Sandy Nelson

 Art Laboe admired radio broadcasters from the first moment he heard voices coming out of a box his aunt had sent to Art's family when he was eight.  He went on to have a successful and innovative broadcasting career that not only included pioneering DJ programming and remote request programs but put an imprint on the world by coining the phrase "oldies but goodies."  As a music publisher and record producer, he formed the company Original Sound and promoted many records including two instrumental hits performed by Preston Epps (Bongo Rock) and Sandy Nelson (Teen Beat).

Sandy Nelson was among the small group of musicians who scored a top ten instrument hit record when he recorded "Teen Beat" in 1959.  The song sold a million copies and paved the way for Sandy to become a well-respected studio musician.  He followed up his first hit with another called "Let There Be Drums" which became an anthem for young drummers wanting to play rock and roll.  In 1963 Sandy was in a traffic accident that cost him his leg.  He soon returned to the drums, this time giving up the high hat and focusing on the driving bass drum beat that originally made him a star. 

Eddie Ray was an A&R executive for Capitol-Tower Records and Imperial Records for many years. Through his work, he played an instrumental role in the careers of artists including Fats Domino, Sandy Nelson, Pink Floyd, and Ricky Nelson. Eddie was also an accomplished songwriter whose compositions were recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley and The Charms. His song “Hearts of Stone” became a hit for country music icon Red Foley as well as The Fontaine Sisters, further establishing his reputation as a gifted songwriter.