Cash Box March 5, 1965I have to thank Lee Bryant for tipping me on to Jim Weatherly’s stomping single, “I’m Gonna Make It” on 20th Century Fox 565.
J.D. Lobue and Leland Russell wrote “I’m Gonna Make It”. Jim Weatherly wrote the B-side, the Elvis-sounding “Wise Men Never Speak”, which he copyrighted in April, 1964.
Lobue and Russell had a band with Jim since their days at the University of Mississippi, where Jim Weatherly was a star quarterback. After college they moved to Los Angeles to try to succeed in the music business.
On March 5, 1965, Cash Box announced “The grid star kicks off his disk career with a driving rocker”. It would be three years before any further releases, or any press would mention Jim Weatherly or his group, who would eventually be named the Gordion Knot.
In February, 1968, Cash Box reported the Gordian Knot had signed to Verve for four singles and an album. A short article in Record World in April listed the Gordian Knot’s members as: Pat Kincade, guitar; J.D. Lobue, organ; Leland Russell, bass; Dulin Lancaster, drums; and Jim Weatherly, piano. I am not sure if Pat Kincade and Dulin Lancaster also played on the 20th Century Fox single, but the article notes notes the band “have been working together for five years” and that John Babcock was their manager.
There were a number of songs copyrighted that do not seem to have been recorded and/or released:
Weatherly and Pat Kincade published “Just Another Day” in March, 1964.
In June of 1966, Jim Weatherly registered eight songs with a solo writing credit, none of which were on the Gordion Knot album, Tones: “I Can’t Be Hurt Any More”, “Mama, Your Daddy’s Come Home”, “The Morning After Rain”, “She Belongs to Yesterday”, “Sorrow’s Child”, “Turn Him Away”, “Waiting For the Day”, and “You Were Never Mine”, all published by Vivace Music.
The only song registered in June of 1966 that would show up on the Gordian Knot LP was “It’s Gonna Take a Lot” by Weatherly and Pat Kincade.
The Gordian Knot pursued a lighter pop direction on their two singles and album; “The Year of the Sun” (written by Leon Russell) is a good example of their sound. The flip, Jim Weatherly’s “If Only I Could Fly” is one of their more rocking songs.
In retrospect, “I’m Gonna Make It” is a very good single, and it’s surprising how little known it is. The single also seems to be rare now. I wonder if there are other recordings from the early days of the band that would show their development or directions they didn’t pursue.
Jim Weatherly of course would go on to have a long career as a hit songwriter and performer, but that is covered in depth elsewhere.
This is not the same Jim Weatherly who recorded with the Mozark Music Makers on the Mozark label of Springfield, Missouri.
Anyone have a photo of the group before they became the Gordion Knot?
The Nomads came from Oshkosh, Wisconsin and cut only this one single, “You Come Around” / “Don’t Come Runnin to Me”.
This is the first release on Kelly DiCianni’s Kel label.
Released as Kel No. 1000, with “A Kelas Production” on the label. Kelly and Sally DiCianni wrote both songs.
An article in the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern from March 25, 1966 gives the background for the single:
“Don’t Come Running to Me” and “You Come Around” are the two songs written by Kelly and Sally DiCianni. Kelly supplies the music and his wife, the lyrics.
The 45 rpm single is the first production under the “Kel” label. It was recorded in Oshkosh following three weeks of rehearsal.
The Nomads are four Oshkosh men who have been performing for 3 1/2 years. Three are in college and one is now in the Marines. They have appeared throughout Wisconsin and in Illinois.
Members of the aggregation and their musical assignments included: Michael Yanke, piano; Larry Wolff, drums and vocal; and Jack and Joseph Litjens, the first of whom plays lead guitar while the second plays the bass.
Kelly DiCianni is well-known as a piano instructor in the Neenah-Menasha area.
In his essential reference, Do You Hear That Beat, Gary E. Myers states that Jack Litjens and Joe Litjens were indentical twins from Holland.
Gary also notes that Larry Wolfe would join the Friends, a long-lasting group who released “Jane” / “Can’t Make It Without You” on Night Owl in 1970. I’m not sure if Larry Wolfe was in the Friends at the time of that single.
Kel would release three singles by the Sunstone Lollypop, who included Kelly DiCianni’s two sons, Keith DiCianni and David DiCianni, plus drummer Steve Marks. The Sunstone Lollypop is a group I’d really like to interview for this site.
