History of the NEW COLONY SIX |

[@GE.1962]

"Things I'd Like To Say" is a masterpiece.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Did you know that was actually the "B" side of that single? True! If you have the single, take a listen...

[@GE.1962]

@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Hi Ray! No, I had no idea! It's a great rocker. I just cranked it on my stereo..lol. Still have two original Mercury releases, one got so worn out, I bought another. TILTS, is such a unique song, that sweet heat that you hear as the song start is amazing. The piano "coda" at the end could have been used to segue in to a whole new song, sorta like EJ did on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Ray, gigs come and go but history is forever and your legacy is just that.Great job!!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@GE.1962 Many thanks for your interest AND super kind words... A more complete story in return = WLS SuperJock DJ, Larry Lujack, came onto our restored Greyhound bus after a gig he emceed and we headlined & told us we were pushing the wrong side of the record. We took that to management; they told the station to flip "Come & Give Your Love To Me" (which was at #8 & climbing at KLEM, a station in Iowa - I have a copy of that chart) and TILTS became the massive hit that could have never been heard other than by buyers of 45s who listened to the then "B" side or caught it on an album!

[@oldsoulshow]

I have loved "Things I'd Like To Say" since I first heard it a kid. Still a top ten fave. It has been on every cassette, CD, and playlist since then.

[@CarolShook-yg9nn]

It's a beautiful song one of my favorites ❤

[@ijeff2005]

I also have fond memories of the New Colony Six via my older sister who bought a lot of their music back in the day. Their popularity in Chicago spread all the way to central Wisconsin. It wasn't until many years later that I found out they were much bigger regionally than they were nationally. No internet or social media to spread information back in those days. There are many other bands I grew up with that charted locally and had a lot of radio airplay that never had national hits. Another one of my favorites was The Robbs.

[@MOEMENTUMBAND]

Thank you for this show. The New Colony Six a great band!.

[@paulm4537]

Thanks so much for the history of NC6. Grew up in the 60's in Chicago so very familiar with their music and have several albums and CD'S of theirs. They actually had more singles chart on WLS top 40 than any other Chicago band from 1967 to 71 until the group Chicago came along later in the decade. One note is they are still performing with Ray and Ronnie several times a year in "Cornerstones of rock" concert with several other Chicago 60's Bands.

[@Jukebox45s]

Great that you covered a band that has one of my top 10 favorite songs from the 60s. "Things I'd Like To Say" is my favorite ballad of the 60s. "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys is my second favorite.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

That is high praise positioning it over God Only Knows!

[@Jukebox45s]

@@popgoesthe60s52 - The bridge was the tiebreaker. While "God Only Knows" is a bit clunky, the NC6 song advances into a tender passage that is as melodic and memorable as the rest of the song.

[@dodgeboy8022]

Its so hard to pick a best ballad by the band. In the 60's I would have chosen 'Barbara I Love You," but today I cannot pick a fave.

[@a.j.mercurio1238]

I Will Always Think About You was a song that came out in 68 that fit many who were off to war in Viet Nam. Thinking of the loves they left in the US. Loved the tune.

[@HemiVic]

Nice Documentary! Very well done! …….. Vic Bannon “Chicago Gold” 104.7 WCFL “Super CFL” 1990-92.

[@burlingtonbill1]

Great story about Larry Lujack flipping the 45 over and "creating" the 2nd big hit for the NC6! Even though I grew up in Omaha, the "Big 89" became my go-to station --- at least at night, from 1967-70.

[@martinmarron3798]

Wow that's awesome 👍✨☮️ All the albums I have it they were great 💯👍

[@shellymars9961]

I grew up in the Chicago area in the 60's (my father even worked at WLS). I remember the New Colony Six very well. I was in a teenage band that played many of their songs at sock hops in the area. Thank you so much for shining a well-deserved spotlight on this very under-appreciated band! :)

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hello Shelly, I am very happy to shed some light on this band. I am from Milwaukee and they had an excellent reputation north of the border. 🙂

[@dodgeboy8022]

What was you band's name? LOVED WLS and WCFL! What is your father's name if I may ask? I am friends with Ron Riley still.

[@shellymars9961]

@@dodgeboy8022 My band's name was called "The Up Group." We played around the Woodstock-McHenry-Crystal Lake area. (Our original name was "The Up" until we discovered that another band had already claimed that name. Two of us were in Junior High at the time (including me) and the other two band members were in High School. We never recorded. My father's name was Jack Shirra. He played bass in the house band for Don McNeill's Breakfast Club radio show. He also did a bit of recording session work in the 50's and 60's and filled in with the Chicago Symphony and the Rockford Symphony when their regular bassists were not available.

[@dodgeboy8022]

@@shellymars9961 That's great stuff, Shelly. Had not heard of that band, but sounds like they were well liked!

[@bruceross5546]

@@shellymars9961 were you familiar with the Lemon Drops, Buzzsaw, or the Nuchez?🙂✌️🎵

[@thomasrobinson182]

Matt, I'm hoping that if and when you get around to the Cryan Shames, you can get an interview with their chief songwriter, Jim Fairs. I know he was on Facebook some years back...major talent.

[@dodgeboy8022]

Would be interesting, as I have not had contact with James for years, while JC Hooke and Tom Doody and Dave Carter and Al Dawson are all in contact usually.

[@feber16]

I loved the Cryan Shames and still do - have their 3 albums. It was surprising to me that they didn’t hit it much bigger nationally. Such great harmonies.

