From left; Steve Epperly (drums), David Epperly (keyboard /tenor sax), John Laughter (tenor & bari sax), Bluefield College student Alfred Thompson (tenor sax) and Roger Bailey (guitar).
John Laughter writes, “Arnold Smith played bass but was unable to make it in time for the photo. He presently performs with The Emeralds.”
Steve Epperly wrote “The Mini Movement”, which runs all of 1:28! Since first posting about the band, Steve Epperly wrote to me:
The Blue Chords were from the Bluefield, VA area, and played from 1958 to 1978.
The Blue Chords were especially known in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk area where they played in The Top Hat and other club venues from 1959-1962. The Blue Chords opened for many nationally known artists including but not limited to The Del Vikings, The Gladiolas (later known as Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs), Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Ricky Nelson, Art Neville, The Delfonics, Percy Sledge, Bill Deal and the Rhondells, and The Okaysions.
The Blue Chords recorded “So Far Away” and “The Mini Movement” in May, 1967 in the basement recording studio of James E. Parcell who owned Associated Recording Service in Roanoke, VA. The musicians were Arnold Smith who played bass and provided lead vocal on “So Far Away”; Larry Frost and Ron Sagady on horns: Jack McCormick- guitarist; David Epperly -organist, vibes, and saxophone; and Steve Epperly- drums and lead vocalist on “The Mini Movement”. The Blue Chords made other recordings in that studio, but “So Far Away” and “The Mini Movement” were the only ones ever pressed.
David Epperly (tenor sax), Alford Thompson (tenor sax), Roger Bailey (guitar).
Missing from photo, the late Arnold Smith (electric bass)
John Laughter sent in the great photos of the band seen here. His comment about Blue Chords around 1960 is worth repeating here in the main article:
I was fortunate to have played sax with the “Fabulous Blue Chords” for about two years before moving to Florida. I recall 1959-1960 or maybe it was 1960-1961. We played in various dance halls and frat houses in and around the Bluefield, West Virginia and Virginia area.
But the real good times were spent during the summer months at Virginia Beach in the Top Hat Club. The club had two stages and two bands six nights a week so when we kicked into our break song the other band picked it up to keep the music going. On an hour, off an hour.
The door next to our stage opened onto the boardwalk where a lot of the underage college kids would stand or dance. When the club was packed some of the patrons would dance on the table tops after consuming the 3.2 beer. And those summer night were HOT! We would sweat and play the new hits of the day.
I remember a drummer with one of the guest bands, “T & T” Braggs. What he could do with only a bass, snare, hi-hat and ride cymbal was fantastic! Another band was from Philly. They also brought down the house.
We would visit the local music store on Saturday and pick up the latest 45 rpm’s to learn on Sunday. Then to the Neptune restaurant at the corner for First Street and Atlantic Blvd. for a seafood dinner in the 56 two tone green Ford station wagon with the band’s name on the side.
One of the apartments that we lived in was on the south end of town next to an all night doughnut/coffee house. I would go down and listen to the jukebox until the hours of the morning. And as with several of the other members, we are still rockin’ to this day!
Update 2015: James Shott of the Sinsations writes that Arnold Smith and David Epperly have passed away.
Top Hat photos taken from the Bill Deal website, now defunct.
This is awesome!!!!! Try and get some more info and pictures.
The Blue chords are mostly all still playing today, my dad played sax and was a founder and still is playing about every weekend. They are located in WV and southwest Va. The new band name is the Emeralds.
Actually, Ron Sagady wasn’t a founder of the Blue Chords. He and I played together in the band about 1965-66, and Ron came into the band after Jim Marino left.
The Emeralds was a different band, and a couple of them had been in the Blue Chords.
My father was in this band—in fact he still plays today! He played saxophone on this record. I can provide more information if needed.
My husband, Pete Belcher, was an original member of the Blue Chords. He was a vocalist and played keyboard. At the time he was known as “Petie” Belcher. After leaving the Bluefield area, he spent many years in Los Angeles where he was an actor and director. My husband and I have been back in the Bluefield area for 20 years and still associate with several of the original band members. “Petie” is still playing music but is not in a band.
The Blue Chords began when Steve came home for the summer from Greenbrier – probably in May of 1958. David and I had been trying to play jazz with David on sax and me on trombone Steve came home and said that we were going to be a rock and roll band. Arnold , Roger and Petie were recruited by Steve and we started practicing. It was quickly apparent that A trombone did not fit, so I was told (probably by Steve) that I needed to play Saxophone. I borrowed a sax, and David taught me the basics in a few days. To this day, David was one of the best musicians I ever met – he really could play anything. We played local events that summer, and I clearly remember Petie pulling out the sunglasses, and dancing as he played on Jackie Olinger’s live TV show. We played “Annie had a baby” which was considered risqué at the time – Jackie was shocked, but it was live TV . I had borrowed a tenor sax, but was, at best a rudimentary player, so David played the tenor and I switched to baritone sax(which we borrowed from GHS), thus the odd instrumentation which Johnny Lauter continued. and which gave the band a different sound. I quit the band in the fall. Bad move!
