The Velours cut this one single, “She’s My Girl” / “Woman For Me” on Rona R-010. Both sides sound like they were recorded with a studio audience. “She’s My Girl” is uptempo r&b that only lacks a guitar break. I’d like to know who was the vocal group doing the background vocals, which really help the sound. I’ve seen December 1964 as the release date. The group was based in either Dallas or Fort Worth, Texas.
St. Romain wrote the songs, with Rona Pub. Co. handling the publishing. I believe this is Mike St. Romain, who was related to Kirby St. Romain, possibly his brother?
I can tie Michael St. Romain to the Velours from Jerry Zenick’s Disc ‘n’ Data column on November 23, 1972 in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which profiled the band Saint Romain:
Romain’s Club Style Is Conducive to Success
Formerly known as Quest, the group [Saint Romain] recently completed a stint at Dallas’ Club Climax, where the name switch was announced.
The new handle is very apropos because the driving force of the quintet is Mike St. Romain. A dynamic singer, forceful guitarist and consummate impersonator, the Dallas native has been a professional for over a decade. After touring with the Dick Caravan of Stars at 14, Romain formed his own group, The Velours. Long stints in the Virgin Islands and on the West Coast greatly widened and polished his style. After the unit disbanded in 1968, Romain put together Quest.
Present band members are bassist Phil James … drummer Gary Talbert, who played with the Human Beings when they released “Nobody Can”; pianist George Christopher, and side [sic] guitarist Michael Marchman, who handles the arranging tasks.
An early version of Quest included Darrel Howard of the Chants, and John Broberg and Neal St. John of the Upper Class.
This is not the same Velours as the group who cut singles on Onyx and Cub, among other labels.
The Straitjackets in the Star-Telegram, February 10, 1961
Straitjackets at the Red Devil Lounge, January 17, 1958Delbert McClinton formed the Straitjackets in sometime in 1957. Early members included Art Holland on lead guitar, Robert Harwell on guitar, Billy Cox on sax, Ralph Dixon on bass, and Ray Clark on drums.
The first printed notice I’ve found in the Fort Worth Star Telegram was from January 17, 1958, an ad for the group’s appearance at the Red Devil Lounge at 2541 N.E. 28th.
The ad also notes “The Straightjackets are appearing on Teenage Downbeat – WBAP-TV, Channel 5, Tuesday, Jan. 21.”
Another one on February 28, 1958 calls the group “recording stars” though I don’t believe they had made any records yet. Early ads through 1960 give a different spelling for the group, the Straightjackets, and sometimes list Delbert as featured vocalist. He had turned seventeen years old a few months before.
On February 25, 1960, the Straightjackets played a battle-of-the-bands with the Twisters at Crystal Springs Ballroom. They regularly played at Jack’s Place on Mansfield Road.
The Star Telegram ran items on March 26 and April 10, 1960 with the first lineup I can find for the group in print:
Talent Hunt Ends in Tie for 2 Combos
Two five-man combos, one from Fort Worth and the other from Victoria, finished in a tie for first in the area finals of the Talentsville, U.S.A. contest Saturday afternoon at Casa Manana.
The Fort Worth entry, “The Straitjackets,” was composed of Billy Cox, Delbert McClinton and Ronnie Kelly, Technical High School Students, Jim Dinsmore [Jimmy Densmore] of Arlington Heights and Bob Jones of Paschal.
The Victoria entry, billed as “Dads of Dixie” …
The two groups won trophies and the right to compete in the division finals in Houston May 7.
The Dads of Dixie would win the regionals in Houston along with the Blue Notes of Witchita, KS, winning spots for the finals in New York.
A short profile in the Star Telegram from February 10, 1961 announced their first record and included a photo of the band. Jim Densmore was no longer with the group, while Ray Clark and Ralph Dixon had joined. It also listed Delbert as “Mac Clinton”, a pseudonym that would appear on their first single, “Wake Up Baby” / “That Cat” on Le Cam Records 714.
Six graduates of Fort Worth high schools who work together as a band – The Straitjackets – this week have released their first record.
The disk presents a Straitjacket arrangement of “Wake Up, Baby,” a 1955 tune by Sonny Boy Williams.
On the reverse side, also arranged by the group, is “That Cat.” The release is on the Le Cam label.
“We think ‘Wake Up, Baby’ will sell readily,” said Mac Clinton, leader of the group and former Arlington Heights High School student.
The band was last year’s city competition winner in the Talentsville U.S.A. contest. However, the group was defeated in state competition.
Band members include Ronnie Kelley, Bob Jones and Ray Clark, who were graduated from Paschal High School; Ralph Dixon from Polytechnic, and Billy Cox from Heights.
On the Le Cam label, “That Cat” shows owner Major Bill Smith as writer. In 1962, “That Cat” would appear again on the flip side to versions of “Gigolo” / “I Ain’t Got Nobody” on United Artists UA 453, with the Straitjackets listed as the artist this time.
The Straitjackets and Ray Sharpe at the Skyliner, February 1962
The Straitjackets kept busy in 1962 with shows at the Skyliner Ballroom with Ray Sharpe and the Trebles, and a June 3 show at the Stork Club following the John Griffin, Jr. Band.
