Originally known as the New York Times, the band soon became known as The Peppermint Rainbow. Formed by guitarist Doug Lewis and bassist Skip Harris. Lewis and Harris had formerly been bandmates with the Mustangs. The group also included Tony Corey (drums), and Bonnie Lamdin and Pat Lamdin.
The Lamdin sisters contributed great vocal abilities. Both girls played organ while Bonnie also played the guitar. The vocal harmonies of the group came naturally, in the style of the Mamas and Papas / Spanky & Our Gang and other similar groups of the era.
Above: L-R: Pat, Bonnie, Doug (both photos). Photos courtesy of Ted Baumgarten
The Peppermint Rainbow quickly developed a following and played D.C. and Baltimore clubs including Minnick’s, and clubs all along the East Coast.
While playing a club in Georgetown, the group was greeted by Mama Cass, who joined them onstage. This meeting eventually led to a recording contract with Decca Records.
Their first single release was “Walking in Different Circles” b/w “Pink Lemonade” on the Decca label. They continued to release several singles on Decca including “Don’t Wake Me Up In The Morning, Michael,” and “Will You Be Staying After Sunday” which quickly became a national top 40 hit in 1969. That year both Cashbox and Billboard magazines voted them “Best New Vocal Group of the Year.”
Concert ads – 1968
With one top 40 hit and another song “Don’t Wake Me Up in The Morning, Michael” climbing the charts, the Rainbow spent most of their time on the road. During that period, they performed alongside many top name artists including tours with the 5th Dimension. They made appearances on numerous TV programs including the Mike Douglas Show, Steve Allen Show, and the Della Reese Show.
After a couple years the band began to tire of touring and in 1970 they decided to split. Lewis went on to join the Better Half, Inner Cyrkle, Phoenix, Admirals, and the Hub Caps. Harris joined As You Like It, New Diablos…
Single releases by the Peppermint Rainbow:
1968 Decca 32316 Walking in Different Circles / Pink Lemonade
1968 Decca 32410 Will You Be Staying After Sunday / And I’ll Be There
1969 Decca 32498 Don’t Wake Me Up in The Morning Michael / Rosemary
1969 Decca 32562 Jamais / You’re the Sound of Love
1969 Decca 32601 Good Morning Means Goodbye / Don’t Love Me Unless It’s Forever
LP Release:
1969 Decca 75129 Will You Be Staying After Sunday