Hey Joe. I never knew how the band started. Great story. Interesting thing about the bari sax in the photo. During my first trip to Va Bch with the Blue Chords we would visit two local music stores during our summer stay. One store sold 45 rpm’s and we kept up with the current Top 40 hits. We would buy the 45’s we liked and would practice on Sundays at the Top Hat Club to learn the hits of the day. The other store sold equipment (reeds, drum sticks, guitar strings). During one of the visits to that store we saw that bari way up on a shelf on a sax stand that had the metal ban that was secured to the bell. Steve asked about it and the price was apparently right. After some discussion it was agreed that it was up to me to double on bari and tenor. David would often play tenor and keyboard with his right hand once in awhile which gave us 3 horns. The bari was a unique sax and sound for a local band in those days. Not sure who inherited it after I moved to Florida. It was a Conn bari. Some players still try to find the vintage Conns and feel that the tone is much better than modern day bari’s. Thanks again for the history.
The original guitarist was Ted Estep – at least thru the summer and early fall of ’58. Steve brought him in. Steve was clearly the leader. We covered some current music, especially from Huey Smith and the Clowns, and like Johnny, we bought the 45s and tried to copy them. Of course we were oblivious to copyright issues.
One of the best bands ever in its’ day!
My brother Ted Estep passed away in Lynchburg last Jan (2015). He loved playing guitar with the Blue Chords….one of his proudest achievements. Loved reading the history. Ted graduated from Bramwell in 1957 and played for a couple of years until he got married. I think he played from 57 to 59?
Ted Estep was my brother and he loved playing music. He passed away in Jan. 2016.We all still miss him. Loved reading about the Blue Chords. Thanks for the memories.
Hey Joe. You may not see this message but did you play with the high school pep band in the lunch room for a sock hop? I was in that band and seem to remember you playing maybe T-bone.
My Dad, Steve Epperly, was the founder of The Blue Chords. He played drums and was a lead vocalist. They often practiced in my Grandmothers (Hilda Huffard) home and garage on Tazewell Avenue. They had a great deal of success and opened or played with many national acts. They were a college band before it was cool. I have many memories of traveling to shows in many places when I was very young.
My Uncle, David Epperly, was unquestionably the most talented member of the band. David was 14 when he started playing with the band. He had to get a work permit to play at The Top Hat in VA Beach. He could play any instrument he laid his hands on and made a career in music industry as an composer/arranger/pianist/organist for many years with nationally known acts. Sadly, he passed away suddenly at the age of 48. He is a member of The Circus Hall of Fame in Tampa, Florida. He is sorely missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.
The Blue Chords hold a special place in the memories of many people in two Virginia’s. They were a special band in a special time and I’m proud that my Dad played such an important role in the music they played. Dad doesn’t play anymore but I’m sure he could if he wanted to. Talent like that never goes away, the beat is just a little slower.
I hope I got this right, if I didn’t, Dad will edit..
I was in Concord College in Athens, WV when I first heard The Blue Chords play at the school in 1963 – 64. I was blown away. I later started a band called “The Peasants” and later sang with “The Red Coats” from Princeton, WV. Steve and the Blue Chords were the example of what every band wanted to become. They could have been nationally famous like other bands such as Bill Deal and the Rhondells with the right breaks. I would love to hear them again today.
The fellow on the far right, Roger, is Roger Bailey. Graduated from Princeton High School in 1959.
I remember Roger as a very talented guitar player. Before the Blue Chords, he played in a Princeton band with Richie Pennington called ‘The Ramrods’, named after Duane Eddy’s hit by the same name. Roger and his Les Paul special could really burn up ‘Ramroad’. Before I had a car at WVU, I hitched a ride several times with Roger (who was in grad school. Great guy!
In 1964 and 1965 I had the pleasure of playing with the blue cords. Others members of the band were Smokey Shelton trumpet, Stever Epperly drums, Jack Mccormick guitar, Arnold Smith bass and vocal . I played tenor sax. I must say we had a great band with a great sound. We got our sound from many many hours of practice. The blue cords hold a special place in my heart. I was forced to leave the band due to the vietnam war and the local draft board . It was really heart breaking for me I did however play in the united states navy band before being shipped overseas to vietnam. I have enjoyed reading these comments It bring back fond memories of a great time in my life.