In June 1962, Del McClinton toured the UK with Bruce Channel, to reprise his harmonica playing on Channel’s smash “Hey! Baby”. There he famously met the Beatles.
While in London, Delbert cut four songs. “Dunkirk” / “Angel Eyes” came out only in the U.S. on London 45-LON 9544 with Del McClinton listed as the artist. “Hully Gully” / “Baby Heartbreak” came out in the UK on Decca F.11541, using his full name Delbert McClinton, with later issues in Italy and Greece. Earl Guest was music director, and Mike Smith did production.
By 1963, Delbert had formed the Ron-Dels with Ronnie Kelley, and would go on to cut a number of singles on Bill Smith’s labels like Shalimar, Brownfield, Le Cam and Shah, as well as a couple on Smash. Members of the Rondels would include Dahrell Norris on drums, Jimmie Rodgers on guitar and bass, and Billy Wade Sanders on guitar, piano and vocals.
December 1962 shows with the Capris
The Straitjackets continued, possibly without Delbert. Ray Torres was drummer on “Hey! Baby” and mentioned being a drummer with the Straitjackets, but other than him, I don’t know who was in later lineups. They had shows at the Skyliner Ballroom in December 1962, and New Year’s Eve with the Capris at the Ridglea Palladium Ballroom.
I find two later notices, one for Sonny and the Straightjackets at the Stork Club in August 1966, and another for the Straight-Jackets at the Tropicana Club in January 1967, but these may be different groups altogether.
In the ’80s, Le Cam released two LPs released titled Very Early Delbert McClinton with the Ron-Dels that may contain some recordings done with the Straitjackets as early as 1960. (I would like to hear these records if anyone has them for a reasonable price.)
Further reading: Lee Cotten’s interviews with Delbert and Major Bill Smith in Discoveries October 1996 issue.
The Phase V, as featured in an ad for Stripling’s Campus Thing Fashion Show, August, 1968
The Phase V came from Fort Worth, TX, and cut a rare single, “Opaque Illusions” / “The Promise I Keep” on Title Records S-101.
Members of the band were:
Steve Lamb – bass, vocals Mike Kersh – rhythm guitar, lead vocals on “The Promise I Keep” Monte Kersh – lead guitar, vocals Rick Eubanks – keyboards, lead vocals on “Opaque Illusions” Jim Cardwell – drums, vocals
Rick Eubanks wrote “Opaque Illusions”. Kendall Publ Co. is on the label but I can’t find any registration of copyright. I haven’t heard “The Promise I Keep” yet.
First mention I can find of the band is a notice of the group playing a back to school fashion show on August 12, 1967, sponsored by Penneys.
On Labor Day, September 4, 1967, the Phase V opened for the Doors at the KFJZ Teen Mardi Gras Pop Music Festival at the Round Up Inn in the Will Rogers Complex. The festival lasted for nine days and featured a different headliner each day and many local groups. Headliners included the Seeds, Box Tops, Standells, Electric Prunes, McCoys and Grass Roots.
Also in September the Phase V played the new Soul City Club for teens at 2918 East Belknap.
Panther Hall’s Halloween Scene, 1967 with Phase V, Jades, Restless Set, and Sundown Collection
On October 31, 1967 they played Panther Hall’s Halloween Scene with the Jades, the Restless Set and the Sundown Collection, emceed by KFJZ DJ Stan Wilson.
Half an hour of footage from Panther Hall exists, I believe from this Halloween show. Unfortunately there’s only about 30 seconds of the Phase V tearing through Love’s “Seven and Seven Is”. I can recognize the white Gibson SG guitar from their band photo. However, in this clip, the bassist is singing lead vocals, and there is a second guitarist, so the lineup above may need some correction.
In February 1968, the Phase V played the Irving Teen a Go Go at the National Armory with the Crowd + 1 (Ed Grundy, Dean Parks, Nick Taylor and drummer Jim Rutledge).
The group played Irving Teen-a-Go-Go on April 12 with the Tyme of Day, and appeared at a teen narcotics seminar the very next day.
July and November 1968 saw the Phase V playing at the White Settlement Youth Club and Jolly Time Skating Rink Teen Scene.
I’ve seen the band’s name rendered online as Phase Five or Phaze V, but it is Phase V in the photo and in all newspaper notices I’ve found.
I’d like to know more about the Phase V and this rare record.
Delta Recording Center, aka Delta Studio, Fort Worth, 1965Opening announcement, Nov 23, 1965
Delta Recording Center opened in November 1965 at 910 Currie. It was one of a handful of Fort Worth recording studios in the mid-’60s, including Clifford Herring, Sound City, and Bluebonnet Recording Studios.
Garage rock was only a small part of their business, which would have included much gospel, country and other types of music.
I’m sure there were many other rock singles cut at Delta, but these seem to be definite:
Charay Records C-17 – The Elite – “One Potato” / “Two Potato” Charay Records C-31 – The Elite – “My Confusion” / “I’ll Come to You”
Ector Records 101 – The Jades – “I’m Alright” / “Till I Die” (Prod. & Eng. by Jesse Smith)
Sound Track ST-2000 – The Reasons Why – “Don’t Be That Way” / “Melinda”
November 1966 adJohn D. Maxson from Dallas was owner and engineer, Robert L. Farris, vice president, and John A. Patterson, production manager. It is often referred to as Delta Studio or Delta Recording Studio instead of Delta Recording Center.
