The Dynamics recording at Atlanta Sound Studios, 1967. From left: Steve Diehl, Bruce Allen, Stanley Newman, Ronnie Osborne, and Bob Garrett
The Dynamics Unlimited released one 45 on the Rose Records label, the melancholy “The Tide Rises” (lyrics taken from the poem by Longfellow) b/w “Baby Let’s Wait” on Rose 2890. Publishing is through Margie Music, BMI. The RCA custom press # U4KM-4910/1 points to a 1967 date.
The band then backed Jerry Ashley for his single on Rose 2091, “Don’t Tell Me Why” / “Come to Me”, two originals by Ashley also published by Margie Music.
The Dynamics on break at an officers’ club. From left: Bob Garrett, Stanley Newman, Bruce Allen, Steve Diehl, and Ronnie Osborne
I knew nothing about the Dynamics until drummer Bruce Allen contacted me in April, 2024 generously sharing the photos seen here:
Dynamics promotional photo, early 1967
My name is Bruce Allen, and I was the drummer for the Warner Robins, GA band known as The Dynamics Unlimited. I was one of the three founding members, along with Stanley Newman and Bob Garrett. About 1965-6 we added a keyboardist, Steve Diehl, and a bass player. At first Dan Ross (dec.) played bass for us, but by the time of our recording of “The Tide Rises”, bass was being played by Ronnie Osborne.
Beginning in about 1966, Steve Diehl’s father, Mr. Carl Diehl of Warner Robins, managed the band and handled all money matters. The band members were paid proportionally after each performance.It was during 1967 and 1968 that we had the promo photos made, played as a studio band for Jerry Ashley on one record, and recorded our version of “The Tide Rises”, and “Baby, Lets Wait”. Many weekends (we were still in high school) were taken up with rehearsals and local performances. During spring and summer breaks we performed further afield at several Officer’s Clubs, Battles of the Bands, and private clubs. Mr. Diehl was a fine gentleman and took great care of the band when we traveled. No one did drugs or even drank much alcohol. It was a fabulous way to spend our later high school years.
Regarding Jerry Ashley, I only recall The Dynamics Unlimited performing as a studio band for him on two or three recordings. I don’t recall performing with him outside of the studio.
Dynamics promotional photo, 1967Bruce Allen’s Ludwig drums, 1966
I left the band in 1968 after performing a show at Ronnie Barn’s club in Macon GA during late summer, after which I passed out and was diagnosed with mononucleosis. Because the doctor told me that I could not play for at least six months, and because we had bookings, I sold my 1966 Gold Sparkle Ludwig drums with Zildjian cymbals and all of my interest in the band and equipment to Ricky Hughes of Warner Robins, who played drums for the band until the band dissolved in about 1971-72.
I have lost touch with Ronnie and received no reply from what I believe to be his last address in Seneca, SC. All the other band members are deceased. Bob died first in (I believe) Nashville in the 1980s or 90s. Steve Diehl went to serve in Viet Nam about 1971 as a helicopter pilot, was decorated for bravery, and on return to civilian life he drove a heavy rig for (I believe) Hunt Transportation company. He died of a heart attack several years later. I do not know what happened to Steve’s marvelous Hammond B3 organ. Stanley went to work at Robins AFB and died about ten years ago, and Dan Ross was a prominent business man in Warner Robins in the auto industry, and died within the last ten or so years. So, as far as I know, I am the only member of the band that is still living.
Ronnie Osborne on bass, at recording of The Tide Rises 1967
I went off to the University of Georgia in Fall of 1968 and got a degree in Chemistry in 1972. I then went to medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, earned an M.D. honors degree in 1976, did a residency there in dermatology, and taught on the faculty until 1983. I entered private practice in Dermatology in Macon, GA in 1983, where I practiced until 1994. I left medicine in 1994 to run two LLC businesses, and in May of 2007, the Prince and the Government of Liechtenstein appointed me as the first diplomatic consul in history for the Principality of Liechtenstein. I still perform that job as a State Department accredited Honorary Consul.
