The Jades came from Muncie, Indiana, a college town about 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Kathy Knecht sent in the photo above asking for more information about the Jades.
Members were:
Gary Royer – lead guitar
John Terhune – bass
Greg Hood – organ
David Smith – drums
The Jades had two singles, both with excellent original songs.
The first was “I Cried” / ” Once Upon a Time” in December 1965 on Holiday, a label from Union, Kentucky, just southwest of Cincinnati.
The second was “Come Back” (Greg Hood) / “Change My Ways” (Gary Royer) on the Denim label, release #1078 in March of 1967. Denim Records would go on to release four singles by the Chosen Few and one that I haven’t heard by the Affectionate Armpit.
We all were singers. Gary and I wrote the songs we recorded but the whole band had input on the final product. The greatest thing about this band is that we were such good friends.
Greg would go on to join the December’s Children, who recorded “Keep on Runnin'” and “99 and A Half” on the Classic Records label.
I have the Jades 45 if you want a pic for your site. Just tell me how to get it to you. Eric
“The Jades” played at the ‘Swing In’ in the basement at YMCA in Huntington, IN. 1964 -1966 I think was the time span Live Bands were allowed down there. I remember it was a great time!
A bunch of us from the class of ’67 have been reminiscing about the Jades and the Swing Inn as we plan our Summer of 22 get together. I just saw your comment, Marsha, from April of 2016 on the Jades site, and couldn’t believe it. A bunch of us get together each summer on Lake Wawasee, and tell lies and brag about how skinny we were, and how far we could swim at Lake Clare. Days from long ago all enjoyed while growing up in Huntington. The Spot, Nick’s Kitchen, Ralph’s Pool Emporium, Penguin Point, and the mighty A&W were all the scene along with the hot cars and Rainbow Lanes. They were the fabric of our lives while growing up . Hope life treated you well. Steve Keipper, ’67.
Chris, I’ll send you the “Affectionate Armpit” tunes. You aren’t missing much, but who knows, maybe you dig jug bands.
Recreating a Swing Inn Event March 18, 2023 at the Parkview Huntington Family YMCA facility. More info available on Facebook page YMCA Swing Inn Dance Party or contact teresa.bartrom@huntingtony.org.
Are any of the artists available for comment or to contact.