America's Bicentennial Band - Paul Revere & the Raiders
Another band from the 60s that deserves more credit, recognition and respect!
When you think of iconic rock bands from the 1960s, names like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who often spring to mind. However, lurking in the shadows, ready to storm the charts and entertain audiences with a flair all their own, were none other than Paul Revere & the Raiders. With a captivating blend of rock, theatrics, and a healthy dose of Americana, this band carved out their own niche, leaving millions of fans hungry for more. Their unique style, a fusion of rock, theatrics, and Americana, is a fascinating aspect of their music that will surely pique your interest.
Origins of the Raiders
The story begins in the heartland of America – Harvard, Nebraska, where Paul Revere Dick was born on January 7, 1938. From a young age, music beckoned to him. As a teenager, he learned to play the piano and joined his first band, laying the groundwork for a future that would take him far beyond the confines of Nebraska.
In a classic tale of fate, Revere teamed up with a 16-year-old musical prodigy, Mark Lindsay, who dazzled as both a singer and saxophonist. This duo, fueled by their passion for rock 'n' roll, formed a band called The Downbeats. They quickly became local favorites, electrifying dances throughout the area.
The Birth of a Legend
As the band gained traction, they caught the attention of Gardena Records in Los Angeles. This was the moment when a simple name change transformed everything. The label's owner, eager for marketability, suggested adopting the catchy moniker of Paul Revere & the Raiders – a name sure to resonate! This change not only reflected the band's growing confidence and ambition but also marked a significant turning point in their career. Suddenly, the band wasn't just playing local gigs; they were on the brink of something monumental.
Their new identity merged an adventurous spirit, a exciting showmanship, and a whole lot of rock & roll, creating a persona that struck a chord in the rapidly changing cultural landscape of the 1960s.
The Chart-Topping Years
From 1966 to 1969, Paul Revere & the Raiders achieved unprecedented success, securing a place among rock royalty. Their infectious sound and engaging performances quickly shattered the noise of the era, earning them a string of hits that showcased a punk edge and unabashed rock 'n' roll energy. Tracks like "Steppin' Out," "Just Like Me," "Hungry," "Him or Me – What’s It Gonna Be," and "Kicks" became anthems, capturing the spirit of a generation.
Their music stood out as bold and unpretentious, with irresistible hooks that drew listeners in. The band’s vibrant Spandex outfits, trademark tricorn hats, and vivacious stage presence embodied an exuberant spirit that thrilled audiences from coast to coast. Just as Paul Revere rode through the night to warn of British invasion, Paul Revere & the Raiders were on the frontline of the rock 'n' roll revolution.
The Raiders' Legacy
While their prime years in the spotlight were relatively short, Paul Revere & the Raiders definitely etched their mark in music history. As their sound evolved, they experimented with different styles, and even welcomed new band members, but the foundation of fun, and engaging rock & roll remained steadfast. They influenced many of the bands that followed, showcasing how a mix of theatricality and great music could captivate audiences.
The Raiders were the first rock group to be signed with Columbia Records.
The band tallied 11 top 20 hits — five of which hit the top 10.
The group has had 39 singles.
They have recorded 26 albums, of which several were gold.
The group has sold nearly 50 million records in their career.
The Raiders were featured performers on American Bandstand, Hullabaloo, Happening, Coliseum, The Smothers Brothers Show and Shindig, along with The Ed Sullivan Show.
In 1965 - 1966 the group was featured on the ABC TV five-day-a-week network show, “Where the Action Is,” produced by Dick Clark. Here is Dick Clark interviewing the Raiders on American Bandstand.
I encourage you to do additional research if you’re interested in learning more about this unique band, their music and the performers in this group. My goal here is to simply invite you to take a closer look and to listen to one of the most popular and successful bands of their time.
Revere was the energetic comic relief, the madman of rock and roll, in contrast to the teen idol look of Lindsay. He pushed for elements of showmanship including having the band's guitarist, originally Drake Levin, and bassist, originally Phil Volk, perform synchronized dance moves.
Drake Levin Phil Volk
Paul Revere himself would play organs and keyboards that all had various facades attached that looked like the front of different hot rod cars and motorcycles. He would also engage in flashy and comical spoken word banter between songs, sometimes including bandmates and even fans. He also used various comical props during the show, like oversized hats, records, stuffed animals and a toy cap gun. Take a look at what you’ve been missing:
Paul Revere and The Raiders - Hungry, Just Like Me, Rock Paulanoff
The Raiders' biggest hit was yet to come. They cut the song "Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian)" in November, 1970, and “Indian Reservation" became the Raiders only #1 song.
Fans were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Paul Revere on October 4th, 2014, at the age of 76. He had been battling cancer for a year. But for a few years my band HITZ was performing a tribute show featuring Paul Revere & the Raiders in the Twin Cities area, so we put on our Spandex and tri-corner hats and bought tickets to see their concert when they performed at the former Carlton Celebrity Room in Bloomington, Minnesota.
HITZ Meets Paul Revere at the Carlton Celebrity Room
After their concert, we had a chance to meet with “The Great One” himself backstage. The guy was crazy, brilliant, entertaining, friendly, fun, and just plain amazing. And always larger than life! He is truly missed.