History of the NEW COLONY SIX |  

Great story about Larry Lujack flipping the 45 over and "creating" the 2nd big hit for the NC6! Even though I grew up in Omaha, the "Big 89" became my go-to station --- at least at night, from 1967-70.

I also have fond memories of the New Colony Six via my older sister who bought a lot of their music back in the day. Their popularity in Chicago spread all the way to central Wisconsin. It wasn't until many years later that I found out they were much bigger regionally than they were nationally. No internet or social media to spread information back in those days. There are many other bands I grew up with that charted locally and had a lot of radio airplay that never had national hits. Another one of my favorites was The Robbs.

Thanks so much for the history of NC6. Grew up in the 60's in Chicago so very familiar with their music and have several albums and CD'S of theirs. They actually had more singles chart on WLS top 40 than any other Chicago band from 1967 to 71 until the group Chicago came along later in the decade. One note is they are still performing with Ray and Ronnie several times a year in "Cornerstones of rock" concert with several other Chicago 60's Bands.

PRAISE JESUS,YOU DID ,THE NEW COLONY SIX, THATS COOL

Great that you covered a band that has one of my top 10 favorite songs from the 60s. "Things I'd Like To Say" is my favorite ballad of the 60s. "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys is my second favorite.

Matt, I'm hoping that if and when you get around to the Cryan Shames, you can get an interview with their chief songwriter, Jim Fairs. I know he was on Facebook some years back...major talent.

I Will Always Think About You was a song that came out in 68 that fit many who were off to war in Viet Nam. Thinking of the loves they left in the US. Loved the tune.

I have loved "Things I'd Like To Say" since I first heard it a kid. Still a top ten fave. It has been on every cassette, CD, and playlist since then.

What a shame that they weren't bigger as I didn't hear a clunker in the bunch. I'm gonna check them out. Thanks for your effort here.

I grew up in Chicago. Saw them many times and they were very popular.

Things I'd Like To Say was in heavy rotation on WCFL and WLS in Chicago over the winter of 1968-69. I wasnt much of a fan of syrupy love songs like this, being only 11 years old at the time and into the far more exciting pop psychedelia. But the production was as smooth and singing as good as anything by Association, which of course is high praise.Thanks for unearthing NC6.

Just met Ronnie & Ray at a record show in the Chicago area. So I was able to purchase a copy of Revelations there on vinyl and they signed it. They were both very nice talkative guys. Got home put Revelations on the turntable and found out it’s a great album. When the next Chicago land record show comes up in July, I’m going to look for the other Albums and try to add those to my collection. Good informative Pop Goes The 60’s. Thanks Matt!

Thank you for this show. The New Colony Six a great band!.

⁠We are truly blessed to be able to see our local “heroes of the airwaves”. Ray Graffia Jr. has so many great stories to share when you see him perform….from their early pre-fame days, playing in his basement, with his father upstairs, hearing the incredible talent of Ray and his bandmates, which ultimately led to his dad finally deciding to form a record company, to eventually touring with The Beach Boys, opening for the Monkees, and becoming an indelible part of Rock & Roll history.

Growing up in the Chicago area, I remember hearing the New Colony Six on the radio, and just loving their sound. One day as I was listening to them on WLS, my older brother said, “You know, they’re from the Chicago area?” WHAT???? This was a game-changing revelation. It gave hope to every person who ever wondered if the average guy or girl on the street could make it big. I’m sure that was the spark that moved so many Chicagoland bands to push the envelope. They deserve a TON of credit. I am in a local band called, AMBIDEXTROUS, and we’ve been honored to have actually played with founding member/lead singer, Ray Graffia Jr. on several occasions. He still sounds fantastic. Check out some of our videos with Ray on RU-vid.

I grew up in the Chicago area in the 60's (my father even worked at WLS). I remember the New Colony Six very well. I was in a teenage band that played many of their songs at sock hops in the area. Thank you so much for shining a well-deserved spotlight on this very under-appreciated band! :)

This great band took me from my Freshman through my Senior year of high school. The best of memories and back seat escapades.

I love bands from the Midwest, especially the Chicago area, where I grew up. Thank you, Matt.

The NC6 always seemed to have a great song on WLS or WCFL while growing up in Mt. Prospect IL. You’re right - that Rhino comp is TERRIFIC!!!

thank you, matt, for introducing me to this Chicago band! fine job, as always!

The Premier Chicago Classic Rock band. First class versus Economy seating. Enuff said.

