The Fredericksburg Standard of July 7, 1965 published a photo and profile of the Crossfires, a band that would go on to become the Fountain of Youth.
The Crossfires won seventh place among 78 groups at a battle of the bands at the Surfers A Go Go club in Dallas. They were all students at St. Mary’s School in Fredericksburg.
Gary Itri – bass guitar
Gary Jenschke – lead guitar
Jimmy Panza – drummer and vocalist
Kenneth Molberg – rhythm guitar
Two bands from Dallas won the top prizes: the Green Men, (I believe that would be Johnny and the Green Men) won first place and the Soul Rockers second. The Briks from Denton came in third.
The article notes that the Crossfires were the youngest group in the contest, and placed ahead of the LaVelles. The Crossfires started in March 1964 as the Fugitives, and had guidance from KNAF DJ Johnny Almon.
Although the article states that the Soul Rockers “have cut several best selling records”, I am unaware of any by that group name.
The Crossfires cut a version of Robb London and the Rogue‘s “Who’ll Be the One” / “Making Love Is Fun” on Tower 278 in 1966. I’ve seen a copy with a stamp from the Itri Record Shop in Fredericksburg!
The band relocated to California and with a name change to the Fountain of Youth, had four singles on Colgems. Billboard ran a full-page ad titled “Fountain of Youth has been discovered in Texas” to promote their first Colgems single, “Livin’ Too Fast”.
I’m a big fan of the B-side of their second Colgems single, “Don’t Blame Me (for Trying)” from June of 1968, by a somewhat obscure song writer, Ken Walker. “Day Don’t Come”, the B-side of “Sunshine on a Cold Morning” is also a standout.
Ken Molberg had left the group by the time of their last single. “Witness People” is the only recorded song that the band wrote themselves, by Itri, Panza and Jenschke. It’s one of their best, with a heavier sound than the earlier singles.
The group had a Kickstarter campaign to remaster & reissue their singles on CDR and vinyl, which has some additional info about the group.
Gary Itri passed away in January, 2014.
If anyone has photos or info on any of these groups please contact me. This photo from the Fredericksburg Standard is not bad by microfilm standards, but better quality photos must be out there.
I am Jimmy Panza’s cousin, Janet (Heath) LeBaron. They came to California when I was 10. My father helped them get connected with Tower Records.
I’d love to hear from him. Sending hugs!
Do you know how to get ahold of him. I have some info?
I am trying to get ahold of Jimmy in New Hampshire. I want to write a screenplay on these young men. I have completed my current Screenplay and want to dig into the timeline of these young me. I would like to talk with someone. This could be a great film. I have the story line laid out but would need a timeline and stories from Jimmy and Ken. I have done a lot of research and would appreciate a reply.
Respectfully,
JR Robinson