(thanks to Dale Aston for the correction)
From the Ensley Highlands section of Birmingham, Robert Alexander (bass), Ned Bibb (vocals and guitar), and Bobby Marlin (drums) started playing in high school in 1962, rehearsing in Robert Alexander’s basement.
In 1965-66 they backed Travis Wammack, then took the name The Distortions from his record “Distortion pt. 1”. They added Zack Zackery on keyboards, and recorded their first three 45s on Sea Records. These included an interesting Ned Bibb original, “Can You Tell”, which was backed by a slow, loopy take on “Hound Dog”; and a raging version of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack Lightning”.
The band added Eddie Rice on guitar in 1966 and switched to the Malcolm Z. Dirge label for their next release, “Thank You John”, which reached the charts on WSGN in town. On the flip they recorded a fine version of the Rascals’ oft-covered “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore”.
When their next 45, “Behind My Wall” was picked up for national distribution by Smash, they had their biggest hit, selling 10-15,000 copies according to their producer Ed Boutwell. Their penultimate 45 was a good Bill Haney original, “I Found a Girl”, with a version of “I Don’t Really Like You”, originally done by Baton-Rouge’s Canebreak Singers on Montel and written by Mike Crespo. It was produced by Haney and Richie Becker and released on Casino, a subsidiary of the Dover Records company of New Orleans.
In ’67 the Distortions added Roy Alexander on saxophone.
Dale Aston of the Torquays sent in the photo above and writes about his time with the band:
I played guitar with the band. Steve Salord and I had just left The Torquays and joined with The Distortions for a brief period. We recorded “Let’s Spend Some Time Together” at Boutwell Studios in Mountain Brook, AL.
As I recall Ed Boutwell had a hand in getting Capital Records to pick up “Let’s Spend Some Time Together”. The other labels were homegrown and produced by the band for local distribution only.
Their last release was a cleaned-up version of the Stone’s “Let’s Spend the Night Together”, retitled “Let’s Spend Some Time Together”. This was picked up by Capitol but didn’t sell particularly well.
Henry Lavoy took over on drums during the late 1960’s.
The band split up in 1969, but Zack Zachery and Roy Alexander played college and club shows as the Distortions into the ’70s, with Clif Payne on drums and Ed Finn.
Clif Payne sent in the photo of the group from the 1970’s as well as four unreleased songs from 1975 in a polished, commercial sound the band developed later on, something akin to the Average White Band. See Clif’s comment below for more information about that band at this time.
Roy Alexander and Bobby Marlin are now deceased.
45 releases:
Hound Dog / Can You Tell – Sea 100
Take This Ring / You Know I’m On My Way – Sea 101
Smokestack Lightning / Hot Cha – Sea 102
I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore / Thank You John – Malcolm Z. Dirge 45000
Smokestack Lightning / Behind My Wall – Malcolm Z. Dirge 45002
A Love That Loves You / Behind My Wall – Smash S-2068
I Don’t Really Like You / I Found A Girl – Casino 501
Let’s Spend Some Time Together / Gimme Some Lovin’ – Malcolm Z. Dirge 45008 and Capitol 2223
Sources: Reunion of the Sons and Daughters of the Sixties program, May 8th, 1987; Birmingham News. April 30, 1987, Birmingham Weekly, vol. 10.
Thank you to Mike Pair for loaning me the Birmingham News article, “Hair” Rally notice and Reunion program.
My favorite song by these guys is “A Love That Loves You”. It’s very haunting and quite moody, right up my alley.
Jeff
I have a promo copy of Casino 501 (I Found A Girl / I Don’t Really Like You)and “I Found A Girl” was the “plug side”. Both sides are excellent.
Cliff Payne didn’t replace Bobby Marlin as the drummer until around the mid 1970s. And Joe Rudd was another guitar player who served time in the band. Bobby Marlin died of cancer in 1991.
I heard that Robert Alexander died a couple of years ago. Ill try to verify this and let you know.
What ever happened to Robert Alexander? We were at Ensley together. I’ve had so many old friends die without me even knowing until years later. I’d like to get in touch with Robert if possible.
David, I remember you from Ensley H.S.! And there was a “Steve Harris, also! No relation, I think! Remember Mrs. Lallas?
