Gary Stites was a pop idol in the ’50s but is best known as the first manager of the Birdwatchers. He started the Living Legend and Legend labels, the “Legend” refering to himself, naturally!
The Birdwatchers at this point were Dave Chiodo guitar, Bobby Puccetti keys, Jim Tolliver bass, and Eddie Martinez drums and were based near Ft. Lauderdale. They had already released three 45s on the Tara label, the second and third of which list Stites as producer.
For some reason Gary decided to try his hand at singing again, with the Birdwatchers backing him up. “Real Appeal” is good uptempo ’50s-ish rock, with an uncredited girl chorus. The flip, “While I’m Gone” is kind of a poor man’s Roy Orbison. This 45 did better than any of the early Birdwatchers records, peaking at #22 on WQAM in August ’65.
In early ’66 the Birdwatchers dramatically changed their lineup and relocated to Miami. Chiodo and Tolliver left, to be replaced by Joey Murcia on guitar and Jerry Schils (formerly of the Canadian Legends) on bass. Sammy Hall, vocalist with the Mor-Loks, who were also managed by Stites early on, completed this second phase of the Birdwatchers. This lineup went on to some national success with “Girl I’ve Got News For You” and “I’m Gonna Love You Anyway”.
A year later, Tommy Strand & the Upper Hand remade “Real Appeal” for their 45 on Living Legend. Stites also reused the flip, “While I’m Gone” for the b-side of a 45 by the Legendary Street Singers (actually the Gents Five).
Sources include: Jeff Lemlich’s history of the Birdwatchers.
Very Interesting! I spoke with Schils in the research for my 1st book, but I was never able to contact (or at least not able to get a response from) Sessody. I don’t know if he’s aware of my WI books, but I would think he might have some interest.
The Birdwatchers will be taking part in the Geezerpalooza band reunion in Ft. Lauderdale on August 9. Jerry Schils will be there… and Jim Sessody of the Legends is going to play drums (replacing Eddie Martinez, who passed away).
Jeff
The Canadian Legends, from which came bassist Jerry Schils (pronounced sheelz), were actually Milwaukee’s Legends. When that band temporarily relocated to Miami they took on a manager who added the “Canadian” part, even though they had nothing to do with Canada. (The Legends are covered in my 1st book, “Do You Hear That Beat”).
I have tried for years to contact these guys from The Legends.
I’m Billy Joe Burnette and I was their lead singer for a while when Sam McCue got injured.
If there is any way to let them know to contact me I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Billy Joe
E-mail Ydosses@aol.com
Sammy Hall, formerly of the “Birdwatcher’s”, has a ministry web site located at http://www.sammyhall.com . Sammy also had several gospel albums released after his time with the “Birdwatcher’s”.
Gary is my 1st cousin. I didn’t know this song existed. Thanks for posting it! Ron. Denver, CO
Hi!
My father, Robert Prose, played the electric guitar with your cousin’s band in the late 50’s to early 60’s. Do you have the 45 that had Dark Town Strutter’s Ball with the song Each Night on the flip side? My home was burglarized and they took the framed record with a picture of the band.
Angela Cayton
I’m curious as to what happened to Joey Murcia. Is he still making music, has he passed on, or has he just retired?
I’d love to get ahold of Gary Stites for an interview. That seems rather impossible but if anyone can make it possible, please get ahold of me.