November 4, 2024

JAN & DEAN – Jan Berry Official Site

Life can have a higher meaning in a Carnival of Sound

History — 1959

Jan & Dean

JAN BERRY — A SELECTED TIMELINE
By Mark A. Moore
Author of Dead Man’s Curve: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Life of Jan Berry

JAN & DEAN

1959

January 1959 — Jan was awarded a diploma from University High School. He should have graduated with the summer class of 1958 (the Vagabonds) but finished a half-year late.

January 1959 — After contributing to a single for the Rituals for producer Joe Lubin on Arwin Records,  Arnie Ginsburg retired from the music business. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1959. When his military service ended, Arnie returned to L.A. and entered college, attending the University of Southern California at the same time as Dean Torrence.

Ernie FReeman
Legendary Arranger and Pianist ERNIE FREEMAN Worked On Many Sessions for JAN BERRY, from JAN & ARNIE in 1958 through the Early Sessions for JAN & DEAN and the “SURF SCENE” Television Pilot in 1963. FREEMAN Did a Bit of Everything for the Duo, from Arranging to Recording and Live Performances.

Jan Enters College

February 1959 — Jan enrolled as a student at UCLA.

Dean Torrence becomes Jan’s New Partner

Jan Connects with Herb Alpert and Lou Adler

• February-April 1959 Dean Torrence became Jan’s new professional partner, and Jan connected with independent record producers Herb Alpert and Lou Adler. Herb and Lou had learned the business while working for writer, arranger, and producer Robert “Bumps” Blackwell.

Dore Records

Jan & Dean
JAN & DEAN Publicity Photo, 1959

May 1959 — Doré Records released “Baby Talk “ by Jan & Dean.

June 1959 — Jan & Dean performed at the Lido Ballroom, Nu-Pike Fun Park in Long Beach.

July 1959 — Jan & Dean performed at the Hollywood Palladium.

• August 1959 — Jan & Dean performed at the Hollywood Bowl.

August 1959 — Doré released “There’s a Girl. “

September 1959 — Jan & Dean made their national television debut on The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show.

September 1959 — Jan & Dean performed at the Michigan State Fair.

• September 1959 — “Baby Talk” peaked on the national charts: #7 Cash Box, #10 Billboard, and #28 R&B.

October 1959 — Jan & Dean performed on Wink Martindale’s Dance Party.

October 1959 — Jan & Dean performed at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

October  1959 — Jan & Dean performed on The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show.

Dick Clark Beechnut Show
JAN & DEAN Performing “THERE’S A GIRL”  on the “Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show,” October 1959

November 1959“There’s a Girl” peaked on the national charts: #80 Cash Box and #97 Billboard.

November 1959 — Doré released “Clementine.”

Jan Berry
JAN BERRY, “Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show,” 1959

• November 1959 — Jan & Dean performed at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz.

November 1959 — Jan & Dean performed as part of the 19th Show of Stars at the Civic Auditorium in Hilo, Hawaii.

December 1959 —Jan & Dean performed on American Bandstand, “Dick Clark’s New year’s Eve Party.”

Jan & Dean
JAN & DEAN Publicity Photo, 1959
Jan & Dean
JAN & DEAN Publicity Photo, 1959

© Mark A. Moore. All rights reserved.

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