A band I know almost nothing about, I hear the Tyrannies were from Abita Springs, Louisiana.
Fine guitar with a melancholy vocal delivery, this 45 was released in June 1965 on the Watch label. Songwriting credits for “She’s a Queen” and the flip, “Little Girl” go to Hall and Bond.
Just spotted this single called “She’s A Queen” by The Tyrannies. I also note how rare it is and just to get a listen may cost as much as $35 & up. My interest is this – back in 1965 (circa?) I heard a most incredible ‘unknown’ track on CKLW, Detroit (via Windsor, Ontario) on then DJ Terry Knight’s radio broadcast. I befriended him over ten years ago, but he couldn’t remember the song, which I recall had a line, “Now she’s the (a) queen” along with a great organ and harmonica solo, back to back. Sadly, Terry was murdered four years ago – he was the first to play Them, The Pretty Things, The Zombies and The Kinks in the United States around August, 1964. I see that you mention The Tyrannies were from Louisianna, but the track I heard sounded very British, like a cross between Them & The Animals. I would love to hear the track before I buy it, but that seems impossible, so I am hoping someone can shed some light on the Tyrannies, aside from the posting, and respond to my description as to if there is any chance this may be the track I have been searching for, now for over 40 years! Many thanks for anything you can offer…I am, Otto von Ruggins, Master of the Unheard Øf
hi Otto I’m carl Cleland and I played bass with the tyrannies thermon lytell and John band and harry hall added there voices to both songs and dave glockner of covington played the keyboard. I still have one copy of the single and only heard it was on tube recently.. Long time ago very talented group and lots of fun. I don’t know old this is but email me and I can fill you in on the details. udapilot@yahoo.com
I know the guy that sang this song. His name is Thurman Lytell and he had a band in the sixtys called the Tyrannies. I had not seen him since the late sixtys. I just found him on Facebook. I just asked him if he had a copy of the song and he said he did not. Then I started looking and found it on this web page! I never thought I would here the song again. Thurman looked like John Travolta when he was younger and had a big following in Southeast Louisiana. Thank you so much Otto.
This is my dad. But he never spoke of this song. It was many years before i was born. I would love to get more info. I will look into this more. My dad was very talented with his music and i know he wrote numerous songs when i was younger.
thanks,
Thurmond,
My condolences to you and your family.
I just read of your father’s passing on Facebook’s “Remember Covington…” group.
I was about ten years old in the mid-sixties; my mother took me to Covington High School’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie”. She wanted to see “Thurman Lytell”, described something like: a young man who didn’t care too much for school but was a real talent and was great in the play.
The play was good and even included a real motorcycle – his, I presume. Cool. After the play, his band The Tyrannies played. Real cool. He was cool. The band was cool. The drum set sparkled in the lights with “The Tyrannies” written across the bass drum skin. That was the first live “pop/rock” I experienced. What a memory– I think it was a life-changing experience, something I’ve remembered many times in my life.
I reminisced about this with Elizabeth Pffefer Williams about fifteen or twenty years ago. She posted on the above-mentioned Facebook group that she still has the 45 of the Tyrannies “She’s a Queen”.
Also, the many comparisons to “The Fonz” are spot-on.
The people commenting on that thread will probably be able to give you more information.
Best wishes, Russell
GOOD MORNING, from Athens Greece!
At first …
I wish you all the best about your health and about the health of your families and your friends!
Dear friends, my name is Theodore Sartzetakis and I am the Editor in Chief for the on Line Monthly Culture Magazine http://www.athenscalling.gr , based in Greece, with articles and interviews about MUSIC, CINEMA, BOOKS and THEATER!
Beginning 2017 and we continue, we are doing special tributes with interviews about some writers-artists – bands- singers – albums and Festivals from all around the world .
We will make a great on line article about the film ‘ MADAME CLAUDE’ and I would like to have an interview with a member of the Tyrannies , because the 1st song of the soundtrack is with THE TYRANNIES.
Hello Mr.Bishop, could you write an article about the 45rpm How Many/A Night Like This by Plasma and “Take My Love/Where Are You Going please? Those band are mysteries to me. Thanks