[@hollywoodjoe123]

THANK YOU for remembering THE NEW COLONY SIX - Yet another sort of "forgotten" band of the Sixties -

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Still at it, albeit diminished numbers of opportunities to play - likely due to ever-diminishing numbers of potential ticket buyers - but where there's interest and a contract, NC6 remains alive but like you wrote, forgotten... sigh! 🥺

[@hollywoodjoe123]

@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Hello Ray Graffia Junior Where are you these days and nights ? - - from Joe Nania a.k.a Hollywood Joe

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@hollywoodjoe123 Well, Joe, I spend a lot of time on the computer if there are no outside things to do, places to go, people to see, rehearsals, etc. Phone calls, exercise, driving here or there, outside physical tasks and the like but most hours of most days are here at my desk! Not very exciting but with little to zero interest in anyone my age for a job in the "real world" - regardless of qualifications, alternatives are quite limited, so complaining being pointless, one might as well smile and chat with folks like yourself online! 😉

[@eveszokolai8939]

Things I'd Like To Say was in heavy rotation on WCFL and WLS in Chicago over the winter of 1968-69. I wasnt much of a fan of syrupy love songs like this, being only 11 years old at the time and into the far more exciting pop psychedelia. But the production was as smooth and singing as good as anything by Association, which of course is high praise.Thanks for unearthing NC6.

[@dodgeboy8022]

It sure helped that it was winter, as WLS boomed throughout the country on AM in wintertime, so we all heard these songs much more than had they been played on WLS in summer.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

The Association actually came into Chicago when we were producing "Barbara, I Love You", a later single... AND we did gigs together, which was not extraordinary BUT they came to the studio when we were doing some new tunes AND are on that track singing with us in the backing harmonies - little known bit of NC6 history I thought you might enjoy knowing, eveszokolai8939!

[@thomasrobinson182]

I love bands from the Midwest, especially the Chicago area, where I grew up. Thank you, Matt.

[@marymcdonald7810]

I grew up in Chicago. Saw them many times and they were very popular.

[@thepurpleufo]

I am totally amazed by this history of the New Colony Six you have put together. You have done a fantastic job with this. For me, some of their hits around 1967 and 1968 are some of the greatest songs of all time...and I have always wondered about the group, what kind of guys they were, whatever happened to them...and you have answered so many of my questions. The New Colony Six may not have been one of the greatest bands of all time, but some of their songs rank right up with some of the greatest *songs* of all time. Thanks so much for all the work you put into this. Fantastic!!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure. Thank you for the comments!

[@patriciabanks899]

Great presentation. Grew up with The New Colony 6

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, I have always had a soft spot for them.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Me too... 😉

[@StillRockinat71]

My band… The Field of Content, opened for them in the 60’s, at the Indiana, PA, “Red Rooster”. They were great! Sounded just like their recordings… which didn’t always happen with groups we opened for, back then.

[@ellisclarkstudios9797]

Just met Ronnie & Ray at a record show in the Chicago area. So I was able to purchase a copy of Revelations there on vinyl and they signed it. They were both very nice talkative guys. Got home put Revelations on the turntable and found out it’s a great album. When the next Chicago land record show comes up in July, I’m going to look for the other Albums and try to add those to my collection. Good informative Pop Goes The 60’s. Thanks Matt!

[@stevedeno7740]

The NC6 always seemed to have a great song on WLS or WCFL while growing up in Mt. Prospect IL. You’re right - that Rhino comp is TERRIFIC!!!

[@dodgeboy8022]

They were seldom off the CHICAGO charts in their 10 year run.

[@naoh4000]

Matt, this is where you excel--you take a band that I've vaguely heard of, do a complete analysis focusing on the music, and convince me to check them out in more detail. Keep up the great work!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for telling me that! That is the purpose of this channel.

[@dodgeboy8022]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Indeed I agree. SO many songs by the NC6 get overlooked and you played the obscure which are just as great.

[@amandagerrish5892]

I was only slightly familiar with New Colony Six -- mainly their early stuff. I didn't appreciate how much they matured as musicians and composers in the late-60s/early-70s. I agree, "Close Your Eyes Little Girl" is a great song. Thanks!

[@antoniodalfonso]

thank you, matt, for introducing me to this Chicago band! fine job, as always!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Antonio!

[@christopherdavison652]

Once again, another masterful deep-dive into 60's pop history.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Christopher.

[@Flibbybibby]

To be fair all their ballads sounded like the association and that is why I loved them and the crying shames and all those other multi harmony pop bands of the 60s

[@lindareyna9688]

Love the history of the New Colony Six!!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Still performing... infrequently... but at 60 years this summer, not a bad run, right? Blessings!

[@SweetJungThang]

Thanks, this was great! Now do the Cryan Shames.

[@davidpost428]

Excellent review, sir. I learned a lot. Thank you for doing this.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

A great band I've never heard of. Thanks for the video.

[@kenreeve32]

Matt, this is a band I knew a bit, but didn't really know much about. Thanks for showcasing them!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Ken!

[@phylliselizahb1041]

This makes me miss creative am radio so much! A lotta Cleveland djs went to WCFL, & "Svengoolie," Jerry G, did evening dj on KYW when in Cle previously.

[@jonnuanez7183]

What a shame that they weren't bigger as I didn't hear a clunker in the bunch. I'm gonna check them out. Thanks for your effort here.

[@lauraweiss7875]

Hey! This was my suggestion (and other folks’ too, I’m sure). Such a great local Chicago music scene back in the day.

[@markcourson3151]

OMG, I'm 12 in '73 - Western PA. Late night my transistor radio would pick up WLS AM from Chicago and the DJ was Larry Lujack- he introduced me to rock n roll.

[@dodgeboy8022]

Larry Lujack and Ron Riley are my 2 alltime fave DJs, even tho both from a different approach.

