Bob Markley

Robert H. "Bob" Markley (August 29, 1935 – September 9, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter and record producer who co-founded the psychedelic rock band, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, in the late 1960s.^[1] Markley, the adopted son of an oil tycoon, was first a law graduate, and then a local television persona for the Oklahoma programming, Oklahoma Bandstand in 1958. By 1960, he started a decade-long music career, and became one of the most controversial figures that emerged from the era.^[2]

Early music career

In 1960, Markley moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career, having already performed in several college bands. He was signed by Warner Bros. Records to release his first single, "Will We Meet Again", paired with "Tia Juana Ball", which was distributed in late 1960. Markley would perform vocals, and utilize the bongos as his standard equipment. By late 1961, another single emerged under the same label titled, "Summers Comin' On", backed by "It Should Have Been Me". All of the songs were either written or co-written by Markley, with composer Baker Knight, who later wrote "Shifting Sands" for The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band on their second album, Part One, in 1967.^[3] Markley's solo career, however, stalled after the singles were met with very little success. These rare compositions, which lounged in obscurity for decades, were re-distributed on the 2011 compilation album, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Companion.^[4]

Before the end of 1965, Markley encountered a band, thanks to his friend Kim Fowley, known as Laughing Wind who he met during a performance that included The Yardbirds. The concert was actually located in Markley's mansion in Los Angeles after The Yardbirds could not book any other performance. Multitudes of directors and musicians like Jeff Beck and Jim McGuinn of The Byrds were also present as guests in the sizable gathering.^[5] The Laughing Wind was composed of future bandmates Michael Lloyd, Danny Harris, and Shaun Harris. Markley was less concerned about the band's actual performance than he was with the crowd a rock band brought, particularly young women. His obsession with young girls would be a strange part of Markley's personality that would directly affect his later music.^[6] Markley proposed the band and he align as a new group. The group reluctantly accepted Markley's offer, as they were persuaded by Markley's wealth, and The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band was formed.^[7]

The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band

Markley quickly controlled the name and productions of the band, thanks to his expertise in law. Tracks on all future albums, except Where's My Daddy?, would have Markley listed as the primary composer, even if he took no part in any actual writing.^[6] In some cases, Markley did write some basic compositions during the band's existence like "1906" which would fit well into the psychedelic rock era of the late sixties. However, as his career with the band progressed, Markley's lyrics became more rampant and obviously pertaining to underage girls.^[8] As a result of Markley's influence, his compositions would be released as singles even though they were not as coordinated as other tracks like "Transparent Day" or "Shifting Sands". Markley strived to achieve compositions equal to his bandmates', but with his sometimes disturbing lyrics the output would not sell successfully. Despite his lacking skills as a musician, Markley's input became key in the overall sound and style in the band.^[9]

With the band, Markley produced six albums, one of which was under the name Markley A Group.^[10][11] While Markley contributed spoken word and backing vocals, the 1966 lineup had Danny Harris playing lead guitar, Shaun Harris at bass guitar, and Michael Lloyd with rhythm guitar. The addition of John Ware at drums completed the group. Lead vocals would vary among the band members as Markley was in control of who assumed the role. After their minor FiFo Records album consisting mostly of Laughing Wind recordings, Volume One was released, Markley's influence helped the band sign to the Reprise label for three albums, and smaller independent labels for the final two releases. The band was able to produce a wide variety of music ranging from folk rock, to guitar freakbeat, and multilayered, avant-garde compositions.^[4] Their most acclaimed album, 1968's release of Volume 3: A Child's Guide to Good and Evil, has been considered a psychedelic masterpiece.^[12]

The band's popularity came from their elaborate light shows during their performances. These light shows, according to Ware were "the ultimate street happening for awhile". Markley's role would be minimal, tambourines and on occasions, backing vocals. However, they would do little to save the band from disbanding. Markley's strict sessions and unsuccessful albums led the group to disbanding in 1970, after a self-centered album titled Markley A Group.^[13]

Later life and death

Markley continued to work in the music business as a record producer, most notably on Jim Stallings' (a.k.a. J. J. Light) album, Heya!.^[14] Markley collaborated with Lloyd and Danny Harris on a gospel album called Goodness and Mercy, but, after the album's release, Markley dropped out of the music scene all together. He lived a bohemian lifestyle after purchasing a smaller residence in Los Angeles in his efforts to interest women. Authorities attempted to arrest Markley on undisclosed charges involving two young women, but he would temporarily evade the law. However, Markley had several other instances pertaining to his interest in underage girls that resulted in convictions and even the changing of his name to avoid scrutiny.^[6]

Combine with the traumatic event of losing his father and declining mental stability, Markley's health slowly deteriorated throughout his life. He would show himself sporadically to his past band members after long periods of time and looked more obviously ill with each appearance.^[2][15] Bob Markley died on September 9, 2003 in Los Angeles, but the account on how he died is not known to this day.^[16]

Discography

Singles (solo)

• "Will We Meet Again" b/w "Tia Juana Ball" - 1960
• "Summers Comin' On" b/w "It Should Have Been Me" - 1961

Albums (The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band)

• Volume One - 1966
• Part One - 1967
• Vol. 2 (Breaking Through) - 1967
• Volume 3: A Child's Guide to Good and Evil - 1968
• Where's My Daddy? - 1969
• Markley A Group (credited as Markley a Group) - 1970

References