My band… The Field of Content, opened for them in the 60’s, at the Indiana, PA, “Red Rooster”. They were great! Sounded just like their recordings… which didn’t always happen with groups we opened for, back then.

Great overlooked songs from these guys.

Heard "I Confess" at age of 11 growing up in Chicagoland. It made an indelible impression on me; I can listen to it at any time and be transported to a simpler more innocent time

OMG, I'm 12 in '73 - Western PA. Late night my transistor radio would pick up WLS AM from Chicago and the DJ was Larry Lujack- he introduced me to rock n roll.

Amazing how success can be determined by the DJ playing the B-side.

One thing that I came away from this video Matt of The New Colony Six is how persistent they were and never giving up until they had a hit song, were most bands would have gave up. - Not too long ago I heard Bob Seger telling a story of how one night Glen Frey and him (before they hit it big) were driving around one night after going to a club, and on the radio came on a song by the Cowsills, and Glen made some off remark about the song they were listening and was about to change the station, and Seger told Frey to leave it on, that there was something to learn about what makes a hit song, and made a point to Frey that No matter what ,Dont give up in writing songs, even if they're are bad at first, eventually you'll write a good song. And this reminds me of The New Colony Six, No matter what, they just kept going until they got a hit. I didnt know much about this band until I saw this video, but I remember the first time I heard the song Things Id Like To Say (Without knowing it was by The New Colony Six) it would play all the time on a Oldies Station KVIN Modesto , that I would hear on the AM radio out here in the East Bay. Unfortunately a year ago it went off the air ( Like all the good radio staions on FM/AM) it was one of the Last oldies stations in the San Francisco Bay Area, So now I hear Things Id Like To Say being played on 60's Gold on Sirius XM- Love that song.

I am totally amazed by this history of the New Colony Six you have put together. You have done a fantastic job with this. For me, some of their hits around 1967 and 1968 are some of the greatest songs of all time...and I have always wondered about the group, what kind of guys they were, whatever happened to them...and you have answered so many of my questions. The New Colony Six may not have been one of the greatest bands of all time, but some of their songs rank right up with some of the greatest *songs* of all time. Thanks so much for all the work you put into this. Fantastic!!!

Nice Documentary! Very well done! …….. Vic Bannon “Chicago Gold” 104.7 WCFL “Super CFL” 1990-92.

I knew there was something they did that I'd remember. But I didn't recognise anything till you played "Things I'd Like To Say." They were nothing if not tenacious! The competition was wicked at the time, as you mentioned, the music in the late 60's was getting "heavier." And then people like CSN turned up and must've been a huge threat to them. I'm surprised they lasted that long. Another great installment Sir! 😻👍

I was only slightly familiar with New Colony Six -- mainly their early stuff. I didn't appreciate how much they matured as musicians and composers in the late-60s/early-70s. I agree, "Close Your Eyes Little Girl" is a great song. Thanks!

I gotta give credit to this guy-he certainly does his research....👍

At The River’s Edge is a song I have on my Pro-to Punk Rock playlist it was also featured on the Rhino Nuggets Boxset great song!

Always listened to WCFL & WLS while living in Cleveland area!

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend Matt ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

Matt, this is a band I knew a bit, but didn't really know much about. Thanks for showcasing them!

I am from Australia . I have never ever heard of New Colony Six. I will be checking out more of their songs on RU-vid.

Matt, this is where you excel--you take a band that I've vaguely heard of, do a complete analysis focusing on the music, and convince me to check them out in more detail. Keep up the great work!

Yep! One of the favorites of my generation, since I'm 73...it seems as though the Midwest U.S.A. had several rock/pop bands from "The Windy City" Chicago. I have their Great Hits in CD version I got 13 or so years ago. Literally all the written and sung tunes had "class" though, the album shown in this episode, I don't have. Maybe since The New Colony Six, along with The Buckinghams of Chicago, were among the favorites of the Midwest areas, I ought to get one or two of these albums. Of all the songs they produced..."Things I'd Like to Say" is my absolute favorite. I always since the tune's released, have one or two of my "love crushes" of that 60's era always on my mind. Yeah for "teenage love"! Seems like the greatest love of a girl (or guy, for the girls) just can't be ever forgotten!

I’m old enough to remember the NC 6, always loved Things. Also, your Paul Revere & TR episodes was fantastic, of course I was a big fan, still am. Since you brought up WLS, how about doing a bio on Don Young. His version of She lets her hair down was to me the best version. I understand it was a big local hit, but some of us down in Ga loved it. You do a fantastic job, Thanks 👍😁

One of those bands I've seen regularly flash by while browsing through the vinyls at the local record store. I'm definitely gonna pick one up next time I'll find them after this episode!

