The Coachmen of Sherman, Texas existed from 1964-1966. They were composed of Wayne Rickman (lead guitar, vocals), Mark Wright (rhythm guitar, vocals), Bob Starnes (bass, vocals), Steve Chase (keyboard), and Bill Elliott (drums).
During this period of the British Invasion, The Coachmen performed extensively throughout North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. Their song list was composed of the leading songs of the day, but leaned toward R & B, as interpreted by the British groups.
Wayne Rickman’s brother was manager of The Five Americans. We would go to Dallas occasionally and watch them practice in a house in an older part of Dallas. Man, those guys could play! Wow. What an impression that made on us.
Among the venues for The Coachmen during their era were high school proms and dances in Sherman, TX, Gainesville, TX, Bonham, TX, Greenville, TX, and Durant, OK, VFW & Knights of Columbus halls all over, local conventions, courthouse lawns, etc. The Coachmen played extensively in the German communities west of Sherman, TX in Muenster, Texas. The Coachmen was the first rock n’ roll band to perform for a Sherman High School assembly, which produce excitement and controversy at the time.
We did not record on record, a great regret, but we did have some tapes, but no one can find them. Also, we were the house band for the Sherman TV station equivalent of American Bandstand televised on Saturday afternoon hosted by Jim Wood, local DJ, but no one kept a tape. Also, we did not have the money, being from a small town.
Interestingly, to me at least, is that small towns recruited their live music from a larger town in the area. Sherman, being 30,000 persons, was where smaller towns in the North Texas area went to get their music. We were the dominant band at the time. Not that many in smaller towns had the resources to get a Dallas band, unless it was particular special.
The military draft and college took their toll and led to the disbandment of the band in 1966. After The Coachmen disbanded, they were succeeded by The Upper Level and The Marquees as the leading bands in Sherman, Texas.
Bill Elliott
Rickman was a vocal powerhouse and no slouch on his Gibsons… he later got an SG that he was very happy with.
They were an excellent band and Wayne Rickman was an excellent vocalist. I played with Wayne Rickman in a rock band, Chantz, at Casa Del Lobos and Pappy’s Playpen (1972-1975). as house band at Casa Del Lobos.
My older brother Bill was a soso friend of Bill Elliots he palyed drums in the band and was a member of the 5 Knights, played alot in clubs in Cartright Ok. Bill Elliott was 4 or 5 years older than me so I never really knew him, my dad B G Jones was a Texas Highway Patrolman
Randy, How can I reach your brother Bill? Bill and I played together with Wayne in Colbert on the old river road in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I would like to talk to Bill………Mark Wright wright37@cableone.net
Wonder where they all are now?
Emily,
Mark Wright lives in Tom Bean, Texas. I live in Dallas. Mark and I play in a band together, called the Journeys End Band, also composed of Larry and Phillip Crews and Dennis Duffel all of SHS, and Val Albright and Karen Elmore. We play regularly. Steve Chase lives near San Antonio. Wayne Rickman has been living in Florida, having retired from school teaching, but I understand is moving back this way. Bobby Starnes pass away.
Randy,
Your brother Bill Jones was more than a so so friend. I counted him as a close friend. I was in his first wedding, in fact.
Bill Elliott
I have had a lot of fun events in my life but playing with Mark, Bill, Steve and Bobby has to be at the top of the list. They were the best friends anyone could have. Mark was the binding that held us together, Bill was the literal power behind the beat, Steve was “mr. fingers” on the keyboard, Bobby was charisma on the bass. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to stand with them. Great friends, Great memories and Great fun. Thank you all.