John Beck
John Beck was an American rock singer and guitarist. In late 1964, he joined The Rockwells, where Jim Pons and Robert Lee Reiner were members. They audtioned to replace The Byrds at Ciro's on the Sunset Strip. Having got the job, they changed their name to The Leaves. They were signed to Mira Records in 1965 and, eventually after re-recording it twice, had a hit with their second release "Hey Joe" in 1966. Jimi Hendrix' cover would later turn into a huge hit.
John Beck and Jim Pons joined Bob Harris to produce The Turtles' last single "Lady O." (written by Judee Sill - Harris' wife) with Howard Kaylan singing lead and Mark Volman providing backing vocals.
Frank Zappa included John Beck in his list of influences in the sleeve of Freak Out! (1966), alongside other Leaves member Robert Lee Reiner, under the header: "These People Have Contributed Materially In Many Ways To Make Our Music What It Is. Please Do Not Hold It Against Them".
