The
Flames
got their start when two brothers, Xavier & Leo Ramirez and a
childhood
friend Johnny Wahlbrink, began practicing their music together in
Johnny’s
basement. Little did they know at the time, that they would go on
to become one of Yakima Valley’s most popular Rhythm & Blues
bands.
Delmar Kary joined the threesome as their lead guitar player and later
introduced them to Gerald Diaz who became the singer for the band.
About
a year later, Larry Armstrong rounded out the group when he came aboard
as their bass player.
The band played
throughout
the Yakima Valley at places such as the KC Hall (Knights of Columbus)
the
Carpenters Hall, the Wagon Wheel, Terrace Heights Community Center, the
Juanita Grange, the Teen Club in Sunnyside, the Wapato Armory & the
Filipino Hall in Wapato, and the Eagles Lodge in Bingen. In addition,
they
performed at the Policeman’s Ball at the Yakima Armory every year for
three
years.
Xavier
Ramirez, Johnny Wahlbrink, Leo Ramirez, & Delmar Kary
The Flames were
the
opening performers when the Champs, of "Tequila" fame, appeared
on
the “Teen Time” show on what was then NBC’s Channel 23 in Yakima.
Glen Campbell, who had not yet become famous as a recording star, was
with
the Champs during that appearance. Two of the Flames, Johnny
Wahlbrink
and Larry Armstrong, had the opportunity to play with the Ventures
(Walk
Don't Run & Wipeout) when they were asked to sit in with them
during
an appearance in Yakima. Another memorable event was the much
publicized
"Battle of the Bands" between the Flames and the Checkers that drew a
crowd
of close to 1,400.
As they grew in
popularity,
they began playing in many other Washington towns, such as Seattle,
Centralia,
and the Tri Cities. On one occasion, they played an engagement in
Richland with Paul Revere & the Raiders. They also a played a
circuit that included Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Kimberly and Cranbrook
BC. It was during this time that Larry Coryell joined them and
was
with the group close to a year.
The Flames
played
hard hitting Rock & Roll that really “rocked the house.” Their
music
had an energy and intensity that generated an air of excitement in the
crowd. It took only the first few notes of favorites such as
"Money
(that's what I want)," "Johnny B. Goode," "Lucille," "Little Egypt,"
"What'd
I say," "Twist & Shout," and "La Bamba" to pack the dance floor in
seconds. I personally remember feeling the wood floor of the KC
Hall
vibrating in beat to the music from so many kids dancing.
They
literally rocked the house! La Bamba could be considered Gerald’s
“signature” song and his rendition was extraordinary. Because of
so many requests, they usually played it several times a night. Ritchie
Valens may have made it a hit on the charts, but Gerald sang La Bamba
like
no one else could.
Oh, if only we
could
all go back for just one more dance!
(Written by
Linda
Landon (Diaz) Edwards and dedicated to Gerald's brother & sisters,
his son Greg, and grandchildren, Schyler & Jessica), April
2007
Larry was my brother. I
remember
when The Flames would practice on our front porch. I also
remember
going to their dances at the KC Hall and at Carpenters Hall. I
was
just a child. Our parents sold tickets at the door. Thanks
for the memories.
Richard Hull, September 2012
Delmar Kary was my brother. I
remember
the many many nights the guys practicing in our garage.
Mom sewed all their Jackets.
They
were a great band !
Steve Carter, December 2013
