https://bestclassicbands.com/steve-martin-caro-obituary-1-15-20/
NEWS PLUS: News
The Left Banke’s Steve Martin Caro Dies
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Steve Martin Caro, an original member of the Left Banke, who scored with their very first single–and biggest hit–in 1966 with “Walk Away Renée,” died yesterday (Jan. 14). The announcement was made on the group’s Facebook page. Caro, who
originally went by the name Steve Martin while in the group, then changed it in the ’80s to avoid being mistaken for the comedian of that name, was 71.
The statement on the group’s page reads, “It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that Steve has passed away last night. Another great voice has been taken away too early. We will all miss him and all that he gave to the Left Banke. Say hi
to George and Mike for me…”
“George and Mike” refers to the two members of the group who preceded Caro in death, George Cameron (who passed in 2018) and Michael Brown (who died in 2015).
The Left Banke, described as a “baroque pop” group thanks, in part, to the flute solo in “Walk Away Renée,” were formed in New York City in 1965 by keyboardist Brown, vocalist Caro (born Oct. 12, 1948), guitarist Tom Finn, drummer Warren David-
Schierhorst and Cameron. Shortly thereafter, David-Schierhorst departed and Cameron replaced him on drums.
By the next year, the teenagers had a #5 single on Billboard with “Walk Away Renée” on Smash Records. Brown co-wrote it, inspired when he became infatuated with Finn’s girlfriend, Renée Fladen. “Walk Away Renée” was released in July 1966 and
reached #4 on Record World on Nov. 5.
Ironically, the band had already become inactive during 1966 and Brown assembled a band for a proposed tour to capitalize on the song’s success. (One of its members was future actor Michael McKean on guitar.)
A follow-up single, “Pretty Ballerina,” written by Brown, was released in December 1966 and peaked at #15 the next year.
Decades after the group disbanded, a version of the group led by Cameron and including various original members toured.
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