1950's / Artist Profiles / Cover Songs

Don and Dewey -Randy’s Rarities

randydafoe25 Comments

Don “Sugarcane” Harris and Dewey Terry got together in High School in Pasadena and formed their first group in 1949. By 1956 the two were still together gigging as session musicians which is where Don got the nickname “Sugarcane” and became known for his unique electric violin work. They often played with the great Earl Palmer. The very talented pair recorded several singles but nothing charted. However, some of their songs did very well when covered.

“I’m Leaving It Up to You” written and recorded by Don and Dewey in 1957
Dale and Grace hit #1 on the Hot 100 in 1963
Donny and Marie reached #4 on the Hot 100 and #17 on the Country chart.
“Farmer John” written and recorded by Don and Dewey, released in 1959
The Premiers would hit #19 on the Hot 100 in 1963.

The B side to “Farmer John” was “Justine” and was covered by The Righteous Brothers who also remade their song “Big Boy Pete”. The Kingsmen had a #4 hit with “Jolly Green Giant” when they put new words to the tune of “Big Boy Pete”.

“Justine” could have been by Little Richard, they really rock out on this song

I encountered Don and Dewey for the first time when I bought the Shakin’ Stevens album in 1978 and he did this great cover of “Justine”. An incredible pair I thought you should know about.

25 thoughts on “Don and Dewey -Randy’s Rarities”

  3. I have a really strong memory of hearing Don & Grace’s “I’m Leaving It Up to You” as a kid. I’d have thought the Donnie & Marie rendition would’ve been more familiar, but no. Fascinating.

    I love how you tell a song and how it made it big, not necessarily when played by the writer. Covers are so interesting.

    I’m quite partial to Shakin’ Stevens’ “Justine.”

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  5. interesting notes on a pair I’d never heard of! I do remember the Osmonds’ version of ‘Leaving it All Upto You”. Honestly wasn’t a bad song though sure wasn’t one I was going to be spending my allowance on to buy! But a fairly well-written song.

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  7. “Justine” is one hell of a rock & roll song, which I agree has a neat Little Richard vibe. I remember Shakin’ Stevens from the radio with songs like “This Ole House”, “Marie, Marie” and “Green Door” but didn’t realize he covered “Justine”.

    “Farmer John” I knew because of Neil Young. Even though I consider myself a fan of Neil, I didn’t realize this was a cover – oops!

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  9. Randy…what kind of music is Stetchin’ It Out? I love that more than any other thing you have. All the instruments just fall into place perfectly on that one. The bass also…it comes through very clear for a 50s recording.
    I like Justine as well…I never heard of them.
    I knew Farmer John…someone posted the Premiere’s version of that the other day.

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    • got a reminder about Neil Young doing Farmer John back in 1990. Stretchin’ It Out I would say is a bit of mix, it sounds like a progressive Blues tune to me with Jazz elements. He really was in a class all his own. I don’t know if you have heard of Jean-Luc Ponty but he follows a similar style I would say.

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      • Ok…progressive blues with a jazz element! That really truly works for me…
        No I haven’t but now I’ve made a note of it…I just love that. It also…and now this is a stretch…but the Allman Brothers long music is kinda in that catagory also.

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      • I really was at a loss so i was throwing darts Max! But Jean-luc was the only name that came to mind. I’ve listened to a bit of Don’s other stuff, the man could play anything, classical, rock, cajun, you name it!!

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