Updated July, 2023
The Tremors “Wondering Why” on Catalina is one of the greatest garage records, but almost nothing was known about the band until recently, when Matt Aquiline found an article from the Urbana Daily Citizen on December 12, 1966, detailing their first recording session, which would produce the 45.
Members were:
Bill Cromwell – lead vocals and rhythm guitar
Derry Cox – lead guitar
Gene Monroe – bass
Herald Barker – drums and organ
Jim Cummins – organ and drums
Buckeye Beat has a photo and mentions that four members were from Urbana, Ohio and one from Springfield OH. They cut their single at the O’Brien Studio in Springfield, produced by musician and race car driver Ron Knull, released in December 1966 or January 1967 on Catalina 03/04.
The 45 was pressed by Rite Record Productions, 19469/70, account # 1801, both songs published by Ronnie K Music.
The writer credit on “Wondering Why” is Cummins – Barker. For some reason, many scans of this side on the internet have erased their names. I need to see a good scan of the B-side, the fine ballad “What Have I Done” to see if there are similar credits.
Paul Lunnon suggests Harold Barker was known as Hal Barker, he and Jim Cummins were long-time friends and musicians. Hal Barker mainly played drums, James Cummins organ and keyboards.
The only other notice I can find is a mention of “The Tremors” Dance Band at the Quarter Miler Rod & Custom Show on April 1 & 2, 1967, at the National Guard Armory in New Philadelphia, Ohio, almost three hours’ drive east of Urbana.
Other singles on Catalina:
Catalina 1 – The Shacklefords – “The Wonderer” / “The Unloved” (1966, written by D. Shackleford, published by Lunk Music, Rite pressing 17743/4, account # 1801)
Catalina 335 – Ron Frasier and Consolidations – “Summer with You” / “Another Girl” (I need a scan of this single, it is a Rite pressing 18803/4, account # 297)
I have names but out of respect for their privacy I am not going to reveal them. This is one of the most sought- after 45s of any genre and I know the members who are still living are beyond tired of getting hassled by people for information and copies of the 45 under the guise of ” detailed articles” and legal reissues.
I have a copy. I have had it since the mid 1990s purchased from a well known 45rpm hound so I am not keeping membership details for my own benefit. I am sure if any want to come forward they will do so.
I do know that Jim Cummins passed away several years ago.
It’s too bad the group was harassed by collectors in the ‘90s. I would never hound anyone, and usually wait for a band member to contact me.
I am surprised to find that there has never been a published interview from any member of the group.
When I was doing my “12 O’Clock, July” Michigan fanzine in the late 80’s/early 90’s I encountered a couple of former band members who almost wouldn’t talk to me because a rather notorious Michigan record snake had soured them on collectors and fans of the band. Two different people from two different bands said the guy used to just show up unannounced at their homes, ring the door bell and start begging for records just out of the blue. So, when you consider that was over thirty years ago and it was happening then, I get why those band guys would be tired of it by now.