DATELINE: March 7, 1969…The University of Colorado in Boulder… FLASH CADILLAC performs for the first time…
Over forty years later, reflecting on the events that led the Flash Cadillac band to their current success, a charmed history is told.
Not every band that quits school and piles into a van headed for Los Angeles can claim:
Instant popularity within the music industry.
Releasing four albums within three years (Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids, Epic Records, 1972; No Face Like Chrome, Epic Records, 1974; Rock ‘n Roll Forever, Epic Records, 1975; Sons of the Beaches, Private Stock Records, 1975).
Being the first band to perform on American Bandstand without having a record (1971).
Appearing in two of the biggest impact motion pictures ever filmed (American Graffiti, 1973; Apocalypse Now, 1978).
Receiving a platinum album for their work on the sound track of American Graffiti, for which they wrote the only original music in one of the classic rock ‘n roll collections of all time (MCA Records, 1973).
Appearing in the highest-rated TV program of that particular week with a script written especially for them (Happy Days episode “Fish and The Fins”, 1974).
Appearing on nearly every TV program featuring music: The Tonight Show, In Concert, Midnight Special, American Bandstand (four times), and more.
Moving from Los Angeles, building a 24-track recording studio on their 120-acre ranch in the Colorado Rockies, and recording two more albums on their Promised Land Record label (Flash Cadillac’s Four-Song Collector’s Edition, 1982; Rip It Up!, 1984) and one for Great American Music Hall/Fantasy Records, (Later Than Midnight, 1988).
Releasing A Night At The Symphony (Flash Cadillac Records, 1992), recorded live with the Colorado Springs Symphony conducted by Christopher Wilkins.
Featured as the House Band on the nationally broadcast Super Gold radio program.
In their 25th year of performing, releasing two more albums, Drivetime and Souvenirs (Flash Cadillac Records, 1994).
A release – 25 Years (Flash Cadillac, 1995) – a collection from their two and one-half decade career.
Their long-awaited Christmas release – Ghost Of Christmas Past (Flash Cadillac, 1996) recorded live with the Colorado Springs Symphony and the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, conducted by Christopher Wilkins. Flash Cadillac’s 1997 recording – Rock And Roll Rules – presents the Band’s original material and traditional rock ‘n roll at its finest.
Flash On The Prairie is released (Flash Cadillac, 2004). A live recording from one of their many appearances at the Conner Prairie Farm in Fishers, IN, sponsored by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
“Legends in their own minds”, Flash turns 40 (Boulder, CO – 2009) with a reunion, celebration concert, back to where the band began.
Returns to the legendary Surf Ballroom (Clear Lake, IA) with an over the top headline performance to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the last performance and tragic plane crash of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.
Inducted into the prestigious Colorado Music Hall of Fame – proceeded only by John Denver for musical performers. Flash Cadillac continues to offer the finest in Traditional Rock ‘n’ Roll.
