"Take It Slow" by Jack London & The Sparrows

Jack London & The Sparrows at Chez Monique, 1966

 
LISTEN: "Take It Slow" by Jack London & The Sparrows

1960s rock 'n' roll from the Yorkville scene

You probably know Jack London & the Sparrows as the band they would later become: Steppenwolf. But before they moved to California and became famous for songs like "Born To Be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride", they were a British Invasion-style group playing as part of the rock scene in Yorkville in the 1960s — first as Jack London & The Sparrows and then later just as The Sparrows. They were best known for playing a residency at Chez Monique (a club on Yorkville Avenue near Bellair) and for regular gigs at El Patio (down the street, closer to Avenue Road).

"Take It Slow" is a track off their self-titled record released in 1965.

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Buy more music by Jack London & The Sparrows here.

Listen to more songs associated with the 1960s "Toronto Sound" here. 

Photo via York University's Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections here.

All songs are posted to promote the artist and the history of Toronto. When possible, I've sought permission from artists, but if you're the copyright-holder and would like the song removed, please contact me here and I'll be happy to do so.

"We Were Meant To Be" by The Plague

LISTEN: "We Were Meant To Be" by The Plague

1960s rock 'n' roll

The Plague were formed in Thunder Bay, but ended up spending enough time living in Toronto that they're considered to be part of "The Toronto Sound" — what people called our city's particular brand of 1960s garage rock. The Plague released "We Were Meant To Be" in 1965 and would break up soon after. Lead singer Lyn McEachern went on to record a few singles as a solo artist and the other members of the band would keep playing together, but eventually rename themselves Lexington Avenue.

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Listen to more songs associated with the Toronto Sound here.

All songs are posted to promote the artist and the history of Toronto. When possible, I've sought permission from artists, but if you're the copyright-holder and would like the song removed, please contact me here and I'll be happy to do so.