Underground Sunshine

Underground Sunshine was an American psychedelic rock band from Montello, Wisconsin. The group's only hit single came in 1969 with their cover of The Beatles' song, "Birthday".[1]

Underground Sunshine
Origin	Montello, Wisconsin, United States
Genres	Psychedelic rock
Years active	1969-1970
Labels	Mercury
Associated acts	The Entrance of Sound
Past members	Berty Kohl Frank Kohl Chris Connors Jane Little

Background

In 1969, brothers Berty (vocals, bass guitar) and Frank (drums) Kohl and friend Chris Connors (lead guitar) were performing in a group known as The Entrance To Sound. A local DJ by the name of Jonathan Little took an interest in the group and would be responsible for adding his sister, Jane Little (keyboards), to the band. [2]

The group scored a hit single with their cover of The Beatles' song "Birthday" which hit number 19 on the Cash Box charts and number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was recorded and distributed under the Mercury Records label.

The group subsequently appeared on American Bandstand and released a full-length album, Let There Be Light. The album hit number 161 on the United States Billboard 200 chart,[3] but their second single, "Don't Shut Me Out" (written by David Gates, later of Bread), just missed the charts. In 1970, they released two singles, "Nine to Five (Ain't My Bag)" and "Jesus Is Just Alright"; neither charted, and the group broke up soon afterwards.[4]

Discography

• Birthday / All I Want Is You Intrepid 1969
• Don't Shut Me Out / Take Me, Break Me Intrepid 1969
• Jesus Is Just Alright / Six O'Clock Intrepid 1969
• 9 To 5 (Ain't My Bag) / Rotten Woman Blues Intrepid 1969

Charts

• "Birthday", No. 19 Cash Box pop singles chart, No. 26 Billboard Hot 100, 1969
• Let There Be Light, No. 161, Billboard 200 Album Chart, 1969

References

1. Billboard Singles, Allmusic.com
2. "B". badcatrecords.com.
3. Billboard, Allmusic.com
4. Biography, Allmusic.com