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'''Randy Gurley''' is an American country singer who hits on the US country charts in 1977 and 1979. She recorded for the [[ABC Records|ABC]] and [[RCA Records|RCA]] labels. |
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Gurley's hits include "True Love Ways" in 1977 and "Don't Treat Me Like a Stranger" and "If I Ever", both in 1979.<ref>''MusicVF''.com - [https://www.musicvf.com/Randy+Gurley.art Randy Gurley Top Songs, '''Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography''']</ref> |
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She was on the ABC Nashville roster that also included Tom Bresh, Roy Clark, John Conlee, Narvel Felts, Freddy Fender, Barbara Mandrell, [[The Oak Ridge Boys]] and Tommy Overstreet etc.<ref>''Billboard'', July 1, 1978 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/70s/1978/Billboard%201978-07-01.pdf (page unknown) Country, SALES INCREASE 25%, ABC Nashville Upswing Follows Roster Cutback By GERRY WOOD]</ref> She was also a touring support at for The Oak Ridge Boys and had Vickie Carrico as her backing singer.<ref>''CultScoop Magazine'' - [http://www.cultmachine.com/cultnik/cult/Vickie_Carrico/Vickie_Carrico.html THE BIG VOICE FROM NASHVILLE Vickie Carrico]</ref> |
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'''Barry Class''' is an entrepreneur, former music store chain owner, band manager, record label founder and musical director and producer. His greatest success as a manager was with the soul group [[The Foundations]]. He also managed the group [[The World of Oz]] and others. |
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As of July 1977, Randy Gurley was still being managed by DVC, Inc. headed by David Van Cronkhite.<ref>''Cash Box'', July 22, 1978 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1978/CB-1978-07-22.pdf Page 34 Country, Bill Williams Leaves E/A And Joins DVC Management Firm by Bob Campbell]</ref> |
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Barry Class has been credited with the discovery of [[The Foundations]].<ref>AllMusic - [https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-foundations-mn0000067900#biography The Foundations, The Foundations Biography by Bruce Eder]</ref> However there are sources that say it was [[Ron Fairway]], manager of the [[The Ways and Means]] who discovered them.<ref>The Strange Brew - [https://thestrangebrew.co.uk/interviews/the-ways-and-means/ The Ways and Means]</ref><ref>''It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine'', July 22, 2011 - [https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2011/07/pluto-interview-with-paul-gardner-alan.html Pluto interview with Paul Gardner & Alan Warner]</ref> |
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Prior to becoming a manager, he ran a chain of record stores called Disci.<ref>British Record Shop Archive - [https://www.britishrecordshoparchive.org/shops/disci-records/ Disci Records]</ref> He purchased his first store in 1962.<ref>''Disc & Music Echo'', April 27, 1968 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Disc/1968/Disc-&-Music-Echo-1968-04-27.pdf Page 19 Bob Farmer's Gossip, '''FOUNDATIONS''']</ref> There were eleven stores. The locations included, 100 Westbourne Grove W2 5RU Bayswater / London, 23 Watford Way NW4 3JH Hendon / London, 84 The Broadway UB1 1QD Southall / London, 90 Bletchley Road, Bletchley Bletchley / Buckinghamshire and 36 High Street, Rugby CV21 3BW Rugby / Warwickshire.<ref>''Billboard'', April 26, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1969/Billboard%201969-04-26a.pdf Page 43 The Men Behind The Foundations, Barry Class]</ref><ref>British Record Shop Archive - [https://www.britishrecordshoparchive.org/shops/disci-records/ Disci Records]</ref> In addition to Disci, his Class group of companies included [[Trend Records (UK label)|Trend Records]], Class Destination Inc., Class Management, and Class Theatrical Agency.<ref>''Billboard'', July 6, 1968 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1968/Billboard%201968-07-06.pdf Page 54 International News Reports, All- Purpose Service for Acts Touring U.S. Is Given Name]</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
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Barry Class' wife is Sylvia Class.<ref>''Billboard'', April 26, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1969/Billboard%201969-04-26.pdf Page 41 Foundations' News Reports, Foundations Embark On U. S. Tour No. 2]</ref> They had a daughter Tania born around 1962 and another daughter Gail born in 1968.<ref>''Disc & Music Echo'', April 27, 1968 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Disc/1968/Disc-&-Music-Echo-1968-04-27.pdf Page 19 Bob Farmer's Gossip, '''FOUNDATIONS''']</ref> |
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==Career== |
==Career== |
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===1960s=== |