This little known music venue, situated on the Middlesex bank of the River Thames, a few miles west of Hampton Court Palace, put on some fascinating shows from the early to late 1960s. Judging by the few gigs I’ve managed to find below, the club operated from at least early 1965 to mid-1968, possibly longer. The hotel was demolished in 1971.
Alan Wherry, who played with The Richard Henry Sensation (later Richard Henry & The Zig Zag Band) remembers that his group started out playing this venue in the summer of 1966, and continued on and off until October. The band’s guitarist David O’List then left and soon after formed The Attack.
Wherry describes the Crawdaddy’s Casino Ballroom Hotel as a fabulous place: “It had been built by Fred Karno, a famous West End impresario. It looked like a Mississippi riverboat and it bankrupted Mr Karno. The guy who booked us there paid us poorly. His bouncers, a team of seriously hard men, got double what we got and it was his idea to call us the Zig Zag Band. He wanted us to wear white suits with a big black zig zag on them, which he would supply. He wanted us to swing our saxes and do fancy dance steps a la Hank Marvin and The Shadows.”
The most notable acts that I’ve found who played the venue were Chris Farlowe, The Shotgun Express (with Rod Stewart, Mick Fleetwood and Peter Bardens; Peter Green had left before their September 1966 gig) and Pink Floyd.
Melody Maker occasionally listed groups in its gig section but I would love to hear from anyone who can add shows and memories of the venue below.
GIG LISTING:
12 February 1965 – Mike Dee & The Prophets with Roger and Caroline (annual press ball) (Don Martin’s gig diary)
30 July 1966 – Richard Henry & The Zig Zag Band (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
13 August 1966 – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Melody Maker)
10 September 1966 – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
24 September 1966 – The Shotgun Express (Melody Maker)
25 September 1966 – Richard Henry & The Zig Zag Band (Melody Maker)
16 October 1966 – Richard Henry & The Zig Zag Band (Melody Maker)
26 March 1967 – The New Jump Band (Bob Hodges’ gig diary)
7 April 1967 – The Maroons (Melody Maker)
8 April 1967 – The System Soul Band with Ivan St Clair (Melody Maker)
9 April 1967 – The Flies (Melody Maker)
15 April 1967 – The Leaders featuring Norma Fay and introducing Delroy Williams (Melody Maker)
System Soul Band featuring Mike Piggott on lead guitar (right). Photo: Mike Piggott
16 April 1967 – The System Soul Band with Ivan St Clair (Melody Maker)
2 December 1967 – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Melody Maker)
Photo: Melody Maker
9 December 1967 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Melody Maker)
16 December 1967 – The Shevelles (Melody Maker)
16 March 1968 – Pink Floyd (Melody Maker)
Interesting guitarist David Gilmour later bought the Astoria on Taggs Island and converted it into a floating studio
Bonnie Lynd is a true mystery artist, as I haven’t found any clues as to who she was, or where this record came from.
“Left with a Broken Heart” has Bonnie’s pleading vocal over a garage band backing featuring organ and background vocals.
The flip “Since He Went Away” is a slow ballad. Bonnie Lynd and Jane Athens wrote both songs, published by Bon-Jo Music, but I cannot find copyright registrations for either.
Released on Sheridan Records S-201 in July 1966. There’s a simple C-105/106 code in the dead wax and on the labels, and the vinyl pressing is of mediocre quality.
A contributor to 45cat noted that copyright registrations from 1971 state that Bonnie Lynd is a pseudonym for Bonnie Polsky, but we don’t know if this is the same Bonnie Lynd.
Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.
It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.
Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968, parts of 1969 and also 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.
Source:Melody Maker unless otherwise noted
1969
2 January – The Explosive Watson T Browne
4 January – Spirit of John Morgan
Photo: Melody Maker
5 January – Rick ‘N’ Beckers
7 January – Jo Jo Gunne
No listing in Melody Maker for several weeks
23 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (Melody Maker also has The Skatalites)
25 January – Arcadium
26 January – Jason Crest
28 January – Toast
30 January – Explosive Watson T Browne
1 February – Bunkers Brain
2 February – Trifle
4 February – Love and Poetry
6 February – The Skatalites
8 February – Rainbow Ffolly
9 February – Bunkers Brain
11 February – My Dear Watson
13 February – The Flames
15 February – Giant
16 February – Rainbow Ffolly
18 February – Toast
20 February – Red Beans and Rice
22 February – Jason Cord (Bob Hodges’ diary has Tuesday’s Children playing on this date)
Freddie Mack gig, 28 July 1968. Photo: Melody Maker
Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.
