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{{Short description|American rock band}}
{{Infobox musical artist 2
{{Infobox musical artist
⚫
|Name = Wha-Koo
|Img = |
|name = Wha-Koo
|Img_capt = |
|image = |
|caption = |
|Background = group_or_band
|background = group_or_band
|Genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[soft rock]]
|genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[soft rock]]
|Occupation =
|occupation =
|Years_active = 1977–1979<br/>
|years_active = 1975–1979
|Label = [[ABC Records]], [[Epic Records]]
|label = [[ABC Records]], [[Epic Records]]
|Past_members =
|past_members =
Danny Douma <br>
Danny Douma <br>
[[David Palmer (vocalist)|David Palmer]] <br>
[[David Palmer (vocalist)|David Palmer]] <br>
[[Andy Silvester]]<br>
[[Andy Silvester]]<br>
[[Richard Kosinski]] <br>
[[Richard Kosinski]] <br>
Claude Pepper <br>
Claude Pepper <br>
Reinie Press <br>
Reinie Press <br>
Peter Freiberger <br>
Peter Freiberger <br>
Eddie Tuduri <br>
Eddie Tuduri <br>
Nick VanMaarth <br>
Nick VanMaarth <br>
Don Francisco <br>
Don Francisco <br>
Ron Fransen <br>
Ron Fransen <br>
Line 25: Line 26:
}}
}}


'''Wha-Koo''' was an American [[Rock music|rock]] band best known for their 1978 single, "You're Such a Fabulous Dancer", an international hit from their critically acclaimed album, "Berkshire".
'''Wha-Koo''' (originally called The Big Wha-Koo) was an American [[Rock music|rock]] band best known for their 1978 single, "(You're Such a) Fabulous Dancer", which peaked at #101 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' and #10 on the Australian charts.


==History==
==History==


Wha-Koo were a Los Angeles, California based, soft rock ensemble formed in 1977 under the leadership of singer, song writer and guitarist Danny Douma. Douma assembled a talented entourage of veteran musicians that included [[David Palmer (vocalist)|David Palmer]], who sang lead vocals on [[Steely Dan]]'s debut album [[Can't Buy a Thrill]], Nick Van Maarth, from [[Buddy Holly]]'s backup band, [[The Crickets]]<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.rockin50s.com/crickets_recordings/INDEX.htm | title= Who's Who on the Cricket's Recordings}}</ref>, Don Francisco formerly of [[Crowfoot (band)|Crowfoot]] and Atlee and British blues man Andy Silvester formerly of [[Savoy Brown]]. L.A. based session musician Reinie Press, bass player on many of [[Neil Diamond]]'s most successful recordings contributed bass and saxophone on two tracks on the bands 1977 debut album, "The Big Wha-Koo" for [[ABC Records]].
The Big Wha-Koo were a Los Angeles, California-based soft rock ensemble formed in 1975 under the leadership of singer, songwriter and guitarist Danny Douma. Douma assembled an entourage of veteran musicians that included [[David Palmer (vocalist)|David Palmer]], who had sung lead vocals on two tracks of [[Steely Dan]]'s debut album ''[[Can't Buy a Thrill]]'', Nick Van Maarth, from [[Buddy Holly]]'s backup band, [[The Crickets]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.rockin50s.com/crickets_recordings/INDEX.htm | title=Who's Who on the Cricket's Recordings | access-date=2010-03-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211043248/http://www.rockin50s.com/crickets_recordings/INDEX.htm | archive-date=2013-02-11 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Don Francisco, formerly of [[Crowfoot (band)|Crowfoot]] and Atlee and British blues man Andy Silvester, formerly of [[Savoy Brown]]. L.A.-based session musician Reinie Press, bass player on many of [[Neil Diamond]]'s most successful recordings, contributed bass and saxophone on two tracks on the band's 1977 debut album, ''The Big Wha-Koo'' for [[ABC Records]].


