The Dedikation


The tail end of the 1960s was a rare moment for Kiwi singles. In late October 1969, four of the top five places on the charts were held by New Zealand artists: Shane, with ‘Saint Paul’, which had just spent six weeks at No.1, The Hi-Revving Tongues’ ‘Rain and Tears’, The Dedikation’s ‘Wait For Me Mary-Anne’, and Larry Morris with ‘The Hunt’. At the top, but only for one week, was Robin Gibb’s ‘Saved by the Bell’.

The next week, ‘Rain and Tears’ was another New Zealand No.1. Gibb and Morris slipped down but in came The Chicks with ‘Miss You Baby’. And the following week, The Dedikation were only held off the top spot by The Beatles’ ‘Something’. It was the biggest hit of The Dedikation’s career and spent three months on the charts. It seemed they were on their way.

Upper Hutt College band the Crescendos performing in Upper Hutt, around 1964. From left, Mike Martin, Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Wayne Clifford-Marsh, Graham Harvey; obscured at right, Graeme Collins. 
Photo credit: Upper Hutt Library heritage collection
Future members of The Dedikation take part in a piano-smashing competition at a Upper Hutt College gala, c. 1965. From left: Alan "Boss" Mason (head prefect), Graeme Collins (axe), Graham Harvey (sledgehammer), and Ray Ahipene-Mercer (pickaxe). 
Photo credit: Upper Hutt Library heritage collection
The Dedikation, 1969. From left: Bruce Whitelaw, Graham Harvey, Ray Ahipene-Mercer, and Graeme Collins. 
The Dedikation - Wait For Me Mary-Anne
Ray Ahipene-Mercer, guitarist for the Dedikation, 1969. He later became a luthier and Wellington city councillor.
Photo credit: Revelle Jackson, Upper Hutt Library heritage collection
A Dedikation montage. From left: Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Graeme Collins, Graham Harvey, and Michael Parlane.
The Dedikation performing at Fosters Hotel, Whanganui, 1969; from left, Graham Harvey, Graeme Collins, Mike Parlane, Ray Ahipene-Mercer
Photo credit: Upper Hutt City Library heritage collections
The Dedikation, from left: Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Graham Harvey, Michael Parlane, and Graeme Collins.
Photo credit: Simon Grigg collection
The Dedikation – The Dedikation, 1969. Designer not credited.
'Ruby Tuesday' - the Dedikation's big-ballad version of the Rolling Stones' song reached No.12 in the NZ charts in 1970. 
Graham Harvey of the Dedikation, performing at an Upper Hutt dance in the late 1960s.
Photo credit: Revelle Jackson, Upper Hutt Library Heritage Collection
The Dedikation's debut single, 'Hayride', 1969; the original was by Gary Lewis & the Playboys, but on New Zealand radio the Dedikation's single was up against a version by German band The Boston.
The Dedikation - Wait For Me Mary-Anne.
Upper Hutt College school dance, 1964 (L-R): Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Kristine Kloceck, Susan Keeble, Wayne Clifford-Marsh. In 1971 Kloceck joined the Wellington band Mephisto as a singer. 
Photo credit: Upper Hutt Library heritage collection
Graeme Collins, organist of The Dedikation, playing an Upper Hutt dance, 1969. Beside him are drummer Bruce Whitelaw and guitarist Ray Ahipene-Mercer.
Photo credit: Revelle Jackson, Upper Hutt Library heritage collection
Ray Ahipene-Mercer, lead guitarist of the Dedikation, at the Loxene Golden Disc award, 1969
Photo credit: Upper Hutt City Library heritage collections
Labels:

Polydor


Philips

Members:

Ray Ahipene-Mercer - vocals, guitar

Graeme Collins - vocals, keyboards

Michael Parlane - drums

Graham Harvey - bass

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