It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.
Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.
Source:Melody Maker unless otherwise noted
1968
1 January – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
2 January – Granny’s Attic
4 January – Wilson’s Transaction
7 January – Freak-Down-Lucifer
9 January – Garnet Mimms (either backed by The Senate or Clockwork Orange)
11 January – Warren Davis Monday Band
13 January – The Castaways (probably Tony Rivers’ band)
14 January – Freak-Down-Lucifer
16 January – Garnet Mimms (either backed by The Senate or Clockwork Orange)
18 January – Watson T Browne (& The Explosion)
20 January – Love Machine
21 January – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
22 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound
23 January – Locomotion
27 January – Purple Pipe Line
28 January – The Gold
30 January – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound with Lamb Bros & Co)
Photo: Melody Maker
1 February – Warren Davis Monday Band
4 February – Glenroy Oakely & The Oracles
6 February – Locomotion
8 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)
11 February – Glenroy Oakley & The Oracles
13 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)
15 February – Clyde McPhatter (with The Trend backing?)
18 February – Locomotion
20 February – The Diplomats
22 February – Margitte Bardot
23 February – The Chanters
25 February – Mr Mo’s Messengers
27 February – The Original Drifters
29 February – Watson T Browne & The Explosion
3 March – Sonnie Burke
5 March – The Original Drifters
7 March – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
10 March – The Ice Show
12 March – The Marvels
14 March – The Shiralee
16 March – Philosopher’s Stone
17 March – The Chanters
19 March – The Fabulous Impressions
Thanks to Jerry Booth for the images. He was handed these flyers when he attended the club in mid-March 1968Thanks to Jerry Booth for this image too!
21 March – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
23 March – The Art Movement
24 March – The Gold
26 March – The Fabulous Impressions
28 March – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
31 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
Photo: Melody Maker
2 April – The Fabulous Platters & Group (with The Trend backing?)
4 April – Mr Mo’s Messengers
6 April – The Klooks (Pete Carter’s Roy Tempest contract)
7 April – The Bunch
9 April – The Original Drifters
11 April – Glenn Oakely & The Oracles
14 April – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
16 April – Fantastic Little Anthony & The Imperials
18 April – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
21 April – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
23 April – Garnet Mimms (most likely with The Village Green backing)
25 April – Fantastic Little Anthony & The Imperials
28 April – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
30 April – The Fabulous Ronettes
2 May – The Fabulous Platters (with The Trend backing?)
5 May – Sonnie Burke
7 May – Duane Eddy
9 May – The Chanters
12 May – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
16 May – The De-Tours with Gene Latter
19 May – Sonnie Burke
21 May – The Diplomats
Photo: Melody Maker
23 May – Warren Davis Monday Band
26 May – The Breakthru
28 May – The Crickets
30 May – The Coasters
2 June – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
3 June – Warren Davis Monday Band
4 June – The Coasters
Melody Maker stopped providing full listings for the club until December but I’ve found individual shows in New Musical Express, which suggests the club still put on shows during this period
Photo: Melody Maker
20 June – Ruby & The Romantics (New Musical Express)
30 June – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound and Keef Hartley (New Musical Express has The Crystals)
Photo: Melody Maker
6 July – The Crystals (New Musical Express)
28 July – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound
5 August – The Crystals (New Musical Express)
11 August – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)
25 August – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound
8 September – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)
25 September – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (cancelled)
6 October – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (postponed until 13 October)
Paul Griggs’ diary notes that The Cortinas played on 6 October so it looks like they replaced Freddie Mack.
13 October – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound (marks the group’s third anniversary)
Photo: Melody Maker
22 October – Dee Dee Warwick (New Musical Express)
24 October – Interstate Road Show
31 October – Dee Dee Warwick (New Musical Express)
10 November – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ diary)
12 November – The Impressions (aka The Topics) backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)
14 November – The Impressions (aka The Topics) backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)
21 November – Garnet Mimms backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)
24 November – J J Jackson (Melody Maker advert says Sunday, 24 December but November is correct)
28 November – Garnet Mimms backed by Village Green (Steve Fitzgerald’s gig diary)
3 December – The Chiffons
5 December – The Bandwagon
8 December – Interstate Road Show
12 December – The Track
14 December – South Sea Bubble
15 December – Toast
17 December – Sea Jam Blues
19 December – Bunkers Brain
21 December – Jalopy Ride
22 December – Cherry Smash
24 December – Rainbow Ffolly and The Riot Squad
26 December – The Nite Walkers (The All Night Workers?)
28 December – Spring
29 December – Octopus (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.
It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.
Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.
Source:Melody Maker unless otherwise noted
During 1967, New Zealand band Me & The Others featuring future Keef Hartley Band and Uriah Heep bass player Gary Thain auditioned at the club.
1967
1 January – The Soul Set
3 January – Jimmy Cliff (with The Shakedown Sound?)
10 January – The Canadians (with David Foster on keyboards)
Photo: Melody Maker
11 January – The Soul Sisters
12 January – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
17 January – The Bunch
19 January – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
Photo: Melody Maker
22 January – Warren Davis Monday Band
24 January – Cool Combination
26 January – Cool Combination
29 January – Warren Davis Monday Band
31 January – The Soul Set
5 February – Warren Davis Monday Band
7 February – Edwin Starr
12 February – Warren Davis Monday Band
14 February – The Bunch
21 February – The Night Train
23 February – The Bunch
28 February – The Bunch
2 March – Edwin Starr
5 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
9 March – Duane Eddy
12 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
14 March – The Night Train
16 March – Lee Dorsey
19 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
21 March – The Bunch
23 March – The Original Drifters
24 March – The Trap
26 March – Warren Davis Monday Band
27 March – The Flashbakks
28 March – The Bunch
30 March – The Hunky Chunk Band
4 April – The Night Train
9 April – The Soul Set
11 April – The Bunch
12 April – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry
13 April – The Trap
16 April – The Soul Set
17 April – The Dave Martin Group (audition)
The Dave Martin Group’s manager Geoff Chinnery confirms the audition date above
18 April – The Bunch
20 April – The Flashbakks
23 April – The Soul Set
25 April – The Bunch
27 April – Warren Davis Monday Band
30 April – The Shell (Shock Show)
Photo: Melody Maker
2 May – Lunar 2
4 May – Warren Davis Monday Band
7 May – The Shell Shock Show
9 May – Garnet Mimms (most likely backed by The Senate)
11 May – The Bunch
14 May – The Ultimate
16 May – Warren Davis Monday Band
Photo: Melody Maker
17 May – Jack Hammer & His Hammer Jammers
18 May – The Bunch
21 May – The Ultimate
23 May – Clyde McPhatter
25 May – Warren Davis Monday Band
Photo: Melody Maker
28 May – The Ultimate
30 May – The Iveys
31 May – Jose Feliciano
1 June – The Bunch
Photo: Melody Maker
4 June – The Ultimate
6 June – The Trap
8 June – Edwin Starr
11 June – The Pussyfoot
13 June – Craig King & The Midnight Train
14 June – The Skatalites
15 June – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend)
18 June – The Pussyfoot
19 June – The Shell Shock Show
20 June – The Impact Blues
22 June – Sonny Smiles & The Original Sonny Smiles Band
25 June – The Pussyfoot
27 June – The Impact Blues
28 June – Sugar Simone & The Programme
29 June – The Toys
2 July – The Pussyfoot
4 July – Craig King & The Midnight Train
6 July – The Iveys
Photo: Caterham Weekly Press
7 or 8 July – The All Night Walkers (aka The All Night Workers) (needs confirmation)
9 July – The Bunch
11 July – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend)
13 July – The Shell Shock Show
14 July – The Maroons
16 July – The Bunch
18 July – Neat Change
20 July – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback
Photo: Melody Maker
23 July – Warren Davis Monday Band
25 July – Mr Mo’s Messengers
27 July – The Skatalites
30 July – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
1 August – The Syrian Blues
3 August – Garnett Mimms (either backed by The Senate or The Clockwork Orange)
5 August – Katch 22
6 August – Warren Davis Monday Band
8 August – Wages of Sin
10 August – The Iveys
Photo: Melody Maker
13 August – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
14 August – Freddie Mack & The Mack Sound
15 August – Wages of Sin
17 August – Mr Mo’s Messengers
20 August – The Trend
22 August – The Choice
24 August – The Clockwork Orange
This version of The Clockwork Orange is either the group that became The Doves later in the year or The Sovereigns (see 1966 entry) who backed The Fantastics from August 1967 (usually billed as The House of Orange) and also did two tours with Garnet Mimms
