. Some of the groups became quite well known on their own. He had an old truck on the roof (purpose unknown other than to mark the spot), and I have the jacket (see above).
So... It was a place to go and hear some really good music and, on some nights, to be able to sing. Remember "hootenanny's"?
I was one of those people on occasion. I had a fair voice, and occasionally piqued Randy's interest, although he really thought I might make a better comedian (I can't imagine why) at one time wishing to team me up with George McKelvey (again, unknown to most of you).
So.. one night as I was singing, John got up and played bass, and I think someone else also got up to either sing with me or play back up. John Denver was a casual acquaintance and one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was still married to Annie and was just a doll. One spotlight.
There were many spotlights during the years I spent hanging out at that magical place. I met some really great musicians and watched some go on to great fame. I learned that I didn't have the drive to do it myself, which was a terrific lesson.
I even made a fake Tiffany "EXIT" sign for Randy when he sold the place, having forgotten that it was in place during the sale. As you know, I'm quite clever...
The Back Porch Majority was one of the groups that sprang from the club.. the picture was taken on the roof where the old truck was lodged for a long time.
I could give you a list of some of the names, but that might be 'telling'..
let's just say
John Denver played Bass for me one night...
posted by mizmarilyn @ 9:15 PM
24 Comments:
I went to Ledbetters every week-end when I was a teenager. I knew some of the Back Porch Majority, especially Kin Vassey. What a sweetheart. I did meet John Denver once. I agree, a nice guy. Those were the days.
I loved going to Ledbetter's in Westwood in the late 60's. Saw Kenny Rogers, Hoyt Axton, I could swear James Taylor played there too....so many others, but I can't fail to mention Steve Martin. He was the host several times and honed his comedic skills, plus dazzled with his banjo playing.
Oh yes, Steve Martin. He was/is so funny. I loved it when he was here. Remember the "Live Bouncing Baby Rabbit"? lol Kenny Rogers had just left when I started going. I wonder if I ever met You? Did you work there with your Mother?
I was there too....and the Mecca ...and the troubadour..and the whiskey and the golden bear...and sid's blue beat.
I
Were you related to or married to Larry Hickman?
Wow - What memories. I was working with a classic blond, Donna Curry/Burrow. We met at a hootenanny and started as HE&SHE. Played at Ledbetter's off an on for 6 months. She was a micro-biologist at UCLA and I was working at Douglas Aircraft down the street on Ocean Park Blvd. Loved playing and lasted 6 months. Decided that being a lawyer had a greater future. Did run into Randy several years later at Bear Valley ski resort on the west side of the sierra's. He had a small group and was playing in the bar. Once we got over "what ever happened to...." we spent most of the rest of the night catching up on people like Dan Murray from the Back Porch and Chris Hillman both of whom I knew from his days in San Diego. What fond memories....
Used to go all the time- John was a wonderful man- used to go to Norma for early brekkie sometimes after the club closed- the New Christie’s were fun- so glad this is part of my history- fantastic time- and don’t forget the Troub❤️
Enjoyed performing at Ledbetter's as well...it was a terrific club.
I worked at Ledbetter's in 1968. My neighbor in Highland Park known as 'Sandiford' told stories between musical performances, anyway, he got me the gig there. Hoyt Axton was a 'regular'. Also, remember Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, and tho' I didn't know who he was several years b/f he got a record contract with David Geffen, I got stoned with Jackson Browne in the trailer in the parking lot which was the dressing room for performers. -- As I say, I didn't know him at all then but years later my friend from high school who was with me that night in JB's dressing room, he asked me years later if I remember getting stoned with JB -- but no I didn't remember, but finally the penny dropped. Still years later after that I met JB again at the Gibson Guitar Center in Beverly Hills at an event and I asked him if he remembered peeking out the trailer door when my friend had just got there direct from TJ with some 'contraband', and we were puffing a doobie and JB asked us if we would like to share it with him. -- He thought about it and then nodded affirmatively.
I started going to Ledbetters in 1963 or 1964. I was still in High School at the time. I often joined in with the "cast" after closing, to go have breakfast at Gomies Coffee Shop on Pico Blvd in WLA. Great times. I especially loved the Back Porch Majority. Wish I could go back, if for just on Night. The "Times Square Two" were the second act (Before John Denver)_They were great. They did an act where they would hold one Guitar, dance around it, and each one switched between strumming and fingering. They did the shimmy while they circled the guitar, and they sang "Wish I could shimmy like my sister Kate". Really funny. Of course, when John Denver arrived (Probably mid 1964),that was it. He was the very best. And he played his 18 string guitar better than anyone I've ever seen since. The fact that he had a great singing voice was a plus, but he could have found success as just a guitar performer... he was that good. Great times.
A question: I just watched a DVD of an old 1-season TV show starring John Gavin called "Destry", based loosely on the Max Brand book and the Jimmy Stewart film. The fine and fun theme song is listed as being by Randy Sparks (also listed as writers) and the Ledbetters. I assume that this was a pick up bunch from Ledbetter's? Do you have any knowledge of this?
Here's the theme in case anyone's curious about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saryJ7Zj4UM
Went to Ledbetters in 60s. Graduated Samohi 1959. But in mid 50s as a 14yo kid, on corner on Westwood Bl. and Pico, I sold a Christmas tree to Debbie Reynolds and her very small daughter Carrie Fisher. Uncle Charlie's Xmas tree lot, which became a Macy's store. Many great memories of LA B4 freeways.