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On February 14, 1978, Randy Gurley was set to headline at her first major show at the Palomino club in North Hollywood.<ref>''Cash Box'', February 18, 1978 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1978/CB-1978-02-18.pdf Page 38 COUNTRY, COUNTRY ROUNDUP]</ref> |
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Barry Class had been hearing music daily through his record stores. Below his office was a coffee shop which had The Foundations playing. They were renting the premises from him.<ref>''Billboard'', April 26, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1969/Billboard%201969-04-26a.pdf Page 43 The Men Behind The Foundations, Barry Class]</ref> Prior to getting to know The Foundations, he wasn't involved in the management aspect of the music business. His association paid off when they had the hit "[[Baby, Now That I've Found You]]".<ref>''Billboard'', April 26, 1969 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1969/Billboard%201969-04-26a.pdf Page 60 Barry Class ''* Continued from page 43'']</ref> Following the success of "Baby, Now That I've Found You" there was what rock historian Roger Dopson referred to as a behind the scenes struggle. Ron Fairway was "pushed out" and his partner, Class, remained as sole manager of the group. Fairway later attempted to sue the band, with the allegation that he was wrongfully dismissed as the group's co-manager. The band said that he had resigned of his own accord. The December 2 issue of ''[[New Musical Express]]'' wrote that it was likely to be several months before the case would be heard.<ref>''New Musical Express'', December 2, 1967 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/New-Musical-Express/1967/NME-1967-12-02.pdf Page 10 FOUNDATIONS SUED]</ref> According to the 8 November issue of ''[[Melody Maker]]'' , Class said that it was a friction of personalities which had been going on for about four months.<ref>''Melody Maker'', 18 November 1967 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Melody-Maker/60s/67/Melody-Maker-1967-1118.pdf Page 1 Foundations rocked by management split]</ref> |
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Class launched his [[Trend Records (UK label)|Trend]] label in February 1968 and had entered into a deal with Associated Records. The promotional side of the business was handled by Richard Eddy who was employed by Trend and Andrew Vere of Saga Records. All of the acts that had been signed to his company Barry Class Management would have their recordings issued on the label. However, The Foundations who he managed would not have their recordings issued on the label. Prior to the February launch, Class was speculating on issuing budget records.<ref>''Billboard'', January 20, 1968 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1968/Billboard%201968-01-20.pdf Page 40 International News Reports, Barry Class Starts Label]</ref> |
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He was pictured in the January 17, 1968 issue of ''[[Record Retailer]]'' with Saga Records executives, John Britten and Les Cook.<ref>''Record Retailer'', January 17, 1968 (45Cat) - [https://www.45cat.com/record/tre1001uk#google_vignette Trend Single Switch]</ref> He had also recruited Foundations trombonist [[Eric Allandale]] to come on board as a producer.<ref>''Beat Instrumental'', February, 1968 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Beat-Instrumental/6802-Beat-Instrumental-1968-02-OCR.pdf Page 24 INSTRUMENTAL NEWS, BARRY CLASS STARTS TREND RECORD LABEL]</ref> Curtis Clements was also employed as an assistant.<ref>''Billboard Buyers Guide'', 9TH ANNUAL EDITION, August 31, 1968 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1968/BB-1968-08-31-II-Buyer.pdf Page 31 Tread, Classic House, 113 Westbourne Grove, London]</ref> |
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With [[The World of Oz]] in Class' stable, he and [[Decca Records]] held a party for at the Mayfair Bistro Club. As reported in the 18 May 1968 issue of ''[[Cash Box]]'' this was for the release of the group's first single, "Muffin Man".<ref>''Cash Box'', May 18, 1968 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1968/CB-1968-05-18.pdf Page 72 Cash Box ''Great Britain'']</ref> |
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It was reported by ''Cash Box'' in the June 30, 1979 issue that [[Cliff Cochran]], Randy Gurley and [[Mary K. Miller]] were three artists that had been signed to the [[RCA Records|RCA]] label.<ref>''Cash Box'', June 30, 1979 - [https://retrocdn.net/images/e/eb/CashBox_US_1979-06-30.pdf Page 31 COUNTRY, MCA Tops Country Divisions With Active Roster Of 33 Acts by Bob Campbell, ''CBS Runner-Up '']</ref> |