Maxson was also part owner of Spot Productions, Inc, at 2831 Bledsoe, which produced TV and radio jingles, breaks, and programming.
Johnny Patterson, guitarist with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys and other groups, bought the studio in 1969.
By 1973 it was running ads that boasted:
“Ampex and Scully mono, two, four and EIGHT TRACK recorders. When you record at Delta you receive a custom service … from mastering and processing, to labels, album covers, cassettes and cartridges.
In February, 1974 the Star-Telegram announced:
Lawton Williams is the new manager of Delta Recording Center, owned by Rick Snow and Jim Shadle. Johnny Patterson, formerly with the Bob Wills band is chief engineer and directs the house band.
Demos / acetates from Delta Recording:
The Tracks- “Rain in My Eyes” (?) / “Don’t Cut My Hair”
Louis Howard – “You Can Do as You Please” / “Comin’ Home to You”
Louis had a 45 on Impact Records I-4074 with the Red Hearts, “You’re Too Much” / “I’ve Got the Feeling”.
Uncredited band (probably the Creep) at Holiday A-Go-Go, April, 1965
Uncredited band (probably the Creep) at Holiday A-Go-Go, April, 1965The Creep had one fine single, “Betty Lou’s Got a New Tattoo” / “I’m Wise” in 1964.
Both sides are credited to Hobson and Kithas, though the A-side is an adaption of Bobby Freeman’s “Betty Lou Got a New Pair of Shoes”. Still it’s a great performance by the group, and a record I’ve never found.
Members included:
Nick Kithas – sax and vocals John Hobson – guitar Joe Moore – drums
I don’t know the names of any other members yet. I believe Nick sings lead on “I’m Wise”.
The Star-Telegram ran a feature on the Holiday Skating Rink’s Holiday a-Go-Go, mentioning only one group, the Creeps, with Nick Kithas the only member named (and misspelled Kethas). The feature has two unlabeled photos of a band, I assume these are the Creeps, can anyone confirm that?
The notes to Fort Worth Teen Scene vol. 3 states they were also called Creep and the Deacons, and that Homer Sewell engineered and released the 45 on Oakridge Records OK-1. The labels credit Mike Dooley Productions.
Nick Kithas later ran a couple clubs in Fort Worth, Daddio’s and The Jazz Café, and was still playing live as of 2019.
Receipt from Clifford Herring Sound Equipment for the Motovators session
Clifford Herring and Sound City were two separate recording studios at the same address, 1705 W. 7th St. at the corner of Fournier St. in Fort Worth.
Clifford Herring opened his studio in the 1930s or early ’40s, a large room that could fit an orchestra or big band. Herring recorded many country, rockabilly and pop records, most famously Bruce Channel’s “Hey! Baby” and Paul and Paula’s “Hey Paula”, both produced by Major Bill Smith.
Besides the recording studio, Clifford Herring Sound Equipment Co. sold, rented and installed film, dictating and sound equipment, and also had a Muzak business.
The Motovators recorded a demo there on March 4, 1965, one of the last artists to use Herring’s studio.
On April 2, 1965, the Star-Telegram reported:
Radio station KXOL has purchased Clifford Herring Sound Equipment Co. for more than $200,000, The purchase includes the Herring firm’s recording studio and sound equipment operation said Wendel Mayes Sr. of Brownwood, president of the broadcasting station.
Earle Fletcher, the station’s vice president and general manager announced Thursday. Extensive remodeling of the Herring building at 1705 W. 7th will begin immediately with occupancy expected about June 1. The building will house the station’s AM and FM broadcasting studios, news facilities, sales offices and other departments.
Fletcher said remodeling of the Herring building will give the station more than double its present space at 3004 W. Lancaster.
KXOL renamed the Herring business Sound City, Inc. I believe Herring’s large recording room was converted into KXOL’s studios or office. The new Sound City Recording Studios opened in the basement below KXOL’s studios.
KXOL sold off the equipment and rental parts of the business to Thomas Electronics at the end of 1965. I’m not sure when KXOL sold the basement studio, but I’ve read the owners were Jim Rutledge and, apparently, T-Bone Burnett (Joseph Henry Burnett III) though he was only 17 in 1965.
Phil York became a house engineer at Sound City. York had worked with Dewey Groom at Echo Sound in Mesquite and would go on to work at Autumn Sound in Garland. While at Sound City he cut his own demo as Philip & the Yorkshires, “Once Again” / “Someone To Love You”, that was not released to my knowledge. York’s name appears in many classified ads run in 1966 and 1967 trying to drum up business for the studio.
A November 27, 1968 article notes that the studio was “recently sold to Don Schafer Promotions of Dallas”. Frank Henderson was another engineer at the studio about this time.
Perhaps the biggest hits recorded at Sound City were by the Van Dykes, such as “Never Let Me Go”, “No Man Is an Island”, “I’ve Got to Go On Without You”, and “You Need Confidence”, all produced by Charles Stewart and released on Mala.