Boy did your article bring back memories. I flunked out of Kent State in Ohio in '64 and with a buddy hopped in my '55 Dodge and headed for California. We ended up in Santa Monica and got an apartment at the Pico Lanai on Pico Blvd. and a job in a plastics factory on W. Exposition in W. LA working midnights. I don't remember how we found Ledbetter's but my buddy Dave used to play a Gibson and I enjoyed folk music so it was a perfect match. We probably went there 3 times a week for about six months (then we both got drafted). My friend as I recall even corralled Randy into teaching him a few chords. One other bit of trivia. We were there one night when John Denver was the back up to the Back Porch Majority (Hi, I'm John Denver from Cowtown Texas). Also sat next to Tim Conway one night. I've rambled on too long. Thanks again for the memories. Dennis
I loved going to Ledbetter's most Saturday nights. Great atmosphere, good people. Loved seeing Kenny Roger's & the First Edition, Hoyt Axton, James Taylor. Met Steve Martin one night...he was the MC, did some stand up between acts, played the banjo. Nice man. I had many a wonderful evening at Ledbetter's.
Randy is still around at 88, not moving as fast but is still going, and making plans for an uncertain future, hes kind of amazing
I played Ledbetters Folk Club many times in the 1960s in a duet “Richard & Jim” (Richard Lockmiller and Jim Connor out of Gadsden High School in Alabama)There we met John Denver & tons of other pickers & singers of the Folk era. A few years later Denver heard me sing a tune l wrote about my Grandmother , and my 9 cousins that l grew up with in Birmingham Ala. , entitled “Grandmas Feather Bed”. ln 1974 John finally recorded my song on his multii- platinum Album BACK HOME AGAIN and my song became a Multi-National Hit and l was able to supplement my lifestyle with the royalties for decades; Thank you John Denver and thank you Randy Sparks for creating “LEDBETTERS” Club. Praise the Good Lord for that Club and for Denver’s brilliant Career. Sparks (and Denver too , helped out a lot of pickers and grinners! Bless ‘em All!
I remember Steve Martin sticking his tongue through a napkin. It was always funny but I can’t remember what joke or story he told while doing it!
Here we are 25 years after John Denver’s passing and l’ll be introducing John’s Memorial Tribute Show at Wheeler Auditorium in Aspen on Sat. Oct. 8,2022 featuring Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon and Me. We welcome everyone. Also on Fri. The 7th there’s a Show at the Wheeler featuring a variety of Denver Tribute Artists. I am about the last living Denver orig’ Band member and composer for him (he recorded my hit song “GRANDMAS FEATHER BED” in 1974 on his BACK HOME AGAIN Album.) Bless you John!
We hope to see you All in Aspen this 25th Anniversary year , the Ist week in Oct.
Cheers Blessings & Prayers to all you fans & pickers- lol, Jim Connor
I went to Ledbetter's almost every Friday night with my then-boyfriend when I was going to UCLA 1964-6. The New Christy Minstrels (with Barry McGuire) was absolutely great, and even better after Kenny Rogers joined then as a regular). The Back Porch Majority were so talented and fun. But John Denver was the best! He was so sunny and charismatic, engaging the audience and often having us sing along. Of course, those were the Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement days, so he sang folk music and protest songs, mostly written by others, but he shared his own songs when he felt they were nearly finished. He often told us stories about how the songs came into being. Some made us laugh and others brought tears to my eyes. I don't remember if Denver sang "Stop, Hey, What's that Sound" by Buffalo Springfield but I'm sure I first heard it at Ledbetter's. I know John sang "The Bells of Rhymney" by Pete Seeger about miners in Wales and told us how he was trying to make the different bells speak with his guitar. Wow! That was moving! Ledbetter's was tiny (does anyone know what the capacity was?). I know we crammed in, mostly college couples or friends sitting around little tables where we could put our soft drinks almost right up to the shallow stage in front of the brick wall. He is still my favorite singer....such a beautiful spirit and man. I wish I could be in Aspen for the Tribute Show this year, Jim! I'd love to meet you!
I went to see Ledbetter's yesterday--despite what I saw posted online, Ledbetter's has been closed for a very long time; in its place now is a Chinese restaurant run by a very nice family... bummer that it's gone...
The reason I’m on this thread is I’m listening to Steve Martin’s audio book ‘something ??? standing’, He mentions Lebetter’s fondly. i never got the chance myself. - moved there for 8 months beginning Sept 1979. i suspect Ledbetter’s was no longer there. When did they disappear?
I grew up in San Diego, in the early 70s there was a club named Ledbetters on El Cajon blvd that had acts of that era. I saw cheech and Chong there. Tragically it burnt down. Was wondering if there is any connection to the Ledbetters in LA?
Loved going to Ledbetter's with my then boyfriend, Bob, as a young teenager of 16. Years later, as a young 20-year-old, married with a year old kid, Patrick, my husband at the time and I went to a New Year's Eve party in Santa Fe, NM. When we arrived, we were introduced to a guy named Steve, who lived in the adjoining half of the duplex where the party was. He looked familiar to me, and after a moment I recognized him as someone I had seen at Ledbetter's. I said, "Didn't I see you at Ledbetter's? You told that joke - "For my next number: Seven". With a red face of embarrassment, he acknowledged that he was. Later on that night, he and my ex-husband entertained us with an impromptu jam. Steve with his banjo and my ex with his guitar. It was December 31,1970, before Steve Martin's name was as well-known as it is today.
Post a Comment
<< Home