[@kkarllwt]

50,000 watt WLS was the go to late night rock station. I think CFL was also 50k watt. From the lujack page on wickipedia, he did not work nights at LS

[@dodgeboy8022]

@@kkarllwt Lujack never worked nights on either station except 3 months in early 67 on CFL when he did overnight shift.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Regardless of his shift status, we owe Larry enormous thanks since he was the one who, on our tour bus after a gig we did with him... told us that our then single, "Come & Give Your Love To Me" had a "B" side monster hit so we should flip the record; we did so; that was "Things I'd Like To Say"!

[@BobBob-ff4ux]

The Premier Chicago Classic Rock band. First class versus Economy seating. Enuff said.

[@BradyDale04]

At The River’s Edge is a song I have on my Pro-to Punk Rock playlist it was also featured on the Rhino Nuggets Boxset great song!

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend Matt ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@michellecalling]

The Time of the Year Is Sunset is a very visual song for me. It reminds me of the times I spent on the beach at sunset. Everything's calm and relaxed.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Thank you, Michelle... 🙏

[@tsf5-productions]

Yep! One of the favorites of my generation, since I'm 73...it seems as though the Midwest U.S.A. had several rock/pop bands from "The Windy City" Chicago. I have their Great Hits in CD version I got 13 or so years ago. Literally all the written and sung tunes had "class" though, the album shown in this episode, I don't have. Maybe since The New Colony Six, along with The Buckinghams of Chicago, were among the favorites of the Midwest areas, I ought to get one or two of these albums. Of all the songs they produced..."Things I'd Like to Say" is my absolute favorite. I always since the tune's released, have one or two of my "love crushes" of that 60's era always on my mind. Yeah for "teenage love"! Seems like the greatest love of a girl (or guy, for the girls) just can't be ever forgotten!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

The Chicago bands have some great stuff, but their music, like the New Colony Six, speaks 'midwest.' I do plan a video on the Buckinghams as well, so stay tuned!

[@DanSPsych67]

Man!! As A Teenager N Wisconsin... I Sure D Remember Them!!! I Fact, Mr And My Buddies Would Trade Singles And That's Where I Heard " I Confess" Blew Me Away!!!!!!

[@dodgeboy8022]

@@popgoesthe60s52 I wrote the liner notes for 4 Cryan Shames and a Buckinghams CD as well as doing work on NC6, Shadows of Knight and other Chicago bands and I love all the Chicago sound!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@dodgeboy8022 Wow, impressive. Did you do the Sundazed Buckingham cds?

[@dodgeboy8022]

@@popgoesthe60s52 I did some work on the Sundazed but not liners. I did the Bucks and Am Breed liners for Varese Sarabande 30 years apart! I helped with Sundazed Bucks CDs but not liners.

[@garagespace1]

What a well researched and informative job you did Matt. I seen a lot of band histories on KZbin, but your presentation is the best I've seen. You are actually passionate about the bands and music that you cover and it shows! Well done. I hope in the future, you can do segments on some other Chicago groups like The Cryan' Shames, The American Breed and The Buckinghams.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I hope to get to those three bands - all need some attention!

[@MrKaywyn]

A wonderful video.

[@wayofthinkin]

Thank you Matt !!! This is the video that I have been waiting for ! I graduated high school in upstate New York in 1969. The N.C. Six was very popular in our region. They were excellent but time has not been kind to them. They could hold their own against any band of that time frame. Thank you so very much. I love your channel. I don't know how you do it , but don't stop till you cover every artist of the 60's. , Dean ( in Syracuse)

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Dean! I have a lot of work ahead of me, so stay tuned!

[@wayofthinkin]

No worries. I will. I look forward to every video of yours ! , Dean ( in Syracuse)

[@scottsodaro3556]

Growing up in the Chicago area, I remember hearing the New Colony Six on the radio, and just loving their sound. One day as I was listening to them on WLS, my older brother said, “You know, they’re from the Chicago area?” WHAT???? This was a game-changing revelation. It gave hope to every person who ever wondered if the average guy or girl on the street could make it big. I’m sure that was the spark that moved so many Chicagoland bands to push the envelope. They deserve a TON of credit. I am in a local band called, AMBIDEXTROUS, and we’ve been honored to have actually played with founding member/lead singer, Ray Graffia Jr. on several occasions. He still sounds fantastic. Check out some of our videos with Ray on KZbin.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

🤗

[@dodgeboy8022]

They are still playing too, just like the Ides of March and Cryan Shames!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks Scott, I'll check out some of your vids.

[@MrBSides]

I never wrote a thing here before, but I think now it's time. First of all, thank you for every single video you made. Now I'm diving deep and digging about the band's history. Groups that I like to mention: The New Colony Six: Start with Great Garage Rock, later broke in the big field with Great Ballad. Paul Revere & The Raiders: The Great *"Serious"* Outrageous Garage Rock Group. The Association: An underrated, underappreciated seven-man band. I always think what will it be if they could do all the instruments? The Turtles: Another underrated, underappreciated group that never got their due, especially their management. Jefferson Airplane: One of the Best Psychedelic Groups to Pop Up on This Planet. I would like to ask if you have some interest in "The American Breed"? Can they be on your band's history list too? I appreciate your time; your videos always make my day. Thank you.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Kind words fall short of my appreciation for your comment, MrBSides, and agree with your additional words on others from our era; thank you! If you ever get a chance to find the WTTW, Chicago's PBS station's broadcast, "Cornerstones of Rock - American Garage", you will find that "American Breed" was on that program along with NC6 and others. Pertinent since it was among the last performances Gary Loizzo did and I have a photo of GL, myself, our Ronnie Rice and also now deceased Jimy Sohns (Shadows of Knight) together during a break in the filming of the TV Special but cannot attach a photo here... sigh!

