For The Record

For the Record: Volume 1 contains intimate profiles of hit-making recording artists:

Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs, Gary "U.S." Bonds, the Tokens, the Angels, Peter and Gordon, the Beau Brummels,Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, the Lovin' Spoonful, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Country Joe and the Fish, and Iron Butterfly.

The 11 chapters are devoted to a vocal group, soloist, or band, introduced through an opening essay recalling their attainment of fame during the 1960s. The sequence of the chapters parallels the chronological order in which each of the performers first achieved national renown. Following the opening essay in each chapter, biographical epilogues tell the stories of what has become of each of the performers in the decades since. While several bands underwent personnel changes, we concentrated on the individuals who were present during the principal hit-making years of each ensemble during the 1960s.

Although we contacted each surviving member of each band, some declined to participate in the project, and we excluded others who never left the spotlight. But 42 artists agreed to speak with us. These epilogues explore the personal and professional choices they made once the music faded and the concert arenas emptied. Through deeply personal and revealing conversations with each of these artists, we have created illuminating profiles of the musical composers and performers who influenced the styles, thoughts, and attitudes of a generation of Americans and helped in many ways to shape the course of history.