Johnny And The Uncalled Four — Singles 1964-65 (USA, Garage Rock)

The Uncalled Four were formed by high school students from the close knit teen scene in Columbiana and Salem. John Golden (the head «Johnny») was an accomplished singer and guitarist. With the addition of John Herron (rhythm guitar), Don Davis (bass), and Dennis Beery (drums), the Uncalled Four started out as a instrumental band with the usual Ventures, etc influences. Dennis Beery was previously in Salem’s Renegades, and Don Davis was the older brother of Sound Barrier bassist Terry Davis. They were already an popular band when the British Invasion hit, so John Golden took up the lead singing and the Uncalled Four rose to the top of the local teen scene with the Mersey Men. In ’64 they recorded their 1st 45 at WAM, a rockin’ version of «Shortnin’ Bread» backed with «Day Dream», a guitar instrumental written by John Golden. The 45 sold well, including some action in Pittsburgh as «Shortnin’ Bread» fitted in well with the «Pittsburgh sound». During this time John Golden had taken his interest in recording and built a studio in the upper loft of a barn in Columbiana. In August ’65 the Uncalled Four recorded two John Golden originals «Please Say» and «Everytime I Close My Eyes», and issued the 45 on their own Magic label. Meanwhile, Nick Boldi had gotten in touch with the band, and worked with John Golden to record a ‘solo’ 45, «Hoopie». «Hoopie» was more in the style of a Brill Building pop song, and through Boldi and Dick Glasser, it got a release on Warner Brothers. About this time, Nick Timcisco, formerly of the Del-Rays, joined the group on bass. The Uncalled Four disbanded in late ’65 or early ’66. Dennis Beery joined a Salem band called the Primates briefly until he joined the Comin’ Generation. John Herron joined the New Breed, and John Golden was drafted. John Golden moved out to Los Angeles in the early 70s where he pursued his interest in recording, becoming a highly respected recording masterer with credits on dozens of famous recordings.