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Ding Dong Daddies
Ding Dong Daddies
Shortnin' Bread
(public domain)
Tomlan TL-1000
Tom-Tom-Lan Productions
1014 W. 7th Amarillo, Texas
1960
This was recorded in Clovis, New Mexico. The Ding Dong Daddies were Don Lanier, Gary Swafford and Jon Sisco.
Gary Swafford was next drumming for the Checkmates, a band formed by Ray Ruff.
Guitarist Jon Sisco formed in 1960 The Electras who had a record issued by Jamie Records. Sisco also produced a single for Charlie Phillips on the OAK label.
Don Lanier, musician, songwriter and Nashville A&R man, was born and raised in Texas, one of his earliest music associations was with Jimmy Bowen with whom he started the Rhythm Orchids.
The band was called in to back up new singer Buddy Knox in the studio where he recorded his biggest hit, Party Doll. While Knox and Bowen wrote the big hit, Lanier contributed to others in Buddy's catalog including I'm Stickin' With You, Hula Love and Rock Your Little Baby to Sleep.
In 1964, Lanier followed Bowen to Los Angeles where he started to do arrangements for his friend, eventually becoming an in-demand studio guitarist and arranger. As a songwriter, his Here We Go Again became a hit for Ray Charles in 1967 and he wrote additional songs for artists such as Dean Martin, the Everly Brothers and Hank Snow. BMI, with which he was affiliated, credits him with 42 recorded compositions.
Twenty years later, Lanier once again followed his friend Bowen as he returned to Nashville. As an A&R man for MCA, Don found major hits for Reba McEntire, George Strait, Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless and others.He died in 2014 at the age of 78.
Don Lanier Discography
57 RouletteR-4021 Private Property / Pony Tail Girl – 09-57
58 Dot - as Don & The Roses
45-15755 Since You Went Away To School / Right Now (instr.) – 04-58
45-15874 Leave Those Cats Alone / Don't Try To Change Me – 12-58
60 GeeG-1060 Need Your Loving / Sweetness – 04-60
62 Apt25073 Gangster Of Love / I Don't Love You Anymore – 10-62
66 Reprise
0525 My Little Boy's Hands / I Wanna Go Somewhere - 66
