Updated July, 2023

The Tremors “Wondering Why” on Catalina is one of the greatest garage records, but almost nothing was known about the band until recently, when Matt Aquiline found an article from the Urbana Daily Citizen on December 12, 1966, detailing their first recording session, which would produce the 45.

Members were:

Bill Cromwell – lead vocals and rhythm guitar
Derry Cox – lead guitar
Gene Monroe – bass
Herald Barker – drums and organ
Jim Cummins – organ and drums

Buckeye Beat has a photo and mentions that four members were from Urbana, Ohio and one from Springfield OH. They cut their single at the O’Brien Studio in Springfield, produced by musician and race car driver Ron Knull, released in December 1966 or January 1967 on Catalina 03/04.

The 45 was pressed by Rite Record Productions, 19469/70, account # 1801, both songs published by Ronnie K Music.

The writer credit on “Wondering Why” is Cummins – Barker. For some reason, many scans of this side on the internet have erased their names. I need to see a good scan of the B-side, the fine ballad “What Have I Done” to see if there are similar credits.

Paul Lunnon suggests Harold Barker was known as Hal Barker, he and Jim Cummins were long-time friends and musicians. Hal Barker mainly played drums, James Cummins organ and keyboards.

The only other notice I can find is a mention of “The Tremors” Dance Band at the Quarter Miler Rod & Custom Show on April 1 & 2, 1967, at the National Guard Armory in New Philadelphia, Ohio, almost three hours’ drive east of Urbana.

Other singles on Catalina:

Catalina 1 – The Shacklefords – “The Wonderer” / “The Unloved” (1966, written by D. Shackleford, published by Lunk Music, Rite pressing 17743/4, account # 1801)

Catalina 335 – Ron Frasier and Consolidations – “Summer with You” / “Another Girl” (I need a scan of this single, it is a Rite pressing 18803/4, account # 297)