Jim, Great to hear your story. I used to sneak down to the Bluefield Auditorium and sit outside to listen to the band. I loved your playing and it greatly inspired me to keep playing and have bands of my own. I play Tenor, Soprano, flute, (Bari and Alto when needed). Are you still playing and where do you live.
I always wondered where you went but nobody could tell me. Thanks for the memories.
Hey, Jimmy –
Glad to see your update. I never saw the Blue Chords perform after around 1963, so I missed you as part of this great band. I was not surprised to learn that you were gigging with the best, as you were a serious and very talented musician.
An old, all thumbs, totally retired guitar guy –
Bill Yearout
I met your dad in Virginia Beach. I was only fourteen but fell madly in love with his music and never forgot him and his band.Tonight I was telling my son about him, the first crush I had and had never forgotton his name or where he was from.He suggested i look him up on Goggle and was I ever surprized to find you and the pictures!What memories they brought back!I am thrilled to know what became of the band and Steve.So many times I have thought about your dad and the band.We were all so young and in a different world. I grew up in Va beach but left in 1962.I visit often. I never walk the beach without the memories of that summer, your dad and the band following me,always wondering what became of everyone.Please give my regards to your dad and so sorry to hear about David. I retired and just enjoy the lake I live on and visiting my family.I will always remember The Blue Chords. Thank You!
Where can I buy some of the music?
Mark:
I remember the mid-60’s when your family was one of my customers on my paper route(Bluefield Daily Telegraph) when you lived in the Parkview Heights/Pine Hill Park Subdivision of Bluefield, Virginia. I remember going to hear your dad’s group when they played at the Bluefield Auditorium in Bluefield, WV (right beside Mitchell Stadium) on friday nights. Over the years, I’ve lost my copy of the MiniMovement I bought and loved hearing it again and again and again! I’m so glad to have found this page since I remember the bands of my youth – the Blue Chords, the Red Coat Revue and the Sound of Soul. Great memories!!!
Jim,
It’s Smokey SHOTT. But I forgive you.
Hey Tom,
I remember you very well! Spent many hours in your basement with Ric. Also remember playing Pinball at the “little store” beside your house. We had many great times. I hope you are doing well.
Mark-
I was glad to see the information sent to you by Steve. Brings back some good memories!!
I was fortunate to have played sax with the “Fabulous Blue Chords” for about two years before moving to Florida. I recall 1959-1960 or maybe it was 1960-1961. We played in various dance halls and frat houses in and around the Bluefield, W. VA. and VA. area.
But the real good times were spent during the summer months at Virginia Beach in the Top Hat Club. The club had two stages and two bands six nights a week so when we kicked into our break song the other band picked it up to keep the music going. On an hour, off an hour.
The door next to our stage opened onto the boardwalk where a lot of the underage college kids would stand or dance. When the club was packed some of the patrons would dance on the table tops after consuming the 3.2 beer. And those summer night were HOT! We would sweat and play the new hits of the day.
I remember a drummer with one of the guest bands, “T & T” Braggs. I believe that was his name? What he could do with only a bass, snare, hi-hat and ride cymbal was fantastic! Another band was from Philly. They also brought down the house.
We would visit the local music store on Saturday and pick up the latest 45 rpm’s to learn on Sunday. Then to the Neptune restaurant at the corner for First Street and Atlantic Blvd. for a seafood dinner in the 56 two tone green Ford station wagon with the band’s name on the side.
One of the apartments that we lived in was on the south end of town next to an all night doughnut/coffee house. I would go down and listen to the jukebox until the hours of the morning.
And as with several of the other members, we are still rockin’ to this day!
Steve drop a line when you can! JSAXL@aol.com
John Laughter
Macon, GA
http://www.celebrationband.us/
http://www.thegrapevineband.com/index.php
http://www.halleonard.com/item_detail.jsp?itemid=277&order=4&catcode=00&refer=search&type=product&keywords=john+laughter+
http://www.halleonard.com/item_detail.jsp?itemid=144&order=0&catcode=00&refer=search&type=product&keywords=john+laughter+
For Mark Epperly…Mark, I knew both your dad and David (GHS Class of ’60) and would like to pass on a compliment re Steve and his tenure teaching at Tazewell High School. My father-in-law, Gus Santolla (Shop & Agriculture) remarked to me – after the BCs played one of their last gigs during Tazewell Days – when I told him I knew Steve that Steve was an excellent teacher and that he, Gus, held him in high regard. I was very sorry to hear of David’s passing, the Class of ’60 lost several folks in their 30’s and ’40s – way too young.
