The Atlanta Vibrations have the first single on the short-lived Sim-Cor label out of Atlanta, Georgia. “If You Let Me Love You” / “My Hometown”.
Members included:
Woody Turner – lead vocals, guitar
Spencer Kirkpatrick – guitar
Bob Giannoni – bass
Charles Lunsford – guitar
Ricky Wafford – drums, replaced by Tom Sims
Both songs of their 45 are good but I find “If You Let Me Love You” the most catchy and well done. Woody Turner wrote both songs, published, as all on Sim-Cor by Bold Lad Music, BMI.
I haven’t found out much about the band yet, except that they had a spot opening for the Beatles during their 1965 tour. The band continued with a different lineup into the late ’60s.
After leaving the Atlanta Vibrations, Woody Turner joined the Apolloes for a period, but I don’t believe he’s singing on their singles. Spencer Kirkpatrick would later join Hydra, who had two LPs on Capricorn and one on Polydor in the ’70s.
Photos and much of the info on the Atlanta Vibrations came from the Atlanta Bands Facebook page.
Sim-Cor discography (any help with this would be appreciated)
Sim-Cor 101 – The Atlanta Vibrations – “If You Let Me Love You” / “My Hometown” (NRC #385, April 1966)
Sim-Cor 45-102 – Robby – “People Ain’t Going Nowhere” / “I Don’t Want to Leave” (both by Robby Barnes for Bold Ladd, BMI, NRC #405, 1966)
Sim-Cor 492 – Ann & Anne – “I Met a Man” (Ann Ford) / “Beyond the Sea” (NRC #492, 1966)
Sim-Cor 45-003 – Imposters – When You Say (Kenneth Gowan) / Please Please (NRC #543, 1967)
The NRC numbers at the top of each label indicate Sim-Cor was one of the many Georgia labels that pressed at the National Recording Corporation’s pressing plant.
Good stuff. In this month’s issue of “Vintage Guitar Magazine,” there’s an article on Spencer Kirkpatrick. It mostly concentrates on Hydra, but does have some info on Atlanta Vibrations.
thanks for keeping memories alive ! That is Ringo’s Ludwig kit, Tony Newman (with Sounds Inc at the time ! ) removed the faux front head with logo after they finished their set before the Beatles came out. Also, not sure where your info came from, some right, some not. The lineup that day l-r is Woody Turner, Terry Bray,Ricky Wofford Me, and Bob Gianonni. Charles Lunsford came in after Woody went to the Apollos,and I don’t know Tom Sims. Let me know if I can be of further assistance, and BTW, RIP Ricky and Bob in the Summerlands ! Cheers !
Roosevelt High alumni in The Atlanta Vibrations: Woody Turner (class of 1967?), Ricky Wofford (class of 1965, deceased); Terry Bray (class of 1965); and Spencer Kirkpatrick (before joining Hydra). Not sure which high school Bob Giannoni attended, but he is deceased. Charles Lunsford replaced Woody after he left to go with Apollos.
I live in California now but my sister ,Linda Reynolds knew Woody-that’s the only name I could remember. i think she has some pictures somewhere—
I saw The Atlanta Vibrations open for the Beatles at the Stadium-we were on row 13-I can believe the tickets were $5.50. of course that was 1965 and I was 11. , my sister was almost 8 years older so that s how I got to go.I’ll never forget -you guys were great!
Ricky Wofford is my uncle so cool to see this
Ricky was my cousin. Never had seen this until now. Boy, that was a long time ago.
When I was about 13 or 14 my friends mother arranged for the Atlanta Vibrations to play for her son and myself in her apartment in Falls Church Va. Maybe 1964 or 5? I remember the lead singer named Woody gave us autographs and hair clipping , could it have been the real Atlanta Vibrations? So long ago wish I could remember more. Anyone with any information?
Woody Turner was my Uncle. I remember him coming over with his guitar and singing me songs. I always loved that
I cherish the memories of uncle woody and other family musicians partying in a farm house in Alpharetta Ga. They would play all night, no neighbors for miles. A lot of music with no complaints!
Is Woody Turner is alive?. The Apolloes live in my mom’s house in Atlanta GA
Spencer, lunsford and me (scott richardson) are john b gordon alumni! I later went on as singer/keyboard for “the rain” in atlanta 1967-1969. Met spencer several times, super musician and even better human being! Will always treasure being there for “spencers boogie” @ the catacombs!
Hey class of 1966 at Roseville high school.
I remember Woody graduating at the Atlanta city or auditorium in Atlanta.They wouldn’t let him graduate on stage with us because he had long hair he had to sit in the audience. I still remember this to this day. I don’t think it was right Woody I hope you’re still alive and kicking buddy.
Charles
I’m having breakfast this morning with my dad Terry Bray who played guitar in the band. He is the tall one in front of the drums. Ricky Wofford was his best friend growing up. I still hear about the band, the Beatles concert in 1965 and then being drafted into the US Army. My dad picks up the guitar in the house and still plays for us. He was visiting in London a few years ago and found a musician playing Beatles songs on the London Bridge, after a brief conversation the musician handed my dad the guitar and played several songs while they performed. Just another great memory for a great man. Love you dad!