In response to your question if the 70’s Distortions had any of the same members, the answer is yes. Zac Zachery was the lead singer and leader of the Distortions. He lead the group into the mid 70’s when he left to pursue other interests. He was replaced by Ralph King. In one form or another the Distortions existed for almost two decades. Which is a long time in band years.
Thanks for the orb disturbance pic of The Distortions in the early mid 1970s! Are the 1970s Distortions one or more of the same 1960s Distortions? Which begs the question, what happened, musically and sartorially? And that’s why so many of us prefer the 1960s over the 1970s!
Henry Lavoy replaced Bobby Marlin on drums in the late 60’s and I replaced Henry in the later part of 1971 and played with the Distortions until late 1976 when I left to join Cahaba. It was my great pleasure to have been a member of this group. I have 4 songs that were recorded with the Distortions that I hopefully will be able to send you for inclusion on the web page. The group at that time (1974-75) consisted of Zac Zachery, Roy Alexander, Ed Finn and myself, Clif Payne. May all who loved this good group of musicians remember us fondly and especially Bobby Marlin and Roy Alexander who have preceded us to the world to come. They were my close friends and great musicians. Many thanks to all of you who liked our music.
Yes, I have great memories of all of this group of musicians! They were classy people, and had a great band!
I could walk to Dale Aston’s home, which was about 100 yards down the street from Ave. I, Ensley. I believe he was playing an ES 330 guitar at the time.
I worked at Forbes Piano Co. for some time, setting up guitars and basses, and installing PA systems in churches and schools. I met Bo Didley at Forbes,
and The Who came into the store at one time, also. They were looking for a Rickenbacker 12 string guitar, which we didn’t carry. Heck, I wanted one of those, myself. We did have a Fender solid body 12 string, though!
THE LAST TIME I TALKED TO ROBERT HE WAS A NURSE PRACTITIONER IN ATLANTA. ROY ALEXANDER, THE LAST BASS PLAYER FOR THE GROUP DIED A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVEN’T HEARD OF ROBERT’S DEATH.
Hi, Roy, we just talked. I went and Google the name of the band. Woodrow, a classmate new how to get me here. Woodrow seems to be very savvy about the computer and knowing how to find things. Thank you Woodrow McNair.
Elsie
I met the distortions in the spring or summer of 1966. They were going to play for the opening of a Phipps Piano store in Roebuck. Someone was running late, so I offered to help them set up. I was a rookie drummer myself. I think It was Zac that said he would appreciate any help. The guys were a really good group and I followed them closely. Eventually, they asked me if I would travel with them and set up the stage. I agreed and had a great time doing it. I was 16 at the time. I had the time of my life that year!
Roy, your post was a long time ago but hey, do you still live in Florida? I still hear from Connell now & then, he’s still in Tuscaloosa & I’m in South Roebuck, Shadywood area, probably your old stomping grounds since you went to Banks……hit me back if you’re there. Tommy Stuart
Hey Tommy,
I’m still in Florida. I have a10 year old boy and 11 year old girl. I still play and produce videos. Here is a link to my latest video. One of the ladies in the organization played and sang the intro and credits music.
https://youtu.be/mmt97_cGeDc
Does anyone have info on the Rockin’ Rebellions Henry Lovoy and Ross Galliano. recording s of “BY MY SIDE” and Frank Zappa tune “Any way the Wind Blows” Should contact Henry Lovoy at Hogans Hideaway off 459 by pass exit 17 or Hwy 280..
Roy also played sax. As did his cousin Wayne Alexander, last seen him in 1979 owned a music store in Sylacauga Al. and in Roebuck,,
Ned used to work at Forbes Piano Co. in B’ham. he actually sold me my first guitar Gibson Melody Maker and used Gibson amp. I was 14.
I knew Dale Aston, Robert Alexander, and Ned Bibb for some time before I left Alabama to join the USAF before I would be drafted. I went to Ensley High School where Robert
Alexander and Bobby Marlin also attended. I think that Henry Lavoy also went to Ensley.
Those were great times, and a great band!
I also worked at Forbes Piano Company, along with Ned Bibb. I just worked in the stock room, and set out the new instruments as they came in to the store. Sort of a “Gopher!” I didn’t mind, as it was fun, and you never knew what band may come into the store. I know this because, whatever music store that I was in, there was always some guitar or amplifier that I thought that I may need!! I know Bo Diddly did, and also the “Who”, and other local musicians. E.E.Forbes Piano store had most any musical instrument you would desire there! I still miss them! As I live in Florida now, I will drive by the old store (if it is still there!), when I get back to Birmingham!).
