Lovin’ Spoonful’s Steve Boone: Reviving the band in the ’90s and on the road since.
The year was 1965 and The Beatles had 10 hits on the American music charts. From this side of the pond, an American group evolved and produced their first Top 10 single in October. More than a year before The Monkees would emerge on the scene and be dubbed “The American Beatles.” The Lovin’ Spoonful would be credited with being the answer to The Beatles. Others have called them “America’s Mop Tops from Manhattan.”
The four equal members, getting their start in the Greenwich Village folk music scene comprised of Steve Boone on bass, Joe Butler on drums, John Sebastian on autoharp, guitar and harmonica and Zalman (Zally) Yanovsky on lead guitar. All were on vocals with Sebastian up front in the lead.
With a debut single “Do You Believe In Magic” hitting No. 9 on the U.S. charts, the band lasted through ups and downs, both musically and personally for two years, putting nine songs in the American Top 20.
As with many musical bands and marriages, life gets in the way. Changes occur. Some people grow, some don’t. The Spoonful were no different. Lies from record companies and agents, an active drug scene, personality challenges, etc., can all have a negative impact on keeping a viable band together. And problems with immigration officials (Zally was Canadian), had things come crashing down on The Lovin’ Spoonful in two year’s time. In 1967, after immigration issues, Zally left the band and was replaced by Jerry Yester of the Modern Folk Quartet. The following year, John Sebastian left the group which pretty much ended the hit singles and albums. After disbanding in 1968, everyone went their separate ways.
Flash forward to the 1990s, Boone and Butler revived the Spoonful and decided to go out on the road. The band continue to perform to this day. Goldmine caught up with Steve Boone on this year’s Flower Power Cruise.
GOLDMINE: Firstly, thank you for keeping the music alive for over 50 years. With McCartney, The Moody Blues, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys... you’re in good company. After reading about many of the rock groups from the ’60s and their lifestyles, how were you able to survive?
In the ’60s