[@MrBSides]

@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Mister Ray! Nice to have a conversation with you here. I'd like to say sorry if my words are negative and make you feel bad, but I like to point out that it's not a negative review from me by any means. English isn't my mother tongue but all these years I'm learning more and more. Now it's just been four months that I've been taking a listen to many songs but I already love The New Colony Six. It's been the long road for sure, and I'm glad you all are still staying on this road. I'm looking forward to getting *Revelations* copy, can't wait to get it a spin and spread the magic. I appreciate your time.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@MrBSides Only sadness is as a result of lost "brothers" in music and definitely not for your words. Truly am pleased to see you take a liking to the work we did and if ever our paths cross you can then give me a live review of whatever brought us together at that time - likely a live show! I am and we all are and shall always be willing to listen to both the kudos and complaints as always way to make things better for the audiences - whether live or in our recordings!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate you commenting, Mr Bsides! I do have the American Breed on my very long list. They have some great pop songs that can't be beat! Thanks so much for the support.

[@MrBSides]

​@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Mister Ray! If I ever had the chance, I'd be looking forward to seeing the live show too! I'm from Thailand, and the USA is always on my travel plan. Just wait for the right time. I've just watched Cornerstones of Rock on KZbin, but I can't find any The American Breed videos. I will have to search for it later. It's been an honor to have a conversation with you here. Much appreciated for your time. P.S. I'd really like to see the photo you want to share!

[@martinsplichal1581]

Thanks Matt. You keep doing it. Again you made me aware that a band I've loved for years had a more extensive career than I imagined. Cheers.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Martin!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

NC6, despite massive changes in personnel over the decades - from departures to deaths - is still a present tense entity, Martin. In addition to yours truly - there on Day One when our covering a Beatles' song in Senior year of H.S. (1964) led to formation of "The Patsmen" since we all went to St. Patrick H.S., through our name change within a few months to NC6, I am the sole founder still at it within the band. However, all but one of us who were on the very first recordings remain above the grass as I type this and we only lost Craig Kemp last year if memory serves this morning, so longevity of the New Colony Six is now, appropriately, in its 60th year of existence! Whether we make it to 66 is questionable I suppose but do hope that even if I don't last another six years - somebody carries on with the name and, of course, the music we wrote, shared and is still alive enough to draw people to performances!

[@martinsplichal1581]

@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Thank you Ray, perhaps I'll get a chance to see you live one day . Cheers and and all the best.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@martinsplichal1581 Presuming you are younger than I (at age 78+) AND... given that the Colony itself is now already 60+ years old, those chances diminish nearly weekly if not daily hence, if you hesitate much longer, all of NC6's founders may no longer be performing and might not even remain in existence above the grass, so as the cliche tells us, "He who hesitates is lost!" 😳 Meanwhile though, at least I shall continue to do my best to "Rock On" beyond use of a chair designed for such activity! 😜

[@jahmarcusgordon]

Amazing that you have this in your collection. Amazing. This is deep dive stuff. Nice.

[@gordonteats298]

PRAISE JESUS,YOU DID ,THE NEW COLONY SIX, THATS COOL

[@Transterra55]

I always loved This band, so this was a nice video to watch…informative and entertaining . Mid to late 60s, Chicago was a breeding ground for creative bands.

[@matthewstreet1961]

Fabulous retrospective Matt. I admit I know very little about this band. I may recall one or two songs from some 60s compilations I have. But that’s it. This was a very enjoyable overview. Take care.😊

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Matt!

[@workingtheworld68]

Heard "I Confess" at age of 11 growing up in Chicagoland. It made an indelible impression on me; I can listen to it at any time and be transported to a simpler more innocent time

[@alanchamberlain9967]

Awesome video! I grew up in the Chicago area and always loved the New Colony Six. They were the most underated group of all in the 60s and early 70s. It's sad that they weren't more popular nationally.

[@dodgeboy8022]

Like the American Breed, they both actually were at times more popular nationally than regionally, especially the Breed.

[@barriobajaj]

Bravo! Thanks so much for covering the New Colony Six. I grew up in So-Cal and remember 93 KHJ Boss Radio playing their two big hits in the late '60's when I was a kid then I rediscovered the group on a 1988 Polygram comp, 45's on CD, Vol. III ('66-'69) which included I Will Always Think About You which got me to dig deeper. I did buy the Colonized comp by Rhino which I still listen to often. Keep up the excellent work!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the comments, Barrio!

[@dodgeboy8022]

That was SOOO cool when "Think About You's" 45 label showed up on front cover of that CD! That was well before any comp of theirs had been on CD at all.

[@tamdurand1673]

I was trying to figure out why and where I had heard Things I'd Like to Say, since I had lived in S. Calif. until 72. It must have been KHJ! Thanks for your input :)

[@erniericardo8140]

One thing that I came away from this video Matt of The New Colony Six is how persistent they were and never giving up until they had a hit song, were most bands would have gave up. - Not too long ago I heard Bob Seger telling a story of how one night Glen Frey and him (before they hit it big) were driving around one night after going to a club, and on the radio came on a song by the Cowsills, and Glen made some off remark about the song they were listening and was about to change the station, and Seger told Frey to leave it on, that there was something to learn about what makes a hit song, and made a point to Frey that No matter what ,Dont give up in writing songs, even if they're are bad at first, eventually you'll write a good song. And this reminds me of The New Colony Six, No matter what, they just kept going until they got a hit. I didnt know much about this band until I saw this video, but I remember the first time I heard the song Things Id Like To Say (Without knowing it was by The New Colony Six) it would play all the time on a Oldies Station KVIN Modesto , that I would hear on the AM radio out here in the East Bay. Unfortunately a year ago it went off the air ( Like all the good radio staions on FM/AM) it was one of the Last oldies stations in the San Francisco Bay Area, So now I hear Things Id Like To Say being played on 60's Gold on Sirius XM- Love that song.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Ernie! Thanks for that story about Glenn Fry and Seger. I didn't know that.

