Just a Bit More Ralph Towner

From the archives of KOMO-TV Seattle

Free idea for someone with extra time: Create a searchable database of appearances on local broadcast television featuring musicians and singers who later became widely known.

Not talking Ed Sullivan here. Throughout the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, it was common for local TV outlets to feature live music — on chatty morning shows, and cooking shows (one host on KOMO is identified as a “home economist”) and magazine-type shows devoted to kids doing zany things and other topics of local interest.

Early in his career, multi-instrumentalist Ralph Towner was visible on TV semi-regularly, as part of a trio called the Individuals. This group was led by another multi-instrumentalist, Chuck Mahaffay, whose day gig was as a producer for KOMO. The above clip, from the Buddy Webber show, features Towner’s crisp introduction to the trio’s version of “Amazonas” by Joao Donato.

Below, one of the custom local-market ads featuring the Individuals. Enjoy!