T-Bone Burnett was usually referred to as Jon T. Bone on record labels during his Sound City time.
The Loose Ends included Burnett, Don McGilvray and David Graves, their singles “Free Soul” / “He’s a Nobody” (produced by Stan Rieck) and “Dead End Kid” / “Verses” were released on Mala, with co-producer credits to Burnett and Charles Stewart.
It would be interesting to assemble a discography of releases made at Sound City, but it’s an impossible task without documentation. Besides the ones mentioned above, it would include:
Brownfield BF-33 – The Rondels – “I Lost My Love” / “Crying Over You” Brownfield BF-1034 – Arthur Noiel - “It’ll Make You Holler” / “She Don’t Love Me” Brownfield BF-1035 – The Barons – “Don’t Burn It” / “I Hope I Please You” Brownfield BF-1037 – The Rondels – “You Made Me Cry” / “I Cry Cause I Care” Brownfield BF-1038 – Bruce Channel - “Don’t Go” / “The Actor” Brownfield BF-1040 – Jerry Williams & the Epics – “Whatever You Do” / “Tell Me What You See”
Cee Three – The Mods – “Days Mind the Time” / “It’s for You”
Cherry 101 – Charles Christy and the Crystals – “Cherry Pie” / “Will I Find Her”
Emcee Records - E-014 – The Gnats – “That’s All Right” / “The Girl”
Fat 12966 – Little Joe and the Gentlemen - “This Land” / “Stagger Lee”
Hue 375 – The Musical Training School – “Don’t You Fret” / “I’ll Go” (arranged by Jon T. Bone, produced by Charles Stewart) Hue 377 – James Mays – “Nothing’s Bad as Being Lonely” / “Gotta Make A Move”
Jan-Gi T-91 – The Trycerz – “Almost There” / “Taxman”
Psycho-Suave’ - PS-1033 – The Legendary Stardust Cowboy – “Paralyzed” / “Who’s Knocking at My Door” (picked up by Mercury)
Soft S-1008 – Roman Chariot - “Five Sensations” (arranged by John T-Bone) / “Cool” Soft S-1033 – Johnny Nitzinger – “Plastic Window” / “Life of John Doe” (produced by John Burnett and Charles Carey)
Unknown group the “Souls”
Sound City acetates or tapes:
Charles Christy & the Crystals – various titles (info to come)
The Cynics – “I’ll Go” / “Don’t You Fret”
Jackie Layne (with the Pathfinders) – “Give a Little, Take a Little” / The Galaxies – “Someone To Love You”
Larry & the Blue Notes – “In and Out” (early version) Larry & the Blue Notes – “Train Kept a Rollin'”
The Mods – “Evil Hearted You”
Rising Suns – “I’m Blue” / “Little Latin Lupe Lu” + two other cuts
Some tracks on the Galaxies CD collection Think About The Good Times were cut at Sound City, but I don’t have that release on hand.
LPs:
The Abstracts on Pompeii
The Yellow Payees cut one song from their Volume 1 album, “Never Put Away My Love For You” at Sound City.
Whistler, Chaucer, Detroit, and Greenhill – The Unwritten Works of Geoffrey, etc. , a Sound City studio group of two former members of the Mods, Scott Fraser and Edd Lively, with Phil White, David Bullock and John Carrick. Produced by Burnett.
Thank you to George Gimarc for help with this article.
Sources included: Frank Gutch, Jr., “Lost in Space: The Epic Saga of Fort Worth’s Space Opera” from the No Depression site is an excellent read with detailed information about later Sound City sessions.
David Campbell and Larry Harrison – notes to Fort Worth Teen Scene! volumes 1-3 on Norton Records.
July 31, 1965, from left: Jimmy Smith, Terry Lee Hungerford, Roger Young on drums, Mike Langston, and Phil ReeceTerry Lee Hungerford with Gretsch guitar and amp, June, 1964
The Motovators formed in the spring of 1964 in Haltom City, just northeast of Fort Worth, Texas. The original lineup was:
Terry Lee Hungerford – bass and vocals Roger Young – drums Terry Fagan – lead and rhythm guitar Jimmy Nobles – rhythm guitar
Terry Lee Hungerford (b. June 28, 1947) and Roger Young played in all iterations of the group.
At least six other musicians would be in the group before their breakup in August of 1965:
Jimmy Moore – guitar Mike Langston – vocals and maracas Dale Morgan – lead guitar David Morris – lead and rhythm guitar Phil Reece – lead guitar Jimmy Smith – keyboards
The Motovators recorded two songs in March, 1965, but only two demo acetates were made and the record was never released.
Terry Lee Hungerford’s mother Blanche kept an excellent scrapbook of photos and clippings. She also kept a detailed log of the Motovators’ live shows, beginning with a steak house in Whitewright, TX, and notable events in the history of the band. Thanks to her work, and the help of Wm. Lewis Wms., I can present this detailed history of the Motovators and the Fort Worth scene in 1964-66.
