The Tulips

The Tulips were a rock group formed in the early 1960’s by Kenny Kaye (guitar, lead vocals, songwriter), Jacquelyn Johnson (vocals, bass guitar, keyboard instruments), and Austin Brown (drums, vocals) in Long Beach, CA. Kaye, Johnson, and Brown met at Woodrow Wilson High School, brought together by their love of blues, folk music, and California surf rock.
In 1967, The Tulips signed with Jane Street Records, a small New York based label, and released their first hit single, “Summer Song,” which included the B-side single “Now Here Nowhere.” The band was later picked up by Buddah Records, a label born out of The Lovin’ Spoonful’s label, Kama Sutra Records, and began recording their first full-length studio album.
In 1968, lead singer Kenny Kaye was electrocuted while plugging his guitar into a faulty circuit in the rain and suffered a tragic, sudden death. The Tulips’ unfinished album was never released, although it is rumored that most of the tracks were complete. Kenny Kaye has since been remembered for his intoxicating voice and the image-rich poeticism of his lyrics.
After the death of Kaye, the band quickly fell apart. Jacquelyn Johnson has since gone on to record numerous songs for many smaller bands. Her solo album, entitled “Jackie,” had a small following and went on to sell only a couple thousand albums after its release. She currently resides in New York City, where she continues singing.
Austin Brown is now known for his larger than life stage presence, an unusual claim to fame for a drummer. Keith Moon famously called Brown “The Master.”
“Summer Song” is featured in Jim Kohlberg's upcoming film, The Music Never Stopped and is also currently featured on the film's website.

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