The Blue Things
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Hays, Kansas, United States |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Hays , United States |
Area served | United States (Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Midwest) |
Key people | Mike Chapman, Richard Scott, Rick "Laz" Larzalere, Val Stöecklein, Bobby Day |
| Products | Music recordings (LPs, singles) |
| Parent | RCA Records, Ruff Records, Dot Records |
The Blue Things—also referred to as The Bluethings—were a folk rock band that transitioned into psychedelic styles, originating from Hays, Kansas. Their active years spanned from 1964 to 1968. During 1966 and 1967, they released one LP alongside multiple singles under RCA Records, with these RCA productions remaining their most notable contributions. Prior to this, they issued singles on Ruff Records, a modest label based in Texas.
Origins
Initially known as The Blue Boys at Fort Hays State College, the group evolved out of the local R&B ensemble called the Barons. Principal members included Mike Chapman (lead guitar and vocals), Richard Scott (bass and vocals), and Rick "Laz" Larzalere (drums and vocals). Chapman had previously collaborated with Pat and Lolly Vegas, while Scott was a former member of the Flippers, later renamed The Fabulous Flippers. To complete their lineup for a summer tour, they enlisted lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Val Stöecklein—Chapman’s college roommate—who brought experience from his time with the folk ensembles Impromptwos and the Hi-Plains Singers.
Under the management of Jim Reardon, who secured representation through John Brown's Mid-Continent Co. booking agency, the band leveraged branding by producing Blue Boys sweatshirts and founding a fan club complete with membership cards. Their performances featured coordinated blue suits and guitars, commanding fees up to $1,200 for college and high school engagements across Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado.
While their live sets primarily consisted of Top 40 hits and British Invasion covers, Stöecklein, Scott, and Chapman began composing original songs by late 1964. At Damon Recording Studios in Kansas City, they recorded demos including five originals penned by Stöecklein plus covers like Dale Hawkins' "La Do Da Da" (which was later re-recorded for RCA) and Buddy Holly's "Love's Made a Fool of You." These recordings captured Ruff Records’ interest, leading to a contract.
Transition from "Blue Boys" to "Blue Things"
In December 1964, the Blue Boys recorded their debut single for Ruff at Gene Sullivan’s studio in Oklahoma City: Ronnie Hawkins' "Mary Lou" coupled with Val’s "Your Turn to Cry." By its February 1965 release date, they had changed their name to the Blue Things to prevent confusion with Jim Reeves’ backing band. This single reached the Top 40 charts in Oklahoma City, aided by airplay on powerful 50,000-watt station KOMA, which helped them secure an agreement with RCA.
Their following single, "Pretty Things-Oh" backed with "Just Two Days Ago," was recorded in Texas and became another regional hit throughout the Midwest. After completing a six-song demo there, the group parted ways with Ruff Records due to unpaid royalties; however, Stöecklein maintained collaboration with Ruff for his solo projects.
Manager John Brown negotiated an RCA contract. Prior to recording sessions, drummer Rick Larzalere departed to pursue education; after multiple auditions, Bobby Day from Salina, Kansas joined as his replacement.
RCA Years (1965–1967)
The Blue Things’ inaugural RCA single, released in October 1965, paired "I Must Be Doing Something Wrong" with "La Do Da Da." This record featured a session drummer and included Ray Walker of The Jordanaires contributing additional vocals. Although it gained local traction, it did not chart beyond the Midwest region.
Their subsequent single attracted attention despite similar chart performance. The A-side, "Doll House," offered a candid critique of prostitution and brothels—a daring subject matter at that time—although its success was curtailed partly due to a TIME magazine article addressing controversial lyrics. The B-side, "Man on the Street," also tackled social commentary. Both tracks adhered to their folk-rock style but were composed by lesser-known writers Marge Barton and Ronnie Self.
Released in June 1966, the LP Listen and See was well-received among fans but represented a shift away from RCA’s preferred folk-rock/Merseybeat sound toward psychedelic influences. In January 1967 sessions held in Nashville, they produced the psychedelic single "Orange Rooftop Of Your Mind" backed with "One Hour Cleaners," co-written by Stöecklein and Chapman; Day contributed his sole recorded vocal featuring a reversed countdown.
Stöecklein departed in May 1967 to pursue a solo career under Dot Records, releasing Grey Life in 1968. The remaining members relocated to California where they signed with Dot Records as well; after touring for fourteen months, they disbanded. In 1971, Stöecklein co-authored the biblical rock opera Truth Of Truths, which included a reimagined version of "Orange Rooftops Of Your Mind."
The Blue Things never reunited following their breakup. Their recordings were issued on CD in 1995, with their 1966 album re-released by BMG in 2001. Stöecklein passed away in 1993; Chapman and Day continue to write music and perform occasionally—with Day also managing a cabinetry business based in Kansas.