Motorvators practice photo, 1964, from left: Mike Langston, Terry Lee Hungerford, Roger Young and Terry Fagan
May, 1964 – The Joker Club – Terry, Roger, Fagan, Jimmy (first paying gig)
In June of 1964, Jimmy Nobles moved out of state and was replaced by Jimmy Moore. That summer Mike Langston joined on vocals and maracas.
Motovators lineup at this time was:
Mike Langston – vocals and maracas Terry Fagan – lead and rhythm guitar Jimmy Moore – guitar Terry Lee Hungerford – bass and vocals Roger Young – drums
December 5, 1964 to January 1, 1965 – ten shows at the Hi-De-Ho Club
December 24, 1964 – Jimmy Moore leaves band, replaced by Dale Morgan on lead, and Terry Fagan moves to rhythm guitar.
Lineup December 24, 1964 – March 5, 1965
Motovators business card January or February 1965
Mike Langston – vocals and maracas Dale Morgan – guitar Terry Fagan – rhythm guitar Terry Lee Hungerford – bass and vocals Roger Young – drums
January 8, 9, 15, 16, 1965 – Club Contempo, 609 Riverside Drive (billed as Terry and the Motovators”
January 23, 1965 – Holiday Skating Rink ‘Battle-of-the-Bands” with the United Sounds, the Jades (2nd place), the Barons (1st place), the Coachmen and the Images, emcee is Mark Stevens WFJZ DJ.
February 6, 1965 – The Inn’s Tavern, 3132 East Lancaster
February 13, 1965 – Holiday Skating Rink – Valentine Dance “Holiday Hop” with the Images
February 20, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink audition with KXOL DJ Bob Allen and rink manager Mr. Goodwin
March 1, 1965 – Panther Hall audition with KCUL DJ Ron McCoy
The Motivators, spring of 1965, from left: Mike Langston, Terry Lee Hungerford, Roger Young, Phil Reece (correct ID?), and Terry FaganReceipt from Clifford Herring Sound Equipment: 1 hour studio time, 1 1/4″ tape and 2 acetate 45s for $28.05Terry Lee Hungerford’s lyrics for “She’s Gone”
March 4, 1965 – Clifford Herring Recording Studio, “She’s Gone” by Terry Hungerford and “Darling, Don’t Go”, 1 hour of studio time, tape and two acetate demos $28.05. (Clifford Herring’s studio shared an address with the Sound City studio.)
March 5 – Dale Morgan quits band to join Bobby Crown’s band. Phil Reece joins on lead guitar.
Mike Langston – vocals and maracas Phil Reece – lead guitar Terry Fagan – rhythm guitar Terry Lee Hungerford – bass and vocals Roger Young – drums
March 5 – Cowtown Bowling Palace with the Barons and KXOL DJ Bill Warren
March 6, 1965 – Holiday Skating Rink with the Barons
March 8, 1965 – Panther Hall audition with KCUL DJ Ron McCoy and hall owner Bill Kuykendall. Other bands at the audition were the Chantones and the Images
March 10, 1965 – Panther Hall rehearsal for “Panther-a-Go-Go”
March 12, 1965 – Panther-a-Go-Go with the Images and the Sounds Unlimited. Host Ron McCoy, with Kay Harris and go-go-dancers. The Motovators on top stage with the Images and the Sounds Unlimited on the sides. Robin Hood Brians & His Merry Men were the main attraction. Outline of show
March 13, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink with the Kasuals. The Motovators play “She’s Gone”. Phil Reece announces on Monday that he’s joining Bobby Crown’s band. However, it seems that Phil would rejoin the Motovators for in late April.
March 26, 1965 – Motovators turn down Panther-a-Go-Go show with the Images and Jerry Lee Lewis.
March 27, 1965 – The Inn’s Tavern
March 29, 1965 – band buys new striped coats and yellow shirts from Foreman & Clark, $13.84 each.
April 2, 1965 – National Hall Battle-of-the-Bands with the Capris, the United Sounds, and Charlie Christy & the Crystals. Emcees Bob Allen and Bill Warren of KXOL. The Crystals won the battle for 30% of the door.
April 3, 1965 – Holiday Skating Rink with the Barons. Photos bay Donnie Fisher
April 5, 1965 – The Teragon Club audition with the Coachmen, but lost the job to Jerry Williams & the Epics
April 10, 1965 – Terry & Roger made two trips to Dallas to see Marvin Montgomery about releasing their record, but he was out both times.
April 16 & 17, 1965 – The Inn’s Tavern
Transcription of “She’s Gone”, a necessary step for copyright registration
April 19, 1965 – Terry & Roger went to see Red Woodward at 3132 Waits to have lead sheet made of their song for $7.50. Filled out form Copy E to register with Library of Congress for a $4 fee
April 20, 1965 – Fagan leaves band, and Phil Reece rejoins on lead. David plays rhythm
Mike Langston – vocals and maracas Phil Reece – lead guitar David Morris – rhythm guitar Terry Lee Hungerford – bass and vocals Roger Young – drums
April 23, 1965 – The Teragon Club, lineup was Terry, Roger, Mike, David and Phil.
April 24, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink, one band, 10 til midnight, $8 per person
April 30, 1965 – Colonial Country Club for the Lake Worth High School Senior banquet
May 1, 1965 – audition at the Pit in Dallas was cancelled, but the group auditions for Louann’s Club. $80 a night if booked.
