THE GATHERING
Lovely Loretta
(Ray Randall - Paul Beuselinck)
Australia 1969
#22 Melbourne

The Gathering, formed in 1968, were a covers band from Melbourne. They had three singles on the Melbourne charts 1968-1972.

Lead vocals are by Col Perkins, vocalist Trevor Gordon having left the band by the time of Lovely Loretta's release. For notes on the identity of Trevor Gordon, see The Gathering's Portobello Road (1968, #38).

The band's third and final charting single was Rosetta (1972, #21 Melbourne).

The Gathering's drummer Hank Wallis had been in The Flies with future solo pop star Ronnie Burns.

References: 1. Chris Spencer et al, Who's Who of Australian Rock (2002 and earlier editions) 2. Interview with The Gathering's personnel for Lovely Loretta, Hit Scene, ABC-TV, 31 May 1969, replayed on Rage, 7 January 2012.

Thanks to Linda Raymond and to Andrew for updates.
THE OTHERS
Lovely Loretta
(Ray Randall - Paul Beuselinck)
Ireland 1969

Single by County Dublin band formed 1968, active on the Church of Ireland's parish youth clubs circuit, broke up c.1977.

Not to be confused with mid-60s British beat band whose line-up included Brian May of Queen fame.
Further reading: The Others page at IrishShowBands.net includes band biography and commentary by band member Ken Tubbert.
Thanks to Karel for version alert via Multiply.com.

THE BUFFOONS
Lovely Loretta
(Ray Randall - Paul Beuselinck)
Netherlands 1968
#13 Netherlands

Harmony group who had a number of cover versions on the Dutch charts in the late 60s-early 70s.

Further reading: The Buffoons at Alex Gitlin's Nederpop website.
THE MERSEYS
Lovely Loretta
(Ray Randall - Paul Beuselinck)
UK 1968
Original version

The label shows THE MERSEYS, FEATURING THE FUNKY BOTTOM CONGREGATION (see below).

Single on Fontana by band best known for their 1966 hit Sorrow (#4 UK), famously remade by David Bowie on Pin-ups (1973). The Merseys were a re-formation of Liverpool's Merseybeats by Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley, foundation members of the earlier band.

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The writers of Lovely Loretta, Ray Randall and Paul Beuselinck, had been together in Paul Dean & The Dreamers in the early 60s.

'Paul Dean' was Paul Beuselinck who is now better known as singer, actor and stage musical star Paul Nicholas. His varied career (including playing piano for Screaming Lord Sutch) is outlined in his All Music Guide biography and IMDb filmography.

Bassist Ray Randall, who worked with Joe Meek backing the likes of Billy Fury and as a Tornado, is still an active musician. His website at RayRandall.co.uk has photo galleries of his days with Paul Dean & The Dreamers and The Tornadoes.
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Ray Randall recalls (by email) that the backing track for Lovely Loretta was recorded in a demo studio in Dean Street, London with Ray on bass, Paul Nicholas/Beuselinck on piano, Robert Lemon on lead guitar and Dave Gibbons on drums, a group that called themselves The Funky Bottom Congregation. The Merseys added their voices to the track later.

Further reading: Listing at 45Cat, including label shot.
Image: 45Cat.com

Thanks to Ray and Jenny.

GENE VINCENT
Lovely Loretta
(Grady Owens - Ed Watt)
Red herring

Same title but not the same song as 'Lovely Loretta' by The Gathering.

Performed by Gene Vincent 'on the jukebox' in the film Hot Rod Gang (1958).

Also recorded by New Colony Six.

Thanks to Mike Robbins for helping to isolate the Red Herring.

Corrections or comments? Contact the writer.