The Chantays were from Santa Ana, California. The oldest was 17, the youngest 14, when they recorded their 1962 hit “Pipeline” (according to the liner notes on my LP.) I was a kid in the midwest when I first heard it, and I liked it, but I didn’t equate it with surfing. I imagined a rock n’ roll sludge pump.
According to Wiki, the Chantays originally called the song “Liberty’s Whip” but I have my doubts.
A year later, The Ventures co-opted the classic. Not sure if royalties were paid but their version didn’t make Billboard’s Top 100.
Johnny Thunders‘ (nee New York Dolls) take was kinda different. Clip is apparently from here, circa 1989(?).
Jimmy Vaughan taught his brother guitar IIRC, and SRV took it from there. Video above from New Orleans 1987.
Jimmy Vaughan is an unsung guitar hero IMO.
Have a great weekend, folks. Be back here tomorrow for more awesome than any human being can possibly handle.
Tags: awesome, blues, Jimmy Vaughan, Johnny Thunders, Music, Pipeline, punk, Retro, Rock, SRV, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Chantays, The Ventures, video, WIN, WTF
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