May 5, 1965 – police called for loud practice at 11 PM.
May 7 & 8 – Safari Club at 3535 E. Belknap (private club)
May 13-15, 1965 – booked to play Jacque’s Lounge in Roswell, New Mexico for $125 per night, but cancelled when the owner found out the group was underage.
May 14, 1965 – Skyliner Ballroom lineup was Terry, Roger, Mike and Phil with David Morris, car stolen. Last show with David Morris.
May 15, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink with the Coachmen (“one of the Coachmen played as 5th member of Motovators”)
May 16, 1965 – “Jimmy Smith joined band – playing the organ”
Mike Langston – vocals and maracas Phil Reece – lead guitar Jimmy Smith – organ Terry Lee Hungerford – bass and vocals Roger Young – drums
May 19, 1965 – practice in Terry’s garage is broken up by police at 9:30
May 21, 1965 – Panther-a-Go-Go (TV broadcast on May 23 on Channel 11) with Lady Wild & the Warlocks, the Velvateens from Lubbock/Texas Tech), Cecil Lang McCullough, and the Warlocks, plus Panther-a-Go-Go drummer Al Breaux. Kay Harris was one of the dancers.
May 21, 1965 – Louann’s Club, for two hours after playing Panther Hall
May 27, 1965 – Kenney’s Club – Terry played with Tommy Skagg’s band.
May 28, 1965 – Skyliner Ballroom
May 29, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink
June 1, 1965 – Ft. Hood Crossroads Club, lineup with Terry, Roger, Mike, Phil and Jimmy, with Tommy Skaggs and Patti Myers joining on vocals. $170
June 2, 1965 – Roger has his hair cut short
Ad for the Shindig autograph party where the Motovators and the Elites played live, June 4, 1965
June 4, 1965 – Motovators and the Elites booked by Ray Beard for Shindig! autograph party at Round-Up Inn behind Will Roger’s Coliseum, with DJ Mark Stevens.
June 5, 1965 – appointment for audition at Studio Club in Dallas
June 5, 1965 – Ft. Hood N.C.O club, lineup with Terry, Roger, Mike, Phil and Jimmy, with Tommy Skaggs and Patti Myers joining on vocals. $170
Terry trades his original Gretsch “bikini” bass for a new Gibson at C&S Music, salesman Eddie Hale, June 8, 1965
June 11, 1965 – Teen a-Go-Go at Round-Up Inn
June 12, 1965 – Ft. Hood poolside party with Tommy Skaggs
June 17, 1965 – with Sandy Black at the Coronado Club, 3203 Holtzer St.
June 18, 1965 – New coats, blue plaid with black satin lapels from Al’s Formal Wear at $32.64 each
June 18, 1965 – National Hall Battle-of-the-Bands.
June 19, 1965 – Coronado Club
June 25, 1965 – Skyliner Ballroom
June 26, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink -after the show Terry, Roger and Donnie left to Villa Acuna, Mexico at 4:15 AM, returned later than they expected on Monday causing Donnie to lose his job. This Monday was also Terry’s 18th birthday.
July 1, 1965 – audition at the Party Line Club
July 2, 1965 – National Hall with DJ Bill Warren for 25% of door
July 3, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink with DJ Bob Allen
July 5, 1965 – Mike Langston leaves the group, which will continue as a four-piece: Terry, Roger, Phil and Jimmy
July 9, 1965 – Phil buys a new Fender amp, Jimmy a Sears amp
July 9, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink
July 10, 1965 – Holiday a-Go-Go with the Blue Notes and DJ Mark Stevens. The Blue Notes ask Terry to join them for a three-day tour, but turns it down because of the Motovators bookings
July 13, 1965 – Mike Langston back in band
July 16, 1965 – Panther-a-Go-Go with Johnny Green & the Greenmen, Van Johnson, the TrenTones, Larry & Don. Joe Knapp taped the Motovators show and Terry Guinn took photos.
Terry turns down offer to join the Greenmen to finish education.
July 17, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink with Bob Allen
July 18, 1965 – broadcast of Panther-A-Go-Go taped on July 16
July 24, 1965 – Caravan of Stars at Arlington Recreation Hall with KFJZ DJ Khan Hamon
Motovators drum head
July 25, 1965 – “sign made for Roger’s drums. Art shop on Commerce St.”
July 25, 1965 – Panther-a-Go-Go “Battle-of-the-Rock N Roll Bands” with Larry & the Blue Notes, the Jades, the Images, the Kasuals, the Visions, the Naturals, the Barons, Chas Christy & the Crystals, Jack & the Rippers and the Coachmen. Emcee was Bill Warren of WXOL, show host was Mr. Fred Slater.
1st place – Charles Christy & the Crystals 2nd place – Larry and the Blue Notes 3rd place – The Images
Prizes were a trip to the West Coast, 1 year of guaranteed bookings, and opening slot with the Righteous Brothers at Will Rogers Coliseum.