Yeah, I worked at Forbes Piano Company as well. I did some amp repair, guitar setups, stocking new musical products as they arrived, and PA installations in schools, auditoriums, etc.
I’m not sure if it was actually recorded or I just remember them live. The tune “BEHIND MY WALL”
I know that Robert lived in Tucker, Ga. a few years ago, but I don’t know where he is anymore. He was indeed a nurse practitioner, and married to a woman named Priscilla. He told me that you and your wife lived in Crystal River and had an ice cream shop.
I used to love the Distortions song called “I Found A Girl” and also “Behind My Wall”. These were great songs and the Distortions were a great band. I know Robert would love to talk to any of you. I am not sure how to reach him, though. I used to know, but he may have moved from Tucker, Ga. He lived in Mobile, AL before that.
I know that Robert moved to New York City for a long time. He worked at music stores, Sam Ash, I think. He met his wife there and later moved to B’ham. He had a good band in New York, too. In B’ham he finished school and became a nurse. He and his wife had a daughter and later divorced. He got married again. His mother lived in the house in Ensley until she died.
Hello! I ran across your site and noticed some old friends of mine. I lived in B,ham for a while and played in several bands there. I played trumpet with Ross Galliano in the group “The Epics” and know a lot of the mentioned musicians such as Ned Bibb, Etc. I left to play in Vegas for about 5 years and ended up here in Denver, Colo. I also played with Bob Cane at the “Canebreaker, and also with Ray Reach and Friends. I was the “house trumpet player with Ed Boutwell for a long time. I have since retired from music, but would like to see how the old guys are doing. Thanks, Jim Anderson
Well, I lived in Las Vegas for a while, when I was in the USAF, at Nellis AFB down the road!
I liked it out there !! Food was in-expensive, and you could live pretty cheaply if you don’t gamble in the casinos, as the “Odds” are against you! And you may see lotsa great actors, Movie Stars, etc! But I still like working on the aircraft!
Randy WIlliams
Dear Frank. Hope the Melody Maker worked out Okay. Ned
Being an old disc jockey and tv announcer,I can assure you that it was recorded and played on wtix 690 and wnoe 1060 in new orleans. It was in the 1960’s. Just give me a glass of wine and a clock that tells no time, some cigarettes thats all my company. great song. I would love to have a copy of it. I’m infallible and I shall never fall, from behind my wall.
“I found a girl who’s got what I need. A girl who’s sweet as can be…” I loved that song! I remember one time when Robert told me he heard Behind My Wall on a station in Chicago! We thought that was SUPER groovy! I think it was WLS. I remember when they used to play at the Homewood Armory. Let’s Spend the Night Together and Walk Away Renee, and To Love Somebody were on their play list.
I was wondering whatever happened to Eddie?I met him at the Molton Hotel where they were playing.We talked and saw one another for awhile.
Robert Alexander is alive and well living in Atlanta. He is indeed a nurse. He was in Birmingham a couple of years ago for the Distortions induction into Birmingham’s Music Hall of Fame.
I believe Eddie is now/ still a teacher. I saw him again after purchasing a guitar amplifier from him. I remember him from Forbes as I worked there also for many years. I knew Ned, and went to HS with Zack, Robert, and Bobby. A great band and nice guys to be with. I remember hearing that Robert had become a nurse, and I think that was great. Having spent some time in the hospitals with a brain injury, I REALLY appreciate the Health Care professionals. They really took great care of me. I am dooinh oknow, anhardlee hav inee simptun uv anee prahblem. i neeed a pil.
Randy
I went to Ensley High School with Robert Alexander, and Bobby Marlin. Ned Bibb was at West End High School, I believe. They were all great guys, and musicians. Ned was a good musician, and I believe that he also wrote songs and music. I think now, Ned is writing novels. Ned was always a good story teller, joke teller, and musician. His wife, Mary Lee, was also very funny, and had fun with them! I left Birmingham, AL, long ago, and joined the USAF, before I could be drafted! I enjoyed the USAF, while working on Military Aircraft in Vietnam, and other countries in SE Asia. I survived, and had fun also! I love to work on Military aircraft of all types. i got to fly on them every once in a while.I am now in Florida, with my 2nd wife and my kids, who are grown, now. We have been over most of the United States, and several countries, doing Missionary work at some areas in the U.S., Guatemala, Belize, and Thailand. I think that Eddie is Eddie Rice! Am I correct on that?
