Don and the Goodtimes

Don and the Goodtimes

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1964 in Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Founder	Don Gallucci
Defunct	1968
Headquarters	Portland, Oregon , United States
Products	Music albums and singles

Don and the Goodtimes emerged as a garage rock ensemble from Portland, Oregon in 1964. Led by Don Gallucci, who had previously played keyboards for the Kingsmen, the band established themselves within the Northwest rock circuit, drawing stylistic parallels to groups like the Wailers and the Sonics. They honed their vocal harmonies and achieved two entries on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967, highlighted by their most successful track "I Could Be So Good to You". Their discography includes the album So Good, and they later transformed into the psychedelic outfit Touch before disbanding in 1969.

History

Having been part of the Kingsmen, Don Gallucci was integral to the Northwest rock movement, notably contributing the iconic keyboard riff on their national hit "Louie Louie". At just 15 years old, he was considered too young for touring and exited the band early in 1964. Subsequently, Gallucci founded Don and the Goodtimes with drummer Bobby Holden, bringing in Dave Child (bass) and Don McKinney (saxophone, vocals), both formerly of Holden's group, the Invaders. Former Kingsmen vocalist Jack Ely briefly joined, while Pierre Ouellette, who had ties to Paul Revere and the Raiders, rounded out the initial lineup.

Utilizing Gallucci’s industry contacts, they secured a deal with producer Jerry Dennon of Jerden Records. Their debut single was "Turn On," an instrumental that gained popularity among local bands and received regional radio play. Holden described their sound as a fusion of R&B foundations with a show-band flair akin to Paul Revere and the Raiders. Their stage presence included distinctive attire such as suits paired with top hats. In 1965, following the release of "Big Big Knight (On a Big White Horse)", Jim Valley from the Viceroys replaced Ouellette and took on co-lead vocal duties alongside McKinney.

Valley’s songwriting significantly contributed to their momentum; he penned "Little Sally Tease," which was later covered by peers including the Standells and Kingsmen. Mid-1965 saw them sign with Dunhill Records, leading to a national release of "Little Sally Tease". The band gained television exposure through appearances on shows like Lloyd Thaxton Show, Hollywood a-Go-Go, and maintained weekly slots on Dick Clark's Where the Action Is. Their 1966 album shared its title with their hit single and featured renditions of regional favorites such as "Money (That's What I Want)", "The Witch", and "Jolly Green Giant". Critics acknowledged their raw R&B approach as notably bold for their geographic area.

After Valley departed to join Paul Revere and the Raiders, Charlie Coe stepped in as his replacement; meanwhile, Child and McKinney left, making way for Rob "Buzz" Overman and Jeff Hawks. In 1967, after relocating to Los Angeles, they readied a new album with Joey Newman taking over guitar duties from Coe. Producer Jack Nitzsche coordinated sessions featuring prominent musicians Ry Cooder, Glen Campbell, and Hal Blaine for the album So Good. Released under Epic Records, it reached number 102 on the Billboard 200 chart. The single "I Could Be So Good to You" attained number 56 nationally and climbed to number 15 on Los Angeles charts. Another track, "Happy and Me," charted modestly at number 98.

During 1968, Don and the Goodtimes issued three additional singles that failed to chart. Later that year, Overman and Holden exited, effectively dissolving the group. Gallucci then formed Touch alongside Hawks, Newman, Bruce Hauser (bass), and John Bordonaro (drums). Shifting towards psychedelic rock, Touch released one self-titled album in 1969 but declined touring due to its complex studio production; this resulted in poor sales and eventual disbandment. Gallucci went on to establish himself as a respected producer, notably contributing to landmark projects such as the Stooges' 1970 record Fun House.