Monday, November 21, 2011

The History of White People in America (An Occasional Series)

Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders on The Jackie Gleason Show, sometime in the late 60s. Words fail me.



The thing is, as ridiculous as the idea of a Caucasian James Brown might seem in the abstract, Cochran actually was kind of the real deal. He wrote "Last Kiss," too, which means he deserves respect from mere mortals like you and me and Eddie Vedder.

Apparently he's found Jeebus in his old age, which of course isn't all that big of a shock.

11 comments:

MJConroy said...

He used to make regular appearances on the Upbeat Show. As did James Brown.

edward said...

Ahh, the good old days when TV host would light up a cigarette before doing an intro.

And dig those hipsters hired to look like they are groovin at some sort of rat back night club. They don't make tv like that anymore.

groovy

Billy B said...

Never knew what to make of Wayne. He was pretty damn crazy.

Anonymous said...

I just had to point out that Wayne Cochran is from my hometown (Thomaston, GA) and is a minor legend there. The only other small claim to fame we have is that one of the writers of "Spooky" is also from there(Harry Middlebrooks, Jr).

joeleeh said...

2 drummers each with double bass drums. Wayne also invented roadies.
Thanks for this clip Steve

Shriner said...

Loved this. Last Kiss only makes it even better in context.

LP Steve said...

Cochran owned Miami in the mid-60s. My older brother was in the Air Force, stationed in Homestead, and used to come home with stories about seeing him live. He said there was nothing like it, as witness this clip.

matthew said...

Now I know what Margaret Whiting looks like in a leisure suit.

Beyond great. Love the audience of June Taylor Dancers and the band uniforms stolen from Tomorrowland.

My world will never be the same.

Anonymous said...

He was on Letterman in the early 80's and the show just ended up out of control with him preaching, hollering, laying on the floor etc. I'd love to see that again.

Jaco Pastorious played bass w/ him for a short stint.

MJConroy said...

Wayne on Letterman? Youtube sez:
http://youtu.be/W0BXavfxvaU

JT said...

So maybe one question would be; Why does jeebus get lost so often? I know... too easy.