Look Homeward Angel |
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In January, 1964 nine guys from Louisville, Kentucky released their third 45 record. It was "Look Homeward Angel" a song that had been recorded in 1956 by The Four Esquires. That version went to number 55 on the Billboard Charts. Johnnie Ray released the song in 1957 and it went to number 36. The words and music were by Wally Gold, who co-wrote two Elvis Presley Number 1 hits - "It's Now or Never" (1960) and "Good Luck Charm" (1962).
The Monarchs traveled to Owen Bradley's Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee to record "What Made You Change Your Mind?" For the flip side (or B side of the record) they picked "Look Homeward Angel," a song giving them the opportunity to fully explore the rich harmonies of the four vocalists and feature Mike Gibson's falsetto, the trademark for the band. The Monarchs achieved their desired sound by vocal overdubbing and the addition of instruments commonly used in a full orchestra. Bill Porter, famed audio engineer, was the engineer on the session. The vocalists were Louie Lange, Bob Lange and Jim Wells; George Owen, keyboards; Richard "Butch" Snyder, drums; Leon Middleton, sax; Louis "Dusty" Miller, bass guitar; Ernie Donnell, lead guitar.
The 1964 recording of "Look Homeward Angel" by The Monarchs went to number 1 on the Louisville charts on both WKLO 1450 AM and WAKY 790 AM, the primary rock 'n' roll stations in Louisville. The song went to number 1 on the Detroit Charts on WKNR 1310 AM and WJBK 1500 AM. This song showed up on radio charts from San Francisco, CA to Buffalo, NY, from Lansing, MI to Ft. Worth, TX and Canada. The record was distributed in the UK and Europe. " Look Homeward Angel" went to number 47 on the Billboard Charts and stayed on the National Charts for 13 weeks.
"Look Homeward Angel" helped in laying the foundation of a band that has continued, endured and grown through the turbulent years of rock 'n' roll. Fans began to show up at every event and returned time after time. The Monarchs have always remained as loyal to their fans. Their signature sound has evolved and matured but is true to their early roots. Many of their early followers have grown up, had children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is not unusual to look into the audience and see multi-generations smiling, singing and dancing to the music.
In 2014 The Monarchs will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of "Look Homeward Angel" by featuring the song and its history in their live performences. The "tour" will include festivals, concerts, fundraisers and dances. Come out and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this legacy with The Monarchs.
Look Homeward Angel 50th Anniversary 2014 World Tour
Wednesday December 31st, 2014
New Years Eve at Kosair SOLD OUT !!!
Louisville, KY
Friday, December 12th, 2014
Lifebridge Church
Louisville, KY
Monday, November 10th, 2014
"A Tribute to Rock, Rhythm & Doo Wop"
Derby Dinner Playhouse
Clarksville, IN
Friday, November 7th, 2014
Kosair Charities
Crown Plaza
Louisville, KY
Friday, October 24th, 2014
Private 80th Birthday Party
Owl Creek Country Club
Louisville, KY
Saturday, October 18th, 2014
Apple Patch's BooFest
Bowman Air Hanger
Louisville, KY
Saturday October 11th, 2014
Southwest Community Festival
Sun Valley Park, Valley Station, KY
Saturday October 4th, 2014
Seymour October Fest
Seymour, IN
Saturday, September 27th, 2014
State Theater
Elizabethtown, KY
Thursday, September 25th, 2014
Shively Area Ministries
Louisville, KY
Sunday September 21st, 2014
Turtle Run Winery
Corydon, IN
Saturday September 20th, 2014
DeSales High School’s Class of 1964 50th Reunion
Louisville, KY
Sunday, September 14th, 2014
Heritage Weekend
Lanesville, IN
Saturday, September 6th, 2014
USA Cares Benefit Concert
with The Ladies for Liberty
Iroquois Amphitheater
Louisville, KY
Saturday, August 30th, 2014
Rockin On The River
Bicentennial Park
Madison, IN
Monday, August 4th, 2014
The Park Concert Series at My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Bardstown, Kentucky
Saturday, August 2nd, 2014
Pewee Valley Festival
Pewee Valley, KY
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Norton Commons Amphitheater
Louisville, KY
Saturday, July 12th, 2014
Good Sams Club of Ohio
Wapakoneta, Ohio
Friday, July 11th, 2014
Jeffersonville Riverstage
Jeffersonville, IN
Sunday June 22nd, 2014
Turtle Run Winery
Corydon, IN
Saturday, June 7th, 2014
American World Festival
Iroquois Amphitheater
Louisville, KY
Friday, June 6th, 2014
Private Pool Party
Louisville, KY
Saturday May 31st, 2014
Kosair Charities in partnership with Mike Linnig’s
Louisville, KY
Sunday May 18th, 2014
Springhurst Pines
100 Anniversary
Louisville, KY
Saturday May 17th, 2014
WAKY presents
The Monarchs Look Homeward Angel 50th Anniversary concert
at the Louisville Zoo
Louisville, KY
Friday, April 25th, 2014
Gallop Gala for Downs Syndrome
Henry Clay Hotel
Louisville, KY
Monday, March 24th, 2014
"A Tribute to Rock, Rhythm & Doo Wop"
Derby Dinner Playhouse
Clarksville, IN
Saturday, March 8th, 2014
Southwest Area Ministries
St. Paul Catholic Church
Louisville, KY
Friday, February 21st, 2014
Party for the Party
Sponsored by Jefferson County Republican Party
Marriott Downtown
Louisville, KY
Saturday, February 15th, 2014
Wayside Christan Mission
Louisville, KY
Friday, February 14th, 2014
Monarchs, Mutts & Meows
Claudia Sanders
Shelbyville, KY
Tuesday, January 28th, 2014
Frankfort KY
Tuesday December 31th 2013
New Years Eve at the Shrine Temple
Louisville, KY
The Monarchs -
Look Homeward Angel 1964
