The Dore Story: Postcard From East Los Angeles 1958-1964
A one-man operation run from Vine Street, Hollywood, for more than two decades by former entertainer Lew Bedell, the Doré label launched the careers of Phil Spector and Jan & Dean, releasing a wide range of early LA rock, doo wop and soul.Doré began as a subsidiary of Era, a Hollywood label best known for mainstream pop hits such asChanson D'AmourandThe Wayward Wind. In 1958, it got off to a flying start withTo Know Him Is To Love Himby the Teddy Bears, a worldwide hit, followed by Jan & Dean'sBaby Talk.The major labels had lost touch with the street and it was largely left to LA's scattering of independents to set teenagers' turntables spinning on the west coast. Some went in the blink of an eye but Dore stayed, moving seamlessly from rock and pop into soul music in the mid-60s.Herb Alpert, Shel Talmy and Mike Curb were just a few who brought their first productions to Doré and there are some interesting connections: aside from Spector and Jan & Dean, the Walker Brothers, and Vince Taylor all come into it to create an engrossing snapshot of the times.25 of the 28 tunes on this first volume of the Doré catalogue appear on legitimate CD for the first time, including previously unissued rockabilly from cult figure Joel Scott Hill, two ultra-rare rock instrumentals by Bobby Fry, some exquisite doo wop, and early teen rockers from John Maus of the Walker Brothers.Compiled and annotated by Rob Finnis, the deluxe and generous package includes a 17,000 word 48-page newly-researched profile of Doré and Lew Bedell, artist bios, and many never-before-seen photos and memorabilia.