Elephant's Memory (also presented as Elephants Memory, omitting the apostrophe) constituted an American rock band established in New York City during the late 1960s, primarily recognized for its collaboration with John Lennon and Yoko Ono from late 1971 to 1973 as part of their Plastic Ono Band.
Elephant's Memory (also billed as Elephants Memory, without the apostrophe) was an American rock band formed in New York City in the late 1960s, known primarily for backing John Lennon and Yoko Ono from late 1971 to 1973 under their Plastic Ono Band.
History
Formation and Early Career (1967–1972)
Elephant's Memory was established between 1967 and 1968 by Stan Bronstein (saxophone, clarinet, and vocals) and Rick Frank Jr. (drums). In 1968, Carly Simon was briefly featured as a vocalist. By 1969, the ensemble expanded to encompass John Ward (bass), Danny Adler (guitar and keyboards), who previously performed with the Blues Doctors (1964–1966), Chester Ayers (guitar), Myron Yules (bass trombone), R. Sussmann (keyboards), Michal Shapiro (vocals), Guy Peritore (guitar and vocals), David Cohen (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), and Michael Rose on guitar.
Two compositions by the band, "Jungle Gym at the Zoo" and "Old Man Willow," were featured on the 1969 soundtrack for the film Midnight Cowboy. Elephant's Memory was subsequently awarded a gold disc in recognition of its contribution to the soundtrack.
In 1970, the band achieved a minor hit single with "Mongoose" on Metromedia Records, attaining a peak position of 50 on the Hot 100 on October 17, 1970. The song reached number 5 on Chicago's WCFL on November 23, 1970, and secured the number 1 position in Pittsburgh on KQV. In Canada, "Mongoose" peaked at number 71 on September 26, 1970. In 1971, the band issued the single "Skyscraper Commando," which Record World lauded, stating that "the lyric is powerful and the instrumental track is comparable in quality to 'Mongoose'."
From 1970 to 1973, the band's lineup remained largely stable, centered on Bronstein and Frank, alongside guitarists Wayne "Tex" Gabriel, keyboardist Adam Ippolito, and bassist Gary Van Scyoc.
Collaboration with Lennon and Ono, and Subsequent Career (1972–1976)
Recognized within the Greenwich Village vicinity as a politically active street band, Elephant's Memory provided musical accompaniment for Lennon and Ono on their album Some Time in New York City during recording sessions in March 1972. The album was subsequently released in June 1972 in the United States and in September 1972 in the United Kingdom.
Subsequently in 1972, the group was credited as the Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band and collaborated with Lennon and Ono on various television programs, albums, and concerts. On August 30, 1972, augmented by John Ward on bass and Jim Keltner on drums, the band performed with Lennon and Ono at the notable One to One Concert, organized by Geraldo Rivera to support the Willowbrook State School for children with intellectual disabilities. This concert was filmed and recorded, later issued in February 1986 as the album Live in New York City. On September 4, they performed live once more with Lennon and Ono at the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, presenting "Imagine," "Now or Never," and "Give Peace A Chance."
During April and May 1972, the band recorded their eponymous second album, jointly produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and issued through the Beatles' Apple Records label, accompanied by the single "Power Boogie." Billboard described it as "a selection of good, strong unpretentious rock." The album also features several contributions by Lennon himself on guitar and vocals. This recording has not been reissued on compact disc. From October to November, the band recorded tracks for Ono's double album Approximately Infinite Universe, which was released in January 1973.
On September 5, 1973, the band performed at the Hells Angels "Pirate Party," which took place on the SS Bay Belle, alongside an ensemble featuring Jerry Garcia. This performance was subsequently documented in the 1983 film Hells Angels Forever.
The lineup of Elephant's Memory featured at different periods Daria Price on castanets, Robert O'Leary on bass, and John La Bosca on piano. Conversely, the configuration that recorded Angels Forever in 1974 comprised Stan Bronstein and Richard Frank, augmented by Gary Van Scyoc on bass, Chris Robison, and Jon Sachs.
In 2010, Van Scyoc and Ippolito were featured in LENNONYC, a documentary film focusing on John Lennon, produced for the PBS American Masters series.
In May 2010, guitarist Wayne "Tex" Gabriel passed away at the age of 59.
Discography
- Island in the Sky (1968, album by The Tuneful Trolley)
- Several members of Elephant's Memory contributed the brass instrumentation featured on the LP.
- Midnight Cowboy soundtrack (1969), featuring the songs "Jungle Gym At The Zoo" and "Old Man Willow."
- The album Elephant's Memory (1969) reached position 200 on the U.S. charts.
- Take It to the Streets (1970).
- Elephant's Memory contributed session work to John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1972 album, Some Time in New York City.
- The 1972 album, also titled Elephant's Memory, was produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
- Elephant's Memory performed session work on Yoko Ono's 1973 album, Approximately Infinite Universe.
- Bio (1973), a collaboration with Chuck Berry.
- Angels Forever (1974).
- The 1976 album Our Island Music was credited to Stan Bronstein and the Elephant's Memory Band.
- Live in New York City (1986), featuring John Lennon, was recorded in 1972.
- Elephant's Memory at IMDb