The Dovers

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The Dovers were an American garage rock/pop band of the mid-1960s. The Dovers are revered by certain rock critics and record collectors as being a prime example of mid-60s folk rock and pop, heavily influenced by the British Invasion and American groups such as The Byrds.

The Dovers were:

Bruce Clawson (Guitar), Tim Granada (Guitar, Vocals), Robbie Ladewig (Bass), Rick Morinini (Drums, first two singles), Randy Busby (Drums, singles 3-4) Tony Rivas (Saxophone, Tamborine, Backing vocals)

The Dovers were from Santa Barbara, California, and started their band under the name The Vandells. They began their recording career as The Dovers in 1965 with the Miramar Records release "She's Gone"/"What Am I Going To Do?" which reportedly was a minor hit in the Santa Barbara/Ventura County area. Three singles followed in late 1965-early 1966, showing The Dovers' interest in folk and pop; none of their four singles met with national success, and The Dovers broke up shortly afterward.

The group recorded a total of four singles for Miramar:

• She's Gone/What Am I Going To Do? (Miramar 118, 9/1965);
• I Could Be Happy/People Ask Me Why (Miramar 121, 11/1965, also released as Reprise 0439, 12/65);
• The Third Eye/Your Love (Miramar 123, 4/1966);
• She's Not Just Anybody/About Me (Miramar 124, 5/1966)

The Dovers went largely unnoticed by music collectors until garage rock compilations came out in the late 1970s-early 80s. A cult following developed around the group, who became known among collectors for their catchy songs and wistful vocals. "What Am I Going To Do" is currently available on Rhino Records' Nuggets box set.