Category Archives: Sparta

The Lorey’s of Sparta, Ohio

The Lorey’s (or Lorries) came from Sparta, Ohio, a small town northeast of Columbus.

Original members included:

Ted Fuller – vocals
John Boston – lead guitar
Murv Mast – rhythm guitar
Ernie Duncan – keyboards
Larry Roades – bass (replaced by Bob Steinbrink)
John Hinkle – drums

The group competed at the Northland Shopping Center 3rd Annual Battle of the Bands in 1967, and though they did not place in the competition, their song “Don’t You Dare” appears on the album.

The lineup changed often, eventually replacing every member but the rhythm section of Steinbrink and Hinkle:

Steve Baker – vocals
Aaron Kerns – lead guitar
Herb Sample – rhythm guitar
Ed Hartman – keyboards
Bob Steinbrink – bass
John Hinkle – drums

Loreys Cathay 45 Goin' DowntownSteve Baker wrote two original songs, “Goin’ Downtown” / “Ready to Go” which found release on Cathay Records. Both songs were registered for copyright in February, 1969.

Cathay was named after Kathay Whitney, who was president and manager of Monte Verde Publishing. Billboard listed Monte Verde with a South Charleston, West Virginia address in 1969, then a Watsonville, CA address in 1970 and ’71.

The Loreys release on Cathay has an address of Rimrock Records in Concord, Arkansas, but most others on the label list Nashville and at least one notes Flint, Michigan. It was primarily a country label.

Anyone have a photo of the group?

Info on the Lorey’s from Buckeyebeat.com