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It was reported in the 6 July 1968 issue of ''Billboard'' that he had just six record shops at the time and was concentrating less on them and more on the aspects management and recording. He was also in negotiations for the set up of office sites in Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney and the U. S. West Coast. He had also set up a company, Class Destination Inc. which was an all-purpose for overseas acts who were touring in the United States. In New York, Jim Gibbons of Town & Country Travel was named as the man who would handle travel arrangement and equipment hire. Janis Murray of Rogers & Cowan was in charge of publicity and was to run the New York branch of Class Overlord Publicity <ref>''Billboard'', July 6, 1968 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1968/Billboard%201968-07-06.pdf Page 54 International News Reports, All- Purpose Service for Acts Touring U.S. Is Given Name]</ref> |
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With [[Bonnie Tyler]] at no. 1, [[Stella Parton]] at no. 2, [[Mary K. Miller]] at no. 4 and Susie Allanson at no. 5, Gurley came no. 4 in the New Female Vocalists section of the 1978 ''Cash Box'' Country Album Winners Poll which was published the magazine's December 30 issue.<ref>''Cash Box'', December 30, 1978 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1978/CB-1978-12-30.pdf Page 50 ''Country Album Winners Poll'', New Female Vocalists]</ref> |
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In 1969, Class negotiated a new contract for The Foundations with their label [[Pye Records|Pye]]. This in turn gave the group more control over their material.<ref>''Billboard'', 5 July 1969 – [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1969/Billboard%201969-07-05.pdf page 74 International News Reports, From The Music Capitals of the World, ''London'']</ref> |
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===1970s - 1980s=== |
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It was reported |
It was reported in the December 19, 1970 issue of ''[[Record World]]'' that Class had signed a distribution with [[Pathé-Marconi]] for the distribution of Trend product in France and Italy. There were two bands that were lined up for distribution. They were [[Warm Dust]] and Swegas.<ref>''Record World'', December 19, 1970 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/70s/70/RW-1970-12-19.pdf Page 47 <u>FRANCE</u> By GILLES PETARD]</ref> |
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===1990s=== |
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In the 1990s, Class was the director of Hollywood Boulevard Studios at 6356 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, 90028, CA. The studio had a multi-faceted approach to working with the artists, taking care of the audio and visual aspects of an artist's recording. The facility was ready to open for business in February or March 1993.<ref>''Music Conection'', Vol. XVII, No. 3 2/1 to 2/14/93 - [https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Music-Connection/90/1993/Music-Connection-1993-02-01.pdf Page 6 '''CLOSE-UP''', Hollywood Boulevard Studios By Karen Orsi]</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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* Discogs - [https://www.discogs.com/artist/3215268-Randy-Gurley Randy Gurley] |
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Revision as of 09:54, 8 August 2024
Barry Class is an entrepreneur, former music store chain owner, band manager, record label founder and musical director and producer. His greatest success as a manager was with the soul group The Foundations. He also managed the group The World of Oz and others.
Background
Barry Class has been credited with the discovery of The Foundations.[1] However there are sources that say it was Ron Fairway, manager of the The Ways and Means who discovered them.[2][3]
Prior to becoming a manager, he ran a chain of record stores called Disci.[4] He purchased his first store in 1962.[5] There were eleven stores. The locations included, 100 Westbourne Grove W2 5RU Bayswater / London, 23 Watford Way NW4 3JH Hendon / London, 84 The Broadway UB1 1QD Southall / London, 90 Bletchley Road, Bletchley Bletchley / Buckinghamshire and 36 High Street, Rugby CV21 3BW Rugby / Warwickshire.[6][7] In addition to Disci, his Class group of companies included Trend Records, Class Destination Inc., Class Management, and Class Theatrical Agency.[8]
Personal life
Barry Class' wife is Sylvia Class.[9] They had a daughter Tania born around 1962 and another daughter Gail born in 1968.[10]
Career
1960s
Barry Class had been hearing music daily through his record stores. Below his office was a coffee shop which had The Foundations playing. They were renting the premises from him.[11] Prior to getting to know The Foundations, he wasn't involved in the management aspect of the music business. His association paid off when they had the hit "Baby, Now That I've Found You".[12] Following the success of "Baby, Now That I've Found You" there was what rock historian Roger Dopson referred to as a behind the scenes struggle. Ron Fairway was "pushed out" and his partner, Class, remained as sole manager of the group. Fairway later attempted to sue the band, with the allegation that he was wrongfully dismissed as the group's co-manager. The band said that he had resigned of his own accord. The December 2 issue of New Musical Express wrote that it was likely to be several months before the case would be heard.[13] According to the 8 November issue of Melody Maker , Class said that it was a friction of personalities which had been going on for about four months.[14]
