Dave 'Baby' Cortez - The Happy Organ - Big 50's Instrumental Hit
RINKY DINK
Countdown
Dave Baby Cortez (real name: David Cortez Clowney) was born on August 13, 1938 in Detroit. Playing the distinctive Hammond organ, Dave “Baby” Cortez began his public appearances playing in church.
1956 he started out on Ember Records as David Clowney.
1955 – 57 he was in The Pearls (as a singer)
1959 he released The Happy Organ (Clock) which made it to the USA R ‘ n B chart.
1962 with Rinky Dink, (A slang adjective for cheap or poor quality; makeshift Old-fashioned, worn-out. Insignificant and unimportant).
Dave Cortez recorded on Clock and at Chess Records and he also toured on the Chitlin Circuit.
Rinky Dink was a popular track at the Twisted Wheel in Brazennose Street, Manchester. Many instrumentals were played there and the tradition was continued at the Blue Note several years later when Dave Cortez released Countdown.
1973 Someone Has Taken Your Place (All Platinum).
Dave “Baby” Cortez Albums
Chess Records 1963 Rinky Dink
Roulette Records – Shindig, Tweetie Pie and In Orbit.
1972 All Platinum released Soul Vibration
in the late 1970’s he recorded on Buddha Records and later still he worked with the Isley Brothers as a producer for The Isley Brothers Go All The Way.