Peter Freiberger replaced Andy Silverster on bass for the band's 1978 album, "Berkshire". Produced by [[Grammy Award]] winner, [[Ken Caillat]], it proved to be the band's most successful release.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://music.msn.com/music/artist-biography/wha-koo/| title= Wha-Koo on MSN Music}}</ref>. "Berkshire" featured, "You're Such a Fabulous Dancer" composed by Douma. Although a top ten hit in some international markets, it did little in the American music charts.
Peter Freiberger replaced Andy Silvester on bass for the band's 1978 album, ''Berkshire''. Produced by [[Grammy Award]] winner [[Ken Caillat]], it proved to be the band's most successful release.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://music.msn.com/music/artist-biography/wha-koo/| title=Wha-Koo on MSN Music| access-date=2010-03-05| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612024447/http://music.msn.com/music/artist-biography/wha-koo/| archive-date=2012-06-12| url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Berkshire'' featured "You're Such a Fabulous Dancer", composed by Douma. Although a top ten hit in some international markets, it did little{{Clarify|date=February 2013}} in the American music charts.


In 1978 Douma left Wha-Koo to pursue a solo career. He released a solo album "Night Eyes" on [[Warner Bros.]] Records. The album featured many of the members of Wha-Koo as well as guest appearances by [[Eric Clapton]], [[Garth Hudson]] from [[The Band]] and several members of [[Fleetwood Mac]]. Douma toured with [[Fleetwood Mac]] as a supporting act for the remainder of 1979 <ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.answers.com/topic/danny-douma/| title= Danny Douma Information at Answers.Com}}</ref> and then left the music industry soon after. Chuck Cochran replaced Danny Douma on vocals and lead guitar and was with Wha-Koo at two notable appearances in 1978. On August 26th they played before an estimated crowd of 110,000 music fans at the [[Canada Jam]] festival near Toronto, Ontario and on October 29th, the band performed with [[Thin Lizzy Live at Sydney Harbour '78|Thin Lizzy on the steps of the Sydney Opera House]] in Sydney, Australia before an estimated crowd of 100,000.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.debbiekruger.com/broadcaster/2sm.html | title= The Influence of 2SM}}</ref>
In 1978, Douma left Wha-Koo to pursue a solo career. He released a solo album, ''Night Eyes'', on [[Warner Bros.]] Records. The album featured many of the members of Wha-Koo as well as guest appearances by [[Eric Clapton]], [[Garth Hudson]] from [[The Band]] and several members of [[Fleetwood Mac]]. Douma toured with Fleetwood Mac as a supporting act for the remainder of 1979 <ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.answers.com/topic/danny-douma/| title= Danny Douma Information at Answers.Com| website= [[Answers.com]]}}</ref> and then left the music industry soon after. Chuck Cochran replaced Danny Douma on vocals and lead guitar and was with Wha-Koo at two notable appearances in 1978. On August 26, they played before an estimated crowd of 110,000 music fans at the [[Canada Jam]] festival near Toronto, Ontario and on October 29, the band performed with [[Thin Lizzy Live at Sydney Harbour '78|Thin Lizzy on the steps of the Sydney Opera House]] in Sydney, Australia before an estimated crowd of 100,000.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.debbiekruger.com/broadcaster/2sm.html | title= The Influence of 2SM}}</ref>


Cochran left the band after the tour to work with Rob Royer of [[Bread (band)|Bread]], [[Mike Finnigan]] [[Crosby, Stills and Nash]] and others. Around this time Wha-Koo released their third album, "Fragile Line" on [[Epic Records]]. Although no longer with the band, Cochran's lead guitar, background vocals and songs are featured on the album. By now the band was led by [[David Palmer (vocalist)|David Palmer]] and featured new members, Ron Fransen, David Woodford and Eric Gotthelf. More rock-oriented, this release enjoyed some critical success but it did not enjoy commercial success and the group disbanded soon after.
Cochran left the band after the tour to work with [[Robb Royer]] of [[Bread (band)|Bread]], [[Mike Finnigan]], [[Crosby, Stills and Nash]] and others. Around that time, Wha-Koo released their third album, ''Fragile Line'', on [[Epic Records]]. Although no longer with the band, Cochran's lead guitar, background vocals and songs are featured on the album. By then the band was led by David Palmer and featured new members Ron Fransen, David Woodford and Eric Gotthelf. More rock-oriented, this release enjoyed some critical success but it did not enjoy commercial success and the group disbanded soon after.{{citation needed|date=February 2013}}


