Category Archives: Texas

Categories: Clifford Herring Sound Equipment Co., Fort Worth, Sound City (Fort Worth), Texas

Clifford Herring and Sound City Recording Studios, Fort Worth

February 7, 2021 Chris Bishop 7 Comments

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)

Souls Sound City Acetate 45 Green Eyes — 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

Souls – “Green Eyes” / “Why”

Trycerz – “She Said Yeah” (2nd version) / “It’s Gonna Change”

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.

Categories: Cleburne, Manco, Morton, Texas

Little Richard Morton and His Musical Four “Sad, Sad Song”

January 26, 2021 Chris Bishop 1 Comment

Little Richard Morton cut this one single on his own Morton Records in June of 1964, backed by “His Musical Four”. Richard Morton wrote both songs, the rocker “Sad, Sad Song” and the slow “A Love I Once Enjoyed Is Now a Dream”.

The crude recording quality, prominent organ and r&b backing help push “Sad, Sad Song” into what could be called ‘garage’. His intonation is very country, so it’s no surprise the same month he made this single, he played a western dance at Womack Hall in Clifton, TX as Little Richard Morton and His Rainbow Valley Tophands.

The dead wax etchings “Manco-Morton #1 6-10-64” show this was recorded and released through Manco Recording, a Fort Worth company that released over forty singles, including “She’s A Doll” / “Kiwi Boogie” by Jim Jones & the Chaunteys.

The address of N. Pendell Ave, Cleburne was probably Morton’s home address at the time. Cleburne, TX is 30 miles south of Fort Worth.

According to copyright records, his full name was Richard Lowell Morton. Bluebonnet Pub Co. published both songs.

Richard Morton has other copyright registrations for religious songs.

Categories: Houston, San Antonio, Texas, Ura

Homer “Dandilion Wine” on Ura

January 17, 2021 Chris Bishop 1 Comment

early photo of Homer, clockwise from top: Chet Himes, Pat Cosgrove, Galen Niles, Gary Crapster and Frank Coy

Homer was a group from San Antonio that would last from June of 1968 until about 1973. In Houston they would record three singles and an LP for URA Production (Universal Recording Artists).

The first press on the group that I can find comes from August 8, 1968 the Crystal City Sentinel ran a profile of the group by Margaret Anderson in her column, The Teen Scene:

… “Homer” has a really unique sound and the guys said that they plan to bring blues into Texas and prove that rock and roll isn’t “rinky-dinky”, but is something we can musically appreciate. The group seems to be striving for individuality among the many groups of today, rather than being just another band. All of the members of the group have been together for only two months and are all from different original groups.
The leader of the group is Galen Niles. He toured with the “Outcasts” … all through the East Coast, sings lead, and teaches music. The drummer is Pat Cosgroove [sic – actually it was Gary Crapster, Pat played guitar I believe], who won 1st place in International Drum Solo Contests. He has played in many major citys of the United States…
Other members are Frank Coy, Chet Hines, and Gary Crapster, who is also a music teacher. Kids in Crystal City look forward to having them back again for a dance in the near future.

At this early point in 1968, members were:

Frank Coy – vocals
Galen Niles – lead guitar
Pat Cosgrove – guitar
Chet Himes – bass
Gary Crapster – drums

Galen Niles has a stellar history in San Antonio music. He played on both the Pandas “Walk” / “Girl from New York City” on Swingtime and the Outcasts “1523 Blair” / “Smokestack Lightning” before joining Homer. He also played the solo on the Mind’s Eye “Help I’m Lost” (Steve Perrone – Luis Cabaza) on Jox (but not on the flip, which was taken from a single under their earlier incarnation as the Argyles).

Ron Houston wrote in the San Antonio Express and News on February 9, 1969:

… I sat ringside at the Web in Corpus Christi diggin’ the band playing a song called “Hi Ho Silver Lining.” It wasn’t Jeff Beck I was looking at. It was “Homer,” the band I had booked for Ray Schaff at the Web.

Frank Coy wrote the A-side of their first single, “Dandilion Wine”, (note spelling – not “Dandelion”) backed with a radical reworking of “I Never Cared for You”, which I would never have guessed was a Willie Nelson song if I hadn’t seen the credit on the label. It even uses “Hall of the Mountain King” in the break.

Their next single had two originals by Galen Niles, “On the Wall” / “Texas Lights”, published by Illiad Music.

Their third single had another Galen Niles composition, “Sunrise”, with a repeat of “Dandilion Wine” on the flip.

