Featuring the original 1955 Fender Telecaster from Rosie and the Originals’ 1960 hit, the new recordings are available now on digital platforms and in limited-edition red-wax vinyl and CD.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: San Diego, CA August 14th, 2025: Pacific Records proudly announces the release of two timeless classics, “Angel Baby” and “Sukiyaki”, reimagined by Pacific Records artists The Tourmaliners and Kela Sako. Available now worldwide on all major digital platforms, these recordings are also being offered in limited-edition CD and 7” red-wax vinyl pressings for collectors and fans alike.
“Hearing the original ’55 Telecaster again — on a brand-new recording more than 60 years later — is pure magic.” says Brian Witkin, CEO of Pacific Records
The new recording of “Angel Baby” carries a rare piece of music history. It features the original 1955 Fender Telecaster guitar used on Rosie and the Originals’ iconic 1960 recording.
Originally recorded in a small farming community in San Marcos, California, “Angel Baby” was written by lead singer Rosie Hamlin when she was just 14 years old as a poem to her first boyfriend. Backed by “The Originals” and guitarist David Ponci, the track became an enduring love song that has touched generations. Ponci’s guitar work — played on his treasured ’55 Telecaster — remains one of the most recognizable elements of the original hit.
Today, that very guitar is in the hands of Ponci’s nephew, Jerry “Hotrod” DeMink, a celebrated San Diego blues guitarist and frequent guest performer with The Tourmaliners. In this new version of “Angel Baby”, Jerry honors his uncle’s legacy by performing the rhythm guitar parts on the exact same instrument that helped shape the original recording.
Sako, nominated for Best New Artist at the 2025 San Diego Music Awards, brings her rich, soulful voice to the project, while The Tourmaliners — whose Live and Alive album (also released on Pacific Records) took home Best Local Recording — provide their signature surf-inspired sound.
Ahead of the release, Kela and Tourmaliners’ guitarist Deven Berryhill performed the songs live on KUSI News, giving viewers a first taste of the reimagined classics.
Fans can experience the music live at the joint release show for “Angel Baby” and “Sukiyaki”, happening tonight at Humphreys Backstage Live in San Diego, CA from 6–10 PM. The event will feature performances by both The Tourmaliners and Kela Sako, with limited quantities of CDs and vinyl available exclusively at the show.
Listen now: https://orcd.co/angelbabysingle
About Pacific Records
ABOUT PACIFIC RECORDS
Pacific Records is a Southern California-based record label that incorporates all aspects of the music business including marketing, production, and distribution services. Founded by entertainment attorney Brian Witkin, Pacific Records began as a record store chain that evolved into a multi-dimensional entity spanning recording studios, engineering services, music merchandising, and talent buying services. However, its core business remains as an independent record label and music publisher. The label that has an oceanic allure inherent in its DNA releases a wide array of music genres – from rock, Americana, blues, and hip-hop to new age, classical guitar, reggae, and jazz.