[@loakland2773]

Great job Matt. Loved the video. Lived in Chicago until I couldn’t take it anymore but that’s another story. Have seen New Colony Six a few times. Excellent group. Very nice guys. Had all the albums you showed as well as the recommended CD. So many great songs. Chicago has so many great bands like NCS, American Breed, Buckinghams, Chicago, Cryin’ Shames, Shadows of Knight, Idea of March, Styx, Survivor, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick (Rockford), Material Issue, Smashing Pumpkins. Great stuff. Love all your videos Matt. Thank you for your hard work and efforts putting all this quality material out for us. Be well.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for the support! Plenty more to come.

[@ValerieFelitto]

I grew up in Chicago so I remember this band well. ( Shadows of Knight too). WLS was the coolest station for a young rock fan. I really like Things I'd like To Say. Great choice for a video Matt

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Val. I've lived in Milwaukee my whole life and I have alway heard of how good WLS was!

[@dodgeboy8022]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Many of WLS and WCFL DJs eventually came from Milwaukee to Chicago at that time: Clark Weber, Ron Riley, Barney Pip to name a few.

[@kentrichardson1957]

Great overlooked songs from these guys.

[@calzoneman]

Thank you for all of your great videos. NC6 was truly a great band. I have all of the original albums including the Sunshine 45. Their first album is one of my all time faves! A reguest: Can you do a history of Every Mother’s son sometime?

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I do like Every Mother's Son and it's too bad they only had 2 albums. Yes, they are on my list!

[@phillipanderson7398]

I am from Australia . I have never ever heard of New Colony Six. I will be checking out more of their songs on KZbin.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Given your location and the fact that three of us who founded NC6 (Chic - drums; Craig - keys; me - vocals) also founded a band called RJM (AKA Raymond John Michael) you may get a kick out of what you can hear at this link, where we covered a song by a fabulous group from your own Australia... a BeeGees' album cut... and released it! Here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4a5fZSYeMxgr5Y

[@phillipanderson7398]

@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Thank you for the link. You made a great record there I really like early Bee Gees songs. You band/s should have been bigger. They have such great vocals and vocal harmonies.

[@thomasrobinson182]

Ray, thanks for the great tunes and memories. The Mulqueen's clip is a trip. Did Pandora/Elaine dig the band?

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@thomasrobinson182 If she did, I do not know, but it was our first TV shot, so one of the Mulqueens must have been enough of a fan to ask us to appear!

[@offthebeatentracks4515]

Nice piece on the band. I have at least three of those records. I shall revisit them.

[@jefftippett4523]

I’m old enough to remember the NC 6, always loved Things. Also, your Paul Revere & TR episodes was fantastic, of course I was a big fan, still am. Since you brought up WLS, how about doing a bio on Don Young. His version of She lets her hair down was to me the best version. I understand it was a big local hit, but some of us down in Ga loved it. You do a fantastic job, Thanks 👍😁

[@zionrealtors7517]

Never Be Lonely was my favorite

[@terryprill2510]

You're amazing to searching out and getting your hands on this band's albums. Pure gold!!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I was able to get them all in the 1980s when I was in college. Glad I did!

[@dodgeboy8022]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Great stuff. I do think you mistook "i Could Never Lie to You" as being different on 45 from the LP. It should have been "come & Give Your Love to me" that was different, right?

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@dodgeboy8022 I don't have the single version of Come & Give, but the single mix of I Could Never Lie To You has a completely different vocal than the lp.

[@bruceross5546]

@@popgoesthe60s52--I used to own a copy of "Things I'd Like To Say" with "Come and Give Your Love To Me" as the flip side. It's a slightly faster and harder rocking take than the LP version. 🎵✌️😊

[@bruceross5546]

@popgoesthe60s52 --this is the single version of "Come" ... originally intended as the A-side! (Yes, it does sound a bit like Nazz!!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHiUo6qVmrl1abssi=E9Gl21PQ50It01a-

[@DavidSmith-rc7hs]

Great job😊😊😊😊

[@auhs70]

This great band took me from my Freshman through my Senior year of high school. The best of memories and back seat escapades.

[@codymartin77]

They need to do a cd of all those later singles.

[@1208bug]

Thank you Mat, great overview!

[@lyndarosborough869]

Thanks again Matt for your great researched and detailed work ! ☀️

[@popgoesthe60s52]

My pleasure, Lynda.

[@BruceKoller]

Would be interesting for you to chart the career of The Hollies, a very successful English band somewhat overshadowed by another English band you may have heard of, but interesting nonetheless. Really enjoying your coverage of bands from my youth!

[@phylliselizahb1041]

❤️ I Confess from the first time I heard it

[@musicexpert2]

Great job! Thanks for the overview & snippets of cuts. Their stuff kept coming up on my youtube feed so I started paying more attention to their history & singles. Ultimately, though they had a nice sound, they were very weak lyrically. E.g., "I have too much love within me for you/baby its true." But amazing their fathers pooled enough $ to start their own label, got on the 45 & LP charts & got on Mercury before slipping back to local labels again (but still charting).

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

A fair statement, I think, although might suggest that you give a listen to some of out album cuts since the singles played to the audience at the time. Personal prejudice suggests my own to "Time Of The Year Is Sunset" but there are others as well...