Homer at Sun Valley Ballroom on Friday, July 25, 1969 with Ron Houston, KTSA DJ, from the Victoria Advocate.

In September, 1969, Homer were one of the bands represented for booking by Fun People, Inc. at 4807 West Ave in San Antonio, along with the Laughing Kind, the Bubble Puppy, the Playboys of Edinburg, the Sweet Smoke, and Lavender Hill Express.

By the time of their album’s release in 1972, with eight originals by the band, the lineup was:

Phil Bepko – vocals
Frank Coy – vocals
Galen Niles – lead guitar
Howard Gloor – lead guitar and steel guitar
Chet Himes – bass
Gene Coleman – drums

Frank Coy, Galen Niles and Chet Himes seemed to be in all incarnations of the group. I’ve also seen Rob Randolph and Van Wilks named as members. Robin Overall was a member for a few weeks, but wound up forming Heironymous with Gene Coleman and Phil Bepko, ending Homer’s run.

Chet Himes went into audio engineering, he passed away in August 2020.

Some info from mikesbandarchive.com (now defunct).

Categories: Askel, Gallant, San Antonio, Texas

Outcasts of San Antonio “I’m in Pittsburgh (and It’s Raining)” and “1523 Blair”

January 8, 2021 Chris Bishop 4 Comments

Outcasts Long Hair San Antonio Express Oct 13, 1966 — Buddy Carson and Ricky Wright pressured to cut hair, October, 1966

The Outcasts were one of the top bands in San Antonio, and Texas in general. They cut several fine singles, including two absolute classics, “I’m in Pittsburgh (and It’s Raining)” and “1523 Blair”.

Two members of the band have sites about the group, which I’ve included below. I have found some interesting news clippings to add to their story.

The Outcasts were children of Air Force servicemen. By late 1964 they had become a quintet with:

Jim Carsten – guitar, vocals
Buddy Carson – keyboards, harmonica, vocals
Denny Turner – lead guitar
Jim Ryan – bass
Ricky Wright – drums

In June of 1965 they made their first record, “Nothing Ever Comes Easy” / “Oriental Express” recorded at Texas Sound in San Antonio, produced and written by Mike Post, released as Outcast 6865.

The Outcasts with Baby Cakes and the Greenmen, Austin Daily Texan, July 9, 1965

Maj. John Carson was Buddy’s father and early manager of the group. San Antonio Express and News, April 2, 1966

In 1966 they had three singles on Askel. Jim Carsten was their main song-writer. Jim wrote both sides of their first Askel single, “I’m in Pittsburgh (and it’s Raining)” and “The Price of Victory”. It was their best-selling record, reportedly getting airplay on various stations around the country.

Jim Carsten wrote the top side of their next single, “Everyday”, while Carsten and Denny Turner wrote “I’ll Set You Free”, both fine original songs. Askel reissued “Everyday” with a great version of “Route 66”. One 45 label I’ve seen has “Buddy is singing” written on the “Route 66” side.

All of their Askel 45s had Ron Newdoll producing, at Accurate Sound Inc in San Angelo, publishing by Sangelo Music BMI.

During two summers when Jim Ryan returned to Oslo, Norway, where his father was stationed, he had two fill-ins, John (surname?) in 1965, and Kurt Linhoff in 1966.

Outcasts at The Casket in Kerrville, Sept. 14, 1967, from the Daily Times

Denny Turner left the band in late 1966, and the Outcasts found Galen Niles of the Pandas, to replace him. Jim Ryan wrote “[Galen] switched to a vintage Les Paul in late ’66 and recorded with us on our last single.”

“1523 Blair” / “Smokestack Lightning” came out in January 1967 on Gallant GT-101. Jim Ryan and Buddy Carson wrote “1523 Blair”, produced by H & H Productions at 243 Southill St in San Antonio. For certain, the song has incredible energy, with the vocalist (Buddy?) practically spitting out the lyrics.

1523 Blair was the address for Doyle Jones’ studio in Houston, where the band did some other recordings that were not released at the time.

Outcasts “a smashing success at California’s Hi-Ho Clubs” (did the group actually play in California?) and the Chaynes at the Olmos Club, San Antonio Express Nov. 5, 1966

Outcasts now called the Proof, at New Orleans, October 20, 1967, from the Daily Texan

Outcasts now called the Proof, at The Casket in Kerrville, November 3, 1967, from the Daily Times

In October 1967 at the New Orleans club in Austin, and then in November at The Casket in Kerrville, ads bill the group as “The Proof” (formerly the Outcasts).

