The Proverbial Knee Hi’s were Charles Smith guitar, Dale Pate electric piano and organ, Butch Powell bass and Eddie Hall drums. They had a vocalist, Willie T., who was out of the band by the time they recorded their only 45.
They group started in 1966, and played the chain of Beachcomber clubs along the east coast which were owned by their manager, Buddy Eisen. They even had a fan club based in New Jersey.
The band went into D’Arcy Sound Studios in Norfolk and recorded two original songs, released on Eisen’s Beachcomber label in the fall of 1967.
“Watchout” is a great upbeat number with some garbled singing. There’s a neat instrumental break before a short recited verse. Eddie Hall really pounds the drums, and I like how Dale Pate moves between Wurlitzer and electric piano.
“Crying For Her” is an epic ballad, really dramatic, but I dig both the intro and the closing moments of the song.
The 45 was produced by Warren Miller and arranged by Wayne Butler. D’Arcy Studio also was where The Regents featuring Mel Gaines recorded their great 45 on M.A.D. “What’cha Gonna Do” / “I Tried With Her”.
Are we to assume that this band got its name from “Nashville Cats”: “You might say I was a musical proverbial knee-high”?
Yes, and I still play drums. I lost contact with other members of the band. I’ve been a car dealer since 1973.
I always thought the name was a surfing reference to the waves in Virginia Beach…”knee – high.”
THE PROVERBIAL KNEE HI’S DID NOT WRITE THE SONG “CRYING FOR HER”..
THIS SONG WAS WRITTEN BY ME AND IT WAS ABOUT JEAN WHO I LOVED BUT MARRIAGE ANOTHER MAN
DALE PLAYED WITH OUR BAND AND THAT IS WHERE HE HEARD THE SONG
Spent the summer of ’68 traveling to the Jersey shore every weekend we could to go to the Beachcomber lounge – dancing, listening to good songs, and just partying with everyone – wonderful time with great memories! Love the Proverbial Knee-Hi band and the guys were GREAT! And Buddy always watched over us & made sure we were ok – good man!
Hope the guys are all well and enjoying life!!!
Hi, my name is Charlie Davis, I was a member of a band that played in the Beachcomber lounges owned by Mr. Buddy Eisen in the mid 60’s, spent most of our time in the lounge in Norfolk, Va, we had a music mentor named Rick , a lady by the name of Marlene booked us in all of the Beachcomber lounges, a man by the name of Jimmy was the manager of the lounge in Norfolk, my band members were John Picatagegi (Drummer), Jack Picatagegi (Base guitar), Glenn Beard (organ) and myself on electric guitar, I wish that I could remember what the name of our band was. I would love to know what these guys are doing now
I have my father’s 45 collection and I have the crying for her/watchout. It is a signed copy by Butch, Dale, Eddie & another name I can’t read. Would any of you know the other name
Anyway I enjoyed listening to these songs.
Is anyone in contact with any of the band members?
Hello,
All I can tell you is that Charles Smith (my father) passed away in 1975 and Eddie Hall passed away in 2019. I have not had any contact with the others.
Lisa, I’m sorry for the loss of your father. Was he nicknamed “Smitty” and was the guitar player? If so, I had a crush on him when I worked at the Beachcomber in Ocean City MD and in NJ in the late 60’s! He was going with Jeanette at the time also and she was pregnant with his baby. Crazy and fun times! Sorry to hear about Eddie too. Did he marry Elaine? Hope you are well and just thought I would say hello, I can’t believe I stumbled on this page! Take care! Jennifer Graves (my name back then was Janice Holmead).