A great band I've never heard of. Thanks for the video.

A wonderful video.

Long Time to be Alone needed to be released in 68, would have been a monster!!! Love this song!!! Things I'd Like to Say, and I will Always Think about You, helped me survive boot camp, sang them mentally over and over, along with a few others. They were big needless to say in Chicago, but in Southern Mich, they rocked as well. I would love to travel back to the 60's just one more time, even if just to say release Long Time to be Alone NOW!!! Thanks though for the great musical New Colony Six history!!!

Boston Garage revival legends The Lyres did a great cover of “I Confess” on their classic 1984 album “On Fyre”.

This makes me miss creative am radio so much! A lotta Cleveland djs went to WCFL, & "Svengoolie," Jerry G, did evening dj on KYW when in Cle previously.

Nice one, I love that first album in particular, bought that Eva reissue in the 80s. The Lyres from Boston certainly brought them to the attention of us younger fans that were getting into garage and psych sounds from 20 years before 😉 Some interesting stuff from later on but overall I lean towards their Sentar stuff 🎶🎶🎶

They need to do a cd of all those later singles.

One thing I especially love about this video is that it’s not only about a good band but one I somehow never heard of. I was actually arrogant - or do I mean smug ? - enough to think I’d at least heard of every 60s band of any value at all. Then I was doubly amazed to hear ‘Cadillac’ and learn it’s an original of theirs. I have heard two or three versions of that song and always liked it but had no clue as to its actual origins. A great video about a truly luckless band. Seriously, how could ‘Cadillac’ not be a hit ? I’m glad to say I found at least a couple albums of theirs on RU-vid Music but alas no Revelations. Just a couple interesting things I came across since your last post. I was recently watching a documentary about Bon Scott because I’m a fan of early AC/DC. They lost me with Brian Johnson but anyway what struck me was how amazingly dominant Vanda and Young were to both the 60s, 70s and even 80s Australian music scene. Not just with their own band, the Easybeats, but as producers and general boosters of Australian rock. If you got the thumbs up from Vanda and Young then you were on your way. It was also news to me that the singer of the Easybeats seems to have the dubious distinction of possibly being the first rock star to suffer from a debilitating heroin habit. So there’s a whole lot more to the Easybeats than I ever knew. 🤞 that you’ll give them a look some day. They really were an incredible band. Lou Reed said ‘Falling Off The Edge Of The World’ was one of his favorite love songs ever. So there you go ! And I REALLY felt compelled to tell you this. I know we’d agreed Bobby Beausoleil is a genuinely gifted musician that’s still making creative music to this day. Also that he’s been locked up for long enough. One murder is indeed awful but since some killers get released in 10 years or sometimes even less, why have they thrown away the key on Beausoleil ? First let me say I am not a conspiracy theorist in any way. I think they’re socially toxic and corrosive. But I just read a book ‘Chaos Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the 60s’ which absolutely blew me away. It in no way exonerates or even disputes the fundamental facts of the Tate-LaBianca murders. I’d have tossed the book across the room if it did. But if you’re at all familiar with the Contilepro program which was an illegal secret CIA/FBI/law enforcement collaboration to infiltrate and destroy the anti-war movement, the Black Panthers and the counterculture in general then it turns out there was much much more to the Manson case than meets the eye. And, again, if the author didn’t source and footnote every last bit of this, across the room the book would fly. But he does. In fact nearly all of it is right there in the Church Committee hearings as well as printed police interrogation transcripts etc. Vincent Bugliosi threatened the author with lawsuits for years because ‘Chaos’ totally throws the whole ‘Helter Skelter, race war’ narrative in the garbage and it very much seems like Bugliosi suborned perjury. So, while guilty, Manson got a mistrial and technically should have been released. And Terry Melcher is at the heart of the story. Didn’t you always think it kind of stretched credulity that police didn’t connect the Hinman and Tate and LaBianca killings ? Almost too obtuse to believe ? And far worse - three days after the murders an entire SWAT team invaded the Spahn Ranch where they found ex-con and current parolee Charles Manson with an arsenal of guns, narcotics from weed to heroin, and underage runaway girls..and then charged him with car theft and released him three days later ? Bugliosi explained it was due to a ‘misdated’ warrant. Right. The LA county police organize what was then the largest police operation in county history but put the wrong date on it. Unfortunately for Bugliosi, O’Neill found the warrant for the Spahn Ranch raid and it is not misdated. Bugliosi lied. Why ? And when you learn just how involved Beausoleil actually was in setting off the killings, I bet you’ll agree with me that if reincarnation is real, that when Bobby Beausoleil comes back that he gets locked up for his next life and the one after that. He stands shoulder to shoulder in blood and guilt with Tex Watson and Charles Manson. I don’t want to give this all away because if you’re a reader, this is a must. Manson wasn’t just a murderer. He was a snitch beyond your wildest dreams. And about who and what I’ll let you discover. The book also contains the last and unbelievably unhinged statement Terry Melcher ever gave. It’ll tell you things about Dennis Wilson which will also make your head spin. And it exposes Vincent Bugliosi as a complete scoundrel and national disgrace. Bugliosi didn’t sue O’Neill because he COULDN’T. O’Neill had him dead to rights. Don’t read Helter Skelter. It’s bullsh-t. If you want to read the true story of the Manson murders (with plenty of rock n roll thrown in) read ‘Chaos’. And pray Beausoleil doesn’t get paroled because no one deserves it less.