One member wrote: “sadly, the group dissolved in a psychedelic haze in 1968”.

Jim Ryan would play with the Swiss Movement, then move to Los Angeles in 1969 for a couple of years.

Galen Niles would join Homer.

The Outcasts story is told in some detail on various members sites, that are remarkably still active as of 2021. The photos unfortunately are mostly very small in size.

Denny Turner’s site has several pages on the Outcasts, try this one and this one.

Jim Ryan’s band page also has info on the Outcasts.

Mike Lowell’s site mikesbandarchive.com has been out of commission for about eight years now but is still partially available on the Internet Archive.

If anyone has better quality photos of the Outcasts, or more info on the members & group, please contact me.

Galen Niles Pandas San Antonio Light, Oct 16, 1966

Categories: San Antonio, Swingtime, Texas

The Centurys and the Pandas “Walk” on Swingtime”

January 6, 2021 Chris Bishop Leave a comment

The Centurys featured in the Light, April 18, 1964

Centurys San Antonio Light Nov. 18, 1965 — The Centurys featured in the San Antonio Light in November, 1965

The Pandas started out as the Centurys, formed at Alamo Heighs High School in San Antonio in 1963.

On April 18, 1964, the San Antonio Light profiled the band with the headline Teen Musicians with Haircuts, noting they had $3,000 invested in equipment, and listing the lineup as:

Wink Kelso – vocals
Pat Wellberg – lead guitar
Bill Bellamy III – bass guitar
Tony Volz – rhythm guitar
Jimmy Taylor – drums

A May 13, 1965 notice in the San Antonio Light lists the same five members.

The San Antonio Express and News reported on June 27, 1965 about the band’s summer engagement outside Chicago, Illinois:

Half-way through a 10-week contract in Mt. Prospect, Ill, – a suburb of Chicago – are Jim Taylor and Pat Wellberg, who spent last winter studying at Alamo Heights High School, and Bill Bellamy, Tony Volz, Wink Kelso and Chip Stokes, all veterans of one year at Trinity University.
Members of the “Centurys,” a dance band … the boys were hired by Club Living, an apartment complex for young people in their twenties. During the week the boys are being kept busy cleaning swimming pools, mowing lawns, chauffeuring air line stewardesses to and from airports, and generally odd jobbing. But on Saturday nights they really “go to town.” …
Chip is their manager.
“This is going to be quite a deal,” the boys reported happily as they prepared to drive North. “As a band we draw an extra $300 every Saturday night!”

A November 18, 1965 article shows a change in drummers:

Wink Kelso – vocals
Pat Wellberg – lead guitar
Bill Bellamy, Jr. – bass guitar
Tony Volz – rhythm guitar
Eddie Phlager – drums (I’ve also seen his name spelled Eddie Pladger, or perhaps Phleger)

The Centurys opened for the Kingsmen at the Granada Ballroom. Unfortunately an extensive history of the Centurys early days by Bill Bellamy is now gone from the internet and not availabe on the Internet Archive. If anyone has archived all of mikesbandarchive.com, please contact me.

In late 1964 or 1965, the Centurys released a single on Mark, “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On” backed with a hot version of the Ventures’ “Gandy Dancer”.

Part of a feature on the Pandas in the San Antonio Express And News Sept 10, 1966

The San Antonio Express and News of September 10, 1966, featured the Pandas and reviewed their history.

In March of 1966, “Mrs. Mel Adcock, who owns and manages Swingtime Productions and manages many top bands, auditioned the Centurys as house band for a new television program called “Panda-Monium,” to be shown in the Houston area.”

To fit with the TV program, the Centurys changed their name to the Pandas and in May cut a great single on Swingtime SW-1001/2 “Walk”, an original by Will Bellamy and Wink Kelso. The flip was a cover of the Beach Boys’ “Girl From New York City”.

By September, 1966, Galen Niles had replaced Bill Bellamy. Galen had been in the Minuets. On the great but defunct mikesbandarchive.com site, the Minuets were described as having the longest hair in San Antonio in 1965. Members included David Frazier on vocals; Larry Murphy, rhythm guitar & vocals; Galen Niles on lead guitar; and Charlie Shoenfeld on bass and keyboards. Jim Ryan wrote: “Galen was playing a great Chet Atkins Country Gentleman and tuned before every set by just listening to open strings. They opened a show for us in Austin and almost stole the show.”