Class launched his Trend label in February 1968 and had entered into a deal with Associated Records. The promotional side of the business was handled by Richard Eddy who was employed by Trend and Andrew Vere of Saga Records. All of the acts that had been signed to his company Barry Class Management would have their recordings issued on the label. However, The Foundations who he managed would not have their recordings issued on the label. Prior to the February launch, Class was speculating on issuing budget records.[15] He was pictured in the January 17, 1968 issue of Record Retailer with Saga Records executives, John Britten and Les Cook.[16] He had also recruited Foundations trombonist Eric Allandale to come on board as a producer.[17] Curtis Clements was also employed as an assistant.[18]
With The World of Oz in Class' stable, he and Decca Records held a party for at the Mayfair Bistro Club. As reported in the 18 May 1968 issue of Cash Box this was for the release of the group's first single, "Muffin Man".[19]
It was reported in the 6 July 1968 issue of Billboard that he had just six record shops at the time and was concentrating less on them and more on the aspects management and recording. He was also in negotiations for the set up of office sites in Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney and the U. S. West Coast. He had also set up a company, Class Destination Inc. which was an all-purpose for overseas acts who were touring in the United States. In New York, Jim Gibbons of Town & Country Travel was named as the man who would handle travel arrangement and equipment hire. Janis Murray of Rogers & Cowan was in charge of publicity and was to run the New York branch of Class Overlord Publicity [20]
In 1969, Class negotiated a new contract for The Foundations with their label Pye. This in turn gave the group more control over their material.[21]
1970s - 1980s
It was reported in the December 19, 1970 issue of Record World that Class had signed a distribution with Pathé-Marconi for the distribution of Trend product in France and Italy. There were two bands that were lined up for distribution. They were Warm Dust and Swegas.[22]
1990s
In the 1990s, Class was the director of Hollywood Boulevard Studios at 6356 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, 90028, CA. The studio had a multi-faceted approach to working with the artists, taking care of the audio and visual aspects of an artist's recording. The facility was ready to open for business in February or March 1993.[23]
References
- ^ AllMusic - The Foundations, The Foundations Biography by Bruce Eder
- ^ The Strange Brew - The Ways and Means
- ^ It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine, July 22, 2011 - Pluto interview with Paul Gardner & Alan Warner
- ^ British Record Shop Archive - Disci Records
- ^ Disc & Music Echo, April 27, 1968 - Page 19 Bob Farmer's Gossip, FOUNDATIONS
- ^ Billboard, April 26, 1969 - Page 43 The Men Behind The Foundations, Barry Class
- ^ British Record Shop Archive - Disci Records
- ^ Billboard, July 6, 1968 - Page 54 International News Reports, All- Purpose Service for Acts Touring U.S. Is Given Name
- ^ Billboard, April 26, 1969 - Page 41 Foundations' News Reports, Foundations Embark On U. S. Tour No. 2
- ^ Disc & Music Echo, April 27, 1968 - Page 19 Bob Farmer's Gossip, FOUNDATIONS
- ^ Billboard, April 26, 1969 - Page 43 The Men Behind The Foundations, Barry Class
- ^ Billboard, April 26, 1969 - Page 60 Barry Class * Continued from page 43
- ^ New Musical Express, December 2, 1967 - Page 10 FOUNDATIONS SUED
- ^ Melody Maker, 18 November 1967 - Page 1 Foundations rocked by management split
- ^ Billboard, January 20, 1968 - Page 40 International News Reports, Barry Class Starts Label
- ^ Record Retailer, January 17, 1968 (45Cat) - Trend Single Switch
- ^ Beat Instrumental, February, 1968 - Page 24 INSTRUMENTAL NEWS, BARRY CLASS STARTS TREND RECORD LABEL
- ^ Billboard Buyers Guide, 9TH ANNUAL EDITION, August 31, 1968 - Page 31 Tread, Classic House, 113 Westbourne Grove, London
- ^ Cash Box, May 18, 1968 - Page 72 Cash Box Great Britain
- ^ Billboard, July 6, 1968 - Page 54 International News Reports, All- Purpose Service for Acts Touring U.S. Is Given Name
- ^ Billboard, 5 July 1969 – page 74 International News Reports, From The Music Capitals of the World, London
- ^ Record World, December 19, 1970 - Page 47 FRANCE By GILLES PETARD
- ^ Music Conection, Vol. XVII, No. 3 2/1 to 2/14/93 - Page 6 CLOSE-UP, Hollywood Boulevard Studios By Karen Orsi
