Johnny Cymbal (born John Hendry Blair; February 3, 1945 – March 16, 1993) was a Scottish-born American songwriter, singer, and record producer who had numerous hit singles, including his signature song, "Mr. Bass Man".
During a career that spanned four decades, Cymbal made an impact on popular music worldwide as a songwriter, singer, performer and record producer. During those years, in addition to his rock and roll anthem, "Mr. Bass Man", he was responsible for hit records including: "Teenage Heaven", "Cinnamon", "Mary in the Morning", "Rock Me Baby" and "I'm Drinking Canada Dry".
In 1963, with the hit "Mr. Bass Man", Cymbal was recognized as a teen star. The crucial Bass Man part was sung unaccredited by Ronnie Bright (1938-2015), who sang with the Cadillacs, the Valentines and, for 40 years, phase 2 of the Coasters. While continuing to record, he toured the US, Europe and Japan performing as both a solo headlining act and in rock and roll package shows. Later, as a songwriter and record producer, he found success in New York City, Los Angeles and Nashville. Cymbal thought of himself as a songwriter; throughout his life he kept diaries of ideas and notes for future use. Though he was an excellent vocalist with a wonderful stage presence, he believed his greatest talent was composing. By 1966, having married and started a family, he no longer wished to be on the road as a performer so he committed himself to songwriting. Thereafter, although he continued to make records as a singer throughout his career, most of those recordings were released with the names of others (such as his brother, Derek) or pseudonymic "groups" as the artist.
Johnny Cymbal - Mr. Bass Man / Scared Lovers Vow
UK London HLR 9682 (1963).
The vinyl record has remained in excellent condition.
Audio quality is very clear and strong throughout.
The B side record centre label is clean and unmarked.
The A side record centre label has a small pencil mark, (see scan).
The record comes with an original company paper sleeve.