July 31, 1965 – professional photos taken of band at L.S.G.C. Auditorium by Bill Wood
July 31, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink, Bob Allen DJ
August 1, 1965 – Panther-A-Go-Go rerun on TV with the Motovators doing “Walkin’ the Dog”
August 19, 1965 – KXOL DJ Bill Warren wants to manage the Motovators.
August 19, 1965 – Band offered to play six nights a week at Suite 225 club at 3520 Camp Bowie, but had to turn down because of Jolly Time booking on August 21.
Terry Lee Hungerford portrait (front page of scrapbook)
Terry Lee Hungerford would join Jerry Williams & the Epics in 1966. Starting in the 1970s he would be part of several bands including Ripe Chops, the Freedom Band, the Other Brothers Band, No Respect, Road Crew, and the Terry Hungerford Blues Band. He worked for Pacific Bell and even opened his own BBQ restaurant, Hungerford’s Finest in Watsonville.
Terry passed away on February 20, 2019.
All the posts based on Terry Hungerford’s scrapbook can be viewed at this tag link.
Special thank you to Andellyn Purvis-Hungerford for sharing this material.
The Kasuals who cut “Girl (You Better Stop Your Lying)” / “You’re Gonna Break My Heart” were from Fort Worth, Texas. They are not to be confused with the Dallas group Kenny & the Kasuals.
Members were:
Ronnie Wright – lead vocals David Morris – lead guitar Mike Thomas – rhythm guitar Tom Myers – saxophone Larry Boynton – bass Charles Bassham – drums
David Morris wrote both sides of their only single on Spotlite SP2001. Publishing by Bluebonnet Pub. Co.
Spotlite issued singles by other Fort Worth artists like the Chocolate Moose.
An article by Sarah Harris in the Georgetown Megaphone from February 25, 1966 notes that the Kasuals appeared at Club 62 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. The band seems to have been popular in Georgetown, 160 miles to the south of Fort Worth. They played a Zeta Tau Alpha “Pop Art” dance at a steak house,
Thank you to Wm. Lewis Wms. and Andellyn Purvis-Hungerford for sharing the photo from Panther Hall.
Article in the Georgetown Megaphone, February 25, 1966Announcement of the Kasuals to appear at Georgetown’s first coffee house on S. Austin Ave, run by Keith Kellow with Jon Bertolet, Ray Anderson, David Detwiler and Bill Paul.Georgetown Megaphone May 8, 1966. Imagine what this “pop art” must have looked like.
The Motovators on the top stage of Panther Hall for Panther A-Go-Go, March 1965Weekend lineup with the Greenmen, the Motovators, Wanda Jackson and the Partytimers, July 16-17, 1965
Bill and Corky Kuykendall built Panther Hall in 1961 as a bowling alley, located at 600 Collard St on the east side of Fort Worth. When bowling didn’t succeed, the owners reopened on July 4, 1963 as a live music venue.
By 1965, KTVT, channel 11, was broadcasting an hour of the Cowtown Jamboree live on Saturday evenings. Friday nights were “Panther A-Go-Go” from 7 PM to midnight, and taped portions were shown on KTVT on Sunday evenings.
Panther a Go Go would feature four stages for these 1965 shows: a main center stage, smaller stages on the left and right, and a fourth in a balcony above the main stage. Panther a Go Go continued into 1966 and 1967 but on the footage I’ve seen these shows took place on the main stage.
The Sounds Unlimited at Panther Hall, March 12, 1965. Clockwise from left: Steve (last name unknown) on bass, Bill Mercer on red guitar, David Thompson with tambourine, Ron Davis on guitar and Mike Collier on drums
The Motovators appeared at Panther A-Go-Go at least five times in 1965. They auditioned twice, on March 1 and March 8, 1965 the second time with KCUL DJ Ron McCoy and hall owner Bill Kuykendall. Other bands at the audition on the 8th were the Chantones and the Images.
Two days later they rehearsed at the hall, and on March 12 they played with the Images and the Sounds Unlimited, plus Ron McCoy as host, and Kay Harris leading the go-go-dancers. The Motovators were on the top stage, with the Images and the Sounds Unlimited on the sides. Robin Hood Brians & His Merry Men were the main attraction. A detailed set of instructions refers to Gary Carter instead of Robin Hood, I’m not sure why.
The Sounds Unlimited were a Dallas group. The photo at right is an early version of the group with Bill Mercer, David Thompson, Steve (last name unknown), Ron Davis, and Mike Collier. By 1966 Ron Davis had formed a new version of the Sounds Unlimited with Paul Jarvis, Steve Webb, Phil Ferrell and Chuck Hodges (and Ron Mears replacing Chuck Hodges). This later version cut their only single, “Keep Your Hands Off of It” / “About You” on Solar Records.
The stage set up at Panther A-Go-Go, Panther Hall, March 1965Panther A-Go-Go stage Instructions, March 12, 1965
On March 26 the Motovators turned down a Panther A-Go-Go show with the Images and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Show schedule for the May 21, 1965 Panther A-Go-Go
They appeared on the May 21 Panther A-Go-Go with Lady Wilde & the Warlocks, the Velvateens from Lubbock/Texas Tech, Cecil Lang McCullough, and the Warlocks, plus “Panther-a-Go-Go drummer” Al Breaux.
