King Harvest : Wichita Lineman / By The Time I Get To Phoenix

A classic single from 1971 by King Harvest, featuring singer Leo De Castro.
"Leo de Castro (born c.1948 Kiwi Leo de Castro Kino, Benneydale, New Zealand) is a funk and soul singer-guitarist. From 1969 to 1995 he worked in Australia in a variety of bands before returning to Auckland. He has contributed to Rocco (1976), as a member of Johnny Rocco Band; Voodoo Soul - Live at The Basement (October 1987), by Leo de Castro and Friends; a live album, Long White Clouds (2007), which had been recorded in January 1988 using two separate backing bands, The Dancehall Racketeers and Roger Janes Band.
De Castro's vocals feature on the singles, "Wichita Lineman" (January 1971) by King Harvest, "Heading in the Right Direction" (August 1975) by Johnny Rocco Band, "Suspicious Minds" (June 1979) by Leo de Castro and Babylon. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, described him as a "permanent fixture of the pub/concert/festival circuit and was praised for his vocal abilities" as "one of the best soul singers working in Australia" during the 1970s. By 2008 de Castro was performing in a Tasmanian pub band, and periodically he returned to New Zealand.
"In September 1970 de Castro, on vocals and guitar, formed King Harvest as a progressive rock group with Jimmy Doyle on guitar (Silhouettes, Aesop's Fables, Moonstone), Mark Kennedy on drums (Spectrum), Duncan McGuire on bass guitar (Phantoms, Epics, Questions, Doug Parkinson in Focus, Rush) and Steve Yates on keyboards (Rush, Expression). Billy Green on guitar (Doug Parkinson in Focus) replaced Doyle; Green, in turn, was replaced by MacKenzie, and then by Ray Oliver (The Light). In January 1971 King Harvest issued a cover version of "Wichita Lineman", which peaked at No. 35 on Go-Set's National Top 60. The producer was Ian "Molly" Meldrum, a Go-Set journalist; and the single was issued by RCA. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, felt their version of "Wichita Lineman" was an "enthralling arrangement ... highlighted by De Castro's soulful vocals and Green's haunting wah wah guitar lines."
More details at en.wikipedia.o...
This song also appears on a 2018 Aztec Records Leo De Castro compilation

[@michaelpound5156]

King Harvest played at Spectre in Mt Waverley, at a hall in the high school. Slightly more than 50 years ago. Dark with strobey lights, a Saturday night from memory. Train from Syndal to Mt Waverley. Teenage pre loading with some beers. King Harvest was a highlight. And this was a standout.

[@mikebrown7269]

This is truly awesome, one of the very best singers in the Southern Hemisphere. Leo would climb in our front window in the Cross at four or five in the morning after work, we'd 'yak' over a few beers and laugh, always laughing. RIP my friend, miss you.

[@jordanwilliamson3902]

This was the first song i remeber hearing when i walked into my local pub. Wading through the cloud of smoke. The smell of vinegar doused on fish and chips and that sticky beae soaked rug at the bar..

[@johnosborne2989]

Amazing artist Amazing rendition of this classic song. What a powerful voice, loved this song for many years I'm 69.

[@philipnye8379]

Just how many times did I witness Leo and his band in Melbourne in the 70's? What a fabulous singer. He played Latrobe uni a number of times as well as Sebastians and many other places. He exploded onto the music scene and disappeared not long after - a shame really. Didn't record a whole lot. Apparently still singing a bit in New Zealand. A great icon of the time.

[@annaforehan7784]

Sadly, Leo returned to New Zealand, and died there just last month. What a fabulous voice.

[@howardrowan1871]

Saw him a long long time ago..This was my favourite of his though its Glen Campbell's.Brilliant singer..

[@alanthorne3921]

Had the joy to play a small gig with Leo a few years back.Small man BIG voice.Love this.So much soul in his voice.R.I.P

[@tonyfalkiner4644]

Your on the wings of a dove Mr De Castro. R. I. P

[@Glenn-e6c]

Fantastic

[@larryredmond5191]

Good gods of musicians..... Lay me down to this in my day.

[@suzitsoukas4821]

Absolutely brilliant, takes me back 50 gazillion years ❤️

[@johnhguitar]

I met this guy in Hobart in the mid 80s. He was fantastic! What an entertainer! ***** 5 stars!

[@kimharper1411]

I only saw them once circa 1970 or 71 at Sebastians in Melb which along with Berties in Spring St were great music venues and as they were both unlicensed you could get in as a kid. This song and performance has always stayed with me. I think perhaps the video is courtesy of GTK.

[@Johnnralph]

Rip : Leo de Castro (c1984 - 4 March 2019)

[@xaj1543]

Johnnralph Why haven’t you fixed the dates, he was born in 1948, obviously not 1984. Also, he died on the 3rd of March not 4th.

[@juliannbidmead1930]

The greatest vocalist in history.

[@petert8507]

Always liked this song, always loved Leo’s voice. Great version, brings back lots of great memories.

[@mozdickson]

Whaaatt!!! I'm old how did I never hear this...what a TALENT. Aue, moe mai Ra Leo.

[@mohakalum2507]

Rest in Love Uncle Kiwi

[@lowe-quay-shush]

A really great version of Wichita Lineman. Another good one that's worlds apart is Glenn Gregory's/Heaven 17.

[@cherylmorris4277]

Beautiful Mr de Castro

[@edgarbolton1192]

an amazing sound

[@11calman]

I was in a rock group in Perth/Kalgoorlie, 1969, 1973 "Acid Road" Our singer was a Maori guy called "Vic Pittaroi" Amazing head of hair, Often got mistaken for Leo De Castro (I tried to put a pic' up, but can't),,, Gib

[@DarrenAllen1969]

R.I.P Leo.

[@debralearyan8844]

❤💫

[@user-us4dj9tv7j]

Nobody sings Wichita like him. He could just have one word Wichita and sing the shit out of that word.

[@wayneelliott7011]

Not Mark Kennedy in the Clip. Kevin Murphy on Drums. Green & McQuire had also left by the time of the Video.

[@barbarapotter8698]

ahhhhhh.....

[@michelleheadlam]

Knew Leo, cool guy.

[@isaakgarcia719]

Isaak Garcia was here SV

[@rodquick2375]

A better voice would be hard to find RIP

[@coochiebluz1]

awesome voice. who is the guitarist?

[@johnwilliamsdoubleshotofbl5034]

Hi Lindsay.....just saw this question.....it was me in the clip.... John Williams....ex Larry's Rebels NZ....check out wwwbluespromotionsbands.com

[@wayneelliott7011]

@@johnwilliamsdoubleshotofbl5034 Hi John, it was Billy Green on the Record?

[@wayneelliott7011]

@@johnwilliamsdoubleshotofbl5034 You played on Jumping Jack Flash single?