27 August – The Choice
28 August – Warren Davis Monday Band
29 August – Wages of Sin
31 August – The Skatalites
3 September – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
5 September – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) (backed by Clockwork Orange – see above)
7 September – Wages of Sin
10 September – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
12 September – Sean Buckley Set
14 September – Katch 22 and Wages of Sin
Photo: Melody Maker
17 September – Warren Davis Monday Band
19 September – The Original Drifters (most likely with The Trend backing)
21 September – Reg James Explosion
Photo: Melody Maker
24 September – John (this is Jon)
26 September – Garnet Mimms (either with The Senate or Clockwork Orange backing him)
28 September – Katch 22
Photo: Melody Maker
1 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers
3 October – Garnet Mimms (either with The Senate or The Clockwork Orange backing him)
5 October – Cats Pyjamas
8 October – Mr Mo’s Messengers
10 October – Max Baer & The Chicago Setback
12 October – The Soul Sisters with The Trend
15 October – Mr Hip
17 October – Clyde McPhatter (most likely with The Trend backing)
19 October – Duane Eddy
22 October – The Quotations
23 October – The Cortinas (Paul Griggs’ gig diary)
24 October – The Original Drifters (most likely with The Trend backing)
26 October – Clyde McPhatter (most likely with The Trend backing)
28 October – Alison’s Dump
29 October – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
31 October – The Isley Brothers
2 November – Stacey’s Circle
5 November – Scots of St James
7 November – The Shiralee
9 November – Geranium Pond
11 November – Alison’s Dump
12 November – The Doves
14 November – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics)
16 November – Nepenthe (most likely with The Trend backing)
19 November – The Unsuited Medium
21 November – Blue Rivers & His Maroons
23 November – Nepenthe (most likely with The Trend backing)
26 November – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
28 November – The Last Tic Band
30 November – James Brown Junior
3 December – Mr Hip
5 December – The Velours
7 December – Tuesday’s Children
10 December – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
12 December – The Fabulous Marvelettes (most likely with The Trend backing)
14 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
17 December – Eddie Lewison Combo
19 December – Mr Mo’s Messengers
21 December – The Fabulous Marvelettes (most likely with The Trend backing)
Photo: Melody Maker
23 December – Dr Marigold’s Prescription
24 December – The Shiralee
25 December – Alison’s Dump
26 December – The Cortinas (confirmed by Paul Griggs’ diary)
Located at 33/37 Wardour Street, the Whisky A Go Go was a major rock music venue during the mid-late 1960s and was situated in the same building as the Flamingo.
It’s not clear when it first opened its doors to rock artists but according to London Life magazine, occasional live groups did perform at the venue during 1965. This is supported by a club passport (see below), kindly provided by Harvey Jordan.
Photo: Harvey Jordan
However, it appears that the club really took off in late 1966, with listings four times a week. I have started to compile a list of artists who were advertised from 1966 to 1970 and would welcome any additions/corrections.
Melody Maker advertised gigs for the Whisky A Go Go every week, although there were gaps in places, particularly in late 1968 and during 1970. All of the shows listed below are from Melody Maker unless otherwise noted. Disc & Music Echo also regularly advertised the venue.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in the music press so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who can add any memories of particular shows in the comments below.
Source:Melody Maker unless otherwise noted
1966
According to the sleeve notes of RPM’s Timebox CD (and other band sources), the original Timebox, which may have been billed as Take Five at the time, landed a regular Wednesday night residency at this club when they first came to London thanks to manager Laurie Jay who worked at the George Cooper Agency. This would have been around January-March 1966.
