The Sunrays Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Formed

1964 Los Angeles, CA

Members

Eddie Medora, Marty DiGiovanni, Byron Case, Vince Hozier, Richard Henn

Biography

California surf band the Sunrays was organized in 1964 by producer Murry Wilson following his dismissal as manager of his sons' group, the Beach Boys; organized around singer/songwriter/drummer Rick Henn, a friend of Beach Boy Carl Wilson, the lineup also included guitarists Eddie Medora and Byron Case as well as pianist Marty DiGiovanni, all three of whom previously recorded as the Snowmen. Completing their sound with bassist Vince Hozier, the Sunrays signed to the Tower label and soon issued their debut single, "Outta Gas"; its 1965 follow-up, "I Live for the Sun," was the band's breakthrough hit, reaching the US Top 50. "Andrea" was an even bigger hit, serving as the title track of the group's 1966 debut LP; although "Still" was also successful, subsequent singles including "I Look Baby I Can't See" and "Hi, How Are You?" met commercial resistance, and in the wake of 1967's "Loaded With Love" the Sunrays disbanded. Henn later went on to compose material with Brian Wilson. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide