Sunrays, The

Californian surf band The Sunrays began life as The Renegades – and had also recorded as The Snowmen and The Rangers – before being picked up in 1964 by manager Murry Wilson (who was already managing his sons’ group, The Beach Boys).

The Sunrays signed to the new Capitol subsidiary, Tower, and soon issued their debut single, Car Party b/w Outta Gas.

But it was the 1965 follow-up, I Live For The Sun, which was to be the band’s breakthrough hit, reaching the US Top 50.

The song went on to become a surf music classic . . . and the band were still at college at the time.

Andrea b/w You Don’t Phase Me was a second hit for the group and served as the title track of the group’s 1966 debut LP.

Subsequent singles including Still, I Look Baby – I Can’t See, Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously and Hi, How Are You did not meet with the same success, and in the wake of 1967’s Loaded With Love b/w Time (A Special Thing), The Sunrays disbanded.

Eddy Medora went on to a successful career as Director of National Sales for Walt Disney Records.

Rick Henn
Vocals, drums
Eddy Medora
Vocals, guitar
Byron Case
Guitar, vocals
Vince Hozier
Vocals, bass
Marty DiGiovanni
Keyboards