18 January – The Key (needs source for confirmation)
17 February – Inez and Charlie Foxx with The League of Gentlemen
Melody Maker notes that Chris Lamb & The Universals play Wednesdays, which would have included 9 and 16 March
17 March – Irma Thomas (backed by The Sons of Adam)
4 April – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
7 April – Don Covay
12 April – Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages
14 April – Dee Dee Warwick
21 April – Lee Dorsey
24 April – The Blue Aces
This is Junior Kerr’s (aka Junior Marvin, future Wailers’ guitarist) band, who had played in Dakar from 4-16 April, according to Melody Maker advert
Photo: Melody Maker
3 May – Lee Dorsey (Disc & Music Echo)
5 May – The Dixie Cups
9 May – Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells (with Bluesology?)
12 May – Sugar Pie De Santo
17 May – Patti LaBelle & The Blue Bells (with Bluesology?)
19 May – The Original Drifters
26 May – Ben E King
Photo: Melody Maker
9 June – Roy C
16 June – Stevie Wonder
20 June – Billy Stewart (with Bluesology?)
27 June – Irma Thomas
7 July – Noma Tanega (Disc & Music Echo has 5 July unless both days?)
Photo: Melody Maker
14-15 July – The Orlons
18 July – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry
22 July – Rufus Thomas
25 July – Solomon Burke
3 August – Solomon Burke
9 August – Jimmy Cliff (not sure who is the backing band as singer split with The New Generation, who went on to link up with Gary Hamilton as Hamilton Movement, the previous month)
16 August – Jimmy Cliff
23 August – Jimmy Cliff
25 August – The Ikettes (with PP Arnold?)
28 August – The Soul Set (says they play every Sunday)
4 September – The Soul Set
6 September – The Peeps
8 September – The Carnaby
11 September – The Soul Set
15 September – The Vibrations
18 September – The Soul Set (needs confirmation)
22 September – The Bunch
27 September – The Majority
29 September – The Gas Company
4 October – The Mad Lads
6 October – The Five Chants
10 October – The Mad Lads (Disc & Music Echo)
11 October – The Washington DCs
13 October – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
18 October – Alvin Cash & The Crawlers
20 October – The Spellbinders
24 October – Alvin Robinson
25 October – The Bunch
31 October – Alvin Robinson
1 November – The Bunch
3 November – Lee Dorsey
8 November – The Dixie Cups
10 November – The Dave Davani Four
11 November – The Subterraneans with Nepenthe (Disc & Music Echo has 14 November)
15 November – The Original Coasters
17 November – Joe E Young & The Tonicks
20 November – The Boardwalkers (became Warren Davis Monday Band shortly afterwards)
The Who with Jo Jo Gunne, 11 February 1968 (Surrey Mirror)
Located on the high street, the Starlight Ballroom in Crawley, West Sussex was a significant music venue in the UK during the 1960s. Peter Griffin booked artists for the venue, together with the Starlite Ballroom in Greenford, London.
I have started to compile a list of artists that were advertised at the venue between 1966 and 1968 and would welcome any additions/corrections. I have noted down the sources.
It is important to stress that these are listings for artists who were advertised in local papers or on posters so it’s quite possible that changes in the final billing may have taken place. I’ve tried to note them down where they are confirmed.
1965
29 October 1965 – The Animals (Record Mirror)
4 November 1965 – Unit 4 Plus 2 (Record Mirror and Beat Instrumental)
2 December 1965 – The Small Faces (Record Mirror and Beat Instrumental)
9 December 1965 – Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas (Beat Instrumental)
1966
6 January 1966 – The Hollies (Beat Instrumental)
13 January 1966 – Dave Berry & The Cruisers (Beat Instrumental)
27 January 1966 – The Swinging Blue Jeans (Record Mirror)
3 February 1966 – The Moody Blues (Beat Instrumental)
10 February 1966 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)
18 March 1966 – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames (Beat Instrumental)
21 April – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band and The Fleur De Lys (Caterham Weekly Press) Beat Instrumental had The Small Faces on this date
5 May – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, The Gobbledegooks and The Cadalacks (Caterham Weekly Press)
15 May – The Manchester Playboys (Caterham Weekly Press)
19 May – (Jimmy James &) The Vagabonds (Caterham Weekly Press)
26 May – The Action and The Powerhouse Six (Caterham Weekly Press)
1 December – The Bunch of Fives (Mid Sussex Times)
1967
12 March – The 1st Lites (Surrey Mirror)
26 March – The Iveys (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Melody Maker
31 March – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds (Crawley Advertiser)
2 April – Zoot Money and His Big Roll Band (Melody Maker)
23 April – Pink Floyd and The Doves (poster)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
5 May – Shell Shock Show and The Gods (Crawley Advertiser/Surrey Mirror)
7 May – Alan Bown Set (Crawley Advertiser/Surrey Mirror)
19 May – Lunar II and The Honey Band (Crawley Advertiser)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
21 May – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set and Prince Buster & The Bees (Crawley Advertiser)
26 May – Alan Bown Set (Surrey Mirror)
28 May – The Shell Shock Show (Surrey Mirror)
4 June – Ray King Soul Band and The Gods (Crawley Advertiser)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
11 June – Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement and Craig King & The Midnight Train (Crawley Advertiser)
18 June – John Lee Hooker and The Hip Hooray Band (Crawley Advertiser)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
25 June – Alan Price Set with support groups (Crawley Advertiser)
2 July – The Outer Limits and support group (Crawley Advertiser)
29 July – The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)
30 July – Sam and Bill with Hamilton & The Hamilton Movement and The Gas Company (Surrey Mirror)
5 August – The Cornermen (Surrey Mirror)
6 August – Winston’s Fumbs and Geranium Pond (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
13 August – Cats Pyjamas and Geranium Pond (Surrey Mirror)
16 September – Aubrey Denny & The Cornermen and The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)
17 September – The Tiles Big Band and Gentle Madness (Surrey Mirror)
23 September – The Exits and The Visitors (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
24 September – The Small Faces and Modes Mode (Surrey Mirror)
30 September – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
1 October – The Move and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)
7 October – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)
8 October – Dantalion’s Chariot and The Kindred (Surrey Mirror)
14 October – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
15 October – The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)
Henry Turtle, singer/songwriter and guitarist with The Doves, says Jo Jo Gunne didn’t turn up and The Doves were parachuted in at the last minute. A poster confirms The Doves with Jimi Hendrix for this date without Jo Jo Gunne listed.
21 October – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)
22 October – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)
28 October – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
29 October – The Original Drifters (most likely backed by The Trend) (Surrey Mirror)
4 November – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)
5 November – Long John Baldry (with Bluesology) and The Deadly Nightshade (Surrey Mirror)
11 November – Fascination (afternoon). The Exits and The Mover (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
12 November – Jo Jo Gunne and Modes Mode (Surrey Mirror)
18 November – Fascination (afternoon). The Exits and The Mover (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
19 November – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and The All Night Workers (Surrey Mirror)
25 November – The Exits (Surrey Mirror)
26 November – Ronnie Jones & The Q-Set (Surrey Mirror) and The Army (Melody Maker)
2 December – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
3 December – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) and The Army (Surrey Mirror)
9 December – The Exits and The Mover (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
10 December – The Foundations (Surrey Mirror)
Jo Jo Gunne may have been on the bill with The Foundations but needs confirmation
16 December – The Kindred (afternoon) and The Exits (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
17 December – The Vibrations (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
23 December – The All Night Workers and The Exits (Surrey Mirror)
24 December – Jo Jo Gunne and The Exits (Surrey Mirror)
30 December – The Exits and The Tony Strudwick Orchestra (Surrey Mirror)
31 December – Jo Jo Gunne and Precisely This (Surrey Mirror)
1968
6 January – Dave’s Dimensions (afternoon) and The Exits (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
7 January – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)
13 January – Jason Crest (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
14 January – Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds with support band (Surrey Mirror)
20 January – The Taste (afternoon) and BBC’s Stuart Henry and The Army (Surrey Mirror)
21 January – The Human Instinct and The Summits (Surrey Mirror)
27 January – BBC’s Stuart Henry and The Age with Rice Milton (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
28 January – Desmond Dekker & The Aces and The Inspiration (Surrey Mirror)
3 February – Purple Dream and The Taste (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
4 February – Edwin Starr (Surrey Mirror/New Musical Express) and Gin House Blues (Surrey Mirror)
10 February – Jo Jo Gunne and The Doves (Surrey Mirror)
11 February – The Who and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
17 February – The Mike Stuart Span and The Memphis Gents (Surrey Mirror)
18 February – Jimmy James & The Vagabonds (Surrey Mirror)
Henry Turtle says that The Doves opened for Jimmy James & The Vagabonds at this venue. It might have been on this occasion or another time.
24 February – Damson Flies (afternoon) and Misty Romance and Exploding Orange (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
25 February – The Human Instinct and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)
2 March – Size Five and The Race (Surrey Mirror)
3 March – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band (Surrey Mirror)
9 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and Jo Jo Gunne and Modes Mode (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
10 March – The Fabulous Temptations (aka The Fantastics) and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)
16 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and Zoot Money (aka Dantalion’s Chariot) (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
17 March – The Small Faces and Kristan Young & The Reflections (Surrey Mirror)
23 March – Surprise group (afternoon) and DJ Pete Drummond and The All Night Workers (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
24 March – The Skatalites and The Extreme Sound (Surrey Mirror)
30 March – Sulphate of Ammania (afternoon) and Tony Strudwick & His Band (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
31 March – The Original Drifters and Jo Jo Gunne (Surrey Mirror)
Drummer Paul Maher of Jo Jo Gunne says he covered for the drummer in the backing band for The Original Drifters as he was ill.