[@musicexpert2]

@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. Nice to hear from you! Hope you've been well.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@musicexpert2 Approaching age 78.5, "well" takes on a different meaning than in our touring days and times when we did just that (and better) on the charts... Hence, while still able to take the stage, recall lyrics I wrote as did others in the band and work to secure appreciation for patrons who come to a performance, given that explanation - YEP, doing quite well; thank You, Lord! And "danke schoen" (no Wayne Newton pun intended - well, actually was...) for asking, @musicexpert2! 😜

[@musicexpert2]

@@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr. So you're still performing in the group? Who else who played and sang on those records are in it now? Thanks.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@musicexpert2 Yes, sir! As to the other founders: Craig has passed away; Walt is living in FL; Gerry in NM; Chic in GA; Pat up in New England area, hence I am the last one still with the band but most of our current lineup has now been together for 36 years! 😲

[@scottsodaro3556]

⁠We are truly blessed to be able to see our local “heroes of the airwaves”. Ray Graffia Jr. has so many great stories to share when you see him perform….from their early pre-fame days, playing in his basement, with his father upstairs, hearing the incredible talent of Ray and his bandmates, which ultimately led to his dad finally deciding to form a record company, to eventually touring with The Beach Boys, opening for the Monkees, and becoming an indelible part of Rock & Roll history.

[@jeffclement2468]

I knew there was something they did that I'd remember. But I didn't recognise anything till you played "Things I'd Like To Say." They were nothing if not tenacious! The competition was wicked at the time, as you mentioned, the music in the late 60's was getting "heavier." And then people like CSN turned up and must've been a huge threat to them. I'm surprised they lasted that long. Another great installment Sir! 😻👍

[@realdinho]

Nice one, I love that first album in particular, bought that Eva reissue in the 80s. The Lyres from Boston certainly brought them to the attention of us younger fans that were getting into garage and psych sounds from 20 years before 😉 Some interesting stuff from later on but overall I lean towards their Sentar stuff 🎶🎶🎶

[@markwilliams2434]

This video you made is of one of my favorite groups. Did you know that on the single, I'm just waiting,anticipating. that the nucleus of the horn players playing on this is earth wind and fire.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I may have read that somewhere, - thank you for reminding me!

[@thomasrobinson182]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Chess Records house band.

[@Classic.Hits-335.artists]

Really great. job of presenting music history!

[@deirdre108]

Amazing how success can be determined by the DJ playing the B-side.

[@dodgeboy8022]

Indeed! Maybe the NC6 knew that when they encouraged listeners to PICK the A side of their second Sentar single after having both sides played on WLS in 66.

[@deirdre108]

⁠@@dodgeboy8022True. I like how the good folks of the upper Midwest supported them and got the band a lot of regional airplay via WLS. They continually charted high there.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

I personally have charts where our "B" sides charted - two come to mind right now = "Dawn Is Breaking", which was the "B" side of "I Confess" and hit #18 at a station in NY State, plus the original "A" side of "Things I'd Like To Say", which was called "Come & Give Your Love To Me" & had climbed to #8 on an Iowa station before we flipped the record on recommendation from Chicago "Super-jock" radio host, Larry Lujack, and began pushing "Things..."! Might have been others but those for sure...

[@teddydog6229]

One thing I especially love about this video is that it’s not only about a good band but one I somehow never heard of. I was actually arrogant - or do I mean smug ? - enough to think I’d at least heard of every 60s band of any value at all. Then I was doubly amazed to hear ‘Cadillac’ and learn it’s an original of theirs. I have heard two or three versions of that song and always liked it but had no clue as to its actual origins. A great video about a truly luckless band. Seriously, how could ‘Cadillac’ not be a hit ? I’m glad to say I found at least a couple albums of theirs on KZbin Music but alas no Revelations. Just a couple interesting things I came across since your last post. I was recently watching a documentary about Bon Scott because I’m a fan of early AC/DC. They lost me with Brian Johnson but anyway what struck me was how amazingly dominant Vanda and Young were to both the 60s, 70s and even 80s Australian music scene. Not just with their own band, the Easybeats, but as producers and general boosters of Australian rock. If you got the thumbs up from Vanda and Young then you were on your way. It was also news to me that the singer of the Easybeats seems to have the dubious distinction of possibly being the first rock star to suffer from a debilitating heroin habit. So there’s a whole lot more to the Easybeats than I ever knew. 🤞 that you’ll give them a look some day. They really were an incredible band. Lou Reed said ‘Falling Off The Edge Of The World’ was one of his favorite love songs ever. So there you go ! And I REALLY felt compelled to tell you this. I know we’d agreed Bobby Beausoleil is a genuinely gifted musician that’s still making creative music to this day. Also that he’s been locked up for long enough. One murder is indeed awful but since some killers get released in 10 years or sometimes even less, why have they thrown away the key on Beausoleil ? First let me say I am not a conspiracy theorist in any way. I think they’re socially toxic and corrosive. But I just read a book ‘Chaos Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the 60s’ which absolutely blew me away. It in no way exonerates or even disputes the fundamental facts of the Tate-LaBianca murders. I’d have tossed the book across the room if it did. But if you’re at all familiar with the Contilepro program which was an illegal secret CIA/FBI/law enforcement collaboration to infiltrate and destroy the anti-war movement, the Black Panthers and the counterculture in general then it turns out there was much much more to the Manson case than meets the eye. And, again, if the author didn’t source and footnote every last bit of this, across the room the book would fly. But he does. In fact nearly all of it is right there in the Church Committee hearings as well as printed police interrogation transcripts etc. Vincent Bugliosi threatened the author with lawsuits for years because ‘Chaos’ totally throws the whole ‘Helter Skelter, race war’ narrative in the garbage and it very much seems like Bugliosi suborned perjury. So, while guilty, Manson got a mistrial and technically should have been released. And Terry Melcher is at the heart of the story. Didn’t you always think it kind of stretched credulity that police didn’t connect the Hinman and Tate and LaBianca killings ? Almost too obtuse to believe ? And far worse - three days after the murders an entire SWAT team invaded the Spahn Ranch where they found ex-con and current parolee Charles Manson with an arsenal of guns, narcotics from weed to heroin, and underage runaway girls..and then charged him with car theft and released him three days later ? Bugliosi explained it was due to a ‘misdated’ warrant. Right. The LA county police organize what was then the largest police operation in county history but put the wrong date on it. Unfortunately for Bugliosi, O’Neill found the warrant for the Spahn Ranch raid and it is not misdated. Bugliosi lied. Why ? And when you learn just how involved Beausoleil actually was in setting off the killings, I bet you’ll agree with me that if reincarnation is real, that when Bobby Beausoleil comes back that he gets locked up for his next life and the one after that. He stands shoulder to shoulder in blood and guilt with Tex Watson and Charles Manson. I don’t want to give this all away because if you’re a reader, this is a must. Manson wasn’t just a murderer. He was a snitch beyond your wildest dreams. And about who and what I’ll let you discover. The book also contains the last and unbelievably unhinged statement Terry Melcher ever gave. It’ll tell you things about Dennis Wilson which will also make your head spin. And it exposes Vincent Bugliosi as a complete scoundrel and national disgrace. Bugliosi didn’t sue O’Neill because he COULDN’T. O’Neill had him dead to rights. Don’t read Helter Skelter. It’s bullsh-t. If you want to read the true story of the Manson murders (with plenty of rock n roll thrown in) read ‘Chaos’. And pray Beausoleil doesn’t get paroled because no one deserves it less.