Best,
Wally Averill
Wow, I played for the Blue Chords for a short time in 1971. Steve Epperly was the drummer, singer and the leader of the band. We were the House Band at the Pidgeon Toed Orange Peel in Bluefield until it burned down. Steve had a 1945 Greyhound Bus Painted with Paisleys and a US Flag Decorated by Steve’s wife and her art class. I was a trumpet player the youngest member of the band and probably the least talented. When Smokey Shott came back into town Trumpet expertise went through the roof. I went back to Engineering School Ron Sagady was the Tenor sax player and carried a 38 when we went to Welch. Lonnie Woodall was the lead guitar player, Arnold was the lead singer, Bill Carruth was a trombone player and charted out the horn parts he had a Masters in music taught band and was a great musician. So was his father at Bluefield State College. Prudence was the bass player. We had a very good Hammond B3 Organ Player also. Those 6 months were some of the most memorable times I can recall. There was some drama in McDowell County. We once opened for Little Anthony and the Imperials in Augusta Ga. The Blue Chords set the bar very high! A Great Time.
I was Arnold and Sandy Smith’s paperboy and cut their grass while at GHS in the early-mid sixties. My dad was Arnold’s Staff Manager at Kentucky Central Life Ins. Co. until Arnold was promoted himself. I too had chances to dance to the Blue Chords and also the Red Coats and Allen Burgess with the Red Coats was a classmate of mine in Jr. High while I lived in Princeton. Good memories of those times!
Hey, I forgot to mention, Roger Angles and my late brother-in-law, Major Carbaugh, went into the Navy together and Roger and I were friends and he and I did business together when he was HR Director at S&S Machinery in Claypool Hill, Va.
Where is Roger today?
W Roger Angles is on Facebook and live in Johnson City, Tenn.
Love this! It really takes ya back in time that I call “The Good Ole Days”! Thanks Rich for the invitation!
I made a mistake. It wasn’t Rich that invited me here, It was W. Roger Angles ….oops my bad..sorry Roger.
The “unidentified Bluefield College student” (saxophone) is Alfred Thompson. He was a student at Bluefield State College.
Going to Bluefield this weekend for the 100th GHS anniversary. It sure would have been good to have a Blue Chords reunion!
I was a member of a black girl group in high school (DHS) and we performed at an event the same night as the Blue Chords. We were 9th graders and felt it was awesome to be able to share the stage with such a cool band. Our group was called the Compliments. The Blue Chords was a really good band.
Thanks Helen!
Oh Wow..thank you Johnny for memory lane…Arnold Smith was my cousin, best friends with the Bowers Family…You were also pals with another cousin of mine Freddie Earls…would love to see your new group again some day…
Hey George. Good to see your post. Thanks. Oh yes Freddie and the Bowers. Good memories. As for seeing my band I will take them to Bluefield as soon as I win the lotto!
Just came across this site again and thinking back. Does anyone know what Jack Mccormick (guitar) is doing these days or where his music may have taken him? I was in a band with Jack , Tommy Deaton (guitar) and Jerry Mabe (drums) just I joined the Bluechords. We used to try and play the hits by Duane Eddy. Thanks.
Hey guys, I read this to Dad tonight and he had a wonderful time listening to different peoples memories of the band. He had a few edits but FORBID me to correct the memories saying, “It’s wonderful that they remembered us period and their memories are theirs.” Hahaha! Anyway, I wanted to tell you all that he really loved hearing the comments and really liked hearing Judy’s comments. ;-). He had a great time, so thank you all. Made our night!
https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/the_blue_chords
Hello Mr. Laughter!
I am interested in the band and the music. Is there a way I can contact you?
Hey Nicolas. Sorry for the delay in seeing your post. Fortunately we have already made contact.
Hello John,
I first heard who we first called the Blue Chords at Bluefield Auditorium in about 1960 , 1961. I also think I heard them play at the Bluefield Elks Club, Bluefield, WV, during those same years. Even then, I thought the Blue Chords had a great sound. I remember the keyboard player had an early Whirlitzer electric piano stacked on pop crates to facilitate playing. Great band even when they first started. A fan. Warren Spradlin
Hey Warren, sorry for the delay. I just saw your message. Thanks so much. We had many fun times. Many good memories of a super band back in the day! I was with them at one of the Auditorium dances. It may have been the 60 or 61 performance. The keyboard player would have been the late David Epperly. He also played tenor sax. We had just come back from spending the summer at Va Bch so we had a welcome home dance. I can still see it to this day! : )