The Grains of Sand
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Douglas "Red" Mark, Dave Hodgkins |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music, singles |
The Grains of Sand were a garage rock ensemble originating from Los Angeles, California, established in 1965. They carved out a notable presence within the Los Angeles music circuit, issuing three singles throughout their tenure. Their sophomore release was produced by Kim Fowley. Early recordings from the band have been featured on various compilation albums, such as Pebbles, Volume 1, and are recognized as seminal works in the garage rock genre.
History
The band was founded in early 1965 by rhythm and blues aficionados Douglas "Red" Mark and Dave Hodgkins. Initially named the Rockin' Bugs, the founding members comprised Mark on lead guitar, Hodgkins handling rhythm guitar and harmonica, Willie Schnider on drums, and Rich Brand playing bass. They swiftly developed a local fanbase performing along the Sunset Strip, blending covers of contemporary Top 40 songs with original compositions penned by Hodgkins. By mid-1965, they secured residencies at venues including the Whisky a-Go-Go, Red Velvet club, and Hullabaloo. Under the management of Jay Coder, the group signed with Valiant Records in early 1966 and adopted the name Grains of Sand.
Their first single featured "That's When Your Happiness Began," a pop song written by the Addrisi Brothers, coupled with Hodgkins’ fuzz-laden track "She Needs Me," which included contributions from session drummer Hal Blaine. Released in February 1966, this record found regional acclaim and led to collaboration with producer Kim Fowley. The band’s second single appeared on Genesis Records in December 1966, spotlighting "Going Away Baby," co-written by Fowley and Michael Lloyd—who would later join the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band—and distinguished by its prominent farfisa organ sound.
Following their signing with Philips Records, drummer Schnider was replaced by Kent Eaton. The group issued a final single titled "Nice Girl," which embraced a more polished pop aesthetic. However, lineup changes ensued: Mark departed in mid-1967 to join the sunshine pop outfit the Sunshine Company, with Jerry Yearwood stepping in as his replacement; Hodgkins left in 1968, after which an attempt to continue with singer-songwriter Jim Marshall failed to sustain the band. The Grains of Sand ultimately dissolved in 1969.
After disbandment, their recordings have been included on numerous compilations: "That's When Your Happiness Began" appeared on Highs in the Mid-Sixties, Volume 1 and What a Way to Die; "She Needs Me" was featured on Off the Wall and Pebbles, Volume 8; while "Going Away Baby" was compiled on Pebbles Box, Pebbles, Volume 4, and Essential Pebbles, Volume 1.
Discography
- "That’s When Happiness Began" b/w "She Needs Me" (Valiant, 1966)
- "Goin’ Away Baby" b/w "Golden Apples of the Sun" (Genesis, 1966)
- "Nice Girl" b/w "Drop Down Sometime" (Philips, 1967)