The Pandas were now a quartet:

Wink Kelso – vocals
Pat Wellberg – guitar
Galen Niles – guitar
Jimmy Taylor – drums

The article continues:

Pandas Currently Among City’s Best
Last May, the Pandas released their first single under the Swingtime label, “Walk” and “Girl from New York City.”
A hit locally, a movie of the Pandas introducing the new tunes was shown in Houston and Dallas. The record really hit big in Florida and the lads were immediately offered guest appearances in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach and Miami – offers they couldn’t accept because of school.
Wink Kelso, vocalist is a sophomore at Trinity University … He plays guitar, drums and the organ and has taken formal singing lessons.
Pet Wellberg, who plays the lead guitar and 12-string with the Pandas, was voted “Most Talented” in his senior class last year at Alamo Heights.
Jimmy Taylor, a Trinity University sophomore … plays drums with the Pandas and can swing his ax to any tune and make it come out great.
Galen Niles, a Trinity University freshman … has two hobbies – playing the guitar and teaching the guitar.
Galen formerly played with the Pipelines and the Minuets, both popular local bands. His favorite nationally known band is the Yardbirds, a name he speaks with awe.

The September 17 article has a follow-up and different photo of the Panda, but I don’t have access to that image.

The Pandas wouldn’t last much longer.

Galen Niles would go into the Outcasts.

On October 15, 1966, the Express and News noted that Alamo Heights High School won a show by “Wink and the Pandas” on October 22.

In October 1967, Wink Kelso & the Kaleidoscopes appeared at the Casket in Kerrville.

On January 19, 1969, the Express and News had a long profile on Wink Kelso noting how he was singing the role of Paquillo in Offenbach’s La Perichole and also fronting the Kaleidoscope during his senior year at Trinity. Members of the Kaleidoscope at this point include Mike Lasley, Peyton Starr, Pat Mellberg, Scottie Melton, George Holcomb and Dave Sequin.

Wink says, “We’ve stumbled onto a new thing … using a guitar as a percussion instrument. It gives rhythm and blues a great drive.

On August 31, 1969, the Express and News ran a photo of Wink Kelso and the Kaleidoscope, noting they had returned from a summer tour in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Venture, Orange Grove, Long Beach and Tacoma. It lists the current members as Pat Wellberg on lead guitar, Mike Lasley on bass guitar and backing vocals, Steve Smith on drums and percussion, and Tito Morena and Dave Sequin on saxophones.

A 1973 article discusses Wink Kelso’s role in a rock adaption of Lewis Carroll, called Alice and Wonderland, and that just prior he had been in another group, Giant Smiling Dog.

Will Bellamy would play bass in Rachel’s Children.

More info or photos of the Centurys or Pandas would be appreciated.

Categories: Austin, Ignite, Texas

The Good Humour Band on Ignite

January 5, 2021 Chris Bishop 1 Comment

The Good Humor Band, 1968, from left: Ken Cottrell, Jesse Preciphs, Mona Bateman, Jimmy Rogers, David Jones and Bobby Henderson

The Good Humour Band came from Austin, Texas, forming about May of 1968 and playing a number of shows at the New Orleans club in June and July. Gig notices always billed them as The Good Humor Band.

The Austin American-Statesman ran a photo of the group on July 27, 1968. The lineup at this time was:

Jesse Preciphs – lead vocals
Kenneth Cottrell – organ
David Jones – lead guitar
Mona Bateman – rhythm guitar
Bobby Henderson – bass
Jimmy Rogers – drums

A September 19, 1968 article in the Austin Daily Texan describes a talent show of UT students:

“The hypnotic throb of the Good Humor Band assailed the eardrums of a packed Hogg Auditorium audience Wednesday night as the Forty Acres Talent Show stages its ninth annual performance.” The article discusses some solo performers at the show: Wayne Holtzman, Roger Woest and David Flack.

On December 11, 1968, the Good Humor Band played a benefit concert for the Zachary Scott Theater Center with the Shadows of Doubt. A news item mentions the group recently completed a recording session at Robin Hood Brians studio in Tyler, and that Ken Cottrell was also their manager & spokesman.

In January, 1969 the band played three nights at the Pusi-Kat in San Antonio with Joe Thomas and the Virgil Foxx Group.

According to a short notice about the group from February 28, 1969, the lineup had changed, dropping Jesse Preciphs, Mona Bateman and Jimmy Rogers; and including Billy Jones on drums:

Ken Cottrell – organ and piano
David Jones – lead guitar
Bobby Henderson – bass
Billy Jones – drums

The February 28 article has this tantalizing note:

… the first Good Humour record – “You’ll Get By” on the A side – was released here this week and the band’s initial album – Aunt Mabel’s Golden Tonic – will be out next month.