== Post Break Up ==
== Post-breakup ==


Danny Douma had a successful business career since his recording and touring days. In the early eighties, he founded "The Writers Store" a privately owned, worldwide resource center and retail outlet for writers and filmmakers. In 2002 he founded a second successful company, "Innoventive Software", publishers of film production and storyboard software.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.storylink.com/profile/214| title= Danny Douma StoryLink Profile}}</ref> Danny Douma passed away on June 1, 2010 from [[cancer]] in [[Florence, Oregon]].
In the early 1980s, Douma founded "The Writers Store" a resource center and retail outlet for writers and filmmakers. In 2002 he founded a second company, "Innoventive Software", publishers of film production and storyboard software.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.storylink.com/profile/214| title= Danny Douma StoryLink Profile}}</ref> Danny Douma died on June 1, 2010, from [[cancer]] in [[Florence, Oregon]].


[[David Palmer (vocalist)|David Palmer]] contributed the song "Silhouette" to the 1985 film ''[[Teen Wolf]]'' and "She's My Baby" on the movie soundtrack of [[Fast Times at Ridgemont High]]. He also contributed songs to the TV series, [[The Heights (TV series)|The Heights]]. He recorded with [[Laura Brannigan]] and [[Jamie Walters]].
Palmer contributed the song "Silhouette" to the film ''[[Teen Wolf]]'' and the song "She's My Baby" to the film, ''[[Fast Times at Ridgemont High]]''. He also contributed songs to the TV series, [[The Heights (American TV series)|The Heights]] and he went on to record with [[Laura Branigan]] and [[Jamie Walters]] amongst others. Today he's a fine art and portrait photographer in the Los Angeles area.


Andy Silvester who deparated after Wha-Koo's first album became a member of the [[Honeydrippers]] of [[Robert Plant]] fame in the eighties
Andy Silvester, who departed after Wha-Koo's first album, became a member of the [[Honeydrippers]] (featuring [[Robert Plant]]) and was a founding member of the acoustic British rhythm and blues revival group, The [[Big Town Playboys]]. He has also played with The [[Mike Sanchez]] band.


Eddie Tuduri founded "The Rhythmic Arts Project" (TRAP) in 1997, an educational program to teach and enhance basic life skills to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through drums and percussion.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.traponline.com/home.html| title= The Rhythm Arts Project}}</ref>
Eddie Tuduri suffered a serious spinal cord injury in a body surfing accident in 1997. He founded "The Rhythmic Arts Project" (TRAP) later that year as an educational program for children and adults with developmental and intellectual differences. http://www.traponline.org


Richard Kozinski has scored or co-scored almost 30 motion pictures and 300 aired network television episodes including episodes of [[Mad About You]], [[Gravedale High]] and [[Teen Wolf (TV series)|Teen Wolf]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.kozz.us/credits.html|title= Richard Kozinski Biography}}</ref>
Richard Kozinski has scored or co-scored almost 30 motion pictures and 300 aired network television episodes including episodes of [[Mad About You]], [[Gravedale High]] and [[Teen Wolf (1986 TV series)|Teen Wolf]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.kozz.us/credits.html|title= Richard Kozinski Biography}}</ref>


Claude Pepper, alias Jack Mack, formed the successful Los Angeles based, rhythm and soul band, Jack Mack and the HeartAttack in 1980 and played with the band until 1987. He died at his home in Sacramento in February 2003.
Claude Pepper, alias Jack Mack, formed the Los Angeles-based rhythm and soul band Jack Mack and the HeartAttack in 1980 and played with the band until 1987. He died at his home in Sacramento in February 2003.


David Woodford has since recorded and toured with [[Aaron Neville]], [[Bonnie Raitt]], [[Aerosmith]], [[Rod Stewart]], [[The Shirelles]] and [[P. Diddy]] amongst others.
⚫
Chuck Cochran later worked as a singer and guitarist with [[Jim Messina (musician)|Jim Messina]], [[Tim Weisberg]], [[Norman Gimbel]], [[Fred Karlin]], [[Mike Finnigan]], [[Rob Royer]], [[Larry Knechtel]], [[Kim Carnes]] and [[David Lasley]]. He also wrote songs for [[Laura Brannigan]], [[Captain & Tennille]] and others.


