The Doodlers began in Longview Texas. They listened to many of the pop vocal groups and jazz ensembles of the day, and aspired to sound similar to them. Thanks to an innovative high school choir director, the Doodlers actually met in choir and then formed their own group. Pictured above left to right is Randy Williams bass, Jay Hoyle baritone,(Mike Perkins had been the original baritone in high school)Don Florey second tenor, and Wehlan McPherson- high tenor. While playing some dances in the Houston area, a shady promoter told them about all the money they could make singing, and they cautiously followed. Sure enough, he did not work out, and they were back on their own. Fortunately, William T Jones of the Jones Apothecary (drug stores) in the Houston area, had a chance to hear them perform. He liked their sound and signed them to a recording and management contract. The Doodlers played some local venues, and then were carted off to Chicago to get choreographed and start performing in the night clubs of the windy city. Along the way, the Doodlers cut two records. The first sold well in the Midwest and beyond, and was called Linda Sue. WIND radio DJ Howard Miller gave it a ton of spins. Miller actually commanded nearly 60 per cent of the morning audience in Chicago during his peak of popularity. The Doodlers also were represented by the William Morris Agency, one of the biggest artist representation organizations of the time. There was a second record called the Dangerous Dangeroo. Half dragon and half kangaroo, it was a nice piece which was intended to compete with Sheb Wooley's Purple People Eater. They ran contests where kids would draw their own idea of what the ultimate Dangeroo would look like. They had a chance to sing with Elvis Presley once in Kileen, Texas, and it must have been an unforgettable experience. They toured all over the country, mostly in their own station wagon. The ride lasted almost three years, before they had some issues with Jones, and Wehlan McPherson decided to go home and get married. The Doodlers then called it a day. Below I have the two records that the Doodlers waxed, and you can listen to all four sides. Also, listen to my
interview with original Dooder Randy Williams Here!