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Club Columbus

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Earlier TV Pop Show ....   Club Columbus   Later TV Pop Show ....

NZBC/TVNZ Pop Shows

 
 

Club Columbus  —  NZBC TV Music Television Programme (1961) with Ray Columbus and The Invaders
The Invaders were Dave Russell (Lead Guitar), Brian Ringrose (Rhythm Guitar), Mac Jamieson (Bass Guitar) and Peter Ward (Drums)

 
 

From the age of 14, Christchurch's Ray Columbus began putting together bands, and around 1960 he was offered the job as lead vocalist for local danceband The Downbeats.  As the group's line-up changed, their sound edged closer and closer towards the dreaded Rock 'n' Roll, partly thanks to the influence of American Operation Deep Freeze Servicemen who were frequently in the audience.  Columbus debuted on Christchurch Television in 1961, performing solo on early light entertainment showcase Time Out for Talent.  American producer John Nash suggested Columbus might host a new show, but he thought the band needed to change its name.  The following February the newly-reconstituted Ray Columbus and The Invaders began fronting four episodes of Club Columbus, which was syndicated throughout the country.  At that time, Ray Columbus was 19 years-of-age.

 
 

Two early audio clips of Club Columbus are available via YouTube - thanks very much to Paul Muggleston for these clips (circa 1961)

 
 

Use links to supplementary data Club Columbus Audio Clip 1   º    Club Columbus Audio Clip 2 Use links to supplementary data