Random Excerpt
This excerpt from CANYON OF DREAMS: THE MAGIC AND MUSIC OF LAUREL CANYON by Harvey Kubernik describes Randy’s arrival in California in 1966 and his introduction to the L.A. music scene.
From Scottsbluff To The Sunset Strip
Randy Meisner was a farm boy, who discovered his natural gift for singing at an early age. He had visions of going to California, where “all musicians from the Midwest dreamed of being.” Here we trace his origins, going back to the Volga region of Russia, to his upbringing in rural Nebraska, all the way to the Sunset Strip.
An Interview With Patrick Shanahan
Drummer Patrick Shanahan, founding member of Denver’s Soul Survivors, their offshoot, The Poor, and later Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band, generously shared his memories with me about his life and career.
THE POOR
Decca Records Promotional Seminar
Universal Studios, Los Angeles
August 7-11, 1968
The Poor were among several acts on the Decca label who served as entertainment for a Decca Records promotional seminar in early August 1968. Randy’s ex-wife, Jennifer, recalled the the band performed “right inside the entrance as people were waiting to get on the trams.”
The Poor was included in photos of the seminar from Cash Box magazine, August 31, 1968
Close up photo of The Poor.
Randy took this photo of his wife Jennifer at Universal Studios during the Decca event.
(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Meisner)
Photo Archive: The Poor by Henry Diltz, c.1966
L-R: Pat Shanahan, Randy Naylor, Randy Meisner, John Day, Allen Kemp.
Time and Changes: Randy Meisner & The Poor
An overlooked, yet pivotal, period of Randy Meisner’s career took place between 1966 and 1968 when he was a member of the short-lived, Denver garage rock band, The Poor. Here, I hope to provide a comprehensive look at the band’s origins and brief existence on the L.A. music scene during the Summer Of Love.
In His Own Words: Randy On His Early Days
Through interview excerpts, Randy describes his early life and career, up until the formation of the Eagles.
The Poor in Broadside Magazine, 1967
The following article appeared in the June 7th, 1967 issue of Broadside, a Boston-based folk music magazine. The Poor are described as “five groovy young men,” whose “vocal blend is intricate, funky, and lots of fun.”