Bravo! Thanks so much for covering the New Colony Six. I grew up in So-Cal and remember 93 KHJ Boss Radio playing their two big hits in the late '60's when I was a kid then I rediscovered the group on a 1988 Polygram comp, 45's on CD, Vol. III ('66-'69) which included I Will Always Think About You which got me to dig deeper. I did buy the Colonized comp by Rhino which I still listen to often. Keep up the excellent work!

Great presentation. Grew up with The New Colony 6

I always loved This band, so this was a nice video to watch…informative and entertaining . Mid to late 60s, Chicago was a breeding ground for creative bands.

❤️ I Confess from the first time I heard it

Pacific Sunset Records ( LA). Hi.One comphrensive show on the New Colony six.A band that i felt should have been greater known and had charters.Look forward to your future programs.

What a well researched and informative job you did Matt. I seen a lot of band histories on RU-vid, but your presentation is the best I've seen. You are actually passionate about the bands and music that you cover and it shows! Well done. I hope in the future, you can do segments on some other Chicago groups like The Cryan' Shames, The American Breed and The Buckinghams.

Fabulous retrospective Matt. I admit I know very little about this band. I may recall one or two songs from some 60s compilations I have. But that’s it. This was a very enjoyable overview. Take care.😊

I grew up in New England and "Things I'd Like to Say" and "I Will Always Think About You" were hits and in heavy rotation. Great tunes!

Amazing that you have this in your collection. Amazing. This is deep dive stuff. Nice.

Thanks, this was great! Now do the Cryan Shames.

& I Love You So Much is a theme that I direct!

You're amazing to searching out and getting your hands on this band's albums. Pure gold!!!

Great show

Living in the Peoria Il area l saw them live 65 or so. The Cryin Shames and Buckinghams along with others from Chitown. Do have Attacking the the Straw Man in really great shape. So much great music from ILL at this time

A struggle surely through the late 60's for any of these pop bands - these unheard and unheard of (certainly in England)! Nice review though Matt.

Nice piece on the band. I have at least three of those records. I shall revisit them.

A history of the Blues Magoos would be cool

Once again, another masterful deep-dive into 60's pop history.

Hey! This was my suggestion (and other folks’ too, I’m sure). Such a great local Chicago music scene back in the day.

Another great dive into a underrated American group. How about Herb Albert as a subject?? You kinda teased us with the album covers video..

I grew up in Chicago so I remember this band well. ( Shadows of Knight too). WLS was the coolest station for a young rock fan. I really like Things I'd like To Say. Great choice for a video Matt

Always liked them.

Really great. job of presenting music history!

Just discovered your channel few days ago flashed back through some of your videos saw the one where you are walking in the park saying your wife has/had medical issues…from me to you how is she…I like the personal touch involving your listeners/viewers of your channel and I like your casual style reviewing these band/groups: Sydney Australia:

Never heard of this band. Thanks for enlightening us! Request: The Lemon Fog

Awesome video! I grew up in the Chicago area and always loved the New Colony Six. They were the most underated group of all in the 60s and early 70s. It's sad that they weren't more popular nationally.

Thank you Mat, great overview!

Never heard about this band before...

Wonderful, thank you!

Chic James (fake name) was an innovative drummer. Chicago had so many amazing bands. So many of them like The Buckinghams used horns excessively. My favorite was The American Breed (hint hint) Excellent video btw.

