1968. Psychedelic cult band St. John Green is dissolved and co-founders Mike & Vic form Jumbo. Pictured here with lead guitarist Brad Della Valle, later replaced with Jim Pitman of The Strawberry Alarm Clock fame.
1969. Jumbo spends much of its time writing and composing songs and fine-tuning their musical craftsmanship. The band is introduced as a solo act at the LA Sports Arena and also backs John Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas. Next, a variety of dates in and around LA and Jumbo is discovered at the Galaxy Hollywood by impresario (fancy title for manager) jean-louis janssen. Jumbo picks up momentum and is signed as the opening act for The Four Tops at San Francisco's Winterland. On the bill: Bread, Joy of Cooking and Merry Clayton. Next, San Francisco's Longshoremen Hall and the opening act for Delaney & Bonnie and the mad cajun Doug Kershaw.
1970. The band signs a record deal with legendary Lou Adler on his Ode Label, home of Carol King, Spirit, Cheech & Chong, The Rocky Horror Show, Scott McKenzie, Merry Clayton. The task of producing the Jumbo album is assigned to musician/composer Gary LeMel (now President of Warner Music International) and the album is recorded at Sound City Studios. The single "Tell the People" is released in March and quickly gains radio play across the country.