Randy Williams ( now in Central Florida!, and retired from AT&T.)
Ned is now a published author,and has written several novels. I now live in Florida, but still miss my old friends and Forbes Piano Co. (RIP).
I was an officer of their official fan club in 1967-1968. It was Robert, Zac, Joe, and Bobby at the time, and they even attended meetings for a minute or two, and would donate t-shirts and/or 45’s. Robert drove a blue Austin Healy.
I noticed that Bill haney wrote this. He was a friend and produced and released 2 records on Jerry Woodard that I was working with. Bill left the building.His music and producing talent is missed.He owned Deep South productions
To Jim Anderson:
Please contact me. I’d like to catch up on things.
Ray Reach
rreach@bellsouth.net
whatever happened to Shirley Howell, who married Eddie Phipps 40 or so years ago?
I remember “Behind My Wall” played in Utica, NY when I was in high school. (In fact, I ended up at this site doing a search for the lyrics.) It didn’t air long, I didn’t know whose song it was, and as far as I could tell, it totally disappeard after that. I sometimes wondered if it was a figment of my imagination. I dug garage bands as a teen; now I get annoyed when the 20-something next door rocks my house with his mp3 collection in the summer.
Hi,
I’d still like to get in touch with Jim Anderson. Jim, if you see this email me at rreach@Bellsouth.net, or call me at 205-960-6328.
Thanks,
Ray Reach
http://Www.rayreach.com
Hey Ray Reach or some of you other guys. Where is Zach, the last I heard was Florida, divorced maybe, married a really young chick & had a kid fairly recently? Hit me back or hey, Zach, you old dog, you hit me back. Tommy
I am going to try to get in touch with Robert and tell him about this site so he can offer any info to you guys who are looking for him or his input.
If anybody has information about George Landman, e-mail at h_mccu@yahoo.com
I used to spend my summers in Birmingham many years ago .. my cousin Tom Richardson played in a local band. Was friends with Tim Newton and other local singers … boy those were such fun memories .. anyway I was really good friends with George Landman and I have always wondered what happened to him. Does anyone know??
I was just wondering how all these guys were and Are doing now! Me?
I’m doing well, thank you. Still playing guitar and/ or Bass for my own enjoyment. I did play bass in a Gospel Group many years ago, and we did well on that. Had a tour in the USAF and Vietnam, and enjoyed most of that.
Randy WIlliams
I will be planning a visit to B’Ham very soon to see my sister, and others in my family as it’s been a while. I had been wondering about Forbes, and if it was still there
I have been unsuccessful in reaching Robert Alexander. If anyone knows his email please let me know. Thanks!
BTW< my email is vsummerv@gmail.com. Thanks, guys!
I am hoping to track down a complete discography to compile a definitive collection. Please visit my website (www.drumsrecords.net.au) for more details.
Yep, I miss those old days, of the Distortions, Torquays, etc!
There are some great bands in Alabama, and I hope that they are still “rockin” around!
I will be going back to Alabama soon, to see my family and any friends that know me, and hope to get together sometime!
Randy Williams
It will be nice going back “Home!” for a spell! I was in the U.S, Air Force in Vietnam and other places, for a time, and also Central America, and Canada. I will definitely be seeing most of my family soon, that are still there!
The “1960’s” were a great time in the music Industry! So many great songs, and bands! But you can’t really go back, but you can still listen to all of those great songs and music that we all loved! But there is still great music being played/ composed even as I am typing this now. The Music is Still in our Hearts and Soul! Just keep listening to your heart, head, and spirit! It’s still out there!!! Make it Happen!!
The Forbes building was gutted and remodeled for an office building. Forbes Piano Company moved from downtown Birmingham to Hoover, then Homewood, until closing a few years ago. Interestingly, Forbes Distributing Company, an electrical supplies company, remains and is located on 4th Avenue South and about 15th Street. Having worked at Forbes Piano Company in the early 60s, I always loved going up to the 6th floor stockroom on that slow elevator to find whatever I was sent there for. Found a Les Paul Custom in its case under a tall rack, which had otherwise been lost.