retired broadcaster: on-air, MD, PD, asst PD, Prod Mgr, IT, station technician/engineer, pioneer Internet webcaster, station installation/maintenance; 12 years in commercial radio, 17 years volunteer in campus/community radio in B.C., Alberta & Wash. Amateur radio operator & “DXer” specializing in AM night-time DX, short-wave DX/listening & remote SDR DXing/listening
This KJR chart, from October 1963, was right in the middle of that era’s “Folk Music Revival”, featuring hits by acts such as Peter, Paul & Mary – Bobby Bare at #1 with “500 Miles” – The Village Stompers – and even Los Indios Tabajaras. One of the more influential folk groups, during this time, was The New Christy Minstrels, at #26 on this chart moving up from #32 the previous week, with their hit “Saturday Night”. I use the term influential because of the remarkable number of successful singers whose careers were launched after their time with this folk group. The lead vocalist on this song is Barry McGuire, later of the hit “Eve of Destruction”. Other former members include: Larry Ramos, later of The Association & lead vocalist on “Windy” & “Never My Love” … Gene Clark later of The Byrds … Kim Carnes of “Bette Davis Eyes” fame … Joe Frank Carollo of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds (“Don’t Pull Your Love”) … Terry Williams, Mike Settle and Kenny Rogers, founding members of The First Edition (“Just Dropped In, To See What Condition My Condition Was In”) … and then, of course, Kenny Rogers of Kenny Rogers fame.
So, here are The New Christy Minstrels (with the previously mentioned Barry Maguire on lead vocals) performing on a 1963 telecast of the “Hootenanny” TV show with “Saturday Night”:
https://youtu.be/fj-cq3qWUwk