The Velveteens played one side of their single, “Ching Bam Bah”, which had been released in February.
Lady Wilde is the same singer who cut two 1965 singles, “Poor Kid” / “Another Year” on ARA and “Noise Of Sound” / “Poor Kid” on Chicory, both produced by Royce McAfee. Her real name was Marie Smith.
I don’t have a record of the Motovators at this show on June 4, 1965, but this ad was in the scrapbook.
The Warlocks were the Dallas band that included Dusty Hill, Rocky Hill, Philip Vickery and Kean McClelland. In 1966 they cut the great singles “Life’s a Misery” / “Splash Day” on Paradise and “If You Really Want Me to Stay” / “Good Time Trippin'” on ARA. At some point after the singles, the Warlocks added Frank Beard on drums and became the American Blues. Little Richard Harris was also a drummer for the Warlocks at some point, according to Dale Smith of the Allusions in an interview with Mike Dugo.
After playing Panther Hall, the Motovators went to Louann’s Club in Dallas to play for an additional two hours!
The Motovators at Panther Hall July 16, 1965. From left: Jimmy Smith, Mike Langston, Terry Hungerford, Phil Reece and Roger Young.
On July 16, the Motovators appeared on Panther A-Go-Go with Johnny Green & the Greenmen, Van Johnson, the TrenTones, and Larry & Don. Joe Knapp taped the Motovators show and Terry Guinn took photos.
After the show the Greenmen asked Terry to join them, but after some discussion with his family, he declines to finish his education.
Sunday, July 25, Panther A-Go-Go held a huge “Battle-of-the-Rock n Roll Bands” with eleven bands: Larry & the Blue Notes, the Jades, the Images, the Kasuals, the Visions, the Naturals, the Barons, Chas Christy & the Crystals, Jack & the Rippers and the Coachmen. Emcee was Bill Warren of WXOL, show host was Mr. Fred Slater. The family scrapbook preserves set lists and scores for the bands.
1st place – Charles Christy & the Crystals 2nd place – Larry and the Blue Notes 3rd place – The Images
Prizes were a trip to the West Coast, one year of guaranteed bookings, and opening slot with the Righteous Brothers at Will Rogers Coliseum.
On August 1, Panther-A-Go-Go was rerun on TV with the Motovators doing “Walkin’ the Dog”.
Thank you to Wm. Lewis Wms. and Andellyn Purvis-Hungerford for sharing this material.
Thank you to Ron Davis for correcting the info about the Sounds Unlimited.
July 25 Battle-of-the-Bands lineup, and set lists for the Motovators, the Jades and the ImagesSet lists for Larry & the Blue Notes, the Kasuals, the Visions and the Naturals, July 25, 1965Set lists for the Barons, Charles Christy and the Crystals, Jack & the Rippers, and the Coachmen, July 25, 1965Motovators score sheet – a 10 for musical performanceBattle of the Bands scores, July 25, 1965
Jerry Williams and the Epics were friends and/or rivals of the Motovators.
Terry Hungerford’s scrapbook contains an ad for Jerry Williams at the Bayou Club, another venue that has disappeared to history. It was located at 5828 Calmont Ave in Fort Worth, now covered by I-30.
When the Motovators split up on September 1, 1965, Terry Hungerford joined the Epics on bass.
Jerry played lead guitar, for the other members I only have first names: James on drums, Mike on rhythm guitar, and Don was their manager. Sam Coplin handled bookings at some point.
They played five consecutive nights from September 7-11 at a spot called Suite 225.
In 1966 the Epics cut their only single: “Whatever You Do” written by Jerry Williams and Don Gilmore, backed with “Tell Me What You See” (the Beatles song despite credit on the labels to Williams and Gilmore). Georgia Lapping and Jerry Conditt produced the record on Brownfield BF-140, and Phil York engineered the session.
Jerry Lynn Williams was born on October 30, 1948 in either Dallas or Grand Prairie, and raised in Fort Worth. Around 1970 he moved to Los Angeles and joined High Mountain. Jerry composed the majority of songs for High Mountain’s album Canyon on Columbia Records, and also the High Mountain Hoedown album on Atco.
Jerry became well-known as a songwriter. Artists including Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan recorded his songs. He died in St. Martin on November 25, 2005.
Thank you to Wm. Lewis Wms. and Andellyn Purvis-Hungerford for sharing this material.
This site is a work in progress on 1960s garage rock bands. All entries can be updated, corrected and expanded. If you have information on a band featured here, please let me know and I will update the site and credit you accordingly.
I am dedicated to making this site a center for research about '60s music scenes. Please consider donating archival materials such as photos, records, news clippings, scrapbooks or other material from the '60s. Please contact me at rchrisbishop@gmail.com if you can loan or donate original materials
The Velours cut this one single, “She’s My Girl” / “Woman For Me” on Rona R-010. Both sides sound like they were recorded with a studio audience. “She’s My Girl” is uptempo r&b that only lacks a guitar break. I’d like to know who was the vocal group doing the background vocals, which really help the sound. I’ve seen December 1964 as the release date. The group was based in either Dallas or Fort Worth, Texas.
