The Back Porch Majority
| Company type | Folk ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | Randy Sparks |
| Defunct | 1977 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Albums, live performances |
The Back Porch Majority was a folk ensemble from the United States, established by Randy Sparks in 1963. Originally formed to serve as a rehearsal outfit for The New Christy Minstrels, another group initiated by Sparks in 1961, it soon developed its own identity and success. The band produced six albums, made appearances on numerous television programs, and performed at the White House in 1965.
History
In 1961, vocalist and guitarist Randy Sparks created The New Christy Minstrels, a ten-member folk group that released over 20 albums and achieved several hit songs. By May 1963, Sparks ceased touring activities to concentrate on managing his Los Angeles venue, Ledbetters. While he maintained leadership over The New Christy Minstrels, he delegated live performance responsibilities to singer/guitarist Barry McGuire, who had become the group's prominent figure following their hit Green, Green. When singer Dolan Ellis departed due to disagreements about management decisions, Sparks brought in Gene Clark from the Surf Riders trio as his replacement. To complete the Surf Riders lineup with remaining members Jim Glover and Mike Crumm, Sparks established The Back Porch Majority.
Conceived as a smaller performing unit functioning as a "training ground" or developmental "minor league" for The New Christy Minstrels, The Back Porch Majority surpassed initial expectations. They appeared on musical variety shows such as Hullabaloo. In August 1965, alongside groups like The Brothers Four, they were chosen by Life magazine to perform for President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House. This exposure led to a contract with Columbia Records' Epic label, under which they released five albums between 1965 and 1967, including a live recording from Ledbetters.
Several members of The Back Porch Majority advanced to The New Christy Minstrels, including Paul Potash and Mike Settle. The group also served as a launching pad for musicians such as singer/guitarist Kin Vassy, who later collaborated with artists like Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Dolly Parton, and Frank Zappa.
In 1971, Randy Sparks revived the ensemble under the name "Randy Sparks and the Back Porch Majority," maintaining tours until 1979. During this period, they frequently performed alongside Burl Ives and Shirley Jones, acting both as an opening act and backup band. They contributed the title track for the Disney movie The Apple Dumpling Gang. Members from this era included Mary Lee Duval (née Sunseri), Nancy Hooper (née Stewart), Dan Gladish, John Erickson, Mark Holly, Dan Murray, Ted Jolly, Ross Sears, and Marv Allin.
Noteworthy members also included singer and guitarist Mike Clough (May 17, 1942 – October 3, 2019) and Michael Crowley (born Michael Crumm; 1942–2001).
Discography
- Live from Ledbetters (1965)
- Meet The Back Porch Majority (1965)
- Riverboat Days (1965)
- That's the Way It's Gonna Be (1966)
- Willy Nilly Wonder of Illusion (1967)
- RS & The BPM, The Initial Album (1971)
- New Country Minstrels (1976)