⚫
Chuck Cochran later worked as a singer and guitarist with [[Jim Messina (musician)|Jim Messina]], [[Tim Weisberg]], [[Norman Gimbel]], [[Fred Karlin]], [[Mike Finnigan]], [[Robb Royer]], [[Larry Knechtel]], [[Kim Carnes]] and [[David Lasley]]. He also wrote songs for [[Laura Branigan]], [[Captain & Tennille]] and others.
⚫
== Discography ==


⚫
== Discography ==
===Albums===
===Albums===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
! Year !! Title !! Label !! Catalogue Number
! Year !! Title !! [[Kent Music Report|AUS chart]]<ref name=aus/> !! Catalogue Number
|-
|-
|1977||''The Big Wha-Koo''||ABC Records||AB 971
|1977||''The Big Wha-Koo''|| - ||AB 971
|-
|-
|1978||''Berkshire''||ABC Records||ABCL 5283
|1978||''Berkshire''|| 51 ||ABCL 5283
|-
|-
|1979||''Fragile Line''||Epic Records||EPC 83875
|1979||''Fragile Line''|| 85 ||EPC 83875
|}
|}


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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
! Year !! Title !! Album
! Year !! Title
![[Billboard Singles Chart|US]]
![[Kent Music Report|AUS]]<ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|authorlink=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=335}}</ref>
![[Entertainment Monitoring Africa|RSA]]
![[Zimbabwe|ZIM]]!! Album
|-
|-
|1977||''Save Your Tears''||The Big Wha-Koo
|1977|| "Whisky Voices"
| -
| -
| -
⚫
| -||The Big Wha-Koo
|-
|-
|1977||"Save Your Tears"
⚫
|1978||''You're Such A Fabulous Dancer''||Berkshire
| -
| -
| -
| -||The Big Wha-Koo
|-
⚫
|1978||"You're Such a Fabulous Dancer"
|101
|10
|9
|4||Berkshire
|-
|1979||"Don't Say You Love Me"
| -
| -
| -
| -||Fragile Line
|}
|}


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== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://music.msn.com/music/artist-biography/wha-koo/ Wha-Koo on MSN Music]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120612024447/http://music.msn.com/music/artist-biography/wha-koo/ Wha-Koo on MSN Music]
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0467086/ Richard Kozinski at the Internet Movie Database]
* [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0467086/ Richard Kozinski at the Internet Movie Database]
* {{Discogs artist}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:American rock music groups]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from California]]
[[Category:American soft rock music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1977]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1977]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles]]

Latest revision as of 05:39, 16 September 2023

Wha-Koo
GenresRock, soft rock
Years active1975–1979
LabelsABC Records, Epic Records
Past membersDanny Douma

David Palmer
Andy Silvester
Richard Kosinski
Claude Pepper
Reinie Press
Peter Freiberger
Eddie Tuduri
Nick VanMaarth
Don Francisco
Ron Fransen
Eric Gotthelf
David Woodford

Chuck Cochran

Wha-Koo (originally called The Big Wha-Koo) was an American rock band best known for their 1978 single, "(You're Such a) Fabulous Dancer", which peaked at #101 on the Billboard and #10 on the Australian charts.

History

[edit]

The Big Wha-Koo were a Los Angeles, California-based soft rock ensemble formed in 1975 under the leadership of singer, songwriter and guitarist Danny Douma. Douma assembled an entourage of veteran musicians that included David Palmer, who had sung lead vocals on two tracks of Steely Dan's debut album Can't Buy a Thrill, Nick Van Maarth, from Buddy Holly's backup band, The Crickets,[1] Don Francisco, formerly of Crowfoot and Atlee and British blues man Andy Silvester, formerly of Savoy Brown. L.A.-based session musician Reinie Press, bass player on many of Neil Diamond's most successful recordings, contributed bass and saxophone on two tracks on the band's 1977 debut album, The Big Wha-Koo for ABC Records.

Peter Freiberger replaced Andy Silvester on bass for the band's 1978 album, Berkshire. Produced by Grammy Award winner Ken Caillat, it proved to be the band's most successful release.[2] Berkshire featured "You're Such a Fabulous Dancer", composed by Douma. Although a top ten hit in some international markets, it did little[clarification needed] in the American music charts.

