The Fountain Of Youth has been discovered in Texas
“Take A Giant Step” / “Don’t Blame Me (For Trying)” Colgems 66-1024) June 1968
So who were Fountain Of Youth? I know nothing about them apart from the fact that they released four singles on Colgems. According to FA&F they hailed from Fredericksburg, Texas. Hopefully someone will get in touch with more information.
’Take A Giant Step’ written by the Goffin-King partnership is pop perfection and this version is more bubblegum than the recording made by The Monkees.
It was also recorded by The Rising Sons. The sublime arrangement is credited to Hollywood session guitarist and producer Richard Podolor who has been mentioned on my Blog before for his work with The Chocolate Watch Band and The Standells.
The 45 got a ’Special Merit Spotlight’ mention in a June 1968 edition of Billboard.
The flip ’Don’t Blame Me (For Trying)’ has a tougher edge and was compiled on Boulders Volume 8 back in the 80s. I had one of those vinyl only Boulders comps but the sound quality was worse than appalling and I quickly sold it on. No doubt it sounds awful on that series.
“Liza Jane” / “Witness People” (Colgems 66-5003) April 1969
The Fountain Of Youth were a teen group from Fredericksburg, Texas who previously recorded as The Crossfires releasing the following 45: ’Who’ll Be The One’/’Making Love Is Fun’ (Tower 278).
They came to the attention of the Colgems label who signed them in March 1968 (there is a mention in a Billboard magazine from this time).
Looking at the promo pic of The Fountain Of Youth it shows the teenagers to be a clean cut, square looking combo in psychedelic shirts. By the time of this single, their 4th for Colgems, I’d be surprised if they looked as wholesome as this.
’Liza Jane’ was released in April 1969 and is typical bubblegum pop of that time period. The jewel is the heavy psych flip ’Witness People’. There isn’t that much information around about The Fountain Of Youth but they seemingly had a lead singing drummer!
Richard Podolor produced their Colgems singles. He also worked with psych outfit The Glass Family, The Starfires, The Standells, The Chocolate Watch Band and many more I’m sure.
line-up:
Jimmy Panza (lead vocals & drums)
Gary Itri (bass & vocals)
Gary Jenschke (lead guitar & vocals)
Ken Molberg (rhythm guitar & vocals)
Readers comments:
Ken Molberg had left the band at this point and isn’t featured on this song. He’s a Judge in Dallas. I went to high school with all four of these men and knew them well. I just found out today that Gary Itri has passed away.
Discography:
Livin’ Too Fast / (Angie, Love Me) Make The Hurt Go Away (Colgems 66-1020) 03/68
Take A Giant Step / Don’t Blame Me (For Trying) (Colgems 66-1024) 06/68
Sunshine On A Cold Morning / Day Don’t Come (Colgems 66-1032) 10/68
Liza Jane / Witness People (Colgems 66-5003) 05/68
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