Bruce Allen of the Dynamics in the studio, 1967Yours Truly, Cathead Dooley CD
I have continued to play drums and today have three sets of drums (Ludwigs, Gretsch, and Roland Pro Vs). In the 1990’s I played drums with the GEDA Allstars for three years (a band formed by the Economic Development Authority for the State of Georgia). I also had a very successful band in the early 2000’s called Cathead Dooley and we performed tours in Wales during 2003 and 2004. We recorded a CD of all original material called, Yours Truly, Cathead Dooley.
All photos courtesy of Bruce Allen.
Bob Garrett and Ricky Hughes would join Coldwater Army, who recorded a good blues-rock album Peace for Agape in 1971.
This is a 2024 update of a basic post from 2014.
Clippings for the Dynamics and Steve Sanders at Macon Auditorium
8 thoughts on “The Dynamics Unlimited of Warner Robins “The Tide Rises” / “Baby Let’s Wait””
I just ran across your site (garagehangover.com) while looking to see if I could listen to the Dynamics sing Baby Let’s Wait on-line. I know all the members (all from Warner Robins, Ga) and my two friends and I were their “biggest fans” even according to the band picture they all signed that I just looked at in my scrap book. The only thing is, I’ve never heard of Jerry Ashley in my life so don’t know where that came from. Don’t know if you’re still interested but you are welcome to email me if you are. I, of course, would need to verify your reason for being interested in this, and would only give their personal info with permission.
Hi Mary This is Bruce Allen, the original drummer of the 1960’s band, The Dynamics Unlimited. I have only recently become aware of the excellent GarageHangover web site, and recently submitted photos and background about the band. I noticed that about ten years ago, you submitted a very nice comment about the band, and I apologize that it has taken that long for you to get a reply. I hope that you enjoy the current website about the band. You mentioned having a band scrapbook and I would enjoy learning about its contents. I hope that you are doing well and that this belated reply will bring you enjoyment as you remember those wonderful years of The Dynamics Unlimited. Thank you. Bruce
Bob Garrett was my best friend 73 – early 80’s , taught me guitar and much about music , great voice . I saw them play many times in Warner Robins when Rick Hugh’s took over drums. Roommates after Army in 74-74 .
Hi Rick! Thanks for your kind comments. I hope you’re doing well. Those were fun times indeed and i’m glad that you kept the band going after I left. What happened to Bob? How did he die? Also, I’m just curious, but whatever happened to that gold sparkle set of Ludwig’s with the Supersensitive 4 n 1 snare? All the best… Bruce
Hi Jim Thanks for your interest and comments. Bob Garrett and I were best friends during our early teen years and during the Dynamics years up until 1968 when I went to college and Bob later moved away. I have never been able to find out about how he died, other than just rumors. I would appreciate learning anything you know about Bob’s life from ‘68 until his death. Thanks, Bruce Allen
The Dynamics were one of my earliest influences and contributed to my interest in playing music in a band. My first “real” band was The Great Society, which featured a black lead singer Nehemiah Collins. I later played with the Prisoners of Time before going off to UGA. Sebie Lacey, our drummer and lead singer, formed Stlllwater with some other local musicians that I knew except for Rob Walker, an Air Force guy. They obviously became well known regionally and had a top 40 hit in the 70’s called Mindbender. Bruce, you mentioned trying to reach Ronnie Osborne. I’m connected to him on Facebook and happy to facilitate a connection. Sone of my fondest memories growing up in Warner Robins were playing music with some very talented guys. The Dynamics and U.S. Kids were my early influences, along with the Bushmen, who played at the Rec Center a few times. I’m connected with Harry Aldridge, their lead guitarist.