In 1978, Douma left Wha-Koo to pursue a solo career. He released a solo album, Night Eyes, on Warner Bros. Records. The album featured many of the members of Wha-Koo as well as guest appearances by Eric Clapton, Garth Hudson from The Band and several members of Fleetwood Mac. Douma toured with Fleetwood Mac as a supporting act for the remainder of 1979 [3] and then left the music industry soon after. Chuck Cochran replaced Danny Douma on vocals and lead guitar and was with Wha-Koo at two notable appearances in 1978. On August 26, they played before an estimated crowd of 110,000 music fans at the Canada Jam festival near Toronto, Ontario and on October 29, the band performed with Thin Lizzy on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia before an estimated crowd of 100,000.[4]

Cochran left the band after the tour to work with Robb Royer of Bread, Mike Finnigan, Crosby, Stills and Nash and others. Around that time, Wha-Koo released their third album, Fragile Line, on Epic Records. Although no longer with the band, Cochran's lead guitar, background vocals and songs are featured on the album. By then the band was led by David Palmer and featured new members Ron Fransen, David Woodford and Eric Gotthelf. More rock-oriented, this release enjoyed some critical success but it did not enjoy commercial success and the group disbanded soon after.[citation needed]

Post-breakup

[edit]

In the early 1980s, Douma founded "The Writers Store" a resource center and retail outlet for writers and filmmakers. In 2002 he founded a second company, "Innoventive Software", publishers of film production and storyboard software.[5] Danny Douma died on June 1, 2010, from cancer in Florence, Oregon.

Palmer contributed the song "Silhouette" to the film Teen Wolf and the song "She's My Baby" to the film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. He also contributed songs to the TV series, The Heights and he went on to record with Laura Branigan and Jamie Walters amongst others. Today he's a fine art and portrait photographer in the Los Angeles area.

Andy Silvester, who departed after Wha-Koo's first album, became a member of the Honeydrippers (featuring Robert Plant) and was a founding member of the acoustic British rhythm and blues revival group, The Big Town Playboys. He has also played with The Mike Sanchez band.

Eddie Tuduri suffered a serious spinal cord injury in a body surfing accident in 1997. He founded "The Rhythmic Arts Project" (TRAP) later that year as an educational program for children and adults with developmental and intellectual differences. http://www.traponline.org

Richard Kozinski has scored or co-scored almost 30 motion pictures and 300 aired network television episodes including episodes of Mad About You, Gravedale High and Teen Wolf.[6]

Claude Pepper, alias Jack Mack, formed the Los Angeles-based rhythm and soul band Jack Mack and the HeartAttack in 1980 and played with the band until 1987. He died at his home in Sacramento in February 2003.

David Woodford has since recorded and toured with Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Aerosmith, Rod Stewart, The Shirelles and P. Diddy amongst others.

Chuck Cochran later worked as a singer and guitarist with Jim Messina, Tim Weisberg, Norman Gimbel, Fred Karlin, Mike Finnigan, Robb Royer, Larry Knechtel, Kim Carnes and David Lasley. He also wrote songs for Laura Branigan, Captain & Tennille and others.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Title AUS chart[7] Catalogue Number
1977 The Big Wha-Koo - AB 971
1978 Berkshire 51 ABCL 5283
1979 Fragile Line 85 EPC 83875

Singles

[edit]
Year Title US AUS[7] RSA ZIM Album
1977 "Whisky Voices" - - - - The Big Wha-Koo
1977 "Save Your Tears" - - - - The Big Wha-Koo
1978 "You're Such a Fabulous Dancer" 101 10 9 4 Berkshire
1979 "Don't Say You Love Me" - - - - Fragile Line

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Who's Who on the Cricket's Recordings". Archived from the original on 2013-02-11. Retrieved 2010-03-05.
  2. ^ "Wha-Koo on MSN Music". Archived from the original on 2012-06-12. Retrieved 2010-03-05.
  3. ^ "Danny Douma Information at Answers.Com". Answers.com.
  4. ^ "The Influence of 2SM".
  5. ^ "Danny Douma StoryLink Profile".
  6. ^ "Richard Kozinski Biography".
  7. ^ a b Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 335. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
[edit]
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