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The Premiers, formed in 1962 in San Gabriel, California, consisted of brothers Lawrence Perez (guitar) and John Perez (drums), along with neighbors George Delgado (guitar) and Frank Zuniga (bass). Encouraged by their mother, they practiced in the Perez brothers' backyard and quickly attracted crowds to their rehearsals. The band was discovered by Billy Cardenas, a manager and producer known for working with other Chicano bands in the East Los Angeles area, which led them to support artists like Johnny “Guitar” Watson and Chris Montez. Following the success of The Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie,” Cardenas suggested that The Premiers cover “Farmer John,” a song by Don and Dewey. Although it was claimed to be recorded live at the Rhythm Room in Fullerton, California, it was actually recorded in a small Hollywood studio, with party noises overdubbed by girls from the Chevelles car club. The vocals were performed in unison by John Perez and George Delgado. Released on co-producer Eddie Davis’ Faro record label and later licensed by Warner Bros. Records, the single reached #19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in the summer of 1964. Following this success, the group recorded an album titled Farmer John Live, featuring mainly R&B cover versions with additional overdubbed party noises. They toured nationally with artists such as The Crystals and Gene Pitney and opened for
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