I'm glad you finally got the time to do this group, as you had mentioned wanting to before. They really lasted a long time for a 60s band and their journey sounds like at least two different bands. Glad you included Wingbat Marmaduke...When was the last time you saw an elf?"

hi matt - i had never heard of them before though i can see the appeal in their sound....for some reason what strikes me today as i watch is how young they all look - i am feeling very old today - and they look like kids!!!! oh well, that is what happens as the years go by. hope all is well with you and family at home.

Unfamiliar with the band but I did love your video. Perhaps you could have a series of regional bands that never made it nationally.

Im proudg of all theses Chicago bands, Buckinghams too, Cheap Trick, Styx, Chicago Cetera / Kath.

Those early outfits scream Paul Revere and the Raiders. I could not believe my ears that they once shared a duplex and they wore those outfits before knowing them... This is a really really really odd detail Matt! Their landlord must have been really confused.

There was also a lot of pride regarding the bands. I recall there was a Sunday Sun-Times with a newsprint poster with The Buckinghams 'Portraits' album cover images - the group dressed in civil war uniforms. I also recall The New Colony Six being featured in the musical instruments section of a Montgomery Wards catalog, which is available online. For some reason only 5 of 'The Six' are in the ad. I doubt they would have played Wards 'Airline' instruments, anyway.

Ahhh, and you end your production with one of the best piano outros ever recorded. (Up there with "Bridge Over Troubled Water", right?), Great dig into a good band. And I agree with you about the Rhino compilation, which I still listen to often. Thanks!

Just as soon as I was looking up videos of The New Colony Six to prep up for this weekend of course Matt posts a video about them 😂 You gonna go see them at the Chicagoland Record and CD collectors show by the way this upcoming Sunday? Also great history video as always 👍

Thank you Matt !!! This is the video that I have been waiting for ! I graduated high school in upstate New York in 1969. The N.C. Six was very popular in our region. They were excellent but time has not been kind to them. They could hold their own against any band of that time frame. Thank you so very much. I love your channel. I don't know how you do it , but don't stop till you cover every artist of the 60's. , Dean ( in Syracuse)

This video you made is of one of my favorite groups. Did you know that on the single, I'm just waiting,anticipating. that the nucleus of the horn players playing on this is earth wind and fire.

They certainly were a "local" band according to how their singles charted. From NJ, I don't remember that band, although I may have heard that song "Things I'd Like to Say," it did sound familiar. Funny how the memory works.

Really enjoy your shows keep up the good work. If you're ever lost for programming there's a band called the Kit Kats from Pennsylvania

Great video about a great band. I grew up in the Chicagoland area at that time. These guys were electric!! Thanks for your hard work. You knocked it out of the park!!

Thanks again Matt for your great researched and detailed work ! ☀️

Great job Matt. Loved the video. Lived in Chicago until I couldn’t take it anymore but that’s another story. Have seen New Colony Six a few times. Excellent group. Very nice guys. Had all the albums you showed as well as the recommended CD. So many great songs. Chicago has so many great bands like NCS, American Breed, Buckinghams, Chicago, Cryin’ Shames, Shadows of Knight, Idea of March, Styx, Survivor, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick (Rockford), Material Issue, Smashing Pumpkins. Great stuff. Love all your videos Matt. Thank you for your hard work and efforts putting all this quality material out for us. Be well.

Thanks Matt. You keep doing it. Again you made me aware that a band I've loved for years had a more extensive career than I imagined. Cheers.

Just great music 65-74! Funny he plays the EVA import LP. Both sides of Marmaduke charted on WIRL Peoria separately! They were BIG time, IMO. Things id Like to say was top 10 on #1 station in country--WABC New York city! Interesting to see Muddy feet listed as a 45! Long Time to be alone/Never Be Lonely one of best 2 siders of the 70s. I guess I never realized "I Could never Lie" was different on 45 from LP so will have to listen! Nice story and retrospective, tho.

At the rivers edge is my fave of theirs, refer to Pebbles vol 9.

This was a nice one Matt! Definitely made me think of the Association. You should do the Buckinghams next. Gets me to understand that scene in the 60s a little more.

Loved your video on the new colony six. It reminds me of another band that you might want to look into doing a video on. They are called The Wildweeds big Al Anderson was a part of that band. He is now and has been a songwriter in Nashville and written several hits songs. Good luck with your channel, love your videos.

Their two best charting singles were beautiful songs and their vocals were exquisite. Thanks for the reminder Matt. It’s been many years since I’ve heard them.