#33 - Russ Giguere of The Association Interview: on Windy being in Breaking Bad

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[@thetomcridland]

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[@suneyeintuition4315]

I realize over five decades have passed since The Association were having hits, but as a new fan exploring all these clips for the first time, it's so strange to see Russ as an elderly gent when I've been watching video after video of him as a kid. Amazing how well those old performance videos can capture a moment in time. They really keep the younger versions of the guys alive in our minds and hearts.

[@randyfx]

I recommend reading Russ’ memoir or listening to the audiobook

[@burlingtonbill1]

@@randyfx Yes, I second that idea. Great book!

[@brucekulickfan4206]

I couldn't imagine The Association without his voice.

[@mrb4886]

Love Russ and read your book, sir. Great. Didn't know your name was actually Rusty Gear... (Read the book folks!!) Great lead voice and great stage presence. No band like the Assoce......... Saw you so many times. One too Many mornings live at the Ice House re-union 1979 is about it for me. God _amn boy. :) You and the band are loved by so many that you don't even know how many. Hey all. Get Russ' book. If you are a fan it is what you are waiting for. Take care Russ!! Mark

[@theshameofthesun]

Russ really did some complex songs as Terry, its really humbling, Russ sang so beautiful unaccented You

[@shahn9916]

Aww this interview is so precious. How is your health these days Russ? I did not know several band members have passed. Always enjoyed your band and the wonderful harmonies. Thanks for giving us such great music like so many others from the special 60's

[@marcbrock369]

Always loved Russ and still do ;)

[@Flibbybibby]

It makes sense that Windy was such a big song in Chicago considering Chicago gave us New Colony Six and The Cryan' Shames which are two really great harmony bands with a definite Association influence.

[@lawrenceanthony5805]

Good observation. Let me add that may be why Chicago is known as the Windy city.

[@tinydancer62]

Both the New Colony Six and the Cryan Shames are excellent bands. I love Chicago, what a great place.

[@tonyleach3061]

I Enjoyed this fascinating interview and have enjoyed immensely reading Russ's book on the Association. Some real insights into the life and times of what I consider to be one of the best ever music bands of the sixties. I cannot ever forget that magical day in July 1967 when I first heard The Association performing "Windy" from the then Radio 270 pirate station based in Scarborough. I then was instantly turned on by the music of the Association and became even more captivated by the sound of the band when I purchased "Insight Out" in the summer of 1967. I will always treasure those special musical memories. Thanks for sharing this video!!

[@martinriches2542]

I couldn't agree more with what you say, Tony. It is nice to know that a few others on this side of 'the pond' were listening to the Association. I think Kenny Everett on Radio London introduced me to those wonderful harmonies. I also count The Association as one of the great American bands of the mid 60s along with The Byrds, the Beach Boys and the Spoonful. What an interesting interview. They all seem to be such genuinely nice people.

[@robinbee7799]

Great interview!! Love Russ!!

[@theshameofthesun]

Windy , such a ground breaker, you hear the ladys

[@billfake6256]

What an awesome interview!!! Great questions asked by this young man and its great to see Russ doing so well...I always liked when he performed 'Looking Glass" on the Andy Williams show...A band that had so many big hits because they had the gifted singers,musicians and producers throughout the bands history...Interviews like this are priceless because now this it recorded and saved and now can be watched anytime...a priceless moment captured by a great interviewer with a great recording artist...a job well done!!

[@celestejaworski3124]

He had such a awesome voice ,the group association were takented musicians singers i wish i would of seen them live years ago,ive watched their old videos,loved the songs

[@rickmontgomery3037]

Wow great interview and also excellent questions asked by the interviewer!

[@nomoreturningaway1459]

Man! Could he sing!

[@laurastephenson2516]

i heard Terry say why they turned down Mc Arthur Park. If i heared it right it was that they were near their allotted time allowed in the studio foe a recording session which is forty days. They were in day 37. MP is a contata which would have take more than 3 days.

[@laurastephenson2516]

I read your book. You said no singles or stage performances came off the last two albums. I have one thing to say. P.F.Sloan should have. My name is Billy . This is my wife's account. Also I am the truck driver who nearly ran over Jules in Zanesville Ohio ,and played Windy on the recorder for you all in Tunica Mississippi.

[@tantraman10]

@@laurastephenson2516 PF Sloan and Along the Way ( off of Stop Your Motor) got radio airplay and "Come the Fall" and "Names, Tags, Numbers, and Labels" off of "Waterbeds in Trinidad" ALSO got airplay. I heard all of these on the airwaves when walking on the campus of Ohio University in the early 70s!!

[@nomoreturningaway1459]

@@tantraman10 Yeah they played those in Alabama on the radio, so ...

[@mrb4886]

@@tantraman10 Names.Tags was a 45 only. Thanks

[@tantraman10]

@@mrb4886 Agreed initially, and I had "Waterbeds". However, there was a Japanese Import that did include Names, Tags. It's all academic though since ANY version of Waterbeds is WAY too expensive!!

[@edwardbliss8931]

I would've asked him why The Association turned down MacArthur Park, which became an iconic hit for Richard Harris. What a big mistake that was.

[@inlandonline]

Richard Harris later said that MacArthur Park was a spoof song on the psychedelic and Pseudo Psychedelic lyrics of the mid 1960s, like Red Rubber Ball, and Incense And Peppermints.

[@Jerome14712]

If they had added a song as lengthy as MacArthur Park they may of had to drop 2 to 3 of their own compositions from their album. The Association were as generous at sharing their vocals as they were with sharing the writing chores on their songs.

[@faschuck]

The thing that ‘gets’ me the most about Russ’s singing is his natural vibrato. Absolutely nothing else like it! It’s because of this that it’s too close to call where my favorite Association member is concerned (Russ and his singing; Brian and his irreverent sense of his humor plus his bass-playing chops; Larry with his equally irreverent sense of humor plus his ability to adapt to any musical situation with the greatest of ease; Jules’ own singing voice plus his lead guitar chops)…

[@Christopher-hx6xm]

He is the guy with the tamberine,singer

[@555huck]

A shame something that is important as music history is not taken seriously enough to make sure the sound is quality..

[@eloypixels8662]

Russ, is the Assocoation's core ... is sad he's walking ....

[@larryshaver3568]

Chicago IS an amazing city Russ is right

[@tinydancer62]

It IS. Love Chicago.

[@partymonsterri]

Where was this done, Tom?

[@dennisotero1034]

Let Russ Giguere know the words of Windy Were wrtten by an 11 yr old kid At Governors Island back in the spring of 1966. Then it ended up in the hands of the girl that put music to the words And let her know she did good and the True Creator knows truth. She not know that. They gave it to her. And she worked on it.

[@Ididntaskforahandleyoutube]

I'm sorry but that's hard to believe. I'm not saying it's impossible but those are incredibly complex lyrics. Cheers

[@lasergirlnm]

Sound is lousy.

[@daveyvane9431]

If ever a guys talking voice did not sound like a singer…

[@davem9572]

Sounds like he may have had a stroke at sometime