In 1962, local radio station KNEZ ("The Breezy 960") produced a promotional piece entitled "I Had a Ball in Big L." The song became an instant hit when it hit the airwaves. It was so popular that KNEZ sold 45 rpm copies of it for $1 apiece. There are very few of those recording still surviving. After 40 plus years, we found one and created a digital recording for you listinening pleasure. To answer the many questions about who the singer is —- we don't know. The piece was produced and recorded by a professional jingle company in Los Angeles, that specialized in promotional jingles and commercials. The 45 recording has no information on its label. The singer is most likely a contract studio artist.

You can listen to the song at the official Lompoc History website. Just scroll to the bottom and click play. The lyrics can be found below.

I Had a Ball in Big L

I landed in Lompoc not long ago. The central coast of California is quite a show. This is the area called the Valley of Flowers. It's all so beautiful, I could go on for hours.

I had a ball in Big L. I had a ball in Big L. The livin' is swell. And oh, how I fell. Cause I had a ball in big L.

Across the valley, nearby, is Vandenberg Air Force Base. And Pt. Arguello is making another probe in space. For recreation, the Vandenberg Village Inn's a lark. Or you can see the old mission at La Purisima Park.

I had a ball in Big L. I had a ball in Big L. The livin' is swell. And oh, how I fell. Cause I had a ball in big L.

In Lompoc Valley are large deposits of diatomite. Our Earth is rich with rock and oil and dolomite. Be sure to see the Flower Festival every year. And if it's hunting and fishing you like, Ocean Park is near.

I had a ball in Big L. I had a ball in Big L. The livin' is swell. And oh, how I fell. Cause I had a ball in big L.