Don Julian
Don Julian (April 7, 1937, Houston, Texas – November 6, 1998), was an American R&B singer with the Meadowlarks, a West Coast vocal group (formed 1953). Don Julian & the Meadowlarks' biggest hits were the L.A.-area hit "Please (Say You Love Me)" and "The Jerk" for John Dolphin's Money label, which came not only with dance steps of its own, but Julian's encouraging lyrical instructions. Don Julian - unlike many teenagers who later choose to become musicians and/or singing performers - grew up in a non-musical family, didn't sing in the church choir, or have any formal vocal training to speak of. His interests were primarily sports-related; he was a high school track star and on the gymnastic team at John C. Fremont High School in South L.A. The Meadowlarks moved over to DJ Art Laboe's Original Sound label briefly.
References
He is name-checked on the cover of "Freak Out!" (1966) under the heading "These People Have Contributed Materially In Many Ways To Make Our Music What It Is. Please Do Not Hold It Against Them". He Laboe is also name-checked on the cover of "Freak Out!".
Zappa played Don Julian & The Larks' track "The Jerk" while he was a guest at Dr. Demento in 1973.
