ROCKIN in the DESERT

by BOB MORRITT
(St.Thomas,Ontario,Canada)

In the early days of recording in Arizona. Phoenix was isolated from National record distribution. Local musicians that wanted to record, had to drive out to the West Coast. In the mid-1950's this all changed when Floyd Ramsey set up Audio-Recorders of Arizona in Phoenix., followed by Lee Hazlewood's early VIV studio which he sold to Loy Clingman and Buddy Wheeler, from which emanated many strong Chart contenders, some made by Donnie Owens that made the National charts. Later Loy Clingman (Who was also a Schoolteacher), recorded many groups on his 'Indie' labels from his 'Garage 'studio, operated out of his house.

The 'Teen Years' heralded in the 'Pop Music' era and this was augmented by local Country music which mutated into a new form of music known as 'Rockabilly'. Within this environment many local musicians rose to National and International fame, such as Duane Eddy, Sanford Clark and Lee Hazlewood.

This book is an attempt to explain the process and evolution of recording and the work of those who were directly involved in putting Arizona 'on the map', the Recording Engineers, Singers, Musicians, Record Producers and Composers.

BOB MORRITT