Sign reads, “1st Time In Canada, Topless Waitresses To Serve You”
The Mynah Birds: Toronto’s Groundbreaking 60s Band and the First Topless Waitresses of Yorkville’s Free Love Hippie Scene
In the vibrant cultural tapestry of 1960s Toronto, the Yorkville neighborhood was a crucible of creativity, music, and social change. Among the many landmarks that defined this era was The Mynah Bird coffee house, a venue that not only showcased the sounds of the burgeoning rock scene but also made headlines for its audacious decision to employ Canada’s first topless waitresses. This provocative fusion of art, music, and liberation set the stage for the rise of one of Canada’s most intriguing bands: The Mynah Birds.
The Birth of The Mynah Birds
Formed in 1964, The Mynah Birds emerged from the heart of Toronto’s music scene, originally fronted by Jimmy “Liver” Livingston. The initial lineup included guitarist Ian Goble, drummer Rick Cameron, organist John Goadsby (later known as Goldy McJohn), and bassist Nick Kassbaum (aka Nick St. Nicholas). However, it was the arrival of a 15-year-old singer named James Johnson, who would later adopt the name Rick James, that would catapult the band into the spotlight.
After a stint in the U.S. Naval Reserves, Johnson found himself in Toronto, where a fateful encounter with Levon Helm and Garth Hudson (of The Band) at a local bar led to his integration into Toronto’s music culture. Adopting the name Ricky Matthews, he joined the Sailorboys, which would soon metamorphose into The Mynah Birds. This band would eventually feature a rotating cast of musicians, but its most memorable lineup included Rick James, Neil Young, Bruce Palmer, Rickman Mason, and John Taylor.
Rock And R&B Fusion
Despite never releasing a full album during their active years, The Mynah Birds made waves with their eclectic mix of rock and R&B. Their most notable single, “The Mynah Birds Hop,” was released in early 1965 but failed to chart. Nevertheless, the band’s reputation continued to grow, leading to a significant moment in music history: their signing with Motown Records in early 1966. This made The Mynah Birds the first integrated band signed to the label, paving the way for future acts like Rare Earth.
However, the band’s journey was fraught with turmoil. Just before recording began, Rick James was detained by the Navy after their manager, in a bid for revenge after being fired, informed Motown that James was absent without leave (AWOL). The band’s first Motown single, “It’s My Time,” remained unreleased, and James’s incarceration marked a significant turning point for the group.
The packed to capacity Mynah Bird Coffee House located at 114 Yorkville Avenue in Toronto often set up tables and chairs on the street outside the bar to accommodate the overflow of customers
Aftermath And Legacy
Following James’s release from prison in May 1967, he returned to Toronto, where he attempted to revive The Mynah Birds. Unfortunately, the newly-formed group was short-lived, with a lineup that included Neil Lillie (aka Neil Merryweather) and Al Morrison. Conflicts arose, leading to further disbandment and disappointment. Eventually, Rick James would shed the “Matthews” surname and embark on a solo career that would see him achieve legendary status in funk and R&B.
114 Yorkville Avenue then and now
Despite The Mynah Birds’ short-lived existence, their impact was profound. Members like Neil Young and Bruce Palmer would go on to form Buffalo Springfield, contributing to the folk-rock revolution of the late 1960s. The band’s unreleased tracks, including “I Got You (In My Soul)” and “I’ll Wait Forever,” later surfaced in 2017 as part of the Motown Unreleased 1966 digital album release, reigniting interest in their storied past.
A Cultural Milestone
The Mynah Birds were not just a rock band; they were a reflection of an era defined by cultural upheaval and a quest for liberation. Their coffee house origins in Yorkville coincided with the rise of counterculture, and the decision to employ topless waitresses at The Mynah Bird coffee house was emblematic of the shifting social norms of the time. This daring choice turned the venue into a hotspot for artistic expression and rebellion, attracting a diverse crowd that included musicians, artists, and free thinkers.
Today, The Mynah Birds remain a fascinating chapter in the annals of Canadian rock history. Their story is a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for change, as well as a reminder of the vibrant, sometimes tumultuous, cultural landscape that characterized the 1960s. As we celebrate the legacy of this pioneering band and the unforgettable era from which they arose, we are reminded that the spirit of rock and roll is as much about the people and the stories behind the music as it is about the music itself.