Creation of Sunlight
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1968 in Long Beach, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1971 |
| Headquarters | Long Beach , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Creation of Sunlight was a psychedelic rock ensemble from the United States, originating as a cover band in Long Beach, California, in 1968. Although initially little known, they eventually attracted attention within the psychedelic music community for their only album, which debuted in 1969. Their musical style combined the lively characteristics of sunshine pop with the powerful elements of acid rock, reflecting the influence of their California contemporaries.
History
The group was first called the Sunlight Seven and featured Gary Young on lead vocals, Carl Estrella playing lead guitar, Don Sain on rhythm guitar, Steve Montague handling bass guitar, Jerry Griffin on keyboards and vocals, Bob Morgan on drums, and Ron Clark contributing percussion, flute, and saxophone. While most members hailed from Long Beach, Young came from Oklahoma and had previously fronted the band Torques. In early 1968, they secured a contract with DCT Recorders. Their intended album titled Sunstroke never advanced beyond an acetate demo phase, making it a highly sought-after collectible containing at least five tracks such as "Sevens Theme" and "Judy in Disguise," which were omitted from subsequent releases.
Following Sunstroke, the band abbreviated their name to Sunlight and issued their first single, "Colors of Love," through Windi Records. These recordings are thought to be alternate takes from the Sunstroke sessions. Later, they adopted the name Creation of Sunlight and produced a self-titled album under the Windi label. Music historian Richie Unterberger described their sound as featuring airy vocal harmonies reminiscent of groups like Strawberry Alarm Clock, the Association, Clear Light, and the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. The album was characterized by dense organ layers and fuzz guitar combined with more delicate arrangements. Only 500 copies were pressed alongside their follow-up single "David," resulting in limited commercial impact. Nevertheless, the band gained popularity performing at notable venues such as Whisky a Go Go and appeared at the Hollywood Bowl.
The band dissolved in 1971. Since then, their album has been frequently bootlegged, especially across Europe, with original copies commanding prices in the four-digit range. In 2005, Lion Productions reissued the album officially. Critic Beverly Paterson lauded it as "an exemplary instance of flower power rock executed flawlessly," emphasizing its melodic depth and progressive composition while acknowledging the evident enthusiasm behind its creation and pondering what might have been had the group persisted.