Hi Danny Thanks so much for your wonderful comments! I would indeed enjoy catching up with Ronnie and he can reach me through this website just as you did. I hope he is doing well. I especially appreciate your generous comments about early musical influences in Warner Robins in the 1960’s. I am greatly honored that you would credit The Dynamics Unlimited in that regard. Thank you! I would like to add to your comments by saying that the U.S. Kids were without a doubt the greatest local influence in my musical life. Their drummer, Larry Baxter, was in my opinion, one of the best of the era and watching him perform in about 1964 at Williams Plaza Shopping Center was the most important thing in my percussion career. I always wanted to be as good as Larry, but to this day, I feel I have yet achieved that lofty goal. I heard that he passed away several years ago, and I would like these comments to be a recognition of his talent and importance in the 1960’s music world. Danny, thank you too for your musical importance in middle Georgia. I hope all is going well for you and I again thank you for reaching out to me and for your contribution to music history. Bruce
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
I just ran across your site (garagehangover.com) while looking to see if I could listen to the Dynamics sing Baby Let’s Wait on-line. I know all the members (all from Warner Robins, Ga) and my two friends and I were their “biggest fans” even according to the band picture they all signed that I just looked at in my scrap book. The only thing is, I’ve never heard of Jerry Ashley in my life so don’t know where that came from. Don’t know if you’re still interested but you are welcome to email me if you are. I, of course, would need to verify your reason for being interested in this, and would only give their personal info with permission.
Hi Mary
This is Bruce Allen, the original drummer of the 1960’s band, The Dynamics Unlimited. I have only recently become aware of the excellent GarageHangover web site, and recently submitted photos and background about the band.
I noticed that about ten years ago, you submitted a very nice comment about the band, and I apologize that it has taken that long for you to get a reply. I hope that you enjoy the current website about the band. You mentioned having a band scrapbook and I would enjoy learning about its contents.
I hope that you are doing well and that this belated reply will bring you enjoyment as you remember those wonderful years of The Dynamics Unlimited. Thank you.
Bruce
Bob Garrett was my best friend 73 – early 80’s , taught me guitar and much about music , great voice . I saw them play many times in Warner Robins when Rick Hugh’s took over drums.
Roommates after Army in 74-74 .
Bruce, what a great history of the band! I was a late comer but still here. I hope you’re doing well.
Rick Hughes
Hi Rick! Thanks for your kind comments. I hope you’re doing well. Those were fun times indeed and i’m glad that you kept the band going after I left. What happened to Bob? How did he die?
Also, I’m just curious, but whatever happened to that gold sparkle set of Ludwig’s with the Supersensitive 4 n 1 snare?
All the best…
Bruce
Hi Jim
Thanks for your interest and comments.
Bob Garrett and I were best friends during our early teen years and during the Dynamics years up until 1968 when I went to college and Bob later moved away. I have never been able to find out about how he died, other than just rumors. I would appreciate learning anything you know about Bob’s life from ‘68 until his death.
Thanks,
Bruce Allen
The Dynamics were one of my earliest influences and contributed to my interest in playing music in a band. My first “real” band was The Great Society, which featured a black lead singer Nehemiah Collins. I later played with the Prisoners of Time before going off to UGA. Sebie Lacey, our drummer and lead singer, formed Stlllwater with some other local musicians that I knew except for Rob Walker, an Air Force guy. They obviously became well known regionally and had a top 40 hit in the 70’s called Mindbender. Bruce, you mentioned trying to reach Ronnie Osborne. I’m connected to him on Facebook and happy to facilitate a connection. Sone of my fondest memories growing up in Warner Robins were playing music with some very talented guys. The Dynamics and U.S. Kids were my early influences, along with the Bushmen, who played at the Rec Center a few times. I’m connected with Harry Aldridge, their lead guitarist.
Hi Danny
Thanks so much for your wonderful comments!
I would indeed enjoy catching up with Ronnie and he can reach me through this website just as you did. I hope he is doing well.
I especially appreciate your generous comments about early musical influences in Warner Robins in the 1960’s. I am greatly honored that you would credit The Dynamics Unlimited in that regard. Thank you!
I would like to add to your comments by saying that the U.S. Kids were without a doubt the greatest local influence in my musical life. Their drummer, Larry Baxter, was in my opinion, one of the best of the era and watching him perform in about 1964 at Williams Plaza Shopping Center was the most important thing in my percussion career. I always wanted to be as good as Larry, but to this day, I feel I have yet achieved that lofty goal. I heard that he passed away several years ago, and I would like these comments to be a recognition of his talent and importance in the 1960’s music world.
Danny, thank you too for your musical importance in middle Georgia. I hope all is going well for you and I again thank you for reaching out to me and for your contribution to music history.
Bruce