[@dhpbear2]

3:10 - Wow. This sounds VERY similar to part of 'Rhapsody in Blue'!

[@bruceross5546]

Ray Graffia Jr. and Jerry Van Kollenburg were influenced by "Rhapsody" according to Ray's account of this song. (It was a cool influence, and a nice follow-up to "I Confess.") 🎵✌️👍🙂

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@bruceross5546 AND dhpbear2 - you are both correct on what you wrote historically and to the former, thank you!

[@jody8526937]

Another great dive into a underrated American group. How about Herb Albert as a subject?? You kinda teased us with the album covers video..

[@spellerlittlewing]

Great show

[@rogbrown1965]

Pacific Sunset Records ( LA). Hi.One comphrensive show on the New Colony six.A band that i felt should have been greater known and had charters.Look forward to your future programs.

[@tonyfafoglia2927]

Grew up in Central Illinois listened to WLS a bunch so I heard these guys a lot. Weren't they named after a building in Chicago

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Two versions of how we named ourselves. First version - our bass player, Wally then but Walt now, swears we saw an "Old Colony" brand root beer bottle at a rehearsal space and I swear it was to get back at the Brits since all you ever heard on the radio then was material by "British Invasion" bands. England called us " the colonies" and that became the inspiration - so you can pick a version you like and smile!

[@jblassio]

This was a nice one Matt! Definitely made me think of the Association. You should do the Buckinghams next. Gets me to understand that scene in the 60s a little more.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you. I got into this band back in the 80s and they have some great 60s pop.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@popgoesthe60s52 The Association came to our recording session for "Barbara, I Love You" and helped us on the backing vocal tracks - how 'bout that? Great guys and superior vocalists...

[@rond249]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@marcm9999]

Great video about a great band. I grew up in the Chicagoland area at that time. These guys were electric!! Thanks for your hard work. You knocked it out of the park!!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Marc!

[@dodgeboy8022]

Being able to write your own songs from the very beginning is a true feather in their cap!

[@John_Fugazzi]

I'm glad you finally got the time to do this group, as you had mentioned wanting to before. They really lasted a long time for a 60s band and their journey sounds like at least two different bands. Glad you included Wingbat Marmaduke...When was the last time you saw an elf?"

[@dodgeboy8022]

Released near Halloween of 67 as well.

[@Randgalf]

One of those bands I've seen regularly flash by while browsing through the vinyls at the local record store. I'm definitely gonna pick one up next time I'll find them after this episode!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

You missed a wonderful chance yesterday, Randgalf. Ronnie Rice and I were at a record/CD collectors' gathering in Countryside, IL, and my right wrist was sore from signings plus voice shot from talking for 4-5 hours with an amazingly long line of folks who came to the event!

[@RedrooAU]

Just discovered your channel few days ago flashed back through some of your videos saw the one where you are walking in the park saying your wife has/had medical issues…from me to you how is she…I like the personal touch involving your listeners/viewers of your channel and I like your casual style reviewing these band/groups: Sydney Australia:

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Welcome and thank you for asking about my wife. She is doing well and the issue is cancer which never sleeps so it's a constant battle, but one she is winning at the moment.

[@davidholiday4494]

hi matt - i had never heard of them before though i can see the appeal in their sound....for some reason what strikes me today as i watch is how young they all look - i am feeling very old today - and they look like kids!!!! oh well, that is what happens as the years go by. hope all is well with you and family at home.

[@harrysmusicroom]

Great video, thanks. I thought that last song from 1974 really sounded like Badfinger. I'll keep my eyes open at record shows for their albums.

[@dodgeboy8022]

"i Dont Really Want to Go" had a Grass roots sound to me. Charted on WOKY Milwaukee when WLS' Art Roberts was back there.