Unfortunately the album was never to see the light.

Ken Cottrell and David Jones wrote both songs on their only single on Ignite Records H-692, “You’ll Get By” / “The Man”. Library of Congress registration on March 28, 1969 lists words by Jones and music by Cottrell.

The man’s been driving by my house today,
I think it’s time I got away …

Bruce H. Hooper produced the single. He also produced the Shiva’s Head Band single on Ignite, but not the Richard Dean 45, which was C.F. Rowsey (Fred Rowsey). Ignite Music BMI published the songs.

A Brite Star Promotions ad in Billboard on May 24, 1969 lists both the Good Humour Band and the Shiva’s Head Band singles on Ignite.

Billboard listed in Buyer’s Guide of August 30, 1969 lists Ignite as label, publisher and recording studio at 308 W. Sixth St., Austin, with President Bruce H. Hooper, and Vice President C.F. Rowsey. The 1970 guide drops Rowsey and adds Richard Gembler as General Manager.

One interesting note about the studio is 308 W. Sixth St. became Odyssey Sound, Ltd., owned by Jay Aaron Podolnick and Steve Shields, from February 1972 until August 1978. In 1978, John Ingle and Larson Lundahl purchased Odyssey and renamed it Pecan Street Studios after remodeling.

I’d like to know what other recordings were made at 308 W. Sixth St. in those early days before it became Odyssey.

Ken Cottrell passed away on July 9, 2009 at the age of 60, according to a website devoted to him, www.kennethcottrell.com

More info or photos of the group would be appreciated.

Good Humor Band Eternal Life Corp Good Deeds New OrleansClubAustin Daily Texan July 2, 1968 — July 4 weekend with the Good Deeds (“1st Austin appearance winner of Corpus Christi Battle of Bands”) and New Orleans Club regulars the Eternal Life Corp

Good Humor Band Pusi-Kat San-Antonio-Express-And-News, Jan 19, 1969 — At the Pusi-Kat in San Antonio, January 1969

Thank you to Jonas Carlsson for help with this article.

Categories: Clifford Herring Sound Equipment Co., Fort Worth, Texas

The Motovators of Fort Worth

January 3, 2021 Chris Bishop 1 Comment

July 31, 1965, from left: Jimmy Smith, Terry Lee Hungerford, Roger Young on drums, Mike Langston, and Phil Reece

Terry 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)

May 29, 1964 – The Jolly Roger Lounge

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

February 27, 1965 – Jolly Time Skating Rink with the Barons

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 Fagan

Receipt from Clifford Herring Sound Equipment: 1 hour studio time, 1 1/4″ tape and 2 acetate 45s for $28.05

Terry 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

Motovators Shindig Will Rogers Auditorium, June 4, 1965 — 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 Lee Hungerford bass equipment — 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

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.

August 19, 1965 – Phil Reece and Jimmy join Gary Payne and the Playmates, and the Motovators split up.

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.

Categories: Fort Worth, Spotlite, Texas

The Kasuals “Girl (You Better Stop Your Lying)” on Spotlite

January 3, 2021 Chris Bishop Leave a comment

The Kasuals at Panther Hall July 25, 1965

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.

The photo comes from Panther Hall’s Panther A-Go-Go on July 25, 1965, where the Kasuals competed with 10 other bands.

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, 1966

Announcement 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.

Categories: Fort Worth, Texas

The Motovators at Panther A-Go-Go, Panther Hall in Fort Worth

January 1, 2021 Chris Bishop 6 Comments

The Motovators on the top stage of Panther Hall for Panther A-Go-Go, March 1965

Weekend 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 1965

Panther 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.

Sonny Ray & the Dynamics, Ringo Ringo, Panther A-Go-Go, Webb Pierce, June 4, 1965 — 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”.

All posts from the Motovators scrapbook can be seen at this link.

More info on Panther Hall is available at the Texas State Historical Association website.

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.

Battle of the Bands Motovators set lists, July 25, 1965 — July 25 Battle-of-the-Bands lineup, and set lists for the Motovators, the Jades and the Images

Battle of the Bands Motovators scores, July 25, 1965 — Motovators score sheet – a 10 for musical performance

Battle of the Bands scores, July 25, 1965

Categories: Brownfield, Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas

Jerry Williams and the Epics

January 1, 2021 Chris Bishop 1 Comment

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.