6 April – The Fascinations (afternoon) and Miss Gatwick 1968 competition and Tony Strudwick & His Band (evening) with Colin Berry and Size Five in the upstairs lounge (evening) (Surrey Mirror)
Photo: Surrey Mirror
7 April – Modes Mode and Ffolley & The Rainbow (aka Rainbow Ffolley) (Surrey Mirror)
13 April – The New Breed (Surrey Mirror)
14 April – Peter London’s Rock and Roll Band and The New Breed (Surrey Mirror)
27 April – JJ Jackson (Evening Argus)
1 June – The Equals and The Motion (Surrey Mirror)
23 June – Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Titch (New Musical Express)
FINAL NOTE:
Henry Turtle says that The Doves also opened for the following artists at this venue but I haven’t been able to find listings: Amen Corner, The Small Faces and Wishful Thinking
There is absolutely no information on this group and its personnel on the internet beyond the release of this lone UK single in February 1967.
The group played regularly at the Whisky A Go Go in Wardour Street in Soho, central London between 1967 and 1969. It also played at the Mistrale in Beckenham, south London a fair bit too among other venues.
Photo from John Wilders. Left to right: John Wilders, Ken Gray, Mo Umansky, unknown guitarist, unknown drummer, John Eldred and (front) Mick Timlett
There are rumours that Mr Mo’s Messengers evolved into Sketto Rich & Sonority (see entry on this site) but this seems very unlikely (as both bands were gigging simultaneously in the late 1960s).
However, there is a slight possibility that the musicians in the latter formation also used the name Mr Mo’s Messengers briefly, as both groups came from the southeast London/Kent borderlands.
If anyone can provide further information on the group’s history and its personnel, we’d be interested to hear from you (see comments section for what has been submitted so far).
Acetate from 1968/1969. Thanks to Lewis Anderson
I have found the following gigs for the group:
1 July 1967 – Iron Curtain Club, Small Heath, West Midlands (Birmingham Evening Mail)
25 July 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
17 August 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
1 October 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
8 October 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
19 December 1967 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
27 January 1968 – Penthouse, Colchester, Essex (Essex County Standard) Billed as Mr Mo’s
25 February 1968 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
4 April 1968 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
19 April 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Dantalion’s Chariot (Melody Maker)
26 April 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
8 May 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Marmalade (Poster)
22 May 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
1 June 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with The Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival Show (Coulsdon & Purley Advertiser)
4 July 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Cliff Bennett (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
Photo: Beckenham & Penge Advertiser
18 July 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Cliff Bennett (Beckenham & Penge Advertiser)
24 August 1968 – Stage Door, Oxford (Oxford Mail)
31 August 1968 – Supreme Ballroom, Ramsgate, Kent with Fire (East Kent Times & Mail)
26 October 1968 – Mistrale, Beckenham, south London with Sweet Rain (Poster)
30 November 1968 – St Albans City Hall, St Albans, Herts (Welwyn & Hatfield Advertiser)
17 January 1969 – Hatchetts Playground, Piccadilly, central London (Jonathan Marks’ Hatchetts monthly gig listing)
18 January 1969 – Fellowship Inn, Bellingham, south London (Melody Maker)
25 March 1969 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
5 April 1969 – Whisky A Go Go, Wardour Street, Soho, central London (Melody Maker)
15 May 1969 – Pilgrim Cellar, Haywards Heath, West Sussex with Double Sounds (Mid Sussex Times)
1-2 August 1969 – Samantha’s, New Burlington Street, central London (Poster)
15-16 August 1969 – Samantha’s, New Burlington Street, central London (Poster)
29-30 August 1969 – Samantha’s, New Burlington Street, central London (Poster)
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
J.D. Lobue and Leland Russell wrote “I’m Gonna Make It”. Jim Weatherly wrote the B-side, the Elvis-sounding “Wise Men Never Speak”, which he copyrighted in April, 1964.