[@keithneal4410]

Loved your video on the new colony six. It reminds me of another band that you might want to look into doing a video on. They are called The Wildweeds big Al Anderson was a part of that band. He is now and has been a songwriter in Nashville and written several hits songs. Good luck with your channel, love your videos.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I have some of the Wildweeds songs and one 45. Some great stuff!

[@wyliesmith4244]

@@popgoesthe60s52 I saw them at a frat party in the fall of '66, and they were a great dance band. 'No Good to Cry' and 'It Was Fun While It Lasted' were great singles, but when an album came out ib '70 on Vanguard, they sounded more country than rock, and the album was a HUGE letdown for me.

[@dodgeboy8022]

@@wyliesmith4244 No Good to Cry is FABBBBB! Beats Uniques to Hell.

[@wyliesmith4244]

@@dodgeboy8022 I lived up the Connecticut River valley in Massachusetts. The radio station in Springfield played some Connecticut bands like Bill Wendry & the Boss Tweeds and the Bram Rigg Set as well as the Wildweeds. Matt's New Colony Six episode reminds me how much local stations played local acts. Acts that should have broken out, but were hampered by not being in the Billboard loop. I lived in Cleveland '62 to '66 and they plugged the Outsiders who did make it, but also Ohio acts like Ivan & the Sabres (Ivan went on to front the Lemon Pipers), and I loved their single of 'Just Let Her Go.' But maybe you had to hear it in '65. And CKLW in Windsor, Ontario, across from Detroit played a LOT of Motown, and local groups like Bob Seger and the Last Herd ('East Side Story,' Persecution Smith, ' 'Santa's got a Brand new Bag, ...) But 'No Good to Try' !

[@rmelin13231]

Ahhh, and you end your production with one of the best piano outros ever recorded. (Up there with "Bridge Over Troubled Water", right?), Great dig into a good band. And I agree with you about the Rhino compilation, which I still listen to often. Thanks!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for the comment! Much appreciated.

[@dodgeboy8022]

Those piano bits were fabulous. I asked Jim Peterik about a part of the Ides of March's first WB single "One Woman Man" that had a similar part to "I Want You to Know" and he said they used the same pianist and that is why it sounded so close.

[@drummer78]

Boston Garage revival legends The Lyres did a great cover of “I Confess” on their classic 1984 album “On Fyre”.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

Had a friend in The Lyres - great band and loved their take on "I Confess"!

[@robertvavra414]

Who played the piano outro on "Things I'd Like to Say"? That track benefited from an excellent arrangement and orchestration.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

That gifted musician was our own Chuck Jobes - longtime keyboard player with us and, since we have remained in touch over the decades... only recently retired as a piano/singer solo artist, playing clubs down in southern Florida solo for many years... tremendous guy; fantastic friend; incredibly gifted on the keys!

[@robertvavra414]

Back then, I mostly listened to KLMS 1480 kHz in Lincoln, NE. The song did pretty well on the local chart. Also, some nights we could receive WLS Chicago for a few hours. I remember them playing "Evil Woman (Don't Play Your Games with Me)" by a group called Crow. I think they were from up north.

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

That was our Chuck Jobes - a gifted player, great singer and wonderful guy. He moved to southern FL long ago and continued his career as a solo piano playing singer with great success!

[@roguedolphin]

That piano ending is timeless and hits hard. Epic!

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

@@roguedolphin Presuming you are referring to our "Things I'd Like To Say" and, if so, credit goes to keyboard wizard and recently retired solo piano playing singer down in southern Florida, Chuck Jobes. Just a stellar artist; we wrote several things together - highest skills, great guy and a superior songwriting partner! Similar kudos to Gerry, Walt and, later, Ronnie, for the songs we wrote together!!

[@recordman64]

Great job on the NC6 story! Any chance of a Merry-Go-Round/Emitt Rhodes piece?

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I’ve already done one on them, I’m happy to say. Just check my past videos.

[@kellstud]

Those early outfits scream Paul Revere and the Raiders. I could not believe my ears that they once shared a duplex and they wore those outfits before knowing them... This is a really really really odd detail Matt! Their landlord must have been really confused.

[@phylliselizahb1041]

Always listened to WCFL & WLS while living in Cleveland area!

[@drewpall2598]

I always love the artwork on the cover of New Colony Six (Attacking a Straw Man) LP it has a Peter Max, and the Beatles Yellow Submarine film look to it. (Attacking a Straw Man) showcase that these guys could do the ballads as well as the rockers, two songs that stand out for me on this album are "Free" and "Prairie Grey" Matt if you have never seen this television performance of New Colony Six, Pandora (Elaine Mulqueen) introduces the New Colony Six, who sing "I Lie Awake," in this segment from a 1966 installment of THE MULQUEENS' KIDDIE A-GO-GO, which aired on Chicago TV from 1966 to 1970. (This clip appears courtesy of Jack Mulqueen, copyright Mulqueen Productions.) just search the title of the video below and enjoy a slice of the swinging 1960's "Kiddie A-Go-Go - New Colony Six"

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I have see that Kiddie A Go Go - that was wild!

[@That_Boi_E]

Just as soon as I was looking up videos of The New Colony Six to prep up for this weekend of course Matt posts a video about them 😂 You gonna go see them at the Chicagoland Record and CD collectors show by the way this upcoming Sunday? Also great history video as always 👍

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Hey Eli - my timing is good! I won't be seeing them in Chicago but I did catch them about 6 years ago and they were very good.

[@dodgeboy8022]

Please give my best to Ray if you talk to him, Clark

[@NewColonySix-RayGraffiaJr.]

It was a wonderful time, jammed nearly all day and both Ronnie Rice and myself were there >4 hours talking, singing bits of tunes and taking pics with folks. Kudos to the team that put it together, especially, John Govi!