Kip Tyler (May 31, 1929* – September 23, 1996) was an American rock and roll singer and bongo player.
To become a true rock 'n' roll singer back in the fifties meant that almost everyone hated you - parents, the church, the establishment and the old time musicians. But this did not bother a cool cat like Kip Tyler, as long as the kids loved him and his music. He often joined his band on stage dressed in black leather and on a motorbike. But let there be no doubt - he was an important leader, and part, of the fifties Californian rockabilly and rock 'n' roll history.
Kip Tyler, born Elwood Westertson Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois. Lead singer of Sleepwalkers during his time at Union High School and later teamed up with rival musicians from Fairfax High School to form the early version of Kip Tyler and the Flips. Besides the usual shows at high school dances and parties, the group's wild rockabilly sound and stage performances soon made them the most popular band at the legendary shows at the El Monte Legion Stadium. Indeed, they virtually became the house band as they often provided the backing for other artists appearing at the venue.
In late 1957, he formed a new group, Kip Tyler And The Flips. Their first record was "Lets Monkey Around" (b/c "Vagabond Mama"); recorded at Starla Records. The group recorded at Challenge Records and found more success from their singles produced there. In early 1958, Challenge released their first hit "Jungle Hop" and the great driving rockabilly tune "Ooh Yeah Baby" complete with one heck of an instrumental break. Whilst again achieving good reviews in the musical press upon release on Challenge, sales were poor.
Later in 1958, after a change of band members, they recorded at Ebb Records with another single: "She's My Witch" (b/c "Rumble Rock"), on which they were assisted by Jim Horn, saxophone player with Duane Eddy's Rebels. The next, and final, session for Ebb Records was in January 1959 and this brought "Oh Linda" and
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"Hali-Lou" to the listening public. It was one of the final releases on Ebb before the label closed its doors. Some noteworthy members of all those that played in the band included Bruce
Johnson, Sandy Nelson, future Wrecking Crew members Larry Knechtel of Bread and guitarist Mike Deasy.
"Hali-Lou" to the listening public. It was one of the final releases on Ebb before the label closed its doors. Some noteworthy members of all those that played in the band included Bruce Johnson, Sandy Nelson, future Wrecking Crew members Larry Knechtel of Bread and guitarist Mike Deasy.
Kip Tyler formed another new group and signed a deal with the Los Angeles based Imperial Records with the help of his old drummer Sandy Nelson - who had already joined the label after leaving Art Laboe who had only signed him to a publishing contract and not as a recording artist. In 1960, Tyler recorded four songs for the label but only two "Rocket Round The Universe/The Goblin Trot" were issued. These were commercially still born.
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| Dick at the Gyro Disc Hollywood office. |
Seemingly Kip had become disillusioned by this lack of success, especially as many of his former band members had made the big time. Whilst he remained a local star, he entered into other forms of business. He died on September 23, 1996 Los Angeles, California from natural causes.
(Edited mainly from CD liner notes) (*one source gives 29thas birth date)